• nov18-maxwell-fam.jpgThere is no shortage of people in our area who live their faith daily so I rarely have difficulty writing my article. I usually have more difficulty getting it to the editors than actually compiling the information. However, this week I wrestled with what to write because I wanted to do this particular story justice.

    Like so many others in this area, I experienced a sense of overwhelming sadness and disbelief after hearing the tragic news about the Maxwell family. As a former English teacher at Village Christian Academy, I felt connected to my former students and coworkers who knew and loved the family, though I personally did not. I felt helpless. I wanted to cry. I wanted to try to make sense of things.

    Instead, I made a phone call. I made a phone call to Village Christian and spoke with the one person I felt I could reach out to and that was Kimet Montooth, middle school principal.

    The first question she asked me was, “Did you teach Connor?” I had not. My first question to her was, “Do you need help with grief counseling because that’s all I know to do?”

    She responded to my offer with gratitude and appreciation. We spoke briefly and ended our conversation.

    What I have read and heard about the Maxwell family for the past week is what compelled me to honor them in this way. They are all individuals who loved the Lord and served him to the best of their ability. They were, in life, truly faces of faith in our community and in the lives of others they so deeply touched. In death, they remain the same faces of faith because their faith and trust in the Lord determined their heavenly home. “For to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

    Rest in peace, Maxwell family.

  • There is a distinct joyfulness in the watercolors and oil paintings of Joanna McKethan. Brilliant colors and highly detailed subjects exude11-10-10-gallery-208.gif states of grace, sensation and sentiment.

    Visitors to Gallery 208 on Rowan Street, Thursday, November 18, will be able to get a preview of the exhibition Works by Joanna McKethan and meet the artist between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. The artist will be speaking at 6:00 p.m. to give visitors to the reception insight into her journey as an artist.

    McKethan resides in Dunn, North Carolina, and has a studio and business in Dunn where she has taught painting for many years. A regular visitor to Fayetteville, some of her local activities include being a juror for the Fayetteville Art Guild, studying printmaking with Silvana Foti at Methodist University and winning two Regional Artist Grants at the Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

    I met the artist recently during her gallery talk after she had juried a competition for the Fayetteville Arts Guild. Seeing an exhibition of her work only affi rmed what I already knew of the artist from that initial meeting, she was highly trained and able to verbally discuss works of art in a critical manner.

    In addition, what I see in her exhibition is a body of work that refl ects a personality that was communicated during her gallery talk — exuberance and competence.

    No matter what the subject she is painting, still lifes or landscapes, there are several underlying themes in her work — one is the unfolding of beauty. McKethan calls her style “playful realism,” but I sensed much deeper meaning when I viewed her body of work. For me there is something always unfolding for us to discover among her subjects of feathers, leaves, bubbles or old letters.

    In talking to McKethan, she affi rmed her intuitive approach to painting; response overrules planning. In many of her works the placement of objects unifi es the composition, all the pieces fit to make a whole that results in a type of truth for the viewer.

    The abundance of beauty in McKethan’s paintings invites contemplation. We are immediately drawn to the color and the subject; the signifi cance of play, balance and harmony are spring boards to the essence of meaning in her work.

    The inner harmony of McKethan’s paintings is subtle; the truth in her work is revealed by the way she has come to terms with her environment with selected interest and is presenting that discovery to us. In the process of painting, the artist has attained equilibrium with her environment, one that brings new and fresh adjustments for the viewer.

    For example, a magnolia leaf in McKethan’s painting is not simply green or brown, but for McKethan is “layers of bronzed metallic colors.” McKethan stated, “I see the depth of the color, not just color in terms of brightness.”

    The artist shows us a new environment from the familiar. Her objective study of the objects in her still lifes becomes an experience that moves away from the descriptive and aligns itself with interpretation — equilibrium is always present.

    A well trained artist, McKethan’s experience in art spans thirty years. She studied art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, but left the university with a BS in Philosophy. While living in Germany, McKethan undertook three years of Old Masters training in oils by a German master, Bergheim and watercolor training at the University of Munich Extension by a Polish master, Leon Jonczyk.

    Some of her awards include the Salis International Award from the 59th Juried Exhibition in Boone, NC, the Silver Brush Award for the 25th Southern Watercolor Society Anniversary Exhibition in Baton Rouge, LA, two Regional Artists Grants from the Fayetteville and Cumberland County Arts Council and the Purchase Award from the Watercolor Society of North Carolina in Cary.

    When not being exhibited in galleries and competitions around the country, McKethan’s paintings hang at two of her galleries, j’Originals’ Art Studio at 126 East Broad Street in Dunn and at Art on Broad Atelier at 217 East Broad in Dunn.

    In the McLeod Gallery at Up & Coming Weekly, local artist A. Jones Rogers will also be having a reception of a solo exhibition of his watercolors.

    A. Jones Rogers has been exhibiting his large format watercolors in Fayetteville galleries for many years, so I welcome a body of his work to be viewed at one time. Rogers is known for his close attention to detail, panoramic views of local sites and historical moments in time.

    Rogers’s watercolors seem to be more about the details of a moment. In all of his work I feel as if I am in the moment of his experience. Seeing details through the eyes of the artist, I scan his watercolor surfaces as he creates form and story with particulars, information and fi ne points of color and light.

    Like McKethan, Rogers has received many awards for his watercolors; one of his recent awards was a fi rst place award last year for Cargill Plant in the Fayetteville Arts Council’s Cultural Expressions competition and a first place award in this years competition at the Cape Fear Studios on Maxwell Street.

    People attending the reception will be able to meet this enigmatic artist. I have seen his large scale watercolor for years in exhibitions, yet only recently met the artist. So for people familiar with the work, it is their chance to hear the artist talk about his work and his journey as an artist. For those unfamiliar with his work, it will be a perfect time to meet an accomplished local, realist artist.

    The two exhibitions compliment each other. Both artists are a testimony to the types of knowledge we can experience as an artist translates and manipulates a similar medium.

    The public is invited to Gallery 208 in the offi ces of Up & Coming Weekly at 208 Rowan Street, Nov. 18 at 5:30 p.m. to attend the opening of these two exhibits. Both artists will be present to talk about their work; exhibitions will remain up throughout the month of December.

  • Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
    The annual Christmas Tree Lighting will help kick off the Christmas season on Fort Bragg.

    In addition to the Christmas tree lighting, the Family of the Year will be announced at the new Family of the Year celebration. Fort Bragg will be kicking off the Christmas Tree Lighting and all of the activities that come with it after the Family of The Year celebration.

    Each year, Fort Bragg’s Army Community Service accepts applications for the Family of the Year which honors soldiers and families that have provided exceptional service throughout the year. This year 21 applications were received.

    The tree lighting will have an aerial demonstration by the Golden Knights, a visit from Santa, holiday entertainment by the 82nd Airborne Division Band and Chorus and of course holiday lights and inflatable displays. Cookie decorating and a trackless train are two of many activities that will be available to the children attending the event.
    The Christmas tree for this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting celebration arrived at the Main Post Parade Field last week. The tree came from Mistletoe Meadows Farm, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tree is a 24-foot Fraser Fir.

    “We are very excited to see everyone for this year’s in-person event,” Theresa Smith, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, said. “The holidays are such a special time for everyone and we love being able to kick off the season with
    this event.”

    The Christmas Tree Lighting and Family of the Year celebration will take place on Dec. 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. Santa will make his appearance around 5:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for sale as well. The event will take place at the Main Post Parade Field.

    Trees for Troops
    Service members can get a real and free Christmas tree this year at the annual Trees for Troops event.

    The program is for Active Duty families who are E-6 and below, and for Reservists on Active Orders.

    450 trees are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

    In order to get a tree, a voucher will need to be picked up at the Fort Bragg Leisure Travel Services. They will be available through Dec. 3 or until they are all gone.

    Pick-up will be on Dec. 3 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Smith Lake Recreation Area. To pick up the tree, the recipient needs to bring both the voucher and their DoD ID Card.

    Those who did not get a chance to pick up a voucher can try and pick up a tree. If there are any trees leftover, they will be given out first-come, first-serve to service members who are E-6 and below.

    “Not only are service members receiving a free, real tree for the holidays; it’s a chance to bring cheer to those who may not be able to go home for the holidays,” said Staff Sgt. Jakoby Mallory, President of the Fort Bragg Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers. “The abundance of support from volunteers from around the community also shows service members the family they have here, at
    Fort Bragg.”

    Over the past 16 years, the Christmas Spirit Foundation has delivered a total of 262,265 real Christmas trees throughout the country for service members and their families.

    Trees for Troops is a nationwide program that delivers trees to 75 different military bases and installations.

  • uac110514001.gif North Carolina is steeped in tradition from blue grass music to BBQ and craft beer. That being the case, visitors can sample a great many of the state’s finer traditions at When Pigs Fly on Nov. 15 at Festival Park.

    Anyone with a bone to pick in the battle between tomato-based and vinegar-based sauces won’t want to miss this event because the festival showcases the very best when it comes to the finer points of North Carolina BBQ.

    Cindy Kowal, event organizer and director of Communities in Schools is excited about a distinction to the festival earned this year. When Pigs Fly is now sanctioned by the North Carolina BBQ Association. That is significant for several reasons. One of the primary reasons is that it guarantees attendees can sample fare that is prepared in accordance with age-old North Carolina traditions.

    Traditional N.C. BBQ is slow cooked with only wood or charcoal fueling the fire versus cooking with gas, which lets the meat cook slower and absorb the flavor of the wood or gives it the smoky taste derived from cooking over charcoal. While the rules for cooking are strict, there is plenty of room for discussion in the tomato versus vinegar sauce debate, which festival-goers can weigh in on while sampling plenty of both.

    “We are really excited to be a sanctioned event. That adds a lot of credibility to the competition and will draw more big competitors, which can only be good for the people who come out on that day,” said Kowal. “Last year some of our competitors mentioned that it would be nice if we were a sanctioned competition. We decided to look into it. A lot of them were affiliated with Kansas City BBQ. But North Carolina BBQ is not like Memphis BBQ or Kansas City BBQ or Texas BBQ and we wanted to stick to standards that make sense for who we are and embrace our traditions. So we decided to go with a relatively young sanctioning organization: The North Carolina BBQ Association.”

    Competitors from all across the state have signed up to compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights. The categories are whole hog, pork shoulder or chicken. Contestants can compete in one category or all three.

    “Last year we had teams from all over the state,” said Kowal. “We are giving $7,500 in cash prizes to the BBQ teams overall winners — the grand champ is the team that receives the highest score. They will win $3,500, Reserve champ is $2,500 and the first through third place in each category receive prizes, too. In addition there is a really big trophy and a cutting board.”

    Wash down all that BBQ with one of the dozen craft beers that are on tap. From IPAs to porters, there is something for everyone.

    “I’m really excited about this new craft beer Great Lakes. I doubt many folks have seen this one yet and I am also excited about having our new local brewery — Dirtbag — on hand. For non-BBQ lovers, R Burger will offer a BBQ alternative,” said Kowal.

    In addition to great food and drink, four bands are set to play throughout the day. Big Daddy Love is from Charleston, South Carolina.

    “Our State Magazine put together a scenic mountain play list and Big Daddy Love is on that list,” said Kowal.

    Supatight Funk started in Durham and moved to the Asheville area.11-05-14-cover-story.gif

    “They can do anything — funk, groove, country, rock. They have a lot of great original music, too,,” said Kowal.

    Doc Aquatic started in Fayetteville before moving on to Asheville. “When we mentioned the bands to the under 35 crowd, the response was great. It is going to be a lot of fun,” Kowal added. “The final band is the Oak Grove String Band, a traditional blue grass band. We had some incredible blue grass bands last year and people asked for more variety. You will see that this year.”

    If you are worried about calories, burn a few at the 5K that is run in conjunction with When Pigs Fly. The course is somewhat challenging and is sure to build an appetite. It hits Haymount Hill pretty early in the race and then the hills in Haymount keep things interesting. It’s definitely not a flat course.

    “This year we have great prizes for the overall male and female winner; each will win a Dell tablet, donated by Dell Military. Because our pig noses were so popular last year — we’re also giving a prize for the best 5K costume. So, although it’s a challenge, it’ll be a fun race, too. And, the smell of BBQ is a pretty good motivator,” said Kowal.

    VIP tickets are available and include a private concert on Friday night. The gates open at 7:30 p.m. Teams will be in Festival Park throughout the night grilling goodness, with Saturday’s events beginning at 11 a.m. and going to 6 p.m.

    Proceeds support Communities in Schools, which advocates for students in Cumberland County Schools. Communities in Schools leverages resources, which allows teachers to teach and kids to learn.

    “We touched more than 20,000 kids last year,” said Kowal. “And there are still many that need our help.”

    Find out more about When Pigs Fly at www.cisofcumberland.org/when-pigs-fly.

    Photo: Communities in Schools is bringing some great North Carolina traditions to Festival Park: BBQ, craft beers and Blue Grass. Join the fun on Nov. 15 and help bring much needed resources to Cumberland County Schools and students.

  • 11Military Giving Tuesday is set for its third year of observance on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, which falls on Nov. 30. Its inception began in May of 2019 when three of the Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year awardees came together with a shared vision.

    Jessica Manfre, 2019 Coast Guard Spouse of the Year, Maria Reed, 2019 Army Spouse of the Year, and Samantha Gomolka, 2019 National Guard Spouse of the Year “wanted to create something special that would unite all the branches of service in a collective effort to serve with purpose and in kindness.” The #GivingTuesdayMilitary movement was born.
    In its inaugural year, 2019, the campaign utilized hashtags to record over 2.5 million acts of kindness. When Stacy Bilodeau, 2018 Coast Guard Spouse of the Year joined the team in 2020 the movement produced Inspire Up, a 501c3 whose mission is to “Inspire Up a kinder and more giving world by uniting the military and civilian communities through empowerment, education, community building and a commitment to serve,” according to inspireupfoundation.org.

    “It’s not about money, it’s about kindness,” explained Director of Community Engagement and Director of GMT, Brittany Raines, who is a Fort Drum military spouse.
    Local Fort Bragg spouse Tawni Dixon, a member of Fort Bragg’s 2020 Family of the Year, connected to the movement via Raines and with her counterpart Shauna Johnson, together as GMT Ambassadors they are bringing the movement to Fort Bragg.

    They have created a Facebook group (GivingMilitaryTuesday – Fort Bragg) and they are spreading the word via personal networks.

    “We have a really amazing volunteer pool here at Fort Bragg. I think Fort Bragg just has a lot of rock-star-volunteers here and so once you talk about it word just travels really fast,” Dixon said. “We know that Fort Bragg is such a family it has been easy to get the word out.” It’s all about improving the community and bringing smiles to people’s faces.

    “Our motto is dropping kindness all over the center of the military universe. It doesn’t matter how, it can be so simple,” said Dixon

    One example Dixon shared is when, at her place of work, someone placed googly eyes on a debit card payment system and in a few other select places and it made people smile.

    “It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture we just want people to spread kindness.”

    The group has several events planned to further their cause. They will be supporting the Armed Services YMCA’s Operation Holiday Hooah to give out gifts to military families in need, and they will be participating in a packing party and helping to distribute food at the ASYMCA Food Pantry on Nov. 30 in observance of GMT.

    If you are interested in participating and want to get involved, the group can be contacted at givingmilitarytuesdayfortbragg@gmail.com.

    It is open to anyone who wants to volunteer, although events on post may require a DOD ID or entry through All-American Access Control Point.

    “Giving Tuesday is not about being grand… it's really just about being kind in the world,” said Dixon.

  • Editor's Note: Small Business Saturday is a national initiative started in 2010 by American Express. It is observed on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is designed to highlight small businesses. This shopping guide is not exhaustive, so, be sure to venture out and check in with all of your local favorites to see if they are offering specials. All offers listed are subject to change without notice and are subject to supply availability. For any additional details please reach out to the individual businesses.
     
    A Bit of Carolina
    A Bit of Carolina will be offering 20% off all Simply Southern items, a free gift with every $50 purchase and free gift wrapping. They will also be featuring two local jewelry vendors and be giving out refreshments, Saturday only. A Bit of Carolina is a specialty gift shop carrying everything North Carolina-themed. They are located in Downtown Fayetteville at 306 Hay St. They are open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
     
    Apple Crate Natural Market
    Apple Crate Natural Market will be offering $20 off of every $100 spent at their store, Saturday only. They focus on nutrition supplements, vitamins and specialty and organic foods. They have two locations, 2711 Raeford Road which is open on Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The other location, located off 5430 Camden Road Suite #103 is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
     
    Bragg Unique Boutique
    The Bragg Unique Boutique Gift Shop will be offering 25% off all wholesale for the entire month of November, as well as a chance to win a $10 gift card for every $30 you spend. The BUB is part of the Association of Bragg Spouses and is supported by ABS Volunteers. They sell gifts, handmade items and specialty items. All profits go directly to the ABS Scholarship and Welfare Funds. They are open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Their website, bragg-unique-boutique.square.site is also available 24/7. They are located on Fort Bragg at Bldg 2-2211 Woodruff St.
     
    The Pickin Coop Antique Mall
    This shopping center will be offering 10% – 25% off on certain dealers on Friday and Saturday. Their vendors sell antiques, primitives, farmhouse items, painted furniture and unique gifts. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. They are located at 708 Ramsey St.
     
    City Center Gallery & Books
    This vintage and used book shop will be offering a 25% discount on their vintage and rare collectibles. Everything from Truman Capote’s "A Christmas Memory" in a slip-cover ($20) to a first-edition of Willa Cather’s "My Antonia" ($375). They offer a wide selection of quality used books, vintage black and white pictures and local art. They are located in Downtown Fayetteville at 112 Hay St. and are open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 1 – 6 p.m. on Sunday.
     
    The Downtown Market of Fayetteville
    Shoppers who spend $50 or more will be gifted a box of truffles from the Carolina Chocolate Lady while supplies last. A small local-centric grocery and gift shop, The Downtown Market of Fayetteville works directly with farmers, producers, artisans, bakers, anglers, ranchers and others to offer locally sourced healthy products to the Fayetteville community. In addition, The Downtown Market of Fayetteville is home to an award-winning florist. They offer weekly delivery on all items stocked on their website to Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Raeford and Hope Mills. 
     
    Dragon's Lair Comics
    This local comic book store will be offering  50% – 90% off select comic books, Saturday only. Dragon’s Lair Comics has been a part of the Fayetteville community for over 40 years. This store is open Monday through Sunday, typically from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located at 6243 
    Yadkin Road.
     
    The Fayetteville Doulas
    The Fayetteville Doulas boutique will be offering 10% off all online orders on Saturday. The Fayetteville Doulas is a doula agency focused on families in the surrounding Fayetteville area. They offer classes and services to expectant and new moms. They are located at 2018 Fort Bragg Road and their boutique website is tfdboutique.com.
     
    Heritage Jewelers
    Heritage Jewelers will be offering sales on all items, including gold, pearls and diamonds on Friday and Saturday. Military and custom repairs will be excluded from the sale. Heritage Jewelers is a veteran-owned business. They are known for military custom jewelry, like the Special Forces Ring. They are open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and are open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturdays. They are located at 114 Westwood Shopping Center.
     
    Leclair's General Store
    Leclair's General Store will be offering store visitors 15% off of three or more bottles of wine/packs of beer, 10% off Leclair's apparel, and for every $25 spent customers will be given a raffle ticket that enters them into a raffle for a gift basket of curated goods from Leclair's General Store. Leclair's is located in the heart of Haymount at 1212 Fort Bragg Road. They offer a unique selection of coffee, wine, craft beers, specialty groceries, vintage decor, antiques, art, jewelry and local goods. They are open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
     
    Pressed - A Creative Space
    For the whole weekend, Pressed will have sales in their shop and online. T-shirts will be buy one, get one half off; crystal bracelets will be buy two, get one free; all crystals will be 30% off. On Monday, their website will be 30% off as well. Pressed sells clothing, crystals and other items of interest for those who see things differently. They are a veteran-owned business in Downtown Fayetteville. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and are located at 120 Hay St.
     
    Renaissance Day Spa
    Renaissance Day Spa will be offering a 10% discount off all retail in their recently opened holiday boutique, Saturday only. Their little store is filled with gifts and stocking stuffers to give to loved ones. They are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. They are located at 1534 Purdue Drive.
     
    The Rock Guns & Accessories
    The Rock will be having several sales including 30% off all Kydex gun holders, 10% off all Cerakote, 50% off knife sharpening and they will have 50% off select merchandise such as t-shirts. The Rock Guns is a Special Forces veteran-owned business. Their aim is to provide the best products and services to customers in order to meet their firearms needs and build a community around the advancement of firearms knowledge. They are located at 6113 Yadkin Road and are open this Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
     
    Rude Awakening Coffee
    Rude Awakening Coffee will be giving out a free keychain with every gift card purchase as well as donating all coffee bean sales to Connections of Cumberland County, an organization that focuses on giving resources to women and women with children who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. Rude Awakening will also be featuring their Mexican Spice Mocha for the weekend. They are located at 227 Hay St. and are open from 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
     
    Sweet Tea Shakespeare 
    Sweet Tea Shakespeare, a theater company, will be offering special deals on brand new merchandise on their website, as well as an exclusive buy one, get one free discount on upcoming shows. This sale will only be available on Saturday. This non-profit company focuses on gathering a diverse community around a common table to delight in the magic of story, song and stagecraft. Their website is sweetteashakespeare.com/shop/#store.
     
    Guiding Wellness Institute
    Guiding Wellness Institute is launching a new Live Well Lifestyle Boutique on Saturday. At 9 a.m. there will be a Warm Flow class and shopping in the boutique will be open after. The Guiding Wellness Institute is offering 21% off of purchases over $21 and giving free tickets to their Live Well Day Retreat being held Jan. 2, 2022, with boutique purchases over $210. The boutique offers athleisure wear, yoga mats, journals, natural skincare, candles, teas and more. The Institute is located at 143 Skateway Drive.
     
    White Trash & Colorful Accessories 

    White Trash will be offering buy-one-get-one 50% off, Mantra Scarves and free "bah humbug" wine glass for anyone who spends $30 or more. For anyone who spends $50 or more they are offering a tote bag that says "rose all day" and anyone who spends $100 or more will get a free tote bag that says “underestimate me, that’ll be fun.” The sale is on Saturday only. White Trash & Colorful Accessories sells a collection of items from greeting cards to artist jewelry. They are located at 223 Franklin St. and are open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m, Monday through Saturday.

  • 13Carl Pringle has roots in the Fayetteville community. Pringle's mother was raised here, and in 1993 Pringle moved to Fayetteville from Washington D. C. He is a father of four, a daughter and three sons. His sons also live in Fayetteville. Pringle retired from the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Plant five years ago.

    While in Washington D. C., Pringle was deeply impressed by Party At The Park, a series of community events held in the area. Upon his arrival to Fayetteville, he sought to recreate these events with the plan to create "some positive" in the community.

    The events, which involved renting out parks and hiring a D. J. to provide a safe, fun and positive space, were smaller in attendance than he hoped. But even with smaller numbers, they were creating the positive he was looking to manifest.

    A party-in-the-park-goer stopped after one event to thank Pringle for organizing the event. It was then that Pringle realized it wasn't about the number of attendees, but about making the best of those who had made it out for the event.

    This event and that realization were just the beginning. Pringle has built a community of helpers, and together they selflessly give back to his mother's hometown. Together they help where they can when they can. His main event has come together over seven Thanksgivings.

    Seven years ago, Pringle stopped in at a local restaurant to purchase plates of food for a family in need during the holidays, and each year the measure by which he and his community give back has been amplified.

    The theme of his Thanksgiving event has evolved into We Are 1 Big Family. Pringle explains that many different groups, motorcycle clubs, and groups from throughout the community have become part of the family and the team over the years.

    "We don't care who is doing it; we look at the mission on hand," Pringle said. "We try to touch as many people as we can."

    Last year when Operation Turkey was canceled due to COVID-19, Pringle's group stepped up to deliver over 1000 plates to families in Spring Lake and an additional 500 to 600 plates in Lumberton.
    In addition, he created Lunch On Us. Carl and his army of community-minded helpers handed out food plates across different locations in Fayetteville for twenty-seven weeks on Sundays.

    They served chicken, hot dogs, burgers, anything they could get their hands on to cook in support of feeding the community.

    "If you can kill it, I can cook it," Pringle explained.

    The hope was to fill the gap that school meals and weekend events might miss for hungry families in the community. The event is ongoing but has shifted to one Sunday every month.

    "I didn't want to burn out the volunteers," Pringle said.

    The Lunch On Us crew currently serves free lunch to those in need on the corner of Bragg Boulevard and Johnson Street. This location serves a purpose. Pringle strategically hands out meals at this

    intersection near the Bonnie Doone community because he feels this is a place in need.

    Pringle explained the nearest safe spaces, Westover Recreation Center and College Lakes Recreation Center are too far to walk to.

    14Pringle said that the Bonnie Doone area is a place that needs "some positive."

    Pringle hopes one day to purchase a home in this area to create an extension of a safe space, a place where everyone who walks into the yard can leave the negative behind.

    "When they walk in the yard, they are in a safe place," Pringle explained. "The best way to bring people's property values up is to invest in our communities."

    This year Thanksgiving will see Pringle and his crew serving the community as they have for the last six years. They will be plating up turkey, stuffing and rolls; the vegetables will vary. These meals are available for pick-up and delivery for individuals and families.

    "We try to touch as many people as we can," Pringle said. "Everybody comes together; they are all part of the family."

    This year food will be plated and distributed from the team's base station at 541 Bonanza Dr. (behind Ponderosa Shopping Center).

    Individuals looking for a warm Thanksgiving plate or those who want to donate or volunteer and support the We are 1 Big Family event can reach Pringle via Facebook or at 910-584-0203.

    "Please help us help others," Pringle said.

  • Jingle JogThe Green Beret Jingle Jog is an annual 5K walk/run and 10K road race. This year Jingle Jog is turning a decade old. Last year, 2020, would have been the event's tenth anniversary, but COVID-19 halted the event. In connection with changes made in the wake of the pandemic, participants can register and participate virtually this year.

    The annual run benefits Special Forces Association, Chapter 100, a non-profit organization. The proceeds support Green Berets and their families within the local community, predominantly those associated with the 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). Most recently, Special Forces Association Chapter 100 awarded local Special Forces families ten $2,000 scholarships for grade school and college tuitions. Special Forces Association, Chapter 100 supports Green Berets in times of need.

    "If they are gone or away and something is needed, we are the first people they [families can] call," explained Jason Orello, treasurer, Special Forces Association Chapter 100.

    This year Jingle Jog, which began as a downtown Fayetteville event, is joining forces with the Jordan Soccer Complex at 445 Treetop Drive. There will be a selection of vendors on-site that include, but are not limited to, the Vagabond coffee truck and Fizzy Friendz Bath Bombs.

    Two young sisters run Fizzy Friendz Bath Bombs, Cali Rai Campos, aged 13 and Elizabeth Campos, aged 15. The shop carries a selection of bath products. The proceeds from the sales of this business support a community-driven mission. That mission is realized through a charity formed by the five Campos family children, Giving Back Warm Hugs Nonprofit Corporation, helping children in need.

    Orello is hoping for even more vendors to join the event. Last-minute vendors are welcome at no cost. They can reach out to Orello by phone, 910-797-3957 or by email, jayorello7414@gmail.com

    "If it helps somebody and it promotes their business, then come on out," Orello said.

    In Jingle Jog's early days, Julio Ramirez, a retired Green Beret, was a big part of the planning of Jingle Jogs of the past and also planned a host of other local charity runs. Ramirez passed away three years ago from leukemia at the age of 54. In his honor, his wife, Coco Ramirez, has taken up the gauntlet and has been working with Special Forces Association, Chapter 100 to plan the Jingle Jog this year in his stead. Some of the older Jingle Jog t-shirt designs bare his name. The Jingle Jog t-shirt given to registered participants has changed over the years.

    "The shirt is a thank you for coming out and recognition for the sponsors," Orello said.

    In addition to the change of venue, there is also a new shirt design this year. The design features a reindeer with a green beret. The event is on Dec. 4, and the race will start at 9 a.m. Jingle Jog is a family-friendly event and is suitable for the whole household. Jingle Jog is a festive event, and participants, human and canine alike, have been known to dress up in all manner of holiday costumes.

    This year will be no different; costumes, strollers and pets will be welcome at the Jingle Jog.

    There are currently 165 participants registered. Registrants include local high schoolers who are to participate and compete. The high school cadet team with the best overall run will walk away with an 18A Special Forces Trophy. There is a registration discount for high schoolers wishing to compete on the website.

    To register for the Jingle Jog, visit greenberetjinglejog.itsyourrace.com.

  • 12Founder of Cora's Community Foundation, Rakeem "Keem" Jones, has organized a community event to "ensure that no family goes hungry or cold during the holiday season," taking place Nov. 21, at Segra Stadium from 2 – 6 p.m.

    Cora's Community Foundation and Southern CC Inc. have partnered together for this community event, entitled "Everybody Eats," as a form of community service and unity with the city of Fayetteville.
    Cora's Community Foundation's mission is listed on charitynavigator.org as “spiritual, educational and economic empowerment of underserved youth, families and other at-risk residents in Cumberland County, North Carolina.” Southern CC Inc. is described on their website “as a non-profit organization whose sole mission is to empower homeless veterans by rebuilding and revitalizing communities — while providing a network of support to assist homeless veterans and residents rebuild their lives.”

    The event will also honor veterans, from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. by showing Veteran Awareness Films centered around human trafficking, autism awareness and cryptocurrency.

    Jones asserts that Everybody Eats shows that Fayetteville creates more opportunities through citizen and community effort by coming together in unity for the holidays.

    "I remember the different holiday events all over the city. However, I remember my mom not having transportation to get to them," Jones said. "So I felt there should be one major event rather than multiple events."

    Everybody Eats is offering resources and supplies for families to make it through the following months as winter sets in as well as support in recovering from the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    "We will have resources to assist with rent, utilities, education, job placement, clothing/hygiene," Jones listed. "Health and wellness, veteran services and youth services, along with food and winter items."

    As a community leader, Jones’ self-proclaimed mission is to guarantee that Everybody Eats because "COVID hurt more than the homeless population... everybody was affected drastically. That's why this event is called Everybody Eats.”

    Jones chose Segra Stadium for the event based on convenience for those traveling.

    "Segra Stadium is the perfect location because of the amount of space. Furthermore, on a personal note, I wanted to show people that grew up with me, or like me, that you can do anything you put your mind and heart to," Jones said. "Don't ever let anybody tell you what you can't do."

    Jones encourages the community to support the homeless population and those who may suffer from the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    "I feel like if we come together as a community, we can help the community," Jones said.

    For more information or to help support the Everybody Eats event, contact Jones at 910-709-0826 or rjjones5045@gmail.com or Tony Brown at 910-568-5165 or contact@southernccinc.org.

  • 17For the past two decades, religious organizations around town have come together right before Thanksgiving to host a service focused on gratitude and being thankful for one another.

    Although COVID-19 canceled last year’s interfaith service, it won’t cancel this year’s plan.

    “I think that the idea here is that it's refreshing to see other viewpoints of what organizations bring in their expressions of gratitude, especially in the week of Thanksgiving,” Daniel Tenrod, the communications director of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

    The congregation that hosts the interfaith service rotates every year. This year, it will be the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that will host the event. In 2019, Beth Israel Congregation hosted the service.

    Tenrod says that at previous interfaith services, close to 100 people will show up from all different types of faiths from the Fayetteville community, and he says each year new people show up.

    Each participating religious congregation will talk at the service and share a special message of gratitude.

    They want to highlight mutual declarations of gratitude, peace and love.

    Participants who will be represented at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service include Beth Israel Congregation, Courtyard Church of Christ, Fayetteville Friends Monthly Meeting, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and the St. James Lutheran Church.

    In a newsletter to his congregants, Rabbi Dov Goldberg said that this time can be a place for giving thanks for the blessings everyone has received.

    “Let us come together to lift each other up, not by denying the difficulties we have faced, but by remembering that there is still much good in our lives, and although frequently more socially distanced than we would like, we are not alone,” Goldberg wrote.

    For Tenrod, seeing how people of other faiths express gratitude in their own ways is amazing to see.

    For example, he loves hearing the Hebrew prayers that come from the rabbi of the Beth Israel Congregation and being part of the quiet that comes when the Quakers of the Fayetteville Friends Monthly Meeting pray.

    “Everyone is truly grateful. It's not just something they are saying off their lips. You can feel their sincerity,” Tenrod said.

    After the service, which is typically about an hour-long, there will be a meet and greet reception with light refreshments.

    The event will take place on, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints off 3200 Scotty Hill Road.

    There will be hand sanitation stations throughout the church and masks are encouraged. There will be security at the event as well, but reservations are not required.

  • Second Harvest Food Pantry supports southeast North Carolina

    09Action Pathway opened in Cumberland County almost 40 years ago. During that time, they evolved into the Second Harvest Food Bank. They are a partner of Feeding America and serve those in Cumberland, Bladen, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Robeson and Sampson counties.

    David Griffin, the Action Pathways Food Bank Director, says they service 196 agencies and organizations daily. With COVID-19 impacting so many people last year, Second Harvest Food Bank saw an increase in need. Last year they distributed 14.6 million pounds of food.

    “We saw a 40 percent increase in first-time pantry usage at our agencies and at distribution,” Griffin said. They will be hosting a mass food distribution to anyone who needs it at the Smith Recreation Center, near Fayetteville State University. It will be a drive-thru distribution and they will be providing produce, canned food and meat. The food will hopefully last families at least a week.

    The mass distribution will take place on Nov. 20 and will start around 9:30 a.m. It will be first-come, first-serve. They will have enough food for 250 households and will serve no more than 2 households per car. Second Harvest is also collecting items at this time.

    They are looking for donations of canned foods, cereal and non-perishables at this time — including hygiene products and household items.

    People can also volunteer their time with Second Harvest. Griffin said that they are looking for people with all different types of skillsets to help volunteer. This can be clerical work, social media/marketing skills or just helping to hand out food at a distribution site. Volunteers are welcome at any time of the year, not just during the holiday season.

    “We continue to bring food to those underserved in our communities,” Griffin said. “It doesn't stop with the holidays, it goes on all 12 months of the year.”

    Another distribution event is planned in December in Cumberland County. Griffin said they are still working on details, but they hope to help at least 1,200 people by bringing in three 18-wheeler trucks full of food. If you want to volunteer your time, donate food, or if you need help, their contact number is 910-485-6923.

    Fayetteville Technical Community College Food Pantry supports local students

    10The Fayetteville Technical College Food Pantry started exactly a year ago opening its doors on November 17, 2020. The FTCC Food Pantry was born in an unexpected manner when it came to light that a sociology professor had been keeping a small pantry of items for students in need in her office. Worsened by the impact of the pandemic it became clear that FTCC students needed extra support in the wake of lost jobs and financial insecurity.

    “It kind of magically happened,” explained Sandy Ammons, executive director, FTCC Foundations. The FTCC Food Pantry is placing specific attention on their need for gift cards this holiday season.

    The Christmas season is of more immediate concern to the FTCC Food Pantry because it stretches over a longer period of time than the Thanksgiving break. Additionally, while harder to come by food items such as canned hams and meats are being requested for donation, the food pantry has a mix of students who use their services ranging from families to single students. Gift cards allow for more flexibility in how they are able to support their students in need. Some folks just enjoy the experience of shopping to help others, so all donations are welcomed. “We are just grateful,” Ammons said of any donations received.

    The FTCC Food Pantry is set up like a grocery store; students can shop from shelves that are stocked with food, household items, personal care and baby items. To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled in classes and have a valid FTCC ID. Students can stop in at the FTCC Food Bank fill out a short form explaining their need and circumstances and help follows.

    The Food Pantry is located on the backside of the Horace Sisk Building (HOS) 2204 Hull Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303. Donations are dropped off at a separate location from the Food Pantry.

    Those wishing to make donations of food and other personal care items are asked to bring those items to the Property Control Office located at 284 Hull Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. To donate money or gift cards, contact the FTCC Foundation at 910.678-8441 or foundation@faytechcc.edu; to donate to the FTCC Food Pantry, visit www.faytechcc.edu/giving/give-now/; to learn more about the FTCC Food Pantry, visit www.faytechcc.edu/giving/food-pantry/.

    Fort Bragg's Armed Services YMCA Food Pantry

    11In October of 2019, the Armed Services YMCA at Fort Bragg opened a food pantry for all service members regardless of rank. The ASYMCA Food Pantry helps address food insecurity for active-duty military families and area veterans.

    “The program is a ‘client choice’ model where patrons can shop from a variety of well-balanced perishable and non-perishable items,” explained Jeremy Hester, executive director, ASYMCA Fort Bragg.

    The food pantry is open on Wednesdays and Fridays as well as one Saturday a month. Participants are able to register online to schedule a visit to the pantry once a month. The program is confidential and referrals are not needed for junior enlisted service members, families and veterans. Senior enlisted and officers will need a signed memorandum from a commander.
    The ASYMCA Food Pantry always welcomes support and finds that monetary donations are most helpful, but they will also welcome food drives or drop-off donations.

    Donations can be dropped at 2411 Rodney Trail, Building #2, on Fort Bragg. Monetary donations can be made at fortbragg.asymca.org/give/340604/#!/donation/checkout.

    With the upcoming holiday season, the best way to find out what is needed and what is happening is to follow AFYMCA on Facebook and Instagram. Donation needs vary week to week and a weekly wishlist is released on Facebook every Wednesday.

    Families can register on the website for the food pantry and a turkey giveaway. There will be extended hours and weekend hours during the holiday months. Whatever the needs of service members and their families during this holiday season, the ASYMCA is geared up to help.

    “We want all families in the community to reach out to us no matter rank or situation; especially during the holidays, we are here to help everyone,” Hester said.

    Hester added that even if families are not able to register online, the ASYMCA is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Families are free to call or come by to see how the AFYMCA can assist, whether it’s with the Food Pantry or any of the other programs they have available. Additional information and registration for service members in need can be found at www.asymca.org/what-we-do-fort-bragg.

  • 12The Hoke County Republican Party will be hosting a Veteran Appreciation Freedom BBQ this weekend that is geared around veterans in the area.

    Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson and Congressman Dan Bishop will be present at the event and they will be speaking both to the crowd and to veterans one-on-one. Robinson served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1985 to 1989.

    Hal Nunn, the Communications Director and former Chairman of the Hoke County Republican Party, says that this event was inspired by Lt. Governor Mark Robinson when he made a remark last time he was in Hoke County that he wanted to speak directly to veterans.

    He said that Chairman David Frump and Vice Chairman Chris Holland came up with the idea of having a veterans appreciation barbecue featuring Robinson. They would host veteran organizations and Fuller’s Old Fashioned BBQ would help sponsor and provide the food.

    Some of the veteran organizations that will be at the event to provide information and services to veterans include Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10, the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans.

    “For me personally, I'm a 20-year army disabled veteran, and sometimes I think our veterans' issues are overlooked,” Nunn said. “So I think the Lt. Gov. coming to Raeford is wonderful to talk directly to the veterans and we will have all these veteran organizations there so they can get help if they need it.”

    Prior to the event, Nunn says that Robinson will be at the VFW Post 10 to talk with veterans one-on-one without the giant crowds.

    This kind of opportunity to speak with someone who can not only listen but also make a change when it comes to veterans issues in North Carolina can be major for veterans, according to Nunn.

    Outside of the food and a 50/50 cash drawing, there will also be live music from BonesFolk who will be performing music from their recently released second album, Beautiful Circle. BonesFolk is a band that is made up entirely of former Special Forces military veterans.

    The All-Veteran Parachute Team will also be doing a skydiving demonstration for entertainment. But they won’t be the only ones jumping out of the plane.

    North Carolina Congressman Ted Budd, former Congressman and current Senate candidate Mark Walker, and Senate candidate Jennifer Banwart will be jumping out of the planes with the skydivers.

    Even with all the political figures that will appear at the event, Nunn says that politics is not the purpose of the barbecue.

    “We don't want to make this political,” Nunn said. “We want to thank our vets, we want to help them and we want to keep veteran issues in the forefront.”

    The barbecue will take place on Nov. 13 from 2 –5 p.m. at the Raeford Airport.

    While the event is free, they ask for people to register ahead of time for security purposes.

    Over 200 people have registered to attend the event so far, according to the Hoke County Republican Party. Registration can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/172131739667.

  • 11It’s November, the time of giving and saying thank you.

    While Thanksgiving isn’t here quite yet, local organizations are hosting events that are focused on giving back to the local community and supporting local businesses.

    LaFayette Ford is hosting their first Truck Day event which will feature all types of trucks that will interest kids and adults (who are still kids at heart). Firetrucks, police cars, first responder vehicles, food trucks and cars from local businesses will all be on display.

    Rusty Hinton, the General Manager of LaFayette Ford explained that they wanted to host a community event and involve local businesses and local organizations.

    “We are a locally-owned dealership and we like to participate in the community,” Hinton said.

    Normally around this time of the year, the lots are filled with cars and vehicles that would be on display before they get sold. However, because of supply chain issues, those vehicles have not arrived and the lot is primarily empty.

    Which makes it the perfect space to host a community event. The food trucks that will be on display will be serving food. Miller’s Crew, 876 Flavaz, and Bowls on a Roll will be present. The first 250 people who attend the event and donate a can of food for the Second Harvest Food Bank can get lunch for free at any of the food trucks.

    Another way to give back at this event is to donate blood to the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center blood drive that will be happening during the event

    In order to donate blood, you have to be 17 and older, weigh at least 110 pounds, be in good health and have proof of identification.

    Veterans who donate blood will be able to earn a challenge coin.

    If you aren't a Veteran, you can still show your military appreciation by donating in honor of a Veteran to earn a challenge coin. The blood drive will also have free COVID-19 antibody or Sickle Cell trait testing by request during a health screening.

    Lastly, there will also be a Toys for Tots donation box present so people can donate toys to children whose parents cannot afford to buy them gifts for Christmas this year.

    While there is a lot of giving at the event, there are also many things you can pick up for yourself. Cats and kittens will be available for adoption from Operation Healing Whiskers.

    Operation Healing Whiskers is a non-profit cat and kitten rescue that focuses on placing the most vulnerable felines with the humans that need them the most.

    Their main goal is to place their felines in loving homes with wounded warriors and those suffering from PTSD and other mental illnesses.

    WQSM 98.1 FM will be at the event with their business vehicle and will be playing music from their station. Games, prizes and other entertainment will be available for those who bring the whole family out.

    The event will take place on Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the LaFayette Ford location on 5202 Raeford Road.

  • 10The biggest country music event in Fayetteville, Stars & Guitars, is returning. The Unplugged, Unscripted, and Unforgettable lineup will take the Crown Coliseum stage on Monday, Nov. 15.
    The lineup includes legendary country superstar Clay Walker, Scotty McCreery, ACM and CMA award-winner Carly Pearce, and rising stars Matt Stell, Tenille Arts and Drew Parker.

    "We’re so excited to be bringing live country music back to our wonderful WKML audience in Fayetteville,” said WKML Programming Director Tee Gentry. “After a year away, we know our listener family is anxious to see some of their favorite artists on stage at the same time, telling stories and singing great music.”

    One thing that makes Stars & Guitars different than most other concerts is that all the artists are on the stage at one time.

    Outside of the music and the unique performances, each artist will tell a story about their music, who they are, and create an entertaining experience. There are no opening acts and there are no headliners.

    “Our listeners have heard all of these artists all over our radio station,” Gentry said. “It’s going to be such a treat to have legendary artists mixing with great newcomers.”

    The show will be performed at the Crown Coliseum this year, just like the 2019 show. Previous to 2019, the Stars & Guitars performance was at the Crown Theater.

    “Our fans really responded well to our big move into the Crown Coliseum in 2019, and we’re thrilled to be able to get back out there,” Gentry said. “There really is no experience like a Stars & Guitars event, with some of the bests artists in country music joining together on one big stage.”

    Tickets are $25 regardless of where the seat is located, however the show has sold out. The only chance to get tickets is for people to stop at the John Hiester Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Lillington on Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    Twenty pairs of tickets will be available, including front-row tickets. VIP tickets will also be given away at this event. These tickets are being given away by WKML.

    Winners do not need to be present to win the tickets. The list of winners will be published at www.WKML.com. Winners can then pick up the tickets at the radio station.

    The Crown Complex is a clear bag-only facility and still requires face masks for those who do attend the event.

    Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. They advise everyone to park in the lot adjacent to East Mountain Drive and enter there. But all of the Crown parking will also be available.

  • 13When it comes to Cool Spring Downtown District, there is a new kid on the block.

    In the spot formerly occupied by The Coffee Cup, 108 Hay St., Vagabond Café is putting down roots.

    The owner, Nancy Ramos, was bit by the coffee bug while working as a barista in a popular coffee chain during her undergraduate college days. She participated in coffee tastings, read up, attended more training all in an effort to make the best cup of coffee.

    Coffee is her passion.

    Ramos was a coffee enthusiast in college, but it wasn’t until 2019 that she bought the espresso machine she uses now. Six months after the purchase she started her company. When the opportunity arose to buy a camper van she took a chance.

    She then turned it into the mobile Vagabond Café.

    By January 2021, she was working her business full time.

    Luckily for Vagabond Café the business was not really impacted by COVID-19.

    “We are mobile, so no one was coming into a shop,” Ramos explains.

    Ramos’ dedication to the perfect cup of coffee is not just lip service.

    Her coffee beans are single source, direct trade produce, and Ramos has close relationships with everyone from the farmer to her roaster. This ensures a high quality, fresh cup of coffee every time.

    She is passionate about the process.

    “I like the coffee itself and the science behind it,” Ramos said. “It is a lot more than brewing coffee. Different regions roast coffee beans to bring out the notes the coffee was meant to have. I like the interaction,” Ramos said. “I sell an experience people cannot get anywhere else.”

    Ramos’s coffee beverages are unlike any other coffee served on Hay Street now. Her Mexican heritage is the inspiration for some of her coffees.

    Utilizing ingredients and flavors familiar to her such as those she imports from places such as Teocaltiche in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

    She has created specialty drinks such as “Frida” which is a hibiscus tea and cold brew. Her mother passed down a recipe for “Horta” which is popular. The drink is milk-based with cinnamon and espresso.

    Ramos strives to use authentic ingredients. “I also use Mexican cinnamon, “said Ramos. She will also have pastries available in the shop and is currently talking to a
    local baker.

    “We love seeing our vendors leap from mobile units to storefronts,” said Bianca Shoneman, CEO, Cool Spring Downtown District.

    “When we set out to host the District Summer Market, we designed it to be an incubator for our vendors so they could move up the entrepreneurial food chain," Shoneman said. "It’s a pleasure to see Nancy grow in her business, especially in downtown Fayetteville.”

    When asked if she will continue to use the camper, Ramos said very enthusiastically, “Absolutely, it is the heart of the company.”

    Ramos views her company as a great success.

    “It isn’t all about the money,” explained Ramos. “It makes me happy to change people’s mindset about wanting specialty coffee.”

    Bringing her Latin heritage to the Cool Spring Downtown District is something Ramos finds very exciting.

    There will be 2 – 3 employees working hard to create scrumptious beverages for Vagabond's patrons.

    Vagabond Café’s grand opening will be Nov. 5. The shops hours of operation will be Monday — Saturday from 7:30 a.m. — 6 p.m.

  • 09Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) has a long history of supporting soldiers wherever they land when they are far from friends and family. Developed in 1989 by the U.S Army Community and Family Support Center (USACFSC) and major army commands the programs are geared towards engaging and involving single soldiers. The program aims to tend to their recreational needs and improve their overall quality of life. The Fort Bragg BOSS program is home-away-from-home to over twenty-nine thousand single and unaccompanied soldiers at Fort Bragg and this includes soldiers who are single-parents.

    “BOSS offers recreational and leisure events, volunteer and community service opportunities, and life-skill activities that are geared towards providing lifelong knowledge,” said Staff Sgt. Jakoby Mallory, president of Fort
    Bragg BOSS.

    For the ninth year running the annual BOSS Thanksgiving will provide single and unaccompanied soldiers a traditional Thanksgiving buffet spread, entertainment and a running raffle for prizes.

    “We hope that single soldiers in attendance benefit from knowing they are not alone during the holiday season,” Mallory said. “We are aware this may be a very difficult time for soldiers who are unable to be with their families and love[d] ones, but the Fort Bragg community is their home away from home.”

    Sgt. Henry Harper, 122nd Aviation Support Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade is opting to spend the holiday with others and will be attending the BOSS Thanksgiving event. This will be the first BOSS event that Harper has attended.

    “To me, it sounds like a great opportunity for single soldiers to get a free meal while interacting with other single soldiers. Even though we are unable to go home, it’s reassuring knowing that we won’t spend the holiday alone,” Harper said.

    The installation sees the care of the soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg as a key priority.

    “We (Fort Bragg) want families and loved ones to know that their soldier will be taken care of by the Fort Bragg community and its leaders,” explained Fort Bragg spokeswoman, Sharilyn Wells. “This event is just one way to ensure that single and unaccompanied soldiers know that they are a big and important part of our community. We are fortunate enough to have organizations volunteer their support, provide a free, home-cooked meal, entertainment and donate their time to ensure the morale and welfare of our soldiers.”

    This year’s event is being supported by donations from the Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union, Geico Military and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

    The BOSS Thanksgiving event will be held at the Iron Mike Conference Center on Fort Bragg, Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event is free and for any BOSS service member. Those interested in attending should contact the Fort Bragg BOSS program at 910-396-7751.

    For more information on Fort Bragg’s BOSS program and their upcoming events visit www.facebook.com/fortbraggboss.

  • 08"It's been a big part of our lives," Linda Higgins said of the 62nd annual Spaghetti Dinner for the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. Higgins is one of the current owners of Luigi's Italian Chophouse and Bar.

    Her father, Peter Parrous, the original owner and founder of Luigi's, started the dinner in 1958 as a way to fundraise for his church.

    The first year they sold around 4,000 plates and it was a dine-in experience.

    "Over the years, it grew and grew," said Higgins. "it really became an event that brought the church members together. It brings the community together."

    This year, she said they expect around 8,500 plates to be sold. Each year, they have to predict the number of patrons that will come but they have been surprised before, selling more than 10,000 plates one year.

    "It has been such a huge community-supported event," explained Higgins.

    Higgins feels like this year is more important than ever for unity in the community after having to cancel the event last year due to COVID-19.

    For Higgins, it's a tradition her father began and a way to continue to honor him.

    When growing up, Higgins remembered her father prepping for the dinner for three or four days.

    Today, her family does the same, spending days preparing for the event.

    "It's been a big part of our lives. It's wonderful to keep up his legacy."

    It takes 4,000 pounds of dry spaghetti, 900 gallons of tomato sauce, and over 100 volunteers to bring this delicious fundraising dinner to reality, according to the church's website.

    Higgins said they will be keeping in mind COVID-19 restrictions during the event.

    The dinner will be hosted on Nov. 17 from 10 a.m.– 8 p.m.

    The plates will be sold for $8 each and assorted Greek pastries such as Baklava, Kouradbiedes, Koulourakia and more will be for sale.

    Folks interested in feeding large groups can order meals in quantities of ten, 15, 20, 40, 50, 100 and 150 on the preorder form. Hungry participants can also preorder their meals by visiting https://www.faygreekchurch.com/2021spaghetti.

  • 10The annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fayetteville will kick off Heroes Homecoming week. Cumberland County Veterans Council created Heroes Homecoming in 2011 as a way of showing all veterans that the community remembers and appreciates their courage, sacrifice and everything they did to defend our freedom.

    The parade was canceled in 2020 and all events were limited to being virtual. This year, everything is back and in-person.

    The overall theme this year will be honoring the Armed Forces medical personnel and first responders who served on the front lines over the past 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Grilley Mitchell, president, Cumberland County Veterans Council, said that the council decided to honor the medical forces earlier this year.

    “They were the ones who were on the front lines treating people and the COVID situation. Not just nationwide but worldwide,” Mitchell said. “They are the heroes of today because they were there on the frontlines doing what was required of them to take care of the sick.”

    The parade will feature several high school marching bands, a number of JROTC groups, military equipment, various organizations, color guards, churches and groups such as the Shriners. They will also feature members of the Fort Bragg community, including the 18th Airborne Corps and the U. S. Special Operations Command.According to the Cumberland County Veterans Council, there are about 52,000 veterans that live in Cumberland County.

    That doesn’t include the Fort Bragg population of 545,926 soldiers and their 70,000 family members.

    The two honorees this year are Sgt. Maj. Jacob "Jake" Roth and 1st Sgt. Lawrence "Bud" Wilson. Both Roth and Wilson are Korean War Prisoners of War.

    “They are my heroes. Those two guys are living heroes,” Mitchell said. “They are living legends that you get to actually thank them in person for their sacrifice. I work with both of them, every time I'm with those guys, it's an honor and pleasure to be with them.”

    The parade will kick off Nov. 6 at 10 a.m. and will take place on Hay Street by the Airborne and Special Operations Museum and end at Cool Spring and Person Streets, behind the courthouse.

    Following the parade will be the City of Fayetteville’s Veterans Day Ceremony at the North Carolina Veterans Park.

    Spectators are recommended to arrive early in order to find parking. Mitchell asks that people come out, have a good time and show appreciation to the military and the city’s veterans.

  • 11The Fort Bragg 10-Miler event is officially kicking off this week after several cancellations over the last two years due to the pandemic.

    The run’s goal is to encourage a healthy lifestyle not just among soldiers, but with family and people outside of the military community as well.

    Jennifer Fayson, the Fort Bragg special events coordinator, said that they are excited to hold the event, especially since this run was initially canceled earlier this year and the All-American Marathon was canceled.

    “It's our first big event since 2019. You know, it's a fun event for the troops and for their family,” Fayson said. “They're able to go and participate in something fitness-wise and actually increase the morale of the base.”

    One registrant who has already started training for the run is 2019’s 10-Miler winner, Capt. Daniel Schlich. As of last week, Schlich was running laps at the Hedrick Stadium on base.

    “So starting about four or five months out, we run. I start out probably about 40 miles a week, get up to about 60 or 70 miles a week, running six days, seven days a week,” Schlich said.

    Schlich says he is hoping to run the 10 miles within 52 minutes. In 2019, he ran the race at 52 minutes and 20 seconds. That means he averaged five minutes and 14 seconds for every mile.

    Fayson however says this race is open to everybody, not just the people with speed and a great run history.

    “We also have people with strollers out here, people that bring their kids out here. So it’s all ability levels,” Fayson said.

    For those who are just starting, or may be interested in running the 10-miler for the first time, Schlich says that it’s all about your mindset.

    “I would say pacing is probably the biggest thing because most people, if you haven't ran too much or you haven't been running recently, you got kind of a race mindset. Everyone starts out really fast and you just go way too fast and burn yourself out. So you really have to pace yourself,” Schlich said.

    The race will kick off on Nov. 6 at 8 a.m. Registration for the race closes, Nov. 5, 7 p.m. and there will be no race-day registration.

    So far, over 600 people have signed up for the race, but there is space for up to 1,500 people to register.

    “I’m eager to get back out there, run a race with other people,” Schlich said. “Being able to have a crowd outside, you know, cheering you on to do your best.”

    The race will start at Sports USA and runners will go down Long Street, go down Gruber Road, turn around and come back and finish. For those who just want to watch the event, there will be music and a ‘finish fest’ for those who finish the race. Fayson warns that roads will be closed for a majority of the day starting at 6 a.m., so people will be asked to park at the Womack Hospital parking lot and then walk over to the run site.

    Registration will include an event t-shirt, a finisher coin and a tab for a free beer.

  • This editorial message is a tribute and thank you to the entrepreneurial spirit of all of our privately owned, local Fayetteville businesses. 

    No doubt, creating and developing your own successful business in these hard economic times is a major challenge. I’m talking about real grass root local businesses and not necessarily those hundreds of franchises that have migrated here. You know the businesses I’m talking about. The ones where absentee owners either cling to the elusive dream of striking it rich or revel in the title of “business owner” completely void of any sense of local community. 

    The Internet compounds this situation and contributes considerably to the deterioration of local communities. Sure, “shop local” is a warm and fuzzy sound byte, but my fear is that it has become meaningless and somewhat of a cliché. That shouldn’t be. Small, independent businesses are the heart of America and the heart of this community. Yet dozens of new small businesses go out of business each month from lack of direction and support, while more established Fayetteville/Cumberland County businesses struggle to survive under the pressures of a sagging economy, high  taxes, excessive rules and complicated ordinances. And, of course, we have to again mention the Internet, which attracts and solicits an apathetic following, while returning nothing to the community. 

    We need to celebrate locally owned businesses and create an ongoing awareness of their importance to our local economy. Alarm companies, printers, clothing stores, restaurants, financial services, pawn shops, jewelers, gift shops, art galleries, automobile dealers and even non-profit charitable organizations are local businesses that respond to the needs of our community. These businesses are the ones that sponsor arts and cultural events, buy season tickets and are asked to contribute to our schools, dozens of charities, festivals and cultural events. 

    These people are committed. They are the ones who care about quality of life and have a true investment in our future. Big-box stores, franchises 

    and Internet businesses siphon revenue, profits, taxes and opportunity from our community while locally owned businesses bear the burden of providing amenities  and infrastructure to
    local citizens. 

    Our local businesses are often contributors to the problem: unpredictable hours, short staff and questionable customer service. Look at downtown on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. People are out and about, but a large number of the businesses are closed!

    I believe the majority of the local business owners truly care about their customers and the community. The point is this: No one is denying the lure and strength of the Internet. However, we need a greater awareness campaign marketing and promoting the support and consideration for locally owned businesses. A serious and aggressive one. Residents cannot continue to spend local dollars with Internet businesses and then depend on local businesses to support the community. 

     Here at Up & Coming Weekly we appreciate and salute small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit. Count on us for continued assistance and  support. After all, we too, are a small business. 

    Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • Completing his student teaching this December at Terry Sanford High School, retired military artist Rick Kenner is imparting what he learned as a college art student to his students in the public school classroom. Working alongside his cooperating teacher, full time art teacher Kellie Perkins, Kenner is learning how to impart his knowledge of the arts and pedagogy to his students.

    Knowing Kenner was going to open with an exhibit of his work at Gallery 208, located in the offi ces of Up & Coming Weekly on Dec. 3, I hoped his students from Terry Sanford High School might be interested in seeing nov18-dissipation.jpgwhat their teacherin- training does as an artist, and be able to ask him questions about his work.

    I wondered if they had seen his series of paintings and how he integrates X-rays of his spinal cord into his paintings; or how his work can be totally non-objective in style, but always refl ective in content.

    Kenner is the fi rst to admit his affection for the nonrepresentational.

    “Abstraction offers me a vehicle to convey emotion through color and shape without getting lost in the narrative that is often associated with realism. I use color with varied opacity and geometric shapes to form compositions; an attempt to evoke an emotional response from the viewer,” he said.

    As a teacher, he must focus on bringing the student to their own work. Do they know his personal philosophy as an artist?

    “My current work is an exploration of the presence of technology in our lives. It is a personal attempt to fi nd balance and meld the ideas of mind, body, and spirit with the ever-increasing assault of technological advancement,” noted Kenner.

    Since Kenner is a quiet and reserved fellow, I knew he would not have touted his achievements in academe, his many exhibitions in the community, selling his paintings, and also winning the 2008 Lois Ferrari Memorial Art Scholarship at the Cape Fear Studios in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

     A prestigious award, Kenner won the Lois Ferrari Memorial Art Scholarship by competing against regional art students majoring in the fi ne arts at Fayetteville State University, Methodist University, Fayetteville Technical Community College, the University of North Carolina-Pembroke and Meredith College.

    It has been my experience that after asking him a question, you will usually get a one word answer like “Yes” or “No.” So, I was curious as to how he was working out in the public school classroom; I called Perkins, his mentor, at Terry Sanford to get the scoop.

    Perkins was very patient and took time out of her busy schedule to talk about the arts in the classroom and the attributes of a good teacher. To his advantage, Kenner has made the grade with Perkins — she is the only high school art teacher in Cumberland County that is nationally certifi ed (a diffi cult and rigorous accomplishment).

    I first asked Perkins about her experiences with other art teachers and what she felt were the skills that someone needed to have to be a successful art teacher. Perkins didn’t skip a beat, she stated without pause, “Someone who prefers one-on-one with students, is competent in art and education pedagogy, encourages and relates to students, and someone who gets along with their colleagues.”

    She commented that Kenner had these skills, but that he also has other special attributes. “He can fi x anything and he knows a lot about technology, he’s organized, plans in advance, very thorough in what he wants the students to learn in content and very neat,” she said. “He can be very innovative and wants to help the students build a strong foundation in art.”

    That is the Rick Kenner I know. When I asked him how he enjoyed teaching, he didn’t hesitate either. In as few words as possible, he told me he liked it and the students. I reflected on how fortunate Kenner was to have a veteran art teacher to model after; Ms. Perkins has taught for more than 20 years and has kept her enthusiasm for teaching in the classroom. She is presently pursuing a master’s degree in Art Education at UNC-Pembroke.

    I feel as if Ms. Perkins is modest, too, after she said, “A classroom teacher is a role model for a student teacher, but at a certain point I turn my classes over to him, and then I am more like a coach, it’s a journey for any student teacher to discover the classroom and what works during their experience as a student teacher.”

    My last question was in reference to the importance of an art high school teacher that was also a practicing artist. Her answer fi t Kenner.

    “Remaining an artist is very important to being a teacher that is knowledgable about 21st century styles and the infl uences of technology,” she said. “Students need to know the about the latest styles and new techniques artists are using.”

    Before the art students at Terry Sanford High School say farewell to their latest student art teacher, they have a chance to see Kenner’s work at his opening reception, Thursday, Dec. 3, between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Up & Coming Weekly, 208 Rowan St. The reception is free to the public and the artist is asked to do a brief presentation to the people attending the opening around 6 p.m.

    Kenner leaves Terry Sanford High School in December; he will also have earned his B.A. in Visual Art and a B.S. in Art Education at Fayetteville State University. Future plans for Kenner and his wife, Anita, include relocating to Texas to be closer to their daughter and grandchild. While in Texas, Kenner has plans to continue to create art, seek employment as an art educator (preferably at the high school level), and work towards completing an MFA and possibly a PhD in Art Education.

  • 16Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

    One reason is that it is a time for lots of plentiful food on the table. And time to remember favorite people, now gone.

    We lost author Randall Kenan last year. I liked his beautiful writing best when he wrote about food when families came together to celebrate or to mourn.
    For instance, he edited “Carolina Table,” a beautiful set of essays about food in the south. In that volume, he wrote about the foods that were served at funerals in his home in Duplin County, specifically what his neighbors brought when his great uncle died.

    “People showing up heavy-laden with food to the homes of the recently deceased. Hams, fried chicken, oven-baked barbecue chicken, pork chops smothered in gravy, dirty rice, Spanish rice, potato salad galore, slaw, sweet potato casseroles, candied yams, hushpuppies, cornbread, soup, chopped pork barbecue, collard greens, pound cake, chocolate cake, coconut cake, pineapple cake, red velvet cake, sweet potato pie, lemon meringue pie.”

    Another author from rural North Carolina who can describe food deliciously is Jason Mott from Columbus County. His latest, “Hell of a Book,” won the National Book Award.
    Here is an excerpt from that book in which the parents of a little boy who has hidden himself somewhere in the house try to entice him to reveal himself by cooking his favorite food.

    “Before long, the house billowed with the smells and sounds of the boy’s favorite food. The chicken fried in a heavy black skillet and the macaroni bubbled and baked in the oven. There were sugared strawberries, and muscadine grapes, and leftover pound cake that the boy had forgotten was still in the house. Even though he was still hidden, his stomach growled so loudly that he feared it would give him away. But his mother and father didn't seem to hear and so he was able to continue to sit-even with the hunger in the pit of his stomach-and close his eyes and smell all of the dancing aromas. In that moment, invisible and buried in his parents’ love, he was happier than he had ever been. And soon, in spite of his hunger, he was asleep.”

    Our great authors’ descriptions of food remind me how much I love the plentiful delicious food that is prepared and consumed at Thanksgiving.

    But there is much more to Thanksgiving than the wonderful food.

    What I like even more is the time we still save just for families and friends. There is, of course, competition for that time. Football games, parades, concerts and films. But we have to struggle to avoid them or figure out some way to blend them into the family program.

    We try to honor Thanksgiving’s central theme of the happy ritual of the family meal. It brings back a time when we sat down together more often, serving each other, passing the food, carving the main dish, saying prayers of thanks, and listening to each other’s stories.

    Thanksgiving can be our own private family sacrament of remembrance, reunion, renewal of connections, and thankfulness for life’s blessings. Of course, some will argue that this idea of Thanksgiving is merely a remnant of times past.

    They say that, like Christmas, Thanksgiving is becoming a time of selfishness and consumption. If so, it would be a tragedy. If this is a trend, let’s fight it.

    We can start by remembering the original Thanksgiving and how thankful the Pilgrims were for food and shelter, showing us how much more blessed we are than were the Pilgrims.

    As long as thankfulness is at the center of our Thanksgiving, its celebration will be a blessing to us.

    Editor’s Note: D.G. Martin, a lawyer, served as UNC-System’s vice president for public affairs and hosted PBS-NC’s North Carolina Bookwatch.

  • 11aThe chapters of this remarkable story include a world-class Ukrainian enamellist, a war raging in Ukraine because of Russia's invasion, and a local family in Fayetteville, North Carolina, who just wanted to make a difference in the life of a Ukrainian artist.

    Retired couple David and Rebecca Wendelken, both practicing artists, have a home with pottery, wood, and an enameling studio; so, the idea of sharing their home and a studio with a Ukrainian artist seemed “like the right thing to do.”

    The Wendelkens knew a jeweler in Ukraine and invited her to come to North Carolina at the beginning of the invasion. The artist declined, noting she and her friends were making Molotov cocktails instead of jewelry. The Wendelken family posted an invite to other Ukrainian artists who would benefit from the usage of one of their studios. The response was from many Ukrainian artists and included Oleksii Koval, an internationally known enamel artist.

    Koval was visiting family in Slovenia when the invasion began. The bombs and fighting were only several miles from his home and studio in Kyiv. On April 12, Koval arrived in Fayetteville. He now resides at the Wendelken’s home, and began working in the enameling studio as early as April 15.
    Fast forward six months to Nov. 25, during the 4th Friday celebration in downtown Fayetteville, the public will be able to see Koval’s most recent works made in the Wendelkens’ studio in an exhibit titled Buds and Cathedrals at Ellington White Contemporary Gallery on Gillespie Street.

    Buds and Cathedrals is a body of work inspired by the Ukrainian artist’s recent move to North Carolina. Visitors to the opening will meet a world-class enamel artist who is always happy to talk about what inspires him and meet people from around the world.

    From Nepal to Chicago, Koval has traveled the globe and is inspired by the beauty of world cultures. Koval shared what has inspired him while living in Fayetteville: “I am inspired by the light and colors in North Carolina … The blue of the sky and colors of the flowers are so bright. I love the pine and the magnolia trees; the variance of colors and the landscape is beautiful.”

    Oleksii Koval has exhibited his large-scale enameled works of art in museums and galleries worldwide, and collectors worldwide have invested in owning his work for its grandeur and beauty.
    Since enamel is usually thought of as a technique for small-scale work, the image titled “Destiny,” owned by a collector in Spain, is an example of the scale of his work.

    Visitors to Buds and Cathedrals will see exquisitely crafted designs, close-ups of flowering trees the artist has observed while in Fayetteville, and a series of interpretations of cathedral windows. All finished works begin as an idea inspired by what Koval experienced in the present, but they are also the result of a lifetime of study, travel and education.

    Depending on where Koval has traveled or thinking about an inspirational theme, the artist works in thematic series. He notes that when many works in a series are selling, he will end the series and begin a new body of work. When asked why, the artist smiled when he said: “I do not mass produce works of art, nor am I tempted to mass produce. I am happy that the work is being enjoyed and is selling, but then it’s time to begin a new body of work to keep the art fresh, and innovative — for me it is important to stay inspired and create new challenges for myself.”11b

    Koval was trained in the traditions of fine art, including studies in drawing, painting and sculpture. In 1996 he graduated from the Republican School of Art, then continued his education and graduated in 2002 from the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture. After graduation, Koval created over 100 works in Ukraine and abroad in mediums of frescoes, mosaics, ornaments, and drafts for stained-glass windows. It was not until 2006 when he attended a hot enamel workshop with Ivan Kyrychenko that Koval discovered the medium that enabled him to bring his ideas to fruition — a way to express his experiences about beauty and the nuances of life.

    The process of enamels, light passing through layers of glass combined with the boundaries of metal and larger shapes, became Koval’s way to express himself about the world around him. The floral works in Buds and Cathedrals are like witnessing glaciers floating in a sea of light, the shapes of glass merge, bringing to life a harmonized pattern of all that is beautiful and a love for everything that is living.

    After a trip to India, Koval was inspired by landscape fragments and expressive faces to create his experience of the country and its culture; as well he combined specific images from the ethnic ornaments of a particular province.

    Koval commented, “In this body of work I chose the oval form since it represents the eye as the symbol for looking at the world.”

    Many people are familiar with enamels as an ornamental inlay process often referred to as cloisonné. This process of applying a thin coat of finely ground glass to metal, then heating it at high temperature until the glass melts or fuses to the metal is as old as ancient civilizations. According to Karen L. Cohen for Ganoksin educational site for jewelry: “The earliest known enameled pieces have been dated to the 13th century BC when Mycenaean goldsmiths inlaid enamels into gold rings. Since then, cultures all over the world have incorporated enameling into their art forms. In the 5th century BC, Greek artisans used enamel to decorate artwork such as the Phidias statues of Zeus … gold cloisonné was popularized by the Byzantine Empire during the 9th through the 11th centuries AD … a revolution in enameling occurred in the late 15th century when a new method of ‘Painting’ with enamels was developed called "Limoges" — the first-time enamel colors touched each other without the use of separating wires or metal.”

    11cVisitors to Buds and Cathedrals are fortunate to be able to see the enamel work of Koval and meet him due to the kindness and generosity of David and Rebecca Wendelken. His story includes an artist who had to leave his country where making an income is impossible, supplies, sustenance and resources are limited or nonexistent, a place where honored historical works of art and architecture are being systematically destroyed, and treasured works of art are stolen from museums and state collections.

    The public reception for Buds and Cathedrals is 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 28 at Ellington White Contemporary Gallery, 113 Gillespie Street. For more information on the gallery, visit www.ellington-white.com/.

    Readers can open a link to the artist talking and see him working in his studio at www.youtube.com/watch?v=zck4UsuYPzA or go to the artist’s website to see many bodies of work: www.oleksiikoval.com/video.

    The exhibit will remain in the gallery until Jan. 8, 2023. Regular business hours are Thursday — Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • 11-10-10-ibn-said.gifThe Museum of the Cape Fear is celebrating the life of Omar Ibn Said through Dec. 5 and invites you to join them as they delve into the life of this Muslim slave whose writings and works are still studied by scholars today.

    The story of Omar Ibn Said is an interesting one indeed. A man of privilege, he was born in 1770 and raised in what is modern day Senegal and enjoyed a prosperous life until he was captured and sold into slavery. His family was Muslim and he was educated in the Qur’an, Islamic practices and prayers. He also learned how to read and write in Arabic and knew some math too. He considered himself a scholar, a teacher and a merchant.

    By the time he came to America as a slave, Omar Ibn Said was 37 years old. He ended up in Fayetteville in 1810 after running away from a cruel master in Charleston, S.C. Of course, he was captured pretty quickly and charged with being a run away slave. While in jail, he turned to his faith and used coals from the fireplace to write prayers to Allah on the walls and ceiling of his cell. Being an educated Arab, all of his writings were in Arabic and the citizens of Fayetteville were intrigued by the markings he made in the jail.

    “They weren’t familiar with the writings, but it was obvious that this was an educated man,” said Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex administrator David Reid. Omar Ibn Said was purchased by James Owen of Bladen County and went to live with the family there. “Omar was held in high esteem by the family and treated quite well.” Reid added.

    Little did Omar Ibn Said, or the young town of Fayetteville, know what an impact he would have — one that would last for centuries.

    Although Omar Ibn Said is not the only Muslim sold into slavery in the U.S., he is the only one known to have penned his autobiography in his native language — Arabic. In fact, his original autobiography, which was penned in 1831, is the cornerstone of the exhibit.

    The manuscript consists of two parts. Omar Ibn Said begins with a chapter from the Koran, surat al-Mulk (‘dominion’ or ‘ownership’), then follows with his own narrative. Omar Ibn Said’s narrative is addressed to a “Sheikh Hunter,” who presumably asked Omar to write the narrative.

    In 1836, Omar Ibn Said sent his manuscript to Lamine Kebe, a freed slave and Muslim of Futa Toro, the region Omar Ibn Said grew up in, living in New York and preparing to return to Africa. Eventually, the manuscript of the autobiography was lost. It was found in a collection in Virginia in the 1990s and sold at auction. The current owner has allowed it to be examined by scholars and displayed in museums.

    Lamine Kebe passed the manuscript of the autobiography to Theodore Dwight, a founder of the American Ethnological Society professional traveler, writer and abolitionist. Dwight made it available to Alexander Cotheal, a linguist who was fluent in Arabic. Cotheal produced the first English translation of the work in 1848. A second translation was later done by Reverend Isac Beard, a founder of the Syrian Protestant Mission in Beirut (later American University Beirut).

    “I think the autobiography is something he wrote in 1831,” said Reid. “It is in his handwriting, it has been missing for a while and has come to light, so it is exciting to get the attention brought to Omar. He is an interesting fi gure from our history that people aren’t aware of — I think it will generate a lot of attention and interest.

    ”In addition, Davidson College is loaning a copy of the Lord’s Prayer translated into Arabic by Omar Ibn Said to the Museum of the Cape Fear.

    “The Owen family donated some artifacts to Davidson back in the 1870s or so,” said Reid. “They were staunch Presbyterians and knew of Davidson and trusted them to preserve it.”

    The Museum of the Cape Fear is located at 801 Arsenal Ave. They are open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. Call 486-1330 for more info.

  • still here image Indigenous culture is here, and it’s thriving. That is what the latest art exhibit at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County shows. Still Here, Still Native: A Native American Art Exhibit is a special exhibit for the Arts Council to mark Native American Heritage Month.

    The curator, Savanna Davis, came up with the idea to host a space where indigenous people could share their own stories. She went to the Office of Indian Education— which is part of Cumberland County Schools — and they agreed to partner for the exhibit.

    “I came to them with the concept, they said they loved it, and we [worked] it out together, and it all came together,” Davis said.
    Eighteen indigenous artists have contributed to the collection of native-based artwork. Davis said that many of the submissions seemed to surround similar themes of identity.

    “There are pieces about identity... living in two worlds,” Davis said. “You have a tribal identity, and then you have a present-day identity, and those may not overlap all the time.”
    Some pieces are heirlooms like a piece of local Lumbee Regalia, a quilt made for a couple on their wedding day, and bead embroidery. Then there are new art pieces, like a traditional cape made out of plastic bags and moccasins made out of plastic.

    “It’s kind of new world technique meets old world tradition,” Davis said.

    The artwork also shows the not-so-nice side of history. For example, one piece of art, “The Broken Necklace,” is about residential schools and how indigenous children were taken away from their homes and forced to abandon their culture and language.

    A couple of other pieces of art focus on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic. According to the National Crime Information Center, 8,162 Indigenous youth and 2,285 Indigenous adults were reported missing. Murder is the third leading cause of death for Native women according to the Urban Indian Health Institute.

    “We wanted to take the time to give it its own space,” Davis said.

    In this corner of the gallery hangs a woman’s shawl with red handprints — the symbol of the MMIW movement. In the gallery booklet, there are also resources people can look up to learn more about the movement.

    One interesting thing about the exhibit is that next to each piece of art is a QR code. That QR code leads visitors to a Wikipedia page that gives more information about the tribe where that piece of artwork comes from.

    When you take a step back and look at the gallery as a whole, you see that this art reflects a thriving culture — not a history textbook.

    “I hope people come in and learn something. I hope that it challenges what they think of when they hear Native Americans or Indigenous people. I hope it helps to make these cultures real and relevant and present. The way we traditionally encounter these cultures is in the dinosaur bones section in the museum so I hope this reverse that,” Davis says. “They are still thriving. It’s gorgeous, it’s incredible.”

    The exhibit will be on display at the Arts Council until Nov. 27. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

  • 17The military marching band is always 42 members, said Dr. Willie Lockett, who spent 25 years in United States Army bands all over the world. The band marches in a block five rows by eight, with a commander at the leading right corner and a first sergeant up front holding a mace.

    In 1973, 17-year-old Lockett enlisted in the United States Army. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he knew he wanted to be a military bandsman, but finding his way to an audition wasn’t as easy as the recruiter made it seem.

    Anybody can join the band if you sign up is what the recruiter said, but “that’s not true,” he said. “I signed up for a Hercules missile crewman, so then I went to Germany.”
    In Germany, Lockett maintained a nuclear missile pointed at Russia from an isolated silo carved into the top of a hill. There was no one there but crewmen.

    “The first guy I saw that had some rank, I said, ‘Can you get me in the band’?” said Lockett. “He made some phone calls,” and after an audition he was in the Army band in Kaiserslautern before getting transferred to the 8th Infantry Division Band, still in Germany.

    Lockett was maintaining surface-to-air missiles while honing musical skills that would serve him for the rest of his life.

    “My job was a Hercules missile crewman... but I was detailed to the band,” Lockett said.

    Because the military requires every musician to play a “march-able” instrument, Lockett played percussion any time the band marched. Fortunately, he could sight-read drum music. Reading bass music was a different story: he played by ear.

    “When I got in the band, the only thing [we did] was play music,” Lockett said. “At the time, I was low rank, living in the barracks. The only thing [I was] responsible for was to practice.”

    Luckily, the barracks and practice room were on the same floor, so Lockett and his comrades jammed “from sun up to sun down.”

    “That’s all we did was practice,” Lockett said. “So, I got pretty good at reading on bass.”

    Along with the 8th Infantry Band, Lockett was Rhythm Group Leader for the 1st Cavalry Division Band in Texas, and Senior Instructor at the Army’s School of Music in Virginia.

    “As you make rank, they just give you a different title,” Lockett said. “When you first come in, you’re just a bass player, a piano player, flute player, etc. When you become E-6, then you’re a section leader. When you become E-7, you are now a group leader, and so on."

    After completing Warrant Officer school, Lockett went on to become the Commander/Bandmaster of the 82nd Airborne Division Band at Fort Bragg. He later held the same position at the 2nd Infantry Division Band at Camp Casey in Korea.
    “The majority of your gigs, band wise, here at Fort Bragg, is going to be ceremonies,” Lockett said.
    “In fact, my rookie year as a bandmaster, we did 1002 performances in one year,” he added.

    Despite being a marching band, Army musicians spend most of their time away from the parade field, entertaining service members and civilians alike in jazz and rock and roll ensembles, as well as other settings.
    The bugle player might have five burials in a day, Lockett said. There’s change of command ceremonies, civilian events like the International Folk Festival and Fayetteville State University homecoming parade.

    “The Army plays music at each one,” he added.
    Unfortunately, being an Army bandsperson isn’t music 24-hours-a-day; when there’s a conflict, musicians have military duties to fulfill. The entire time Lockett was in the military, he said Army bands assumed other duties during wartime.

    “The military band is one of the few jobs in the military where your peace time job and war time job are different,” Lockett said. “You’re not going to play music on the battlefield.”

    He said, during Desert Storm, one half of the band provided security for a general, while the other half of the band augmented the military police processing Iraqi prisoners.
    Since retiring in 1998, Lockett has pursued computer science degrees from multiple universities throughout the United States. His upwardly mobile Army career made education somewhat of a luxury.

    “When you’re in the military, you go to whatever school is servicing that military [installation],” Lockett said. “When I got to Fort Bragg, I was finally able to go to school on a regular basis.”

    In Fayetteville, Lockett got an associate degree from Fayetteville State University because at the time FSU was the only school that would give diplomas to active duty soldiers.

    “Once I got out [of the Army], I went to the University of North Carolina, Pembroke on the G.I. Bill,” he said, “and it took me a year to get a bachelor’s degree because I had accumulated credit hours.”

    Afterwards, Lockett earned his master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and his Ph.D. from Capella University.

    “It took me three years to write my dissertation,” Lockett said.

    Today, Lockett is a professor of computer science at Fayetteville Technical Community College. He’s still playing electric bass, too, in a Carolina Beach Music band based out of Greenville named The Main Event, as well as in local churches.

    “I’m 68 right now,” Dr. Lockett said.

    “I could retire, but I like moving around and being busy.”

  • 13 Despite growing up in San Antonio — an Air Force Town — Kristopher Vargas never thought about joining the military. He instead wanted to gig around the country with his trumpet. However, when the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, gigs dried up, and Vargas needed work.

    “I actually ended up doing construction for a year once COVID hit and didn’t play at all for about a year,” Vargas said. “I was like, ‘Okay, something’s got to give.’ And then there was a band liaison — that’s kind of a band recruiter — who reached out to me and talked about auditioning.”
    In late 2020, Vargas auditioned and enlisted in the Army. Last year, right out of Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training, Vargas was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Band.

    The 82nd Airborne Division All-American Band and Chorus provide music to Fort Bragg and the local area telling the Army story in support of soldiers and their families, community and recruiting initiatives, and music education programs. Since 2016, the band has included several ensembles: Ceremonial Band, Brass Quintet, Woodwind Quintet, Jazz Ensemble, Rock Ensemble, Concert Band and the All-American Chorus.

    His experience working with the band in the Army has been moving. Some of the missions of the musicians are to play for ceremonies, special events and presidential visits. Spc. Vargas was selected to play for President Joe Biden’s visit last year during Thanksgiving Week.

    “I had been here maybe four or five months, and they selected a brass quintet — five of us to go and play for President Biden. And, you know, he rolled up at Pope Field and it was just like, ‘okay, woah,’ that was a cool experience,” Vargas said. “That was my first introduction to the Army and Fayetteville and Fort Bragg.”

    Despite the big welcome at Fort Bragg by playing for the president, Vargas says he is always humbled by the other missions he and the entire band is tasked to do.

    “Everything that you do in the Army bands, every little mission you do, whether it is playing for a retirement home, playing for the president or something like playing at a school for kids — everything has a deeper meaning to it,” he said.

    Some occasions offer something special, he said, like playing for retirements.

    “We played two retirements yesterday for people who were really special,” Vargas said. “The biggest honor of it all is memorials and funerals. That is a part of the job that unfortunately does accompany the bands,” he said.
    Vargas is one out of seven at Fort Bragg who is approved to play the bugle at funerals and memorials. For many funerals, a pre-recorded “Taps” is played.

    “It’s an incredible experience. It’s humbling. It’s something that is heavy, but it’s reserved for buglers. So there’s a lot of people in our band field who don’t get to do it, only the trumpet players do it, and there’s an etiquette to it when you play,” Vargas said.

    “I played ‘Taps’ for the Gold Star ceremony for the JFK Special Forces School... they were adding these names [to the Memorial Wall] and the Gold Star families were there. So it never gets lost on me.”

    Vargas said band members are not necessarily at the front lines, like “our colleagues that we admire so much... this is the way that we chose to serve and that we are fortunate enough to serve. It’s what we learned how to do. And if this is the only way that we can help and serve then we’re all for it.”
    When he arrived to the Fayetteville area, Vargas was busy with the band, and his wife got a job at a local high school. He initially didn’t want to do gigs out in town.

    “I actually was pretty adamant about not gigging before, and my wife was totally on board with it because, I mean, we never had a dinner together,” Vargas said. “I worked every single night, like every major holiday was spent at some venue or club or something.”

    His first encounter with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra was at one of their Symphony on Taps performances at the District House of Taps. The Jazz Trio from the symphony was playing and Vargas struck up a conversation with them.

    “They asked me if I wanted to sit in with them and play, and I said ‘no’ because I didn’t even have a horn. So I was leaving and I went, I got in my car, I realized that I did have it. So I grabbed my horn and I went back,” Vargas said. “I played with them and they were like, ‘who are you and where did you come from?’”

    That stroke of luck of having his trumpet with him brought him into the musical arena of Fayetteville. He, at first, started to be a substitute trumpet player with the FSO. By getting more involved, he found out about the Cape Fear Regional Theatre. He played during the production of “The Color Purple,” is currently in “The Odd Couple,” and is getting ready for “Matilda: the Musical” in a few months.

    “I really enjoyed bringing whatever experience it was that I had from having worked in a big city and bringing that. And a lot of people who live here in Fayetteville, like, seemed really appreciative of it. And so I just kept doing that, started with that. And then my wife wanted to also continue playing. So we started volunteering with the Fayetteville Community Band.”

    Vargas is now leading the Jazz Group with the symphony.
    But as usual with the military, once you start getting into the flow of things, buying a house and start putting down roots, a military PCS move is right around the corner.

    “And just as soon as we’re kind of getting going, we’re going to be leaving here pretty soon. So it’s kind of a bummer, but I’ve really enjoyed my time here in Fayetteville. Everybody’s really appreciative and hospitable, and everybody has some type of tie to Fort Bragg or the Army,” Vargas said. “They understand the complexities of this life and why sometimes you can’t commit to something, but it’s been great.”

    That PCS move may be to Mons, Belgium. Vargas recently applied for a position in the SHAPE International Band. This band is part of NATO and is made up of 18 professional musicians from the United States Armed Forces as well as musicians from other allied countries.

    The now 29-year-old is looking forward to the future playing in military bands across the world.

    “Heading to Belgium is kind of a dream come true and we’ll see where we go after that. We’re in it for the long haul, and I’m looking forward to doing whatever it is that I can do to make an impact and support the preservation of Army bands and also helping drive whatever it is that I can do as one, you know, one individual.”

  • 11242010-mike-epps.gifUnless you are a movie buff or a comedy buff, you might not recognize the name Mike Epps. But when you see his face and hear his voice, you will instantly recognize Epps as one of the most popular comedians of the past few years. On Friday, Nov. 26, Epps will bring his comedy to the Crown stage.

    Epps was born in 1970 in Indianapolis, Indiana, into a large family. His family encourage his comedic side and he began performing while still a teenage. Following a move to Atlanta, Ga., where he worked at the Comedy Act Theater. In 1995, he moved to New York City where he found a home on the Def Comedy Jam. During that time he also made his first big screen appearance in Van Diesel’s Strays, a film that explored relationships and drugs.

    Strays was just the first of many big-screen roles Epps has tackled. He became a fan favorite from the Friday series of films, where he brought the role of Day-Day to life in Ice Cube’s Next Friday.

    In 2001, Epps stepped out of the spotlight and behind the mic to bring the voice of Sonny the Bear to life in Eddie Murphy’s Dr. Dolittle 2. He also has voiced the role of Boog in Open Season 2 and Open Season 3.

    2004 and 2005 were busy years for Epps, who starred in Resident Evil Apocalypse and Guess Who? with Ashton Kutcher and Bernie Mack, and the remake of The Honeymooners. In 2006, Epps hit the big screen again with a cast of stars in the fi lm The Fighting Temptations, which featured Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyonce. In 2007, he reprised his Resident Evil role in Resident Evil: Extinction, followed up by Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins and Hancock in 2008. He also played Black Doug in The Hangover in 2009.

    When Epps isn’t filming, he is touring the country and performing his comedy act, The Mike Epps On the Edge Tour to sold-out theaters and arenas across the country.

    While Epps has played some diverse roles, he is quick to point out that they are merely roles and do not define who he is. When fans mistake Epps for one of his characters, he frequently makes it part of his comedy routine.

    “I learned that you don’t have to be all over the place, that you can be subtle and you can say what you say,” said Epps. “The words that you put together can be just as hilarious as falling all over the place or doing something.”

    Epps looks to old movies and television comedy to help develop his craft. A key inspiration was the role of Ed Norton in The Honeymooners.

    “I can remember when I was a baby and my mother was there watching the show (The Honeymooners).I went and bought 100 episodes and watched them,” he said during an interview before his remake of the movie was released. “I respect it so much that the sitcom itself and Ed Norton; I’m not playing Ed Norton but my version of it, cause I’m a black man.”

    “I watch old school fi lm so that I can learn so much that I just sort of miss all the new stuff,” he continued.

    Epps takes his success in stride, noting, “I’m a survivor of life. I try to give the glory to God and appreciate what’s happening to me. I’m gonna have to develop myself. I’m just going to do the best that I can do, but I’m humble enough to wait and just chill. I’m having fun just working with these good people.”

    Epps will be joined on stage by comedienne Sheryl Underwood. Underwood, a former member of the armed forces and has two master’s degrees frequently makes jokes about “all the creative places you can get busy on a military base.”

    Underwood refers to herself as “a sexually progressive, God-fearing, black Republican,” and is best known for her stand-up, but has had some time on the big screen.

    The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets for the event range in price from $46 to $55. Tickets may be purchased at the Crown Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. For more information, visit www.atthecrown.com.

  • Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) provides education and workforce training to Cumberland County residents. In 2004, FTCC opened a campus in the town of Spring Lake to better serve the growing educational needs of the Spring Lake area and Fort Bragg. The warm and inviting atmosphere of the Spring Lake Campus leads to a calm environment, which allows the students to relax and learn in a peaceful setting.11-23-11-ftcc-logo.jpg

    Located adjacent to Fort Bragg and Pope Army Air Field, the campus has a significant enrollment of military dependents, veterans and active military personnel. The Spring Lake Campus serves approximately 4,000 students each year, about 35 percent of whom are military dependents, active duty military, reservists or veterans.

    The Spring Lake Campus continues to grow in its role as a strong community partner and good neighbor in the greater Spring Lake and Fort Bragg area by offering a number of pro-grams, hosting community events and expanding its program offerings to address emerging needs. The campus offers a num-ber of curriculum and continuing education programs including Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), phle-botomy certification online courses, adult basic education and GED, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and various college-transfer opportunities. Plans are underway to expand its program offerings by adding a social-media program and Homeland Security/Emergency Management and Defense Analysis and Global Securities Studies Programs.

    Some of the resources that are available at the campus include an “I Persist, I Achieve, I Study, I Succeed” (I-PASS) Center, Spring Lake Campus Library Resource Center (located inside the Spring Lake Branch of the Cumberland County Public Library) and a physical fitness center. Plans are underway to add a walking/jogging trail and an athletic field for classes in flag football, volleyball, jog-ging and walking.

    Since its opening in 2004, the Spring Lake Campus has seen dramatic changes in the surrounding community. A new apartment complex, Village by the Lake, has been constructed directly across the street from campus. A number of new busi-nesses have set up shop in the town of Spring Lake as it is evolving into a regional commercial hub that serves northwestern Cumberland County and southwestern Harnett County. In the past few years, the town’s commercial development has soared into the millions of dollars, thereby creating hundreds of jobs and increas-ing the town’s tax base. To help develop a vision for the town’s future growth and development, the Spring Lake Campus served as the site for first “Spring Lake Community Summit.” The theme of the summit was “Connect, Create, and Collaborate.” The town leaders invited representatives from various national, state, county and local government offices, as well as leaders from FTCC and Fort Bragg, to serve as panelists.

    FTCC recognizes that it must take a collaborative approach with the school system and the community to ensure that stu-dents are prepared for post-secondary education. To that end, the Spring Lake Campus sponsors the children of Koala Day Care Center, located just behind the campus, for Harvest Fest/Halloween and Christmas events. For Harvest Fest/Halloween, the children are treated with a story time presented by the staff as well as bags of treats with candy and FTCC information. At Christmas, a special visit from Santa is enjoyed by all who attend.

    The campus is also developing the Spring Lake Campus Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Summer Academy in col-laboration with Fayetteville area schools, military groups and the non-profit organi-zation, Project L.I.F.T (Lift Initiative for Teens). The STEM Summer Academy is a five-week program that provides 3,000 hours of student-centered learning oppor-tunities for 30 middle and high school students in Spring Lake. Scholarships will be provided to most families to cover part of the $100 enrollment fee. Instruction will provide age- and grade-appropriate hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer sciences. To support the program, retired veterans, educators, active-duty military and military spouses will volunteer to serve as teachers, guest speakers and mentors.

    Through activities such as these, the Spring Lake Campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College is proving to be a good neighbor and community partner.

  • 112515_red-apple-run.pngNot everyone has access to appropriate healthcare. Recognizing the gap between needs and services, Better Health has worked since 1958 to give Cumberland County residents the health services that they need. The non-profit organization focuses on diabetes management and education, childhood obesity prevention and education, loans for medical equipment and financial assistance for emergency medical needs. 

    “Several of our programs are preventative and/or disease management, so results come over time. Our most immediately gratifying program is our Direct Aid program. Clients can come to our office in need of help purchasing an emergency medication, having a tooth extracted, travel assistance to a medical appointment in Chapel Hill, etc.,” Amy Navejas M.D., executive director of the organization, explained. “We verify their income information and can assist them the same day. With these clients, we are able to see the impact immediately. Many come to us in tears and leave with a sense of relief that their needs are being met.” 

    In order to support its programs, Better Health relies on the community. One annual fundraiser is The Red Apple Run, which is set for Nov. 21. 

    “Direct Aid, Diabetes Management and Childhood Obesity Prevention are funded through this run. Thanks to operational support from the United Way, the funds raised at the Red Apple Run can go directly towards helping our clients,” said Navejas.

    For Navejas, the organization’s diabetes prevention program has a personal connection. “My father has Type I diabetes,” she explains, “While Better Health does much more than diabetes management, the cause hits close to home for me. I grew up having been taught about a healthy diet, the signs and symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to tell EMS if I had to call 911 for my father. Working with Better Health allows me the chance to see others learn to manage their diabetes effectively and live their life to the fullest despite the complexities of the disease. It is very gratifying to see clients gain knowledge and confidence that they can manage this!” 

    Though this is only the third year of the Red Apple Run the community support has been tremendous. Last year more than 400 runners participated in the event. 

    Though diabetes education and prevention is the focus for the Red Apple Run, Better Health provides all kinds of healthcare programs and assistance. The organization offers free exercise classes, child obesity prevention and healthy cooking demonstrations to name just a few programs.

    The Red Apple Run for Diabetes is on Nov. 21. The 10K starts at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K starts at 8:45 a.m. Registration is $25 at www.active.com/fayetteville-nc/running/distance-running-races/red-apple-run-for-diabetes-10k-and-5k-run-walk-2015. The races will begin at 101 Robeson St. For more information, visit www.betterhealthcc.org or call 910.483-7534.


  • 18 ALMS HOUSEForgive Grilley Mitchell if he’s been preoccupied the last few weeks. He’s preparing to have several friends over for Thanksgiving dinner again, as many as 60 or 70 to be exact.

    This will make the 10th year that Mitchell, program coordinator at the ALMS HOUSE in Hope Mills, has helped coordinate the annual free Thanksgiving dinner for the town’s underprivileged. It’s held each year on Thanksgiving Day at the ALMS HOUSE building on Ellison Street downtown near the historic Trade Street district.

    Mitchell, who is retired from the military, is a native of Vidalia, Georgia, and has called Hope Mills home since moving there in 2004. He first got involved in activities at the ALMS HOUSE in 2009.

    Mitchell said he usually tries to start getting things organized for the big meal the first of November, but he’s a little behind this year because of his involvement in the recent Hope Mills municipal election.

    The biggest challenge, as always, is collecting all the food that will be needed for the big event, and Mitchell and the volunteers at the ALMS HOUSE cut no corners when it comes to providing everything that’s part of the Thanksgiving eating tradition.

    The tentative menu for this year includes turkey, ham, dressing or stuffing, potato salad, macaroni and cheese, green beans or greens, sweet potatoes or yams, gravy, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls and assorted desserts and beverages.

    The food is provided by ALMS HOUSE volunteers and people in the community who step up to help out.

    ALMS HOUSE stands for Associated Local Ministries in Service, Helping Others in Unfortunate Situations and Experiences.The mission of the ALMS HOUSE is to assist with utilities, medicine, food, clothing, household items, school supplies and Bibles.

    The ALMS HOUSE regularly provides free lunches to the underprivileged of the Hope Mills area and makes every effort to avoid turning anyone away.

    Some people bring the food unprepared to the ALMS HOUSE building, but Mitchell encourages them to wait the day of the luncheon and bring it already cooked and ready to serve around 11 a.m. The luncheon begins at noon.

    If people want to donate uncooked turkey or ham, Mitchell tries to get them to stop by on Monday or Tuesday the week of Thanksgiving so he can find someone to cook and prepare them in time for the big meal.

    This year, to avoid excess and duplication, Mitchell sent out a list to a number of people in the community specifying amounts of many of the items to insure there will be enough to handle the expected crowd.

    Mitchell said there has been a recent influx of entire families who have taken part of the services offered by the ALMS HOUSE.

    In some cases, he said, families with as many as six to nine members have come by for help.

    Based on attendance at meals served during at the ALMS HOUSE during the summer months, Mitchell is anticipating a crowd of anywhere from 60 to 70 this year. At past Thanksgiving lunches the numbers have come closer to 100.

    The biggest problem for some of the folks who need to take advantage of the free meal is getting there. The ALMS HOUSE is unable to provide transportation or deliver the food, so the folks who want to come to the Thanksgiving lunch have to find a way to get to the Ellison Street location in order to eat.

    “We’re seeing a lot of new faces we haven’t seen,’’ Mitchell said of the people coming to the ALMS HOUSE. “You have your homeless populations and they are transient. They tend to move around.’’

    Mitchell said food will be served until they run out on Thanksgiving Day, but normally they are usually finished and packed up before 2 p.m.

    There is often food left after the luncheon. Unprepared nonperishable food can be saved for Christmas, Mitchell said.

    In past years, when the ALMS HOUSE had too much prepared food on hand, Mitchell and the volunteers delivered the excess to the Salvation Army in Fayetteville.

    He’s hopeful the specific requests he’s made regarding the amount of food needed this year will help avoid to many leftovers.

    “It’s the love and the compassion of the community coming together,’’ Mitchell said of the event. “We feed anyone that comes in. We don’t discriminate. If you’re hungry, we’ll feed you. We do it out of love.’’

    For any questions about the Thanksgiving meal or other events at ALMS HOUSE call 910-425-0902.
     
  • 15 01 MccrayOn Dec. 2, a new era of government for the town of Hope Mills begins with the swearing in of its new Board of Commissioners.

    In the recent general election on Nov. 5, the town’s voters returned sitting commissioners Jessie Bellflowers, Jerry Legge and Pat Edwards to the board, brought back former commissioner Bryan Marley and made history with the election of Dr. Kenjuana McCray, the leading vote-getter of all the candidates and the first African-American woman elected to a position on the Board of Commissioners.

    The commissioners are listed below in the order of most votes received by each.

    Dr. Kenjuana McCray

    McCray, the only person elected to the board this time who is a complete neophyte to the job, thinks the town has a number of projects on the table right now but also doesn’t think the funding is readily available to complete all of them.
    One item that’s at the top of McCray’s to-do list is the completion of Heritage Park in the vicinity of the Hope Mills dam.

    15 02 bryan MarleyThe previous board put a lot of effort into getting a greenway and walking trail open at the former Hope Mills golf course property, but McCray thinks it’s time to focus attention elsewhere.

    “Whatever we do at Heritage Park, there needs to be a clear plan on what we are going to do with the golf course,’’ she said. “I don’t think we need to do one project without knowing the direction of the other projects.’’

    McCray thinks time needs to be devoted to public transportation and the pending issue of the Interstate 295 outer loop. She wants to learn what the Department of Transportation has in mind for Hope Mills that could aid the town’s ongoing problem with traffic.

    McCray has lived in Hope Mills for 13 years and serves as lead coordinator for social sciences and humanities at Fayetteville Technical Community College. She takes both her community and her new role as a commissioner very seriously.

    “I know everybody is watching,’’ she said. “I have no doubt I’m going to make the people of Hope Mills proud."

    15 03 Pat EdwardsBryan Marley

    Marley said it was a good feeling to return to the board after a two-year hiatus following his loss in the 2017 election.

    A longtime employee of the town of Hope Mills as a firefighter, Marley is currently the Fire marshal and emergency management director for neighboring Hoke County.

    “I’m from here and have lived here my whole life,’’ Marley said. “I’m glad the citizens saw fit to give me another chance.’’

    Marley said the new board needs to be more unified than its predecessor. “The town is a business and it’s got to be run like a business,’’ he said. “You can’t let personal stuff get in the way of handling business.’’
    Marley thinks one of the first things the new board should do is restore some of the powers of office to Mayor Jackie Warner that the previous board took away.

    He feels clear lines of communication between members are crucial. “I feel this new board is going to get it together, and we’ll start moving the town forward,’’ he said.

    Pat Edwards

    Edwards returns to the Board of Commissioners hopeful that this new group will be far more harmonious than the board of the last two years.

    She agreed with her fellow incoming commissioners that there are some big projects on the table that need immediate attention.

    15 04 jerry leggeAll of them are going to require funding. Edwards thinks the town staff can help build partnerships with businesses. “They know all the grants that are available,’’ she said. “We can save a lot of money.
    “Let people talk to us and negotiate,’’ she said.

    Jerry Legge

    Legge hopes the new board is ready to put conflict aside and unite for what’s best for the town.

    With the exception of McCray, Legge said he has previous working relationships with all the members of the new board. He feels McCray brings excellent skills to the job that will help her to quickly become a good commissioner.
    Like many of the other board members, Legge lists completing the Heritage Park project along with the Episcopal Church and parish house projects as important, along with the development of the golf course.

    He also thinks time needs to be devoted to the Interstate 295 outer loop.

    “I think it’s very important we establish what we see out there, although we can’t control all of that,’’ he said.

    “I really do look forward to the challenge of being able to sit down and work with these people,’’ he said of the new board.

    15 05 Jessie BellflowersJessie Bellflowers

    Bellflowers first congratulated the members of the incoming board, calling it an exciting group. “We’ve got some challenges and opportunities ahead of us,’’ he said.

    A major focus for the next two years will be ongoing projects like Heritage Park, development of the golf course and the construction of the new public safety complex for the police and fire departments.
    He also called the Interstate 295 outer loop a huge project for the town.

    He sees all of those items as topics the board needs to focus attention on during its first 60 to 90 days in office.

    He’s hopeful the new board will approach all of the challenges facing the town from a team perspective.

    ”I’m hoping that’s how we get started, because it’s going to take a team effort of everybody rowing the boat in the same direction with these challenges and opportunities we have the next two years,’’ he said.

    At a projected cost of $16 million, Bellflowers said the public safety facility gives him a reason for pause.

    “We desperately need the building, but how are we going to pay for the building?’’ he asked. “That’s a lot of money. It may take two or three years for economic development to develop and be sustainable.’’
     
    Pictured from top to bottom: Dr. Kenjuana McCray, Bryan Marley, Pat Edwards, Jerry Legge, Jessie Bellflowers. 
  • 14 Jackie Warner and husbandMoving forward. Those are the marching orders Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner has adopted for herself following her re-election to office.

    During the short time since her re-election on Nov. 5 and the swearing in of the new Board of Commissioners on Dec. 2, Warner will follow a game plan that has worked for her after previous elections.  
     
    She hopes to set up meetings with the new commissioners before the swearing in ceremony is held.

    The purpose of the meetings, she said, is to let the new board know that what is passed is passed and her goal is to move forward and build new relationships.

    “I just want us to clear the air,’’ Warner said.

    Warner also plans to include town manager Melissa Adams and town clerk Jane Starling in the meetings to help make all the board members aware of the current limits of the town budget and to share instruction on basic protocols of the Board of Commissioners.

    As soon as everyone is sworn in, Warner hopes to schedule a mini retreat for herself, the commissioners and key town department heads to discuss everyone’s role. She’d like to get someone other than herself to facilitate that meeting.
    Warner would like the retreat to cover understanding town rules and procedures, planning for ethics training and building relationships, so the work on planning for the town can begin.

    Once that’s done, Warner said she’d like to return as soon as possible to conducting town business the way it was done prior to changes enacted by the previous board.

    For one thing, she’d like to see more order to the process of requesting items to be placed on the agenda of business that comes before the commissioners.

    The procedure that used to be in place called for a form to be submitted to the town manager and discussed before coming to the board for a vote. “You don’t have this pushing things through without having some discussion and opportunity for input,’’ she said.

    “Sometimes it’s emergency things but for the most part, we want to get back to the process that was in place that seemed to work very well.’’

    As the board moves into 2020, major concerns are a number of high dollar projects in the works, headed by the new public safety facility for the police and fire departments.

    The goal is to break ground on the building in 2020, and Warner said some tough decisions await the board because of the expense connected with the new building.

    The board also has tough decisions on completing the work at the lake park, something Warner considers very important.

    Heritage Park, another project that has been long delayed, is part of the overall lake park project.

    “We’re going to have to come up with funding,’’ she said. “That’s going to be important. How much funding we can garner from grants and other places without having to do any type of raising of taxes.’’

    She agrees with members of the incoming board that another big project on the horizon is the development of the Interstate 295 outer loop and the impact it will have on the town.

    Warner thinks the town needs to get a handle on projects other big developers may be working on for Hope Mills.

    “I don’t want to limit any commercial development, but we need more diverse types of commercial development,’’ Warner said.

    As for the town’s continuing problem with traffic congestion in the downtown area, Warner thinks the board may be forced to wait and see what the Department of Transportation will be able to do on its own schedule.
    “I think the end product is going to be a new traffic pattern for us,’’ Warner said.

    One area where Warner has strong feelings about the future of the town is cementing partnerships with local businesses.

    She wants to renew efforts to work with the local YMCA on projects of mutual benefit between them and the town.

    As an example of a successful partnership between the town and local businesses, Warner pointed to the successful food truck rodeos the town holds at Municipal Park.

    The town has also partnered with other organizations to secure grants for a number of new sidewalk projects that are still in the works.

    “Because of our growth and our needs, we’re going to have to start looking at the private sector to help us do some of the things we want to do,’’ Warner said.

    Pictured: Mayor Jackie Warner and husband Alex during early voting for her successful 2019 campaign as mayor of Hope Mills.
     
     
     
  • 18 town hallFrom now through Dec. 15, citizens of Hope Mills who would like to be more involved in the goings on in their town are invited to apply for membership on any of several official town committees.

    Anyone interested in applying for committee membership who has never served must fill out an application that can be picked up from the clerk’s office at Town Hall on Rockfish Road. Anyone who has applied in the last 12 months does not have to submit a new form.

    Members who are currently serving on a committee and wish to continue do need to contact the town and make it known they’d like to serve again.

    In addition to getting applications at Town Hall, they are also available on the town website, www.townofhopemills.com. Any questions should be directed to town clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113 or by email at jstarling@townofhopemills.com.

    The town reloads its committees every two years in line with the town election cycle.

    Once all the names of candidates have been received next month, a nominating committee will go over them and make assignments to the various committees. A full list of all the committees can be found at the town website as well, along with current members of the committees.

    Hope Mills mayor Jackie Warner said the committees are like advisory boards for the town.

    “When special interests or special projects are brought to the town, they go to whichever committee they would apply to,’’ she said.

    Each committee also has a member of the town’s Board of Commissioners that serves as a liaison between the committee and the board.

    “That member reports back to the board what took place in the meeting,’’ Warner said. “Sometimes they make recommendations for things they’d like to see and for concerns they’ve heard.’’

    One body that’s a little different from the others is the town’s Historical Commission.

    Town commissions can have a budget and spend money. They can also make decisions that don’t require approval of the full Board of Commissioners.

    There are also certain criteria for members of a commission that require the members have specific expertise in the field the commission works, not just a personal interest.

    If more people ask to be on a committee than spots are available, the nominating committee uses a ranking system based on which people submitted their request to be on a committee first, so it’s important to apply as soon as possible before the Dec. 15 deadline.

    Warner said there have been discussions of limiting the amount of time someone can serve on a committee or rotating people between various committees. Neither idea has been approved.

    Warner said it’s feared that any limits placed on serving could cut the number of people interested in volunteering.

    “We get what we hope is a good representation of the community, so we are getting their opinions,’’ Warner said. “It keeps us informed and gives us the opportunity to have input on the decisions we make.’’

  • 17 Putt Putt 1 With all the competition for family entertainment in greater Fayetteville, Michael Edwards said it’s good for a business like Putt-Putt Fun Center in Hope Mills to get special recognition.

    The Hope Mills business was recently recognized by the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce as its small business of the month.

    Next year, Putt-Putt will mark its 10th anniversary in Hope Mills. The business is located at 3311 Footbridge Ln., not far from the Millstone Shopping Center.

    “The competition in the area is hard,’’ Edwards, the assistant general manager at the Putt-Putt Fun Center said. “I think it’s awesome we were recognized and we were able to stand out among (our competitors).’’

    Edwards said the secret of success to the Hope Mills location is simple: offer good customer service and a clean facility and try to stay current with the best games available to the public.

    And there’s one other important element he said, affordable prices for the customers.

    While the business continues in the tradition of the Putt-Putt franchise that was created by the late Don Clayton years ago, the hallmark of the Hope Mills location is a variety of family entertainment options.

    In addition to the two 18-hole Putt-Putt courses, the Hope Mills Putt-Putt offers a go-kart track, bumper boats, bumper cars, a two-story laser tag facility and up to 30 video games in an indoor arcade.

    The bumper boats are currently closed for the season and typically won’t re-open until March.

    Hours of operation vary with the seasons of the year. For now, Putt-Putt is open Sunday through Thursday from noon until 9 p.m., Friday from noon to 11 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.

    Summer hours extend from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to midnight on the weekends.

    In the event of bad weather, including heavy rain or lightning, the outdoor attractions close, but the indoor ones remain open.

    Parties are a big part of what Putt-Putt offers, with package deals ranging from $160 to $240.

    A typical party pack covers a guest of honor and seven guests. It includes two large pizzas and two large pitchers of drinks. The special guest gets a $10 game card and the others get a $5 game card.
    The number of guests can be increased with add-ons. The larger party packs offer more attractions than the smaller ones.

    Putt-Putt also offers fundraisers. For $15 per person, a group can get two-hour unlimited use of the park for each person that buys a ticket.

    The organization doing the fundraiser is required to get everyone planning to come committed prior to the event, then they are given $5 back for every person that pays.
    Group prices are also available for groups of 15 or more.

    Pictured from L-R: Mayor Jackie Warner, Michael Knight, general manager;  Michael Edwards, assistant. gemeral manager; Tammy Thurman, member of chamber of commerce board, board of trustees of Greater Fayetteville Chamber and member military affairs council.

  • 16 01 south view 2From the 30-year stretch starting in the late 1980s and continuing until 2010, the South View High School marching band consistently ranked among Cumberland County’s biggest and best units.
    A huge part of its success rested squarely on the shoulders of former band director Jay Bolder.

    Bolder was recently recognized for his years of work at South View as he was nominated to be considered for induction into the North Carolina Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame.
    “It’s definitely an honor, without a doubt,’’ said Bolder, who is now retired and lives in Indian Trail, near Charlotte, not far from his native Monroe.

    A graduate of Wingate College, Bolder’s first teaching job offer came from Cumberland County, where he worked at Armstrong Middle School.

    From there he went to South View Middle School then moved to South View High School in 1985. After one year as codirector of the band, he assumed full leadership responsibilities in 1986.
    During his tenure, participation in the South View band swelled, peaking at some 225 members in the 1990s.

    “I guess people wanted to be part of it,’’ he said. “They pushed one another to excellence. It was exciting to play at halftime.’’

    Part of the excitement came from the tremendous success of the South View football program during the band’s peak years, including a state 4-A championship in the 1991 season.
    16 02 bolder“When they won the state championship, it was exciting football game after exciting football game,’’ Bolder said. “We supported the football team and they supported us.’’

    Bolder’s bands traveled frequently for competitions, going all over the southeast as far as South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Virginia.
    They also traveled to Philadelphia and California and even took a cruise to the Bahamas.

    During his career at South View, Bolder’s bands earned 41 superior ratings in competitions.

    He sent 40 of his former band members off to college as music majors, with some of them also becoming band directors in their own right.

    Bolder was awarded North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, and he was recognized with Jay Bolder Day in his adopted home town of Hope Mills.
    In addition to the many awards he has won, Bolder is a composer, arranger and adjudicator.

    He has held membership in a variety of organizations, including the Cumberland County Band Directors Association, the Southeastern District Band Association, South Central District Band Directors Association and he’s a member of the American School Band Directors Association.

    As a performer he’s been in musicals, community bands, symphony orchestras, top 40 groups and jazz groups. He was also involved in casting and choreography for scenes in the movie "Bolden."

    Bolder’s South View bands featured the corps style of performance, which puts emphasis on structure and musical performance, while at the same time offering the band members the chance to have some fun.
    Off the field in the classroom, Bolder was also responsible for the teaching side of the band that gave the members their fundamentals in music.

    “We had to start teaching them general music,’’ Bolder said. “They start in middle school in the sixth and seventh grade and work to the point where they get to high school and do a lot more performing.’’
    In some parts of the country, art and music education are on the wane as local and state government officials direct money to other areas of education.

    Bolder thinks it’s important to keep the role of art and music for students in perspective.

    “I would personally invite someone who felt that way to go through the program for a couple of days, follow the band leaders around for two days and have a chance to see how we do things and                                                                     what we do,’’ Bolder said.

    Whatever Bolder did during his years at South View, it was definitely successful and the results were visible to everyone.

    Picture 1: The success of the South View High School marching band can largely be credited to former band director Jay Bolder. Photo credit: South View Safari Staff

    Picture 2: Jay Bolder. Photo credit: Bobby Wiliford

  • 15 01 Dirtbag AlesThe annual Hope Mills Chili Cookoff is expanding this year to include a fall festival that will offer a variety of events for the entire family. The event is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 9, from 1-5 p.m. at Dirtbag Ales.

    For the second straight year, the chili cookoff will be held at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom at 5435 Corporation Drive just off Interstate 95.

    The chili cookoff used to be held in conjunction with Ole Mills Days. This is the second year it’s been hosted by Dirtbag Ales and the first since the relatively new Hope Mills business has completed construction at its new location.

    Kelly Spell of the Hope Mills Area Chamber of Commerce said the chamber decided to make the event more family-friendly by adding a variety of carnival-style activities to the agenda.

    There will be face paining, cornhole boards, potato sack races and music from a live band.

    Other activities include a hula hoop contest, a candy apple station and a hot chocolate bar.

    Some of the event sponsors will also offer other games.

    But the centerpiece of the activities will be the chili cookoff itself.

    15 02 ChiliSpell said entries are still being sought for the competition. The fee is $20 per entry, and each entrant needs to bring a prepared crockpot of chili containing at least five quarts.

    To enter into the competition, go to hopemillsareachamber.com and click on the menu option for Event Ticket.

    The cookoff also welcomes vendors who would like to purchase a table to promote their business for $100 per table.

    There are two categories of chili cookoff competition — mild and spicy. Three cash prizes will be awarded in each category.

    There will also be a people’s choice award presented.

    All those entered in the chili cookoff need to arrive no later than 12:30 p.m. to allow time to set up all the tables for the entries.

    Both the judges and public involved in the people’s choice award will taste-test each chili without knowing who made which batch.

    The deadline for submitting an entry in the chili cookoff is Friday, Nov. 8, to allow chamber officials time to determine how many tables will be needed for the competition.

    All contestants need to make sure to label their chili mild or spicy so it is entered in the correct competition.

    For further information, call Kelly Spell at the chamber office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The phone number is 910-423-4314. You can also email her at hmacc@hopemillschamber.org.

  • 14 veterans memorialA special appearance by the United States Army’s Golden Knights parachute team highlights this year’s observance of Heroes Homecoming in Hope Mills.

    Scheduled on Monday, Nov. 11, the Hope Mills observance will be held at and in the vicinity of the Hope Mills Town Hall complex on Rockfish Road.

    Jim Morris, secretary for the Veterans Affairs Committee of the town of Hope Mills, said the ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. at the bell tower near Town Hall.

    The end of World War I will be remembered there with a ringing of the bell.

    From there, events will move to the Veterans Memorial Park nearby, where various members of the Veterans Affairs Committee will mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion at Normandy on June 6, 1944, by reading the names of North Carolina residents who took part in the landings in France.

    Morris said committee members will take turns reading the names.

    Small American flags will be planted around the memorial park as part of the ceremony.

    Following the ceremonies at the 11 a.m. hour, there will be a break until 3 p.m. when the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10630 holds its annual Veterans Day ceremony.

    Weather permitting, the Golden Knights will jump in at the Brower Park baseball field across the street from the Town Hall Complex.

    They will bring with them a wreath that will be used during the VFW ceremony.

    Morris said the jump will recall major airborne operations of World War II, including the jumps at Normandy and later in the war in Operation Market Garden.

    Morris said that now more than ever, it is important for Americans to pause on Veterans Day and appreciate the sacrifices the military has made on behalf of the average citizen during this country’s long history.

    “We are involved in some of the longest wars America has ever been involved in,’’ he said, noting the extended conflict in Afghanistan as part of the war on global terror.

    Morris noted that since the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, there have been some tremendous sacrifices by America’s active duty military.

    “Some of these guys have done seven, eight, nine year-long rotations,’’ he said. “They are just flat worn out, their families are worn out, the caregivers that take care of them are worn out.’’

    Morris said with the rise of suicides by some in the military, the psychological effects of all those years of strain are becoming evident.

    “I believe it’s important to thank them and have a separate day of remembrance when we just look at all the blood, sweat and tears they’ve given for our country,’’ he said.

  • Since its founding in April of 1988 the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity has built more than 48 houses in Cumberland County. Habitat's mission is to eliminate poverty housing from the world. They believe that every human has a right to decent housin g and work to provide the disadvantaged with places to live.


    Currently, Habitat Village is where much of their good work is being done. Homes are being built on land deeded to Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity by the City of Fayetteville. While the organization is known on a national level, funds are raised locally and are kept in the community to help citizens in Fayetteville.On Dec. 5, Kings Grant Golf and Country Club and Methodist University are hosting a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity - the Cumberland Christmas Classic.


    "It is a new concept and the mission is to give back to the community," said Rob Pilewski, head golf pro at Kings Grant Golf and County Club. "The overall goal is to raise funds for a house for Habitat. We can say ‘Hey, this is for the good of the community - and we can see it right there. We built it.'"


    This is just the beginning of what Pilewski and other sponsors hope will become an annual event that folks all over town look forward to and participate in.

    "We felt like we wanted to benefit the community, Kings Grant is involved with Methodist University and part of those things is giving back to the community. It is in our mission statements," said Pilewski.
    "This is a perfect way to do it. If I could look into the future and could say how I see it down the road, I think it would be great if we could get enough money and if we could get everybody involved from all the community building a house. How great would that be?" he continued.
    11_25_09-10th-blktee.jpg

    It currently costs almost $45,000 to build a Habitat for Humanity home, not to mention all the volunteer hours required. That's a pretty penny no matter how worthy the cause. Pilewski is confident that it can be done, and he is willing to work toward that end, even if it takes a while.

    "Are we going to get there in one year? Maybe not," said Pilewski. "But if we keep banking our funds we will get there - and you've got to start somewhere. I feel like it doesn't matter where you start, it is where you end up. It would be a win-win for everybody. That is our goal and we are excited about it."

    The tournament format is an elimination scramble. Pilewski described it in a nutshell as a game where everybody drives, everybody putts and you eliminate a person in between. Along with the interesting format, he also mentioned that there have been several improvements to the course that should make it a great experience for the players. There will also be a silent auction with items like an autographed picture of Peyton Manning, a football from N.C. State, an item or two from the Charlotte Bobcats as well as some national-level donations from various sports teams. Christmas ornaments are a part of the effort too, and can be purchased at Kings Grant Golf & Country Club.


    Now through Dec. 5 the course is offering a special on greens fees which will return a portion of the fee to Habitat for Humanity so even if you can't make the tournament, you can still help. While the Christmas Classic officially supports Habitat for Humanity, Pilewski noted that the top three teams will have the option of donating their funds to a local charity of their choice.
    Registration is currently open, the fee per golfer is $100, and includes greens fees, cart fees, practice balls, lunch, on-course refreshments and prizes. Sponsorships are still available. The tournament has a 10 a.m. shotgun start.  For more information or to register, call Rob Pilewski at 630-1111.

  • 13 fitness roomThe fitness room at the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center is getting a complete makeover and should be ready for use again when the new year rolls around in 2020.

    Kasey Ivey, who has been with the parks and recreation department for six years, said the existing facilities date back roughly a dozen years and the time has come to upgrade them.

    Ivey said conversations about both upgrading the equipment and relocating the workout room to a different part of the parks and recreation building have been going on for about two years.

    The discussion was partly prompted by the age of some of the equipment. “Just like anything, things run their cycle, new models come out, things become more difficult to repair and replace parts,’’ Ivey said.

    There had been some minor modifications made to the room in recent years, Ivey said. The existing space was long and narrow and had no windows, so mirrors were installed to add the illusion of more space and openness.

    The available equipment in the room included two treadmills, two elliptical machines, two recumbent bicycles, four pieces of circuit equipment for weight training, a biceps and triceps machine, a leg extension machine and a lat pull down and chest press.

    Soon after the parks and recreation center reopened after repairs to damage caused by Hurricane Florence were completed, Ivey began to get estimates on what it would cost to replace equipment in the room and expand it elsewhere in the building.

    The new fitness room will move to an area formerly used as a game room where a foosball table, pool table and some other game equipment was housed.

    Most recently the new room had been used for meeting space and as a conference room.

    Starting Oct. 12, the current workout room was closed to begin work on relocating everything to the new space in the building, or in some cases permanently moving it out.

    The new equipment for the upgraded room will not arrive until sometime in December. The current fitness room will transition into a multipurpose room and meeting space.

    The upgraded fitness room will have mirrored walls along with two smart televisions.

    In addition to a new location in the building, the new room will include some new equipment.

    One of the new pieces will be a seated elliptical machine. There will also be a section for free-weight training with medicine balls, dumbbells and kettle bells. There will be no plated free weights, Ivey said, just dumbbells.
    There will also be a TRX machine that allows a variety of workouts for the user.

    Mats will also be available for people to do various types of floor and stretching exercises.

    A small bench will be provided for people to sit and do bicep curls or whatever they like. There won’t be a bench press, but there will be a circuit piece that offers a chest press.

    Ivey estimates the new fitness room will be at least twice as big as the current one. Another benefit, she said, is it’s located on a corner of the building that has windows and will allow natural light into the room.
    People will still access the fitness room via the main lobby at the parks and recreation room. It will be available during normal hours of operation, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from
    9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

    To use the equipment, people will still have to fill out the parks and recreation department’s registration form required of anyone who uses the building’s services.

    Ivey is also working on a set of fitness room guidelines.

    “A lot of it is no-brainer stuff about wearing the proper footwear, no food or drinks other than water, things you see in most workout and fitness room facilities,’’ she said.

    Ivey said the guidelines will be posted in the room once it opens and also on the town website.

    “Part of our goal and purpose is to be the hub of wellness for the community,’’ Ivey said, “not just physical fitness, but all the different things collectively that we offer.’’

    Once the room is ready for use, Ivey said plans are developing to hold an orientation to help people get acquainted with the new equipment to make sure that it’s being used safely and properly.
    If the equipment arrives early enough, Ivey said the room could be ready to use before Dec. 31. People can check on the progress of the room at the recreation department’s Facebook page or on the town’s website.

    “We want a place that gives everyone an opportunity to workout inside,’’ Ivey said.
     
  •  
    Football 01I’ve told this story before because it’s a Thanksgiving favorite of mine. Forgive me if you’ve heard it. 

    My interest in writing began to develop in high school. One of the things that fostered it was finding out you could actually win money and prizes doing it.

    When I was a junior at West Rowan, I entered a statewide essay contest sponsored by the Rural Electrification Administration. First prize was a week-long visit to Washington, D.C., with high school students from across the state to visit the sights there.

    Obviously, it included a trip to the White House with other essay winners from across the country. We were on the South Lawn listening to a short speech from Secretary of Agriculture Clifford Hardin when to our surprise President Richard Nixon appeared and spoke to us.

    As I was trying to shake his hand, a man stepped from the crowd and asked me to join him. Frightened at first that I had done something wrong, I followed.

    His name was John Nidecker, a deputy special assistant to the president. He escorted me and few other students from the group into the West Wing. We were taken on a short tour of the White House and went to the press room where we were interviewed by a reporter about our experience.

    After it was over, Nidecker told us he had intended to take us to the Oval Office and meet with Nixon himself. Unfortunately, the president had an impromptu meeting with some top aides and we had to be bumped from the schedule. 

    About a year or so later, President Nixon had the experience of pardoning the annual Thanksgiving turkey. Of course, this was the time of Watergate, and when Nixon pardoned the turkey, he was subjected to some negative press on the subject. 

    Not wishing to have it happen again, he passed on the job of turkey pardoning to his wife, Pat.

    As reported some years ago by television news commentator Keith Olbermann, Mrs. Nixon did it just once, and the job was passed on again, to none other than John Nidecker, the guy who greeted me during my White House visit.

    So as I like to tell folks, I was the first turkey Nidecker officially greeted at the White House. Happy Thanksgiving to all, and let’s hope I don’t turn into a turkey again with this week’s predictions.
     
    The record: 71-22
     
    I had a miserable effort in the second round of the state playoffs last week, going 2-2 to push the season total to 71-22, 76.3 percent.
    Things don’t get easier this week as we have only three games and tougher calls.
     
    Gray’s Creek at New Hanover - The Bears are the surprise team of this year’s North Carolina High School Athletic Association football playoffs. At a No. 14 seed, they are the lowest-seeded team left in any classification as we head to the third round and one of only four double-digit seeds in all eight brackets.

    They rallied from an early two-touchdown deficit last Friday night to take out last year’s Western 3-AA state champion Southeast Guilford on the road, coming from behind in the final two minutes.

    Now they head to Wilmington Friday night to battle New Hanover at Legion Stadium.

    There’s no magic to what the Bears are doing. Through 12 games, Jerry Garcia Jr. is Cumberland County’s No. 2 rusher with 2,001 yards and 23 rushing touchdowns.

    But the key cog to the equation for the Bears may be veteran quarterback Ben Lovette, who is finally healthy after a bout with injury mid-season. He doesn’t have record offensive statistics, but he’s running the tricky Gray’s Creek Wing-T offense smoothly enough for them to have won five straight games, two of them road playoff nail-biters against teams with much better seeds.

    It’s that Wing-T offense that is the real key for the Bears I think. I ran into another Cumberland County football coach this week and we talked about what Gray’s Creek is doing in the playoffs.

    The coach made the observation that the Wing-T is tough enough to prepare for in a one-game situation like Friday when a school doesn’t see it that often. Add to that the fact that Bear Coach David Lovette isn’t staying vanilla with it and is adding a few tweaks and twists to further confuse the situation, and you can see why that makes it even more of a headache for the opposition.

    One other thing. New Hanover only has one loss on its schedule this year, and that was to another Cumberland County team that came to Wilmington and beat them, Jack Britt. 

    Call me crazy, but I think Gray’s Creek has a chance to be the second one Friday night. 

    Gray’s Creek 28, New Hanover 27.
     
    Scotland at South View - This is one of my favorite parts of the playoffs when two marquee programs from the Cape Fear region get a chance to collide and send one of them on to a deeper run in the state football playoffs. 

    Rodney Brewington has resurrected the once struggling Tiger program, trying to bring back memories of the Bobby Poss years when he was a member of the historic 1991 South View state championship football team.

    For Scotland coach Richard Bailey, this is just more of the same. After surviving the annual meat grinder that is the Sandhills Athletic Conference, Bailey’s Scots are now lining up against schools closer to them in size and have a much better chance of showing their best.

    I think those countless years of postseason experience going back to Bailey’s days at Jack Britt will serve him and the Scots well tonight. South View’s Matthew Pemberton is a versatile talent, and the Tiger defense has been tough all year, but if anyone can figure out where to put all the chess pieces to get a postseason win tonight, it’s Bailey.

    Scotland 22, South View 21. 
     
    Terry Sanford at Southern Nash - I don’t think Terry Sanford coach Bruce McClelland has gotten enough credit for the outstanding job he’s done since taking over as head football coach at Terry Sanford. Despite a number of personnel changes, especially at the position of quarterback, McClelland has had Terry Sanford in contention for a conference title each of the last three years, consistently earning the Bulldogs either a title, a top seed in the postseason, or both. 

    After opening this year’s playoffs with two fairly comfortable home wins, the Bulldogs bite off a major challenge Friday night, hitting the road for the ride up Interstate 95 to take on unbeaten Southern Nash. 

    Defense and turnovers will be huge for Terry Sanford Friday night. 

    The Bulldogs will need one of their best defensive efforts of the year to at least slow the Southern Nash offense. Handing them turnovers that lead to any easy points will be fatal.

    I’d like to take a chance on this one, but the only time Terry Sanford has lost this year was when it wasn’t playing at its adopted home of John Daskal Stadium at Reid Ross Classical High School. I think that will be the result this week.

    Southern Nash 28, Terry Sanford 24. 
  • 11-03-10-veterans-parade.gifAccording to GlobalSecurity.org, Fort Bragg is the largest Army installation in the world by population, and is home to almost 10 percent of the Army’s active component forces. Approximately 43,000 military and 8,000 civilian personnel work at Fort Bragg.”

    That’s a lot of service, sacrifi ce and selfl essness on our behalf.

    Veterans Day is right around the corner, and with it comes the opportunity to say thanks and to show appreciation for those who offer up their lives and who fi ght to defend our freedom every day. On Nov. 6 Fayetteville will celebrate our heroes at the Veterans Day Parade. It starts 11 a.m. at the corner of Hay Street and Bragg Boulevard and will end at Robeson Street.

    Don Talbot, the event organizer and a veteran, has been organizing this event for the past 13 years. He’s excited about the size and scope of this year’s event.

    “This is a long and interesting and never boring parade of military, ex-military and loyal supporters,” said Talbot. “A typical year has anywhere from 1,000 to 1,400 people in the parade. This year because the majority of the troops are back at Fort Bragg, they are sending me an entire brigade to march in review. That’s 1,200 soldiers from the 3/73 Cavalry of the 82nd Airborne Divison. That one entry doubled the size of our parade. I would guess there are about 2,800 people in the parade this year.”

    Check out America’s future leaders as the local high school ROTC units march by the grand stand. Talbot is expecting anywhere from 80 to 250 cadets. A few of the high schools will also send their drill teams to impress the crowds with their rifl e-spinning skills.

    Restored military vehicles from by-gone eras will be rolling through the streets of downtown as well.

    “In the past we’ve had armored personnel carriers, jeeps and trucks o11-03-10-american-flag.giff various descriptions, as well as artillery pieces,” said Talbot. “We always include heritage organizations, too, such as the Arsenal Camp which is commemorating the Confederacy.

    ”What is a parade without a band? Look for the 82nd All American Band along with several of the local high school bands to entertain the spectators

    .Talbot has arranged for a C-130 fl y-over as part of the event as well.

    With the right coordination and ground control, he likes to have theplanes overhead as the Air Force is passing in review.Come and see what other groups and displays Talbot has in store.

    “The whole parade is dedicated to vets and their service, so everyone in it is somehow connected to the military,” said Talbot. “The theme this year is to honor recipients of the Purple Heart Medal for combat wounds. We are asking everyone that has a Purple Heart to wear it — even if you aren’t in the parade.”

    Take the opportunity to say thanks to the men and women who have proudly served our nation, and enjoy the sights and sounds of freedom.

  • 20 01 jaysiah leachJaysiah Leach

    Seventy-First • Football • Junior

    Leach has a grade point average of 3.6. In addition to football, he enjoys working out and spending time with his family.


     

     

    20 02 Grafton WhiteGrafton White

    Seventy-First• Soccer/wrestling• Sophomore

    White has a grade point average of 3.5. He was a defender for the Falcon soccer team and is gearing up for wrestling competition which begins for the Falcons on Dec. 4 at Overhills.

  • 11172010tagsale.gifA recent walk-through of the Fayetteville Museum of Art revealed empty walls with no exhibits on display. Instead, walls and floors were lined with stacks and stacks of items for sale. These artifacts, treasures and office supplies that were once used daily at the Fayetteville Museum of Art are grouped, priced and ready to make themselves useful at a different home — possibly yours.

    On Saturday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. the doors of the Fayetteville Museum of Art will be open once again. Only this time it’s not for a new exhibit, but for a tag sale. They are looking to sell most everything in the building. There will be art, art supplies, appliances, offIce supplies, office furniture, computers, electronics, tools, paint, kitchen supplies, books, cultural artifacts, educational toys and plenty of unique odds and ends.

    “We really have some treasures here,” said Meredith Player Stiehl, of the Fayetteville Museum of Art Board of Trustees. “Everyone from the small business owner looking for offIce equipment and supplies to homeschoolers looking for resources, to teachers, parents, art collectors — you name it, they can find something here.”

    Items are priced to sell. The museum store has Andy Warhol items that normally sell for $15 marked down to $2. Art desks that have been well used and well loved but that still have plenty of useful life left in them are going for $25. Grab a chair to go with it, they are $3 - $5. 11172010desks.gif

    Don’t come expecting to haggle over the price of office supplies, although there will be some wiggle room in price when it comes to the pieces of art that are being sold.

    “We’ll have our curator here for the tag sale,” said Stiehl. “She will be able to answer any questions that people have about the art work we are selling.”

    The offerings range in scope, size and tastes. There are a few pieces by a Disney illustrator, works by students who attended art classes at the museum and pieces that were donated over the years for safe keeping.

    Although it is difficult to watch so much of their inventory go out the door, Stiehl realizes that it is for all the right reasons. The board of directors is keeping the museum’s private collection, library materials and a few other resources and plans to use them again when the museum opens its doors at some point in the future, and hopefully that will be sooner rather than later.

    “We are currently waiting to hear back from a consultant about plans for the future of the museum,” Stiehl said. “We are going to store the few things we aren’t selling at the tag sale, and hopefully we will find a space that we can use to reestablish the museum and make these resources available to the public once again.”

    If you are coming to the tag sale at 839 Stamper Rd., to take advantage of the great bargains, bring cash, as checks and credit cards will not be accepted. Visit www. fayettevillemuseumart.org for more information.

  • 19 01 dee hardyThe basketball court at E.E. Smith High School is named in honor of the school’s veteran girls basketball coach, Dee Hardy, for a reason.

    Her Smith girls have been frequent visitors to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association state 4-A playoffs.

    Last year, led by current Wake Forest University freshman Alex Scruggs, they made one of the deepest runs in Smith history.

    With Scruggs leading the way, Smith went 30-2, falling only to North Raleigh Christian in the John Wall Invitational and Southeast Guilford in the 3-A Eastern Regional finals.
    Southeast went on to win the state 3-A championship, beating Cuthbertson 56-49 in the title game.

    The bad news for Hardy is the bulk of the talent on that team came from her seniors who are now departed. Along with Scruggs, the losses include players like Daireanna McIntyre, Danielle Tripp and Trinity Dixon.

    Scruggs departed E.E. Smith as one of the most decorated players in school history.

    She was the Sandhills Athletic Conference Player of the Year for the 2018-19 season.

    19 02 Kendall MacauleyShe led Cumberland County Schools in scoring with 26.2 points per game. She was also its top rebounder at 12.8 rebounds per contest.

    While three-point shooting wasn’t her specialty, she still finished fourth in the county in that category with 45 made shots for the season.

    She also contributed 3.2 assists per contest.

    McIntyre was the team’s No. 2 rebounder behind Scruggs with 6.1 per contest.

    But the cupboard won’t be completely bare for Smith. First-team All-Patriot Athletic Conference guard Kendall Macauley is back for Smith, along with honorable mention all-conference swing player Keonna Bryant.

    Macauley is the leading returning scoring for the Smith girls, averaging 9.3 points per game last season. Bryant is the No. 2 scorer back from last year’s team with an average of 7.8 points per contest.

    “We are looking for big things from them as far as leadership and direction on the court,’’ Hardy said.

    Macauley feels she let the seniors down last year, falling just short of making the state title game.

    She doesn’t think this year’s team is feeling pressure to duplicate the record of a year ago.

    “If we do what we’re supposed to do in practice and execute in games, we’ll be fine,’’ Macauley said.
    Macauley said her focus will be to bring energy to the team and play a mentoring role to the younger players.
    “I want to make sure I put them in the right direction,’’ Macauley said.

    Filling the huge void left by Scruggs will be a challenge, Hardy said. Scruggs, the conference player of the year, led all Cumberland County Schools scorers with 26.2 points per game and a county-best 12.8 points per game.

    The job of replacing those points and rebounds will have to be done by a process Hardy describes as by committee.

    “We won’t depend on one person to pick up the load,’’ Hardy said. “It’s going to have to be done as a team. We have some young players coming in who have a lot on their shoulders.’’
    Hardy said they won’t have the luxury of veterans playing in front of them to allow them time to take advantage of a learning experience.

    “They are going to get it right in the face while they are on the court,’’ Hardy said. “That pressure will be on them.’’

    One returning player Hardy is counting on is 6-foot junior center Jordan Everett. Everett is rehabbing from a knee injury suffered last year and hopes to return sometime close to the December holiday break.

    Smith could use her sooner rather than later because Smith will already be playing conference basketball games Friday, Nov. 22 when it faces old rival Terry Sanford.
    “We’re not going to have a lot of time once the season cranks up,’’ she said. “We’ll get hit with everything and put them out there and see what happens.’’

    Hardy isn’t sure what to expect from the rest of the Patriot Athletic Conference this season.

    She knows Pine Forest lost star Kendal Moore, now a freshman at North Carolina State.

    Hardy said she’s always wary of South View and its veteran coach, Brent Barker. “I know everybody has been working hard and it’s going to be a coin toss to see what happens,’’ she said.

    She feels Smith has the potential to be in the championship mix but knows that means nothing if the potential isn’t developed.

    “Because we’re so young, it’s just talk,’’ she said. “Our key is going to be our chemistry. Of course with every team, defense is an emphasis.’’

    Lacking height, Hardy said this Smith team will have to defend, box out and rebound to compete. “We need to get to know each other and trust each other so we’re able to play,’’ Hardy said.

    Macauley said the Smith team has much to learn, but Hardy will be a great teacher. “As long as we have her staying on top of us we’ll be fine for the rest of the season,’’ she said.

    Picture 1: The basketball court at E.E. Smith is named after Dee Hardy, pictured above.

    Picture 2: Kendall Macauley

  • footballpsdFive Cumberland County schools survived last week’s first round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association football playoffs. 

    The pairing of Jack Britt at South View this week assures us at least one team will make the third round next week, which means somebody gets to celebrate the traditional marker of a good season, still practicing on Thanksgiving Day.

    The big question this week is will it be more than one team from the county that gets to enjoy that experience, or will the postseason ride end for the rest of the crowd.

    Let’s hope the majority of our teams will have to be adjusting schedules next Thursday to get in practice time before that big meal with the family. 
     
     
    The record: 69-20
     
    I had a good showing in the first round last week, going 6-1. The season total is 69-20, 77.5 percent, heading into this week’s second round.
     
    Seventy-First at New Bern - I’ve made a few trips to New Bern over the years for state playoff games. Most of the time the ride back wasn’t too pleasant because it was on a dark road late at night and the Fayetteville team I was covering lost.

    I think Seventy-First has regrouped from a rough stretch during the regular season, and I think the tough conference schedule the Falcons had to deal with is going to be a big help to them at New Bern Friday night.
    Seventy-First 20, New Bern 18.
     
    Jack Britt at South View - These two began the year facing each other at South View, with Britt winning what was then considered an upset in overtime.
    Now they meet again, and the season will end for one of them.

    Britt has only one win in its last three games, a 21-20 victory against Knightdale in the first round of the state playoffs last week.

    South View had a bye last week and has had time to let some wounds heal and put in extra preparation for the Buccaneers.
    I don’t think Britt will be as fortunate this trip to South View as it was the first time.
    South View 22, Jack Britt 20.
     
    Rocky Mount at Terry Sanford - These two have faced each other so much in the playoffs over the years it almost seems like it’s a scheduled game.
    Just last year Terry Sanford rolled to a 30-0 win.

    Revenge will be a powerful motive for Rocky Mount, but the Bulldogs have won six of seven coming into Friday night. Terry Sanford has yet to lose a game at their adopted home field, Reid Ross Classical High School’s John Daskal Stadium, this season.

    I think that streak will continue.
    Terry Sanford 24, Rocky Mount 21. 
     
    Gray’s Creek at Southeast Guilford - The Bears got a huge road win in the opening round of the state playoffs and go for their second Friday at Southeast Guilford.

    Jerry Garcia Jr. has had a tremendous year running the football for Gray’s Creek and will need to be at the top of his game again for the Bears to have a shot in this one.

    I think the score will be close, but I’m going to go with the home team. 
    Southeast Guilford 28, Gray’s Creek 22.
  • 19 01 paige cameronPaige Cameron

    Cape Fear • Tennis• Senior

    Cameron has a grade point average of 4.63. She is active in the Harvard Model Congress, Health Occupations Students of America, the Science Olympiad and the Environmental Club. She is a volunteer at the hospital, pet daycare, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden and at the Cape Fear tennis camp.

     

    Toni Blackwell

    Cape Fear• Golf/softball• Senior

    19 02 Toni BlackwellBlackwell has a 4.57 grade point average. She finished third in this year’s North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3-A golf tournament. She’s active in the Student Government Association, Fayetteville Technical Community College High School Connections and the school mentor program. She’s a member of the National Honor Society and a graduation marshal. She’s also active in her church.

  • 18 01 carlos villarealHere is the Patriot Athletic All-Conference team as chosen by the league’s head coaches:

    Coach of the year
    Bryan Pagan, Gray’s Creek

    Offensive player of the year
    Carlos Villarreal, Pine Forest

    Goalkeeper of the year
    Davin Schmidt, South View

    Defender of the year
    Davis Molnar, Terry Sanford

    First team
    18 02 davin SchmidtGray’s Creek - Eric Chavez, Vancy Ruiz
    Cape Fear - Nick Aime, Ian Wenger, Tyler Britt
    Overhills - Noah Maynor
    Pine Forest - Alex Hinton, Christian Qually
    Terry Sanford - Ever Aguero
    South View - Ryan Delaney
    Douglas Byrd - Gabriel Graces

    Second team
    Terry Sanford - Bailey Morrison, Graham MacLeod, Arjuna Gephart
    Gray’s Creek - James Faatz, Connor Boyle, Yancii Johnson, Ryan Dukes
    Overhills - Marvin Vilacrese
    South View - Zack Jones
    Pine Forest - Jarod Collier
    Cape Fear - Walker Brittain
    18 03 davis molnarHonorable mention
    Overhills - Bryson Robinson
    Terry Sanford - Pierre Young, Alex Foxx
    Pine Forest - Christian Ferlage, Eric Benitez
    Cape Fear - Hayden Willaford, Mason Smith
    Gray’s Creek - Hunter Smith, Seth Wallace
    South View - Ricardo Demister
     
    Pictured from top to bottom: Carlos Villarreal, Davin Schmidt, Davis Molnar
  • 11-05-14-mamma-mia.gifThis November the Givens Performing Arts Center brings the ninth longest running show in Broadway history to the community. It was also the most successful movie musical of all time and the international tour has visited more than 35 countries. For one night only, Mamma Mia!, the musical phenomenon that has been sweeping the world, is on stage.

    The music for this performance features the songs of ABBA. The infectious and lively nature of the songs are clearly reflected by the exciting musical performance. It is impossible to sit in the audience and not sing along.

    “The music is what captivates audiences along with the story,” said Chad Locklear, GPAC’s director of marketing. “Fans of ABBA are going to enjoy it for sure because it features all of their greatest hits. Even those who aren’t ABBA fans will still recognize some of the songs.”

    Inspired by the ABBA songs, the story of Mamma Mia!is that of a single day of chaos, love and hope on a lovely Greek island. Sophia, raised by her single and independent mother, is about to get married and all she wants is for her absent father to walk her down the aisle. She invites three men from her mother’s past in an effort to discover the truth about her father and in the process discovers much about love and herself. Sophia’s mother, surprised by the arrival of these men, struggles with understanding but also finds new love. Though Sophia and her mother face some large challenges in their adventure, the overall tone is cheery and energetic making for a consistently high-energy performance.

    “It makes for a really fun and entertaining evening at the theatre. Lots of singing, dancing and a fun story. There’s a reason why it’s been on Broadway now for more than 10 years. It’s a great show that people love. It’s a feel good musical, “ said Locklear.

    Though Mamma Mia! is only showing for one night, the GPAC season is full of many different incredible shows. There is a show for everyone in this star-studded and varied season. GPAC is where the community can come to enjoy Broadway-quality shows without the price tag that typically accompanies them.

    “GPAC brings a variety of quality cultural arts events to the community at a very affordable price. The center recently received national attention as one of the 25 best university performing arts centers in the country,” Locklear said.

    Another great addition to GPAC is its Act 1 Diner Club. Prior to every performance, the club is open for dinner in the Chancellor’s Dining Room. Dinner includes a wine and cheese reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person and reservations are required. For Mamma Mia! the menu includes a chopped fall vegetable salad, beef tenderloin Bolognese, wild rice, fresh cut green beans and tiramisu.

    Tickets range from $21 to $46 and are available online at www.uncp.edu/gpactickets or by calling 910-521-6361. Act 1 Diner tickets can also be purchased online. Mamma Mia! is on stage Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. GPAC is located at 1 University Dr. in Pembroke. For more information visit www.uncp.edu/student-life/involvement-opportunities/givens-performing-arts-center.

    Photo: Mamma Mia! is on stage at the GPAC for one night only, Nov. 13.

  • 17 01 alvin freemanComing off a 26-4 season that included a deep run in the state 4-A basketball tournament, Seventy-First boys coach David Simmons knows he’s got a tough act to follow as the 2019-20 season begins this week.

    “It was a bittersweet end in Raleigh last year,’’ he said, referring to Seventy-First’s advance to the fourth round of the state playoffs with an 80-71 loss to top East seed and perennial power Raleigh Millbrook.

    Two of the top players from last year’s squad graduated, Brion McLaurin and Xzavier Howard.

    McLaurin was a two-year starter who led the team in both scoring and rebounding both years.

    Howard came on strong at the end of the season.

    But Simmons is optimistic about a crop of young frontcourt players arriving who he hopes will quickly mesh with some experienced backcourt players returning.

    The key cog in the Falcon program this year appears to be 6-foot senior swingman Alvin Freeman, along with point guard Quiones Clayton. “Alvin is going to be a senior leader along with Quiones,’’ Simmons said. Clayton is the leading returner in assists with 2.0 per game.

    17 02 david simmons“Both those guys are going to help get our young frontcourt up to date,’’ Simmons said.

    Two freshmen and a sophomore give the Falcons solid height in the low post.

    Freshman Derrick Green, who stands 6-feet-7 and weights 275 pounds, is slated to occupy the post position.

    He’ll be joined down low by 6-foot-7, 290-pound sophomore Kaleb Siler and 6-foot-5, 190-pound freshman Cameron Shelton.

    Green is the most promising of the trio and has already gotten some college interest Simmons said.

    Another promising player in the backcourt who is returning to the Falcon roster following a knee injury two years ago is 5-foot-11, 170 pound senior Isaiah Oratokhai.

    “He played as a ninth grader,’’ Simmons said.

    Looking at the whole county, Simmons thinks Seventy-First will be like many other teams this season as local basketball has hit a cycle where a new crop of players is arriving at multiple schools.

    “You want to have some veterans,’’ Simmons said. “I’m hoping and praying our backcourt and their leadership will help our young guys. If the young guys follow the leadership of Alvin and the rest of the seniors we should be okay.’’
    Freeman said he and fellow senior Clayton both enter the season hungry after failing to reach the state 4-A championship game last season.

    He agrees with Simmons that rapid development of the big but young frontcourt will be key for the Falcons.

    “I want to be a vocal leader on and off the court,’’ he said, “make some shots and get my team more involved.’’

    With all that size down low, Freeman thinks the Falcons will take a different approach on offense this season.

    “Last year we were fast-paced,’’ Freeman said. “This year we’ll grind it out on defense, grind it out on rebounds and pound it inside.’’

    Freeman expects the Falcons will find some challenges again within the Sandhills Athletic Conference.

    “Richmond Senior has a couple of good players they’re waiting on to come out from football,’’ he said. “Jack Britt has a good team and Pinecrest has the same guards.
    “It will probably be the same kind of conference. I think we just need to try to feed the paint and make some more shots.’’

    Pictured from top to bottom: Alvin Freeman, David Simmons

  • uac111914001.gif The holiday season is a truly special time of year — even more so in the greater Fayetteville area because there are so many wonderful events and traditions to celebrate the season. This year marks the 15th anniversary of one of the most well-loved and well-known local traditions: the Dickens Holiday.

    Every year, on the day after Thanksgiving, the streets of downtown Fayetteville are transformed into a bustling Victorian village complete with wandering carolers, horse-drawn carriages, Father Christmas, gingerbread, spiced cider, vendors and characters straight out of the Dickens masterpiece A Christmas Carol. The event runs from 1-9 p.m. and is packed with interesting characters, activities and locations. One of the highlights of the day is the candlelight procession from the Arts Council to the Market House. This year the event has a few additional treats to enjoy.

    In addition to Scrooge, Marley and the other characters from A Christmas Carol, actors portraying people who actually knew Queen Victoria will join the festivities. The queen has been quite popular at the event in past years and this will let the crowd peek into her world.

    “Our favorite characters like Scrooge will still be there but we are adding a whole new layer of characters to enrich this experience — all of whom have a connection to Queen Victoria and her court.” said Mary Kinney, marketing director for the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County. “We are looking to add some depth to the Dickens experience and to be more diverse and educational. We really want to offer a deeper educational experience. Everything we do is an opportunity for lifelong learning. It isn’t about the performance. It is about what you learn from it. I hope people take something beyond the performance and it is perfect timing — our 15th year. What better year to celebrate than by adding the next layer to programming?”

    Meet Sara Forbes Bonetta. Played by local actress Kaity Parson, Bonetta is known as Queen Victoria’s goddaughter. Bonetta was originally from what is now west Nigeria and was brought to England as a child.

    “Kaity is doing a lot of research into Sara’s life and will give a monologue at the Dickens Hol11-19-14-dickens-holiday.gifiday,” said Kinney. “If you are not familiar with Sara Forbes Bonetta’s story, it is worth researching.”

    Local actor Sonny Kelly portrays Ira Aldridge, an African-American Shakespearean actor from New York City who made his way to London. He performed not just for Queen Victoria but all over Europe, including Russia and Austria. He was known by many as “African Roscius.” Don’t miss Kelly’s monologue where he will share some of Aldridge’s adventures.

    Visit Annie’s Ale House, another new addition to the popular event.

    “Annie’s Ale House is a food court and performance area behind the Arts Council,” said Kinney. “We’ll have beer and wine. Annie’s Ale House is open from 1-9 p.m., but programming in that area really picks up after the fireworks during Dickens After Dark. In Annie’s Ale House we will have the Belfast Boys. It is rich music that is very upbeat. It includes instruments like mandolins and has a very toe-tapping kind of beat. That will be an exciting spot to be after the fireworks.” 

    This year Habitat for Humanity and H&H Homes join the festivities as sponsors of the gingerbread village.

    “People from our own community will create buildings that make the village. It can be police stations, hospitals, houses — pretty much anything that you would find in a community. People are signing up now to participate. There are forms at the Habitat for Humanity Restore. The opportunity during Dickens is to come and see the finished community of hope. There is no charge to enter,” explained Kinney.

    Most events run continuously throughout the day, and there is much to experience. Ride through the streets of downtown in a horse-drawn carriage. Have a photo taken with Father Christmas. Sample hot cider, gingerbread and more. Shop the many vendors and businesses. Visit Annie’s Ale House for a bite to eat. Chat with historical figures and literary characters. Don’t miss one of the highlights of the day, Fayetteville’s biggest candlelight procession from the Arts Council to11-19-14-dickens-holiday-2.gif the Market House.

    “While most things happen throughout the day, enjoy the one thing that happens at a certain time — the procession,” said Kinney. “Everyone gathers in front of the Arts Council at 5:30 p.m., where you can get a free candle — while supplies last. Then we all proceed to the Market House together. It is the city’s largest procession and the fireworks are beautiful.”

    The event doesn’t end once the fireworks are over. “There is so much going on that people will want to stay,” said Kinney.

    A Dickens Holiday is a collaborative effort between the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the Downtown Alliance. It runs from 1-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28 and encompasses the heart of downtown. Find out more at www.theartscouncil.com or by calling 323-1776.

    Photo:  Join the festivities as downtown turns Victorian at A Dickens Holiday on Friday, Nov. 28.

  • 16 DeaverFormer South View High School defensive coordinator Melvin Braswell used to say the best measure of the value of a defensive player to his team was how far he was from the player with the ball at the end of a play.
    Bruce McClelland, head coach at Terry Sanford, hasn’t handed out those kind of grades for his defense, but if he did, the marks for middle linebacker Jackson Deaver would be high.

    “He’s one of the guys in the biggest games who always makes plays,’’ McClelland said of Deaver.

    Deaver recently earned a name for himself in the school’s record book by breaking the career record for tackles held by his former teammate, Dante Bowlding.

    Through the final regular season game with Pine Forest, Deaver’s career total is 439 tackles.

    He has 125 tackles for his senior campaign. That includes 12 tackles for loss and two sacks.

    He’s also had a pair of interceptions, caused four fumbles and recovered two.

    Deaver’s performance hasn’t gone unnoticed by others. He’s a team captain for the second year in a row and has twice been named to the Patriot Athletic All-Conference football team.

    This is Deaver’s fourth year in the Bulldog football program. Early in his career, when Terry Sanford was awash with good linebackers, he was briefly moved to defensive line, but he’s spent the last three seasons anchoring the defense from the middle linebacker spot.

    “He’s obviously a great athlete and great player,’’ McClelland said. But that’s not the only reason Deaver has been so successful on the football field.

    “The biggest thing is preparation,’’ McClelland said. “He’s second to none with any player I’ve ever coached on the defensive side.’’ McClelland puts Deaver in the same company with former Bulldog greats Mark Gilbert and Isaiah Stallings.

    “This guy does a ton of film prep,’’ McClelland said. “He can tell you every position we are lining up in, what our defense is before our coaching staff does. His ability to get everybody else on defense on the same page is remarkable.’’
    Playing defense is a challenge for a lot of players today because of the growing concerns about keeping head contact out of the game. There was a time in football years ago when defenders would use their helmet as a weapon and try to make contact with it when tackling opponents. The concerns that that contact leads to concussions, which some studies show is linked to the possible of permanent brain injury or disease, has caused football coaches to change the way they teach tackling to their players.

    McClelland thinks it’s been a change for the good, seeing new tackling techniques focusing not just on taking the head out of the game, but on getting players to wrap an opponent up and make a more sure tackle. “The biggest thing I see is an improvement in the tackling of defenses week to week,’’ McClelland said.

    Deaver, who began playing youth football at the age of eight, said all the instruction he’s received since being in high school has focused on eliminating head tackling. “Even though there have been a lot of changes to tackling, the grand scheme of things is to get the guy down on the ground,’’ Deaver said.

    Deaver feels he and the rest of the Bulldog defenders have done a good job of that this year.

    As this story is being written, Deaver and Terry Sanford were preparing for their state 3-A playoff opener against Wilson Fike on Thursday, Nov. 14, at John Daskal Stadium at Reid Ross Classical School. “Defensively I could not be happier with our guys,’’ Deaver said. “Our run defense is phenomenal. I think if we keep doing what we’re doing and stay focused, we should make a good run.’’

    Deaver is hopeful that when his Terry Sanford career ends, he’ll be playing at the college level, but he’s not sure if it will be football or baseball.

    He’s talented in both, and he’s already courting football interest from UNC-Pembroke, Wofford and Limestone. “They may put a little more weight on him and put him at middle linebacker,’’ McClelland said of Deaver’s college future.
    Currently Deaver said he’s about 6-feet tall and weighs 225. “I’m not leaning toward anyone,’’ Deaver said. “I’m looking for somewhere I can call home for the next four years, somewhere I’ll feel happy and like I’m part of a family.’’

    Pictured: Jackson Deaver

  • FootballIt didn’t take long for what was already a rugged work week to become next to impossible.

    Things started tough on Tuesday when I spent nearly two hours in a dental chair with a patient hygienist who tackled my messy molars.
     
    To make matters worse, I was facing a stack of early deadlines for Up & Coming Weekly caused by the rapidly-approaching Thanksgiving holiday.

    Then Mother Nature threw us all a curve with a nasty weather forecast for the first Friday of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s football playoffs. 

    As of this writing on Wednesday afternoon, three local schools have switched nights. E.E. Smith at Southern Nash, Wilson Fike at Terry Sanford and Durham Riverside at Seventy-First will play tonight, Thursday, at 7:30 p.m.

    Of the remaining games, only the Knightdale at Jack Britt game is unlikely to move from Friday according to a statement from athletic director Michael Lindsay.

    As for the rest, as of this writing, they are still scheduled Friday at 7:30 p.m. Follow me on Twitter @EarlVaughanJr for the latest updates on the status of all of this week’s county playoff contests.
     
     
    The record: 63-19
     
    The last week of the regular season was a cold cup of water in the face. I struggled to barely break .500, going 4-3. The good news was I got to 60 wins before I got to 20 losses for the year, putting my season count at 63-19, 76.83 percent. Here’s to a much better effort in the playoff openers this week.
     
    • E.E. Smith at Southern Nash - They’re still glowing at E.E. Smith after that shocking 43-0 rout of Cape Fear that likely gave Smith the final push needed to make the state playoffs.
    But I think the glow will be short-lived when the Golden Bulls arrive in Bailey for their game with the Firebirds.
    To say Southern Nash is loaded is an understatement. The Firebirds are 11-0 and ranked No. 6 in the MaxPreps 3-A state rankings.
    I hope the magic continues for Smith, but don’t count on it. 
    Southern Nash 31, E.E. Smith 7.
     
    • Wilson Fike at Terry Sanford - Terry Sanford did a quick rebound from its loss to South View, topping Pine Forest.

    Wilson Fike, a team with a rich if not recent tradition in North Carolina high school football, makes the trip down I-95 to visit the Bulldogs in their temporary home at John Daskal Stadium at Reid Ross Classical High School on Ramsey Street.

    You’re not supposed to compare scores of common opponents but who can keep from doing it, especially at this time of year? 

    Terry Sanford and Fike both played Rolesville and both lost. But the Bulldogs were on the short end of a 34-28 score that went down to the last minute. Fike dropped a 34-13 decision in late August.
    I think the Bulldogs are a safe pick this week.
    Terry Sanford 32, Wilson Fike 8.
     
    • Cape Fear at Cleveland - Cape Fear appeared to be peaking for a good run in this year’s state playoffs until last week’s debacle against E.E. Smith. I don’t recall getting so many calls after a game from people who wanted to know what in the world happened to the Colts.

    From all that I heard, it was a perfect storm of Smith playing at the top of its game and everything falling apart for Cape Fear.

    If that happens again this week it could be more of the same for Cape Fear. Cleveland is a solid team with only a loss to always tough Cardinal Gibbons.
    Cape Fear will have its hands full traveling there.
    Cleveland 29, Cape Fear 12.
     
    • Gray’s Creek at Southern Durham - Southern Durham hasn’t lost since a season-opening 26-13 defeat to once-beaten Cleveland. Southern also got a 21-18 win at Seventy-First.
    I don’t think the Bears are going to have an enjoyable visit.
    Southern Durham 27, Gray’s Creek 12.
     
    • Pine Forest at Heritage - Heritage was riding a five-game winning streak until it ran into powerful Wake Forest and fell 52-26 on the road last week.
    I think they’ll bounce back this week against a Pine Forest team that hasn’t been able to sort out its defensive problems all season.
    Heritage 34, Pine Forest 8.
     
    • Durham Riverside at Seventy-First - Seventy-First came back from an inconsistent stretch much of the season to get a big conference win over Jack Britt.
    If the Falcons can continue that momentum tonight, the home field edge should give them a boost against visiting Riverside.
    Seventy-First 21, Durham Riverside 14.
     
     
     
    • Knightdale at Jack Britt - This could be the closest matchup of the night on paper as both teams bring a lot of similar numbers into the game.

    My biggest worry for Britt is if they can shake off whatever was bugging them last week against Seventy-First that resulted in a season-ending defeat.
    Home field counts for a lot at playoff time, especially on a night when bad weather may come into play.

    Here’s hoping all of that works in Britt’s favor.
    Jack Britt 28, Knightdale 21.
     
    • Bye - South View. The Tigers, the No. 2 seed in the 4-A East, will host the Knightdale-Jack Britt winner on Friday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m.
     
  • 23 01 Shawn HealeyShawn Healey
    Jack Britt • Football/wrestling/lacrosse • Senior
    Healey has a weighted grade point average of 4.22. He is the starting center for the football team. He is active in the Information Systems Technology Academy and enjoys doing volunteer work in the community.

     

     

     

     

     

    23 02 Alyssa Norton Alyssa Norton
    Jack Britt • Volleyball/softball• Junior
    Norton has a 3.8 grade point average. As a freshman she was a starter in the outfield for Jack Britt’s state 4-A champion fastpitch softball team. She’s a member of the Key Club and the honor guard. When not involved in sports she enjoys spending time with her family. She plans to enter college and then pursue a career in the military.

  • 22 01 Ashton fieldsHere is the Sandhills Athletic All-Conference volleyball team as chosen by the league’s head coaches:

    Player of the year

    Lauren Shephard, Pinecrest

    Coach of the year

    Mallory Wheeler, Scotland


    22 02 Sydney ConklinPinecrest - Sophi Gaiford, Vivian Champlain, Madi Ringley, Chloe Modlin, Lexi Allen, Sydney Karjala
    Scotland - Carleigh Carter, Kamdyn Morgan, Abigail Quick
    Richmond Senior - Jadyn Johnson, Jakarta Covington, Layne Maultsby, Carley Lambeth, Georgia Grace Anderson
    Jack Britt - Sydney Conklin, Kaiah Parker, Ashton Fields
    Lumberton - Teyha Bullard, Katelyn Culbreth, Hailey Werrell
    Purnell Swett - Kaitlyn Locklear
    Seventy-First - Jewel Pitt
    Hoke County - Tyshawna Willis-McPhatter
     
     
     
     
    22 03 Kaiah Parker
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    22 04 Jewel Pitt
     
     
     
    Pictured from top to bottom: Ashton Fields, Sydney Conklin, Kaiah Parker, Jewel Pitt
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  • 21 rexperryIf there was such a thing as a hall of fame for being a caring person who reached out to all fellow human beings, Rex Perry would be a unanimous choice for induction.

    Perry, 58, a friend to many and a familiar figure in Fayetteville and Cumberland County athletic circles, died on Oct. 25 at the Hock Family Pavilion in Durham after a lengthy illness.

    An athlete at Pine Forest High School, he played on the highly successful football teams of the late Trojan head coach Gary Whitman.

    Since 2006, he was employed at Fayetteville Technical Community College as the coordinator in the student activities office. In 2017, he added the role of Student Activities Technician.

    One of his coworkers at FTCC is Billy Gaskins, the school’s head baseball coach for the past two seasons.

    Gaskins had known Perry on and off since 2006 when he got involved in coaching high school baseball locally.

    “He was one of the nicest guys I ever met,’’ Gaskins said. “He was always willing to help, even during his struggle the last couple of years. He was the type of person who led by example.’’

    Gaskins said even at the height of his poor health, Perry would continue to try and show up for work as often as possible. He was always enthusiastic and helpful, regardless of how he felt, Gaskins said.
    Whenever Gaskins brought baseball recruits to the FTCC campus, he’d always stop by Perry’s office in the Tony Rand Center and introduce them to Perry.

    “He stood up, shook their hand and had a conversation with them,’’ Gaskins said. “He had a little pep in his step when I walked in with a recruit.’’
    In addition to his work at FTCC, Perry was also an athletic official, working for the Southeastern Athletic Officials Association in sports like football and softball.

    “Rex was just a likable guy,’’ said Neil Buie, regional supervisor of football and baseball officials for the SAOA. “There was never a nicer person, a guy that was easier to get along with. Truly a good human being.’’
    Ronnie Luck was one of Perry’s first coaches, instructing him in football when the two were together at Spring Lake Junior High in the mid-1970s. “He was a good kid,’’ Luck said. “Never caused any trouble. Easy-going, soft-spoken. He always gave you the best he had.’’

    Luck said Perry had an incredible memory for people, places and things and could recount detailed stories about things that happened years ago.

    Shortly before Perry passed away, he and Luck spoke briefly and Perry told Luck he was okay. “He touched my life,’’ Luck said. “I hope I did some positive for him in his younger years. But as a man, he certainly touched mine.’’
    Luck said Perry was respected by his peers, both in the athletic and professional arenas. “He was very selective in what he said and when he said it,’’ Luck said. “He was one of the good guys.’’

    Pictured: Rex Perry

  • 11-23-11-better-health.jpgThe American Diabetes Association tells us that there are nearly 26 million Americans living with diabetes and there are another 79 million at risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes.

    Every 17 seconds, someone is diagnosed with diabetes. This disease kills more people each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. Recent estimates project that as many as 1 in 3 American adults will have diabetes in 2050 unless steps are taken to stop diabetes.

    Melissa Brady, health education coordinator for Better Health of Cumberland County, is familiar with these numbers. She works every day to help educate the public about diabetes and to teach people with diabetes how to live with and manage it.

    Better Health offers classes and events year round, but because November is American Diabetes Month, there is a lot more going on in the way of education and activities to raise awareness

    .“Let’s face it, we know how to eat right, we just choose not to,” said Brady.

    And those small choices made each day over time can lead to serious complications.

    She adds. “There are many, many people in Cumberland County who have diabetes and even more with prediabetes. We are here to educate them and give them tools and resources to better manage their health.”

    There are still a couple weeks left in November and Better Health, sponsored by United Way, is using them to the fullest to promote, well, better health. There is an Oral Health and Diabetes clinic scheduled from 8 a.m.to 12 p.m. on Nov. 22 and a cooking class on Nov. 28 at 8:30 a.m. These clinics are all in addition to the regularly scheduled diabetes-related events that are ongoing throughout the year.

    Brady also noted that this is the perfect time to register for the next “Take Charge of Diabetes” class, which will be held in January. This is a seven-week comprehensive diabetes management course. While the class is free, students who are able are asked to contribute a donation to “pay it forward” for the next class. Preregistration is required.

    In addition to the events above, Better Health sponsors ongoing and continuous classes and clinics related to diabetes management:

    • Diabetes clinics are held on Tuesdays from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at the Better Health Office. Individual glucometer instruction is available.

    • Diabetes clinics are held on Thursdays 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Better Health Offi ce• Exercise classes for people with diabetes are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for experienced students; 11 a.m. for beginners. All classes are offered at the Better Health Offi ce. Exercise regimens include yoga, aerobics, chair-yoga and chair-aerobics. Blood glucose testing is required pre and post class. Supplies are provided.

    • Diabetes Clinic is on a walk-in basis at Gray’s Creek Recreation Center on Wednesday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Individual education is available at the clinic.

    • Eat Smart, Move More Healthy Lifestyle Series can be scheduled at your church or civic group at your request. Call 483-7534 to plan an event.

    For more information, visit the Better Health website at www.betterhealthcc.org or give them a call at 483-7534.

  • MessiahThe Cumberland Choral Arts began in 1991 and are now celebrating their 30th anniversary. Sandy Cage, the President of the Board of Directors for the CCA, says they are still the best-kept secret in Fayetteville.

    They are a community group that welcomes anyone to join. They don’t do formal auditions, rather they do voice placements. They hold several performances in a non-COVID year.

    One of their annual traditions is to perform the Messiah, a classical work by George Frideric Handel that is best known for its “Hallelujah” chorus. The CCA will be partnering up with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra for the second performance in a row to present the piece to the community, just in time for Christmas.

    “I think there are people in the community who look forward to this every year,” Cage said. “There are some who say that it's not Christmas yet until they come and hear the Messiah.”

    The annual tradition started at Fort Bragg but grew and is now performed for the majority of the Fayetteville community.

    While COVID-19 did shut down CCA performances for close to two years, some positives did come out of it.

    The CCA continued to post virtual performances on their social media pages and one of their videos went viral.

    “We are extremely excited because last year when we couldn't do our normal concerts, we ended up doing virtual pieces, and our artistic director, Michael Martin, worked to put those together and one of them was noticed online and we received an invitation to sing at Carnegie Hall in May,” Cage told Up & Coming Weekly.

    Cage explained that the composer of the piece is having a musical festival at Carnegie Hall, and because the composer noticed their cover of the piece online, the CCA has been invited to participate. There will be 32 performers going to New York to participate in May.

    "We never dreamed anything like that could ever happen, so that invitation was quite a shock but a wonderful one. We are really looking forward to it,” Cage said.

    The future of the CCA is looking bright as more people attend and join the choral group.

    “We are looking forward to growth in our group, more people singing, more people attending our concerts and possibly sponsoring our own music festival,” Cage said.

    She also tells Up & Coming Weekly that there are plans to possibly hold a European tour in the next couple of years.

    The upcoming concert, Messiah, is free to attend and no reservations are required. However, they are asking audience members to wear masks during the event.

    The concert will feature four soloists, one being a local school teacher - Leigh Montague.

    Montague is a Fayetteville native and attended Pine Forest High School. She graduated in 2008 and attended UNC Pembroke. She currently teaches at Cumberland County Schools and has done so for the past nine years.

    The community concert will take place at Cedar Falls Baptist Church. Doors will open at 2 p.m. and the concert will start at 3 p.m. on Dec. 5.

  • 20 kylie aldridgeHere is the Patriot Athletic All-Conference volleyball team as chosen by the league’s head coaches:

    Player of the year
    Kylie Aldridge, Gray’s Creek
    Coach of the year
        Gray's Creek - Jalesty Washington
    First Team
        Terry Sanford - Kara Walker, Natalie Jernigan
    South View - Sierra Gosselin, Katelynn Swain
    Pine Forest - Chayse Daniels
    Gray’s Creek - Kelsie Rouse, Hailey Pait
    Cape Fear - Taylor Melvin, Marlie Horne
    20 2 Jalesty WashingtonSecond Team
    Gray’s Creek - Morgan Brady, Cassie Jacops, Hannah Sterling, Aliyah Brown
    E.E. Smith - Jada Priebe, Serenity Lunnermon, Ja’Nya Lunnermon
    Terry Sanford - Ally Danaher
    Honorable Mention
    Douglas Byrd - Ashanti Smith
    E.E. Smith - Ke’onna Bryant
    Gray’s Creek - Summer Powell
    Overhills - Jade Butcher
    Cape Fear - Megan Eaker
    Pine Forest - Alicia Hairston
    Terry Sanford - Mya Jensen
    South View - Triniti Miles
    Westover - Tia Johnson
    Picture 1:Kylie Aldridge, Gray's Creek, is the player of the year.                       Picture 2: Jalesty Washington, Gray's Creek, is the coach of the year.
     
     
     
  • Charlotte Blume NutcrackerOnly a few weeks until showtime, the main room at Charlotte Blume School of Dance is packed and abuzz with energy. More than forty dancers stand, in fifth position, the floor a mixture of soft and pointe shoes, legs extended, and arms outstretched with delicate fingers pointing toward the ceiling.

    The room is small but warm, a far cry from the thirty-degree weather outside. Upon each call from one of their instructors David Alan Cook, the dancers shifted positions in unison — a dance so precise it looks as if they are pulled by strings. Along the walls of the room are nutcrackers, candy canes, tin solider hats and pictures of Christmas lore — all relics of Clara’s fantastical dream, and fifty-one years of tradition. In the back sits the head of the mouse king, crown and all, awaiting his on-stage debut.

    At Charlotte Blume School of Dance and throughout Fayetteville, it’s time for “The Nutcracker.”

    Just beyond the dancers plays a video of Pepta's “The Nutcracker.” The dancers strive for precision. They match their movements against Pepta's dancers. In the studio, the only sound that can be heard is the soft, shallow pattering of feet on laminate floor. The dancers lightly glide to the tape on the floor that marks particular fractions of the stage. Their bodies remain angled out toward the audience. They check their position, readjust and do it again and again. This will continue dozens of times.

    “We’ll run the same two minutes for an hour to get it right,” Dina Lewis, the school’s executive director, says as she watches her dancers’ arms and feet. Lewis says they’ll tell the girls to pretend they are holding pennies between their knees for their bourrée.

    “We say it because quarters are too big.”

    Technique, according to Lewis, is why students come to this dance group.

    The music stops, and just like that, the current dancers run “off stage” and others run on to take their place.

    “Dancers, you have to pay attention while you are working on the stage,” Cook says, his shoulders held back and feet held in position. Like an orchestra leader, he brings his attention to different areas of the room, tightening the dance and congratulating dancers on their hard work. In the other corner, Emalee Smith, another instructor, is perfecting the dance of some of the older dancers.

    The dream continues.

    In many ways, so does the dream of Charlotte Blume. Blume passed away in 2016. “The Nutcracker Ballet” is a legacy of sorts for the North Carolina State Ballet and for Charlotte Blume School of Dance. Blume started “The Nutcracker” in 1959 and it has run every year since, with the exception of last year. It is a legacy that is now kept alive by Lewis, the executive director for the school and the President of North Carolina State Ballet.

    Lewis talks of Blume fondly and reverently like a maternal figure whose ghost is welcomed to haunt the school. Each part of this play, for Lewis and other dancers who knew Blume well, keeps her alive.

    “Each set has a piece of her in it … we have pieces of her that we make sure is [on] that stage.”

    In 2020, like much of the world, this version of “The Nutcracker” did not go on.

    “We sat home last year watching 'Nutcracker' on TV like everyone else did,” Lewis said.

    But in December 2020, around Lewis’s birthday, she received a card from a little girl who played a mouse in “The Nutcracker” just the year before. The note, which wished Lewis a happy birthday, also said, “all I want for Christmas is for "Nutcracker" to come back.”

    When February came around, Lewis said the company was short of funding for the play due to all the closures during COVID-19. She and the board decided that regardless of the funds, 2021 needed

    “The Nutcracker.” The community needed “The Nutcracker.”

    “There’s a little mouse that we all need to thank … one I just couldn’t say no to.”

    The little girl's note is now posted on Lewis’s mirror at home. The little girl has since moved with her family due to the military. Lewis says a lot of what she learned and embodies now comes from Charlotte Blume. It’s all about giving back, she says. While a mouse helped her bring back the beloved play, Blume has always been at the heart of it.

    “You just feel like you owe it to Charlotte to continue this.”

    Charlotte Blume School of Dance will hit the stages Dec. 11 at the Crown Theatre. There are 69 dancers in this year's production, from ages 5 and up. Each year, Lewis says, the choreography changes slightly to keep students and the audience engaged. This year, she tried to keep unification at the center of the play.

    At the end of the day, Lewis sits back and looks at the pictures of “her kids,” handwritten notes from students and pictures of Charlotte and smiles when she speaks about this year’s production of “The Nutcracker.”

    “When the picture comes together … [it’s] magical. It’s the coolest thing. I get chills thinking about it. I think Charlotte is going to be proud of us. She’s going to be pretty happy.”
    Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for military and $10 kids ages 3-16. Kids under 2 are free.

    DANCE THEATERAcross town, in the top portion of Countryside Gymnastics is Leslie’s Dance Academy. Leslie Dumas, owner and executive director, sits among plastic storage containers of all shapes and sizes that house different costumes and props for her production of “The Nutcracker.” She sits, waiting on dancers to arrive. Her dancers, too, are preparing to go on stage and perform “The Nutcracker.”
    Dumas has been running this version of “The Nutcracker” since 2000 when she took it over from Ann Clark, who owned another studio in town. Both Clark and Dumas trained with Charlotte Blume. Dumas trained with Charlotte Blume from a young age until 18.

    For “The Nutcracker,” she collaborates with other studios in town, through The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville, to bring all their dancers together to perform the play. Last year, much like Charlotte Blume School of Dance, her company didn’t perform “The Nutcracker.”

    This year, Dumas wasn’t told they could have their traditional stage at Methodist University until the end of September. This gave Dumas and the other studios two months to prepare the show.
    She said this year they’ve had to make some changes in how they traditionally run it due to all the changes from COVID-19.

    “We didn’t do an audition. I usually do most of the choreography, but I let other studios pick what they want to choreograph.”

    On Nov. 21, the collective group had their second full group rehearsal, just a week and a half before the performance. For Dumas and others, this is about the collective and anyone who wants to be a part of the play can “come in.”

    “It’s supposed to be fun.” Dumas relates the overall experience to the fun and chaos of the party scene at the beginning of the play.

    As she talks, young dancers arrive and come to greet her. She smiles, asks about something personal to each and then they run off to get into dance clothes.

    Dumas is set on getting the show to stage and bringing the dancers together.

    “It’s going to be what it is after a COVID year of nothing,” Dumas says. “Everyone has to understand that perspective. The world stopped in March of last year. There was no dance, no gym, no nothing.”

    The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville will perform the Nutcracker December 3-5 at Methodist’s University’s Huff Concert Hall. Tickets will be $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Kids ages 5-17 will be $5 and kids ages 4 and under will be free.

  • 19 James FaatzThe months of sacrificing time off during the summer to devote to off-season practice is showing dividends for the Gray’s Creek soccer team.

    This year the Bears swept the regular season and tournament titles in the Patriot Athletic Conference, and opened play in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3-A state playoffs with a 4-2 overtime win against Asheboro.
    At this writing, Coach Bryan Pagan’s team, 19-5, is waiting to find out who it will play in the second round of the NCHSAA playoffs, either Wilson Fike or Pittsboro Northwood, in a game that was tentatively scheduled for last Saturday.
    Pagan thinks, as far as chemistry is concerned, the Bears have reached their stride offensively. He feels the strength of this year’s team is being able to possess the ball.

    “We pass really well,’’ he said. “Our Achilles heel the whole year has been finishing. For whatever reason things are starting to click. Guys are moving in the right positions, staying onside.’’

    The Bears have struggled with a variety of injuries during the season, but some of the ailing players have healed, and Pagan has been able to plug in less experienced players in key positions who have stepped up, like sophomores Connor Boyle and Vancy Ruiz.

    19 02 Seth WallaceAnother key performer is veteran goalkeeper Ryan Dukes, a senior. Through Nov. 2 according to the statistics at NCPrepSports.net, he had recorded 94 saves while allowing 16 goals. “He’s done an amazing job for us as well,’’ Pagan said.

    Offensively, Pagan feels a strength of his team is it doesn’t rely on one player to score all the goals. Eric Chavez is the team leader in goals through Nov. 2 with 16.

    “It really takes a lot of the pressure off,’’ Pagan said of being versatile scoring. “People take a little more ownership when they know it’s collective rather than one or two individuals.’’

    Two players who play a critical role in helping distribute the ball for the Bears are James Faatz and Seth Wallace.

    Pagan describes Faatz, a center-midfielder, as a player crucial to maintaining possession of the ball.

    “If it gets to him he knows where to get it to,’’ Pagan said. “He’s calm on the ball, makes good decisions for us and is kind of a catalyst. Anything we need to bail out or need somebody to facilitate the middle he’s a great option for us.’’
    The other key performer is Seth Wallace, who plays on the wing. “He’s done a great job winning stuff on the outside and serving stuff into the box in dangerous areas,’’ Pagan said.
    “He’s inspiring, super, super athletic and you’re not going to beat him off the dribble. He’s a strong kid.’’
    Faatz agrees with Pagan that chemistry is a strong point of this Gray’s Creek team, with communication and good passing also being key.

    He thinks the key to success in the postseason is intensity. “I think if we come in hot in the first half, the first ten minutes, and pop a few goals in we can be dangerous against any school in the playoffs,’’ he said. “We can show that Cumberland County has some pretty good soccer schools.’’

    While Cumberland County doesn’t have a public high school with a rich state playoff tradition in soccer, Wallace thinks the Bears have the potential to make some noise.

    ”A Gray’s Creek team like this could surprise some people and have some future upsets,’’ Wallace said. ”We were kind of rocky at the beginning of the year with our finishing. We’ve definitely had some people step up and other people growing into roles because of injuries.

    “We’re not a one-man team. Everyone has a role.’’

    Looking to the remainder of the state playoffs, Pagan said he’s learned the postseason has a lot to do with seeding and tackling each matchup.

    “I like our chances this year because we are more well-balanced than we’ve been in the past,’’ he said. “I feel like we can hold teams to low scores and score when we need to.

    “Our strength is in the middle of the field and in our possession. That gives us a fighting chance to match up against anybody. If we stay uninjured we have a chance to make it pretty deep in the playoffs.’’

    Picture 1: James Faatz 

    Picture 2: Seth Wallace

     

  • 15It is Christmas time in 1944 and the men are away fighting the war. Despite their absence, the Carol sisters are determined to celebrate the season. The three Carol sisters are trying to produce “A Christmas Carol” but are having a hard time without the men. This is the premise for the next Gilbert Theater production.

    “The show is special because it's not going to be one of the same Christmas or holiday shows you can see every year,” said Lawrence Carlisle III, artistic director at the Gilbert Theater.

    The Gilbert Theater began in the basement of Lynn Pryer’s home in 1994. The Gilbert Theater has hosted classical theater productions as well as contemporary pieces. In 2012, Robyne Parrish took over as artistic director of the Gilbert Theater. She started educational programs such as the Gilbert Conservatory, Gilbert Rep and Gilbert Glee Club. She also created a volunteer base for the theater.
    In February 2017, the third artistic director, Matthew Overturf, replaced Robyne Parrish. The Gilbert Theater is a very intimate space. The theater is now located at 116 Green St., above Fayetteville’s Fascinate-U Children Museum. The entrance is on Bow Street.

    Popular in Pennsylvania, this is a newer program.

    It's heartfelt, cute and hilarious, according to the Gilbert Theater. This is the second year performing the show for Gilber Theater and the entire cast is back.

    It gives people another chance to see the musical if they missed it last year due to the pandemic.

    “Performing this musical for the second year, everyone is connecting and having so much fun,” said Eden Kinsey who plays the lead, Lilly Carol. “I love her character. Lilly is a very independent person. She’s telling the story. She is strong-willed and hard-headed."

    Kinsey’s favorite part of “The Carols” is the tap number.

    “I love the music and period pieces.”

    It is a family show with a little bit of everything, including different styles of music. “As always, I hope the audience has fun,” said Carlisle. “The show is full of laughs and heart. It is all about family.”

    “The Carols” will run Nov. 26 – 28, Dec. 3 – 5 and Dec. 17 – Dec. 19. Friday shows begin at 8 p.m.; Saturday shows are at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays shows begin at 2 p.m. Concessions are available for donation.

    Tickets are $18 and can be purchased at the Gilbert Theater website, gilberttheater.com, or by calling 910-678-7186.

  • earlThe final pieces of the football puzzle fall into place Friday night as the regular season comes to an end for teams in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

    Saturday around lunchtime, coaches and fans will be sitting in front of smartphones, iPads and laptops hitting refresh over and over as they wait for the NCHSAA to post this year’s state playoff brackets so they can get their first certain look at what the path to a state football championship will look like.

    I both love and hate this weekend — love it for the excitement of finding out where everybody is paired and hate it for the annual agony of incorrect information that causes seedings to have to be recalculated and brackets redrawn.

    Here’s hoping everyone pays attention to the data when they report their final records to the NCHSAA so we can all get back to business as usual Saturday afternoon.
     
     
    The record: 59-16
     
    I had another perfect week last Friday, going 7-0, to improve the score for the season to 59-16, 78.7 percent.

    This will be the last week of anything that comes close to easy predictions. Once the state playoffs begin next Friday it gets a lot more complicated.
     
    E.E. Smith at Cape Fear - The red-hot Colts are looking for a piece of the conference title and hoping for some help to allow them to move up higher in the playoff seedings.
    Cape Fear 28, E.E. Smith 14.
     
    Westover at Gray’s Creek - Gray’s Creek should wrap up the regular season with its third win in a row against a struggling Wolverine team.
    Gray’s Creek 30, Westover 17.
     
    Jack Britt at Seventy-First - Both teams are looking to rebound from losses. I like Jack Britt’s chances better.
    Jack Britt 24, Seventy-First 18.
     
    Pine Forest at Terry Sanford - Reminder to Bulldog fans, this game will be played at Fayetteville State’s Jeralds Stadium as Terry Sanford celebrates Senior Night.
    It’s a big game for both teams but even bigger for Terry Sanford as it seeks to wrap up a piece of the Patriot Conference title and the No. 1 3-A seed from the conference in the state playoffs.
    Terry Sanford 30, Pine Forest 22.
     
    South View at Overhills - The Tigers are looking to seal the No. 1 4-A playoff spot and a share of the Patriot Conference title. I think they’ll get it. 
    South View 32, Overhills 12.
     
    Douglas Byrd at Fairmont - The Eagles try to end a difficult season with a win.
    Fairmont 21, Douglas Byrd 14.
     
    Other games: Trinity Christian 31, Southlake Christian 16.
  • 13Later this month, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will be presenting a special concert, About that Brass. There is a great deal of music written for brass and the orchestra is excited to show off their musicians during this program.

    “The orchestra is thrilled to feature our tremendous brass section in this program of primarily original works written for brass dating as far back as the 1590s,” Music Director, Stefan Sanders said. “There will be 14 brass instruments (four trumpets, five French horns, four trombones and one tuba) and three percussionists performing on this program.”

    The concert will take place at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

    “We are grateful for the special relationship we have with the St. John’s community,” Sanders said. “The intimacy of St. John’s is the perfect way for us to feature smaller ensembles from the orchestra. We hope the audience will enjoy the variety of music on this program as well as the range and virtuosity of our world-class musicians. We have such a great orchestra right here in Fayetteville.”

    All About That Brass showcases the brass and percussion sections of the FSO. The program features some of the very best repertoire written for brass and percussion, according to the FSO website.

    Larry Wells became involved with FSO upon his arrival at Methodist University in the Fall of 2006.

    “The conductor of the FSO at that time, Fouad Fakhouri, literally saw me in the hallway carrying my trumpet,” Wells said. “‘Ok...play something’ he said. I stopped and rattled off several orchestral excerpts. ‘Ok...you're in!’ was his response. I've been playing with FSO ever since.”

    “My background is a lot to digest,” Wells said. “I have three college degrees and have been teaching for over 20 years. I've also been playing in various orchestras for roughly 30 years. Additionally, I used to build custom trumpets for the D.G. Monette Corp. On top of all that, I was the GM of a large youth orchestra in Portland, Oregon. That experience has helped me here in that I am the music director of the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra.”

    The concert on Nov. 20 is special because it features many works for brass spanning over 400 years of history. The antiphonal pieces of Gabrieli, circa 1600 A.D., were written for musicians at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, Italy. No less amazing are the pieces were written by contemporary composers like Eric Ewazen. Other selected pieces include Samuel Barber’s Mutations from Bach, Dmitri Shostakovich’s Concertino, Op. 94 and Henri Tomasi’s Fanfare Liturgiques.

    “As for the audience,” Wells said, “I first hope that they enjoy an evening of amazing music in an amazing place. I also hope they leave a bit more enlightened regarding the rich history of brass playing. Finally, I hope they can see the joy that this music brings to the musicians themselves. We have a very close-knit group of brass musicians in the FSO. These types of events are a pleasure to produce. I'm very excited to hear the final result.”

    All About That Brass will take place Saturday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The total concert run time is an hour and 15 minutes.

  • 19 01 Carlos CallenderCarlos Callender

    E.E. Smith • Football, indoor and outdoor track • Senior

    Callender has a grade point average of 4.20. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Distributive Education Clubs of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Science Olympiad, Campus Life, Fayetteville Technical Community College Honor Society and the Academy of Scholars.

    MiKayla Staten

    E.E. Smith • Cheerleading • Senior

    Staten has a grade point average of 3.68. She’s the captain of the cheerleading squad. In addition, she’s a member of the Academy of Scholars, the National Honor Society, Bulls for Christ, Campus 19 02 mikaylaLife, Student 2 Student, Student Government Association, Academically and Intellectually Gifted, Junior Volunteer for Cape Fear Valley Hospital and Project Uplift at the University of North Carolina.

  • 112515_snyder.png

    The congregation at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church will offer its Singing Christmas Tree for six performances this year. There will be 7:30 p.m. daily showings Dec. 3-6 with additional matinee performances at 4 p.m. on Dec 5 and 6.

    The musical production features 250 singers from the children’s, youth and adult choirs, as well as a hand-bell choir and a 40-piece orchestra. 

    When the church began the event in 1980, they planned to continue the performance for a few years. “It was such a big hit with the community, we kept doing it,” said Sara Barefoot, the music and worship ministry assistant. “It’s become a church-wide mission with hundreds involved either performing or behind the scenes.”

    Barefoot herself has been involved for 34 years. Through the years it became a family event as her children also took part in different aspects.

    The Snyder congregation takes a similar approach with other families contributing and taking part as performers, ushers, or helping to collect canned food. Attendees are asked to bring a canned food item to the performance to be donated to local food banks.

    “We have some performers who have been involved since the beginning, performing as children, then in the youth and now in the adult choir,” Barefoot said.

    While the event is a local tradition for the performance itself, Barefoot said it also gives community members a look into Snyder Memorial Baptist Church and what it offers. 

    “The overall goal is to spread the message of Christmas,” Barefoot said. “If anyone who attends hasn’t heard the message, they can and we hope they start to ask questions. We are always available to follow-up with them.”

    While tickets for all performances have been given out, you can still get on the wait list for returned tickets by calling the church. Doors open one hour prior to each performance. Tickets are honored until 30 minutes before performance time. After that point, viewers are admitted with or without a ticket.

    Snyder Memorial Baptist Church is located at 701 Westmont Drive. For more information call 484-3191 or visit www.SnyderMBC.com.


  • 09Throughout the year Gallery 208 exhibits contemporary works of art which include a variety of themes, techniques to express ideas, styles ranging from representational to nonobjective abstraction and exhibits that can often be challenging. Yet rarely do we have an exhibit about beauty.

    Beauty, especially if it relates to the figure, can be a problematic subject: we each see beauty differently and images of beauty have been marketed in ways that result in stereotypes. Yet it is still important in the human psyche to experience beauty. For example, we welcome the beauty of sunshine after many days of overcast and rainy weather.

    Beautiful Strangeness: Photographs by Kyle Harding opens Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m. at Gallery 208 and is an exhibit that explores the beautiful strangeness of being a child, any child, or our own experiences as a child. The challenge for Harding was to enable us to go beyond a family portrait and experience a universal time that should have been filled with wonder, mystery and simple pleasures in the smallest events, ordinary objects and everyday activities.

    Harding earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education, with a concentration in photography, from East Carolina University in 2008 and earned a Master in Art Education at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2017. A public art schoolteacher, adjunct faculty at Fayetteville State University, mother of two young children, married with a large family of in-laws, and a daughter and niece to her immediate family, Harding is a very busy individual.

    Intermittently she takes time to focus on what is happening during the daily and never-ending experiences of being around her two young daughters as an artist. As an artist, she tries to see past the familial and capture the universal.

    After being invited to participate in the 2021 Art Faculty Biennial in Rosenthal Gallery at FSU, Harding shared the following in her artist statement: “I chose a subject I am most passionate about at this time in my life: my 4-year-old and 7-year-old daughters." The selections in the exhibit are part of a larger body of work to capture universal themes with my children as the subject: innocence, reflection, play, hope, and vulnerability. In a larger context, I hope the photographs have the power to evoke memories for everyone of what it means to be a child and to remember the strange beauty of the world around us when we were children.”

    One of the many reasons for visitors to attend the opening of Beautiful Strangeness at Gallery 208 is to meet the artist and enjoy how a photograph, by an art photographer, can go beyond the subject. Harding’s main objective is making an artistic statement through a photograph – photography is used as a medium for creative expression, to express an idea, a message, or an emotion.

    A definition of fine art photography involves bringing a vision, emotion, or a state of mind to life through a photographed image.

    It involves creating something that previously only lived in your mind, as opposed to simply capturing what you see in an artistic way.

    In Beautiful Strangeness, Harding has selected images from activities we would take for granted and elevated the cropped images to convey states of mind through the photographed image.

    In the photograph titled "Three Amigos," the viewer is looking down on two sets of small bare feet standing on cement, the two front legs of a spotted short-haired dog are between the children.

    The legs of the children are captured below the knees and cascade into the photo from the top edge, almost as if thin columns on each side of the photo. Thin, yet muscular front legs of the dog are combined to create repeating pairs of legs and feet, all related in some unknown way while individually anchored to their placement on the
    cement.

    In "Three Amigos", like the rest of the photographs in the exhibit, visitors will enjoy the ways in which Harding’s keen or heightened sense of seeing brings vision and states of mind to life through the photographed image.

    She has successfully shared with us a way to see the world that we may have forgotten is possible.

    In "Sadie with Sunglasses", Harding has photographed a close-up of a young Sadie wearing a seemingly large pair of sunglasses. The face is relaxed and almost expressionless, the child’s eyes are hidden. Details of the hair, sunglasses and gathered printed shirt contrast with an out-of-focused and minimal background. The smooth surface of the skin echoes the minimalism of the background tone but is brighter - the smooth fullness of youth presents itself as a natural and emerging, volumetric form.

    Harding has only included black and white photos in the exhibit for several traditional reasons. Color can distract us from what the photograph is about. When you remove color the emphasis of an image shifts to other compositional elements like contrast, texture, lighting, and form. Viewers are no longer seeing something familiar in color, but a different version of reality.

    One in which black and white photography is more interpretative.

    Harding combines the above advantages of a black and white photograph with its other potential of seeming timelessness. By cropping the figures and often showing us only parts, she used fragments to suggest a larger story.

    In each photograph, we see how a story symbolically overlaps or unfolds into another one. Each picture is a fleeting memory, a momentary experience. We can sense the lives of those in the photograph or remember our own lives as interconnected stories we may have taken for granted.

    Harding brings us back to those moments in time, photograph by photograph.

    I am confident visitors to Beautiful Strangeness: Photographs by Kyle Harding will leave the exhibit happier than when they arrived at Gallery 208. One cannot help but smile when we connect ourselves to innocence, joyfulness, and hope.

    The public is invited to attend the opening of Beautiful Strangeness: Photographs by Kyle Harding on Nov. 9 at Gallery 208 between 5:30 – 7 p.m.

    Gallery 208 is located at Up and Coming Weekly, 208 Rowan Street in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

    The exhibit will remain up until the end of December. Gallery hours are Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For information call 910-484-6200.

  • 18 Octavious SmithOctavious Smith is only in his second season running cross country for the E.E. Smith Golden Bulls.

    Based on his performance so far, there’s a pretty high ceiling awaiting him in the years he’s got left as to what he can accomplish on the high school level.

    “He is a pure distance runner,’’ said Roz Major-Williams, one of Smith's cross country coaches, when asked to describe how good he is. “He has so much ability. He does not even know his own ability.’’

    Smith, a sophomore, dominated the field in the recent Patriot Athletic Conference cross country meet at South View High School.

    He won with a time of 16:09.10. Coming in second and third behind him were a pair of Cape Fear runners, Jonathan Piland at 17:04.40 and Julius Ferguson at 17:05.20.

    Cape Fear coach Matthew Hanes wasn’t surprised at Smith’s winning margin.

    “I really didn’t think anybody would touch Octavius,’’ Hanes said. “He wasn’t going to be a factor in the team scores, but individually I knew we couldn’t touch him.’’

    Smith said he’s run about five times on the South View course and felt comfortable with it coming into the conference meet. “It was a mental race,’’ he said as he found himself in the lead nearly the whole way.

    “I would just think he was right behind me at all times,’’ Smith said of his competition.

    Major-Williams said Smith’s cross country talent is natural, and the challenge so far has been getting him to open up and go full throttle instead of trying to hold back too much when he races. “Every time he finished he said I could have run faster,’’ Major-Williams said.

    That showed during the regular season this year as Smith consistently placed among the top ten runners during the regular season meets but rarely came home with an individual win.

    “He was trying to save it for the end,’’ Major-Williams said. “We finally got him to the point to just go all out and see what he has at the end.’’

    In the conference meet, Major-Williams decided to give Smith a time of 15:59 to aim for, which he came within about 10 seconds of achieving.

    “He took off and still had energy left when he finished,’’ Major-Williams said. She’s convinced he can break the 15-minute barrier for a 5K run.

    He’s shooting to qualify for the state cross country meet for a second year in a row.

    He’ll have to survive this year’s regional meet first, which was held prior to the publication of this article on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Northwood High School in Pittsboro.

    “I think he has an excellent shot of getting back this year,’’ Major-Williams said of the state meet, which is scheduled Saturday, Nov. 9, at Ivey M. Redmon Park in Kernersville.

    “If he will just run his race and not be afraid, lay it out on the line, he should make it to the states,’’ Major-Williams said. “I think he has a pretty good head on his shoulders. He listens well and tries to follow direction.’’

    Smith thinks the key to victory at the regional and state levels is simple. “Don’t get stuck in the middle,’’ he said, referring to the pack of runners.

    Both the regional and state meet courses have more hills than the South View course, but Smith doesn’t think that’s a problem.

    “I believe the hilly courses are my strong suit if that makes sense,’’ he said.

    That and his raw talent for the sport. “It just comes naturally,’’ Major-Williams said.

  • 17 01 AmberAmber LeComte is finishing her first year coaching girls cross country at Terry Sanford High School, and she’s already given herself a higher bar to clear next season.

    LeComte, who had no previous experience coaching the sport when she took over at her alma mater this season, guided the Bulldogs to victory in the Patriot Athletic Conference cross country meet and saw sophomore Rainger Pratt take home the individual championship.

    A softball player during her days at Terry Sanford, LeComte said the biggest challenge she faced taking over cross country was learning how to train the team to succeed in competitive running.

    She reached out to other coaches for advice and also got input from the runners on her team, including Pratt.

    Pratt, a sophomore who has been running cross country since the age of seven, said the team was a little bit concerned about LeComte’s lack of coaching experience but felt she was open to working with them.
    “We kind of taught her ways that made us better runners,’’ Pratt said. “We definitely worked together and meshed more as we got closer.’’

    Although Terry Sanford did well in the regular season, winning all three in-season conference meets while also competing in a variety of invitationals, LeComte still wasn’t feeling terribly confident when it came time for the conference meet.

    “I did not feel like the favorite,’’ she said. “South View has a very large team, a lot of people. The more people you have running in these meets, the more likely you are to get points based on performance.’’
    17 02 updated terry sanfordTerry Sanford only had six runners competing in the conference meet.

    “We needed at least four or five of our girls to finish in the top 20 to get the points,’’ LeComte said.

    Pratt won with a time of 20:21.90 to edge second-place Iris Terwilliger of Cape Fear.

    Emma Morgan placed 10th for the Bulldogs with a time of 22:20.60. The Bulldogs then swept the final three spots in the top 20 with Brinlee Risenmay, Marissa Morris and Kaitlyn Wayne crossing the finish line in order at 18th, 19th and 20th.

    The Bulldogs actually tied Pine Forest in team points with 65 each, but the Bulldogs got the championship when their sixth runner, Jasmin Singh, edged the next Pine Forest runner by less than seven seconds to clinch the victory.
    LeComte knew Pratt was going to take the individual title when she saw the look on her face as the came around the track on the South View football field near the end of the race.

    “I knew she was going to blow them out of the water,’’ LeComte said.

    Pratt ran the South View course a lot during her freshman season with the Bulldogs and felt comfortable with it.

    “There’s a woods part and some short downhills,’’ Pratt said. “I used that and the curves to my advantage.’’

    Pratt qualified for the state meet last year and feels she’s got a good chance again this season. To get to the state meet, she had to place high enough in the regionals, which were held prior to the publication of this article on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Northwood High School near Pittsboro.

    The state meet is on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Ivey M. Redmon Park in Kernersville.

    “I usually run really well at regionals,’’ Pratt said. “As a team, I think we can do really well."

    Picture 1: Amber LeComte

    Picture 2: from L-R, Brinlee Risenmay, Emma Morgan, Evan Mason (head boys coach), Rainger Pratt, Kaitlyn Wayne, Jasmin Singh

  • 16 Cape FearWatching South View win a conference title in boys cross country had become routine for Cape Fear’s Matthew Hanes. In his 16th year at Cape Fear High School, his 14th coaching boys cross country, Hanes was all too familiar with the Tigers’ 21-year dominance of the sport locally.

    But from the earliest days of summer practice this year, Hanes told his team that this season would mark the best window of opportunity the Colts ever had of taking the trophy away from South View.

    “At the end of last season, we were as close as we ever were to taking them down,’’ he said. “I said the opportunity is here for the taking if you want it bad enough.’’

    Apparently, the Colts did, as they finally ended the South View victory streak and captured the Patriot Athletic Conference cross country meet on South View’s own course last month.

    Building a successful cross country program at Cape Fear has been anything but easy for Hanes. His first season he had a total of nine runners, boys and girls, competing. “It’s hard to get children to run that many miles when it’s 100 degrees outside,’’ he said. “You have to tell them the truth.’’

    When the Colts won every regular-season duel with South View this season, it gave Hanes confidence. But he still had doubts as South View sought to make it 22 straight titles while running on its homes course.

    Hanes counted on a strong showing by his top runner, Jonathan Piland, and he got it as the veteran placed second with a time of 17:04.40.

    The key piece of the championship puzzle for Cape Fear was newcomer Julius Ferguson. He placed third while Juan Alvarado ran fifth to give Cape Fear its third runner in the top five.

    Other Colts in the top 20 were Collin Gaddy 10th, Alden Bostic 13th and Colton Danks 20th.

    Piland said the South View course offered extra challenges in the meet.

    “With the rain, it made quite a muddy experience,’’ Piland said. “Otherwise it was an excellent course. They’ve always done a good job of designing it and keeping it well maintained.’’

    Cape Fear’s team strategy of sticking together and staying ahead of the South View pack worked. “Our top seven runners made all-conference,’’ Piland said. “I would say that was a pretty big accomplishment.’’
    The Colts are optimistic about qualifying for the Nov. 9 state meet at Ivey M. Redmon Park in Kernersville.

    “We have so many that are committed runners,’’ Piland said. “We’ve won invitational meets and meets that in previous years we never figured to place in. I think we have a great shot at states this year.’’

    From L-R: Tariq Hussein, Collin Gaddy, Alden Bostic, Jonathan Piland, Caleb Knudsen, Colton Danks, Seth Thomas, Mr. Brian Edkins.
    Front: Coach Matthew Hanes, Julius Ferguson, Juan Alvarado. Missing from the picture is Noah Lucas.

  • nov18-a-christmas-carol-w-borderfinal.jpgDon’t panic. Christmas is still a few weeks away, but the signs of the season have started to emerge. One of the most prominent is the performance of the Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol, at the Gilbert Theater.

    “[A Christmas Carol] is Charles Dickens most popular novel,” said Lynn Pryer, director.

    Dickens wrote 37 books, but this was his most well known. He wrote it in October of 1843, during a time when he was having fi nancial trouble. Although he was already famous at the time, his most recent books weren’t doing well. According to Pryer, Dickens got the idea for this story, and he wrote it in just six weeks. His usual publisher wouldn’t publish it, so Dickens had to publish it privately, and it was a huge success from that very fi rst Christmas.

    “We have taken this play, this novel, and adapted it ourselves, but this is just a long, long line of adaptations,” said Pryer.

    Even though the book came out in December 1843, the fi rst play came out in February 1844, it was that appealing.

    “This play lends itself beautifully to theatrical format, and there have been just so many movies and adaptations,” said Pryer.

    “He went on to write a Christmas book every year, a total of fi ve, but this was his most enduring one. I think this is because it’s a story at Christmas time, a story of redemption which is a recurrence in our lives, and it’s very appealing to people…we like to see people change for the better,” explained Pryer.

    Pryer, the founder of this award-winning theater, said that his goal is to make the audience “feel extremely taken care of, warmly and thoughtfully taken care of” as they watch this Christmas classic in one of the theater’s 99 seats. He also noted, “There’s not a bad seat in the house.” Performances of A Christmas Carol will start appropriately as Fayetteville celebrates a Dickens Holiday on Nov. 27 and will run through Dec. 13.

    Throughout the day during the Dickens Holiday, you will fi nd the cast roaming the streets bringing their characters to life. As you pass through downtown and enjoy the sites and the sounds of the season, don’t be surprised to encounter Ebeneezer Scrooge, or perhaps the Ghost of Marley. Participation by Gilbert’s actors brings a touch of realism to the day, as well as adds excitment for the production.

    Performances are on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 2 p.m., and 8 p.m., as well as Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be no performance on December 10, and on Dec. 5, the 8 p.m. show is already sold out. Tickets are $10, and can be paid in cash or checks only. Reservations are highly recommended.

    To reserve seats you can e-mail the theater at gilberttheater@ aol.com or call 910-678-7186. Large group discounts are available, and groups over 10 are asked to prepay reservation tickets. Gilbert Theater is above Fascinate-U museum at 116 Green Street.

  • 11-19-14-tour-of-homes.gifDon’t you just love the sights and sounds of Christmas: lights, Christmas trees, presents, mistletoe and The Temptations singing “Silent Night” on the radio? Adding to the magic of the season, The Woman’s Club of Fayetteville presents its Christmas Tour of Homes on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 1-6 p.m.

    “This is our largest fundraiser of the year for the Woman’s Club, and the funds are used to preserve the three historic homes of Heritage Square,” said Betty Muncy, organizer of the Christmas Tour of Homes. “Martha Duell and I started this Christmas home tour in 2002, and it continues to be a huge success with the support of these homeowners.”

    The historic homes of Heritage Square are the Sandford House, the Oval Ballroom and the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House. They are owned by the Woman’s Club of Fayetteville.

    “Contributions from the Colonial Dames and friends have helped maintain the buildings of Heritage Square,” said Muncy. “We are fortunate to have the support of the community as we try to preserve these historic homes of Heritage Square for the future generation.”

    Members of the community generously contribute year after year, opening their homes to the community and sharing a bit of holiday cheer with those who take the tour. It is a chance to appreciate the generosity and decorating skills of the hosts and help a worthy cause. While the addresses may vary from year to year, one thing that remains constant is the sense of hospitality of the hosts. Take a peek inside some of Fayetteville’s most festive homes and spend a Sunday afternoon settling in to the Christmas spirit.

    The tour will showcase six homes at the following addresses:

    • Dr. Daniel & Ashley Culliton, 517 Oak Ridge Avenue

    • Jack & Judy Dawar, 714 Murry Hill Road

    • Patsy Politowicz, 1825 Myrtle Hill Lane

    • Alvin Smith & Dennis Williams, 306 McAllister Street

    • Brian & Rhonda Kent, 300 Forest Creek Drive, (across the street from MacPherson Presbyterian Church on Cliffdale Road)

    • Fayetteville Regional Chamber, 1019 Hay Street.

    “The Woman’s Club is grateful for the families that showcase their homes each year for us,” said Muncy. “Our club works as a team and this is a great way for us to get to know each other better.”

    Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at The Pilgrim in Westwood Shopping Center, from Woman’s Club members and at the homes on the day of the tour. Donations are needed and accepted throughout the year to maintain the historic homes in Heritage Square. For more information, call 485-1555 or 483-6009.

    Photo: Fayetteville residents will open their doors for The Christmas Tour of Homes sponsored by The Woman’s Club of Fayetteville. The annual event helps maintain three historic homes in Heritage Square, including The Sandford House pictured above.

  • When you think of theater, you don’t automatically think about Fayetteville State University. But that’s where you make a mistake.

    FSU has a growing theater department that is committed to bringing a wide variety of plays to the community each year. Its most recent offering, Fences, will be on stage Nov. 18-20.

    Directed by Dr. Harmon Watson, chair of the Performing and Fine Arts Department, Fences, written in 1983 is authored by African-11-10-10-fences.gifAmerican playwright August Wilson. Set in the 1950s, it is the sixth play in Wilson’s 10-part Pittsburgh Cycle. Like all of the Pittsburgh plays, Fences explores the evolving African-American experience and examines race relations, among other themes.

    The production won a Tony Award for Best Play, Best Actor in a Play for James Earl Jones, Best Direction of a Play, as well as the Drama Desk Award, Outstanding New Play, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Jones) and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Mary Alice). This year the Broadway revival of the production won Tony Awards for Best Revival Play, Best Actor in a Play for Denzel Washington and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for Viola Davis.

    The play begins on payday, with Troy Maxson and Jim Bono drinking and talking. Troy has made a formal complaint to his bosses that only white men are permitted to drive the garbage trucks for the waste disposal company at which both men work. The two men finish their discussion of work, and Bono asks Troy about a woman, Alberta, he suspects Troy of seeing. Troy denies that he would risk losing his wife, Rose, but Bono does not give up so easily and reminds Troy that he has been seen at Alberta’s house when he said he was elsewhere.

    The conversation is interrupted when Troy’s son Lyons who arrives to ask his father for money. Troy gives his son a hard time, but eventually gives him the $10 requested. Eventually, it is revealed that Troy has been having an affair with Alberta, whom the audience never sees throughout the play. Alberta gets pregnant and dies giving birth to Raynell, the daughter conceived from their affair. Troy’s wife Rose accepts the duty of being Raynell’s mother when Alberta dies in childbirth. Troy and Rose have another son, Cory, who against his father’s wishes, plays football and temporarily leaves his job during the football season. This infuriates Troy, who eventually kicks Cory out of the Maxson home. During the fi nal act of the play, Troy dies. His daughter Raynell is seen as a happy 7-year-old; his son Cory comes home from war, and initially refuses to go to his father’s funeral due to long-standing resentment. However, Rose convinces him to pay his respects to his father — the man who, though hard-headed and often poor at demonstrating affection, loved his son.

    The curtain raises at the Butler Theater at 7:30 p.m.

    For more information, call 672-1006 or visit the FSU Theatre website www.uncfsu.edu/theatre/fsu_drama_guild.htm. For reservations contact FSU’s Ticket Manager, Antoinette Fairley, at 672-1724.

  •     There is nothing more priceless than the look on a child’s face on Christmas morning; however, some children wake up on this much anticipated day only to receive nothing.  Methodist University and Samaritan’s Purse are making a concerted effort to make sure that every child around the globe receives a shoe box filled with goodies in order to have a wonderful Christmas.
        {mosimage}“We have had the wonderful opportunity to be a part of this event for several years,” said Michael Safley, vice president for university relations and campus ministry. “We are the regional collection site for Operation Christmas Child.”
        National Collection week is Monday, Nov. 17 through Monday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Gift-filled shoe boxes can be dropped off in front of Reeves Auditorium on the campus of Methodist University. Tractor trailers will be on site to receive the shoe boxes. The boxes will be transported to the distribution site in Charlotte to be shipped all over the world. 
        The directions for packing the shoe box are fairly straightforward. First you have to decide whether the gift will be for a boy or a girl. The label can be downloaded and printed by visiting the Web site www.samaritanspurse.com. Next, select the age group of the child which includes: 2-4-years-old, 5-9-years-old or 10-14-years-old. The box should be filled with gifts that will bring joy to the child of that particular age group. Some gift ideas are school supplies, toy cars, hygiene items, dolls, stuffed animals, hard candy, lollipops, yo-yo’s, T-shirts, socks, coloring books, educational toys, crayons and other items. Do not pack toy guns, knives, chocolate, food, liquids, lotions, perishable or breakable items. Donate $7 to help cover shipping overseas and other project costs. Place a rubber band around the shoe box before dropping it off to the collection site at Methodist University.  {mosimage}
        Since 1993, more than 61 million shoe boxes have been packed with gifts for children and shipped around the globe. Last year 7.6 million shoe boxes were collected and more than 100,000 volunteers helped inspect and prepare boxes for shipment. Samaritan’s Purse is an international Christian relief and evangelism organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to victims of war, poverty, disease and natural disaster. 
    “We expect to collect thousands of shoe boxes this year,” said Safley. “It feels good knowing that children will have something to open for the Christmas holidays.”
        For more information call 630-7043 or visit www.samaritanspurse.com.  

  •     Dear EarthTalk: I understand that Toyota is planning to sell a plug-in Prius that will greatly improve the car’s already impressive fuel efficiency.  Will I be able to convert my older (2006) Prius to make it a plug-in hybrid vehicle?         
    — Albert D. Rich, Kamuela, HI


        Toyota is readying a limited run of a plug-in Prius, which can average 100 miles-per-gallon, for use in government and commercial fleets starting in 2009. Toyota will monitor how these cars, which will have high-efficiency lithium ion batteries that haven’t been fully tested yet, will hold up under everyday use.
        Essentially, a plug-in version of the Prius reverses the roles of the two motors under the hood. The regular Prius relies more on its gas engine, switching to (or combining) use of the electric motor in slow traffic, to maintain cruising speed, and when idling or backing up. The car doesn’t need to plug in because its battery stays charged by the gas motor and by the motion of the wheels and brakes. The plug-in will primarily use its electric motor, allowing commuters to go to and from work every day fully on the electric charge, saving the gas engine for longer trips that exceed the distance the car can go on electricity alone.
        {mosimage}Toyota has made no announcement yet as to when consumers will be able to buy a plug-in; that depends largely on the results of the field test of the fleet version. But owners of a current or past model don’t need to wait. Those with automotive mechanical skills can convert their Priuses to plug-ins themselves.
        “The conversion is an easy DIY [do-it-yourself] project that you can do for about $4,000, if you choose to use sealed lead acid batteries,” says Houston-based Jim Philippi, who converted his Prius last year, using instructions he downloaded for free from the Electric Auto Association’s PriusPlus.org Web site. Philippi recommends that DIYers consult Google’s RechargeIT.org as well for useful background information.
        For those less inclined to a DIY, several companies now sell readymade kits (some also have kits for converting Ford Escape Hybrid SUVs). Ontario-based Hymotion sells plug-in kits for Prius model years 2004-2008 for around $10,000 via contracted distributors/installers in San Francisco, Seattle and elsewhere. Other providers include Plug-In Conversions Corp., Plug-In Supply, EDrive Systems, Energy Control Systems Engineering Inc. and OEMtek. All typically work with select garages that specialize.
        One potential worry about conversions is whether or not Toyota will honor the warranty that came with the original vehicle. The California Cars Initiative (CCI), which has converted several hybrids to plug-ins for research and demonstration purposes (sorry, they’re not for sale), says the carmaker needs to clarify the matter, since hybrid cars typically have four or five separate warranties. There is legal precedent, CCI says, that modifications cannot completely void warranties — only the part(s) affected by a retrofit.
        If you’re looking to convert, keep in mind that such a move is not about cost-savings, as it will take some time for fuel savings to justify the upfront cost of even a DIY. Most people interested in such a conversion are doing it for the sake of the environment, not their pocketbooks.
        CONTACTS: PriusPlus,www.priusplus.org; Plug-In Conversions Corp.,www.pluginconversions.com; Plug-In Supply, www.pluginsupply.com; EDrive Systems, www.edrivesystems.com; Energy Control Systems Engineering, www.energycs.com; OEMtek,  www.oemtek.com; CCI, www.calcars.org.
        GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail:  earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php.
  • uac110911001.jpg The Heart of Christmas Show has grown quite a bit since its inception in 1999. Anyone who spends more than a minute with Laura Stevens, the director, can tell you that she is passionate about this show in the same way that mothers are passionate about their newborn babies. She looks forward to the performances with the magical anticipation of a 6-year-old waiting for Santa to come down the chimney.

    This year’s performances are on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. and Sunday Nov. 27 at 3 p.m., and Stevens is giddy with excitement about it.

    “There are just so many wonderful elements to the show,” said Stevens. “Every year I look forward to fi nding new ways to make it even better.”

    That’s a tall order since there are so many people in the community who tell Stevens about their favorite segments and plead with her to keep them in the line-up. Still, she’s always searching for the next skit, the next number, the next dance that will take the show to a higher level of glamorous excellence — because for her it is about more than putting on a great performance.

    “The show is absolutely about giving the audience something to remember and putting them in the Christmas spirit,” said Stevens. “But it is also about all the hard work and dedication that the performers put into it. These kids and their families eat, sleep and breathe this show for several months each year and seeing the smiles on their faces and the joy in their eyes when the audience applauds at the end of each number is incredible. They work so hard to be able to deliver an amazing performance for the audience.”

    The performers, who are all between the ages of 6 and 19, work hard to deliver perfect performances, and Stevens works just as hard to make sure that each and every segment touches the audience in some way, whether it means laughing out loud, bringing them to tears or evoking reverent silence.11-09-11-voh-1.jpg

    Voices of the Heart, an all-girl, teen Christian vocal group is a huge part of the performance every year. This year Katelyn Godbold, Hannah Godbold, Mandi Hawley, Rachel Crenshaw and Hannah Pritchard bring the group to new heights.

    “Each year Voices of the Heart is amazing,” said Stevens. “This year’s group is just phenomenal. It is like having five Mariah Careys up on the stage when they perform. Part of what makes this show so incredible is that the performers are all children and young adults. The fact that they deliver such a high-quality performance every year really says something about their talent and dedication.”

    The show starts off each year with a fun and light-hearted look at Christmas through the eyes of children. It explores the joy and sense of anticipation that makes the Christmas season such a magical time for the young-at-heart.

    The second half of the show is more about the Christmas story and the birth of Jesus. It’s a testament to the talented performers that the audience is left in awe-struck silence following the manger scene.

    11-09-11-voh-2.jpgThe performers are clearly dedicated to the show, and it has paid off as year after year people come form further and further away just to see The Heart of Christmas Show.

    “We’ve had people tell us that they’ve come from Florida to see the show and that they look forward to the trip up here to experience it every year. Other people have said that our show is as good as anything they’ve seen in Branson, Mo.” said Stevens. “Last year I met a lady who told me that this is the show that puts her in the Christmas spirit. She leaves the show and goes right home to bake Christmas cookies.”

    And it all started as a way to bring something more to the community. From the very fi rst performance, Stevens has made sure that all proceeds from the ticket sales are put right back into the community. Generous sponsors cover the costs of production each year, providing an opportunity to help Fayetteville’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens, its children. So far, more than $300,000 dollars has been donated to Friends of Children, The Child Advocacy Program, the Autism Society and Falcon’s Children’s Home.

    Stevens is quick to thank the long list of sponsors who make it all possible. “The support we have from the local business community is amazing, but as much as we appreciate the support they give us, what means the most is when I see our sponsors bringing their friends and families to the show every year.”11-09-11-voh-3.jpg

    Tickets are available now and can be purchased at Hawley’s Bicycle World, The Crown Center box office, by calling 978-1118 and at ticketmaster outlets. Adults and Children tickets are $12.00 in advance, $18.00 at the door. Group rates $10.00 per ticket are available for groups of 15 or more.

    Photo top right: The talented teens in Voices of the Heart are one of the reasons the show is so successful each year. The girls are joined by other performers and dancers to make the show a hit.

  • The Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program, or C-STEP, housed in the office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, seeks to admit, identify, enroll and graduate high-achieving, low-to-moderate income students transferring to UNC-Chapel Hill from partner community colleges.

    Fayetteville Technical Community College’s C-STEP program began in 2011. Each year, two cohorts of students — a group of first-year FTCC students and a group of second-year FTCC students — participate in C-STEP.

    FTCC students Halona Dantes and Anjali Saji attended FTCC’s open house during summer 2019. Both young ladies arrived in Fayetteville the day before the open house event. Both students are from India where their mothers, who are nurses, participated with a recruiting agency for nurses to allow their families to emigrate from their home country to the United States. Neither student nor family knew each other before their arrival in Fayetteville.

    “My parents sacrificed a lot for me, and the thought of having a chance to better myself with the educational opportunities within the United States is what motivated my parents to make the move,” Dantes said.

    The process for Dantes' parents to leave Kuwait and Saji’s parents to leave Bahrain began in 2018 and was not an easy feat.

    Dantes said, “The process is hard and intense, and I wanted to do well in college because of all the advantages my parents were trying to afford me with.”

    Each family had to complete a compilation of tests and exams in English and score proficiently in each area to pass. They also had to complete and pass an interview. At the time, they did not know that both mothers would end up working as nurses at Cape Fear Valley Hospital.

    After applying and being selected to C-STEP, both students quickly adjusted to the program and made friends with their cohorts.

    Saji reflected on that early period: “I was really scared, and I had a fear about coming from abroad and being accepted," she said. "However, my cohort group was very accepting and welcoming. The fear I had about making friends vanished because I got to make friends through class engagement and various other components that the program provides.”

    Each student exudes the embodiment of what it means to be a C-STEP student. Each student has goals, accountability, strong character and a desire to achieve and give back to the community.

    The C-STEP program requires interested students to earn their associate degree at a North Carolina Community College and then transfer to Carolina to complete their studies. Once a student completes a degree at FTCC, he or she is guaranteed admissions into Carolina.

    But the advantages offered to C-STEP students go far beyond providing them with admission into UNC-Chapel Hill. C-STEP is an all-encompassing program that allows students to gain extensive knowledge of the Carolina campus, meet key individuals who will be of aid when they arrive at Carolina, and receive an opportunity to learn and grow with like-minded individuals who become far more than just peers.

    Saji summed up her motivation to succeed: “How could I not do well in my classes? My parents have given up and sacrificed so much to give me a better chance.”

    For more information about FTCC and C-STEP, please contact the author, the FTCC C-STEP Progam Director, at
    nelsonl@faytechcc.edu.

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    Pictured:  (Left) Halona Dantes and (Right) Anjali Saji.  Both are students in FTCC's C-STEP program.

  • 04 the CarolsThis holiday season the Gilbert Theater presents its newest Christmas production, “The Carols,” starting Nov. 27.

    “The Carols,” with its classic 1940’s style comedy set during World War II, is a story about the three Carol sisters who run the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post and are struggling to put on their annual “A Christmas Carol” production while facing another dilemma — the lack of men in town due to the war.

    “So they decide they're going to cast all women, then put an audition notice out, nobody shows up but this surprise guest,” Director Robyne Parrish said. “This one dude, Melvin, shows up and he's not quite right but he's all they've got, so they hire him on and they put together one of the most ridiculous ‘Christmas Carols’ of all time.”

    She describes it as a sweet, feel-good movie about family, loss and hope. The production shows the sisters struggling to put on their show with just four people, said cast member Evan Bridenstine.

    “It seems impossible for quite some time but then they perform and that's the act two,” he said. “The songs are great, none of them are those you've heard, most of them have that ear-worming quality that gets in your head and stays for a while.”

    Bridenstine, who plays the character of Melvin, described the production as funny, yet having a seriousness to it, due to the times it's set in.

    Parrish said the themes for the hour and 45-minute show are family, ‘there’s no place like home,’ and a kind of Christmas carol in disguise.

    The Artistic Director for the theater, Lawrence Carlisle, described the show as something on a lighter note that is needed during current times.

    “The Carols” will run three different weekends: Nov. 27- 29, Dec. 4-6 and Dec.18-20. Patrons can purchase tickets on the website. Tickets start at $16 but the theater offers discounts for military, students and first responders. There will be a military appreciation day with tickets being $10, Carlisle said.

    Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the theater, which usually holds about 100 people, has had to cut down capacity to 25. There will be temperature checks for patrons, a requirement for masks and contactless entry with use of electronic tickets.

    On Nov. 28, the first Saturday show, there will be a masked performance where the actors will wear face shields to accommodate patrons who don’t feel comfortable with mask-less actors, Parrish said.

    Despite continued concerns with the pandemic, the Gilbert continues to produce local entertainment even as it struggles, Carlisle said. Having to reduce audience capacity, buying additional cleaning supplies and rearranging how they do things has been interesting, he said.

    Parrish said the theater already operates on a small budget where about 50-75% of the annual budget comes from ticket sales.

    “It wasn’t going to work for us to just go in the dark for a year, and wait for a vaccine,” Carlisle said. “To not have any shows at all, you know, we would have just gone out of business.”

    Since a lot of people can’t be with family this holiday season due to the pandemic, Parrish said attending a show can be a way for them to feel like they’re a part of something.

    “If you’re looking forward to a little bit of joy during the holiday season and a little opportunity to escape and just smile … this show will allow people to escape, for a little while, from all that we are going through right now,” she said.

    For more information on “The Carols” and Gilbert Theater, visit www.gilberttheater.com/index.php

    Pictured: Cast members of "The Carols" rehearse for the musical scheduled to open Nov. 27 at the Gilbert Theater.

     

  • uac110310001.gif For more than 100 years the Falcon Children’s Home has been taking in children, caring for them and providing not only for their physical needs, but for their emotional, spiritual and mental health, too. That is no small task in any day and age. Not only is the emotional task daunting, the nuts and bolts of feeding and clothing their charges can be overwhelming, too.

    Hence the Harvest Train, a 61-year-old tradition that has allowed the surrounding community to bless the Falcon Children’s Home by filling in the gaps and meeting the needs of the children who reside there.

    This year, the Harvest Train takes place on Nov. 23 and you are invited to attend, participate or contribute in whatever way suits you.

    “It originally started back in the 1940s. They (the Falcon Children’s Home) were having a diffi cult time meeting their budget and having enough food and clothes to last throughout the year,” said Joey Leggett, Falcon Children’s Home CEO. “So the women’s ministry groups from some of the churches here in North Carolina said ‘Let’s start something called the Santa Claus Train’ — that is what it was called to start with.”

    The churches came together to collect things and raise money throughout the year. They would meet up in Dunn, which is eight miles from Falcon, and then would make a caravan and drive down I-95 to the Falcon exit. The children from the home would line the street and the folks in the parade would throw them candy and then everyone went to the auditorium where the children would do a program as a way of saying thanks.

    “I don’t think the home would have made it back then if it had not been for the Santa Claus Train,” said Leggett. “I feel certain they would have had to close their doors.”

    Back then, there was not state funding to lean on, and the proceeds from the parade made up about three quarters of the annual budget, according to Leggett.

    Today, it still makes up a little more than a quarter of the budget. Although the home currently receives funding for some of the children that reside there, they never turn a youngster away and there are several in their care who do not have state or federal fi nancial support and whose families are unable to help cover the cost of car-ing for them.

    The parade doesn’t start in Dunn anymore, but at the Culbreth Memorial Church in Falcon. Folks bring their donations, be it school supplies, canned goods, cleaning supplies, paper products, toiletries or diapers and infant-care items for the babies of the resident teen mothers and walk to the children’s home (and yes, they still throw candy to the kids as the come in).

    “Last year the parade was about a mile long,” said Leggett. “We’ve added a lot more to it this year, too. Pope Air Force11-03-10-ward-children.gif Base will have a lot of their Airmen and equipment in the parade. It still winds up at the auditorium and then the children still do a program as a way of saying thank you to everybody.”

    Leggett estimates that 90 percent of the residents at Falcon Children’s Home come from Cumberland County, and while they do get a lot of support from organizations like the Fayetteville Area Hospitality Association, there are still many needs that have to be met, and unfortunately, the funds to do that are not always readily available. That is why the Harvest Train is so important to the Falcon Children’s Home.

    “We are definitely grateful for all of the support that we get from the commu-nity,” said Leggett. “We touch so many lives here. There is no greater feeling than knowing that you have touched a child’s life and been able to help them turn them-selves around and be successful.”

    Supporting the Harvest Train is just one easy way to help the Falcon Children’s Home in their mission to change the lives of the future citizens, and hopefully leaders, of our community.

    To find out how you can help, visit www.falconchildrenshome.com or call the home at 980-1065

  • 01 01 dickens1900037‘A Dickens Holiday’ holds a special place in the hearts of many area residents. Locals look forward to coming together and kickstarting the holiday season with this festive event in downtown Fayetteville. Like so many other traditions in 2020, this year’s event will be a little different due to the pandemic, but participants will still be able to enjoy the beloved event inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

    “This is the 21st year we are doing this festival, usually it happens the day after Thanksgiving,” said Antonio Renteria, director of operations for the Arts Council of Fayetteville.

    “It started off as a way to bring traffic from the mall area to downtown and focus on those small businesses. It grew from there,” he said.

    Instead of a one-day event, this year’s celebration is titled ‘In the Spirit of Dickens,'” and also offers events on the two weekends before Thanksgiving with musicians and other performers.

    “We’ll have some carolers out there and cut outs to bring the holiday season even sooner,” Renteria said.

    The holiday may look different this year, but the Arts Council is using the opportunity to return the focus to supporting downtown merchants, he said.

    Merchants will be doing different specials leading up to the main festival on Nov. 27. The festival won’t have the usual fireworks or the candlelight procession. Also absent this year will be the arts and crafts vendors set up in the downtown area.

    “These are some things that we are not doing to mediate some of the larger crowds,” Renteria said. “We are encouraging merchants to bring out holiday gear and come out of their shops and decorate,” he said. “We’ll have the Fayetteville Orchestra, and different actors, like Scrooge, Ghost of Christmas Past, walking up and down the streets.”

    This year’s festival will be a combination of efforts with the Arts Council and Cool Springs Downtown District to provide a unique shopping experience.

    What we do plan to do is still support our mission of combining the arts in support of our local business and restaurants, that will also allow us to help support our local artists that have been out of work since March, said Robert Pinson, interim president/CEO of the Arts Council.

    “The idea is that you may not know exactly what is happening downtown, but you know that there is something fun to see and do and shop, or a great restaurant for lunch or dinner,” Pinson said.

    Some of the other attractions downtown for the festival will include Coventry Carolers, local adult and youth musicians from Fayetteville Symphony, brass quartets and Dickens character actors from the Cape Fear Regional Theatre.

    “One of my favorite things that we are doing, and I am glad we are getting a chance to do it again this year, is the ‘Gingerbread Community of Hope’ … a gingerbread house competition,” Renteria said. The competition is open to the public, there’s no cost to enter, and you can go online to sign up, he said.

    The Encore Academy will display entries in their windows beginning Nov. 23, Pinson said.

    “The houses will be up that Monday before and stay up the whole week, so people can come downtown, look at them, scan the QR code and vote on the ones they like,” Renteria said. “It’s a public competition so the community really gets to come out and decide which is the best one.”

    The winner of the competition will receive a $250 prize and will be announced the weekend of the event.

    The Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum will be doing story time for children and there will be horse drawn carriage rides, said Metoya Scott, public relations manager for the Arts Council.

    Like every other year, attendees and visitors are encouraged to dress up in Dickens-themed or Victorian clothing, and a guide to the dress code is available on the Arts Council’s website, Renteria said.

    The Arts Council will stream certain events live on the festival’s event page on Facebook for those who don’t feel comfortable coming downtown due to the pandemic.

    “For me the biggest thing you’re coming for … is getting to see the carolers and Scrooge, the Ghost of Christmas Past, walking around and really just get you into that holiday spirit,” Renteria said.

    The event will end the evening of Nov. 27 with the lighting of the community Christmas tree in front of the Arts Council.

    “If you're looking for a way to forget about 2020 a little bit, then get outside and enjoy the holiday season for the pure sake of it just being the holidays," Renteria said. “This is definitely the time to come out and do it and leave with a smile on your face.”

    For more information about ‘In the Spirit of Dickens,' visit https://www.theartscouncil.com/feature/dickens-holiday

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  • Christmas is a special time of year filled to the brim with traditions. One of the most popular and beautiful traditions around America is the hanging of Christmas lights. People often cruise around town in the evenings to compare and observe the various festive displays. This year Lu Mil Vineyard is offering a different option for lights — its annual Festival of Lights.

    Located in Dublin, N.C., Lu Mil Vineyard is a 58-acre vineyard that was opened by the Taylor family in 2005. The vineyard was born out of innovation and has always been a site used to test new equipment and ideas. The vineyard produces muscadine wine, a grape native to North Carolina, but the gift shop and tasting facility is incredibly multifaceted and completely family friendly. The shop also offers jellies, jams, alcohol-free wines, juices, ciders, sauces, syrup and even grape seed extract pills.

    11-21-12-lu-mil.gifDuring the Festival of Lights there is even a country buffet. “The Country Buffet is also offered every night that the show runs at $10 (plus tax) per person. It includes several meats, vegetables, salads, breads, desserts, tea and coffee. It is first-come, first-served with no reservations taken, but a lot of times, last year, we would suggest to groups to be there to eat at 5 or 5:30 p.m. and they could all eat together that way and then do the light show after the meal. The later in the evening — and the season — the busier it gets,” said Denise Taylor Bridges, owner of Lu Mil Vineyards.

    The Festival of Lights is far more than just a collection of lights in the middle of a field. Bridges says “…the Festival of Lights is a drive-through light show with hundreds of thousands of lights synchronized to music to create a Christmas production for the entire family. Our vineyard is a beautiful place year round but it seems almost magical the way it is transformed into a winter wonderland with lights, music, the aroma of delicious food and our hot muscadine cider. For the kids, there is the candy store, Santa, muscadine slushies, animated figurines, the nativity scene and Kiddie Land, which offers great photo opportunities.”

    This is the sixth year of the light festival, and it has grown every year. “We opened the vineyard in December 2005 and decorated a few trees and just hung a wreath or two that year and added a few lights the next year. We found that people would come by the vineyard just to ride through and see how pretty everything was decorated for this wonderful time of the year,” said Bridges. “So the next year we added lights to some of the buildings, the grain bins, the bridge, added a few animated items, etc. and we have continued to add venues, cabins and other features at Lu Mil over the last few years and now they are part of the Festival of Lights. It grows every year … more lights, different scenery and music every year. Our newest addition is the candy shop. It is located next door to the General Store (where the Country Buffet will be served).”

    The show opens on Saturday, Nov. 24, and runs every Thursday through Sunday through Dec. 9 and nightly beginning Dec. 13 thru Dec. 23. The light show runs from 6 to 10 p.m. and the Country Buffet is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is $10 per car (1-4 persons), $20 per van (5-11 persons) and $40 per bus (12 passengers or more). The vineyard also rents out a double-decker bus for $5/person with a minimum of 20 people in order to reserve it. Lu Mil Vineyard is located at 438 Suggs-Taylor Rd. Elizabethtown just off Hwy 87 in Dublin. For more information, visit www.lumilvineyard.com or call 866-5891.

  • When President Barack Obama urged Americans to go out into their communities and help their11-16-11-h&h-stand-down.jpgneighbors, Bishop Larry Wright heeded the call. The result is the 2nd Annual Homeless & Hunger Stand Down on Friday, Nov. 18 at V.F.W. Post 6018 at 116 Chance St. from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The H & H Stand Down is the largest one-day community event to focus on feeding the hungry in Fayetteville. In 2010, 1,300 residents were served. Event organizers hope to feed more than 1,500 this year.

    Wright, the president of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Ministerial Council and the chair for the 2011 H & H Stand Down Committee, worked with Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina, Heal the Land Outreach Ministries, Walmart, 107.7 FM, The Salvation Army and the United Way of Cumberland County to make the event a reality. Wright modeled the H & H Stand Down after Feed Fayetteville, a local organization that feeds the homeless and hungry. He then added local organizations to bring information and resources to people working to rebuld their lives.

    The meal is just part of the bigger purpose that Wright hopes to bring to homeless residents.

    “We not only want to feed people, but to give them information and build an ongoing relationship with them. They are in need, they’re homeless, they’re struggling. We want to help them build a better quality of life,” he said.

    Participants will go through a round robin of organization booths providing information on prescription assistance, medical and dental assistance, housing, identification services, job placement, educational opportunities and VA assistance. After completing the round robin, residents are invited to the free lunch.

    Community members are needed to fill a variety of volunteer positions including serving on the lunch line, distributing clothing and coats, helping with parking, security and event set-up and take down. There is also a food drive on to replenish the shelves of Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina. If you can’t volunteer on the day of the event, you can still help by donating blankets, rain coats, umbrellas, sleeping bags, gloves and hygiene items to Second Harvest Food Bank at 406 Deep Creek Rd. Donations will be distributed to residents at the H & H Stand Down.

    Wright hopes the Fayetteville business community will get behind the H & H Stand Down. Corporate sponsorships are available. Continuing community support will help the event grow throughout the years. He intends to expand the event to fill the Crown Coliseum one day. Wright took President Obama’s call to action to heart.

    “We are one another’s neighbors and we’re here to inspire and serve. We are an All-American city. Working together, we can always achieve more,” he said.

    For more information on the 2011 Homeless & Hunger Stand Down, please contact Bishop Larry Wright at 910-568-4276 or Crystal Moore-McNair, Community Impact Director for United Way of Cumberland County at 910-366-4725.

  • 14 moonshineMoonshine has come to my rescue.

    I am always trying to find ways to make North Carolina No. 1 in something important.

    Thanks to University of North Carolina at Asheville Professor Daniel Pierce, we have a substantial claim to be No. 1. In his new book, “Tar Heel Lightnin’: How Secret Stills and Fast Cars Made North Carolina the Moonshine Capital of the World,” he asserts that our state is tops in moonshine. He writes, “Indeed, if North Carolina has ever held the distinction of being number one nationally in anything, it is in moonshine production.”

    Then, in about 275 pages, showing the long and rich history of the making, sale and consumption of illegal liquor, he shows why and how North Carolina developed its No. 1 connection with what we call moonshine, also known by other names, such as corn liquor, white lighting, blockade, home brew and a host of other terms.

    “From the earliest colonial times, farmers, using techniques their families had learned in the British Isles, distilled their corn and fruit into whisky and brandy.”

    Until Civil War times, no government restrictions prevented them from making alcoholic beverages to trade or sell. In 1862, the national government passed an excise tax on liquor. After the Civil War, most farmers and other small producers ignored the tax, continued their production and made themselves petty criminals. Federal tax collectors tried to catch these moonshiners and put them out of business and into jail.

    The high cost of tax-paid liquor made the production of untaxed moonshine more profitable and more prevalent in every part of North Carolina.

    The prohibition movement was growing. In 1909, the state implemented statewide prohibition. Then in 1920, national prohibition went into effect.

    Pierce says, “Prohibition only increased the market for moonshine in the state and kept the state in the forefront of illegal liquor production nationally through the 1960s.”

    As legal liquor became more available, this shine on moonshine dimmed.

    Pierce’s great storytelling gifts make his thorough study of moonshine a fun read.

    For instance, he gathers short articles on legendary personalities into a hypothetical “North Carolina Moonshine Hall of Fame (and Shame).”

    My favorite of Pierce’s Hall of Famers is Percy Flowers. He was born in 1903 and grew up in Johnston County on a farm near the community of Archer Lodge. He left home at 16 to get away from an abusive father. He learned the liquor making craft from an African American expert and parlayed that expertise into a multi-million dollar enterprise. He was an organizer, hiring others to make the moonshine while he managed the distribution.

    I first heard of Flowers from Lynwood Parker, owner of the White Swan Bar-B-Que near Smithfield. Flowers once owned the building where White Swan is today. Ever since, I have been eager to learn more about Flowers. Pierce has obliged.

    Flowers entered the business about the time the 18th Amendment’s national prohibition began in 1920. He told people he made more money during those prohibition years than any other period of his life.

    Pierce writes, “He was successful not only in making a fortune, producing and selling illegal liquor but also, especially given his high profile, in evading law enforcement.”

    Flowers is joined in the Hall by famous figures such as Junior Johnson, the legendary race car driver who learned his trade driving moonshine in cars fast enough to evade the revenuers. Others include Rhoda Lowry, the widow of Lumbee hero Henry Berry Lowry and modern media figures, Popcorn Sutton and Jim Tom Hedrick, who had brands of “legal moonshine” named after them.

    There is more, so much more. So if you are looking for a Christmas present for a hard-to-give friend or family member, “Tar Heel Lightnin’” could be a good option.

  • 10 feaste18Oye! Oye! Methodist University’s Renaissance-themed Yuletide Feaste is returning this Christmas season Dec. 6 and 7 for its ninth year of spreading holiday merriment and mirth to the Fayetteville area.

    Not an ordinary dinner theater, the Methodist University Chorale takes patrons on a trip back in time to the court of Queen Elizabeth I of England, as members of the choir, bedecked in their fifteenth-century finery, celebrate the joy of the season as members of the Queen’s court. The show features a variety of traditional and period carols, sung by the University Choir, as well as special holiday pieces presented by MU’s elite Chamber Singers. The show culminates in a moving rendition of “Silent Night” sung by candlelight, as guests are invited to reflect upon the deeper meaning of the season. The show is full of warmth and heart, as it offers not only lighthearted entertainment for guests, but invites everyone, performers and patrons alike, to experience the comfort and joy of the Christmas spirit.

    As the name suggests, Yuletide Feaste offers its patrons top-notch entertainment, but it also provides guests with a sumptuous spread inspired by the holiday feasts held by the royal courts of 15th-century Europe. The four-course meal includes dishes such as butternut squash soup, stuffed chicken with smoked Gouda, wild rice pilaf and much more. There are also vegetarian options available for those who prefer to forego meat. Finally, the meal concludes with a spectacular dessert — figgy pudding, doused in brandy and then set aflame, as the dish has traditionally been served for hundreds of years.

    The Yuletide Feaste was the brainchild of Dr. Michael Martin, the director of University Choirs at MU. Inspired by similar holiday shows put on at Kent State University, where he was a student, Martin brought the idea to the MU Chorale and organized Fayetteville’s first Feaste in 2011. As MU Chorale members will tell you, Feaste is as much a delight for the students to put on as it is for patrons to watch. This year, the president of the MU Chorale, Mrs. Jordan Dues, will portray Queen Elizabeth I. Dues, a senior, shared her sentiments: “Feaste has not only become a tradition for the Chorale, but also for the community. It’s a night filled with good food, good company and good entertainment. I’ve enjoyed being a part of the Chorale for these past four years and cannot imagine how I will feel next year when I can no longer be a part of this great family.”

    Dues said that she will, however, continue to participate in the event after she graduates, albeit from the other side of the curtain. “I will come back as often as I can to watch the Queen’s court and the companionship that is exhibited.”

    Yuletide Feaste will be held at Haymount United Methodist Church on Fort Bragg Road Dec. 6 and 7. Tickets are $45 each and benefit the MU Chorale, helping them travel to perform in various locations throughout the country and around the world. Tickets must be reserved by Nov. 25 and can be purchased online at https://www.methodist.edu/music/yuletide-feaste/ or by mailing a physical copy of the registration form with a check or credit card number to Linda Volman Lane at the MU music department.
     
  • Slide on down to the Crown Theater Nov. 10, as it presents blues and rock legend Joe Bonamassa on stage. He is hailed worldwide as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream. The show is a one-night-only event in support of his brand new, first-ever entirely acoustic concert that was originally recorded at the Vienna Opera House in conjunction with a global ensemble put together by longtime creative partner Kevin Shirley. The 2CD/2DVD/Blu-ray, An Acoustic Evening at the Vienna Opera House, is available on Bonamassa’s label J&R Adventures.11-06-13-joe-bonamassa.gif

    Born and raised in New Hartford, New York, Bonamassa was the child of guitar store owners and began playing the instrument himself at age 4. He opened for B.B. King by the time he was 12 years old. Along his path to a successful blues career, he played for legendary acts such as Eric Clapton, Greg Allman, Buddy Guy, Eric Johnson and Europe before releasing his solo album A New Day Yesterday in 2000 at age 23. With all of his experience learning from these greats and becoming a stand-out artist on his own merit, Bonamassa has become another guitar legend. Truly a master of the instrument, he has transcended the blues into this generation. His slick style and precise execution of performance makes him one of the hottest tickets in blues today. Now he brings his talent and guitar to Fayetteville!

    After coming under new management by Philadelphia-based Global Spectrum, the coliseum promises to bring bigger acts to revitalize the entertainment scene of Fayetteville and surrounding areas. Global Spectrum is a subsidiary of Comcast Spectrum that specializes in large-market entertainment venues. Translation: they are going to bring big artists to Fayetteville. Opened in 1997, the Crown Center has been a destination for entertainment in the Fayetteville area. Home to both Fayetteville FireAntz ice hockey and the Cape Fear Heroes indoor football teams, this 8,500 seat arena is the perfect destination for fun and exhilarating live activities.

    Within the past year alone, the Crown Center has boasted national entertainment acts ranging from sports to music and comedy. Artists have included: Montgomery Gentry, Lavell Crawford, Mike Epps and the Professional Bull Riders. Events like these are selected for the citizens. The Crown looks forward to entertaining those who live and work in our city and neighborhoods and enjoys giving back to those who serve our country via big-name artists and entertainers.

    Building from what they have learned in the past, the Crown and Global Spectrum will continue to plan events to attract bigger and bigger artists. Always keeping in mind the wide variety of people who live and work in the Fayetteville area, a goal of the Crown Center is to book events and performances that will complement the city’s entertainment choice. Come out and enjoy the amazing sounds of Joe Bonamassa. For more information and to book tickets Joe Bonamassa, call the Crown box office at 910.438.4100.

    Photo: lues and rock legend Joe Bonamassa is set to perform at the Crown on Nov. 10.

  • uac112013001.gif If anything, Fayetteville is a city that respects tradition; and the holiday season is packed with unique local traditions that make November and December a blur of fun-filled activities. One of the biggest traditions that makes Thanksgiving Day weekend extra special is A Dickens Holiday. Every year, more than 10,000 people come to downtown Fayetteville to experience the charm that comes with the Victorian era Christmas celebration. The event takes place the day after Thanksgiving and is hosted by the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the Downtown Alliance.

    “People look forward to A Dickens Holiday and all that it offers each year,” said Marketing Director at Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County Mary Kinney. “That is why we make sure that Father Christmas is available for photographs each year and why the Downtown Alliance offers carriage rides each year. There are so many elements that the community looks forward to and we don’t want to stray too far from what people have come to love about this tradition.”

    Come as you are, or dig through the closet and come in character. So many people enjoy the event that many choose to come in costume. “It’s easy to find things in our closets to put together a Victorian era look that can be a lot of fun,” said Kinney.

    Find out more about fun, easy ways to dress for the occasion at www.theartscouncil.com/A Dickens Holiday/How to Dress_2011_LS.pdf

    “We want people to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves no matter what they are wearing,” said Kinney.

    The shops, restaurants and galleries are open for business and there will be vendors as well. Items like top hats, scarves, Christmas wreaths and decorations are typically available for sale. Actors portraying characters from A Christmas Carol will roam the streets acting out portions of this traditional Christmas tale.

    “This event is definitely for the community, but in many ways it is the community,” said Kinney. “Even the actors who portray characters from A Christmas Carol on the street are members of the community. In fact, the actor who plays Scrooge has been doing this for several years.”

    A Dickens Holiday starts at 1 p.m. The streets are filled with actors dressed in Victorian era garb.11-20-13-coverstory.gifThere are carolers, characters from A Christmas Carol, vendors, carriage rides and more. Sip hot cider and stroll the streets of downtown Fayetteville enjoying the shops, restaurants and galleries.

    Don’t miss the gingerbread contest at SkyView on Hay, which is located at 121 Hay St. “We are excited to host local high school culinary students again this year,” said Kinney. “Although gingerbread is a traditional medium, the theme for this competition is structures from the original colonies, which should be interesting.”

    The competition starts at 1 p.m. and the public is invited to stop by and vote for their favorite gingerbread structure.

    Carson Phipps is the Coordinator in the Career and Technical Education Department at the Cumberland County Schools system and he gets to help the students plan and execute this sweet operation.

    “We’ve got seven schools competing in the Gingerbread Competition. This year, one team is going to do a house that is different than the rest,” said Phipps. “They are actually doing an H&H designed home. We have never done this before, but H&H is a sponsor so one of their homes will be featured in the contest.”

    The rest of the contestants will be making houses that look like the capitol buildings of the original 13 American colonies. “We thought this would work because the colonies were founded around the time that Charles Dickens was alive,” said Phipps. “By doing the colonial buildings we could tie in to the time period but make the competition uniquely American. We had about 3,000 people come through last year and they all seemed to enjoy it.”

    The official judging takes place at 7 p.m., but the People’s Choice Award will not be announced until 8:30 p.m. The winners get $500 for their school.

    The second floor of the Market House will feature a display sponsored by the Fayetteville Area Transportation & Local History Museum called This Victorian Life. The exhibit takes a look at how Victorians celebrated Christmas and includes items like coins, ceramic plates and other commemorative pieces from Queen Victoria’s reign.

    11-20-13-coverstory2.gifThe Arts Council exhibit, Winter: An Invitational, features the works of professional photographers and shares their unique perspectives on winter. “This show is not just about classic winter photographs,” said Kinney. “It includes pictures that offer fresh and different interpretations of what winter means to the different artists — like a man bundled up for the cold, but he is sitting in a beach chair looking at the ocean.”

    While the festivities are sure to put even the staunchest of scrooges into the Christmas spirit, the real magic happens after the sun goes down. Late in the afternoon, stop by local merchants or the Arts Council and pick up a candle for the procession from the Arts Council to the Market House. People start to gather at the Arts Council around 5 or 5:30 p.m. For many, this is the highlight of the day, as the crowd moves slowly to the market house. Once at the Market House, the crowd is treated to a fireworks display. “Some people think that this is the end of A Dickens Holiday, but far from it,” said Kinney. “The carriage rides run well into the evening, Father Christmas is still available for pictures until 8:30 p.m. and most of the local businesses remain open until 9 p.m.”

    Find out more about A Dickens Holidayat www.theartscouncil.com.

    Photos: Father Christmas visits A Dickens Holiday each year and is available for pictures.Story and cover photo credit: Wick Smith

  • “No space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused” —Charles Dickens.

    11-20-13-christmas-carol.gifDon’t miss this annual opportunity to experience the joy and warmth of community spirit. Kick off the holiday season at Fayetteville’s candlelit Dickens celebration and then catch A Christmas Carol, which opens at the Gilbert, Nov. 29.

    Local thespian and arts lover, Joyce Lipe recalled, ”My husband Chuck and I took part in the Fayetteville Arts Council A Dicken’s Holiday each year, dressing in costumes of that period as we strolled along Hay Street getting caught up in the beauty of candle light and Christmas decorations. A Christmas Carol, which I narrated for six consecutive seasons became a part of the Gilbert season in its early years. It is still a central part of each Gilbert season. Thus, the dream continues and takes shape and the inspiration of early founders and participants continues to shine.”

    This year’s production is an adaptation by director Christopher Schario, who has been Executive/Artistic Director of The Public Theatre, Lewiston, Maine since 1993. His adaptation of A Christmas Carol, published by Dramatists Play Service in 1996, has enjoyed successful productions at professional and amateur theatres. One interesting element of this adaptation is the on stage use of a foley, a person who creates or alters sounds, using such tools as a thunder sheet, wind machine, gongs, etc. “In the fall of 1993 I was looking for a version of A Christmas Carol for my theatre company. Most adaptations of the story required such huge casts, lavish sets and special effects, that we couldn’t afford to produce them. I always felt that the charm of the story was in its simplicity, so I locked myself in our theatre with six actors and a fiddler, and we invented this version, that simply and directly tells the story of the redemption of a human soul. Dickens’ story teaches us that when we peel aside the suffocating veil of materialism, we can see the true wealth life offers through the appreciation and love of your fellow man,” Schario explained.

    Some may say, “Bah, Humbug!” However, many wish that the joy and generosity of the season would continue to shine throughout the year eliminating the need for annual stories about the search for a new home for “The Bicycle Man” or pleas for help for other charitable organizations such as The American Red Cross, which had its annual fundraiser, The Red & White Gala, recently. Dickens’ Marley said it best, “Business! Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business.”The play follows the ever-powerful story of Scrooge, a lonely miser, who, through the help of spirits and visions from his past, present and future, finds a second chance to become a loving, generous human being. “And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us!” And so, as Tiny Tim observed, “God bless Us, Every One!”

    A Christmas Carol runs Nov. 29 through Dec. 15, Friday – Sunday. Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Don’t miss this traditional holiday production. Rediscover the magic of this timeless tale, when seven actors and a fiddler bring Charles Dickens’ classic story to life in a way you’ve never imagined and will never forget. Tickets are $15/$13 for students, seniors and military. For further information contact the box office at 678-7186 or email the Gilbert Theater at boxoffice@gilberttheater.com.

    Photo: Gilbert Theater’s A Christmas Carol is a holiday favorite and a local tradition. The show runs Nov. 29 - Dec. 15.

  • uac112112001.gif We’ve come a long way, baby! If you have been in Fayetteville for just a few years, you may not appreciate the changes and improvements that have happened in the downtown area over the past decade or so. Having never seen the rough and tumble version of Hay Street, it would be hard to imagine the area as anything other than the quaint and charming city center it is today. As good as things are now, there is still a lot of work to be done and the city is at a pivotal point in this development process that started in the mid 1990s — and that is a good thing.

    This process started when local landscape architect Robert Martin introduced a plan in 1996 that laid out ideas for improvement in the downtown area. The plan was called A Complete Fayetteville Once and For All.

    Then in 2002, the Fayetteville Renaissance Plan was introduced. It focuses on 3,000 acres that cover an area from the Cape Fear River to the Martin Luther King Freeway as well as Fayetteville State University. While many of us were busy going about our daily lives the past decade or so, the Fayetteville Renaissance Plan was being carried out around us, to the tune of $99,623,803, the majority of which was provided by private business ($58, 443,055). The result was 386 building projects including Festival Park, Linear Park, Freedom Park, thee 300 Block of Hay Street development, the Franklin Street Parking Deck and the Hope VI development. Now, the community has some choices to make about what needs to happen next.

    “We’ve exhausted some of the projects that were in the original plans,” said Jami McLaughlin, downtown development manager. “So much has happened that we really had no choice but to relook at things.”

    Since this is a plan that will effect everyone in Cumberland County, it only makes sense to put some thought into it. Where do we go from here? Well, that is up to you — the community. Studio Cascade, a consulting firm chosen by a committee made up of representatives from the Arts Council, the Downtown Alliance and city staff, has a few ideas to get the conversation started. The end result will be shaped by input from the community and interested parties.

    There are three visions that Studio Cascade has put forth for the community to consider for the next phase of development:

    Destination Downtown would develop the 3,000 acres with the intent of making it a place to visit, shop, eat and be entertained. The focus would be on business development and cultural destinations. Downtown would become an event-driven location with surrounding areas including commercial services and easy parking. The river district would offer scenic and recreational opportunities. In this plan FSU would still be a focal point with policies geared toward developing and capitalizing on the insititution’s creative potential. FSU would be considered the area’s “alma mater” and students would be sought as downtown residents and potential employees — even after graduation.

    Hometown Downtown envisions the area as a place with several living options intermingled with businesses and entertainment venues. Downtown would be its own neighborhood. Russell and Person Streets would have market-rate housing, grocery and commercial businesses. There would be a mixed-use neighborhood near the river connected to downtown via the walkable portions of Russell and Person Streets.

    Diversity Downtown sees an area embracing the many cultures and talents of the community. Downtown would be the core of the area with commercial and housing options along Russell and Person Streets extending to the river. This plan includes a loft-style mixed-use neighborhood, a focus on the neighborhood center near the old Orange Street School and a focus on making a walkable corridor along Russell Street and the Spivey School/Hope VI area. FSU would be incorporated into downtown through curricula and special programs designed to blend different parts of the city and celebrate diversity.

    Of course, the end result will likely be a combination of the three plans. If ever there was a time to contribute to the conversation, to educate yourself about where the city is headed, to make a difference in the shaping of your community, it is now. The planners, the developers,11-21-12-cover-story.gif the leaders in the community are all waiting to hear from the people of Cumberland County about what the city will look like 10 years from now.

    “We hope not only business owners and developers will participate, but customers, too,” said McLaughlin. “All of Cumberland County needs to have a say in this. This is their home town.”

    There are several ways to participate in the conversation and be heard. The first is to attend Storefront Studio at 100 Hay St. (in the Self Help building). From Dec. 4-6, the space will be filled with information, posters, maps and accomplishments thus far in The Fayetteville Renaissance Plan. Consultants from Studio Cascade, the firm that has laid out the potential plans for the future of downtown and the 3,000-acre development area, will be on hand to provide information, but more importantly, to gather information, insight and direction from people who stop by. There will be workshops, interactive events and resources that encourage each visitor to share ideas.

    “We are looking to generate creativity and input,” said Cascade Studio Consultant Bill Grimes. “We want people to come and talk to us. We want to include businesses, local citizens, the military community, investors, educators — you name it. This is an open conversation. We are looking to squeeze as much out of the community and ourselves as we can in these few days.”

    Storefront Studio runs from Dec. 4-6, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day and with interactive workshops from 6-8 p.m. on Dec. 5-6.

    McLaughlin and Grimes both hope for a good turn out at Storefront Studio, as it offers a chance to ask questions and give and receive feedback. If that is out of the question, check out www.facebook.com/downtownfayetteville and participate in the survey to provide input. The survey is also available online at www.visitdowntownfayetteville.com through Dec. 6.

    For more information, contact Jami Sheppard McLaughlin, IOM Downtown Development Manager at 910-433-1599.

    Photo: The Fayetteville Renaissance Plan covers a 3,000-acre area that is being considered for further development over the next decade. 

  • 112812lattice.jpgEach year staff at the Museum of the Cape Fear looks forward to the holidays. It’s a time to show an entirely different side of the Victorian lifestyle that is regularly showcased at the Cape Fear Historical Complex.

    From Nov. 20 to Jan. 6, the Poe House is bedecked in garland and decorations befi tting the stately home. The public is invited to tour the property to learn more about what Christmas was like in Fayetteville in the early 1900s. On Dec. 2, the Museum of the Cape Fear celebrates the season with a Victorian Holiday Jubilee.

    The Edgar Allen Poe House, named for the original owner — a brickyard owner, not the famous author, is the perfect place to showcase and celebrate the holidays — Victorian style. There were no infl atable Santa’s on the front lawn or colored lights in the windows. To many, the thought of these modern adornments at the Poe House seems somehow demeaning. No, this home was dressed in ribbons and live evergreens and berries. The Victorian Holiday Jubilee showcases not just the decorations, but the traditions of the day as well.

    “The decorations are up and ready to be seen,” said Leisa Greathouse, curator of education. “We have a special theme we do in the dining room every few years. It is a lattice filled with ribbons that hangs from the ceiling. It was a decorating idea that came out of Ladies Home Journalof the time period. Much like we look at the HGTV, Ladies Home Journaldid the same thing of the time period. It would have decorating ideas and tips.”

    It’s an impressive structure that requires more than a dozen people to assemble it.

    Enjoy some time with the family listening to The Coventry Carolers; scheduled to perform on the front porch at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. The house, which will be festively decorated, will be open in between the concerts.

    “This is the first year the group has performed here. We are looking forward to having them.”

    Enjoy the tradition of holiday baking as Christmas goodies are made using the 1902 Glenwood Stove. “We use firewood in the stove. It takes real skill to cook on it,” said Greathouse. “You have to control the fi re enough to heat the oven on 350 degrees.”

    If holiday baking is not stressful enough, the volunteer who does the cooking uses a period cookbook.

    “We are fortunate that she loves it. She loves cooking and trying different recipes. They usually don’t have measurements, but will say something like ‘put in butter the size of a small egg,’” said Greathouse. “We use a cook book called What to Cook and How to Cook Itfrom 1912. It is a book that actually belonged to the Poes. We know they had this in their possession and probably cooked from it.”

    While enjoying the festivities, spend some time together in Santa’s workshop. Attendees are invited to make a paper elf hat for free or for a small fee make a wooden toy — while supplies last. The a wooden toy glider ($1), tug boat, race car, train or tractor ($3 each) will make a great momento.

    “I love the crowd we get —I am always impressed with the attendance and I love watching people enjoy the decorations,” said Greathouse. “Looking at the children’s faces is reminiscent of Christmas morning.”

    The Poe House is open for tours Tuesday-Friday during the week at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.; Saturdays on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays on the hour from 1-4 p.m. Tours of the house are free. Call 486-1330 for more information.

  • 11-05-14-community-concerts-1.gifTo follow up the recent Scotty McCreery show, Community Concerts will bring another nationally known show to the area with the Broadway Touring show, Sister Act. On stage at the Crown Theatre on Nov. 14, the performance of Sister Act is based on the 1992 film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg as a lounge singer sent to a convent as part of the witness protection program. The original stage show of Sister Actdebuted on Broadway in 2011 after a successful run on London’s West End.

    Making her national tour debut, actress Kerissa Arrington was quick to express her love for the overall story of Sister Act.

    “The musical is very similar to the movie and it tells such an amazing story…the crowds always enjoy it so much. In the end, it is a story about God and what He can do to change someone’s life around,” she explained.

    Arrington performs in the central role of Delores Van Cartier that was made famous on the big screen by Goldberg. Arrington describes the central character Delores as a “wannabe diva, aspiring singer... who influences all the nuns to find their voice and in doing so finds her own.” Arrington said her time in the role has been, “One of the biggest learning experiences of my life; it is one of the biggest roles that I have ever played… It has been the most amazing experience.”

    Arrington was very passionate in her plea to get the community to come and see this show.11-05-14-community-concerts-2.gif

    “You are going to be able to get everything in one: acting, singing and dancing. It is all live and live theatre is the best experience of talent that you can get. Sister Act is a fun-loving, family oriented, all ages show. You can’t go wrong with Sister Act.

    Also a part of the touring cast of Sister Act is actor Patrick Clanton. Like Arrington, Clanton is also making his national tour debut with the show. Prior to joining the tour, Clanton, a native of Garner, N.C., graduated from Elon University. He expressed a nervous excitement at the prospect of performing in front of a hometown audience.

    “I am excited to come back home and for all of my friends and family to see the show… To know that there are people out there who are rooting for you, to cheer you on and support you is a wonderful feeling that you don’t get too often,” he said. “To be honest, I might shed a tear or two with that added emotion.”

    11-05-14-community-concerts-3.gifAccording to Clanton, the show will be very similar to the one that garnered great reviews in New York,

    “The tour is very faithful to what was on Broadway; you are getting the Broadway experience in Fayetteville… Every audience has reacted with such joy,” he said. “I have never been in a show where the audience just leapt to their feet as soon as the show was done and I have never heard an audience cheer and laugh as much and as often as they do in this show.”

    The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com and the Crown Complex Box office. For more information, please go to www.community-concerts.com.

    Photo: top left, Sister Act on stage at the Crown Theatre Nov. 14; middle right, Clanton; bottom left, Arrington.

  • 11-19-14-nutcracker.gifBallet traces its roots to the Italian Renaissance as a combination of the lavish dance, décor, costumes, song, music and poetry that the royalty of Italy and France treasured. Since its inception, the popularity of this dance form has grown and solidified the style as an art form all its own. One of the most magical stories told by ballet is The Nutcracker. This Christmas Classic is on stage at the Crown Coliseum featuring the North Carolina State Ballet on Dec 7, 13 and 14.

    The North Carolina State Ballet was created in 1977, and is focused on not only preserving classical ballet choreography but also bringing it to the public. Attending a performance by the ballet is also an amazing opportunity for education. Professional instructors are available to teach students professional grade classic ballet. The commitment to education and preservation is evident in the incredible performances of each dancer and the company as a whole. It has presented many ballets over the years, but a seasonal tradition is their performance of The Nutcracker.11-19-14-nutcracker-2.gif

    One of the people integral to the success of the North Carolina State Ballet performance of The Nutcracker is Charlotte Blume. Blume, who owns her own school of dance located at 1312 Morganton Rd., instructs students in classical ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and children’s dance. The school has been instructing students 3 years and older for more than 40 years in classes and after school programs in Cumberland County Schools. However, classical ballet is the main focus of the school.

    The Nutcracker originally debuted in Moscow for the 1892 Christmas and made its way to the western world in the 1930s. It had a rocky start at its inception, but now it is a Christmas tradition for many families. Adapted from a fairytale written by E.T.A. Hoffman, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the ballet tells the story of a young German girl named Clara. On Christmas Eve, the children in Clara’s family are given amazing lifelike dolls. Clara awakens in the middle of the night and is attacked by giant mice. She is defended by the Nutcracker, who transforms into a prince and takes her to the Kingdom of Sweets.

    They journey through the magical land and at the end of the amazing night Clara drifts to sleep and awakens in her bed. This magical adventure is entertaining for adults and children alike. The incredible dancing, festive costumes and magical lands deliver an incredible show every single performance. It has been entrancing Christmas audiences for years.

    The Nutcracker is on stage Dec. 7, 13 and 14 at 3 p.m. in the Crown Theatre. The theatre is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. General admission is $19; $15 for military with I.D.; and children’s tickets are $6. Tickets are available at the Crown Box Office, which can be reached at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Fort Bragg Travel and Leisure Center.

    Photos: Top right, The North Carolina Ballet brings a holiday classic to life at the Crown Theatre with
    The Nutcracker.  Bottom left: Annually, students from Charlotte Blume’s Dance Company join the N.C. Ballet for this amazing performance. 

  • 11_26_14-candlelight-loft-tours.gifDowntown Fayetteville is an exciting hub of activity and fun for the community. Every year, for one night only, the people who live in the lofts downtown decorate and open their homes to anyone in the community who would like to have glimpse into loft living. The event keeps getting bigger and better every year.

    “We have eight lofts committed, and that may go up to 10,” said Ingrid Stelly the vice president of the Downtown Alliance.
    Loft living isn’t very common in Fayetteville. It is a unique form of living in the heart of the city in the spaces above restaurants and storefronts. In many cases, the spaces are quite charming and bigger than one might expect. The loft tours offer a glimpse into the downtown lifestyle. For those who have never experienced the annual Candle Light Loft Tour, Stelly says, “People should expect a look into the urban living in downtown Fayetteville.

    They will see the beautifully decorated lofts and the loft form. It is a great way to enjoy December and an adventure for Christmas. The lofts are decorated for Christmas and you can enjoy the sweet sounds of carolers as they stroll the streets. This is an exciting kick-off for the Christmas season.”

    Travelling between the participating lofts is a great experience as well. Though downtown is beautiful in the brisk evening air, walking is not the only option. “BMW is bringing its electric car, which will take people to and from the different streets for free. We will also have carriage rides to take people to and from the lofts,” said Stelly.

    Organizing the Candlelight Loft Tour is a big undertaking, but one that the event organizers enjoy. It is run and organized entirely by volunteers from  beginning to end. Stelly, in particular, is extremely excited for the annual tour. “I’m most excited for seeing the apartments. There was not a lot of urban living downtown before. Seeing the decorated lofts and interacting with the loft owners and getting to hear their experiences are great,” she said. And she is not the only one in the community who loves the tour.

    “This has become an annual event and we get inquiries into the loft tours as early as October. Folks look forward to it,” she continued.
    The Candle Light Loft Tour is an opportunity to experience a unique lifestyle in the beautiful and historic downtown. The homes are gorgeously and meticulously decorated for the holiday. It is simply an annual tradition that shouldn’t be missed. For those who do attend, Stelly suggests, “To get the most out of the experience, you should try to see the most lofts. And the way to do that is to show up on time because it is only three hours. So get your tickets early and come on time.”

    Tickets are available at the Downtown Alliance office, The Pilgrim and So Chic Bebe. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 the night of the tour. Proceeds support the Downtown Alliance. Tickets are on sale now. The tour takes place on Dec. 14 and start at 6 p.m. For more information visit the following site www.faydta.org/candlelight-loft-tour or call
    222-3382.   

  • 112515_coverstory.png

    Fayetteville is not the same place it was in 1935. But some things do not change, one of which is a love of music. In 1935, a group of music lovers came together to form Community Concerts. Over the years, the organiztion, like the city, has evolved.

    First started as a Columbia Artists franchise that canvassed the nation in the early 20th century has grown into a local entertainment powerhouse that delivers top-notch productions to the community. Every season. Without fail. Today, just a handful of Community Concerts programs remain throughout the country, one of which if here inFayetteville.  Celebrating 80 years of bringing great music to the community, Community Concerts is launching its biggest season. Daryl Hall and John Oates open the 2015/2016  line-up on Dec. 5. Peter Cetera, Boyz II Men and Jay Leno follow with shows in January, March and April, respectively.

    Michael Fleishman, long-time board member and current Community Concerts attractions director, joined the team more than 20 years ago and was a part of the organization when it made a conscious decision to veer away from the status quo. 

    “Community Concerts used to be a lot of chamber music and choral groups,” he said. “We decided to turn to the pop music genre for our productions and then did our very best to wow our audiences every single year. We concentrated on bringing the best entertainment we could afford to Fayetteville. Once we did that, once we made taking care of our audiences our priority, things just sort of took care of themselves.”  

    This year, the Community Concerts organization focused on bringing fewer shows but bigger names to Fayetteville, booking a $100,000 season. 

    “Last year was our biggest season. This year is our most expensive,” said Fleishman.

    Daryl Hall and John Oates are the top-selling duo in music history. Their music has not only entertained fans for decades, it laid the ground work for the next generation of musicians. Their acolytes include big names like Rob Thomas, John Mayer, Brandon Flowers of the Killers, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and MTV’s newest hipsters Gym Class Heroes.  Hall and Oates have graced the cover of Spin Magazine, had tours named in their honor (the Gym class Heroes “Daryl Hall for President Tour 2007”). Last year, the duo received the coveted nod and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

    With more sales than any other performing duo, Hall and Oates continue to deliver performances that keep crowds on their feet. 

    “This is going to be a great concert,” said Fleishman. “They’ve got so many hits.”

    Chart toppers for the pair include: six number one singles, including “Rich Girl”, “Kiss on My List,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do), “Maneater” and “Out of Touch” from their six consecutive multiplatinum albums. Plus five Top 10 singles, “Sara Smile,” “One on One,” “You Make My Dreams,” “Say It Isn’t So” and “Method of Modern Love.”

    In addition to touring, Hall currently stars in a web series called “Live from Daryl’s House.” It airs every Thursday at 11 p.m. EST on the Palladia Channel or at www.livefromdarlyshouse.com. The show has had a plethora of guest artists including Joe Walsh, Booker T and the MGs, The Blind Boys of Alabama,  Train, Cee Lo Green, Smokey Robinson, The Doors’ Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek, Toots Hibbert,  K.T. Tunstall, Todd Rundgren, Keb Mo, Dave Stewart, Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik and Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump along with newcomers such as Nick Waterhouse, Chiddy Bang, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Matt Nathanson, Parachute, Plain White T’s,  soul diva Sharon Jones, Diane Birch, L.A. neo-R&B party band Fitz & the Tantrums and hot new alternative band Neon Trees. Adding a restaurant and music club to the mix, Hall opened Daryl’s House on Oct. 31 in Pawling, New York. The eatery/club serves as the backdrop for the show.

    The two have no problems staying busy. In March, look for a new concert video release — the first in seven years. Daryl Hall and John Oates: Live in Dublin. It was filmed  on July 15, 2014 at the Olympia Theatre in their first ever Dublin performance.

    Oates released a solo project called Good Road to Follow in March of 2014.  

    In January Peter Cetera will electrify the audience at the Crown. 

    “He was Chicago’s lead singer for a long time,” said Fleishman. “He has since gone on to have a successful  solo career. There is probably not one of his songs that you won’t recognize.”

    Cetera performed with Chicago from 1968 through 1986. He was the lead singer, he wrote songs, he played the bass. Hits from that era include “If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “Baby What a Big Surprise,” “You’re the Inspiration,” “Stay the Night,” “Love Me Tomorrow,” “Happy Man,” “Feeling Stronger Every Day” and “Along Comes a Woman.”

    Striking out on his own, Cetera recorded 10 albums and was nominated for an Academy Award for “The Glory of Love” from the hit movie The Karate Kid II.  He went on the top the charts with “The Next Time I Fall” with Amy Grant; “Feels Like Heaven” with Chaka Kahn; “After All” with Cher from the motion picture Chances Are; “No Explanation” from Pretty Womanand “Restless Heart.”

    Four-time Grammy Award winners Boyz II Men have been changing the R&B landscape for more than 20 years. Accolades include nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, three BillboardAwards, and a 2011 MOBO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. 

    With classics that appeal to all generations, Boyz II Men produced hits that include “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day” and  “Motownphilly.”

    “Boyz II Men continues to deliver high-energy shows that audiences love,” said Fleishman. “They are known for great harmonies and relatable songs.” 

    The band is set to release a new album in September called Collide. Two of the tracks, “Better Half” and “Diamond Eyes” are featured on a special episode of ABC’s hit show,
    The Bachelorette

    The group’s charity, Boyz II Men House “lends support to individuals and organizations that focus on improving quality of life and helping to unlock human potential, while contributing to the health and vitality of those less fortunate.”

    Funny man Jay Leno kept America laughing for decades. Talk show host, author and stand-up comedian, Leno closes out the 2015/2016 season of Community Concerts.

    Leno’s comic career spans 40 years. He performed for the armed forces during conflicts in Bosnia and Afghanistan and serves as master of xeremonies for several charity events each year. This big-hearted entertainer is sure to have the audience in stitches. 

    For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.community-concerts.com.

     

  • 11_12_14-cover.gif We are quickly approaching the most magical time of the year: Christmas!

    While the majority of us wait until Thanksgiving to start decking the halls and trimming our trees, many are already moving full speed ahead. Fayetteville musician Laura Stevens is one of them.

    Stevens, the mastermind behind The Heart of Christmas Show, prepares for Christmas all year long. It’s her mission. Stevens, along with her talented ensemble, kicks-off the Christmas season in Fayetteville. It’s not just entertainment, it’s their passion.
    In its 17th year, The Heart of Christmas Show brings a Broadway-style musical to the community each Christmas replete with great costumes, big dance numbers and even bigger singing numbers. The show, which is on stage for the public just one weekend, impacts the community all year long in big and small ways that most people will never realize.

    The cast of the show is comprised of 36 talented young people between the ages of 5 and 18. And while their talent brings humor and spirit to the season, their passion for the community brings something much more important. The show was born from a need in the community to give talented young people an outlet to grow their talent. The Heart of Christmas Show provides a whistles and bells, full production, professional environment for child performers to develop and gives them a memorable experience. It also give the audience memorable experiences as well. The audience is enthralled by the show’s level of professionalism, talent and entertainment value.
    Stevens, the founder and director of the show, noted that the best compliment she gets from audience members is that they forget they are watching young people perform until a “5-year-old comes out, steals your heart and gets a standing ovation because he was so good.”  

    That doesn’t happen without a lot of hard work. The cast starts rehearsals about three to four months out. But Stevens’ work starts immediately after the curtain closes on the last performance. It is a tremendous effort with a lot of moving pieces. She first has to assess what worked and didn’t work in the production. Then she has to look for ways to make it fresh and to up the entertainment value. For an artist like Stevens, that is the fun part. But she also has to tackle the business end of the show.

    When the show was first conceived, it was meant to be a one-time experience. But its success within the community was overwhelming, causing Stevens to explore the idea of making it an annual event, which has morphed into a Fayetteville tradition that is one of the biggest annual events at the Crown and in the community. To make the show work, Stevens needs talent, but she also needs commitment from the community, which comes from ticket sales, but more importantly from the support of local businesses. Without the sponsorship of the show by local businesses, many of whom have been with Stevens since the first show, The Heart of Christmas Show would not be possible.  

    “Thesponsor support has been a lifeline to continue the show and to improve the show,” she said. “We pay for all the expenses of the show with the sponsor support so that we can give all the ticket money back to the community through the charities we pick each year.”

    And that’s what is truly at the heart of The Heart Of Christmas Show. The first show was designed specifically to help children in need in Cumberland County. Each year, The Heart of Christmas Show has kept its promise to give away 100 percent of the ticket sales from the weekend shows to local children’s agencies that work to help sick and abused children.

    Additionally, the show is performed for school children throughout the community, with proceeds going back into the schools. Throughout its run, The Heart of Christmas Show has raised more than $170,000 for local schools. With the weekend shows and the school shows, it has raised more than $575,000 to help children in our community.

    With that kind of giving power, Stevens and her cast of talented performers have lived up to their motto, “Children helping children.”

    “We have and will continue to help the children of this community because we believe it is a privilege to help others,” explained Stevens. “It teaches our performers to look outward instead of inward. ”

    Stevens said the philosophy she instills in her cast is simple. “Want to know the secret to happiness in life? Helping others. We were created to do that. Ephesians 2:10 says, ‘For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to do.’”

    “We can make a difference. One life at a time; one community at a time,” she concluded. And the cast has shown that for 16 years, making the community better one show at a time.

    The Heart of Christmas Show is on stage at the Crown Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 1 and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit the website at www.heartofchristmasshow.com

     




  • 11-10-10-yulemart081.gifIt seems today that there is a gadget to do virtually everything for you, that all presents come with bells, whistles or … a touch screen, and homemade and handcrafted gifts are a thing of the past. In light of this, the 2010 Yule Mart seems like a piece of much needed nostalgia to a time when everything wasn’t manufactured and mass produced. Yule Mart is a showcase of local, regional, and out-of-state crafters and artists and their creations, sponsored by the Fort Bragg Officers Spouses Club. More than 70 booths will be featured, offering a wide variety of items, such as quilts, holiday decorations, jewelry, paintings, furniture, Americana crafts, and much more. They will be selling their handmade crafts and products this November 19, 20 and 21 in the Ritz Epps Gym, Fort Bragg.

    “We have lots of new vendors this year, as well as some old favorites” said Yule Mart chairperson Tracy Curran. “My Sister and I is a new vendor this year. The Promise is back and they are always a big hit. The Buy n Bragg will be there again, which is our (Fort Bragg Area Spouses Club) boutique here on post — they sell Fort Bragg related items.”

    Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be taking a break from their busy schedules and stopping by, with Mrs. Claus’s Bake Shop and Santa’s Workshop both in the Ritz Epps Physical Fitness Center. Donate or buy tasty treats or bring the kiddies to shop for low priced gifts for their family and friends.

    “There is a new feature this year at Santa’s Secret Workshop,” said Curran. “This year we have an EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) shopping experience, and we are very excited about that. That will be on Sunday Nov. 21 from 10-11 a.m. We are very excited about that. It will be a little less chaotic than our other shopping times.”

    Mrs. Claus’s Bake Shop will be fi lled with cookies, brownies, muffi ns and breads, as well as fresh fruit and sugar free items for sale.

    Of course all of the proceeds go right back into the community on and around Fort Bragg.

    “We had about 3,000 shoppers last year and this year we are shooting for at least 4,000,” said Curran. “All of this goes back to our community through welfare grants to community organizations that support the military as well as on scholarships and continuing education scholarships for spouses of military members. Last year a lot of local schools both on and off post benefi tted from general welfare fund grants including the Fort Bragg animal shelter, the Armed Services YMCA, Operation Homefront N.C. and the Fisher House.”

    One of my earliest memories of Christmas is sitting with my uncles, aunts and cousins at the dining room table covered with beads, string and pipe cleaners making our own ornaments. Eventually they got so popular that we began to sell them to friends and family members, as well as in our church. We enjoyed the money, but nothing could ever put a price on the bond that we created together and the delight in making something with our own hands that gave such joy to others. This year I urge everyone to step away from the gadgets and electronics, and give something made with care, and support our neighboring artists and talent.

    “The mall and other retailers are standard — everybody can fi nd what you fi nd at the mall, but these are all unique hand crafted items,” said Curran. “I think the uniqueness would be the reason to come and shop at Yule Mart. The stuff you will fi nd at Yule Mart you are not going to fi nd at the mall or any other retail outlet.”

    PICTURED: Shoppers enjoy regional crafters and artisans at Yule Mart.

  • 19Clint Narramore The World Series is coming to the Fayetteville SwampDogs J.P. Riddle Stadium.

    It’s not the fall classic of Major League Baseball fame, but there will be a trophy and prizes as the SwampDogs host the inaguaral 2018 Kickball World Series starting at 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 15.

    Clint Narramore, the new assistant general manager and playby-play voice for the SwampDogs, said the tournament is part of a promotion on the part of the SwampDogs to offer family fun opportunities the whole year round, not just during baseball season.

    An entry fee of $25 will get your team entered into the tournament, with an entry deadline of this Saturday, Dec. 1, two weeks prior to the tournament.

    The rules on how people can put their team together are flexible, Narramore said. He is looking for a minimum of nine players per team with a maximum of 12. Standard kickball rules will apply, and the field will be laid out on the infield at Riddle Stadium.

    The format will be single-elimination, bracketstyle play. Each game will last five innings with a 50-minute time limit. The tournament will conclude at 5 p.m.

    Teams can be composed of players of mixed ages, Narramore said, meaning they can include both children and adults. 

    “We want the kids to be able to participate, too, and we want to make sure we can include everyone in the family,’’ he said.

    In addition to presenting a trophy to the winning team, the prizes will include gif cards from various local businesses.

    To enter or to find out more information about the tournament, call 910-426-5900 or come by the SwampDogs office prior to the entry deadline.

    Information is also available on the Facebook page, Fayetteville SwampDogs 2018 Kickball World Series.

    Photo:  Clint Narramore

  •     Dear EarthTalk: I saw a cover line on a magazine that said, “The next world war will be over water.” Tell me we’re not really running out of water! 
                                        — Nell Fox, Seattle, Wash.


        Today fully one-sixth of the world’s human population lacks access to clean drinking water, and more than 2 million people — mostly kids — die each year from water-borne diseases. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), an independent organization that provides economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy goals of the United States, predicts that by 2025, one-third of all humans will face severe and chronic water shortages.
        Needless to say, water is of primary importance to our survival, and protecting access to and the quality of fresh water supplies will likely become more and more of a challenge in the coming years. According to the nonprofit World Water Council, the 20th century saw a tripling of the world’s population while freshwater use grew by a factor of six. With world population expected to increase as much as 50 percent over the next half century, analysts are indeed worried that increasing demand for water, coupled with industrialization and urbanization, will have serious consequences both for human health and the environment. Access to freshwater is also likely to cause conflicts between governments as well as within national borders around the world.
        {mosimage}According to USAID, the world’s “water crisis” is not so much an issue of scarcity as it is of poor management and inequitable distribution. The hardest hit regions have been countries in the Middle East, North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Worldwide demand for water is presently doubling every 21 years.
        Water-related problems are not the sole purview of the developing world though. We here in North America have polluted and diverted our fresh water supplies far beyond nature’s capacity to restore the flows, notably in the West where sprawling, thirsty metropolises have grown up in deserts where the only way water can be provided is to siphon it from other regions.
        So how do we fix the world’s water woes? The key lies in using water more efficiently — especially in agriculture and industry, which together account for over 90 percent of the world’s total freshwater use. But changing the practices of millions of farmers and businesses around the world is a Herculean task.
        Irena Salina, director of the award-winning documentary film, FLOW, about the world’s dwindling water supplies, thinks it can be done if world leaders, international banks, the United Nations and other governmental organizations establish cooperative agreements for the use of bodies of water, including groundwater, and economic mechanisms to make sure those who need access to water can get it.
        As for the developed world — where we use 10 times the water as do developing countries — Salina remains pessimistic. “If our own leaders were serious about solving problems, we would not allow corporations to discharge pollutants into our water sources,” she says. “Instead of spending billions on technologies that clean up pollution, we would be using resources to prevent water pollution in the first place.
        CONTACTS: Ocean Conservancy, www.oceanconservancy.org; Natural History Magazine, www.naturalhistorymag.com.
        GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at:  www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php.
  • 18John Mills FEMA  Residents of the Hope Mills area who suffered longterm damage as a result of both Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Matthew have been granted additional time to get assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

    Following a request from North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, FEMA extended the deadline to apply for assistance in Cumberland County to Thursday, Dec. 13.

    “The deadline is usually 60 days,’’ said John Mills, a representative with FEMA in Washington, D.C. “That’s just the initial registration. People can stay in touch to get assistance after the deadline.’’

    Mills said those who qualify for basic FEMA assistance include anyone who suffered serious hurricane damage from either storm to their primary residence and those who have damage or other needs not specifically covered by insurance.

    “FEMA by law cannot duplicate insurance payments,’’ Mills said.

    Mills was in the Fayetteville and Fort Bragg area just before the storms arrived. He noted there was a lot of flooding locally.

    According to the most recent statistics provided by FEMA, $869 million in disaster aid has been paid to the state of North Carolina.

    Cumberland County is one of 34 North Carolina counties designated to receive financial relief from the federal government.

    The county has received $13.8 million in state and federal funds, with $4.2 million going to 1,700 homeowners and renters.

    There have been 180 flood insurance claims filed with $3.3 million in claims paid.

    As of Nov. 13, more than $6.3 million in U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans have been approved for 280 homeowners and 20 businesses.

    FEMA has a disaster recovery center open six days a week in the Social Services Building at 1225 Ramsey St. in Fayetteville. Mills said the center will remain open based on community need. So far it has had 3,000 visits, and will likely remain open until around the time the deadline for registering on Dec. 13 approaches.

    Mills said those in need of financial help can contact both FEMA and the Small Business Administration at the center.

    “In a big disaster like this, the (Small Business Administration) makes disaster loans to homeowners and renters, not just businesses,’’ Mills said.  “The FEMA money is grants and flood insurance payments. SBA does loans, FEMA doesn’t.’’

    FEMA provides you with a grant for temporary rental assistance if your primary residence was made uninhabitable by the hurricane. Homeowners may also be able to get money from FEMA for basic home repairs or to help survivors replace personal property that was destroyed.

    In some cases, FEMA coordinates with charitable, nonprofit and faith-based organizations that are working with people in the affected areas.

    “In some cases, people will receive money from FEMA,’’ Mills said. “Some people may receive money and assistance from a charitable organization.

    “You’ve seen a lot of what’s been going on, neighbors helping each other out, church groups doing good work. This is an excellent opportunity for young people that want to volunteer with local organizations to give of their time to help folks who are still struggling.’’

    To reach FEMA directly, Mills said the best number to call is 800-621-3362. There is also information on the internet at DisasterAssistance.gov.

    Photo:John Mills, FEMA representative

  •     Fayetteville Urban Ministry (FUM) kicked off its annual Holiday Honor Card event on Friday, Nov. 14, at the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County.
        “There is hope in the Cards,” said event chair P.R. Moss, a Fayetteville attorney. “A purchase of a Holiday Honor Card — for just $5 — will help Fayetteville Urban Ministry fill the needs of those less fortunate in our community, by providing food and clothing, teaching adults to read, making emergency home repairs and mentoring our troubled youth. This year, it is especially crucial to help Urban Ministry help our community.”
        Twenty years ago artist William Mangum’s introduction to the plight of homelessness came about at a Hardees restaurant when he was asked for money. Something about the man’s demeanor touched Mangum. Today as the Honor Card program celebrates its 20th anniversary Mangum feels assured this was indeed a divine meeting. “The Honor Card has inspired some amazing paintings that share a subtle message about the need to support those that have stumbled along life’s journey,” said Mangum.
        The Honor cards are $5 each, and can be purchased at Fayetteville Urban Ministry, The Fayetteville Observer, Always Flowers by Crenshaw (Westwood), The New Deli (Valleygate Dr.), Edward McKay Bookstore, Northwood Temple Thrift Store and Kindred Hearts(Franklin St.). They are also available at www.fayurbmin.org
         For more information, contact Fayetteville Urban Ministry at 910-483-5944.

    LEAF COLLECTION CONTINUES
        The City Solid Waste Department is once again at your disposal with the annual loose-leaf pickup season. Round 1 hangtag schedules have been distributed. Round 1 pickup runs through Dec. 18. Round 2 of loose leaf season comes later.
        The hangtags were placed on household trash cart-handles for citizens to view easily and take inside for reference. A recommended place to keep the hangtag is on your refrigerator.{mosimage}
        Leaf season allows for unbagged leaves and pine straw to be picked up curbside. Citizens should follow these instructions when bagging up their leaves and pine straw:
        •Rake your leaves and pine straw curbside by day prior to your pickup date. Place your leaves and pine straw on the top of the curb away from storm drains and out of the road. Bad weather may cause delays
        •Leaves and pine straw only - no tree limbs.
         You do not have to wait for loose-leaf season to have your leaves and pine straw collected. If you put your leaves out in sturdy bags or containers on your regular yarddebris day, they will be picked up weekly.     This also helps keep leaves out of the storm drains.
        During loose-leaf season, citizens can pick up trash bags at any recreation center or fire station. Citizens can purchase a brown roll-out cart for $56.45. The City can deliver it to your house for $11.25 or you can pick it up at the Solid Waste Department at 455 Grove Street.
        Citizens can read the guidelines and view the leaf season schedule by their zip code on www.cityoffayetteville.org/leafseason. Another hangtag is available by clicking on Hangtag Brochure. For more information, call 433-1FAY.

  • Meetings

    For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113. Until the Parks and Recreation building has been repaired following damage from Hurricane Florence, some meetings may be moved to Luther Meeting Room at Town Hall at regular dates and times. Those meetings are noted with an asterisk below.

    Festival Committee Monday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall reception area.

    Board of Commissioners Monday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

    Historic Preservation Commission Wednesday, Dec. 12, 5 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building*

    Activities

    For more information on these activities, contact Meghan Hawkins at 910-426-4109.

    Christmas at the Lake Friday, Nov. 30, 6-7:30, p.m. An old-fashioned Christmas in the mill village returns with singing of Christmas carols, lighting of the Christmas tree, burning of the Yule log and hot chocolate and cookies for everyone.

    Hope Mills Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 1, 3 p.m. Enjoy bands, floats, hot cars and a visitor from the North Pole.

    Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 15, 8:30 a.m., at Hope Mills Fire Station. Jolly Old Saint Nick will be on hand to enjoy a breakfast catered by Grandson’s. Tickets are limited. Children 3 years old and under are free but must have a ticket to attend.

    Promote yourself

    Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com.

     

  • 17Mark Pezzella To look at Mark Pezzella, you’d think he was in excellent health, but that’s not unusual for many veterans of the military, he said.

    “Don’t be misled or confused by the fact somebody looks normal,’’ he said. “It doesn’t mean they’re not disabled. There’s a lot of disability you can’t see.’’

    It took Pezzella some time to realize he had an assortment of physical and emotional ailments related to his service as a military policeman in the U.S. Army. It took longer still for him to get the benefits that were available to him from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Now he’s speaking out on behalf of other veterans who need the same benefits he’s been getting.

    Pezzella, who runs his own event production company, recently drew attention to the problem some veterans have getting the benefits they are owed when he spoke during a luncheon meeting for veterans hosted by the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce.

    After serving as a military policeman that included a stint in Operation Desert Storm, Pezzella left the Army on Oct. 27, 1991.

    He spent the first 20 years out of the Army thinking he was just getting old and dealing with the normal problems of aging, never realizing that his various ailments were related to his military service and that there was help available to him he hadn’t pursued.

    “When I found out this stuff was related to my military career, I said, ‘Wow, I’ve been paying for this stuff all this time,’” he said. “Nobody said anything to me. I didn’t have anybody championing the thought process of actually filing with the VA.’’

    Pezzella was a classic case of a veteran with no visible signs of his various disabilities. Both his knees were practically bone on bone, with no cartilage left in either of them. He also had arthritis in both knees.

    The arches of both of his feet had been torn out twice. He had stomach issues as a result of the food he ate while serving in Desert Storm. And there were also lingering mental issues left from the kinds of things people see while in a war zone.

    It took time working with the VA, but Pezzella was eventually classified as 140 percent disabled. He only got that status within the last two years.

    “A lot of soldiers think they have to hire an attorney to get the VA to give them what’s rightfully theirs,’’ Pezzella said.

    Pezzella didn’t do it that way. He found an organization based in Durham called Veterans Pavilion. The organization can be researched online at veteranspavilion.com.

    “They do all the paperwork, all the organizational stuff for the soldier for free,’’ Pezzella said. “They even put the stamp on the envelope.’’

    Pezzella said the paperwork alone involved in getting military benefits can be daunting, especially for someone who may be suffering from mental issues related to their years in service.

    “For them to expect someone with a mental disability to understand the paperwork is silly,’’ Pezzella said. “The paperwork is so complex and legalized, it’s hard for anyone to understand.’’

    That’s why Pezzella is happy to tell his story and encourage those in the same position he was in. “I’m happy to explain the process I took, which was very successful, very cost effective to get me where I am now,’’ he said.

    “The bottom line is people don’t know they can get help. I want them to know they can and it doesn’t cost any money. I can point them in the right direction.’’ 

    While Pezzella encourages veterans in need to reach out to Veterans Pavilion for assistance, he is also willing to talk with veterans on a limited basis to share his experience getting benefits. If you would like to contact Pezzella, his number is 910- 322-4200.

    Photo: Mark Pezzella

  • 16Tonzie Collins Meg Larson and Mike Mitchell In late September of 2013, the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners voted to remove Commissioner Tonzie Collins from his elected position by way of an amotion hearing. It was a politically charged decision, and detractors were quick to point out the exorbitant expense ($33,000) and poor timing. Collins was already a registered candidate and the election was five weeks away. If the board didn’t vote him out of office, they’d have wasted a great deal of tax-payers’ money, and if he won re-election, the process and the expense were wasted.

    If we’d had a recall ordinance in place prior to the amotion hearing, it could have been used to remove Collins with far less expense.

    Immediately following the election, the people of Hope Mills waited patiently for the board to address the gap in accountability. But instead of addressing the issue, they ignored it, as if elected officials misbehaving were an anomaly.

    Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation. Commissioners on this board have taken advantage of that gap in several ways.

    Malfeasance is intentional conduct that is wrongful or unlawful, especially by officials or public employees. Misfeasance is conduct that is lawful but inappropriate. Nonfeasance is failure to act where there was a duty to act.

    Here is a timeline of events involving the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners from the past year.

    June 2018

    1. Commissioner Meg Larson shared outdated water surveys with board members, which swayed their decision in the question of whether to sell land to Lone Survivor Foundation.

    2. Larson contacted staff at PWC to clarify the outdated surveys, without permission from the board.

    3. Larson received an email from PWC staff informing her the surveys were irrelevant — and she withheld it from the public.

    July 2018

    1. Commissioners Mike Mitchell and Larson pressured Rachel Cotter of McAdams Group to include the surveys in the $87,000 comprehensive parks and recreation survey commissioned by the town.

    2. Larson and Mitchell wouldn’t let Rachel Cotter attend the Special Meeting scheduled to discuss a Public Hearing about Lone Survivor Foundation. They then canceled the Public Hearing because they had no information from Rachel Cotter regarding the parks and recreation survey.

    August 2018

    1. Most of the commissioners refused to attend ethics training provided by Cumberland County and the North Carolina League of Municipalities.

    2. Mitchell used social media to announce that McAdams Group told the board they needed to purchase more land for parks and recreation development. McAdams Group briefed the board in October there was enough land for a further 10 years of development and an additional 65 acres.

    3. Legge accused citizens supporting Lone Survivor Foundation of illegally protesting to disrupt a town-sponsored event.

    4. Mitchell sent an email to town staff indicating he felt it was inappropriate for the staff members to support a candidate. N.C.G.S. 160A-169 clearly states employees cannot be restricted from attending political meetings or advocating for candidates. Days later, Mitchell announced he had attended the very meeting he discouraged the staff from attending.

    5. Commissioners Mitchell, Larson and Jerry Legge refused to let Mayor Jackie Warner attend a ceremony in Seattle, Washington, to receive the National Rehabilitation Project of the Year Award from the Annual Association of State Dams Safety Officials. Warner offered to pay for her expenses, and the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce lobbied the board to reconsider. The board members did not.

    6. Larson and Mitchell began investigating Warner and her involvement with Lone Survivor Foundation’s offer to purchase municipal land. They submitted a public records request for more than 450 emails to prove she colluded to bring the offer to Hope Mills.

    The board never sanctioned an official investigation of Warner. It’s a violation of the laws governing closed sessions for the board to vote in closed session or to discuss other board members. And they’ve never voted on investigating Warner in open session.

    In fact, until the Nov. 5 meeting, it was never even discussed in open session. At that meeting, Warner admonished the commissioners for harassing staff at the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation with dozens of public records requests and insisted they cease and desist. She also accused them of using the town attorney to further their investigation by having him contact FCEDC with requests for emails, receipts and credit card statements. She also announced the most recent request from either a commissioner or the town attorney was Oct. 31.

    Finally, though the board has a fiduciary responsibility to citizens, it has cancelled four meetings since August. The latest meeting was cancelled to accommodate Legge’s vacation. The schedule of meetings is set each November, so Legge had a full year to reschedule this trip. However, during the meeting at which board members voted to cancel, he bragged that he hadn’t missed a vacation in more than 20 years.

    Because there is no form of oversight or consequence for the board’s bad behavior, it’s escalated. And we have every reason to believe 2019 will be a continuation of the same bad behavior we’ve seen in 2018.

    The people of Hope Mills are left with one lingering question: If the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners can’t govern themselves, how can we expect them to govern our town?

    Photo: L to R: Tonzie Collins, Meg Larson and Mike Mitchell. Photo by Elizabeth Blevins.

  • 13BCPE Christmastime is near, and to help bring in the spirit, Cape Fear Regional Theatre presents the play “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” The play has been a tradition of CFRT, bringing cheer to many, for 28 years. The show opens Dec. 6 and runs through the 22nd. It involves three casts of local children and plenty of hijinks, too.

    According to the play director, Brian Adam Kline, the show is based on six “misfits” who help depict an unconventional version of the Christmas story. The transformation the children undergo in the process is both heartwarming and hilarious.

    “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” was originally written as a book by Barbara Robinson in 1971. It focuses on the Herdman family, which includes six rebellious, obnoxious and hard-headed children ranging from 8-13 years old. They are known for their deviant and bullying behavior.

    In the play, Grace Bradley is tasked with directing the church Christmas pageant. The Herdman children shock their peers by volunteering for the play. Accommodating the Herdman family proves to be more than Bradley, or the other children in the pageant, bargained for.

    Imogene Herdman portrays Mary, and her brother Ralph is Joseph. It astonishes and dismays the others when they learn that the two leads have never heard of the Christmas story. The community members’ preconceived assumptions about the Herdman children exemplify our own prejudices and bias toward others.

    The play sheds some light on faulty human thinking, like how people will often judge others based on their appearance, cultural background and more. In so doing this, we fail to look deeper into the heart of the individual and what motivates them. One important message the play depicts is to keep hope in humanity.

    The play also serves as a reminder that redemption can be found in the most unexpected places and that often, the underdog has something positive to contribute to society. Although the Herdman children are rambunctious, deviant pranksters from a poverty-stricken home, they begin to learn comradeship and how to contribute to their community.

    Kline has worked diligently on developing the performance according to what the local community enjoys, and it goes without saying that the entire show from beginning to end creates a sense of harmony and brings about an element of cheer.

    Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children under 18. The play is family-friendly, Christmas themed and appropriate for all ages. There are performances Dec. 6-9, Dec. 13-16 and Dec. 19-22. Military Appreciation Nights are Dec. 6-7 at the 7 p.m. performances. For tickets and information, call the box office at 910-323-4233 or visit www.cfrt.org.

  •  Christmas on the Lake  It’s hard to celebrate Christmas at the Lake when you’re missing the lake. 

       That’s been the problem for several years in Hope Mills as the community struggled with losing its centerpiece lake following two failures of the Hope Mills Dam. 

       But now that the dam is back and the lake has been restored after years of absence, Christmas at the Lake will return in all its glory this month. 

       The event is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 30, from 6-7:30 p.m. 

       Cathy Johnson of the Hope Mills Appearance Committee described the evening that has been planned as “an old-fashioned Christmas in the mill village.’’ 

       Everyone is hoping for good weather because if it’s raining, Johnson said, there are no plans to move the event indoors anywhere and it will have to be canceled. 

       This year’s resumption of Christmas at the Lake will include familiar features from past years. Most of the activities will take place in the open area of the lake park between the gazebo and the opposite end of the park near the rebuilt dam. 

       Special events will include the lighting of the Christmas tree and the burning of the traditional Yule log. 

       Johnson said the plan also includes the singing of Christmas carols by groups from a variety of local churches. 

       Free hot chocolate and cookies will be provided for all in attendance, Johnson said. 

       Phyllis Hales, longtime Hope Mills resident, said Christmas at the Lake offers special memories for older residents of the area and she’s glad to see it return. 

       “It’s something for everybody,’’ she said, “kind of the opening of the Christmas season.’’ 

  • 09Behold “Behold: A Folk Christmas Cantata” is Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s artistic contribution to Fayetteville’s Christmas season. “Behold” takes the familiar Christmas story and sets it to what STS describes as “glorious, mostly new music that quickly feels familiar.” It’s a Christmas concert that tells the nativity story from beginning to end through music, and it takes place Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6-15, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

    This is STS’ fourth year performing “Behold.” The performance is 100 percent music and features three acoustic guitars (played by one player), an electric guitar, mandolin and banjo (played by another person), a bass guitar, an accordion, a piano, two violins, one cello and a percussionist — and plenty of singers, too. And while it is a Christmas concert, don’t expect to hear songs like “Jingle Bells” or “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

    “We try to tell the real story of the nativity,” said Marie Lowe, STS associate director, and for this production, singer and cellist. “One of the songs begins, ‘It was not a silent night...’ and it goes on to remind us about how scared Mary and Joseph must have been. They were people, just like us. So, there are somber and reflective moments, but the overall mood is joyful — it’s Christmas, and we’re together, and we’re glad and grateful.”

    Jacob French is Master of Note at Sweet Tea Shakespeare (think “resident music director”) as well as an assistant artistic director and board member for the company. For this production, he’s the music director and plays the guitar and sings as well. He’s excited that “Behold” is becoming a holiday staple for so many. “We want to be one of the things that folks around town think about and look forward to when Christmas rolls around,” he said.

    “The piece is mainly based upon a show called ‘Behold the Lamb of God’ by Andrew Peterson. Our artistic director, Jeremy Fiebig, knew of the show and music from his days prior to Sweet Tea Shakespeare. Once the company reached a place where we could do it justice, we thought it would be a natural fit. We supplement the original show with a few other songs that we think fit the message and feel as well.”

    French added, “I think ‘Behold’ is a niche that isn’t (or wasn’t) filled until now in town. The story of the virgin birth is one of the biggest stories every told, and (it) is cram-packed full of love — Mary, Joseph, Jesus, God himself — love coming out your ears. The music does a great job of telling the story, and when we play it, I can feel the love in the room. … There are funny moments, serious ones, contemplative ones, ones that could make you cry, and ones that will make you clap along and dance. If I had to choose one word to describe the feeling, I think I’d choose ‘reflective.’”

    In addition to the concert, STS will have traditional front-of-house activities accompanying the show. There will be beverages (adult and non) for purchase, merchandise for sale, preconcert entertainment and, French promises, “a warm holiday spirit.” 

    The show starts at 7 p.m. each night. Tickets are free but require a reservation. To purchase tickets, or to learn more, call 910-420-4383, visit www.sweetteashakespeare.com or search the group’s Facebook page.

  • Meetings 

    For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113. Until the Parks and Recreation building has been repaired following damage from Hurricane Florence, some meetings may be moved to Luther Meeting Room at Town Hall at regular dates and times. Those meetings are noted with an asterisk below. 

    Board of Commissionersand Mayor’s Youth Leadership CouncilMonday, Nov. 19: POSTPONED. 

    Parks and Recreation Advisory CommitteeMonday, Nov. 26, 6 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building.* 

    Appearance Commission, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., Parks and Recreation Building.* 

    Festival CommitteeMonday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall reception area. 

    Board of CommissionersMonday, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., Town Hall. 

     

    Activities 

    • ThanksgivingThursday-Friday, Nov. 22-23: Town offices closed. 

    Christmas at the LakeFriday, Nov. 30, 6-7:30, p.m. 

    Hope Mills Christmas ParadeSaturday, Dec. 1, 3 p.m. 

     

    Promote yourself 

    Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com. 

  • 01coverUAC112818001 Not many local events can claim a legacy that spans 40-plus years. The North Carolina State Ballet’s presentation of “The Nutcracker” is one such treasured tradition. “The Nutcracker” invites audience members to immerse themselves in Christmas spirit with the beauty of classical ballet performed to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Performance dates are Dec. 8 and 9 at the Crown Complex Theatre.

    This production proudly calls

    Fayetteville its home thanks to Charlotte Blume. In the 1960s, the NC State Ballet was based in Raleigh, and Blume was its prima donna. When the director stepped down, Blume took over — and took the company with her to her home in Fayetteville, where she owned the Charlotte Blume School of Dance. Her studio, nestled in downtown Fayetteville, became home for the NC State Ballet.

    Blume oversaw production on “The Nutcracker” every year from 1975 until she passed away two and- a half-years ago.

    Dina Lewis, NC State Ballet board member and vice president of the company for the past three years, attended Terry Sanford High School with Blume and shared a close friendship with her. Lewis said Blume’s passion was to bring the arts to Fayetteville and to give everyone the opportunity to see a classical ballet.

    “Ms. Blume’s last words were to keep (“The Nutcracker”) produced and to keep, every year, something fresh,” Lewis said. “And every year since her passing, we have had something fresh going on, whether a set change or costume change. The only thing that’s remained untouched is her core choreography.”

    “The Nutcracker” ballet, which first debuted in 1892, is a dreamy, wonder-filled story that has both evergreen appeal and plenty of room for the yearly innovation Blume encouraged. Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, the ballet is based on E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” which was written in 1816. The ballet follows a young girl, Clara, whose Uncle Drosselmeyer — a magician — on Christmas Eve gifts her a nutcracker carved as a toy soldier. That night, Clara’s dreams transport her to a world where she meets enchanted characters like the Nutcracker Prince, the evil Mouse King, the Sugar Plum Fairy and Mother Ginger. She also, as goes dream logic, visits Spain, Russia and China.

    This year, Lewis said, it’s the Mother Ginger scene that boasts that “something fresh” Blume wanted — an all-new costume made by one of the dance moms, Rhonda Drewery. “We also added probably an additional 12 cast members to (that scene) this year,” Lewis said. “We’re really excited about that. I kind of think it’s going to steal the show.”

    Fifty-seven dancers ages 7-18 comprise this year’s cast. They’ve been rehearsing for almost five months. “The majority of them have been (dancing) with us since they were babies,” Lewis said. “They’re all our homegrown students.”

    Lewis said she’s impressed by the level of work ethic and multifaceted talent she sees in the dancers, specifically naming Marissa Morris, Evelyn Hairr and Ella Lewis as shining examples.

    “These are people who are varsity cheerleaders, participate in Student Government Association, cross country. … They’re in Honor Society. They’re in Key Club. It’s amazing that they still come to the studio on time, and they stay late and get the job done.”

    Hairr shares the role of Grown Clara with Hannah Reeder; Novalee English and Haebin Drewery play Little Clara. Jacqueline Sullivan and Isabella Rogers share the role of Fritz, Clara’s younger brother. Ella Lewis and Morris both portray the Snow Queen and Jewel, and Lewis also portrays Sugar Plum along with guest artist Deprecia Simpson.

    Adam Chavis and Sheila Mitchell served as primary choreographers.

    Morris, Hairr and Ella Lewis are also three of several advanced Charlotte Blume School of Dance students who were selected to dance minor roles with the Moscow Ballet’s Fayetteville stop on its traveling tour for “Great Russian Nutcracker.”

    “So, this whole time, they’ve not only rehearsed for our production of ‘The Nutcracker,’ but they’re also rehearsing for Moscow’s production, which is totally different choreography,” Lewis said. “These are professional Russian ballerinas and ballet masters. It’s a very big honor and opportunity.” That performance takes place at the Crown Theatre Dec. 10. Learn more about it at www.crowncomplexnc.com.

    In the midst of striving for excellence for their own performance, Lewis said, a family atmosphere remains important and emphasized. Dancers focus on how they can help others get better rather than how they can outdo each other. It helps that the dancers’ parents have a strong presence in the production, whether that’s in a behind-the-scenes role like costuming or whether that’s onstage. “The Mouse King this year is a teenager, and her dad is in the party scene,” Lewis said.

    “It’s this wholesome tradition. … It takes you to a place where you remember your childhood. It’s a story of this little girl who has this beautiful fantasy dream and it all comes to life. I think that’s what growing up is all about. You have these dreams and hopes, and you should always shoot for it all. If you don’t try, you’re going to miss out. I think the story of Clara really brings that all into focus.”

    See “The Nutcracker” Dec. 8 and 9 at the Crown Complex Theatre at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults; $10 for children 12 and under; and are free for children under 5. Call 910-484-3466 to purchase tickets. Learn more about the Charlotte Blume School of Dance at www.charlotteblumeschoolofdance.com.

  • Hope Mills commissionersAfter ending their arrangement to have Hope Mills Board of Commissioners meetings aired by the city of Fayetteville’s television channel, the commissioners have returned to the air on the Fayetteville- Cumberland County Educational TV channel. 

    Sally Shutt, assistant county manager for Cumberland County, first mentioned the idea to Hope Mills town manager Melissa Adams a few months ago. 

    Hope Mills had ended its arrangement with the city of Fayetteville after the board of commissioners discontinued a trial agreement with Fayetteville to broadcast the meetings. Had the arrangement continued, Hope Mills was going to have to pay to have its meetings broadcast. 

    Shutt said Cumberland County has a partnership with Fayetteville Technical Community College, which operates the FCETV channel, Channel 5 on Spectrum Cable TV. 

       The FCETV channel airs the meetings of the Cumberland County commissioners. Shutt said she reached out to Brent Michaels of FTCC and asked if they would be willing to air the Hope Mills commissioners meetings as well. She said Michaels agreed. 

       “They (Hope Mills) are filming their own meetings and putting them on their YouTube channel,’’ Shutt said. 

       Shutt said any local municipality that films its own meetings is welcome to pursue having them aired on the FCETV channel. 

       Hope Mills will record its meetings on a digital file and upload the file for broadcast on the FCETV channel. 

       At a recent meeting, the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to have board meetings air on the FCETV channel at 9 p.m. on Friday evenings. 

       To check the complete schedule of programs being aired on FCETV, visit the channel’s website at FCETV.org. 

       Most of the current programming is education-related, along with some government and county news broadcasts. 

  • Surge 5Vance McAllister, who has been overseeing the opening of the new Surge Trampoline Park in Hope Mills, said the 2-year-old company’s mission can be summed up in three words. 

    Fun, friends and family. 

    “It’s a family-style environment,’’ said McAllister of the Louisiana-based business. “That’s what brought Drew Brees on to be a partner of Surge. It’s a great atmosphere for kids of all ages.’’ 

    Brees, the standout quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, appears in a promotional video for the newest Surge facility that recently opened in Hope Mills in the former Bi-Lo Supermarket building. The video can be seen on the Surge Trampoline Park Hope Mills Facebook page. 

    With a growing family of three boys and one girl, Brees has an obvious interest in activities for the family, and McAllister said that’s exactly what Surge has to offer. 

    “He’s all about keeping them active and competitive, not getting caught up in the world of Fortnite,’’ McAllister said of Brees and his family. 

    In growing the business to seven facilities nationwide, with another four scheduled to open in the coming months, McAllister said the company looks mainly for existing buildings that can be converted into Surge franchises, if the demographics show there are enough families in the area to support it. 

       “We go in and rehab the building, change it over to the Surge look and logo,’’ he said. “The two things we are always looking for are high ceilings to put one in and obviously parking.’’ 

       While trampolines were the initial focus of the Surge parks, McAllister said they have been transitioning toward a 50-50 mix between trampoline and climbing features like rock walls. 

       The Hope Mills park includes many of these attractions. “We try to keep them engaged and not just a straight bounce, turn, roll, flip and tumble type thing,’’ McAllister said. 

       One of the attractions at the new park is called High Nine, where you try to jump high enough to hit a sensor as you compete with others. 

       Another popular feature is called Wipeout, where a long beam rotates in a circle and you have to jump over it as it passes. 

       Other activities include pits of soft foam, climbing walls and a giant Rubik’s Cube. 

       With so many physical activities, McAllister said safety is among Surge’s utmost concerns. 

       While on the mats, everyone must wear trampoline socks that have grips on the bottom. They can bring their own or purchase a pair there for $3. 

       For all climbing activities, customers must wear a safety harness and fall restraint. 

       All of the rules of the park are clearly posted at various locations within the facility. 

       Surge isn’t just for individual customers. There are party and banquet options available. 

       There are 12 party tables, along with a separate private banquet room for any type of corporate event, birthday or other celebrations. 

       And the park isn’t just for kids. Some adult groups have already scheduled exercise classes at Surge. 

       With its emphasis on activities for families, Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner said Surge fits right in with the family-oriented, small-town atmosphere Hope Mills is trying to promote. 

       “I believe it’s going to be a destination spot because you don’t have to go all the way into town,’’ she said, referring to people having to drive from surrounding areas to Fayetteville. 

       “We’re a family place to live, and this just adds to it, all the way around a good addition for Hope Mills,’’ Warner said.

  • 13Dumas NutcrackerClara. Drosselmeyer. Nutcracker Prince. Snow Queen. Mouse King. These characters from the beloved Christmas ballet “The Nutcracker” often bring to mind images of wonder, imagination and the enchanting beauty of classical ballet. One thing that may not come to mind, though, is inclusion and diversity. The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville, founded by Ann Clark Crummie in the 1950s, provides a unique take on “The Nutcracker” in that it creates a space where every young dancer in this community can perform in the iconic story. Factors that don’t matter one bit include income level, race, disability and a physical appearance that may not match the stereotypical ballerina. See TDTF’s production at Methodist University’s Huff Concert Hall Nov. 30, Dec. 1 or Dec. 2. 

    When Crummie founded TDTF, she made sure it would be homegrown through and through. She encouraged parents of dancers attending any studio in Cumberland County to join the board. The goal was to connect and support young, local dancers. In the ’70s, Crummie homed in on a passion project that embodied her mission with “The Nutcracker.” Though she passed away last May, her legacy and this production continue to grow. 

    TDTF’s “The Nutcracker” is not just open to all Cumberland County dancers – it’s solely comprised of them. “Every role in our (show) is performed by locally raised dancers that attend our local dance studios,” said Assistant Art Director Tara Herringdine. 

       Art Director Leslie Dumas said sometimes they get dancers who barely know anything about classical ballet, but nobody gets turned away. “They might have a very minute part, but they’re still in it,” she said. Some of those dancers stick with it every year and eventually perform major roles as they improve. 

       Herringdine, who owns Cumberland Dance Academy in Hope Mills, trained under Crummie from the time she was 5 and first danced in TDTF’s “Nutcracker” at age 6. She supported Dumas in creating most of this year’s choreography, along with Becca Fazekas, Thomas McGill and Beth Heisel. Some of Crummie’s original choreography is featured in the show as well. 

       A unique element in their take is the inclusion of dynamic acrobatics. Dumas’ studio, Leslie’s Dance Academy, is located in CountrySide Gymnastics. Consequently, many of her students are also gymnasts who have qualified for and won national competitions. “We have a great Russian sequence this year,” Dumas said. “Everyone is doing flips.” 

       Dumas added that this year also features 12 beautiful new character costumes. TDTF pays for all the costumes, a significant effort as expensive costume fees are a common deterrent to dancers participating in recitals. The TDTF board raises the funds necessary for “The Nutcracker” by holding two fundraisers each year. 

       This year features about 85 dancers ages 7 to 18 and a few college students who are returning to dance in their favorite show. Primary roles include Kiley Brunson as Clara, Riley Brantley as the Prince and Ti’era Basehart as Drosselmeyer. 

       Showtimes for “The Nutcracker” at Huff Concert Hall are Friday, Nov. 30, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door for adults, $5 for those 18 and under and free for children 4 and under. 

       Visit www.dancetheatreoffayetteville.com or call 910-850-6363 to purchase tickets. 

  • 12Holiday Extra8074 X3Put Givens Performing Arts Center’s “Holiday Extravaganza” on your holiday bucket list this year. It promises to be a musical smorgasbord with something to delight every palate. Classical and jazz, choral and a cappella, woodwinds and brass – and even tubas. Webster’s defines “extravaganza” as a spectacular, dramatic and elaborate production, and that’s exactly what the music department at UNC Pembroke promises to deliver. The UNC Pembroke “Holiday Extravaganza” at GPAC takes place Friday, Nov. 30, beginning at 8 p.m. 

    Conceived 10 years ago by Dr. Timothy Altman, UNCP professor of music and director of bands and trumpets, the annual event draws talented participants from throughout the university’s department of music. Both students and faculty participate. 

    According to Altman, music department faculty members create each annual extravaganza program around the talents and strengths of the students. 

    The production is an interactive event. In addition to utilizing the full concert stage, various pieces are performed from spots strategically placed throughout the audience. This contributes to the pacing; it directs audience attention elsewhere while the main stage is being re-set and keeps the production moving forward. 

    “The show is 99 percent music,” Altman said. “It’s full of musical variety and fast-paced.” 

       On tap to perform in the extravaganza are the vocal jazz ensemble, directed by Nathan Thomas; the UNCP Global Rhythm Ensemble, directed by Dr. Joseph Van Hassel; the jazz combo, directed by Dr. Aaron Vandermeer; the trumpet ensemble, directed by Altman; the flute choir, directed by Sarah Busman; the saxophone choir, directed by Marty Spitzer; the Pembroke Singers, directed by Dr. Jose Rivera; the UNCP string orchestra, directed by Michael Sparks; the wind ensemble, directed by Altman; and the university chorale, directed by Dr. Jaeyoon Kim. 

       Among the highlights of this year’s extravaganza will be Duke Ellington’s jazz arrangement of “The Nutcracker Suite.” Also debuting this year will be a completely original piece for the saxophone choir. 

       While “Carol of the Bells” is standard holiday fare, this year’s rendition will be somewhat of a departure from tradition. The finale promises to be spectacular, with more than 100 members of the wind ensemble and the university chorale onstage. Words to the “Hallelujah Chorus” are printed in the program, and the audience is invited to participate. With more than 1,000 voices raised in song, this is a wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit. 

       Tuba Christmas, a nationwide event open to the community, will perform in front of the lobby beginning at 7:30 p.m. 

       Tickets may be purchased from the GPAC box office by phone prior to the concert and can be held at the will-call window. The number is 910-521-6409. Tickets may also be purchased from the box office in person, which is located at 1 University Dr. in Pembroke, at the center of the front entrance to the GPAC lobby. Box office hours are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one hour before the performance. 

       General admission tickets are $12, children’s tickets are $5, and UNCP student admission is $2. 

  • Meetings

    For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113. Until the Parks and Recreation building has been repaired following damage from Hurricane Florence, some meetings may be moved to Luther Meeting Room at Town Hall at regular dates and times. Those meetings are noted with an asterisk below.

    Board of Commissioners and Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council Monday, Nov. 19: POSTPONED.

    Lake Advisory Committee Tuesday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m., at Parks and Recreation Building.*

    Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Monday, Nov. 26, 6 p.m., at Parks and Recreation Building.*

    Appearance Commission, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m. at Parks and Recreation Building.*

    Activities

    Hope Mills United Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar Saturday, Nov. 17, 8 a.m.-noon.

    Community Thanksgiving service, Sunday, Nov. 18, at Highland Baptist Church, 6 p.m.

    Thanksgiving Thursday- Friday, Nov. 22-23: Town offices closed.

    Promote yourself

    Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com.

  •  11gilbert Gilbert Theater’s “It’s a Wonderful Life,” opening this weekend, centers on the themes of family and gratitude. Of all the Christmas classics, Gilbert chose to perform “It’s a Wonderful Life” this year because of its sobering values. 

      Gilbert Theater Artistic Director Matthew Overturf, who has played a part in the production for four years, said, “It has become a staple in the Fayetteville community. It still speaks here in 2018 about the ‘everyman’ and what in our life we can appreciate and what in our life makes us good people. We all need to see … that we truly have a lot to be grateful for, and our lives impact a lot of other people.” 

      According to Miles Snow, who will portray George Bailey, the show’s most critical theme is “the importance of family – being appreciative of what you already have. This is a guy who at the beginning of the show is in a suicidal state; he has to take a moment to reflect and (realize) ‘I have a wife and kids I love and a job in a town where people respect me, and that’s a lot – that’s more than enough.’” Snow looks forward to presenting the paradigm shift in Bailey’s life. 

      Director Ja’Maul Johnson welcomes the challenge of portraying a beloved classic in a new way. “I have been a part of this production since we started doing it at the Gilbert,” he said. “There will be a couple of twists and turns to reinvent it … but keep it the same story.” 

      Snow hopes to reimagine the show while still respecting its original narrative. He commented, “People bring their own expectations to it, and that’s already a part of the show in a sense, and you want to honor the piece.” 

      Staci Graybill, who will act as Mary Bailey, commented on the challenge of playing Mrs. Bailey for a second time: “A real challenge for me is going to be playing all the different ages that they go through.” 

      Snow, who has played Mr. Bailey several times, said, “I just want to see if we can collectively take it along, take it further.” 

      Johnson, in agreement, is excited to see the growth within the individual cast members this year. “Each year, someone brings something new – I want to see what this collection will bring to it,” he said. 

      Graybill said, “It’s so easy to get lost in all the hardships in life, but if you stop and look around and see all the loving people in your life, I think that’s a good reminder.” 

      Johnson added that he desires to take that message “throughout the year, not just in Christmastime.” 

      “It’s a Wonderful Life” runs Nov. 23-Dec. 16, with student matinees on the Nov. 27 and Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. at the Gilbert Theater, 116 Green St. To purchase tickets, visit www.gilberttheater.com or call 910-678- 7186 for more information. 

  • 15Bazaar slide Some things about the annual Hope Mills United Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar have changed though the years, like the date it was held and the name of the event, but the purpose has basically remained the same: give the people in the community an opportunity for wholesome fun while raising money for a worthy cause.

    All of the net proceeds from this year’s bazaar, which is scheduled for this Saturday, Nov. 17, at the church, will benefit the Hope Mills ALMSHOUSE, an ecumenical ministry that supports the community’s underprivileged.

    “We really believe in the churches working together, and the ALMSHOUSE is a great example of that,’’ said the Rev. Bob Kretzu, pastor at Hope Mills United Methodist. “It’s a nondenominational, cooperative mission, not only helping people with the flood but other people in need.’’

    Even if there wasn’t a money-raising angle to the bazaar, Kretzu said, it’s still a great activity for the entire community.

    This year’s bazaar is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will feature a variety of activities.

    Events for children are scheduled from 8 a.m. until noon.

    “The whole front of the church will be set up with games for the kids, (including) an 18-foot tall inflatable slide and a bouncy house,’’ Kretzu said.

    There will be various games with prizes to be won, and children can get their photo taken with Santa Claus for $5.

    There will also be a raffle with tickets going for $2 each or 10 for $10.

    The top raffle prize is a $500 gift card from Walmart. Second prize is a $300 card from Lowe’s, while third prize is $100 in cash.

    If you can’t attend the bazaar, you can drop by the church during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., and purchase raffle tickets.

    There will be 27 different vendors in the church’s family life center.

    The items that will be available for sale include crafts, essential oils, clothes, barbecue sauce, jewelry and dolls.

    A silent auction will also be held at the bazaar. Among items up for bid are a large stand fan, an iPad and a Nordic track.

    A chicken dinner catered by Paradise Acres can be purchased for $8 per plate. The meal includes chicken, two sides and a drink. There will also be a bake sale.

    Breakfast food prepared by the church volunteers will also be available during the morning hours of the bazaar.

    For questions about the bazaar, contact the church at 910-425-0108.

  • 10Holidays Jazz music changed American culture in the 1920s and ’30s, combining African and European influences. Originating in the bayous in and around New Orleans, Louisiana, jazz rocked the nation, reshaping the culture and leaving a lasting impression that has endured generations. From Louis Armstrong to Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington and more, jazz changed America. It made us better. Dec. 1, celebrate the holidays – and the magic of jazz – at Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s “Home for the Holidays,” featuring renowned New York jazz vocalist Gabrielle Stravelli. 

    Harkening back to USO shows, this concert combines the warmth of the holidays with the swinging, toe-tapping magic of jazz. Paying tribute to legends like Fitzgerald, Ellington and Stan Kenton, it’s a surefire way to set your heart right for the holidays. 

    “Our music director, Stefan Sanders, found Gabrielle by reaching out to some friends he had in New York,” said FSO President and CEO Christine Kastner. “We looked at her materials and thought she was a perfect fit. We are doing lots of Ella Fitzgerald, and Gabrielle does a great job and will be a great fit. She is really fun.” 

    An award-winning vocalist and songwriter, Stravelli’s musical reach is wide. Exploring artists that include Willie Nelson, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder and John Fogerty, she’s put her own stamp on a variety of work. 

    In 2018 Stravelli served as a U.S. State Department “Jazz Ambassador,” touring Southeast Asia. She headlined the WBGO Jazz on the Mountain Festival and released “Dream Ago,” her third album. The album received rave reviews from sources including DownBeat Magazine, the HuffPost, Scott Yanow of LA Jazz Scene and Tony Frankel of LA’s Stage and Cinema. 

    In addition, she and her trio toured Italy and Norway – and in the U.S.: New Jersey; Lancaster, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in Pennsylvania; Detroit, Michigan; Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland in Ohio; Austin, Texas; Los Angeles and San Francisco in California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and the greater Washington D.C. area. 2014- 2017 were equally busy. 

    After FSO’s “Home for the Holidays,” guests will likely get to meet Stravelli in person. “Typically, when we have a guest artist, we will get them to come out to the lobby to meet people,” said Kastner. 

    Stravelli is not the only guest sharing the spotlight with the orchestra. “The older children’s choirs from Fayetteville Academy will perform again this year,” Kastner said. “About 25 students will be performing.” 

    The concert will include many holiday favorites. Come early to hear the Music Nerd speak about the music and composers featured in the show in addition to other fun facts. For example, in 1948, Leroy Anderson composed “Sleigh Ride.” In 1949, Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops recorded it. Today, it holds the title of most widely recorded and performed piece of Christmas music, according to the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. 

    The pre-concert talk with the Music Nerd begins at 6:45 p.m. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit the FSO website, www.fayettevillesymphony.org, for tickets and information. 

  • 14ALMSHOUSE sign copy A tradition that started in 2009 at the Hope Mills ALMSHOUSE will continue this Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, as volunteers at the ecumenical community ministry will again serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal to those in need in the community.

    Grilley Mitchell, volunteer program coordinator for the ALMSHOUSE Love Lunch program, said the Thanksgiving meal was such a big hit when it was first tried that the ALMSHOUSE has made it an annual event.

    Regular meals are part of what the ALMSHOUSE does, serving food Monday through Friday at noon and 5 p.m. and on Saturday at noon and Sunday at 5 p.m.

    Mitchell said the only difference at the Thanksgiving meal, which will start at noon and continue until the food runs out, is the fare focuses on the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

    Mitchell said this year’s meal is planned to include turkey, ham, candied yams, green peas, green beans, macaroni and cheese, potato salad and desserts.

    Community support and a variety of donations make the special meal possible, Mitchell said.

    ALMSHOUSE volunteers prepare and serve the food. In some cases, Mitchell said, whole families come in to take part in helping with preparation.

    “They want to do something to serve and teach their kids how to give back,’’ Mitchell said.

    There are no restrictions on who can show up to take part in the meal.

    “Anybody that needs a meal and wants a meal is served,’’ Mitchell said. “We do not turn anyone away. Show up and let us serve you.’’

    Anyone who would like to make a contribution of food or money to support the ALMSHOUSE ministry can drop by during normal business hours Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at 3909 Ellison St. or contact Mitchell directly at 910-476-3719.

    “Come out and enjoy,’’ Mitchell said. “We give each and every one love and respect.’’

  • 02PerformingartsAs a child, when I took more food than I could eat my mother would say, “Your eyes are bigger than your stomach.” Well, the same may be said of Fayetteville and Cumberland County’s appetite for initiating future economic development projects. 

    Currently, public opinion is positive and cautiously optimistic about the economic development projects taking place in our city. Residents are excited and supportive of our new Houston Astros Advanced Class A minor league baseball team, the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, and the forthcoming new $37.8 million stadium. This structure, along with the $17 million renovation of the historic Prince Charles Hotel into apartments plus a parking deck, hotel and office complex, is the nucleus of a much-needed healthy economic boom for the revival of Fayetteville’s downtown community. Add to that the prospects of a statewide Civil War and Reconstruction History Center, and this becomes a masterful undertaking. 

    Is it needed? Yes. 

    Will it succeed? Well that depends on how our elected leadership manages our resources. And from that point of view comes plenty of healthy skepticism. After all, the sports complex center, skate board park and east side senior citizen facility, all of which were included and approved in the $35 million parks and rec bond package, are still in the planning stages. 

    Before the first Woodpecker home game or the first lease on a Prince Charles apartment is signed, our elected are spending tens of thousands of dollars with consultants on feasibility and location studies of a potential performing arts center in downtown Fayetteville. 

    The need for a performing arts center has been talked about and even debated for more than a decade. There was a need then, and there is still a need. With new construction taking place and the number of future projects yet to be completed, even ardent supporters of a performing arts center feel it may be prudent to slow down the development frenzy to make sure we don’t overextend our resources. We need to be able to support and adequately pay for these cultural amenities without adding an undue burden on local taxpayers – a reasonable request. No doubt the need is upon us with the deteriorating conditions of the Crown Theatre. However, the question remains – will the demographics of Cumberland County support such a facility? With a potential price tag of $50 million-plus, there are still plenty of other questions that need to be addressed. 

    What shows will it attract? And at what price? 

    Recently, tickets at Durham Performing Arts Center for the touring company of “Hamilton” sold at Broadway prices. Given a choice, why would big-show promoters choose Fayetteville over larger markets like Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Greensboro and Winston-Salem? 

    What effect would it have on other local cultural institutions like Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Charlotte Blume’s annual “Nutcracker” ballet, Community Concerts and the “Heart of Christmas Show?” 

    And, the most critical question of all: How do we pay for it? 

    Sure, the consultants say once built the facility will pay for itself. Historically, there are many who will dispute that claim. Besides, when it comes to taking advice and direction from any consultant, always pay close attention to who is paying them. It is a good indication of the outcome. 

    A Fayetteville Performing Arts Center is a good, feasible and honorable idea. However, residents must first see and experience the positive effects of the economic impact promised as a result of the current downtown development and investments. Success here will add excitement, enthusiasm, confidence and support to a Fayetteville performing arts center proposal and any future projects that will enhance the quality of life in our community. 

    Let’s develop Fayetteville on a solid foundation of proven successes and not on speculation. 

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly. 

  • 13Holmes Rev. Wesley Holmes is a newcomer to Hope Mills, but he plans to bring a familiar message about giving thanks when he leads the annual community Thanksgiving service scheduled this Sunday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. at Highland Baptist Church on Legion Road.

    Holmes, a native of Rome, Georgia, became pastor at Hope Mills Church of God in July of this year.

    He’s been a full-time minister since 2002, pastoring at North Carolina churches in Sanford, Greenville and Morehead City.

    He called the community Thanksgiving event a wonderful time to come together, worship the Lord and offer thanks.

    “I believe thanksgiving is an everyday experience,’’ Holmes said. “I think we should be thankful each and every day.’’

    During the entire month of November, Holmes puts extra emphasis on the importance of giving thanks.

    He thinks it’s important that Christians of all denominations share the experience. “I believe when we get to heaven it’s not going to be just one denomination,’’ he said. “We’re all the body of Christ and we believe in Jesus Christ. We need to worship together.’’

    He believes for many people the only time they stop to give thanks daily is at meal time.

    “To take a day or a month to emphasize thanksgiving is very important for people,’’ he said. “Just to slow down and remember the blessings of the Lord. Be thankful for what he’s done in our lives.’’

    While Holmes will be delivering the message at the community service, pastors from other congregations in Hope Mills will take part in the service.

    An offering will be received at the service, with the money going to local flood relief efforts.

    Photo: Rev. Wesley Holmes

  • 16David Phelps 1 The holiday season will come alive with the unmistakable sound of multi-Dove and Grammy Awardwinning recording artist David Phelps when he visits Fayetteville’s Village Baptist Church on Saturday, Dec. 1. WCLN-FM is proud to present this exciting Christmas concert event – one of just 15 stops on Phelps’ December “It Must Be Christmas 20th Anniversary Tour.” This special musical evening begins at 7 p.m.

    Once a childhood musical prodigy from Tomball, Texas, Phelps earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Baylor University. Since then, he has become a nationally celebrated vocalist.

    Perhaps best known as the powerful tenor for the multiple Grammy and Dove Award-winning Gaither Vocal Band, Phelps is constantly building on a career that has already been groundbreaking. Emerging as a leading voice in contemporary Christian music, Phelps has been winning the hearts of audiences all over the world for more than two decades.

    He has performed at numerous prestigious venues across the globe, including the White House, New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House in Australia. His electrifying voice has moved audiences from all walks of life, crossing generational and stylistic barriers.

    Phelps has visited Fayetteville before as a soloist and as part of the Gaither Vocal Band, and he now returns for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of celebration.

    Many of the songs that will be featured during the evening at Village Baptist are included on Phelps’ album “It Must Be Christmas,” which was released this fall. In addition to songs from this new Christmas album, the evening will also include exciting renditions of classics like “Angels We Have Heard On High,” “Go Tell It On The Mountain” and “Sleigh Bells,” along with Phelps’ new classics like “Fall On Your Knees,” “Christmas Rush” and “Anthem of the Lord.”

    Phelps performs each classic like it has never been performed before, leaving each listener saying, “It must be Christmas!”

    Village Baptist Church is located at 906 S McPherson Church Rd. WCLN – 105.7 FM is treating listeners to Christmas songs from Phelps along with exclusive contests during November.

    VIP, artist circle and general admission tickets are on sale now. There are discounts for groups of four or more. Complete ticket and tour information is available by visiting ticketbud.com or davidphelps.com.

    Photo: David Phelps

  • Meetings

    For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113. Until the Parks and Recreation building has been repaired following damage from Hurricane Florence, some meetings may be moved to Luther Meeting Room at Town Hall at regular dates and times. Those meetings are noted with an asterisk below.

    • Board of Commissioners and Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council Monday, Nov. 19: POSTPONED.

    • Lake Advisory Committee Tuesday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m., at Parks and Recreation Building.*

    • Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Monday, Nov. 26, 6 p.m., at Parks and Recreation Building.*

    • Appearance Commission, Tuesday, Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m. at Parks and Recreation Building.*

    Activities

    • Veterans Day Monday, Nov. 12: Town offices closed.

    • Thanksgiving Thursday-Friday, Nov. 22-23: Town offices closed.

    Promote yourself:Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com.

  • 01coverUAC111418001 For the past 20 years, the Heart of Christmas Show has warmed hearts and spread joy, embracing everything good and fun about the holidays. The show takes place the weekend after Thanksgiving, and without fail, it puts the community in the Christmas spirit, celebrating everything about the season – from ugly Christmas sweaters to peace on Earth and baby Jesus. Saturday, Nov. 24, and Sunday, Nov. 25, head to the Crown for one of the community’s most heartfelt and inspired productions.

    Keeping things fresh from year to year while maintaining all the audience favorites falls squarely on the shoulders of the show’s founder, Laura Stevens. Last year, she changed about half of the show. This year, she’s done some more tweaking. “I went about this year’s lineup by thinking by about what got us here,” she said. “I have brought back a few (numbers) from the past.

    “I have listened to our sponsors, performers, parents and audiences and tried to get all the favorites in the show and still add some new elements.”

    The format remains the same, though. The first half of the show is lively and lighthearted – think snowmen, gingerbread, Christmas trees and more. The second half embraces the true meaning of Christmas with traditional songs like “Silent Night,” “O’ Little Town of Bethlehem” and “Mary Did You Know?”

    Among the new elements are what Stevens called a very funny ugly sweater Christmas song that she predicts will be a crowd favorite. She also added a 1950s medley. “That style is a lot of fun,” she said. “In the second half, in the manger scene, I am going for what I think might be one of the most beautiful manger scene moments you have ever seen – including angels. It is a big moment with a ton of meaning.

    “If you’ve never seen HOC, you owe it to yourself to see what the chatter is about. There is something for everyone; there’s funny things and beautiful things. It is an awesome way to celebrate everything there is about Christmas.”

    Adding to the impressive nature of this endeavor are the 30-plus performers, all between the ages of 5 and 18. That can lead people to believe it is a kids’ show, but Stevens has proven that’s not the case time and again with Broadway-type performances that leave audiences raving.

    Stevens said, “The No. 1 comment I get is, ‘Wow, I cannot believe what I just saw.’ The next is, ‘It’s hard to believe that is all young people!’ And the third is ‘Shows at Myrtle Beach aren’t this good. We also bring in dancers from Elite Dance Center. Michelle Hurd, Callie Leechford and Victoria Armstrong have partnered with me for 15 years and bring an element of beauty to the show. They bring in a team of eight dancers every year, and they are amazing.”

    Another change to the current production is areach back to the show’s early years. “I am going to bring back the theme song to the Heart of Christmas Show,’’ Stevens said, “to show all the outreach and what we have been able to do, as a tribute to the people who have been in it and to the good work of the outcome of the show.”

    Stevens came up with the idea for HOC when Voices of the Heart, a local, all-girl Christian music group, won a high-profile national competition in Alabama. VOH still makes up a big part of the HOC Show. “I didn’t want it to go to their heads,” said Stevens. “They were on TV and were getting a lot of attention. I wanted their focus to be the correct one. We decided to put on a show and give all the money away. That first year we gave away $8,000. Now, we give away about $35,000 and raise about $25,000 for the schools – after a while that adds up to be a lot of money.”

    HOC has given more than $750,000 to date, and it all stays in the community. Organizations that benefit include the Autism Society, Child Advocacy Center, Friends of Children, Make A Wish Foundation, AGAPE and Falcon Children’s Home.

    With more than 300 sponsors footing the bill for production costs, Stevens said the money from each ticket sale goes right back out the door. “Our sponsors set money aside every year – in spite of things like hurricanes. And we have done what we said we would do,” Stevens said.

    “The show is run by parents and volunteers. The parents are nurses, doctors, judges, teachers and more who work backstage and make that show happen. They believe in the common good of it. When we give the funds away, it is a good feeling to know we can do something to touch someone else’s life. This is not just a Christmas show, it a show with heart and a purpose and a mission to do good things for other children.”

    General performances are Saturday, Nov. 24, at 1 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 25, at 3 p.m. Purchase tickets at The Crown Center Box Office, Hailey’s Bicycle World or www.heartofchristmasshow.com/ticket-reservations.

    There are also several school shows. Call 910-978-1118 to learn more about the school performances.

  • 17Eddie Dees Building 1 of 3 by Liz BThere’s a reason Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner likes to develop partnerships with local businesses and the community to preserve and improve local buildings and historical landmarks. In her opinion, these partnerships work to everyone’s benefit.

    “Good things happen when we partner and we share,’’ Warner said. “They do things we couldn’t afford to do.”

    In defense of her position, she cited a number of projects during her tenure as a town leader that in her opinion have been win-win situations.

    Old Town Hall

    At the top of the list is old Town Hall in the heart of the downtown area, which some years ago was converted into an office complex by Dr. Eric Raynor.

    “Dr. Raynor was not only able to maintain the building; he’s refurbished it,’’ Warner said. “He’s added a lot of mill work and put in an elevator to make it handicapped-accessible.’’

    There’s a placard on the outside of the building that gives a brief account of its history along with pictures inside of the bygone era in Hope Mills.

    “It’s an old building that looks new because of what he’s done to maintain and refurbish it,’’ she said.

    The Eddie Dees Building

    Just across the street from old Town Hall on Main Street is the Eddie Dees Building, which was purchased by Jeff Gram, a close friend of the late mayor and an entrepreneur who is involved in a number of professional ventures.

    The building has been home to several businesses over the years until Gram converted it into a combination of shops and office spaces.

    “It was very appropriate he named it after Eddie Dees because Eddie was influential in helping him acquire that property,’’ Warner said. “He completely redid the building and rents it now.

    “If it hadn’t been redone, it would have become another building that was dilapidated. It would have cost a good bit to update and upgrade it, but someone like him who had the money and interest in old buildings was able to do it.’’

    First Citizens Bank

    A little farther down Main Street from Old Town Hall and the Dees Building is First Citizens Bank.

    Before the bank took over, the property wasn’t terribly attractive. First Citizens agreed to a partnership with the town. The bank tore down the structures on the property, built a new bank that reflected the architecture of the mill period of the early 1900s, and added a paved parking lot that it agreed to share with the town.

    “We ended up with a municipal parking lot and an area that is very well landscaped,’’ Warner said. “They also gave us $20,000 to landscape and upgrade the land right across the street from there so it could be matching.’’

    Plank Road

    Plank Road weaves through various parts of Hope Mills, including an area off Golfview Road where it ran perilously close to the backyards of residents.

    Warner said the road was difficult to maintain because of the homes, so the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners decided to close it and give the property to the homeowners there.

    “Now the homeowners don’t have to worry about people cutting through there and they were given an extension of their backyard,’’ she said. “Most are very happy because it stopped a lot of traffic.’’

    State Employees Credit Union

    At least three houses had to be torn down to build the State Employees Credit Union on Main Street, but Warner said the people who sold the property were excited and the town also wound up a winner.

    “We got a tastefully designed building with landscaping and signage that’s very discreet and very pretty once the building was built,’’ she said.

    “SECU keeps the landscaping beautiful and it’s a pretty corner.’’

    Public Works Commission

    The town of Hope Mills has continued to grow, and Warner knew a time was coming when the town wouldn’t be able to maintain the infrastructure it needed to expand water services.

    Enter the Public Works Commission, which came in and purchased the water and sewage system.

    “They have replaced a lot of old pipes and stuff that had been there for a long time,’’ she said. “It makes sense that we can use PWC and they take care of the infrastructure needs for us. And it saves us dollars.’’

    Senior Center

    The old Senior Center became a problem for the town because of its somewhat isolated location. It wasn’t available for use for night events for the seniors. Eventually it was given to the town, and the town invested money into the property for upkeep.

    Finally, the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars offered to buy the building as its headquarters and struck a deal with the town as a nonprofit organization to pay $50,000, the amount of money the town had spent on upkeep.

    The VFW named the building for one of its members, former Mayor Edwin Deaver.

    Although the building was listed as an asset on the town books at $250,000, Warner said the town never actually had that money in the bank, and got back the $50,000 it put into the building when it sold it.

    Now the VFW pays utilities and upkeep on the building, and Warner is certain if the town needed it for any kind of function they would be able to work out an agreement with the VFW.

    The Senior Center activities have been moved to Town Hall. There, they have their own remodeled room at the Parks and Recreation Department plus easier access to the gym and its facilities.

    “There’s a positive side to all of it,’’ Warner said. “I just want things to be positive.’

  • The Big Year  (Rated R)  Four Stars11-09-11-movie.jpg

    The Big Year (100 minutes) is surprisingly restrained, consid-ering both Jack Black and Owen Wilson have starring roles. Not only is the picture fairly low-key, it also manages to avoid any ob-vious audience manipulation. Considering that David Frankel also directed the emotional cannonball that was Marley and Me, we can all be grateful The Big Year didn’t involve a lot of dead birds and crying children. I mean, dead birds do appear, but early in the film before the audience gets emotionally invested in them, so it’s okay.

    Weirdly, writer Howard Franklin, who adapted the Mark Obmascik birding (never bird-watching!) novel, not only wrote what is arguably the best Bill Murray vehicle ever (The Man Who Knew Too Little), but also scripted The Name of The Rose AND Romancing the Stone, which is a weird resume if I ever saw it.

    The film introduces us to the world of competitive bird-ing, peopled with obsessives who are nonetheless also trusting fools. Example: In attempting to achieve the North American Bird Watching Record for most birds seen during a big year (or something … I’m not clear on the actual title), it is sufficient to report seeing or hearing the birds … photographic evidence is not required. Since achieving this record apparently elevates winners to superstar status, worshipped by teenage boys everywhere they go, it seems like there should be safeguards in place to prevent heading over to the zoo and claiming those birds for one’s list. But maybe I’m just a cynic.

    In any case, it seems pretty obvious that the title is for a rich man to win. Who else would have the time and money to travel around the United States averaging more than two unique bird sightings a year? Of course, that means in addition to the independently wealthy Bostick (Wilson) and the desperate-to-retire Preissler (Steve Martin) we get the adorable underdog Brad Harris (Black). I am instantly reminded of the good stormchaser/bad stormchaser dichotomy set up in Twister, where any hobbyist with money is automatically evil, while the scruffy underfunded little guys are always good (see also Dodgeball and Rocky IV).

    Brad is divorced, and his daddy (Brian Dennehy) is surprisingly unsupportive of him taking a year off to run through his meager savings. Bostick, the current big year record-holder, is married — and his wife is surprisingly unsupportive of his plans to fly around the U.S. for a year and look at birds. Preissler, in the midst of phased retire-ment, has a supportive wife (JoBeth Williams) but unsup-portive coworkers, who keep interrupting his big year to trick him back into the highly lucrative job that he loves.

    The three meet several times before the plot really gets going, and there are several plot points set up, only to be dropped without resolution. For example, it is implied several times that Bostick might have cheated, but it is left for the au-dience to decide one way or the other. Maybe failing to spell out every little detail is not such a bad thing. However, since the idea was not introduced in a subtle way, the viewer waits for a dénouement that never comes.

    Rounding out the cast is Rashida Jones, playing a love in-terest shoehorned in to the story. As is typical for Hollywood, the film is essentially about male bonding and men finding themselves … women are only bystanders.

    Finally, for those of you dying to know, the criteria for The Big Year shown in the film limits the birders to the American Birding Association area, which excludes Hawaii. Approximately 925 bird species have been seen in the United State and Canada, and the winning number in the film is more than 700 bird species seen in a single year.

    Now showing at Wynnsong 7, Carmike 12 and Carmike Market Fair 15.  

  • 16Tina West Tina West said she prefers to do her work in the shadows, avoiding the limelight as much as possible.

    But it was hard to overlook her efforts during Hurricane Florence, and recently the manager of the South View High School cafeteria was honored by the local Red Cross at a meeting of the Cumberland County Board of Education.

    West, who has been manager of the South View cafeteria for about eight years, was recognized for her volunteer efforts providing food to the evacuees who stayed in the shelter at South View during Hurricane Florence.

    West and her family literally moved into a storage closet at the school for nearly a week, sleeping on air mattresses so she could be on-scene as much as possible to oversee the eating needs of the 317 people who called the South View gymnasium home for as many as nine days.

    “Basically, we made sure they had at least two meals a day,’’ West said. She tried to make sure all the meals were hot and got an assist from cafeteria managers from neighboring schools.

    There were some challenges. The gym was powered by a generator when the electricity went off, but there was a day when the generator went out.

    West lost power to the freezer at the school and had to transfer food from there to the freezer at South View Middle School next door.

    Once the generator came back on, she moved the food back to the high school.

    Breakfast and lunch were the main meals she and her helpers served daily. With the help of donations, they were also able to serve dinner on occasion.

    “We had one teacher who bought pizza for dinner,’’

    West said. “A gentleman who runs a local body shop bought cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches.’’

    West also tried to interact with the evacuees, especially one group of elderly ladies, a couple of whom lost everything to the storm. “They just needed someone to talk to,’’ West said.

    Chad Barbour, assistant principal at South View, said West’s performance during the storm came as no surprise.

    “She does an excellent job,’’ he said. “She’s been named cafeteria manager of the year by the county.

    “She does a lot of things she doesn’t seek credit for. She feeds a lot of children from getting food donations. She’ll send backpacks of food home and coordinates all this herself.’’

    Barbour said he played a small role in South View’s Hurricane relief efforts and praised the school staff, including West, for the job it did.

    “The hours were difficult on the folks,’’ he said. “Our custodial and cafeteria staff stepped up, took charge and ran it. Our school resource officer played a big role in providing security and things like that.

    “It’s leadership philosophy. Get the right people, put them in the right place, and get out of their way.’’

    Photo: Tina West

  • 12Seabrook Individual Flyer Selwyn Birchwood and Big Ron Hunter 12X4.75FINAL Fayetteville State University’s Seabrook Performance Series presents “An Evening of Blues,” featuring Selwyn Birchwood with Big Ron Hunter. The show is set for Sunday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m. at J. W. Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of FSU.

    “The performance series was created to bring more interaction between the university and the community,” said Steve Mack, executive director of the Seabrook Performance Series. “We felt that doing these concerts would bring more people out and get some people over to campus that have never been to campus.”

    Mack added the series organizers wanted to bring in a level of entertainment that they felt people could appreciate. The goal is that instead of driving to other cities to see a lot of these same artists, by bringing big names and great talent to Fayetteville, people would be able to enjoy high-quality entertainment close to home – and potentially bring people from out of town to come to the concerts.

    Mack knew from the outset that variety would be key. With that in mind, the performance series offers a wide range of entertainment. “We’ve got jazz, blues, dance, magic, illusion  and we are trying to cater to all different tastes,” said Mack. “Everything may not be suitable to everyone, but there might be something in there that somebody really likes.”

    This performance combines two unique takes on a classic genre. “Selwyn is an award-winning contemporary blues artist, and Big Ron Hunter is a traditional, well-known, established blues artist,” said Aaron Singleton, marketing consultant for the Seabrook Performance Series. “We just think the two will complement each other and attract different people into the art of blues as an audience.”

    Selwyn Birchwood is an American blues guitarist who plays the electric guitar and the electric lap steel guitar. His album “Don’t Call No Ambulance” received the Blues Music Award and Living Blues Critic’s Award for Best Debut Album of 2014. He also won the 2015 Blues Blast Rising Star Award.

    Big Ron Hunter is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and is a big North Carolina favorite. He is a member of the Music Maker Relief Foundation. He has graced stages in France, the Lincoln Center, jazz festivals and more.

    “We have a great slate of shows, and people should be on the lookout and come out and participate,” said Singleton. “It is a great bargain for the price and great entertainment at an awesome cost.”

    Tickets cost $20 to $75. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, call 910-672-1724 or visit http://bit.ly/2yLWMrv.

  • 15Michael Tucker Michael Tucker hopes to use the platform he’s been given as Cumberland County’s principal of the year to share the challenges faced by public education in 2018. Tucker, principal at Stoney Point Elementary School and an educator in the county school system since 1999, was named winner of the annual honor as county’s principal of the year late last month.

    A native of Harnett County and a 1993 graduate of Triton High School, Tucker earned his college degree, teaching credentials and a master’s in school administration from Fayetteville State University.

    He served as a classroom teacher at various county schools before moving into administration in 2009.

    He took over at Stoney Point in July. 

    One thing Tucker isn’t sure the public is aware of is the level of responsibility the principal has for everything that goes on at the school.

    “If you’re in a large school or small school, you’re responsible for just about everything that takes place in that building,’’ he said. “You’re going to get the praise if it’s successful or the criticism if it’s unsuccessful.

    “There are so many layers with this job.’’

    One of the biggest challenges is making the education experience the best it can be for both students and teachers but drawing the line when it comes to deciding what may be a good thing to do in the classroom and what’s going too far.

    “Teachers want to do things that are fun and creative,’’ he said. “We sometimes have to be the bearer of bad news and say this might not be appropriate or we can’t use these kinds of resources in the classroom.’’

    Tucker said he hopes his recognition as principal of the year in the county will provide him opportunities to speak out not about the challenges in his job, but the difficulties faced by the teaching profession as a whole in North Carolina.

    He said he’s supervised teachers in schools both large and small and there’s been a common thread wherever he’s worked.

    “There are many teachers who teach as a fulltime job but they have another job outside of teaching,’’ he said. “They may be waiting tables. They may be working in retail. They might be doing something else.’’

    He said all are doing it for the same reason: to supplement the income they are getting as teachers.

    “It’s disappointing they have a full-time job with 24/7 responsibility but they have to supplement their income by having a second job,’’ he said. “That’s something I don’t think a lot of people are aware of.’’

    Students also face shortages in the classroom because of budget shortfalls, Tucker said. Many schools are shifting from costlier printed textbooks to cheaper digital options, but Tucker said sometimes the shift isn’t as smooth or seamless as it should be.

    “There may be gaps between the resources teachers have to actually provide that instruction,’’ he said. “They might not have access to laptops or digital tools.’’

    But Tucker said the story he wants to share isn’t a total tale of woe when it comes to public schools. “There’s a lot of good things going on in public education in North Carolina and around the country,’’ he said. “I think we are trying to trend in the right direction, but there are a lot of areas that need to be brought to public awareness so we can try to affect a change.’’

    Photo: Michael Tucker

  • 09FSO If the richness and ornate detail of the 17th and 18th centuries speak to you, if Bach and Vivaldi make your heart flutter and sooth your soul, Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “The Royal Court of Brandenburg” demands your presence for an exquisite evening of beloved masterpieces by Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi. Thursday, Nov. 15, the symphony will fill St. John’s Episcopal Church with the regal works of the masters.

    The concert by FSO musicians will feature some of the Baroque era’s most well-loved pieces. In 1721, Bach presented the royal court with six Brandenburg Concertos. “We have performed other movements of Brandenburg,” said FSO President and CEO Christine Kastner. “It has been about three years (since that performance). There are six pieces. We did (Concertos)2 and 5 last time, and the churchwas full. We will do (Concertos) 3 and 4 this time.”

    In “Concerto No. 4,” the concertino consists of a violin and two flutes, which are accompanied by a string quintet and harpsichord.

    “Concerto No. 3” has nine solo strings – three violins, three violas and three celli – with bass and harpsichord accompaniment.

    Bach’s concertos are still cherished around the world today. “It is interesting,” said Kastner. “We always get a few military people who come. And they say they were stationed in Germany and saw it there and wanted to see it here, too.”

    Also included in the concert will be portions from Bach’s “Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B minor” as well as the bright and lively “Concerto for Two Trumpets” by Antonio Vivaldi.

    Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Two Trumpets” features solos with orchestral accompaniment, unlike Bach’s pieces, which showcase the ensembles as a whole. Vivaldi’s piece shares the same three-movement construction as the Brandenburg examples, though. According to the program notes, “The slow inner movement is given short shrift in favor of the flashy outer movements, which provide ample opportunities for the trumpet soloists to showcase their skills.”

    Kastner pointed out that the concerts at St. John’s are special. “Because it is smaller, there will be a lot of interaction,” she said. “St. John’s only seats about 300 people, so you have a much better view of musicians. It is a much more intimate environment.”

    Another unique aspect of this concert is that FSO’s music director, Stefan Sanders, will be there. Kastner noted that in the past, the concerts at St. John’s were usually run by the musicians performing. “Stefan will be speaking about the music as well,” Kastner said.

    The symphony’s mission to educate, entertain and inspire demands outreach to the community as well as affordability. Tickets for this event cost between $10 and $27. “Tickets to our events don’t cost more than $30,” said Kastner.

    The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.fayettevillesymphony.org or call910-433-4690 for tickets and information. The website also provides a link to the program notes under the Season Concerts tab.

  • 14Warner Alex Warner is a political shark. After two terms on the Cumberland County School Board, he ran a record-breaking campaign for the North Carolina House of Representatives. He served nine terms representing District 45.

    In person, Warner is modest about his political prowess. But when he speaks, it’s evident his tenure has made him an expert on this topic with very strong opinions on politics – and politicians.

    “Our Constitution is very clear – our founding fathers wanted ‘frequent elections,’” Warner said. “They wanted our representatives there for two years. That way if they weren’t performing to meet the needs of the people they represent, the people could vote them out.”

    Warner has watched from the sidelines for eight years while his wife, Mayor Jackie Warner, has battled, not with her constituents, but with her fellow commissioners. The behavior of the commissioners is why Alex Warner recently broke his silence and decided it was time to play an active role in politics again.

    Warner is protective of his wife and family, especially now when board members have been attacking them for months. But he’s also pragmatic and realizes if they’ll attack his family, they could attack any family in Hope Mills.

    “I’ve seen this so many time,” he said. “Someone gets elected and takes office with the idea they’re going to represent the people. But it takes a person with strong character to do that. Too often, they bow to special interest groups. Ultimately, they forget who put them in office. They start to feel like they’re smarter than the people who elected them, and that hubris justifies any bad behaviors.”

    He’s referring to the board’s political missteps throughout the summer months. When faced with a proposal from a national organization wanting to purchase municipal land, the board stalled, pushed false narratives and ultimately refused to hear from the public before denying the offer. For many of the voters, the real offense was in not allowing a public hearing. But the board has accused the Warner family of trying to manipulate the system to force the sale. To date, there’s been no evidence to support this claim, but board members continue to dig and continue to hurl accusations.

    Warner sees this as a symptom of a bigger problem. “Some of the board members seem insecure,” he said. “They’ve got to go by a title or insist on telling you what their profession is outside of the board or manipulate rules to control the staff and other board members. They were elected to serve. They were elected to execute the people’s will. We have a pretty savvy constituency; they won’t tolerate being led around like sheep. Many elected officials have paid a price for that misconception with short-lived political careers.”

    On Oct. 21, the political action committee Hope Mills Citizens for Change installed signs around Hope Mills encouraging citizens to vote no on a 4-year referendum. If passed, the mayor and two commissioners with the most votes would be elected for four years in the 2019 election. The remaining three seats would convert to 4-year terms in the 2021 election.

    The referendum was suggested by Commissioner Mike Mitchell and quickly pushed through four meetings and a public hearing at which the public was unanimously against it.

    As soon as the signs appeared, Mitchell contacted the Cumberland County Board of Elections and began digging for information. What he found was a receipt showing Alex Warner donating the signs to the PAC. Mitchell also takes issue with a tagline at the bottom of the signs that reads “for this board.” He’s used social media to accuse the PAC and Warner of misleading the public.

    Warner laughed at the accusation. “I was accused of buying political signs that say ‘vote no for this board for 4-year terms,’” he said. “I want everybody to know Alex Warner designed the signs, I paid for the signs, I donated the sign to HMCFC, and I don’t have anything to hide.”

    Warner said the behavior of this board inspired his decision. He was ready to place the signs in yards himself when he heard a PAC had formed. He immediately contacted Elizabeth Cooper to donate the signs and join the PAC. He’s hoping the signs will inspire the people to question what’s happening, to be more involved and to vote.

    “Our people need to be involved in our government other than just being tax-payers,” he said. “They need to hold the elected accountable for their actions. They need to ask, what has this board done to improve the lives of the people of Hope Mills?”

    He was quick to condemn this board for their lack of action. He cited the “back-biting, jockeying for position and a lack of cohesion” as hindrances. But he also pointed out that the few times they’ve come together to vote on anything, it was self-serving. They voted in spring to award themselves huge raises and benefits, and they voted to put the referendum on the ballot.

    While Warner and HMCFC are lobbying to stop the 4-year referendum, they’re also thinking ahead. Their next step is a year-long voter registration drive. They hope to double the number of registered voters and vote out the board members who don’t serve the citizens. “They’re part of a single board, but their egos are getting in the way,” Warner said, “They have to go.”

    Those interested in joining HMCFC can find information at facebook.com/HopeMillsCFC.

    Photo: Alex Warner

  • 01coverUAC110718001 With a career that spans more than 45 years, five-time Grammy- winner Michael McDonald is prolific. The appeal of the Missouri-born musician’s distinctive vocal style and honest delivery has proven to be ageless, both in terms of longevity and the collaborators he draws – from Aretha.Franklin to Grizzly Bear. Tuesday, Nov. 27, Community Concerts kicks of its 83rd season by bringing McDonald on his “Season of Peace, Holiday & Hits” tour to the Crown Theatre. This feel-good concert features McDonald’s rendition of beloved Christmas classics, new Christmas songs and hits from McDonald’s career.

    McDonald started his professional journey by singing lead and backing vocals for Steely Dan’s touring band in the early- to mid-1970s. In 1975, he joined The Doobie Brothers, changing the iconic American rockers’ flavor with his interest in soul. He served as singer, keyboardist and songwriter on the Top 40 singles “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “It Keeps You Runnin’,” “Minute By Minute” and “What A Fool Believes.”

    In 1982, after The Doobie Brothers’ initial dissolution, McDonald released his first solo studio album, “If That’s What It Takes.” This album featured one of his best-known hits, “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near).” He went on to release seven more solo albums between 1985-2008, and he delighted fans across the world by releasing another, “Wide Open,” last year.

    In the midst of all of this, McDonald collaborated on writing and/or singing with various artists and groups. A small sample of these collaborators includes Carly Simon, Toto, Kenny Loggins, Ray Charles, Van Halen, James Ingram, Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Vince Gill, Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin.

    More recently, McDonald recorded a B-side of indie rocker group Grizzly Bear’s hit “While You Wait for the Others” and sang on Thundercat’s single “Show You the Way.”

    With “Season of Peace, Holiday & Hits,” fans will enjoy standout songs from McDonald’s illustrious career and get into the holiday spirit with beautiful renditions of songs like “White Christmas/ Winter Wonderland” (feat. Jonny Lang), “Oh Holy Night,” “Christmas on the Bayou” and “Children Go Where I Send Thee” (feat. Twinkie Clark).

    “You’re in for one of the best holiday and hits shows ever,” said Michael Fleishman, attractions director for Community Concerts. “And more stars are on the way!”

    Community Concerts, the entity responsible for bringing McDonald to Fayetteville, is the city’s oldest arts organization. The volunteer-run nonprofit was founded in 1935 with the mission of enriching Fayetteville one concert at a time.

    Each season, Community Concerts brings an array of world-class entertainment to Fayetteville at an affordable price. Community Concerts also created the Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame to recognize those who have brought musical distinction to this community, and it awards college music scholarships to promising local high school students. Finally, it organizes local music showcases to build community and support artists’ exposure, and it provides free concerts to local groups such as the Vision Resource Center, Fayetteville Urban Ministry and The Sunshine Center.

    Community Concerts’ 83rd season, which Mc- Donald opens with his performance at the Crown, is themed “Rock and More!”

    “Last year, we had a season that was more heavy on the Broadway-esque shows,” Fleishman said. “This season, we wanted to go back to really heavy on a music and concert emphasis. This season, maybe more than every other, is hit after hit. You will know just about every song on the stage this season.

    “This is a singalong, have fun season.” Following McDonald is Three Dog Night on Feb. 22; Choir of Man on Feb. 27; The O’Jays on March 15; and America on April 4.

    “All of these shows have A+ fan reviews,” Fleishman said. He noted that there is one show this season that does carry the Broadway feel – Choir of Man on Feb. 27.

    “We were selected among a few other markets to be part of the inaugural North American tour for this show, and it’s become a worldwide singing and dancing sensation,” he said. The set is a working bar that gets danced and jumped all over, and audience members are even invited to participate, he added. “Don’t let the name fool you; it has nothing to do with a choir.”

    To purchase tickets to see McDonald Nov. 27, or to learn more about Community Concerts and the rest of its season, visit.                     community-concerts.com, go to the Crown Box Office, or call Fleishman at 910-323-1991.

  • Hockey in Fayetteville, N.C. is more than just a stick to a puck, it is wholesome family entertainment that has captured the attention of Fayetteville and surrounding com-munities for the past 10 years.

    For 10 years, the Fayetteville FireAntz have obtained an unbeliev-able fan base, of whose loyalty and dedication have elevated the organi-zation to what it is today. With more than 7,000 fans in attendance during the 2011-2012 Opening Weekend alone, which took place on Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Crown Coliseum, the FireAntz seem to be headed in the direction of continued success.

    Although the 2011-2012 sea-son has seemingly launched with a BANG, there is still plenty of time to catch a FireAntz home game in the near future. With the return of five players, the FireAntz are set to play back-to-back home games against the Louisiana Ice Gators on Friday, Nov. 18 and Saturday, Nov. 19 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Crown Coliseum. And, if you happen to find yourself searching for something to do with the family after enjoying a hearty Thanksgiving spread, the FireAntz will host the Augusta RiverHawks on Thanksgiving night at 7:30 p.m. For a complete listing of Fayetteville FireAntz home games, visit www.fireant-zhockey.com.

    As for the dynamic of the FireAntz team, this season proves to be one of transformation. With a new head coach, a revamped logo, and 11 new player additions, the Fayetteville FireAntz have proven that change is for the better. Head Coach, Sean Gillam, expects players to work hard and remain disciplined, while also remaining dedicated to the organization and sport. Leading the team in those expectations are the recently announced team captains: Chris Leville, center, who is one of five returning roster players this season, along with alternate captain Bobby Reed, forward, and alternate captain Matt Smyth, a defense player.11-12-11-fireantz.jpg

    Aside from the ice, the Fayetteville FireAntz organization has made quite an impression within the local community. Whether through corporate part-nerships or non-profit participation, the FireAntz have gained notoriety on many levels. For instance, the FireAntz have formed lasting partnerships with community agencies such as Friends of Children and the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center. During the Oct. 21 opening night game, the FireAntz donated over $1,000 to the Breast Cancer Center of Cape Fear Valley and last week’s Oct. 29 specialty Military Night was dedicated to local mili-tary personnel. The FireAntz will host a second specialty Military Night on Saturday, Feb. 4.

    President and General Manager of the Fayetteville FireAntz, Kevin McNaught, refers to the organizations commitment to the community as, “quality of life.” He states, “We rely on the community to support us, so it is easy for us to give back with appearances and having the players in schools where they can be role models.”

    The Fayetteville FireAntz also joins in the community in hosting children’s birthday parties, hail and garewells, and company outings and get-togethers. For more information, please contact the Fayetteville FireAntz front office at: 321-0123.

    Come and experience change, fun, and Fayetteville FireAntz hockey, “Where Fire and Ice Unite!”

    Photo: With a new head coach, a revamped logo, and 11 new player additions, the Fayetteville FireAntz have proven that change is for the better.

  • It’s time to get that little black dress out of the closet and get ready for a night on the town! (Guys, you can forgo the dress and stick with a nice suit or tux.) One of Fayetteville’s premiere events is coming up, and with a limited number of tickets available for purchase, if you wait until the last minute to get yours, well, let’s just say, you might be waiting for next year’s event. 11-16-11signaturechefspic.jpg

    If the question marks are still circling your cranium, then you’ve not figured it out. Give up? The Cape Fear Division of the March of Dimes is hosting its annual Signature Chefs Auction.

    The auction is truly one of the area’s most exciting annual fundraisers and not just because it’s an excuse to get dressed up. Think about it. Some of the city’s most talented chefs are brought together under one roof for just a few hours. If you’re one of the lucky ones who snags a ticket in time, you will get to enjoy some of the most delectable dishes the area has to offer.

    When asked to describe the event, Catherine Heindselman, division director for the Cape Fear March of Dimes, said, “It features the skills and creativity of some of the finest local chefs and hottest restaurants … guests sample tastings of the signature dishes.”

    She also added that along with the food tasting, there will be a silent auction offering packages containing “everything you need to host a holiday party in your home, showcase your business, have a night on the town or pamper yourself with the fi nest in relaxation and luxury.”

    This year’s participating restaurants are: Black Water Grille, Hilltop House Restaurant, Highland Country Club, Morgan’s Chop House, Pierro’s Italian Bistro, ScrubOaks Restaurant, Sherefe Mediterranean Grill and Steve The Southern Gourmet.

    Beer and wine will be provided by Healy Wholesale, while coffee will be courtesy of the folks at Rude Awakening. An evening like this is not complete without music, so get ready to be thoroughly entertained by national jazz recording artist Reggie Codrington.

    The Signature Chefs Auction will be held on Nov. 20 at the Hotel Bordeaux & Conference Center from 5:30 to 8:45 p.m. Lorna Ricotta of Ethos Creative Group is this year’s chairwoman. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Cape Fear Neonatology Service and New Century Bank are corporate sponsors. Tickets are $75 each or $125 per couple. Tables with reserved seating for eight are available for $750. Remember, there are a very limited number of tickets available so to get yours, contact Heindselman at 483-3691 or online at cheindselman@matchofdimes.com.

    The 2011 Signature Chefs Auction Ambassador is Jackson Brooks, the son of Jennifer & Tim Brooks. Jackson, born at 25 weeks gestational age, weighed just slightly more than 2 lbs as a newborn. As a result, he spent nearly three months in the NICU at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. He received treatments developed through March of Dimes funding.

    Preventing birth defects and infant mortality is the key focus of the March of Dimes. The Cape Fear Division is headquartered in Fayetteville and includes the counties of Cumberland, Robeson, Scotland, Sampson, Lee, Moore, Hoke and Harnett. So, plan to come out and support a fantastic cause, come hungry and make sure that little black dress (or suit) has plenty of breathing room.

    Photo: The Cape Fear Division of the March of Dimes is hosting its annual Signature Chefs Auction on Nov. 20

     

  • Shopping for the 2012 holiday season has begun for many people across the state and decorations are starting to appear in all the stores. If you like the excitement of holiday arts and crafts then you are in for a treat as the Association of Bragg Officers’ Spouses brings you the annual 2012 Yule Mart Craft Fair.

    The fair will be held on Friday, November 16 from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday, November 17 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

    The Yule Mart Craft Fair aims to provide visitors with a wide variety of handmade crafts and artworks sold on site by the artists. The crafts will include holiday décor, furniture, toys, handmade treats, clothing, candles, soaps, pictures and other unique items.

    Some of the other features include a Santa Secret Shop where young children can shop for family members. The children will be accompanied by one of Santa’s elves as they browse around the shop looking for gifts that are in their budget. The gifts that the young ones pick out will be individually wrapped so they are ready for the holiday.

    There will also be a bake shop full of homemade goodies, and a special area will be set up for a visit from Santa himself. Perhaps you always wanted to take a picture with Santa; well, you will get your chance because he is preparing his best looking smile with his rosy cheeks, to take pictures with you and the children.11-07-12-yule-mart.gif

    This year, the event includes a food court area, too. Sit down, take a break and get something good to eat without leaving the event.

    Last year’s event was a great success and organizers are predicting an even better turn-out in 2012. All proceeds from the fair go towards the ABOS Welfare and Scholarship funds, which benefit the Fort Bragg Community. There are expected to be at least 62 vendors on hand, and ABOS hopes to raise even more funds than last year. In 2012, organization distributed $20,000 in grants to local non-profit organizations that serve the Fort Bragg population and demonstrated a need, and $18,000 in scholarships. The scholarship grants are available to any family member of an active-duty or retired soldier with a valid military identification card and who resides in the surrounding Fort Bragg areas or whose sponsor is attached or assigned to Fort Bragg.

    For additional information about the Yule Mart Craft Fair and the ABOS, go online to http://fbabos.org. If you are an interested crafter, go to the website complete and submit the application. There are only a few vendor slots available for the 2012 Yule Mart Craft Fair. This year is sure to be fun for the entire family with a little something for everyone. ABOS are trying to make sure that there will not be one dull moment during your visit to the craft fair.

    The craft fair will be held at the Hercules Physical Fitness Center, which is located at Building 420 Armistead Street, Pope Army Airfield. Admission for Friday is $5 and Saturday $8. Find out more about Yule Mart and ABOS at www.fbabos.org.

    Photo: All proceeds from the fair go towards the ABOS Welfare and Scholarship funds, which benefit the Fort Bragg Community.

  • uac111412001.gif For Laura Stevens, and the cast of The Heart of Christmas Show, the months leading up to Christmas are orchestrated chaos. Countless hours of rehearsals, set building, choreography changes and long nights lead up to two weeks of exhausting performances. The group puts on shows for local schools in addition to performing for the public the weekend after Thanksgiving. But at the end of the performances, no one remembers the exhaustion leading up to the production of The Heart of Christmas Show. Instead, they remember the laughter and love that are the essence of the show. And that’s what they hope their audience takes away as well.

    “When was the last time you really took a moment … stopped your hustle and bustle and took the time to celebrate the Christmas Season?” asked Stevens. “This show celebrates everything that is Christmas. From winter wonderlands to funny reindeer to tear-jerking songs of hope to the glory of the birth of Jesus Christ, the reason for the season, this show covers all the wonderful colors of Christmas!

    It is her belief that in celebrating those colors, Christmas remains the magical time it is supposed to be. And in Fayetteville, The Heart of Christmas Show is integral to the magic of the season.

    Celebrating its 14th anniversary, the show is a “full-blown, whistles and bells, Broadway-style production that has something for everyone!” If you’ve never gone to the show before, you need to fasten your seatbelts and prepare yourself for a full-on visual and auditory experience that will make you laugh and cry, all while reminding you that Christmas is really all about love.11-14-12-hoc-1.gif

    The first half of the show is humorous, and you will find yourself laughing, and maybe singing along with the cast as they take you on a trip down Santa Claus Way. The second half of the show portrays the true meaning of Christmas through deeply moving and spiritual songs that are accompanied by dance.

    Stevens explains that people come from all across the Southeast to see the show. For many, it is a family tradition, almost the starting point of their holiday season. For many, finding a show of this caliber in Fayetteville is mind blowing. The show has been compared to shows you will find in professional theatres in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Branson, Mo. The show features a 36-member cast of singers and dancers. At its center are the beautiful and talented members of Voices of the Heart.

    The group started in 1998 as a teaching outlet for Stevens, a vocal performance coach. That year, she picked eight of her students between the ages of 11 and 15 to start the group. The next year, the group entered a national gospel competition and won the best overall award in a competition that featured more than 200 adult acts. That was the impetus for the creation of The Heart of Christmas Show, which features young performers who use their talent to help sick and abused children in the community. The motto of the show is “Children helping children.” This is an ethos the girls who are chosen to be in Voices of the Heart live day-in and day-out, as they keep a heavy touring schedule singing at churches, patriotic events, fairs and large gospel venues. Most recently, they helped kick-off the Community Concert series opening for the legendary Gladys Knight.

    11-14-12-hoc-2.gifThis year is one of change for the group, which lost a veteran member last year. This year the group has expanded its core, and Stevens expects great things. The group is led by veteran performers Rachel Crenshaw, 17; Hannah Godbold, 17; Katelyn Godbold, 15; and Hannah Pritchard 14. Joining the group this year are Taylor Bridges, 16; Kaylan Sinclair, 15; and Ashlyn Hall, 12.

    “These seven girls offer a rare thing... beauty on the inside as well as the outside. No doubt this will be an exceptional group in talent but it will be remembered as a good-hearted and kind group of girls who showed love and expressed kindness to all,” said Stevens. “They all have relationships with the Lord in ways that I am excited about for this group and for each of them. It’s hard to live as a Christian teenager in the current society and it is very difficult to pass and maintain the requirements of a VOH girl. Very hard. I applaud these seven precious young ladies in their efforts to live a lifestyle that shines bright for the Lord!”

    In The Heart of Christmas Show, the group is the central set of performers, but they are joined by other members of Stevens’ studio, as well as by dancers from the Linda Kinlaw School of Dance. Last year, more than 12,000 people came to see this fun, family event. And while many people come to the show for the entertainment, Stevens and her cast know it’s about much more than that. Last year, the show raised more than $32,000 to be distributed to different agencies that help sick and abused children i11-14-12-hoc-3.gifn the community. In years past the children’s programs at Cape Fear Valley Hospital and the Child Advocacy Center have been among the many agencies that have benefited from the proceeds of the show. In total, since its inception, the show has raised more than $350,000.

    Stevens knows that while people see the show as a holiday tradition, she has to keep it fresh and new every year. In 2011, the show had some new and exciting arrangements of traditional seasonal songs along with an unexpected but highly applauded Mary Poppins segment! As always, Stevens looks for ways to top the previous year and this year is no different, while the show will still contain some audience favorites, it will also offer some newly arranged songs and dance numbers.“

    There are some really cool openers and closers in the show,” said Stevens. “It should be a really exciting show.”

    11-14-12-hoc-4.gifThe cast promises that you will “laugh, cry and be in awe of the beauty and wonder of Christmas.”

    Stevens said that the show would not be possible without the help of the sponsors, who, even in the midst of economic hardship, have put aside money to continue in their support of the show. She noted that they have taken ownership of the show, and that without their generous giving neither the show nor the donations to charities would be possible.

    The show is on stage for public performances two days only: Saturday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 25 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 and are on sale now at the Crown Box Offi ce, Hawley’s Bicycle World and Ticketmaster. For more information, visit www.heartofchristmasshow.com.

  • 11-21-12-buzz.gifFeeling Thankful

    Christian music fans are thankful for new music from David Crowder!

    The band may no longer exist, but David Crowder is still making great music.

    He is back today with an exclusive new release, iTunes Session, recorded live at Capitol Studio in Hollywood. It features nine stripped down, organic tracks, including moving interpretations of David Crowder*Band’s “Let Me Feel You Shine,” “How He Loves,” “Because He Lives,” and a powerful take of “The Old Rugged Cross.”

    In an intimate behind-thescenes video, Crowder shares, “What I love about music is that a song can be in different packages or different environments, but the heart of it, the thing that connects a person to it, is still present. For these songs to have new skin on them and have these beautiful new voices contributing to them is a really beautiful moment.”

    Remember Audio Adrenaline? Well they are back, and boy are their fans thankful!

    Kevin Max, formerly of DCTalk takes over the lead vocal duties on the new album from Audio Adrenaline. “Kings & Queens” is “just an incredible song about this idea of when we love the least of these, God wraps these little orphans in his majesty and they can become kings and queens,” shares Mark Stuart. “It gives you that idea that these are God’s favorites, these little kids that have been forgotten. There’s going to be a special place in heaven one day because of what they’ve been through here. It’s just a triumphant, majestic song that just connects so deeply with Hands & Feet and the message of Audio A right now.”

    So what is the Hands & Feet Project? Five years ago, the band gathered in Hawaii along with their biggest fans for what they thought was their last performance. Since that emotional finale concert, founding members Mark Stuart and Will McGinniss have tirelessly worked to raise awareness and support for the 100 orphans currently being cared for in orphanages in Jacmel and Grand Goave, Haiti. The official music video for “Kings & Queens,” which was taped in Jacmel, Haiti at the Hands & Feet Project Children’s Village, showcases the beautiful children of Haiti.

    Everyone is thankful when some of the best worship music of 2012 is only $5!

    Passion: White Flagwas recorded live at the Passion 2012 conference earlier this year and includes radio hits “One Thing Remains” featuring Kristian Stanfill, Chris Tomlin’s “White Flag”, and “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman. Also included on this set of 14 acclaimed tracks is “Sing Along” featuring Christy Nockels. Worship.com says, “It’s no exaggeration to say there is not a single track on this recording not worth downloading and carrying with you.”

    Through the month of November, Passion: White Flag is only $5 on Amazon MP3!

    Photo: David Crowder

  • I have a newfound passion and initiative for helping the homeless. It is very disenchanting to see how11-14-12-h_&_h_stand_down_logo.gifmany homeless people live on the streets in Cumberland County. So on Friday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the VFW Post 6018 on 116 Chance St., the Fayetteville Cumberland County Ministerial Council, the United Way of Cumberland County and community partners will host the 3rd Annual Homeless and Hunger Stand Down.

    “The purpose is to bring nonprofi t organizations, churches and the community together to give information to those individuals who are in need and to make them productive members of society again,” said Bishop Larry O. Wright Sr., chairman of the Homeless and Hunger Stand Down. “Our goal is to serve 1,500 people.”

    Wright added that service to our fellow man in the time of need is one of the greatest services that we can provide therefore giving glory to God.

    The event will begin with an opening ceremony that will be attended by members of local city councils, county commissioners and organizations throughout the Cumberland County area. There will be 35 to 40 agencies who are responsible for everything from providing educational resources to helping individuals with job searches.

    Some of the organizations will provide free lunches, free haircuts, medical and dental assistance, prescription assistance, identifi cation services, child care assistance, VA and housing assistance, educational opportunities and other areas of need.

    The Salvation Army will provide a hot meal, with a goal of serving around 900 meals. This year a scholarship will be given to a homeless child.

    “We are going to give out clothes, coats, hats and gloves for the winter season,” said Wright. “The police department will be on hand to give out free bus tickets for those who are homeless and not residents of Cumberland County and want to get home totheir families.”

    The Piece Magazine will provide gospel entertainment for the event to provide an atmosphere of celebration and hope for everyone.

    There will be free transportation provided by the FAST bus system to and from the event.

    The Fayetteville Cumberland County Ministerial Council is well known and has been around for 53 years and has taken this outreach opportunity to another level.

    “I want the Fayetteville Ministerial Council to get involved in many more outreach events,” said Wright. “I want to be known for more than a bunch of ministers who sit around and eat and fellowship.”

    Wright added that they want to be known as a council that gets out in the community and works.

    For more information about the stand down, call (910) 568-4276 or send an email to healthelandmin@aol.com.

  • Caring for Those With Dementia

    Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias should strive to continue to do as much as they can for as long as possible. And home might just be the best place.

    “The preferred environment for those with dementia is generally at home,” said Dr. Jane F. Potter, chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

    Dr. Potter served on the expert panel to help develop content for the Home Instead Senior Care network’s free Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementias CARE: Changing Aging Through Research and Education Training Program.

    The following, from Dr. Potter and the Home Instead Senior Care network, are tips on how to help family caregivers continue to engage older adults with Alzheimer’s in everyday activities:

    1. Allow seniors to do as much as they can but don’t expect them to do what they can’t. Give clear instructions which may mean giving instructions one step at a time.11-21-12-senior-corner.gif

    2. Simplify the task. When dressing, put that senior in a position to do as much as possible. Make it easier to dress, for instance, by laying out clothing in sequential order, with the underwear and socks on top.

    3. Start an activity and then ask the senior to help. If your mom has forgotten how to make that favorite family recipe, begin the process and have her help with whatever she can.

    4. Make activities easier or change the activity. If that older adult can’t play bridge now, play war or another card game instead.

    5. Remember, it’s more than just about task. Turn a bath into an opportunity to smell different soaps or, when picking out clothing, discuss fashion or special colors.

    6. Remember that exercise can help keep seniors active longer. They should get up and move more, not less.

    No matter what the activity, bring fun and happiness to the endeavor.

    “Laughter is great, and use plenty of it to stay engaged with a senior loved one,” Dr. Potter noted.

    For more information about the free Family Caregiver Training for family caregivers of seniors dealing with behavioral changes of Alzheimer’s and other dementias call 910-484-7200 or visit www.HelpforAlzheimersFamilies.com.

    Contributing writers, Martha Owen and Susan Guy, franchise owners of Home Instead Senior Care. For more information visit www.homeinstead.com/647.

    Photo: Home is the preferred environment for those suffering from dementia.

  • uac112812001.jpg Many people don’t consider running a privilege. For them, it is nothing more than a part of a routine. But what they fail to realize is how amazing the simple act of running is. Just to stand takes more than 54 muscles, and running activates nearly every muscle in the body. Frankly, just waking up every day is incredible. Running is more than a simple evolutionary tool. It is an expression of life and health, something that many, unfortunately, cannot enjoy. Ryan Kishbaugh understood this, and he wanted others to understand it, too.

    Ryan’s Reindeer Run, a family-friendly 5K scheduled for Dec. 15, is a fundraiser for the Ryan P. Kishbaugh Memorial Foundation and a celebration of Ryan’s life. The slogan for the event is “Run because you can.” It was taken from the title of the book published by Kishbaugh, the namesake of the event.

    Many people look forward to the run every year as a way of kicking off the holiday season for their families, some even run together as a group. For many children this is the fi rst 5K in which they participate. It is fun because a lot of people dress in costumes, and Santa is there to hand out awards. Instead of regular medals, the awards are actually Christmas ornaments and the trophies are all reindeer themed. All participants under the age of 13 receive a finishers certificate and award as well.

    “The event has grown tremendously since it began in 2006. The first year 274 runners registered and net proceeds were $7,240.65. Last year, in 2011, 880 runners registered and net proceeds were $18,062.04,” said Ryan’s mom, event coordinator Roberta Humphries. “The money goes to various organizations that support children and people dealing with the diagnosis of cancer. The following organizations have benefited from proceeds raised through the Foundation: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Better Health, The CARE Clinic, Fayetteville Academy Writing Center, Make a Wish Foundation, The Child Advocacy Center, The Marrow Foundation, Duke Pediatric Bone Marrow Unit and Friends of the Cancer Center at CFVHS. Overall more than $83,000 has been given to organizations since the foundation was begun in 2003.”

    Kishbaugh was a high school senior when he was diagnosed with cancer. Before the diagnosis, he was extremely successful in many aspects of his life. He was a varsity athlete, and recognized as a dedicated and tremendous volunteer. It was after his diagnosis that he truly began to shine, however. Kishbaugh’s life was cut short, but he made more of a difference in his short life than many will make in several decades.

    In the face of his greatest challenge, Kishbaugh maintained a positive outlook and wrote the book Run Because You Can: My Personal Race With Cancer, which details his struggle with the disease. Unfortunately, Kishbaugh passed away at the age of 18 due to complications from a bone marrow transplant, but his words live on.

    “If you, at any point in your life, have changed somebody’s life, if you have made a difference in their life, in the world, then your life has been a success. People so often forget that money can buy everything except happiness. How did you make a difference today? What have you done to help a stranger this week? The answers to these questions are what truly matter in life, whether we realize that now or not. Life is so often overlooked, taken for granted, expected. Carpe diem. Learn to live in the moment, for that is all we have in our grasp. Take it upon yourself to go out and change the world for the better, and do it today,” is an excerpt from Kishbaugh’s book. It was written to be a positive infl uence on other people’s lives; an inspiration and a comfort for those facing similar challenges. The book covers 15 months of Kishbaugh’s struggle and is a beacon of hope and positivity.

    This book is not all that Kishbaugh left behind. After he passed away his mother began Ryan’s Reindeer Run in his honor, to celebrate his life and raise money to help others who are facing the same challenges he endured. All proceeds of this fundraiser go directly to the Ryan’s Foundation which is dedicated to providing services to children cancer patients.

    “The most rewarding part is being able to raise funds in Ryan’s memory and allow him to continue making a difference in the world through this event done in his memory,” said Humphries. “I also love to see Ryan’s friends who come back to run, now some of them with their children. When hospitalized in June 2002 Ryan wrote: ‘I don’t want anything more from this life than to know that when I die I made it better for just one other person. Just one. …I just want to reach someone, if only one, let me reach one person. I have to make a difference. I have to make things better, not for me, but for those who really suffer.’”

    The run begins and ends at the Medical Arts Pharmacy parking lot entrance, which is located at 101 Robeson St. Packet pick-up is the evening before the race, on Dec. 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Breezewood Healthcare, 200 Forsythe St. A waiver is required in order to run the race. The waiver and registration are also available online at www.runbecauseyoucan.com/ run.html. For individual participants there is $25 entry fee. The group and family entry fee is $75 and includes four T-shirts. There must be a minimum of three participants to qualify for family registry and a maximum of six. Groups should include the organization’s name on their entry form, and there must be a minimum of six participants to be considered a group. Registration forms must be received by Nov. 30, to guarantee a T-shirt and reindeer ears. T-shirts run out quickly.

    Online registration ends on Dec. 13, at 9 p.m. PST. Packet pick-up and race day registration begin at 7 a.m. The 5K race begins at 8:30 a.m. and awards will be presented at 9:30 a.m

    Officials ask participants to remember that runners under 13 are free if they are running with a participating adult, but this does not include a T-shirt or timing bid. Runners under 13 who wish to be timed and eligible for the under 13 top three male and female medals must be registered to compete. Pets on leashes are allowed, but must be controlled at all times, including waste clean up by the owner. Runners with pets may be asked to leave if the pets are causing a disturbance. Walkers, non-competitive runners with pets and strollers are requested to start in the back of the group.

    People that attend should expect a fun but challenging run. “I would like the public to know that this is a fun event for the entire family but it is also a very challenging run for the competitive runners,” said Humphries. “Walkers are also welcome to participate.”

    It is a great day to come out and “run because you can.” People who want to walk the course are also welcome to participate. Prizes are also available for the overall male and female fi nisher, first- through third-place fi nishers in various age groups, prizes for the best-costumed runners, best-costumed group, runners with strollers, runners with pets and the best-decorated strollers. This year there will be prizes for the runner with the best holiday sweater.

    People can also support the foundation without running by volunteering at the event, donating prizes or making fi nancial contributions. To volunteer, contact Humphries at robertahumprhies@nc.rr.com Visit www.runbecauseyoucan.com or active.com to learn more about this event.

  • This is a little off the usual path for me, but I want to say a few words about the University of North Carolina’s hiring of Mack Brown as head football coach.
    When Brown was first named head coach at UNC in 1988, he paid a visit to Fayetteville to meet with the head football coaches of our local high schools at the Haymount Grill.
    I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend, the only media person there.
    I had never met Brown in my life and only slightly knew who he was.
    My memories of that evening are still vivid. Brown was cordial and outgoing, even to a media curmudgeon like myself. I was immediately impressed with his positive attitude and the way he treated everyone in the room with courtesy and respect.
    There’s no doubt in my mind this attitude will immediately jump start his recruting efforts within the state’s borders, and hopefully bring an end to the high number of our top football stars who leave North Carolina to play college football elsewhere.
    Oh, and one more thing I learned from a post I saw on Twitter today. Some naysayers are questioning whether at the age of 67 Brown may be too old to coach college football.
    Brown was born in August of 1951. He’s just two months older than a guy who coaches in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. His name is Nick Saban.
     
    The record: 85-25
     
    The playoffs have been awfully kind to me, so far. I was 5-1 the first week and a perfect 4-0 last week, running the season total to 85-25, 77.3 percent. 
     
    South View at Seventy-First - Now that they are in different conferences, it’s been two years since South View and Seventy-First have met in football. The last time was Oct. 1, 2016, when Seventy-First beat South View 42-21 at Loyd E. Auman Athletic Field.
    I don’t expect tonight’s margin to approach that as the two come in about as evenly matched as possible.
    If you average the points for and points against totals of their common opponents this season, Seventy-First wins by the razor-thin margin of 27.3-27.
    That’s the way I’m leaning in my prediction. True, South View has won two tough road games in the playoffs to get here, but I think the Falcons are familiar enough with the South View program to take the Tigers more seriously than the teams South View beat the first two weeks.
    I also think Seventy-First has a clear edge on defense, and at some point in the playoffs making defensive stops is the key to advancing.
    Seventy-First 22, South View 20.
     
    Scotland at Pine Forest - I call this one the Dean Saffos Bowl. Both Pine Forest coach Bill Sochovka and Scotland coach Richard Bailey were together at Pine Forest on the coaching staff of retired Trojan head coach Dean Saffos.
    Sochovka and Bailey know each other and their respective schemes and philosophies well, so I don’t look for either to pull any big surprises on the other.
    I also know Sochovka isn’t focusing on the fact Scotland is a No. 10 seed to Pine Forest’s No. 3. The Scots have managed two road wins and Sochovka doesn’t want his Trojans to be victim No. 3.
    The thing that impresses me most about Pine Forest, and it is the key to winning in the postseason, is defense. Sochovka felt before the season started that he had a lot of experience back on the defensive side of the ball, and the Trojans are proving his point so far in the state playoffs.
    That plus enough offense to put points on the board will be critical against a Scotland team that is definitely capable of winning.
    Pine Forest 18, Scotland 12.
     
    Havelock at Terry Sanford - I’d love to pick a monster upset in this game, but everything I’m seeing on paper points to sticking with the painful truth. Havelock is loaded and has been for some time. It’s going to take the best game Terry Sanford has played this season, and for Havelock to have a bit of an off night, for the Bulldogs to win on the road.
    It’s been another great season on Fort Bragg Road, but I think it will come to an end in Havelock on Friday night.
    Havelock 24, Terry Sanford 12.
  • 23Kaylee Barriage Kaylee Barriage

    Gray’s Creek • Senior •

    Volleyball

    Barriage has a 3.70 grade point average. She played on a Bears team that was 17-5 and made the second round of the state 3-A playoffs. This season, she had 68 service points, an 85 percent service percentage, 38 digs, 15 assists, 20 blocks and 45 kills.

     

     

    24Benjamin Lovette Benjamin Lovette

    Gray’s Creek • Junior •

    Football

    Lovette has a grade point average of 4.0. He led the Bears to a 7-5 record and a berth in the state 3-AA football playoffs. This season, he completed 43 of 94 passes for 673 yards and six touchdowns.

  • Here is the Sandhills Athletic All-Conference soccer team as chosen by the league’s head coaches.

    Coach of the Year: Colin McDavid, Hoke County

    Player of the Year: Jasper Ardinger, Pinecrest

    Pinecrest: Jair Ballesteros, Peyton Williamson, Braydon Peery, Gray Smith, Nick Vences, Jack Hildebrand.

    Hoke county: David Williams, Nakya Davila, Xavier Hernandez, Pedro Davila, Isaiah Plessner.

    Richmond Senior: Evan Hudson, Alexis Gonzales, Noah Jordan, Luke Hawks, Carlos Alcocer.

    Jack Britt: Joseph Knoel, Kevin Wanovich.

    Lumberton: Quinton Frederick, Josh Britt, Joan Carrillo. 

    Purnell Swett: Jafet Robles, Pacy Brooks, Nick Ramirez.

    Seventy-First: Raymond Grates, Josiah Boyd.

    Scotland: Hunter Edkins.

  • 22Jared Miller Here’s the Patriot Athletic All-Conference soccer team as chosen by the league’s head coaches.

    Offensive player of the year: Jared Miller, Terry Sanford

    Defensive player of the year: Andrew Troutman, Terry Sanford

    Goalkeeper of the year: Tyler Britt, Cape Fear

    Coach of the year: Karl Molnar, Terry Sanford

    First team

    Cape Fear: Ben Elliott, Marvens St. Felix, Tanner Hix

    Gray’s Creek: Drake Camire, Hayden Diaz

    Overhills: Iann Morales

    Pine Forest: Walker Sherin, Kyle Dickerson, Connor Sykes, Brett Frazee

    South View: Alex Dipaolo, Davin Schmidt

    Terry Sanford: Cam Davis, Fabian Macias

    Second team

    Cape Fear: Nick Aime, Grant McCorquodale.

    Douglas Byrd: Shaver Dick

    Gray’s Creek: Eric Chavez

    Overhills: Ethan Arney, Chase Thompson, Noah Maynor

    Pine Forest: Carlos Villarreal, Alex Hinton, Tanner Hendricks, Christian Qually

    Terry Sanford: Grant Risk, Davis Molnar

    Honorable mention

    Douglas Byrd: Bryan Lopez

    Gray’s Creek: Garrett Hoyt

    Overhills: Marvin Villarces, Zachary Richard

    Terry Sanford: Bailey Morrison, Hunter Wiggins Westover: Delsin Burkhart

    Photo:  Jared Miller

     

  • 21Dallas Wilson Heath Wilson At a school rich with wrestling tradition, Cape Fear’s Dallas Wilson found a way to make history of his own last year.

    He faces an even bigger challenge this season: finding a way to top it.

    Last winter, Wilson, son of Cape Fear head coach Heath Wilson, became the first sophomore in school history to win a state wrestling championship, taking home the title in the 132-pound weight class in the 3-A state tournament.

    Wilson is the lone returning state champion among Cumberland County wrestlers this fall, and having been around wrestling at Cape Fear with his dad, also a former state champ, he knows well the challenges involved in repeating.

    “That’s the first thing he told me after last year was over,’’ the elder Wilson said of his son. “I’m not going to be a one and done. That’s their biggest fear. He knows he’s got a target on his back.’’

    In addition to the target, the younger Wilson will be looking at new challenges this season. He’s gotten taller and gained weight, which means he’ll be moving into a different weight class.

    His father said the two will likely wait until the WRAL tournament Dec. 21 to make a final decision on what weight Dallas will be wrestling at for the remainder of the season.

    The key to the choice will be how comfortable Dallas is with the final weight he chooses, Heath said.

    Dallas has prepared for his upcoming wrestling season with a tough summer of competition that included competing in the Super 32 about a month ago.

    “He’s not overconfident, and he’s not looking beyond anybody,’’ Heath said.

    Dallas gets challenged regularly in practice by his mat partner Jared Barbour, who weighs in at around 160 to 170 and is among the top three wrestlers in the state in his weight class.

    Dallas looks at last year’s state title as just the beginning of a journey in wrestling that will continue for another two years at the high school level.

    “Defending it and winning two more (titles) is next,’’ Dallas said. “My biggest concern would be my health more than anything. I need to stay healthy.’’

    He battled problems with a gimpy ankle last year and still has concerns about it as this season begins. He’s focused on taking better angles of attack when he makes his shots, something he said multiple state champions do. “They understand angles and how to get on legs and how to hit moves that a kid that’s average wouldn’t even think about,’’ Dallas said.

    “Hard work is the main aspect going into this year and next year.’’ 

    Dallas Wilson won’t be the only solid returner on the mat for Cape Fear this season.

    Tristan Chapman, 126 pounds, placed fifth in the state last year. A conference champion, 120-pound Jack Culbreth, also returns, along with 145-pound Jeremiah Smith, who came close to beating the state champion a year ago.

    Now that the season is over for the Cape Fear football team, Wilson said 220-pound Nick Minacapelli will be joining the team soon.

    “We’ve got some sleepers this year,’’ Coach Wilson said. “The newcomers are learning quickly.’’

    Photo: Dallas (left) and Heath (right) Wilson

  • 20Village Christian When Emerson Martin took over as head football coach at Village Christian two years ago, he had eight players returning from a team that lost in the 2016 state championship game.

    Two years later, after three trips in a row to the state finals, the Knights are finally state champions, following a 39-8 rout of Asheville School in the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 11-man Division III football title game.

    Martin, who teaches weightlifting classes, said the first challenge was getting students in his classes to join the football program.

    “That let us have the first winning season in school history,’’ he said of the 2017 campaign.

    When the 2018 season began, Martin felt all the pieces were finally in place to bring home a state championship.

    “We had senior leadership from the year before,’’ he said. “That was the biggest part of everything in the turnaround. The strongest point was the way the kids came together, the way they became friends on and off the field, just their commitment to the offseason in working together.

    No one was more important to the process than versatile senior Asa Barnes, whose 50-yard run for the first touchdown against Asheville helped set the tone for the championship game. “He is the best all-around player I have on my team,’’ Martin said of Barnes, who played multiple positions on both sides of the football for the Knights and rarely came off the field.

    “From the starting point of the championship game, he ran harder than I’ve ever seen him run,’’ Martin continued. “He ran with a passion I’ve never seen him run with.’’

    Barnes still had a bitter taste in his mouth from the disappointing loss in the 2017 championship game, a game the Knights felt they should have won.

    “There never was a time when we were able to forget about it,’’ Barnes said of the 2017 defeat. “We really drilled it into peoples’ heads that we wouldn’t forget it, and it drove us to be better.’’

    Barnes said he worked on improving his speed and stamina in the offseason, preparing himself for the grind of being a two-way performer for the Knights.

    One of the biggest parts of this year’s win was taking the early lead, and Barnes said that was something the Knights tried to do all season. “When we win the coin toss, we want to get the ball and put up points quickly,’’ he said, “try to take their hope away.

    “I felt like from the jump we were the more talented team and had to listen to what our coaches wanted us to do, execute and play together as a team.’’

    Junior quarterback Tim Grate said Village avoided the mistake of getting overconfident. “The words of the week were stay humble, s tay level and don’t underestimate your opponent,’’ he said.

    Grate said his goal was to make his reads and finish with no turnovers, which he accomplished.

    “The offensive mindset was to score every possession,’’ he said. “If you score every possession, you’re more than likely going to win the game.’’

    Now that the Knights have finally earned the championship, the next goal is to start the process for chasing the title in 2019.

    “I have a lot of big expectations for them,’’ Barnes said. “I expect them to exceed what we did this year. They just have to not be complacent and always work hard.’’

    Grate said the team needs to prepare for the offseason grind and just pick up where it left off. “For most people, it’s getting faster, getting stronger and getting smarter,’’ he said.

  • I’ve read reports and seen video of the ugly on-field incident this season following the South Central and D.H. Conley football game.
    The video told a troubling story, and now, weeks after the incident took place, the N.C. High School Athletic Association has handed down one of the most interesting penalties in its history.
     
    When South View travels to play South Central Friday night in the second round of the NCHSAA 4-A football playoffs, the students from South Central are barred from attending the game because of the fighting incident.
     
    According to various published reports, the NCHSAA apparently took the action because it put much of the blame for what happened in that South Central-Conley fiasco on the students from South Central who came onto the field at the game’s end.
     
    What is so unprecedented about this penalty is the groups who weren’t involved in the incident at all who will be impacted.
    The NCHSAA gets revenue from the playoff gates in various state championships.
     
    In football, the NCHSAA takes a portion of the gate of each playoff game. After expenses, the two competing schools divide what’s left.
    With South Central students barred from attending their home game, unless South View brings a tremendous crowd and the adults at South Central who are allowed to attend make up the attendance difference, there’s a chance that with expenses factored in, this could be a deficit gate.
     
    It’s clear the NCHSAA is sending a strong message to South Central and the entire state that this kind of conduct won’t be tolerated, even at the cost of losing money.
     
    This is definitely a decision to be mindful of going forward for all spectators at high school games in this state. If it happened once, it can happen again, if we let it.
     
    The record: 81-25
     
    I bounced back from my disaster the last week of regular season with a 5-1 record in the first round of the playoffs, putting the season total at 81-26, 76.4 percent.
     
    Rocky Mount at Terry Sanford - Rocky Mount will be looking for revenge after losing to Terry Sanford 36-16 in the first round of last year’s state playoffs. I think the Bulldogs will prevail again.
    Terry Sanford 24, Rocky Mount 17.
     
    South View at South Central - This is going to be an odd atmosphere for South View with no students from the opposing school in the stands. The big thing for the Tigers is to keep the noise of the controversy out of their heads and focus on the game. South View has also played a tougher schedule than South Central this season, and I think that will help the Tigers.
    South View 22, South Central 20.
     
    Seventy-First at Durham Riverside - The Falcons had a disappointing visit to Durham earlier this year, losing to Southern Durham 36-32. I think this trip is going to end differently.
    Seventy-First 24, Durham Riverside 16.
     
    Apex Middle Creek at Pine Forest - This looks like a close match on paper. I’m hoping home field and a week of rest to heal and fine tune things is going to be a plus for Pine Forest.
    Pine Forest 18, Middle Creek 12.
  • “When you’re down and troubled and you need a helping hand … you’ve got a friend.” This phrase made famous by North Carolina singer songwriter, James Taylor expresses the support the Red Cross gives every day to people all over our great nation. Now you have an opportunity to assist in this great work while having a fabulous time by joining us for the American Red Cross Highlands Chapter 10th Annual Red and White Gala on Thursday, Nov. 14. The Red and White Gala will highlight more than 75 wines, hors d’oeuvres prepared by award-winning chefs and a silent auction featuring many one-of-a-kind items. The event is hosted by the Holiday Inn Fayetteville – Bordeaux, Mutual Distributing Company and US Food Service.

    The American Red Cross is a charitable organization that depends on your generosity to help prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. Funds raised during the Gala will provide food, shelter and clothing to those who are impacted by disaster.

    Susan Mills, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross Highlands Chapter said, “The Highlands Chapter receives no money from the state or federal government. We are able to continue our outstanding service because of donations from individuals and businesses locally. For every dollar we receive, 92 cents goes back out to those that need it most. The Red and White Gala is our biggest fundraiser. All of the food, wine and the Holiday Inn Bordeaux facilities are donated. The chefs donate their time and talents to make this event one of the biggest and best in the area. We will have outstanding food, wine and a silent auction. Some of the items that we have had in the past included an African Safari, jewelry, vacations, airline tickets, gift certificates to local dining establishments, golf course gift certificates and even a pie a month. So, get a jump-start on the holidays and shop with Red Cross and have some fun at the 10th Annual Red and White Gala.”

    11-06-13-red-wine-gala.gifThe Red Cross is most well-known for its disaster relief efforts and blood drives, however, the local Highlands chapter also provides volunteer training in disaster preparedness, CPR training and services to our armed forces to include assistance with deployments, welcome home and “Holiday Mail for Heroes.” Each year, they provide an average of 25,000 emergency communications and other services to members of our military and their families and reach more than 4,780 people through our “Get to Know Us Before You Need Us” outreach program. The Highlands Chapter is the direct line of communication between military personnel and their families when an emergency strikes. Red Cross board member and local surgeon, Dr. F. Andrew Morfesis said “None of this great work could be accomplished without our volunteers.”

    So why attend the Red and White Gala? To have a great time with friends and neighbors while enjoying food and drinks as well as having the opportunity to bid on wonderful silent auction offerings donated by local restaurants, theaters, jewelers and much, much more.

    You may purchase tickets in advance for $45 by contacting the Highlands Chapter at 910.867.8151 ext. 25. Tickets will be available at the door the day of the event for $50.

    Photo: The Red Cross Wine Gala offers a night of good food,  wine tasting and fun, all for a great cause.

  • 7Is nothing sacred?

    Stay tuned to learn the disappointing answer. Misquoting Neidermeyer’s opening statement at the trial of the Deltas in Animal House, a recent event of dietary disrespect and ignorance occurred at a sacred ancient temple of NC BBQ which was so loathsome that “the acts of culinary perversion were so profound and disgusting that decorum prohibits listing them here.” Naturally I shall go ahead and list them anyway.

    This profane act of defiling and criticizing NC BBQ cannot be ignored. To quote the philosopher of the sea, Popeye: “That’s all I can stand. I can’t stands no more.” The time has come to leap athwart the bow of history and shout “Enough!” The two readers of this column know that I make every effort to remain neutral, beige, and boring in my opinions and observations. But I cannot let this travesty go unremarked.

    Breaking my silence on current events, I follow the edict of Martin Luther, who after nailing his 95 theses to the church door in 1517, was deemed a heretic. Four years later in a church trial when threatened with excommunication and burning at the stake, he was offered amnesty if he would just recant his beliefs.
    Martin Luther refused to do so, saying: “Here I stand. I can do no other.” The Holy Grub of North Carolina has been insulted by a Phillistine from north of the Mason-Dixon line. It is my sacred duty to defend NC BBQ.

    Damn the cholesterol, full steam ahead.

    Return with us now to November in a capital city in a southern state. Let us call that city Raleigh. It was a normal day towards the end of a normal lunch hour. Suddenly, a crime wave was identified at a famous local restaurant. Let us call that restaurant Clyde Cooper’s BBQ.

    A woman, possibly from New Jersey, who we shall call Karen, ordered a plate of Clyde’s BBQ to go. Karen is a special kind of lady. A lady of exquisite breeding, unfounded egotism, and culinary misinformation. Karen is a lady who owns a cell phone. Karen knows her rights. She even knows the number of 911.
    When Karen opened her box of BBQ, she was stricken with revulsion and disbelief. The BBQ inside was pink. Pink, the color of impetigo. Pink, the color of pink eye. Pink, the color of flamingos. Pink, the color of Pepto Bismol. She was stricken with mental pain and crippling emotional anguish.

    This pink BBQ was not properly cooked. Trichinosis lurked in her Styrofoam box. Botulism was just a forkful away from her delicate constitution. As Colonel Kurtz said in Apocalypse Now: “The horror. The horror….”
    Karen marched herself right back into Mr. Cooper’s café and demanded fully cooked BBQ or a refund. The owner explained the BBQ was pink because it was smoked BBQ.

    Smoked BBQ is pink, not grey. It is smoked for over 12 hours at 250 degrees. It is done even though the smoke turns it pink. Cooper's has been smoking BBQ for over 75 years and knows pig. A refund was denied and Karen was given chicken as a substitute. Was this enough for Karen? Not a chance.

    Karen sashayed out the door. She did what any Karen would do. She called 911 to report a BBQ emergency. According to press reports, a Raleigh police officer was dispatched to the scene of the crime to investigate. The officer entered Cooper's, briefly discussed pink BBQ, and according to the owner of Cooper’s, “He walked out- Kind of had a little smirk on his face.”

    The officer spoke with Karen, but made no arrests of the cooks and left. Karen left a cranky one-star review on Google writing: “Worst customer service I ever had in my life. Barbecue was very pink and had lots of fat in it.”

    Karen was interviewed later by WRAL, telling the TV station that “she did not regret calling the police and is considering filing a lawsuit against Cooper's.”

    Imagine a NC jury brought up eating the holy grub, hearing a case brought by Karen who clearly knows nothing of our history and even less about what makes good BBQ. You can tear down our statues. You can fill Cary with Yankees. But by all that is Holy, you cannot defame our BBQ.

    Where does it end? It never ends. Another NC food related lawsuit is winding its way through the California courts. A disgruntled man in Los Angeles filed a class action lawsuit against Texas Pete hot sauce claiming he was misled into thinking Texas Pete was made in Texas. The label on Texas Pete clearly states it was made in Winston-Salem, NC. His complaint alleged he would not have bought it if he knew its origin, stating that Texas Pete “knowingly capitalized on consumers’ desire to partake in the culture and authentic cuisine of one of the most prideful states in America.” Only a money poultice can make him regruntled again.

    What have we learned today? Once again, very little. You can lead Yankees to food, but you can’t make them eat. Dare to strike back, put some Texas Pete on your next BBQ sandwich.

  • Shriners with L R Marcus Wall in green coat Emery Simmons and Mariana Blount A pair of Cumberland County high school football coaches were recently presented with their Shrine Bowl jackets. These jackets signify the honor of their being chosen to coach in this year’s Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas high school football all-star game on Saturday, Dec. 15. The game takes place at 1 p.m. at Wofford College’s Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg, South Carolina. 

    In the left photo above, South View assistant coach Marcus Wall (center, in green) is shown getting his jacket while South View’s Emery Simmons (second from right) and Mariana Blount (far right) clap. Simmons was the lone Cumberland County football player picked for this year’s Shrine game. Blount will serve as a student athletic trainer at the game. 

       In the right photo, Westover head coach Ernest King is also shown being recognized by the Shriners at his team’s game with E.E. Smith last Friday. Like Wall, King will also serve as an assistant coach on this year’s North Carolina Shrine Bowl staff. 

  • Put John Poulos, Pete Skenteris and Tony Kotsopoulos in a room and start asking about the World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry Sale that takes place at the Hellenic Center every year and it becomes apparent pretty quickly that the spaghetti dinner is about a lot more than pasta and pastries.

    Never mind that the event serves up between 12,000 and 13,000 meals each year, and that’s just in 10 short hours. Never mind that it takes 4,000 lbs. of dry pasta, 900 gallons of meat sauce, 400 lbs. of grated cheese and takes three days and more than 40 volunteers, including 15 or so cooks to pull it off. For these three men the spaghetti dinner is about gratitude and tradition.

    Sure, 55 years ago it was a creative way to raise money that the church returned to the community by supporting local nonprofits. That part has not changed. And this year, on Nov. 20, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the church will serve up mounds of delicious pasta again — and donate proceeds to local nonprofits. But it has become something more.

    “In some ways, it seems like it is not about the spaghetti anymore,” said Poulos. “We are thankful that people come year after year to support us and buy our spaghetti. We are very fortunate.”

    When the traffic at the Hellenic Center is backed up and volunteers are working frantically to get the orders out, it can be a lot to take in. The community support is impressive and something that is not taken for granted. Seeing the cars lined up all the way down the street and the smiling faces as people drive away with spaghetti and Greek pastries makes the days of prepping, baking and boiling worth it. Poulos, Skenteris and Kotsopoulos noted how truly humbling it is to get such amazing support.

    “We get calls at the church all year asking when is the next spaghetti dinner,” said Skenteris. “It is amazing to us that people come from all over Cumberland County to get our spaghetti. We are honored.”

    Kotsopoulos is the head chef each year and has been a part of the event since 1989, although he didn’t take over until 1993. He’s been doing this long enough that it is pretty much down to a science.

    “We make sure to always use the same sources for our ingredients every single year,” said Kotsopoulos. “There is no room for error or experimentation here. Our reputation is on the line and we can’t afford to take chances.”

    In fact, he has turned down generous offers from people who wanted to donate ingredients so that he could protect the integrity of the recipe.

    11-13-13-spaghetti-dinner.gifWhile the community enjoys the food each year, the volunteers gain something, too. The congregation enjoys its ability to give back to the community (and the congregation of Sts. Constantine & Helen give generously), but more importantly, they find working hard for a common goal strengthens the congregation.

    “People who work together stay together,” said Poulos.

    “It is good for us to work hard at this every year,” said Skenteris. “We need to teach the next generation so this tradition will continue.”

    Although he has no plans to hand over his spoon any time soon, Kotsopoulos is already on the look out for a protégé. “I’m looking for someone to train in the next 10 years, someone who will pick up this tradition and carry it on.”

    Tickets are available at the door for $6.50. The Hellenic Center is located at 614 Oakridge Ave. Call 484-8925 for more information.

    Photo: Tony Kotsopoulos and 40 or so volunteers spend several days cooking more than 12,000 spaghetti meals each year.

  • 5 I have missed you all!

    Like the late, great Charles Kuralt, I have been “on the road,” or more accurately, on the plane for 30 hours, more or less. With various layovers, 30 hours is about what it takes to get to southern Africa and another 30 to get home.

    And as we all know, there is nothing like sleeping in one’s own bed! Like Kuralt and most other travelers, I learn a great deal everywhere I go from western Europe to east Asia to the bush of southern Africa.
    And, like millions of other Americans, I am always grateful to set foot back on United States soil, where I was born, grew up, and raised my own family. Seeing how other people in other places face daily life makes us understand, cherish, and willing to fight for our American freedoms.

    The United States is a relatively new country compared to European nations, India, and certainly China. We are older and more experienced, though, than some African nations, many of which divorced themselves from European colonial occupation in the mid-20th century and are still feeling their way. For some, birth and maturation continue to be painful.

    Among the joys of traveling in southern Africa are the well-run national parks and game reserves that spotlight, and more importantly, protect Africa’s spectacular wildlife—lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and the list goes on. Tourism, the area’s most important industry, supports these efforts.

    The harder reality is that South Africa and Zimbabwe both have high unemployment rates and, not surprisingly, high rates of crime and homelessness. Government corruption is a pervasive factor.
    Kliptown, a squatter community in the city of Johannesburg, stopped me in my tracks.

    No government—city or national—provides any service, including electricity and plumbing, to this community of about 45,000 souls.
    One positive is an after-school program for local children established by 3 young men who grew up there which received worldwide recognition as a CNN Hero. A California family funded a brand new $2M facility after seeing the news coverage.

    Which brings me to Nancy Pelosi.

    Love her or loathe her, Nancy Pelosi tells us our system of government works. Pelosi is the first and only woman to become Speaker of the US House of Representatives and third in line to the Presidency.

    Her tenure in the house spanned four Presidencies, the Iraq War, the Great Recession, the Affordable Care Act, and the Insurrection which could have taken both her life as well as our nation’s.
    Following an unprecedented attack on her elderly husband, Pelosi stepped away from leadership responsibilities, but she has been and remains a highly polarizing figure in American politics.
    For more than a decade, she has been demonized by the opposition.

    Nancy Pelosi would not know me from Adam’s house cat, but she probably would not be surprised that more than a decade ago when I ran for public office, mailers went out of the two of us photoshopped together as if we were best friends.

    The opposition meant this as a negative, but I was flattered.

    I mention Pelosi because she is an example of what works in our country despite our deep and pervasive divisions.

    The reality that our nation has survived an insurrection and that legislative power is being transferred, however contentiously, tells us that our structure is holding—at least for now.
    We got through our mid-term elections with grumbling and disappointments for sure, but candidates are not alleging widespread voter fraud or refusing to accept election outcomes.

    Our United States is far from perfect, but we are working on our issues, just as we have been for about 250 years. I am really glad and thankful to be home.

  • Hayden DiazFigueroaHayden Diaz Figueroa 

    Gray’s Creek • Senior • 

    Soccer 

    Figueroa had an unweighted grade point average of 3.83. He helped lead the Bears to the Patriot Athletic Conference tournament championship, scoring 15 goals for the season and handing out five assists.  

     

     

     Drew Menscer 1Drew Menscer 

    Gray’s Creek • Senior • 

    Tennis 

    Menscer has an unweighted grade point average of 4.0 while competing for the Gray’s Creek varsity tennis team. 

  • uac111313001.gif For 15 years, Fayetteville residents have made attendance to the Heart of Christmas Show an annual tradition. The show, which combines music, comedy, dance and more, kicks off the holiday season for many, is scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 30 through Dec. 1 at the Crown Theatre.

    Laura Stevens, a talented musician and songwriter, is the force behind the show. Stevens has mentored many talented performers in our community with her showcase vocal group Voices of the Heart. The group, which is made up of young ladies, is the backbone of the show, but Stevens brings together a dynamic cast of 26 singers and dancers to make it a spectacular show that can compete with similar productions seen at theaters in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Branson, Mo.

    Since its inception, Voices of the Heart has raised more than $500,000 for the Friends of Children, The Child Advocacy Center and many other children’s agencies and the public schools.

    “If you would have asked me 15 years ago if I would have still been doing this, I would have said no,” said Stevens. “But this is what I am supposed to be doing, so everything has fallen into place.”

    Reflecting back on the past 15 years, Stevens is proud that her sponsors have been with her since the show’s inception. The sponsors are part of the “family.” They come year after year.

    “These sponsors support the show because they love it, they believe in it. They see the good works we do. They have seen the money accumulate to over a half million dollars to bene踀t our community. They just love it. They have a sense of ownership of it,” said Stevens.

    11-13-13-cover-story-3.gifShe added that many in the community have watched the children grow up in the cast and see them as part of their extended family. The cast returns year after year until they age out, and the audience has enjoyed watching the cast members develop and their talents grow.

    “For me, this is truly a community project. This project makes Fayetteville feel connected and small townish – even though we are not a small town,” she said.

    She said the constancy of the sponsors and the agencies that benefit from the performance, make the show unique.

    “When you dig into this community and pour out yourself, you find connections and how wonderful the people in this city are,” said Stevens. “It is important to dig in and give and make a difference. That is truly something all of the cast members are learning. They know the cost of time, energy and focus. But they see what the act of sel谀essness does for other people.”

    While the show is glitzy, the reason behind the show is its ability to help the agencies that deal with children who are sick or abused.

    “When we started 15 years ago, people gave us about three or four years,” she said. “But we have continued to thrive and grow, and I believe that it is because God is at the center of it and because of the tremendous support of the community, the cast and their families. I am so grateful for that.”11-13-13-cover-2.gif

    Stevens said the second half of the show has become a tradition and cannot be changed very much. She explained that the community does not want to see that portion of the show changed because the audience is inspired by it, which includes the nativity scene, the huge choir number and the dances. She said that for many, it puts them in the spirit of Christmas.

    The first half of the show is light hearted with fun songs and dances, while the second half is more serious and speaks to the heart of the season.

    “I have tried to bring the most Christmasy song, look, sound, and visual that you can ever imagine,” said Stevens. “You can look at the stage and just know that this is Christmas. There are some new songs this year that are just phenomenal.”

    She added that the show is far-reaching and that its impact cannot be found only in the money that is given, but in the impact that it has on the lives of those who see it.

    Ticket sales are brisk, and Stevens encourages those interested in attending to purchase tickets early.

    11-13-13-cover-story-girls.gif“When it gets to the week of the show, it sometimes comes down that a family of four cannot sit together,” said Stevens.

    Tickets for the show are $12 in advance and $18 at the door. Group tickets are available for groups of 15 or more, and are $10. The show starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday with a Sunday matinee at 3 p.m. For more information, visit the website at www.heartofchristmasshow.com.

    Photos: The group, which is made up of young ladies, are the backbone of the show, but Stevens brings together a dynamic cast of 26 singers and dancers to make it a spectacular show that can compete with similar shows seen at theaters in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and Branson, Mo.

  • 4North Carolina has an official state bird (the Northern Cardinal), an official state reptile (the Eastern Box Turtle), an official state insect (the honeybee), an official state mammal (the Gray Squirrel), an official saltwater fish (the Channel Bass), an official freshwater fish (the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout), an official state marsupial (the Virginia Opossum, which seems awfully unpatriotic), and two official state amphibians, the Pine Barrens Treefrog and the Marbled Salamander.

    We have something like an official philosopher, as well, although no legislation has confirmed it. North Carolina’s state motto is esse quam videri, which translates as “to be rather than to seem.” You can find the motto on the state seal, among many other places.

    While the underlying idea didn’t originate with him, this specific Latin phrasing came from the pen of the Roman orator and statesman Cicero, who was a contemporary (and enemy) of Julius Caesar and a hero to the founders of North Carolina and the United States as a whole.

    As a stylist in Latin, a practitioner of Roman law, an advocate of republican virtues over imperial ambitions, a translator and teacher of classical Greek ideas, and a philosopher of metaphysics, politics, and ethics, Cicero had an outsized influence on the world we still inhabit many centuries later.

    He is also very quotable. You will find his sayings sprinkled throughout Western literature, law codes, and even inspirational websites. Unfortunately, these quotes aren’t always placed in context, which can sometimes drain them of their intended force and meaning.

    For example, North Carolina’s motto is taken from a treatise Cicero wrote on the subject of friendship. He noted that real relationships must be based on honesty, not pretense. “The man to open his ears widest to flatterers is he who first flatters himself and is fondest of himself,” Cicero wrote, and the result isn’t a real relationship of two mature human beings. “Fewer people are endowed with virtue than wish to be thought to be so,” he pointed out. “It is such people that take delight in flattery. When they are addressed in language expressly adapted to flatter their vanity, they look upon such empty persiflage as a testimony to the truth of their own praises.”

    Can you think of anyone in public life today to whom Cicero’s argument applies? I can, too. But that hardly exhausts the potential applications of Cicero’s wisdom to modern politics. Here are some other lessons that North Carolina leaders ought to take to heart.

    In his treatise on moral duties, addressed to his son, Cicero argued that “while there are two ways of contending, one by discussion, the other by force, the former belonging properly to man, the latter to beasts, recourse must be had to the latter if there be no opportunity for employing the former.”

    In other words, force may be necessary to resolve certain kinds of disputes, but it ought to be a rare and last resort. In the political context, this is an argument for letting people make their own decisions and work out their own voluntary arrangements as much as possible, keeping government intervention to a minimum.

    In another work, Cicero wrote that “we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee the pain and trouble that are bound to ensue.” Leaders should always look before they leap — and think about the long run, not just the short-term effects of their decisions.

    That’s a point about the future. “To be ignorant of the past,” Cicero also wrote, “is to be forever a child.” To study history is to recognize that past generations with the greatest of intellects and best of intentions have often faced similar problems and attempted solutions. Some succeeded. Many failed. All yielded useful lessons.

    If North Carolina leaders want truly to be rather than to seem, they could do far worse than heed the philosopher who wrote our motto.

  • Toni Blackwell Here is the Patriot Athletic All- Conference golf team as chosen by the league’s head coaches. 

    Player of the year:Toni Blackwell, Cape Fear 

    Coach of the year:Todd Edge, Cape Fear 

    First team 

    Cape Fear:Toni Blackwell, Gary Bynum, Madison Burrell, Mary Catherine Hales 

    Terry Sanford:Carmen Tucker 

    Gray’s Creek:Marisol Morento 

    Second team 

    Pine Forest:Kennedi Whitener- Mason, Jasmine Cotton 

    Terry Sanford:Gabby Tucker 

    Cape Fear:Jaclyn Daniels 

    Gray’s Creek:Rebecca Collins 

    Photo: Toni Blackwell

  • 19When was the last time you gave thanks for something you lost?

    Forty years ago, Southern rockers 38 Special penned and recorded a song which claimed the charts as it encouraged us to “Hold On Loosely” lest we lose control. While I wouldn’t suggest the entirety of the song is good relationship advice I’ll admit that learning to loosen our grip may not be that bad an idea.

    We often have a tendency toward placing too much trust or value in the things around us. That could be money, the job or promotion we’re clamoring for, or a relationship.
    These are all things that we desire; things which become objects of our affection.

    The danger to our wellbeing is when these things — or a multitude of others— become objects of our obsession. More profitable than the advice from that 80’s radio hit is something we can read in the New Testament book of James.

    In the first chapter, we’re invited to see that “…every good and perfect gift comes from above.” (v.17) The writer, believed to be the half-brother of Jesus, opens the book (or letter) asking us to “count it all joy whenever we face various trials.” (v.2) The people knew what James was talking about.

    People in the early Christian church underwent both persecution and ostracizing when they proclaimed their belief Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah, the son of God.

    Things they had worked for — their homes and businesses — were stripped away as they found themselves on the outside of the Jewish culture looking in.

    Lifelong friends turned their backs on them, many were forced to ply a new trade as longtime customers refused to have anything to do with them (let alone do business with them), and they found themselves exiled — by choice or by force.

    The Messiah was the very thing they prayed for, yet when He arrived, to follow Him was to let go of everything they knew and valued.

    Sometimes we must let go of things, too. They are often the very things that keep us from something better. Jesus tried to explain this as a wealthy young business leader approached Him asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. He had observed all that was moral, built a profitable business, and seemingly had it all. Jesus told him to “…sell it all, give to the poor, then come follow Him.” (Matthew 19:16-21) Unwilling to let go of the good for the great, the young man went away sad.

    And so it is with us. Be careful not to hold too tightly to the things that are more like anchors than oars.

    We may find ourselves sinking, ever so slowly, never loosening our grip on the things we once longed for, but which may now be the only thing standing between us and the greatest gift we could ever imagine.

    Let go, and thank God for the gifts He gave you, and the even better gifts He’s offering you now.

  • Bernard Flerlage When the coaches from the Patriot Athletic Conference and the media who cover the league were asked to predict the order of finish in football for 2018, the three schools that drew most of the attention were defending champion Terry Sanford, former champion Cape Fear and a strong South View team. 

    Pine Forest was ranked fifth by the media and sixth by the coaches. Did that bother veteran Trojan head coach Bill Sochovka? No. 

    “I liked the fact we were under the radar,’’ Sochovka said. “I had my whole defense coming back. A lot of these kids on defense had started since the ninth grade.’’ 

    At the end of the regular season, Pine Forest held seven opponents under 20 points and only allowed three to score more than 28 or more en route to a 9-2 record and the school’s first outright conference title in football since 1999. 

    The Trojans earned a first-round bye and the No. 3 seed in the 4-A East bracket of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association playoffs. They face Apex Middle Creek in the second round on Friday, Nov. 23, at Pine Forest. 

    Middle Creek, 8-4 and the No. 6 seed, beat Knightdale 23-17 in the first round. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. 

    Where his team was picked to finish the season turned out to be the least of Sochovka’s concerns after the challenging year Pine Forest and all the teams in Cumberland County faced. 

    The county had to endure not one but two hurricanes during the season that disrupted schedules and twice forced Pine Forest to play two games in a single week. One of those times was the final week of the season when Pine Forest took on Overhills on a Monday and wrapped up the week in what turned out to be the conference title game with a high-scoring South View team. 

       “We knew they were probably going to score some points,’’ said Trojan linebacker Bernard Flerlage. “The only concern we had was everybody staying together as a team, playing hard and making sure we didn’t fall apart.’’ 

       The Trojan defensive backs, especially Jordan Gladney, Le’Vonte McLean, Richard McEachern and Jaden Jones, combined to hold South View Shrine Bowl selection Emery Simmons to one touchdown reception in Pine Forest’s 14-7 win. 

       “We trusted our defensive backs,’’ Flerlage said.  Fullback and defensive lineman Malik Daniels felt the win sent a message for this year and years to come for the Pine Forest program. 

       “We changed the culture,’’ he said. “Nobody thought of us going to the conference championship. Nobody gave us our respect. Nobody pictured us being there. 

    “We set the tone for the younger guys coming up, and we set the tone for the postseason. It was an important win for us.’’ 

       The state playoffs are pretty much uncharted territory for most of the players on this Pine Forest team. In recent years when Pine Forest has made it to the postseason, the journey hasn’t lasted long. They’ve normally been eliminated in their first game, rarely making it to the second round. 

       To find a Pine Forest team making it all the way to a third-round game, you have to go back to 2003 when the Trojans beat Raleigh Millbrook and Raleigh Broughton in the first two games before falling to Southeast Raleigh in the third round. 

       This year, thanks to the bye, they’re guaranteed at least a trip to the second round, and since the NCHSAA moved the playoffs back a week because of the two hurricanes, they’ll get the rare privilege of practicing on Thanksgiving, which is traditionally the sign that a high school football team has enjoyed a good season. 

       Sochovka appreciates all these achievements and precedents, but his main concern is keeping the team focused on the task at hand, and he actually thinks the messy schedule during the regular season will make that an easier job. 

       During the season, Pine Forest wound up playing a game on every night of the week but Wednesday and Sunday. Despite all those disruptions, the players stayed focused enough to win the conference title. 

       Sochovka thinks the team will have no trouble adjusting to the three-day practice schedule of last week’s bye week before getting back into a regular grind preparing for the second-round game this week. 

       Neither does Flerlage. “We’re going to use this to our advantage,’’ he said. “We’ll review stuff and fix what we need to fix, make sure we are ready to prep ourselves for whoever we have coming this week.’’ 

       Daniels said Sochovka will have the Trojans ready for Friday night, bye or no bye. “I believe the whole coaching staff will keep us sharp,’’ he said. “We want to go far in these playoffs. We want to make it to states. That’s our main goal.’’ 

    Photo: Bernard Flerlage

  • 18Ankle sprains make up about 25% of injuries resulting in a visit to the emergency room. An injury occurs when the ankle is rolled or twisted in an awkward position. Your ligaments are the stabilizers for your joints that help with excessive movement and most sprained ankles involve movement on the outer side of the ankle.

    Recently, I did not see a hole while walking and my ankle went into the hole. I felt it turn, and thankfully it did not result in an injury. I am a big advocate of ankle strength and flexibility and for that reason, my ankle was flexible enough not to sustain an injury when I stepped in the hole.

    The importance of ankle flexibility and strength exercises is often overlooked and not addressed until an injury occurs.
    The ankle is the first major joint that absorbs shock when our feet hit the ground. Lack of mobility and strength causes the body to absorb the shock in other parts of your body causing an imbalance up the kinetic chain. The result is compensation in other parts of your body which could cause you to have knee, hip or lower back pain.

    The term ankle mobility refers to the flexibility of the foot in plantarflexion (pointing the foot) and dorsiflexion (pulling the foot upward). Another form of flexibility in the ankle is the performance of inversion and eversion which is the ankle rolling side to side, which is a common reason for ankle sprains.

    Strong ankles are just as important as flexibility. It is the ankle strength that helps us sustain our balance and perform activities such as running, walking, jumping and squatting.
    Weak ankles are not something that we may pay attention to but there are signs that your ankles may be weak or have a lack of mobility. Some of the signs include repeated turning, discomfort and swelling, chronic pain, tenderness, and feeling your ankles wobble on uneven surfaces, dancing or walking.

    Ankle exercises are part of my classes at the end of a session. You can do simple exercises at home to strengthen your ankles and make them more flexible while sitting, standing or watching TV.
    In a standing or seated position practice dorsiflexion and plantar flexion while moving the foot forward toward your shin and pointing. Rotate the ankle in forward and reverse circles. Tap the foot, right, middle and left. Practice rolling your foot over from one side to the other.

    Stretch bands can also be used with ankle exercises. The bands serve as resistance when doing exercises such as plantarflexion, dorsiflexion, circles, taps and stretching.
    Standing heel raises aid in strengthening your ankles and can be done standing at a counter. Raise the heels up and down or extend half of your foot over a step or riser while holding on to something for stability raising your heels up and down.

    Single-leg exercises can also help with ankle strength and balance while holding onto a stable surface and progress by lifting and lowering
    your heel.
    Squat jumps or jumping rope also add to the strengthening process. Seated ankle strength exercises can be done by pressing the foot on a ball or placing a weight on the thigh while raising and lowering the foot.

    It is important to know when to see a podiatrist. Left untreated, weak ankles can lead to activity restrictions. Your podiatrist can recommend exercises and a plan. Ankle sprains generally take an injury two to 12 weeks to heal with varying degrees of a sprain and may need some therapy.

    Live, love life with mobility.

  • As we begin the journey through this year’s N.C. High School Athletic Association football playoffs this week, I’m reminded of a high water mark for Fayetteville and Cumberland County football that took place just 10 years ago.
     
    On Dec. 13, 2008, at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan Stadium, the NCHSAA 4-A and 4-AA championship games featured three of our schools.
    Coach Richard Bailey’s Jack Britt team lost a painful 35-32 decision to Richmond Senior in the 4-AA championship game, while Seventy-First coach Bob Paroli won his only state championship, beating the school where he made his mark in Cumberland County, Douglas Byrd, 28-7, in the 4-A game. The Eagles were coached by Russell Stone.
     
    Is there another state championship contender lurking among our seven entrants in the NCHSAA playoffs this year? If there is, they’ll likely have to overcome some tough opposition and win at least a game or two on the road.
     
    I’d love to see it happen again, but unless one or more of our teams shows a little more than we’ve seen from them in the regular season our chances are slim.
    Then again, I love the movie Miracle about the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, and I will never forget the amazing run of the 1991 South View team that had to get help from Westover to even make the state playoffs that year before running the table to the 4-A championship.
    Let’s hope that kind of miracle can happen again.
     
    The record: 76-24
     
    Talk about crashing back to earth. I went a humbling 3-4 the final week of the regular season, dropping the total to 76-24, a miserable 76 percent. With the number of games to pick dwindling as we move forward in the state playoffs, getting back to 80 percent right is going to be a longshot.
     
    Jack Britt at Seventy-First - Time was, when teams from the same conference were paired in the first round of the NCHSAA playoffs, they flipped the brackets so they didn’t have to meet. But that was ended a few years back when they decided that the seeds are the seeds and nobody gets a break.
    This figures to be an emotional rematch considering how Jack Britt won the last time quite literally in the closing seconds. The Falcons were clearly stung by that defeat but regrouped to wrap up second place in the Sandhills Athletic Conference with a big home win against Pinecrest last Friday. I expect them to get another one this week.
    Seventy-First 21, Jack Britt 14.
     
    Wake Forest Heritage at South View - Both teams enter this game trying to rebound from losses. Heritage has actually dropped its last two games. But the Huskies played a difficult regular season schedule, including a meeting with 4-AA power Wake Forest. I think they’ve seen tougher opposition than South View this season and that is going to help them in this week’s game.
    Wake Forest 24, South View 22.
     
    Cape Fear at Southeast Guilford - A one-point loss in overtime at Northwest Guilford is the only blemish on Southeast Guilford’s record. They enter tonight’s game with an eight-game winning streak that includes a victory over perennial 3-A power Greensboro Dudley. Cape Fear had problems in its regular-season finale with Douglas Byrd last week and I don’t think things will get any better in Greensboro this weekend.
    Southeast Guilford 24, Cape Fear 21.
     
    Gray’s Creek at Northern Durham - County Stadium in Durham is one of the great high school football venues in North Carolina. It’s also one where I’ve had a lot of bad memories watching Fayetteville and Cumberland County schools getting their lunch handed to them in the state playoffs. I think Gray’s Creek can be competitive there tonight, but I still feel Northern Durham will have the edge.
    Northern Durham 22, Gray’s Creek 18.
     
    Northeast Guilford at Terry Sanford - I like Terry Sanford in this not just because the Bulldogs are good and on an emotional high coming off their big win at Gray’s Creek last week, but because of Northeast Guilford’s record on the road this season. They come to Terry Sanford this weekend with only one victory in six away games. The road trip to Fayetteville will be by far the longest one Northeast has made this season.
    Terry Sanford 28, Northeast Guilford 14.
     
    Asheville School at Village Christian - I think Village Christian can start clearing space in its collection of awards for a state football championship trophy.
    Village Christian 30, Asheville School 14.
     
    Other games: Pine Forest, bye.
  • 15Consider the scenario of being dispatched to investigate a possible home invasion. The call for help came in from a male child approximately 12 years of age who stated he was hiding in a closet at his home after intruders kicked in the back door and began walking around in the house. The child’s fear and anxiety were obvious in his voice when he placed the call for help. As the law enforcement officer called to this scene, consider the situation and how you would handle resolving the case.

    If this scenario example describes the types of situations that motivate you in serving and helping others, a career in basic law enforcement could be the perfect career for you. FTCC can help you quickly receive training and be on your way to a new career.

    Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program is designed to give students essential skills required for employment as a law enforcement officer with state, county and municipal governments or with private enterprise.

    Successful graduates of the training receive a certificate and 20 credits towards an associate degree.
    Graduates are also qualified to take the certification exams mandated by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission.

    The ability to quickly assess situations and make appropriate decisions is not only essential for candidates of this program but also what makes a career in Basic Law Enforcement an exciting and unique experience.

    FTCC conducts a free Basic Law Enforcement Training, or BLET, Informational Workshop once a month at the Spring Lake campus.
    Sessions for BLET begin at 9 a.m. To sign up for an information session and request an application packet, go to https://forms.faytechcc.edu/blet-academy/, or visit the Facebook page at FTCC Basic Law

    Enforcement Training and click on the “Sign Up” button located on the cover photo. Not sure if law enforcement is for you but still want more information about FTCC’s BLET Academy? Come to one of the information sessions and meet the BLET staff.

    Staff will discuss what to expect before, during and after the Academy as well as answer any questions you may have. You will also have the opportunity to talk with a recruiter from a NC law enforcement agency about their agency and careers in law enforcement.

    If you decide this is the career path for you, please note that FTCC offers three Academies each year: Spring full-time day academy, Fall full-time day academy, and Fall part-time night academy.

    If you already know a career in law enforcement is for you and you are ready to complete the application, you may download the application from the FTCC website and get started: https://www.faytechcc.edu/academics/public-service-programs/basic-law-enforcement-training/

    For more information about the BLET Academy, please contact vesty@faytechcc.edu or Sonji Holmes at holmess@faytechcc.edu.

    FTCC understands that better skills lead to better jobs with better pay. Take your career to a new level or venture down a new career path. Find your way forward at Fayetteville Technical Community College!

     

  • 21Aliyah Smith scholar athlete 71st Aaliyah Smith

    Seventy-First • Junior •

    Tennis

    Smith has a grade point average of 3.0. In addition to tennis, she’s active in the Seventy-First Junior ROTC and forensics.

     

     

     

     

    22Adam Lindee Grays Creek scholar athleteAdam Lindee

    Gray’s Creek • Senior •

    Cross country

    Lindee has an unweighted grade point average of 3.54. In the recent Patriot Athletic Conference cross country championship meet at South View High School, Lindee placed tenth with a time of 18:04.30.

  • 11-06-13-blue-jean-ball.gifThe Child Advocacy Center’s annual Blue Jean Ball is a favorite event for many in the community. This year the event has a few new things to offer to up the excitement and celebratory mood. It will be the same great cause and exciting auction but with many new aspects that reflect the passion that the center brings to the event. Jennifer Taft, co-chair for the event, explains this excitement and love by saying “Knowing that I’m spending my time giving back to such a great cause [is rewarding]. The Child Advocacy Center provides a wonderful service to our community and being able to help support their mission is very rewarding. Planning this year’s event has been a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see it all come together.”

    This year there are many new things to look forward to. There is a new theme: The 50s. Attendees can come in comfortable blue jeans or their favorite 50s theme attire. “We’ll have a DJ, photobooth fun and yummy 50s diner-inspired food. The Rogue Rollergirls will be there helping us to show off our auction items and this year for the first time we’ll be doing a live auction that we’re really excited about. DQ is one of our fabulous sponsors who has graciously agreed to donate ice cream and toppings, so we’ll have ice cream sundaes like a 50s soda shop. Valley Auto World is lending us a red and white 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Straight Drive V8 to be parked out front and for people to have their pictures taken with.” Taft said.

    The Child Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization that focuses on assisting children through the traumatic experience of dealing with abuse. All proceeds from the Blue Jean Ball go to support this effort. One way in which they raise money is through their traditional, and now also, the new live auctions. Ginny Deffendall, who is also a co-chair for the event, explains that this year the auction has changed. In addition to now having a live auction, the traditional painted chairs will no longer be the only thing auctioned off. “Anyone can still donate the painted chairs, but those are not the focus this year,” she said. “We really want to incorporate the best that Fayetteville has to offer.”

    There is a wide variety of things to be auctioned off this year. There is everything from a condo at Myrtle Beach for a week to pet boarding to teeth whitening, to tickets for a FireAntz game or a UNC Basketball Game.

    There will also be a separate chaperoned party for children. The kids are also encouraged to dress up in 50s-inspired attire for their soda shop themed party. There will be a separate DJ for the kids’ party and also a photobooth they are sure to enjoy. The youth party is recommended for fifth through eighth graders and an adult must accompany them.

    The Blue Jean Ball will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Highland Country Club, 2381 Raeford Rd. For more information or to purchase tickets go online to childadvocacycenter.com or call 486-9700. Youth Tickets are $30 each and adult tickets are $60 each.

    Photo: While decorated chairs play a part in the auction at the Blue Jean Ball each year, this year offers more than fancy seating.

  • 9Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and reflect on one’s blessings.

    In anticipation, here are some interesting facts about the Thanksgiving celebration that some may not know.

    1. American Thanksgiving is largely modeled on a 17th century harvest feast shared by the English settlers and the Wampanoag tribe.

    2. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. It is based on European harvest festivals.

    3. The National Turkey Federation says around 45 million turkeys will be eaten on Thanksgiving, which equates to about 720 million pounds of turkey being consumed (with the average turkey size being 16 pounds).

    4. The Butterball hotline answers roughly 100,000 calls every year on its turkey question hotline.

    5. In 1953, the Swanson company overestimated the number of frozen turkeys it would sell for the holiday season by 26 tons. Rather than waste the meat, Swanson sliced it up, repackaged it and created the first frozen TV dinners.

    6. Thanksgiving in America may be older than many recognize. While Thanksgiving is largely tied to the 17th century settlers, the National Parks Service says in 1565 Spanish settlers in St. Augustine (now Florida) celebrated by having a meal to which they invited the native Seloy tribe. The Spanish served pork stew, sea biscuits, red wine and garbanzo beans. Some say the Seloy contributed turkey, venison and maize.

    7. Thanksgiving didn’t become a civic holiday until Abraham Lincoln made it one after the Civil War. Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday on October 20, 1864.

    8. The Pilgrims did not refer to themselves as pilgrims. They used the word separatists as they were separating themselves from a larger belief system.

    9. In addition to Canada and the United States, Grenada, Liberia, the Philippines, Saint Lucia, and the Netherlands celebrate their own versions of Thanksgiving.

    10. Each year, the American president pardons a turkey from slaughter on Thanksgiving. This tradition dates back to when Abraham Lincoln’s son was upset that his family's turkey was going to be killed for Thanksgiving dinner.

    11. According to the U.S. Calorie Control Council, an average American may consume 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day.

    12. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual tradition. People line the parade route in New York City or tune in to watch the parade on television. It originated in 1924 and the famed balloons were added in 1927.

    13. Apple pie is the pie of choice for Thanksgiving, even though pumpkin pie is prevalent during this time of year.

    Thanksgiving is a popular holiday and serves as an intro to a celebratory season that runs through New Year’s. Many traditions have been borne of the holiday, and it is a favorite time of year for many people and families. It has become a time to share in the spirit of gratitude.

  • 20Lauren Adams Cape Fear volleyball Here is the Patriot Athletic Conference All- Conference volleyball team as chosen by the league’s coaches.

    Player of the year: Lauren Adams, Cape Fear

    Coach of the year: Jalesty Washington, Gray’s Creek

    First team

    Cape Fear: Techiera Matthews, Marlie Horne, Taylor Melvin

    Gray’s Creek: Kylie Aldridge, Hailey Pait, Morgan Brady Terry Sanford: Kara Walker, Kate Perko

    South View: Sierra Gosselin

    E.E. Smith: Ja’Nya Lunnermon

    Second team

    Westover: Tia Johnson

    Cape Fear: Alexis Spexarth. 

    Terry Sanford: Ashley Bolton, Ally Danaher

    South View: Mellody Bombatepe

    Pine Forest: Chayse Daniels, Erin Debenport

    Gray’s Creek: Savannah Mullis, Jaide Holliday Overhills: Monique Reid

    Honorable mention

    E.E. Smith: Alexandria Scruggs, Kayden Antonson, Antonia Powell, Kayla Parsons, Serenity Lunnermon

    Pine Forest: Aliciav Hairston, Jalena Novak

    Overhills: Alexis Lillard, Kirsten Kirschbaum

    South View: Amaria McLaughlin, Casey Dees

    Gray’s Creek: Summer Powell, Kelsie Rouse

    Westover: Mya Johnson

    Terry Sanford: Ashley Shannon

    Photo: Lauren Adams

  • 5Just months ago, the housing market was blazing hot. Now median prices are dropping, even in states like North Carolina that continue to attract new residents. The Federal Reserve isn’t done pushing up interest rates to combat inflation. Consumers are responding to higher prices by cutting back on expenses.

    Are we on the cusp of a major recession? Most economists surveyed last month by The Wall Street Journal said yes. I hope they’re wrong. But I’m also glad to live in North Carolina, where legislative leaders have made it a priority to hedge against worst-case scenarios.

    As of September, the state had an unreserved General Fund balance of $5 billion. The dedicated savings reserve, our “rainy-day fund,” contained $3.6 billion. Another $309 million sat in two Medicaid reserves. Not counting other state savings accounts, these three categories alone represent nearly $9 billion in readily accessible funds — or roughly a third of North Carolina’s General Fund budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

    Never before in state history have we been so well-prepared for fiscal turbulence. Most recessions produce budget deficits due to a combination of factors: lower-than-expected collections of revenue from struggling households and businesses and higher-than-expected demand for public-assistance programs such as Medicaid.

    Because North Carolina is legally required to balance its operating budget, past administrations and legislative majorities have responded to recessionary deficits by raising taxes, slashing expenditures, tapping (borrowed) federal funds, and foisting more fiscal obligations onto local governments (which must then raise taxes, cut spending, or both).

    I’m no Keynesian. I don’t believe government at any level should attempt to fine-tune the economy by artificially stimulating demand during recessions or artificially tamping down demand during booms. Such policies usually fail to accomplish their objectives. Political actors inevitably lack the information to make the “right” decisions about all this, and it takes too long for the effects of the policies to manifest themselves.

    In fact, precisely because they are political actors, they rarely stick to the theoretical script, anyway. They favor some sectors over others. And they shy away from tough decisions that might advance the public good but would anger some vocal political constituency.

    That being said, state leaders rarely make good decisions in a crisis. I’m all for pursuing economy in government, but in the past, governors and legislators have resorted to across-the-board cuts or gimmickry to close budget gaps rather than making prudent, long-term decisions about what to fund, what not to fund, and why.

    As for the revenue side of the equation, raising taxes during a recession makes neither economic nor political sense. And grabbing more federal money to paper over budget holes is no solution, either. The national debt has grown so large that it fuels inflation and inhibits growth. Projected federal expenditures already exceed projected federal revenues by trillions of dollars, primarily because of unfunded liabilities for Social Security, Medicare, and other entitlements.

    The best way to avoid these calamitous decisions is to build up savings reserves. When recessions come, lawmakers should still set firm budgetary priorities and be willing to eliminate programs or positions that don’t comport with them. But with $9 billion in savings, North Carolina’s leaders can do so without slashing core services — and without raising taxes.

    Might the General Assembly’s past decade of precautionary saving prove unnecessary? Yes. The old maxim still applies, though: hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

  • 19Lexy Cole Jack Britt volleyball Here is the Sandhills Athletic Conference All-Conference volleyball team as chosen by the league’s coaches.

    Player of the year: Lexy Cole, Jack Britt

    Coach of the year: Leigh Ann Weaver, Jack Britt

    Jack Britt: Caitlin Broome, Alyssa Bullard, Lauren Walker, Kaiah Parker, Ilena Hall

    Pinecrest: L’asia Jackson, Liz Mann, Carley Modlin, Madi Ringley

    Richmond SeniorSavannah Lampley, Carley Lambeth, Layne Maultsby

    Lumberton: Alexandria Simpson, Rachel O’Neil, Katie Kinlaw

    Scotland: Sarah Eury

    Seventy-First: Morrigan Denman 

    Purnell Swett: Khalie Jones, Nyasia Jackson Hoke County: Veronique Woodson

    Photo: Lexy Cole

  • diabetes month METRODiabetes affects millions of people across the globe. Data from the International Diabetes Federation indicates that the number of adults with diabetes reached 537 million in 2021.
    Despite a growing awareness of the disease and ad campaigns designed to educate individuals about diabetes prevention, the number of people with diabetes is predicted to rise by more than 100 million by 2030 and reach 783 million by 2045.

    Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin or cannot effectively utilize the insulin it produces. When an individual has diabetes, various parts of that person’s body can be affected. Recognizing how diabetes affects the body can shed light on just how debilitating the disease can become.

    Eyes

    The National Eye Institute notes that chronically high blood sugar from diabetes can cause damage in the retina that ultimately leads to diabetic retinopathy. That’s because excessive sugar in the blood can lead to the blockage of tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. That blockage effectively cuts off the blood supply to the retina, prompting the eye to attempt to grow new blood vessels. However, the Mayo Clinic notes that these new vessels do not develop properly and can leak easily. The longer a person has diabetes and the less controlled their blood sugar is, the more likely they are to develop diabetic retinopathy, which can cause blindness.

    Heart

    According to the Michigan-based Beaumont Health, individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing heart disease at a younger age and in a more severe form than those without diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that this link is due to the damage that high blood sugar causes to the vessels and nerves that control the heart. In addition, people with diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure, too much LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol in their bloodstream and high triglycerides, which is a type of fat in the blood. Each of these conditions increases a person’s risk for heart disease.

    Skin

    Diabetes also affects the skin. In fact, the Michigan-based not-for-profit group Beaumont Health notes that a skin issue is often the first sign that a person has diabetes. That’s because diabetes damages blood vessels in the skin, leading to issues such as diabetic dermopathy. Diabetic dermopathy is characterized by brown, raised patches of skin, typically on the legs. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that, when diabetes affects the skin, this is often a sign that blood sugar levels are too high. The AAD offers a list and brief rundown of the various ways diabetes and prediabetes can affect the skin at aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/diabetes-warning-signs.

    Kidneys

    The National Kidney Foundation notes that diabetes damages small blood vessels throughout the body, including in the kidneys. When vessels in the kidneys are damaged, the kidneys cannot clean blood properly. As a result, the body retains more water and salt than it should, which produces a host of negative consequences, including weight gain and the buildup of waste materials in the blood. In addition, elevated blood sugar levels force the kidneys to work harder. Over time, all that extra work can lead to kidney failure.

    Diabetes is potentially deadly, yet often preventable. By taking measures to safeguard themselves against diabetes, individuals also are protecting various parts of their body from the ripple effects of the disease.

  •  The second annual Hoops and Dreams Showcase is scheduled Nov. 23-24 at Methodist University’s March Riddle Center.

    The event will feature top local and national high school basketball teams.

    Tickets will only be sold on-site on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Local teams taking part include Trinity Christian, Northwood Temple, Village Christian, Fayetteville Academy, New Life Christian, Freedom Christian and Cape Fear Christian.

    Some of the out-of-area teams taking part include Word of God Christian from Raleigh, Charlotte Independence, Greensboro Smith, Morrisville Panther Creek, Greenfield School, Farmville Central and Asheville Christian.

    Some of the top committed players scheduled to appear are Josh Nickelberry of Northwood to Louisville, Greg Gantt of Trinity Christian to Providence and Justin McKoy of Panther Creek to Penn State.

  • N2101P48003HOnce again this year, Beth Israel Congregation, where I serve as rabbi, will be participating in a local Interfaith Thanksgiving Service with several nearby faith communities. In thinking forward to this wonderful tradition, I’d like to share a memory from several decades ago when I was part of a central New Jersey interfaith group and their annual Thanksgiving service. Like here, it too would rotate among different houses of worship.

    One year the local Roman Catholic Church, having just completed construction of a new building, was pleased to host the event and show off their new facility to the broader community.

    At the time, my family and I lived in a townhome development and had become friendly with our next door neighbors — a single mother and her daughter who was a year or so older than my eldest son. The kids, about 5 and 6 years old, often played together. Coincidentally, this mom and daughter were also active parishioners of that particular Catholic Church. We all decided to travel together to the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, and in preparation we told my son, Amiel, just to behave respectfully and in a similar manner to his friend Angela, since it was her congregation.

    As we entered the building the kids were excitedly rushing ahead of us into a large reception lobby. After a moment I realized where Angela was headed with Amiel close behind — straight to the holy water. Not knowing whether it was considered sacrilegious for a non-Catholic to touch the holy water, I recall chasing after them, calling my son’s name to try to stop him. In my vain chase, I distinctly recall feeling like the old TV image of actor Lee Majors as the Six Million Dollar Man, depicted moving in slow motion. Unfortunately, unable to catch him in time, he dipped his hand into the holy water just as Angela did; although, I was successfully able to reach him before he emulated her by crossing himself.

    After the interfaith service I introduced myself to one of the younger priests at that large parish, and told him what had happened earlier. He was exceedingly gracious and assured me that no harm or ritual defilement had occurred. Indeed, he gave us all a private tour of the new church and all of us its facilities, describing various parts of the building and its accoutrements, and patiently answering numerous questions.

    That story always brings a smile to my lips — and allows me to tease my son as to how he was almost “baptized” a Catholic. More importantly, it also serves as a small reminder to me of the kind of attitude we should always bring to interfaith occasions; respect for and even interest in each other and our unique differences, kindness and generosity towards one another, and especially tolerance for the ignorance and misunderstandings which we all are bound to exhibit unintentionally in unfamiliar settings. Thanksgiving should be a time not only of gratitude for what we have and who we are, but for the glorious diversity of the world and people around us.

    Editor's note: The Interfaith Thanksgiving Service this year will be on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Congregation at 2204 Morganton Road. Participants who will be represented at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service include the Fayetteville Friends Meeting (Religious Society of Friends-Quakers), Beth Israel Congregation, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Courtyard Church of Christ, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Masjid Ibn Omar Sayyid, and the St. James Lutheran Church. The Interfaith Council of Fayetteville asks that everyone bring a nonperishable donation to share with the Fayetteville Urban Ministries.

  • 18Yates Johnson Terry Sanford basketball Senior leadership, togetherness and a commitment to zone defense helped carry Terry Sanford’s boys to a share of the Patriot Athletic Conference regular-season title with Overhills last year.

    For a repeat to occur in 2018-19, head coach Darren Corbett is going to have to find some new faces as graduation hit his Bulldogs hard.

    “We are leaning heavily on Yates Johnson,’’ Corbett said. “Yates is a rising junior who started every game last year but one.’’

    Johnson was the Bulldogs’ third-leading scorer last year behind departed starters Gabe Hardison and Holt Walker, averaging 9.4 points, 4.4 rebounds and hitting 24 3-point goals.

    A newcomer will be Northwood Temple transfer Jay Hickman, like Johnson a junior. He’ll join a couple of returnees from last season, Dante Bowlding and D.J. Herz.

    Corbett said Hickman, a 6-foot-1-inch guard, has gotten interest from some Division I schools including East Carolina.

    Corbett expects Johnson to score a few more points this season but won’t be calling on him to carry the entire load.

    “He’s a big asset to us as far as his intensity level and work ethic he brings every day,’’ Corbett said.

    Johnson said he’s worked on his 3-point shooting and finishing at the rim. “I need to be a leader like I was last year, just in a bigger role,’’ he said.

    Corbett expects Westover and Overhills to provide major challenges again this season. “Pine Forest was really good last year and Cape Fear is good as well,’’ he said. “If we can establish ourselves early, we can be competitive.’’

    Photo: Yates Johnson

  • wallet tiny dollar METRO N1212P17013HAs inflation continues to put a strain on budgets, talk of an upcoming recession has Americans worried about their finances.
    Prices on everyday items continue to rise and consumers are trying to find ways to make their dollar stretch further while safeguarding their money against the potential challenges a recession may bring.

    The future may be difficult to predict, but preparing now can help consumers protect their financial health during a recession.

    A recent Experian survey found that two in three U.S. adults are concerned about a recession occurring in the United States. Consumers are most worried about the affordability of routine expenses, with 73% concerned that the price of everyday items like gas, groceries and rent will continue to rise to a level they can’t afford.

    Meanwhile, 55% harbor supply chain concerns and 38% are stressed about the affordability of big, planned purchases such as a home or a car.

    As recession worries grow, more Americans are sizing up their finances to see where they stand. Only 48% are confident that they can financially handle a recession, and two in five believe that they’ll need to rely on credit to cover essential and unexpected expenses over the next three months.

    In fact, 27% have already increased their credit card debt within the past three months.
    This trend is accompanied by additional anxieties: two in three survey respondents are concerned to some degree that their credit score will negatively affect their ability to access credit in the next three months.
    Being proactive is key to weathering financial storms, yet less than half of consumers have prepared for a recession when it comes to their finances and credit.

    Those who have are finding different ways to do so: 49% have cut non-essential expenses like entertainment and vacations, 45% have created a budget and 40% have paid down debt.
    While these are effective actions, there are other steps consumers can take to understand their credit history and safeguard their credit.

    Consumers should check their credit report and credit score regularly to know exactly where they stand in the event that they need to apply for credit, or simply to be better informed as they prepare to pay down their debt ahead of an economic decline.
    They can get a free credit report and credit score from Experian (Spanish-language credit reports are also available) as well as access to free financial tools, an auto insurance shopping service and credit card marketplace.

    Those who need help increasing their credit score can sign up for Experian Boost. This free feature enables consumers to add their monthly payments for cell phone bills, utility bills, rent and video streaming services to their credit history to potentially increase their FICO Score instantly. To learn more, visit experian.com/boost.

    “Inflation and recession fears are putting pressure on consumer’s finances, but proactively planning for the worst can help consumers make it through potential challenges. Many consumers are already taking great steps to prepare, like creating a budget and paying down their debt, and we encourage them to utilize other available resources and tools to help,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian.

  • 17Alex Scruggs E.E. Smith Expectations were high at E.E. Smith last year when Alex Scruggs transferred to the Seabrook Road school from Trinity Christian School to join the Golden Bull basketball team.

    After taking Smith to the fourth round of last year’s North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3-A state playoffs and with the Wake Forest commit returning for her senior season, there’s no reason Smith coach Dee Hardy shouldn’t be even more optimistic about the 2018-19 season.

    “She has such a lovely personality and blends in anywhere she goes,’’ Hardy said. “It was pretty smooth sailing.’’

    Scruggs led Cumberland County Schools in scoring with 28.3 points per game last season. She was also among the rebounding leaders with 11.7 per game and tops in 3-point field goals with 55, almost 20 more than the second-place finisher.

    “This season, my expectations have to be (for me) to be an overall better player than last year and make my teammates better,’’ Scruggs said.

    Scruggs said she feels she needs to be tougher this year, especially driving to the basket and rebounding. “I think public school (basketball) is a lot more aggressive and fast-paced than private school,’’ she said.

    Smith has added some new faces to the team this year. Kendall Maccauley transferred from Freedom Christian along with Daireanna McIntyre from Seventy-First. They join holdovers Keonna Bryant, Trinity Dixon and Kayla Parson.

    “We’ll look to them for guidance and maturity,’’ Hardy said of the three Smith returnees.

    As for competition from the rest of the Patriot Athletic Conference, Hardy expects Pine Forest to be a major threat with the addition of Northwood Temple transfers, cousins Ciara and Kendal Moore, who led Northwood to the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association 1-A basketball title last year.

    “Terry Sanford has a lot returning and I look for them to be strong,’’ Hardy said. The Bulldogs are again led by versatile athlete Lindsay Bell.

    Hardy expects a test from South View and veteran coach Brent Barker. “They always have something,’’ she said.

    Smith begins the season with a difficult challenge, facing 3-A East Regional finalist Havelock on Nov. 24.

    Photo: Alex Scruggs

  • Rats RUle PittWhat the world needs now more than love sweet love, are smarter, more socially attuned rats. Mr. Science has developed a method to put human brain cells into rats. What could possibly go wrong with this interesting development?

    Today we enter the door that opens into this brave new world of improved rats. Quoting the The New York Times: “Scientists have successfully transplanted clusters of human neutrons into the brains of new born rats…” As Flounder said in “Animal House” — “Oh Boy! Is this great!”

    Let us ponder the how, then the why, and the what this might mean for ratkind and humankind. Like many occasionally startling trends, poking human brain cells into rat brains originated in California. Our friends at Stanford not only left the cake out in the rain at McArthur Park but found the recipe again.

    First, you put a bunch of human skin cells into a petri dish. Gently mix in some chemicals to cause the skin cells to morph into embryo cells. The newly hatched embryo cells can grow into almost anything except a Mercedes Benz. Fold in some more chemicals that cause embryo cells to develop into nerve cells, AKA neurons. Put the neurons into a commercial grade Commando 1500 E Class 10,000-watt Food Processor. Add Stanford’s secret recipe of 11 herbs and spices. Spin for two hours until the cells form large clumps of neurons called progenitor brain cells.

    These brain cells become three types of nerve cells called Organoids. These new improved brain cells do not develop into regular or extra crispy Organoids, but come in three delicious flavors: brain cortex cells, spinal cord cells and muscle cells.

    Now comes the fun part. Mr. Science implants the human nerve cells into the brains of volunteer two-day old baby rats to see what happens next. The Organoids are put into the part of the rat brains that understands pain, touch and bodily signals. Rats get a lot of information about the outside world from their whiskers. Human Organoids can speak Rat Whisker. Once at home in the baby rat brain, the Organoids flourish and grow to take up about 1/3 of the rat’s cortex.

    Party on, Organoids! Mr. Science discovered the rats with human Organoids learned much more quickly than mere rat brained rats. We now can produce intellectually gifted rats who will require private schools.
    Why do we want better rat brains? By Mr. Science studying the new improved rat brains, medical advances may be made into understanding autism, brain injuries and other neurological disorders. Some soreheads have ethical questions about implanting Organoids into rats. At this point, apparently Organoids have not been implanted into chimpanzees or border collies. But if winter comes, can blizzards of new improved animals be far behind? Stay tuned.

    Eventually PETA is likely to object to the biological downgrading of rats by diluting their rodent identity through injecting human brain cells. Rats will become less than fully rat, declining into mere Ratoids adulterated by human brain cells. Humans have done a lot of things, and not all of them were good. Introducing human brain cells into rats is species colonialism. The insertion of human brain cells into rats is the first step on a slippery slope of cultural appropriation of rat history.

    Will Ratoids become addicted to following the latest antics of Kardashians or the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? Will Ratoids become influencers on social media? Will Ratoids become Democrats or Republicans, or form a new Party of Ratacrustians?

    Not everything must be bleak in the coming Ratoid future. What is sauce for the rat, is sauce for the human. If human brain cells can be injected into rats, then rat brain cells can be injected into humans. The insertion of rat brain cells into humans would improve a lot of humans.

    Consider Putin with a new improved rat brain. Vlad would be a kinder, gentler, murderous dictator. There are some things that even rats won’t do. Putin has shown there is nothing he won’t do. Rat Brain Putin would be an upgrade. Rat brain cells would improve Kanye West by slowing his spew of antisemitic comments, thereby allowing him to focus on finding cheese instead of vomiting hatred. Elon Musk clearly would benefit from rat brains. Former Dook Coach K’s disposition could be upgraded to almost semi-catatonic with an infusion of rat brains. Coach K already resembles a rat. His transformation from almost human to rat would not be a stretch. In a display of almost superhuman restraint, I will refrain from suggesting whether an infusion of rat brain cells would improve the Former Guy.

    So, what have we learned today? Who put the rat in rational and irrational? Who knows? Boys will be boys. Rats will be rats. Until now, never the twain shall meet. Once humans comingle their brain cells in rats, we will end up with a nation of Dook fans. As Colonel Walter E. Kurtz in “Apocalypse Now” once said, “The Horror. The Horror.”

  • I was going to spend most of this part of the column talking about the various scenarios for who will qualify for the playoffs from the Sandhills and Patriot Athletic Conferences.
     
    But all of that should sort itself out on the field with no need for any complicated tiebreaks, so I’m going to let the scores take care of answering those questions.
    There’s a more important topic to discuss as the result of some ugly incidents that took place at football games elsewhere in the state in recent weeks.
     
    I’m not going into detail but let’s just say it involved fights and in a couple of cases serious penalties handed down by the N.C. High School Athletic Association that ended the season for the schools involved.
     
    As we approach this final weekend of the high school regular season, I send a warning to those schools that are still in the running for the postseason.
     
    One moment of anger and frustration on your part can light the fuse to an explosion that will end your football season now.
    The NCHSAA has stiff and severe penalties for being involved in a fight on the field of play, penalties that will land you on the bench and your team out of the playoffs.
     
    Just remember this. If a fight breaks out, walk away. Do not engage. Cover yourself if need be but don’t swing back.
    And if you are on the sideline, never, ever come out on the field when a fight starts. The NCHSAA considers coming on to the field during a fight a violation just as bad as if you were out there throwing punches.
     
    Some of you are just inches away from competing for a state title. Don’t blow your shot with a fit of temper.
    The record: 73-20
    Talk about a dose of reality. I had a miserable 3-3 week to drop the record to 73-20. Bye bye 80 percent right as I dipped to 78.5 percent.
    Let’s try to regroup and get back to 80 percent going into the postseason.
    Cape Fear at Douglas Byrd - This isn’t automatic for Cape Fear, which needs a win to have a shot at a piece of second place in the Patriot Athletic Conference. Byrd exploded against Westover last week and Cape Fear needs to take the Eagles seriously.
    Cape Fear 20, Douglas Byrd 14.
    E.E. Smith at Westover - This is Smith’s last chance to avoid a winless season. I don’t think it’s going to happen.
    Westover 28, E.E. Smith 14.
    Terry Sanford at Gray’s Creek - This is a tough one to pick. There are reports of possible key injuries for Terry Sanford. Under normal circumstances, both teams have plenty of offense. But I think Gray’s Creek has a slight edge on defense. I’m going to give the Bears the advantage playing at home.
    Gray’s Creek 24, Terry Sanford 23.
    Jack Britt at Scotland - Britt could be looking at an emotional letdown after the big win against Seventy-First. Scotland needs a win to avoid a sub-.500 finish.
    Scotland 28, Jack Britt 20.
        Pinecrest at Seventy-First - Seventy-First has definitely been off its game in the closing weeks of the season. I’m not sure if the Falcons can       regroup in time to get past Pinecrest this week.
        Pinecrest 28, Seventy-First 27.
    Pine Forest at South View - It all comes down to this for the Patriot Athletic Conference championship. Pine Forest has far exceeded my expectations for the year and definitely deserves to be in this position. South View was most people’s pick to be here this week, and I see no reason to change my thinking as one of those who thought the Tigers would be playing for the title.
    South View 29, Pine Forest 22.
    Harrells Christian at Village Christian - These teams already met at Harrells on Sept. 7 with Village winning 43-6. I don’t expect this week’s game to be much different, as Village advances to the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 11-man Division III championship game against either SouthLake Christian or Asheville School. Village would be the host team against either in the finals as it is the No. 1 seed in its bracket.
    Village Christian 34, Harrells Christian 12.
  • Gov Roy CooperContrary to what North Carolina progressives seem to think, the truth is that the Republican-controlled General Assembly now has a governing supermajority. This dynamic threatens Gov. Roy Cooper’s ability to continue building upon his record of having the most vetoes of any state governor.

    Tuesday’s electoral results also put state public policy outcomes in North Carolina into a favorable position for those who value limited government.
    The social media politico echo chambers are spiking with analysis after Tuesday’s election. Folks on the left and right are giving their thoughts about what the results mean for our political landscape. Overall, it is fair to conclude that what should have been an environment where Republicans saw a massive red wave across the country turned up short, but here at home, they secured critical victories.

    The NCGOP took a sweeping victory over the judiciary, gaining the majority on the North Carolina Supreme Court for the foreseeable future. This will positively impact conservatives and those who value constitutionality in how judges interpret the law rather than judicial activism. Likewise, this will potentially impact redistricting, righting the wrongs of previous activist judges.

    Most notably, Republicans gained a supermajority in the state Senate, bringing them to 30 seats in the upper chamber and a “functional supermajority” in the NC House, coming up short only by one, with 71 seats.
    Nationally, the GOP did not do as well as many pundits predicted. There are potentially many reasons why that happened. One can speculate that this could be seen as a referendum on Trumpism — that it’s time for Republicans to move beyond Donald Trump and that populist rhetoric is not necessarily the catch-all winning strategy for conservatives moving forward. With what we saw in this election cycle in North Carolina with the loss of the three Trump-endorsed congressional candidates (Cawthorn, Hines and Smith), even with a Budd victory, that seems to be a good argument.

    While the red wave may not have been felt at the national level, and social media rhetoric reflects that sentiment, #NCPOL Twitter is seemingly different from the rest of the country, as we did see positive gains for Republicans on the state level and, of course, with Budd’s U.S. Senate victory.

    So, as for the General Assembly, what does a “functioning or governing supermajority” mean for legislating and the governor’s veto power?
    Republicans in the General Assembly only need one House Democrat to align with them to override Gov. Cooper’s veto. House Republicans have a rich environment of moderate Democrats to vote with them on a wide variety of policies, especially now that Democrats do not have to worry about the wrath of Cooper’s vengeance since his time as governor is coming to a close. Senate Republicans have the votes to override a veto even without Democrat support.

    On a vote-by-vote basis, and almost every issue imaginable, Republicans in the General Assembly can expect to have practically no problem finding Democrats to effectively caucus with them on votes, thus making Cooper’s veto no longer safe.

    It would be politically savvy for moderate Democrats to deliver on being moderates and work in a bipartisan fashion. Likewise, this also means Republicans will have to moderate, albeit only slightly, on some issues to win the hearts of their colleagues. Overall, this is arguably not bad for a good and balanced government.

    Editor’s Note: André Béliveau is the strategic projects and government affairs manager at the John Locke Foundation. He is an M.A. in government candidate at Johns Hopkins University and previously served as a policy advisor in the North Carolina Senate.

  • 21Tatyana Sluss

    Tatyana Sluss

    Jack Britt • Senior •

    Tennis

    Sluss has a weighted grade point average of 4.41. She is a member of Health Occupations Students of America, Spanish Club and National Honor Society. She plans to major in biology and hopes to become a surgeon.

     

     

    22Komla Akogo

     

    Komla Akogo

    Seventy-First • Junior •

    Soccer

    Akogo has a 3.3 grade point average. He enjoys playing basketball and running track.

  • 23A trip to Holden Beach took us through the country with beautiful views of farms and fields. We rounded a curve and there was a field of cotton so beautiful it looked like it had been painted.
    Even in that passing moment, I could see the open blossoms a bright white against the landscape and sky. Thus, my inspiration for this week’s article.

    The word cotton comes from the Arabic word “quton”. The earliest production was in India dating back to 5,000 B.C. Arab merchants brought cotton cloth to Europe around A.D. 800, and when Columbus discovered America in 1492, he saw cotton growing in fields on the Bahama Islands and along the east coast.

    The history of cotton spans more than 7,000 years. About 3000 B.C., cotton was cultivated in the Indus River Valley, and about 2500 B.C., Chinese, South Americans and Egyptians began wearing cotton fabrics. Cotton spread west to Egypt, Turkey, Central America and the Caribbean.
    Cotton is soft and fluffy, and the United States is the largest producer of cotton as an export. The production is a lengthy and involved process from planting to picking. It is not easy to grow and prefers warm and humid climates.

    Historically, cotton was picked by hand, which took hours to process and separate. Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin in 1794, which revolutionized the process.
    Today, cotton pickers are machinery that picks the entire plant, and a cotton stripper is used for separation. After it is picked it is baled and stored before going to a gin. At the gin it is cleaned and fluffed to separate the cotton from seeds and lint, then it is compressed and ready to ship to textile mills.

    When it is cleaned and fluffed it is put into a carding machine which cleans the material again and forms short fibers into long untwisted rope for spinning and weaving
    There are four types of cotton.
    Pima is the finest because the fibers are extra soft and long. Egyptian cotton has similar qualities but is grown in the Nile River Valley in Egypt. Upland cotton makes up about 90% of the world’s total cotton production in Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and southern Florida. Organic cotton is cotton grown without chemicals.

    Cotton is indeed the fabric of our lives, and its uses are in the hundreds. There are some traces of cotton in almost everything we wear or use daily. Cotton is used to make all types of clothing because of its versatility and comfort, and it is used in making industrial products. It is used in making fabrics such as flannel, velvet, velour and corduroy. It is used to make fishnets, book bindings and coffee filters. It can be used as food for cattle because it is edible, and cottonseed oil is in high demand as an alternative to vegetable oil. It is used in the production of cosmetic products and soaps. It is a key ingredient in beauty products such as sheet masks, makeup remover wipes and cottonseed oil to nourish the skin.

    When purchasing sheets 100% cotton is always a go-to for comfort and durability. Thread counts should range from 200 to 500 and anything above that is not necessarily better quality. Labels that read cotton rich are less than 100% cotton. Bamboo sheets become rayon once they are processed with chemicals that change the composition and texture. The Oeko-Tex certification on a textile signifies that all the product has been tested for toxins.

    Live, love, life and cotton.

     

  • 19Britt golf A strong finish in this year’s North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4-A golf tournament by Jack Britt and the pending return of sophomore sisters Mckenzie and Mckayla Daffin has the future of Buc girls golf looking bright.

    Britt finished tied for fourth with Cardinal Gibbons High School in this year’s two-day 4-A tournament held last month at Pinehurst No. 3.

    With only the Daffin sisters and senior Angelique Seymour qualifying for the state tournament from Britt, all three scores counted toward the team total each day of the tournament.

    Britt posted the best score of any team in the state finals with only three players participating: 490.

    Mckenzie led the way, shooting 78-80-150. Seymour recorded 84-81-165, and Makayla shot 84-83-167.

    The performance didn’t surprise Britt golf coach Ray Musselwhite. “I felt we had the potential to go further than we’d ever gone before,’’ he said. “We beat Pinecrest for the first time (in a regular season match) and qualified four girls back to the regionals.’’

    Musselwhite was especially impressed with the play of Mckenzie Daffin. “She battled through a swing change and was struggling a bit at midseason with the consistency she wanted,” he said.

    He praised Seymour for surviving her first experience facing the strong level of competition in the state tournament. “I can’t say enough about how she performed, especially on day two, picking up strokes and battling down the stretch,’’ he said.

    Seymour, who picked up golf about four years ago, said she’s gotten a few college offers and is seriously considering one from Belmont Abbey. “I’m thinking about going there and studying biology,’’ she said. “I might go to a larger school and play as a walk-on.’’

    Mckayla picked up strokes the second day and also improved her overall play.

    What’s most impressive about the success of the Britt team is the Daffin sisters have only been playing golf a few years.

    Seymour said the Daffin sisters weren’t looking ahead of what was in front of them in the state finals. “By the time they are seniors, they should be state champion contenders,’’ Musselwhite said.

    Looking ahead, Mckenzie likes her driver and iron play but wants to work on her short game. “I’d like to see my putts come down and to save more strokes with chipping,’’ she said. “I want to become more accurate with my clubs and irons.’’

    Mckayla added 20 yards to her drives this year but wants to improve her irons and chipping. “By the end of next year, I’d like to be shooting around mid- 70s or lower,’’ she said. “I’m definitely going to put the work in to make it possible.’’

    Photo:  L-R: Mckayla Daffin, Angelique Seymour, Mckenzie Daffin

  • 22Corporations seek those with leadership ability because they believe these individuals bring special assets to their organization and, ultimately, improve the bottom line.
    — Peter G. Northouse, “Leadership”

    Why does leadership matter? In today’s global environment, organizations and communities want leaders who can guide them and drive positive change. Now more than ever, these same organizations and communities seek agile, creative and analytical leaders who are capable of operating in a complex and ever-changing environment.

    In other words, candidates are sought who can successfully lead businesses and organizations out of the post-pandemic period and into the emerging “meta” era. Is this you?
    Do leaders matter? Leaders at all levels assess requirements against capabilities and, in turn, leverage their personnel to attain goals. However, it is the skilled leader who visualizes, describes and directs not solely on where “we are” but rather synergizes the past and forecasts the future to positively affect “today.” Is this you?

    Leadership changes the world. We study leadership so we can be successful leaders for organizations now and in the future. The Leadership Studies program at Fayetteville Technical Community College is looking for students who have the passion, drive and commitment to confront challenges in a constantly changing global world. Are you ready to meet the challenge?
    Interested in leadership? Perhaps you should consider a degree in Leadership Studies. FTCC's Leadership Studies degree is a 5 semester/64-credit-hour program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and growth into leadership positions.

    Course work includes various subject areas related to leadership involving data-driven decision-making, change management, strategic leadership, planning, team-building, leadership capacity, motivation and effective communication.
    Graduates will earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and may qualify for leadership positions in the public and private sectors. Occupations may include positions specific to the military, governmental agencies, public policy, non-governmental agencies, law enforcement and homeland security.

    How do you begin? Registration for Spring classes at FTCC is open, and Spring classes begin Jan. 9.

    The arrival of a new year brings renewed hope and excitement, a “clean slate” waiting to be filled with ideas and directions for pursuing a new career, upgrading job skills and improving overall quality
    of life.

    Your local community college is an outstanding resource for pursuing a better quality of life through education. Whether your educational interest falls in the area of Leadership Studies, or in some other field or area, FTCC has over 280 academic programs to choose from, conveniently and affordably offered to help you make the most of your career decision.

    For additional information about the Leadership Studies program, please visit https://www.faytechcc.edu/academics/business-programs/leadership-studies/ or call 910-678-8521 or email smithse@faytechcc.edu.

    You can reach an FTCC Admissions representative at admissions@faytechcc.edu to get started at FTCC.

    Your journey to a new career begins with the first step at FTCC. Let us help you find your way forward.

     

  • 20Fayetteville Academy state championship Julian Barbaro and Hudson Zeisman weren’t just playing for Fayetteville Academy in a drive toward back-to-back North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association 2-A soccer championships.

    They were playing for family and friends. When the Eagles defeated Gaston Day 3-1 to bring home this year’s NCISAA state title recently, their mission was complete.

    This season, Barbaro and Zeisman shared a tradition of putting a piece of tape on each other’s wrists.

    The day of the championship game, the band on Barbaro’s wrist contained references to three people: his sister Emmi; Zeisman’s mother, Missy; and the late Deacon Burgess of Terry Sanford.

    Burgess was a former Bulldog football player who died from cancer. Zeisman’s mother has been recovering from a double aneurysm and attends Academy soccer games in a motorized wheelchair.

    Emmi Barbaro was killed in a tragic accident six years ago.

    Barbaro drew special inspiration from his sister, who always used to say anything is possible and never give up.

    “That was pretty much the reason I remember her throughout the game,’’ Barbaro said. He had special reason to keep her words in mind as this season drew to a close. In Fayetteville Academy’s senior night game, Barboro tore the meniscus in his left knee and his status for the playoffs was seriously in doubt.

    He skipped one game after the injury, then took the field for the Academy’s final three games, scoring two goals, including one in the championship game with Gaston Day.

    “I took the risk,’’ he said, wearing a brace on his knee during the playoffs. He plans to have surgery on the knee sometime this month.

    “I’m so happy for my senior season to end like this,’’ he said.

    Zeisman also had his mother in mind when the Eagles beat Gaston Day. When the game ended, he wound up with the game ball in his hands. “The first thing that came to my mind was I was going to give it to my mom,’’ he said. “She’s been the one person who’s been there for me through thick and thin.’’

    Zeisman also said he had no doubt Barbaro was going to battle through his injury in the playoffs. “He played through and scored the third goal (in the finals),’’ Zeisman said. “He’s a warrior.’’

    The run to the state title may have been easier for Fayetteville Academy than winning its own conference. The Eagles were members of the Coastal Rivers Conference, a combination 3-A/2- A league. League rival Cape Fear Christian was the NCISAA 3-A champion, while league member Coastal Christian was the top seed in the 3-A state tournament and advanced to the semifinals before losing to 3-A runnerup Gaston Christian.

    McCarthy felt the Eagles’ title was a combination of hard work, daily training and the high standards that have helped the school win 17 state soccer titles.

    “We had nine great seniors that were involved in what we were trying to do,’’ McCarthy said. “They worked incredibly hard during the summer. It was an awesome group.’’

    Obviously, with nine senior starters, the Eagles will take a huge graduation hit – but McCarthy is optimistic for next season. “We’ve got some good young players,’’ he said. “We’ll see if they keep developing. We’re excited.’’

  • 11While there are several veteran-owned businesses in Fayetteville, and we certainly cannot fit them all here, there are some that definitely stand out. Support local veterans by supporting their local businesses.

    Boone Trail Fit Body Boot Camp: Owner Dinah Goodman has a love for fitness and helping people reach their fitness goals. Goodman joined the Army at the age of 17, where she learned she could do more than she thought she was physically capable of doing. Boone Trail Fit Body Boot Camp offers high-powered 30-minute classes. Every workout is professionally designed and led by nationally certified coaches who are driven to help you get the results you want. This fitness center has been voted as Up & Coming Weekly’s Best Veteran-Owned Business of 2022. They are located at 3039 Boone Trail #100.

    Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom: The Dirtbag Ales legend began several years ago while its founders were serving in the U.S. Army. One of Dirtbag Ales’ founders, Tito, traded the promise of free beer for life in exchange for a friend’s home-brew kit. There were many long nights of stove-top brews, which led to a homemade all-grain brewing system founded in Tito’s garage. Brew after successful brew led to a new calling for Tito and the preliminary beginnings of Dirtbag Ales Brewery. This staple in Hope Mills has been named Up & Coming Weekly’s Best Venue, Club for Live Music, Bar for Craft Beers, and Best Brew House. They are located at 5435 Corporation Drive.

    Heritage Jewelers: This veteran-owned jewelry store is known for military custom jewelry, like the Special Forces Ring. They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. They are located at 114 Westwood Shopping Center.

    Meraki Creative Agency: At Meraki Creative Agency, joy, happiness and color are their passion. This veteran-owned company dedicates their creative efforts to impact and stimulate the local community. They thrive on helping to design and develop joyful experiences for your personal celebrations, businesses and corporate events. Karoll Echeverri, veteran, and Brittany Cobb, Army spouse, are the ladies behind the business doing the best they can to find joy every day and help your celebrations, large and small, become even more beautiful. To look at their services, go to www.yourlittlejoyshop.com or visit their physical location at 1009 Marlborough Road.

    Pressed — A Creative Space: This store sells clothing, crystals and other items of interest for those who see things differently. They are a veteran-owned business in downtown Fayetteville. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. They are located at 120 Hay Street.

    The Virtual Call Center, Inc: This call center provides a wide range of professional support services to hundreds of U.S. Virtual Agents, Freelancers, Sole Proprietors, Client Support Professionals and Independent Contracting Agents, who are certified to deliver high-quality services for a wide range of growing enterprises, national brands and Fortune 500 companies. The work from home movement continues to gain momentum daily. Virtual technology has transformed the way we work. With so many work-from-home opportunities available nationwide, it's important that people decide if the opportunity is reputable and creates work-life balance for their family. This local business is owned by veteran Toya Collins-Younger. To learn more, go to www.jt-virtual.com/.

    Triangle Rock Club — Fayetteville: The Triangle Rock Club is a premiere indoor rock climbing center and gym. Their new, state-of-the-art facility offers both lead and top rope climbing, bouldering and a comprehensive fitness center. Don't dread that mundane workout at your ‘average’ fitness center, come to Triangle Rock Club to put some excitement back into your life. This gym is located at 5213 Raeford Road.

  • 18Freedom ChristianThe pieces were there for Freedom Christian Academy to win its first North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association state volleyball championship this season, but it took first-year coach Wyndee Mathias and her senior-laden squad several games for the picture to come into focus.

    Once it did, it was an absolute masterpiece.

    After starting the season with a 9-6 record, Freedom ended with a 13-0 run that included outscoring its opponents 39-1.

    In the title game, the Patriots avenged an earlier loss to Gaston Day with their twelfth 3-0 win in their last 13 games.

    Mathias told her team the first part of the season would be a learning process for them and for her.

    “We’re going to experiment with lineups, changes and different things,’’ she explained to them. “We’ll get a starting point and know where we’ve got to work from.’’

    But she also made them aware of their potential. “I told them you are very capable of playing in the state playoffs and going far,’’ she said. “I told them your only limitation would be you.’’

    The Patriots qualified for the state playoffs as the No. 6 seed, meaning the trip to the championship match would have to include wins over the top three seeds in the tournament.

    Throughout the win streak, Mathias said the team never discussed what they were doing, focusing only on the next game on the schedule and no further. In the finals with Gaston Day, she said, the team was only at about 70 to 75 percent of effectiveness and had to play more of a mental than a physical game. “They fought through that game and ground for every point they could,’’ she said.

    For much of the season, the Patriots were led by NCISAA All-State selections Jasmine Wooten and Sophie Majerske.

    Majerske is a setter, Wooten an outside hitter. “I think we all played a lot harder because it was our last year and we’ve gone through ups and downs together,’’ Wooten said. “We really wanted to win for each other.’’

    Majerske said, “For the seniors, it was knowing for a lot of us this was our last time. We’re not playing in college. We really just went hard.’’

    Despite the loss of nine seniors this year, Mathias is optimistic about Freedom’s chances to compete for the title next season. “We’re looking at how we can improve the program from the sixth grade up,’’ she said. “We’re focusing on the entire program and how we can develop a much stronger program.”

  • 4The 11th hour has become synonymous with Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, in recognition of the document signed at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month.
    In reality, the Armistice ending the war to end all wars was signed around 5 a.m. on November 11th. Over the course of the next 6 hours, nearly 3,000 men would lose their lives in the final hours of a war that had already claimed the lives of 20 million military personnel.

    The final death of WWI came at 10:59 a.m. one minute before the guns of war would fall silent.

    Private Henry Gunther was a German-American drafted in the fall of 1917. Most accounts state that his final actions were motivated by Gunther’s need to demonstrate that he was “courageous and all-American.” A chaplain from Gunther’s unit recounted, “As 11 a.m. approached, Gunther suddenly rose with his rifle and ran through thick fog. His men shouted for him to stop. So did the Germans. But Gunther kept running and firing. One machine gun blast later, he was dead. His death was recorded at 10:59 a.m.

    In every conflict, inevitably a final service member pays the ultimate sacrifice.

    In the closing days of World War II, Private Charley Havlat, the son of Czech immigrants, found himself liberating his parents’ former homeland. During a reconnaissance patrol near the town of Volary on May 7, 1945, enemy fire from a woodline hit the patrol, wounding several and killing Havlat. Word of the cease-fire reached Havlat’s position minutes after he was killed.

    Officially, the U.S. has never declared a final casualty in the Korean War. Since the armistice was signed, nearly 100 U.S. soldiers have been killed in combat on the Korean peninsula.
    On April 29, 1975, Charles McMahon and Darwin Judge were two of a small number of Marines tasked with safeguarding the U.S. Embassy in Saigon. McMahon had been in Saigon only 11 days, and was 11 days shy of his 22nd birthday. Judge, 19, had arrived in early March. They were killed in a rocket attack. The U.S. would complete the process of withdrawing from Saigon the following day. Initial reports said their bodies had been evacuated. In fact, they were left behind. McMahon and Judge were repatriated Feb. 22, 1976, following diplomatic efforts led by Senator Edward Kennedy.

    Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss was among the last of the 2,461 service members who died in Afghanistan. Knauss and 12 of his comrades were killed when suicide bombers and gunmen attacked crowds at Hamid Karzai International Airport during the withdrawal from Kabul. Assigned to the 8th Psychological Operations Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, Knauss was supporting the noncombatant evacuation operation. He had previously served in Afghanistan as an infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division.

    In every war, there is always one that must fill the dignified but dubious role in history as being the last to give the full measure of devotion. Each year on the 11th day of the 11th month as a nation we pause, not only to honor those that have given their lives, but for all those who believed so deeply in American exceptionalism that they were willing to risk their lives to defend it.

    For most Americans, talking about war is conceptual, something learned through history books, news reports and movies — those who have served do not know that luxury.
    Not only should we remember that the democratic principles we hold so dear have been defended by generations of Americans whom we honor on Veterans Day, but more importantly, we should take inspiration from that sacrifice. Our country, despite all our self-imposed differences, needs to look to our veterans and see that there are no divisions in a foxhole — there are only those who stand in defense of democracy and those who stand against it.

    While we may only celebrate Veterans Day with a few moments of silence each year, we have an opportunity to use those moments to find our own way to serve as part of our commitment to living up to the legacy of our veterans.

    When the Armistice was signed in 1918, when the Japanese surrendered, and when the last flights departed Saigon and Kabul — these were not simply endings, they were new beginnings. We honor those who serve by recommitting ourselves to making the sacrifices necessary to preserve our way of life.
    As Adlai Stevenson once stated, “Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” Let this Veterans Day be a new beginning. Go forth and find a way to serve our nation, our communities and each other — we owe it to our veterans.

    Editor’s Note: Joseph Reagan served eight years as an active duty officer in the U.S. Army, including two tours to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division. He is a graduate of Norwich University, the oldest private military college in the country.
    Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. For more information or to sponsor a wreath please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

  • As we sit and wait for the confusion that is the race for the Patriot Athletic Conference championship to sort out, there’s something else that all our headaches with hurricanes and rescheduled games have caused us to forget about.
     
    As I write this, we’ve still heard nothing from the N.C. High School Athletic Association on those critical average daily membership numbers from the N.C. State Department of Public Instruction that determine enrollment and who goes in what class when the NCHSAA subdivides A and AA in each classification to fill the playoff brackets.
     
    What has me worried is in a normal year, it always seems to take SDPI forever to get the numbers together.
     
    This season, things look to have the potential to be super nightmarish. So many school systems have been out not just days but weeks, I have to think the SDPI is way behind in collecting figures from the hurricane-affected areas. That obviously has the potential to complicate the process of them turning things around and getting them to the NCHSAA.
     
    Let’s all cross our fingers and hope some genius number cruncher in Raleigh is going to get things sorted out in normal time and when we’re hopefully ready to start plugging teams into playoff berths in about a week they’ll have something for the NCHSAA to work with.
    The record: 70-17
    I went 7-1 last week to improve to 70-17 for the season, finally hitting the magic 80 percent right figure at 80.5.
    Westover at Douglas Byrd - The Wolverines will be aiming end the regular season on a high note by winning out the final two weeks.
    Westover 28, Douglas Byrd 14.
    E.E. Smith at Terry Sanford - This should be a comfortable win for Terry Sanford as the Bulldogs ready for a huge regular-season final at Gray’s Creek.
    Terry Sanford 32, E.E. Smith 6.
    South View at Gray’s Creek - This is way more than the Battle of the Bridge for these two. Both are in the thick of the race for the conference title and beyond that the top seeding for each of their respective classifications in the playoff derby should they miss out on the league title. Look for a lot of offense in this one.
    South View 35, Gray’s Creek 34.
    Seventy-First at Jack Britt - The Falcons need to right the ship quickly after the loss to Richmond Senior last week. They are still chasing at least second place in the Sandhills Athletic Conference which could include at least one home game in the state playoffs.
    Seventy-First 27, Jack Britt 13.
    Pine Forest at Overhills - The Trojans need to avoid a letdown after the big win over Terry Sanford, as well as looking ahead to next week’s big meeting with South View.
    Pine Forest 24, Overhills 13.
    Other games: NCISAA playoffs, Trinity Christian 28, Christ School 24; Village Christian, bye in first round of NCISAA playoffs; Cape Fear open.
  • METRO WashingtonDollarHC1102 source “It’s the economy, stupid.”

    This famous tagline, coined by then-Governor Bill Clinton-advisor James Carville, defined the 1992 election. Now, 30 years later, we face another election that is a referendum on the economic policies of the party in power.

    You can feel it. Biden-Inflation has had the effect of cutting your pay equal to a month’s salary. Too many families are digging into their savings, delaying retirement, and cutting back to try to make ends meet. Just over the last year, fuel prices are up 58% and energy is up 20%. Food at home costs 13% more, as essentials like gallons of milk are up 15.2% and eggs are up 30.5%. In North Carolina, inflation is costing families an additional $660 every single month, or nearly $8,000 per year. Even Halloween couldn’t escape, as parents were paying exponentially more for candy this year compared to last.

    Washington Democrats’ reckless spending has damaged our economy across the board. But rather than taking real steps to address these issues, Washington Democrats have doubled-down on their inflation-worsening, progressive agenda. This includes measures like their so-called “Inflation Reduction Act.” This $740 billion bill will raise your taxes, grow federal bureaucracy, and make inflation worse. Additionally, President Biden's reckless student loan plan will unfairly force you to pay others' debts.

    Worse still, Washington Democrats have failed to strengthen America’s supply chains or energy production. In addition to gas prices, this winter folks can expect home heating costs to be the highest they have been in years. Furthermore, people across the country continue to reel from shortages, including of critical products like baby formula. Despite this, Washington Democrats continue to stifle domestic energy production and neglect efforts to shore up our supply chain. Instead, President Biden has moved to drain our Strategic Petroleum Reserve and turn to foreign, often hostile, entities like Communist China, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia for fuel and critical materials.

    You and your family will continue to suffer from the economic missteps coming out of Washington. The Left doesn’t have a plan to fix them. Yet House Republicans have a plan to change our nation’s trajectory and create an economy that’s strong.

    To get our economy back on track, Republicans will lower reckless, inflation-causing spending and build an economic environment that fosters growth and reduces costs. Additionally, we will unleash energy independence by utilizing an all-of-the-above approach to energy development and maximizing production of American-made energy. Giving producers confidence for the future will immediately help drive down prices. We will also end our dangerous reliance on foreign nations for critical supplies by moving supply chains away from places like China and creating manufacturing jobs here in the U.S.

    I know our country’s economic situation is dire right now. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You should not have to pay the price for Washington Democrats’ economic mismanagement. That’s why our plan, the “Commitment to America,” offers you a new direction to create an environment that nourishes growth, prosperity, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Fixing the economy is the number one issue I’m focused on as your Congressman because that’s what families tell me they are concerned about most. You and James Carville get it.

  • vecteezy 3d rendering 3d illustration right and wrong button check 7426547 763 Their reaction to the City Charter referendum looks like the Fayetteville City Council is scared of this vote. For those who need help understanding, some people want to change the City Council's structure by converting four council seats from district seats to citywide seats. Currently, the 10-person council has nine district seats plus the Mayor, who is elected citywide. "Citywide" means "at-large." So, the citizens of Fayetteville would get a total of six votes. One for Mayor, one for their district, and four additional representatives who can live anywhere within the city.

    The Mayor's position is an "at-large" position, and if that works for the Mayor, then why wouldn't it work for City Council? Wait, are we saying that the Mayor's position does not or cannot represent the whole city? I don't think we are, but if you interpret this one way, then you have to ask that question to the other. If memory serves, someone gathered a petition of 5,000 signatures which was required to put it on the November ballot. However, the City Council voted not to allow it on the ballot. It went to court, and a judge ordered it on the ballot.

    Ask yourself why the Council would refuse it. I have heard this is a Democrat and Republican thing, but that cannot be because the City Council members are supposed to be nonpartisan representatives. The talk on the street is that this is a matter of race. Has anyone looked at the makeup of the City Council? There are representatives of multiple races. Now, let us look at the last Mayoral and City Council election in July. In a city of 210,000 people, only 14,800 voted, with 4,000+ done by mail-in or early voting. Here are a few statistics from a Spectrum News 1 article on July 27 about the City Council election. "The District 7 race between Brenda McNair and incumbent Larry Wright was very close. McNair has 679 votes, 23 more than Wright. The margin in District 3 is even closer. Mario Benavente has 1,012 votes, just six more than incumbent Antonio Jones." In two seats, the total count difference was 29 votes.

    For those who can vote and are not happy with the direction of Fayetteville, then change the rules because you have nothing to lose if you want more choices. Change the rules; you have nothing to lose. If you want more representation, then change the rules. You have nothing to lose.

    If the City Council had a record of doing good - ensuring low crime, providing a safer place city, better job opportunities, fewer taxes and lowering the homeless rate - then why should they worry about their positions? If the City Council made it their priority to make it easy to make a living, start a business, or keep a business going, then why should they worry about a referendum? If the city focused on making Fayetteville a city with a great reputation, then why should the City Council worry about the referendum?

    What is important to you is why you should Vote Yes or Vote No.

  • 19 Today I want to express my condolences, care and compassion to Fayetteville City Councilwoman Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and her family. It is an effort to ecourage you beyond the long days you’ve already endured, the highs and lows of the road ahead, and for the weight of emotions you’re under on this very day.

    As a resident of the district you serve, we’re neighbors. As a veteran family, we share a patriotic bond. And as members of a society which we never wished to join, we share an indelible mark on our souls.
    As I’m certain you’ve already experienced, emotions following a tragedy of this magnitude run the gamut. From anger to compassion, hope to despair, and peace to anxiety beyond belief to those who have not walked the road you’re on.

    All of this is only compounded and multiplied by the thousands of eyes to which your grief is visible.
    As a morning radio host at the time of our son’s murder, my perception of the weight of expectations made it difficult to talk about.

    Public figures like you and I often try to appear to be above the personal impact. Our actions one way or the other are perceived by many to be the barometer by which they may respond.
    For me, I laid low. I needed to be okay. I wanted to be okay. And I’m fairly sure you want to be okay. And you will be. Until you’re not.
    Don’t fight the emotions. God made us in His image. As such, we are at once compassionate and logical, we can reason and be angry, we can celebrate that which is good, and we can forgive what is not.

    Above all, we can love. We can even choose to love those who have done unthinkable wrong to us — directly or indirectly — to the extent that we forgive them for it.
    That’s where we find our peace. That’s where we become more like the creatures God created us to be. When we forgive. When we realize the most hurtful thing ever done to us could have been done by us. Or by our son. Our daughter. Or husband or wife. And in that illogical moment, we begin to see the same situation through the eyes of mercy.

    No amount of anger or outrage will bring our children back.
    No rethinking of the days or weeks that led to our tragedies will change the outcome.

    And no words of condolence can heal a wound which cuts so deeply as this.
    So I want to encourage you to embrace the memories. Kindle the love and pride you have for your daughter and know that the God of this universe loved you enough that He willingly went through what you’re going through to give you hope. To give us life beyond the few years we inhabit these bodies on earth. Sacrificing His own son, God showed us what love looks like.

    Ours is to recognize what He has given us as an opportunity to show love and compassion to others.
    I will commit to praying for you and your family, and I know others have and will as well. You’re not alone. You never were.

  • 12b The Fayetteville community has been on an interesting journey over the last 18 months with the initiative to amend the city’s charter by converting our current nine single-member districts to a combination of five single-member and four at-large seats. The net effect would be that voters would have six people on council representing them versus the current two.

    On its face, the question seems simple — more representation or less? Does Fayetteville want to join with every major city in North Carolina, as well as the other local governments in Cumberland County, who have determined that a combination of at-large and single-member seats represent the most effective and representative form of local government?

    One of the major objections being made against the charter change is that the desire for change is racially motivated to reduce minority representation on the council. The belief is that whites want to exert undue influence on the council. That simply is not true.

    An objective look at the facts show this Vote Yes Fayetteville initiative is based on the reality of where our city finds itself today after decades of demographic changes here. A few examples show this clearly to anyone willing to look at the facts.
    In Fayetteville today, Black voters outnumber white voters by over 38% with Black voters representing 45.2% of the registered voters and white voters representing 32.7%.

    A look at voter turnout in recent elections shows that Blacks and whites vote in the same percentages. In the recent July 2022 City Council election, Black turnout of 13.6% was about the same as white turnout of 13.8%.

    Neighborhoods which were racially segregated in the past are not any longer. We are truly a very diverse city with shared values and needs that are not dependent on race. This diversity is just an indicator of us truly being an All-America City and should be celebrated, not ignored.
    Qualified candidates of all races have success in raising campaign donations. Mayor Colvin raised $134,000 in the last election, Sheriff Wright raised $118,000 and County Commissioner Charles Evans raised $87,000 in his recent congressional race.

    Our community continues to elect qualified candidates of all races. Two of our last four mayors have been Black. Our Sheriff, Clerk of Court and multiple judges have won at-large seats in Cumberland County. Of the current five at-large seats on the County Commission and School Board, three of them are held by Black candidates.
    Statistics show that communities with at-large representatives have faster growth, less criminal activity and less poverty than communities without such representation. A cohesive and more responsive government improves quality of life for all its citizens.

    The recent census shows our growth is not keeping pace with our peer cities that have it. Our poverty rates and crime rates are higher while voter turnout and the opportunity for good jobs are both lower. These peer cities are the ones we compete with for the type of jobs that can help make Fayetteville a place our children can come home to.

    If we want to compete for better jobs and a higher quality of life, then we must have a structure more like the ones used by the rest of the state. The structure used by our peer cities, the ones we compete with every day, the ones that are growing faster, are safer and are providing a higher quality of life for their citizens.

    At the end of the day, after all the political rhetoric, voters are left with the simple choice. Do you want our city to move forward and have better quality of life? Do you want a more cohesive and responsive city government? Do you want six people on city council representing your interests or just the current two?

  • 12a Fayetteville faces one of the most important elections in its history on Nov. 8.

    This time it is not about any candidate. It's about the city's future and the place it will be for our children and grandchildren to find good jobs and be willing to stay here. Voting Yes to the Fayetteville Charter Amendment will convert four of our current nine single-member districts to at-large, resulting in every Fayetteville citizen having six people to vote for versus the current two. There would still be five single-member districts.

    For the past 20 years, we have been struggling with a city council structure that rewards council members for thinking about the few hundred people in their gerrymandered district who voted for them, and too often ignoring the greater needs of the city. Our murder rates are at an all-time high, and the homeless are filling our city streets. Still, our council spends valuable time considering implementing a self-serving retirement plan for city council members to pay them $6,000 a year for life.

    We are better than that.

    Nine of North Carolina’s largest cities have at-large members as part of their structure. Other local governments in Cumberland County have at- large members, including the County Commission, the Board of Education, and the towns of Spring Lake and Hope Mills. None of those local governments are even considering converting to single-member districts. Does our recent history make us think that Fayetteville's city government has it all figured out and the rest of the state and our county are wrong?

    A balanced structure that focuses on both district issues and the big picture is a far better structure for a city council. Fayetteville had at-large members as part of its structure until 2000. We find ourselves falling behind the rest of the peer cities in the state, competing for our children's future.

    Over the last ten years, Fayetteville grew by 4% compared to other peer cities that grew four times as much. 20% of the people in our city live in poverty — 40% higher than those same peer cities. Our crime index is 38% higher than those same peer cities.

    We are better than that.

    Perhaps the most disturbing part of this has been the allegations of racism unfairly introduced by those opposing the change. Supporters of Vote Yes Fayetteville continue to be labeled as racists, even though there are 38% more registered Black voters than white Voters in Fayetteville. Vote Yes supporters, Black members of the city council, and other Black citizens who support the effort continue to be verbally attacked, even though our community for years has elected Black candidates in at-large seats, including the Mayor of Fayetteville, the Cumberland County Sheriff, Clerk of Court and members of the Board of Education and County Commission.

    Race-baiting is the act of intentionally encouraging racism or anger about issues relating to race, often to get a political advantage. And it has
    to stop.

    We are better than that.

    There probably is no better example of a city council structure that does not represent all of the city than the council's effort to keep the Vote Yes Charter Amendment from being placed on the ballot. Even though state law requires that citizens be allowed to vote on their structure of government once they have collected 5,000 signatures, the city council voted multiple times not to place the item on the ballot. In fact, they spent an estimated $50,000 of your taxpayer dollars to fight against your right to vote on this important issue.
    It is easy to vote against citizens' interests when they cannot hold you accountable at the ballot box.

    We are better than that.

    You can make a difference on Nov. 8 by voting Yes to the Fayetteville Charter Amendment. We need more representation, not less.

  • 4 Unbelievable. This past week I listened to a presentation on “Vote No” that exemplified the fact that there continue to be citizens in our community hell-bent on going to any extreme to cause racial disharmony and divide our community.

    It was sad to see during the entire presentation how the presenter skirted, dodged and avoided the question: If at-large elections work for electing Black candidates for the Cumberland County Commissioners, the county Sheriff, Board of Education, Hope Mills and the Town of Spring Lake, why would it be bad and inappropriate for the city of Fayetteville? The answer: So a few can retain power. Even more astounding is that the entire “Vote No” presentation, objection and resistance is based on an article I penned in the June 3 edition of Up & Coming Weekly newspaper two and a half years ago. It centered on one particular sentence that they conveniently took completely out of context and have been mulling over ever since.

    These are sad and desperate actions for those who supposedly are doing the people’s business. Unfortunately, that article is as relevant today as it was two and a half years ago as it relates to our Fayetteville leadership. But don’t take my word for it. What follows is the same editorial with a few minor updates.

    You can be the judge.

    The Sequel: The May 30 riots.

    As I write this editorial, no doubt city officials have already met to “circle the wagons” to come forth this week disseminating a consistent and coherent message, as they pat themselves on the back, proclaiming to the public what a great job they did in managing the protest, riots and unrest that took place over the May 30 weekend. Many of us will certainly disagree.

    On Sunday evening I watched with a heavy heart the devastation and violence and destruction that has been perpetrated on our community in the name of George Floyd. His death was a travesty; however, to loot, steal, burn and pillage personal property in his name is beyond reprehensible. Fayetteville, North Carolina, our hometown, was transformed into a criminal flashpoint — as were about 30 other cities across the country. In Fayetteville, our leadership really blew it on multiple fronts. I have written several times about the lack of vision, talent and leadership in our community. The horrifying events of that weekend only confirmed this.

    As I watched the carnage taking place on Hay Street and across our community, my only thoughts were: Where is the mayor? Where are the police? Where is the Fire Department? Where are our community and government leaders, and why are they not present? [Here’s comes the flashpoint.] It is incomprehensible and unacceptable that in the city of Fayetteville and the county of Cumberland, where we have people of color in the most trusted, prominent, and vital positions of leadership — the mayor, city manager, city attorney, seven out of nine City Council members, the police chief, fire chief, Cumberland County Sheriff, Cumberland County Schools superintendent and three Cumberland County Commissioners** — that no one stepped up to even try to address the protesters and calm the crowd for the safety and welfare of the community. Where were all the Black pastors and clergy from the dozens of African American churches in the community? Where were all these encouraging voices of love, fellowship, compassion and reason?

    The good reverend, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., must be turning in his grave after witnessing the criminal acts being invoked in his name. The leadership capacity of City Hall is meant to serve and protect Fayetteville citizens. These duties are not just reserved for law enforcement. Here, Mitch Colvin and all of the City Hall departments were derelict in their duties. Not just because our leaders were unsuccessful in their efforts — but because they didn’t even try! They were complicit in the carnage and must be held accountable. Saturday night in downtown Fayetteville was a horrid spectacle. It was made worse by the fact that no effort was made to protect the citizens, personal property, city property or the businesses that employ hundreds of residents and have been the lifeblood of the downtown revitalization effort — the very economic revitalization that our leadership supposedly has been advocating for and the taxpayers have been generously paying for. Yet, they collectively acquiesced and sat back and did nothing. Fayetteville and Cumberland County leaders need to rethink the vision for our future and how they are going to get us there.

    A good friend told me something that rang so true: “In every case,” he said, “friction eventually destroys.” He is right — car engines, marriage conflicts, employee relations, personal and business relationships — friction eventually destroys any opportunity for progress or resolution. Our community will never be all it can be with leadership that is so self-absorbed in unilateral racial motives. This protest and rioting situation have exposed the ugly but inevitable truth that race alone doesn’t make a person a leader, nor does it make someone smart. And it definitely doesn’t keep a person from being an opportunist — especially when they yield to protest organizers and allow them and their disciples to become the pied pipers of destruction, looting and criminal intent. Fayetteville and Cumberland County are at a crossroads. Real leadership is the only thing that can save this community. Who will step up? More importantly, who should step down? Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

    **Those who are trying to racially divide this community wrongly, falsely and intentionally interpreted these words to mean I was saying our community had too many Blacks in prominent positions and that I was calling them out. How ridiculous! When in fact I was saying just the opposite. Collectively, as a community, we showed no racial bias in placing these folks in prominent positions yet no one stood up or spoke out to defend that premise. In other words, with this being the case, Fayetteville should have been the last place to look for racial bias or injustice. Again, no one spoke to that point. And, that is what I found unacceptable.

  • Since it was originally published in 1843, A Christmas Carol has remained a beloved holiday classic. In Fayetteville,11-19-14-gilbert-brings.gif the classic story of a man learning the true spirit of Christmas is told best by the talented actors at The Gilbert Theater. From Nov. 28 – Dec. 21, the theater will give its gift to the community with the staging of the show.

    The adaptation used by The Gilbert is a classic telling of the story, though there are a few exciting and creative changes.

    “This is a traditional telling of A Christmas Carol. The original Charles Dickens story was then adapted by Christopher Schario. It is written for a small number of actors so each actor plays multiple characters,” said Robyne Parrish, the artistic director of the theater. “You can do this production with eight people, but we do it with 13. It’s a challenge for the actors and I think it challenges the audience to use their imagination. We differentiate them with a hat, or a cape or a moustache. We also have a live violin player and a Foley artist — a person who makes the sound effects live. So the sounds will be created right in front of the audience.”

    This year makes the 10th season that The Gilbert has produced A Christmas Carol, though only their second year with this new adaptation. This new rendition of the traditional story is ideal for the intimate space of the theater as it has a smaller set design. The major set piece, which is present throughout the story, is a child’s bed.

    Parrish explains, “There’s this framing device to help tell the story. A young kid has to read A Christmas Carol for homework and all the people in his life become characters in the story. This all takes place in his room with his imagination, so his bed is there the whole time, and the story happens around it.”

    The small cast is another unique aspect to this adaptation of A Christmas Carol. This falls in line with the framing device of the boy’s family members becoming characters in the story, but it also presents a challenge for the actors because they each play multiple roles. Parrish noted that this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the play from a director’s perspective.

    “I also enjoy the challenging nature of the script. Helping the actors differentiate their characters with their movements and voice, the hard characterization is the most fun for me — to discover and create these very different characters. For example, Nathan Pierce plays Bob Cratchit and the ghost of Marley. He goes from a 35-year-old guy to a 7- year-old ghost in a matter of minutes.”

    While these new aspects to the story bring a certain element of excitement and intrigue, at its core this is a beautiful and traditional telling of the much-loved Dickens tale, which makes for a better celebration of the holidays by remembering the true spirit of the season.

    The Gilbert Theatre is located at 116 Green St. For tickets, go to www.gilberttheater.com/box-office. The box office is also open one hour prior to the show. A Christmas Carol opens Nov. 28 and runs through Dec 21. Fridays and Saturdays there are shows at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.gilberttheatre.com or call 687-7186.

    Photo:  Ebenezer Scrooge gets a wake-up call as The Gilbert Theater brings its Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol, to the stage.

  •  01.0Nutcracker Cover

    Now in its 42nd year, the North Carolina State Ballet’s presentation of “The Nutcracker” is a local holiday tradition. For the audience members, it’s a beautiful experience that ushers in the excitement of Christmas. For the dancers, it’s a way to honor and continue the legacy of the woman who taught them to dance and to give back to their community. Showtimes are Dec. 9 and 10 at the Crown Complex at 3 p.m.

     “The Nutcracker” came to Fayetteville because of a woman named Charlotte Blume. Blume was the prima donna for the NC State Ballet in the 1960s, which was at the time based in Raleigh. When the director decided to step down, Blume stepped up – and transplanted the company firmly in Fayetteville, where she also owned the Charlotte Blume School of Dance. “The Nutcracker” was her passion project, and she oversaw its production every year from 1975 until she passed away a year and a half ago.

     “(Blume) basically wanted to bring the arts to Fayetteville,” said Dina Lewis, longtime NC State Ballet board member and vice president of the company for the past two years. “That was her love. She wanted everyone to be exposed to it no matter your level in society. She wanted everyone to have that opportunity to see a classical ballet.” Dina is also the office manager for the Charlotte Blume School of Dance and was a close friend of Blume’s.

     “Quality was one thing she was extremely stringent about,” Dina said. “You knew if you were cast in this production, this was her baby. Don’t ask what time rehearsal ended. If you asked, you weren’t in it. She knew if you molded these children, the ones who wanted it and had the ability and were trainable, she knew the good that would come out of it. She was one of a kind. … She wanted this show to become a tradition in Fayetteville. It was her way of giving back, and she passed that mentality on to the dancers.” 

     This year, local ballerinas Ella Lewis (Dina’s daughter) and Tiffany Alexander share some of the show’s most advanced and difficult roles: Snow Queen, Snow Princess, Dewdrop, Arabian and Jewel. Ella, a sophomore at Terry Sanford High School, has trained with Charlotte Blume School of Dance since she was 3. She’s danced in “The Nutcracker” since she was 8. Alexander, a senior at Village Christian Academy, trained in Blume’s school since she was 2 and has danced in “The Nutcracker” since she was 9.

     “‘The Nutcracker’ is the most magical story of all holiday stories, and to perform in this holiday tradition is quite an honor,” Ella said. “From the snow that falls from the ceiling in the first act to the beautiful variations that are performed on pointe in the second; from start to finish, it is breathtaking.”

     Alexander mentioned the “life-sized dolls … and larger than life-sized food” as a few of many magical elements in the show, but for her, “the music is what really brings the show to life. The music makes it feel as if you really have traveled to a different place and time.”

     Ella and Alexander agreed that the show is a tribute to Blume’s work in Fayetteville, her ideals and her legacy. “I think this is why I look even more forward to (dancing in the show) now; it feels like she’s going to come out of the wings and make her corrections and then applaud us after we have performed,” Ella said.

     “The Nutcracker” follows a young girl, Clara, who receives the gift of a nutcracker carved as a toy soldier from the magician Drosselmeyer on Christmas Eve. In her dreams that night, Clara is whisked into a magical world. The nutcracker transforms into a prince, who helps her fight the evil Mouse King before escorting her to the Land of Snow and the Land of Sweets. Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Flower Queen, Mother Ginger and many other enchanted characters; she also travels to Spain, Russia and China. The ballet debuted in 1892 with a score by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov. It is based on E. T. A. Hoffmann’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” which was written in 1816.

     Dina said the NC State Ballet’s production of the show primarily uses Blume’s original choreography, which she created using inspiration from Petipa and Ivanov. However, some choreography and other elements in the show have been updated.

     Sheila Mitchell, in her 47th year of teaching at the studio, put on the majority of this year’s rehearsals. The core of the production is made up of dancers ages 9 to 17. Alumni of the studio also returned to help with choreography or to dance in the show, including Jessica McAlister, Adam Chavis and Deprecia Simpson. Eric Hoisington, who’s danced everywhere from San Francisco to Broadway, will play Drosselmeyer and is also helping re-work elements in the Arabian and Russian dream sequences.

     “We’ve replaced quite a few costumes, doctored up a lot of the scenes,” Dina said. “We’re bringing it a little more forward and constantly letting it evolve into what Ms. Blume would have expected us to have done....That legacy that she left behind us, there’s this obligation and sense to carry it forth.”

     Young Clara is played by Laura Jones and Ava Knight. Brynna Nunez and Marissa Morris are cast as grown Clara. Other cast members include Haebin Drewery and Halea Joines as Fritz, Audra Bussey as Mouse King and Cai Davis as the Nutcracker Prince.

     In many ways, audience members will feel and see the impact of Blume’s life in Fayetteville as they watch “The Nutcracker.” They will see it in her choreography. They will see it in the quality of classical technique developed under her exacting standards. They will see it in the love for dance and the love for sharing this story with the community that she instilled in the performers. They will see it in the affordability of the ticket prices, in line with Blume’s desire to make classical ballet accessible to everyone.

     Some elements of the show, though, will honor Blume in ways that will be most strongly felt by those dancing onstage. Her portrait will hang above the set’s fireplace. Her stool that she’d sit on during pointe class will observe the proceedings during the Arabian variation. And the Snow dance – her favorite – remains completely untouched so that it will look just the same as if she were still with the dancers. “(This production) was her heart and soul,” Dina said. “We tell everyone that her ghost still lingers in the studio.”

     Purchase tickets for the Dec. 9 and 10 shows by calling (910) 484-3466. Cost is $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under and free for children under 5. Learn more about the Charlotte Blume School of Dance at www.charlotteblumeschoolofdance.com.

  • 08Gilbert“You see, George, you’ve really had a wonderful life. Don’t you see what a mistake it would be to throw it away?” In the 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” an angel named Clarence says this to George Bailey (James Stewart) as Bailey contemplates taking his own life. The quintessential moment in this classic story has clutched the hearts of audiences for more than 70 years because it begs the most human question of all – when do we decide our lives matter? When, in all our daily stresses and fears, do we realize we are needed and important to the people around us for reasons bigger than money? Gilbert Theater’s production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” runs Nov. 24 – Dec. 4.

    George’s universal struggle of understanding his worth as an individual still touches viewers to this day. In fact, the Gilbert Theater in Fayetteville will be adapting the story to the stage for its third year in a row.

    According to Matthew Overturf, artistic director for the Gilbert, “It’s a Wonderful Life” was chosen again for the 2017-18 season because of its incredible popularity with audiences.

    With new actors in the iconic roles, a simplistic production design and a meticulous reliance on lighting to create mood and time, the Gilbert is sure to once again bring a more personal touch to an already established classic.

    Overturf said, “We’ve had audiences in the past come and see this production and they say, ‘I could see the snow falling in front of George as he was standing on the bridge,’ and what’s interesting is we don’t have any snow in our production. But people see this iconic image (in their mind) and they’re able to apply that and look back at the film. So I think audiences will enjoy it because they see something they’re familiar with but with a new take.”

    For those that haven’t seen the film before, the premise lies in George as the working-class, family man. He’s a husband, father and reluctant owner of a small-town banking business that his father passed on to him. Once upon a time, he had bigger dreams. He wanted to travel the world, go to college and build bridges and skyscrapers for a living. But he gave those up as a result of circumstance and a deep sense of responsibility.

    The sacrifices George makes for his family and friends, combined with mounting financial problems, ultimately tip him into the worst kind of despair. Clarence the angel intervenes to show George what the world would look like if he’d never been born.

    The earnest sentimentality of the story’s conclusion encourages nothing less than waterworks and family group hugs. And the one line will always get you, whether you watch it on television or see it portrayed onstage: “Remember, George, no man is a failure who has friends.”

    “Families every single year say this is one of their highlights of their holiday season,” said Overturf. “I think we’ve all been in a situation similar to George Bailey. We’ve all wondered, what’s my place in the world? Where do I matter? The truth is, every one of us matters in many ways. We hope that audiences will definitely come back and experience this wonderful, true, every-person story.”

    “It’s a Wonderful Life” will run at the Gilbert Theater from Nov. 24 to Dec. 4 and Dec. 15-17. Tickets are available online at www.gilberttheater.com.


  • 112515_coverstory.png Fayetteville is not the same place it was in 1935. But some things do not change, one of which is a love of music. In 1935, a group of music lovers came together to form Community Concerts. Over the years, the organiztion, like the city, has evolved.

    First started as a Columbia Artists franchise that canvassed the nation in the early 20th century has grown into a local entertainment powerhouse that delivers top-notch productions to the community. Every season. Without fail. Today, just a handful of Community Concerts programs remain throughout the country, one of which if here inFayetteville.  Celebrating 80 years of bringing great music to the community, Community Concerts is launching its biggest season. Daryl Hall and John Oates open the 2015/2016  line-up on Dec. 5. Peter Cetera, Boyz II Men and Jay Leno follow with shows in January, March and April, respectively.

    Michael Fleishman, long-time board member and current Community Concerts attractions director, joined the team more than 20 years ago and was a part of the organization when it made a conscious decision to veer away from the status quo. 

    “Community Concerts used to be a lot of chamber music and choral groups,” he said. “We decided to turn to the pop music genre for our productions and then did our very best to wow our audiences every single year. We concentrated on bringing the best entertainment we could afford to Fayetteville. Once we did that, once we made taking care of our audiences our priority, things just sort of took care of themselves.”  

    This year, the Community Concerts organization focused on bringing fewer shows but bigger names to Fayetteville, booking a $100,000 season. 

    “Last year was our biggest season. This year is our most expensive,” said Fleishman.

    Daryl Hall and John Oates are the top-selling duo in music history. Their music has not only entertained fans for decades, it laid the ground work for the next generation of musicians. Their acolytes include big names like Rob Thomas, John Mayer, Brandon Flowers of the Killers, Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and MTV’s newest hipsters Gym Class Heroes.  Hall and Oates have graced the cover of Spin Magazine, had tours named in their honor (the Gym class Heroes “Daryl Hall for President Tour 2007”). Last year, the duo received the coveted nod and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

    With more sales than any other performing duo, Hall and Oates continue to deliver performances that keep crowds on their feet. 

    “This is going to be a great concert,” said Fleishman. “They’ve got so many hits.”

    Chart toppers for the pair include: six number one singles, including “Rich Girl”, “Kiss on My List,” “Private Eyes,” “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do), “Maneater” and “Out of Touch” from their six consecutive multiplatinum albums. Plus five Top 10 singles, “Sara Smile,” “One on One,” “You Make My Dreams,” “Say It Isn’t So” and “Method of Modern Love.”

    In addition to touring, Hall currently stars in a web series called “Live from Daryl’s House.” It airs every Thursday at 11 p.m. EST on the Palladia Channel or at www.livefromdarlyshouse.com. The show has had a plethora of guest artists including Joe Walsh, Booker T and the MGs, The Blind Boys of Alabama,  Train, Cee Lo Green, Smokey Robinson, The Doors’ Robby Krieger and Ray Manzarek, Toots Hibbert,  K.T. Tunstall, Todd Rundgren, Keb Mo, Dave Stewart, Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik and Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump along with newcomers such as Nick Waterhouse, Chiddy Bang, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, Matt Nathanson, Parachute, Plain White T’s,  soul diva Sharon Jones, Diane Birch, L.A. neo-R&B party band Fitz & the Tantrums and hot new alternative band Neon Trees. Adding a restaurant and music club to the mix, Hall opened Daryl’s House on Oct. 31 in Pawling, New York. The eatery/club serves as the backdrop for the show.

    The two have no problems staying busy. In March, look for a new concert video release — the first in seven years. Daryl Hall and John Oates: Live in Dublin. It was filmed  on July 15, 2014 at the Olympia Theatre in their first ever Dublin performance.

    Oates released a solo project called Good Road to Follow in March of 2014.  

    In January Peter Cetera will electrify the audience at the Crown. 

    “He was Chicago’s lead singer for a long time,” said Fleishman. “He has since gone on to have a successful  solo career. There is probably not one of his songs that you won’t recognize.”

    Cetera performed with Chicago from 1968 through 1986. He was the lead singer, he wrote songs, he played the bass. Hits from that era include “If You Leave Me Now,” “Hard to Say I’m Sorry,” “Baby What a Big Surprise,” “You’re the Inspiration,” “Stay the Night,” “Love Me Tomorrow,” “Happy Man,” “Feeling Stronger Every Day” and “Along Comes a Woman.”

    Striking out on his own, Cetera recorded 10 albums and was nominated for an Academy Award for “The Glory of Love” from the hit movie The Karate Kid II.  He went on the top the charts with “The Next Time I Fall” with Amy Grant; “Feels Like Heaven” with Chaka Kahn; “After All” with Cher from the motion picture Chances Are; “No Explanation” from Pretty Womanand “Restless Heart.”

    Four-time Grammy Award winners Boyz II Men have been changing the R&B landscape for more than 20 years. Accolades include nine American Music Awards, nine Soul Train Awards, three BillboardAwards, and a 2011 MOBO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music. 

    With classics that appeal to all generations, Boyz II Men produced hits that include “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day” and  “Motownphilly.”

    “Boyz II Men continues to deliver high-energy shows that audiences love,” said Fleishman. “They are known for great harmonies and relatable songs.” 

    The band is set to release a new album in September called Collide. Two of the tracks, “Better Half” and “Diamond Eyes” are featured on a special episode of ABC’s hit show,
    The Bachelorette

    The group’s charity, Boyz II Men House “lends support to individuals and organizations that focus on improving quality of life and helping to unlock human potential, while contributing to the health and vitality of those less fortunate.”

    Funny man Jay Leno kept America laughing for decades. Talk show host, author and stand-up comedian, Leno closes out the 2015/2016 season of Community Concerts.

    Leno’s comic career spans 40 years. He performed for the armed forces during conflicts in Bosnia and Afghanistan and serves as master of xeremonies for several charity events each year. This big-hearted entertainer is sure to have the audience in stitches. 

    For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.community-concerts.com.

     

  •  

    09youth chorusThe Campbellton Youth Chorus, a choral music group, has no affiliation with any school or church. The organization is dedicated to fostering music literacy and giving children a lifelong love for music. As its website states, this group is open to “youth ages 9 to 14, regardless of school affiliation, ethnicity, socioeconomic background or religion.”

    The group’s artistic director, Donna Jo Mangus, said, “It’s really a community choir and the only youth community choir in Cumberland County.”

    The idea for a diverse, music-centered youth choir came from the Cumberland Oratorio Singers, a local adult symphonic choir of which Mangus is a member. The connection works well for both groups, providing the Campbellton Youth Chorus opportunities to sing three times a year as the opening act for Oratorio Singers concerts. Once a year, the youth are even given the opportunity to sing in a joint performance with their parent choir and learn about large group performances.

    Those performances are in addition to the youth chorus’s three yearly concerts and other events. Mangus said the youth choir sings, “secular, sacred and patriot music.” She added that this spring they will also sing pop songs and some show tunes.

    The choir is in its third year and second full season and is already scheduled to perform Nov. 10 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church; Dec. 16 at Anderson Street First Baptist Church; and March 1-3 they will be in Greensville as part of the 2018 Piedmont Invitational Children’s Choir Festival.

    Also, the chorus will perform in a joint concert with the Cumberland Oratorio Singers at Haymont United Baptist Church April 27, and in July they will participate in the Independence
    Day symphony concert at Festival Park.

    Those interested in inviting the chorus perform for events, as well as those parents who would like to have their child join the Campbellton Youth Chorus, should send an email to Mangus at DonnajoMangus@gmail.com.

    The chorus practices once a week, and yearly dues are $90 for what Mangus says is “almost like a private group singing lesson.” Interested children are not required to have any vocal experience or education. The group is devoted to inclusivity and music, so the only requirement is a love of singing.

    More information about the group’s mission and their performance schedule is available at  www.campbelltonyouthchorus.org.

     

  •  06BCPE

    As the 27th annual production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” premieres Nov. 30 at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, stage rehearsals are brewing this week for more than 193 children in Fayetteville. The show runs Nov. 30 through Dec. 17.

     “The BCPE” began as a short story written by Barbara Robinson in 1971. But it was the television movie adaptation produced in 1983 by ABC, also written by Robinson, that catapulted the story into a seasonal favorite. It follows the six Herdman misfits as they disrupt the traditional Sunday school play they’ve been given parts in. Their tendency for smoking and cursing makes them unfavorable in the town’s eyes to tell the Nativity of Jesus. Yet along the way, everyone begins to learn that Christmas spirit isn’t some ideal we hold others to, but how we treat and understand those different from us.

     For director Brandon Santoro, the play is incredibly close to home. He even claims that people from his hometown were inspirations for certain characters.

     “The Herdmans and I go way back,” he said. “I have directed this play a lot. I directed the regional premiere of the musical up in New Hampshire a few years ago, which was really fun. I think it’s a very fascinating show that (CFRT) does because of its size – the pure scale of it.” CFRT shared schematics of the new stage being built specifically for the show. It promises an actual church façade to preside over the story.

     Santoro said, “We have some new special effects. We added a bunch of music. There are a lot more solo opportunities, and we’re hearing a lot more singing across the board. Some fun surprises are going to help tell the story in a way that will hopefully blow people away. This is supposed to be, in theory, like the best redux version (of the show).”

     With 193 young performers, the theater has divided the children into three separate casts. According to Leslie Flom, marketing director for CFRT, three casts are necessary because, along with 18 public performances, the children will also be doing nine days of student matinee performances at local schools. 

     Up & Coming Weekly spoke with a few actors from the “red” cast, one of whom is Justice Haygood, age 14. This will be her fourth year in “The BCPE.”

     “I can definitely see the difference every year,” said Haygood. “My first year, I was a baby angel at age 11. It was really exciting because that was my first show at the theater. But last year looked a lot different. The set didn’t look as much like a church, and there wasn’t as much singing.”

     Briana Fewell-Johnson, age 14, is another veteran performer for the show. She plays one of the misfits: Imogene Herdman.  “I like how (Imogene) is nothing like me, so it gives me more of a push to actually be a different character,” said Fewell-Johnson.  She also noted that she thought the cast could have been more diverse “because Fayetteville is a mostly African-American community, so if you incorporate more people with like minds or looks then you’ll get more of a reaction from the community to come and see people who look like them.”

     Megan Steenbergh, age 16, plays Beth and is yet another repeat performer. 

     “I like that Beth is almost the voice of reason in the show,” said Steenbergh. “She’s mediating everything that’s happening. … That’s what I like about acting. We take a story that people can read on a piece of paper and think about in their minds, and we make it happen.”

     Santoro said, “It’s a huge part of the classic story – that anyone can be any part of it – and (this) is part of the message of the show as well. We’ve taken that to heart.” Shows run for approximately 60 minutes. For tickets, visit www.cfrt.org.

  •  

    08CharlieBrockVision 2026. Cool Spring Downtown District. A new artistic director for Cape Fear Regional Theatre. A new music director for the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. These recent initiatives and changes reflect a growing, collective thought: Fayetteville is ready to grow, and that growth requires collaboration.  

    Successful entrepreneurial collaboration is the message of Charlie Brock, keynote speaker for Methodist University’s third annual Reeves School of Business Symposium and Awards Dinner. The dinner will held Thursday, Nov. 16, at Embassy Suites Fayetteville/ Fort Bragg from 6:30-8:30 p.m. In addition to the keynote speech and dinner, seven awards will be presented to individuals who have demonstrated excellence in Fayetteville’s business community.

    Pam Bierman, MU Center for Entrepreneurship instructor and co-organizer of the event, said this night is not only relevant to award recipients and those already entrenched in the business community.

    “Entrepreneurism is everywhere, and I believe there’s a budding entrepreneur in each one of us,” she said. “I think a lot of people have had dreams of what they would like to do, but they don’t know how to do it.”

    That’s where 20-year veteran entrepreneur Brock comes in. His speech for the night is titled “Transforming Cities through Innovation and Leadership.” Bierman said she first heard Brock speak at a regional pitch competition for students in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

    “A couple of things struck me about Charlie that I thought would be perfect for having a keynote here,” she said.

    First was the evidence of Brock’s success in his own city – and how the mechanisms of that success could apply to Fayetteville. “Chattanooga has been transformed over the last 20 years,” Bierman said. “Twenty years ago, it was … really a rough city, a lot of problems with drugs and gangs. Some prominent members of the community decided to take back the community and make it a safe, prosperous and enjoyable place with a high quality of living. (Brock) was one of those people.” Through Brock’s work in organizations like Launch Tennessee – of which he is the president and CEO – early-stage investment in Tennessee has increased 100 percent, and Chattanooga now boasts the fastest internet and smartest electric grid in America.

    “He’s very involved in developing what I would call entrepreneurial ecosystems throughout Tennessee,” Bierman said. “I kind of parallel Chattanooga to Fayetteville. We’ve really seen a need for better collaboration; we’ve got little pockets of it but not necessarily orchestrated at a higher level. … He’s doing that, and we want to know how to do that. He’s not only working with legislators in trying to have state legislation that’s business-friendly, he’s (also) mentoring, trying to create incubators and accelerators and those kinds of programs that help businesses get started.

    “(He’s) an exciting person who is doing and has been doing what we want to do in Fayetteville.”

    The seven awards of the night will honor community leaders who, like Brock, have laid and are laying the groundwork for the change their city wants to see, Bierman said. These awards are Alumni Business Person of the Year; Entrepreneur of the Year; Business Person of the Year; Greater Good Award; SmallBusiness Excellence Award; Silver Spoon Award; and Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.

    “A lot of people attend to see the award winners,” Bierman said. “We make people wait until the end, because it’s kind of the climax of the event.”

    Attendees will get to learn about each awardwinner’s work, ideas and passions in short videos that will play as recipients make their way onstage.

    Tickets cost $75 each. To register or to learn more, visit www.methodist.edu/rsb-symposium.

     

    PHOTO: Keynote speaker, Charlie Brock

     

  • Diabetes, often referred to as “sugar” in the South, is a serious condition that affects nearly 2611-05-14-better-health.gifmillion children and adults in the United States. In Cumberland County, one agency that takes diabetes seriously is Better Health of Cumberland County. In an effort to raise awareness of the potentially deadly disease, Better Health is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Red Apple Run for Diabetes on Nov. 22.

    The run, which begins at the Medical Arts Building, commemorates American Diabetes Month, which takes place throughout the month of November. The 10K run starts at 8:15 a.m.; the 5K run/walk starts at 8:30 a.m.; and the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk starts at 9:15 a.m.

    “We want to welcome people and remind them that they can walk and do not have to run,” said Judge Laura Devan, board president of Better Health and co-chair of the run. “We hope to have a big turnout to bring attention to our mission at Better Health.”

    The event includes a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile fun run/walk, and a 10K run for elite runners. The categories for the prizes are first place with a stroller, first place running with a dog, an award for the largest team that participates together, super hero for fitness and more. Trophies for the top three male and female finishers are awarded for the 5K and 10K. Medals are given to the top three finishers in each age group for the 5K and 10K. Teams are encouraged to walk or run in honor or memory of a loved one with diabetes.

    “This is a family fun event and many runners love to run with their children, strollers and dogs,” said Devan.

    Better Health of Cumberland County is a nonprofit, charitable organization that relies upon local foundations, community members and business donors for funding. The organization provides diabetes awareness, education and self-management programs, childhood obesity prevention and education, loans of medical equipment and financial assistance for emergency medical needs.

    There will be a fitness fair with health conscious vendors such as Breathing Space Yoga, fitness instructors and more at the starting line for runners to peruse as they are waiting for the race to begin.

    “Our certified race routes are new this year. This is the second year for the 5K and the first year for the 10K,” said Judy Klinck, executive director of Better Health. “We welcome sponsors and in order for their names to appear on the T-shirts and various literature we will need the donation by Nov. 7.”

    Fees for the 5K and 10K are $15 for ages 10 and under and $25 for ages 11 and over if you are registered by Nov. 12. After November 12 the fee is $30 for all ages. The fun run registration fee is $10. Registration is available online at www.Active.com and www.FSSeries.com or you can download the form at www.BetterHealthcc.org.

    Individuals registered by Nov. 12 are guaranteed a T-shirt. The Medical Arts Building is located at 101 Robeson Street.

    For more information about the race or Better Health programs, call 483-7534.

    Photo;  The Red Apple Run on Saturday, Nov. 22, sponsored by Better Health, commemorates Diabetes Month and invites the community to get active in the fight against the disease.

  • 11_12_14occ.gif“Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.”
                        - Bob Pierce’s


    The most famous quote by Bob Pierce has opened eyes of many around the world.

    Samaritan’s Purse is an international relief organization driven to help those who cannot help themselves. Bob Pierce founded the organization in 1970 after visiting suffering children in Korea. In 1973, he met the man who would eventually become his successor, Franklin Graham, the son of evangelist Billy Graham. Following Pierce’s death, Graham took the reins of Samaritan’s Purse and grew it into an international charity that helps people all over the globe who are in need.

    Operation Christmas Child is one of the many programs the organization undertakes each year and one that has come to mean Christmas to many all around the world. Operation Christmas Child sends thousands of shoe boxes to children in need. The boxes contain items that are big or small enough to fit in an average size shoebox.

    Green Springs Baptist Church in Fayetteville has been packing boxes for many years. On Dec. 11, church members will make their annual trek to the distribution center in Charlotte, N.C., to volunteer with countless others from across the state to prepare the boxes for their final shipment overseas. Each year, the members of the church rise to the challenge to pack one box per person in each household.

    “My family has packed boxes for 20 years,” said Pastor Jeff Broadwell. “We make it a family thing by going shopping and picking out different toys. We get things that require no upkeep and no batteries.

    “We throw away a lot of things in America and we also take a lot of things for granted. This is an opportunity to share what we have been blessed with, but most importantly the gospel,” he continued.

    National collection week is Nov. 17 to 24. Operation Christmas Child will collect boxes from more than 4,000 drop-off sites in all 50 states, including Puerto Rico. The gifts, packed carefully in the colorful red and green shoe boxes will be delivered to children in more than 100 countries, touching six continents.

    “Operation Christmas Child has brought our church home closer together spiritually. This has enabled us to operate as one body and share the things we have been given from God”, said Broadwell. “The letters we receive from the families thanking us for what we have sent in the boxes has made packing all the more enjoyable”, he said.

    Green Springs Baptist Church has taken the first of many steps to promote and encourage this program. The surrounding communities of Fayetteville can do their part by donating on the Operation Christmas Child website or having a packing party. Donations on the website are just as important for this program because each box costs $7 to ship.

    Packing parties can be a way for families to come together and experience the gift of giving during the holidays.

    To pack a shoe box there are a few simple steps:
    • Decide if you are packing your box for a boy or girl from ages 2 to 14.
    • Fill the box with gifts, which can include toys (nothing to do with war or guns), candy (nothing that will melt), hygiene items like toothbrushes or combs or small items of clothing like socks and gloves. Be sure to include $7 to cover the shipping.
    • Say a prayer for the child who will receive your box and write them a letter if you choose.
    • Drop the box off to one of the designated donation locations.
    There are numerous drop-off locations in Cumberland County, to find the one closest to you, visit the Samaritan’s Purse website at www.samaritanspurse.org. You will also find gift suggestions for the box online as well.

  • uac112614001-cover.gif On Monday, Nov. 10, Up & Coming Weekly filed an open records request with the City of Fayetteville. The request came following a decision by the city’s top administrator, City Manager Ted Voorhees, to cease all advertising, partnerships and sponsorships in connection with the community newspaper on Nov. 5 as a result of a less than favorable editorial written by Up & Coming Weekly Publisher Bill Bowman on Oct. 22.

    In the open records request, Up & Coming Weekly asked the following: “Pursuant to the N.C. Public Records Act, I am requesting copies of all city communications whether electronic or hard copy, and all texts referencing Up & Coming Weekly from Sept. 1, 2014 to Nov. 10, 2014. This request includes all communications between not only city staff but also the city council.”

    The North Carolina Public Records Act and Open Meetings Law is monitored and enforced by the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, which along with the North Carolina Press Association, works to ensure that government activities and operations are open. In a guide created in partnership between the attorney general’s office and the NCPA, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper wrote, “The spirit in which public officials work to comply with the law is as important as the law itself. Recognizing that the public’s business should be done in the open and honoring requests for help serves the people as well as those who seek to inform them.”

    He further noted, “In other words, when in doubt about how to interpret the state’s open records and meetings laws — (the government should) always work to resolve the question in favor of openness.”

    According to the N.C. Public Records Law, public records are documentary materials made or received by government agencies in North Carolina in carrying on public business. Public records include materials written or created by the government and its employees. Public records include paper and electronic documents, emails, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or other tapes, electronic data-processing records, artifacts or other documentary material, regardless of physical form
    or characteristics.

    If an agency fails to release or disclose public records, the requestor, in this case, Up & Coming Weekly, can bring a civil action in court against the government agency or official who denied access. North Carolina courts are charged to set public record complaints for immediate hearings and give these cases priority over other cases. If the court finds that an agency or individual was denied access without substantial justification, the agency must pay all court and attorney fees and release the documents.

    In the case of the public records request by Up & Coming Weekly to the city, a review of documents released by city staff found that several key city officials failed to respond to the request and among those who did, several failed to disclose or release a full record of communications concerning Up & Coming Weekly.

    Key officials who failed to disclose all pertinent records include:
    • City Manager Ted Voorhees
    • Deputy City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney
    • Corporate Communications Director Tracie Davis
    • City Attorney Karen McDonald
    • Storm Water Manager Greg Caison

    Bowman has long been a staunch supporter of the City of Fayetteville. He is “surprised and perplexed” by Voorhees’ actions, which he views as “retaliatory and inhibiting” his paper’s ability to cover the city as Voorhees ordered that the community newspaper was to be given “no more information” and is indignant at the city’s blatant disregard for the Open Records Law.
    “As a North Carolina community newspaper publisher and ardent advocate of the 4th Estate and the 1st Amendment, I take the Open Records and Open Meetings laws very seriously,” said Bowman. “Transparency in government is critical to good governance. Having served on the board of the North Carolina Press Association and as past president of the NCPA Community Newspaper Association, I know how important the ‘Sunshine Laws’ are — not only in pursuit of good governance but also in pursuit of keeping the citizens informed and keeping government actions above board.
    “Over the past 20 years of operating Up & Coming Weekly, I have never found myself in a position where a local government has demonstrated a total lack of regard for not only the Open Records Law, but also for the 1st Amendment and its prohibition of government infringement of the press, which ultimately translates into a lack of regard and respect for the citizens they govern.”
    Bowman, who is known for his commentaries, said he was shocked at what he considers “rash, emotional and unprofessional” decision making by Voorhees in retaliation to the commentary concerning the ongoing court action between the Public Works Commission and the City of Fayetteville..

    “No doubt it was a knee-jerk reaction on Voorhees’ part. The text he dashed off to city staff confirms that it was an emotional and not well thought out decision,” said Bowman.

    The text Bowman references is the only communication Voorhees reported in response to the public records request. Voorhees sent the following email to Corporate Communications Director Tracie Davis, whose office is charged with answering public records requests.

    “Tracie: I didn’t spend much time on the Up and Coming issue. I went through email and text messages and here is all I found. It is a text message from me to Kenneth Maynard on Friday, Oct 24 at 4:28 p.m.:

    “No more info and ads for Up and Coming and Kidsville. We are done with them. I’ve shared with Tracie already.”
    The text to Maynard was sent from Voorhees’ iPhone.

    Voorhees’ statement that he had no other communications concerning Up & Coming Weekly were negated in an email forwarded to the Public Information Office from Rusty Thompson, the director of the city’s Engineering and Infrastructure Department. In disclosing his communications,

    Thompson included a text from Voorhees: “Please stop providing any ads or information to Up and Coming and Kidsville News.”

    Thompson, in turn, forwarded the text to Caison, who in his email to the Public Information Office said he had no communications concerning Up & Coming Weekly at all, even though he not only communicated back to Thompson with the following: “Really... Ok! We are already confirmed for the November issue of Kidsville and doubt we can pull out of that one? We stopped up-and-coming 2 or 3 years ago.”

    Caison was further copied by members of his staff on several emails concerning Up & Coming Weekly, including communications from Up & Coming Weekly zeroing out the agency’s accounts. Voorhees, like Caison, was also copied on a number of emails, which he did not disclose.
    “In my 20 years of working with and advocating for the City of Fayetteville, I have never experienced this kind of total disregard and disrespect of the law, which has put us in our first adversarial position with the city I love,” said Bowman. “I built my newspaper and publishing business on promoting Fayetteville and showcasing its quality of life. This is very disappointing and difficult for me. This is not a place I personally ever wanted to be and never thought I would find myself or my newspaper.”

    In an interview with Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson, Up & Coming Weekly attempted to bring some openness to not only Voorhees’ retaliatory actions, but also address the failure of some members of the city staff to obey the law in regards to the open records request.
    When asked whether the council had been read in to Voorhees’ intent to put prohibitions on information and advertising on Up & Coming Weekly prior to the staff being informed by Voorhees, Robertson said that neither he nor the council had been informed or read in to the actions.

    When he questioned Voorhees about the action during the city council’s working meeting on Nov. 10, Voorhees indicated that he felt that Up & Coming Weekly had a negative slant and “wasn’t something that he felt the city should be involved with.” For his part, Robertson said that he does not see Up & Coming Weekly as negative to the city. Robertson acknowledged the partnership Up & Coming Weekly has had with the city over the past six years, providing the City of Fayetteville more than $300,000 in free editorial space to ensure residents know what is happening in the city. He noted that in a time of constrained resources, Voorhees’ decision was not wise.

    Also during the city council work meeting, Voorhees noted that while the corporate communications staff had not done any research yet on effectiveness of communications through Up & Coming Weekly, they would. In response to a public records request by the Fayetteville Observer, Davis told staff writer Andrew Barksdale that there was an ongoing media review. When queried about said ongoing review of media, Mayor Robertson said that to his knowledge no media review was occurring or had been asked for by the council.

    When queried about the open records law, Robertson said that failure by staff to openly and honestly respond to requests should result in termination.
    Voorhees was contacted and asked the following questions:

    1. Was the decision to pull all information from Up & Coming Weekly based on what you believe to be a negative editorial slant/vice a systemic review of all media sources?

    2. Other than the commentary by Bill Bowman on Oct. 22, what other articles about the city have shown the negative editorial slant that you believe is pervasive in the newspaper?

    3. What is your reaction to the following: In the first six months of 2014, there were 77 articles in Up & Coming Weekly talking about the City of Fayetteville. Only one article was negative, and that was about the city council and was in support of city staff. Would you consider that a negative editorial slant? And if you believe there is one, please give me a list of articles.

    4. Did you consult with any local citizens or your department heads before texting a missive to them to cancel everything in Up & Coming because you are “done with them?” Do you think this was professional?

    5. In your words, please define what you view as a government’s infringement on the press.

    6. In a public meeting you told the city council that your staff didn’t see the value in Up & Coming Weekly. If that is the case, why were they upset about the cancellation notice?

    7. If money and resources are tight, why would you give up more than $50,000 annually in free print and online space? Does this seem like good stewardship of the city’s resources?

    8. Are you aware that it is against the law to fail to disclose all information requested in a public records request? And if so, why did you fail to do so?

    In a written response, Voorhees failed to answer the questions and instead referred all queries to Davis.

    Davis was also sent a series of questions, which included the following:

    1. On Monday, Nov. 10, in the public meeting, Mr. Voorhees said that you and your staff did not feel like the sections in Up & Coming Weekly were meeting your needs and that you were doing a review of media partnerships. What led you to believe that the sections were not informing the public? Do you have specific examples or complaints from citizens or staff about the sections? And what sort of review did you conduct to determine that they were not a good fit? And what in your previous experience qualifies you to make that judgment?

    2. Andrew Barksdale, of the Fayetteville Observer, asked you about the situation with Up & Coming Weekly in a public records request. Your written response to him noted: “The city has a limited advertising budget and is in the middle of revamping our marketing strategy. This also limits promotional items and other advertising that we purchase. We are researching multiple options with our budget to best maximize the city’s branding and leverage potential reach to our citizens across multiple mediums for the balance of the current and upcoming fiscal year.”
    * If this is the case, what other media outlets were involved in your review?
    * What were you looking for and at?
    * What was your standard for judging effectiveness?
    * What other media relationships/contracts did you cancel?
    * Further, if your office was in fact conducting a review, why would two of your staffers exchange a text asking. “What was going on with Bill Bowman and Up & Coming?” with the response being, “He, (Bill Bowman) trash talked Ted and the city and not giving fair and balanced reporting on the PWC issue.” Response from another member of your staff: “Figured it was something like that?”
    * On the record, did you in fact conduct an official review (and if so, please provide the data and other media involved) and if not, were decisions based on a perception of a “negative editorial slant?”

    3. If the city’s advertising budget is tight and you are looking to talk to citizens across a multiple of mediums, why would you give up two pages of free editorial space in a printed publication and an online presence?

    4. Mr. Voorhees also indicated in the public meeting that department heads were not satisfied with Up & Coming Weekly. If that was the case, why did city employee Jami McLaughlin say she was “shell shocked” and continue to ask to keep her column? To which you replied, “I understand...” (McLaughlin’s request was approved following undisclosed communications between Voorhees, Toney-Small and Davis). And specifically, in regards to Storm Water, Mr. Caison showed utter surprise at being told to cancel his program. Were department heads unhappy?

    5. On Oct. 30, following your letter to Stephanie Crider (Up & Coming Weekly’s editor), I (Janice Burton, associate publisher, Up & Coming Weekly) sent you an email basically asking you many of the same questions above. You did not respond.
    * Why did you fail to respond to a media query?
    * Why didn’t you include my email to you in the response to the public information request?

    6. Are you and the city staff aware that failure to fully disclose information asked for in a public records request is against the law? And are you aware that there are many correspondences between city employees regarding Up & Coming Weekly that I have record of that were not disclosed by your office?
    In a written response that was to cover all questions asked to Voorhees and herself, Davis responded:

    “In regards to your questions to Mr. Voorhees and myself concerning abridging the freedom of the press, in no way has staff with the City of Fayetteville limited the press’ ability to report on the city. In addition, staff has gone above and beyond the requirements of law to meet your public records request and we will continue to do so. Up and Coming Weekly has the same access as other members of the public and the media to attend meetings, receive press releases via email, access information via the website and make public records requests. Furthermore, Up and Coming Weekly is welcome to have their publication out for distribution at City Hall.

    “We continue to partner with Up and Coming Weekly in producing the Downtown Developments section. In regards to our decision to no longer devote staff time to producing FOCUS On Fayetteville, it is our choice how we delegate our resources to best meet the needs of the city, citizens and city departments.

    “I am happy to meet with you to discuss how we can (move) forward. We can also discuss future advertising opportunities with Up and Coming Weekly.”

    “If you look at all of these responses and lack of responses, there appears to be an element of untruth that runs through them,” said Crider. “That’s one of the reasons that the Open Records Law is so important — so that there is transparency in government and that the ‘sunshine’ of open records keeps government and its administrators honest and above board. I am, quite frankly, disappointed in what has happened and what we have seen as dishonesty in our city administration.”

    Bowman and his staff are in the process of filing a civil complaint with the courts concerning the obvious disregard of the Open Records Law by the city, a position that Bowman regrets, but feels necessary in the best interest of the Fayetteville community.

    “I have always had the utmost respect for our city and its leaders. To be in this situation at a time when Fayetteville is collectively working hard to enhance its image and reputation and solidify its brand is extremely unfortunate,” he continued. “The lack of leadership is sad and frustrating. I firmly believe there is much talent, integrity and goodness in the city administration. Unfortunately, at this point, we feel Up & Coming Weekly must take a stand for open, responsible, professional and honest governance. We must also take a stand for the residents of Fayetteville and Cumberland County that we have faithfully served for nearly 20 years. “
    uac112614001-cover.gif

  • Paranormal Activity 2 (91 minutes) is pretty freakin’ scary. It is difficult to pro-duce a film, much less a film sequel, with11-03-10-paranormal.gif scary scenes that produce genuine terror rather than relying on blood, guts, and vio-lence to produce “horror.” Monsters aren’t scary, murderers aren’t scary, and special effects aren’t scary. Buckets of blood, muti-lation, torture … these elements produce revulsion, but not authentic scares.

    One really great thing about the original was the slow building suspense that captured its audience. Happily, the sequel to this low-budget heart stopper is equally reliant on sudden shocks and the immediacy of the moment to captivate the audience. It is difficult to think of another movie that has affected a Fayetteville audience so much so that a theater full of people jumps as one.

    From the comfort of a seat, it is easy to second guess the characters. However, it is rare, and more than a little bit fun, to hear a Fayetteville audience shout directions and warnings at the screen.

    Remember Katie Featherston from the first film? Well, this film managed to blend its narrative into the story of Katie, actually providing a new perspective on the first movie. The film opens on a house around the block from the setting of the original movie. Kristi Rey is bringing her new son Hunter home. A montage of video clips builds a sense of the everyday, demonstrating that the family is young, wealthy, and happy.

    Kristi is married to Dan, and in addition to Hunter they are raising Ali (Dan’s daughter with his late wife). These classic representatives of the bour-geoisie also have a live-in (?) nanny/cook/maid, Martine, as well as a German Shepard named Abby. They spend a great deal of time relaxing poolside and having Kodak moments. Everything is lovely until they arrive home one evening to discover a seeming break-in. Although nothing valuable is missing, the event unsettles the whole family and provokes Dan to install security cameras.

    Martine, who is very suspicious and also very religious (but in a totally non-stereotypical way … wait, that is totally stereotypical. Nevermind) decides that the house is clouded with evil and needs a smoke cleansing. Anyway, she takes action to protect the family, but Dan doesn’t understand and decides to exercise some patriarchal authority by firing Martine. His female house-hold doesn’t use up much camera time defending Martine, but maybe that all occurred off-camera.

    The security cameras begin capturing some unusual events, although noth-ing too alarming happens until the suspense has reached a screaming pitch. Subtle motions capture the eye as the security cameras switch from perspective to perspective. Ordinary explanations are found for extraordinarily weird events, but the family is the proverbial frog in the slowly heated pot of water. Finally, events occur which drive Ali to consult the Internet, since it is so full of credible information about ghosts and demons.

    And that’s when things start getting interesting. The incidents become stranger and harder to ignore. Despite the discomfort of his family, Dan is really quite eager to leave his women home alone so he can go ahead and attend to imaginary errands that nevertheless sound quite urgent. Finally, even Dan Everything has an Ordinary Explanation Man is willing to call in the Scooby Gang.

    This is one of those movies you definitely want to see in the theaters, and the bigger the crowd, the better.

  • For years the Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center has been hosting events that support literacy, but they are great supporters11-10-10-bohemian1.gif of arts and culture, too. Every 4th Friday you can fi nd some sort of concert, performance or exhibit at the Headquarters Library on Maiden Lane, and throughout the year there are assorted performances, events, lectures and competitions that make our community more interesting and engaging. Case in point — the upcoming 5th Annual Bohemian Music and Art Festival on Nov. 14.

    The Pate Room at Headquarters Library will be transformed into a celebration of great music and art from 12 - 7 p.m. Music lovers can look forward to hearing the sounds of some of Fayetteville’s favorite performers who we fi nd all around town on a regular basis — the Chris Cox Band, Robbie Reid Band, Corky Jones, Blues Enigma, The Guruvs, Original Nature, Fat Freddy’s Cat Band, Ray King Percussions and others.

    “It will be highlighting local artists and musicians,” said Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center Headquarters Branch Manager Jane Casto. “The line up has changed a little bit but they are all local. The focus, in the past, has been on blues but Claudia Schwartz is the person who put it together and I think she has tried to get a little of a mix in there. There will be some acoustic, some electric — it is more of a variety.”

    Art enthusiasts will be treated to the works of painter Dorothy Finello, glass artist Shannon Davis, Kerstin Hanson and her chakra inspired jewelry, Robin Deffendall, Jeff Coleman and others.

    “The artists are there all day,” said Casto. “They are there for people to browse and look — and buy. You can purchase music and art and they will give a 20 percent donation to the Friends of the Library.”

    Event organizer Claudia Schwarz added that this is a great way to do some Christmas shopping for those gifts that you just won’t fi nd anywhere else.

    “This is really a chance to not only support local artists and musicians by purchasing their work, but it supports the library, too, and offers a chance for unique gifts as well,” said Schwarz.

    Local belly dancers, Shadows of the Fire, will round out the event with a performance late in the afternoon.

    Bringing such an eclectic group together every year has become something that the event organizers really look forward to. It gives people a chance to come to the library and to do something different.

    “We get a lot of regular customers and new faces, too,” said Casto. “We hope that people will come back just to see what else the library has to offer. We always have a library table of information as well, so we can promote that we have music, we have books on music, we have books on making art — so if it inspires you, you can investigate your creative side at the library.”

    It is not just coming and seeing the musicians, you can come and learn more about a particular technique you’ve seen, or if you want to learn more about music or to listen to music, the folks at the library can do all that.

    The event is appropriate for all ages. “Many people who attend enjoy the fact that they can come and it is not a bar, it is not in a big setting — it is more of an intimate setting where they can really listen and enjoy the music,” said Casto. “It really brings music to a very comfortable secure environment.”

    To find out more, give the library a call at 483-7727.

  • uac111710001.gif For hockey fans, this time of the year is filled with excitement. And for FireAntz hockey fans, the action might be happening on the ice, but it keeps getting hotter as they go out to support their home team.

    Over the years the Fayetteville FireAntz have made a mark on the community, and their fans keep coming back year after year for good times and great hockey. This year promises to be no exception.

    The Fayetteville FireAntz are hitting the ice for the 2010 season with a relatively inexperienced team; however, the community can still expect great things from its home team, according to Kevin McNaught, the president/ general manager of the organization.

    “We lost some veteran players last year, so we had to make more changes than we normally would,” said McNaught. “We only have three veterans returning. We are not rebuilding, we are reloading.”

    The FireAntz are currently seventh in the league with three wins and seven losses.

    Jason Fleming, public relations director for the team, added, “We’ve had a lot of games on the road and that takes a toll.”

    Kevin “We’ve only had two home games because of the events at the Crown forcing us to play on the road. Sunday’s win was pretty big.

    New to the FireAntz this year are 10 players, seven of whom have just finished their college careers. BeefIng up the goal is Adam Avramenko, from Strathmore, Alberta.

    Fleming said Avramenko is coming on strong in the goal and shows a lot of promise.

    He will be joined on the ice by six new forwards: Jeff Borrows, Ryan Salvis, Kyle Warneke, Nathaniel11172010game-21-oct-2010-124.gifBrooks, Cody Zubko and Anthony Pototschnik.

    “We’ve had a lot of talented young forwards,” said Fleming. “Salvis and Zubko have really stepped up early.”

    Strengthening the defensive line are: Myles Gomes, Jordan Behler and Joe DeBello. Debello, Zubko and Salvis have some pro hockey experience under their belts.

    The FireAntz will look for leadership from their returning bench to whip their young team into shape.

    Leading the team this year will be Craig Geerlinks, a defensive player, who was named player/assistant coach and captain for the 2010-2011 season. He is joined by forward Bobby Reed who is the alternate captain and also an assistant coach.

    Fan favorite Rob Sich will also return to the lineup. Sich, whose return to the ice was in question when contract negotiations stalled this summer, is in his fourth season with the FireAntz, and has played his heart out on the ice. Named the 2009-2010 and the 2006-2007 Southern Professional Hockey League MVP, he set the SPHL record with 63 goals in a season.

    Sich is in good company with teammate Chris Leveille who is returning for his second season with the team. Last year, Leveille, a forward, played in 56 games, scored 19 goals and had 65 assists. He was named to the All SPHL team.

    The organization has become a member of the Fayetteville community. The action might take place on the ice, but their hearts are fi rmly in the community. Community support of the team is a partnership that has grown over the years.

    “What we do is quality of life,” said McNaught. “We rely on the community to support us so much, so it is easy for us to give back with appearances and having the players in the schools where they can be role models.”

    Over the past several years the FireAntz have formed lasting partnerships with community agencies like the Women’s Center and the Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center. The organization is also a huge supporter of the military. This week, two of those partnerships will take center ice as the FireAntz host a special military appreciation night and a Blood Donor Center night.

    On Friday, Nov. 19, military groups will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for just $5 at the FireAntz offi ce as the FireAntz take on the Louisiana IceGators. On Dec. 4, the team will host military appreciation night.

    On Saturday, Nov. 20, the FireAntz will play a second match against the IceGators but the spotlight will turn to the Blood Donor Center. This is the fi rst specialty jersey night of the season. The team will sport jerseys specially designed to support the Blood Donor Center. After the game you are going to want to stick around for an auction of the jerseys, with all proceeds going to the Blood Donor Center.

    The following week, the FireAntz are looking forward to hosting what has become an annual event — Thanksgiving Night Hockey!

    “This is only the beginning of our season,” said Fleming. “We’ve had two home games and there are 26 games left between now and March. We are really excited about the season. We have the best fan support in the league and we are really going to turn it on for our fans.”

    For more information, visit www.fireantzhockey.com.

  • uac120110001.gif Twenty years ago when Holden Hansen came up with the idea to stage The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, he had no idea it would become a Fayetteville holiday tradition. But, in keeping with the enduring story that is told in the play, the annual production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (BCPE) has made its way into the hearts of the literally hundreds of area children who have performed in the show, and it has helped to form who they have become today.

    On Dec. 9, the show will open for its 20th season, and Up & Coming Weekly thought there could be no better time to celebrate the show, its casts and the warmth it brings to our holiday season.

    “I often joke with Bo (Thorp) that if I had known the play would have ran this long I would have made her sign a contract so I would get residuals,” said Hansen during a recent telephone interview.

    Hansen, a professor of theater at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, was very involved in children’s theater in the late ‘80s. When Thorp approached him about doing a Christmas performance, he immediately thought about the BCPE.

    “I had directed the play in Waterloo, Iowa, for a children’s theater back in 1983,” he said. “It’s just a brilliant play for anybody who has a program that involves kids on stage. In fact, I think the reason it is brilliant is that art imitates life — it’s a play about putting on a play with children. All the kids don’t have to act — they just have to be themselves. It’s very truthful in that sense.

    Hansen said that children involved in theater learn a lot of the social skills they need in life.

    “They learn deadlines, organization, how to work together. I think they learn things about themselves, and they learn how to communicate,” he said. “These are the kinds of things that any human being needs to learn to succeed. I find the same thing to be true of college students. Quite a number of my students have explained to me that they have this confidence to function in the world that they didn’t have before they were involved in the theater.”

    As to why the play has become interwoven in Fayetteville’s holiday fabric, Hansen noted, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a great story. It touches a chord in people. We often look at the less fortunate as a pariah in our society, so we love to watch these Herdmans succeed. We see their humanity when Imojean sort of becomes enrapt in the beauty of the Christmas story. It just resonates through the theatre. It coincides with the spirit of Christmas — it’s all about love isn’t it?”

    Jenny Beaver was just 12-years-old when she fi rst performed in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. She was cast as the first “Beth” in the play, and kept that role for the following four years.

    “We rehearsed in some old building downtown that didn’t have any heat,” Beaver recalled. “I remember thinking I was really big time, because I was rehearsing for this play in that old building.”

    That was just one of many shows Beaver would perform in at the CFRT, but looking back, it still holds a very special place in her heart.

    “Since I’ve moved back home, I’ve seen it about three times. My sister, Laura, who was also in the show, has never seen it since she stopped being in the play. I hold “Beth” close to my heart, and she holds Gladys close to hers. We talked and she said she just couldn’t watch anyone else being Gladys because she loved it so much,” said Beaver.

    For Beaver, seeing the show brings back the memories of lessons learned on the stage and friendships made. “Growing up in the theatre taught me that not everybody in the world is like me. Because we grow up in the same neighborhoods and go to the same schools, we form our cliques. Theater opened a door to a whole new group of people for me — people I probably wouldn’t have been friends with.”

    She noted that while each director and each cast tries to make its mark on the show, it actually changes little. “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is just perfect.

    The story is so straight to the point. I don’t think you have to add any updates; they just distract from the story.” The story she’s referencing, for those who have not seen the show yet, is that of the Herdmans. They are the meanest kids in town. When they get a chance to takeover the church Christmas play, they do it with a vengeance. While many sat back and waited for the play to fl op, it actually turned out to be... well, you know.

    “Beth’s final speech always makes me cry, and I love when Imojean looks at the baby and she actually understands ‘Unto you a child is born,’” continued Beaver. “I love it when Beth talks about how the Herdmans changed because of the play. Because it gives you a chance to see that people are good — you just have to give them a chance to be good.”

    Broadway performer Grady Bowman, who was in the first two BCPEs, looks back at the show fondly.

    “I played Claude Herdman my first year and Charlie the second year,” said Bowman, who is currently performing in Billy Elliot on Broadway. “As a kid, getting up with the other kids to do something we all loved was great.”

    Then, it was just something to do around the holidays, but after seeing the play a couple of years ago, Bowman has a different perspective on it.

    “I really didn’t get the impact of the show until a couple of years ago when I was home and I went to see it,” he said. “I looked at it as an outsider and was just overwhelmed by the meaning and the story.”

    He recalled that the excitement that Hansen brought to the production resonated through the cast. “Because he was so excited to do the play, it made us as excited and made us want to do what he wanted us to do,” he said. “Really the CFRT, and plays like the BCPE, are the basis for what I am doing today.”

    Tommy Walsh, 17, and currently playing Ralph in the production, has been in the BCPE for eight years. The show helped launch his CFRT career, where he has performed in more than 10 shows and participates in the Performance Troop.

    “I love being on stage, being goofy and wacky, expressing my thoughts on stage and watching the audience react to it,” said Walsh. “Being in the theater has taught me to express myself better and be myself — there’s no judging, you can just be who you are.”

    Laurel Flom, 15, who is playing Beth in the current production, concurs with Walsh. “This is my sixth year doing BCPE. Each year is different, the people are who make the show. It’s really fun going to rehearsals. It’s a very open atmosphere. Everybody accepts everybody else. Being in theater has made me a more wellrounded person. It opens you up to a lot of situations and people.

    “You make a lot of different kinds of friendships with a lot of different people. They are the people you have fun with. They accept you. You don’t have to worry about holding back, you can dance like a fool and everybody will join you.”

    For John Burton, now 10, his first exposure to the BCPE was when he was just 4-years-old. The normally active toddler sat silent and still throughout the play. As he exited the theater with his mom and dad, he said, “I want to be a Herdman.”

    “I just loved that play,” he said. “I thought it looked like so much fun, and the people who were in it looked like they were having fun. So every year after we would see it, I would ask to try out. Last year, I was a shepherd and it was everything I thought it would be. This year, I’m Claude Herdman. I want to be in the play as long as they will let me.”

    The BCPE opens on Thursday, Dec. 9 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 19. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children. For tickets and more information, visit www.cfrt.org.

  •     Syndicated columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. is the featured speaker for the Friends of the Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center’s 9th Annual Author Event and Library Endowment Trust Benefit on Nov. 10 at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, 1209 Hay St. Pitts writes a column that appears in newspapers across the country, including The Fayetteville Observer. His topic for the evening will be “Owning What You Know: The Decline of Reason in Politics & Public Discourse.”
        During his speech, scheduled just a few days after the presidential election, Pitts will discuss “the phenomenon we’re seeing played out in the political sphere right now where phony outrage …and intellectual dishonesty … substitute for any sort of substantive discussion of the issues before us,” Pitts said.
        “I believe part of the reason we as a nation are in the polarized state we’re in is that some seem to have decided that ideological purity is more important than making sense. And until we decide that country does, indeed, come before party, we’re going to keep going around in the same old tiresome circles.”
        When he won the 2004 Pulitzer Prize for commentary, the awards committee commended Pitts for “his fresh, vibrant columns that spoke, with both passion and compassion, to ordinary people on often divisive issues.” His commentaries cover a wide range of topics, from pop culture and family life to social and political issues.
        {mosimage}Pitts began writing professionally in 1976 as an 18-year-old college student. He began doing freelance reviews and profiles for SOUL, a black entertainment tabloid, and two years later, he was its editor. In the years since then, his work has appeared in such publications as Musician, Spin, TV Guide, Reader’s Digest and Parenting.
        He joined The Miami Herald in 1991 as its pop music critic. Since 1994, he has written a syndicated column of commentary that is now read by millions of people. Pitts will sign copies of his book Becoming Dad: Black Men and the Journey to Fatherhood, first published in 1999. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Born and raised in Southern California, he lives in Maryland with his wife and five children.
        A benefit reception to meet Pitts before his presentation will be held at 6 p.m. in the Glass Block Room of the theatre. Tickets are $85 for one or $150 for two. Please call 483-7727 ext. 119 for reception tickets or more details. General admission tickets are $10 and may be purchased at City Center Gallery, 112 Hay Street. All proceeds benefit the Library Endowment Trust.
        This year’s sponsors for the author event are: SYSTEL®; The Fayetteville Observer; Carlos and Terri Union Zukowski; Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville; Jim and Shirley Konneker; Lynn and Karl Legatski; Matlack Sales and Marketing, Inc.; Joyce and Ole Sorensen; Sharon Valentine; and www.OldMountainPress.com.
  • 19Though retailers may begin playing holiday tunes as soon as Thanksgiving is over, for many people, no date on the calendar marks the beginning of the holiday season better than the day they pick up their Christmas tree.

    There are many different ways to acquire a Christmas tree. Some people prefer artificial Christmas trees that can be stored and taken out each year. Others make a yearly expedition to a tree lot or a Christmas tree farm to find the perfect fir or spruce.

    Historians believe a man named W.V. McGallard planted 25,000 Norway spruce seedlings at his Mercer County, New Jersey farm in 1901, essentially establishing the first commercial Christmas tree farm.

    By 1908, customers could visit the farm and choose trees for $1 each. McGallard helped create an entirely new industry that now accounts for 350 million trees being grown and sold in the United States every year.
    Selecting a Christmas tree may not take more than an hour or two, but there are ways for families and other tree shoppers to maximize their time spent looking for a tree.

    Bring refreshments. Couple Christmas tree shopping with picnicking if the weather is amenable. Pack some foldable chairs into the vehicle (sitting on the ground on a blanket may be too cold) and bring along thermoses of coffee or hot cocoa. Snacks like granola bars, Christmas cookies or other filling treats can keep everyone satisfied and energized while they shop for a tree.

    Pair tree shopping with a trip to see lighting displays. Find the tree lot or tree farm and then scope out potentially scenic spots to view holiday lighting displays nearby. Up & Coming Weekly is a good resource to learn about light displays in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Read about the Cape Fear Botanical Garden light display on page 12 of this issue. For decorating ideas, take A Christmas Tour of Homes presented by Heritage Square Historical Society on Dec. 4. One of the stops is the MacPherson House Bed & Breakfast. Read more about it on page 13 of this issue.

    Plan a night out. Everyone may be tired and hungry after a long day of Christmas tree hunting. Plus, it’s typically a good idea to wait some time for boughs to open before decorating. Use this opportunity to dine out and return home ready to decorate. Make it a regular occurrence that Christmas tree shopping is followed by a family meal at a favorite restaurant.

    Watch a classic film. Many different holiday movies are broadcast this time of year and each enhances the Christmas spirit. There are also countless movies available through streaming services. While putting up the tree, play a favorite film in the background. What better way to enjoy decorating your own tree than by watching Charlie Brown adorn his meager evergreen at the same time?

    Make a day of selecting and putting up the Christmas tree each year. Doing so can enhance the holidays and make for an entertaining way to spend time together as a couple or family.

  • 16dThe Gilbert Theater invites audiences to enjoy one of the greatest musicals of all time this holiday season. From Nov. 25 to Dec. 18, Maria and the entire Von Trapp family will grace the stage for the theater’s production of “The Sound of Music.”

    Since its theatrical release in 1965, the multi-award-winning musical collaboration between Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II has become a beloved fixture on the cultural landscape. Spawning hit songs like “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” and the infectious “Do-Re-Mi,” it’s a show that’s sure to delight audiences of all ages.

    The musical tells the story of handsome but gruff widower Captain Georg Von Trapp and Maria, the governess who comes to teach his seven children. Through music and song, Maria brings light and love into the Von Trapp home as the realities of war threaten to destroy the idyllic life they’ve created.

    It’s an enduring story of family, hope, and the power of love — perfect for the holiday season.16b

    “This show speaks Christmas to so many people. I know it does to my family and me,” said actor and director Chris Walker, who’ll be playing Captain Von Trapp.
    Co-director Brian Adam Kline also attributes the show’s feel-good themes to its enduring popularity. “It’s a musical of hope,” Kline stated. “It’s a story that gives us hope in a dark time.”

    One challenge with a show as recognizable and as grand as “The Sound of Music” is the need to scale back. While there might not be rolling green hills or the Von Trapp’s palatial family home as a backdrop, Kline, and co-director Robynne Parrish have sought to create a show that is still large in feel.

    “It’s a big show, written for a big stage, and the challenge comes in putting it in a black box setting,” Kline explained. “You have to get creative with space and movement.”

    According to Jean Jamison, who’ll be playing the Mother Abbess, the result is an “intimate show that really works.”

    16cUp & Coming Weekly spoke with the production’s star, Helen Steffan, about playing Maria Von Trapp, a role made famous by iconic actress Julie Andrews.

    “This is a dream role for a lot of people,” she shared. “It’s so fun to do it with a great cast. I grew up in this theater; it’s really sweet to work with the same people who have helped me throughout my career.”

    The show’s three-week run will provide a great opportunity for families who want to end a day of holiday shopping with a night at the theater. An 8 p.m. show is available on Friday and Saturday, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday and Sunday. The show has a run-time of two hours with an intermission — perfect for a day out with the family or a cozy holiday date night.

    The Gilbert Theater is located at 116 Green Street in downtown Fayetteville.

    General admission tickets are $20 for adults, with discounted tickets available for students, teachers, and the military. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.gilberttheater.com/.

    Photos by Sheila D. Barker

  • 16aOn Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, the North Carolina State Ballet and Charlotte Blume School of Dance will present "The Nutcracker" at the Crown Theater at 3 p.m.

    “We’ve changed bits and pieces of our choreography to add some excitement and fun [this year],” Dina Lewis, Charlotte Blume's Studio Manager, said.

    Charlotte Blume’s Nutcracker is the “oldest grandfathered production” at the Crown Theater.

    “It’s fun. We’ve been rehearsing all summer,” Lewis said. “Right now it’s a seven-day-a-week job, and we can’t wait to get this thing on stage.”

    Originally from Texas, Charlotte Blume started the school in the mid-1950s, bringing artistic professionalism to the Fayetteville region by teaching ballet, her own top-flight training pedigree and her insistence on high standards and authenticity.

    “The dance studio is [the] Charlotte Blume School of Dance, but we also have a ballet company,” Lewis said. “North Carolina State Ballet... and it’s been around forever.”

    According to the dance studio, no other local dance studio used mirrors or bars before Blume's arrival.

    “We are as close to a pre-professional company as you can get without going professional,” Lewis said.

    For many, participating in Blume’s productions and studying at her studio has helped win admission to top colleges. She taught Fayetteville’s prominent families as well as the less fortunate. Within the studio, all were treated equally.

    The Charlotte Blume School of Dance presents more of a traditional Nutcracker than other productions in the area.

    Blume’s absolute devotion to merit made her somewhat of a de facto civil rights pioneer. In Fayetteville, the first students were Black. White families quietly boycotted her integrated operation until their daughters insisted that they, too, wanted to receive the finest instruction.

    In the South, Blume welcomed white and Black students equally. There was never any question that they would learn together in the same classes and that the prime dancing parts would go to those students who worked hard and showed talent.

    Blume passed away in 2016, but the studio continues to produce similar, traditional ballet studios with "classically-trained students."

    "If you go to New York and you’ve seen our production, you’ll see something very similar,” Lewis said.

    “All of the girls you see on stage are literally working seven days a week to prepare for this Nutcracker performance, Lewis said.

    Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Crown Complex Box Office or online at CrownComplexNC.com.

    “We’re different than other dance studios in Fayetteville,” Lewis said. “I’m very firm, and the girls are so precious because they know my motto: it’s ‘we,’ not ‘me.’”

    Charlotte Blume is located at 1312 Morganton Road, “literally in the heart of Haymount.” For more information, visit BlumeSchoolOfDance.com or www.facebook.com/charlotteblumeschoolofdance.

    “[Ballet] is a dying art,” Lewis said. “There’s a lot of reverence for that stage, [and] we teach the girls that you have to respect each other... the stage, and when you hit it, you’re going to nail it every single time.”

  • 15cThe Dance Theatre of Fayetteville will perform "The Nutcracker" at Methodist University on Dec. 2, 3, and 4, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday will be a 3 p.m. matinee.

    "We do the whole Act One with the party scene [and] with the mice and soldiers,” Artistic Director Leslie Dumas said. “Act Two is when Clara is in her dream, and the Land of Sweets.”

    "The Nutcracker" is a beloved two-act Christmas ballet created by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1892 and has been synonymous with the North American Christmas season since the 1960s.

    “We try to keep it Victorian as much as possible,” Dumas said. “We try to keep costumes looking older, not modern.”

    The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville has been performing "The Nutcracker" for over 20 years. As a nonprofit, the studio gets children involved with other duties, like passing out fliers or putting fliers up.

    “We are a children’s Nutcracker,” Dumas said. “We take any dancers [in the Nutcracker production as long as they’re in a dance class somewhere].”

    Behind the production, there are a lot of dedicated parents who dress, monitor and help the kids on stage.

    “Our Nutcracker is fun for the kids,” Dumas said. “We make it very kid-oriented, [and] small children come because they see other small kids dancing.”

    This Nutcracker production will be slightly different from others because there will be some tumbling during the Russian Dance. The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville is inside Countryside Gymnastics.

    The Russian Dance is in the second act, Dumas said.

    “There’s lots of ballet stuff in it, so I work with the gym [and] the boys help me out with tumbling because my dancers aren’t tumblers.”

    Tickets can be purchased in advance, $12 for adults and $7 for students between grades K-12. Tickets at the door will be $15 per adult and $7 for K-12 students. Kids under 5 get to watch the show for free.

    “We have five different dance studios in the area, and we’re always welcoming new dance studios,” Dumas said.

    Anne Clark founded this rendition of "The Nutcracker" in the 1970s, and when she retired, Dumas took over.

    “I’ve been working [The Nutcracker] since she retired," Dumas said. “We have all of our performances at Methodist.”

    The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville is located at 330 McArthur Road, inside Countryside Gymnastics. For more information about "The Nutcracker" and Dance Theatre, visit www.dancetheatreoffayetteville.org

    "The Nutcracker" is a beautiful way to start December, according to the Dance Theatre of Fayetteville, and this will be the first year since the pandemic began that there will be no COVID-19 protocol.

    The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville’s performances are scheduled Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m. in the Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University. Methodist University is located on the north side of town at 5400 Ramsey Street.

  • 18The official installation holiday tree for Fort Bragg has arrived and has been decorated for the holiday season.
    The 24-foot North Carolina Fraser Fir is planned to be the center piece for the 20th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony planned on Dec. 3. This ceremony will officially kick off the holiday season for Fort Bragg service members, civilians, and their families.

    “The holiday season is a time when we come together as a community to celebrate,” said Col. John Wilcox, Fort Bragg Garrison Commander.

    “From the moment the tree arrives, to the final decorations with ornaments showing all the major commands on the installation, the tree is symbolic of our connection with each other and the strength of our people. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our tree lighting ceremony with all of our neighbors, and officially celebrate the start of the holiday season here on Fort Bragg.”

    The ceremony will kick off at 4 p.m. Highlights will include performances from the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus, the Golden Knights, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a Winter Wonderland light display, face painting, cookie decorating, food and drink vendors -- all culminating with the lighting of the holiday tree.

    One difference this year is that the Family of the Year will be announced before the Christmas Tree Lighting, not during. Fort Bragg’s annual Family of the Year ceremony will take place 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Main Post Chapel.

    Families are nominated for Family of the Year by their units based on the level of involvement of the Family, their contributions to the unit, as well as the community.

    “It is important to note that military Families demonstrate resiliency in their everyday live through supporting each other during unexpected challenges and while celebrating each other’s victories,” said Liz Dailey, Supervisory Army Community Service Specialist.

    “This is the time to honor and recognize those who embody the spirit of selfless service and take that extra step to help others within their community and the Army as a whole.”

    The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at the Main Post Parade Field. Military families who want a tree of their own at Fort Bragg can receive a free Christmas tree as well.

    The Trees for Troops program is back this year to partner with Fort Bragg's Family and Morale Welfare and Recreation, FedEx, the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation and tree farmers across the country to give out 600 trees. During the busy weeks leading up to Christmas, FedEx will deliver more than 15,000 real trees to 84 military bases.

    The donated Christmas trees are free for active-duty service members E-6 and below. Tree vouchers will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis at Leisure Travel Services.

    Trees will be given out starting at 8 a.m. at the Smith Lake Recreation Area on Friday, Dec. 2. Those with a voucher and a valid Department of Defense identification card can pick up their tree. They will stop distributing trees at noon.

  • 15bIt’s time, once again, for the Cape Fear Regional Theatre's beloved production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” The annual show, now in its 31st year, will open on Saturday, Dec. 3, and run every Tuesday through Sunday until Dec. 18.

    The classic Christmas story based on the 1971 novel of the same name by Barbara Robinson tells the story of a couple desperate to put together the church Christmas pageant despite the involvement of the notorious Herdman kids. Through mischief, mayhem, and absolute chaos, the Herdmans teach the whole town about the season’s true meaning — with plenty of laughs along the way.
    Adapted as a play by Robinson in 1982, the show has been a popular production for schools and community theatres ever since. This year’s production will be directed by the CFRT’s Education Associate, Jennifer Sell.

    Up & Coming Weekly spoke with CFRT’s Education Director, Marc de la Concha, about what makes this show so special for audiences.

    “It’s a big tradition here in Fayetteville; people love the story,” he shared. “The kids love to do it every year. They love playing the parts. It’s classic. Many kids come to see this play as a field trip for school and then want to be a part of it later on.”

    Having only skipped one year due to COVID-19 restrictions, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a holiday tradition that waits to greet children, their parents and other community members every year. Parents who may have once graced the stage as children can now cheer on their own children as the enduring story of the Herdmans comes around to delight families.

    In a casting shift different from what it was prior to COVID, children and older teens now make up the bulk of the cast, even filling roles traditionally written for adults. De la Concha sees it as a great move that gets more children interested in the arts, an endeavor extremely close to the theater’s heart.

    “We have a good mix of kids from the area,” de la Concha stated. “We’re excited to see more schools join us, and we love seeing kids in the building around the holidays. We’re excited to have students come and see people their age on stage. We let them know they can come audition next year.”

    To that end, de la Concha encourages children of all ages to audition when the time comes. “We have roles for as young as six all the way up to college — all are welcome.”15a

    The theatre offers shows throughout the week, making “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” a holiday must-do for the whole family. The play is a wonderful field trip opportunity for the city's large home school population and would also make a fun outing for a playdate as the weather gets chillier.

    “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is an hour of Christmas magic suitable for all ages. It’s the perfect opportunity for families and the Fayetteville community to come together and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.

    CFRT is located at 1209 Hay Street. For tickets or more information, contact the box office at 910-323-4233 or visit www.cfrt.org/. Performances are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $13.50 to $18.50.

  • 14cThe Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra presents their Brass Ensemble in a festive concert, “Holiday Brass." This performance will be on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Haymount United Methodist Church on Fort Bragg Road.

    “This event is an opportunity for the community to get into the holiday spirit with the Brass Ensemble here at the Fayetteville Symphony,” said Meghan Woolbright, marketing and office manager of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. “Selected pieces include Tchaikovsky’s Suite from the Nutcracker, Leontovich’s Carol of the Bells and Christmas holiday favorites such as Little Drummer Boy, O Come, O Come Emmanuel and more.”

    Other selected pieces include the holiday classics like Victor Herbert's March of the Toys, Claude Debussy's Footprints in the Snow, Johann Sebastian Bach's Christmas Oratorio No. 62 “Now may your proud foes be afraid," and Gustav Holst's Christmas Day.

    The music director of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is Stefan Sanders. Prior to coming to Fayetteville, Stefan was one of five featured conductors at the League of American Orchestras “Bruno Walter National Conductor Preview.”

    “He is also the musical director for the Central Texas Philharmonic and has been with us since 2017,” said Woolbright. “He brings a lot of energy to the performance... he is full of energy and we are lucky to have him here with us.”

    “We have quite a few local musicians in the Brass Ensemble from here, one coming out of Winston-Salem, Myrtle Beach and Charlotte,” Woolbright told Up & Coming Weekly. “I know that it is going to be an excellent performance.”

    The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1956 in Fayetteville. It is a professional regional orchestra whose mission is to educate, entertain and inspire the citizens of the Fayetteville, North Carolina region as the leading musical resource. Praised for its artistic excellence, the Symphony leads in the cultural and educational landscape for Fayetteville and the southeastern North Carolina region.

    “We are really excited to share the holiday spirit with our community,” said Woolbright. “Please come out and enjoy this festive and fun performance.”

    This is a season concert performance so season ticket holders can attend. The 2022-2023 season has a total of seven concerts. This will be the third concert of the season.
    For those who are not season ticket holders, they can buy tickets for $32. Tickets can be purchased on the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra's website and at the door the evening of the event.
    The box office opens one hour prior to the concert and the pre-concert talks begin 45 minutes prior to the concert.

    Seniors, military and Cumberland County School employees receive 20% off for their ticket. College student tickets are $8. Children tickets are $5.
    For more information call (910) 433-4690 or visit www.fayettevillesymphony.org.

     

  • 10b The progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS has been remarkable. According to amfAR (formerly known as the American Foundation for AIDS Research), annual deaths from AIDS-related causes declined by 43 percent between 2010 and 2020. Much of that decline can be credited to increased access to antiretroviral therapies. In 2010, just 7.7 million people across the globe had access to such treatments. By 2020, 27.5 million people had access to such treatments, which reflects the tireless efforts of various advocacy groups determined to help people overcome HIV/AIDS.

    Ongoing efforts to educate individuals across the globe also has helped in the fight against HIV/AIDS. COVID-19 has dominated headlines since the World Health Organization first declared a pandemic in March 2020, and that may give the false impression that HIV/AIDS is no longer a significant threat, particularly in the developed world. However, amfAR reports that 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and roughly 14 percent of them are unaware that they’re infected. Learning more about HIV/AIDS may compel individuals to be tested, which in turn can lead them to seek potentially lifesaving therapies.

    What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

    HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV resides and multiplies in the white blood cells, which are immune cells that typically protect the body from disease. As HIV grows in an infected person, specific immune cells are damaged or even killed. That weakens the immune system and leaves infected individuals vulnerable to a range of additional infections or illnesses, including pneumonia and cancer. amfAR notes that AIDS is diagnosed when an individual experiences these additional conditions or loses a significant amount of immune cells.

    Is AIDS inevitable after an HIV diagnosis?

    Though HIV can be a precursor to AIDS, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services notes that most individuals in the United States who have been diagnosed with HIV do not develop AIDS. That’s thanks to HIV medicine that stops the progression of the disease when it’s taken every day as prescribed.

    Can virally suppressed people being treated for HIV transmit the virus?

    One of the most noteworthy developments in recent years in regard to antiretroviral therapies was the discovery that such treatments can eliminate the risk of transmission to uninfected partners. According to amfAR, which sponsored one of the key studies in this area, when individuals with HIV take their antiretroviral therapies as prescribed to achieve lasting viral suppression, they completely remove the risk of transmitting HIV to uninfected partners. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made that declaration in 2019.

    Are treatments for HIV curative?

    Though HIV medications help individuals diagnosed with the virus live normal, healthier lives, such treatments are not cures. Individuals must continue to adhere to their antiretroviral treatments to keep the virus suppressed and avoid transmitting it to their partners. Researchers continue to make remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Individuals can do their part by learning about HIV/AIDS and taking measures to protect themselves and their loved ones. More information is available at www.amfar.org.

  • 14bThe Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex is preparing to celebrate the holidays by looking at the past.

    The first event of the season is the opening of the new exhibit of the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex: “Carolina Holiday: Holiday Traditions of the Past.”

    This special exhibit highlights objects and traditions that people in North Carolina from the late 1800s to the 1960s experienced during the holiday season. Artifacts like early electric Christmas lights and glass-blown ornaments intersect with food traditions like Christmas cookies and Chanukah latkes to show guests how the holidays were celebrated across North Carolina. Some of the artifacts were donated by members of the Beth Israel Congregation.

    This exhibit opened to the public on Nov. 25 and will close on Jan. 6.
    Their second event of the season is the annual Holiday Jubilee at 1897 Poe House. The historic home will be elaborately decorated for a Victorian Christmas. The 1902 Glenwood stove will be used to cook food, and costumed interpreters will be stationed throughout the house as people walk through.

    On the same day of the Jubilee, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available for free photos with kids on the second floor of the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. Visitors can also make their own scrap ornaments and visit the “Carolina Holiday” exhibit, which showcases nostalgic holiday items and traditions of the past.

    Outside, there will be a Christmas concert taking place on the front porch of the 1897 Poe House. Both the Coventry Carolers and the Cross Creek Chordsmen will be performing for 30 minutes. Accompanying the performances will be complimentary hot cider and cookies. These will be provided by the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex Foundation.

    The Holiday Jubilee will take place on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 to 5 p.m. This is a free event open to the public.14a
    For those who cannot attend the event, the 1897 Poe House will keep its Christmas decorations up through Jan. 8 and will be open for Christmas-themed tours. Join costumed museum docents on a very special guided tour of 1897 Poe House this Holiday Season. You will learn about Victorian Christmas traditions and get to see the house fully decked out for the holidays.

    Costumed tours will be available on Dec. 7, 10, 14, 17, 18, 21 and 28. Tours will be available Tuesday through Friday during the week at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Saturday tours will be given on the hour from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. and Sundays on the hour from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m. Tours of the house are free.

  • 10a​​On Dec. 1, we wear red ribbons to support the people living with HIV and honor those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. This day serves as the worldwide united fight against HIV.

    As one of the most destructive pandemics in modern history, 38 million people have died of the virus, and an estimated 105,000 are living with HIV. HIV was identified in 1984.

    Last summer, our area made headlines for ranking sixth in the nation for newly diagnosed AIDS cases and fifth in the country for newly diagnosed HIV cases. For 2022, inner body research shows Fayetteville, North Carolina, as tenth in the nation for new Sexually Transmitted Disease cases. The NC Communicable Disease Branch reports that there have been 56 newly diagnosed HIV infections for Cumberland County residences between January and September of this year. Cumberland County trails Mecklenburg County, Wake County, and Guilford County in the number of new cases.

    The nonprofit Cumberland County HIV Task Force (CCHIVTF) is in action to combat this local problem. The organization has been around for over 35 years to provide information and education to the community and is funded by the Southern AIDS Coalition. Jovon McLean serves as Chairman, and Barbara Carraway serves as the organization's Secretary. Together they recently started a podcast on Youtube, "Let’s Be Real."

    In conversations about HIV, McLean says, “We want to invite unusual partners to the table."

    CCHIVTF meets virtually the first Tuesday of the month from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. A zoom link can be requested from their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cchivtf/
    Fayetteville PRIDE will host an awareness campaign and a virtual fundraiser on World AIDS Day to support Community Health Intervention Specialty Clinic, located at 2409 Murchinson Road. Community Health

    Interventions conducts finger prick testing and distributes PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) through the Fayetteville community.

    “The fight for humanity is everyone’s fight for equality,” Kathy Greggs, Fayetteville PRIDE Board Member, says.

    The digital fundraiser can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fayncpride/.

    In partnership with Southern Regional AHEC White Part B Program and Cumberland County HIV Task Force, The Arts Council will host the exhibit “Tear It Down,” which will center around HIV, Faith, and Breaking Stigma. The art exhibit will feature local artists Khalil Coleman, Dominique Wright, Tony Taylor Jr., and Dontre Perry. The display is open to the public and will run from Dec. 1 to Dec. 16.

    The World AIDS Day Celebration and Art Gallery Opening will be at the Arts Council in downtown Fayetteville on Dec. 1. The doors will open at 6 p.m., and the celebration will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. This fun-filled evening will include Hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and outstanding local artwork. The dress code for the event is business casual/semi-formal. To RSVP, send an email to cumberlandhivgala@gmail.com to ensure guest accommodations. If you have any questions, please call 910-678-7270.

    World AIDS Day is an important reminder to the public and the government that HIV has not disappeared. The need is still there to increase awareness, raise money, fight prejudice, and improve education.

  • 13aThere's nothing quite so pleasing as a home fully decked out for the holidays. The image of twinkling lights, boughs of holly draped over the door, and wreaths of evergreen hung neatly in the window has become synonymous with the season.

    While mechanical reindeer and light-up Santas are a fun take on front yard decor, there's a little bit of magic in stepping back in time to see houses over a century old, decorated as they once might have been.
    After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 concerns, the Heritage Square Historical Society is back and once again ready to share its much beloved Christmas Tour of Homes for 2022.

    A major fundraising event for the Heritage Square Historical Society, A Christmas Tour of Homes, has been held on the first Sunday in December for the past 25 years. This year it will take place on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can take a fascinating self-guided tour of five historic homes in the Haymount area of Fayetteville and see them outfitted in classic holiday regalia.

    As with every year, the Historical Society will open the doors to the Sandford House to greet guests and officially start the tour. Once inside, guests can marvel at the classic Georgian architecture outfitted in beautiful holiday decor and enjoy some light refreshments.

    Sandford House, the two-story, federal-style crown jewel of Heritage Square, was built in 1797 by one of the first ruling elders of First Presbyterian Church, Duncan McLeran.
    Since then, the Sandford House has undergone several owners and fulfilled various functions—even serving as a women's dormitory for unmarried workers during World War II—before coming under the ownership of the Women's Club of Fayetteville, who have worked tirelessly to maintain it.

    The Christmas Tour is an opportunity for people to witness the fruits of their labor and get a taste of Fayetteville's history.13b
    In addition to Sandford House, the tour will also feature four private residences. This year, those homes belong to Nancy and Mike Karaman of Willow Bend Lane, Kim and David Hasty at the former site of Fayetteville Haney School, and Misha Vause on Valley Road.

    "We have generous homeowners that allow us to show their beautifully decorated homes for Christmas," shared Heritage Square Historical Society President Lynda Deaton. "It is always so festive, and individuals taking the tours go home with many fabulous ideas for their own holiday decorating."

    A new addition to the tour this year is the MacPherson House Bed and Breakfast at 701 Hay St. Owners Katie and Michael Stevick, along with their two young children, were honored to be invited as a stop on this year's tour and spent about a week getting it decorated for guests, according to property manager Mary Webb.

    Dressed in period clothing, Webb will take guests on a guided tour of the historic property built in 1920. In addition, guests will be treated to coffee, tea, and light refreshments during their visit.
    Having grown up in a similar house, Webb is more than excited to share the beauty and charm of the season with guests.

    "I love the historical houses," Webb shared with Up & Coming Weekly. "Anything you can do to decorate them and get them to be seen is wonderful."

    A donation of $25 pays for a ticket to the tour, and proceeds are used to support all three historical sites of Heritage Square. These structures include The Sandford House, Oval Ballroom, and the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks Home—all listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

    13cThe Heritage Square Historial Society of North Carolina is a non-profit organization supported by membership dues, special grants, fundraisers, and individual donations.
    In advance of the tour, visitors may purchase tickets at the following locations: The Pilgrim (Westwood Shopping Center), Betty Kelly's Gift Shop (1228 Ft. Bragg Rd.), City Center Gallery & Books (112 Hay St.),

    High Cotton Consignment (2800-4 Raeford Rd.), SACKS 2 (3035-B Boone Trail), Bell's Seed Store (230 E. Russell St.).

    To purchase tickets on the event day, visit The Sandford House at 225 Dick Street.

    For more information, call (910)-483-6009.

  • 9For the first time in nine years, enrollment in UNC System schools is down this year, particularly in graduate programs. For fall 2022, there was a total headcount of 239,663 students across the system, down about 2% over the previous year. Of the 16 institutions in the system, 12 saw decreases in enrollment. Four saw increases.

    Enrollment in graduate programs was down 7%, and transfer student enrollment was down again for a fourth year, now at the lowest since 2013. The report also showed that the percentage of minority students enrolling has increased for the 10th consecutive year. In 2022, one out of every three students in the UNC System are classified as an underrepresented minority student.

    The 2022 UNC Fall Enrollment Report was presented to the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors’ Committee on Educational Planning, Policies, and Programs for discussion.

    “External projections anticipated a significant dip in North Carolina high school graduates in 2022 and significant national declines over the next decade,” report author David English, acting senior vice president for academic affairs, wrote.

    The report also showed that demand from out of state has led to four schools exceeding their capped enrollment of out-of-state freshmen. In 1986, the UNC BOG set that the 16 UNC System schools must limit the number of out-of-state students as a percentage of the first-time freshmen coming on campus. Over the years, system schools have opposed the caps, asking that they be increased. The policy was adjusted in 2022 to be a percentage of the previous year’s enrollment.

    For 2022, the caps were 50% for Elizabeth State University, 35% for Fayetteville State University and Winston-Salem State University, 25% for North Carolina Central University and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and 18% percent for the rest of the institutions, like UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State.

    “The UNC System saw significant enrollment demand from first-time freshmen outside North Carolina for the fall of 2022, demand that far exceeded capacity for out-of-state freshmen,” the report read.

    The report followed a vote by the UNC Board of Governors earlier this month in favor of fining N.C. A&T $2 million for enrolling more out-of-state students than permitted, hitting 41% of the freshman class being out-of-state. The vote came after the school exceeded the cap for two consecutive years. N.C. State, UNCW, and WCU also exceeded their caps, but by lower percentages. The three schools were notified that they would be fined if they exceed the cap again next year.

    The report also predicted that nationwide college enrollment declines are expected through the coming decade and beyond, particularly in the Midwest and northern states. Substantial shifts in population indicate that by 2037, only states in the South and West will have more high school graduates than they did in 2019.

    “In the coming decade, the substantial enrollment declines in the Northeast, Midwest, and West will cause colleges and universities in those regions to become more aggressive in recruiting students from the South, including North Carolina,” the report read.

  • 12cThe Cape Fear Botanical Garden is beautiful any time of the year, but during December, it’s lit. The 12th Annual Holiday Lights at the Garden is coming up and has become a tradition for many families. Not only will the garden have lights throughout, but it’s a great addition for any family celebrating Christmas.

    This annual event has become a staple for the Gardens.

    “Not only is Holiday Lights at the Garden one of the primary ways guests have the opportunity to experience the Garden for the first time, and a special memory-making time for our guests, but it also serves as a key fundraising event to support our gardens, education events, therapeutic horticulture programs and other functions of the garden in pursuit of our mission to bring our community closer to plants and the natural world,” said Sheila Hanrick, director of marketing for the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

    Santa will be there for kids and photos. S’mores will be available at the bonfire. Crafts and games will be plenty for kids and adults who are kids at heart.

    New this year will be the showing of the movie “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” at the Gazebo. There will also be a scavenger hunt, aptly named “The Best Christmas Scavenger Hunt Ever,” with nightly prizes. For those who want to make sure their letter gets straight to Santa, there will be a drop-off spot for letters.

    There will also be live music and performances from local dance troupes. These performances will vary depending on the availability of the entertainment each night.12d
    Food and drinks will be available from food trucks and the Garden Bar. For those who need to do last-minute holiday shopping, the Garden Gift Shop will be open, as well as a Vendor Market, featuring local artisans.

    “We have a few other surprises, too, that we know our visitors will enjoy,” Hanrick said.

    There will be a complimentary preview night on Dec. 1, which will be free to members, sponsors and donors. The event will run from Dec. 2 through Dec. 22 – every weekend in December and nightly from Dec. 16 through Dec. 22.

    “Advance tickets are highly recommended,” Hanrick said. “Many of our nights will sell out. Tickets are date and time specific for entry to help reduce parking and entry delays, but once you enter, your experience is self-directed, and you can stay as long as you’d like.”

    Ticket prices range from $6 to $14. They can be bought at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/26840/cape-fear-botanical-garden. For more information, call 910-486-0221.

  • Cumberlan Co logo The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted 5-2 last week in favor of two new ordinances designed to remove homeless individuals from parking or camping on county-owned property. Because the vote did not pass unanimously, County Attorney Rick Moorefield said the proposed ordinances require a second reading. The second reading, which could happen at the Dec. 5 meeting, also must pass on a majority vote.

    Commissioners Larry Lancaster, Jeannette Council, Glenn Adams, Michael Boose and Jimmy Keefe voted to amend the current county parking ordinance and enact a new ordinance to prohibit camping or establishing campsites on county property. Commissioners Toni Stewart and Charles Evans voted against the change.

    The city of Fayetteville adopted an ordinance Aug. 8 making camping unlawful on city-owned property, which according to Moorefield, will likely shift homeless people previously camping in the city parking lot across from the downtown library to the library property.

    During his presentation to county commissioners, Moorefield said that as the city continues to enforce its ordinance, it is likely more campsites will be shifted to county property. The library is already experiencing human waste being dumped in the dumpsters and people urinating and defecating in the storm drain grate and urinating on the public walkways on the property. The ordinance prohibiting camping and parking unlicensed vehicles on county property is intended to avoid the public nuisance created by people staying on the property overnight.

    Moorefield recommended the amendment to the ordinance regulating parking on county property, and the ordinance prohibiting camping on county property be adopted. Under state law, the commissioners could create those ordinances without a public hearing, Moorefield said.
    Moorefield said both the parking amendment and the new camping ordinance are short and direct and will not result in penalties or criminal charges.

    Unlawful Parking

    The amendment to the ordinance would make it “unlawful to willfully park any vehicle in any county-owned parking lot which does not display a current license plate.”
    This ordinance applies to any county-owned property within Cumberland County, including all county-owned property in municipalities within the county. The county does not have the jurisdiction to apply those ordinances within municipalities unless it is county-owned property within the municipalities, Moorefield said.

    Camping

    The ordinance defines a camp or camping as sleeping, preparing to sleep (including lying down or the laying down of bedding for the purpose of sleeping); storing personal belongings; the placement of tents, huts, or tarps; or parking a motor vehicle, motor home, trailer, or any other type of structure for living accommodation purposes. The proposed ordinance declares camping on county property a public nuisance.

    In a memo to commissioners, Moorefield stated that the use of county property for camping interferes with the rights of others to use the property for its intended use and the accumulation of trash, garbage, or waste, and the lack of sanitary disposal facilities at camping sites create conditions which constitute a public nuisance.

    To avoid a public health nuisance being created by the accumulation of trash, garbage, or waste, and the lack of sanitary disposal facilities, camping or establishing a camp on county property is prohibited. According to the ordinance, anyone camping or establishing a camp on county property shall be deemed trespassing on county property.

    The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office has the authority to enforce this ordinance by giving notice of trespass to anyone camping or establishing a camp on county property. The sheriff also has the authority to direct violators to remove, within an appropriate amount of time, all of their personal property at the campsite.

    The sheriff also can ask the county manager to dispatch appropriate county staff to remove any personal property not removed from the site within the time directed. While that happens, the Sheriff’s Office shall keep a sworn law enforcement officer on site while county employees are there to remove personal property.

    Anyone notified that they are trespassing for camping or establishing a camp on county property shall be subject to being charged with trespass if they come onto the same county property again. The ordinance would have been effective immediately upon its unanimous adoption by the Board of Commissioners.
    Commissioner Charles Evans suggested that one segment of the community brought this proposed action forward against another segment of the community.

    “We are going out of our way to target homeless individuals,” Commissioner Evans said.

    Moorefield countered, saying it was brought forward by people sleeping at the library.

    Commissioner Toni Stewart also voted against the proposed ordinances. She kept asking, “What are the options? We don’t have any options, they (homeless) don’t have any options.”
    Commissioner Jimmy Keefe was of another opinion. He said his children, as well as other children he is aware of, no longer use the Maiden Lane library because of the vagrancy surrounding the library. Keefe said he empathized with the homeless situation, but asked fellow commissioners to think about the purpose of a library.

    “Maybe we should close the library and turn it into a homeless shelter,” he said.

    Stewart countered, saying the county has an obligation to all children, including those who are homeless.
    Adams, the board chairman, noted that both sides of the argument made good points. He called the homeless situation a multi-faceted problem with no easy solutions.

    Other business

    In other business, the board unanimously voted to hire architectural firm Ewing Cole for the proposed Crown Event Center. The firm is headquartered in San Diego with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh. County Manager Amy Cannon also asked the board for permission to start contract negotiations for a refined scope of services and final price, which will come before the board for approval.

    Sales tax distribution

    Adams previously asked Cannon to review for information purposes only the county’s current tax distribution method with municipalities.
    Cannon said the board’s Audit and Finance Committee met on Aug. 1 to review information on the sales tax distribution inter-local agreement that expires on June 30, 2023.

    At that meeting, the county manager shared the history of the agreement, sales tax distribution amounts per the agreement and the impact of a distribution change to ad valorem.
    Cannon told commissioners that the county received the final sales tax distribution in October for FY2022. The sales tax impact under both per capita and ad valorem have been updated to reflect the most current and updated data.

    She said commissioners will have to decide soon how they want to conduct sales tax distribution with municipalities. She noted that Cumberland County is only one of three large counties still distributing sales tax on a per capita formula, which is based on past population. She told commissioners they need to consider options that will safeguard county tax revenues. Cannon suggested the commissioners consider using the ad valorem formula, which is based on property values.

    “Time is of the essence,” Cannon said. “The board needs to continue this discussion so that there is some certainty as local governments prepare their budgets,” she told commissioners.

    The board also honored Cannon, who is retiring in December, for her service to the county. Cannon started with the county as a budget analyst in 1990 and worked her way through the ranks to become the county’s first female county manager.

    The board unanimously adopted a resolution, proclaiming Nov. 30 Amy H. Cannon Day in Cumberland County. Council, Evans and Keefe made the presentation because they were on the board when Cannon was hired as manager.

  • 12bCumberland Choral Arts and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra are set to perform “Messiah” on Dec. 10 at Berean Baptist Church. “Messiah” is George Frideric Handel’s classical piece famous for its “Hallelujah” chorus.

    According to Dr. Michael Martin, artistic director of the CCA, it is broken up into three parts: the coming of Jesus, the passion story, and the death and resurrection. Typically at Christmas, people perform the first part because it is about the birth of Jesus. However, while popular around Christmas, the chorus “Hallelujah” is not from the first part. It is borrowed from the second part of the work.

    He said a lot of the singers return to the show every year and a large core of the choir knows the material, but newcomers learn it a little bit faster because of this.

    “I think everybody in Fayetteville has things they love to do that kick off their season. I’m also the Director of Choral Activities at Methodist University,” Martin said. “We do a Yuletide Feaste madrigal dinner every year. Some people come to that and attend ‘Messiah’ to start their holiday seasons. I’m thrilled to be associated with people’s holiday plans.”

    Martin said locals say this show gets them in the holiday mood. He thinks it is because there is a magical component to hearing a live chorus and symphony orchestra that enhances the start of the holiday season, instead of hearing just recordings.

    “We’re pretty lucky in Fayetteville to have a full symphony orchestra and have a symphonic choir like the Cumberland Choral Arts,” Martin said. “I’m thrilled these organizations are willing to give this gift to the citizens of Fayetteville so that we can be a community at Christmastime.”

    He said that once a performer has been in a choral organization that sings “Messiah,” performers typically don’t forget it. Each year they do set aside a place in the audience for those in attendance who would like to sing with the choir. People usually inform Martin they will do this in advance.

    “It is something we got away from doing. But if we have interested people, we try to accommodate them,” he said.12a

    Some attendees wear Victorian attire to the show, Martin said, but the choir wears attire for a formal concert.

    One of their members is Brenda Vandervort- Miller. She is the Mezzo Soprano for this year. Originally from Newburgh, New York, she went to Methodist University from 1995-2000. The choral director of the school at the time, Alan Porter, was the founder of the organization and named them Cumberland Oratorio Singers. As a music student, she went to their concerts as part of their curriculum. After graduation, she left Fayetteville. Eight years later she came back and saw the organization was thriving and learned it was not too late to join. Vandervort-Miller has now been with the group for 13 years.

    “Messiah for me is tradition,” she said. “I have been performing ‘Messiah’ for about 22 years as a soloist and choir member. Christmas season is not complete without it.”

    She added, “Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is co-sponsoring this event and it has been really nice to join forces.”

    The show is Dec. 10 at Berean Baptist Church at 7:30 p.m. The address is 517 Glensford Drive.

  • 10 What motivates you to give to charity? There are many reasons to donate, including religious or altruistic reasons. According to the Network for Good, studies have shown that the reasons donors give can vary based on age.

    Young donors give because they want to belong and join their friends in supporting causes that create change. Other donors give to pay it forward, repay generosity shown to them, or because they enjoy the act of giving. Some donors give to support and attend special events.

    When I was in grade school, I do not remember participating in school or community fundraisers. When my children were in school, there were constant fundraisers starting in preschool. Their generation grew up raising money for charitable causes for their school, church, scouts, and local nonprofit organizations. We sold more cookies and popcorn than you can imagine. Fundraising became part of their DNA. My husband and I tried to set a good example by teaching our children to give generously of their time, talent and treasure.

    According to Giving USA, total U.S. charitable giving reached $484.85 billion in 2021, which was a 4% increase over 2020. Giving by individuals represents 70% of total giving.
    GivingTuesday is a worldwide celebration of generosity. GivingTuesday is always the Tuesday after Thanksgiving which will be Nov. 29 this year. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

    There are ten ways you can support GivingTuesday and make a difference in the world:

    • 1. Consider donating to the charity of your choice whose mission is important to you. Make this donation a convenient monthly recurring gift that provides continued support.
    • 2. Donate to a charity in the names of your loved ones in lieu of exchanging gifts. Your family and friends will be touched by the gesture. Who needs more stuff anyway?
    • 3. Pay it forward by starting a scholarship, book fund, or emergency assistance fund at a local college.
    • 4. Discuss with your financial or tax professional other ways to give including donating property, stock, or other securities. Consider leaving a bequest to a charity in your estate plans.
    • 5. Donors age 70 ½ or over can donate up to $100,000 of their required minimum distribution from an IRA tax free.
    • 6. Donate annually to your alma mater. Alumni support is vitally important to colleges.
    • 7. Ask your employer if they match charitable contributions to maximize your gift.
    • 8. Donate food and personal care items to a food pantry.
    • 9. Provide a loving home to an animal from the local animal shelter.
    • 10. Offer your time and talent to a local nonprofit.

    Every act of generosity counts, and we all have something to contribute. What will you contribute on GivingTuesday to celebrate generosity and inspire others?

    Editor's note: Sandy Ammons is the Executive Director of FTCC Foundation and can be reached at ammonss@faytechcc.edu or 910.678.8441.

  • 11With my hubris checked and my pretension thoroughly flattened by belly dancing, I decided to try something I knew for certain would be a bona fide challenge. My search led me to Air Born Aerial Fitness on Yadkin Road, and I could not have been more correct.

    For those unfamiliar, Air Born Aerial Fitness is a studio specializing in unique classes focusing on circus arts training through aerial apparatuses. Examples include aerial silks, hoops, slings and my new arch nemesis — the trapeze.

    The classes are designed for varying skill and fitness levels to build strength, endurance, core and flexibility.

    Customers must go to the studio’s website to create a user profile to get started. Before signing up for any class, you must first sign up for Intro to Circus Aerial. The intro class is mandatory and goes through the basic language, movements and warm-up exercises for each piece of equipment. Heads up, it’s only offered twice a month.

    Walking into class, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was relieved to see it filled with women like me: new, excited and nervous, so I felt in pretty good company.

    The studio is, quite honestly, beautiful. A wide industrial space with colorful scarves hanging from the ceiling and 90’s alternative music piping in from the speakers, it looks exactly like the type of place where sweat and magic happen.

    The appearance of Air Born’s owner, Zahra, and one of her instructors, Sarah, signaled for the start of class. Right away, I knew it would be a fitness experience unlike any other.

    I wasn’t wrong.

    Before being allowed onto the studio floor, Zahra and Sarah instructed us to remove our shoes (socks are optional) and jewelry and then directed us to wash our hands.
    The start of class is as you’d expect. Zahra gave a rundown of the classes offered, how to sign up for them, what to expect and how to be safe.

    After that, it was time to fly or flail.

    Looking at the instructors, you can see the power this type of exercise creates. Both women seemed so incredibly strong and capable as they handled the equipment. It was amazing to watch them move, and I was under no impression I’d come close to their grace and ease once on the apparatus myself. Still, it felt amazing and very humbling to try.
    But, let me be clear here: it was so hard. I strained, grunted, swung, and at one point — I might have even smiled. But at no point did I glide through the air with the greatest of ease.

    Now, I wouldn’t have called myself “unfit” before that class, but it did bring attention to some areas of concern. Like apparently, I have zero upper body strength and a severe lack of coordination, all of which are necessary for hoisting, rotating and dismounting from the trapeze, silks and hoop. Despite the challenge, I didn’t feel discouraged; it made me want to dig a little deeper and maybe do a push-up or two.

    Of the apparatus we tried during class, the hoop was my favorite, if only because it was Ashley-friendly enough for me to complete a cute little flip before sliding awkwardly to the floor.
    Zahra and Sarah were phenomenal instructors. With an eye for safety, both women were clear when stating their expectations. Still, they were tremendously helpful and patient, even acting as a spotter for those (me) who had a little trouble getting onto some (all) of the equipment.

    Extra points to them both for not laughing once when I failed to hoist, rotate or dismount from anything at any time.
    However, I had a great time and loved how I felt when I left. It wasn’t the glow of fitness victory that carried me to my car but the hum of pride at having made a genuine effort and the thrill of trying something new.

    I can’t say that aerial fitness is for everyone, but based on my experience, if you’re a fitness-focused individual looking for a fun, challenging workout — I do think you'll enjoy Air Born Aerial Fitness quite a bit.

    And when you do decide to take the plunge — go with an open mind and a great sense of humor.

    For more information visit the studio’s website at www.airbornaerialfitness.com/.

    Editor's note: Up & Coming Weekly is sending our staff writer Ashley out and about in the local area to try new things. She will report on her experiences to help readers decide if they want to try the adventure, too.

  • 9aAs Americans prepare to hit the road for Thanksgiving, average gasoline prices will be at their highest seasonal level ever for the weekend according to GasBuddy, the leading fuel savings platform saving North American drivers the most money on gas.

    The national average is projected to stand at $3.68 on Thanksgiving Day — nearly 30¢ higher than last year, and over 20¢ higher than the previous record of $3.44 set in 2012.
    But that won’t slow many down, with 20% more Americans planning to hit the road this year.

    It has been a challenging year for drivers, breaking several records thanks to less global refining capacity, sanctions brought on by Russia’s war on Ukraine, and government energy policy. The number of Americans traveling over the weekend this year is up from 32% last year to 38%, a nearly 20% rise, with 62% of Americans not planning on road tripping for Thanksgiving. Twenty-one percent say they are choosing not to drive due to high fuel prices.

    “It has been a dizzying year at the pump, with motorists likely feeling nauseous not from the eggnog, but from the roller coaster ride at the pump with record gasoline prices earlier this year, which have fallen significantly since mid-summer,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

    “Americans, however, are proving that while we’ll openly complain about high gas prices, most of us aren’t deterred from taking to the highways to observe Thanksgiving with those that matter most to us, especially as precautions from the pandemic have eased.”

    Travelers can expect Wednesday afternoon between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to be the busiest on the nation’s highways, and on Friday between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Twenty-three percent of respondents to GasBuddy’s Thanksgiving survey say they’ll spend one to three hours in the car, compared to 2021, when most indicated they’d travel less than an hour away. While 21% say high fuel prices are impacting their travel, surprisingly fewer are citing high gas prices this year (46% vs. 51% in 2021) for impacting their travel plans. Seventy-three percent of Americans traveling won’t be crossing state lines to do so.

    GasBuddy offers several money-saving tips for motorists on the road this holiday season:

    • Shop around for the best prices. The first gas station you see isn’t always the cheapest and driving a few extra blocks can save drivers upwards of 30 cents per gallon. GasBuddy also offers a Search Along Route feature to help drivers plan stops on their road trip.
    • Pay with GasBuddy. A free payments service that offers up to 25 cents off per gallon on every fill-up at hundreds of thousands of gas stations nationwide.
    • Slow down on the road. Aggressive driving habits like speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking can cost drivers hundreds of extra dollars per year in additional fuel consumption.
    • Watch out for state lines. Differences in taxes can cause big differences between states. If traveling through multiple states, check the GasBuddy app to fill up on the lower priced side.

    Editor's note: To obtain information presented in this article, GasBuddy analyzed 1,314 responses to its 2022 Thanksgiving Travel Survey from Nov. 5 to 9.
    GasBuddy is the leading fuel savings platform providing North American drivers with the most ways to save money on gas. For more information, visit www.gasbuddy.com.

  • coverFor many families, the Christmas season is not complete without attending a performance of the North Carolina State Ballet’s The Nutcracker. Without fail, for 40 years, Charlotte Blume produced the show — and to exacting standards, making each performance a joy for the audience and a point of well-deserved pride for the performers. Blume died this past spring, but her legacy lives on. The curtain rises at 3 p.m. on Dec. 10 and 11 at the Crown for this year’s production of The Nutcracker.

    Dina Lewis, vice president of the North Carolina State Ballet, has watched countless dancers (including her own daughters) rise through the ranks at the Charlotte Blume School of Dance. She watched Blume train the dancers and work them to near exhaustion. She has seen the students push through mental and physical barriers under Blume’s tutelage to achieve more than they ever thought they could onstage and in life. While Blume accepted nothing but perfection, her love for her students and her passion for ballet inspired many. When Blume fell ill, there was never any question about the future of The Nutcracker in Fayetteville.

    “Even though our matriarch of our company has passed, it was her last wish that the show must go on,” said Lewis.  “Those were her own words, and we are continuing as she wished. This production is a tribute to Miss Blume and all she gave to this community and to the ballet world. Before she passed, she left a long list of expectations and how she wanted things to go. Now, we are all trying to fulfill her wishes. She was a remarkable woman and her students are determined to honor her memory with a performance that would make her proud.”

    While audiences come to enjoy a couple of hours of ballet, the dancers have trained for months. “The tryouts were in August and we started training in September,” said Lewis. “It is the same level of performance as previous years.”  The girls are excited, but being the first performance since Miss Blume passed, it will be a struggle in some ways, too. We will have a private tribute onstage, though. There is always a portrait above the fireplace on stage. We are hanging a portrait of Miss Blume over the mantel. It is one way to remind the girls that even though she is not here, she is still here with them and watching them.” 

    For many of her students, Blume was an inspiration. She was the adult who invested in them and held them to a higher standard than anyone else. She was the person they wanted to impress. “Charlotte was awesome. You can tell the girls miss her,” said Lewis. “I think the first performance will be tough. She was rigid and only accepted the best. She was a tough instructor. That is how they learned. And she always performed with them. That will be the other part of the link. We will have hidden things in each set for the girls, so they will know she is there. It is very bittersweet, but we are excited to do it … for her.”

    There are two casts for the show. Ella Lewis and Marissa Morris play grown Clara. Sophia Lewis and Kendal Draughon are cast as young Clara. Tiffany Alexander performs as the Sugar Plum for the student show with Alyssa Pilger from the Carolina Ballet performing the part for other showings. Daniel Rivera dances as the Cavalier along with ballet professional Oliver Beres. Sarah Middleton and Emmalee Smith share the role of Snow Queen and Andrea Flores-Morales and Hannah Reeder play the Snow Princess.

    The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which was written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffman. In 1892 Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov turned it into a ballet.

    The story opens at the Stahlbaum house on Christmas Eve. Marie’s godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer, brings her a beautiful nutcracker. Clara falls asleep thinking about her precious nutcracker. The toys around the Christmas tree come to life and Clara has an amazing adventure filled with toy soldiers who battle an army of mice, a journey to the Land of Snow with dancing snowflakes and an enchanted forest, a visit to the land of sweets where the Sugar Plum Fairy resides. 

    For four decades, Blume partnered with the N.C. State Ballet to bring this holiday tradition to Fayetteville. Her standards were high, and her love of ballet and commitment to her students were unwavering. Now, in a tribute to their beloved teacher and mentor, the Charlotte Blume School of Dance and N.C. State Ballet bring this production to the community that has supported them for so long. “She was larger than life,” said Lewis. “I don’t think we realized her impact on her kids … on us until she left us. I still expect to turn the corner and see her.”

    Performances are Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11. The curtain rises at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $7-$20 and are available at http://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/nc-state-ballet-the-nutcracker

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  • 14Cookie decorating, Christmas crafts and pictures with Santa are just a few enticing things to do at A Very Merry Christmas at the Studio on Dec. 2. Jessica Lallier of Lallier Event Design and Taryn Corrado of Studio 215 are hosting A Very Merry Christmas at the Studio for families in Fayetteville.

    The cost is $20 a person. Children under 1 are free. Studio 215 is located at 215 Williams Street in Fayetteville. Proceeds from the event will go to Wreaths Across America to lay wreaths at Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

    “Fayetteville does not have a lot of family-friendly events,” Lallier said. “We wanted to change that! This will be full of family fun including pictures with Santa, letters to Santa, cookie decorating, Christmas crafts, Christmas movies and popcorn, hot chocolate and s’mores and so much more Christmas cheer.”

    Corrado added: “Christmas is the happiest time of the year and my favorite holiday. The biggest reason why is because it is the time of the year I am able to spend time with my family. Military families know all too well what it is like to not have loved ones near for the holidays.”

    The placement of wreaths holds special meaning for Lallier.

    “I have been passionate about Wreaths Across America for the past five years,” Lallier said. “My sister died on active duty with the Army and is buried at Sandhills. The first Christmas after her passing, we laid wreaths and I realized that if enough funds aren't raised then not every veteran gets a wreath and I couldn't imagine my sister not having one.”

    Corrado comes from a military family and has always supported veteran events and causes. Her dad, retired Army, has many "brothers" buried at Sandhills.

    “We have the pleasure and honor to be able to give back to Wreaths Across America, plus proudly support other military and veteran nonprofits and organizations,” Corrado said.

    Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The effort began in 1992 by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester. The organization’s mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

    For more information or to sponsor a wreath please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. To sponsor a wreath specifically for Sandhills States Veterans Cemetery, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/166832.

  • 8The importance of small businesses to the economy cannot be overstated.

    Though national chains often garner publicity, local businesses are equally, if not exceedingly, worthy of attention. What defines a small business as “small” varies significantly, but these businesses are generally privately owned and generate far less revenue than big corporations.

    General consensus also defines small businesses as companies with fewer than 500 paid employees, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
    Here’s a look at why small businesses are so vital, and why consumers should consider directing some of their purchasing power to smaller companies rather than the big box retailers and other national chains.

    Autonomy and diversity

    The layout and offerings at national chains will be identical whether you live in the mountains or at the beach. Big box stores follow a consistent marketing strategy and look the same regardless of where they are located. That familiarity can come at the cost of variety. On the other hand, an independent business offers the products and services that are reflective of the customers and the community that they serve.

    Local hiring strategy

    Certain big box retailers will hire local residents, but hiring policies may push for promoting from within the organization. This could mean relocating an employee rather than bringing in someone from the community who may be more in tune with local sensibilities. Small businesses may be more inclined to hire residents they know and keep hiring centralized to the local area - something that keeps more resources and money in the community.

    Adaptability and change

    Local businesses can move more quickly to respond to economic factors that require change. Since they are focused more on the needs of their customers rather than stockholders, changes can be implemented rapidly without having to go through red tape, meetings and updates to corporate policies. Changes also can be customized to the local community at large.

    Investing in the town

    According to the financial resource Financial Slot, shopping at locally owned businesses rather than big box retailers keeps more money in the community. Local property taxes and other taxes paid by the businesses go right back into the community. This helps raise overall value for homeowners and can even reduce their taxes. The funding helps keep police, fire and school departments functioning properly.

    Turnover is greater

    While no one wants to see a small business fail, that fate is sometimes unavoidable. However, that turnover helps teach communities what was done poorly and helps others learn from those mistakes. It also means fresh businesses will come in and replace the old, driving new growth, opportunity and competition that keeps prices competitive.
    The benefits of a thriving small business sector are numerous. Consumers can do their part by patronizing these firms more frequently.

  • staff3The Woman’s Club of Fayetteville N.C., Inc., was founded in 1906. In 1947, the group changed its name to Woman’s Club of Fayetteville, N.C. Just recently, the organization rebranded itself as the Heritage Square Historical Society. From the very beginning, the mission of the group has been “to promote civic, cultural, educational and social welfare of the city; to preserve Heritage Square and to promote the historical preservation of the community.” On Sunday, Dec. 4, the club is set to host its signature fundraiser: A Christmas Tour of Homes. The proceeds raised from this event go to support the preservation and restoration of the three properties at Heritage Square. The Oval Ballroom, the Sandford House and the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House make up the Heritage Square property, which is located at 225 Dick Street.

    The tour features five properties decorated for the holidays, plus a bonus stop. Gwen Bell and Vickie Richardson co-chair this event. “For the Woman’s Club, in the past, this was the only fundraiser,” said Bell. “It is still our main fundraiser. We also have a silent auction, which was moved to the spring this year because of Hurricane Matthew. The tour has five gorgeous Fayetteville homes this year. Two are historical properties. We have two mid-century homes, one from the 50s and one from probably the 70s. And a brand-new home, too, Ralph and Linda Huff’s house. It is a gorgeous new home.”

    And that extra stop on the tour? It is the Sandford House, which is part of the Heritage Square property. This gives the tour participants an opportunity to see the structures that benefit from the event and to learn about the property’s place in local history. “Refreshments will be served there and the home will be shown in period-appropriate decorations,” said Bell. “Some of the Fayetteville Garden Clubs each took a room and decorated it. We also decorated the Oval Ballroom. It was built by a prominent businessman for his daughter’s wedding. It has been moved and restored and it is gorgeous. People that enjoy history or interesting things about Fayetteville will love this. It is a great way to get into the mood for Christmas and see how others decorate.”

    For some, the tour of homes is as much a part of Christmas as presents under the tree or Christmas dinner. If you’ve never been, Bell says this a great time to start. “I always tell people, grab a girlfriend, go to lunch and hit the trail,” said Bell. “You can buy tickets the day of the event at any of the homes. The Sandford house is a great place to start or finish the tour because there will be refreshments and a lot to see on the property.”

    The tour of homes lasts from 1-6 p.m., but Bell noted that it doesn’t necessarily take the entire time to see all the properties. Tickets are available at Bell’s Seed Store, Burney’s Sweets & More, Betty Kelly’s Gift Shop, High Cotton Consignment, Talbot’s, The Pilgrim and Heritage Square. Each ticket contains a map and the addresses of the homes on the tour. A $15 donation is suggested for the tickets. For more information, call 483-6009, or visit wwwheritagesquarefay.org.

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  • 12 Small Business Saturday is a national initiative started in 2010 by American Express. It is observed on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and is designed to highlight small businesses.
    This shopping guide is not exhaustive, so, be sure to venture out and check in with all of your local favorites to see if they are offering specials. All offers listed are subject to change without notice and are subject to supply availability. For any additional details please reach out to the individual businesses.

    A Bit of Carolina
    This specialty gift shop carries everything North Carolina such as tees, food, souvenirs, gift baskets and more! This Best of Fayetteville winner a selection of Fayetteville-specific items. Simply Southern Large Totes will be on sale for $40, down from the original price of $79.95. Simply Southern Accessories will be buy one, get one free, while supplies last. Lastly, they will be offering 15% off on custom gift baskets and gift boxes. A Bit of Carolina is located in downtown Fayetteville at 306 Hay Street.

    Apple Crate Natural Market
    Apple Crate Natural Market will offer free frankincense and mir incense with every $50 purchase. They will also offer double points on all body care, essential oilers and gift items. This deal is for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. This store focuses on nutrition supplements, vitamins and specialty and organic foods. They have two locations, 2711 Raeford Road, open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The other location, located off 5430 Camden Road Suite #103 is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    Baker Motorsports
    Baker Motorsports is a family owned and operated powersports store with the same passion as their customers. If they are not working they are out riding ourselves. This year, they have sales going on for Friday and Saturday. Zero freight or set up fees on all units, 10% off all parts, 15% off all audio parts, and everyone has a chance to win a $500 gift card by going to mybakerms.com. This motorbike shop is located at 3700 Sycamore Dairy Road.

    Blissful Alchemist
    Blissful Alchemist is a brand new, woman-owned boutique, salon and yoga shop. Their modern, whimsical boutique features clothes, books, crystals, jewelry and more. They also offer Spray Tans, Hair & Makeup, Blowouts, Lashes, Waxing, Teeth Whitening, Nails, Pedicures, Facials, Botox, Injections, Brows, Reiki, Life Coaching, Acupuncture, Massage, Meditation, Past Life Regression, Red Light Therapy, Herbs, Oils, and more. In their store, they will be offering a buy one, get one 50% off for clothing. The rest of the boutique will be 15% off. They are located at 414 Ray Avenue.

    Bragg Unique Boutique
    The Bragg Unique Boutique Gift Shop will be offering 25% off all wholesale items, as well as sales on select consignor items such as 18% off Engraved Bullet Pens. They are also offering a chance to win a $10 gift card for every $30 you spend. The BUB is part of the Association of Bragg Spouses and is supported by ABS Volunteers.​ They sell gifts, handmade items and specialty items. All profits go directly to the ABS Scholarship and Welfare Funds. They are open Tuesdays and Thursdays. Their website, bragg-unique-boutique.square.site is also available 24/7. They are located on Fort Bragg at Bldg 2-2211 Woodruff Street.

    CPR Cell Phone Repair
    This cell phone repair shop handles all electronic device repairs for clients throughout Cumberland County. This busy shop off Raeford Road currently holds a five-star rating on Google and specializes in a wide variety of digital device repairs, including smartphones, tablets, computers, laptops, game consoles, camera MP3 players and more. For Black Friday, they will be offering $15 off any tempered glass protector and $20 off any cell phone cases – including Otterboxes. This Best of Fayetteville winner is located at 926 Brighton Road.

    Curate Essentials
    Curate Essentials is an herbal apothecary and boutique selling vintage and handmade goods located in the heart of Fayetteville’s historic Haymount Hill. They believe in taking a holistic approach to health and wellness. They create all-natural products to help you live in balance with your mind, body, and spirit. They will be selling a special holiday box for $60. This box will include seasonal items like a candy cane crush sugar scrub, cranberry goat milk soap, honey oatmeal moisturizers, a holiday soy wax candle, and a handmade ornament. The shop will also be selling festive and seasonal lattes and pastries. Curate Essentials is located at 1302 Fort Bragg Road and will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Dragon's Lair Comics
    This local comic book store will be offering buy two, get one free select comic books. There will also be $1 back issues available and the Spider-Man wall will be 25% off. For everyone who drops into the store on Saturday, they will get a free new comic. Dragon’s Lair Comics has been a part of the Fayetteville community for over 40 years. This store is open Monday through Sunday, typically from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located at 6243 Yadkin Road.

    Fit4Life Health Clubs
    This sports performance and wellnes center offer professional and trained staff to help you along your fitness journey, no matter how much support you need. At Fit4Life, you aren’t joining a gym; you are gaining a community. This Best of Fayetteville winner is offering a sale that won’t get any sweeter. Their monthly package will be on sale for $10 a month or pay just $349 for the entire year. This membership includes 24/7/365 access, a free kids zone, free group classes, and one free session with a personal trainer. They are located in multiple places in Fayetteville. To learn more about this deal, call (910) 568-5982.

    Lily Kat's Consignment Boutique
    This local boutique will be offering a two-day small business sale. They will be offering 25% off storewide. There will also be a sidewalk sale on Saturday. If you are shopping at the store, make sure to spin the wheel for extra discounts when you have a total purchase of $50 or more. LilyKat’s Consignment Boutique has been a destination for thrifty fashionistas sense August 2011. They won Up & Coming Weekly’s Best Thrift Shop for 2022. They are located at 817 Elm Street.

    MUAH Lash & Beauty Bar
    MUAH Lash & Beauty Bar specializes in makeup, waxing, skin care, body enhancement, and serves as a spa, hair salon, tanning salon, and lash and brow bar. This military spouse-owned business opened in 2020. They are offering several deals this week, including 20% off any full set of lash extensions or lash lift, free brow wax with any full set of lashes or lash lift, customized facial with free light therapy, 50% off body contouring/sculpting and 50% off non-invasive booty lift/ cellulite break down. These deals are available online at their website https://www.vagaro.com/muahlashandbeautybar. They are located at 1530 N Bragg Blvd, Spring Lake and opened Monday through Saturday.

    Popcorn-Is-Us, LLC
    Popcorn-Is-Us pops fresh quality popcorn daily. They pair fresh popcorn with high-quality local ingredients such as creamy farm fresh butter, rich milky caramels, fine chocolates, fresh roasted locally grown nuts, flavorful candy coatings, spicy peppers and savory cheeses. All to create delicious, specially handcrafted, savory or sweet gourmet flavors that everyone can enjoy. They will be selling regular large buckets of popcorn for $12.99 instead of $18.99, and premium large buckets of popcorn will be on sale for $15.99. This popcorn shop is located at 3300 Rosehill Rd., Suite #103.

    Pressed - A Creative Space
    For the whole weekend, Pressed will be having sales in their shop and online. Starting on Friday, all of their shirts, crystals and crystal bracelets will be 30 percent off. On Saturday, a free sticker will be given out with any $75 purchase, as well as 30 percent off for shirts, crystals, and crystal bracelets. On Monday, their website will be 30 percent off as well. This store sells clothing, crystals, and other items of interest for those who see things differently. They are a veteran-owned business in Downtown Fayetteville. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and are located at 120 Hay Street.

    Rocket Fizz
    Rocket Fizz has the largest selection of candy and soda ever found in one store. Hundreds of sodas from microbreweries worldwide and almost every candy ever made. You will discover amazing flavors here. The local franchise is owned by Ann Sims, Ineke Morris-Verschuur and James Morris. At their store, you’ll see such enticing items as toys, novelties, candies, movie posters, vintage rock concert posters and more than 400 varieties of soda pop. For Small Business Saturday, if you buy two tin signs, you can get the third one for free. This candy and soda shop is located at 1916 Skibo Road #A8.

    Sweet Tea Shakespeare

    This theatre company will offer 20 percent off tickets for their “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Join the most innovative theatre group in Fayetteville for a unique immersive retelling of the classic Jules Verne tale. Savor Fayetteville Pie Company’s unique curated menu while diving into the thrilling tale of deep-sea adventure. This non-profit company focuses on fathering a diverse community around a common table to delight in the magic of story, song and stagecraft. Their website is sweetteashakespeare.com.

    The Renaissance Day Spa
    Holistic wellness goes beyond physical health, involving the mind and body. The Renaissance Day Spa staff make it their mission to ensure customers feel like royalty. This Best Of Fayetteville winner is offering a buy one, get one half-off deal with all of their services. This special will be available through the end of the month. Services include deep tissue and Swedish massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, infrared saunas, cryotherapy, dry float and compression therapy. They are located at 1534 Purdue Drive.

    Triangle Rock Club
    The Triangle Rock Club is a premiere indoor rock climbing center and gym. Their state-of-the-art facility offers lead and top rope climbing, bouldering and a comprehensive fitness center. They are selling discounted punch passes. Their punch passes are bulk day passes that never expire. Afterward, if you would like a membership, it will waive the initiation fee. Punch Passes for adults will be $119 instead of $155. Child Punch Passes will be on sale for $79 instead of $110. This veteran-owned gym is located at 5213 Raeford Road.

    Yalacky Outfitters NC
    They bring outdoor lakeside activities to the Hope Mills community. Kayak rentals, fishing bait, outdoor apparel and equipment, life-size yard game rental. They are selling unlimited weekend passes for $100. This pass can be redeemed once a day, any Saturday and Sunday. This offer includes single kayak for two hours. This pass can be used from Jan. 1, 2023 through Dec. 31, 2023. To buy a pass, call 910-221-6077 or email kayakhopemillsnc@gmail.com.

  • Crown COmplex A committee of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday. Nov. 17 approved a staff-recommended architectural firm to design a new events center.

    The center would replace the theater and arena at the Crown Coliseum Complex. Those facilities are scheduled to close in 2025.
    The Crown Event Center Committee voted 2-0 to send the recommendation to hire San Diego-based Ewing Cole to the full Board of Commissioners.

    The vote came during a called meeting of the committee at the Cumberland County Courthouse.
    Ewing Cole is a national architectural firm with offices in Charlotte and Raleigh.

    Members of the county selection committee received 11 proposals for the contract from architectural firms. Those were narrowed down to five firms that were invited to interview for the contract. The selection committee includes County Manager Amy Cannon, Assistant County Manager Brian Haney, Chief

    Finance Officer Vicki Evans, County Engineering Director Jermaine Walker, and Assistant County Engineer Rick Bryant.

    The selection committee spent two days interviewing architectural design candidates and ranked them. Ewing Cole ranked first among the five finalists. Cannon told the commissioners that Ewing Cole initially did not rank as high in her opinion until she heard its presentation. That, she said, put the firm a cut above the remaining four contenders.

    Matt DeSilver, of MBP Carolinas, the county’s project manager and owner’s representative for the Crown Event Center project, said the finalists were scored on these criteria:

    • Team roles and responsibilities and communications plan.
    • Relevant project experience of team members.
    • Approach to design in urban location.
    • Approach to schedule management.
    • Experience with construction manager at risk delivery method.

    Voting to accept the staff committee’s recommendation were Commissioners Glenn Adams and Jimmy Keefe. Commissioner Jeannette Council, who chairs the committee, was absent.

    The committee members viewed a presentation on conceptual interior designs by DeSilver.
    The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to discuss the recommendation at its Nov. 21 meeting. It would vote on a proposed contract on Nov. 28.
    Adams said he would like to see a representation of what the outside of the building would look like. If it does not appeal to the public, people won’t attend events held there, he said. Cannon assured Adams that according to the design proposal, it will have a “wow” factor both outside and inside.

  • givensTim Altman is the Chair of the music department at UNC Pembroke. He not only teaches classes and participates in community events, he also oversees the production and planning of the Givens Performing Arts Center Holiday Extravaganza. On Dec. 2, the concert combines the talents of the university’s faculty, staff and students to bring a lively combination of well-loved holiday songs to the audience.

    “The audience will hear their favorite holiday tunes from numerous large and small ensembles: the saxophone ensemble, the university chorale, the jazz combo, a vocal jazz ensemble, a percussion ensemble, a trumpet ensemble, a flute Ensemble, a clarinet ensemble, steel drums and more,” said Altman. “The faculty in the UNC Pembroke Music Department are seasoned professionals.  Many have performed all over the world. The students in the UNCP music department are constantly improving.  Our students compete in state, regional and national competitions.  So, the quality of performances usually exceeds expectations.”

    From start to finish, the Holiday Extravaganza features more than 200 performers. From small groups to large ensembles that include the Concert Band and University Chorale, there is no shortage of variety in the performance. “I like showing so many different facets of our department in one production.  This is one of our only opportunities to show off such a variety of ensembles in one performance,” said Altman. “The UNCP Music Department gave more than 150 performances last year.”

    For Altman, while every part of the show is a lot of fun, it is the end of the show that he really enjoys. “My favorite part of the show is the sing-along at the end. Everyone in the audience joins in to sing holiday favorites (with the 65 people in the concert band accompanying). So, we have a choir of around 1,000 with the audience.”  

    The performance starts at 8 p.m. However, there is a TubaChristmas performance in front of GPAC at 7:30 p.m. 

    TubaChristmas is a concert held in various cities around the world. It celebrates those who play, teach and compose music for instruments in the tuba family. This includes the tuba, sousaphone, baritone and euphonium. There are also rarer instruments of the tube family such as the helicon, ophicleide, serpent and double bell euphonium.

    Harvey G. Phillips had the first TubaChristmas in 1974 to honor his tuba teacher William Bell, who was born on Christmas Day 1902. The first TubaChristmas was held Dec. 22, 1974, in the ice skating rink at New York City’s Rockefeller Center;  More than 300 musicians participated that day. Little did they know it was the beginning a holiday tradition. 

    Proceeds from the Holiday Extravaganza concert will go to support music scholarships.  General Admission costs $12. It costs $2 per child or Non-UNCP Student and $2 for UNCP Students. For tickets and information, visit  http://www.uncp.edu/giving/advancement/givens-performing-arts-center/broadway-and-more-series.

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  • 7aEveryone is at home and you are looking for something fun for the whole family to do. Check out “Holidays on Hay: A Season of Light” celebration in downtown Fayetteville on Friday, Nov. 25, starting at 3 p.m.

    The Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County has been planning to make the holiday season a little brighter, a little sweeter, and a lot more caring.
    From the incredible drone light show to the annual lighting of the holiday tree, and all the art, performances, food and craft-making in between, Holidays on Hay has something for everyone in your crowd.

    Yes, drone light show. The Arts Council is gifting the all-new “Season of Light Drone Show” powered by Fayetteville State University. This free showcase will bring the holiday alive with innovative aerial displays of three-dimensional seasonal shapes and characters that can be seen up to four miles away.
    Imaginations will soar as 200 state-of-the-art drones present stunning holiday imagery across the night sky. This one-of-a-kind experience is a safe, environment-friendly, and sensory-friendly showcase for pets and all audiences.

    It is expected to be a showstopper that your family will be talking about for many Thanksgivings to come.

    Whether you’ve called Fayetteville home from the beginning or are here for a brief stint, remember family and friends from all over time and space at the tree lighting.
    Bridging past and present, those who have gone before and those yet to come, the “Illumination Ceremony: Community Tree & Candle Lighting” ushers in the holiday season as the community gathers in the spirit of unity with our loved ones and in reflection of those lost this year.

    The Cool Spring Downtown District’s 22-foot Holiday Tree located in front of the Arts Center is a reminder of all the points of light we call family.
    Is it an annual tradition for your kids to make a gingerbread house? Then you should enter it into the annual “Gingerbread Village” contest produced by the Chameleon Children's Theatre for a scrumptious way to make holiday magic with the Arts Council and Callahan & Rice Insurance.

    Whether a novice or a more advanced decorator, the village displayed at Capitol Encore Academy will be filled with the most delightful, imaginative and even traditional gingerbread house creations for a chance to win great prizes. Could you recreate your own home in gingerbread? Or maybe Cool Spring Place, listed on the historic register? Or how about the Arts Council building? There are many ideas to try, but interested applicants must register at www.WeAreTheArts.com/holiday to participate.

    Many families have in their holiday practices an act of service in the community. The Arts Council is brightening the spirits of pediatric patients and nursing staff at Cape Fear Valley Health that cannot be home with their families for the holidays.

    As you revel in the merriment of the day, stop in front of the Fascinate-U Children’s Museum to create an original “Get Well Wish Card” with a personalized message for the “Art of Caring” community project. “Being able to share holiday cards created by members of our community with patients will also allow them to have a sense of social support during their illness.7b

    “We are grateful to the Arts Council for always thinking of ways to have a positive impact through the arts on those in our community who are facing illnesses,” said Sabrina Brooks, vice president of Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation.

    You don’t have to go anywhere else to grab the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. The “Holiday ARTS Market” will ignite the streets of Downtown Fayetteville with glorious displays of unique, handcrafted holiday trinkets, treats and treasures created by local artisans.

    Attendees will also experience the joyful sounds of music ensembles, festive dance exhibitions, and amazing theatrical performances by local entertainers and performance groups. You’ll feel a warm glow supporting local artists and crafters this season. Many of these groups are also nonprofit organizations, so if you’re looking for places for your end-of-year giving, this will also be a great day to find organizations to help support.

    Children and the young-at-heart will enjoy the special “Kids Holiday Craft Corner” that will be filled with activities like decorative holiday make and takes, Santa's Workshop, a Christmas Bounce House, and lots of exciting train rides around the Market House on The Polar Express. Those little big hearts will enjoy making magical memories with their parents and caregivers.

    Visit www.WeAreTheArts.com/holiday for more information about featured performances, the gingerbread contest registration and more. Brighten your holiday (and holi-night!) with your friends and family on Friday, Nov. 25 at the Arts Council’s “Holidays on Hay: A Season of Light” celebration.

    The event is presented by Fayetteville State University, Cape Fear Valley Health, Callahan & Rice Insurance, with project support from Capitol Encore Academy, Chameleon Children's Theatre, Fascinate-U Children’s Museum and Cool Spring Downtown District. Drone production provided by Pixis Drones.

  • Chemours sign The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and Chemours Fayetteville Works earlier this week agreed to end litigation over a required water filtration system that is supposed to significantly reduce chemicals leaching into the Cape Fear River.

    The N.C. DEQ in September issued the discharge permit to Chemours for a treatment system to remove PFAS compounds from contaminated groundwater on the Chemours Fayetteville Works site. The site is along N.C. 87 at the Cumberland and Bladen County line.

    The treatment system is part of a larger barrier wall under construction that is designed to reduce PFAS getting into the Cape Fear River and contaminating potential drinking water for communities downstream.

    The DEQ’s Division of Water Resources issued a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for a granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration treatment system. However, after holding public hearings and gathering comments, and after further reviewing data and information contained in the permit record, DEQ changed the permit limits to more stringent removal requirements beyond the 99% required in a 2019 consent order.

    A month later, Chemours appealed the DEQ ruling in a Bladen County administrative court. A statement by Chemours stated that it “regrets that we must file an appeal of the final NPDES Permit (NC0090042) issued by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Resources (NCDEQ) dated September 15, 2022, related to the water treatment system for our mile-long barrier wall designed to further reduce PFAS loading from groundwater into the Cape Fear River.”

    Chemours stated that late changes to the permit as issued included future effluent limits that exceed the capabilities of the proposed treatment system. The increased chemical compound removal requirements would subject Chemours “to compliance uncertainty.”

    “Chemours takes compliance with our permits and the commitments we make seriously; we are unable to agree to permit terms when we are uncertain if such commitments can be met or exceeded,’’ Chemours said in the statement. “We continue to pursue ambitious timelines to complete and start-up the system to reduce PFAS loading to the river. We are hopeful that we can work with NCDEQ to quickly resolve this matter to continue realizing the significant reductions we have been achieving.’’

    Chemours said that for 15 months, it had worked with the DEQ on the design of the water treatment system for the mile-long barrier wall that is under construction and submitted its initial permit application for the system in June 2021. Based on the requirements agreed on under the consent order addendum with N.C. DEQ and Cape Fear River Watch, the water treatment system was designed to remove 99% of PFAS compounds associated with the site before the captured, treated water was discharged.

    The nine-page agreement is signed by Dawn Hughes, Chemours plant manager; Sushma Masemore, DEQ assistant secretary; and Kenneth Waldroup, Cape Fear Public Utility Authority executive director. The agreement consists of 14 conditions the parties agree on. The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority intervened in the litigation in support of the DEQ permit requirements.

    For the initial six months after the commencement of discharge (the “optimization period”), Chemours agrees that it will optimize the operation of the treatment system and make any modifications or improvements that are technologically feasible to reduce PFAS discharges to the Cape Fear River and to meet all requirements of the NPDES Permit.

    Also, starting 45 days after discharges into the Cape Fear River have started, Chemours “shall” provide DEQ and CFPUA monthly reports on the optimizations and technological improvements to the system. The fourth monthly reports must include an assessment of whether Chemours projects its optimizations to the system undertaken during the optimization period will make sure it complies with the final effluent limits for PMPA and PFMOAA.

    The agreement also gives DEQ enforcement discretion in the event of any violations due to the treatment system failing effluent limits for chemicals discharged.

    If Chemours can demonstrate to DEQ that complying with the effluent limits for PMPA and PFMOAA chemical components is not technologically feasible within the time frame established in the NPDES permit, Chemours may apply for a modification to the NPDES Permit.

    North Carolina State University environmental researchers earlier this month announced that blood samples taken from among residents living adjacent to the site have a higher degree of PFAS in their bodies than the national average.

  • checkOn Nov. 19, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will perform the concert Czech it Out! This concert is part of the five concerts this season that are interviews for the five finalists vying for the position as the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s conductor next season. “The guest conductor for the November concert is Stefan Sanders, who is currently the assistant conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic and the music director of the Round Rock Symphony in Texas,” Christine Kastner the president and CEO explained. “He began his career playing trombone and then decided to pursue a career as a conductor.”

    The season’s concerts are a strong reflection of each guest conductor’s style. “The guest conductors were asked to submit several concert programs as a part of their interview process. The programs they are conducting are ones they submitted,” Kastner said. This month, the theme chosen by Sanders is “Czech it Out!” which features Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8. It is described as cheery and inspired by Bohemian folk music. Scott Marosek will  perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major. 

    To get an even better look into what makes the guest conductors tick, there will also be a preconcert  talk featuring the guest conductors and the FSO Music Nerd. “The music nerd is interviewing the guest conductors this season. He asks them some personal questions, but also they discuss the music that will be performed on that evening’s concert,” Kastner said. These preconcert talks allow everyone in the audience to learn not only about the conductor, but also about the music. They offer fun insight into the evening’s entertainment. 

    The beauty of these interview concerts is the variation and talent that it showcases. It is not often that a single season will feature five such impressive artists. For Kastner, this is one of the most exciting aspects of the entire season. “We get to experience five different conductors with different backgrounds, personalities and styles,”she said. The conductor guides the orchestra and provides the audiences with a unique interpretation of music. It is a vital role in a concert and this season truly highlights how influential this guidance can be.

    Another important part to the concerts is that they allow for community participation in the selection of the next conductor. Audience members will receive surveys following the performances to gauge the most popular candidate. One does not have to have a degree in music to give a valuable opinion. Kastner advises, “attend as many of the concerts as possible and be sure to give us your email so that you will receive a link to the online audience survey. You do not need to know conducting or even music, just let us know what  you think as an audience member. Did you enjoy their concert? Would you come see them again?”

    Czech It Out! starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Seabrook Auditorium located at 1200 Murchison Rd. on the Fayetteville State University campus. The preconcert  talk begins at 6:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/2016-2017-concerts/. 

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  • pedestrian N.C. 59 is being eliminated in Cumberland County and will be redesignated as a secondary route, the North Carolina Department of Transportation said in a release.

    The state route consists of about 8 miles that runs through portions of Hope Mills and Fayetteville.
    At the request of both municipalities, the N.C. Department of Transportation is re-designating the route from N.C. 59 to Secondary Route 1596, the department said in the release.

    “However, the route’s street names will be retained – Main Street within Hope Mills, and Hope Mills Road within Fayetteville,’’ the state DOT said.

    The department’s traffic services unit began removing about 40 “N.C. 59” signs this week, the release said.
    Locally, elected officials asked for the change in an effort to redirect commercial truck traffic, which prefers using state or U.S. highways, the release said.

    “The goal of the two cities is to make this route less congested and safer for pedestrians,’’ the release said.

    “We are happy to work with our local partners, who suggested this change to help make this route more neighborhood friendly,” said Drew Cox, the Division 6 engineer. “We evaluated their recommendation and agreed this highway designation is no longer necessary.”

    Commercial trucks will continue to use N.C. 162 and Interstate 295 to better navigate this area of the county.

  • thedevilsstompingground MAGThe official schedule for the 28th annual Cucalorus Film Festival has been released and tickets are now on sale for all events.

    This year’s festival will take place Nov. 16-20 in downtown Wilmington and will showcase 136 films, beginning with the Wilmington-made opening night feature film, “The Devil’s Stomping Ground.”

    Other features include thought-provoking documentaries like the closing night film, “Rise and Rebuild: A Tale of Three Cities” and the strange-but-true tale of “The Pez Outlaw.” From dark comedies like “Sick of Myself” to the crowd-pleasing “Sarcastic Fringehead” comedy shorts block, this year’s lineup has something for every film-goer.

    Screenings take place at Thalian Hall, on campus at UNCW and also at the recently renovated community cinema, Jengo’s Playhouse.

    Film selections range from “Butterfly in the Sky,” a documentary about the beloved children’s literary TV show “Reading Rainbow,” to “Our Father, the Devil,” a psychological thriller about trauma, power, guilt, and the devils hiding within us all. Featuring Oscar-worthy performances, “Our Father the Devil” has taken home awards at every festival, including Best Narrative Feature at Sidewalk Film Festival and the Audience Award at Tribeca Film Festival. Director Ellie Foumbi will be in attendance during Cucalorus and will participate in Q&A sessions following both screenings.

    As always, the festival offers up a sweet selection of short films curated into blocks named after weird animals like “Leafy Seadragon” (docs about land) “Pleasing Fungus Beetle” (short docs about family), and of course our annual short comedy showcase this year is called “Sarcastic Fringehead.”

    Taking cinema beyond the screen, the Cucalorus Performances program welcomes Isabella Rossellini back to Wilmington to perform her one-woman show, “Darwin’s Smile." This ultimate Bus to Lumberton experience has been 25 years in the making, tickets are limited, so grab yours now at cucalorus.eventive.org.

    Fan favorite Alex Tatarsky returns to the stage with her new show “Dirt Trip.” Julia Desmond’s “Acme Revue” brings a dynamic combination of visual art, comedy and music.

    The new Conversations program highlights the ability filmmakers have to generate discussion and connection within their storytelling. This year’s Conversations program explores Black history in Wilmington with wilmingtoNColor, the OUT Dance Project, and “The Making of the Nuevo South," a television series about the Latino immigrant experience in the South.

    The full lineup of films is available at cucalorus.eventive.org/schedule. Grab a Pegasorus Pass to gain access to the whole film festival, plus parties, conversations and other events. Access to “Darwin’s Smile” is not included in the Pegasorus Pass.

    Cucalorus is sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, City of Wilmington, New Hanover County, University of North Carolina Wilmington, the National Endowment for the Arts, the North Carolina Arts Council and over 70 businesses.

    Cucalorus is a multi-disciplinary organization supporting emerging and innovative artists through an annual film festival, two regional festivals, a residency program, a community cinema, an outdoor film series, and youth education programs. Cucalorus brings people together to celebrate, discover, and create. The annual festival provides a non-competitive environment to support independent filmmakers, performance artists, and community organizers who use storytelling to transform our world. More information is available at www.cucalorus.org.

  • jubileeThe Poe House is a part of the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. It is a house built in 1897 and was owned by Josephine Montague Poe, hence the name. Josephine married Edgar Allan Poe, a local businessman with no relation to the famous writer. Now the house serves as a historically accurate representation of the early 20th century. Traditional museums are wonderful, but nothing can provide a glimpse into the past like walking through an incredibly preserved piece of it. 

    In addition to showing a detailed version of everyday life in the early 20th century. the Poe House also explores other important themes of the time. The best way to experience this all is with one of the daily tours, which give an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of themes such as women’s roles, African-American history, children’s roles and important changes in technology and society. Tours are held Tuesdays through Fridays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. On Saturdays, there is a tour every hour on the hour beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Sundays also feature hourly tours from 1- 4 p.m. 

    From Nov. 22 until Jan. 8, the 1897 Poe House will be decked out in historically accurate Victorian decorations. They will include a large tree in the parlor and long hallways adorned with holly sprigs.  Admission into a Victorian celebration of the Christmas spirit is free. Looking into the Christmas traditions of the past puts our own modern traditions into a new light. Some may be things that are still shared and some are different, but exploring the personal connections during such a special season is valuable. It can shed some light not only on the culture of the past but on today as well. 

    The Poe House will also host a Holiday Jubilee on Dec. 4 from 1 - 5 p.m. This is an annual free event that brings the Victorian Christmas celebration to life. One of the most exciting parts of the event is the Coventry Carolers singing traditional music on the front porch that is decked out with traditional Christmas décor.  The Coventry Carolers will perform at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. In addition to lovely singing, there will be demonstrations like cooking on the 1902 stove. 

    The 1897 Poe House is located at 206 Bradford Ave. For more information visit http://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/1897-poe-house. While visiting the Victorian house don’t forget the other incredible facilities that the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex has. The Museum of the Cape Fear and Arsenal Park can also provide insight into our colorful local history. 

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  • hospital bed Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has put restrictions on which units people under age 16 can visit because of the continuing high number of RSV and flu cases in the Fayetteville area.

    The restrictions also apply at Betsy Johnson Hospital in Dunn, which is part of the Cape Fear Valley Health system.

    The restrictions affect anyone younger than 16 with the exception of parents and patients, according to a news release.
    As of Nov. 17, the medical center reported 23 patients with the flu, 11 patients with respiratory syncytial virus, and 13 patients with COVID-19, the release said.

    Visitors younger than 16 will not be allowed in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s Family Centered Care Unit; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; pediatrics or pediatric intensive care unit; or the labor and delivery unit. At Betsy Johnson Hospital, the restrictions apply to the labor and delivery and pediatrics units.
    Other areas of the hospitals remain open for visitors 12 and older who are with a parent or guardian, according to the release.

    “We feel this is a necessary step to protect the vulnerable populations in these units at this time,” said Susan Dees, chief nursing officer of Cape Fear Valley Health.

    Cape Fear Valley’s current visitation policy is available online at www.capefearvalley.com/visit.
    Under current policy, most patients who have not tested positive for COVID-19 are allowed as many as two visitors at a time between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., the news release said. Some units have more restrictive visitation rules. All non-COVID patients are allowed to have one visitor stay overnight in the patient’s room if space allows, but overnight visitors cannot leave and return after 8 p.m.

    COVID-19 patients are allowed one visitor per day between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., the release said. They must wear masks and gowns during their visit, the release said.

    In the Emergency Department, visitors are not allowed in the waiting room, but one visitor is allowed when the patient has been assigned a room.

  • Fay Trans Local His MuseumIt’s finally the perfect time of year to get outside. The beautiful North Carolina foliage acts as a colorful backdrop for families all over the Sandhills wanting to don their lightest jackets and enjoy weather that’s beginning to lean toward crisp in the early morning and evenings. The only question is: what is there to do?

    The Fayetteville History Museum has put together a “unique, self-serve, downtown history adventure” to satisfy anyone looking for something different to do outside this season. Throughout November, a map full of clues will lead big and little sleuths around downtown Fayetteville to discover its architecture and history with new eyes.

    “It’s a great way to use your brain power and your foot power to experience downtown,” Heidi Bleazey, Historic Properties Coordinator, shared.

    While the Fayetteville History Museum is known for its knowledgeable staff and informative guided tours, a scavenger hunt of this scope is new territory for the museum. The Downtown Cornerstone Scavenger Hunt is an opportunity to show just how fun history can be.

    Participants can grab a guide from the Fayetteville History Museum Tuesday-Saturday during regular operating hours and begin their search for cornerstones embedded in the historical buildings around the city. A cornerstone is a stone that traditionally forms the base corner of a building, joining two walls. As many historic buildings in downtown Fayetteville date back over a century — participants can find these architectural gems in some of downtown’s oldest structures.

    Bleazey is especially excited for people to get out and about in Fayetteville to see “nuggets of history” for themselves.

    “I love that the hunt is taking people beyond the core of Hay Street,” she explained. “We’re taking them off the dine-shop-eat path and inviting them to stand right where people stood over 100 years ago. These buildings we go by on our daily business are what remains of those who wanted to see change and bring change to this area.”

    The self-guided scavenger hunt can be completed all at once or broken up over several days throughout the month. Once all items have been located, participants can return their completed sheets to the history museum for a prize.

    Although the Downtown Cornerstone Historical Scavenger Hunt is designed for history lovers aged six to 96, Bleazey believes it’s a great outing for anyone looking to experience history up close.

    “It’s a perfect hunt for anyone who wants to experience downtown and get a taste of our local history,” she said.

    The hunt is ideal for family outings, team building, or a newly stationed soldier wanting to learn more about the area. Participating also creates an opportunity to discover new shops and restaurants in the bustling downtown area.

    Ultimately, through this event, Bleazey hopes people develop an appetite for Fayetteville history, a topic she feels very passionate about and is proud to share with others.

    “From its roots, Fayetteville has been a community that doesn’t always follow textbook history. The more you look, you see people and events that don’t follow standard American history. I love being a go-between for people from the past and people of the [present] community.”

    The Downtown Cornerstone Scavenger Hunt is free and open to the public. Participants can pick up their blank Scavenger Hunt guide sheets Tuesday-Saturday at 325 Franklin St. in downtown Fayetteville.

  • BookKarl Merritt wrote a book based on his daddy’s life. It is called From the Rough Side of the Mountain. Karl will be at Sweet Palette on Nov. 15 for a book signing and meet and greet. 

     understand the book and why it matters, it is important to understand a little bit about Karl’s daddy. Karl is the oldest of Milton W. Merritt Sr.’s six children. 

    The world Milton grew up in was nothing like today’s world.  Milton’s dad (Karl’s grandfather) was a poor man. He was a sharecropper in rural Georgia where he and his wife and children worked the farm together to make ends meet. When Milton was 12, a man walked into his family’s home and shot his father dead. Milton’s mom was left with seven kids to raise, including Milton. 

    Fast forward several decades. Milton had served his country in World War II, he was college educated and he was a husband and a father. He’d been a building contractor, a pastor, a civil rights activist, a teacher and more. He overcame obstacles. He worked hard. He didn’t give up. He counted his blessings and pondered his decisions. Milton lived a full and exciting life, and he loved to share his experiences with others, especially if what he shared could help someone else. That could have been enough. Until it wasn’t. 

    “After a speaking engagement in Macon, Ga., several people came up to my dad and said, ‘you cannot carry this to your grave. You need to write it down,’” said Karl. He agreed to help tell his daddy’s story. For more than a decade, Karl recorded conversations with his father. He accumulated more than 20 hours worth of conversations, lessons, insights and memories. By now Milton’s health was failing. Still, Karl had not started on the book.

     Then Karl’s wife asked, “How will you feel if your daddy dies before you write this book?”

    She had the tapes transcribed. 

    Karl wrote the book. 

      “I went through and took pieces and made that the basis of each chapter,” said Karl. “One of the chapters is about friendship. My dad treasured friendships. I am more of a lover and I didn’t have those same experiences. I didn’t invest in friendships for a long time. I think that is the value of the book. It helps people live life to the fullest by looking at what he did right and never claiming to have done everything right.”

    Other chapters in the book include topics like determination to succeed, facing life’s disruptions, the power of example, family experience, making time to assist, genuine concern for others, taking advantage of opportunities and counting the cost of decisions. 

    The meet and greet is from 5-7 p.m. Not only is it an opportunity to meet Karl and learn more about From the Rough Side of the Mountain, the Up & Coming Weeklywriting team will be in attendance as well. Come share your opinions, suggestions and story ideas. Karl’s book is also available at City Center Gallery and Books. For more information, call 484-6200.

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  • leaves Time to rake those leaves to the curb.

    Loose-leaf pickup will begin Monday, Nov. 21 in Fayetteville, according to a city news release.

    Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation workers will use special equipment to collect piles of loose leaves outside residences. The pick-up schedule will be based on ZIP codes and starts with ZIP code 28314, the release said.

    Residents should pile loose leaves and pine straw at the curb on the first date of their assigned pickup window.

    The pickup schedule is:

    • 28314, Nov. 21–Dec. 2.
    • 28311, Dec. 5–16.
    • 28306 and 28312, Dec. 19–30.
    • 28305 and 28303, Jan. 2-13.
    • 28301, Jan. 16-27.
    • 28304, Jan. 30–Feb. 10.

    Residents are asked to follow these guidelines:

    • Place leaves and pine straw curbside before your first scheduled day of pickup.
    • Piles should be leaves and pine straw only. Tree limbs and other yard debris are prohibited.
    • Leaves and pine straw should be on the curb and away from the road and storm drains.
    • Leaves should not be left over yard decorations, meter panels or any other utility equipment close to the ground.
    • Leaves that are put out in sturdy bags or containers on your regular yard debris pickup day will be collected weekly.

    Visit loose leaf collection policies for details on loose-leaf collection dates by ZIP code; to track the progress by ZIP code; and to learn about more options for yard debris pickup. Bad weather may cause delays in pickup, the release said. For more information, call 910-433-1329.

  • dickens 5All are invited to downtown Fayetteville the day after Thanksgiving. Locals, visitors, families, and friends gather to kick off the holiday season and share in a spirit of goodwill and gratitude.

    This year, the Downtown Alliance is producing A Dickens Holiday in partnership with the Fayetteville History Museum, generous sponsors, and downtown businesses. It will take place on Nov. 25 from 1 to 9 p.m. on Franklin Street, centered where the Downtown Market is held every Saturday year-round. Shoppers are invited to come earlier to take advantage of the downtown shops’ Dickens Holiday Deals.

    A Dickens Holiday is a 22-year beloved Fayetteville tradition that was created to draw people downtown to shop for the holidays while enjoying “A Christmas Carol” brought to life in a festive generosity of spirit. It’s a fun way of reminding people that there is a great downtown with a variety of local establishments here in Fayetteville that shouldn’t be overlooked in favor of chain stores, said Hank Parfitt, one of the Downtown Alliance volunteer organizers.

    Inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” the day will feature reenactors stationed throughout “Dickens Village” dressed as street urchins, the ghost of Jacob Marley, miser Ebeneezer Scrooge, the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, Queen Victoria, Princess Bonetta and other characters from the book
    and period.

    Throughout the day, there will be strolling musicians, magical acts, ax-throwing, a balloon artist, the Victorian Llamas and even Father Christmas. Visitors can enjoy the musical entertainment of the Coventry Carolers, the Oakwood Waits, the Cross Creek Pipe and Drums and the Highland Brass Quintet who will perform Christmas music in costume throughout the day.

    The Victorian era denotes the 63 years Victoria was Queen of England, lasting from 1837 to her death in 1901. “A Christmas Carol,” written by Charles Dickens, captured the characteristics of the mid-Victorian revival of the Christmas holiday. Visitors are welcome to attend wearing their own Victorian era garb. Helpful tips regarding the best way to create that perfect Victorian era look without breaking the bank or doing any sewing can be found at the Downtown Alliance website www.faydta.com/ADickensHoliday/. Top hats and capes will be for sale at the Dickens Merchandise Booth.

    “The whole downtown is happy during the event, and you have this strong feeling of community,” Parfitt said. “That’s what we call the ‘magic of Dickens.’”

    Like Market Days in Victorian England, there will be vendor stalls lining the streets, who along with downtown’s unique shops, will offer plenty of opportunities to pick up Christmas gifts while being entertained by the sights and sounds of the holidays. A Dickens Holiday is “probably Fayetteville at its best,” Parfitt added. “For many merchants, they have their best single day of sales” during the event.

    “I’ve been involved with Dickens for a dozen years or more,” said Heidi Bleazey, historic properties coordinator for the Fayetteville History Museum. “And I’m just always impressed at how much the community comes together and how much downtown shines.”

    With 25 locally owned eateries and drink purveyors within walking distance of the event, it’s easy to relax and enjoy a variety of food and beverages, along with shopping at the 30 specialty retail shops, while downtown.

    The Fayetteville History Museum will co-host and serve as the center of the festivities. During the day, the museum will be known as “Victoria Station,” the perfect conduit between the present and the past. Two horse-drawn “Cinderella” carriages, sponsored by the Cool Spring Downtown District, will take revelers for a 15-20 minute ride around the museum along the adjacent streets. This is a private ride in an elegant carriage for a romantic couple — or for the whole family if they wish. The cost is $75 no matter how large the family. Tickets are being sold in advance and can be purchased at VisitDowntownFayetteville.com.

    “The Fayetteville History Museum is housed in a national-register property,” Bleazey said. “It’s the 1890 Cape Fear and Yadkin Railway Depot. Multiple aspects of the Victorian-era life and the period are going to be featured, and Dickens is going to be highlighted in our museum as well.”

    Around 5:15 p.m., there will be a “Lighting of the Candles” to mark the arrival of the holidays and to greet Queen Victoria and other character actors as they appear on the performance stage along with the musical performers, and Sir John, the emcee.

    “We will have Scrooge on stage, too,” Parfitt said. “And I rather suspect he will tell the audience that, after he’s seen man’s love for one another in downtown Fayetteville, he has become a changed man.”

    The ceremony will end at 5:45 p.m., in time for the crowd to attend the tree-lighting in front of the Arts Council. All of downtown will be a lively evening venue for shopping and activities to include Franklin Street.

    The event will continue with the “Dickens After Dark” market and activities and Carriage Rides from 7 to 9 p.m.
    The Arts Council will hold the annual tree lighting ceremony at about 6:15 p.m. as part of its Holidays on Hay... A Season of Light celebration. The beautiful Cool Spring Downtown District tree is 22-feet-tall. It makes a perfect holiday picture backdrop, so be sure to return downtown to take photos.
    Later the Arts Council will feature a light show of more than 200 drones displaying gigantic holiday images in the sky for approximately 15 minutes, visible from up to four miles away.

    “We anticipate that people will want to go back and forth between the two events and enjoy all the festivities,” Parfitt said. “We look at this as a giant celebration with two big parts.”

    A Dickens Holiday will be 1 to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25 — the day after Thanksgiving — in downtown Fayetteville. The Fayetteville History Museum is located at 325 Franklin Street.
    Parking is available in the Franklin Street deck and parking lots.

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  • Pop up Santa picsSanta and his elves are coming early this year, thanks to the Fayetteville chapter of the Jack and Jill of America Foundation.

    The organization’s second Pop-Up Pictures With Santa Just Like Me fundraising event will take place on Nov. 19 at Honeycutt Recreation Center from 1 to 4 p.m.
    Big kids, little kids and believers of all ages are invited to enjoy hot cocoa and cookies with a few elves and have their picture taken with a Santa Claus of color before the holiday season gets fully underway. It’s the perfect time to get a jump start on holiday cards while celebrating diversity.

    A team will be ready to greet visitors upon arrival, available to answer questions about the organization and opportunities to get involved.
    Proceeds from the event will benefit Fisher House Foundation Inc. and Raeford Cares Mentoring Movement. Additionally, P3 Weddings and Events will sponsor five families identified by Raeford Cares to have their photos taken.

    Up & Coming Weekly spoke with Ericka Whitaker, foundation chair of the Fayetteville chapter of the Jack & Jill Foundation of America, about the event and its intended impact on the community.

    “We just want to get a jump start on all the other Santas,” Whitaker joked.

    On a more serious note, Whitaker shared the foundation’s hope to increase visibility and representation in the African American community for leaders and heroes that look like the children and families they serve.

    “What we have historically seen is that children of color don't often see Santas that look like them,” Whitaker explained. “We want to make sure our children are aware of their culture.”

    "The desire to promote images of positivity and success within the Black community is at the heart of the Jack & Jill Foundation of America's mission to “transform African American communities one child at a time.”

    Comprised mostly of African American mothers, the national organization represents over 242 chapters and 40,000 family members. Jack & Jill of America Foundation is dedicated to “stimulating children’s growth and development through educational, cultural, civic, health, recreational, and social opportunities,” particularly for African American children aged two to nineteen.

    Established in 1938 by Black socialite and civic organizer Marion Stubbs Thomas, the Jack & Jill of America Foundation has spent the last eight decades cultivating leaders with a strong sense of duty and integrity, which led Whitaker to join the Fayetteville chapter seven years ago.

    “I wanted my daughter to be involved in giving back to the community,” Whitaker shared. “I wanted her to understand there are professionals that look just like her. I believe the Jack and Jill Foundation has a strong impact because we really invest in our children's education and leadership. This organization is another tool in our toolbox to develop her as an individual.”

    The Fayetteville chapter, which falls under the mid-Atlantic region, serves 23 members and families locally. The local chapter is involved in several programs within the community, like serving meals, partnering with local schools to provide needed resources, and volunteering with local food banks. The goal is to focus on and inspire children to become well-rounded individuals with a practical understanding of their culture.
    While promoting positivity within the African American community, Whitaker emphasized that the Pop-Up Pictures With Santa Just Like Me event is for everyone.

    “We aren’t just inviting children of color," she clarified. “We want the entire community to come out if they can.”

    Digital photograph packages are priced as follows: one shot/$30, two shots/$45, and three shots/$60; only cash and Cashapp are accepted.

    Honeycutt Recreation Center is located at 353 Devers St. in Fayetteville.
    To learn more about the Jack & Jill Foundation of America, visit www.jackandjillfoundation.org/.

  • puzzle pieces logo School of Hope Of the 89 public and 36 private schools in Cumberland County, only one is solely dedicated to providing a holistic education for autistic students — the School of Hope: the “perfect place to wonder, learn, and grow.”

    Situated in Fayetteville, the small but sunny private school opens onto a beautiful mural of the school's logo: a puzzle-piece schoolhouse of primary colors upheld by two loving hands.
    For the past six years, the School of Hope has been a haven and, for some, the last stop on a long road to quality education for their exceptional children. Rob and Amy Sparks, co-founders of the School of Hope, understand that journey all too well.

    As parents who struggled to access free and appropriate education for their autistic son, Jarred, the Sparks filed and won a lawsuit against Fort Bragg Schools, which ended in federal district court in 1997.

    “We fought hard for our son because we wanted him to be educated, not babysat,” Sparks expressed with passion. “These students have a right to an education, and that’s exactly what we fight for here. The School of Hope is built from the heart — it’s not about money, it’s not about numbers — it's about quality.”

    While Sparks, a former primary school teacher for Cumberland County, and Rob, retired Air Force, always dreamed of opening a school for children with autism, it wasn’t until the passing of their son, Jarred, in 2011, that the reality of the school began to take shape.

    “I loved [teaching], but I made a promise to my son,” Sparks shared. “I said to him: ‘Jarred, I promise I will never let your death be in vain — we will open the School of Hope.’”

    Reminders of Jarred are found throughout the school, and it seems no part of the space is untouched by his influence. A beautiful quilt made of his clothing hangs from the wall outside the office. A display case of his athletic accomplishments greets visitors as they walk inside. A handsome young man posing with his family, a strong swimmer standing with medals around his neck — his face stares back from several framed photos around the office. It’s clear the hands holding up the little painted schoolhouse belong to him.

    “This school is so personal to me,” Sparks expressed. “Jarred is my son, and I want him to be proud of me.”

    In honor of Jarred’s beautiful spirit, the Sparks have made it their life's mission to offer children on the spectrum a place to feel safe, loved, and educated.

    “This is a very unique school,” Sparks shared with Up & Coming Weekly. “We know our students, and we love each and every one of them.”

    An institution like the School of Hope couldn't come at a more crucial time. According to the CDC, around 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. A mere 20 years ago, the numbers were around 1 in 500. The sharp increase in diagnosed cases creates questions about best practices when serving the varying needs of children and students within this very specific population, particularly regarding education.

    Many families of children with autism have indeed found success within the public school system through Individualized Education Plans, caseworkers and self-contained classrooms. Many others are frustrated with a system that, even before COVID, often struggled to meet the needs of students with autism spectrum disorder.

    It is precisely due to these challenges that the School of Hope has gone from a student body of five to around 52 in the last six years. The K-12 school offers all the standard subjects, small class sizes, and an emphasis on life skills and socialization. Unlike public institutions, the School of Hope allows Personalized Education Plans, on-site ABA therapists and Registered Behavior Technicians, making them a highly sought-after choice for families moving into the area. As their renown spreads and their services become more necessary, the need for School of Hope’s expansion becomes increasingly urgent.

    To make their dreams of building a bigger school a reality, the School of Hope has initiated their Hope 200 campaign, which seeks to raise $500,000 to purchase a modular building with eight classrooms that would allow them to take in 160 more children.
    The Sparks, in particular Amy, as the school’s charismatic leader, have hit the fundraising trail to bring their story, message and dream for the school’s future to the community and even those outside Cumberland County.

    “When you hear Amy speak about her son and the goals for this school, you immediately want to raise money for this cause,” shared Sandy Holland, an organizer of a recent fundraiser on the school’s behalf.
    The “Roaring 20s” themed fundraiser/luncheon held in October, coupled with outside donations from the community and out-of-state benefactors, raised nearly $10,000 toward the school's Hope 200 campaign.

    “God was laying it on my heart that our group needed to do this,” Holland explained. “The ladies of our church — so many of them have children and grandchildren on the spectrum, and we know their struggles. Several children at our church are on the spectrum — you see the need.”

    It’s a need the Sparks hope to impress upon as many people as possible as the school creeps toward its goal.

    “No donation is too small,” Sparks admitted. “Until autism touches people’s lives, they don’t think about it. Most people who give have a personal story they want to share. When people come to this school and see what's happening, they’re touched.”

    As for Sparks, her dreams for the school extend far beyond her lifetime; ultimately, she and her husband are working to build a legacy.

    “I dream that one day when I’m no longer here on this earth, the School of Hope will forever help children with autism and will continue to go on.

    I hope that thousands of lives will be touched and when I get to heaven, Jarred and I can have our first conversation, and he'll say to me: ‘you did it, Mom.’”

    The School of Hope is located at 111 Burns Street in Fayetteville. To learn more about the School of Hope or to donate to the Hope 200 Fund, visit www.theschoolofhope.net/,
    or call 910-339-5683.

  • cover

  • 311111249 10223153082318338 181978852018163236 nA brand new coffee shop will be opening soon in Cumberland County, and this coffee shop plans to put purpose into every cup. Miller’s Brew, operated by Kim Molnar and Miller’s Crew, is planning a soft opening in December.

    Molnar worked at Cumberland County Schools for almost three decades as a speech-language pathologist and specialist. She noticed that children with developmental disabilities, particularly high school students, weren’t given much-needed resources to qualify for jobs in the community. She saw this within the schools and with her son, who is autistic.

    The first goal for Miller’s Crew, named after Molnar’s son, Miller, was to create vocational work labs in high school special needs classrooms. Miller’s Crew met their initial goal in just three and a half years. Now they have installed or helped donate fully functioning training labs in ten different high schools across three counties.

    Phase two was the Miller’s Crew food truck, which launched last year.

    The Cooking With The Crew food truck was established with the goal to provide job training, apprenticeship programs and employment opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities.
    It has become a staple at many events around Cumberland County. The food truck serves hot dogs, fries, grilled cheese, and tried and true food favorites, offering simple but delicious lunches.

    “With the food truck, we are able to take adults with special needs and train them with skills that they can use in some kind of employment,” Molnar said. “We use our food truck as a training lab. We serve really good food, and we love being out in the community.”

    Since the food truck launched, there has been a sharp increase of interest from families and individuals who could benefit from the work Miller’s Crew does. Molnar tells Up & Coming Weekly that when they launched, they were working with two crew members. Now, 15 families are interested and wanting to be involved.
    The plan was always to find a hub for Miller’s Crew, but the large amount of interest from the community hurried the timeline.

    “We really wanted that phase three could accommodate more adolescents and more adults with special needs to carry on with that skill set and then pipeline them to the businesses that we partner with,” Molnar said.

    That dream was still a few years away. But with the success of the food truck and the large amount of interest from not just families, but also the community, phase three is coming a lot earlier that Molnar was planning.
    When the building they were looking at in the Haymount area became available to rent, Molnar said that they jumped on the opportunity.
    The new hub will be a coffee shop, called Miller’s Brew. Their tagline: Purpose in Every Cup.

    “We believe everything they do in that building at that particular time with the training that we're providing, you know, there is purpose and they are learning a task that’s going to carry over to something meaningful, whether it’s in our coffee shop or in another coffee shop or another place of business. Everything we do while they’re there is teaching and training,” Molnar said.

    Molnar said she hopes families can see their training center, see their crew members, and know that their loved ones with learning and developmental disabilities will be okay.

    “It’s my goal and my passion and my belief that if a family walks into our training company and gets a cup of coffee, talks to a speech therapist, but sees Miller at 23 years old making a cup of coffee, interacting with customers, learning how to do things that, you know, at three years old, we never would have dreamed that he would have done. Our training center will be the visual pathway for those families that they can look and go, ‘Oh, he has autism or he has Down syndrome, or he has another developmental disorder. The future is not going to be so bad that I have to keep working,’” Molnar said.

    “We are hyper focused — we train and we teach to the caliber of what somebody would get if they're going into a 30 minute or 45 minute or an hour PTO/speech session. When they come in to see the staff at our training company, that’s what they’re getting. They’re getting really good opportunities to grow and learn.”

    The coffee will come from a roaster in Aberdeen. They will be serving basic coffee drinks, pastries and their famous food truck smoothies.
    There is a plan for a soft opening in December and a grand opening to the public in January.

    The shop is located on the corner of Olive Road and Morganton Road, where the old BB&T bank was located.
    To find out more about Miller’s Crew, where you can find their food truck, or how to get involved, visit their website at www.millerscrew.com.

  • 21The Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church is back with its annual World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry sale, Nov. 16 between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

    “Spaghetti is the perfect food for everyone of all ages,” Lia Hasapis said.

    The spaghetti dinner not only serves as a fundraiser for the church, but also a delicious lunch and dinner for the community. According to Hasapis, the sauce is a special recipe passed down from generation to generation, and the spaghetti dinner and pastry sale is a chance for the church to show the community “kefi,” which means fun, enthusiasm and a passion for life
    in Greek.

    “We provide kefi at the [spaghetti dinner],” Hasapis said.

    It takes nearly 4,000 pounds of dry spaghetti, 900 gallons of tomato sauce and over 100 volunteers to make this delicious fundraiser a reality. The volunteers at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church start by preparing noodles, spaghetti sauce, cheese, bread and baking pastries days in advance.

    “With the spaghetti dinner and Greek pastry sale [called] the world’s largest, it takes a lot of prep work to [get ready] for such” a big event, Hasapis said.

    If you missed the Greek pastries Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church delivered back in September during the Greek Festival, this is your opportunity to right that wrong.
    Desserts include Baklava, Greece’s most famous dessert, a phyllo layered pastry filled with honey, spices and chopped nuts; Kataifi, shredded phyllo filled with nuts, dipped in honey and syrup; Finikia, a traditional Greek spice cookie that is sweet, crumbly, dipped in honey and topped with nuts, plus much more.

    The World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry sale is takeout only, between the hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16. Tickets are $10 per spaghetti plate, plus a la carte for everything else.
    The Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church was built in 1954, when the Parish Council and Board of Directors for the Hellenic Community Center signed the contract to build the Hellenic Center at the northern edge of Oakridge Avenue.

    The Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church has a chapel, classroom, fellowship hall and porch that opens into a spacious lot and stage. Since 2009, Reverend Alexander M. Papagikos has been serving the parish.

    The Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church is located at 614 Oakridge Avenue, at the very end if coming from Hay Street. Keep in mind Oakridge Avenue begins directly across from the Cape Fear Regional Theatre at the top of the hill in Haymount.

    The World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry sale began in 1958, thanks to parishioner Pete Parrous. To learn more about the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, or to pre-order as many spaghetti plates as possible to be picked up during the event, please visit www.FayGreekChurch.com.

  • COVER

  • sick kid METROTwo years ago, cases of RSV plummeted dramatically across the nation as the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools, daycares and businesses.
    Once restrictions started easing in the summer of 2021, physicians are said to have seen an alarming increase in what is a normally fall and winter virus.

    RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most people recover in a week or two, but it can be very serious, especially for infants and older adults, the CDC says.

    The virus has rebooted, and it’s back again.

    As a result, doctors have concerns about the possibility that RSV, flu and COVID-19 could combine to stress hospitals.
    The adult and pediatric emergency departments at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center have experienced higher than normal patient volumes. Doctors cite a rise in flu and RSV as the cause.
    Dr. Jennifer Green, the Cumberland County health director, said that the county has been seeing a surge in flu and RSV just like the rest of the country.
    Statewide, there have been five adult flu deaths and a pediatric death in recent weeks, she said. Cumberland County has not reported a death from those illnesses.

    “It’s circulating more than we’ve seen before,” Green said, citing the fact that fewer people are wearing masks, fewer people are practicing public health measures, more people are traveling now than they were in the last year, and more are gathering and not social distancing as they did during the apex of COVID.

    ”It’s unusual this year after a couple of years of calm seeing this level this early and the amount of flu and RSV we’re seeing," she added. "This is kind of the flu season, but the volume is a little unusual.”

    People have not built up an immunity at this time, according to Green.
    Hospital physicians and staff were unavailable for comment due to the high demand of attention from patients experiencing respiratory illnesses, a hospital spokeswoman said.
    But in a news release last week, Chief Clinical Officer Michael Zappa talked about the impact of flu and RSV.

    “Flu season came early this year, as did RSV, and the numbers of cases are high everywhere,” Zappa said in the Cape Fear Valley Health news release.

    “Hospitals throughout the state are filling their pediatric beds with children with RSV or flu. A large portion of what we’re seeing in the adult (emergency department) are respiratory illnesses,
    as well.”

    Fayetteville is no different from other places nationwide.

    The Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Emergency Department is experiencing high pediatric volume flu and RSV, which are said to be driving the majority of emergency department visits.
    On Nov. 10, Cape Fear Valley reported 29 cases of flu systemwide, with 19 listed as hospitalized at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville. Six cases were listed in the pediatrics department.

    Also on Nov. 10, 16 patients were hospitalized systemwide with the flu, including 15 at the central medical center. Total numbers of COVID patients were reported as 10 cases across the system and seven hospitalized at Cape Fear Valley.

    Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s 25 pediatric inpatient beds have essentially remained at capacity.

    Late last week, the system said roughly 80% of the children admitted to the hospital recently have tested positive for RSV.
    According to the news release, Zappa said that many of the children being brought to the emergency department are able to be seen and sent home and could also receive the same testing and evaluation at one of Cape Fear Valley’s ExpressCare locations. Some children may also need a breathing treatment, which the emergency department can provide, without needing to be admitted.

    “I strongly encourage adults and children to get vaccinated for the flu this season, as well as getting their COVID-19 booster,” Zappa said in the release.

    The same precautions that are recommended for COVID-19 are suggested for the prevention of
    flu and RSV – masking, hand washing, cleaning frequently-touched surfaces and avoiding close contact.

    Though a vaccine is available for the flu, there is no vaccine for RSV. Pfizer has announced that it is working on one.
    The news release said that adults can contract RSV, but it generally impacts children much more often than adults. With the flu, children and geriatric patients are at a higher risk for complications.

    “We don’t want to discourage anyone who is having an emergency from coming to the emergency department,” Zappa said in the release. “If an adult or a child is having difficulty breathing, they should come to the emergency department. We do ask that people consider our ExpressCares for non-emergencies, and for people to extend their patience if they experience extended wait times in the emergency departments.”

    RSV is a common disease, Green said. And not one you typically think about unless you have younger children or older folks around. She said it’s similar to the common cold, and just another respiratory virus.

    “Their symptoms overlap quite a bit,” Green said.

    Did you know?

    Public health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocate for annual flu shots as an effective way to avoid potentially serious complications that can arise when individuals get the influenza virus.
    But why the need for annual vaccinations? According to the CDC, flu viruses are constantly changing, so a vaccination that might have been effective one year will not necessarily provide significant protection in the following year.
    In addition, the protection provided by the flu vaccine wanes over time, so people won’t necessarily be well fortified against the flu if they aren’t vaccinated each year. Researchers work to determine which flu viruses are likely to be common in a given year. The vaccinations administered in that year reflect that research and provide the greatest protection against the viruses that are likely to be circulating throughout flu season.

  • 20The Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Dirtbag Ales, welcomes all to the 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off as part of the Heroes Homecoming. And, if you don’t like chili, there is lots of fun planned for the entire family.

    This year’s theme is “Heroes at Home,” and the activities recognize the contributions of service members and their families. There will be a parachute demonstration followed
    by singing the national anthem. Many nonprofit organizations that cater to the military community will have booths.

    For the kids, there will be a special area with crafts, stickers and patriotic coloring sheets. Since this is a Veterans Day event, the Chamber has partnered with 10 local photographers to take free portraits of military families. As for the chili, attendees can purchase “flight of chili” tickets to sample a variety for just $10. “Flight of chili” tickets includes 5 different chilis and the opportunity to vote on your favorite. If you want to sample all the chilis, tickets are $30.

    There will be hot chilis and mild chilis. Everything from veggie chili to alligator chili and everything in between. Participants are encouraged to name their chili and decorate their table accordingly as presentation is everything. (Hint, hint) All entries will have a number and description card displayed that will include spice level, main ingredients and other interesting facts.

    Tasting will take place between noon and 2 p.m., then votes will be tallied. The first place winner will receive $200, second place will receive $100, and third place will receive $50. All entrants are encouraged to invite their family and friends to come out to support their entries.
    Casey Farris is the president of the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce. She said, “In 2021 we had 25 cooks enter the cook-off."

    "At the end of the day, the top three chilis will be recognized with a special award," she said. "A portion of the profits will be donated to a local veteran nonprofit.”

    Since this event is partnered with Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom, guests can also sample a local beer while they enjoy chili. In addition to their standard brews, Dirtbag Ales will be featuring Heroes Homecoming lager. For each pint of Heroes Homecoming lager sold, $1 will be donated to local organizations that serve military families.

    This might be the 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off for the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce, but the Fayetteville area has been hosting the Heroes Homecoming since 2011. This is an appreciation to all veterans for their courage, sacrifice and everything they do to defend our country’s freedom.

    Rebecca Freeman says, “As the executive director of the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce, I am thrilled with the number of sponsors and contestants we have this year. It is such an honor for the Chamber to be participating in Heroes Homecoming and to give back to our local veterans, too.”

    Fred Cutter is a veteran, a member of the Chamber, and a sponsor for this year’s event. He mentions that “In an ideal world, the Chamber is the proxy between city government and the business community. My most significant blessing is the opportunity to serve a community of people I admire and consider friends.”

    The 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off will take place Nov. 12 at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom located at 5435 Corporation Drive in Hope Mills. The event starts at 11 a.m. and ends when the chili runs out, which is estimated to be at about 5 p.m. To purchase chili tickets, visit www.hopemillsareachamber.com.

    If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Chili Cook-Off, contact the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce at 910-423-4314 or email them at HMCC@hopemillschamber.org
    For the full Heroes Homecoming schedule of events, visit heroeshomecoming.com.

  • FPD logo A Fayetteville man has been charged in a fatal shooting at the Carolina Motor Inn on Saturday night, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said.

    Bobbie Colston Farrior, 41, was arrested Sunday, Nov. 13, the Sheriff’s Office said in a release.

    He is charged in the fatal shooting of Rafael Ramon Purdie 39, of Hope Mills.

    Farrior is being held without bond at the Cumberland County Detention Center on a charge of first-degree murder, the Sheriff’s Office said. His first appearance is set for 2:30 p.m. Monday.

    Deputies were dispatched to the motel at 2533 Gillespie St. around 11:10 p.m. in reference to a shooting, the Sheriff’s Office said in a release.

    The preliminary investigation revealed that Purdie was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the hospital, the release said.

    The Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit is investigating.

    Anyone who has information about this investigation is asked to call Detective Sgt. R. Brinkley at 910-677-5463 or Crimestoppers at 910-483-TIPS (8477).

    This is the second fatal shooting in the county in three days.

    Carlos Runquiz Whitted, 40, of Hope Mills, died after a shooting Thursday night on Lawndale Street.

  • 19 Watching Marc de la Concha and Jonathan Judge-Russo practice lines is like watching a one-two punch. A little different from the common ringside accompaniments — theirs is a match of wits, comedic lines and neurotic displays — and maybe some weird wheezing and ticks. All part of the contemporary comedy that is Neil Simon.

    De la Concha and Judge-Russo are making rounds as Felix Unger and Oscar Madison in Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s version of “The Odd Couple.” And it will be the only theatre in the country where audiences can watch one of Neil Simon’s plays currently.

    “They put a pause on Neil Simon’s works. We wrote to his widow and his estate about how beneficial it would be. They wrote back and said, ‘Oh my goodness. We’d love to grant you permission to do the show.’” Ashley Owen, CFRT marketing director said.

    The theatre’s employees were delighted. The next decision was how to honor that permission with outstanding performances of the play.
    Part of that equation, according to Director David Hemsley Caldwell, was De La Concha and Judge-Russo who were a shoe-in for the parts. Their banter and natural chemistry was undeniable.

    “We read them together. It was just magic. It just falls into place. It just makes sense with these two gentlemen,” Caldwell said.

    For Judge-Russo, Oscar is a nice break from the types he’s always been cast in TV — the murderer, the nonstop bad guy. “Yikes,” he says as he recounts his normal casting. This makes de la Concha laugh.
    De la Concha, on the other hand, is revisiting the role he played 11 years ago — the neurotic, clean-freak Felix. After finding himself on the end of a divorce, Felix finds himself in need of a home and finds a very odd placement with the laid-back, messy Oscar. This, of course, makes for some comedy.

    “The banter between the two of them... It’s almost like watching a sporting event,” Caldwell said. “If you just follow what you are given by Mr. Simon then you are three-fourths of the way there.”

    Judge-Russo agrees. For him, he says, you just have to get out of the play’s way and “let it live.” He says he tries to exist within it. While Judge-Russo and de la Concha have both been in productions at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, this is their first time working together.

    “I’m having a great time under my N95 right now because of the level where Marc is at,” Judge-Russo said. “He’s so funny. If you are not matching it, if you are not volleying his serve, you will come unglued a bit.”

    This is lucky for both actors, who seem to be having a great time, as the production is about two-thirds just Oscar and Felix bantering back and forth. And the rhythm they strike is just as important as the jokes.

    “The rhythm it counts on needs to be perfect for the jokes to land,” Caldwell said. “There’s a lot of playwrights that are not good at writing dialogue but [Simon] is. Rhythmically, the way he writes, he is a musician. It is note perfect. You owe it to him and his play to play it that way.”

    “The Odd Couple” will run until Nov. 13. For this production, this is a shorter run with only 11 performances. Tickets range from $15-28, depending on the night. Visit www.cfrt.org for more information.

  • 11-02-11-cape-fear-valley.jpgCrowds of folks will stretch out like a ribbon along routes through the downtown Fayetteville area as walkers and motorcy-clists take to the road for the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center 6th Annual Ribbon Walk & Ride for Cancer, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, in Festival Park.

    Last year, more than 1,000 walkers and riders participated in the event and raised more than $90,000 “to help cancer patients right here at home.” All proceeds benefit Friends of the Cancer Center, one of six friends groups within the Foundation that “…help develop programs to assist patients with needs that contribute to the heal-ing process, but that go beyond the scope of Cape Fear Valley’s mission to provide medical care and treatment,” according to the event website, www.ribbonwalkforcancer.org.

    A press release for the event noted, “Through fundraisers, such as the Ribbon Walk & Ride, Friends of the Cancer Center provides prescription medicine, emergency funds for utilities, dietary supplements, transportation assistance, wigs, hats and scarves to Cancer Center patients.” Friends of the Cancer Center is supported 100 percent by donations and gifts and the help of 80 plus volunteers.

    Chances are, everyone knows someone who is fighting cancer or who has fought cancer, and this is a way to help patients right here in Fayetteville. Friends of the Cancer Center’s Ribbon Walk welcomes all partici-pants willing to come out and walk for survivors and encourages survivors to be there, as well as any others who can walk for a co-worker, a friend, a son, a daughter, a spouse — anyone who is battling or has battled this killer disease.

    Participants may register the day of the event or preregister at www.rib-bonwalkforcancer.org and download the donation form and view walk and ride routes. Additionally, people may donate to a particular walker, rider or team online. Registration is $25, and checks should be made payable to Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation. The top team and top three individual fundraisers will receive prizes, including T- shirts, stainless-steel water bot-tles, backpacks, caps and fleece jackets.

    Registration and kickoff for the ride are at 8:45 and 9:45 a.m., respec-tively. Walk registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m.

    For more information on the Ribbon Walk, sponsorship, registration or volunteering, please call Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation at 615-7618 or visit www.ribbonwalkforcancer.org.

    Photo: Last year, over 1000 walkers and riders participated in the event and raised more than $90,000 to help cancer patients right here at home.

  • 18Alondria McCoy is the founder of Alon Entertainment and the writer and director of “First Lady the Stage Play” — a story of domestic violence and mental health in the church.

    Fact vs. Fiction

    This play is based on a true story. McCoy had a co-worker that detailed what happened to her as a First Lady, a title given to the wife of a church pastor. McCoy could not believe such horrendous things happened to the woman and inquired if she could turn the woman’s story into a stage play. The woman did not believe her story could be used for a stage play, but McCoy voiced she had the background in it and it could happen.

    For two and a half months, details of the woman’s story resided on sticky notes as McCoy pieced the story together. It didn’t take her long to get the story together. On opening night, her co-worker sat in the audience and watched as her experience was told through a stage play.
    After the show, her co-worker had tears in her eyes and told McCoy to have this play shown to the masses.

    “Where I grew up in the church, I would have never thought this was real,” she said. “I’ve never seen anything like this in the church. It was easy for me to make a play of it.”

    For the last six years, McCoy has done this show multiple times in different locations in the Carolinas and Virginia. To individuals who are wondering why this stage play on domestic violence is unique, this story is from a different perspective. In religious situations, when someone has a burden to bear, like domestic violence, they go to their pastor or leaders in the church.

    In this story, the First Lady does not have anyone to go to because her abuser is the pastor and well-loved by the community. The cast is full of pastors, professionals and entrepreneurs that want to bring some form of awareness to domestic violence — education in the form of entertainment. Community resources on mental health and domestic violence will be available the night of the performance. McCoy said this is done by contacting the county in advance before they perform in a city and the county informs them of the organizations and resources available.

    She said she does this because someone may never go to a church or therapist, but they might go to the stage play where the lobby has information on their different
    options.

    Mental health conversation

    “Domestic violence and mental health is an issue in every community,” McCoy said. “We focus on African Americans because we know the struggles that lie in those communities.”

    She added that domestic violence and mental illness have no color or gender and can happen to anyone.

    “We’re not just trying to help the African American community, we want to help everyone. We want everyone to know that this is a serious issue and we want to help them get out of it.”

    Over the years, attendees of the show have said “I felt that punch” or “I felt that slap.”

    “Mental illness is not talked about enough,” McCoy said.

    Cherie Porter plays “Victoria,” the First Lady of the church. Jewalle Wright plays “Linda.”
    Porter said it is a taboo topic because of the fear of admitting mental illness. People worry others will say, ”You’re crazy.” She said the best way to heal is to talk. Wright added “Discussing mental health will help us to understand that we are not alone because a mental illness is not to be fought alone. We all need each other in some way. Connecting with others is more important than one might think. It can decrease levels of anxiety and depression, it can help us navigate our emotions, and much more, which can improve our overall well-being.”

    “The resources were not available to a lot of African American communities to talk to someone,” McCoy said.

    She said that now there is a more significant opportunity for African Americans to get help and talk to someone in a clinical profession, not just a spiritual counselor like a pastor or minister.

    “Sometimes you need clinical advice more than spiritual,” she said. “Someone licensed and skillful.”

    While certain African American communities may have more resources for clinical help for counseling, McCoy said there is still a stigma on medication. She said she wants people to understand that just because they are prescribed medicine doesn’t mean they are crazy. She said there are various coping mechanisms to utilize that a licensed professional can tell them about.

    “There are options and we want people to know there are options,” she said.

    ‘What goes on in our house, stays in our house’

    This phrase may seem familiar to many individuals and McCoy and Porter gave their thoughts on it.

    “I believe it is the biggest misconception that can be used with that phrase,” McCoy said. “Sometimes you begin to function in dysfunction. When you begin to act in a certain behavior, it can become normal for you and before you know it, you don’t feel like anything is wrong with the state you are in or recognize help is needed.”

    She said there are many forms of abuse — physical, psychological, verbal or how the abuser looks at the victim.
    McCoy said this includes the men who are abused by women, but because they are taught not to hit a woman, the woman physically harms him.

    “First Lady the Stage Play” will be Nov. 12 in Seabrook Auditorium, on the Fayetteville State University campus. Doors open at 6 p.m. The pre-show starts at 6:30 p.m.

    The play begins at 7 p.m. The Seabrook Auditorium is located at 1200 Murchison Road. Ticket prices for the production range from $25 to $35.
    For more information, visit https://alon-entertainment1.ticketleap.com/first-lady-the-stage-play/.

  • 11-09-11-ftcc.jpgA state-of-the-art cold kitchen is the newest addition to the Culinary Arts Department at Fayetteville Technical Community College. The most recent expansion to the facilities was designed to provide a kitchen with temperature and humidity control features. The cold kitchen was completed in October, creating additional space for Culinary training which consists of three kitchens and a dining room.

    Humidity and temperature control are critical in a bake shop when preparing sugar and chocolate work. Students are instructed in the preparation, construction, and assembly of confectionary show pieces and dessert items. Show pieces are decorative competition entries made from various confections and must be completely edible. If the temperature and humidity are not perfect when preparing and holding these show pieces and dessert items, they will become sticky and eventually melt, losing their shape and form in the process. Imagine a wilting fl ower and the slow demise of the fl ower on a hot humid day. This is exactly what happens to chocolate and sugar pieces that have been properly prepared, but not kept at the proper temperature and humidity in the preparation and holding process. Having a cold kitchen also allows longer working time with chocolate and confection mediums. This will give students a better opportunity to understand and utilize the scientifi c reactions that are occurring while tempering chocolate and pulling or blowing sugar.

    The temperature of the cold kitchen will be kept at 62 degrees Fahrenheit and will be set at approximately 10% humidity or below when working with most pastry and confection products. This environment is impossible to maintain in a typical hot kitchen, particularly in the south. Most of North Carolina is considered to have a humid subtropical climate with a relative humidity anywhere between 48% and 95% depending on the time of year and the region. The cold kitchen will allow the instructors to control factors that will allow successful student training. The students will actually be able to prepare, handle, assemble, and display their sugar and chocolate show pieces with success due to temperature and humidity control feature in the cold kitchen.

    In addition to your typical bake shop equipment, the department purchased a commercial dough-sheeter for the cold kitchen. Culinary students will work with various types of dough including sugar dough, gingerbread, and laminated dough like croissants and danish that must be rolled out into a uniform thickness. This piece of equipment will allow students to quickly prepare large quantities of dough products precisely in a uniform thickness ranging from 5 inches to 1/16 of an inch. In addition, the machine can be used to prepare rolled fondant for covering decorated cakes and as preparation for gum paste fl owers to adorn wedding cakes.

    Currently, the Culinary Arts department offers a Baking Certifi cate as an offspring to its Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts parent program. The Baking Certificate can typically be completed in two semesters. Students graduating with a Baking Certificate are trained to master the preparation of quick breads, cakes, lean and rich bread dough, pies, tarts, sweet sauces, meringues, basic sugar centerpieces, chocolate tempering, basic molded, dipped and formed chocolate truffles along with basic chocolate and marzipan modeling skills. Students are also able to decorate and assemble multi-layered cakes using buttercream, royal icing, fondant, marzipan and gum paste decorations. Any student who completes the Baking Certificate at FTCC would be a huge asset to any master chocolatier, pastry chef or baker.

    We are hopeful that the Culinary Program’s cold kitchen will be a stepping stone to offering a Baking and Pastry Arts Associate Degree option sometime in the near future. This would require the addition of course work in the areas of artisan bread, chocolate artistry, European cakes and tortes, advanced cake decorating and design, and bakery startup and management.

    For more information about the Culinary Arts degree or certificate programs including the Baking, Garde Manger and Demi-Chef Certificates, please contact Kay Gilbert at 678-8295.

    Photo: Elizabeth Culbreath, Tracey Deskin and Michael Schafhausen are Culinary students making pastillage, a sugar dough made of sugar, gelatin and white vinegar and formed into a sugar ceramic. These decorative pieces and can be painted, glazed and air brushed.

  • spring lake logo The Spring Lake Board of Aldermen is expected to swear in Fire Chief Jason Williams as interim town manager Monday night, Nov. 14, as it continues to search for a permanent town manager.

    “It looks like I will be in this position for a little longer than when I was first appointed as the acting town manager,” Williams said.

    Williams was appointed interim town manager on Oct. 24 after state Treasurer Dale Folwell said he would not approve funding to hire Justine Jones as Spring Lake town manager.

    After a two-month search, the board voted 3-2 on Oct. 10 to appoint Jones as permanent town manager on conditional approval of the contract by the Local Government Commission, the Board of Aldermen and the town attorney, and acceptance of the contract terms by Jones.

    Folwell issued a news release on Oct. 13 saying he would not approve the funding for Jones, who had recently been fired after 90 days from her first job as town manager in Kenly. She was let go after the entire full-time Police Department, including the police chief and two other employees, quit making headline news. They said she created a hostile work environment.

    Folwell cited past employment history, concern for potential legal and financial liabilities and the potential adverse impact on town morale as his reasons for not supporting the hire.

    Folwell said in an interview earlier this month that the ability to budget and manage the finances of a large organization should be at the forefront of the board’s decision-making when selecting a town manager.

    Folwell also serves as chairman of the Local Government Commission which took over Spring Lake’s finances in October 2021 amid concerns of potential budget deficits, longstanding fiscal disarray and an investigation of missing money.

    According to Jones’ resume, she has one year of budget experience and 90 days of town management experience. Prior to her brief employment in Kenly, Jones sued Richland County, South Carolina, alleging gender and racial discrimination after she was fired. In between, she spent five years operating her own consultant company.

    Mayor Kia Anthony and town attorney Michael Porter said Kenly hired a third-party private investigator who showed that the claims of a hostile work environment were unfounded.

    Anthony announced at the Oct. 24 meeting after Williams was appointed as interim town manager that the town would be sending a contract to the Local Government Commission for Jones to be the next manager despite the opposition from Folwell.

    Williams has served as the acting town manager for the last three weeks. He said he is hoping to make some good changes in Spring Lake. He has taken a proactive approach to running the town, working with all departments to get equipment working again to clean streets and improve the appearance of the town.

    “We’ve gotten the street sweeper back and running and we are working on getting things moving forward,’’ Williams said. “We got the claw machine on the truck adjusted and fixed so employees have returned to picking up bulk trash items.”

    Williams hopes that residents can see that employees are trying to get the town cleaned up.

    “If we can get the streets cleaned up and the trash picked up, then hopefully the people in Spring Lake can take pride in the town,’’ he said. “We just put up the flags on Main Street. We are just going to keep working at it.”

    Williams added that the town Christmas tree lighting has been scheduled for Dec. 1 with town departments once again coming out to man stations for children.

    “Santa will be there and we are going to do things a little bigger this year,” Williams said. “It’s about community and what I want the most is positive things coming from this town.”

    In other business, the board is expected to hear a rezoning case to build new townhomes off Chapel Hill Road. The board is also expected to go into closed session citing N.C. General Statutes for privilege-confidential-approval closed session minutes, attorney-client privilege and personnel.

    The board meets at 6 p.m. in the Grady Howard conference room of Spring Lake Town Hall.

  • 16bThe Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association has over 20,000 members nationally and living abroad who ride motorcycles. Local to Fayetteville, Fort Bragg and the Sandhills, the CVMA All American 15-1 Chapter has approximately 120 members.

    The mission of the CVMA is to support those who have defended their country and their freedom. Members come from all branches of the Armed Forces, and many are still serving.
    Officially formed in 2001 as a 501(c)19, nonprofit organization, the focus of the CVMA is to provide assistance and help individual veterans, veteran care facilities, as well as other veteran organizations and registered charities. Though the CVMA has their own geographical locations, the organization does not claim territory, and clearly states that this is an association not a motorcycle club. The All American Chapter 15-1 was formed in 2006.

    There are three membership classifications: Full Members, Support Members and Auxiliary Members. Full Members have verified combat services, while Support Members have non-combat military service. Auxiliary Members are the spouse, widow or widower of a member.

    The CVMA constantly supports and works with other local veteran associations and community outreach. These organizations include the Cumberland County Veteran’s Council, VFW Posts and American Legions. The organization routinely works with vendors and sponsors of events. The All American chapter proudly raises tens of thousands of dollars annually which all supports local veterans, their families and veteran charities.

    In partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the CVMA has provided the funds and volunteer services to improve the homes and lives of veterans through critical home repairs. This includes building wheelchair ramps to make homes accessible. The All American chapter even serves veterans by helping them relocate and move.
    James “Jim Dandy” Dennis serves as the Secretary of the 15-1 chapter. He says, “We have two big events annually, our Summer Bash and the Memorial Ride and Dedication in the spring. This upcoming year CVMA will be hosting the event at the Crown Complex with raffles, music, food and vendors.”

    Other CVMA chapters will be attending and participating. The events are open to the public and support local veterans.
    The All American Chapter 15-1 participated in the Veterans Day parade as part of the Heroes Homecoming events. The parade is hosted by the Cumberland County Veterans Council and the city of Fayetteville.

    Eric “EO” Olson commented, “I got my first Harley in 2016 and have been riding with the Combat Veterans All American Chapter for the past 6 years. I enjoy being able to give back to my combat veteran brothers and sisters.”

    Upcoming event information can be found on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/cvmanc15.1.

    Information about the local All-American Chapter, sponsorship opportunities, and ways to make donations can be found on their website www.cvma15-1.net. For information about membership, email the chapter secretary at sec.nccvma.15.1@gmail.com.

     

  • 11-16-11-hamont-grill.jpgEstablished in 1946, the Hamont Grill and Steakhouse, is not only Fayetteville’s oldest family-owned restaurant to stay in the same location, but it has also been a prominent business that has attracted people from all over the world.

    “There’s not a politician in North Carolina or the United States that has come to Fayetteville without visiting here. Generals, presidents, congressmen, you name it,” says Pete Skenteris, former owner of the restaurant.

    Skenteris was the owner of the Hamont Grill and Steakhouse for 55 years and has recently turned over the business to his two sons, Dino and Jimmy.

    “I’m supposed to be retired, but I’m still here,” says Skenteris, who comes in on Tuesday and Saturday mornings to help out at the restaurant.

    Skenteris spent his younger years in Greece and moved to Fayetteville in 1951, when he was just 10 years old.

    “When I came from Greece as a young kid, we had to work to survive. We didn’t speak much English; we didn’t know much of anything. So while I was going to school I started working in a kitchen washing dishes,” says Skenteris.

    When he finished high school in 1956 he went over to a tiny restaurant that was formerly known as Steve’s Grill to work full time. Steve and Skenteris became partners of Steve’s Grill in 1960 and when Steve died in 1967, Skenteris bought the building with the intention of expanding the restaurant.

    “There were five businesses in the building,” says Skenteris, “Part of it was the restaurant, part of it was First Citizens Bank, part of it was the Haymont Shoe Shop, my kitchen was Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and the front part of it was the Haymount Barber Shop.”

    After purchasing the building, Skenteris told the other four businesses that they had to move out. The First Citizens Bank moved two blocks down, the barber shop moved across the street, and the shoe shop moved to Raeford Road.

    “So they all stayed close by,” says Skenteris.

    After expanding, renaming and running the restaurant for 55 years, Skenteris decided to retire and hand the business over to his sons.

    “When I retired I told them if they want the place they can have it or I’d sublease it,” says Skenteris, “they said they wanted it. They are staying here. I told them they have to take care of the business and take care of the customers like I have been doing for 50 years, and they’re doing a good job…they’re doing well.”

    Jimmy Skenteris, Pete’s son and present owner of the restaurant, says that business has been good considering the economy.

    “I’m enjoying it,” says Jimmy, “I remember being 5 years old running around the restaurant. I’ve always liked the restaurant business.”

    While the Hamont Grill and Steakhouse is under new management, it has also recently had the interior renovated in order to accommodate customers and keep it up to date.

    “Of course this place has been here since 1946, and we have to bring it up-to-date so we put in new booths, new tables, new fl oors, new ceilings, new fans and handicapped bathrooms,” says Skenteris, “As we’re getting older a lot of my friends and customers who have been eating with me for the past 50-60 years are having problems getting around and a lot of them have walkers and wheelchairs. It was time to bring it up to date to help our customers and our business.”

  • fayetteville nc logo The Fayetteville City Council has a meaty agenda scheduled for Monday, Nov. 14 with topics that include the N.C. History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation and Reconstruction, execution of a contract for gunshot technology and the potential appointment of a Fayetteville Public Works Commission member.

    “We’ve been working through stuff,” Mayor Mitch Colvin said Thursday. “We're trying to push them on. We’re trying to clear the plate before the end of the year when we break for winter.”

    The regular monthly meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

    In a consent item, the City Council will consider authorization to execute a memorandum of understanding with the history center foundation and adoption of a budget ordinance amendment 2023-7.

    “We gave consensus for the manager, if certain conditions are met, to sign an agreement to fund it like a memorandum of agreement,” Colvin said. “It could be to vote to officially do that. I think we did that in a work session. It will appropriate the money with the passage of it but not disperse it until the conditions are met.”

    Council voted 9-0 on Oct, 24 to allocate $6.6 million to the center, contingent on stipulations.

    Another consent item involves approval of an interlocal agreement between the city and Cumberland County regarding the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park project.

    The N.C. General Assembly appropriated $2.5 million to the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Committee, a nonprofit corporation, “as partial funding for a project to construct a memorial spire in a circular, stone meditation plaza” in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park owned by the city, meeting materials state.

    Gunshot technology, PWC appointment

    When it comes to the gunshot detection technology services, the awarding of the contract could be forthcoming when the council reconsiders the execution of the transaction.

    “(We’re) trying to give authorization to sign a contract if certain conditions are met,” Colvin said when asked what he anticipated would take place regarding a potential contract with the gunshot technology company ShotSpotter. “And some of the council’s concerns were public engagement meetings and just one or two other points to the proposed contract. That was something I brought to the council because it was stuck in limbo. Now it’s moved back to the table for official vote. Either pass it or not.”

    Council members also are expected to make an appointment to the Fayetteville PWC.

    Downtown social district

    In other business, the City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the adoption of Fayetteville’s proposed Downtown Social District.

    Last year, the General Assembly enacted legislation allowing municipalities to designate social districts within their jurisdiction to allow alcoholic beverages sold by licensed premises to be consumed within the district, outside of the establishment where the beverage was purchased.

    The city and the Cool Spring Downtown District, according to agenda materials, have worked together to propose a social district in the downtown area. Those two entities “believe that a social district is a valuable tool to increase economic activity and the vibrancy of downtown Fayetteville …”

    As recommended by staff, the days and hours of operation for the city’s planned social district would be Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m.

    Only alcoholic beverages purchased from a permittee located in or contiguous to the social district may be possessed and consumed, the proposed ordinance states.

    Cape Fear River Park

    A Cape Fear River Park update also is listed on the agenda for council discussion.
    Based on meeting materials, the project area consists of about 13 acres of city-owned property between Grove and Person streets along the west bank of the Cape Fear River. More than 1,000 feet of riverbank is included in the project.

  • 17a On Nov. 19, the Wingmen Motorcycle Club along with Fayetteville Urban Ministries will be presenting the 40th annual Fayetteville Toy Run.
    Members of the Wingmen Motorcycle Club are dedicated to promoting motorcycle touring and brotherhood. It is a veteran-formed and military-based motorcycle club, and most of their membership is prior or active duty military, but you do not need to be a veteran to join.

    For over 40 years the mission of Fayetteville Urban Ministry, Inc. has been showing God’s compassion for their neighbors in need, and thus building their community together. With 4 incredible programs that provide faith, hope, love and security to the lives of thousands of Cumberland County residents every year, free of charge, it’s easy to see why there’s never been a better place to give your time, talent and treasure.

    Fayetteville's first Toy Run was 40 years ago in 1982. The Wingmen Motorcycle Run decided that they wanted to give back to their community by donating toys to less fortunate children.
    Back then, the motorcycle club didn’t have support from the local police station and Fayetteville Urban Ministry so the first ever Toy Run was less organized than it is now.
    According to Bill Beard, a member of the Wingmen Motorcycle Club, they decided to wing it the first go round. In 1982, the Toy Run route was from the Bordeaux Shopping Center parking lot to Cross Creek Mall.

    The Salvation Army met the motorcycle club at the mall and they turned in their toys there.

    “After two or three years of that, it started getting pretty big,” says Beard.

    Once the Wingmen Motorcycle Club realized the Toy Run was a huge success, they decided to get help from the city. In 1986, the Fayetteville Police Department began escorting the motorcycle club from point A to point B. The motorcycle club also began to receive the assistance of Fayetteville Urban Ministry. With the help of Fayetteville Urban Ministries, the Toy Run has become an even bigger success.

    This year, Fayetteville’s Toy Run will start at Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson at noon. This is also where people register to participate. Kickstands go up at 2 p.m. and participants will ride down to Segra Stadium.
    Once folks get to Segra Stadium, they can expect to enjoy some delicious food from the vendors while listening to three awesome rock bands. Fear State, Culture Cult and The Fifth will be playing. Most Fayetteville locals may know of The Fifth, since they have been around for quite awhile. A cool thing about these bands is that they are all local.

    You don’t have to have a motorcycle to participate in the Toy Run but to enter the gate, you must have an unwrapped toy or a cash donation.
    If any businesses would like to be a sponsor for the event, they can donate either $100 or $250. The $100 sponsorship covers recognition as a sponsor on marketing materials, an event tent, and the company’s name on the back of the T-shirts that will be at the event. The $250 sponsorship offers the same thing except for the name of the company being on the back of the T-shirt. Instead, it would be the company’s logo and they have the opportunity to distribute their own marketing materials.

    Don’t miss out on this awesome family-friendly event that gives to those in need in the community. For more information about Fayetteville Urban Ministry, visit www.fayurbmin.org/.

  • COVEREight decades ago, the world was a different place. A gallon of gas cost 10 cents, the average cost for house rent $22 per month, a loaf of bread was 8 cents and the average new car price was $625. Since then, the world has changed greatly. One thing, though, has not changed and that is Community Concerts’ commitment to deliver top-notch entertainment to Fayetteville. And the organization has done just that, every season — for 81 years. 

    While there was some rescheduling after the original lineup was announced for the year due to a tour cancellation, that turned out to be a good thing. With another first-rate lineup in store, this year is set to deliver six concerts with Vince Gill opening the season. “This show is Friday, Nov. 11. It is Veterans Day. We want all active duty service members and veterans to come out. We will do a special tribute to our vets,” said Community Concerts Attractions Director Michael Fleishman. “And the last time we had Vince Gill here was for our 75th anniversary season. We had Vince and Amy and sold it out. He is an unbelievable performer.”

    Vince Gills’s music career started 40 years ago in 1976 when he joined Pure Prairie League. He released Turn Me Loose in 1984, The Things That Matter in 1985 and The Way Back Home in 1987 before releasing his breakthrough hit “When I Call Your Name,” in 1990. The song won the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year in addition to a GRAMMY Award. Seventeen CMA  awards and 20  GRAMMYs later, Gill is still going strong.  He’s received eight Academy of Country Music awards, including the Home Depot Humanitarian Award and the 2011 Career Achievement Award. In 2007, Gill was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.  He’s a member of the Grand Ole Opry and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He recently performed on stage at The 50th Annual CMA Awards with fellow former CMA Entertainer of the Year winners Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Charley Pride, Reba and George Strait.

    On Jan. 20, The Beach Boys bring a taste of summer to break up the winter chill. “This is one of the most iconic groups of all time,” said Fleishman. “It’s a show you don’t want to miss.”

    On Feb. 20, Popovich Pet Comedy takes the stage. This family-friendly show is a first for Community Concerts. “We’ve added, for the first time ever, a special attraction. It is the number one family show in Vegas,” said Fleishman. “The guy that runs it, Gregory Popovich, is considered one of the best physical comedians on the planet. He has taken rescue animals and made a circus with them. He’s been on all the late night shows and won all kinds of awards. Part of the reason we decided to do this is because this is a family show. This show starts at a different time to make it even more kid-friendly. Parents and kids will both love this show. We are just trying to keep it fresh and we have always wanted to do something special like this for the kids.”

    Foreigner is next in the series and is scheduled for Feb. 25. According to Fleishman, concert-goers are in for a surprise at this show. The Music Hall of Fame inductees will be announced, but there is more. “Foreigner took a very long time to book. It is a very big show,” said Fleishman. “Foreigner is rock royalty. That is a show with a lot of surprises. Don’t be surprised if you see a choir on stage in the middle of a rock show.”

    On March 18, The Ten Tenors, one of Australia’s most popular entertainment groups, takes the stage. This replaces the Four Tenors concert previously scheduled. “Things like this happen on occasion, but we got a bigger, better show and everyone will love it,” said Fleishman. “They have played for millions. This is a truly talented group.  They do everything from classical to Queen. This season we have more hits that we ever had before, if you add them all up.”

    Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles closes the season on April 11. “Rain is a very special show. It played Broadway and is more than a tribute concert,” said Fleishman. “It is a  note-for-note recreation of the Beatles sound and one of the best light shows you will ever see - ever. This isn’t just guys up on stage singing. We take production values very seriously when we put on a show. You won’t see people coming out and sitting on a stool and playing a guitar. We don’t put on concerts. We put on shows.”

  • Val Applewhite Democrat Val Applewhite on Tuesday defeated veteran Republican candidate Wesley Meredith for a seat in the North Carolina Senate representing District 19, according to unofficial returns.

    With all precincts reporting, Applewhite received 30,219 votes compared with 27,424 votes for Meredith, according to unofficial results.

    "I got a very nice call from Wesley," Applewhite said after the results came in, "and he wished me well. Offered to help in any way that he could when I go to Raleigh, and we chatted, and that was very great."

    Meredith said earlier in the day that he would not be commenting on the results.
    Local political analyst George Breece had called the Senate District 19 race the “thriller in the ‘Ville in this 2022 election.”

    "What I always say is that nobody is going to outwork me," said Applewhite, who is 61. "I think I had a very intense ground game directly engaging voters and just making my way through the community. This has been a long campaign season for me from the primary to here, and it never stopped. But I kept connecting with the citizens."

    Applewhite, an Air Force veteran, and Army veteran Meredith served together on the Fayetteville City Council for three years beginning in 2007.
    The race between Applewhite and Meredith included an interesting footnote: Gov. Roy Cooper endorsed her before the Democratic primary, when she defeated Sen. Kirk deViere to face Meredith.

    "I think it was very instrumental because it allowed me resources, fundraising," she said of the endorsement. "Some people even said, 'Hey, if the governor supports you, I support you, as well.’ It did have a big impact but at the same time I brought my own special brand to this campaign."

    Abortion was among the issues that showed the candidates' contrasting views of political and public policies.
    Applewhite, a real estate broker, ran on the premise that there should be no restrictions on abortion. Close to her heart is the right of women to make their own decisions about abortion.

    Meredith adamantly opposed late-term and partial-birth abortion and said he would work “to restrict those barbaric practices.” He supports new regulations on abortion that include clear exceptions for rape, incest and protecting the life of the mother.
    Meredith, who runs a landscaping business, served four terms in the state Senate beginning in 2010 but lost re-election to deViere in 2018 and 2020.

    Applewhite served on the Fayetteville City Council for three terms beginning in 2007 but later lost her two bids for mayor.
    Senate District 19 encompasses most of Cumberland County, including rural areas on the northern, southern and eastern sides, plus Hope Mills and parts of Fayetteville.

  • 17 The American Guild of Organists, in conjunction with First Presbyterian Church, will be sponsoring the Salute to Veterans concert for all who serve, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. in Fayetteville.
    The concert is going to be patriotic music played on the organ, with choirs, trumpets, piano, handbells and percussion, said Marcia Mervin, First Presbyterian Church musical director.

    “It’s going to be a very festive occasion, honoring our veterans and first responders,” Mervin added. “We welcome [veterans and first responders] to attend in uniform [because at] some point, they will be recognized during the program.”

    “God Bless America,” “Fanfare for the Common Man,” “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory,” “America the Beautiful,” “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Salute to America,” “Prelude to Thaxted (I Vow to Thee My Country),” “Prayer for Those Who Serve” and “Star and Stripes Forever” will be performed during the approximately one hour program by local members of the AGO.

    Possessing multiple tiers of keyboards, buttons and twice as many foot pedals as a piano, organs are not easy to play. The Salute to Veterans is meant to display the art form of the organ in a meaningful setting. In fact, some music will be performed by two organists playing the same organ.

    “The organ is the oldest keyboard instrument of all instruments,” Mervin said. “It was invented in 300 B.C., it’s had an extremely long life [and] it’s gone through various innovations and renovations.”
    First Presbyterian Church was built in 1832 on the location of another church that burnt down. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

    “We thought that Veterans Day would be a good opportunity for an event because we don’t typically get many people coming down for music during that holiday. We wanted to change that,” said Connor Larson, senior organ student at Campbell University. “Being so close to Fort Bragg, we thought it would be especially appropriate to pull together some resources and put this thing on,” Larson added.

    “This church is the oldest church in Fayetteville,” Mervin said. “We are over by the Market House, about a block off of Person Street, at the intersection of Ann and Bow Streets... across the street from Wells Fargo and right on Cross Creek... [and] Lafayette Park.”

    First Presbyterian Church worships weekly at 9 a.m., in the chapel, and 11 a.m., in the sanctuary. If you can’t make it to the sanctuary in person, First Presbyterian Church live streams sanctuary services on its website and Facebook, as well as archiving them for later viewing.

    The American Guild of Organists is a national nonprofit organization promoting the art form, heritage and continuance of the organ.
    According to the AGO, the organization was founded in 1896. Presently, the guild serves roughly 275 chapters and 12,000 members in the United States and around the world.

    To learn more about the AGO, visit www.agohq.org. To find out more about Fayetteville’s First Presbyterian Church, visit www.firstprez.com.

  • N2008P18002H City residents spoke loudly Tuesday in overwhelmingly approving a total of $97 million in bond packages for investments in public safety, infrastructure and housing.

    A $60 million bond package for public safety received 28,430 votes, or 61.84%, to 17,547 votes, or 38.16%, in opposition, according to unofficial returns from the Cumberland County Board of Elections.

    A bond package on infrastructure to upgrade roadways and sidewalks received 30,569 votes, or 66.44%, to 15,441, or 33.56%, according to the elections board website. A bond package for housing garnered 27,236 votes, or 59.13%, to 18,826 votes, or 40.87%, according to unofficial returns.

    “It’s a great night for the city of Fayetteville,” City Manager Doug Hewett said, who said he is thankful to the City Council for its bold initiative.

    Approval of the bonds, according to the city, comes at the cost of a municipal property tax increase of 4 cents to residents. For a home valued at $100,000, the property tax increase would be about $3.33 per month, or $40 per year, the city website says. A home valued at $200,000 would be taxed an additional $6.67 per month, or $80 a year.

    Referendums for the bonds were unanimously approved on Aug. 8 by the City Council.

    “Clearly, it was the largest bond ever contemplated in the city,” Hewett said. “With $97 million, I pledge to honor this vote in shaping the future of Fayetteville. I can’t wait to get to work in the morning to get the plan in action.”

    Public safety needs for the city, according to its website, include emergency services, new fire stations, renovations to older fire stations and construction of a Police Department 911 call center. Public infrastructure needs, the city website says, are street resurfacing, sidewalk and intersection improvements, and bicycle paths. Housing needs, the website says, include development, rehabilitation of existing homes and homeownership programs.

    “It’s an amazing night,” Hewett said. “Truly a celebratory night.”

  • 16b Rolling Thunder North Carolina Chapter 1 invites everyone to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve and teach your children the value of freedom through the annual Ride for a Wreath.
    This is the 4th Annual Ride for a Wreath for Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, but this tradition has existed for 12 years. Registration will start at 8 a.m. at the Fort Bragg Harley-Davison off Sycamore Dairy Road. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

    The Escorted Ride for a Wreath will take off at 11 a.m. and the ride will conclude at noon at Dirty Whiskey Craft Cocktails in Hope Mills. This event is open to the public, and all vehicles, cars, jeeps and trucks are welcome along with motorcycles. The ride is $20 per motorcycle, $10 per passenger, as well as $20 per vehicle.

    The event raises funds for Wreaths Across America, a nonprofit organization established in 1992. The project continues to grow. This year there will be 3,400 participating locations nationwide and overseas dedicated to providing a wreath for those who served and are buried in veterans cemeteries. Local donations will provide wreaths for Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

    If you cannot participate in the event, you can still donate. For every two wreaths sponsored, an additional one will be given for free. Wreaths cost $15 each, $30 for two, but the most popular donation is five wreaths for $75. Please make sure that the location to support is Sandhills Cemetery when donating.

    Ann Provencher, the program coordinator, says “So far, we have 1,510 wreaths sponsored and we have 1,490 to go. We are halfway to our goal.”
    Provencher goes on to say, “Every year we have had enough wreaths for every veteran buried in Sandhills State Cemetery.”
    Nationwide, the wreaths will be placed on the graves of the Veterans Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 17. The ceremony will be held promptly at noon. Locally, volunteers are encouraged to be at Spring Lake Fire Department at 9 a.m. Saturday morning to load the wreaths onto the trucks. There will be highway patrol and motorcycle escorts to lead the convoy of trucks carrying the wreaths at 11:30 to the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery.

    Parking is limited at the Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery, so organizers suggest parking outside the cemetery to ensure room for the convoy of wreaths. For people who need assistance getting to the cemetery, there will be four golf carts carrying people from their cars to the event.

    When the wreaths are placed at the graves, their names will be said out load by the volunteer placing the wreath.

    “People die twice. Once when you actually die and secondly when you are forgotten,” Ann says.

    The veteran’s name is said so that they will never be forgotten and to honor their legacy and sacrifice.

    Fort Bragg Harley-Davison is located at 3950 Sycamore Dairy Road. Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery is located at 8220 Bragg Blvd. in Spring Lake, which is not on the Fort Bragg military installation. To sponsor a wreath please visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/166832 which will designate the location. Donations are accepted all year long.
    For more information or to volunteer, please contact the Rolling Thunder NC Chapter 1 President, Ann Provencher at 910-670-9280 or ann3989@yahoo.com.
    The local Wreaths Across America Facebook page is www.facebook.com/WAASandhills.

  • Cumberlan Co logo Two Democrats defeated two Republicans for at-large seats on the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners in Tuesday’s general election, according to unofficial returns from the county Board of Elections.

    Veronica Jones led the ticket with 40,914 votes. Former county Commissioner Marshall Faircloth came in second with an unofficial count of 38,530 votes.
    Republicans John Szoka and Ron Ross came in third and fourth, respectively. Szoka, a former member of the N.C. House, garnered 35,253 in unofficial returns and Ross had 30,116.

    One of the two at-large seats is being vacated by Commissioner Charles Evans, who ran for Congress. The second seat was held by Larry Lancaster, who lost in the Democratic primary to Jones and Faircloth.

    Commissioners Jeannette Council and Glenn Adams, both Democrats, ran unopposed in District 1. All commissioners serve four-year terms. Although unopposed, Council received 15,511 votes and Adams received 13,970, in unofficial returns.
    Jones attended a voting watch party at the Metropolitan on Green Street with fellow candidate Val Applewhite, who won a seat in the N.C. Senate.

    “I won the primary and hoped that community still had faith in me,” said Jones, who added that her success at the polls came through her engagement with voters.

    “I would go to as many of the polls as possible, from Gray’s Creek to the Kiwanis Center,” she said.

    She said voters appreciated her engagement and other candidates’ engagement with them. They came with voter guides and good questions, she said.

    “Sometimes people don’t give voters enough credit,” Jones said.

    Faircloth stayed home during the vote count.

    “I campaigned all day. It was a long day, and I was tired,” he said. “I spent a quiet evening at home biting my fingernails,” he said.

    Faircloth said he figured that Jones would win and he would be in a tight race with John Szoka.
    Faircloth said he ran for office again because he never finished some of the projects he was involved in as a Cumberland County commissioner. He said the most important project ahead is for the county to hire a new manager.

    “There’s so much to be done, but getting a new county manager is probably the most important thing right now,” he said.

  • 16a The tenth annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown Fayetteville will kick off Heroes Homecoming week this year. The Cumberland County Veterans Council created Heroes Homecoming in 2011 as a way of showing all veterans that the community remembers and appreciates their courage, sacrifice and everything they did to defend our freedom.

    Michele Harling, a committee chair for the parade says that this year’s theme for Heroes Homecoming Week is “Honoring the Heroes at Home.”

    “We made the decision that we would like to honor the heroes that hold the home front. This includes the veterans who stay on post while their units are being deployed. This includes the family members that have to hold the homestead together while their family member is deployed. It's about the veteran community that comes and supports what happens at Fort Bragg,” Harling said.

    The committee was looking for a family that would represent the heroes at home and found the Davis family. Harling said that their experiences as a military family and Fayetteville natives make them great representatives of the huge number of families in the community who have supported their family members' military career.

    Chris Davis is a veteran, a Pastor of the Force of Life church in Fayetteville, and previously served as a Fayetteville council member.
    His wife, Demetria, is the North Carolina Mother of the Year. She is the mother of five children and grandmother to one. Davis, also known as “Mama Dee” was awarded earlier this year by American Mothers Inc., a national nonprofit organization that provides mentoring, grants and other support for mothers and children.

    The parade will feature several JROTC groups, multiple high school marching bands, military equipment, various organizations, color guards, churches and groups, such as Scouting and the Shriners. Local sports teams and their mascots will also be making an appearance.

    The parade will especially feature members of the Fort Bragg community, including the 18th Airborne Corps and the U. S. Special Operations Command. According to the Cumberland County Veterans Council, there are about 52,000 veterans that live in Cumberland County. That doesn’t include the Fort Bragg population of 52,280 active duty soldiers and their family members.

    The parade route has changed. It will start on Person Street, just after B Street, and then move down Person Street to Hay Street, ending just before Segra Stadium. Previously, the parade had to cross the train tracks in downtown Fayetteville, which was a safety hazard.

    “We don't have to worry about slowing them down or stopping them on that Saturday, and it'll give everybody a chance to slow down and kind of take their time on the route. In years past, we have been trying to make sure that we got everybody across the road before the train came,” Harling said. “This year, we don't have to worry about the trains coming, so there will be opportunities for various groups to basically perform for the VIP grandstand along the route so that people can see what some of our organizations do.”

    The parade will kick off on Nov. 5 at 10 a.m. The City of Fayetteville’s Veterans Day Ceremony will follow the parade at the North Carolina Veterans Park. The ceremony will feature a mayoral proclamation, county and city elected officials offering remarks, a keynote speaker, and a flag ceremony.

    Spectators are recommended to arrive early to find parking.

  • sheriff ennis wright Democrat Ennis Wright will serve another term as Cumberland County sheriff after defeating Republican challenger LaRue Windham in Tuesday’s election, according to unofficial returns.

    Wright, 63, received 49,275 votes, or 60% of the ballot count, compared with 32,797 votes, or almost 40%, for Windham, according to unofficial results from the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

    Wright did not respond to a request for comment.

    Wright was appointed sheriff in 2017 and was first elected in 2018. He is a Fayetteville native who has spent almost 30 years in law enforcement. Before he was named sheriff, he served as the chief deputy, supervising the entire Sheriff’s Office. In his first term, he initiated the Citizens Academy, which connects and educates the public with services available through the Sheriff’s Office.

    He is a graduate of Terry Sanford High School and attended basic training and individual training at Fort Knox and was an honors graduate. He ended his military career honorably and attended basic law enforcement training at Robeson Community College in Lumberton. He worked with the Spring Lake Police Department before joining the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office as a road deputy.
      

    Windham, 63, a 20-year veteran of law enforcement, said he had hoped to bring trust back to the Sheriff’s Office, where he once worked as a deputy operations commander. Windham worked in the N.C. Department of Correction in a special operations unit and as the training coordinator at the Morrison Correctional Institution (now Richmond Correctional Institution) in Richmond County before moving to probation and parole services for the N.C. Department of Public Safety.

    “I’m definitely disappointed,’’ Windham said Tuesday night. “We thought we had a chance to pull this off, but I’d like to give praise and thanks to my supporters. I have some of the best supporters in Cumberland County. Congratulations to Wright and I hope things start to improve in the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.’’

  • Ted Budd In a race that could shift the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, Republican Ted Budd defeated Democrat Cheri Beasley in Tuesday's general election, complete but unofficial election returns show.

    Republicans need to flip only one Senate seat to gain control. The Senate is now split 50-50 between Democrats and Republicans. Thirty-four seats are being contested.

    But Budd’s victory would not be the one to flip Senate control. The winner between Budd and Beasley will replace retiring Republican Sen. Richard Burr.
    Returns from the North Carolina State Board of Elections on Tuesday night showed Budd receiving 2.87 million votes, or 50.75% of the ballots cast, to 1.74 million votes, or 47.04%, for Beasley.

    Once the votes are canvassed and the election returns are certified, It appears that Budd will replace Burr.
    Budd, 50, has been in the U.S. House of Representatives representing North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District since 2017. His House term ends in January.

    Beasley, 56, is a former chief justice of the state Supreme Court. She also served on the state Court of Appeals and as a District Court judge in Cumberland County.

    As was the case in the 2020 presidential election, rural voters largely supported the Republican candidate, while voters in the state’s most populous counties — including Cumberland — voted heavily Democratic. Beasley won only 21 of the state’s 100 counties. About half of the state’s registered voters cast ballots.

    In Cumberland County, Beasley received 55.06% of the vote to 42.72% for Budd.
    Budd was endorsed by former President Donald Trump and adheres to many of his political positions. Budd opposes abortion even in the case of rape, incest or threat to a woman's health. He grew up on a farm in rural Davie County and still lives there today. He says he will fight against President Joe Biden’s agenda and uphold conservative values. He supported Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
    In his campaign ads, Budd attacked Beasley, calling her soft on crime while she served on the state Supreme Court and too liberal for North Carolina.

    Among other issues, Budd accused Beasley of supporting student loan forgiveness and using taxpayer money to help the rich at the expense of everyone else.

    Beasley’s campaign attacked Budd as a Trump-backed politician who opposes abortion, failed to vote for legislation to lower prescription drug prices and played a role in the settlement of his father’s bankrupt agricultural business, costing farmers millions.

    The race was tame — one political pundit even called it “boring” — compared with celebrity races in Georgia and Pennsylvania.
    Although Beasley outraised Budd by nearly a 3-1 margin, national Republicans poured far more money into Budd’s campaign than did their Democratic counterparts in the campaign's final weeks, The Associated Press reported.

    In his acceptance speech, Budd thanked Beasley for her service and Trump, his family and North Carolina voters for their support.
    Two other candidates were in the race. Libertarian Shannon W. Bray received 1.36% of the vote, and Green Party candidate Matthew Hoh received 0.78%.

  • voting crystal ball Voters in Fayetteville sent the message Tuesday that they are happy with the way the City Council is structured.

    The referendum on the Vote Yes Fayetteville initiative failed at the polls, 26,209 to 20,361, according to unofficial returns.

    “The citizens of this community have had enough of the elite calling the political and economic decisions,” said Mayor Mitch Colvin, who opposed a potential change in the way the City Council was shaped. “And they spoke clearly to that tonight. I worked hard and several other members of the council worked hard to make our case. And the citizens bought into it. Hopefully, we’re finished with this type of conversation for a while.”

    Had the initiative been approved, the City Charter would have been amended and the way City Council members were elected would have been restructured. Instead of all nine members being elected from individual districts, four members would have been elected at-large and five would have been elected by district. The mayor would have continued to be elected citywide.

    “I’m not sad,” said Tisha Waddell, a former City Council member and supporter of the Vote Yes effort. “I’ve come to expect results like this out of the city of Fayetteville. I’m not sad; I’m not disappointed. I think that the people have spoken, and now we have to respect what they said and hope that the council will serve in a way that doesn’t make us regret this decision.”

    Vote Yes advocates argued that at-large seats would give voters greater representation, increase turnout in municipal elections and create accountability in city government. They say council members elected at-large would be more likely to make decisions that benefit the city as a whole and not only their respective districts.

    “I really think it was very confusing for a lot of voters. I’ve had so many people to explain this to at the polls,” Waddell said. “And if I had not been there to articulate to them – and not to tell them to vote or whether to not – but simply to explain what this meant to them. We may not have done a good job really articulating to the community what this initiative was.

    “We very early on were accused of racism,” she said. “Early on we were accused of this narrative of Republicans trying to change the composition of the council. It became more about responding to those allegations, I think, than about really having an opportunity to educate the community.”

    Supporters of the plan circulated a petition directing the City Council to put the measure before voters in a referendum.

    After some council members raised questions about whether the petitioners had followed proper procedures, the Vote Yes organizers took the issue to court. Superior Court Judge Jim Ammons ordered the City Council to move forward with the referendum. The city appealed that decision, but it was upheld by the N.C. Court of Appeals.

  • Rep Diane Wheatley Incumbent Diane Wheatley on Tuesday defeated veteran Democratic challenger Elmer Floyd for the N.C. House District 43 seat, according to unofficial returns.

    The district includes parts of central Fayetteville and a large portion of Cumberland County east of the Cape Fear River. Wade, Stedman, Eastover, Godwin, Falcon, Gray’s Creek and Cedar Creek are all within the district.

    Wheatley received 14,318 votes compared with Floyd’s 11,614, according to unofficial results from the N.C. State Board of Elections.

    “I’m ready to go back to Raleigh and go to work and I appreciate their support,’’ Wheatley said. “I will try not to disappoint them and will always represent our community.

    “I look forward to hearing from my constituents and (am) looking forward to serving our county,” Wheatley said.

    Wheatley said she believes the country is on the wrong track, while Floyd said he believes the country is heading in the right direction. Both candidates stated they strongly believe in supporting law enforcement.

    When asked why she thought the voters sent her back to Raleigh, Wheatley had this to offer: “I think I worked very hard to make sure Cumberland County has not been left out in Raleigh. I think I've been here serving the community for 16 years as a school board chairman and as a county commissioner. I served two years in Raleigh with great success with the delegation that I enjoyed working with.”

    “I’m hopeful we can do the same when I get to Raleigh,’’ she said. “I think people know I want to work with the folks who are elected and to be effective for our county.”

    Floyd could not be reached for comment.

  • cancelled The Fayetteville Woodpeckers have decided to cancel the annual “United for Veterans” event scheduled for Friday, Nov. 11 at Segra Stadium. It will not be rescheduled for 2022. This decision was made in an effort to keep staff, attendees and vendors safe during the forecasted hit of Tropical Storm Nicole in Fayetteville on Friday.

    United for Veterans was to feature a resource fair with dozens of organizations that offer services for veterans and military families. Among these were organizations providing education services, employment assistance, medical and mental health care, housing, fitness, recreational activities and more. In place of this event, a “virtual resource fair” has been created through Linktree to connect those interested to these organizations: https://linktr.ee/UnitedForVeterans.

    For more information about the Woodpeckers or upcoming events, please visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com.

  • COunty COurthouse As the Veterans Day holiday approaches, the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse is bathed in green light as part of a national show of support for America’s veterans.
    Counties across the country are participating in Operation Green Light, a national collaborative effort to show appreciation to America’s veterans for their service to the country, according to the National Association of Counties (NACO).

    Veterans Day is a federal holiday that will be observed on Friday, Nov. 11. The United States officially observes Veterans Day on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it occurs. In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson honored World War I veterans in a national message to them. He declared Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. After World War II, the observance was expanded to all veterans in all wars.

    Counties are demonstrating their support of veterans by illuminating county buildings in green. Cumberland County is no exception. The courthouse will be bathed in green light from Nov. 7 through Nov. 13 as part of the upcoming Veterans Day observance.

    At Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, the board adopted a proclamation in support of Operation Green Light for Veterans. The proclamation had been requested by board Chairman Glenn Adams.
    The proclamation in part reads “the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners hereby declares from October through Veterans Day, November 11, 2022 a time to salute and honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform transitioning from Active Service; and... that in observance of Operation Green Light, Cumberland County encourages its citizens in patriotic tradition to recognize the importance of honoring all those who made immeasurable sacrifices to preserve freedom by displaying a green light in a window of their place of business or residence.’’

    During the board meeting, Adams recognized Commissioners Jimmy Keefe and Charles Evans, both of whom served in the military. Adams’ wife, Superior Court Judge Gale M. Adams, served in the Navy.

    “The board values our veterans,” Adams said after the vote.

  • 16a“Today is my third anniversary,” Chelsea Perkins exclaims as she jumps a little in her seat. “Sorry I kind of yelled that.”

    She laughs but the smile across her face does not fade. Andre, Chelsea’s husband, is the one, she says, who balances her out.

    “I can be very high-strung.”

    Chelsea sits back into the chair and relaxes a little. As she talks about Andre, her head kind of glides along. She opens her hand then quickly clasps them back together. Andre and Chelsea met at their hometown church in Whiteville when Chelsea would come back home from college. Chelsea served eight years in the Army Reserves and luckily for both her and Andre, her duty station was Fort Bragg. Andre also served ten years in the Army. Probably a more common and less answered reason for joining the service, Chelsea admits the luster was to gain financial independence for herself. She was always a number’s person, she says.

    “It was a turning point in my life,” she says. “I took some time off from school and joined the military. It was one of the greatest decisions I made.”

    Admittedly, Chelsea says, there were a lot of things that never crossed her mind about being in the service. Deployment was one of those. However, as fate would have it, Chelsea did not get a combat deployment during her eight years of service.

    “If I look back at my career, that’s an experience that I wish I kind of had. No one wishes to be deployed but the experience, you know,” she says. “It's kind of like that guilt of some people lost their lives. Some people sacrificed more than others.”

    Currently, Chelsea is a loan officer for Veterans United and she did eventually graduate with an undergraduate degree in Finance. Now, Chelsea feels great being able to help veterans afford to buy their own homes.

    “I’m honored to be able to give back to the community,” she says. “I just want to help them achieve their goals.”

    Chelsea hopes that the future will bring more opportunities to give back to the community. Her passion, she says, is figuring out how to help the homeless, specifically veterans in the community. Chelsea helps with hosting workshops, financial literacy, and partnering with organizations to give back.

    “My goal is to make Fayetteville one of the best communities to live in … ever,” she says.

    In the future, Chelsea plans to continue that goal for Fayetteville, maybe spend some time at the beach and one day have kids. For now, she laughs, she is the proud mom to two Yorkies.

  • 14“I’m the baby. I’m number 13,” says Sandra McDonald Jewel.

    “And I’m the … ” Shirley McDonald Douglas begins. She turns toward her sister Sandra.

    “Don’t look at me,” Sandra says laughing.

    Shirley turns back confidently. “I’m number 10,” Shirley says.
    They both look to the next in line. Sitting beside Shirley is Curley. He sits in a plain T-shirt and weathered blue jeans with a crease down the front from an iron. He breaks the conversation with occasional funny comments that will get a laugh from all of his other siblings. They all refer to him as the comic. His deep Southern drawl adds to each punchline without so much as a change in his facial expression.

    “I think I’m number nine,” Curley says. He stops and pulls a toothpick from his mouth. “Wait a second, I can’t be number nine.”

    Everyone in the room busts out laughing.
    Sitting arm to arm are seven of the McDonald siblings. There were 13 originally, and most of the siblings keep the order by knowing which of the other siblings they fall between.

    “You are number eight, Curley,” Shirley says laughing.

    As they count down the line, the debate about numbering continues — six, seven, five, no, maybe it’s eight. Each time one announces their number in line, another corrects with the order of the siblings’ names.

    “You in-between June. You are number six,” one counters back to Margaret. And they all laugh.

    Curley makes a joke about them trying to figure out the pecking order and being elderly. Then they’ll all stop for a second and start counting siblings out loud between the laughing.

    “I need more fingers,” says Margaret McDonald Micheaux. “It’s enough to confuse you.”

    The McDonald family members span the ages from 70 to 85. They have seen the tides of change throughout the decades in North Carolina having lived here from 1930s-1940s on and off. Growing up just a stone’s throw from Fayetteville, these kids, now mostly grandparents themselves, belonged to a family of sharecroppers in Eastover. Currently, all the siblings still living — nine in total — live in Eastover except Shirley who resides at a senior center in Fayetteville.

    The group tries to get together once a month for birthdays or celebrations, admittedly happening less frequently since “the virus,” as they term it. Among these celebrations is always an event for Veterans Day. The siblings go to breakfast and then to the Airborne Museum to place flags in honor of Oliver and Martin Jr., who both were drafted during the Vietnam War, and Harold, who died in Vietnam saving another soldier’s life.

    In Curley’s hand is a picture of a young man with a thin mustache in Army fatigues; composed next to the picture is an onslaught of awards. With just a question about Harold, the laughing suddenly stops. A stillness grows in the room, a stillness defined by heartbreak.14a

    “Everybody loved him,” Joyce says. “When we lived in Brooklyn, the kids on the block on Saturday mornings would throw pebbles at his window so he could come down. He would spend the days out there playing with them. Old people loved him and young people loved him.”

    The rest of the siblings nod their heads in slow agreement. The room is silent for the first time since they arrived.

    “He was just awesome,” Shirley says. “He was cool. He was debonaire. He could dress like nobody else. He could sing.”

    Shirley sits forward and places a hand on her knee. She retells the story of how he died in the war, pulling someone else off what she called a “booby trap.”

    “I wanted to go back but I knew I couldn’t do nothing about it,” Martin Jr. says recalling Harold’s death. “I thought about it a lot.”

    The sadness in his voice as he speaks is palpable. The death of their beloved brother has defined the McDonald family in many ways. It also brings them together every year to celebrate the life of Harold and tell the stories of how much life he lived in those 21 years. When they speak about him, a smile naturally draws across their faces.

    In the 1960s, Curley and others left for New York City. Many of the McDonald siblings traveled to parts of New York or New Jersey. Tired of the sharecropping life, they looked north to find “good jobs.” Joyce, Harold, Curley, Shirley and a few others went north for some years to find different lives than they had in North Carolina.

    “They didn’t have any rich black farmers,” Joyce says.

    “You get 20 dollars a week. That’s all you made,” Curley joins in.

    “You know, we didn’t know we were poor,” Shirley says.

    Their parents, Martin Sr. and Pearl McDonald, came from big families, too. Martin Sr. did sharecropping while Pearl cooked, worked in the school system and occasionally watched other children. Martin Sr. was fun, loved to dance but had no arm for discipline.

    “Mother did,” Joyce says. “She was loving but she was stern.”

    “Yeah, to the others that needed it,” another sibling chimes in. They all chuckle again.

    “All except me,” Margaret says, laughing. Curley rolls an eye and gives a soft laugh. Margaret ignores him.

    “I try not to talk to him,” Margaret jokes about Curley.

    “I don’t care,” he says under his breath.

    “I know you don’t,” she laughs.

    “That way I don’t have to answer questions,” Curley said.

    The siblings all grew up working out on the farm except for Sandra who recalled coming along anyway because she couldn’t be left home alone. Margaret stops the chatter for a moment to debate on whether she worked on the farm and Martin Jr. chimes in that if she had done it, “you’d have known it.” The group laughs for a moment.

    When speaking, each sibling goes back and forth between calling their siblings by their real names and nicknames. They begin to talk about the nicknames they were all given.

    Martin Jr. became just June for Junior. Curley is the comic. Oliver is the quiet one or Marshal Dillon due to his non-rushing nature. Shirely became Gal. Curley jokes that anything that happened to pop out of their mouths was what they would be called. The nicknames ran fast and loose in the family.

    “I got one word that would go with two,” Margaret says.

    “Scaredy cat,” Martin says back, laughing.

    “She sees a snake on TV and she starts running,” Curley says. The rest of the group starts laughing now. “Ah, come on now. What is that?”

    “I got another name, meanie.” Martin Jr. points to Margaret.

    “I guess I just got that voice sometimes,” Margaret answers.

    “What voice?” Martin says.

    “I dunno. That voice.” Margaret replies.

    The conversation naturally comes back to Harold and the group silences for a second, then calmly a few of them say the word that they think embodied him — “cool.” Many of the siblings say it at the same time as if the feeling about their brother is completely unspoken but mutual among them.

    “He would probably have ended up as a Motown singer if he had come back,” Joyce says. “He used to be out on a Saturday. You could hear him a block and a half away singing. You could hear windows going up and people telling him to be quiet.”

    Right before going to Vietnam, Harold wrote a letter to Motown and was accepted to come audition, Joyce recalls. Curley joins in and talks about Harold singing at the Apollo on Wednesday nights.

    Harold is buried out in Rockfish Cemetery on 301 near his mother and father. Martin Sr. died in 1994 and Pearl in 2001.

    “I was out there today,” Martin Jr. says.

    “All the time,” says Curley.

    This year they plan to host the same tradition of breakfast and then flag placement in downtown Fayetteville. They will laugh. They will share stories. They will ping off each other’s jokes as quickly as any siblings. And they will remember Harold.

    “It makes you stay appreciative,” Sandra says. They all smile and look around the room. They are as close as any siblings could be.

    Oliver, who is true to his quiet moniker, hasn’t spoken much during the talks. He then says quietly after looking around, “We all love each other.”

  •     {mosimage}Everyone has probably met someone that you immediately felt comfortable with. Anyone meeting Calvin Mims, the new art services coordinator at the Fayetteville- Cumberland County Arts Council, is more than likely going to feel immediately at ease. After meeting him you will readily understand the arts have a new advocate in Fayetteville.
        Mims moved to Fayetteville in 2006. I met him when he was working with the Art and Soul Gallery in the downtown area. Mims has a passion for art that is self evident to anyone who speaks to him about the subject.
        Coming to terms with the reality of the arts in Fayetteville, I have become acutely aware of the impact leaders in non-profit arts organizations have on the cultural community of Fayetteville and the surrounding counties. Deborah Martin Mintz, the Arts Council’s president, clearly understands how individuals have significant roles in art organizations and how their leadership can help foster an environment in which the arts can thrive in and contribute to the creation of more livable communities for all types of people, of all ages. Proof of her understanding and insight — she hired Mims.
        Mims is still somewhat new on the job. Visitors to the art center may be running into him at 4th Friday openings. His experiences and passion for the arts are sure to influence the 2009 line up of exhibitions.
    How Mims ended up in Fayetteville is an interesting story. His home is Detroit, Mich. I asked Mims what made him decide to retire in Fayetteville. He commented, “I visited friends in Fayetteville six years ago. When I got here I was impressed with the relatively low cost of housing as compared to Detroit and most of all I was impressed with the diversity in Fayetteville. It was refreshing to see so many different cultures coexisting with respect and harmony, so I decided to retire here.”
        He and his small family moved to Fayetteville to retire; yet he immediately became involved in the arts. I was interested to know how he got involved in the arts so quickly when it takes so many years for others.
    Mims smiled, “Once I settled in Fayetteville I was told about the Art’s Council’s 4th Fridays. I was impressed with the number of businesses that supported this event and showcased local artists. This is when I met C.J. Malson, the owner of Art and Soul Gallery. We started a conversation and I discovered she had a great vision for the art community and for her gallery. We talked about some of the changes she wanted to make and I wanted to help her achieve them, so I went to work for her.”
        Just two years living in Fayetteville, and Mims has done more in the arts than many people take years to accomplish. Mims, C.J. Malson and Dwight Smith brought a traveling exhibit to the Fayetteville Museum of Art titled Voices: Twenty-Three African American Artists. And he is just getting started!
        The passion Mims has for art advocacy can be explained by the way in which the arts changed his own life. “I became interested in the arts as a very young man. I found it comforting to spend time in the Grand Hall of the Detroit Institute of Art where I would sit and read in the quietude. Although I didn’t pursue it immediately, it was in the museum I learned that you could have a career in the arts. I left the automotive profession after 12 years and became the executive director for the Ellington-White Project for the Visual and Performing Arts.”
        He continued, “Art changed my life. I am aware of how I personally came to discover the arts. And when I did, it gave me something to relate to. I bring this experience to the job at the arts council in the same way it helped me to reach young people to come to the arts and have their lives changed in the Ellington-White Project Foundation.”
        Mims time at the arts council is just beginning. I asked him what he would like to see happen at the arts council. He said, “I would like to see more educational programs to help the general public understand contemporary art forms. I would also like to initiate an educational program in which people can have art works appraised and understand how to develop a collection. So many young artists come to the arts council looking for ways to develop or market their talent, a program that helps those young artists become a reputable artist in some way would be worthwhile. I see my role as fostering an environment in which the arts can survive.”
        “Right now the greatest challenge in the arts is maintaining the funding sources by private patrons and government. When times get difficult, often art can be seen as a fringe benefit. It important for a community to see art is part of commerce, it defines a community – ultimately it is the foot print for the future generations.”
  • Cumberlan Co logo With two members of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners departing at the end of this term, the seven-member board will have two new faces. But they will likely be familiar faces to local voters.

    Four candidates are vying to fill the two at-large seats. Two other seats representing District 1 are uncontested.
    Unlike municipal races, the county contest is a partisan election. Voters will choose two candidates from among Democrats Marshall Faircloth and Veronica Jones and Republicans Ron Ross and John Szoka.

    Faircloth is a former county commissioner and former member of the Cumberland County Board of Education. Jones is the founder and CEO of the Jones Global Foundation, a nonprofit organization that works with families on health, education and social issues. She also has been involved in several political campaigns.
    Szoka served five terms in the N.C. State House beginning in 2013. He announced a bid for a seat in Congress in 2020 but dropped out of the race because of redistricting. Ross ran unsuccessfully for the Cumberland County school board in 2016.

    Faircloth and Jones edged out incumbent county Commissioner Ken Lancaster in the May 17 Democratic primary. Lancaster has been a commissioner since 2014 and previously served as chairman. The other at-large seat is being vacated by Commissioner Charles Evans, who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House to represent District 7. He lost in the Democratic primary.

    Faircloth received 7,233 votes, or 20.57%, and Jones received 10,976 votes, or 31.2%, in the May Democratic primary. Ross and Szoka were the only Republicans running in the Republican primary in May.

    Running unopposed for commissioner representing District 1 are Commissioners Jeannette Council, a retired educator, and Glenn Adams, an attorney.
    County commissioners serve four-year terms that are staggered. Elections to represent the three-seat District 2 will be held in 2024.

    There is no lack of challenges facing Cumberland County, giving candidates an array of issues and causes on which to hinge their campaigns. From contaminated drinking water in the Gray’s Creek community and elsewhere in the county and the resulting lawsuit against the Chemours chemical company to spending millions on a new events center, some important decisions await the winners.

    CityView asked the candidates a series of questions about issues in the race. Candidates’ answers are in alphabetical order; some lengthy responses were shortened for clarity and space.
    What makes you uniquely qualified over the other candidates?

    Marshall Faircloth: “As a certified public accountant with over 20 years of local government accounting and auditing experience, I would be the go-to commissioner on most financial matters coming before the board. I also have 16 years of actual county commissioner service, while all other candidates have none.”

    Veronica Jones: “I’m the only candidate that possesses and has experience in all — not one, not two — but has combined professional experiences in all important areas of working directly with a variety of families — hands-on — for well-established nonprofits on an executive level. I'm also the only candidate that has worked directly with a variety of families in mental health and family services and served on boards, all executive-level positions, for the Cumberland County school system. I'm the only candidate that owns both a nonprofit that provides family services and (who) owns a business consulting company. This has allowed me to develop a strong strength in budgeting, financial management and, most importantly, the strongest skill I have developed, working in family services and mental health. And by being a business owner, I have been afforded … the opportunity to do professional work and serve families holding a variety of positions, such as case management coordinator; family advocate director; family services executive director; mental health professional and mental health educator; communications director.

    “The combination of my professional work experience and active engagement and investment in our community provides me with a positive connection and exposure to a variety of families and individuals, and I understand the needs of all families, regardless of their ZIP code, gender, religion or financial status.”
    Ron Ross: Ross points to his 54 years working with a nonprofit agency, the Boys & Girls Club. “Donations are just like tax dollars,” he said. He touts his ability to stick to a budget, unlike some local governments, and to remember whose money is being spent. “It’s not our money. The key is to always put the people first,” he said.

    John Szoka: “I am an experienced leader with a proven record of saving taxpayers money, helping to bring good-paying jobs to our community and working in a bipartisan manner to arrive at common-sense solutions to complicated issues. Just a few highlights of my accomplishments as evidence: I led legislative efforts to bring over $412 million to Cumberland County in the last state budget cycle, which affected every citizen in the county; in 2017, I was the primary sponsor of H589, which has saved electric ratepayers across the state over $350 million in electricity costs by changing the way solar energy is integrated into the grid; I worked for years to build the consensus needed to pass the law that makes military retired pay exempt from N.C. state income tax; in 2020, after the murder of George Floyd, I initiated and led a bipartisan committee on justice reform that changed state laws to protect the public, help good officers do their jobs better and hold bad officers accountable.”

    The county is set to unveil a $16 million 911 emergency dispatch center later this month, and the city is asking voters to approve a $98 million bond package of which about $33 million is for a new 911 facility. In 2019, the county and city negotiated to combine their 911 centers, but last-minute disagreements scuttled the plan. Do you favor negotiating with the city for future consolidated or merged services?

    Faircloth: “Yes, if the city wants to. They passed up an opportunity to at least co-locate the 911 service with a view of possibly merging some of it in the future.”

    Jones: “I favor always keeping the best interest of the people of our community first. Therefore, yes, moving forward with a positive attitude as a potential county commissioner, I favor possible negotiating on certain projects with the city. Although the 911 center project was an opportunity for city and county relations, the county had to move forward with what was a necessary project for the greater good of service of safety and providing service for the people as soon as possible.

    … Unfortunately, the city and county on that project did not get on the same page. However, when the city and county do come together, there is positive evidence from projects that have come together well for the greater good of our community. … The city and county merger of parks and recreation has been an unqualified success and is one of the best examples of the advantages of consolidation. The county also pitched in with the investment in the new baseball stadium downtown by approving a special tax district. In addition, both the city and county governing bodies pledged millions to the N.C. Civil War &

    Reconstruction center, a key plus in a project expected to bring more money and more jobs to our Fayetteville and Cumberland County community.”

    Ross: “911 should have been consolidated,” Ross said, adding that any merger with the city should require a written agreement to “stick to a budget.” He noted that the city spent millions of dollars above its budget for the baseball stadium. He said politics should not play a part in merging services. “It’s never about me, it’s about the people, even if it costs you an election,” he said.

    Szoka: “Elected officials always need to remember that money being spent is taxpayer money. Wasting taxpayer money on needless duplication of facilities and services is something that I won’t do. While not every government service is a candidate for consolidation or merger, the 911 center is an example of a service that should have been, at a minimum, co-located in the same facility and probably merged. I will always work for opportunities to save taxpayers money while providing a higher level of service.”

    During the public comment period at Board of Commissioner meetings, residents of the Gray’s Creek area often ask about safe drinking water. County Manager Amy Cannon recently told commissioners that her staff is in the process of identifying water sources for the area and that the county is working to provide water service to the Shaw Road area. But getting Public Works Commission services to that area would require that its residents agree to be annexed by the city. What do you believe are the county’s options to provide safe water to county residents in areas not now served by PWC?

    Faircloth: “PWC is still the best option, and it's a viable option as a water wholesaler. It was originally chartered as a countywide authority, but it has never managed to operate anywhere near its potential. Bladen County has said they are unable to supply the required volume. As to Shaw Road, the county is not nor has it ever been an obstacle to the annexation by Fayetteville. As I understand it, they only need property owners to agree.”

    Jones: “These are the best course of actions to take: (1) The Board of Commissioners should consider creating two new water and sewer districts to combat contamination of private wells due to Gen-X and other forever PFAS chemicals in portions of … the county; (2) consider creating Cedar Creek and the East Central water and sewer districts; (3) conduct a community education campaign before scheduling a public hearing … in addition to providing educational town halls regarding helpful resources and solutions for community residents affected …; (4) apply for state and federal monies and resources such as USDA and EPA grants … for the Gray’s creek area, Shaw Road, and the Vander Water and Sewer District; (5) the county commissioners should continue to seek and stay updated with suggestions and recommendations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and (6) board members should become knowledgeable about the … (Clean Water Act) and provide education for the community through campaign and special town hall meetings.”

    Ross: Ross lives in the Gray’s Creek community and is adamant that Chemours should pay for all water extensions in the contaminated areas of the county for which it is responsible. Ross said this issue is important to him. His grandson attends Alderman Road Elementary School in Gray’s Creek. “He can’t even drink from the school’s water fountain,” Ross said. If the county cannot convince PWC to extend water lines in the Gray’s Creek area, the county needs to negotiate for water service with Robeson County, he said. Otherwise, Chemours should pay for “every penny of the cost to run water lines and for the connection fees,” he said. “I don’t know why the state and county didn’t sue (Chemours) sooner,” Ross said. He also said the county should cut the property tax rate by one-half for people living in the affected area. “It should be a top priority. It’s the biggest mess we’ve had in a long time,” Ross said.

    Szoka: “In the 2015-16 legislative session, I was a primary sponsor of HB392, Fayetteville Charter/PWC Changes. The bill was a huge policy change and clearly gives the PWC authority to extend water service anywhere in the county without requiring annexation into the city of Fayetteville. I personally wrote that part of the legislation to ensure that rural areas of the county would not be ‘held hostage’ to an annexation requirement. The answer for Gray’s Creek is to extend PWC water lines and provide water service. Period. The county and the PWC need to sit down and negotiate the agreement to make this happen. For the rest of the county, the PWC has the authority to extend its water lines today. For those areas where it is not economical for the PWC to extend its water lines, the county needs to conduct a study and determine how best to achieve the goal of safe drinking water for all citizens and then take action to make it happen.”

    What do you hope to accomplish either by yourself or with the Board of Commissioners in the first 90 days of your term?

    Faircloth: “The first 90 days will be spent either searching for the best possible county manager candidate or learning to work with this person depending on how far along the task will have come. Other than that, I would likely be working to build a solid working relationship with all board members, getting updated on all current and upcoming projects, and reviewing the activity of the past two years.”

    Jones: “I realize the importance of goal-setting and long-range planning. County policies will have an impact on the lives of our Cumberland County families and individuals, and for that reason I believe that our community residents will expect myself and the other county commissioners to influence the direction of county government for the greater good of the people in a positive manner. Policymaking is far more art than science. The key to good policymaking is to see the forest for the trees. … I will provide quality services to our Cumberland County citizens while being fiscally responsible. … I will maintain core values, serving … with PRIDE: Professionalism, respect, integrity with accountability, diversity, and excellent customer service. … I know that it's important to understand (and) recognize policy and procedures and the overall budget process thoroughly within the first 90 days. This is important to effectively represent our citizens. Families can trust that I will have no problems in this area.”

    Jones said she also will prioritize these issues: (1) Speed up the pace of planning for the new events center, noting that a location has not been selected despite a target date of August 2022 to do so; (2) Set goals to address affordable housing and homelessness; (3) Reevaluate funding for the county school system; (5) address issues related to mental health, Gray’s Creek public water access, government communication, economic development, and an asset inventory and audit skills.

    Ross: Ross said he does not have a single priority for the first 90 days but rather a “wish list” of items he would like to see happen. First, he would like the commissioners to hold meetings every three months in different areas of the county. Unlike the current public comment rules, speakers should not have to sign up or provide a topic before speaking. The program could provide a mediator to keep the program on point. Second, Ross wants to see an “open meeting” with senior citizens to consider what additional senor-centric programs the county should create. Third, construction of “working” homeless shelters to put the homeless to work and providing them with treatment should become a greater priority, he said.

    Szoka: “Among my top priorities is clean water countywide. In the first 90 days, I will work for an approved, funded plan for the first loop of PWC water extension into Gray’s Creek that will provide safe water to the two elementary schools currently still using bottled water and to the surrounding neighborhoods.

  • 9Celebrating service members and their families is not confined to one day in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Although Veterans Day is Nov. 11, events paying tribute have been on-going since the Fayetteville Parade on Nov.5. There are several events scheduled this week in the local area.

    Heroes Homecoming Week

    Through Nov. 12, the 10th annual Heroes Homecoming Week brings several programs and activities to salute veterans. For a complete schedule of events visit www.heroeshomecoming.com/events/list/.
    On Nov. 10, the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, in partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, will host a Family Fishing Workshop from 1 to 5 p.m. The workshop teaches families with children the basic skills needed to go fishing, including setting up and casting a fishing rod, catch and release methods, and how to handle a fish. The workshop is open for all experience levels from first-timers to expert anglers. It is a hands-on learning experience with fishing on the center’s stocked ponds. The Pechmann Fishing Education Center is located at 7489 Raeford Road in Fayetteville.

    Field of Flags will be placed throughout Hope Mills Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 11. The event is in partnership with the Town of Hope Mills Veterans Affairs Committee, VFW Post 10630.
    The Fayetteville Woodpeckers will also host their annual United for Veterans event on Nov. 11 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Segra Stadium.
    Fayetteville Technical Community College will host a Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at the campus gazebo.

    Cumberland County Headquarters Library is hosting a history presentation titled “The Defense Capital of the State: Wilmington During WWII” on Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. How did the North Carolina railroad industry, the city of Wilmington, and the Royal Navy team up to defeat Hitler? Find out in the presentation by nationally known military historian and Wilmington native Wilbur Jones. After the presentation, Jones will discuss how he helped Wilmington become America’s first World War Heritage City. The event will take place in the Pate Room. This presentation is in partnership with the Museum of the Cape Fear.

    The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic’s second annual Children’s Gala for children of military families will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 12 at Smith Lake Recreation Area. The gala is for children ages 4 to 12 and their families and will include a formal evening with food, music and games. Formal attire is required, and service members are asked to wear their dress uniforms. Space is limited to 150 guests, and admission is limited to military families with children. Call Sharjuan Burgos at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic to reserve a spot.

    DistiNCtly Fayetteville, formerly known as the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Convention & Visitors Bureau, will continue its partnership with Rolling Thunder North Carolina Chapter 1 with the Missing Man Table through the month of November. Table kits are provided to local businesses and organizations to pay tribute to the more than 85,000 American service men and women who remain unaccounted for. The reserved tables and chairs sit unoccupied to represent soldiers who are or have been prisoners of war or missing in action. More information is at rollingthunder-nc1.com.

    A special exhibit, “Heroes Homecoming: On the Homefront,” will be on display on the second floor of the Museum of the Cape Fear through November. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. The museum is located at 801 Arsenal Ave.

    Field of Honor

    The Airborne & Special Operations Museum continues its Field of Honor through Nov. 13. Each flag on display has a tag identifying the veteran it honors and the person who sponsored it. Flags are on display on the parade field of the museum from dawn until dusk at 100 Bragg Blvd. downtown.

    On Nov. 10, the museum will show the documentary “The Last of the 357th Infantry” and host author Mark Hager to discuss his book, “The Last of the 357th Infantry: Harold Frank’s WWII Story of Faith and Courage.” Harold Frank will be a special guest at the program, which is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m.

    The museum is hosting two exhibits related to World War II through Nov. 13. “Courage and Compassion: The Legacy of the Bielski Brothers” tells of the heroic efforts of three brothers who helped save more than 1,200 people while living in the forest during the war. “Operation HALYARD,” on display in the museum’s lobby, highlights the mission to rescue downed U.S. airmen from Nazi-occupied Serbia near the end of the war.

    For more information on events at the ASOM visit www.asomf.org/.

  • CCB blue and gold circle The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners’ Crown Event Committee on Tuesday, Nov. 1, took another step toward construction on the proposed $80 million facility that will replace the aging Crown Theatre and Crown Arena.

    The committee, chaired by Commissioner Jeannette Council, unanimously agreed on one of three methods of moving forward in the contracting process with an as-yet-to-be-determined builder.

    The three-member committee, which also includes Commissioners Glenn Adams and Jimmy Keefe, voted in favor of a most-commonly used contracting method referred to as construction management-at-risk (CMAR). The committee’s recommendation now goes to the full Board of Commissioners.

    In an agenda memo to the commissioners, Jermaine Walker, county Engineering and Infrastructure director, recommended this option.
    County Manager Amy Cannon called it the “next big step” in deciding how the county’s owner representative will move the project forward.
    Matt DeSilver of MBP Carolinas presented the three contracting methods to the committee. MBP Carolinas is an engineering consulting firm hired by the county as its owner’s representative for the project.

    Design-bid-build process is the most common method used in North Carolina, according to DeSilver. This method procures an architect, completes the design to 100%, and then procures the construction contractor.
    DeSilver said this method, however, is the longest process. It does allow for competition but the county cannot base its selection on qualifications. DeSilver said this process also is problematic if bids are over budget. Finally, this method results in additional costs if there are problems with the design and the project requires a change order.

    The second method is Construction Management-at-Risk (CMAR) and is commonly used at the state level in North Carolina. It allows the county to choose its contractor based on qualifications; however, it comes at a higher cost, according to DeSilver. This method also allows the contractor to be part of the design process. This method also allows for a shorter construction schedule.

    The third method is design-build and is not a common means of constructing public facilities in North Carolina, DeSilver said. In this method, the architect actually works for the contractor, rather than the county. Also, DeSilver warned, under this method the design of the facility is “locked at 60 percent,” thus not allowing the owner to tweak designs if last-minute issues arise.

    Walker, in his memo, stated, “In order to adhere to the restrictive timeline required to deliver the new Crown Event Center as a complete and useable facility by October 2025, it is important to finalize discussions regarding the construction delivery methods available to the County for this project. Over the years, changes in North Carolina legislation have provided local governments with more options for construction of public facilities.”

    The committee also went into a closed session to discuss real property acquisition. Under state law, commissioners can discuss property and real estate acquisition but must take any formal action in an open session.

    The commissioners did not take action other than to adjourn after the closed session. Employees of MBP Carolinas have attended the last several closed sessions of the Crown Event Center Committee.

  • cumberland co schools The Cumberland County Board of Education on Tuesday, Nov. 1, voted unanimously to offer retention bonuses of $1,000 to all staff members who complete their employment contracts during the 2021-22 school year.

    Approval of the bonus plan came with a 9-0 vote on a list of consensus items that had been approved unanimously last week by a board’s personnel committee.
    The committee had recommended that the retention bonuses be paid to those who are eligible.

    “Custodians all the way up to teachers,” said Greg West, chairman of the school board, during the committee meeting. “That’s going to be good news.”
    Certified or classified employees who were hired as of Oct. 1 and who remain with the school system on Dec. 1 will receive $500 sign-on bonuses.

    The bonuses will be paid on Dec. 16.
    Also, bonuses of $1,500, culled from federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds, are available to kindergarten through fifth-grade instructors who complete training units by June 30 with a score of 80% or above.

    Likewise, all pre-kindergarten teachers who complete Units 1-2 by June 30 with a score of 80% or above will be eligible for a $500 completion bonus.
    Administrators will receive a $500 bonus if they finish LETRS Units 1-2 by June 30 with a score of 80% or above.

    Overall, the school system has received $150 million in EESER funding

  • Val Applewhite Val Applewhite and Wesley Meredith served together on the Fayetteville City Council for three years beginning in 2007.

    A dozen years later, they are competing in the Nov. 8 general election for a seat in the North Carolina Senate representing District 19.
    What many see as an intriguing matchup has another connection: Both candidates have faced off with state Sen. Kirk deViere at the ballot box.

    DeViere defeated Meredith, the Republican incumbent, to win his first term in the Senate in 2018. And Applewhite defeated deViere in this year’s Democratic primary, in which deViere was seeking reelection.
    Without an incumbent in the race, this contest has become one to watch.

    Meredith is eager to return to the legislature. Applewhite twice ran unsuccessfully to be mayor of Fayetteville. So both are well-known in local political circles, and both are military veterans.
    The race is further in the spotlight because Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper endorsed Applewhite in the primary, a move that was highly unusual because the incumbent, deViere, is also a Democrat.

    Despite their similar backgrounds, Meredith and Applewhite have very different views on government and public policy.
    George Breece, a former member of the N.C. House of Representatives, has followed local politics for years and is a radio news analyst during election cycles.

    Wesley Meredith "The Senate race between Applewhite and Meredith will be the most watched local race in Cumberland County,” Breece said. “Two seasoned candidates — one a former city councilman and senator trying to return to Raleigh, and the other a former city councilwoman and political activist with the very strong support of our governor and coming off an impressive Democratic primary victory. These are two fine candidates who are opposites when it comes to political philosophies....

    “This Senate District 19 race is going to be a great one to watch and will be the ‘thriller in the ’Ville in this 2022 election,” Breece added.
    Meredith, who served in the Army, served four terms in the state Senate beginning in 2010 but lost reelection to deViere in 2018 and 2020.

    Applewhite: ‘A life of service’

    An Air Force veteran, Applewhite served on the Fayetteville City Council for three terms beginning in 2007.

    “I’ve lived a life of service — a total of 25 years active-duty and as a civilian in the Air Force, six years on the Fayetteville City Council and several years with nonprofit organizations. This race is a part of my life of public service,” she said in response to emailed questions. “There are many reasons I decided to run, and the decision was not an easy one to make. However, if there was one specific issue, I would say it was to be an advocate for health care and do my best to pass Medicaid expansion for the nearly 600,000 people in this state.

    “Another reason is education,” Applewhite said. “I believe we are failing our children and our educators. In a broader sense, we have to begin to address the reasons why Cumberland County remains a high-distressed and low-wealth community. As a county and as an region, poverty is the underlying issue for so many of our social and economic problems: homelessness, lack of affordable housing, underfunded and deteriorating schools, failing infrastructure, struggling businesses, etc.”

    Other issues close to her heart include the right of women to make their own decisions about abortion.

    “There is only enough space in an examination room for a woman, a doctor and a family member,” she said. “I don't believe any woman has ever invited a politician into her examination room.”

    Senate District 19 encompasses most of Cumberland County, including rural areas on the northern, southern and eastern sides, plus Hope Mills and parts of Fayetteville.

    Applewhite said she is thankful for Gov. Cooper’s endorsement.

    “… It demonstrates his confidence in my leadership and my commitment to serve the citizens of North Carolina,” she said. “We share many of the same priorities: Medicaid expansion, paying teachers more, increasing opportunities to create jobs that can support families and pay the bills. I look forward to working with him.”
    Applewhite said voters can have confidence in her.

    “... I believe our citizens want someone that is committed to improving the quality of life of their families and willing to support their businesses,” she said. “I’ve demonstrated this commitment while serving on the Fayetteville City Council. My advocacy for improved transportation and infrastructure, public safety, support of local businesses through Hire Fayetteville First, translation of critical city services into other languages to embrace our diverse population and more.

    “Perhaps most importantly, I am absolutely committed to addressing the issue of poverty and beginning to form a strategic plan to create wealth and diversify our tax base. Cumberland County has been a Tier 1 for far too long, …” she said. “The pandemic exposed the challenges in our county, but it also highlighted what we must improve. I am ready, willing and able to represent the amazing and deserving citizens of Cumberland County.”

    Meredith: ‘Back to prosperity’

    Meredith describes himself online as being “from a working-class family who grew up with the core values of hard work, perseverance, and serving God and country.”
    On his website, he says that North Carolinians are facing a public health and economic catastrophe.

    “I know that North Carolinians will rise above this challenge,” he says. “Unfortunately, my opponent believes that we can tax our way back. You and I know that jobs, not tax hikes, are the path back to prosperity.”

    He lists his top three legislative priorities as lowering taxes to help people with inflation, stopping violent crime and school choice.
    If he is returned to the state Senate, Meredith says on his website, he will work tirelessly to keep the public safe from the coronavirus and ensure that first responders and health care providers have the personal protection equipment they need. He commits to funding vaccine research, testing and contact tracing “so that we can get back to work safely.” He also said he would “get people and small businesses hit hard by COVID-19 the help they need.”

    Other important issues Meredith cites include education. He says he supports giving dedicated teachers the support they need. A first-class education, he says, starts with excellent teachers.

    “That’s why I voted for five consecutive teacher pay raises, increased salaries by 15% to $54,000 per year, increased education spending by $2 billion, and support school choice reforms that give parents more freedom to choose where their child goes to school,” he says.

    Meredith says some states have moved to put more restrictions on school curriculum, what teachers can say in the classroom and the types of books available in public schools and libraries.

    In a CityView questionnaire, Meredith was asked whether such rules are needed.

    “Schools are for learning. They are not for indoctrinating our children,” he said. “Most teachers and school administrators agree with this, but in the rare cases where inappropriate books or subject matter is being taught — such as gender identity ideology and sexual education that is not age-appropriate — then elected leaders should stand up on behalf of students and parents to put guidelines into place. There should be full transparency with what our children are being taught. Parents have the right to know what their children are learning. Frankly, parents have the responsibility to know what their kids are learning at school.”

    Meredith says he strongly believes in the Second Amendment right to bear arms.
    Meredith also said in response to the questionnaire that all life is sacred. He went on to say that he supports policies that protect and respect the lives of unborn babies and pregnant mothers.

    “I adamantly oppose late-term and partial-birth abortion and would work to restrict those barbaric practices,” he said. “I would only support new regulations on abortion that include clear exceptions for rape, incest, protecting the life of the mother, and compassionately caring for fetuses with catastrophic deformities who cannot survive outside the womb or have already died.”

    Eight years ago, Democratic rival and state Rep. Billy Richardson alleged that Meredith “actively or knowingly allowed" his son with his first wife to go on Medicaid in the late 1990s when he was reportedly making a six-figure annual salary. Allegations also surfaced that Meredith financially abandoned his wife and child.

    Meredith later said that the Department of Social Services had completed and closed its investigation of those allegations of welfare fraud.

    “The case has been thoroughly investigated and the case is closed with no further action necessary," he said in an interview with WTVD of Durham.

    Local issues

    Applewhite declined to weigh in on the $97 million bond referendum that Fayetteville city voters will decide in the general election. She did say that the bond package “takes us back to the issue of not having a diverse tax base. Unless we are able to attract businesses here, local and county governments have very few options to generate revenue for critical services. It is a difficult decision, but ultimately the citizens get to decide.”

    As for the referendum on changing the way districts are drawn for the City Council, Applewhite said she was asked to support that change but declined. She said she challenged the initiative organizers with the belief that the initiative is based on the fact that eight of 10 seats on the current City Council are held by African Americans.

    “Although they said it was not based on race, I was not convinced,” she said. “Perhaps it is not based on race alone, but surely a combination of race, power and control.”

    Supporters of the council election plan say it is not based on racial issues but would convert four of the nine seats from district to citywide to give voters more representation.

    Meredith did not respond to a question about the bond referendum.

  • Chemours sign Gray’s Creek residents who participated in a North Carolina State University chemical exposure study were told Wednesday, Nov. 2 they had a higher-than-average amount of chemicals in their system.

    Researchers from N.C. State’s Center for Human Health and Environment met with approximately 30 area residents at the Gray’s Creek Community Center on School Road. Researchers Nadine Kotlarz, Jane Hoppin and Detlef Knappe reviewed the information provided to participants in a letter they received earlier and answered questions about the results.

    Participants in the GenX exposure study are part of a long-term health study to understand the health effects of PFAS. Blood sampling from residents is an element of the study. PFAS stands for per- and polyflouroalkyl substances. They are human-made chemicals used in a variety of commercial products and produced by the Chemours Fayetteville plant off N.C. 87 at the Cumberland and Bladen County line.

    The GenX exposure study is measuring GenX and PFAS exposure in people living in the Cape Fear River Basin, the source of drinking water for many communities. The study began in November 2017 after Wilmington discovered GenX and PFAS contamination in its drinking water.
    The letters that were sent to blood donor participants contained a summary of the study and the findings, including their individual results. The study area is in the proximity of the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant.

    To participate in the 2021 blood sampling, residents could be new or previous participants in the study, be at least 6 years old, limited to four people in one household, lived at their current address for at least a year, and if living in the Fayetteville area, must be on private wells.
    The blood PFAS results from 2020-21 found four PFAS types (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA) in almost everyone, according to the presentation. The amounts were higher levels than the U.S. national average. The sampling also found “Nafion byproduct 2” and PFOSDoA in some people in the Fayetteville area. The study did not find GenX in any blood samples, according to the presentation.

    Hoppin said the point of the presentation was to make residents aware that they are above the U.S. average for PFAS in their system and to get them to understand the health effects of those findings.
    Community activist Mike Watters, who is a community advisor for the research team, was more poignant.

    “Our blood is contaminated, and they (residents) need to share that information with their doctors and come up with a plan,” he said.

    The sampling consisted of 1,020 people. Of those, 99.6% had PFOS; 99% had PFOA; 99% had PFHxS; and 96% had PFNA in their blood.
    The N.C. State research team is holding a series of meetings. The next presentation will be on Nov. 10 at the Cedar Creek Baptist Church. Another is scheduled for Dec. 7 at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington. Each of the two-hour meetings starts at 6 p.m.

    The research team determined that residents living nearby or downstream from the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant were exposed to PFAS from the facility, but that the blood levels of these PFAS decline over time.
    The health effects from PFAS include decreased antibody response in both children and adults, dyslipidemia in adults and children, decreased infant and fetal growth, and an increased risk of kidney cancer in adults.

    More limited evidence of association to PFAS shows it may cause an increased risk of breast cancer in adults, increased risk of testicular cancer in adults, liver enzyme alterations in adults and children, increased risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia, thyroid disease and dysfunction, and an increased risk of ulcerative colitis in adults.

    Some residents expressed frustration over the length of time the research team takes to come up with study results. Hoppin said the small research team is still analyzing historical data. She said among her questions is how some individuals living in like conditions have higher amounts of PFAS in their systems compared to others.

    “We are just now at the cusp of learning the impact of PFAS,” Watters said.

  • cover-11-25-09.jpg It will be the best of times, with none of the worst of times, when the streets of Historic Downtown Fayetteville transform into Victorian England, filled with the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas during the annualA Dickens Holidayon Friday, Nov. 27 from 1 to 9 p.m. 

    "This will be the 10th year we've hadA Dickens Holiday in Downtown Fayetteville," said Mary Kinney, marketing manager of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, "and the 10th year that it has been put on by The Arts Council." 

    Produced by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County with the Downtown Alliance,A Dickens Holiday is a unique and simpler alternative to starting the holiday season than the chaos of Black Friday at malls and superstores.

    "It's an elegant and gentle way to begin the holiday season," said Hank Parfitt, founder and past president of the Downtown Alliance, and chairman ofA Dickens Holiday committee. "It's a collaborative endeavor, and its success is a testament to the working relationship of the Arts Council and the Downtown Alliance."

    The Arts Council expects around 10,000 or more people to attend this year's celebration. Parking is plentiful and will be free in city lots; visitors may also park in private lots, which will still require payment.

    "The event is free," Kinney said, "but there are certainly opportunities to do other things that would cost a little bit of money. People are welcome to buy hot cider and gingerbread at vendor stalls along Hay Street, have photographs with Father Christmas in front of the Arts Council Building and take our carriage rides."

    The horse-drawn carriage rides along Hay Street, available from noon to 9 p.m., are a popular activity and sell out quickly, usually by 3 or 3:30 p.m., explained Parfitt. Visitors may choose to ride like royalty in Queen Victoria's carriage, which costs $15 per person. Tickets may be purchased at, and rides depart from, the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum on Ray Avenue and include free refreshments. Private carriage rides for two can be reserved for $50. Advance ticket purchases are recommended for Victoria's carriage rides and are available by calling 678-8899. While waiting for their carriage to arrive, visitors will want to be sure and view the Christmas train exhibit presented by model railroaders. 

    For those who prefer a big group experience, Ye Olde Hitch Wagon leaves from the Downtown Alliance on Hay Street, also from noon to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 dollars for adults and $5 for children under 12. 

    A carriage ride provides the perfect vantage point to take in an overview of the many activities happening throughout the downtown area, including strolling artists performing from 1 to 8:30 p.m. One might catch a glimpse of Marley or Scrooge or Tiny Tim among the crowd. John Tudor, an award-winning magician, will entertain and amaze, and the sounds of the Woodwind Ensemble, Chenaniah Show Choir, Coventry Carolers, Salvation Army Band, Highland Brass Band, Little String Trio, River Valley Players and Oakwood Waits will fill the air with music of the season. 

    "Oakwood Waits is an a cappella ensemble that has twice been invited to sing at the White House. ‘Waits' from the early English refers to street musicians, particularly singers," Kinney said.

    In addition to serenading audiences along the brick-lined streets of downtown, the musical groups will take to the stages of the Arts Council Building and The Metropolitan Room on Green Street throughout the day and evening. The Metropolitan Room will also presentTuba Christmas, a free all-tuba-and-euphonium concert hosted by Hay Street United Methodist Church, and a sneak preview of Gilbert Theater'sA Christmas Carol, which opens across the street at 8 p.m. Tickets for that performance are $10.

    And those who attendA Dickens Holiday won't miss out on the first official day of holiday shopping.

    "Certainly with the crowds of people, we create a unique shopping opportunity," Kinney said. "In addition to the merchants who are here every day, we also bring in vendors who are artisans and crafters. So on the sidewalks we have people who are selling their handmade wares. It's definitely a shopping experience, and folks can get their Christmas shopping done early."

    Many other activities will take place at venues throughout the downtown area. At Fascinate-U Children's Museum from 1 to 7 p.m., participants can create their own Victorian Christmas ornament to give, to keep or to place on the community Christmas tree. Artists at Cape Fear Studios will demonstrate their skills and offer original hand-crafted items for sale from 1 to 9 p.m. during theAnnual Members Holiday Show and the Market House will feature a Dickens historic exhibit with educational panels and artifacts detailing the Victorian era in Fayetteville and England. Of course, tiny tots and anyone who believes will want to preserve the magic of the day by having their picture taken with Father Christmas in front of an authentic Victorian sleigh at the Arts Council Building from 1-5:30 p.m. and from 6-8:30 p.m. for $5 per print. 

    Visitors are also encouraged to immerse themselves in the life and times of Dickens by dressing up in their Victorian finery and participating in the Dickens Costume Contest and Fireside Chat with Charles Dickens from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Metropolitan Room. Admission to the contest is free, and those who wish to enter the contest may register for $10 at 222 Hay Street for a chance to win $500 in cash prizes.

    "We have lots and lots to do!" Parfitt said. 

    New to this year's celebration is the Downtown Alliance's very first H&H Homes Professional Gingerbread House Competition at the Rainbow Room from 1 to 9 p.m.

    "In a nutshell," said Parfitt, "it's professional chefs literally racing against the clock in order to design a gingerbread house that will win the $500 top prize. They can build the structure ahead of time, but they start decorating at 1, and they have to be done by no later than 6. 

    "We worked with Chef Richard Kugelmann, director of the culinary arts program at FTCC and chairman of the competition committee. He agreed to help put this contest together, and his students are going to be involved. He's really excited about it because the event is good for the community. We're planning on it becoming an annual event. We have partnered with H& H Homes, a major sponsor of this event, and they want to keep doing this."

    Greg West of H&H Homes explained that the competition came about quickly. 

    "We thought it would be cute and fun, something that is a natural fit with a homebuilding company," said West, "and it supports the community."

    While the competitors must meet certain stipulations with respect to materials used -- all decorations must be edible -- and size of the gingerbread houses, the design rules are fairly relaxed. 

    "The houses have to have a North Carolina theme. So it could be a beach house, it could be a part of the Biltmore House, or it could be a country church somewhere," Parfitt said.

    The entrants in this year's competition at publication time are Huske Hardware House Restaurant & Brewery, Cape Fear Valley Health System, Fayetteville Technical Community College's Future Culinarians of America and Sandhills Community College's Baking & Pastry Arts Club. An independent panel of board-certified chefs will judge the architectural confections from 6-7 p.m., and the visitors ofA Dickens Holiday will be able to vote with $1 contributions for the People's Choice award to help raise money for the event.11_25_09-candleligh.jpg

    "As you walk by, you put a dollar bill in the ballot box of the one that's your favorite, so that's going to be a lot of fun," said Parfitt. "They will be decorating live, and you can walk in the Rainbow Room and walk by their tables and see how they're doing and encourage them. We hope to have a live deejay narrating the event as we go. We'll actually announce the winners at 7 or 7:30, but people can still go by and see the two-foot trophy and vote for People's Choice until about 8:45. We think that this could become really, really big, and it will be loads of fun."

    At 5 p.m., visitors will gather at the Arts Council Building at Hay and Maxwell Streets for the Candlelight Procession along Hay Street to the Market Square. Six London Bobbies, complete with authentic uniforms and metropolitan police whistles, will stroll the street in pairs to help clear the street and move people to the safety of the sidewalks and side streets so that Queen Victoria, horses, carriages and participants may safely pass. Anyone who wishes to join the procession should gather by the Arts Council Building and follow, rather than join from the sides.

    "It's probably the most spectacular part of the whole day, and people can pick up free candles at the Arts Council Building and from various merchants in Downtown Fayetteville," said Kinney. "We're inviting people to enjoy the food at the 21st Century Food Court, which is on the 300 block next to the Arts Council and away from where the procession will go. They'll be in a good position to see folks who are gathering for the procession. We plan to start the procession at about 5:30 p.m."

    "Doug Elwell is going to be on the bagpipes, leading the procession, followed by the Cape Fear Scottish Clan, followed by Queen Victoria in a white carriage accompanied by the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry (FILI)," said Parfitt. 

    "Riding with Queen Victoria will be Charles Dickens. They will process the three blocks to the Market House along with everyone with candlelight. Charles Dickens and Tiny Tim will entertain the crowd, and there'll be singing and bells ringing, the tree lighting and the Grand Illumination," Kinney said. 

    Kinney and Parfitt stress that after the procession, people won't want to leave. "The crowd and the events are shifting and moving in terms of location, but the day is not ending," said Kinney. "The party will move down to The Metropolitan Room for the costume contest and fireside chat." 

    Visitors are encouraged to stroll about the other activities continuing in the Downtown area until the fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. that will signal the official ending of the holiday, a change in the schedule from previous holidays. 

    "They really should stick around for the beautiful fireworks," Kinney said.

    Indeed, one won't want to miss any ofA Dickens Holiday and the chance to sample the customs and delights of a time gone by.

    "We wantA Dickens Holiday that feels authentic, making you feel like you've really stepped back in time. Whether it's smelling the hot cider and gingerbread or having an encounter with Scrooge himself, to the London Bobbies, you really can take a trip to a different time and place right here in Downtown Fayetteville," Kinney said. 

    Parfitt agrees wholeheartedly. "You can come downtown and travel in time back to the past and enjoy all these wonderful sights and sounds, enjoy the carriage rides, do a little shopping so that you won't be too far behind and enjoy some of the real unique shops we have down here."

    "A Dickens Holiday is a great opportunity for people who have out-of-town guests to have a place to go and something to do that is heartwarming and a lot of fun for the family to create memories," said Kinney.

    For more information and a complete schedule of activities and events at A Dickens Holiday, visit the Arts Council's Web site at ww.theartscouncil.com/Dickens_Holiday.html. 

     

  • 18The Child Advocacy Center is planning several events surrounding its annual “19 Days of Prevention” campaign, raising awareness around child abuse and prevention.

    “On the heels of yet another successful Pinwheel Masquerade Ball & Auction in October, we’re proud to launch our annual ‘19 Days of Prevention’ campaign in November,” said CAC Executive Director Roberta Humphries.

    “Our goals with this unique campaign are twofold: to encourage general awareness about child abuse and prevention and to educate the community about the many ways our organization works hand-in-hand with other crucial agencies to address these issues,” Humphries said.

    Kicking off the campaign will be the “19 Days of Prevention Art Contest Reception” on Nov. 2.
    The CAC collaborated with the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County to recruit art-contest submissions inspired by the theme of “showing kindness to your neighbor.” The winners of this contest will be announced at the reception.

    The next event CAC is planning is the “19 Days of Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon,” which is open to the public at the Kiwanis Recreation Center on Nov. 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    At this luncheon, sponsored by the Exchange Club of Greater Fayetteville, CAC will be recognizing various agencies and businesses in the community that have received their “Partner in Prevention Seal.”

    This special seal is only awarded to those agencies and businesses whose staff (90% or more) has completed the “Stewards of Children Sexual Abuse” training.
    Attendees of the luncheon will also hear from Lilly, a young woman and survivor-leader in the anti-human trafficking movement. According to CAC, Lilly “uses her lived experience of human trafficking to educate and support local communities and partners by advocating for change.”

    Yet another initiative planned for November is the CAC’s “Body Safety Classes.” These classes will be presented in community childcare facilities, where children will learn five rules for body safety: “1) know what’s up, 2) look for red flags, 3) make a move, 4) talk it up, and 5) no blame! no shame!”

    Preschoolers will also have books read to them: “No Means No!” by Jayneen Sanders and “Some Parts Are Not for Sharing” by Julie Federico.
    To schedule a class at a childcare facility, interested parties may request a training by going to the CAC’s website at https://www.cacfaync.org/what-we-do/community-outreach-education/body-safety-class.html.

    “As the CAC heads into celebrating our 30th anniversary next year, we’re more dedicated than ever to our mission,” Humphries expresses, “and we genuinely hope the public will join us in participating in and spreading the word about our ‘19 Days of Prevention’ campaign this November.”

  • 13There will be four referendums on the general ballot this November for Fayetteville voters. Three of them are under the GO Bonds, which have been approved by City Council to go forward to the people. The last referendum is a Charter Amendment which would change the structure of City Council.

    For the GO Bonds, if approved, a tax increase for homeowners will happen. However, the city does not break down that tax increase per bond, rather they only state what the tax increase would be if all three of the bonds pass.

    According to the City of Fayetteville, it is estimated that for every $100 value of a property, the tax will increase by up to 4 cents. For a home price of $100,000, the property tax increase would be approximately $3.33 per month or $40 a year. A homeowner with an average home value of $200,000 would increase their property tax by approximately $80 a year or $6.67 per month. Should voters decide to pass the referendums, new property tax rates would be adopted in 2023 to take effect during the fiscal year 2024.

    PUBLIC SAFETY IMPROVEMENT BONDS

    This bond would authorize $60 million to be used for public safety. According to the referendum, the purpose of these funds, together with any other available funds, will be used for acquiring, constructing and equipping the Fayetteville Police Department and the Fayetteville Fire Department with facilities and improvements for Fayetteville. This could include buying land, improving or building facilities, and buying equipment. The city of Fayetteville has stated they would like to use the money to construct new fire stations, a new logistics center, renovate existing fire stations and renovate the police department call center.

    However, the plans can change.
    If approved, a tax increase for homeowners will be expected. See above for more details. This tax increase will take place in 2024.

    VOTE YES: You would approve of the bond and $60 million would be used towards public safety, with the understanding there will be a tax increase for homeowners.

    VOTE NO: You do not approve of the bond and no bond for public safety will go forward at
    this time.

    STREETS, SIDEWALK AND CONNECTIVITY IMPROVEMENT BONDS

    This bond would authorize $25 million to be used for various transportation-related improvements inside and outside the corporate limits of the city. These projects could include sidewalk improvements, street repair, intersection improvements, bike paths and lanes, bridges, curbs and drains, traffic controls, and greenways.

    If approved, a tax increase for homeowners will be expected. See above for more details. This tax increase will take place in 2024.

    VOTE YES: You would approve of the bond, and $25 million would be used towards streets, sidewalks and transportation improvements, with the understanding there will be a tax increase for homeowners.

    VOTE NO: You do not approve of the bond, and no bond for transportation improvements will go forward at this time.

    HOUSING BONDS

    This bond would authorize $12 million to be used for various community development programs to provide and rehabilitate multifamily and single-family housing inside the corporate limits of the City, principally for the benefit of persons of low and moderate-income. This bond would help with the funding of construction or rehabilitation of housing or neighborhood revitalization improvements, programs to provide loans and other financial assistance to individuals, and to public and private providers of housing.

    According to the city, there are no concrete plans or projects yet as to how to use these funds, but they do state that some of these projects could include a housing trust fund, homeownership programs, new housing initiatives and innovative solutions to meet the critical housing needs of the community.
    If approved, a tax increase for homeowners will be expected. See above for more details. This tax increase will take place in 2024.

    VOTE YES: You would approve of the bond, and $12 million would be used towards the building, planning, funding or renovating housing projects, with the understanding there will be a tax increase for homeowners.

    VOTE NO: You do not approve of the bond, and no bond for housing improvements will go forward at this time.

    CHARTER AMENDMENT

    This amendment would change the structure of the City Council. Currently, the city council has nine members (excluding the mayor), each being elected from their district. This amendment would consolidate the nine districts into five. Each district would vote for one representative. The other four members would be at-large - meaning the whole city could vote for them.

    Those against this amendment state that changing the structure of the city council would create more expensive city-wide races and add additional barriers to working-class people. Also, nothing is stopping all four at-large council members from being from the same district. Furthermore, they note that the proposed change will require districts to be redrawn and consolidated. The Vote No campaign states that this would attempt to dilute the voting power of minority voters.

    Those who support this amendment state that this would give people more representation. If approved, citizens of Fayetteville can vote for six people onto the city council versus the two they currently can vote for (their district representative and the Mayor).

    VOTE YES: You approve the changing of the City Council structure so that five members are elected from five districts and four are elected at-large (from the city as a whole).

    VOTE NO: You do not approve of the change, and the City Council structure will remain the same, where each member is elected from one of nine separate districts.

  • 9The Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (FACVB) unveiled its new name, logo and brand identity, DistiNCtly Fayetteville, on Nov. 1 at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. Anchored in foundational tourism research that gleaned insights into what visitors find attractive about the Fayetteville area, the then-FACVB team started on a journey to envision a new brand that better reflects the region and all it has to offer.

    “In Fayetteville and Cumberland County, radically different experiences create one distinct destination,” said Randy Fiveash, Interim President & CEO, DistiNCtly Fayetteville. “It is time we have a name, look, and feel that celebrates and embraces our region’s energy, diversity, and distinctiveness. Our new DistiNCtly Fayetteville brand does just that. We are ready to share everything that makes the Fayetteville area special — with our community, our region and beyond.”

    This journey didn’t happen overnight. In the summer of 2021, the FACVB knew they needed a change. For the first time in 17 years, the destination marketing organization moved forward with a Request for Proposal process to hire a new, full-service marketing and advertising agency. From the beginning, they knew they wanted a North Carolina-based agency.
    In August 2021, an RFI was issued to 13 North Carolina full-service marketing and creative agencies. Of that 13, seven asked to receive the RFP, and six proposals were received.

    There was an RFP review committee, including city and county tourism industry representatives. Those six proposals were narrowed down to three agencies. Each came to town in hopes of being the next agency of record. After those interviews, one stood out, and the committee knew they had found the agency to take the FACVB in a fresh, new direction. This was no small task.
    During their presentation, the winning agency said: “Fayetteville is like this hidden gem that no one knows about. We’d like the opportunity to change that.”

    With that statement, the FACVB board voted to offer the contract to a new agency, approving the new hire. Shortly after their contract began, the task of this new branding exercise began. It was nine months in the making, and there is more to come.

    In addition to the new name, logo and overarching brand, DistiNCtly Fayetteville will launch a new website and announce a bold new marketing campaign in the coming months. The DistiNCtly Fayetteville team worked with its new marketing and advertising agency, Mythic, out of Charlotte, on the rebrand.

    At its core, DistiNCtly Fayetteville is a private, not-for-profit organization responsible for positioning Fayetteville/Cumberland County as a destination for conventions, sporting events and individual travel. It is the tourism marketing arm of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, fueled by research-based marketing.
    Anytime you develop a new brand, a brand positioning statement is the foundation for everything the brand does moving forward. The tourism branding statement that was designed for DistiNCtly Fayetteville reads:
    Here, history meets history in the making. Where Southern charm meets modern flair. Unexpected thrills bring unexpected respite. And radically different experiences create one unique destination. Discover why it all works in the Fayetteville area.

    “As a community-based destination marketing organization, our priority is on growing economic health and increasing quality of life for Fayetteville and Cumberland County while also ensuring a valuable, positive experience for the people who visit this wonderful region,” said Fiveash. “This new brand and our upcoming bold marketing campaign will help us continue to promote our community and broaden our reach to new folks across the region and the nation to come experience, time and again, what makes us distinct.”

    Travel and tourism for Cumberland County in 2021 generated more than $608 million annually and accounts for more than 4,550 jobs and $163.2 million in payroll.
    Additionally, state and local tax revenues to Cumberland County from travel amounted to $46.3 million, which represents a $138.49 tax saving for each household in the county.

    This solid economic travel impact ranks Cumberland County 12th among North Carolina’s 100 counties, behind Mecklenburg, Buncombe, Wake, Dare, Durham and others.

    The statistics are from The Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties study that was prepared for Visit North Carolina by Tourism Economics. Tourism Economics is an internationally respected research organization focused on the travel sector.

    To learn more about Fayetteville/Cumberland County and experience what makes the region distinct, visit www.DistiNCtlyFayetteville.com.

  • The Sanford Pottery Festival draws thousands of people to its annual event in May. This festival has come to be known as not only the largest, but one of the fi nest exhibits of North Carolina pottery and will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2011. This year, organizers have expanded to hold another festival at the most wonderful time of the year — now! The First Annual Christmas Show and Wine Tasting Event is slated for Saturday, Dec. 4, and Sunday Dec. 5 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center in Sanford. This new winter event will give shoppers the opportunity to buy pottery pieces to dress up the holiday table, and the show is designed to provide thousands of gift ideas in the $10-$20 range, and all are unique North Carolina products.

    North Carolinians take great pride in the rich pottery tradition of our state. The show will include an excellent selection of “art pottery” pieces, such as Raku, but the majority of pottery featured will be pieces that are made to be used.

    “The First Annual Christmas Show is a scaled down version of the Sanford Pottery Festival and will feature 45 oversized booths for potters. Booths will also include a small number of other traditional arts and crafts, but most will be potters,” according to organizer Don Hudson. “A wide range of price points will be offered, and there will be a large selection of less expensive pottery suitable for Christmas gifts.”

    The First Annual Christmas Show will also have a wine-tasting event, featuring eight North Carolina wineries offering samples and wines available for purchase by the glass, bottle or case. For an additional $5, shoppers (age 21 and over) can take a break from pottery and enjoy the wine tasting, which will include European varieties of wines made right here in North Carolina. There will also be a large selection of wines made from Muscadine and Scuppernong grapes.

    “These wines offer a different experience. Some will hate the difference. Many will love it,” explained Hudson. “What I know is that such wines have 10 times the antioxidants of regular wine, which is itself very heart healthy!”

    For newcomers to the area that may not be familiar with Sanford, don’t let that hold you back. Sanford is an easy 34-mile drive from Fayetteville, right up Highway 87. The Wicker Center is located at 1801 Nash St. and features plenty of free parking. There’s really no excuse not to venture up to Sanford and partake in the First Annual Christmas Show. Anyone who shows a military ID, retired or active duty, will get into the festival for free, with one adult guest. Children under 16 are free anyway, so this is a very family friendly event.

    The Sanford Pottery Festival’s First Annual Christmas Show will be held Saturday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 5, from noon to 5 p.m. Admission to the pottery festival is $5, or $10 for both the pottery festival and wine-tasting event. For more information, visit www.sanfordpottery.org.

  • 11-14-12-christmas-carol.gifAs much a part of the holiday season as Black Friday, gingerbread houses and egg nog, A Christmas Carol has become a Fayetteville tradition that the community looks forward to each year.

    Like clockwork, the show opens the day after Thanksgiving. This year the show runs through Dec. 9.

    Written by Charles Dickens and published in 1843, A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. A selfish and stingy businessman, Scrooge is visited by the spirit of his deceased business partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come. These visits shake Scrooge to his core and bring about a change in him — one that affects many lives.

    This is the first season that Artistic Director Robyne Parrish is taking part in this tradition and she says that the audience is in for a little bit of a surprise this year.

    “We are revamping it this year … we are trying something new,” said Parrish. “We brought in a guest director from the New York/Pittsburgh area, his name is David Little. We are trying to do something different this year. We have a great cast and expect this to be a wonderful production.”

    Little is playing his cards close to his chest, but did share a little bit about some of what the audience can anticipate.

    “We were looking for a way to reinvigorate the production,” said Little. “We are using the same script but we have reimagined it as if it were a 1940s radio play. There are a few surprises in addition but none I want to share.”

    The play opens with a group of actors in the 1940s at a second-rate radio station. They are producing a radio version of A Christmas Carol, and the show takes off from there.

    “I am looking forward to seeing how the audience responds,” said Little.

    The Board of Directors at the Gilbert has been doing this a long time and this is different from what they’ve done in the past. Some actors are the same as in past performances, but this year the approach is different and Little promises that there are some nice surprises in store.

    “It has been fun to work on this process. As a director and a story teller, I love the challenge,” said Little. “This story has been told so often and in so many different ways that it is fun to work on a production that is new and different from what I have seen and done in the past. That is really fun for me.”

    While Little hails from Pittsburgh, Pa., he frequently works in New York City. He says he is impressed with Fayetteville and the work going on at the Gilbert Theater.

    “I would say I have been really impressed with the Gilbert Theater. They seem to be making big changes and strides forward creatively and artistically. I find that really exciting,” said Little. “I am impressed with the cultural fabric of this city and the place that the Gilbert has within the city and the fact that Robyne (Parrish, the artistic director) and Jeremy (Fiebig, the managing director) and their board of directors seem to have a high priority placed on quality and really developing relationships with the people that they work with.”

    The play opens Nov. 23, and runs through Dec. 9. Visit www.gilberttheater.com for show times and ticket information. Reservations are highly suggested.

  • The Fayetteville FireAntz have gotten off to one of the best starts to open their season in team history and there are many who have noticed. Averaging more than 4,000 fans per game at the Crown Coliseum, the FireAntz are bringing exciting hock-ey action back to the ice in Fayetteville.

    The FireAntz have a lot of exciting games coming up and you’ll want to make sure to mark your calendar and bring your family and friends to the games.

    Thursday, Nov. 22: A Thanksgiving Tradition11-21-12-fireantz.gif

    There is much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving sea-son — family, friends and the FireAntz having a home game on Thanksgiving night. The FireAntz have hosted a game on Thanksgiving each season and it has become a Fayetteville tradition. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving day with your family and loved ones and then bring them all to the FireAntz game and cheer along with your FireAntz family.

    The best way to enjoy the Thanksgiving night game is to get cheaper tickets, of course. In order to do that, fans should get a group of family and friends, 10 or more people, and pre-order tickets from the FireAntz office. The savings are great and it’s just a little something extra to be thankful for during Thanksgiving.

    There is one other thing to be thankful for on Thanksgiving with the FireAntz. Long time rival, the Knoxville Ice Bears, will be their opponent. The former Southeast Hockey League (SEHL) foes have one of the longest rivalries in league history and when the two teams collide it’s always a really exciting time for the fans. In their only meeting on home ice this season the FireAntz beat the Ice Bears 4-1, in exciting fashion, in front of 4,341 cheering fans.

    Saturday, Nov. 24: Kids Night brought to you by Lee Hyundai

    The FireAntz are hosting Kids’ Night on Saturday, Nov. 24. The best part about it is that tickets for children will be free if they redeem their vouchers. Vouchers for free children’s tickets will be sent to schools in Cumberland County and, when redeemed, can be traded for free kids’ tickets to the FireAntz game.

    Adding to the theme of Kids’ Night is the fact that the FireAntz are having Mascot Night. More than 20 mascots from various sports teams, school and businesses will be on hand to entertain. It’s sure to be a fun night for kids of all ages.

    Saturday, Dec. 1: Military Appreciation, Operation Toy Drop Celebrated

    The FireAntz, once again, will host Military Appreciation night as they host another long time rival, the Huntsville Havoc. For the third consecutive season they will team up with military from Fort Bragg for the 15th annual Operation Toy Drop. Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to the game for donation to Operation Toy Drop — an airborne operation that collects thousands of toys annually for area children and families in need of a little help during the holiday season.

    Fans can donate toys even if they are unable to attend the game by dropping a toy off at the FireAntz office at 220 A N. McPherson Church Rd. or by visiting www.op-toydrop.net to find locations of local drop boxes.

    Many of the FireAntz corporate partners take part in the night and fans and season ticket holders always come out in large numbers to join them as they show their support to the men and women of the armed services for all of their sacrifices. Military Appreciation nights have, over the years, attracted the largest audi-ences and are guaranteed to be a great time.

    Make sure to come out to the Crown Coliseum and join in on the excit-ing season for the FireAntz this year. For more information on the FireAntz, or to purchase group tickets at a re-duced rate visit the FireAntz Website at www.fireantzhockey.com.

    Photo: Join the FireAntz for a series of fun-filled events this season.

  • 112812-wreck-it-ralph.jpgA Disney short, Paperman, appears before Wreck-It-Ralph (101 minutes). Maybe I am growing cynical in my old age, but I thought it lacked heart. I mean, for a love story, it wasn’t very moving. Plus, like all other Disney created female characters, the love interest is without agency and has a waist so thin she disappears when she turns sideways.

    The film is the latest in a series of films that show what happens when inanimate objects stop being polite and start getting real. Apparently, what happens is that they secretly run around, using plugs and fiber optic cables and digital whatchamacallits to conduct intergame travel through a central hub.

    The titular hero Wreck-It-Ralph (John C. Reilly) is in the midst of an existential dilemma. Every day, over and over, he wrecks a building, only to have the damage repaired by Fix-It-Felix (Jack McBrayer) while he is thrown into a mud puddle by the building inhabitants. He joins a Villain’s Anonymous group led by Blinky from the Pac-Man game, but upon his return to his own game realizes that everyone from his game is having a big anniversary party for Fix-It-Felix and he wasn’t invited. He shows up anyway and it doesn’t end well.

    Ralph goes rogue, determined to win the respect of the other avatars in the game by bringing home a gold medal of some kind. AWOL from his own game, he wanders into another called Hero’s Duty. His first run at the medal is cut short when game character Calhoun (Jane Lynch) catches him during a battle with Cy-bugs, so he sneaks back and grabs the gold, fleeing in a high-tech flying craft.

    Too bad a Cy-bug hitched a ride, and the plane caroms out of control, eventually crash landing in a game called Sugar Rush. If you’re going to be trapped in a fantasy land, one made of candy and soda pop isn’t a bad way to go. Except in this case the game is peopled with obnoxious Mean Girl archetypes possessed of both overly cutesy names and basic unpleasantness. Example: Taffyta Muttonfudge (Mindy Kaling) and her girly lollipop guild reenact the scene from Cinderella where the stepsisters rip apart Cinderella’s dress (but with a candy racecar instead of a mouse made dress).

    After Ralph crash lands on a fudgy mountain the Cy-bug escapes setting the B plot into motion. Meanwhile, back at the hub, Felix and Calhoun figure out that Ralph ended up in Sugar Rush and head into the game to get him. If Ralph isn’t back where he belongs by the next morning, the Arcade owner Litwak (Ed O’Neill) will shut down his game, leaving the inhabitants of Fix-It-Felix to beg for scraps in the Hub alongside the characters from Q*bert and Pong.

    Back in the A plot, Ralph meets a glitchy game character called Vanellope Von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman). She has been excluded from the races, but with the help of Ralph figures out a way that she can compete. This bit of the movie drags a bit but that’s okay because I spent this part of the movie dreaming about living in the game Sugar Rush and craving chocolate.

    Overall, Ralph has nostalgia appeal, loads of classic video games cameos and John C. Reilly in a starring role. It is very easy to understand why it’s getting rave reviews and making lots of money. I, however, did not really care for it. There’s nothing identifiably wrong with it, and I’m sure it can be enjoyed as a family film. Hey, any movie that puts Alan Tudyk back to work is ok by me! It was just missing the spark that elevates a half-decent movie to a really memorable movie.

    Now showing at Wynnsong 7, Carmike 12 and Carmike Market Fair 15.

  • 11-07-12-spoon-river.gifIn 1915 playwright Edgar Lee Masters wrote about a huge part of American life, the small town. Not only did his play break down the stereotypical ideas surrounding small-town America, but the unconventional style of this play also ripped through traditional theatre. Phoebe Hall brings this production back to life for the public to enjoy this November at Fayetteville State University.

    Spoon River Anthology is a series of free-form poems that describe the lives of the citizens of Spoon River, Ill., a classic small town in rural America. Some may fear that this will lead to a confusing or altogether un-relatable production, but Hall says, “I think audience members will be surprised by how much fun they’ll have with the characters of Spoon River.

    “While the time period is ‘long ago’ and we have no way of knowing who is who or what year it is for any given character, I think they’ll find it fairly easy to keep up with who is attached to whom and for what reason. This is very much like a large extended family in that everyone is connected to someone else in some way and once you begin to unravel that, the maze begins to make more sense.”

    Many productions romanticize the world in order to provide an escape. Spoon River Anthology does quite the opposite. Instead of creating a fictional world to provide an escape, this production reflects true characters and real truths in life.

    “They should expect to be moved, to laugh and to recognize the characters in this small town. We all know them. Some of us are related to them, married to them, teach them, vote for them, love them or even hate them,” said Hall. “But, in the fi nal analysis … we may see ourselves and our own environments in the play.”

    Even the actors get an in-depth understanding of the characters as they develop them and portray them on stage.

    “As in every play that I direct, my favorite part is watching and helping the actors through the ‘discovery’ phase of rehearsal. I fi nd it very satisfying to see them all have those ‘Aha! moments’ when something fi nally clicks for them about a character and motivation,” said Hall.

    Spoon River Anthology was written in 1915, and is set in a time even before that, but the profound truth it portrays about human nature in a small town makes it timeless.

    “I think every theme can find some relevance today —it depends on individual perspective. The same issues that plagued Spoon River still plague people in small towns today, so the issues don’t change … just the players,” said Hall.

    Spoon River Anthology runs Nov. 17-18 and begins at 7:30 p.m. each night and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets ordered in advance cost $10 for adults and $8 for faculty, staff and off-campus students. At the door, adults pay $12 and faculty, staff and off campus students pay $10. FSU students with I.D.s always pay $3. Tickets may be ordered by calling the FSU Box Office at (910) 672-1724.

    For more information, contact Jeremy Fiebig at 672-2574 or jfiebig@uncfsu.edu. The production will be held in Butler Theatre on the FSU campus.

  • It’s never too early to celebrate the Christmas spirit and do some shopping. What better way to do both than to take a trip around the world to observe Christmas traditions and eclectic gifts? Now, we know most of us don’t have time to take an actual trip around the world, but on Nov. 17, Cornerstone United Methodist Church will host the 12th annual Christmas Around the World from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. By attending the event, you can get a taste of the world without ever leaving home.11-14-12-world-ornament.gif

    This year’s event will be different from ones held in the past according to Robin Berg, event chairperson.

    “This is the first time we have done the event on such a large scale. There is a multi-cultural focus on this year’s event. We plan to have more than 50 vendors representing numerous cultures. The music and entertainment will be diverse as well,” Berg explained.

    In years past, the event was primarily a bazaar, but this year it has grown into a multi-cultural festival. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day by the Phillipino Dance Troupe, Voodoo Tattoo (classic rock), Groupa Compartiendo Vida (Hispanic Praise Team), Until November Band, Okinawan Dance Troupe, a gospel band and three other local bands. In addition, the Cornerstone choir will sing.

    Vendors will be on hand selling unique merchandise and foods from around the globe. Lip-smacking lumpia, tantalizing tacos and bountiful barbeque as well as other ethnic dishes sure to please the palette will be available. The Cornerstone youth group operates a specialty coffee shop named Blessed Brew and will offer lattes, cappuccinos and regular coffees throughout the day.

    There will also be pastries available to enjoy with coffee and baked-goods gift packages available for purchase. Additional events planned include a silent auction and pictures with Santa. The pictures will be available immediately after sitting. There will free shopping bags available for the first 500 attendees.

    Children will have their own entertainment area as well. Five “bounce houses” will be provided in addition to slides and games. There will also be cotton candy, sno-cones and popcorn. This is a great way for parents and children to enjoy the event, leaving parents free to shop at their leisure knowing their children are in a fun, safe and caring environment.

    “We felt it important to provide outreach on a larger scale,” said Berg.

    “This year, 25 percent of the proceeds of the event will be given to the Wounded Warrior Battalion. We are moved to help support the soldiers and families who have sacrificed for us all and are experiencing difficulties in their transition,” Berg said.

    Christmas Around the World will take place at Cornerstone United Methodist Church located at 1411 Rim Rd. in Fayetteville. Parking is available at the E.E. Miller Elementary School, which is adjacent to the church. For information, visit www.cornerstoneumconline.com or call 910-868-5686.

  • 00-21-12-singing-tree.gifEvery year for the past 32 years, Snyder Memorial Baptist Church has been honored to bring the annual production, The Singing Christmas Tree to the Fayetteville Community. It has been a Fayetteville tradition since 1980; this year the production features 250 singers, two handbell choirs and a 40-piece orchestra.

    The spirit of Christmas will fill the room as singers from several generations come together to perform musical selections that will bring joy to everyone. The Intergenerational Choir is made up of 40-50 children, 100 teenagers and 100-125 adults. Your ticket will be honored up until 30 minutes before the show starts; there are no seat guarantees after that.

    This year’s theme is These Three Gifts, which will focus on the importance and significance of each of the three gifts of the magi as it explores the type of gifts we give for Christmas.

    “The structure of the singing Christmas tree is the same each year but the music and the theme is re-done every year. If you have been to one of the shows in the past, rest assured that you have never seen the performance that will be presented this year,” says Dr. Larry Dickens, minister of music at the church.

    Dickens is conducting his 14th production of this magnificent show. He is also an adjunct professor of church music at Campbell University Divinity School where he teaches his love of music to graduate students.

    “This event is a gift to the community and it is free. All we ask from everyone attending the show is to bring a few canned goods to be donated to two local food-distribution centers,” explained Dickens.

    There will be six performances and tickets are disappearing fast, so if you have plans to attend the performance this year, get your tickets soon.

    “A lot of hard work and commitment goes into making sure that the production comes together well. Volunteers from the church and the community come together and work overtime to make sure that everyone is ready to give their best performance,” said Dickens.

    There are several options for obtaining tickets. Tickets are available at the church office, Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets can also be picked up in the church office on Sunday morning or you can call the church office at 910-484-3191 and request tickets be mailed to you. These tickets are going fast so get yours now.

    The singing Christmas tree only comes once a year and you don’t want to miss it. Performances will be held on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 29-30 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-2 at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Seating will be guaranteed up until 30 minutes before the show begins so arrive early. Grab your coats, your canned goods and your tickets, and get ready to attend the largest holiday performance presented in our area. Excitement is in the area so don’t be late because you don’t want to miss any of The Singing Christmas Tree.

    Photo: The Snyder Memorial Baptist Singing Christmas Tree has been a holiday tradition in the community for more than 30 years.

  • uac110712001.gif There is plenty of good that comes from growing up on a farm. For award-winning playwright Elaine Wilson Alexander, some of the benefits include a quick, wicked sense of humor and a unique perspective on life, which will be showcased during the world premier of Life As We Know It at the Gilbert Theater. The Gilbert is teaming-up with Up & Coming Weekly to present this unique collection of five of Alexander’s one-act comedies.

    Alexander is the daughter of Dave and Barbara Wilson and a fourth-generation Fayetteville native. She grew up on a beautiful 800-acre farm on what is now Morganton Road. It may have been the wide-open spaces and fresh air that stimulated and impacted her creativity, but undeniably, it was her family that taught her to see the lighter side of life .

    “Growing up, both my parents were funny. We had several cats on the farm and even they had a droll sense of humor,” said Alexander. “I grew up watching Saturday Night Live and Second City Television. This shaped my sense of humor, too.”

    As a child, Alexander said she often felt like an outsider. Her teen years were marked by a battle of “the farm girl versus the “cool girls” from the subdivisions. She was constantly aware of the differences between herself and the other children, but she found these differences more amusing than detrimental. It didn’t take her long to use these insights to her advantage and ultimately put them to good use.

    She can pinpoint the moment when she realized she was funny: It was a Brownie meeting. Like most gatherings of young girls, this particular Brownie troop was divided into cliques. Alexander recalls that she showed up to one meeting dressed “out of uniform.” As anticipated, the other girls mocked and teased her for the offense. Rather than get upset, she turned the tables on them.

    “We were doing an animal skit and I was a stray cat. I howled and writhed like I was starving. I really put a lot into that performance. By the end of the skit they were laughing uncontrollably. They were nice to me after that,” said Alexander. “Sometimes it’s good to be the outsider. You get more laughs that way.”

    As a youngster, Alexander took drama classes and participated in community theatre, however, it took awhile for things to come full circle. She entertained thoughts of being an actress when she was in high school, but words from a loved one changed that course of action. Realizing she was “no Meryl Streep,” she set out to become a journalist. She found great success in the publishing world. She traveled, met and mingled with celebrities and, as a journalist, rose successfully in the ranks of the Fourth Estate before deciding to settle down to raise a family. If anything, her career as a journalist served to sharpen her observation skills. Later she considered getting back into acting but “…I saw myself in a video,” said Alexander. “I looked like a character from the Wallace and Grommet comic strip.” So, she quickly returned to writing — only this time it was writing plays and not articles.

    She found that being a mother put her in an excellent position to observe comical “real-life” situations, which are always excellent fodder for entertainers. After all, what parent hasn’t walked away from a school meeting, ball game or other kid-centric activity scratching their head at the behavior and antics of supposedly responsible adults ? Whether it is a PTA meeting filled with moms trying to one-up each other, a yoga class or a trip to the grocery store, Alexander looks to those around her for topics to write about finding much of her humor in the mundane.

    “I see the comedy in life and in the unmet ambitions we all have,” said Alexander, adding that “… nobody tries harder than a middle-aged woman. It’s like being in middle school, but now we are combating wrinkles instead of acne.”

    Bill Bowman, publisher of Up & Coming Weekly, recognized Alexander’s satirical humor as original and fresh. He believes it is something theatre goers in the Fayetteville community will enjoy and support.

    “I read her work and then went to South Carolina to see one of her plays preformed. Needless to say, I was blown away with the humor, the uniqueness of her style and freshness of the11-07-12-elaine-alexander.gifmaterial,” said Bowman. “Upon returning home, I asked Elaine to send me her plays and, after reading all six of her short one acts, I knew this would be a great opportunity to bring her home and share her work with the community. I asked Robyne Parrish, artistic director of the Gilbert Theatre, and Jeremy Fiebig, managing director, to review her work. They too were impressed. We (Up & Coming Weekly) agreed to partner with the Gilbert to produce her work.” 

    Bowman goes on to explain that from the beginning he felt Alexander’s work would be a great fit for the Gilbert Theatre since they have been a long-time advocate of creative and original works and a huge supporter of local talent. From its inception, the Gilbert Theater’s vision has been “… to be the premiere theater in Eastern North Carolina for audiences who value innovative, daring theater that explores the human condition in a respectful, imaginative way.”

    Fiebig will direct the upcoming production of Alexander’s work.

    “We love the fact that Elaine is a local talent from Fayetteville. In addition to celebrating her work, we want it to celebrate the Gilbert Theater and our unique place in the Fayetteville cultural community,” said Fiebig. “Elaine, knows what life is like here and that is something the audience will appreciate about her work.”

    Life as We Know It will open in late December. “We are doing this right after the busiest time of year. People have had to deal with extended family, travel and cold weather. This will be a way to escape and infuse a breath of fresh air into the holiday season,” said Fiebig. “It is going to provide our community an opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Gilbert Theatre in an unique, fun and interesting way and, it will be something to get them laughing.”

    The proceeds from Life as We Know It will go partially to the Gilbert Theater for expanding its community cultural programs and educational services. Funds will also go to the Cumberland County Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation. Alexander is coming home and this will be the “world premiere” of her works. But, don’t count on it being the last. To find out more about Alexander’s play Life as We Know It go to www.gilberttheater.com.

    Photo: Gilbert Theater presents humorist and playwright Elaine Alexander as she returns to Fayetteville in December.

  • uac110613001.gif Many years ago I saw an unusually beautiful work of art on one of the walls at the Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Upon closer examination the work was constructed of many small pieces of fabric, hundreds of pieces, held together against a transparent mesh of tulle; yet it looked like an Impressionist painting! Since that time I have gotten to know the artist, Martha Sisk, and became familiar with her journey as a local printmaker and fabric artist.

    The public is invited to meet Sisk and see an exhibit of her work in The Works of Martha Sisk at Gallery 208, located at Up & Coming Weekly, 208 Rowan Street, on November 12, 2013 between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. At 6:00 p.m. Sisk will be formally introduced and brie谀y talk about the exhibit and her work.

    A public school teacher for exceptional children, in 1990, after making one quilt ten years earlier, Sisk decided to use the art of quilting to teach her math class in Robeson County about geometry. The students cut geometric shapes out of fabric, proportionately arranged and then students sewed them into twelve inch squares. Sisk later sewed all the squares into a large quilt and donated the quilt to the school for display. The creative teaching technique led to a published article in the Quilt Almanac magazine and a new interest in pursuing the art of quilting.

    Soon after the geometry project, Sisk discovered a book titled The Art of Landscape Quilts and began creating scenes in fabric from a photograph. Using an appliqué technique, she joined fabrics together to create the illusion of the photograph. Although Sisk creates functional quilts, the in谀uence of the appliqué technique can still be seen in the artistic style of her creations today.

    By 2004 Sisk purchased an expensive sewing machine to pursue traditional and experimental quilting techniques. Her talent for the art of the quilt was already acknowledged - she had received local awards and a Regional Artist Award in 2009. Sisk’s work is owned and on display in the Children’s Emergency Room at Cape Fear Valley Hospital and in the library at Fayetteville Technical Community College.

    After retiring from teaching in the public schools, Sisk taught English at Fayetteville Technical Community College and decided to take a printmaking course at the college.

    After one semester she began taking printmaking courses at Fayetteville State University and has continued to take printmaking at the university each semester11-06-13-cover-story-2.gif

    .Relief, intaglio and silk-screening printing techniques soon found their way into the art quilt. While other students were printing on paper, Sisk would bring in a piece of silk fabric to pass through the printing press; she began to regularly transfer the printing ink from the print matrix on cloth as well as paper.

    A fascination with fabrics now included the variety of printmaking papers, all types of paper, to be thought about like the endless variations of fabric. After transferring her fine art print image on fabric, Sisk than applied the cutting and arranging of quilting to her prints – she cut the print on paper up into strips, then reassembled them by weaving the image to create an abstracted print.

    By now, Sisk was a member of the Printmakers of North Carolina professional organization and was exhibiting her prints at 311 West Martin Street Gallery in Raleigh, North Carolina as well as local galleries and competitions. Regular visitors to local galleries would see a woven print by Sisk on display or an unusual art quilt – or an original print image integrated into the quilt.

    More recently Sisk was invited to participate in an invitational exhibit at the Arts Council titled Local Craft Style in 2012 and won a placement award in the Fayetteville Technical Community College 4th Annual Competition in 2013.

    11-06-13-cover-story-1.gifI asked Sisk to talk about the relationship between quilting and printmaking; she said that was easy. “For quilting you block in sections, similar to the silk-screening process, an additive process. In a collagraph, you cut out textures, similar to the “art of the landscape quilt” technique and then, in printmaking, paste the cut-outs to the plate to print. In both mediums it’s about shapes, textures, layering and experimenting with process and design. As well, in both mediums, I am able to explore subjects that I am particularly interested in: nature, particularly trees and leaves, and special themes.”

    Visitors to the opening of The Works of Martha Sisk will see a collection of works from the last decade - intaglio and silk-screened woven prints, as well as art quilts and traditional quilts. As always, the gallery is free and open to the public. If visitors can not attend the reception on Nov. 12, the exhibit will remain up through the month of December. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 484-6200 for more information.

    Photos: Local printmaker and quilter Martha Sisk will be featured at Up & Coming Weekly’s Gallery 208. There will be an opening reception on Nov. 12 where the public can meet the artist.

  • 11-19-14-gala-of-horses.gifSince their original domestication, horses have been revered for their power and grace. In the hands of a riding master such as Rene Gasser, their beauty and elegance is unrivaled.

    Gasser has been training and performing with horses since childhood and comes from a family with generations of experience.

    “I was born into it. My family has been training and performing with horses for seven generations. It’s a bit in my blood,” he said. “You don’t always stick with it, but I just love it.”

    He hasn’t been content to just ride for enjoyment. Instead, he has channeled these generations of experience and passion into a magnificent show called the Gala of the Royal Horses, which is coming to the Crown Coliseum on Nov. 28.

    This is no ordinary horse show; it is a combination of Spanish flamenco and Spanish horses.

    “There are so many highlights, we change between nice and easy and then another highlight. I think one of the most exciting moments is when one of our Spanish horses dances with a flamenco dancer,” he said. “The audience gets to see this powerful animal making dance-like movements and hear it on the board like tap dance. And there is so much more, we want that wow factor, that’s everything to us. Then we can walk away with a smile on our faces.”

    It takes more than an ordinary horse to perform with such elegance and precision; it also takes a lifetime with an experienced trainer.

    “We really never stop training. They are like dancers or athletes. We have to always keep them fit and mentally well. They do things that a normal horse can’t do, so once they are 3 ½-years-old, they are never done training,” he explained. “I think that’s the secret to the longevity of our horses, the gymnastic exercises. Our horses can keep performing into their late 20s and early 30s.”

    In addition to the years of training, there is also a large amount of preparation that goes into just a single performance, for the horses and their trainers.

    “We work hard to keep the horses in performance condition and to get ready. Some of the horses — their manes and tails are so big that it takes two people an hour to wash them, and they get conditioned, too. But when the audience reacts its all worth it,” he said.

    Gasser has traveled and performed all over the world, but this year the show is entirely redone for the North American audiences.

    “We are using musicians and dancers with the performances, so it’s more like a production,” explained Gasser. “It’s not just for horse lovers, its for anyone who loves a great show. And for horse lovers, we have all these magnificent horses that they can only normally see on television or documentaries, and they are right in front of you. The variety is incredible.”

    The Gala of Royal Horses is at the Crown Coliseum on Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $28 to $78 for ringside seats. The Crown Coliseum is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. To purchase tickets visit www.ticektmaster.com or call 438-4100. For more information, www.crowncomplexnc.com or www.galaofthehorses.com.

    Photo:  Magnificent horses flamenco their way into audiences’ hearts during the Gala of the Horses, which is coming to Fayetteville on Nov. 28 at the Crown Coliseum.

  • 112515_heart-of-christmas.pngFor the past 18 years, the Heart of Christmas Show, featuring the Voices of the Heart,  has kicked of the Christmas season in Cumberland County. The unique show continues this year with new numbers, exciting costumes and scenes along with dazzling Christmas lights, trees and scenes.

    With a wide variety of musical selections this is a show the whole family is sure to enjoy and want to see time and time again. Broadway-styled in its production, the show touches every emotion associated with the Christmas Season, according to Laura Stevens, the director of the show. From numbers with snow glistening on stage to a funny Rudolf and clever toy numbers all the way to the heart touching crowd favorite, “Christmas Shoes.” Such a variety in the show captures the true Spirit of Christmas. 

    Stevens said the first half of the show is designed to bring to life the with the fun and expectancy of the Christmas season. The second half of the show portrays beautifully ,in song and dance, the true meaning and reason for the season of Christmas. The manger scene is powerful, moving and then breaks out into full celebration as the 36-member cast sing and dance through the story of the birth of Christ. 

    While the show is unique in our community for the technical production, it is more unique for its cast. The show has all young performers as its cast. 

    “These are amazing, talented young people who donate all of their free time and their talents, for several months, to this charity event knowing that in the end they have used their gifts to help less fortunate children in our area,” explained Stevens. “You see, The Heart of Christmas Show gives away all ticket sales from the weekend shows to local children′s charities that need financial support in order to help children in this area.”

    The idea of giving back to the community has been the driving force for the show since its inception 18 years ago. To date, the show has raised more than $600,000.00 to help children living out its motto “Children Helping Children.” “When you buy a ticket to see The Heart of Christmas Show, you become a part of that big picture of helping children plus you get to see a wonderful Christmas production that has all the whistles and bells comparable to anything you would see in Myrtle Beach, Branson and even rivals productions in New York!” continued Stevens.

    Another unique aspect of the show is that it is made possible through sponsorships of local businesses. The sponsorships allow all of the proceeds to go back into the community instead of into putting on the show.

    Tickets are $14 for all reserved seats and groups of 15 or more are $12. Group reservations may be made by calling 978.1119.

    All public and private schools have a special ticket rate as the show offers a condensed one hour presentation of the two hour production as a fundraiser for the schools. This is another way the show reaches out to help children. The schools can come see a Christmas show and in return 50 percent of the ticket price goes back to each individual school that attends. 

    “The 2015 Heart of Christmas Show is in the making right now and it will bring back some audience favorites as well as offering some newly arranged songs and dance numbers!” said Stevens. “You will laugh, cry and be in awe of the beauty and wonder of Christmas as you watch the amazing Heart of Christmas Show!”

    For more information, visit www.heartofchristmasshow.com.

  • By and large, any time I walk out of the doors of the Cape Fear Regional Theatre after seeing a play, I know how I feel about it. That was not the case 11_12_14thebluesteye_small_web.gifwith The Bluest Eye, the currently staged production.


    I can say, with no problem, that the show was masterfully staged and the acting was superb. It was the content that left me — well, to be honest —disturbed. That was the intent.

    The Bluest Eye explores the idea of beauty. And while, in this instance, the story is told from the perspective of an African-American girl, the theme is universal. What is beauty? Who defines it? And, how do we define it
    for ourselves?

    I went to the play knowing those were the questions that would be tackled but there was so much more in the subtext — and that is probably what left me the most disturbed.

    I am southern by birth, but I grew up in a military family, which means we moved a lot and we were exposed to a lot of different people, different ideas and different cultures. I see myself blessed for having those opportunities that broadened my perspective. But maybe that perspective is naïve.
    That is the uncomfortable truth that I took away from The Bluest Eye.

    As I mentioned, the play’s core discusses the idea of beauty in America. But its subtext also deals with the simmering anger that lies just beneath the surface in all relations — not just racial relations. The fact that that aspect was told through the eyes and the voice of a child makes it so much more impactful. When the idea of hating Shirley Temple for her curls and whiteness was expressed, it quite literally took my breath away. When one of the daughters talked about mutilating her blonde baby doll, it was a revelation. It reminded me all too clearly that until you live in someone else’s skin, you can’t truly see life from their perspective.

    CFRT Artistic Director Tom Quaintance noted during his pre-performance welcome that the great thing about this production was the community conversations it is generating. I think an even greater impact is the personal reflection it will generate.

    I could spend a lot of space and type telling you how great the actors were — and they were. I could tell you about the brilliant staging or lighting, but that isn’t what matters. The Bluest Eye may well be one of the most important plays staged this year because of its content— not it’s window dressing.

    I’m still processing my feelings about the play. I’m still working my way through it. But there is one thing I know without a doubt. This is a play that can’t be missed.

  •     I’m a 21-year-old student who’s been dating a 45-year-old man for three and a half years. He’s been technically married throughout our relationship (two years ago, I discovered he lied about being divorced). I’ve given him an ultimatum: He has to be divorced by July, when I graduate. He agrees, but supports his 26-year-old daughter and unmarried 46-year-old sister (even paying to remodel her bathroom), and pays his wife’s mortgage and bills. He manages to take me to dinner and helps with my rent, but he’s pulled in so many directions. I’m told I’m very mature for my age, but I don’t know how to handle this. I do love him very much, and we plan to get married and have children. Please don’t focus on the age difference. A 27-year-old could have the same issues with a guy.
    —Got Competition


        At 21, being “very mature” for your age makes you less likely to end up on the Internet, naked and compromised, so corporate recruiters can lean across the table on job fair day and whisper, “So, tell me...were you in business school on a gymnastics scholarship?”
        A few years back, you probably just missed taking a married, middle-aged dad to prom. Even if you were “mature” for your age, at 17 your greatest accomplishment is something like getting a handle on your pimples. Ask yourself what man in his 40s finds a 17-year-old girl his peer, his partner, his equal? Probably one who knows better than to hit on all-growed-up women who’d be quick to notice he doesn’t just have baggage, but a caravan of broken-down U-Hauls. Think about it: You’re planning to marry and have children with a guy who’s not only still married to somebody else, but supporting three other adults. And you’re seriously expecting this to change? Okay, it could — should an asteroid flatten all of them.
        Here you are in your early 20s, the peak of your hotitude, the time to date around and see what’s out there, and you’ve taken yourself off the market for this guy? You actually have no business doing anything of a permanent nature in your early 20s. These years should be renamed The Idiot Years (a follow-up to the teen years, the Wildly Moronic Years). Recent research by child and adolescent psychiatrist Jay N. Giedd suggests the prefrontal cortex, the judgement department of the brain, is still developing through the early-to-mid 20s. While individuals do vary, you most likely got together with this guy before you were fully brained, and certainly before you had the life experience to know who to let into your world and who to send back to his wife.
        Be honest: You know this guy is a bad bargain — a married liar and one-man welfare state who’s bailing out everybody but General Motors. But, because you got attached (perhaps both to the guy and to the guy paying your rent) you’re working very hard to tell yourself love is all you need. Be sure to tell that to your kid when he has a toothache and you can’t afford the dentist, or when you’re consoling him after he wets the refrigerator box (he’ll have a bed to wet just as soon as Daddy finishes paying off his sister’s new kitchen).
  • 11-06-13-ftcc-health.gifFayetteville Technical Community College is far more than just a college. It provides the community with so many different opportunities that are about more than just art and education. One such service that FTCC provides to the community is the How Healthy Are You? Wellness is Vital Event. This event provides the people of the community, who may not be able to otherwise, an opportunity to check just how healthy they really are.

    This is the 2nd Annual Wellness is Vital Event and it brings several different health services to the campus so that they are available to the community. The event is open to the public and can provide many with much needed testing and services for physical and mental health.

    The first kind of service offered at this event is screenings. Screenings are used to find diseases that people may have though they do not have signs or symptoms yet. Screenings can also identify risk factors that can be managed for preventative health.

    Many of the problems associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease can be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes and early knowledge. This is the reason that medical screenings are so important. While participating in the event, community members can get blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and mental health screenings.

    The blood pressure and cholesterol screenings will help to gauge cardiovascular health.The blood sugar screening will detect diabetes and the mental health screening will identify possible mental disorders.

    Once the screenings are conducted, counseling is offered. Mental health is an important piece to overall health, but that is not the only purpose that counseling serves. Counseling gives people the tools they need to deal with whatever struggles they may face, and the most important tool is knowledge. Many diseases can be managed or prevented with the right lifestyle, and counseling can advise patients as to what lifestyle will be most beneficial. Counseling is available for cardiovascular health, substance abuse and healthy eating.

    The Wellness is Vital Event will also offer flu shots, family planning, fitness assessments, dental health, smoking cessation, HIV testing and resources for the uninsured. All of these services are important for preventative health and most of all to assess the health of participants. Being healthy is important for everyone, regardless of circumstances, and this event is a testament to this idea.

    This event is possible thanks to a partnership that reaches across the community. FTCC, Southern Regional Area Health Education Center, Better Health, Walgreens, Cumberland County Health Department, Planned Parenthood, Cumberland Health Net and Alliance Behavior Healthcare are all involved in the Wellness is Vital Event and are bringing health to the community.

    The event is open to the public and is scheduled for Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and on Nov.14 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. For more information, visit FTCC’s website www.faytechcc.edu or call 678-8372.

    Photo: To promote good health, FTCC presents  How Healthy Are You? Wellness is Vital Event on Nov. 13-14.

  • 112515_cover.pngThe day after Thanksgiving is a special time in Downtown Fayetteville. It is a celebration of history, tradition and goodwill; it is A Dickens Holiday. Come for a visit and travel back in time to the Victorian era. With the lively atmosphere, characters in costume and period decorations, it’s easy to get lost in the old-time traditions and activities of the day. Every year the Downtown Alliance and the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County team up to deliver what is intended to be Downtown Fayetteville’s kick-off  to the holiday season. The fun starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m.

    “There are so many favorite events that people have come to expect each year,” said Mary Kinny Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County marketing director. “It is a lot fun but also a day where people can learn new things. We want people to come and learn about the Victorian era, to learn about how they dressed, to hear music they’ve not heard before.”

    This year, the Arts Council invites photographers to bring their cameras and participate in an entirely new event: The Art’s Council’s A Dickens Holiday Photography Contest. It is free to participate and there are cash prizes for the winners as well as an opportunity to have works used in promotional materials for future events. Photographers can submit up to 10 images. 

    “We have so many talented photographers in this community and we are always looking for new ways for artists to participate in events,” said Kinney. “We want them to have a chance to participate and bring their unique perspective to this event.” 

    Visit the Arts Council website to enter. 

    Bringing characters from the past to life is an important element to the Dickens Holiday celebration. Characters from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol roam the streets while other Victorian-era characters such as the Coventry Carolers mingle with the crowd as well, performing throughout the day. 

    “We do plan to include historical tributes that include other characters, too,” said Kinney. “Of course, Queen Victoria will be there as well as other historical figures who lived during Victorian times.”

    Adding a special twist to the event is New York Times best-selling author Charlie Lovett. With his new book The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge hot off the presses, Lovett tells the story of Scrooge 20 years after A Christmas Carol. Don’t miss the book signings and dramatic readings at 3, 4 and 7 p.m. at the Rainbow Room on Hay Street.

    Vendors selling their wares offer up spiced cider and confections that were likely sampled in Queen Victoria’s court. Others offer items common to the 1800s including jewelry and other artistic pieces. Stores will be open for shoppers to experience the best that downtown has to offer.

    In the 1800s, the Fisk Jubilee Singers shared “slave songs” with the world. They performed for royalty in Europe sharing the music of a culture the kings and queens had never experienced before. During Fayetteville’s A Dickens Holiday, Arts Council Board Member Rangel McLaurin leads local singers in a musical tribute to the Fisk Jubilee Singers.

    Visit Annie’s Ale House, a Victorian Pub. Enjoy a beer, wine or nonalcoholic cider and experience traditional period pub music. It is located inside the Arts Council and is open from 1-9 p.m.

    SkyView hosts this year’s Gingerbread Community of Hope Competition. The project is a joint effort between Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity and H&H Homes. The Community of Hope is made by community members and offers a unique perspective on what a community can be. The deadline to enter a gingerbread structure is Nov. 20. Applications are available that the Habitat for Humanity Restore. Find out more by calling 920-4657.

    Pictures with Santa are a fun holiday tradition for many families. A Dickens Holiday adds a twist to that long-held event. Look for Father Christmas in his authentic Victorian sleigh in front of the Arts Council throughout the day. Prints are $6 or $15 for three.

    See downtown from a new perspective with Dickens Carriage Rides that feature a horse-drawn tour of downtown. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets go on sale at noon at 222 Hay Street and sell out fast.

    The Queen Victoria Carriage Rides offer a longer tour and leave from the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets are available now by calling 678-8899. 

    The second floor of the Market House opens from 1-9 p.m. with an exhibit featuring what life was like in Fayetteville during the Victorian era. Visitors will find literature, military items and even a Victorian Christmas tree. The display is interactive and includes some common household items from the 1800s that many people may not recognize.

    Fascinate-U Children’s Museum is open from 

    1 p.m. to dusk. Guests can make a Victorian ornament. Children can take their creations home or donate them to hang on the community tree. Find out more at www.fascinate-u.com.

    Don’t miss Tuba Christmas at Hay Street United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. The concert takes place in the church sanctuary.

    Gilbert Theater debuts It’s a Wonderful Lifeat 8 p.m. For tickets and information, visit Gilbertheater.com

    The Museum of the Cape Fear’s Poe House is decked out for the holidays and is open from 10 a.m. to 

    4 p.m. Tours are free and offer an in-depth look into what Christmas was like in Fayetteville during the Victorian era. Call 486-1330 for information.

    An event like no other in town, the Candlelight Procession kicks off at the Arts Council at 5:30 p.m.  Bring a candle (available at local merchants as well as the Arts Council — while supplies last) and join the crowd on an evening march from the Arts Council to the Market House.  

    “This is my favorite part of A Dickens Holiday,” said Kinney. “The procession isn’t until 5:30 p.m. but people start gathering at the Arts Council building as early as 3 p.m. sometimes. To see the excitement building as they wait, anticipating the procession is really something. Then to see the thousands of people come together to make their way to the Market House is so heartwarming. One of the greatest things about Fayetteville and this community  is the way people enjoy coming together with total strangers who immediately become friends. There is a sense that we are one community — one group of people — yet we are from all over the world and from all walks of life – so diverse and unified all at once.

    After the procession, fireworks light up the Market House and Dickens After Dark begins. Immediately following the fireworks, Dr. Gail Morfesis and The Woman’s Club of Fayetteville will present a 15-minute excerpt from their production A Christmas Carol Revisited. This is a brief preview of the full-length production at the Woman’s Club on Nov.28 and 29. Find out more by calling 624-2651.

    Find out more about A Dickens Holiday at www.theartscouncil.com or by calling 323-1776. Find out about the Downtown Alliance at www.visitdowntownfayetteville.com. Photos courtesy of Wick Smith.

     


  • There was a time when Christmas meant homemade gifts under the tree and fresh baked goodies all through11-13-13-a-taste-of-home.gifthe holiday season. That can be tough to pull off sometimes with the hustle and bustle of the modern day commitments. While there may not be time to make all the gifts for Christmas morning, Yulemart offers some unique options for one-of-a-kind gifts that fit the bill. The Association of Bragg Spouses (ABS) presents the 23rd Annual Yulemart Craft Fair from Friday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 24.

    Yulemart is a three-day craft fair that has homemade items,”said Melissa Kedrowitsch, first vice-president of the Association of Bragg Spouses. “We use the funds to give out in the spring in the form of welfare grants to organizations such as The Fisher House and the Armed Services YMCA.”

    Kedrowitsch added that some of the money is given out for performance scholarships to children in the community and adult military dependents who are headed to college. Over the last fifteen years the association has donated $645,000.

    “This year we are having some exciting crafts,” said Kedrowitsch. “We have everything from scarves, baby clothes, homemade wreaths, wooden ornaments and toys, jewelry and other items.”

    She added that the association has a gift shop on post that includes Fort Bragg-specific items and boutique items for sale such as welcome gifts, farewell gifts, wedding gifts and more. The shop is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays of each week from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. A booth will be set up at the craft fair with some of these items. There will also be a shop called “Fantasy Gift Shop”for children to purchase gifts for their loved ones. Kids pay $3 and they will be able to shop in the store with elves to pick out a gift for their mom, dad, grandparents and others.

    “It is a way for children to buy presents for their parents,” said Kedrowitsch. “Last year we had X-Box games that were donated to us and there are many other gifts that are well worth the $3.”

    Food vendors will be at the event this year. “We are going to have food trucks from Raleigh that we would normally not be able to get around here,” said Kedrowitsch. “Along with these vendors, we will also have photos with Santa for $3 -$5.”

    Kedrowitsch added that it is really economical for families to be able to get pictures taken.

    The Association of Bragg Spouses was founded upon four principles: charity, friendship, hospitality and support. The group is composed of military spouses who are dedicated to the army. “This is a very serious event for the local area,” said Kedrowitsch. “It takes a lot of volunteer hours and manpower to try and pull off these large events and it is for a great cause.”

    The hours on Nov. 22 are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Ritz-Epps Physical Fitness Center in the 82nd area.

    For more information visit www.fortbraggabs.org.

    Photo: Get into the Christmas spirit at this year’s Yulemart hosted by the Association of Bragg Spouses. 

  • Another Consultant??11-20-13-pub-notes.gif

    Well, first, let me go on record as saying that I am all for having a Visual, Cultural & Performing Arts Center in Downtown Fayetteville. I will support the initiative 100 percent — both physically and financially. This has always been a great idea. However, what I find hard to support is spending another $63,000 on another outside consulting firm to tell us what a good idea it is, how much it will cost and where to put it. This is no reflection on the recently hired Webb Management Services in any way, but, I think we have the talent and leadership here in our own community to make this kind of determination. After all, don’t you think we may have studied this enough over the last two decades? The City Council, if I remember correctly, spent almost the same exact amount of money hiring Studio Cascade Inc., to update the Fayetteville Renaissance Plan in 2012. And, if my calculations are correct, it will take the same amount of time (one year) and will follow the same process of having local public hearings, interviewing residents, artists, downtown businesses and property owners.

    Those of us who have been around for a while have heard many, many shared ideas on how to perk up our economy by perking up our Downtown. I guess you could say this process started in 1996 with the talented late architect Robert Marvin with his A Complete Fayetteville, Once and For All, plan. This was a real Fayetteville eye opener. His $27+ million Fayetteville facelift recommendation called for a huge mound overlooking a water feature, a parking garage, charter school, amphitheater, pavilion, park and plenty of downtown diversity from construction of residential housing catering to various socioeconomic groups. The cost of Marvin’s insights? Hundreds of thousands of taxpayers money. That was nearly 17 years ago. Was it worth it? Did we get good value from this investment? Well, since that time, we adopted the Fayetteville Renaissance Plan (2002) — a neat little package consisting of 3,000 acres of downtown Fayetteville targeted for greatness. This plan was recently revised in 2012 by another consulting firm from Seattle, Washington. So, I ask again, why do we feel we need another feasibility study and what have we learned from the ones in which we have already invested? Has our community really changed in the last 15 years? With the exception of BRAC, I really don’t think so. Big business is not located here in Cumberland County. Unlike the cities of Raleigh, Durham, Winston-Salem and Greensboro that we are often compared to, we do not have the large and generous corporate entities here in our community that can support such large institutional arts venues.

    Actually, truth be known, I think we have a lot to thank Mr. Marvin for. Think about it. Granted, we don’t have that huge mound of dirt he recommended as Fayetteville’s central signature showcase feature, but we do have the Airborne & Special Operations Museum — not a bad central signature showcase. In addition, we have benefited from several other insights and ideas Marvin suggested in his original plan — things like a new convenient downtown parking deck and a charter school on the way. Festival Park covers his recommendation for an amphitheater and park as does the Cape Fear River Trail. And, what I feel is our most successful achievement that resulted from this preliminary 17-year-old study, the proliferation and growth of residents and various housing opportunities downtown, including the lofts and apartments, the 300 Block of Hay St., Ralph Huff’s Park View Condominiums and, of course, the Hope VI project. The genesis of all these ideas and accomplishments came from Marvin’s original plan. The execution and refinement came from us.

    My point is simply this, we have already heard from the experts so why not now rely on the skills, talents, intelligence and ingenuity of our own residents, local artists and city and county staff and elected officials to determine if there is a real need for a downtown Visual, Cultural & Performing Arts Center. I guarantee that collectively they will know the right questions to ask, and, truth be known, they already know the answers. For $63,000 of taxpayer money, no one should be surprised or disappointed when the findings are things that we have known for many, many years. In my next life I want to be a consultant (from out of town!) or a weatherman. Either way, I could never be wrong and always free from criticism. Thank you for reading Fayetteville’s community newspaper: Up & Coming Weekly.

    Photo: In the past 17 years there have been several plans for downtown, start-ing with Robert Marvin’s A Complete Fayetteville, Once and For All, plan.

  • Won’t Slow Down Till the Wheels Stop Moving

    That pretty much sums up this gang of do it yourselfers from West Virginia known as The Fox Hunt. Since 2007 these boys have been building up steam and takin' to the road like true warriors. And now after only three years, The Fox Hunt has cut through the heart of the country state by state, appearing at endless venues, performing at numerous festivals, making countless friends, and in the meantime, releasing what will be their fourth album consisting of all original material. These boys are for real. They are fueled by passion and driven by the music. It won't be long before they work their way into the hearts, minds and voices of every listener.11_25_09fox-hunt.jpg

    The Fox Hunt is an all original four-piece string band playing acoustic roots music through a single mic. They have been called a bluegrass band, a rock band, a country band, a punk band, you name it. When you see them you will understand why. Their roots go in all directions. They have a rough-and-rowdy stage presence accompanied with the traditional instrumentation of guitar, upright bass, mandolin, fiddle and banjo. They are constantly trading off roles by switching up instruments, exchanging vocals or harmonizing in the background, all while weaving in and out to a single mic. The instrumentation is characteristic of old time string music, early country and sometimes rock. Their songwriting is clever and creative and quickly captures the attention of every listener. When combining it all you get the bright harmonies of the acoustic melodies fused with the rough and smoky rock and roll style of the lyrical arrangements.


    Serving up dirt-laden tales of substance abuse, lonely highways, infidelity, damnation and redemption, Martinsburg, W.V.'s The Fox Hunt plays a brand of music anyone can identify with. Their strong writing and instrumentation is rounded out by a raucous live performance, making them as comfortable in a rowdy punk rock bar as they would be on your back porch.

    The band features Matt Kline on bass and guitar. John Miller also plays bass and guitar, while Ben Townsend rounds out their sound on the banjo and the fiddle. Matt Metz is featured on the mandolin and banjo. All of the band members contribute vocally.

    Since 2007 the band has produced four albums, Nowhere Bound which was released in 2007. America's Working So We Don't Have To, and The Fox Hunt EP were bother released in 2009 and their current album is Long Way To Go.
    To learn more abut them go to www.thefoxhunt.net or www.myspace.com/lefoxhunt

    Check them out at the Rock Shop on Dec. 9 at 9 p.m.

  •     Reinterpret the line at Fayetteville Museum of Art’s latest exhibit, Energy of a Line opening Nov. 7 and running through Jan. 11, 2009. The premiere party is Nov. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m., and is free to the public. Artists will comment on their large-scale works that through depth and layering bring to life linear dimensions. The exploration of the physical manifestations of a line provides insight to the structure and chaos of art. Whether implied or stated, artists Jason Craighead, Gerry Lynch and Seth Hicks will deconstruct the line.
        {mosimage}Craighead is a Raleigh-based artist whose work Metro Magazine described as “conjuring up ghosts of everyone from Motherwell to Franz Kline to Cy Twombly.” This exhibit will feature a collection of at least three 64 x76 inch works on canvas, and six 22 x 30 inch works on paper that Craighead states are “passionate and emotionally charged, an evolving exploration of line and space, from scribble to scrawl.” Craighead is grateful for the opportunity that Executive Director Tom Grubb and Curator Michele Horn have extended; Craighead also displayed work at the museum’s satellite at the offices of Up & Coming, Gallery 208. “I can’t think of another museum I’d rather show in first more than the Fayetteville Museum of Art — I’m appreciative of the museum giving me another opportunity as I move forward. This really feels like good, forward motion.”
        When asked about his continually evolving work, Craighead said his work was “the ultimate transitional moment for me. And I feel these pieces are representative of that transition. I’m beginning to have a more philosophical approach to my work…I’m detaching from ‘things’, finding space and creating rhythm, letting my work become the pure thing that it is. With less fear comes more freedom.” Craighead is also thrilled to be placed alongside artists Lynch and Hicks. Lynch is an “artistic hero” of his and was blown away by her work when he discovered her 10 years ago.
        Located in Apex, N.C., Lynch’s fiery mixed-media works are inspired by “Asian calligraphy, primarily Arabic script, haute couture, mainly Christian Dior, all the great ‘50s abstract expressionists, and contemporary artists such as Cai Guo-Qiang, who makes drawings using explosives.”
        Lynch’s works take a personal look at what is often depersonalized; “Five of the paintings are named for the birth dates of members of my family, and these paintings, in one way or another, suit the character or personality of the person. For instance, the painting titled Tony, February 1963 resembles the line and movement of my son’s personal signature.” Remaining humorous on her age Lynch finds it “a kick to be in a show with two young guys.” Lynch doesn’t seem to take herself too seriously, for her advice for young artists is “marry a rich man (or woman) who has a generous heart.” Lynch also greatly admires her co-exhibitors’ works; the first time she saw one of Jason Craighead’s paintings, she felt the “fission of excitement when one knows they are in the presence of something special.” In addition, years ago Lynch bought one of Hick’s sculptures for its “simplicity and power.” {mosimage}
        Rounding out the exhibit is celebrated sculpturist Seth Hicks showcasing his varied interpretations of the line — large-scale works and small-scale sculptures that playfully depict in daring black and white statements or subtly in distressed structures. The focus of geometrical objects in his work reinforces a clinical look at the line that his bold color choices never leave cold and calculated.
        Find more information about the Energy of a Line exhibit at www.FayettevilleMuseumArt.org or by calling 910-485-5121. If you miss the opening on Nov. 7, catch the exhibit for free during the museum’s normal operating hours, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. 
  •     The weather was dreary for October’s 4th Friday celebration, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the patrons who came out to support the Fayetteville Art Guild’s juried competition at Cape Fear Studios.
    “Even though the Art Guild has been around for what, 41 years now, we don’t have a piece of property where we can meet and display our work,” said Starr Oldorff, Fayetteville Art Guild president. “So we make arrangements to show at different galleries.”  {mosimage}
        Cape Fear Studios has been hosting the Art Guild for years, to the benefit of both organizations. 
    “This arrangement has been going on for quite some time and I don’t know how it started, to be honest with you” said Oldorff.  “Everyone has been very supportive and welcoming and we appreciate that. It helps to contribute to the unity of the art community, and of course different venues have different regulars who frequent that particular venue so it allows for our artists to have exposure to different people.” This also give the galleries around town a chance to show fresh, new pieces and offer a wider variety of art to the community.
        Up & Coming Weekly’s art critic and Fayetteville State University art professor, Soni Martin, claimed both first and second place for her abstract pieces, Yesterday’s Promise in Red and Counting Spaces (featured above). Third place went to Joshua Shakar for a necklace and earring set titled Pink and Aqua Beauty. The 60 entries were juried by Richard Gay, a University of North Carolina at Pembroke faculty member.
        {mosimage}Stop by Cape Fear Studios and check out the show, it will hang until Nov. 24. The gallery is located at 148 Maxwell St., and the hours are Monday - Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. To find out about other events and programs affiliated with the Fayetteville Art Guild, give Starr Oldorff a call at 635-6114.
  •  Faith May

    26Faith May scholar athlete Pine Forest

    Pine Forest • Sophomore

    • Volleyball/basketball May has a 3.625 grade point average. In addition to playing volleyball and basketball, she’s a member of the Academy of Emergency Medical Science at Pine Forest.

     

     Christian Jayne

    27Christian Jayne scholar athlete Terry Sanford

    Terry Sanford

    • Senior

    • Football/baseball Jayne led the Terry Sanford football team to the Patriot Athletic Conference regularseason title this year. He has also signed to play baseball at East Carolina starting next year. He has a 4.6 grade point average. He is active in Global Studies, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Twelfth Man.

  • 11-05-14-methodist-u.gifMethodist University’s Center for Entrepreneurship is hosting the 41st Annual Economic Outlook and Stock Market Symposium on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m., at the Embassy Suites in Fayetteville.

    “This is a continuation of a program that has been in existence for many years where we give out four prestigious awards,” said Marty Cayton, director for the Center for Entrepreneurship at Methodist University. “Dr. Robert Genetski is speaking that evening about our local economy, national economy and the stock market.”

    Cayton added that the purpose of the event is to educate the community with well-informed speakers on the subject of our economy and to raise awareness of the Center for Entrepreneurship’s programs.

    Genetski, the keynote speaker, is an economist who is a longtime advocate of classical economic principles. His experience in the world of economics involves a unique combination of business and academic expertise. He has headed asset management, investment and economic research departments for several financial institutions. He taught economics at NYU and the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. His latest book, Classical Economic Principles & the Wealth of Nations, is used in colleges and high schools across the country.

    For four consecutive years he has been recognized as one of the top-five speakers in the fields of economics and finance and has made numerous appearances on Fox News and CNN. After receiving his Ph.D. in economics from New York University, Genetski worked in the financial industry and subsequently founded his own economic and financial consulting service. He has served on the board of directors for a number of public companies and provides insights on his website: classicalprinciples.com.

    The four awards that will be presented include the 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Business Person of the Year Award, Greater Good Award and Alumni Business Person of the Year.

    The mission of the Center for Entrepreneurship is to create wealth producers and job creators by training students of all ages to start new businesses and be prepared for business ownership. The center encourages students to take advantage of Methodist University’s newly created major in entrepreneurship that is also offered as a minor. Each year the Economic Outlook and Stock Market Symposium is held in the fall and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Summit is held in the spring.

    All of the net proceeds from the event help raise money for the Center for Entrepreneurship’s endowed scholarships for all of the student majors in entrepreneurship. The scholarship, only one-year-old, was first endowed by the late Robert Dunn, a Charlotte, N.C., businessman.

    The scholarship honors the Methodist Center for Entrepreneurship founder Dr. Sid Gautam whose business acumen and more than 40 years of engaged service enabled local entrepreneurs and small businesses to flourish. Two entrepreneurial students were awarded the scholarship this school year.

    “We look forward to a good turnout that evening and we have a good number of sponsors,” said Cayton.

    Tickets for the dinner are $75 per person or $700 for a 10-seat table and can be purchased at www.methodist.edu/cfe. For more information about the event, call 630-7616.

    Photo: Dr. Robert Genetski is the keynote speaker at the 41st Annual Economic Outlook and Stock Maket Symposium.

  •  GIRLS

    22Henry Cowan girls basketball Seventy First

    23Taylor Allen girls basketball Seventy First

    Coach: Henry Cowan

    Top returners: Caliyah Bumbrey, 5-2, Sr., G; Amira Coles, 5-9, Jr., F; Taylor Allen, 6-0, So., C; Gloria Smith, 5-6, Jr., G; Darianna McIntyre, 5-9, Jr., G/F.

    Top newcomers: L’Mya Broadnax, 5-9, Sr., G; Dominique Vassar, 6-2, So., C; Nyielah Nick, 5-8, So., F; Faith Clark, 5-6, Jr., G; Memory Henry, 5-4, So., G.

    Coach’s comment: “As a team, we plan to play together, smart and tough. As a coach, I will work my hardest to put the team in a winning position while teaching them about basketball and life. We have a lot of talent, but it means nothing if you don’t do something with it. The team consists of great student-athletes (who) are a joy to coach, and I can already visualize a successful season.’’

     BOYS

    24David boys basketball Seventy First

    25Dontravious Byrd boys basketball Seventy First

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Coach: David Simmons

    Top returners: Dontravious Byrd, 5-11, Sr., G; Darrius Bryant, 6-0, Sr., G; James Kamara, 6-5, Sr., C; Jaden Scriven, 6-4, Jr., F. 

    Top newcomers: Brion McLaurin, 6-4, Jr., G; Jaylin Thompson, 5-9, Sr., G; Troy Mile, 6-2, Jr., F; Stephon Johnson, 6-5, Jr., F; Alejandro Ford, 6-2, Jr., G.

    Coach’s comment: “We will be faster than the last couple of years. We have some experience in the backcourt. Our front line will be young. Hopefully by mid-January we will meet our expectations.’’

     

    PHOTOS: (Top, L-R: Girls’ basketball coach Henry Cowan& Top returner Taylor Allen / Bottom, L-R: Boys’ basketball coach David Simmons & Top returner Dontravious Byrd)

     
  •  GIRLS

    18Dee Hardy girls basketball E.E. Smith   19Alexandria Scruggs girls basketball E.E. Smith

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Coach: Dee Hardy

    Top returners: Sydney Harris, 5-10, Sr., F; Aaliyah Thomas, 6-2, Sr., C; Trinity Dixon, 5-7, Jr., G; Kayla Parson, 5-6, Jr., G; Danielle Tripp, 6-1, Jr., C.

    Top newcomers: Alexandria Scruggs, 5-11, Jr., G/F; Keonna Bryant, 5-9, Fr., G/F; Jordan Everett, 5-10, Fr., F; Moesha Smith, 5-8, Sr., F; Saniyah Diamond, 5-7, Fr., G.

    Coach’s comment: “We are excited about the season. We lost several key players last season due to graduation but gained several athletic young ladies this season. Our team will look to rebound and use our athleticism to keep an aggressive pace this season. We feel every game will be competitive this season.”

     BOYS

    20Steven Mims boys basketball E.E. Smith21Isaac Bonds boys basketball E.E. Smith

    Coach: Steven Mims

    Top returners: Isaac Bonds, 5-10, Sr., G; Keondre Fryar, 6-1, Jr., F; Ishmael McNeil, 6-4, Sr., C; Dante Shadley, 6-1, Sr., F.

    Top newcomers: Odell Gamble, 6-4, Jr., F; Jaylen Siermons, 6-4, So., F; Christopher Jordan, 5-11, Jr., G; James McLaurin, 5-8, Jr., G.

    Coach’s comment: “There’s no question that E.E. Smith will enter the season with a completely different look from last year’s squad. For this season, we will work hard to increase our mental and physical toughness as well as the amount of pressure we place on the ball defensively. Our frontcourt players need more experience and development to go along with their athleticism. As the season goes on and they gain experience, they should be potentially one of the more successful frontcourts in the conference.’’

    PHOTOS: (Top, L-R: Girls’ basketball coach Dee Hardy & Top newcomer Alexandria Scruggs/ Bottom, L-R: Boys’ basketball coach Steven Mims & Top returner Isaac Bonds)

     

     

  •  GIRLS

    14Karl Molnar girls basketball Terry Sanford15Lindsay Bell girls basketball Terry Sanford

     

    Coach: Karl Molnar 

     

    Top returners: Lindsay Bell, 5-7, Jr., G; Imani Elliott, 5-2, Jr., G; Cayleigh Quigg, 5-8, Sr., F; Zaharia McNatt, 5-10, Jr., C.

     

    Top newcomers: Nyla Cooper, 5-6, Fr., G.

     

    Coach’s comment: “Last year was a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs, who finished the regular season with a 13-game winning streak and a Cape Fear Valley 3-A Conference tournament championship. Though expectations are high, it will be tough competing in the new 3-A/4-A Patriot Athletic Conference.”

    BOYS

    16Darren Corbett boys basketball Terry Sanford17Malik Johnson boys basketball Terry Sanford

     Coach: Darren Corbett

     

    Top returners: Malik Johnson, 6-1, Sr., G; Gabe Harbison, 6-2, Sr., G; Holt Walker, 6-6, Sr., F; Dante Bowlding, 6-1, Jr., G.

     

    Top newcomers: Yates Johnson, 6-4 , So., F; Ezemdi Udoh, 6-5, So., F.

     

    Coach’s comment: “We have an experienced group, but our success will depend on how well we gel as a team early and gain confidence. We play in an extremely tough league, so we will all have to depend on our senior leadership. If Malik Johnson, Gabe Harbison and Holt Walker can give us the right leadership all season and get our younger kids to buy into our system on both ends of the court, we have a chance to put ourselves in position to win every night.’’

    PHOTOS: (Top, L-R: Girls’ basketball coach Karl Molnar & Top returner Lindsay Bell / Bottom, L-R: Boys’ basketball coach Darren Corbett & Top newcomer Malik Johnson)

     
  •  

    23Lena Vann scholar athlete WestoverLena Vann

    Westover

    • Senior

    • Volleyball

    Vann has a 4.6 grade point average.

    She served as captain of the Westover volleyball team this past season.

     

    24Andrew Jayne scholar athlete Terry SanfordAndrew Jayne

    Terry Sanford

    • Senior

    • Football

    Jayne has a 4.6 grade point average.

    He participates in Global Studies, baseball, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Twelfth Ma

     

  •  

    19Anissa Little girls bball coach GC20Jaelyn Altman girls bball GCreekGIRLS

    Coach: Anissa Little

    Top returners: Jaelyn Altman, 5-9, Sr., G; Cree Townsend, 5-6, Sr., G; Jayla Brooks, 5-5, Sr., G; Madeleine Smith, 5-4, So., G.

    Top newcomers: Ni’Jaa Wells, 5-10, So., C; Tishera Owens, 5-8, So., F.

    Coach’s comment: “This year’s team strengths will be our speed, guard play and the experience of our top returning players. Our weakness will be the lack of experience in the post. I believe that with the leadership and ability of our returners, we can have a successful season.’’

     

    21Jon Grimes boys basketball coach Grays Creek22Antonio Dupree bo bball GCBOYS

    Coach: Jon Grimes

    Top returners: Antonio Dupree, 6-2, Jr., F; Christian Crockett, 5-9, Jr., G;  Trevor Thomas, 5-10, Jr., G.

    Top newcomers: Justice Hayes, 6-0, Jr., F; Daunte Gardner, 6-1, Jr., F; Jason Porter, 6-1. Jr., F; MyQuon Woodley, 6-2, Sr., C; Daniel Winningham, 6-1, Jr., F.

    Coach’s comment: “Our success this season will largely depend on our ability to defend and rebound. We do not have a lot of size up front, but we have a strong backcourt with two solid guards with a lot of varsity experience. I think bench play will also be a strength for us as we will look to extend our defense more and play more uptempo.’’

     

  •  

    15Jay Johnson girls bball coach Cape Fear 16Sydney Faircloth girls bball CapeFearGIRLS

    Coach: Jay Johnson

    Top returners: Skylar Faircloth, 5-9, Sr., F; Sydney Faircloth, 5-9, Sr., F;  Preslyn Johnson, 5-6, Sr., G; Aniyaa Carter, 5-6, Jr., G; Chloe Annette, 5-6, Jr., G.

    Top newcomers: Breyah Owens, 5-6, Jr., G. Coach’s comment: “Good group. Good people. Very coachable. We need to learn how to elevate, believe and compete.’’

     

     

    17Alphonza Kee boys bball coach CFear18Myron Williams boys bball CFearBOYS

    Coach: Alphonza Kee

    Top returners: Myron Williams, 6-5, Sr., F; Kevin McLaughlin, 5-10, Sr., G; Shaquille Angel, 6-4, Sr., F.

    Top newcomers: Marquail James, 6-1, So., G; Chase Dawkins, 6-3, So., F.

    Coach’s comment: “This year’s team will have to replace three starters and a very talented, athletic group of seniors. The Colts, with a new head coach, will be rebuilding every day and working to learn a new system rapidly. Strengths: team speed and perimeter shooting. Weaknesses: experience, size and depth in the front court, and program continuity.’’

     

    PHOTOS: (Top: L-R - Girls’ basketball coach Jay Johnson & Top returner Sydney Faircloth / Bottom: L-R - Boys’ basketball coach Alphonza Kee & Top returner Myron Williams)

     

  • 11David May girls bball coach PineForest 12Claresha Pruitt girls bball Pine ForestGIRLS

    Coach: David May

    Top returners: Claresha Pruitt, 5-4, Jr., G; Gredesha Pruitt, 5-4, Jr., G;  Navaeh Brown, 5-9, Jr., C.

    Top newcomers: Monet Oliver, 5-4, Jr., G; Darian Everett, 5-8, Jr., C;  Kahala Bandman, 5-6, Fr., G.

    Coach’s comment: “I feel like we will have an exciting team this year. We return the main nucleus of last year’s team and have some very good newcomers this season. The girls have been working extremely hard and have been a fun group to work with so far.’’

     

     

    13James Peaden boys bball coach Pine Forest14Julian Hill boys basketball Pine ForesBOYS

    Coach: James Peaden Top returners: Jordan Gladney, 6-0, Jr., G; Marquis Eskew, 6-0, So., G.

    Top newcomers: Erwin Montgomery, 6-3, Jr., G; Julian Williams, 6-4, So., G/F; Kennan O’Garra, 6-3, Sr., F; Julian Hill, 6-5, Sr., F; Adrian Elliott, 6-0, G.

    Coach’s comment: “I’m excited about the season. We are a little deeper team this year with some young talent, but with youth also comes inexperience. I feel like we will be a solid team.’’

     

     

    PHOTOS: (Top, L-R: Girls’ basketball coach David May & Top returner Claresha Pruitt / Bottom, L-R: Boys’ basketball coach James Peaden & Top newcomer Julian Hill)

  • EarlVaughansmallBrian Frazee is a longtime Cape Fear diehard who sent me a message last week.
     
    I put it on Twitter, and I’m going to let you read it here.
     
    "Hey Earl, given all the injuries at Cape Fear this year and the fact that they are still competitive, the entire coaching staff should win coach of the year. Just a country boy's opinion."
     
    He’s got a point. Don’t get me wrong, there have been some fine coaching jobs in Cumberland County this season, but you have to rate what Jake Thomas and his staff have done close to the top.
     
    Going back to the preseason, they suffered a string of injuries at various positions that forced them to juggle personnel in and out of the lineup.
     
    In spite of that, they were in the chase for the Patriot Athletic Conference title down to the end. Since the state playoffs started, they’ve hung up a pair of one-sided wins against teams seeded much higher than them.
     
    That, of course, counts for nothing this week as Cape Fear achieves one of the goals of all high school football teams: to be competing in the postseason when Thanksgiving rolls around.
     
    The Colts face another tough challenge this week as they are on the road for a third straight time in the playoffs against a New Hanover team that handed them their first loss back on Sept. 1.
     
    Can the Colts pull off a win? We’ll see. But, based on what this coaching staff has managed to accomplish so far, I certainly won’t count them out.
     
    The record: 90-26
     
    I was 4-2 for the second round of the state playoffs, missing on Jacksonville vs. Terry Sanford and the NCISAA title game between Village Christian and SouthLake Christian. The games were decided by a combined five points and could easily have gone the other way. But as you’ve heard a million times, close only counts in horseshoes.
     
    The record is 90-26, 77.6 percent, which means with only one game left to pick per week, 80 percent for the season is going to be a serious challenge.
     
    Cape Fear at New Hanover - I hope New Hanover compares its score with South View from last Friday with Cape Fear’s result against the Tigers a few weeks back and thinks this is going to be a cakewalk.
     
    The Cape Fear team New Hanover will face this week is light-years different from the one that came to Wilmington in September. The Colts are the healthiest they’ve been this season, and with the Thanksgiving break upon us, more Cape Fear fans should be able to travel to Legion Stadium this week and provide the support this team has enjoyed all season long.
     
    Call me an optimist, but I really think Cape Fear is peaking at the right time, and I think the Colts have an excellent chance to get the win Friday.
     
    Cape Fear 21, New Hanover 20.
  • 11-03-10-sinbad.gifThe son of a Baptist minister, David Adkins grew up in Michigan. As a student he had a wide range of interests, participating in everything from the math club to the marching band to playing on the school’s basketball team. All of those experiences became fodder for Adkins, who the world knows as Sinbad — a comedian who began his career on Star Search, where he beat out Dennis Miller.

    On Friday, Nov. 6 Sinbad will make a stop in Fayetteville to share his wit and humor at the Crown Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

    The comedian and actor was hugely popular during the ‘80s and ‘90s with his HBO comedy specials and television role on A Different World and starring in such films as Houseguest, First Kid and Jingle All the Way. Most recently, he appeared in last season’s Celebrity Apprentice with former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, Sharon Osborne, Cyndi Lauper and Darryl Strawberry, among others.

    Sinbad is one of a handful of comedians who does not use profanity in his act. His lack of profanity makes his show family friendly. However, the comedian has not always been so “clean.”

    Sinbad initially started out using profanity in his routine but he cleaned up his act. In January, he told the Bay State Banner, “I was dirty when I started, but then I changed it up when my father came to one of my shows, and it worked. I found out I could talk about more stuff.”

    However, not using profanity did not hinder his career. In the ‘80s and ‘90s he saw his biggest success with television and movie roles and HBO specials. Although he hasn’t been seen much this decade, he’s has been touring and recently performed his Comedy Central television special “Where U Been?” at Club Nokia, which was later released on DVD to even greater success. And in December, he will perform as a special guest on the Prince Welcome 2 America tour.

    Tickets for the Sinbad show are can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or by contacting the Crown Auditorium at 910-438-4100.

  • Many folks ask me about the correct spelling of the holiday. Confusion comes because the holiday’s name is in Hebrew, which uses an entirely different alphabet that includes sounds not found in English. The first letter has a guttural sound like the German achtung, so some people use CH while others opt for the closest sound in English, the letter H, to avoid people mistakenly thinking it has the English CH sound.

    Additionally, depending on where you’re from, some Jews pronounce the final vowel as AH while others say OH. Also, when transcribing the name into English some do it based solely on sound while others try to parallel Hebrew spelling. In Hebrew, it ends with the equivalent of a silent H (like in Sarah), so some spell it in English ending with an H and some without. This all results in many legitimate renderings of the name into English.

    Chanukah (my preference) means dedication or rededication and refers to the rededication of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem following its purification upon recapture from the Syrian army 2186 years ago. It celebrates the miracle of the successful revolt of a rag-tag force of faithful Jews, hiding in caves and frequently using guerilla tactics against their powerful overlords, who had prohibited the practice of Judaism and introduced pagan sacrifice into the holy Temple.

    Because the Jews celebrated the rededication of the Temple by belatedly observing the eight-day biblical festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles), Chanukah was established as an annual eight day celebration of this miraculous preservation of Judaism. A legend, told hundreds of years after these events, relates that reluctant to delay the rededication of the Temple for the eight days necessary to acquire the special olive oil required for the sanctuary’s Menorah (a seven-branched, continually burning candelabrum), they lit the only pure oil they had found – a single day’s worth. Miraculously the Menorah burned for eight days until new oil arrived.

    The main observance of Chanukah is the home lighting of an eight-branched Menorah each evening to publicize the ancient miracle of Judaism’s survival. A single light is kindled on the first night, adding one more each night, until eight are burning at the end.

    Honoring the legend of the oil it is customary to eat fried foods during Chanukah, such as potato pancakes and jelly donuts. Chanukah gift-giving mostly originated in America so Jewish kids wouldn’t feel jealous of their classmates’ Christmas gifts. There is no requirement to give any, much less, eight gifts.

    Chanukah shifts on our calendar because for religious purposes Jews follow a lunar calendar (although the periodic addition of leap months keeps the Jewish holidays aligned to the same season).
    Finally, Chanukah is considered a minor Jewish holiday, because it does not originate in the Hebrew Bible, but in the later books of First and Second Maccabees. That makes it comparatively less significant than the biblical festivals like Passover. It receives oversized attention in America because of its proximity to Christmas.

    Editor's Note: Chanukah runs this year from the evening of Sunday, Nov. 28 through the evening of Monday, Dec. 6.

  • EarlVaughansmallThere is a scary thought in the back of the mind of every high school football player and coach when they step on the field each Friday night at this time of the year.
     
    With the sudden-death nature of the postseason, you never know for certain when a game could be your last one for the year.
     
    Cumberland County teams face that challenge this week with a list of tough games standing in the way of a trip to the next round of the N.C. High School Athletic Association playoffs.
     
    The way this season has gone so far, I’m pleasantly surprised we’ve still got five Cumberland County Schools in the chase for state titles. What’s even better is, thanks to the way the NCHSAA football playoffs are split up, our five remaining teams are in three different classifications, meaning in a perfect world, as many as three could reach a state championship game.
     
    It would be great to see a repeat of the 2008 season, when Cumberland County schools Douglas Byrd, Seventy-First and Jack Britt all reached the state championship round, with the Falcons of Bob Paroli winning the 4-A championship.
     
    Would that be a long shot? Absolutely. But hey, Thanksgiving is next week, and Christmas is just around the corner, so it’s the season for wishing and dreaming big.
     
    The record: 86-24
     
    I had a decent week for the first round of the state playoffs, going 7-2. My misses were South View over Jamestown Ragsdale, a huge win on the road for the Tigers, and Raleigh Millbrook over Jack Britt, a game I truly thought the Buccaneers would win.
    That makes the season total 86-24, 78.2 percent.
     
    Getting back to 80 percent is going to be tough since the number of games to pick normally keeps falling during the playoffs, which decreases the margin for error if you want the percentage to climb.
     
    Jacksonville at Terry Sanford– This is the first of a couple of really close calls. I’m giving the Bulldogs a slight edge because of home field and the impressive display Dorian Clark put on running the ball in the playoff opener with Rocky Mount.
    Terry Sanford 22, Jacksonville 20.
     
    Cape Fear at Lee County – This is a tale of two schedules, and Cape Fear has a clear edge. For years, numbers cruncher Brian Simmons has been doing his strength of schedule rankings at simmonsratings.com. Through Thursday, Nov. 9, Simmons rated Cape Fear’s schedule as the seventh-toughest among the 112 3-A schools in North Carolina. Lee County’s schedule is ranked 101st. Simmons does rank Lee higher overall than Cape Fear, No. 7 vs. No. 16 in 3-A, but the Colts are a different team with Justice Galloway-Velazquez at quarterback. And if linebacker Chris Matthews is able to get back on the field Friday night, that will be a further boost for the Colts. Those factors, plus the way Colt Nation travels to support this team, make me think the Colts have a chance in this one.
    Cape Fear 21, Lee County 19.
     
    Seventy-First at Scotland – I’d like to predict a different outcome in the rematch between these two, but I just don’t see it. Scotland has had a week to heal and scout the Falcons, and they’ve shown no signs of slipping in the closing weeks of the season.
    Scotland 28, Seventy-First 12.
     
    South View at Wilmington Hoggard– The Tigers had a great win at Ragsdale last week, but they’ll need a miracle to survive Friday. Hoggard is rolling, and I don’t think the Tigers have what it takes to stop this Viking juggernaut.
    Wilmington Hoggard 31, South View 12.
     
    E.E. Smith at Havelock– Havelock is a program we’ve not had much experience with in Fayetteville, but it’s one of the best in the state. E.E. Smith will get a first-hand look how good they are on Friday night.
    Havelock 27, E.E. Smith 12.
     
    Other games
     
    Village Christian 28, SouthLake Christian 15.
  • 11-10-10-mt-carmel-celebration.gifWiley and Wendy Hughes are the senior pastors of Mount Carmel Church and the founders of Destiny Now World Outreach located at 2569 Owen Dr. They’ve been serving full-time in the ministry for more than 20 years and have no plans to stop anytime soon, in fact they are more motivated than ever with the opening of the new worship center.

    On Nov. 16, to celebrate their new house of worship, they are hosting Israel Houghton and the New Breed for a night of worship and praise and you are invited to attend.

    Israel Houghton has a Christian music sound that just can’t be easily put into a category. He covers gospel, jazz, rock, reggae, pop and more. Not only does he have his own recording career, but Houghton is also the worship leader at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. He’s also served as worship leader for Promise Keepers and Champions of Christ and performed at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards.

    Houghton came on the scene in 2003 when he produced an album by Michael Gungor called Bigger Than My Imagination. Christianity Today proclaimed it “one of the year’s best worship albums.”

    In 2005 his work “Again I say Rejoice” from the album Live From Another Levelwon a Dove Award. “Not Forgotten” and “Turn It Around” from the album Alive in South Africa won Dove Awards for Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Alive in South Africa was also honored with a Grammy Award in 2007 for Best Traditional Gospel Album.

    “This is going to be a wonderful evening of worship,” said Emily Smiling of Destiny Now World Outreach. “We are an outreach church and this is a way for us to reach out to our neighborhood and our community. Our goal is to reach out and impact our neighbors, our neighborhood and our community.”

    The concert starts at 7 p.m. and is sure to leaving you feeling fulfi lled and refreshed. For more info visit www.mountcarmelchurch.net.

    PICTURED: Israel Houghton will perform in Fayetteville on Nov. 16 at Destiny Now World Outreach.

  • PotatoesWhat can you say about a 17-pound potato named Doug? That he was beautiful? That Doug loved Mozart and Bach? That he would make a lot of vodka? Who knows if a Big Potato loves music? To find out the truth, Mr. Science went all the way to New Zealand to investigate the strange case of the world’s largest potato. An excellent article in The Guardian by Eva Corlett brought Doug to the attention of the world.

    Once upon a time, Colin & Donna Brown lived a quiet life in Hamilton, New Zealand puttering their days away in their garden. The greatest problem they faced was keeping Peter Rabbit away from their carrots in the manner of Mr. McGregor. Unbeknownst to them, Colin was about to make a discovery that would bring them to the attention of the world. Colin was weeding his garden when his hoe hit something large and solid underground. Colin had struck Doug. Ms. Corlett’s article reports Colin said: “Donna this must be one of those white sweet potatoes that we grew because some of them grow massive out here.” After giving the object the old taste test, Collin realized he had unearthed a giant white potato.

    What do you do with a giant potato? You give him a name that suits his personality. Thus, Doug the Giant Potato was christened. Colin said: “We put a hat on him. We put him on Facebook, taking him for a walk, giving him some sunshine. It’s all a bit of fun. It’s amazing what entertains people. It’s fair to say our veggie garden can get a bit feral. There are some parts of the garden you need to pack a lunch and advise your next of kin before heading to.”

    Colin reports they had not planted potatoes for two or three years deepening the mystery of Doug’s origin. Could Doug have been seeded by aliens like the pods in Invasion of the Body Snatchers? Was Doug part of an interstellar plot to take over the Earth one French Fry at the time? The potato soup thickens. Might Doug be the vanguard of an army of giant intelligent tubers bent on seeking revenge against humanity for the transmogrification of millions of their Earthly relatives into potato chips, hash browns, mashed potatoes, twice-baked potatoes, boiled potatoes, potato casserole, baked gnocchi, tater tots, Shepherd’s pie, or potatoes au gratin?

    Ponder the facts about potato consumption and beware. If there are intelligent Space Alien Potatoes across the universe it’s easy to see why they would consider the Earth to be the archenemy of potatoes. Mr. Google reports that the average person eats about 110 pounds of potatoes a year. The National Potato Council reports that in 2020 about 42.7 billion pounds of potatoes were produced and eaten each year. That is no small potatoes. If Intelligent Space Potatoes are able to get those potatoes to unite and throw off their chains, no human is safe. We are all doomed to fall to an attack of Killer Potatoes.

    But there is hope. The Guinness Book of World Records reports that the largest Pre-Doug potato was found in England in 2011 weighing about 10 pounds. Doug is clearly the King of Potatoes. Fortunately, Doug at this point seems content to amuse New Zealanders and not take over the world. Humanity’s best bet to stave off Killer Potatoes is appeasement by recognizing their accomplishments to show we can be their friends. Consider some of the great potatoes of history: Mr. Potato Head reigned supreme as a toy in the 1950s. The most famous dog in beer ad history was the late great Spuds MacKenzie. Every August 19th is National Potato Day. Great days in Potato History include 2000 BC when the Incas first planted potatoes as a crop. In 1536 the Spanish Conquistadores invaded Peru and took back the first potatoes to Europe. Thomas Jefferson first served French fried potatoes in the White House in 1802. In 1885 Van Gogh painted his famous picture The Potato Eaters immortalizing the role that potatoes play in nutrition. In 1995 NASA launched potatoes into orbit making them the first veggies grown in space. The list goes on and on.

    The greatest episode of the Andy Griffith show combines Aunt Bea’s pickles, kindness, and potatoes. Clara has won the best pickles at the county fair for eleven years. It’s a big deal for Clara. Barney and Andy make a fuss over Aunt Bea’s pickles even though her pickles are terrible. The guys switch out her pickles for store-bought dills not knowing Aunt Bea has decided to enter them in the county fair. At first, they think it would be funny for Aunt Bea to win with store-bought pickles. Then Clara talks about how much winning the best pickles means to her since her husband passed away. Andy and Barney then have to eat all store-bought pickles so Aunt Bea will enter her own terrible pickles and lose to Clara. Clara wins the contest. Andy closes by saying: “What’s small potatoes to some folks can be mighty important to others.”

    But if flattering potatoes doesn’t work, Doug and Donna have saved the Earth. They wrapped Doug in plastic to preserve him and plan on making him into vodka.

  •  

    18Lauren McDonough Terry SanfordLauren McDonough

    Terry Sanford

    • Sophomore

    • Tennis

    McDonough has a grade point average of 4.0.

    She won her singles and doubles matches against Chapel Hill in the first round of the NCHSAA 3-A dual team tennis playoffs.

    She is active in Tri Chi, Friends Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Global Studies Academy.

    She is also a member of the Highland Presbyterian Church youth group.

     

     

     

     

     

    19Bailey Haggins Grays CreekBailey Haggins

    Gray’s Creek

    • Senior

    • Soccer/cheerleading

    Haggins has a 3.67 grade point average.

    She is active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Student Government Association, Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society and travel soccer.

    She was Miss Gray’s Creek High School in 2016 and is the current senior class president.

     

  • 11-21-12-ftcc.gifFayetteville Technical Community College dedicated its 50th Anniversary Sculpture during the August meeting of the board of trustees. Even though the addition alone of a unique sculpture to the college landscape is grandiose, the significance of the sculpture represents even more than the aesthetic presence at the 2201 Hull Road campus.

    The sculpture takes us on a journey that began with the passion and determination of Dr. Dallas Herring, known as the father of the North Carolina Community College System. Herring’s selfless public service and concern for all persons in North Carolina desiring higher education paved the way for ease of accessibility to affordable, high-quality education.

    The sculpture represents a vision for our community shared by a group of local business leaders from Fayetteville in the late 1950s and early 1960s who wanted a skilled workforce to meet the needs of business and industry and increase economic development.

    The sculpture represents the 50-year span of unwavering dedication and commitment of College leaders, such as Dr. John Standridge (first director), Howard Boudreau (president, 1963-1983), Dr. Craig Allen (president, 1983-1996), Dr. Linwood Powell (president, 1996-1997), Dr. Larry Norris (president, 1997-2007), Dr. Larry Keen (current president, since 2007), members of the FTCC Board of Trustees and directors of the FTCC Foundation, Inc., the caring faculty and staff members, and most of all, FTCC students in their quest for higher education and improved qualities of life.

    The sculpture represents a commitment shared and embraced by the citizens and business representatives of Cumberland County and surrounding areas who turn to the community college for expedient, customized, effective employee training in response to changing technology and workforce-related needs. These citizens and business leaders, in turn, serve the college in advisory capacities, as faculty and staff members and in other ways, ensuring that FTCC’s education refl ects workforce needs and additional opportunities for higher education.

    The sculpture, located in front of the Tony Rand Student Center, was designed and created by local Artist David McCune as part of the college’s anniversary celebration through the FTCC Foundation, Inc. Fifty galvanized steel pipes in various lengths and placed to form a circular, spiraling structure portray student growth in awards granted each year at FTCC over the past 50 years. The sculpture includes four glass-covered plates positioned parallel with the sidewalks around the base. Each plate contains information about the FTCC Foundation Board, Dr. Dallas Herring, FTCC historical information and information about the artist.

    FTCC President Dr. Larry Keen acknowledges the special meaning to the College represented by the sculpture: “The 50th Anniversary Sculpture visually illustrates the growth in students at FTCC over the past 50years. An interesting side note is McCune’s use of a design concept for the sculpture that is often referred to in educational institutions — the concept of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The length of each pipe correlates mathematically with student growth at FTCC. It’s a visual display of how the school has served others over the past 50 years. And we at FTCC are truly honored to serve in this role that changes lives positively through education.”

    As FTCC crosses the bridge from its first 50 years into the second half of the centenary, the signifi cance of the 50th Anniversary Sculpture will become increasingly more meaningful. The sculpture will gracefully weather and endure as time passes but will always project the spirit refl ective of the first 50 years, standing tall and pointing upwards with great expectations for an even brighter future.

     

  • 11172010light-show-photo.gifWhat if I told you that just outside of Fayetteville sits a beautiful, lush paradise; a place where you can escape it all for a few hours and still be home for dinner? Well, it’s true, such a place exists in the Lu-Mil Vineyard.

    Starting as a tobacco mill, the Lu Mil Vineyard (a combination of the owners first names Lucille and Miller Taylor), sits on the family farm site on Suggs-Taylor Road, in Dublin, N.C., just 25 miles south of Fayetteville.

    Already successful as a thriving tobacco farm, the Taylor’s decided to go in a different direction, and in the early 2000s the owners decided to test their ideas for new machinery for the growing viticulture industry. Their Muscadine vineyard was born!

    With the Muscadine grapes producing well, the fi rst estate wines were produced from Lu Mil Vineyard’s 2005 Muscadine grape harvest, and in December 2005 the vineyard’s Gift Shop and Tasting Room offi cially opened to the public.

    Proving popular and successful, Lu-Mil Vineyard has expanded over the years, and now also possesses several different sized venues that have provided families in and around Dublin with beautiful setting for their weddings, receptions, family reunions and more.

    Also available is a large winetasting room with a gift shop and windows overlooking the 35-acre vineyard. With fishing ponds, horseshoe pits and walking trails, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy, and now that the Christmas season is almost here, Lu-Mil is pleased to bring back its holiday light show. Patrons will be able to climb aboard the plush double decker bus, take a tour of the vineyard and partake in the wonderful light show all at once.

    Ron Taylor, owner of Lu-Mil Vineyard called the presentation, “An exciting holiday experience consisting of hundreds of thousands of choreographed and synchronized lights put to sound, and made to dance for several different shows.”

    Surely the thought of colorful Christmas lights dancing to the sounds of the season is enough to put anyone in a joyous holiday mood. Come for just the show or stay for a while, their beautifully decorated rooms are available for rent by the day or weekend.

    The holiday light show will begin Nov. 27 and will run Thursdays through Sundays at 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 or for an additional $5 you are able to partake in the Country Dinner buffet as well.

    For more information, call 910- 862-1000 or visit their web page at www.lumilvineyard.com.

  • 13The holiday season is always an odd time for me. I love to give gifts, but I don't really care to add to the collection of unwanted gifts. In my home, we often talk about trusting God to meet our needs. That doesn't mean we stand on the shore and watch for our ship to come in. We work hard to make sure we've done all we can to provide for our family and others, but still, we trust God.

    Sometimes I'll pray and ask for specific things — you know, a particular amount of money, favorable diagnosis of a car problem — and I suspect you do too. Nothing wrong with that, but there's truly more to having your needs met than having stuff go your way. It may be as simple as being content with where you are and what you have.

    My wife and I must be on the same wavelength concerning contentment. We have a little chalkboard in our kitchen where we'll write a recipe or date night idea, but recently I walked into the kitchen and saw these words: “What if God has already provided?” That stopped me. And the thought has haunted me for weeks. What if, in my quest for more and better, I've overlooked what I already have? It's caused me to take stock of my time, talents and resources. It's even changed the way I pray, and how I look at pretty much everything.

    Discontentment runs rampant in our culture, and today I want to offer you three choices you can make in your life that can lead you to genuine, biblical, lasting contentment.

    First, seek contentment as a lifestyle. Choose it. Acknowledge that you would not be happier if you had more. You wouldn’t be — you’d likely be more miserable. God’s Word contains clear warnings for us: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:25.)

    Second, learn to say, “I have enough.” Let those words reign in your home. Push back from the table and say, “I’ve had enough.” When money comes your way — a surprise bonus from work, an inheritance from your great uncle, even finding $50 in your coat pocket — resist the cravings for more.

    Lastly, settle it. Here’s a challenge — choose a lifestyle; don’t let your income dictate your lifestyle. Choose a comfortable level of living that meets your needs, and don't compromise that with more spending when more income arrives. If you don’t choose a lifestyle, this culture will choose one for you, and by default, it will be the lifestyle of living beyond your means. Be counter-cultural. Be radical.

    Be others oriented. Let enough be enough. Learn from the examples of those around you (both the contented and the covetous.) You'll save yourself some heartache and know the joy of a truly contented attitude.

    More does not equal happier. I promise. And remember this from Philippians 4:19 — “My God will supply every need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

  •  

    17DefenseThe heroics of Terry Sanford’s potent passing combination of Christian Jayne to Andrew Jayne have made headlines all year for the Terry Sanford football team.

    But in the closing weeks of the regular season, when the Bulldogs finally broke clear from the pack in the Patriot Athletic Conference and won the league’s first football championship, it was defense that made the difference.

    In key wins over South View, Pine Forest and E.E. Smith, the Bulldog defense stood especially  tall in the second half, limiting the opposition to a touchdown or less in each game.

    Among the biggest reasons behind that are Terry Sanford’s versatile starting safeties, Garren Elliott and Dante Bowlding.

    First-year Terry Sanford coach Bruce McClelland said Bowlding and Elliott provided critical moving pieces in what he described as an amoeba-like defense that let Terry Sanford take advantage of matchups and frustrate opposing offenses.

    “They are both so physical and play with their hands so well it allowed us to shoot them down to linebacker positions,’’ McClelland said.

    But both Bowlding and Elliott are quick to add that the reason for Terry Sanford’s success involves more than game strategy.

    “It’s not just a team, it’s a brotherhood,’’ Bowlding said. “If we have each other’s back, we can go out and accomplish anything.’’

    Elliott agreed. “With the chemistry we have, it really fell into place,’’ he said. “We all love each other, and we’re going to play for each other.’’

    McClelland thinks the strong bond the team has is an extension of the relationship he enjoys with his assistant coaches, who he was on the staff with as an assistant before he was promoted
    to head coach.

    “I know the kids see the relationship the coaching staff has (with) each other,’’ he said. “Everybody on this staff is knowledgeable. They take a back seat to no one and can coach with anyone.

    “These young men sensed that, and I think it grew with them and made them closer team-mates.’’

    Elliott and Bowlding also sensed the presence McClelland brings to the head coaching position, and it’s a good one.

    “We all love Coach Mac to death,’’ Elliott said. “We’re going to play our hardest for him. To see him smile at how good we’re doing, it’s like a blessing for everybody on this whole team.’’

    “When we’re on the field, he’s always joking,’’ Bowlding said. “It’s always good to be out there on the field, having fun.’’

    Terry Sanford drew the No. 4 seed for the Eastern 3-A bracket, which likely means if the Bulldogs can keep winning they’ll get at least two home games in the postseason.

    “Having success in the playoffs is doing the same thing we’ve done all year,’’ McClelland said. “It helps that these guys have been in playoff runs the last two years.

    “We’re an even-keeled group. It’s just taking that same approach, not cutting a corner, making sure we’re watching film and doing the same things that got us here. It’s kind of like that old adage, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.’’

     

    PHOTO: (L-R) Garren Elliott, coach Bruce McClelland, Dante Bowlding

     

  • Take a Musical Holiday this season and start a new family tradition with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. On Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Reeves Auditorium on the campus of Methodist University, the symphony, under the baton of Maestro Fouad Fakhouri, will present an evening of musical selections from Broadway hits as well as holiday events.

    “We are really targeting families with this one,” said Christine Kastner, president/CEO of the FSO. “Our little friend in his red suit will be there, and we’re going to have the instrument petting zoo in the lobby starting at 6:45 p.m., so everybody can try out the instruments. We want this to become one of the holiday traditions for families to bring their kids.”

    The first half of the concert will feature music from Broadway hits West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roofand Les Miserables. “We are having several guest vocalists that night,” Kastner said. “We worked with the theater to try and fi nd some local singers. I think it will be entertaining for kids because they will be watching someone perform.

    “Ken Griggs, who just fi nished Around the World in 80 Days at the(Cape Fear Regional) Theatre, is singing with us that night. Then we’re having a soloist from Greensboro come in, Jason McKinney, and he will sing“Tradition” from Fiddler on the Roof. Halle Sullivan, a local Fayetteville girl who was Nala on Broadway in The Lion King a number of years ago, is also going to perform with us.”

    Additionally, Phoebe Hall, Paul Wilson and David Duke will join Griggs and Sullivan in performing a number of songs from Les Miserables, including “Bring Him Home” (Griggs), “I Dreamed a Dream” (Sullivan), “Master of the House” (Hall and Wilson) and “Stars” (Duke).

    Of course, no holiday music event is complete without a little help from the audience.

    “We’re doing the sing-along again,” said Kastner, “and the lyrics are in the program.” Concertgoers will enjoy holiday favorites such as “Silent Night,” “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bells.”

    “Our goal with this concert is that it will be an annual family thing that you do to get ready for the holidays,” Kastner said.

    And that’s a holiday great gift to our community.

    Tickets for the Musical Holidayconcert are available at $5 for students, $20 for military and seniors 65 and older and $25 for adults. Children under 12 are free. For information or to order tickets, please contact the FSO at (910) 433-4690 or email info@fayettevillesymphony.org.

  • 12012010christmasornament.gifIt’s the most wonderful time of the year, and one of the most enchanting, too, as homes and entire neighborhoods deck the halls with holiday decorations and light displays. And who doesn’t like to ooh and ah at the magical twinkling exhibits while driving by? This year, take a greener, more healthful and family-friendly approach to viewing the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. Attend Christmas in the Park, December 8-22 from 6-9 p.m. at Arnette Park, 2165 Wilmington Highway, Exit 100 off Highway 87 in Fayetteville. Admission is $2 per person.

    “This is the first year that Christmas in the Park, sponsored by the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation, is being held,” said Erica J. Brady, special events coordinator. “Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation has considered doing this event for many years and this year decided to move forward with it to give the citizens of Fayetteville and Cumberland County an opportunity to view Christmas lights without having to travel to neighboring counties.”

    But this special holiday event is not your usual pack-the-car-full-of-folksand- slowly-snake-through-displays-of-pretty-lights affair. Christmas in the Park is filled with activities for everyone in the family.

    “We’ll open up that Wednesday night,” said Brady. “The $2 fee will be collected as you enter the park, and then you’ll just spread out to one of our parking lots and go over to the half-mile paved walking trail, which is a new addition at Arnette Park, and at your own leisurely pace, just walk around. Out in the center of the trail we will have our main attraction piece of the display, a 30- foot, three-color Christmas tree. It will be lit with green, white and red lights. We’re still in the planning stages, but our plan right now is to put six, 16-foot trees around that tree, and then 12, six-foot trees around those. Those trees will be programmed. We’ll have a cycle of songs playing, and these lights will be dancing to that music. In addition to that main focal point, we’ll of course have lights all around the trail.”

    No family fun Christmas activity is complete without a visit from jolly old St. Nick, and he’s booked a special engagementat the park.

    “We’ll have Santa with us each night, and for $5, you’ll be able to take a photo with Santa, which will be put in a commemorative frame and given to you right there on-site. We’ll also have arts and crafts, a couple of food vendors, and we’ll be showing a variety of short cartoon movies by the picnic shelter each night as well. We will have a fire pit for roasting marhsmallows on-site too. Our plan right now is to have live entertainment on the weekends. Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket to sit on to enjoy the entertainment.”

    Although the program begins on Wednesday, Dec. 8, the grand opening is on Friday, Dec. 10 beginning at 6 p.m., and will include a welcome from local dignitaries, special entertainment from Voices of the Heart, a grand entrance by Santa in some outlandish way and the lighting of the central Christmas display.

    In addition to pictures with Santa, visitors may also buy a commemorative ornament.

    Only cash is accepted for all purchases, and animals other than service animals are not permitted.

    This year, start a new holiday tradition to observe the beauty of the season –– slow down and take a walk in the park. For more information on Christmas in the Park, visit www.fcpr.us or call 910.433.1547. For inclement weather, call 910.306.7325.

  • 12When I made the decision to become a group fitness instructor the style of teaching that most caught my attention was barre. When we hear the word barre visuals may come to mind of floating ballet dancers in tutus and pirouettes. My husbands’ male friends had another connotation of the word bar. When he told them I was taking a class to teach barre they asked him if we were going to open a nightclub! You do not have to be a ballet dancer or have previous dance experience to take a barre class, barre is not about dance it is about movement. It is low to moderate exercise that infuses ballet, yoga and strength training for a wide variety of fitness levels. The exercises can increase flexibility, strengthen the core, improve posture and balance. You can take barre classes at private studios specifically for that purpose or fitness centers and gyms. The styles and concepts may vary but the bottom line is that they are designed towards a full-body minimal impact endurance workout.

    Barre targets specific muscle groups with movements at a slower pace. You might hear the words “feel the burn” or “shake” which means that you have worked the muscles to the peak that you feel your muscles shake and know that you have worked a muscle group to its entirety.

    A typical barre class will include a warmup, the body of the class and a cool down.

    After the warmup participants may move to the barre for exercises that target muscle groups such as hamstrings, glutes, quadriceps and calves.

    An exercise example would be a set of pliés that include static holds, pulses and engage the calves with a compound
    movement.

    A set of exercises could include a set on one side and a repeat on the other side or facing the barre. A benefit in taking a class is a facility will have barres installed. The aid of a barre helps with stability, form and is a terrific addition for more complex moves and stretching. When a barre is not available facilities might use the aid of a chair for support. Classes may also include floor work on the mat with exercises for abdominals and core. The incorporation of light weights, stretch bands, Bender Balls and gliding discs are tools that can be used to further work the muscle groups. The end of class includes a cooldown and stretching. Mobility is a huge reason to take a barre class, especially for the hip flexors that tend to get tight from sitting. It improves postural alignment, flexibility and functional fitness for everyday life. It can improve the way we bend, reach for something on the shelf, turn to look at something or squat to pick up an object.

    By attending regularly, you will be able to see and feel improvements with your strength and flexibility. If you are interested in attending a class meet the instructor before beginning the class to familiarize yourself with the format and address any concerns that you may have with class participation.

    Begin with fewer repetitions or modifications and rest when needed. You will see participants with flexibility and strength levels of all ages in class. The benefits of barre are obvious in the participants that have consistently attended. Wear activewear such as leggings, t-shirt, flexible shoes, barre socks or bare feet.

    Bring your mat, water bottle and a hand towel to wipe that brow because you will sweat! Attend a class, have fun and live, love, life at the barre!

  •  

    15Lauren Moore Jack Britt girls playerGIRLS

    Coach: Nattlie McArthur

    Top returning players: Lauren Moore, 5-8, Sr, G/F; Brianna Lord, 5-4, Sr., G; Kenzie Wilburn, 6-0, Jr., C; Mikayal Jones, 5-8, So., G.

    Top newcomers: Skylar Arakaki, 5-4, Jr., G; Kayla Bridges, 6-1, Jr., C.; Ashara Hayes, 5-9, Fr., F.

    Coach’s comment: “I am very excited about this season. We have a core of young ladies that know our system and will be able to assist the new players. We are looking forward to competing at a high level each and every night.’’

     

     

     

    16Israel Hill Jack Britt boys basketball playerBOYS

    Coach: Isaiah Walker Jr.

    Top returning players: Barry Elliott, 6-0, Sr., G; Brandon Hayden, 6-3, Jr, G; Calvin Washington, 6-5, Jr., F; Israel Hill, 6-3, Jr., F; Kenan Keys, 6-2, Jr., F.

    Top newcomers: Jordion Fox, 6-4, So., F; Greg Maddux Velez, 6-4, So., F; Langston Davis, 6-2, So., F..

    Coach’s comment: “We return five guys that played major minutes last year on a team that finished 11-15. We lost six of those games by a total of 19 points. Although we are still extremely young – Barry Elliott will be the only senior in the starting lineup – we feel experience will help us as we prepare for a tough schedule."

     

    PHOTOS: (T-B) Lauren Moore, Israel Hill

     

  • 02It has been two years since the virus we now know as COVID-19 began as a stealth incubation in Wuhan, China before exploding onto the world stage. It has since taken 5.1 million lives, almost 800,000 of them in the United States and nearly 19,000 of those in North Carolina. None of us remain untouched by the pandemic, whether we have lost someone near and dear or whether we feel merely inconvenienced by COVID-19 restrictions.

    The second year of holiday celebrations affected by the virus is now upon us. Experts and regular folks alike are realizing COVID-19 will be with us for the long haul and thinking about how we are going to live with it. The Dicksons, all thoroughly vaccinated and feeling fortunate to be so, will gather for Thanksgiving with a handful of family and friends in a way we did not last year. We will take precautions — knowing that everyone except a 2-year-old is vaccinated, and we will stay outdoors as much as we can, both cooking and eating. While we and millions of other Americans are indeed choosing to gather, we are also thinking about how to go about our lives knowing that COVID-19 is not the raging pandemic it once was but it remains a very real threat. We are going to learn to live with COVID risk. We will learn to accept it the same way we accept the risk of riding in vehicles of all sorts, participating in sports and engaging in other once-routine activities. So, what will that look like in our daily lives?

    People in Asian counties have long worn face masks in public, because of both various illnesses and air pollution. Many medical experts expect Americans to do so for the foreseeable future in public places such as grocery stores, cabs, buses, planes and in gatherings of people we do not know.

    People will likely continue working remotely at least some of the time and communicating electronically, in part because of health concerns and because we have discovered its convenience.
    We are now able to ponder our lives ahead because while the United States remains less vaccinated than other developed nations, about 65% of us have had at least one shot and 60% have had more than one. That means that the risk of contracting COVID-19 is going down, especially in more vaccinated communities.

    In addition, COVID-19 treatments are becoming more effective, meaning that this virus may eventually be just another illness and not one that takes over our lives.

    Increasingly, experts are saying COVID-19 could become like seasonal flu, an illness no one wants and can be successfully vaccinated against.

    All of which is to say that we are not going to wake up one morning to headlines screaming, “COVID-19 eradicated forever,” that is a dream not likely to come true.

    The poet T.S. Eliot wrote that the world would end “not with a bang, but with a whimper.”

    Johns Hopkins University epidemiologist Jennifer Nuzzo has the same thoughts about COVID-19. As Nuzzo told the Washington Post recently, “It doesn’t end. We just stop caring. Or we care a lot less... I think for most people, it just fades into the background of their lives.”

    I look forward to that day, even if it means I mask up from time to time.

  •  

    13Daija Robinson Douglas Byrd girls basketball playerGIRLS

    Coach: Jernard Grant


    Top returning players: Damond Tatum,6-0, Sr., G; Arianna Maddox, 5-10, Sr., F.

    Top newcomers: Dai’ja Robinson, 5-9, Fr., G; Democrat Williams, 6-0, So., F; Jameisha Mahoney, 5-5, So., G; Renee Jacques, 5-7, So., G; Samiya Newell, 5-7, Jr., G.

    Coach’s comment: “Our strength and weakness will be our accountability and success as a whole, doing the little things together as a team.’’

     

     

     

    14Trey Johnson Douglas Byrd boys playerBOYS

    Coach: Reshrond Tucker

    Top returning players: Trey Johnson, 6-0, Sr., F/G; Christian Jones, 5-11, Sr., G; Kelvin Armstrong, 6-0, Jr., G; Domion Evans, 6-2, Jr., F; Capre Crawford, 6-3, Jr., F.

    Top newcomers: Elijah Smith, 5-7, Fr., G; Sean Jones, 5-10, Fr., G; Sydney Johnson, 6-2, So., F; Brandon Washington, 6-0, So., G.

    Coach’s comment: “Unfortunately, as a team, we don’t have a whole lot of size. But I believe that we will be able to counter that with our team speed and guard play. We have a lot of players at that guard position that we can plug in and sustain the same quality of play.”

     

    PHOTOS: (T-B) Dai’ja Robinson, Trey Johnson

     

     

  • 01Elected officials and staff of Fayetteville and Cumberland County could learn a great deal about cooperation and teamwork from our present Cumberland County delegation. Congratulations are due to our Cumberland County Legislative Delegation Chairman, Rep. Billy Richardson, Sen. Kirk deViere, Sen. Ben Clark, Rep. John Szoka, Rep. Diane Wheatley, and Rep. Marvin Lucas for the passing of North Carolina's first budget since 2018. For months they worked together diligently for one primary purpose, to do the right things to better the quality of life for the residents of Cumberland County. Serving the citizens of Fayetteville and the other eight municipalities was, and should always be, the highest of all priorities. Today, we are fortunate to have dedicated local leadership representing us in Raleigh, and they have done just that. As a result, last week, Gov. Roy Cooper signed off on a state budget and infrastructure bill that has been long over overdue. Anytime you can bring home over $402 million to your community, one must give credit where credit is due. It was only through hard work, compromise and cooperation that they accomplished this. The projects and programs funded by the new budget will impact the Cumberland County community for decades. The teamwork demonstrated by our bipartisan leadership resulted in the passage of a budget that will significantly impact Carolinians from the mountains to the coast. It targets the state's infrastructure needs in health care, K-12 education, broadband water restoration, community colleges, universities, medical research and much more. The tax policy portion of the budget is pro-growth, lowering the personal income tax and lowering the corporate income tax rates.

    In addition, military pensions for North Carolina Veterans will no longer be taxed thanks to Rep. John Szoka, the primary sponsor of HB 83 and signed on to by Rep. Diane Wheatley. According to Szoka, this will make North Carolina more attractive to military retirees from all over the country. Specifically, it will aid in attracting and retaining retirees here in Cumberland County. Another budget highlight and a huge win for our local community was the allocation of $59.6 million for the North Carolina Civil War & Reconstruction History Center. Another example of fantastic teamwork, cooperation and perseverance by project Chairman Mac Healy, Mary Lynn Bryan, and members of the Center's board of directors who pursued an endeavor that is good and beneficial for the entire community. This state-run venue will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors and guests and millions of dollars into our community annually. What's not to like about that?

    This bipartisan leadership is the kind of leadership that needs to be replicated locally in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. We have an election coming up soon after the first of the year. We should be looking for and voting for candidates who want to cooperate to better the circumstances of the city and county citizens. We need honest and trustworthy leaders who understand the detriment that municipal and community silos have on the progress of a growing community. Sure, we are moving forward in our development but not at the pace we should be because the cooperation and teamwork amongst our city, county and influential community organizations are only evident in fruitless sound bites. We now have a herculean opportunity to negotiate the $402 million earmarked for Cumberland County into a formidable "can do" community. Our Raleigh delegation has set the near-perfect example of what is accomplishable through teamwork and cooperation. We must encourage and demand that our local city and county leaders do the same. We need action, not empty words. We need to keep those traits in mind when we vote for our future leaders.

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • EarlVaughansmallLast May, just after the N.C. High School Athletic Association Board of Directors voted to use MaxPreps rankings when putting together this year’s state high school playoff brackets, I spoke with Patty Evers. Evers represents our region on the board, serving as girls’ basketball coach and athletic director at East Bladen High School.

    She didn’t support using MaxPreps and had strong reasons as to why.

    “I’m not for a ranking system in high school,’’ she said. “How do you give somebody a ranking?’’

    She cited last year’s girls’ basketball season as an example. Jacksonville Northside was consistently ranked ahead of her East Bladen team by MaxPreps. “We met them in the regional and beat them by 17,’’ Evers said. “How do you know who’s good and who’s not? Who’s going to do all that research?’’

    Another problem Evers has with rankings, and one that impacts Cumberland County: how do you rank teams in a split conference, which has schools of different classifications?

    In a split league, Evers noted, you have to play schools not the same size, and if you’re among the bigger schools in the league, that’s a liability. It’s also a liability if you’re in a big conference like the Patriotic Athletic and many of the teams on your schedule that you’re forced to play are considerably weaker.

    “Look at your geographic area,’’ Evers said. “We’re not going to travel three hours to beef up our schedule because we can’t afford the gas.’’

    So how should the NCHSAA address the problem? First, I’d do away with MaxPreps rankings. I don’t think strength of schedule is fair in a high school setting when schools are locked into playing teams they have no choice over playing.

    I have no problem with ranking teams by overall records, but let’s take the whole record, no dropping games for any reason.

    When you seed, seed conference champions first, then everybody else by records.

    I also think you’ve got to stop showing too much preference to split conference teams that don’t win the conference title. Set a minimum win total to qualify for the playoffs, like the NCAA does for bowls. If you don’t make it, then use a bye or give it to a deserving wild card that didn’t qualify otherwise.

    I hope this issue is addressed quickly and fixed before we disappoint many more teams.

    The record: 79-22

    I made a strong rebound from the disaster of 4-4, going 6-1. The season record is 79-22, 78.2 percent.

    Rocky Mount at Terry Sanford – As D.K. Sports Page co-host Trey Edge noted earlier this week, good things have happened to Terry Sanford when the Bulldogs met Rocky Mount in the state playoffs. Let’s see if that will take place again.
    Terry Sanford 28, Rocky Mount 14.

    West Carteret at E.E. Smith – The big problem for the Golden Bulls this week is shaking off the disappointment from a tough loss to Terry Sanford and focusing on the playoff challenge ahead. If Smith plays like it’s capable, they should be headed to the second round.
    E.E. Smith 24, West Carteret 12.

    South View at Jamestown Ragsdale – Ragsdale has a rich tradition, going back to the '70s when they battled East Bladen to a 16-16 tie in the state title game in Elizabethtown. I’d like to pick South View, but I think this will be a tall order for the Tigers.
    Ragsdale 21, South View 14.

    Cape Fear at Hillsborough Orange – I’m hoping that Orange takes the 11th-seeded Colts lightly. I’m also hoping that some of Cape Fear’s numerous walking wounded, like quarterback Justice Galloway-Velazquez and running back Zaire Boykin, are going to be able to suit up and play Friday.
    Cape Fear 22, Hillsborough Orange 20.

    Raleigh Millbrook at Jack Britt – Millbrook was the top Raleigh football power back in the day before all the newcomers stole the show. The Wildcats aren’t the same program they were back then, and I think the Buccaneers can pull off a win at home.
    Jack Britt 24, Raleigh Millbrook 21.

    Westover at Southern Nash – This will be a good experience for the Wolverines, even though I don’t think the outcome is going to be especially positive.
    Southern Nash 30, Westover 12.

    Seventy-First at Durham Jordan – Once again, the Falcons get the short end of the stick and have to travel to play a team with a record worse than theirs. The reward, however, should be a first-round playoff win for Duran McLaurin’s team.
    Seventy-First 21, Durham Jordan 7.

    Other games

    Charlotte Latin 24, Trinity Christian 20.

    Village Christian 29, Harrells Christian 14.

  • 01Holy Smoke! The last few weeks have kept us crazy busy regarding news and events explicitly focused on our local government and city officials. First was the Island Flava incident, Oct. 13, where one man was shot and killed and another injured. A local news blog has alleged the Fayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins and Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin were at that location socializing and celebrating Fayetteville State University’s Homecoming that evening. The blog further accuses Hawkins of misuse of police resources and abuse of power. On Tuesday, Nov. 9, former Councilwoman Tisha Waddell resigned abruptly from her District 3 seat, alleging corruption on the part of Colvin, and accusing the mayor and city council members of self-serving misconduct, mismanagement and conflicts of interest. Then last week, at a special meeting to appoint citizens to city committees and commissions, Councilmembers Johnny Dawkins and Yvonne Kinston engaged in a shouting brouhaha that resulted in an impromptu recess and cooling-off period. These are indications that a day of reckoning is approaching for our city, which has allowed the lives and livelihoods of over 200,000 citizens to be entrusted to incompetent and unqualified leadership.

    No doubt we can do better. Much better. Out of the ten members that make up our council very few have adequate business, government or political experience. Four are ordained ministers and all of them are being led by a mayor with a dubious and criminal past. One might ask, what possibly could go wrong? The answer, everything. After years of turning a blind eye to inept governance, contradictions in policy, corruption and conflicts of interest, it is coming to light that Fayetteville’s City Hall is being ravished by scandals and scallywags. As a local news source, we haven't written or commented much about these issues because, in many cases, accusations of criminal misconduct are difficult to substantiate without ample resources. However, what has always proven likely in this community is that where there is smoke, there is fire. Here at Up & Coming Weekly, we tend to believe in what we see and not what we hear. We did not comment on the Island Flava incident because we could not, and have not, substantiated or been able to contact someone who would come forward to substantiate the allegations. We concluded it is likely the story is an embellishment of the facts and is intended to target Hawkins, who is highly unpopular within the Fayetteville Police Department. Because it came from a source inside the FPD, the story was afforded credibility, and this fueled the attention it garnered. We immediately requested a comment or clarification directly from the Police Chief and City Hall concerning the incident and were told that a statement from the chief’s office would be forthcoming. It never came. Now, we're told City Attorney Karen McDonald is slow-walking an official request to have the incident investigated. One must ask, why the delay?

    I admire Waddell's moxie in articulating all the unsavory allegations in her recent resignation letter. Anyone on the inside who cares about the welfare of the Fayetteville community knows there is substance to every one of her accusations. Many citizens not privy to the local government's goings-on do not have access to all of the information. After all, Fayetteville and Cumberland County lack adequate local news media coverage. This allows for little or no public oversight regarding what is taking place in our local government. And, like Waddell made clear in her letter, the only body capable of monitoring the conduct of the Fayetteville City Council is the City Council themselves. Yes. The fox is guarding the henhouse. No doubt this has made everyone's tempers short, and their nerves are on edge. This could be why Councilmembers Johnny Dawkins and Yvonne Kinston squared off at an Appointments Committee meeting.

    Bad behavior has been rewarded for way too long: now it's time to pay the piper. We know there is currently an official complaint filed against Hawkins in the Superior Court. We have also recorded past corrupt, improper and questionable conduct by city staff and City Council members. (i.e. Ted Voorhees/Tyron Williams.) Now, Waddell has laid out at least a dozen accusations of mismanagement and misconduct directly at the feet of the City Council and all of Fayetteville. It is a bold and courageous move by a local official who refused to "go along to get along." It will be interesting to see how city officials react or if they react at all.

    I would be remiss if I did not again point out that all of these issues stem from a lack of media or news journalism to provide oversight to ask hard questions. These events and actions evolved without transparency, following the same corrupt plan the Town of Spring Lake followed for over a decade before being taken over by the state for misuse and mismanagement of over $1.8 million of taxpayer's money. We cannot let that happen in our city.

    A special thanks to Waddell, regardless of what her motives were. The Fayetteville City Council has now been confronted with serious allegations. The warning signs of corruption are obvious. Let's see how they handle it. Yes. It's time to peel back the onion, take action and hold people accountable.

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  •  

    17Alexia Cross Grays CreekAlexia Cross

    Gray’s Creek

    • Senior

    • Cross country/soccer/track

    Cross has a 3.92 grade point average.

    She is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Girls Expecting More Success, Future Farmers of America, Art Club and Thespian Honors Society.

    She is also her school’s yearbook editor.

     

     

     

    18Michael Wright Terry SanfordMichael Wright

    Terry Sanford

    • Senior

    • Football

    Wright is an offensive lineman with a 5.0 grade point average.

    He is active in Student Government Association and also plays baseball.

     

  • 16Members of the Fayetteville Church gave up a Saturday morning recently to beautify the N.C. Veterans Park and the grounds of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum for Veteran’s Day.

    More than 150 volunteers, armed with shovels, pitchforks, buckets and wheelbarrows, jumped in feet first to make their community better.

    “We were chatting about ways to serve our community,“ explained Ted Campagna, event organizer and a minister at the Fayetteville Church.

    “With Veteran’s Day coming up, we thought it would be very appropriate for us to help out and show our love and support for all the veterans in the Fayetteville area.”

    And that’s when a little divine intervention took over.

    “I have a friend who works for the Cumberland County Parks and Recreation and I went to talk to him about helping in some way,” said Campagna, an army veteran. “I had actually gone to the Veterans Park to pray about what type of projects we should do before meeting with him. Once we got together, he said, ‘I have just the project for you,’ and it was at the Veterans Park. So, I think God ordained it and we followed His lead.”

    A tractor-trailer load of mulch was in need of being spread throughout the park. The motivated volunteers went to work hauling and spreading the mulch wherever they were directed to place it.

    “We were basically beautifying the area,” said Campagna. “We have Veteran’s Day just coming up and they had a tractor-trailer load of mulch they needed spread. They were short on staff, and we said no problem. We got you. It was a pleasure to work together.”

    The theme of the day for the volunteers was to serve their community.

    “We were out here trying to be like Jesus and serve our fellow man,” said Frank Bailey, a member of the Fayetteville Church. “It felt great coming out on a beautiful morning with other men and women who want to make a difference in the community and try to make it better.”

    Bailey, who was out in the park with his wife and three teenage kids, felt it was important to set a great example.

    “Bringing your family out shows the next generation it’s something you should do,” explained Bailey. “Jesus was the ultimate servant and he called us not just to follow him but to imitate Him. That means living a life of service and making a difference. We live in an area with so many veterans and people who have sacrificed so much for our country. We need to always honor them.”

    “As a veteran myself,” said Campagna. “It always went a long way when people said, ‘Thank you for your service’ and showed their gratitude. That’s one thing we need in our world is gratitude and that’s what we were trying to do. To God be the glory, we were happy to serve."

    For more information about the Fayetteville Church, go to www.thefayettevillechurch.org.

  •  

    16.1 Fay Ac soccerThe banner hanging on the soccer field fence listing the state championships won by the Fayetteville Academy boys’ soccer team is going to have to be updated. Again.

    The Eagles brought home title No. 16 recently when they defeated Coastal Christian 3-1 for the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association 2-A title.

    Since the string of championships began with the first one in 1984, that’s an incredible average of a state title just shy of one every two years.

    Nine of those championships were engineered by one coach, Andrew McCarthy, who took over the program in 2001. McCarthy has been aided by another former Eagle head coach, Jimmy Maher, who now serves as McCarthy’s assistant.

    Talking with players from this year’s team, it’s easy to see the respect and admiration they have for the coaching duo that has guided this school to unprecedented success.

    “They know everything about soccer,’’ said Marcos de Paz, a senior and the leading scorer on this year’s Eagle team. “We just have to look at them and learn.’’

    Julian Barbaro said the work of McCarthy and Maher goes far beyond practice. “They’re always motivating you to be the best you can, like giving us extra things like summer workouts starting in June,’’ he said. “They give us everything they possibly can, which leads to big things.’’

    Drayton Smith said it’s a two-way street for the players, who want to perform to the best of their ability to please their coaches. “They are just great people,’’ he said. “You want to play to the best of your ability just for them. Making them happy makes you extremely happy. They are great people on and off the field.’’

    Goalkeeper Carter Boliek thinks what makes McCarthy and Maher a great team is they know how to balance work with play. “They know when it’s time to joke around and have fun,’’ he said. “But when it comes to practice, it’s all business. And when it comes to games, it’s all business.

    “We can still have fun, but they really take it seriously, and I think it translates into the team taking it seriously and us giving our best effort.’’

    16.0Fayetteville Academy soccerWith nine state champions to his credit, McCarthy – like all coaches – hates the question about how the current team stacks up against his previous ones, but he still tried to give a good answer.

    “We’ve certainly had more talented teams,’’ he said, “but from the beginning, there was always potential. It was definitely a together group, and the team chemistry was very good.’’

    McCarthy agreed with the players that the relationship he has with Maher is important.

    “We’ve known each other for 20 plus years,’’ he said. “I have the utmost respect for him, and he has the utmost respect for me.’’

    That includes the ability to question each other and offer critical advice. “I think it’s a comfort level of being able to tell each other things,’’ McCarthy said. “I trust him implicitly.’’

    If there was a turning point to the season, McCarthy thinks it came after a tough overtime win late in the season against Cape Fear Academy. “That was the last game going into the playoffs,’’ he said. “That week, practice was not good the first two days, and we had a meeting about it.’’

    McCarthy said some of his past teams might not have been able to get over that hurdle, but this team did.

    “We rallied well and really got together,’’ he said. “We were playing really well in the playoffs.’’

    One player McCarthy pointed to as a key to the good chemistry on the team was newcomer Hudson Zeisman. “He’s a fun-loving kid who’s also a leader,’’ McCarthy said.

    McCarthy added that leadership as much as anything is critical to that mysterious thing called chemistry. “Sometimes when you try to create team chemistry, it backfires. You’ve got to let it flow and monitor it and try to make a few subtle suggestions. But the key is good leadership. The team chemistry normally takes care of itself.’’

    The Eagles lose some key seniors like de Paz and Boliek, but McCarthy is optimistic about 2018.

    “We’re always excited,’’ he said. “We feel it will be a good year again.’’

     

    PHOTOS: Top: The Eagles are adding another year to the banner. Bottom: L-R: Drayton Smith, Marcos de Paz, Coach Andrew McCarthy, Carter Boliek, Julian Barbaro

     

  • 15Water is essential for the earth and all living creatures to flourish. It does not take long to feel the effects of not having water. Our bodies consist of about 60% water and survival without it can range from two days to a week. The way we respond to lack of hydration can vary with age, medical conditions, medications, activity levels and heat.

    If you wait until you are thirsty to drink, chances are you are already slightly dehydrated. Think about how long a plant takes to replenish from the lack of water and we are not any different. Water is magic to our bodies and regulates our body temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, aids in the elimination of waste and lubricates the spinal cord. It also nourishes our skin, hair, nails and aids in weight loss with a boost to our metabolism and an appetite suppressant. Our blood is more than 90% water and carries oxygen to our body parts which help to maintain our blood pressure.

    The sensation of thirst diminishes as we age and with that comes the lack of nourishment for our bodies to function properly. A diminish in water intake for older adults can result in the kidneys being less effective at concentrating urine which leads to excess water loss. Medications can also be a factor in dehydration. Substantial dehydration can also cause confusion and damage to our organs.

    Let's face it water is not a habit for most because of the lack of flavor but I think that bottled water and flavors for enhancement have increased awareness. This is evident with the amount of people you see carrying a water bottle. The amount of water intake for adults can depend on a variety of factors including present health, climate and activity level. The suggested guideline for water intake is about fifteen cups for men and eleven cups for women. 70% of adults report no daily consumption, 36% say one to three cups, 35% say four to seven cups and 22% say eight cups.

    Water sources do not primarily come in the form of H20. Vegetables and fruit can add to that daily intake nourishment. Fruit that is high in water content ranging up to 90% are watermelon, strawberries, peaches, Asian pears, blackberries, papayas, pineapple and oranges. Vegetables that carry a high-water content are cucumbers, celery, zucchini, portobello mushrooms, cauliflower, turnips, tomatoes and bell peppers. Coffee and tea can cause a mild diuretic effect but not to an extreme and your body still absorbs a substantial portion of the liquid. Juice, sports drinks and broth also count as your daily hydration, and you can lower the sugar content by diluting with water.

    Drinking water can evolve into a habit and is viable for everyone regardless of age. Ways to improve water intake are drinking before and with a meal, during exercise, smaller quantities more often, add lemon or orange for flavor and keep your bottle visible.

    Drinking water is like giving your insides a shower.

    Stay hydrated my friends and grab a bottle or glass of H20.

  •  

    When it comes to high school athletics, I’m old school and make no apologies for it. During my years at Swain County and later West Rowan, you lived in a community and you attended the school where your home was.

    Fast forward to the 21st century. Yes, I know, times are different. Kids, and more often their parents, are driven to look for the best deal, the best opportunity.

    Sometimes it’s for a good reason, like improved educational opportunities. But when it’s solely for sports, especially basketball, which seems to be the prime game where it’s done, I tend to raise an eyebrow as to why. They move around from school to school to find the best athletic situation for a youngster they think is the next LeBron James.

    I had a great conversation recently with Homar Ramirez Jr., head of the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association. He shared this observation with me: “It’s just a matter of the climate of athletics as a whole, the expectations of our coaches, expectations parents have on their kids, and I’d call those unrealistic. But that’s not unique to us.’’

    He’s absolutely right. It goes to the highest levels of sports, like the NBA, where we see the top stars congregating to one team.

    Michael Wilbon, who appears on the ESPN show “Pardon The Interruption,” nailed it recently when he talked about this trend of stars flocking together. He blamed it on what he called “massive egos and the AAU mentality.’’

    I couldn’t agree more. It’s all about individual stardom and glory. Sports is supposed to be about teamwork, pulling together, all the oars rowing in sync, no matter if the arm doing the rowing is heavily muscled or a little flabby, or if the skin on that arm is black, white, red or yellow.

    Maybe it’s time for the parents who have their kids on the superstar track to skip high school sports and just let their children play for AAU teams, where the big concern is working on your dunks and your crossover and looking good for the college coaches, who rarely darken high school gyms anymore.

    Let’s leave high school athletics for the kids and coaches who work hard, play together, develop teamork and other skills that will serve them well in life.

    • Congratulations to a number of Cumberland County baseball stars who have either signed college offers or will shortly.

    Heading the list is Terry Sanford’s Christian Jayne, who will commit to East Carolina in a ceremony today in the media center at Terry Sanford.

    Jayne is enjoying an outstanding year as the quarterback for Terry Sanford, but baseball is his first love.

    Last season he was 4-0 with a 1.21 earned run average. He had 18 strikeouts in 17.1 innings.

    He was also one of the county’s top hitters with a .373 average, leading the county in hits with 31. He had seven doubles, two homers and drove in 17 runs.

    A trio of Jack Britt players signed last Friday. Brennen Herbert chose Appalachian State, Nick Lee picked Wake Tech and Brendan Shea chose Peace.

    Herbert batted .337 with 29 hits and 25 RBIs.

    Lee was 3-4 as a pitcher with a 1.43 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 44 innings.

    Shea was 1-3 as a pitcher with a 4.33 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 21 innings.

     

  • You think you have trouble? What if you had a herd of hungry-hungry-hippos in your backyard? What if they came to dinner and refused to leave? Consider if you will, the strange case of Pablo Escobar’s legacy of Columbian hippos.

    On a recent fact finding trip to our nation’s Capital, I read an article in the Washington Post by Jonathan Edwards about Columbia’s hippo hostage situation. Allow me to elaborate.

    Once upon a time, in the country of Columbia, there was an international drug dealer named Pablo Escobar. He was a very successful drug dealer. He sold lots of drugs, ran a huge cartel and caused the deaths of lots of people. He was not the sort of fellow who you would want to move in next door to you.

    Pablo made a lot of what used to be called ill-gotten gains from his criminal enterprises. He made many monies. More than he could spend. Poor Pablo, what could he do? He had all this money burning a hole in his Swiss bank accounts and money bins. So much money, so little time to spend it all.

    Then one day in the 1980s Pablo had a moment of clarity. Eureka! He would build a zoo. Zoos need two things to work — animals and money. He had the money, now all he had to do was buy the animals. Pablo set to work and bought lots of critters including four hippos.

    Like the Carolina Tar Heels’ marching band which is the Pride of the ACC, Pablo’s zoo was the pride of the drug cartels. For quite a while Pablo’s zoo was the talk of the town. But like George Harrison once sang, "All Things Must Pass".

    Pablo came to an unfortunate end, one day in 1993, when the Columbian Army caused him to have a sudden case of lead poisoning from which he expired. Like little Jackie Paper in "Puff the Magic Dragon," Pablo would come no more to feed and admire his hippos.

    It was bigly sad.

    The Columbian Army was not in the business of zoo keeping. They sold off most of the animals except for the hippos. They left hippos alone hoping they would have the good sense to die. It did not turn out that way.
    Hippos are made of sterner stuff. Taking a cue from Mr. Spock, Pablo’s hippos have lived long and prospered. Unlike "Puff the Magic Dragon," the hippos did not sadly slip back into their cave. Rather, it turned out hippos really like Columbia.

    It reminded them of being back home in Africa. Hippos have no natural enemies in Columbia.

    The weather and jungles are perfect, a virtual hippo heaven. The hippos were happier than the proverbial pig in poop.

    The hippos got frisky and multiplied. Where there were once four hippos there are now between 80 and 120 hippos. Columbian hippo experts predict unless something is done by 2039 there will be over 14 hundred free range hippos.

    This presents a real problem. While hippos in the abstract are cute, 14 hundred hippos are not. They eat stuff. They trample crops. Their poop causes algae blooms that can kill fish. They drive out native animals and plants. In short, they are an invasive species, like Uncle Harold who came to dinner and now refuses to leave.

    What to do? The Columbian government realized that killing the hippos is a public relations nightmare. Hippos have become a tourist attraction bringing in money. The local citizens have become hippo positive. They love them some hippos. When several hippos went on a rampage, the government shot them including a crowd favorite hippo named Pepe. When a picture of a hunter standing over the late great Pepe came out, the locals protested so angrily future hunts were called off.

    If executing hippos is off the table, what options remain? Jeff Bezos has refused to take hippos into outer space on the Blue Origin because no hippo has $250,000 for a ticket.

    Taking a herd of hippos to the Mexican/American border to seek asylum would be almost impossible because there aren’t enough cowboys with hippo driving experience. Can you imagine the damage a stampede of hippos would cause? The mind boggles.

    In order to avoid a hippo border crisis, the U.S. Department of Agriculture donated a hippo contraceptive called GonaCon which effectively kills the mood for amorous hippos by suppressing their boy and girl urges. Hippos on GonaCon would rather eat than make whoopee.

    Gentle reader, though you may have troubles, be glad your issues do not include hippos.

  •  

    15Homar Ramirez JrHoma Ramirez Jr. is starting his third year as executive director of the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association.

    He recently paid a visit to Fayetteville and was a spectator at Fayetteville Academy’s semifinal round game in the NCISAA 2-A soccer tournament.

    While there are no major issues confronting the NCISAA at the moment, Ramirez said growing the association would be a welcome improvement.

    “We have 93 schools in our association,’’ he said. “Parity is a good thing, but when you don’t have a lot of teams, you tend not to have that depth in the playoff experience.’’

    In a perfect world, Ramirez would like to see membership increase to 120 schools, which would be a good fit with a plan to expand from three classifications to four. “A four-class system would not only be competitive, but more well-rounded,’’ he said.

    There have been some complaints made about the outside influence being exerted in some sports in the NCISAA, notably AAU basketball. Ramirez is aware of the concerns and said the organization’s handbook is regularly revised so the rules and processes of the NCISAA are clearly understood.

    “When red flags are raised, we make the phone calls, and we visit the schools,’ he said. “We investigate if that’s the term you want to use. But a lot of the situations that come about are hearsay, and there’s not a lot you can do with that.’’

    While he doesn’t think these problems are rampant in the NCISAA, he said the organization has to be realistic. “Are their people pushing the envelope?’’ he said. “We have concerns about that. But it’s not the majority by any stretch.’’

    Ramirez is looking to a couple of pilot programs that are designed to increase participation opportunities for member schools.

    In football, two schools in the northeast corner of the state, Northeast and Hobgood, will be allowed to combine their athletes to field a football team. “We want to assess it to see if it’s a good experience and if we want to offer it to schools looking to start a program,’’ he said.

    Another pilot program in basketball will have every boys’ and girls’ team in the state qualify for the postseason.

    “We want to give these young people a chance to see what happens on the field,’’ he said.

    Another big change for the association is the relocating of its headquarters from Asheville to the metro Charlotte area at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

    “People can come to the state office and we’ll show them our history that we’re proud of,’’ Ramirez said. “We’re also more centrally located for our member schools.’’

     

    PHOTO: Homar Ramirez Jr., NCISAA executive director

     

  • 100DollarBillsHC1404 02 sourceI have a question for all the folks who oppose taxing billionaires and hundred-millionaires. I am addressing especially those who serve in our U.S. Congress, both the House and Senate.

    What on earth are you thinking?

    Ordinary Americans pay our taxes, mostly through payroll deductions, because we believe in doing our part, or — more cynically, we don’t want to get in trouble with the IRS. Whatever our reasons, we do pay, however begrudgingly. Not so for the wealthiest Americans, whose assets come not from salaries, much less wages, but from resources they hold.

    They have the financial wherewithal to hire the best of the best consultants — tax attorneys, accountants and others to protect those assets from taxation when they are eventually sold or passed down to heirs. These professional services allow the tiny percentage of American billionaires to shield their wealth while the rest of us are dutifully transferring healthy chunks to Uncle Sam. We are not talking the well-to-do folks across town or even those considered “rich.”

    We are talking Warren Buffett (investments), Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Michael Bloomberg (financial services) and Elon Musk (Tesla). Musk is now poised to be the first person on earth whose net worth is nearly $300 billion (larger than the gross domestic product of Pakistan), Bezos at $200 billion (zillions of Amazon packages), Buffett at $100 billion and Bloomberg at a relatively modest (compared to those guys), $59 billion.
    Just try to process the reality that these people pay little or no taxes and do not want to either. Musk even had a little hissy fit last week over the very idea that as a billionaire he might be taxed at all. Tweeted an annoyed Musk, “Eventually they run out of other people’s money, and then they come for you.”

    Forgive me, but I am having trouble relating to that. It is hard to know exactly how many American billionaires there are, but a quick search says just over six hundred, and that number fluctuates depending on how many of we salaried folks buy Teslas, order from Amazon and so on. Forbes magazine reported earlier this year that we have 5 billionaires in North Carolina, but nary a one in Cumberland County.

    Stunningly, no billionaires live in West Virginia, according to Forbes, but that state’s two U.S. Senators, including the contrarian Joe Manchin, both oppose taxing billionaires. Like most every other issue in our grumpy, divided and partisanly poisoned Congress, this one is split mainly but not entirely along party lines. It would seem to me that making those with the most participate in our nation’s coffers just like the rest of us is a reasonable and equitable position. If Mary who drives a school bus and Joe who does plumbing have taxes withheld, why should Elon, Jeff and Warren escape just because their wealth comes from different sources? We Americans have been in a bad mood for various reasons for about a decade, and one of the main reasons is our growing economic inequality. The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer as the famed American working middle class fades away in between.

    Maybe our billionaires will avoid the proposed billionaire tax this time around, but at some point, there will be a day of reckoning about the growing gulf between the haves and the have-nots. That reckoning should come sooner rather than later, because it is not going to get any easier or prettier over time.

  • EarlVaughansmallThere are Friday night high school football games, and there are classics.
     
    Terry Sanford at E.E. Smith this week is shaping up as the latter.
     
    I was searching through the archives at Mike Molin’s Ncprepsports.net website trying to discover when or if Terry Sanford and Smith had met this late in the season with this much riding on the game.
     
    I couldn’t find when they had. I know my memory is fuzzy at times, but I truly think you’ve got to reach back to the days of legends like Charlie Baggett and Frank Townsend and on and on to find a game that is this significant. 
     
    This one’s so important I called in a couple of experts to help with analysis. Jake Thomas and his Cape Fear team managed to beat Terry Sanford while Bill Sochovka and Pine Forest knocked off E.E. Smith.
     
    Here is what they think.
     
    Thomas, like everybody, is impressed with Bulldog quarterback Christian Jayne and his ability to spread the ball around. “He’s very smart with the football, very poised,’’ Thomas said. “Defensively, they’ve got speed in their secondary and safety positions, and they have some linebackers that run and flow to the football.’’
     
    Thomas said E.E. Smith has a lot of weapons on offense, especially quarterback Xeavier Bullock, who Thomas calls the X factor. “He can make a play running or throwing,’’ Thomas said.
     
    Sochovka agreed. “If Xeavier can get his legs in the game and run, that will put a lot of pressure on Terry Sanford,’’ he said. “Terry Sanford hurt us with the long pass and their quarterback running the ball.’’ Sochovka gives a slight nod to E.E. Smith because of a more consistent running game, with Bullock being a key part of it.
     
    I’ll tell you my prediction later in the column.
     
    The record: 73-21
     
    Can we pretend last week didn’t happen? No such luck. There were a lot of what I call coin flip games that could go either way, and I missed just about all of them. The 4-4 record is one of my worst weekly performances ever.
     
    The season count is 73-21, dropping me to an anemic 77.7 percentage. I hope that string of sevens gives me a little bit better luck this week.
     
    Jack Britt at Seventy-First – This is a big game for both teams with state playoff implications on the line. I think Seventy-First is playing with a little more confidence at the moment.
    Seventy-First 28, Jack Britt 14.
     
    Terry Sanford at E.E. Smith – This is another coin flip game. Normally I’d go with the home team in a close call, but Terry Sanford is on an extended streak, and I think Smith caught a big break last week when Cape Fear lost its placekicker and had to go for two points the entire game.
    Terry Sanford 21, E.E. Smith 20.
     
    Gray’s Creek at South View – Gray’s Creek is playing for pride while South View is trying to regroup from a disastrous collapse and see if it can salvage a state playoff berth. I think the Tigers have too much going for them.
    South View 28, Gray’s Creek 12.
     
    Douglas Byrd at Westover – Both teams have had frustrating years. Only Westover is going to end its season on a high note.
    Westover 32, Douglas Byrd 12.
     
    Overhills at Pine Forest – Huge game for both teams as they battle for the No. 1 seed in the 4-A part of the Patriot Athletic Conference. The hardest part here is figuring who will show up. I’ll give Pine Forest a slight edge playing at home.
    Pine Forest 22, Overhills 18.
     
    Open date - Cape Fear.
     
    Other games:
     
    Trinity Christian 30, Raleigh Ravenscroft 12
     
    Village Christian 29, Northside Christian 8.
  • 01President Ronald Reagan wisely said, “We don’t have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much.”

    Today, our national debt is an unfathomable $29 trillion, and President Reagan’s warning has never been more true.

    It’s no secret that President Joe Biden and Washington Democrats are addicted to spending your hard-earned money. Their so-called “Reconciliation Plan” is a prime example. This massive entitlement and climate change bill, a radical proposal written by Bernie Sanders, will transform our society into something we don’t recognize and will cripple our economy.

    Washington Democrats have been working to finalize their bill behind closed doors — hiding details of the massive plan from you, the American people. Yet this is not the first time they have tried this trick.

    In 2010, then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi infamously said Democrats had to pass Obamacare into law for you to find out what was in it. Fast forward to 2021 and here we go again.

    While their plan has changed throughout the last month, one thing is clear: it is a massive expansion of government control over your life from the cradle to the grave.

    To pay for it, their proposals have included $2.1 trillion in new tax hikes. The plan would punish families by raising taxes on 75% of the middle class. It raises the business tax rate to among the highest in the developed world, well above communist China’s. We all know these businesses will be forced to pass those costs along to you and it means less job opportunities.

    In fact, this tax increase will force lower and middle-income taxpayers to shoulder 66.3% of the huge corporate tax increases. It also raises taxes on 1.4 million small businesses which employ 12.5 million American workers. While they have discussed numerous tax gimmicks to target billionaires, in reality their plan would give tax breaks to the wealthy, providing families earning $800,000 with $118,000 in tax credits.

    While their elite friends get tax breaks, Democrats plan to further punish you by raising the costs to fill your car or heat your home.

    Home energy bills are already expected to increase by 54% this winter! A new natural gas tax included in their bill would increase your heating bills by an additional $242 per year. Another new tax on energy producers could cost up to 90,000 Americans their jobs.

    As if all of this wasn’t enough, President Biden’s proposal will use taxpayer dollars to fund abortions. It would grant amnesty to more than 8 million illegal immigrants.

    $80 billion is spent to hire 85,000 new IRS agents to monitor your bank account if you spend just $28 a day.

    What’s worse – President Biden has tied this massive entitlement bill to infrastructure legislation. There is massive bipartisan support for investing in our roads, bridges, ports and broadband.

    Yet just 10% of their $1.5 trillion ‘infrastructure’ bill is devoted to infrastructure while the rest is devoted to propping up radical Green New Deal climate provisions.

    Rest assured, I oppose both bills because they are the wrong solutions and the wrong time. Just last week we learned that economic growth in the last quarter slowed to a dismal 2% - the worst since our economy began to reopen after the pandemic.

    Gas prices in North Carolina jumped 14 cents per gallon, tied for the largest spike in the nation.

    Supply chain issues and inflation are clearly taking a toll on families and our economy.

    I cannot support trillions in new spending and taxes that will only make Biden’s economic, energy and inflation crises worse.

    We need to get government out of the way, get Americans back to work, encourage energy production here in the U.S., and cut government spending and taxes.

    While many in Washington argue how much to tax you and how large to grow government, I will always stand up for you and your family.

  • 01Publisher's Note: There many who are running for local offices in the upcoming year. Their voices need to be heard. Those individuals wishing to reach out and be heard by the community have an open invitation to be heard in the Up & Coming Weekly. Simply reach out and send us an email to let us know you have something to say.

    When I came to Fayetteville in 2008 as a wounded soldier assigned to the Wounded Warrior Project on Fort Bragg, I remember receiving several briefings that strongly advised us to refrain from visiting certain areas of the city and certain businesses due to their shady business practices.
    I can remember receiving briefings from my commander during in-processing that warned me about the level of crime around the city. However, I do not remember ever getting a briefing that warned me about the level of corruption that could be found in Fayetteville City Hall, but man did I quickly learn as I got more and more involved in the Fayetteville community, just how much corruption there was. Everything from politicians creating so-called non-political taxpayer-funded organizations, to politicians attempting to cut side-deals with wealthy developers, to city leaders in cahoots with destructive criminal elements dedicated to destroying the very city that they swore an oath to protect and defend.

    Fayetteville is no stranger to corruption and scandal within its ranks, as we have all either lived through or heard stories about "Fayette-Nam." But it seems this city has seen a more blatant element since Mitch Colvin took office as Mayor in 2017. All of us remember the dishonorable city councilman from District 2, Tyrone Williams, and everything that took place with him in 2018 when the "Prince Charles Gate" scandal rocked the city. Who knew that he would be the precursor of things to come during Colvin's term in office? Who knew that three years later, the mayor and top city officials, including City Manager Doug Hewett and Police Chief Gina Hawkins, would allow rioters, looters, Marxists and anarchists to destroy and pillage our beloved city unhindered, while ordering our sworn Fayetteville police officers to "stand down" while criminals ravaged our city.

    Since 2017, the city of Fayetteville has been under the leadership of Colvin and our police department under the supervision and leadership (if you can call it that) of Hawkins, who came to Fayetteville by way of Atlanta, Georgia, in the same year. Since then, our police department has suffered tremendously under her leadership, and the citizens of Fayetteville have paid the price. We have a police department that is low on morale and high on egos, and I say enough is enough!
    We have a mayor who feels that he is not answerable to the citizens of Fayetteville and who only seems to be concerned about his next business investment and how he can use his position to further enhance his economic fortune.

    The city of Fayetteville and the Fayetteville Police Department have come a very long way from the '80s, and I refuse to allow our city to become another corrupt municipality like the town of Spring Lake. Fayetteville has witnessed a tremendous increase in violent crime over the past two years, and just this year alone, our city has been rocked by more than 40 homicides, and we are currently on track to double last year’s homicide rate, and unfortunately, we have even recently made the nation's top 100 list of the most dangerous cities, and there seems to be no end in sight.

    As the holidays rapidly approach, we have more than 6000 families facing eviction in our community, due to a flawed, fractured and failing Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Fayetteville has recently been branded "America's Can-Do City" but, I have coined her "America's Can-Do Better City." The people of Fayetteville deserve and demand better from their leadership, which I intend to give them. Better. How do we "do better?" We start by removing the toxic leadership in the city. We un-handcuff our law enforcement professionals and allow them to do the jobs they swore an oath to do, and we empower and equip them to enforce the laws they swore to enforce. We identify the toxic rank-and-file within our law enforcement community and remove them immediately. We remove the unproductive and self-serving people within our city government and replace them with genuinely dedicated people who will dedicate themselves to the betterment of Fayetteville.

    Fayetteville is a city that houses talent and potential, she is a city that inspires innovation and she is a city that embraces diversity. As the next Mayor of Fayetteville, I intend to build on the foundation and "Lead Fayetteville Forward," but that requires us to move forward together and lead with honesty, transparency, integrity, vision and foresight. I am J Antoine Miner. I am running for Mayor of Fayetteville. I am that leader.

  •     To annex, or not to annex... that is the question faced by many growing municipalities, including Fayetteville.
    At a joint meeting between the the Fayetteville City Council and the Cumberland County Commissioners held Tuesday, Oct. 28, a visiting state official gave our elected leaders a lesson on the reasons for annexation, as well as other items concerning city and county government.
        David Lawrence, who teaches public law and government at the School of Government at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, gave two reasons for annexation: money and munificence.
       {mosimage} “It’s been shown in studies that people often move into the proximity of an urban center, such as Fayetteville, because of the advantages it offers,” said Lawrence. “So, it’s only fair that these new residents help pay some of the costs for the services they take advantage of.”
        “Secondly, cities should annex areas in need of basic services,” said Lawrence, “such as good, clean water, sewage and trash pickup.”
        Lawrence made those remarks in answer to a question posed by Fayetteville City Councilman Ted Mohn: “Should we annex areas to add communities that can bring us more tax revenues or annex communities that badly need services such as water and sewer, or a little of both,” asked Mohn.
        The council recently voted to involuntarily annex the Gates Four community — a gated community of 600 homes located off Lakewood Drive. However, there have been questions as to why the city hasn’t annexed the Shaw Heights community — a neighborhood that is predominately African-American and which suffers some infrastructure problems. The annexation of Gates Four is expected to bring tax revenues of more than $2.5 million to the city over the next five years.
        While some residents of Shaw Heights — which takes up 340 acres and is bordered by Fort Bragg on three sides, forming an “island” adjacent to the city — have said they would welcome annexation by the city to repair some of the infrastructure issues, most Gates Four homeowners vehemently opposed annexation proceedings; North Carolina is one of only four states that allows forced annexation with the approval of voters.
    In addition to annexation, Lawrence also addressed issues such as the combining of city and county services in order to save money. However, he pointed out that the pooling of city and county resources can be problematic, such as combining city and county law enforcement.
        “The police provide law enforcement in the City of Fayetteville,” said Lawrence. “The sheriff provides law enforcement outside the City of Fayetteville. Unless you want to argue that one or the other is overfunded and has more people than it needs and you merge the two (to save money), it’s hard to see how you’re going to cut very many patrol officers.”
        On the subject of the division of county and city services, Dr. Jeannette Council, vice chairman of the Cumberland County Commissioners, had an issue with the poor job she says local media has done delineating the differences between services provided by the city and those provided by county.
        “This is not a slap at you (Up and Coming Weekly)... We don’t have this problem with your publication,” said Council. “Mainly, we are not, in the county, trying to shirk a responsibility when it is suggested that we fund this, we fund that, we fund the other... It’s almost as if we have an unlimited pool of resources for anything that anybody brings up just off the top of their heads and I think if citizens knew, and editorial boards knew and understood more, the function of city government and the function of county government, that we would have fewer controversies.
        “Sometimes when parties disagree, then you have a big editorial that says what we ought to be doing and we can’t defend ourselves without sounding defensive,” said Council. “We (the county) provide the bread, the meat, the vegetables and the potatoes; municipalities are only mandated to provide dessert. I just want to shout it to the rooftops to have everybody working together.”
  •     Artists, particularly painters, don’t have to be verbose to explain the meaning of their work. Some artists rather not explain their work, instead preferring to let the viewer interpret all meaning without any influence from the artist.
        No so with the painter Dr. Mohamed Osman. He loves to talk extensively about his paintings. And he is very clear about the purpose of his work. For Osman, a clear vision is the underpinning of content; relaying the message or the emotion he is trying to convey. It’s a positive that Osman likes to explain his work. His style and subject warrant questions as to their meaning.
        Being a physician by profession, Osman infuses work experience into the meaning of his paintings. Titles like Obesity, Touch Healing and AIDS in Africa are examples of what the exhibit titled Art and Medicineis about. The exhibit is on display at the Rosenthal Gallery on the campus of Fayetteville State University.
         Bright in color and expressionist in style, Osman is very clear on what he is trying to capture on canvas for this exhibit — all types of diseases, acts that cause pain and death.
        The painting titled Opisthotonus is an example of Osman’s use of a limited palette of primary and secondary colors. The figure in the painting is on her back, yet her back is arched due to severe spasms of the muscle along the spinal column, clouds of color push against the top edge of the body.
        In reference to Opisthotonus, Osman carefully explains on his Web site the meaning of the painting. “Such posture is linked to tetanus and can predict imminent death. Tetanus occurs almost exclusively in people who are unvaccinated or inadequately immunized,” said Osman.{mosimage}
        Osman’s empathy for the unsuspecting and his slant on the political come into play in his text about the painting: “There have been numerous accounts of tetanus as a result of female genital cutting. Such occurrences were linked to the use of non sterile, contaminated instruments. Are parents of female genital cutting of their loved ones aware of such a complication like tetanus? Are they conscientious about the fatality of such a complication? It has to stop.”
        In another painting titled Female Genital Mutilation, Osman talks about the history of such an act and its psychosocial, psychosexual and physical impact on the female. “Instruments used for this painful procedure may vary to include knives, scissors, razor blades or the sharp edge of broken glass. Once the cutting is complete the genital area is cleaned with water and stitched up, legs are bound for nearly 45 days.”
        Clearly Osman’s artist’s statement reflects what his work is about. “Art is a strong feeling that communicates with us. Art conveys energy. We are surrounded by this invisible energy. My unconscious part of me strives to capture this energy and to transcribe it into fine art images. I am inspired by what I see, feel, touch, dream and remember.”
    In addition I would say that Osman feels a strong purpose to educate and illuminate the public through his paintings. Although the text about many painting is straight forward in content, he can also become poetic in his explanations. A good example of this is his writing on the painting titled Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
        His poetry about the above painting starts like this: “I feel overwhelmed. I feel preoccupied with intruding thoughts. I feel I am unable to control the flow of my thoughts. I feel unable to control self. . . .”
        Osman’s personal history is as interesting as his paintings. Born in Somalia and educated in Kalinin, Russia, Osman is presently the physician in charge at the Primary Care Center in St. Pauls, N.C. He speaks five languages: English, Italian, Russian, Somalia and Spanish.
        A self taught artist, he grew up in the midst of a turquoise-blue Indian Ocean and the orange dunes of Merka, Somalia. His father owned a tailor shop and Osman worked daily with bolts of fabric in all colors. Perhaps these are the colors reflected in his paintings. After his training as a physician, he went back to Africa. He later immigrated to Canada as a refugee in the 1990s. He eventually became a resident physician in Toledo, Ohio. During the late years of his training he started painting.
        His work is included in many medical journals and local newspapers. Exhibitions include, but are not limited to, the Emerging Artist Exhibition at Ohio University, the African American Museum of Art and Pratt Art Gallery, both in Tacoma, Washington, and the Sundiata Arts Festival in Seattle, Washington. Locally, Osman has exhibited at the Architect’s Gallery,the Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County and the Fayetteville Museum of Art.
        To see Art and Medicinevisitors will need to come over to Rosenthal Gallery before the Thanksgiving holidays. Visitors will see 24 paintings by Osman which include subjects from diabetes to cancer. Through his paintings and in his text and in poetry, Osman examines that which causes bodily and psychic harm.
        In Osman’s own words he writes, “What I create is far from being named primitive art. It communicates with the psychosocial, ego, spiritual and aesthetic sense of your being.”
        You can view the works online at www.osmanart.net or visit the Rosenthal Gallery between the hours of 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information on the gallery, contact Shane Booth at 910-309-0309.
  • 11-21-12-nutcracker.gifBallet has been delighting audiences for centuries; it was first developed in the Italian Renaissance in the 15th century. Ballet is an art form renowned for the grace and beauty that its performers emanate after years of intense training. This December, audiences will have a chance to enjoy the incredibly skilled dancers from the North Carolina State Ballet as they perform the traditional Christmas tale, The Nutcracker.

    Fayetteville’s own Charlotte Blume, the artistic director for the North Carolina State Ballet, will choreograph The Nutcracker, the traditional two act and three scene Christmas ballet. Blume has been teaching and performing in North Carolina for more than 40 years. She is the principal teacher and choreographer of The Charlotte Blume School of Dance. Her work here has included such noteworthy productions as Raymonda, Painting of Degas and Swan Lake, which is annually preformed in the spring by her students.

    As a teacher, Blume loves the challenge of developing new talent and keeping tradition in tact while bringing newness to the performance each year.

    “I try to find talent that suits the part in each production and develop them into the part. It is a challenge because we try to keep the level of choreography professional. The dancers have to really come up to the challenge — and I like that,” said Blume. “Being a part of this performance each year gives me an opportunity to refresh the show every season. There is always something different, so people are getting a fresh look each year, which is important because we have a big repeat audience. Whenever people come to see this, they will see a refreshed look or see something they haven’t seen before.”

    This year The Nutcracker consists of a cast of 65 dancers and actors and features four international guest artists. The fi rst guest artist, Gabor Kapin, hails from Budapest, Hungary. He is a principal dancer for the N.C. State Ballet, and will perform the role of “Cavalier.” Kapin was trained at the Hungarian Dance Academy, but he is hardly a stranger to the North Carolina stage, as this will be his third performance with the N.C. State Ballet. Sokvannara Sar is a dancer from Cambodia, and will share the role of “Cavalier.” He was trained at the School of American Ballet in New York, but is also well versed in Khmer, a traditional Cambodian dance. He has worked as a soloist in the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and he is the subject of a documentary entitled Dancing Across Borders.

    Playing “The Sugar Plum Fairy” for her third season is Alicia Fabry who was raised in France. Fabry has studied ballet at the English National Ballet School, which is located in London. She has also performed with the Ballet Chicago Studio Company. Fabry will share the role with Margret Severin-Hansen who studied dance at Huntington School of Ballet in her home town of Huntington, Long Island. Hansen also studied ballet with the Royal Danish Ballet for six weeks. She has been a member of the Carolina Ballet since 1998.

    The Nutcracker will be performed on December 2 ,8 and 9 at the Crown Coliseum at 3 p.m. Purchase tickets online at crowncoliseum.com. Tickets cost $16 and military ID Card holders receive a $2 discount. They can also be purchased through the Crown Center Theatre Box Office, which is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. Call (910) 323-5088 for more information.

    Photo: Alicia Fabry dances the role of The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker.

  • 11-23-11-loft-tours.jpgTucked away in downtown Fayetteville, above the restaurants and shops, awaits a side of downtown culture that many never see — except once each year during the annual Candlelight Loft Tours.

    Every December, for one night only, a smattering of Fayetteville’s downtown residents open their homes to the public and offer tours of their residences perched above the streets of downtown.

    On Dec. 11 from 5-8 p.m., spend $10 on a ticket and start a new tradition (or continue an old one) and take the self-guided candlelight loft tour.

    Like their owners, the downtown lofts are fun and unique, each refl ecting the style and tastes of the residents. Some are quirky, some sophisticated, some modern, some traditional. All are original — from the fl oor plans to the décor — they add to the flavor and personality of downtown.

    “Some of these lofts are really amazing,” said Leslie Saenz, event coordinator. “Once you step inside them it is hard to believe that you are right in downtown Fayetteville … some of these lofts are like something from another place and time. It is very exciting.”

    So far, Saenz counts between five and seven lofts on the tour, but plans are still being finalized and the number may change before the big day arrives. Something Saenz finds interesting is the scope of lofts that will be on the tour.

    “We have several that are in the 300 Block of Hay Street. One is above an antique shop,” she said. “They are just so original and different that it is hard to single out one or two as a favorite. They all bring something to the tour.”

    While loft-tour fans look forward to this event each year, the event sponsor, the Downtown Alliance, is looking to add something unique and fun for the participants. Sure touring the eclectic properties is fun, but they are adding a twist this year. While the organizers are reluctant to pick one loft over the rest as the clear favorite, they are encouraging attendees to do just that.

    Each person who takes the tour will get to fill out a survey gathering their opinions about the tour. At the end of the candlelit adventure, surveys are collected and entered into a drawing.

    “The prize for the drawing has wonderful items in it that have been donated from downtown merchants,” said Saenz. “Our downtown merchants are very generous. The winner can expect to get some wonderful goodies.”

    The tour is self-guided and self-paced making it a perfect event for enjoying more than just the living spaces downtown. There are several new restaurants downtown to try. Saenz suggests enjoying more than one of the downtown attractions — dinner, loft tour, followed by a cup of coffee, a movie or a night cap before heading home. There is plenty to see and do downtown, why not make a night of it?

    Tickets are available Rude Awakening, So Chic Bebe, City Center Gallery and Books and The Pilgrim. The night of the event tickets can be purchased at the Downtown Alliance office on Hay Street. Call the Downtown Alliance at 222-FDTA (3382) for more information.

  • The stage is set. You enter the theater, clutching the playbill you received upon your arrival. The theater is filled with low chatter as you settle into your seat and read the synopsis and details about the artists. The lights dim, the curtain rises and you sit, enraptured by a live performance at the world-famous Bolshoi Ballet and Opera Theatre, founded in 1776, or the London Opera House or the Teatro alla Scala — Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker, Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Puccini’s La Boheme, the Royal Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet. Only you’ve never left town!

    Balletomanes and opera fans can enjoy this world-class ballet and opera experience several times a year at the Carmike Market Fair 15 theater located at 1916 Skibo Rd. in Fayetteville — at a fraction of the cost of airfare, hotel and tickets!

    Such a cultural adventure is possible through the unique partnership of Carmike Cinemas with Emerging Pictures and Emerging Cinema, using the digital technology of Microspace to beam live opera and ballet performances by satellite from all over the world. The Ballet in Cinema and Opera in Cinema programs are in their second year at the Market Fair 15, explained Allen McWhorter, general manager of the theater.
    “This year we started the second season Sept. 28,” said McWhorter. “We did the opera Faust, and we’ve done a couple of ballets, like Esmeralda with the Bolshoi Ballet in London and the Bolshoi reopening gala on Oct. 28.”

    The idea behind hosting the program was a result of the corporate office’s desire to “branch out to offer people something more than just movies.”11-30-11-bolshoiballet.jpg

    “We do a lot of sporting events,” said McWhorter. “Some NCAA championship football games and basketball games, NBA all-star games and a couple of things we’ve shown in 3D. Our company is venturing out, trying to get an extra audience other than just moviegoers.”

    Because of the time differences between local time and Europe and Russia, many of the live performances take place in the morning, offering a perfect opportunity for school groups and those who enjoy a mid-day escape to take advantage of the live-theater experience. But no one needs miss out.

    “For all the events that we show, we also show an encore performance, sometimes on the same day,” McWhorter said. “So we do a live version, then we show the recorded feed a few hours later on the same day and then we always do an encore performance a week out, usually at 7 p.m. on a Tuesday. All Carmike Cinemas have Stimulus Tuesdays. We offer dollar popcorn and dollar drinks all day, so we just matched the events with that day. It was the slowest day of the year, but now it’s the most popular weekday.”     

    Tickets for the events are priced comparably to a performance on the stage — and are a real bargain as opposed to traveling abroad to view them in person! Opera tickets are $25, with a group rate of $21 for 10 or more. The ballets are all $20, $17 for any group of 10 or more. Additionally, the theater is exploring targeted promotions to involve schools and further expand its audience, like a recent two-for-one special rate offered on advance ticket purchases for senior citizens 62 and older and dance school attendees for The Sleeping Beauty ballet presentation, which was presented on Nov. 20.

    The upcoming schedule for Opera in Cinema and Ballet in Cinema at the Market Fair 15 includes performances of the classic operas Don Giovanni, La Boheme and Rigoletto and ballets Romeo and Juliet, Le Corsaire and Raymonda. Of course, no holiday season would be complete without The Nutcracker.

    “We’re doing The Nutcracker on Sunday, Dec.18 at 2:30 p.m.,” McWhorter said. “The encore is on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.”

    McWhorter and his staff work hard to enhance the overall experience for the audience, as well promote the programs to the area.

    “When people come, we give them a playbill. We talk to them as they come in and try to find out how they heard about us. I definitely ask for their suggestions,” he said.

    The Opera in Cinema and Ballet in Cinema websites, www.operaincinema.com and www.balletincinema.com, offer season schedule information and details about the individual presentations. Visitors to the sites may also join other opera and ballet super fans to help spread the word throughout the community about this exciting program that brings performances from some of the greatest ballet and opera houses around the world — right to Fayetteville.

    For more information, contact the Market Fair 15 at 868-9791. Tickets may be purchased online at www.carmike.com, www.fandango.com or at the box office.

  • uac110211001.jpg In 2002, when the first Soldiers began to return from Afghanistan, the nation was awash in yellow ribbons and American flags. Nowhere was that more obvious than in Fayetteville.

    Fayetteville is the home to the more than 50,000 troops who are assigned at Fort Bragg and Pope Army Airfi eld. It is also the home of the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division and the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. It has been said that when the world dials 911, the phone rings here at Fort Bragg.

    The families of the soldiers who were going in and out of Afghanistan, and later Iraq, showed their support for their soldiers while they were deployed in very visible ways. And upon their return, the community welcomed them with open arms.

    Flash back 40 years, and it was a totally different story.

    In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s the streets of Fayetteville were also awash in a sea of uniforms. Hundreds of thousands of young men came to Fayetteville prior to shipping out to Vietnam and stopped there upon their return.

    This close association with the military and the Vietnam War resulted in Fayetteville’s unfortunate moniker, Fayettenam. And, in its heyday, the name fit.

    The soldiers, many of whom underwent training at Fort Bragg, went off to fight on foreign soil, and returned home to turned backs and protesters. Unlike their predecessors in World War I and World War II, there were no ticker-tape parades and the nation did not embrace them.

    Today, Fayetteville is seeking to change that by hosting Heroes Homecoming, a 10-day homecoming celebration for Vietnam veterans that will culminate with a parade down Hay Street on Veterans Day.

    According to organizers, Fayetteville created Heroes Homecoming as a way of showing all Vietnam veterans that they remember and appreciate their courage, their sacrifi ce and everything they’ve done to defend freedom — now and forever.

    And just as they have shown today’s soldiers an outpouring of love, the city is pulling out all of the stops to show that love and thanks to the veterans they hope will travel to the city to take part in a celebration that many believe is long over due

    .The event officially kicks off on Nov. 4, with an opening ceremony at the N.C. Veterans Park Amphitheatre at 10 a.m. And then a dizzy array of events follows for the next 10 days.

    Throughout opening day and the remainder of the month, you can check out a variety of exhibits at Fayetteville’s many museums.

    11-02-11-heroes.jpgAt the Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County, you can take in the Vietnam Photography Project and Witness: The American Vietnam Experience, as told by local Vietnam veterans and native-born Vietnamese. At the Museum of the Cape Fear, you can peruse Voices of the Vietnam Warand, on Fort Bragg, the John F. Kennedy Special Forces Museum is home to numerous exhibits focusing on Special Forces involvement in Vietnam.

    The Airborne and Special Operations Museum, and the adjacent N.C. Veterans Park, can be considered ground zero for the celebration.

    On Nov. 6 at 8 a.m., The Vietnam Moving Wall will be escorted to the museum by the Fayetteville Police Department and N.C. Rolling Thunder Chapter 1. At 3 p.m. a Salute to Veterans ceremony will officially open the parade field, featuring flags representing veterans from all services. The Vietnam Moving Wall will also be open to the public at this time.

    The half-size replica of The Vietnam Wall in Washington, D.C., will allow visitors to experience seeing the more than 58,000 names of those service men and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. Rolling Thunder volunteers will assist with locating names for visitors. The Vietnam Moving Wall will be on the museum grounds and open to the public 24 hours each day from Nov. 6 through noon on Nov. 14.

    The Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation is selling 30-inch fl ags ($5) to be displayed on the museum’s grounds from Nov. 6-14. According to Paul Galloway, executive director of the museum’s foundation, this year Vietnam veterans will be honored in a special way. “We are going to separate the Vietnam veterans’ fl ags by putting them in a place of honor directly in front of the Moving Wall. We feel this will help give these veterans the added recognition they deserve.”

    Throughout the week the museum foundation will show free movies, such as Operation Dumbo Drop, The Green Berets, Platoon, Hamburger Hill, We Were Soldiers and Good Morning Vietnam.

    “Before each showing there will be special guest speakers who are associated with that particular movie,” said Galloway. “We are especially pleased to be able to feature Adrian Cronauer, the U.S. Airman who was a DJ in Vietnam, before Good Morning Vietnam.”

    All movies are free and open to the first 250 reservations.

    On Nov. 11, a POW/MIA Vigil and MIA Recognition Ceremony will take place. Every hour on the hour the meaning of the Missing Man table will be explained and bios of current Vietnam MIAs will be read. This will take place from noon to 8 p.m.

    On Saturday, Nov. 12, the day will begin with a Veterans Day Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial at 10 a.m. A second ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. at the N.C. Veterans Park. This is the offi cial North Carolina Veterans Day celebration.11-02-11-heroes2.jpg

    On Saturday, Nov. 12, events will be ongoing throughout Fayetteville’s historic downtown, but perhaps the most anticipated event is the Heroes Homecoming Veterans Day Parade at 11 a.m. All Vietnam veterans are welcome to participate in the parade.

    One veteran who will be on hand is Rossy Nance. He is a Vietnam veteran who proudly served in the Air Cavalry. Nance, the vice president of the N.C. Vietnam Vet Association, will be driving a restored Vietnam-era jeep and trailer in the parade.

    For a complete calendar of events, visit www.heroeshomecoming.com or see the schedule located on page 11.

    Photos: middle left; Rossy Nancy, vice president of the N.C. Vietnam Vet As-sociation, will be one of the many Vietnam veterans who participate in the Veterans Day Parade. Bottom right; The arrival of the Moving Wall in Fayetteville will be an integral part of the Heroes Homecoming Celebration. 

  • The holidays are approaching and it’s about that time to go on your annual Christmas shopping spree. While Santa Claus is coming to town, so is the 21st annual Yule Mart on Friday, November 18th through Sunday, November 20th. Come to the Fort Bragg club and visit some local and regional vendors, browse the homemade goods and11-09-11-yule-mart.jpgcrafts, and check some presents off that long Christmas list.

    Yule Mart is a non-profit organization that was put together by Fort Bragg’s Officers’ Spouses’ Club and has been the club’s biggest fundraiser throughout the years. “It’s our thing; it brings back a lot of money that we can put back into the Fort Bragg community,” says Missy Ehrenbeit, the Officers’ Spouses’ Club’s Publicity Chairperson, “It helps raise money for scholarships for people on Fort Bragg,as well.”

    “There’s going to be local and regional vendors and everything is going to be hand crafted,” saysEhrenbeit “so the booths that will be there will actually have the person that makes the stuff.” Yule Mart will consist of about 70 different vendors that will feature everything from Americana décor to holiday decorations to homemade breads and granola. “There will be a lot of different things,” says Ehrenbeit, “We’ll have stained glass, a lot of jewelry; there will be a lady that makes bags out of ACU’s and old uniforms, and a lady that makes wreaths.”

    Aside from the craft show, some other activities that will be going on are a Secret Santa Shop that is done by the 82nd airborne. Here the kids can purchase presents for their parents and get them wrapped there so that the parents don’t know what the kids bought them for Christmas. Some other features of Yule Mart will be pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shop, “but the biggest thing there is going to be the vendors,” says Ehrenbeit.

    On Friday, the craft show will open at 10 a.m. and run through 7 p.m. that night. Saturday the mart will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. As far as admission goes, there are daily passes and weekend passes that are available for purchase. The daily pass is $5 per person, while the weekend pass is $8 per person and children ages 10 and under are free. Get in the Christmas spirit this year at Yule Mart. “It’s a wonderful event,” says Ehrenbeit, “We encourage all to come and check it out and help give back to the community.”

  • 11-16-11-harvest-train.jpgFalcon Children’s Home has dedicated more than 100 years to helping kids. In fact, the majority of their charges are from Cumberland County. Caring for children can be an overwhelming and exhausting task. Providing for numerous children, who come from difficult circumstances is another business entirely. The logistics, resources and energy required all multiply — never mind the emotional investment, determination and compassion that goes into it. Even in the best of times, it can be tough making ends meet, but that’s not anything new.

    Harvest Train is a 62-year-old tradition that provides the community with an opportunity to make a difference in kids lives by fi lling in the gaps and meeting the needs of the children who reside there by donating things like school supplies, toiletries and cleaning products.

    This year, Harvest Train is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 22 in the town of Falcon. It starts with a parade at 8:30 a.m. and ends with a program titled A Place Called There at the J.A. Culbreth Memorial Auditorium at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served on campus immediately following the program.

    Harvest Train is a tradition that reaches back to the 1940s when Falcon Children’s Home was struggling to make ends meet. The local women’s ministry groups from several churches started the “Santa Clause Train.”

    The churches rallied and collected items and raised money throughout the year. When it came time for the parade, they met up in Dunn and would make a caravan and drive down I-95 to the Falcon exit. Children from the home watched and waited for the caravan to drive down the streets of Falcon. People in the parade would throw candy to the kids and made the entire event quite festive. After the parade, the children would perform in the auditorium as a way to say thank-you to their benefactors.

    The parade doesn’t start in Dunn anymore, but the parade is something the children look forward to with great anticipation and the supplies are still very much appreciated by the students and the staff.

    If you can’t make it to the event but would still like to help or make a donation, visit www.falconchildrenshome.com or give them a call at 980-1065.

    Photo: Some of Falcon Children’s Home’s earliest charges.

  • 11-14-12-dickens.gifA Dicken’s Holiday is something that the community looks forward to each year as much as bargain hunters anticipate Black Friday and foodies long for Thanksgiving Day feasts. This marks the 13th year of this event, and to be sure, there will be plenty opportunities for merriment and memory making.

    On the day after Thanksgiving, for more than a decade, A Dicken’s Holiday has transformed downtown Fayetteville into a Victorian-style wonderland. This year, Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens, author of A Christmas Carol, joins the celebration, which lasts from 1-9 p.m.

    Dickens has worked as a director and producer for several years. He created his first one-man show in 1993. It was a performance of A Christmas Carol based on readings that Charles Dickens’ regularly performed in the 1860s. Gerald enjoys sharing the works of Charles Dickens with young people and holds workshops and performances in schools and colleges in the Unites States and England.

    In celebration of his great-great grandfather’s 200th birthday, Dickens will perform two one-man shows. In the process he will play more than 30 characters. The first show is A Christmas Carol and the second show is Mr. Dickens is Coming! Both plays take place at Hay Street United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively. Both performances are free, but seating is limited.

    “As this year is the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens, it’s appropriate that we celebrate our 13th annual A Dickens Holiday with actor Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great grandson of author Charles Dickens, as our special guest,” said Mary Kinney, marketing director for the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County. “What a treat to have him here in Fayetteville — all the way from Oxford, England!”

    The day is sure to be packed with fun as Father Christmas will be in attendance, ready to take photos with passersby. Carolers roam the streets and horse-drawn carriages roll through downtown offering a chance to see the local sights from a new perspective. Take a stroll through the many side streets and enjoy the merchants and arts and crafts vendors in Victorian garb.

    While gingerbread houses are a tradition in many homes during the holiday season, this year the event organizers have put a spin on the theme. Cumberland County high school students from nine local schools have built London landmarks from gingerbread. Stop by SkyView and vote for your favorite.

    “The gingerbread competition brings a whole new dimension to A Dicken’s Holiday,” said Kinney. “It is truly amazing to see what the competitors are capable of.”

    A favorite of many, the candlelight procession from the Arts Council to the Market House starts at 5:30 p.m. Dickens will lead the procession, but that is not the end of the celebration. Once the candles are snuffed out, the sky will fill with fireworks to welcome the holiday season.

    A Dicken’s Holiday lasts until 9 p.m. Find out more about this event at www.theartscouncil.com or www.fayettevillealliance.com.

    Photo: Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of author Charles Dickens joins the celebration this year.

  • grady-bowman.jpgGrady Bowman can't remember a time he wasn't performing. He cut his teeth on the theatre seats. He grew up performing. Grady, the son Up & Coming Weekly Publisher Bill Bowman and his wife, Merrilyn, spent countless hours at Cape Fear Regional Theater and at the Fort Bragg Playhouse as a youngster. Some of that time was spent watching his beloved uncle Leonard McLeod on stage. When he was old enough, he stepped out of the audience and on to the stage. He did what came naturally.


    "I used to watch Leonard and think, I can do that," said Bowman. "It just seemed to be something I really liked."


    Many local residents will remember Bowman from his stints on the stage at the CFRT or maybe from television's Young Indiana Jones, or even from his part in Forrest Gump. But while television and movies seemed to like Bowman, his eyes were set on the bright lights of Broadway.


    With that in mind, he admits that he never actually chose performing as a career, it was just part of who he is.


    "It was one of those things where it was always a part of what I did and what I was doing," said Bowman. "I can't ever remember a moment where I decided this is what I want to do. I don't ever remember there being a clear choice or a clear decision, it was kind of the natural progression of things and the natural path of things."


    Bowman, an all-star athlete at 71st High School, attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, but his sights were always set a little higher, and he put in the hard work to make sure he could reach his goals.


    At 27, Bowman has a resume that many life-long performers only dream of: he's traveled the world teaching and performing, and he's been in three Broadway productions (Pirate Queen, South Pacific and most recently Billy Elliot). South Pacific won seven Tony Awards last year and Billy Elliot received 10 this year.


    Aside from talent and working hard, Bowman says that dedication and confidence really are key when it comes to succeeding as a performer.


    "I just think it is one of those things, if you are going to decide to do it you can't be afraid of it," said Bowman. "I have a lot of friends who move up to New York to be in this business and they get up there and get a temp job or waitressing job and they don't go to auditions because they are just kind of afraid of the whole thing and intimidated by it. It is something you just have to dive into. If you make the decision to do it you've got to do it all the way or you can't expect anything from it."


    In a move that surprised a lot of people, even to a small extent Bowman himself, he elected to leave the cast of the wildly popular Billy Elliot and take a stab at something new. He packed his bags and headed to Florida to work on a new show called Wonderland: Alice's New Musical Adventure, and will be traveling through the beginning of the year. The music for Wonderland is by Frank Wildhorn, the composer of The Civil War and Jekyll & Hyde, with lyrics by Jack Murphy. Gregory Boyd will direct.


    "I have to learn all the male ensemble tracks in the show and I only go on when someone is sick or injured," said Bowman. "Which is great too, because you see the show from several different perspectives, which I really like."


    Once he returns to New York from the tour, Bowman intends to take some time to work on a few things that have been on the back burner recently. With a solid record as a performer, he is looking to make his mark in other areas now.


    "I would love to work as much as a choreographer as I am as a performer," said Bowman. "I think that I should keep performing. I love to do it and I should probably keep doing it while my body is still able to do it. I guess the ultimate goal is to transition into choreography and choreograph a show that you are really attached to and really believe in. You wanna be able to work on projects that you believe in artistically and that fulfill you - even if they are not going to get you commercially recognized and what not."


    Being a risk taker is just part of the deal when it comes to pursuing dreams, but Bowman doesn't have a problem with that - he's come this far and has no doubts that he can reach the heights he's been dreaming of.
    "It is hard to find a balance between that kind of stuff and making money because you've got to make money to live in New York," said Bowman. "You just have to find that balance."

     

  • 112812-tv.jpgOur cynical age will never be able to turn out a convincing movie about a Christmas miracle, like It’s a Wonderful Life. Filmmakers keep trying, though, especially in December TV movies. It’s refreshing that Finding Mrs. Claus (Sunday, 9 p.m., Lifetime) declines to play this losing game, instead embracing 21st-century cynicism. This is a comic tale of Christmastime greed, lust and phoniness, set — where else — in Las Vegas.

    Mrs. Claus (Mira Sorvino), who’s estranged from Santa (Will Sasso), comes to Sin City to help a lonely single mother (Laura Vandervoort) find true love. Sorvino is hilarious as a pure-hearted North Pole denizen who’s clueless about the sleazy world she’s landed in. “Who here is single and looking for love?” she sweetly asks a group of guys in a casino, not realizing that this question could be taken the wrong way.

    While Finding Mrs. Clausworks as a naughty satire, it also has a heart, thanks to Vandervoort. She communicates real decency, even in this corrupt setting. That’s about as close to a Christmas miracle as we’re going to get in a contemporary movie.

    The Hour

    Wednesday, 9 pm (BBC America)

    This British series rivals Mad Men as a period gem. The new season begins in 1957, amid talk of Sputnik and Mario Lanza. The setting is a TV news operation that produces The Hour, featuring a popular but unreliable anchor (Dominic West). Producer Bel Rowley (Romola Garai) rides herd on him, while new network bureaucrat Randall Brown (Peter Capaldi) rides herd on her. Brown insists that the program has lost its “tingle.”

    The Hourrevels in its time and place. It evokes 1950s England with a slinky jazz and rockabilly soundtrack, a rich palette and clouds of cigarette smoke. The costume department indulges in silky elbow-length gloves and mink stoles, not to mention stunning office wear for Garai. Speaking of whom: Why doesn’t this wonderful British actress (Emma, Atonement) have Kate Winsletscale stardom?

    As far as I’m concerned, The Hour has lost none of its tingle.

    Be the Boss

    Sunday, 10 pm (A&E)

    The creators of Undercover Bosspremiere a reality competition that focuses on ambitious employees. Each week, two of them vie for a promotion, learning only at the end that the winner will be granted ownership of a new franchise. In the pilot, employees Ashley and Jason are run through a series of entrepreneurial challenges by the Complete Nutrition chain.

    I’m worried that, with its ultra-competitive approach, Be the Boss will select for really creepy winners. Ashley and Jason are encouraged to ridicule and undermine one another. They must display over-the-top arrogance to gain Complete Nutrition’s approval. And they’re forced to submit to random orders, like showing up for an early-morning target-shooting session for no apparent reason.

    What kind of monster emerges as the victor in a contest like this? I predict a spinoff series called Legal Methods for Getting Rid of Your Psycho Franchise Owner.

  •     Recent research in the Journal of Economic Analysis and Policy sheds light on the thorny social issue of why females continue to earn less money than males, even in similar jobs. Competing hypotheses have been advanced: It’s either gender discrimination or simply that more women than men de-emphasize career aggressiveness in favor of family. The recent research suggests discrimination. Researchers found that females who were established in jobs and who then underwent sex changes actually increased their earnings slightly, but that males who became females lost about one-third of their earning power, according to an October summary of the research in Time magazine.

    Fine Points of the Law
        A 38-year-old man was cited for disorderly conduct in Fond du Lac, Wis., in September after he bought a beer for his sons, ages 2 and 4, at the county fair. He could not be cited for providing alcohol to minors because, under Wisconsin law, parents are exempt, but he was written up for swearing at police.
        Meleanie Hain’s Pennsylvania concealed-weapons permit was revoked in September after spectators complained about her openly carrying her loaded, holstered Glock at her 5-year-old daughter’s soccer game. However, the only penalty under state law is the loss of the privilege of concealment, so that if Hain continues to carry the gun, she must do so openly.

    Cultural Diversity
        Athletes Demanding Respect: “I think one day it should be an Olympic sport,” said Jeannine Wikering, 26, who finished third while representing Germany in the 10-nation European pole-dancing championship in Amsterdam in September.
        And Australia’s champion sheep-shearers prepared to once again lobby the country’s Sports Commission for official recognition, which would enable them to apply for training grants and corporate sponsorship. Shearers are revered in New Zealand, with televised matches and large prizes, according to an August dispatch from Sydney in Britain’s Guardian, but Australia’s top shearers get much less respect.

    Latest Religious Messages
        Spiritual Rulings: The highest ranking Muslim authority in the Turkish province of Adana declared in August that observing the fasting requirement of Ramadan could be assisted by the use of medical “patches” that reduced hunger pangs.
  •     {mosimage}Great Marley’s ghost! It will be a “dickens” of a time in downtown Fayetteville on Friday, Nov. 28, as the ninth annual Dickens Holiday is observed, turning historic downtown into a Victorian Christmas wonderland.
        The event kicks off at 1 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. and will feature such holiday faves as roving carolers, horse drawn carriage rides, hot cider, bright lights and decorations, and, of course, business owners and volunteers dressed as Victorian period characters, many of them straight out of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
        “I think it will be our biggest celebration ever,” said Margo Jarvis, spokesperson for the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, which presents the Dickens Holiday in collaboration with the Fayetteville Downtown Alliance. “Last year we had more than 10,000 people and I expect even more to show up this year. The event gets bigger every year as the renaissance of downtown Fayetteville continues.”
        In addition to most of the downtown businesses being made up for the holidays, Jarvis said revelers can look forward to 19 arts and crafts vendors as well as seven food vendors and copious entertainment, including the Salvation Army band and the Highland Brass Ensemble. There will also be the traditional lighting of the Christmas decorations by a child selected randomly from the audience, as well as fireworks.
        And there’s something new this year — $500 in cash prizes for the winners of the Victorian costume contest, which starts at 7 p.m. in the Metropolitan Room. Entry fee is $10 for advance registration, $15 at the door. Here’s some guidelines for dressing like the Dickens: Look in thrift shops/resale shops/ yard sales for old, wide brimmed dress hats. Trim with flowers, feathers, ribbon, netting, lace, etc. Bonnets were popular also. Check with relatives, they may have an old bonnet in their attic. You can make a mobcap (maid’s cap) by cutting an 18-inch circle from cotton material. Thread a large needle with narrow ribbon (or you can use narrow rope elastic) and use a running stitch 3 inches from the cut edge all the way around. After you have gone all around the circle make sure both the ribbon ends come out the same side. Glue lace around the edge. You will set it on your head, pull the ribbon (rope elastic) to fit and tie the ends into a bow. Tuck the bow under the cap. Pin cap to hair to keep in place. Ladies always wore their hair up, the only time they let it down was for bed.
        If you don’t feel like dressing the part, you can always shop the night away. Patrons of the downtown shops will receive a free candle, which will come in handy as darkness approaches and the clock reaches 5 p.m. and townspeople gather in front of the Arts Council for the candlelight procession which begins at 5:30 p.m. The crowd will follow a carriage to the Market House for the lighting of the Holiday Tree and the illumination of Olde Fayetteville. The fireworks display will follow.
        “It really is a reflection of what’s going on downtown,” said Hank Parfitt of the Fayetteville Downtown Alliance. “So many of the shops there were built during the Victorian era and have been renovated and restored and really represent that time period well.”
        While the Dickens Holiday itself is free, there is a charge for carriage and wagon rides. For $15, you can ride aboard Queen Victoria’s Carriage. It departs from the transportation museum at 1 p.m. and reservations may be made in advance by calling 678-8899. Or, for $10, you can hitch a ride on Ye Olde Hitch Wagon; tickets go on sale at 222 Hay St. at noon — no advance reservations for this one.
        There will also ne a sneak preview of the Gilbert Theatre’s performance of A Christmas Carolat the Metropolitan Room.
  • Question: Boil 4,000 pounds of spaghetti, add 800 gallons of sauce, plus an assortment of tantalizing sweets and pastries and what do you get?11-07-12-spaghetti.gif

    Answer: The World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry Sale.

    On Nov. 14, the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church will host its annual spaghetti and pastry sale. The event runs from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. The take-out meal will be served at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church Hellenic Center located at 614 Oakridge Ave.

    “The dinner was started more than 50 years ago by my father-in-law and has grown from serving 400 dinners to more than 10,000,” said Tony Kotsopoulos, event coordinator. “It was designed to raise funds for the church and now supports two local charities as well. I have been coordinating the event for the past 23 years and it has become a labor of love. It can be a logistical nightmare but it uplifts my spirit.”

    In order to prepare such a meal, volunteers engage in a choreographed exercise involving preparation and serving.

    “There are more than 100 volunteers from the Greek Orthodox community who participate in this labor of love as well,” Kotsopolos stated. “There have been people who have been participating in this event for as long as I have been coordinating it. I enjoy watching the constant flow of traffic throughout the day and seeing people come from all over Fayetteville and surrounding communities. It’s more than the spaghetti they come for. I think it’s about the sense of camaraderie and knowing the monies are going to causes that benefit the community as well,” said Kotsopolos.

    The spaghetti meal costs $6.50 and is carry-out only. In addition to the fi ne pasta and sauce, the church auxiliary will have sweets and desserts complementing this fantastic feast. The pastries are available at an additional cost. Arrive earlier in the day, as the pastries are sought-after items.

    As part owner of Luigi’s restaurant on 528 N. McPherson Church Rd., Kotsopolos is no stranger to hosting large dinner parties. Once a year however, he and the dedicated volunteers pull out all the stops to provide the public with a meal not soon forgotten.

    “This event helps keep my work ethic in check and is a way of saying thank you to the always supportive Fayetteville community,” he added.

    For further information please contact the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church at 910-484-2010 or visit their website at www.stsch.nc.goarch.org.

    Photo: An annual event, The World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry Sale is a Fayetteville tradition.

  • Methodist University’s Office of Career Services has launched a new program with several partners, called the MU Exclusive Internship Program.

    The program, led by Director of Career Services, Antoinette Bellamy, was unveiled at a luncheon Oct. 25.

    “This program underscores our commitment to provide every student with an internship opportunity,” said President Ben E. Hancock Jr.

    Coinciding with President Hancock’s goal of creating 100 Partnerships, organizations who are in the MU Exclusive Internship Program will partner with the university to offer ex-clusive internship opportunities to MU students during the 2013 May Term. Several companies are already signed on with the program, including N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Fayetteville’s Public Works Commission (PWC), Spring Lake’s Mayor’s Office, U.S. Army Special Operations Command and Microbac Laboratories.

    “By partnering with organizations like these, that understand the complexities of the job market and are willing to assist MU students advance professionally, the MU Exclusive Internship Program will help fulfill the university’s promise to prepare students for productive careers and lives of meaning and purpose,” Hancock said.11-14-12-methodist.gif

    Bellamy said her office will work to recruit students for positions based on criteria provided by the partners, screen prospective interns and require students to meet with her staff in one-on-one sessions to prepare them for entering into a professional working environment.

    “The MU Exclusive Internship Program provides students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience,” Bellamy said. “Students will be able to develop entry-level skills in a specific occupation, and practice the basic career management skills necessary to obtain, sustain and advance in their fields.”

    Learning is also an aspect of internships, and students interns are expected to meet several learning outcomes, such as developing job-specific competencies, exploring their chosen career field, gaining a broader knowledge of the organization and developing their personal and interpersonal skills like communica-tion, self-confidence and assertiveness.

    In their internships, students will get a 3- to 10-week experience during the summer to work at least 100 hours or longer during the regular academic year. The internships will come in many forms, part-time or full-time, and could be paid or non-paid. All of the internships will include learning objectives, observations, evaluations and assessments.

    In return, the partner organizations will have the opportunity to bring new perspectives to their business, gain quality and motivated candidates for special projects, manpower to free up their normal employees for other projects and tasks and a cost-effective way to recruit and evaluate potential employees.

    “Research shows that 60 percent of students who participate in paid internships are more engaged in projects and the organization,” Bellamy said. “Since students must be able to sustain themselves, we encourage paid internships. However, we do understand that some partners are unable to make such a financial commitment.”

    Whether paid or not, Bellamy said her office encourages students to con-sider the benefits of the experience. As an additional benefit for students, the experience will be listed on the student’s co-curricular transcript.

    Businesses can register as an MU Exclusive partner and post intern-ship positions online at collegecentral.com/methodistuni-versity. For more information on how to become an MU Exclusive partner, contact Antoinette Bellamy at 910.630.7257 or abel-lamy@methodist.edu.

  • When it comes to war, peace keeping, nation building and the like, those in the military don't get a say in making the policies that they are expected to enforce and support. They get orders and carry them out - no matter how routine or how difficult. It can be easy to forget that while these men and women in uniform are serving and protecting the country on our behalf they are more than tools of the government, they are people with lives and commitments, concerns and fears. They are citizens of the population that
    they protect.

    letters-pic-ian.jpgOn Nov. 16-18, Givens Performing Arts Center at UNC Pembroke presents Letters From Home, a play that brings to life actual letters written by military members who have served in the Middle East and reveals what goes on in the hearts and minds of those who serve.


    "I think that the audience will see, or have an opportunity to better see, what is in the hearts of soldiers," said Tasha Oxendine, director of marketing at Givens Performing Arts Center.


    "That they are not just soldiers fighting for their country but these are fathers, these are sons and daughters, these are neighbors, mothers and fathers. They are people who are protecting the country, but they will see what they are feeling while their lives have been put on hold to defend the country."


    The production gets its inspiration from the New York Times op-ed article "The Things They Wrote" and the HBO documentary that followed - Last Letters Home. Careful to keep politics out of the picture, the play uses a minimal amount of props, and relies heavily on its actors to convey the feelings being expressed in the letters.


    "Collectively, the production gives voice to a generation that went to war against terrorism," said Oxendine. "To see these letters put to a theatrical tone in a play is a very rich way to portray people who have put their lives on the line. It will be an interesting evening."


    The topic of war and deployment can be quite heavy but Oxendine suggests that there will be a variety of letters to portray more than just the tragedy of war, but also tender moments.


    "I think it is going to be very heartfelt. I think people will come away with a different view than what they have seen and heard previously."


    In a community with such a large military population, Oxendine is hopeful that it will shed light on the kind of life that service members lead.


    "I talked to one vet (about the performance) and he had been injured in the war," said Oxendine. "But he said he felt like it was something that was good for the young people to hear. I thought that was an interesting view... for him to say he felt like it was something that they need to know about."


    Tickets are between $5 and $20. Show time is 8 p.m. Check out
    www.uncp.edu/gpac or call
    521-6361
    or (800)367-0778 for more info.

  • The North Carolina State Ballet will present the Nutcracker at the Crown Center Theatre Dec. 6, 12 and 13 at 3 p.m. The gala performance is presented in two acts and three scenes and has a cast of 60 dancers and actors.


    The Nutcracker is headlined by international guest artists, Barbara Toth and Wei Ni, who dance the "Sugar Plum Fairy" and the "Cavalier." Anne Talkington alternates "Clara" grown up with Dara Buffaloe. April Glasper performs as the "Flower Queen" and Daniel Moore is "Drosslemeyer".


    The cast of sixty plus Dancers and Actors is directed by, Charlotte Blume. Both Toth and Ni are international ballet dancers who have performed with companies in China, the U.S., Canada and Europe. Set in the 19th century, it is the story of "Clara", who receives an enchanted "Nutcracker" from her Godfather(Drosselmeyer) and then embarks on a Magical Journey. She travels from the terror of the "Mouse King" to a Romantic Odyssey with the "Nutcracker Prince" to the "Land of Snow" and to the "Land of Sweets".


    Ni is a native of Dalian, China. He began his study of ballet at Shangyang Ballet Academy of China and has danced with several companies in China before coming to the United States where he danced for Tulsa Ballet Theater, Cincinnati Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theater before coming to North Carolina. From Hungary Toth came to North Carolina in 2007 from Hungary where she studied dance at the Hungarian Dance Academy in Budapest. She also studied for a year at the School of American Ballet in New York City.


    For Blume, the annual production is a way of giving the community the gift of dance, and of showcasing the talented ballet students in the community.

    "We have a large group of talented dancers who are performing," said Blume. "Some of them are from areas outside of Fayetteville; however, most are from Fayetteville. We rehearse seven-days a week - so it's a major undertaking."

    The company started rehearsals the third week of September, with various portions of the ballet being rehearsed every day. "We worked on something every day, and then we put it all together," said Blume.
    Blume said that she sets the bar high for her dancers.

    "I always expect a high-level performance and I work toward that end," she said. "I always try to bring the dancers up to the level of the choreography. We definitely don't water the choreography down. If we did that, it would not be an exciting performance or at the level that the community has come to expect from this company."

    While the public performances are highly anticipated, it is the school performances that give the dancers the biggest thrill, and are part of what drives Blume on.

    "We have three school performances each year," she said. "For many of these students, this will be the first time they are exposed to the ballet."
    All of Cumberland County's fourth grade students attend the performance.

    "When students start young going to ballet, concerts or theatre - they develop a taste for it - they find out what a wonderful experience it is and how it transports them, and as adults they pursue the interest," she explained.

    The Nutcracker performance has been ongoing for more than 30 years, with students attending for the past 20 years.

    "The children are very, very excited," said Blume. "The first school performance they are so excited that the dancers can barely contain themselves - then they want that same sense of excitement from the adult audience as well, but the adult audiences tend to be more restrained. The children are so excited by first act that they get tired of clapping, but they never get tired of the show."

    Tickets for the public performances are $14 for general seating. There is a military discount available at the door. For more information, call 485-4965.

  • uac111010001.jpg Early one recent Saturday morning, four teen-aged girls stretched out on the stage of the Westover High School Auditorium. In the darkened room, they chatted about every day things near and dear to the heart of teenagers: boys, football and dresses.

    In the relaxed environment, they listened to their teacher/ mentor Laura Stevens talk excitedly about the upcoming Heart of Christmas Show featuring the girls — Hannah Godbold, 15; Mandy Hawley, 16; Rachel Crenshaw, 15; Katelyn Godbold, 14; and Hannah Pritchard, 12 — who are collectively know as Voices of the Heart.

    “This is an incredible group of girls,” said Stevens, who has been directing the show that is slated for Saturday, Nov. 27 and Sunday, Nov. 28 at the Crown Theatre. “They’ve been performing together as a team for the past two years, and that helps make it a solid show. They sing so well together. It’s really a landmark for us this year. We have had a lot of great Voices of the Heart over the years, but this one has a particularly great harmony, and they all have equal talent. Not only are they great singers, they are also great dancers.

    “Gone are the days when you could be in Voices of the Heart and only sing,” continued Stevens. “You have to be able to dance as well. We have added a lyrical dance segment in our church concerts — a praise dance. Even the stiffest churches have embraced that with open arms. That’s such a heartbeat for me. I’ve always loved that. It took a long time to get to here. To be on that stage, you have to be able to perform, to express your passion on your face. When the lights come on, these girls have it all.”

    What they bring to the stage creates the Christmas magic that Fayetteville residents have come to know and love.

    “It is really a Fayetteville tradition,” said Stevens. “Since the show is on stage Thanksgiving weekend, it really is the kick-off to the Christmas season. Everyone enjoys lights and trees and how Christmas-y the show is. It truly captures the magic and splendor of Christmas.”

    To keep the show fresh, Stevens adds new numbers every year, although the core of the show remains intact. She said this year they are pulling out all of the stops and are adding what she hopes will be real crowd pleasers.

    One big addition is the staging of a live nativity scene, complete with donkeys and sheep, as the audience exits the building. Another addition is the performance of a Rockette-style number. “To see this one, you would have to go to New York,” said Stevens. “We really have worked on the ‘wow’ factor, and promise to deliver a fast-paced, two-hour production.”

    At the end of the day, Stevens acknowledges the show wouldn’t make it without the support of community sponsors. “Every year they dig deep and set a little aside for us,” she acknowledged. “It costs more than $100,000 to stage the show, and they foot the bill. We couldn’t do it without them, and Fayetteville wouldn’t have such a great show without them.”

    And the community’s children’s charities and schools would not benefi t without the support of the show’s sponsors and the community. Each year the show raises funds to feed back into the community. Charities like the Child Advocacy Center, the Fayetteville Autism Society and the Friends of Children at Cape Fear Valley receive generous donations from the show. Since its inception, more than a quarter of a million dollars has been put back into the community through the Heart of Christmas Show.

    The schools have also benefi ted to the tune of $100,000. Stevens noted that this year the school shows have already sold-out.

    “It’s great to be able to give that money back to the classroom teacher to let them buy whatever it is they need to be successful in their classroom,” said Stevens.

    She added that the Heart of Christmas Show is about making a difference. It makes a difference in the lives of all of the talented youth who participate from the Voices of the Heart members to the dancers from Linda Kinlaw’s School of Dance. It makes a difference in the community through its charitable bent. And, maybe most importantly, it makes a difference in the lives of those who attend.

    Stevens explained that this year the dance school was uncertain as to their participation because their dancers were so young. A morning visit to McDonald’s changed11-10-10-hoc-pic.gif everything.

    “Michelle, who is one of the artistic directors at the school, was really not sure about bringing these young dancers to the show,” explained Stevens. “She went to McDonald’s for breakfast one morning and the lady working at the counter saw her Heart of Christmas T-shirt.”

    The lady explained that she had attended the show the previous year. At the time, she was a resident in a substance abuse center for alcoholics.

    “She said that after seeing the show, she got right with the Lord, got back in church and got her life back on track,” continued Stevens. “That was all Michelle needed to hear. That was her answer.”

    If you want to enjoy the magic and majesty of Christmas, be sure to get your tickets. The Saturday show is at 7 p.m.; while the Sunday show is at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and can be purchased at the Crown Box Offi ce or Hawley’s Bicycle World. Tickets are $18 at the door. Tickets can also be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets; however, convenience fees will apply.

  • 11-20-13-poe-house.gifIn simpler time and place, Christmas trees were not adorned with lights and glitter, but with ribbons and bows and handmade decorations. Locally, during the Victorian era, Christmas looked a bit different than what most experience today. North Carolina has a long and rich history as a state. One of the many ways that this history is celebrated and shared is through the Museum of the Cape Fear. Every year the Museum of the Cape Fear offers a peek into the Christmas traditions and life of the past with Poe House Tours.

    The Poe House was built in 1897 for Josephine Montague Poe, who is no relation to the author Edgar Allan Poe. This home housed the successful local business man Edgar Allan Poe and his family for many years. Now the beautiful house is a museum that provides a unique view into the early twentieth century. Beginning Nov. 26, the grand Victorian architecture of the Poe House will be transformed into a beautiful example of a Victorian era Christmas. Megan Maxwell, the education coordinator of the Poe House, and local volunteers decorate the entire Poe House in a single day of hard work. “It is a great holiday tradition. It is a beautiful house — especially with these Christmas decorations” Maxwell said.

    In addition to the beautiful decorations the Museum of the Cape Fear will also host the Annual Holiday Jubilee. The Holiday Jubilee takes place Sunday, Dec. 8, on the front porch of the Poe House and brings many of the Victorian traditions to the public. “The focal point of this event is the Coventry Carolers. They are Victorian era carolers and they sing the traditional carols in acapella. They will perform at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The event is free.

    The Poe House will be decked out in the traditional Victorian Christmas décor, with a slightly modern twist. “We will also be cooking, in the Poe kitchen, some traditional Victorian foods, so if you have never seen anyone cook on a wood burning or coal burning 1902 Glenwood stove this is a great opportunity. We will also have a hands-on craft for kids; they will be able to make either a bracelet or a bookmark. There will also be a Victorian Santa visiting and Christmas stories,” says Maxwell. Additionally the house will be open and tour guides available during the entire Holiday Jubilee.

    There will be plenty of holiday spirit to go aroud at the Poe House this Christmas season. It is the passion for the season and the history that makes the decoration and festivities so astounding. Maxwell shares the excitement that the volunteers and employees of the Poe House possess “I love Christmas! I have this gorgeous house and my own, so I get to go crazy twice. This is an opportunity to share history and the Christmas spirit with the public,” she said.

    Free tours will be offered of the Poe House that will further explain the beautiful decorations and Christmas traditions of the time. Decorations will stay up until Jan. 5. For more information visit http://www.ncdcr.gov/ncmcf/Events.aspx. Admission to the Holiday Jubilee on Dec. 8 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. is free. Tours of the decorated Poe House are also free and take place Tuesdays through Fridays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Saturdays the tours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. beginning on the hour. On Sundays tours are from 1p.m. until 4 p.m. on the hour

  • Holiday LightsThe holidays are upon us and the Cape Fear Botanical Garden will be bringing in crowds with Holiday Lights in the Garden. This is the eleventh year that the event has been held.

    “We started preparing in July … staff members have been working out in the Garden one to two days a week to prepare for BOO-tanical and Holiday Lights,” said Meghan Woolbright, marketing coordinator, Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

    Holiday Lights in the Garden include more than one million lights displayed throughout the botanical gardens. More than simply walking through the lights, there are activities for everyone. Cape Fear Botanical Garden’s glowing light maze is constructed with cool white lights.

    “Our team hit the ground running with the light maze construction and it was a huge hit for BOO-tanical [event] this year and we're sure it will be for Holiday Lights as well. It'll be like your own winter wonderland,” Woolbright said.

    Santa will also be on the scene ready to hear requests from children. Joining Santa, the Grinch will also be found among the lights.

    Visitors may purchase photos with Santa, but selfies with the Grinch are free.

    Visitors are invited to enjoy dinner and snacks from local food trucks to include Howell N' Dawgs, Hollywood Java, Household 6 Catering, and Gloria's.

    Visitors can also warm themselves with hot cocoa and s’mores.

    Entertainment will be scheduled on select evenings and free crafts for children will be provided.

    There will be live entertainment including the Fayetteville Technical Community College Jazz-Orchestra Ensemble, Highland Brass Players from Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, Fayetteville Jazz Orchestra, Gilbert Theater GLEE, Berean Baptist Choir, and Champion Davis Saint – Amand.

    If visitors have last-minute Christmas shopping they can check items off their list in the Garden Gift Shop, which will be open each evening.

    Parking will be free but it is limited. On Dec. 17 and 18, Holiday Lights visitors can park downtown and ride the Can-Do Coldwell Banker Trolley to the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens; tickets to ride will be $5 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

    The trolley will be picking up and dropping off between Cool Springs Downtown District office and Cape Fear Botanical Garden every 20 minutes.

    A Member Preview Night is scheduled for Dec. 2, which will be free to all Cape Fear Botanical Garden members and they can welcome one guest at normal admission price. Members can pay for guest tickets at the Garden Gift Shop.

    For more information or to purchase tickets visit https://www.capefearbg.org/event/holiday-lights-in-the-garden-2/

  • When James Black skates onto the ice at the Crown Coliseum, he will be every little girl’s dream — Prince Charming. Black, and the remainder of the Disney on Ice cast, make it their business to make dreams come t11-03-10-disney.gifo life, and the upcoming show at the Crown is no exception.

    This year Feld is bringing the Princess Classic show to Fayetteville. The audience will have the opportunity to journey through the magic of some of the most beloved Disney stories visiting Ariel’s kingdom under the sea, Belle’s cursed castle the Arabian palace of Jasmine and the cold hearth that Cinderella called home.

    “The Princess Classic show features seven of everyone’s favorite stories,” explained Black, a former World Champion who has appeared in the show for the past five years. “It has Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and finishes with the whole story of Cinderella. It’s got everybody’s favorite story in there.”

    And while the material they have to work with is magic on its own, Black and the cast strive to bring the magic of iceskating to the show.

    “Our cast represents 11 countries in the world, and we are all world-class figure skaters,” he said. “Not only are you getting to see these amazing stories come to life, you are also getting to see some amazing skating. I do several triple jumps, and you will see the same level of professional skating that you see on television right in front of you on the ice.”

    Black was a member of British World Championship team for a number of years before joining Feld. He was the 1999 British Junior Men’s Champion. He won third place in the 2000 British Championships.

    Black noted that his skating style is “energetic” and that he “likes to make diffi cult things look easy.

    ”“I really like for the audience to know that I’m having a great time out there,” he said.

    “I finished my competitive career in 2004, but still wanted to skate,” he explained. “Feld’s Disney shows are the biggest ice shows in the world, so that led me straight to them.”

    Black first performed in 100 Years of Magic, but then made the move to the Princess Classic show. Even though he’s been skating in the show for the past fi ve years, he added that it is always fresh.

    “It doesn’t get old,” he explained. “Even though you get used to the traveling and living out of the suitcase, you are given this amazing opportunity to travel to some places that most people don’t have the opportunity to visit. We’ve played every continent except Antartica. It’s been fantastic

    .”Black said one of the things that keeps the show so fresh for him is the enthusiasm of the audience.

    “One of the first things people will notice if they haven’t been to a show before, is that the children come dressed as their favorite character — in this case their favorite princess,” he said. “It’s something we love to see. We also see the audience loving the show that they are seeing on the ice. You can see how they relate to it, and even in the adults you can see how they remember the story. We love to see their smiling faces, and we love noisy crowds.”

    The show is two hours of spell-binding magic, with a 15 minute intermission that will allow you to catch your breath and grab some great Disney gear.

    If you want to catch the magic, you’ll have several opportunities. The show starts on Thursday, Nov. 4 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 7. On Thursday the show begins at 7 p.m. You’ll have two opportunities to see the show on Friday, one at 10:30 a.m. and one at 7 p.m. Saturday’s show are at 2 and 6 p.m., and the show ends on Sunday at 2 p.m.

    For tickets and more information, visit www.atthecrown.com.

  • 10In the tradition of Charles Dickens’ classic short story, “A Christmas Carol”, the annual A Dickens Holiday is a Victorian-era holiday shopping and entertainment celebration held in historic Downtown Fayetteville. A Dickens Holiday is intended to encourage the community to shop and support local businesses during the holiday shopping season.

    This is the twenty-second year that the Arts Council of Fayetteville, through support from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, and the North Carolina Arts Council has planned the event. Vendors line both sides of Hay Street selling a diverse range of goods from hand-knit scarves to metal sculptures, local honey to flavored popcorn — the artisans offer unique products. Shoppers can grab one-of-a-kind gifts to put under the tree.

    Vickie Toledo used to be a patron, now she is a vendor, The Crafty Rooster. She has been a patron for 16 years and a vendor for four years.

    “I love the theme and the people who dress up. It makes it so much more fun than a holiday craft fair,” said Toledo. “It's a craft fair in the era of Dickens, with all the characters from A Christmas Carol, carriage rides and cider, a beautiful candle-lit march down Hay Street and more. It’s a blast.”

    A Dickens Holiday is considered the kickoff event for the holiday season bringing together the best that Fayetteville has to offer. Each year, thousands of onlookers join in the Hay Street festivities.
    Following guidance from the Cumberland County Health Department and in light of COVID-19, the Arts Council’s Board of Trustees has taken a cautious approach to this year’s celebration by encouraging social distancing and offering a lower density of crafters, artists and vendors for the event. Also due to COVID-19, the Dickens candlelight procession to the Market House and firework display will not take place this year.

    There will be street performances by Michael Daughtry, David Nikkel, Coventry Carolers, Highland Brass Ensemble and others. In addition, there will be festive holiday performances by the English Country Line Dancers, a solo violinist, Gilbert Glee, a magician, Highland Brass Ensemble, a stilt walker, Oakwood Waits Double Ensemble, Anthony Sutton and Friends, Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Alpha Omega Dance Academy’s ballet excerpts of "The Nutcracker."

    Characters from “A Christmas Carol” including Father Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge, the Ghosts of Christmas Past and Christmas Future, Jacob Marley, London Bobbies and the Cratchit family with Tiny Tim will be ambling around downtown, mingling with the spectators. This is Eric Hoisington’s fourth year participating in A Dickens Holiday by playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.
    “I am a huge fan of Charles Dickens and have read all of his novels, so it’s amazing to see Fayetteville town’s people once again exposed to the quaintness of Victorian times and the drama inherent in 'A Christmas Carol' while played out by various town-thespians,” said Hoisington. “I walk up and down Hay Street in a bad mood, trying to terrorize the crowd with the depravity that is Ebenezer Scrooge.”

    There are memories to be made at the event including Victorian horse-drawn carriage rides on Hay Street, and Dickens photo cut-outs and a holiday selfie station. The event is free and dog-friendly, though owners should check if animals are allowed inside establishments. A Dickens Holiday event will be held on Nov. 26, from 1 – 8 p.m.

  • 11172010fso-seabrook-2-09.gifThe Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra has been bringing culture and great music to Fayetteville for more than 50 years. Not only do they perform at several venues around town, including local schools, churches, colleges and outdoor parks, they also partner with local arts and cultural venues to perform free concerts and educational events several times a year in addition to a rigorous concert season.

    The 2010-2011 season is underway and on Nov. 20, the symphony is in tune to perform its second concert of the Season of Masterworks. “

    The reason we chose the pieces for this program is that its theme is legends and riddles,” said Dr. Fouad Fakhouri, conductor of the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.

    “The first two pieces of the program really are legendary pieces.” The first one is the “Overture to the Flying Dutchman” by Richard Wagner. Fakhouri compares this piece to a recent film that was quite popular. “It is a great overture that deals with the legend of love — the story is very similar to Pirates of the Caribbean.”

    Fakhouri explained the legend behind the piece: There is a sailor who is cursed and his only way to salvation is to fi nd a woman on shore who will love him unconditionally and forever. Every seven years he comes to shore for that one chance — to try and find his love.

    Next in the line up is Felix Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto in E Minor” which will be performed by Juliana Athayde. Athayde is currently a professor of violin at the Eastman School of Music and has an impressive list of professional accomplishments including an appointment as concertmaster of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in 2005 at the age of 24. Prior to that, Athayde was concertmaster of the Canton and Plymouth Symphonies. She has also performed as guest concertmaster with the Houston Symphony and National Arts Center Orchestra, and has performed both nationally and internationally with the Cleveland Orchestra.

    The finale of the evening is Sir Edward Elgar’s “Enigma Variations — the Riddle.”

    “The reason it is labeled as such is the composer wrote this tune and he told everybody that there is something more to that tune than what is there on paper and nobody to date has been able to figure out what the riddle is behind the piece,” said Fakhouri. “It is a beautiful piece because it is a portrait of all of his friends and loved ones.”

    Elgar took one theme and he has 14 variations of this theme, each one representing a person in his life. He has initials on every one of those movements and those initials are of his friends and relatives.

    “One is of his wife, it is just a beautiful theme and the way he transforms this idea to every person’s character is really fascinating,” Fakhouri added “The last movement of that work is his variation — a musical self portrait — and it is such a great movement. He brings back his wife’s theme in a very delicate moment, as if to say that ‘All of the things that happened earlier in my life were great but the one constant in my life has been my wife’ and he brings that one theme to the very end in a emotional way.”

    Before each performance, the maestro has an informal chat with the audience about what they will hear during the concert, what to listen for and what is significant in the pieces that will be performed. This pre-performance discussion will include Athayde.

    So, while the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at FSU’s Seabrook Auditorium, if you get there around 6:45 p.m. you’ll have a chance to learn a bit about the music and the performers.

    “I think it is definitely going to be exciting and really imaginative in many ways and very diverse.” said Fakhouri. “The beauty of it is there are three different pieces, but certainly two of them have a very profound meaning behind the music.”

    To find out what else the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra has in store for the rest of the year, and to purchase tickets, visit www.fayettevillesymphony.org

  • 09Light Up the City: A Holiday Decoration Celebration is coming to the Cool Springs Downtown District. The event is free for all who wish to attend or participate and encourages shop owners to decorate their windows for the holidays.

    The idea is to bring residents downtown to view the lights and decorations. The decorations turn downtown Fayetteville into a decoratively lit winter wonderland. It is ideal for taking photos and making memories.

    Last year, 35 businesses, restaurants and downtown museums took part in the event.

    It is a great way to fill downtown Fayetteville with holiday spirit. Some locations are decked out with Christmas trees, others strung up lights and lots of places put up garland.

    People can take a self-guided tour downtown. A map will be available on the Light Up the City: A Holiday Decoration Celebration Facebook event page (facebook.com/events/262093505957203) highlighting the establishments that are taking part in the event.

    Maps of businesses taking part in the Light Up the City will also be available at 222 Hay St. beginning Dec. 1. The event will take place from Dec. 1 – 31.

    Letters to Santa will also return with this event and there will be a giant five-foot red mailbox in which children can send their Christmas lists and Santa letters to the North Pole. The “Direct to the North Pole" mailbox will be located outside of the Cool Spring Downtown District's office at 222 Hay Street.

    Just next door downtown visitors will also find the Holiday Alley, a photographic urban holiday oasis designed to spark joy and filled with holiday lights and decorations.
    Families can visit and take photos in the alley.

    “Last year, we saw hundreds of families come, enjoy the holiday decorations and take photos of their children at the photo stations,” said Lauren Falls, director of marketing and events for the Cool Spring Downtown District.

    This is the third year Light Up the City: A Holiday Decoration Celebration will be held and it is the second year patrons can mail a letter to Santa and visit the
    Holiday Alley.

    Businesses are invited to sign up for the event by visiting this link, forms.gle/2YDiUgAZYu7PTfRq5. They must have decorations up by Dec. 1. They may decorate their storefront or inside their business to qualify and share the event link on their social media pages.

    Pedestrians checking out the many lights can vote for the Viewer’s Choice Award, the best display in participating businesses.

    The window voted best dressed wins $250.

    “Last year, we had around 500 people vote for the Light Up the City Viewer's Choice Award poll and the winner for last year was the United Way of Cumberland County,” said Falls.

    In addition to the businesses that have decorated, there will be a 14-foot tree decked out in holiday finery. The community tree will be located at 301 Hay St., in front of the Arts Council of Fayetteville and Cumberland County building and will likely be a prime spot for visitors to take photos.

  • 12012010hiphopdoc.gifBeing fit and staying healthy is not always as convenient as we’d like it to be — Dr. Janine Lowe knows how important it is though and that is why she has organized the Hip Hop, Holiness, Hope and Preventive Health Fair. It’s an event that will not only provide free screening for various medical conditions, it is also going to be a day of great fun.

    “I’ve been blessed enough to have people in my life with generous hearts who enjoy helping others, so it was not too hard to put this together,” said Lowe. “We are going to have several different kinds of screening available for the people who attend the fair,” which is on Dec. 6 at the John D. Fuller, SR. Recreational Center at 6627 Old Bunce Rd. There will be screenings and information about blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, mammography, information on pap smears, colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, childhood safety and immunizations.

    Lowe is certain that the entertainment and free concert will make everyone’s trip worth while.

    Long time fitness and aerobics instructor and author of Fit for the King: God’s Plan for Weight Loss and Total Health, Lt. Col. Thomas Hundley will be making a presentation as will Dr. Rani G. Whitfield — Tha Hip Hop Doc.

    Whitfield is a family physician and an author known for his appearances on CNN, BET’s 106th and Park series, iVillage and other national talk and news shows. In 2008, Dr. Whitfi eld released Tha’ Hip Hop Doc Presents: State of Emergency, a health/education music CD, and the comic book series Tha Hip Hop Doc Presents: The Legion of Health, as vehicles to encourage young people to adopt good health habits. He is also the founder of the nonprofit Hip Hop Healthy Coalition that promotes healthy living platforms to youth groups throughout the world.

    The event will run from 4-8 p.m. Come ready to move, be entertained and to learn a few things too! To find out more about the fair visit www. allthingsencouraging.com

  • 16Thanksgiving is a day when we reflect on all we are thankful for, often that is our family and friends.

    It can be hard to spend the holidays far from family and friends.

    Fayetteville has a large military population, which means that there are a lot of folks far from home, and they often can’t make it back home for the holiday.

    “We always have a great military crowd in our taproom, and we are a veteran-owned company,” said Olivia Caughey, event manager at Bright Light Brewing Company. “We encourage those serving that do not have Thanksgiving plans to come on down!”

    BLBC is hosting Hoppy Thanksgiving for the fifth year. They are a startup nano-brewery in downtown Fayetteville located at 444 West Russell St., Suite 102. Hoppy Thanksgiving is free and open to all ages.

    The event starts at 1:30 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Nov. 25. There will be live music from 7 – 9 p.m. Dogs are welcome.

    What would Thanksgiving be without turkey?

    BLBC will be cooking up three turkeys for the event. Side dishes and goodies will be prepared and donated by staff.

    If you want to share your favorite food, they encourage patrons to bring it to the taproom. But don’t feel as though you must. You do not need to bring anything to celebrate Thanksgiving with BLBC.

    “The company expects to see some of their mug club members which is a group of 75 individuals we have invited to be a part of a group where they have a permanent mug at our taproom and special events,” Caughey said. “Also at Hoppy Thanksgiving, in addition to the mug club members, staff family and friends, and hopefully those who don't have Thanksgiving plans will come.”

    BLBC knows how to put the “hop” in Hoppy Thanksgiving.

    “We will, as always, have 15 taps, canned ciders and wines, as well as three new beers,” Caughey said. “We're bringing back our pineapple pale ale, a caramel macchiato beer and a special holiday pilsner.”

    There is no reason why you should be alone this holiday. BLBC invites those without a place to go to join them on Thanksgiving to enjoy good company, a holiday meal and a beer.

  • 12Fayetteville's unique connection to the military and veterans is never more evident than during Heroes Homecoming. Encompassing a week of events focused on service members, veterans and families, Heroes Homecoming has been a staple in America's Hometown since 2011. This year is no exception. The event kicks off with the annual Fayetteville Veterans Day Parade, see page 15 for the full story.

    Once families have celebrated the heroes on Hay Street, there are several additional activities to enjoy throughout the area.

    For a few of these additional events folks can head out to Dirtbag Ales Brewing and Taproom.

    Dirtbag Ales is hosting a Kickball Tournament and registrations is $25, all of which will go to Mission 22.

    Mission 22 is a national community seeking to support services members, both active and veteran and their families, in dealing with mental health issues, raising awareness and helping to remember and honor service members and veterans.

    It is a cause close to our hearts, explained Shannon Loper, operations manager, Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom. The brewery will also serve their Heroes Homecoming Pilsner.

    Dirtbag will donate a dollar of every pint of Heroes Homecoming Pilsner sold to Mission 22.

    In addition to the Kickball Tournament, patrons can purchase tickets to the Hope Mills annual Chili Cook-Off. The event has been running for approximately a decade but is celebrating its third year at Dirtbag Ales.

    Previously held in October, the event is now in November due to indecisive North Carolina weather.

    "Depending on how fickle the weather can be, nobody wants to eat a bowl of chili when it's 80 degrees outside," president of the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce, Casey Ferris explained.The cook-off is one of the chamber's biggest fundraisers, and this year they will be donating a portion of their proceed to the Veteran's Farm of North Carolina.

    VFNC's mission is to educate service members and veterans of all ages and eras on all aspects of agriculture.

    "VFCN allows veterans to become heroes in life for a second time by helping them transition into becoming the farmers for tomorrow," according to the VFCN website.

    Participation in the cook-off will cost contestants $25 and an 8-quart crockpot of chili.

    This year the chamber is encouraging festive and fun competition.

    "We want to make it a fun event," Ferris said.

    Chili consumers can purchase a chili flight, which will provide them with a selection of chili-filled shot glasses and a ticket to vote on their favorite.

    Taste-testers can buy tickets for $10 online or at the venue on the day of the event.

    Ferris said quite a few fun participants have already jumped in to compete. Competitors include, but are not limited to, the Hope Mills Fire Department, which will be serving up their "5 Alarm" chili, Fayetteville Technical Community College's Culinary Arts, Napkins and 910Comedy, who will likely be heckling and roasting their competition.

    There are cash prizes for first, second and third place, and any additional chili left after votes are counted and tallied at 2 p.m. will be sold for $5 a bowl.

    These events honor, celebrate, remember and give back to the military and veteran community and programs that support them.

    "We like the opportunity to give back and support our veterans," Ferris said. To participate in the Kickball Tournament, contact Dirtbag Ales at 910-426-2537.

    To sign up to compete in ($25) or eat at ($10) the Hope Mills Chili Cook-Off visit hopemillschamber.com/chili-cookoff-2021.

    Additional information and competition rules and regulations are available on the Hope Mills Chamber of Commerce website.

  • Fayetteville Woman Inducted to Blood Donor Hall of

    Fame

    Nancy Umstead was inducted into a national blood donor hall of fame for her unfailing blood donations over the years.11-05-14-community-news.gif

    The induction ceremony was held Monday, Nov. 3 on the front lawn of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. For more than a decade, The Fenwall Donation Hall of Fame has recognized individuals nationwide who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to blood donation.

    Umstead is one of 12 donors across the country selected for the 2014 Donation Hall of Fame. She has been donating blood at Cape Fear Valley’s Blood Donor Center since 2009.

    “It’s my way of paying it forward,” Umstead said of her blood donations.

    April Maroschak is the Director of Blood Services at Cape Fear Valley Health. She says Umstead is one of the center’s most dedicated donors.

    “She’s a hero in our community,” Maroschak said, “She has selfishly given the gift of life to patients in need by donating whole blood and platelets. This is a fitting tribute to one of our most dedicated donors.”

    Blood centers across the country submit nominations for the Donation Hall of Fame every year. Winners are chosen based on their demonstrated commitment and passion to donating blood and/or encouraging blood donation.

    Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center is the community’s blood center resource, providing vital blood donations to every patient at Cape Fear Valley Health who needs it.

    Fenwall is a global blood technology company, dedicated to supporting transfusion medicine and cell therapies. It’s owned by Fresenius Kabi, a global healthcare company that specializes in lifesaving medicine and technology used for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition.

    FTCC Presents 1 Million Cups: Weekly Gatherings Cultivating Entrepreneurship

    Fayetteville Technical Community College is pleased to announce the launch of the 1 Million Cups weekly gatherings to cultivate entrepreneurship. 1 Million Cups is an educational program that engages entrepreneurs in the community by weekly inviting one or two founders to present his/her startup to a diverse audience of mentors, advisors and entrepreneurs. Through their presentations, founders gain insight into possible ways they can improve their business, gather real-time feedback, and connect with a community who truly cares about their progress.

    1 Million Cups began in 2012 by the Ewing Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City as a way to provide an educational experience to presenting entrepreneurs and for the audience engaging in the program. While the Kauffman Foundation provides support for 1 Million Cups, a team of local entrepreneurs volunteer to run the program at FTCC.

    The kickoff event was Wednesday, Nov. 5, on the Fayetteville Campus. These gatherings are planned to occur weekly each Wednesday to provide founders and entrepreneurs networking opportunities and to learn more about new business startups in our area.

    The inaugural presenters were Matrix Knowledgement, LLC and Next Generation Biomedical, LLC. For current weekly presenters and additional information, please visit http://fayetteville.sites.1millioncups.com.

    Fayetteville Technical Community College was established in 1961 and serves more than 42,000 students annually by providing more than 190 occupational, technical, general education, college transfer and continuing education programs to meet student needs and desires as well as those of the community.

    Visit FTCC’s website at www.faytechcc.edu for more information and follow the instituion on Twitter @faytechcc.

  • A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas (Rated R) Three Stars

    While I loved Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle for its ability to challenge stereotypes, I thought Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay was an ill-considered disaster. A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas (90 minutes) falls some-where in between. While I am sure there are callbacks to both movies, I only really picked up on the references back to Famous Original and Far Superior Harold and Kumar. For example, half-way through the film they go to White11-23-11-movie.jpgCastle! Which reminds me that we need a White Castle in Fayetteville. Krystal Burgers just aren’t the same.

    It is strange that the overall quality of the films is so variable, since the main players are the same, and writing partners Hurwitz and Schlossberg scripted all three movies. I think we can chalk the difference up to directing … the first film was helmed by Danny Leiner, while the second was co-directed by the co-writers. Todd Strauss-Schulson takes the reins on the latest film, so at least the writers realize they were lousy directors.

    A very scrofulous Kumar Patel (Kal Penn) visits Santa (Patton Oswalt, currently stinking up the small screen on Adult Swim’s The Heart, She Holler). In the scene that follows, the directing apparently consist-ed of telling Kumar and Santa to get high and act stupid. Mission accomplished.

    The scene shifts to a clearly successful Harold (John Cho). His assistant Kenneth (the extremely irritating Bobby Lee) has picked up a 3D television for Harold’s father-in-law, which they parlay into some self-referential 3D humor. In a scene that is either a really cool coincidence or a very last minute add (or maybe I completely misunderstand the timeline of movie creation), angry protestors oc-cupy a New York street with class warfare signs. Then they throw eggs at Kenneth, showcasing the only way that 3D should ever be used (to throw things and have them appear to come straight at the audience).

    Luckily, Harold manages to escape most of the barrage. His new friend Todd (Thomas Lennon) is waiting to pick him up and take him back to his lovely wife in suburbia (Paula Garcés). Harold arrives home in time to learn that in addition to his father-in-law (Danny Trejo), the rest of Maria’s extended family is also planning to visit. Many stereotypes and several references to a big party follow. At least we get to see Trejo wearing a Christmas sweater!

    Back at Kal’s lonely apartment, a package for Harold ar-rives, and (SPOILER ALERT) Kumar learns he is expecting a package of this own. Kumar decides to drop off the mystery gift at Harold’s before heading to a party with his new friend (Amir Blumenfeld). Of course, the moment these two share a scene hijinks ensue, pushing them into the quest that will drive the rest of the movie.

    At first Harold and Kumar are accompanied by their bud-dies and Todd’s daughter (Isabella Gelniak). Later, the bud-dies get their own subplot involving Elias Koteas, and Saint Neil Patrick Harris shows up to make the film better and to give Kumar a Wafflebot for Christmas. Arguably, it was his turn in the first film that turned him into the cultural icon he is today, so it is nice to see him here. As is a must for Christmas comedies, the real Santa Claus (Richard Riehle) makes a cameo. Plus, midway through the film there is a fantastic Claymation sequence.

    Overall, Harold and Kumar is a film using a quest as a platform for potty humor and drug jokes while showcasing the best use of 3D since Friday the 13th Part III. If nothing else, it will make you laugh.

    Now showing at Wynnsong 7, Carmike 12 and Carmike Market Fair 15.

  •   uac113011001.jpg At the end of November and during the early part of December, if you happen to run into an unusual number of young athletic men and women in historic downtown Fayetteville, speaking in languages from all over the world, accompanied by equally passionate and interesting people — you should know the Cirque du Soleil is in town! Performing in all the major cities around the world, Quidam, a production by the Cirque du Soleil, is in Fayetteville for eight performances Nov. 30 – Dec. 4 at the Crown Coliseum.

    Cirque’s reputation is one of exceptional artistry, special effects, costuming and remarkable acrobats. So, being able to hang out with Jessica Leboeuf, the publicist for Quidam, before it arrived in Fayetteville, was a recent and quite remarkable experience. My task was to experience different facets of the production company before joining 4,000 other people in Washington D.C., who had purchased tickets to see Quidam.
    What I learned backstage exudes in the performance. Passionate artists, acrobats, extremely skilled light and sound technicians, performers, high-art clowns, costume designers and choreographers have created a two-hour magical place for people of all ages to enjoy. Quidam is a faraway place where anything is possible — from acts of human strength to sublime human sensitivity; where the every day is quite remarkable and the dream believable.

    Before the performance, I watched Banquine, a troupe of mostly Russian and Ukrainian acrobats practice their breath-taking performance — you will easily recognize them on stage as they methodically fling and flip each other through the air, landing on the multiple tiers of a human structure. 

    Gabriel Dubé-Dupris, the general stage manager, explains that performances can change night to night due to the practice sessions. He noted, “Performances are organic and can change night to night. All performers have to be feeling 100 percent before they go on stage. Everyone in the troupe and the trainer has to feel their practice session was exactly where it needed to be in order for them to perform. In the interest of safety, we can alter who is performing what for the evening.”

    I was able to interview Ana Ostapenko, a young athlete and acrobat from the Ukraine who performs with impeccable balance and amazing strength on the balancing canes. She, like Jessica Leboeuf and Gabriel Dubé-Dupris, exuded the joy and passion of having a career with the Cirque du Soleil.

    The production company includes a traveling team that plans and carries out the logistics of the production. Then there is the training, practicing and performances that last 10 weeks. After that rigorous time on the road, the performers return home or take a vacation for two weeks — then they hit the road again.11-30-11-cirque1.jpg

    For Cirque to come to Fayetteville, a lot of work is involved. The production company travels with a chef, all the sets, lights, costumes, weight-training equipment, technicians, washers and dryers and whatever else is needed to rebuild the set, scaffold, light and sound for the performers to begin practicing again.

    The arch overhead in Quidam is moved and installed in each location. It is constructed of five all-aluminum rails for an overall length of 120 feet. Each rail of the arch houses two trolleys that run from one end of the structure to the other. One is used to transport performers and acrobatic equipment and the other raises or lowers them to the appropriate height and position for the particular act. The stage floor alone has more than 200,000 perforations to create special effects with the lighting.

    Quidam is dramatic from the opening performance to the finale. The story begins with a young girl named Zoé who is bored; her parents seem distant and are ignoring her. Her life is forever changed as she opens the door to the “nameless passerby.” From that moment on, Zoé and everyone in the audience experiences the possibilities of the imagination and the idea that anything is possible!

    From aerial acrobats to high-art clowns, the performance is multi-centered and layered, always shifting from the poetic and graceful to the seemingly impossible. A door opens on top of the stage with something humorous and unexpected; then, with an ease of transition, Jerome Le Baut and Asa Kuniak do a routine of sheer artistry and strength as they lift, carry and become entwined with each other as one. In the end, each performance lends itself to be interpreted by all the members of the audience.

    During the performance, I heard the gasps of people in the audience as the acrobats did unbelievable feats of balance and strength; I found myself in awe at the talent and strength of the athletes. As well, I could hear the laughter of small children who found the silliest and simplest of things very funny. So funny, they would laugh out loud without hesitation, yet remain quiet as a mouse when anything dangerous was being performed above their heads or on stage.

    Even the joy of skipping rope becomes artful in Quidam. What begins as two solo performances of jumping rope builds to more complicated rope jumping. As the rope beats time, the performance has been choreographed into an ever increasing manipulation of skill, rhythm and sound by 20 acrobats.

    A gymnastic exercise, the German Wheel performance by Cory Sylvester, in the first act is unforgettable. Sylvester becomes a human spoke as he spins, turns, twists and maneuvers in an eight foot wheel on the stage. In his performance, Sylvester performs gravity-defying acrobatics.

    There is always something happening on stage and above stage. Something is being lifted, lowered, swinging or hanging in the air. In Quidam, the Spanish web is an aerial group act. Artists fly over the stage, then drop into stillness, stopped only by the ropes around their waists or ankles. I just kept thinking “Don’t they need a net?”

    For me, Quidam was a symbolic mix of dark and light, depth and surface, slap-stick and the dramatic. The production is a synthesis of traditional performance styles from around the world. We are each drawn into the performance with the music, lighting, costumes, the strength of the acrobats and the mystery of the story. In the end, it is a roller coaster ride of the unexpected and imagined seamlessly choreographed to become believable.


    For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.atthecrown.com.

  • 08 FamilySayingGraceHC1612 sourceWe have liftoff. With this week's celebration we launch into a season which leaves no one untouched. We'll soon be orbiting a planet inhabited by events affecting people of all walks of life. The calendars of families, individuals, churches, office places and retailers online and local will soon be dominated by deadlines and an unmatched annual intensity.

    This is an understandably joyous time for many. The odd mix of nostalgia and an anticipation of new and better things to come bubbles over amid the lights, the festive decorations and friendly gatherings working in harmony to usher in a sense of excitement. Stores and online shopping carts are filled with people sending black ink to the bottom lines of ledger for businesses of every kind, and the gifts we've secretly collected for months begin to find their way inside boxes and new hiding places behind colorful wrapping paper.

    Others, though, enter the winter holiday season girded with whatever emotional armor is necessary to ward off the conflict between how familiar everything feels and a knowledge it will never be the same. Though the seats may be full, there's an empty place where a well-loved someone once sat. For some it's a spouse, parent or child. For others a sibling or a best friend. After weeks, months or even years of learning new ways to navigate old routines they find themselves in a season filled with activity and the expectation of a smile that's become hard to muster.

    On the brink of the holiday season wrapping up a year that's brought more than it's share of strangeness, the promise of the familiar seems particularly inviting this time around. And within days of the first turkey being properly thawed for its date with a Thanksgiving oven, we arrive to find state officials urging smaller gatherings as Triple-A reports record numbers of people planning to hit the road in search of congregation.

    The typical feast, with its photogenic place settings, kids gathered around a table of their own, and a big city parade on the television in the other room may be more an underground celebration this year. A celebration we hold, but don't talk about for fear of being chastised by those who would accuse us of being irresponsible.

    None of this, though, is reason for despair. None of the weird we bundle under the notion of “2020,” not the feelings of loss or loneliness, and certainly not any state or local mandates to keep it small. None of it should outweigh our love for one another or our hopeful outlook this year. The thanks we give on Thanksgiving can still be given. The joy we celebrate and love we share at Christmas can still be celebrated and shared. The One we offer thanks to is still there, and always will be. Let's walk into this season together — whether we're across the table or across the country — and realize what a gift we are to one another.

  • 06 Trump Book Cover copy this oneBefore running for President of the United States, billionaire real estate investor and developer Donald John Trump was probably most notably known for co-authoring “Trump The Art of the Deal,” which enjoyed a 13-week run on the coveted New York Times bestseller list.

    In this book co-authored by Donald Trump and journalist Tony Schwartz, Donald Trump is portrayed as the great deal maker, and a man able to negotiate and navigate the complicated road map to bring parties together to formulate some of the greatest business deals.

    It was on this premise that in 2016, candidate Donald Trump ran for the U.S. presidency. He ran on the premise of being able to bring the most diametrically opposed world leaders, politicians and industries together in order to “Make America Great Again,” and to once and for all “Put America First.”

    Donald Trump’s “Put America First” agenda quickly turned one of the most beloved businessmen in America into one of the most hated world leaders of all time. Although Donald Trump is probably most notably known for his co-authoring of “The Art of the Deal,” his presidency may be most notably known for the Democrat-written global stage play known as “The Art of Steal.”

    This global “stage play” is loaded with a cast of political leaders from around the globe. From America to Russia, and from North Korea to Ukraine, “The Art of the Steal” is performed on a world stage and produced by a full array of mainstream media outlets.

    Filmed on location at the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, “The Art of the Steal” is guaranteed to take not just your breath away, but your votes as well.

    During the 2020 election blockbuster, Democrats activate their plan to steal the 2020 election using tools that range from collusion to impeachment, civil unrest to a global pandemic, and from unsolicited mail-in ballots to dead voters.

    All these twists and turns have contributed to what former Vice President Joe Biden, one of the lead characters in this political saga, notably called the “most extensive and inclusive voter fraud organization in the history of American politics.”

    This intriguing storyline is riddled with communism, Marxism, and good old-fashioned American patriotism.

    Due to all of the plots and schemes embedded in this expose of political correction, manipulation and scandal, the release date of this epic has been postponed from Tuesday, Nov. 3 until a later date to be determined. Stay tuned for a Supreme Court version of this global spectacle complete with dissents and opinions from the high court that are guaranteed to satisfy the hearts of one side of the country and infuriate the hearts of the other half.

    J. Antoine Miner Sr. is a retired Army Chaplain Assistant and a wounded combat veteran. When he is not writing satire, he serves as the Executive Director of the EMPACT One Foundation.
    EMPACT One Foundation is a local organization dedicated to providing needed resources, programs and services to individuals, families and communities most in need. Through donations and community outreach, E1F strives to make a lasting impact in the lives of the people they serve in the community.

  • 02 empty placeWith mere weeks left in this God-awful year of 2020, there is some positive news to digest.

    While there is still much we do not understand, we have learned a lot about COVID-19. We know it is spread largely through respiratory contact, and that some infected people spread the virus but show no symptoms and are not ill themselves. This knowledge focuses our behaviors and activities.

    In addition, not one but two, pharmaceutical companies report better than 90-percent efficacy of their newly developed COVID-19 vaccines. Dr. Anthony Fauci and other infectious disease experts are heartened, as the rest of us should be.

    We have a long way to go until either one or both become publicly available, probably first to health care providers, then to high-risk populations, and finally to the general public. When my turn comes, I will be in line for sure, both to protect myself and also those whom I love and who love me. Experts say we are looking at spring or summer of 2021, at best.

    Between now and then, the holidays loom. These are occasions when we traditionally gather with family and friends for both festivities and religious observances. The holidays form our most cherished moments and our collective memories. At a time when we want and need to be together, many of us will not and should not do so.

    The United States and much of the rest of the world are staring down a third, and perhaps the deadliest, pandemic surge so far. Unlike earlier surges clustered in metro areas like Seattle and New York City, the virus is now everywhere in our nation, rampaging through previously unscathed rural areas across our nation and occupying more hospital beds than ever before. Communities where residents felt safe no longer are. While certain populations, including seniors, remain at higher risk, the virus has become an equal opportunity invader, striking younger people, including some children. Sadly, the United States passed a quarter of a million COVID-19 deaths last week.

    Looking back over this dreadful year of COVID, two complicating factors jump to the forefront. Most nations have some national public health system, but the United States leaves public health to individual states. That means that each state has reacted differently and without coordination, and most state systems are woefully underfunded. The lack of a national public health structure has allowed the virus to spread freely among states under lockdowns, like New York was, and states with few restrictions, like those in the Midwest where the virus now rages.

    In addition, millions of Americans have been afflicted with magical thinking, some of them in the highest decision-making positions. Despite the human and economic carnage wrought by COVID, deluded Americans assert the virus is a “fraud,” that divine intervention protects them, that face coverings are a political choice not a public health necessity, or some other inexplicable and unsupportable fantasy. Such thinking and behavior has given the virus free range to spread rapidly and widely. The United States leads the world in infections and deaths when we should be leading the world in the other direction.

    Our 2020 holidays will be like no others. As we “gather” in small groups or electronically, it will be with empty seats at our tables — some of them permanently, and the knowledge that it did not have to be this way. All we can do now is take care of each other as best we can as we pass through this dark winter and await the vaccines.

  • 07 rep dem“Why so glum?” I asked a sullen group of Democrats who were expressing despair as they reviewed the results of the November 3rd elections.

    They explained their gloominess. Democrats had lost seats in the state house and Senate, losing any chance to expand Medicaid or have a hand in the redistricting of seats in the state legislature and the state's congressional delegation.

    They continued. Republican candidates beat Democrats, appearing to win the chief justice’s seat and other positions on the state’s Supreme Court and all the open seats on the Council of State, including the lieutenant governor's race in which an unknown and far-out Republican candidate beat an attractive, well-liked, and experienced woman state legislator.

    What about Biden's victory over Donald Trump? Surely this should have made my Democratic friends happy. No, they responded. It was supposed to be “a blue wave.” But it was not a blowout, not even close, they said, noting that they did not even win control of the U.S. Senate and lost seats in the U.S. House.

    I confess that I lost my cool. I asked whether they would choose to be Republicans today rather than gloomy Democrats? Would you really like to go to bed tonight and wake up as a Republican? Maybe you could help bring that party back to its historic principles which its current leadership has abandoned. More likely you would have to carry the burdens of being a member of today’s Republican Party, tied as it is tightly to Donald Trump and his loyal backers, dependent on all those people’s support to win primaries and elections as a Republican. Like other present-day Republicans you would be so dependent that, you would have to subordinate your principles and good sense to a cult figure and his other followers, to their alarmist conspiracy stories, and the inaccurate “alternate facts” that they propound.

    If you woke up as a Republican, I said, you would be tied to a party of aging white people in a state and nation that are rapidly diversifying. You would be stuck with a vision of our country that rejects the multi-ethnic American traditions of equality and fairness for everyone, regardless of gender, racial and ethnic background, or sexual orientation. You would have to reject the American commitment of true religious liberty and respect for differing religious views. You would have to reject the true patriotism that includes respect for our history of painful battles to expand equality and opportunity without covering up our country’s imperfections. You would have to put aside any continuing commitment to expanding opportunities for every citizen.

    Our great country, I said, was not served up on a platter to or by our forebears. Every battle, including its war for independence, the end of slavery, the expansion of the right to vote, the opening of public schools to people of all races, the opening of public facilities to those of all different races and other battles for equality and fairness are battles that continue today.

    You can be happy now, I told the group, that you are free to work for a better country, supported by high ideals and carefully discovered scientific facts rather than being bound to the inconsistent and deadly poisons prescribed by a haughty autocrat and his inconsistent dogma.
    More than that, I said, you should be happy that your party’s candidates for president and vice president are on the verge of a momentous victory and North Carolina will soon, be joining its neighbors Virginia and Georgia in becoming a place where both Democrats and Republicans have a fair chance to win political contests.

    After my passionate ramblings, my friends nodded, smiled, and continued their gloomy conversations.

  • 06 nc flagOver the course of 34 years penning a column on North Carolina politics and public policy, I’ve seen it all. Or so I thought. Until 2020 came along.

    It’s not that I proffered a passel of bad predictions for which I must now do penance. After pegging many races wrong in 2016, I was more guarded in my prognostications this year. And the picks I offered — that Donald Trump would win North Carolina but not reelection, that U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis would secure a second term, and North Carolina Republicans would retain their General Assembly and Council of State majorities — proved to be pleasingly precise.

    Rather, I just think we have never before seen so many fascinating trends come together in such a compelling electoral performance.
    After pondering the election results a bit more, I have prepared a list of eight factors that helped shape the outcomes.

    Polarized. Like much of the country, North Carolina has a polarized electorate. Generations ago, somewhere between a fifth and a quarter of voters were willing to split their tickets between the two major parties. Today, that share is in the single digits.

    Parity. That doesn’t mean ticket-splitters are irrelevant. Polarization is present in places like California and Mississippi, too. But parity isn’t. The Democratic base is so large in the former, and the GOP base so large in the latter, that a few percentage points of swing voters can’t swing the result. In North Carolina, however, the two partisan coalitions are nearly even (by behavior, not registration). So when a few Tar Heel voters — disproportionately older voters in rural areas, according to my analysis of county returns and exit polls — decided to split their tickets, voting Trump and Tillis for federal office and Roy Cooper for governor, their choices were decisive.

    Process. Before the election, Democrats went to court to challenge election rules the General Assembly had previously enacted by bipartisan votes. Democratic plaintiffs won an extension of the absentee-ballot deadline but little else. If those late-arriving ballots flip any outcomes, you can expect the issue to be re-litigated.

    Pandemic. Not only was COVID-19 a big issue in federal and state races, but the pandemic also affected how campaigns were run. Crucially, Republican-leaning groups started canvassing for votes door-to-door during the summer, while Democratic-leaning groups shied away from this time-tested tactic until the final weeks. Given that canvassing is an outdoor, low-risk activity, the Democrats blew this call, as candid Dems now admit.

    Polling. Pollsters got it very wrong this year. Clearest example: while Cooper won reelection by 4.4 points, the polling average going into Election Day was +11 Cooper.

    Press. Much of the media abandoned all pretense of fairness and actively rooted — in news stories — for Republicans to lose. While Trump did indeed fall short, I think attempts to suppress anti-Biden stories or cheerlead for Democrats ended up harming the media’s already battered reputation.

    Platitudes. At least two bits of “conventional wisdom” ought to be retired after the 2020 elections. One is that politics is largely about money. Democrats vastly outspent Republicans in North Carolina this year but almost always fell short. Another familiar myth is that low-turnout elections favor Republicans and high-turnout elections favor Democrats. There was no such historical pattern in North Carolina elections going into 2020. And that’s not how it turned out this year, either.

    Public Safety. As I observed in a prior column, Republican candidates tilted some votes by speaking strongly against the looting and rioting that followed some Black Lives Matter protests this summer.

    And there you have it: my eight p-factors that mattered in 2020. Are you persuaded?

  • 05 IMG 4385Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side. Lou Reed left us with that bit of wisdom before he checked out in 2013. If you feel that 2020 has followed Lou Reed’s advice, you pass Go and collect $200. This year has the Rona, stock market vertigo, mass unemployment, political masks, and the late great Presidential election. If 2020 were a TV character it would be George Costanza in the scene where he is trying to convince his date he is a troubled soul so she will sleep with him. George tells her: “I’m disturbed. I’m depressed. I’m inadequate. I’ve got it all.” 2020 has got it all. As Larry David would say, you might think things were pretty, pretty bad. But it could be worse. It can always be worse. Never, ever under any circumstances say: “Things can’t get worse.”

    Right now if you are reading this drivel, you are on the planet Earth. Despite some short comings here and there; plague, famine, wars, and mischief caused by the thirty-eight Horsemen of the Apocalypse, things could be worse. You could be on the newly discovered Hell Planet K2-141b. The astronomer buddies of K2-141b just call it K2 so we will too. Thank goodness for schadenfreude. I am comforted by the knowledge there is a planet where things are much worse than they are on Earth. It is a character flaw on the part of your writer to enjoy the misery of another planet but that’s life.

    Right now you are probably asking yourself, “Self, what is wrong with K2? Should I be adding it to my list of things that wake me up at 3:00 a.m.?” Take a little interstellar voyage on the Starship Peabody to visit K2. Pack a lunch as it is hundreds of light years from Earth. K2 is what the scientists at the Royal Astronomical Society call a Lava Planet. That does not mean it is composed of Lava, the Hand Soap made with pumice that comes in the bright red package. No Sirree, Bob. K2 has oceans made of molten lava. The same kind of lava that comes out of volcanoes in Hawaii into which virgins are thrown to appease the Gods to insure a good cocoanut crop. K2 has the kind of toasty lava that makes the pizza burn on the top of your mouth from an oven fresh pepperoni pizza look like child’s play.

    K2 is consistent. Its ocean, atmosphere, and continents are all made out of rocks. When it rains on K2, it rains rocks not violets. It’s so hot there when the lava ocean evaporates and the residue cools off in the atmosphere it rains back down as rocks. Singing in the rain would not be too much fun on K2. Gene Kelly could not sing many lyrics before he would be pounded into mush by the rhythm of the falling rain. K2 is a bit breezy with winds blowing over 3000 miles an hour. If there are any answers blowing in the wind on K2, not even Bob Dylan could find them. Like Earth’s moon, the orbit of K2 only allows one side of K2 to face its sun. The sunny side of K2 is about 5400 degrees Fahrenheit. The always dark side of K2, with apologies to Pink Floyd is minus 328 degrees.

    Fortunately, Earth’s rock and roll super stars have been trying to warn us about K2 for many years. It is no coincidence that such singers as David Bowie and Elton John would know about a planet where it rains rocks. After all they are rock stars.

    David Bowie warned us about K2 way back in 1969 in his song Space Oddity. Gentle Reader, be warned. If you were Major Tom and Ground Control choose you to visit K2, you have lost the space lottery. Somebody in the upper echelons of NASA does not like you. Once you got close enough to be caught in K2’s rock rain bad things would happen. “Ground Control to Major Tom/ Your circuit’s dead, there’s something wrong/ Can you hear me Major Tom? / Can you hear me Major Tom?” At that point Earth with all its faults would look pretty good.

    Elton John also tried to warn us about K2 in his song Rocket Man. Elton gets all space suited up and does his pre-flight rituals. In his heart he knows something isn’t right about the mission. Supposedly he is going to Mars, but like the book of Revelations, the song is in code. He is not singing about Mars. He is singing about going to K2. He is “the rocket man burning out his fuse up here all alone/ Mars ain’t the kind of place to raise your kids/ In fact it’s cold as Hell/ And there is no one there to raise them if you did/ And all this science I don’t understand/ It’s just my job five days a week./” Because this song is in code, when Elton sings about Mars being cold he is really talking about K2 being hot. You have to read between the lines. It’s a secret message from the Illuminati.

    So, what have we learned today? Once again, almost nothing. I apologize for wasting your time on our literary celestial trip. But know this, Grasshopper, things on Earth are not nearly as dire as they are on K2. We have our own Little Rocket Man in North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un. He is bad enough, while he does have nuclear weapons, but he has not yet mastered turning the ocean into a sea of fire even though he frequently threatens to do so.
    Put on a happy face. It’s not going to be 3400 degrees tomorrow. Like Little Orphan Annie says, “The sun will come out tomorrow.” Happy Thanksgiving to us one and all.

  • 04 silouette ballot We the people are sick and tired of the election buffoonery. I believe that when things go sideways, you should either go back to basics or change the process because you have nothing to lose.

    Our American election process is the foundation of our democracy and the cornerstone of a free society. However, I think we can all agree that we may need a little election reform and demand that leaders make it a priority. I have a few ideas to help with some out-of-the-box ideas to a better approach to voting.

    What if we labeled both the Democratic and Republican Parties as terrorist groups and outlawed them? Then make everyone an "independent" to only vote on the merits of the best candidates representing your beliefs, family, community and county. Instead of primary run-off elections, debates, town hall meetings, and community roundtables, we have a voting process like American Idol using a panel of judges who vote candidates off each night until we get a winner. This would cut out party loyalty and annoying telemarketers relentlessly raising money for his or her favorite candidate. If their campaign requires mailers directly to your house, the Post Office should charge a surcharge to underwrite the mail carriers. Seriously, everyone said the Post Office could never get the ballots processed and delivered on time, yet they have no problem delivering those crappy flyers and junk mail.

    Each state is responsible for their election certification. They need to have a voting process free from cheating, impropriety and a simple method to count. It is hard to imagine that in 2020, we cannot vote securely on our cell phones. Think about it! We pay our taxes, bank, gamble, and can even find a love interest using these devices, yet these techno geniuses can't figure out a way that will allow us to vote securely? After all, these devices have facial recognition, fingerprint capabilities, special codes and besides, your phone knows where you live. I assure you that if the Silicon Valley tech geniuses cannot figure it out, then the casino gurus in Las Vegas can. Oh, if someone does not own a phone, they can always vote the old fashion way - in person. Here's another voting idea: We should have an intelligence test to pass before allowing you to vote. After all, if we must identify traffic lights to get on a website through CAPTCHA (Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart) to confirm we are human, it's reasonable to ask a few simple questions to ensure we are mentally capable of voting.

    Election day voting should start at midnight, Coordinated Universal Time (or UTC), which is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time and lasts all day. Twenty-four hours and stop at 2359 hours UTC. This gives everyone the same time and chance to vote anywhere in the world. The only people who would vote absentee would be those in the military conducting combat operations. No media outlet should be allowed to call an election. The only person authorized to announce and declare a winner is who the state designates as the official election spokesperson.

    Depending on what is being voted on, not everyone should be allowed to vote in America. For instance, if you are not a U.S. citizen, you do not get to vote. Period! You would not let someone walk in your house and start giving you advice about how to do your taxes, how to raise your kids, or what you should buy with your own money. So, why would it be suitable for a non-citizen to determine the direction of our country's future? Locally, if you do not own a property, you should not be allowed to vote on raising property taxes for projects for which you get no benefit.

    I remember as a kid watching “The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.” They had two antagonist spies Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale, who frequently interfered in Rocky and Bullwinkle's affairs. We know foreign governments do that. Even the United States has done its part to influence other country's elections. In this election, there has been no evidence of foreign interference. So instead, maybe we should focus our attention on local interference. All Americans have the freedom and right to vote without fear. If someone interferes in an election, they should be charged with a federal crime and lose their voting privileges. This includes the stealing of campaign signs out of someone's yard. That is a very bold thing to do, and these thieves should be considered "election terrorists" and lose their voting rights. If they intimidate or "cancel" you because of your political affiliation, that should also be considered election terrorism.
    These are just a few suggestions that would level the voting playing field. By restoring our confidence in the voting process and eliminating the country's partisan political divide, we are free to practice and enjoy one of our most cherished American rights and freedoms.

  • 03 01 IMG 5971No doubt, as Americans, we cherish the right to have our voices heard. Currently, with the anger and contention surrounding the 2020 elections at all levels of government, these voices are not only numerous, but they are also loud, angry and obnoxious, and drowning out humanity's reason, logic and any hope of conciliation.

    Three unfortunate examples are what is happening in Portland, Minneapolis and, most recently, in Washington, D.C. during the Trump support rally. Rioting, looting, assaults, destruction of personal property, and for what purpose? With the devastation in downtown Fayetteville on May 30th still fresh in our memories, we cannot let this happen again to our community of Fayetteville. However, it very well may unless we trust our local leaders and hold them responsible for the health and welfare of all our citizens.

    The first step in suppressing conflict and avoiding confrontations is to identify and tap down the flashpoints. Local media is a significant flashpoint in our community and plays a substantial role in dividing our community. Fayetteville has no local TV station to keep us informed or to showcase the city, which is an embarrassment for a community of this size and stature. This leaves us with a daily newspaper that is anemic. It's a decent vehicle for the distribution of fliers and inserts but mostly serves up negative, biased liberal content that is as relevant, frequent and stale as two-day-old bread.

    Unfortunately, local talk radio station WFNC "doubles down" and regurgitates verbatim the newspaper's partisan content, avoiding any sense of fairness, responsibility or journalistic integrity. Lastly, there are the self-serving opportunists who take advantage of Fayetteville's current racial, civil and political circumstances to second guess our leadership. Some wish to be recognized as radical activists or social icons. Others want to establish political power, while others seek notoriety, fame and celebrity status by claiming they speak for the masses. Regardless of their motives and rogue actions, these independent voices cause confusion, mistrust, dissension and misinformation among the ranks of local residents.

    The future of the iconic Fayetteville Market House is the most critical and volatile decision facing our community. Representing both history and heritage, there are passionate feelings on all sides regarding its future. Should it be left as is? Torn down? Repurposed? We'll see what the future holds. In the meantime, as the local weekly community newspaper of record, we are subject to many diverse perspectives. This is why we are advocating that citizens be tolerant and patient while the Mayor, City Council and the committees they have appointed evaluate the options available that will best serve the city and its citizens.

    During this time, tapping down the aggressive and hostile rhetoric concerning the future of the Market House will go a long way in making sure it doesn't become an explosive racial issue. Currently, movements, protests and petitions on both sides of the controversy are incredibly premature. Communication, education, awareness, patience and empathy are essential here. We must hear from the entire community and let the process work to a conclusion fairly judged on its merit. It would be unconscionable for anyone to use the Market House circumstance for personal political advancement before the current leadership concludes their study.

    These are volatile times, and trust is at a premium. No one wants to see our community torn apart on any single issue. Let's be patient and give the Mayor and current leadership a chance to perform without interference. In the process, it will become evident who the real leaders are looking out for all the citizens of Fayetteville. Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • 06 Cropped Jones photoThe wait for the announcement of the presidency had the world on edge. Now, the wait for the Inauguration has us waiting again. The world is already exhausted. 2020 has been a series of “for the first time ever” or “once in a lifetime” moments. When exhaustion sets in, the body needs rest. The world needs rest. America needs rest. The Black community needs rest.

    Losing Nipsey Hussle and then Kobe Bryant caused a shift for the better and the worst. As a Black man, I loved seeing the world celebrate “our” heroes. On the flipside, we lost someone we grew to know and love.
    Months later, a pandemic took hold of the world, forcing us in the house and under face masks. The death rate has risen around the world. A cough could mean a death sentence. Everyone learned a new word, ‘quarantine.’ For some, there was a gain. Life slowed down, allowing the allocation of time for the things that matter like family and rest. As time passed, the world was growing restless.

    While sitting in our homes waiting for some sort of good news to get “BACK TO NORMAL,” we were shown an 8 minute, 46 second clip of a cop in Minnesota kneeling on the neck of a man born in my hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, named George Floyd. The streets erupted immediately. The last time there was this fast of a reaction was when Michael Brown was killed in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014. But, there was still one difference between then and now. COVID-19, the sickness caused by the novel coronavirus, was holding the world hostage. Protests and civil unrest would break out everywhere including Fayetteville.

    Soon, the world would hear what we have been saying all along, BLACK LIVES MATTER. These three words have never meant so much. However, the commercialization of the phrase has led to a negative connotation among those who lack understanding of what it means to be Black in America. As chants, cheers and fires filled the streets of the world, many would watch distraught and in disbelief as the events unfolded. When the flames died and symbols (of heritage or oppression, depending upon your beliefs) came down, there was no unity in the community.

    Back in 2016, a New York businessman would assume the role of President of the United States of America, causing a shift in culture and the way American politics are viewed. While money filled our pocket, hate filled our hearts. We forgot the meaning of community. Neighbors have become enemies. Political ideologies weigh more than love for your fellow man. The community is always prefaced by words such as “Black,” “white” or “LGBTQ.” We have forgotten that the Constitution of America begins with three words, WE THE PEOPLE. As Americans, we all want equal opportunity to the rights guaranteed to us under these laws that govern the lands we all inhabit. America is attempting to heal itself through gaining knowledge and understanding of the “other side.” Discomfort coupled with perception leads to a closed mind. A closed mind can never obtain and process the knowledge that fuels progress. Progress is a process. America has just completed a part of the process by voting.

    As we wait on the result of the most pivotal election we have experienced since the election of Barack Obama in 2008, we must reflect and ask “What am I doing in my everyday life to better my community and myself?” “How do I add to the value of life of those I encounter?” and “Will this help me grow as a person?”

    No matter the results of this election, we must focus on building a better world for those who will inherit it from us. Voting was not the end of the process, but a part of the process. The next step is accountability. We, as a community, must come together and hold leaders and ourselves accountable.

    As a chosen leader in my community, especially the Black community, I understand that one must govern themselves accordingly because stepping out the house you become a representation of everyone that looks like you. However, working to change the narrative or personal elevation should not be met with labels of “sellout” or “coon” because we don’t understand. We should focus on the content of their character, as we should with every person we meet. That is what will bring the unity that we need to get the change so many world citizens took to the streets seeking.

    We all have to be the change that we want to see. Now is the time to rebuild and start with the strongest foundation of all, no matter who you are, and that foundation is LOVE.

    Peace, salute to every activist getting active.

    Pictured: Local activist Rakeem "Keem" Jones speaks to a crowd on the importance of social justice. (Photo by Jamela Carter)

  • 05 BallotBoxPartyIconsWhen I was growing up in eastern North Carolina, virtually all voting adults were Democrats, although our backdoor neighbors were Republicans. My family considered them akin to space aliens. Conversely, Republicans who populated the western part of our state, though in smaller numbers, felt the same about the handful of Democrats out there. It was even possible to check a single box on your ballot to vote a straight Democratic or straight Republican ticket, because both parties expected—and often got—total loyalty.

    In the decades since, North Carolina has become a competitive “purple” state, and this year, an actual battleground state, attracting hoards of media outlets and Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates themselves.

    Our U.S. Senate race was the most expensive in our nation’s history, topping $287M. President Trump became a regular visitor to Fayetteville Regional Airport for campaign rallies, ultimately carrying North Carolina and pulling down-ballot Republican candidates with him.

    So how did we get here from a state dominated by one political party for more than a century?
    We have grown significantly, and North Carolina is now the 9th largest state, with more than 10 million residents. My childhood was lived in a state of small towns scattered across a wide, narrow state. Today, we have major cities, the largest being Charlotte and Raleigh. Fayetteville is our 6th largest city with more than 200,000 residents, compared with not quite 21,000 in 1960.

    With North Carolina’s growth has come more diversity (Fayetteville has long been diverse because of a strong military presence) and a more highly educated population, clustering in metropolitan areas.

    That means the political clout of our cities threatens to outstrip the clout of rural areas, a reality driving the great urban-rural divide of wealth and education and its accompanying resentment.

    Think about this. For almost all of the 20th century, North Carolina was a reliable Democratic state. In 2020, as of this writing, we supported the Republican Presidential and Senatorial nominees, reelected a Democratic Governor, elected a Republican Lieutenant Governor who has never held public office, and affirmed Republican control of the General Assembly. These outcomes required considerable ticket-splitting, with individual voters checking both Democratic and Republican boxes for whatever reasons of their own. My parents would be stunned.

    Most North Carolinians would probably say that political competitiveness is a positive thing—that choice makes our government stronger and better. Whether that happens in actual practice is debatable, but it is clear that we are purple for the foreseeable future. That means that North Carolina, like other states and millions of individual Americans, must figure out how to go forward without the name-calling and partisan rancor that has afflicted and tortured us in recent years.

    Make no mistake. The United States is at a critical moment in our history. We are so divided, it is almost like we are speaking different languages. We listen and watch only our own truths, not those of “the other.” Debates are underway about a coming second civil war. The New York Times ran a long article in its Sunday magazine last weekend entitled “How Do You Know When Society is About to Fall Apart?” It quotes an academician in this field, Joseph Tainter, “Civilizations are fragile, impermanent things.”

    None of us can fix what is threatening our nation, but we can address it in our own lives. Our neighbors—Democrats or Republicans—are not our enemies. They are people with different opinions, not crazed “others.” If we ordinary Americans cannot bridge this divide in our own lives and ultimately as a nation, we may not collectively survive much beyond the tumultuous agony that was the 2020 general election.

  • 04 PoliticianSpeechWell, election day is over, and a hearty congratulations to all the winning candidates at all levels of government. Compared to other elections over the years, I guess you can say it's the best money can buy! Ridiculous amounts of money are poured into these elections, and make no mistake about it, it's to buy influence and power.

    So, with that said, regardless of your political affiliation or whether your candidate won or lost, it's time to move on and get America on the right track for the sake of our children, grandchildren and future generations.

    Unfortunately, America's political leadership at all levels is rendering us morally bankrupt. I appreciate all the comments and reactions I received from last week's editorial, "Have you no sense of decency?" It confirmed my pretense that as a nation, we are very aware that our overall morality has dipped substantially below what is deemed acceptable or civilized.

    Politicians today treat honesty, integrity, truthfulness as virtues that are only mere suggestions in the game of life. Depending on the situation, our children are taught to engage these virtues with healthy skepticism as convenience options only if it's advantageous for personal gain. In other words, it's acceptable to steal, lie, cheat and commit crimes if you can justify it internally or financially afford it. This "fake it until you make it" style of morality eventually fails with devastating consequences.

    In politics, the consequences of these character deficiencies are embarrassing for the candidate and devastating to the party. They also represent an insult to the American people at all levels of government. Again, this is an indictment of all political parties. This conspicuous and obnoxious behavior is motivated and initiated by excessive greed, money and power. And, in many cases, all three. It wouldn't surprise me if Wikipedia listed the definition of politician as “A person who displays conspicuous and obnoxious behavior usually motivated by excessive greed, money and power, or all three." It's a sad reality.

    Now the election is over. Hopefully, we will be able to get our state and country on the right track. One thing is for sure; we will be able to recognize who will stand up for the American people and make them the highest priority. Sadly, we have just gone through nearly four years of embarrassing, disrespectful and severe disruption of the presidency and Americans have concerns and questions that need to be answered:

    Will this kind of deploring behavior continue? Will America be safe from criminals? Will law and order be abandoned? Will the confidence of the FBI, CIA and NSA be restored? Will our government secure our borders? Will the new administration start looking out for all the American people's health and welfare? Let's hope so. The survival of our country as we know it will depend on it.

    Right now, America is a country divided. I'm not referring to red states and blue states. I'm talking about patriotic Americans who fear our government is selling out our heritage and our nation for their personal gain. If this is not the case, then the new reigning administration should waste no time in assuring us of that. This would be the first step in healing and bringing this country back together. After four years of continual discourse and attacks on the president, the new administration has a beautiful opportunity to take specific and immediate action to do whatever needs to be done to make every American feel this is their country.

    Again, congratulations to all the newly elected officials. Our weekly newspaper will continue to focus on and serve the Fayetteville, Fort Bragg and Cumberland County community with integrity, honesty and truthfulness. Let's encourage our leadership to do the same.

    Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • 04 Inkedasteroid LIThis column is written about a week before the election so I have no idea who won. Or if a winner or martial law has been declared. Or if all is sweetness and light and each side has graciously accepted that the other side has won. Who knows? The Shadow knows but he ain’t telling. Perhaps this column will never appear in print. Not because Up & Coming’s Publisher Bill Bowman will actually read it before it appears. Bill and I sit on very different sides of the political fence so it is a minor miracle this column has lasted all these many years. However, I digress.

    The reason this column may never soil the pages of world literature is because there is the possibility that the asteroid named 2018 VPI will hit the Earth on 2 November 2020. This is the day before the election thus wiping out the Earth and all its inhabitants including printing presses. This may or may not be an improvement over our current situation. Let us ponder 2018 VPI which is cruising towards us at 25,000 miles per hour. NASA found 2018 VPI in 2018 with its Near-Earth Object Observations Program. Science guys including TV star Neil deGrasse Tyson tell us that 2018 VPI is fairly small, about the size of an olive green 1960’s refrigerator. They tell us 2018 VPI has less than a half per cent chance of hitting us. Supposedly even if it did hit us, it wouldn’t destroy the Earth. However, let us remember that this is the Year of Our Lord 2020 when anything can and will happen. The experts also told us that the Titanic was unsinkable. The experts told us Hillary was a sure thing to be elected President in 2016. So, there is that.

    The odds are that 2018 VPI probably won’t destroy the Earth. But what if 2018 VPI is just a warning shot from some alien race or even a cranky Greek God? We have all seen enough movies about aliens deciding to destroy the Earth to know that somebody out there might not like us. If the Klingons have been picking up the political ads from the last six months, they probably hate us by now. If the Klingons don’t get us, maybe Thor is angry at us. Thor may have upgraded his weapons from thunder bolts to asteroids. It is no accident that HBO is running the Bruce Willis magnum opus “Armageddon” right now. Does HBO know something we don’t? Are the cable wizards trying to warn us of pending disaster? Has anyone seen Bruce Willis lately? We may need him in the next reel to save the Earth for real.

    Right now you are probably asking yourself, “Self, how big does an asteroid or a comet need to be to destroy the Earth?” You could ask the dinosaurs this question because they were around 65 million years ago when an asteroid about 6 to 9 miles wide smacked the Earth. Unfortunately, none of the dinosaurs survived the impact. Bruce Willis wasn’t born until about 65 million years later so he couldn’t save the Earth. Without Bruce Willis the best the dinosaurs could hope for was to be impressive fossils or petroleum. A rather large unpleasant visitor from outer space hit the Yucatan Peninsula 65 million years ago leaving a 110 mile in diameter crater. This led to climate change and multiple bad days for the dinosaurs.

    This interstellar event horizon collision did provide a financial windfall for Stan Sacrison some 67 million year later. In 1987, Mr. Sacrison found an almost complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex in Montana. Mr. Sacrison naturally named his find after himself calling him Stan the T Rex. Stan was a big boy, 40 feet long and 13 feet high. It turned out Stan was worth a lot of money, selling last month by the Christie Auction for $31.8 million. This was the largest amount a fossil ever sold for. Good job, Stan. Stan’s Mom would be proud of her boy finally making good after 65 million years. It shows the value of perseverance. It’s an ill asteroid that blows no one no good. So even though all the dinosaurs had to go to dinosaur heaven, at least Mr. Sacrison had a good pay day.

    Can anything good come from an asteroid striking and destroying the Earth? It would wipe out COVID-19 and the My Pillow Guy. Herd immunity would instantly take place leaving the Rona no place to go. Bill Barr would no longer be U.S. Attorney General. We would no longer have to put up with obnoxious Dook basketball fans. Q Anon could no longer rant about demons in pizza parlors. You would never again have to struggle to open those plastic bags at the grocery store that stick together in the produce section. Spam robo calls would cease forever. You would never have to remember your new passwords.

    If you are actually reading this deep into the column, congratulations. The Earth was not destroyed by 2018 VPI. Unfortunately, you are now living in a world of post-presidential election hijinx. Maybe that errant asteroid creaming the Earth doesn’t look so bad after all. Good luck with the election fall out. Like Roseanne Roseannadanna once said, “It’s always something.”

    Pictured: An asteroid named 2018 VPI is cruising toward the Earth at 25,000 miles an hour. The science guys tell us there is a very small chance it could hit the Earth.

  • 03 BabyCryingVirtually everyone I know of all political stripes has lost sleep over the 2020 elections. Several have resorted to anti-anxiety medication. Not only may we not know who our next president will be for days, perhaps weeks, even months, North Carolina has important races up and down the ticket.

    Here are some issues I am worrying about since politics are off the table for the moment.

    As a mother of three, my heart literally breaks for the 545 children and their parents who were forcibly separated by United States border control agents beginning more than 3 years ago. If you or I had done this, it would be called kidnapping and we would likely have been charged with that crime. Because the United States government did it, however, no one has been charged and “we the people” are now foster parents for children, some of them pre-schoolers, who should be with their own families.

    The Trump administration has been forced, kicking and screaming, by various courts to release information about these children, who eventually numbered about 5500. Most of them were reunited with family or remain in the United States with legal caretakers. The 545 remaining are in a legal limbo that may never be resolved. Radio public service announcements are airing in Mexico and throughout Central America to locate their parents, but the cold hard reality is that some of these children will never be reunited with their families. Some are too young to remember their parents. Some might never have known their
    own names.

    And this happened in the United States of America. We essentially kidnapped other peoples’ children and now must figure out how to raise them. No amount of money can ever atone for this. Our national shame before the rest of the world is profound, or certainly should be.

    Chances are good that you know, possibly love, someone who has, had, or died from opioid addition. As a widespread condition, opioid addition is relatively new, becoming a national problem over the last three decades for many reasons, primarily widespread marketing of these drugs. Nearly half a million have died and suffering continues. Among the culprits is Purdue Pharma, which aggressively marketed its OxyContin and downplayed its highly addictive qualities.

    Purdue has settled with the U.S. Justice Department for roughly $8.3 billion, some of which is to go to cities, states, tribes and individuals to address the crisis. Purdue has also filed for bankruptcy, meaning that the actual dollars for damages will be far less. Other litigation continues as do possible criminal charges against Purdue and the Sackler family, which controls the company, and other Big Pharma operations.

    As with the separated children, no amount of money can atone for the suffering of those addicted to legally prescribed opioids and the people who love them.

    Now, on to a “happy” worry. Americans are proving once again that what we name our children is often a fashion choice. The five top girl names in the North Carolina last year were very feminine, mostly ending in “a”—Ava, Olivia, Emma, Amelia and Charlotte. There is no overlap with those of 50 years ago—Lisa, Angela, Kimberly, Tammy and Melissa. Last year brought us lots of Liams, Noahs, Williams, James and Elijahs but fewer Michaels, Davids and Roberts. Only James and William, 4th in 1969, seems to endure in popularity, numbers 1 and 4 in 2020.

    In case you want sneak previews of what names are coming our way, know this. For boys, Maverick is more popular than Adam nationwide, and there are more girls named Brooklyn these days than Anna. Quickly rising names are Kairo for boys and Dior for girls.

    There are limits to parental creativity, particularly in New Zealand for some reason. Courts there have nixed “Talula Does the Hula from Hawaii,” “anal,” “Stallion,” “Sex Fruit,” “Rogue,” “Fish and Chips,” “Queen Victoria,” and “Keenan Got Lucy,” among others.

    Parents who stick with oldies but goldies from the naming department apparently have fewer worries.

    Pictured: For those who have lost sleep over the 2020 elections, don't expect a short reprieve between election day and inauguration day — there is still plenty to worry about.

  • 02 bright flag waving"Have you no sense of decency?"

    This quote has been ringing in my ears for this entire election period. Its origin is from the testimony of then-Wisconsin Senator Joseph R. McCarthy, who became both famous and infamous in the 1950s with his allegations that Communists were overrunning our national government and infiltrating Washington's federal agencies. During this time, there was intense national anxiety about the spread of communism in the U.S. History has it that the arrogant, persistent and egomaniac McCarthy met his match when he locked horns with the U.S. Army. In retaliation for not giving preferential treatment to one of his closest aides, he charged the Army with neglect for having lax security at one of their top-secret Army facilities. Televised nationally, the Army-McCarthy trials went on for months and drew national attention because of McCarthy's notoriety. However, he proved to be no match for Joseph Welch, the attorney hired to defend the U.S. Army against his outrageous allegations. On June 9, 1954, in a calculated and desperate move to gain the advantage over Welch, McCarthy, with a national television audience tuned in, attempted to discredit Welch, by charging that one of his staff attorneys was a Communist operative.

    Across the nation, Americans watched and listened in disbelief. Joseph Welch responded emphatically with those immortal lines that ended McCarthy's career. The angry and frustrated Welch recoiled with: "Until this moment, Senator, I think I never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness." McCarthy tried to interrupt, but Welch cut him off, "Let us not assassinate this lad further, Senator. You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency?" Practically overnight, McCarthy's power, influence and national popularity evaporated. He was deplored by the public, censured by the Senate, ostracized by the Republican party, and ignored by the media. McCarthy's fanatic, mean and unjust reign of terror was over, and he died in disgrace three years later.

    "Have you no sense of decency?" That is the haunting question I want to keep asking this generation of American political leadership. Has anyone running for political office retained any sense of decency? Honesty? Integrity? Have politicians become so callous and remotely distanced from humanity that they no longer contend these character traits even matter? If they matter, why are we as citizens subjected to this constant barrage of lies, disinformation and deception? Don't they realize that Americans are growing skeptical and intolerant of their lies and weary of this environment of corruption and mistrust? Have they no sense of decency? COVID-19 is a perfect example of this and perhaps why we cannot get it under control. Local, state and national government officials have politicized this pandemic to suit their agendas while frustrated Americans suffer and lose confidence in America's leadership. Morality continues to get sidelined as married politicians get caught having sex with another man's wife in the middle of a major campaign, and it's "no big deal!” Really? Have you no sense of decency? Nationally, the CIA & FBI conspire to frame and unseat a duly elected POTUS! Have they no sense of decency? Our own Congress works to obstruct, slander and defame nominees for the U.S. Supreme Court. Have they no sense of decency? The media desecrates the Fourth Estate by abandoning their journalist integrity and commitment to the American people of providing fair and unbiased media coverage of our government's Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches. Have they no sense of decency? Recently, the gross dereliction of responsibility shown by social media outlets for censoring news and information for political purposes in an attempt to influence the results and outcome of a national election. Have they no sense of decency? Lastly, and closer to home, everyone should be disgusted by the number of relentless political TV, radio and postcard mailers sent to our homes that tout nothing but unsubstantiated "lies" about candidates. Have they no sense of decency?

    We are all aware of the challenges that lie ahead for our community, state and nation. I firmly believe as Americans we will get through this. Regardless of color, race, religion or political affiliation, real Americans believe in the U.S. Constitution and freedom. History has shown that we are not willing to give either of them up. At least not without a fight. When confronted with elected leaders not living up to decent moral expectations, just ask them: Have you no sense of decency?

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  •     {mosimage}What started as  a group of friends motorcycling together five years ago has grown into a nonprofit organization whose goal is to step in and lend a hand whenever they can to make Fayetteville a better place. 
        “We help underprivileged children and distressed women in our community,” said Wendy Rogers, Steele Angels president and cofounder. “It has turned out really well. We have a lot of good events every year and great women (who participate).” 
        On Saturday Nov. 22, the Steele Angels toy run takes off from Legends with a police escort and will ride to The Doghouse to deliver a load of toys that will go to the Department of Social Services to be distributed to underprivileged children at Christmas. Registration starts at 12 p.m. and everyone will pull out of the parking lot at 2 p.m.
        While the Steele Angels contribute to many great causes, the Department of Social Services is one of their favorites. “They are really great because they know all the inside stuff — the details about children who are really in need in our county,” said Rogers. “That is why we definitely wanted to help them, because they know what’s going on.” 
        You don’t have to be a biker to help make a great Christmas for a struggling family. Toys and monetary donations can be dropped off at Legend’s or The Doghouse right up until the day of the ride. All of the toys will be loaded into a trailer and delivered with a check to social services. According to Rogers it is always worth the effort, and hearing from the recipients is a blessing in itself.
        “We get thank you cards back from these little kids that just bring tears to your eyes,” she said.
    There is no registration fee, just bring a toy or make a financial donation. Legends is located at 4624 Bragg Blvd.
  • 11-02-11-good-morning.jpg“Goooooood Morning Fayetteville!” Those aren’t exactly the words that made Adrian Cronauer famous, but they are important because Cronauer, a Vietnam-era military radio broadcaster, will be in Fayetteville to help welcome home and salute Vietnam veterans.

    Cronauer, the inspiration for the main character in the 1987 film Good Morning Vietnam, is also the author/screenwriter. Robin Williams was nominated for and received an Academy Award for his portrayal of Cronauer in the movie, which deals with issues of censorship by the military in the reporting of the war, and the relationships and betrayals that were part of the daily lives of military men and women serving in Vietnam.

    As part of the Heroes Homecoming celebration, Adrian Cronauer will be in Fayetteville Veteran’s Day weekend, participating in many of the scheduled events and welcoming home America’s Vietnam War veterans.

    In a recent telephone interview, Cronauer recounted how the movie came to be. When he first wrote the script, it was in the form of a sitcom. M*A*S*H was at the top of the ratings and so was WKRP in Cinncinati. It made perfect sense to Cronauer that a sitcom about broadcasting and war had potential so he wrote a script based on his time as an armed forces DJ in Vietnam. The television industry wasn’t interested and turned Cronauer away.

    The script eventually made it into Williams’ hands. He saw potential in the story and was willing to take a chance with it, which paid off for Cronauer.

    “I took a year off college to travel the lecture circuit right after the movie came out,” said Cronauer. “What I made doing that paid for law school.”

    Later he worked as the Special Assistant to the Director of the Pentagon’s POW/MIA Office.

    “It was an amazing thing, when the movie fi rst came out, to see Robin on the screen as Adrian Cronauer,” said Cronauer adding that “If you ever see it again, keep in mind, and anyone who has ever been in the military will tell you, that if I did even half of the stuff that Robin did in the movie I’d still be in Leavenworth!”

    At an event as meaningful as the Heroes Homecoming who better to extend a hand of welcome to veterans than one of their own?

    “It is very common among Vietnam veteran’s to greet each other with the phrase ‘Welcome Home,’” he said. “No one else ever said that to them. With events like Heroes Homecoming we are finally changing that.”

    He’ll only be in town for a few days, but Cronauer’s schedule is packed. He’ll speak at the opening of Miss Saigon, attend the American Red Cross gala, speak at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum’s showing of Good Morning Vietnam, attend the Darius Rucker concert at the Crown Theatre and attend the Veterans Day Parade.11-02-11-good-morning-2-.jpg

    Cronauer will also have the honor of emceeing the USO of N.C. Variety Show at the Crown with Connie Stevens,who is remembered fondly by Vietnam vets for the time she spent entertaining them at hastily put together USO shows in jungle outposts.

    “I was there with USO troupes,” Stevens said during a 1998 interview with the New York Daily News. “I was there with Bob Hope and with Neil Armstrong in 1969 and 1970.”

    She did what many talented young starlets did: They sang, they danced and they fl irted with the boys who became men long before their time. “I was only a young star at the time, but I landed in the middle of jungles and felt what it was like to be shot at and to hear explosions in the distance.”

    Like Stevens, Cronauer, who says his 15 minutes of fame is fading, is sincere in his commitment to this particular generation of vets, and says he is looking forward to connecting, celebrating and remembering with his brethren during Heroes Homecoming. Find out more about the 10-day celebration honoring Vietnam veterans at www.heroeshomecoming.com.

    Photo: Above: Adrian Cronauer during his radio days in Vietnam. Right: Connie Stevens with Bob Hope at a USO show in 1969.

  • 05 SPP on CCC stage 1The Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater, located in downtown Lumberton, continues to present virtual concerts that have been pre-taped on its stage while the theater is closed to in-person audiences due to COVID-19 social gathering restrictions.

    The next concert is by the all-female bluegrass group Sweet Potato Pie and premieres Thanksgiving evening, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. The concert can be viewed on the theater’s Facebook page.

    It is conducted in partnership with the Robeson County Arts Council as part of its annual Bluegrass on the Blackwater series. This performance was filmed on the stage at the Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater.

    These performances were originally scheduled as part of its 2020-21 season, and continue the theater’s commitment to programming during the ongoing pandemic and its related audience restrictions for performance centers.

    These virtual performances are premiering on the theater’s Facebook page at “Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater” and subsequently are shared on its web site at www.carolinaciviccenter.com.

    The theater’s previous “Spotlight on Local Talent” Performance Series (eight installments) also can be viewed on its web site. This performance is partially underwritten by a grant from the Robeson County Arts Council and the North Carolina Arts Council.

    Sweet Potato Pie has been entertaining audiences for nearly two decades with their classy blend of Americana, bluegrass, country and gospel music mixed together in a style they call “sweetgrass.”

    Radio and TV are well acquainted with their “angelic” vocals from appearances on PBS, the Food Network and worldwide radio broadcasts. Hailed as the “Lennon Sisters of Bluegrass,” their show revolves around their beautiful three-part harmonies, hard driving instrumentals and down home humor. With classic songs from Patsy Cline, Bill Monroe, The Judds and many more along with their chart topping original songs, the audience is in for a sensational night of family entertainment.

    The group includes co-founding and last original member Sonya Stead, guitar; Crystal Richardson, banjo; Sandy Whitley, bass; Katie Springer, fiddle; Tori Jones, fiddle; and Madeleine Baucom, guitar. All of the women are from North Carolina.

    For more information of the group visit www.sweet-potato-pie.com/

    While the concert is free, a donation link will be available to help support artist fees and production costs.

    To view the concert visit www.facebook.com/Carolina-Civic-Center-Historic-Theater-166667200079609

    Pictured: Sweet Potato Pie will perform on stage at the Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater on Nov. 26. The show is part of an on-going series of virtual concerts from the 2020-21 season adapted in response to COVID-19 restrictions.

  • 11-09-11-spaghetti-dinner.jpgServing over 12,000 dinner guests might intimidate some folks, but not those behind the 53rd Annual “World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry Sale.” The event takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Hellenic Center of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 614 Oakridge Ave. in Fayetteville. The cost for each meal is $6, and tickets may be purchased at the door.

    Last year, volunteers at the annual charity event served about 12,500 dinners.

    “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly the number, but for the past three years, it’s been around the same number said Tony Kotsopoulos, chairman of the event for over 20 years. His late father-in-law, Pete Parrous, started the project for the community as a fundraiser to build the church.

    And just how long might one spend in the kitchen preparing 12,000-plus meals?

    “It takes four days,” Kotsopoulos said. “Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, we do the food preparation, and Wednesday, we put it together.”

    The “we” to whom Kotsopoulos refers is a small army of dinner veterans and volunteers who prepare 4000 pounds of dry pasta, which become about 10,000 pounds cooked, and about 1000 gallons of meat sauce, a highly guarded secret recipe of all-natural ingredients used only for the dinner.

    “For the preparation of the spaghetti, we have about 20 people that will be hired under my supervision, and they’ve been working with me for many years,” said Kotsopoulos. “They all have other jobs, and they come and work for three days and we put it together, and then volunteers in the Greek community work for days getting all the other stuff ready – opening things, boxing up the cheeses, breads and other stuff.”

    The meals include spaghetti and sauce, cheese –– and napkins –– and are available for takeout only.

    “Although some people do sit down,” Kotsopoulos said, “mostly they take out. It has become a tradition now – businesses and homes – everyone is looking forward to it.”

    If a business or other group purchases more than a few meals, volunteers have a system in place to facilitate a speedy pickup.

    “If you have more than 10 or 15 meals, we have people who direct you to the proper place where they quickly put them together,” said Kotsopoulos. “We have refi ned that process now, so the wait is very minimal, and any wait is only between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Before and after that time, it’s not that much of a wait.”

    In addition to the impressive pasta and sauce, dessert is also not to be missed. A variety of delicious Greek pastries and desserts freshly prepared by volunteers will be available for purchase, including the always-popular baklava; kataifi , a sweet honey dessert made with angel hair pastry and honey; and sugar cookies.

    Proceeds from the annual dinner event go to charities, including the Red Cross, the Autism Society and the International Christian Charities, and Kotsopoulos admits his amazement at the community’s support.

    “We appreciate their support year after year. The most amazing thing to me is not the work that we do, but when I go outside the back door of the kitchen, and I peek and I see people from all over Fayetteville come to the Greek church to get or one or two or five or 10 or 50 plates of spaghetti — to me that’s amazing. It tells me that they don’t just come for the spaghetti.”

    For more information, call the Hellenic Center at 484-8925, or visit the church’s website, www.stsch.nc.goarch.org.

  • 2007-spaghetti-dinner-026.jpgOne could call it a "Pastapalooza" when the 51st "World's Largest Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry Sale" takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Hellenic Center of Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 814 Oakridge Ave. in Fayetteville. The cost for each meal is $6.00, and tickets may be purchased at the door.
    If past years are any indication, volunteers at the church expect to serve approximately 12,000 dinners, according to Fr. Chrysostom Manuel, Pastor Emeritus of the church. The meals, which include spaghetti and sauce, cheese -- and napkins -- are available for takeout only.


    "We have a special line for people to pick up 20 or more orders," said Manuel. "Those who bought tickets in advance can call and tell the people who sold them the tickets what time they will pick them up."
    The annual fundraiser involves 30 or more volunteers who begin cooking the sauce on Monday, two days before the event. The sauce is a highly guarded secret recipe used only for the dinner.
    "It is a very good sauce," said Litsa Da Rosa, church secretary. "It's made of all natural ingredients."


    In addition to two tons of pasta and hundreds of gallons of sauce, volunteers will make and sell Greek pastries. Baklava, phyllo dough filled with honey, walnuts and pistachios; kourabiedes, almond shortbread-type cookies; koulourakia, lighly sweetened butter cookies and finikia, honey-dipped walnut cookies, will be available for purchase individually or by the box.


    "We are also going to have homemade breads and pound cakes," said Da Rosa.


    Proceeds from the annual dinner event go to charities, both local and out of town.


    "Ten percent goes to city charities like the Care Clinic, the Autistism Society and the Red Cross," Manuel said. "The church also contributes to an orphanage in New York State and the theological school in Boston. We want to thank people who come and support us."


    For more information, call the church office at 686-2010 or the Hellenic Center at 484-8925, or visit the church's Website at www.stsch.nc.goarch.org. Organizers say the whole event takes about three days to prepare, with many people working 13-hour days. The cost for each meal is $6. All proceeds go to local charities as well as an education center that is being built at the church.



  • The weeks leading up to the Singing Christmas Tree at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church are more than hectic. During that time, Larry Dickens, the minister of music, is pulling together what those involved in the annual Christmas tradition call "the Miracle on Westmont."

    The tree, in its 31st year, brings together 250 singers, a 30-piece orchestra, two handbell choirs and youth choir, which will feature 114 teens. This year, the tree will incorporate the Kidsville Kids! and a youth choir, under the direction of Joy Cogswell.

    "We are excited about it," said Dickens of the tree. "We're doing a few different things this year - but we try to have something different every year."

    The big "different" this year is the premier of an original composition by Giles Blankenship, which has been set for the choir and orchestra. The orchestration is also an original, and written for the piece by Neil Finn. Titled Glimpse of Glory, the composition was the inspiration for the title of this year's program.

    The tree, more than 40-feet tall, is a big draw inside and outside of the community. Tickets have been available on the church's Web site for several weeks, and have been moving quickly.11_25_09christmastree4.jpg

    "This will be the 31st annual performance of the Singing Christmas Tree at Snyder, and it is really a Fayetteville Christmas tree," said Dickens. "This was one of the first singing trees in the state of North Carolina."
    With that rich heritage, the tree has gathered quite a following. "We have groups from out of state that travel on charter buses to come see the performance," explained Dickens. "They plan their Christmas season around it."

    As do many people in Fayetteville. Annually more than 6,000 people come out to see the performance, so the free tickets go quickly. "There are still some tickets available and they can be reserved through the church office or on our Web site," continued Dickens.

    While the performance seems seamless, much work is put into that finished show.

    "It's a pretty interesting process," said Dickens. "The planning process starts in May, with all of the selections and themes completed by August."
    All of the scripts are original and pulled from different places.

    "Years ago you would buy a musical with all of the songs and scripts and then do what's in front of you," he said. "But that isn't the case anymore. This is a huge process. It's very challenging, but it's worth it."
    Dickens said that rehearsals for each of the individual groups begin in mid-August. "All of the different groups work independently as we move through the fall season," he said.
    It is during that time that the groups whose performances overlap or interact are brought together in small groups.

    "The week before the first performance is the first time everyone is all together," said Dickens. "That's why we jokingly call this the Miracle on Westmont - all of the pieces are never in the same room until Tuesday night's first full dress before the show. Basically it all has to come together in about five and a half hours."

    Dickens said with everyone rehearsing bits and pieces, the production doesn't seem to make sense until it is all in the room at the same time.

    "It is pretty nerve wracking for the production people," he said. "This is my 11th production, and some people say this is why I have a bald spot. But the show always comes together."

    The tree is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, Dec. 3-4 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Limited tickets are available now, and can be reserved at the church's Web site, www.snydermbc.com, or by calling the church office at 484-3191.


  • 01 01 Coventry Carolers Perform at the Jubilee 2018 4The season of gratitude and giving is upon us. It is dark by dinner, there is a chill in the air (some days), and downtown shops are announcing their events for holiday shoppers. We’ve all had to adjust to a “new normal” in 2020 — we accepted a scaled-down version of a ‘Dickens Holiday,’ and didn’t make too much of a fuss about the cancelled Rotary Christmas Parade. 

    There is still one vestige of “life before COVID” that we can take advantage of in Fayetteville. We can celebrate the Christmas season with Victorian flair at the annual Holiday Jubilee at the 1897 Poe House on Dec. 6 from 1-4 p.m.

    The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex invites the public to attend this holiday event featuring a concert by Fayetteville’s own Coventry Carolers.

    The Coventry Carolers perform seasonal Victorian Christmas songs in realistic period costumes. The members have more than 150 years combined choral experience in the U.S. and abroad.

    The Coventry Carolers will perform at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. The Christmas concert takes place on the front porch of the Poe House and each set lasts approximately 30 minutes. Visitors are asked to bring their own chair, wear a mask and social distance. Seating will not be provided. Admission to the concert is free.

    The 1897 Poe House will be open for the Holiday Jubilee from 1-4 p.m. and decorated for a Victorian Christmas providing a beautiful backdrop for this festive event. Visitors may view the first floor only, which includes the parlor, sitting room and dining room, for a small donation of $2 per adult and $1 per child ages 5-12. For the Jubilee, occupancy will be limited to 15 people in the house at one time, masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be enforced.

    The 1897 Poe House, part of the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, reopened for guided tours in November with tours offered at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. On these days, visitors must check in at the Museum of the Cape Fear lobby to sign up for the tour. Tours are limited, masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be enforced.

    The 1897 Poe House will be decorated for Christmas from Nov. 28 through Jan. 9, 2021. Although the Poe House and Museum of the Cape Fear will be closed for Thanksgiving Nov. 26-27, they will reopen on Nov. 28.

    This project is supported by the Arts Council and contributions from businesses and individuals, and through grants from the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Cultural Resources.

    Matching funds are being provided by the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex Foundation, Inc.

    The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal avenues is currently open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum operates under the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, within the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Admission to the museum is free.

    For more information about the museum, the Poe House or the Holiday Jubilee visit https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/

  • 02 thank you letters on flagThe All American Patriot Association will host its first Patriotic and Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 14 from noon until 11 p.m. at Bryan Honda on Raeford Road in Fayetteville

    “We will open with a flag raising ceremony, pledge of allegiance, national anthem, jumpers jumping in,” said Franco Webb, CEO and president of AAPA. The event is all about fun for veterans, their families and the community.

    “The main purpose of the event is to bring everybody together, to have a good time, it’s about being Americans, about being patriotic, and celebrating our veterans,” Webb said.

    The celebration will feature different speakers discussing patriotic themes, a class teaching children and adults how to raise and lower a flag, and properly fold the flag. Members of local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts will be teaching the proper disposal of a flag.

    The family friendly event will have children's activities, a bounce house and food trucks on site. There will be live performances by bands such as Harley & Big Country, 80's Unleashed, Sabor A Rumba, Ronnie Hymes. The headliner will be RIVERMIST.

    “It's going to be an awesome night to come out, dance and have a good time,” Webb said.

    Attendees will have the opportunity to win prizes throughout the day. Speakers will be randomly selecting people and asking them patriotic questions, and the winners will win a prize, he said.

    Raffle tickets will be available for purchase, and there will be gift baskets set up on tables. Some of the things being raffled include gift cards from Best Buy and a custom ‘Big Dog’ motorcycle.

    “Items that will be up for a silent auction will include an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol with a certificate of authenticity, scholarships for kids to attend a summer horse camp in Texas, and a metal fireplace,” Webb said.

    We have had a lot of positive responses, with people and sponsors, Webb said. Some sponsors of the event include Bryan Honda, Piedmont Natural Gas, Kraken Skulls, Phoenix Global Support, Webb Security and more.

    Webb said that he began organizing the event as a way to celebrate patriotism in the community. “It’s an event that is needed and it comes at a time when everyone’s been holed up and it’s a good reason to get everyone together,” Webb said.

    For more details about the Patriots Day and Veterans Day Celebration, visit https://fb.me/e/gWJHnb3yD

  • 17 01 garden boxThe Master Gardeners Virtual Gardening Symposium promises fresh ideas from gardening experts, a bounty of information and some fun for viewers. The event is packed with presentations, raffles and friendly faces.

    The Nov. 7 event, scheduled 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is sponsored by the Cumberland County Master Gardener Volunteer Association.

    The event features guest speakers Joe Lamp’l, creator, executive producer and host of the Emmy-award-winning national PBS series “Growing a Greener World;” Kerry Ann Mendez, an award-winning garden educator, author and design consultant whose international gardening webinars are enjoyed by thousands; and Jason Weathington, NC State/Cumberland County Extension urban horticulture agent and landscape architect.

    Lamp'l will share behind-the-scenes tips from 9 seasons of his show. Mendez will present "The Right Size Flower Garden." Weathington will present “The Outdoor Room.”

    “The focus of my talk will give people the confidence to go out and create an amazing space, which I think everyone desires to have but very few know how to create,” said Weathington. “It’s important to go back to basic landscape elements and how you can use them to our advantage. Most of us need to learn some of the basics.

    The event is a fundraiser to support local horticulture efforts and scholarships for Fayetteville Technical Community College horticulture students.

    “We give two scholarships at $1,500,” said Cumberland County Master Gardener Symposium Chairperson Judy Dewar.

    “We also offer grants to teachers who offer horticulture classes. And we strive to find ways to educate our county residents.”

    Dewar added that this event is for every level of gardener.

    “There is something from the most adept gardener to the one who has never planted a seed.”

    To register, visit www.eventbrite.com/ and search “Cumberland County” and select the event.

    Participants can also click the link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cumberland-county-master-gardener-rescheduled-gardening-symposium-2020-tickets-120442509789?aff=ebdssbeac&fbclid=IwAR2DyFB-H_1yshgyTpP7WL22TdzJd63dJaOpA2HTMmBSyD0S1pLiqOCpjiU

    17 02 hydrangeas

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Pictured: The Master Gardener Virtual Gardening Symposium offers presentations from experts, raffles and fresh ideas. The symposium is scheduled 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 7.

     

  • 16 lake rim parkFayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation offers a variety of locations around town to enjoy the outdoors. Lake Rim Park on Tar Kiln Drive offers an assortment of amenities including picnic areas, horseshoe pits, walking trails, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, athletic fields, natural areas and children’s playgrounds.

    In addition to park facilities, a number of tours and activities are offered in November and December.

    Tar Kiln Tour — Nov. 10, 2 to 4 p.m., free, ages 10+
    Participants can take a behind-the-scenes look at a historical treasure located at Lake Rim Park. Join a park ranger to view the remnants of the Weed’s Lightwood Plant, a century-old turpentine factory. Learn about the importance of the naval stores industry in North Carolina and find out why we are known as “The Tar Heel State.” Call to register, space is limited.

    Kayak Tours — Nov. 14, 9:30 to 11 a.m., $15, $5 w/own boat, adults and ages 10+
    Lake tours are perfect for those trying kayaking for the first time and seasoned paddlers looking to relax on the water. All the equipment and basic instruction for beginners will be provided. We recommend beginners participate in a lake tour before going on a kayak trip. Tours are dependent on the weather. Call to register, space is limited. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult.

    Color Hunt — Nov. 18, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., free, all ages
    Conduct experiments to observe a rainbow of colors, discover why colors change in the fall and then search the park for an array of colors on a scavenger hunt. Call to register, space is limited.

    Archery Clinic — Dec. 5, noon to 3 p.m., $5, Ages 8+
    This class is designed to introduce the sport of archery to beginners. Participants will use compound bows as they learn the basics of archery to include safety, proper stance and follow through. Adults are welcome too. Registration begins Nov. 23, space is limited.

    All facilities are open to the public on a first come, first serve basis unless they are reserved. Contact the park office at 910-433-1018 to reserve facilities or register for events. Office hours are Mon. — Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Visit https://www.fcpr.us/parks-trails/parks/lake-rim-park for more information.

  • 13 01 big image chess makingThe Fayetteville Technical Community College Foundation presents their Foundation Weekend events Nov. 4-8.

    “The purpose of the event is to raise money for student scholarships and aid, programs and services at Fayetteville Technical Community College,” said Sandy Ammons, executive director of FTCC Foundation. “The foundation is the fundraising arm of the college and in the past we have raised over $50,000 so we are hoping this year despite the circumstances to sur
    pass that.”

    The Foundation Weekend consists of one event with three different parts: the FTCC Foundation Golf Tournament, the Bluegrass & BBQ at Home dinner and the Online Silent Auction.

    The Golf Tournament will be held at Gates Four Golf and Country Club Nov. 6.

    “The golf tournament goes back at least 20 years and has evolved throughout the years,” said Ammons. “It was scheduled for April and May of this year and because of COVID-19 we had to postpone it.”
    Ammons added that they had to look at it with a different spin on how they could continue with the golf tournament under the new circumstances. The Golf Tournament is currently full and sold out.

    The Online Silent Auction will take place Nov. 4- 8.

    “In the past the silent auction was part of the dinner and you would come to the dinner and there would be an auction in the same room,” said Ammons. “We’ve had the Bluegrass theme for several years which is fun and we had live entertainment, a Western theme and people would come dressed in Western attire and it was an in-person event.”

    Ammons added that this year the silent auction is online and it is open to everyone to bid on the auction items. There is no fee or ticket to purchase.

    “We have really tried to tap into wonderful local businesses and artists who give back to the community who are helping us pull off this event with a new twist,” she said.

    The public can view items up for auction by visiting the Online Silent Auction site at https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/ftccfoundation-15436.

    “We have got some wonderful auction items that are made by FTCC faculty such as cakes from our Culinary Department, a beautiful hand-milled chess set, exotic plants, tons of gift certificates to local businesses, artwork, original paintings, photography prints, fine jewelry from Hinkamp Jewelers, a BBQ package, a pet package, a garden package and much more,” said Ammons.

    “You can do your Christmas shopping through our auction because we have something for everybody and we add packages daily as we receive them.”

    The Bluegrass & BBQ at Home dinner will take place on Nov. 7.

    “We are going to have a fantastic dinner catered by Southern Coals and it will be chicken, BBQ, macaroni and cheese, broccoli salad and banana pudding,” said Ammons.

    “It will be complete with flowers from the Downtown Market, wine glasses from FTCC, and the meal will be delivered to your home hot and ready to serve or you can pick it up at Southern Coals.”

    Ammons added it will come with beverages from Bright Light Brewing Company or red wine from Healy Wholesale.

    “This event would normally have live entertainment so we are going to have a private live concert at 7 p.m. by the Guy Unger Band streamed to the homes of the guests who buy tickets,” said Ammons. “They will get the link to view the live concert during the dinner.”

    The Fayetteville Technical Community College Foundation has been in existence since 1985 and it is the foundation arm of the college.

    “A big part of what we do is scholarships so we work with donors to bring in money for scholarships for students as well as work to match the students to the right scholarship,” said Ammons.

    “We really try to do everything we can to keep our students on track and in school to graduate and to start their careers.”

    The foundation also manages the Alumni Network. “We work with our students as they are getting ready to graduate and we make sure they stay connected to the college, help with networking and work with them so they can stay with their program after they leave college,” said Ammons. “We work with alumni, retired faculty and staff and current faculty and staff so we are kind of the link between the community and the college.”

    For more information or to purchase tickets visit https://www.faytechcc.edu/foundation-events/ or call 910-678-8441.

    Pictured: (Above) A hand-milled chess set made by FTCC faculty Kevin Henry and students will be available during the Foundation Online Silent Auction event. (Below) The pieces are made from brass and aluminum.

    13 02 big image chess pieces

  • 12 02 DSC 0958The Airborne & Special Operations Museum is again open to the public and offers two exhibits. The 13th Annual Field of Honor exhibit went up Oct. 3 and will be up for display until Nov 30., and the GWOT Memorial Flag exhibit opened Oct 13., and will run until Dec. 6.

    The Field of Honor exhibit, in partnership with Cool Springs Downtown District, showcases 500 flags on display at the ASOM field, said Abbie Cashel, donor relations and event coordinator for ASOM Foundation.

    “Each flag comes with a story, each dedicated to someone whether it be a service member, a veteran and this year we actually opened it up to personal heroes, people that made a positive experience during COVID-19 or just in general,” she said. The tag on each flag identifies who the flag represents and honoree  information.

    “We are really excited that we sold out this year, all 500 flags, that was incredible, all the great community support,” Cashel said.

    The flags sold out for $35 each which will may motivate the museum to have more slots available next year.

    “A lot of people come from all over to view their loved ones’ flags, it acts as a memorial for people and they also use it to honor their loved ones and their service and that's what makes it really special in the community,” she said. “It’s just a really peaceful, respectful place to view a hero.”

    The Global War on Terror Memorial Flag is 28 feet wide and 6 feet tall and designed by Veterans Athletes United. The design symbolizes the shape of a flag when draped on a fallen service member’s casket.
    About 7,000 dog tags form the flag, belonging to those killed in the War on Terror. The 50 gold stars on the flag represent all Gold Star families across the nation. Displayed in front of the flag is a battlefield cross sculpted from mahogany wood by female veteran artist Alicia Dietz.

    The tags are in alphabetical order ranging from Sept. 11, 2001 to Dec. 31, 2019, the tags are in chronological order of the date the service member was killed in action.

    “It’s a really cool piece that we have had up before and a lot of people came, it’s just another exhibit that allows people to honor and remember their loved ones,” Cashel said.

    The GWOT exhibit is free to the public but the museum welcomes a $5 donation.

    The museum is preparing for its next feature, the Ghost Army Exhibit :The Combat Con Artists of World War II , which will open to the public Dec. 15 and be on display until April 25, 2021.

    The exhibit will highlight the story of the 23rd Headquarters Special Group, the first mobile, multimedia, tactical deception unit in U.S. Army history.

    The top secret, unique “Ghost Army” was composed of 82 officers and 1,023 men and was activated Jan. 20, 1944, under the command of Colonel Harry L. Reeder.

    The group was successfully capable of simulating two whole divisions, approximately 30,000 men by using visual, sonic and radio deception to fool German forces during the final year of World War II.

    For more information on the exhibit visit https://www.asomf.org/event/ghost-army-the-combat-con-artists-of-world-war-ii/

    The museum is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The ASOM is using a reservation system that helps keep capacity level in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, but people can walk in and sign in at the front desk,
    Cashel said.

    ASOM first opened its doors in 2000, and celebrates its 20th year anniversary this year, although many of the planned events were postponed due to COVID-19 and will hopefully be rescheduled for next year, she said.

    “It's really a place for people to come and learn about Airborne and Special Operations and their history,” Cashel said. “Entry is free, so pretty much everyone in the community does have a chance to come and look and learn and engage with the history of past soldiers that paved the way for modern day soldiers.”

    Visit https://www.asomf.org for more information about the museum.

    Pictured: (Above) The 13th Annual Field of Honor will be on display until Nov. 30. (Below) The GWOT Memorial Flag is made of about 7,000 dog tags identifying those killed in service  (Photos by Dylan Hooker)

    12 01 DSC 0024

  • Social Security Offers Online Resources

    Editor’s Note: Our regular contributors Martha Owen and Susan Guy donated this space to Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Brenda Brown this week: We recognize how much time is in-volved in keeping a senior’s Social Security infor-mation straight. Whether it is the client, the adult child, neighbor or professional caregiver working to process this information, it is crucial that it is seamless. Below is some valuable information that should make that process easier. — Martha Owen & Susan Guy

    Over the River and Through the Woods to www.socialsecurity.gov.11-07-12-senior-corner.gif

    Kids are back in school, and in the breezy after-noons, you can find them raking leaves, or jumping in them. It’s that time of year. Soon, on the way to Thanksgiving dinner, children may be sing-ing in the back seats of cars: “Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house we go …

    ”Did you know that the original song had chil-dren in a horse-drawn sleigh on their way to grandfather’s house?

    A lot has changed since those days. Take the Internet, for example. A generation ago, no one would have considered mapping out directions on the Web, or ordering a package online, delivered directly to the destination. No one would have imagined doing business with Social Security with a computer.

    This Thanksgiving Day, after you’ve enjoyed your feast and exhausted conversation, why not show Grandma and Grandpa how easily they can use www.socialsecurity.gov to avoid un-needed trips to a Social Security office?

    For starters, you can take them to the online Retirement Estimator, a tool that helps them figure out how much they may get in monthly ben-efits depending on when they retire. It’s available at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Or tell them about the hot new service everyone is talking about: the new online Social Security Statement. It provides a record of past earnings, along with projected earnings for future years to give an estimate of future Social Security benefits. It’s available at www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement.

    You also can show them our library of online publications containing all the in-formation they need to know about an array of Social Security, retirement and Medicare subjects. You can see our publications at www.so-cialsecurity.gov/pubs. If they were thinking about retirement, you may want to show them just how knowledgeable you are by suggesting they read the publication, When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10147.html.

    And if they’re ready to retire, take them to www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline, where they can apply online for retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes — that may be less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee and slice a pumpkin pie. Once they click the “submit” button, they’re done. (And so are you.)

    As you’re preparing to go over the river, through the woods or across town to visit family this Thanksgiving Day, consider inviting www.socialsecurity.gov to the gathering.idMdiUse www.socialsecurity.gov to avoid unneeded trips to a Social Security office.BRENDA BROWN, Contr

  • The Fayetteville FireAntz enter the 2012-13 season with high expectations and are very optimistic11-14-12-fireantz.gifabout the upcoming season. They have a new head coach, a new assistant coach and a group of dynamic new players that fans are sure to get excited about.

    Head Coach Mark DeSantis, 40, makes his debut behind the bench for the FireAntz this season. For the last three seasons DeSantis was the assistant coach for the Rapid City Rush of the Central Hockey League and brings a wealth of experience to the FireAntz. During his playing career DeSantis, a defenseman, played 17 professional seasons and scored 131 goals, with 398 as-sists and tallied 2,108 penalty minutes.

    “We are thrilled to have Mark DeSantis as the head coach of our team,” said President/ General Manager Kevin MacNaught. “His attention to detail and commitment to helping us build a championship team were very im-portant qualities that I was looking for when choosing a coach and Mark was the obvious choice.”

    Assistant Coach Sean Edwards, 33, also in his first year coaching the FireAntz, played five professional seasons. The University of Ottawa’s most successful cam-paign was in 2004-05 where he notched 15 goals, 22 assists and 87 penalty min-utes in 51 games played. He also was +21 that season.“We are very optimistic about our chances for the upcoming year,” Edwards said. “Coach DeSantis recruited guys with really good character. Along with that we have guys that have a lot of speed and a lot of skill. We’re going to be really fun to watch and have a good chance to win night in and night out.”

    Players to Watch

    Bobby Reed, Center — Reed is the longest tenured player for the FireAntz, beginning his fourth season with the club. Reed, always considered a leader on and off the ice has been named Captain by DeSantis and is looking to have an-other great season for the club. The Huntsville, Ontario native has increased his scoring output each season with the FireAntz and last season had 40 points in 56 games played.

    Josh McQuade, Right Wing — McQuade enters his second professional season, both with the FireAntz, and looks to continue the stellar play that he displayed in his rookie campaign. Last year he averaged just shy of a point per game totaling 22 goals and 26 assists for 48 points in 52 games played. He also notched four goals and an assist in the FireAntz 6-3 victory in the pre-season win over the Augusta Riverhawks.

    Andrew Smale, Defenseman — Smale will play his first season with the FireAntz in 2012-13. The 6’4’’, 220 pound defenseman will provide great size, a swift skating ability and leadership on the blue line for the team this season. “Smale will be one of our key defense-men this season.” Assistant Coach Edwards said, “He will log a lot of minutes for us and we’re looking for really big things from Smale this year.”

    Marco Emond, Goaltender— Emond begins his first year man-ning the net for the FireAntz this season. The 34 year old goaltender brings a wealth of experience to the team, having played professionally since 1998. With over 200 professional wins and a save percentage over .900 for his career.

    Brandon Richardson,Forward — Richardson enters his second professional hockey season and first with the FireAntz. Fans may remember him from the Huntsville Havoc, last season, where he netted 13 goals in 26 games before get-ting called up to the Bloomington Blaze of the Central Hockey League (CHL.) “Brandon is one of our most versatile guys, he can play all three forward posi-tions.” Edwards added, “He’s definitely a goal scorer who has great speed and a great shot.”

    Brock Sawyer, Defense — Sawyer is a rookie defenseman for the FireAntz, hav-ing recently graduated from Elmira College in New York. “Brock is an offensive defenseman who plays smartly with and without the puck.” Edwards continued, “The maturity that this guys possesses, for a rookie, is remarkable. He carries him-self like a veteran and we are really happy to have him on our team.”

    With a new coach, a new assistant coach and an extremely talented roster the FireAntz are ready for an outstanding year in 2012-13. Make sure to come out to the Crown Coliseum and join in on the exciting season for the FireAntz this year. For more information on the FireAntz, or to purchase group tickets at a reduced rate visit the FireAntz Website at www.fireantzhockey.com

  • 12 01 Last OutFor anyone who serves in any branch of the military, their job is a major part of their life; and when service members go overseas, they come back with experiences and stories they need to share, both good and bad, for the sake of their well-being. “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” which will be at the Crown Complex Dec. 7 and 8, will portray some of those experiences in a way never before seen in any production.

    For Scott Mann, a veteran, professional speaker and storyteller who was stationed at Fort Bragg, acting and voice classes were ways for him to become more effective on stage. After a coach recommended he write a one-person show about something from the war, he wrote a short script. “My coach said, ‘You know what? That’s a play. You should think about that,’”said Mann. Eventually the idea evolved into a full-length play —“Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” which three years later, made its way to the stage.

    Although storytelling is used in other societies worldwide to help soldiers transition from war to home, that isn’t the case in America. “My transition was very dark,” said Mann. “And it was through storytelling that I healed myself. We don’t teach it... We’re about the only society on the planet that doesn’t. I want storytelling to be at the epicenter of this play.”

    Director Ame Livingston agrees. “We don’t hear from our veterans in our country. When they come back, they aren’t encouraged by our country to story tell … (The play) is a beautiful story of the whole family’s sacrifices. It’s all told through love.”

    Mann’s intention with the play was twofold. He wants the audience to feel the impact of modern war, regardless of how they feel about the war itself, and he hopes the story will shed light on the war to help people make more informed decisions in the future.

     

     

    12 02 Wall of Honor“I really wanted to validate the journey of those who fought and those who stayed home and endured it,” Mann explained. “We really needed a strong connection to the military to give that visceral, emotional feeling — you know, just take all the armor off and just put it out on the stage in a really raw way.”

    The story is authentic because while it isn’t all autobiographical, it is all based on true stories. Everyone in the cast and crew has ties to the military. “Last Out” has a cast of four people. Mann is a retired Lieutenant Colonel. Leonard Bruce, a former Green Beret, has been a veteran for over 22 years from the U.S. Army. Bryan Bachman served in the U.S. Army for roughly eight years and spent most of his time at Fort Bragg, as he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. Livingston, who has a role in the play in addition to directing, comes from a family with a rich military history.

    Kari Ellis, the tour manager, worked as a forensic video specialist for the Fayetteville Police Department and retired last year in April. Her husband served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. “He went overseas and never came back my husband,” Ellis explained. After having a stroke that stole his voice, her husband committed suicide at the end of 2017. After experiencing such an intense trauma, Ellis left Fayetteville and moved to Florida, where Mann urged her to be the tour manager. She is best friends with Mann’s wife. “It’s not in my wheelhouse, but the more I did, the more I felt I had purpose,” Ellis said.

    With 2019 coming to a close, Bachman pointed out how long it has been since 9/11.  “We’re handing off this war to our children that we didn’t finish,” he explained. “Right now, in Afghanistan there are men and women who weren’t alive when the towers fell. And that’s hard to just wrap  your head around sometimes,” he explained.
    Although the plot depicts military life, Bachman estimates that 75% of the audiences tend to be civilians. “The story is universal. It’s so personal and authentic,” he said.

    Based on the population of the United States, 8 million people have post traumatic stress every year, according to the National Center for PTSD. Service members often times face numerous stressors that can lead to post traumatic stress.

    As many people know, especially in a community with such a strong military presence, the hardships of war don’t just affect the people serving but their families and friends as well. The production pays tribute to those people and allows them to share their stories through one of their props, the Wall of Honor.

    When Mann was serving, he built a wall with a set of shelves in his home. When he returned from the war, he would bring his family trinkets and souvenirs and put them on the shelves as a way to stay connected with his children. The Wall of Honor is featured in the play. Since the play began touring, it has become a trend that gold star families and loved ones of those who served and veterans have given their own trinkets, like dog tags and pictures, for instance, to be used for the wall.  “We put that on the wall with reverence,” said Mann. “It’s grown into this beautiful museum of service and love.”

    One thing that stands out to Bruce is how accurately and thoroughly the play showcases a variety of relationships. “You see what people cope with when you’re gone, but then you see the relationships you build with people who are completely different — completely different cultures,” he said. “It’s another great part of the play that resonates with me. Relationships with people that you would not have relationships with otherwise. That stands out to me. It breaks down stereotypes that people might currently have of people they don’t know. Their lives and what everyone wants are very similar across cultures… This play shows those things in a different way.”

    Although war and the sacrifice that comes with it is always difficult, “Last Out” offers hope, not only by affirming the stories of service members and their families on stage but by helping its very own audience in the healing process. “Last Out” travels with a licensed psychologist, Diego Hernandez, so that if anyone needs help with their post-traumatic stress, he can treat them in the lobby.  “The big thing that we wanted to do is not just admire the problem,” Bachman said.

    “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret” will be at the Crown Complex Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35. Visit http://www.lastoutplay.com/ for more information and to buy tickets.

     Pictured 1, L-R: Scott Mann, Bryan Bachman, Ame Livingston, Lenny Bruce.

    Picture 2: The Wall of Honor is prominently displayed as a “museum of service and love.”

  • If you’re from the Fayetteville area, chances are, you’ve not only heard about the infamous World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry Sale, but you’re most likely a repeat customer. For those of you that are newer to the city, it’s a tradition that you will surely want to be a part of.

    The World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry Sale started back in 1958 by the late Pete Parrous as a way to make money for the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. The dinner is held the third Wednesday each November, with this marking the 52nd year that the event has been held. With more than 12,500 dinners being served, this is no small task, so more than 100 Greek families join together to put on the massive dinner.

    The spaghetti is made with a secret sauce that was created by Parrous that’s been handed down four generations and only brought out for this yearly event. Plates consist of genero11-03-10-spaghetti.gifus portions of mouth-watering spaghetti, parmesan cheese and a dinner roll. Alexandra “Sandy” Dais, who volunteers for the event, says that the dinners freeze really well.

    “Just put the whole box in a ziplock and put in your freezer,” she said, adding, “Chances are, it won’t last to the freezer.”

    In addition to the spaghetti, a popular highlight of the dinner is the vast variety of pastries, breads and cakes that are available for purchase. The church’s Ladies Philoptochos Society sell baklava (phyllo dough filled with honey, walnuts and pistachios), Kourabiedes (almond shortbread-like cookies), koulourakia (lightly-sweetened butter cookies) and fi nikia (honey-dipped walnut cookies. These items may be purchased individually or by the box.

    Proceeds from the dinner help support several of the church’s charities like: International Orthodox Christian Charities, Salvation Army, Friends of the Children (of the Cape Fear Valley Health System), Highland’s Chapter of the American Red Cross, Cumberland County Autism Society, Panagia Prousiotissa Montastary and Easter Seals. Over the years, the dinner has supported church expansions as well as other charities, both local and national.

    This year’s dinner will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17 in the Hellenic Center at the Orthodox Church, located at 614 Oakridge Ave. in Fayetteville.

    Tickets are just $6 each and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Plates are available on a take-out basis only. For a list of local businesses that have tickets, to get information about special large-delivery options or for general questions, call the church offi ce at 910-484-2010.

  • 11-13-13-goodness-grows.gifThe sun is just peeking through the trees that line the banks of the Cape Fear River when the first students arrive for classes at the FTCC Horticulture Education Center.

    When they arrive, students are excited to see the 4,000-square-foot greenhouse filled with plants. Many of these students may eventually own and operate their own greenhouses or plant nurseries and are getting valuable hands-on experience through their training at FTCC. Students in the Horticulture Technology curriculum take the Plant Propagation class and Greenhouse Operations class to learn about sowing seeds, transplanting seedlings, rooting cuttings, potting, feeding and watering plants as they participate in the day-to-day experience of producing plants for sale. At FTCC, students in the Horticulture Technology program are given the opportunity to put learning into practice.

    Students in the Landscape Construction class learn the skills necessary to build, such as a brick-on-sand walkway and a zigzag wooden bridge. Material presented in class is followed up by experiential learning — students get to practice the skills they are being taught. A few thumbs may get smashed, but even beginners quickly learn how to create and build elements of a landscape.

    In Soils and Fertilizers class, students compute the amount of fertilizer needed to follow the recommendations of a soil test. Students will apply the skills they learn here in other classes, such as Turfgrass, Greenhouse Operations and Landscape Management.

    FTCC’s Horticulture Technology curriculum has a unique partnership with our next-door neighbor — Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Students have access to the gardens and grounds of CFBG to study plants and landscaping. Cooperative projects are also carried out that benefit both the garden and the FTCC horticulture students.

    The Horticulture Technology curriculum at FTCC offers an Associate of Applied Science as well as three certificate programs: Basic Horticulture, Basic Landscape Maintenance and Horticulture Science. Students can complete the AAS degree in five semesters while going to school on a full-time schedule; students can complete the certificate programs sooner. A wide range of individuals enroll in the program. Our students are of all ages and include those just completing a high school diploma, those who are retired and older adults seeking lifelong learning opportunities. Some companies send their employees to FTCC to obtain valuable training needed to advance in their careers. The horticulture program covers most aspects of a diverse field of endeavor, and the program’s emphasis on management means that students learn the basics of business and entrepreneurship.

    Careers in horticulture include a wide range of choices: landscape installation and management, wholesale and/or retail greenhouse and nursery, retail garden centers, turfgrass manager, private gardener, garden designer and interiorscape technician, to name a few. Each student receives the opportunity to learn a little about all these and more. In addition, the horticulture program encourages high school students to participate in dual-enrollment programs which may be available in their schools. High school students can enroll for no charge in specific FTCC horticulture classes and begin earning college credit while still completing their high school diploma.

    Contact me for more information about the Horticulture Technology curriculum at webbj@faytechcc.edu or by phone at 910-678-8447.

    Photo: In Soils and Fertilizers class, students compute the amount of fertilizer needed to follow the recommendations of a soil test. 

  • 11-17-2010scrooge.gifMost of us are familiar with Charles Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol. It’s the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a rich, yet stingy businessman who dislikes festivities and celebrations. Scrooge is well-known for his hatred for the poor as well as for the harsh way in which he treats them. In the story, Scrooge is visited by spirits who test his beliefs and eventually, Scrooge realizes that he has erred and resolves to become a compassionate, charitable man. The story has become synonymous with Christmas and has maintained its status of being a holiday staple around the globe.

    The stage version of A Christmas Carol has become a local tradition as well, courtesy of the performers at the Gilbert Theater. For the fifth straight year, the Gilbert Theater has been entertaining the community with its own take on one of Dickens’ most famous works. According to founder and artistic director at Gilbert, Lynn Pryer, despite the fact that the story was published more than 150 years ago, it still resonates with readers and audiences today.

    “Human nature does not change. Greed is still with us,” Pryer said, going on to say that the reason he loves theater is that, “Great stories can change people. Brilliant stories like this one have lasting power. It was on stage one month after its publication in 1843. Redemption is a tenant of all great religions.”

    It is his love for the performing arts that led Pryer to open up the Gilbert Theater in the basement of his home back in 1994. Now in its location at the corner of Green and Bow streets in downtown Fayetteville, the theater is well known for both its classical and contemporary productions. Gilbert prides itself on providing performances that are both entertaining as well as socially relevant.

    When asked about the challenge of keeping an annual production like A Christmas Carol fresh, Pryer noted, “Doing a play year after year requires us to improve this and that: sets, costumes, props, music, etc.”

    His ultimate goal is for his audience to “sit breathless in their seat and leave changed. We ask audiences to willingly suspend their disbeliefs.”

    “In a familiar story like A Christmas Carol,” he said, “our task is to use Charles Dickens’ words and breathe life into them.”

    It is no wonder, then, how the motto of the Gilbert, “where story telling takes center stage” came to be.

    Those who were fortunate to have caught last year’s version will be happy to learn that John Doerner will be returning in his role as the selfish businessman, Scrooge. Also returning this year are Paul Wolverton as Bob Cratchit, Cleve Davis as Jacob Marley’s ghost and Joyce Lipe as the narrator. Carrie Carroll, Crystal Abbott and Efrain Colon will portray the three spirits.

    The production will run Nov. 26 - Dec. 12. Thursday and Friday shows are at 8 p.m. Saturday shows are at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. only. (There will not be a show on Dec. 9). Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the website www.gilberttheater.com or at the box office beginning Nov. 17.

    The box office is open on Tuesday 5-7 p.m., Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Walk-ups are welcome but seating can’t be guaranteed. For more information, visit the website or call 910- 678-7186. The Gilbert is located on the second floor of the Fascinate U Children’s Museum and it is wheelchair accessible

  • While Hope Mills has been growing like nobody’s business, they’ve still got small town charm. On Saturday, Dec. 4, an entire day of activities has been planned for the community.

    The fun starts with breakfast with Santa from 8:30 - 11 a.m. He’ll be at the Hope Mills Recreation Center at 5766 Rockfi sh Rd. ready to share his morning with all the good little boys and girls out there.

    “We’ll be serving pancakes and the kids will have a choice between sausage or bacon and we’ll also have orange juice,” said Kenny Bullock event coordinator. “And the kids will have a chance to talk with Santa and spend some time with him.”

    Limited space means that preregistration is required, but the $5 fee is payable at the door. Be sure to register by Nov. 29, by calling 424- 4500 In the spirit of the season the recreation center is requesting donations of canned and nonperishable foods to benefi t the Lam’s House in Hope Mills.

    Later in the day, at 3 p.m. is the Hope Mills Christmas parade. It starts at the Hope Mills Recreation Center and will end at Hope Mills Middle School.

    “We’ve got the traditional beauty queens who will be riding in the parade, and several school bands including Southview and Jack Britt among some other — we are hoping to include E.E. Smith High School too,” said Bullock. “One of our most interesting parade entries so far is First Baptist Church. They are going to bring shopping carts and walk with them in the parade to collect canned goods which will be given to the Alms House. We are encouraging anyone who comes to the parade to bring a canned good or nonperishable food item. It is the season of giving after all and like I was taught when I was a young boy, it really is better to give than to receive.”

    Items collected will be distributed to families in need and used to feed the local homeless population.

    Rounding out the day of festivities and good will is the 35th Annual Festival of Lights at Hope Mills Lake Park on Main Street. It starts at 5:30 p.m. and promises to be a fun evening of Christmas music, fellowship and memory making. There will be hay rides, the lighting of the town Christmas Tree, the town star and the yule log.

    “We’ll be handing out cookies and hot chocolate while supplies last,” said Bullock. “And Santa and Mrs. Clause will be coming to make their rounds and they’ll be handing out cookies to the children. The little ones will have a chance to make their Christmas wishes known to Santa that evening too. It will be a really enjoyable event.”

    For more information about any of these events please call 424-4500 or 426-4107.

  • For many of our neighbors, the traditional sign of the holiday season approaching is the raising of the Christmas tree. Some have tabletop trees, others have the eight-footers and still others, like Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, put up a tree in extraordinary fashion.

    The 33rd Annual Fayetteville Singing Christmas Tree rings in11-23-11-singing-tree.jpgthe Advent season with six performances starting Thursday, Dec. 1 and running through Sunday, Dec. 4.

    The singing Christmas tree consists of a 40-foot tall structure of lights and ribbon that showcases a 90-voice adult choir, 100-voice youth choir and 35-voice children’s choir directed by Dr. Larry Dickens, minister of music at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church.

    “All of the music is live. The singers and musicians are local people in our community who you work with and go to school with. It’s a grassroots effort,” said Dickens.

    Also performing at the Singing Christmas Tree is the Steps of Faith interpretive dance team, a 20-member contemporary praise team and band, two handbell choirs and a 40-member orchestra. A 57-Rank Schantz pipe organ and Steinway Grand piano accompany the performers.

    Snyder Baptist leaders consider Fayetteville’s Singing Christmas Tree a gift to the community. Tickets are free to the public and go very quickly. Snyder Baptist welcomes more than 5,000 people every year for the Singing Christmas Tree.

    Dickens said, “It’s not as much about entertainment as it is about worshipping with the entire community. I think people want something to celebrate. This is a way for them to mark the season as something different in their lives, a different time of year. The first song in part two is called “The Yearning.” I think there is a yearning for spirituality during the Advent season that draws them here.”

    This is Dickens’ 13th production of the Singing Christmas Tree. Part of the appeal, he says, is the uniqueness of the event.

    “The music is very diverse. There are a couple of classical pieces, contemporary praise and worship, black gospel and tradition carols. There is a little bit of everything,” he said.

    Snyder Baptist is also conducting a food drive during each performance. Concert goers are asked to bring canned goods for local food pantries. And while you are warming your heart by contributing to the food drive and warming your soul with Christmas music, there will be hot cocoa and cider on hand to warm your belly.

    Evening performances start at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday afternoon performances begin at 4:30 p.m. Attendees are asked to arrive 20 minutes before performances. For more information or to order tickets, please contact Snyder Memorial Baptist Church at 910.484.3191 or www.snydermbc.com.

    Photo: The 33rd Annual Fayetteville Singing Christmas Tree will be on stage at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church from Dec. 1-4.

  • 11-30-11-peo-house-cover-pic.jpgThe holidays are about family, taking time to enjoy the simple things in life and remembering slower, sweeter times. There are many who have a hard time making that happen. It’s more about over-extended budgets, over-filled calendars, frenzied baking marathons and last-minute shopping.


    It wasn’t always that way though. There was a time when the holidays were much less expensive and more family-centric. On Dec.4, at the Museum of the Cape Fear, peek into the past at the Holiday Jubilee and see what the holidays were like in Fayetteville during the Victorian era.

    From 1-5 p.m. visitors are invited to a fun-filled day including musical concerts from acapella group Oakwood Waits, performances by A Fairy Tale Affair, ornament making and cooking in the Poe House kitchen.
    See the Poe House adorned in period fashion with early 20th century accents and activities at every turn. It’s a different kind of hustle and bustle here — one that soothes the soul and calms the nerves, and even rejuvenates the spirit.

    So take a moment, sit a spell on the porch and listen to the harmony of Oakwood Waits as they perform melodies that call back to an earlier time.

    “Oakwood Waits is a wonderful singing group out of Raleigh,” said Leisa Greathouse, curator of education at the Museum of the Cape Fear. “One of the exciting things about having them here is that not only are they great performers, but they will be having meet and greets in between performances so people will have a chance to talk to them about their music.”
    Dressed in red and green ball gowns, Princess Emily and Princess Anna of A Fairy Tale Affairs, will perform 13 traditional carols incorporated into a Christmas production. This is sure to captivate the youngest visitors and ignite their Christmas spirit.

    “We’ll also have a crafting area where children can come and make what are called scrap ornaments,” said Greathouse. “They are called scrap ornaments because children used to cut pictures out of magazines and things like that and make these out of scrap paper.”

    An addition to the annual celebration, this year the local doll clubs are involved. They are providing their expertise and even more significantly, access to their prized doll collections, which are part of the decorations in the parlor. These doll clubs have a national membership with the United Federation of Doll Clubs, Inc. A large variety of dolls and toys representing the early 1900s will indeed make the parlor “all dolled up.”

    “The collections that these collectors have are amazing,” said Greathouse. “They represent many different countries and cultures and are representative of the kind of toys children had in the early 1900s. This is a very unique opportunity to share their passion with the public while educating them as well.”

    Admission is free. Find out more by calling 486-1330 or visiting www.museumofthecapefear.com.

  • The Changeling (Rated R) Rated 4 Stars
       

        We begin our journey in the parking lot this week, which seems suspiciously crowded for a pre-dinner show. A dull roar greets me as I wander towards the cinema, only to realize my horrendous mistake…High School Musical 3 has drawn every tween from Hope Mills to Spring Lake to the very theater I am trying to find my way into. I barely make it through the overstimulated throngs to my little theater in the back, which is surprisingly packed with people. Yes, after its inauspicious debut last week, The Changeling (141 minutes) continues to climb up the charts. Continued interest in the film is due in no small part to the quality of Angelina Jolie’s acting, although I still want to force feed her cheeseburgers whenever I see her skeletal profile.   
        {mosimage}The title of this Clint Eastwood directed flick refers to various legends in which a child is stolen away from its parents and replaced with soulless fairy spawn. The film itself is a nice counterpoint to Mystic River, a film about violence and children, which Eastwood also directed. The film includes fine attention to period details, and most of the facts of the case on which the story is based are accurately depicted. Of course, it is Hollywood, so some characters are composites, and some scenes are perhaps a touch more dramatic than real life. In a nod to realism, there is a very nice touch of ambiguity included in the finale, a directorial choice made to leave the audience deliberately unsatisfied.
        J. Michael Straczynski (who also wrote Babylon 5 and is currently scripting World War Z—AWESOME) stuck closely to the facts of the real-life case. The film tells the story of Christine Collins (Jolie), a single working mother in 1920s Los Angeles whose son goes missing while she works. The corrupt LA police department delivers a child to her, but she isn’t willing to exchange her child for a boy she knows isn’t her own — despite the insistence of the police. She tries to go public, but in doing so she threatens the department’s fragile claim to legitimacy, and so they work against her at every turn. When she continues to press for the department to find her son, Chief James E. Davis (Colm Feore) and Captain J.J. Jones (Jeffrey Donovan) conspire to discredit her and conceal their own mistakes. John Malkovich has a nice supporting role as Reverend Gustav Briegleb, the one man who believes in Collins’ and her claims that the police returned the wrong child.
        While the film is tangentially a drama about a missing child, Eastwood uses the story as a jumping off point to explore several larger themes. Especially worth noting is Jolie’s charisma and ability to play a strong woman trapped in a sexist society, who is still determined to defy social conventions and the male power structure.
        Among other things, there is a powerful scene towards the end which works as a powerful argument against the death penalty. It is important to acknowledge that however brutal the scene is meant to be (and it is not east to watch) it still fails to show the extent of the brutality and inhumanity present during state sanctioned executions.
        There is a slight issue with the pacing of the movie, and the courtroom scenes toward the end seem to drag on and on, slowing the pace of an otherwise suspenseful thriller.

  • uac111109001.jpg

    One of Fayetteville's Thanksgiving traditions,The Heart of ChristmasShow, is back for its 11th year, and according to Laura Stevens, the director of the show, it's better than ever. The show, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 28 and Sunday, Nov. 29 at the Crown Theatre.

    The show has at its base the performers in Voices of the Heart. After winning a national competition in 1999, the members of Voices of the Heart and Stevens decided to take the attention and momentum of that moment and do something good. That something good wasThe Heart of Christmas Show, which is designed to use children's talents to help sick and abused children. One hundred percent of ticket sales of that first show, or more than $8,000, was donated to the Friends of Children at Cape Fear Valley Medical Foundation. Since that first show, the intent has remained unchanged but the size of the show and the amount of money has grown tremendously, having raised more than $250,000 over the past 11 years for a number of agencies and the public schools.

    "When we organized that first show, it was really just supposed to be a one-time deal," said Stevens. "I have to laugh now, because we are in our 11th year, but it's a whole lot bigger effort than it was 10 years ago."

    The first show operated on $10,000 budget. Now the budget is closer to $100,000, but all of the money to fund the show is raised before the production ever hits the stage. That allows all proceeds from the show to go back into the community

    "It's such a huge production and it takes hundreds and hundreds of man hours to pull it off," said Stevens. "It's grown so much from our school shows, which started selling out three to four years ago. The cool thing about school shows is that we turn what we sell into a fundraiser for the schools. It's been a wonderful fundraiser for them."

    Stevens said there are three elements that are key to the success of the show. First and foremost in Stevens' mind, and that of the performers in the show, is the goal of raising money to help children in the community. 

    "We are here to complete a job. Sing our very best, dance our very best and give the best we have so that people will come and return year after year," she said. 

    "As the show grows each year, the more people that come, the more money we are able to give away. I hope that some day the kind of checks we are able to give away is $100,000, not $20,000 or $30,000."mandy-santa.jpg

    "It's also an awesome opportunity for the cast - the 30 something children hand-picked to be in show. It's awesome for them to be in a show of this magnitude," said Stevens. "It's like New York comes to Fayetteville. It's a huge production.  These kids get a chance to work on their talent. Several members of Voices of the Heart have gone on to major in music in college, and they say they haven't had as big an opportunity asHeart of Christmas throughout their college career. It's a landmark memory in their mind."

    Stevens said the show is a very professional, high-quality show. While a lot of the audience is from Fayetteville, many of them travel to the city from throughout the southeast. Stevens said those folks keep coming year after year, and they are bringing their friends with them. 

    "Those visitors stay in hotels and eat in our restaurants and turn the weekend into a shopping trip," said Stevens. "So that benefits the community as well."

    The third element, which Stevens finds really important is the fact that Fayetteville gets an early Christmas present. 

    "Fayetteville gets an awesome, home-grown Christmas show, that doesn't have the flavor of home-grown show," she said. "In a city that does have some notoriety for some horrible things, here's one good thing that has been steady for 11 years now. It's a show that Fayetteville can be proud of."

    Stevens said the business support for the show has overwhelmed her this year, noting that despite the hard economic times, businesses still put their full support behind the show. "I thought fundraising would be hard," she said. "But the businesses were 100 percent on board."

    This year's Voices of the Heart group is one of the youngest Stevens has had. The ages range from 11-15. "We are very excited about this group," she said. "They are awesome in every way. We've been touring every weekend. The audience response has been overwhelming."

    Stevens said that folks who attended last year, will still see some of their favorite skits, but they will also see new numbers. "We change the show every year," she said. "But there are some parts that we just can't change, because the audience won't let us change."

    Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at Hawley's Bicycle World or at all Ticketmaster outlets. If seats are available, you can purchase tickets at the door, for $18. Group rates are available. For more information, visit www.heartofchristmasshow.com .

     

  • The holiday season this year brings not only the jingle of bells, but also the mystical ring of the Middle Eastern zils or fi nger cymbals when Sharifa Asmar and Qarisma Dance present Sa’hra Sa’eeda, an evening of Middle Eastern dancing and happiness with family and friends, on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge of Fayetteville, 2860 Village Dr.

    “It is a perfect start for your holiday season,” Sharifa said during a recent phone interview. “The hafl a or dance party will feature classic Middle Eastern dance entertainment with Qarisma Dance students, instructors and guests artists, such as Oriental Expressions from the Triangle area and Ra’eesah Ra’naa from Greenville, S.C. The decorations will present a feelinnov18-1sharifaveil.jpgg of a Middle Eastern nightclub.”

    Asmar, who has danced for more than 25 years, is known for her authentic, classic Oriental style. She has studied with many well-known dance masters and internationally known dancers, from New York to California, as well as Europe and North Africa. Her dance repertoire includes Egyptian, Lebanese and Turkish styles and regional North African and Arab- Asian dances. Though many describe Oriental dance as “bellydancing,” Asmar explained why she prefers the terms Oriental or Middle Eastern dance.

    “The term bellydance is culturally loaded, on a negative side,” Asmar said. “It’s Oriental dance or Middle Eastern dance, which encompasses the Oriental and the folkloric dance. It’s shrouded in the ancients, right up there with the pyramids, 5,000 years and counting. It’s the oldest continuously performed folk dance that we know of,” said Asmar, “and Oriental dance at its modern source today is a communal dance. It’s a party dance. It’s social. When they turn on that music, it’s what everybody does.”

    While Asmar has primarily performed as a solo act, in 2006 she brought her dance company, Qarisma Dance Arts, to the Charlotte Dance Festival –– the fi rst and only Oriental dance company to perform there. That same year, she received a Regional Artist’s Grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County.

    A recognized resource for quality Middle Eastern Oriental dance education, Asmar offers workshops and currently teaches benov18-qarismaoct09mohamshahinshowdurhamhires.jpgginning, intermediate, advanced and performance Middle Eastern dance through Parks and Recreation at E. E. Miller Recreation Center in Fayetteville. Many of the dancers who will perform at the Sa’hra Sa’eeda include some of Asmar’s intermediate and advanced students.

    “I started in a parks and recreation program in Las Cruces, N.M,” said Asmar, who also holds degrees in history, political science and foreign languages. “I’m one of two in that fi rst class who are still dancing!”

    In addition to having a good time, doing a little dancing, and being treated to solo and group performances, guests of the hafl a will enjoy light refreshments and may peruse the vendors’ tables.

    “It’s a family-friendly event,” Asmar said.

    Tickets are $7.00 per person or $15 for a family, to include two adults and two children aged 10-18. Children under 10 are free with a paid supervising adult.

    For more information on Sa’hra Sa’eeda or Qarisma at the upcoming World Holiday Festival on Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Crown Arena in Fayetteville, visit www. sharifaasmar.com.

  • 12 01 Last OutFor anyone who serves in any branch of the military, their job is a major part of their life; and when service members go overseas, they come back with experiences and stories they need to share, both good and bad, for the sake of their well-being. “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” which will be at the Crown Complex Dec. 7 and 8, will portray some of those experiences in a way never before seen in any production.

    For Scott Mann, a veteran, professional speaker and storyteller who was stationed at Fort Bragg, acting and voice classes were ways for him to become more effective on stage. After a coach recommended he write a one-person show about something from the war, he wrote a short script. “My coach said, ‘You know what? That’s a play. You should think about that,’”said Mann. Eventually the idea evolved into a full-length play —“Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” which three years later, made its way to the stage.

    Although storytelling is used in other societies worldwide to help soldiers transition from war to home, that isn’t the case in America. “My transition was very dark,” said Mann. “And it was through storytelling that I healed myself. We don’t teach it... We’re about the only society on the planet that doesn’t. I want storytelling to be at the epicenter of this play.”

    Director Ame Livingston agrees. “We don’t hear from our veterans in our country. When they come back, they aren’t encouraged by our country to story tell … (The play) is a beautiful story of the whole family’s sacrifices. It’s all told through love.”

    Mann’s intention with the play was twofold. He wants the audience to feel the impact of modern war, regardless of how they feel about the war itself, and he hopes the story will shed light on the war to help people make more informed decisions in the future.

     

     

    12 02 Wall of Honor“I really wanted to validate the journey of those who fought and those who stayed home and endured it,” Mann explained. “We really needed a strong connection to the military to give that visceral, emotional feeling — you know, just take all the armor off and just put it out on the stage in a really raw way.”

    The story is authentic because while it isn’t all autobiographical, it is all based on true stories. Everyone in the cast and crew has ties to the military. “Last Out” has a cast of four people. Mann is a retired Lieutenant Colonel. Leonard Bruce, a former Green Beret, has been a veteran for over 22 years from the U.S. Army. Bryan Bachman served in the U.S. Army for roughly eight years and spent most of his time at Fort Bragg, as he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. Livingston, who has a role in the play in addition to directing, comes from a family with a rich military history.

    Kari Ellis, the tour manager, worked as a forensic video specialist for the Fayetteville Police Department and retired last year in April. Her husband served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force. “He went overseas and never came back my husband,” Ellis explained. After having a stroke that stole his voice, her husband committed suicide at the end of 2017. After experiencing such an intense trauma, Ellis left Fayetteville and moved to Florida, where Mann urged her to be the tour manager. She is best friends with Mann’s wife. “It’s not in my wheelhouse, but the more I did, the more I felt I had purpose,” Ellis said.

    With 2019 coming to a close, Bachman pointed out how long it has been since 9/11.  “We’re handing off this war to our children that we didn’t finish,” he explained. “Right now, in Afghanistan there are men and women who weren’t alive when the towers fell. And that’s hard to just wrap  your head around sometimes,” he explained.
    Although the plot depicts military life, Bachman estimates that 75% of the audiences tend to be civilians. “The story is universal. It’s so personal and authentic,” he said.

    Based on the population of the United States, 8 million people have post traumatic stress every year, according to the National Center for PTSD. Service members often times face numerous stressors that can lead to post traumatic stress.

    As many people know, especially in a community with such a strong military presence, the hardships of war don’t just affect the people serving but their families and friends as well. The production pays tribute to those people and allows them to share their stories through one of their props, the Wall of Honor.

    When Mann was serving, he built a wall with a set of shelves in his home. When he returned from the war, he would bring his family trinkets and souvenirs and put them on the shelves as a way to stay connected with his children. The Wall of Honor is featured in the play. Since the play began touring, it has become a trend that gold star families and loved ones of those who served and veterans have given their own trinkets, like dog tags and pictures, for instance, to be used for the wall.  “We put that on the wall with reverence,” said Mann. “It’s grown into this beautiful museum of service and love.”

    One thing that stands out to Bruce is how accurately and thoroughly the play showcases a variety of relationships. “You see what people cope with when you’re gone, but then you see the relationships you build with people who are completely different — completely different cultures,” he said. “It’s another great part of the play that resonates with me. Relationships with people that you would not have relationships with otherwise. That stands out to me. It breaks down stereotypes that people might currently have of people they don’t know. Their lives and what everyone wants are very similar across cultures… This play shows those things in a different way.”

    Although war and the sacrifice that comes with it is always difficult, “Last Out” offers hope, not only by affirming the stories of service members and their families on stage but by helping its very own audience in the healing process. “Last Out” travels with a licensed psychologist, Diego Hernandez, so that if anyone needs help with their post-traumatic stress, he can treat them in the lobby.  “The big thing that we wanted to do is not just admire the problem,” Bachman said.

    “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret” will be at the Crown Complex Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35. Visit http://www.lastoutplay.com/ for more information and to buy tickets.

     Pictured 1, L-R: Scott Mann, Bryan Bachman, Ame Livingston, Lenny Bruce.

    Picture 2: The Wall of Honor is prominently displayed as a “museum of service and love.”

  • 13 House at ChristmasThe Heritage Square Historical Society understands how cherished holiday experiences are and wants to be a part of the celebrated traditions of the season. The annual Tour of Homes provides an enchanted, self-guided tour of five homes in the historic Haymount area of Fayetteville. The tour begins at Heritage Square Historical Society’s 222-year-old home, the Sandford House and Oval Ballroom, located at 255 Dick St. It takes place Dec. 8.

    People will adorn the exterior of their homes with embellishments to enhance their charm and decorate the interior with ornamentations of the season. All of this prepares hearts for the joyous moments of the holidays. 

    These locations will welcome visitors with hot spiced cider and homemade cookies.

    The Sanford House has been seasonally decorated by several local garden clubs as well. The Sandford House and Oval Ballroom are prepared to start participants on their journey of the Christmas season with simple, yet elegant touches of all things beautiful.

    After enjoying time at Heritage Square, the map will direct attendees to four other exquisite, private homes. One of those homes belongs to Brian and Wendy Jones Carter at 1114 Longleaf Dr. Not only will they provide magnificent decorations, but Voices of the Heart, the former “Heart of Christmas” singers, will entertain guests with yuletide melodies while walking about the home.

    The merry mood continues as spectators proceed to the remaining three locations. One of those homes is the residence of Marvin and Susan Butler Allan located at 517 Northview Ln., ready to provide visitors with awe-inspiring decorations.

    Next you can drive to 2516 North Edgewater Dr., home to Virginia Oliver, to view breathtaking, joyous adornments throughout her home.

    And finally, the Belmont House, located at 1104 Hay St., will wow guests with the allure of shimmering brilliance. These homes are decorated with the purpose of captivating each person in an extraordinary and memorable way.
    All of this Christmas cheer happens Dec. 8, from 1-5:30 p.m.  Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at three locations — Heritage Square Historical Society, The Pilgrim at Westwood Shopping Center and Leclair’s General Store on Hay Street. All proceeds go to the restoration and preservation of the historic homes at Heritage Square.
    Call 910-483-6009 for more information.
     
  • 11 ImageThere’s something about tradition that causes us to feel at home, even if we’re not in a city that is our original home. The Gilbert Theater understands how important tradition is to the community of Fayetteville and honors this by performing the production of “It’s A Wonderful Life” during the Christmas season. George Bailey’s story has been told on their stage for years, and it’s a production the community of Fayetteville not only anticipates but holds very dear. This year, the show opens Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 22.

    This classic film is a timeless story and, according to the play’s director, Nicki Hart, “The Gilbert transforms this beloved film into a beloved stage play. We make it unique, because of our stage and our theater. Our production goes hand-in-hand with the heartfelt quality that our actors bring to the performances every year.”

    Hart points out that even though there was a large turn out during the audition process, she had to be mindful of who play the characters of George Bailey and Mary Hatch because as the two main characters, they carry the show. “The audience will see them have moments in their lives of happiness and joy, but also serious struggles. We watch George, who is loved by the town of Bedford Falls, go through such a struggle that he desperately tries to fix his problems himself. He feels the only way out of his problems is to end his own life. But the audience sees that when he calls on a greater force, who shows up in the form of an angel names Clarence, he inadvertently realizes he really does have a wonderful life.”

    For returning audiences, they will see a lot of similar qualities from previous years’ performances. However, Assistant Director John Doerner, has the vision to express new ideas within this familiar story line to bring a newness and uniqueness to the production.

    In fact, audiences of all ages can look forward to spending a few hours being transported to the town of Bedford Falls by way of the Gilbert Theater. They can look forward to experiencing a wide array of emotions as they watch the actors bring their characters to life in a way that is heartwarming. The story provides a reminder that family isn’t always those we are related to. That prayers matter and miracles happen. And that no matter what we are facing, when we change our perspective, we can truly see that we have a wonderful life.

    The Gilbert Theater is located at 116 Green St. Performances for “It’s A Wonderful Life” are Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, 6, 7, 8 and Dec. 20, 21, and 22. Times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There are two student matinees – Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. and Dec. 9 at 10 a.m.. Tickets can be purchased at www.gilberttheater.com. Prices are $16 and $14 for students, military, first responders and seniors. Groups of 10 or more are $10. 
     

    “It’s a Wonderful Life” opens at Gilbert Theater Nov. 29. Pictured above: Laurel Flom as Mary Hatch Bailey, Justin Toyer as George Bailey, Abigayle Hodges as Zuzu Bailey.

     
     
  • 10 BCPE 85inX6The holiday season is, indeed, upon us, and Cape Fear Regional Theatre is getting ready to bring back its annual holiday favorite, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” This year, it’s a bit of a homecoming — in more ways than one. This marks the 29th consecutive season that CFRT has brought this holiday story to the stage. The show runs Dec. 6 through Dec. 22.

    In this hilarious classic, a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids, probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem — and the fun— when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head-on. If you are looking for a chance to spend an hour of quality time with your family, take them to see “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” This year, the show is directed by CFRT Education Director Marc de la Concha.

    Leading the cast is Amber Dawn French as Grace Bradley. She returns to reprise the role she first performed last season. Amber has enjoyed performing in a number of productions with the theater.“Collaboration and community are two of my favorite things about theater, and ‘BCPE’ offers a beautiful opportunity to experience both during the Christmas season,” said French, regarding her affection for the whole experience.

    Rounding out the cast are three separate casts of more than 100 children bringing this delightful story to life. These rising stars bring so much heart and enthusiasm to the stage; you won’t want to miss it.

    Finally, this year, Founding Artistic Director Bo Thorp will make special guest appearances as Mrs. Armstrong at certain performances. Thorp was the force behind first bringing this show to the CFRT stage in 1990, and she has directed myriad reincarnations since.

    “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” will most certainly become a memory that the audience will forever cherish, like so many other Fayetteville natives. Families return year after year to reflect on old memories and create new ones. The show is suitable for all audiences.

    CFRT is located at 1209 Hay St. For tickets or for more information, contact the box office at 910-323-4233 or visit www.cfrt.org. Performance are Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., with some performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $16.

    David Hemsley Caldwell first performed in the “BCPE” in 1994 and returns after 25 years to play the reluctant husband of Grace, Bob Bradley. He has returned to Fayetteville numerous times since 1994, performing and directing many shows for CFRT, creating long-lasting  friendships and building memories that he will forever cherish.
     
  • 09 originalOn Dec. 7, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will present its annual Christmas concert, “Deck the Halls,” at Fayetteville State University’s Seabrook Auditorium. Each year, the symphony presents a special holiday program for the community, featuring beloved carols and other holiday classics, and this year’s production is no exception.

    This year’s concert will open with festive selections from renowned composers including Sergei Prokofiev and Ralph Vaughan Williams. Concertgoers will then be treated to Tchaikovsky’s famous Nutcracker Suite, which includes such iconic holiday pieces as “Russian Dance,” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Other selections on the program this year include the sacred classic, “For unto Us a Child Is Born,” from Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, after which, two wonderful choirs from the Fayetteville community will join the symphony for the remainder of the concert. Firstly, the Fayetteville Academy choir, directed by Leann Valcarcel, will perform some Christmas selections, including “Noel Nouvelet” and “The Birth of Nicolas,” by acclaimed choral composer, Benjamin Britten. After this, the Cumberland Choral Arts, formerly known as the Cumberland Oratorio Singers, will perform a number of favorite Christmas carols, including some arranged by master choral arranger and composer, John Rutter, such as “I Saw Three Ships” and “O Holy Night.”

    The Fayetteville Symphony’s accomplished conductor, Stefan Sanders, shared that he looks forward to leading a large representation of North Carolina’s greatest musicians in a production of familiar and beloved melodies. “Each year, the Fayetteville Symphony and I look forward to brightening everyone’s holiday season with a fun family friendly concert of great music to get us in the holiday spirit.” He also added, “We look forward to celebrating the beauty of the season with them and welcoming you to the beautiful Seabrook Auditorium at the Fayetteville State University Dec. 7.”

    “Deck the Halls” is sure to be a masterpiece of sound produced by some of the Fayetteville area’s most skilled and highly trained professionals. Together with extraordinary choral groups, the Fayetteville Academy chorus and the Cumberland Choral Arts Choir, this is going to be a unique production that you will not want to miss.

    This Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is sponsored and supported by various corporate and individual donors including the Fayetteville Arts Council. Townsend Real Estate, the North Carolina Arts Council, and various individual donors including Gillie Revel and Susan Stephany, all of who are helping to support this event and many others in the 2019-2020 season.

    Tickets are available for purchase online now at https://squareup.com/store/fayetteville-symphony-orchestra/item/deck-the-halls! Ticket rates are $10.28 for children and college students with an ID, $23.36 for seniors and military with an ID and $26.17 for adults. The proceeds go to help sustain the Fayetteville Symphony’s presence in our hometown as well as their influence on local youth through associated organizations, such as the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra and the String Sinfonietta. If tickets are purchased up to 15 days before the event, they may be mailed to recipients. However, it they are purchased closer to the concert they may be picked up at the will call box office line. Or you can also call the symphony at 910-433-4690 to purchase tickets.
     
  • 08 balletFor many, the Christmas season is not complete without seeing a production of “The Nutcracker,” the grace, athleticism and heart of the performers shine forth on stage after months and even years of training. The familiar musical score delivers the classics that embody the iconic adventures of Clara and her nutcracker. Perhaps the audience hums along, toes tapping as the dancers flitter across the stage. Dec. 6-8, Fayetteville audiences can enjoy The Dance Theatre of Fayetteville’s rendition of “The Nutcracker” at Methodist University.

    Based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 fairytale “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” the ballet was not always as popular as it is today. When the production premiered at the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, in December,1892, it was considered a flop even though the score was written by the famous composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and the renowned Marius Petipa choreographed the show. It seemed the only person who was impressed by it was Czar Alexander III. Petipa and Tchaikovsky had worked together previously on “Sleeping Beauty” with great success.

    “The Nutcracker” ballet takes place on Christmas Eve at a party at the Stahlbaum House — a large and beautiful estate. Herr Drosselmeyer gives young Clara a nutcracker. As Clara drifts off to sleep at the end of the evening, the nutcracker comes to life and the two wage a battle against the evil mouse king. They visit the Land of Sweets, ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy and enjoy chocolate from Spain, coffee from Arabia, tea from China and candy canes from Russia as the fairy’s subjects dance for Clara and the nutcracker prince.

    Traditionally one of the things that makes this production unique its all-inclusive nature. “There is a part for everybody,” said TDTF Artistic Director Leslie Dumas. “I try to match the part to the kids that is going to match their ability and make them look good. I don’t have a part they have to fit into. We change the choreography to accommodate the ability of the dancers. The only qualifier to participate is that you have to be enrolled in a dance class somewhere.”

    Previous years have included dancers who are also gymnasts. TDTF leverages the dancers’ gymnastics skills to include flips and other feats in the production.

    Also unique to TDTF, the organization pays for all the costumes. This is a significant effort.  Expensive costume fees are a common deterrent to dancers participating in recitals. “When Ann Clark started this about 40 years ago, it was common for women to sew,” said Dumas. “And many of the parents made the costumes. We’ve slowly transitioned into buying them.”

    Advance tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Tickets at the door are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Showtimes are Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. For more information, or to learn about group rates, call Leslie at 910-850-6363 or visit www.thedancetheatreoffayetteville.org.
     
  • 12 01 COACHMANS ASSISTANT MIKE 2One of Fayetteville’s most beloved festivals turns 20 this year. It’s a heartfelt tradition that ushers in the holiday season in the best possible way — as a celebration of community and good will to all its citizens. The day after Thanksgiving, downtown Fayetteville transforms into a Victorian-era village complete with street urchins selling flowers and mistletoe, wandering carolers, carriage rides, hot apple cider, gingerbread and more as the greater Fayetteville area comes together for A Dickens Holiday. The fun starts at 1 p.m. and runs until 9 p.m. with activities designed to enchant and engage all ages.

    The festival has grown a lot since its inception. So much so that the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County wants to make sure no one misses a thing. Download the A Dickens Holiday app to ensure you capture the magic that will be afoot in every corner of downtown.  The Arts Council rolled out an app for the International Folk Festival earlier this year with great success. “I love it because the night before, you can plan what time you are going out and what you want to do,” said Metoya Scott, Arts Council public relations manager.  “We will have our vendors on it and  pop up notifications, too. I thoroughly enjoy the apps. I always feel like at a festival I am going to miss something.”
    Don your top hat and bonnet and join fellow attendees in celebrating the occasion. “It’s not required, but it’s a lot of fun,” said Hank Parfitt, a volunteer planning committee member. “If you want to look Victorian, you can do it very inexpensively and you don’t have to be  a seamstress. There is a guide on the Arts council website, too. Let’s say you don’t have time to use a glue gun and put stuff together, you can just put on a top hat. That is what we call the instant Victorian costume.”

    And you won’t be alone. The streets will be abuzz with seasonal characters ready to entertain and engage the crowd. Father Christmas will be on hand and at-the-ready for photo opportunities. Characters from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” will roam the streets performing and interacting with festivalgoers. So, don’t be alarmed if you bump into Ebenezer Scrooge, the ghost of Jacob Marley or Tiny Tim. Carolers will stroll the streets, entertaining onlookers with seasonal songs. Look for youngsters dressed as street urchins dashing about selling flowers and bags of mistletoe. Queen Victoria is set to make an appearance as well.

    12 02 035Stroll downtown Fayetteville and enjoy the many vendors and artisans selling their wares. Or stop in and explore the shops that will be open for the event. Many local eateries will have special express menus as well, so customers won’t have to sit and wait for a table, Parfitt said.

     Carriage rides are a perennial favorite at the festival and for good reason. “There are two types of carriage rides,” said Parfitt. “Ye Olde Fayetteville Carriage Rides take place on what is called a hitch wagon. It carries up to 14 people, and it is a fun ride that lasts for just under 15 minutes going around downtown. You go right by the shops and there is the smell of cider and gingerbread in the air.”

    To give everyone a fair shot at a spot, the ticket sales for Ye Olde Carriage rides are same day. The office opens at noon at 222 Hay St. It costs $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under, but between 1-2 p.m., adults are also $5 for this early bird special.

     The Queen Victoria carriage rides are more elegant and are in a white Cinderella carriage. It is a 20-minute ride. “If you choose, you can ride with another couple,” said Parfitt. “It will carry up to six, if two of them are children. We also offer the option of private carriage rides.”

    Call City Center Gallery and books at 910-678-8899 to reserve tickets in advance for the Queen Victoria rides. Tickets are $15 for adult and $10 per child 10 and under. “For a couple, that’s just $30,” Parfitt said. “For $30 more, you can make it a private carriage and have it all to yourself. Over two-thirds of the people who make reservations make it a private tour.”

    The Gingerbread Community of Hope, sponsored by Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity and H&H Homes has become a much-anticipated part of the day. People from the community create buildings made out of gingerbread. Together they form a community, which is on display throughout the day. Stop by between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and cast your vote for your favorite. There is a People’s Choice Award prize of $250 in it for the winner. The deadline to enter is Nov. 22. There is no cost to enter and it is not a juried competition. Call Habitat for Humanity at 910-483-0952 for details or to enter.

    Have your picture taken in a winter wonderland, compliments of PWC, Fayetteville’s hometown utility. “We will have a life-sized snow globe,” said Scott. “You can get inside it for pictures.”

    Don’t forget to stop by the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum and pick up everything you will need for an exciting scavenger hunt to make the experience complete.

    Stop in at Annie’s Alehouse and quench your thirst. Modeled after old Victorian pubs, Annies’ offers visitors beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages along with rousing entertainment and holiday music. The building is open from 1 to 9 p.m.

    For many, the candlelight procession is one of the most impactful parts of the event. The procession starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes down Hay Street to the Market House. “There is some speechifying,” said Parfitt. “The mayor and chairperson of county commissioners welcome everyone and wish them a happy Dicken’s holiday. They light the tree, the bell rings in the market house and the fireworks start. The fireworks are not the end of the evening, but the beginning of Dicken’s After Dark.”

    Pick up a candle at one of the many shops that will be handing them out, or in front of the Arts Council, and join the gathering on Hay Street.

     “You know the feeling you have when Scrooge throws open the window, and he is so excited about being alive and has great love for his fellow man?” Parfitt asked. “That is what it is like here. That is what makes A Dicken’s Holiday so special. Even with crowd of 15,000 you don’t feel crowded.

    “This is an alternative to getting up early and going shopping. It is a kinder gentler way of welcoming the holiday season and people love that. You can still shop and find unique gifts. It is fun to shop in the shops downtown. They are one-of-a-kind mom-and-pop shops, and there is nothing like it.”

    Find out more about A Dickens Holiday at https://www.theartscouncil.com/feature/dickens-holiday.
     
  • 11 Christmas ornamentsThere is something about a good adventure. As the adventure unfolds, you find yourself participating in an experience that will be yours forever. The congregation of the Camp Ground Methodist Church sets out to guide you through a Christmas adventure with its 2nd Annual Festival of Trees in the historic Owen Chapel Dec. 6 and 7.

    The chapel is transformed into a melodious visual representation of the theme, “There’s a Song in the Air.” Not only will attendees see the extraordinarily adorned trees, but they’ll hear the specifically chosen song — and see it, too. Chairperson and event organizer Sandy Holland said, “There are 11 trees throughout the historic Owen’s Chapel, and each one has a musical theme.”

    Guests are encouraged to fully participate in the experience by bringing an ornament or something that is related and relevant to the theme of the tree. It truly is designed to be an interactive, festive experience.

    “Guests will enter into the chapel and be given a bulletin to explain why the particular music was chosen for each tree. While it is a self-guided tour, there are a few people standing throughout the chapel welcoming them and available if they have any questions,” Holland said.

    There are two dates for the event. Friday, Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4-6 p.m. On the first evening, guests will be greeted by the adorable voices of the 4- and 5-year-olds, who attend preschool at the church, as they perform Christmas carols. After the tour, people will be directed to the fellowship hall to enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, coffee and a visit with Santa.

    On the second evening, Saturday, Dec. 7, when the tour has ended at 6 p.m., the evening isn’t over yet. Attendees will be directed into the fellowship hall for a celebration of love, community and food. This is the second year for the church to host a Moravian Love Feast, a traditional Methodist gathering. According to Holland, “This is a communal meal that’s goal is to bind the community together. It is a free event for all, whether you purchased a ticket for the festival of trees or not.”


    On both nights, the  congregation at the Campground Methodist Church hope guests will create memories and that their hearts will be filled with the joy of the season and the love of community. As they depart from their time at the church, attendees will be handed an advent booklet with a devotional written by members of the Campground Methodist congregation.

    Tickets can be purchased at the Camp Ground Methodist Church office on Campground Road, Fredrick’s Hair Salon on Sycamore Dairy Road across from CarMax or the Ritz Salon on Raeford Road. Call Sandy Holland at 910-867-9436 or 910-308-6112 for additional information. Children under the age of 11 are free.

    All proceeds go to maintain Owen Chapel, which has been a place of worship for the Methodist church since the 1840s. The church is located at 4625 Campground Road.

  • 10 aaron burden A0AZf4h5ZZI unsplashSweet Tea Shakespeare presents “Behold: A Folk Christmas Cantata” Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Methodist University at 7 p.m. The remaining shows are for Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14  and will take place at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church at 7 p.m.

    “Our annual Christmas concert returns with a splash of honey, featuring the familiar gospel music that is always at the heart of ‘Behold,’” said Jennifer Pommerenke, master of disposition and order at Sweet Tea Shakespeare. “Our 2019 offering includes a special focus on the Mary story and the women of Sweet Tea Shakespeare, but dudes are around too.”

    Pommerenke added it tells the Old and New Testament stories with simplicity and grace during this time of joy and reflection. “Behold’s” reputation as a stirring and heartfelt Christmastime celebration always holds true for this warm and comforting seasonal blend.

    The concert features community and company members who are musicians and singers ranging from school-aged children to adults. Jacob French is the music director, and Jeremy Fiebig  will direct the tone and vision of “Behold.”
    “The musical selections are from Andrew Peterson’s ‘Behold the Lamb of God’ as well as a few pieces that reflect on the Mary story,” said Pommerenke. “There will be a handful of songs we’ve never included in ‘Behold’ before, and we are really looking forward to bringing them to the community.”

    The event is a celebration of the winter season and an evening of communion meant to warm hearts and focus minds on Advent and Christmas. “This is a beautiful event with a tremendous heart  for what this season means, and it’s a time to reflect on the year behind and the year ahead,” said Pommerenke. “It’s a time to be with loved ones and a time to slow down and really remember what  is important to us all.”

    Sweet Tea Shakespeare is a nonprofit theater company and training ground inspired by Shakespeare and the early modern period in its spirit and operations. Its mission is to gather a diverse community around a common table to delight in the magic of story, song and stagecraft.

    Preshow music begins at 6:15 p.m. and will be provided by local choirs, musicians, friends and community groups.

    “It is a magical time for families, friends and the community to gather for merriment and reflection,” said Pommerenke. “We look forward to seeing everyone at the concert.”

    Ticket cost is pay what you will $10 -$50. Tea, beer, wine and signature cocktails will be available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are not permitted. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.sweetteashakespeare.com or call 910-420-4383.

  • 09 TemptationsChristmas is my favorite time of the year. One of my fondest childhood memories is sitting and watching the lights on the Christmas tree while listening to The Temptations’ “Silent Night” on the radio. Some traditions will never get old as I continue to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. A Temptations Christmas with Dennis Edwards’ Temptations Revue featuring special guests national jazz artist Reggie Codrington and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will take place Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. in Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University. 

    “I was asked to be a part of the show and, of course, any time we have a chance to be a part of people who have gone down in history and left a lot of great music, I’m always honored to be a part of that,” said Reggie Codrington, Mandate recording artist and jazz saxophonist.

    “I am going to play some of my music and do some Christmas, too.”

    Codrington added he only has 45 minutes to play. So he can’t do a whole lot, but he is going to leave the audience wanting more.

    Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Dennis Edwards Jr. was best known as the frontman in The Temptations. He began singing at the age of 2 in his father’s church. He joined the Temptations in 1968. In the mid-80s, he went solo and scored in 1984 with the hit “Don’t Look Any Further,” featuring Siedah Garrett. During the 90s, Edwards began touring with his group, The Temptations Revue featuring Dennis
    Edwards. To honor and keep the late Dennis Edwards’ legacy alive, the group continues to  perform to audiences around the world.

    “I have a band playing behind me and we are going to go out there and make the audience  feel good and get it hot for The Temptations,” said Codrington. “We encourage everyone to get their ticket because if you don’t, you will miss something great.”    

    Doors open at 6 p.m. Ticket cost is $35, $45, $60 and $70. They can be purchased a www.etix.com. Please help by donating nonperishable food items to the show to assist our local food bank Second Harvest. For more information call 910-672-1724.

  • 11-07-12-ftcc.gifThe Fayetteville Technical Community College Board of Trustees and FTCC President Dr. Larry Keen dedicated the new General Classroom Building on Monday, Sept. 17. The General Classroom Building was built around the former Service Merchandise building with a design facing Fort Bragg Road and including a large new parking lot. The sprawling 70,000 square-foot building provides much needed additional space for the growing community college and includes 13 classrooms, 13 fac-ulty offices, two conference rooms, seven computer labs and a multipurpose room. It also houses the school’s bookstore and security offices.

    The building was built around the existing struc-ture with all-new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, state-of-the-art technology for teaching and unique green-minded and resource-saving features. As an example, the building is equipped with a rainwater collection system that provides water for the toilets and urinals. The teaching tools in the classrooms and other spaces include smart boards, enhanced computers, monitors and audio-visual gear. Teachers using class-rooms in the building are required to use the technology in their courses.

    FTCC Board Chair William S. Wellons Jr. explains the significance of the General Classroom Building: “The purchase of the Service Merchandise Building by the board of trustees was another important step to build and to protect the future of education and FTCC. The purchase and the renovation are great examples of how FTCC is a leader in the community and also demonstrate the foresight of establishing permanence of an educational institution for the people of Cumberland County and surrounding areas. What a great way to pres-ent yourselves to future generations. We, the trustees, FTCC administration and staff are very proud of our efforts and want to thank all of the entities and people who made this purchase and renovation for the future of education possible.”

    Dr. Marye J. Jeffries, Fayetteville Technical Community College board chair (2000-2004), recalls how the funding for the General Classroom Building was available: “The passage of the $3.1 billion capital-improvement bond package in 2000 by the North Carolina General Assembly was to provide $2.5 billion to the University of North Carolina system and $600 million to the North Carolina Community College System. The funding would assist universities and community colleges with their most critical facility needs as well as prepare campuses state-wide for a population growth of about 100,000 new students. It was the largest single investment any state had made in higher education facilities.”

    Mr. Charles J. Harrell, FTCC board chair (2004-2010) also offers his congratulations to the FTCC Board of Trustees and President Larry Keen for the cre-ation of a state-of the-art 70,000 square-foot General Classroom Building.

    The project was funded with money from a state cap-ital-improvement bond package and from Cumberland County. FTCC received $38.4 million from the 2000 bond package, aimed at helping universities and com-munity colleges meet facility needs and prepare for increased student popula-tions. The county provided matching funds. FTCC officials said the funds allowed the school to continue upgrading existing facilities and to acquire new ones.

    Fayetteville Technical Community College was established in 1961 and serves more than 34,000 students annually by providing 182 affordable vocational, technical, general education, col-lege transfer and continuing education programs to meet students’ needs and desires as well as the community.

    Photo: The new General Classroom Building at FTCC was dedicated on Monday, Sept. 17.

  • 13 02 Harvest train kidsFalcon Children’s Home & Family Services’ annual Harvest Train Parade and program is back again this year with the first showing of the program on Saturday, Nov. 23, and the regular program and parade on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 26.

     In 1949, the Falcon Children’s Home’s doors almost closed for good. “They couldn’t get funding, they couldn’t get food, they had a difficult time meeting their needs,” said Joseph Leggett, the chief executive officer and superintendent of the home.

    But the home, whose slogan is “where love makes the difference,” was determined to stay afloat. With the help of churches of the International Pentacostal Holiness church, women’s auxiliary and ministry groups and the director at that time, the home invited the community to come to an event and bring various commodities. “The first letter said, ‘Bring your ham hocks, bring your collard greens.’ Those kinds of things. ‘And we’ll do a program to say thank you,’” said Leggett. The event was initially called the Santa Claus Train, and in the 50s, it was renamed the Harvest Train Parade and program.

    As many people are involved in the event and support the children’s home, in past years, little time was left over with all of the festivities to thank everyone who supported the home.

    Additionally, because Tuesday is a work day and many people already have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off of work for Thanksgiving, not everyone who wanted to come to the usual event on Tuesday could. Leggett hopes that people who have wanted to attend in prior years but haven’t been able to, can attend the Saturday night program.

    “A lot of people are looking forward to coming on Saturday because they can’t on Tuesday because they work. A lot of our alumni can’t because they work on Tuesday,” Leggett said.

    13 Harvest TrainThe program isn’t just a play; it’s a full-blown production, complete with music and a choir, dancing and acting. Buck Hodge, the minister of music at Northwood Temple, wrote the program. Kids and staff at Falcon Children’s Home start preparing for the event in early September.

    The story might feel familiar to some —  particularly to attendees from the Eastover area — because the story is true. It is about J.P. Patterson, who sponsored a child at Falcon Children’s Home’s Christmas event that they have at a Round-A-Bout Skating Center every year. The story tells how Patterson got involved and of the friendship he had with one of the boys, Prince. Tragically, Patterson died in a hunting accident a couple of years ago. Ever since, his friends have put on a golf tournament each spring to support the home. Prince, the young man that J.P. supported for all of those years, is an adult now and a graduate of Fayetteville State University. Prince and Patterson’s family will be at the program.

    “You will laugh and you will cry,” said Leggett. “And there’s no cost to you.”

    Founded in 1908, Falcon Children’s Home has been serving children in the community for over a century. “We’ve estimated that in that time, we’ve either directly or indirectly touched 20,000 children’s lives,” Leggett said. In addition to the residential children’s home, Falcon offers a variety of services.

    “We’ve gone from being a residential children’s home to having a mothers and babies program, a maternity program, foster homes, an adoption agency,” Legget explained. “We also have a transitional living program in an apartment-like setting that teaches valuable life skills like cooking, cleaning and balancing a checkbook, for instance.”

    The staff at Falcon saw how the children struggled with transitioning to different schools, so Falcon also has its own private school on campus, too.

    “What I try to tell our staff is, ‘If a problem affects the young people and we could do something to make a dent in that or to help in that situation, we need to try to develop a program that can do that,’” Leggett said.

    As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Leggett agrees. “We are only as good as the community we serve,” he said.

    There are over 10,000 foster children in North Carolina. There are over 1,000 in Cumberland County. With that being the case, Falcon tirelessly works to help the children throughout the state. They have even opened a second Falcon Children’s Home in Turbeville, South Carolina.

    With new legislation coming to North Carolina, the home may see new challenges. The Family First Prevention Services Act will only pay for children to be in group homes for two weeks, unless they are 18 years of age, have been caught in sexual trafficking or are mothers with babies. Although Falcon Children’s Home has high standards for how it runs and is certified and licensed by the state, it, along with other homes, would be affected by the legislation. Since some of the children are 18 and Falcon has a program for mothers and babies, not all children would be affected, but Falcon is working with the state on alternative legislation for programs that would be affected, as well as other group homes that fill important needs in North Carolina communities.

    The continued support of community donors and volunteers is a great help to the home. Whether a person is offering to mentor or tutor a child, help with projects on campus with skills like painting or carpentry or even donating commodities, the effort of supporters is invaluable.

    “It means a lot to the students at Falcon Children’s Home to see that people care because a lot of times, they feel like people don’t. A lot of times they don’t think we care and say, ‘Oh, you get paid to take care of us. This isn’t real.’ So when they see people who give of themselves, just to be giving their time, it means a lot,” Leggett said. 

    The first Harvest Train production of the year will be on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. The regular parade and production will begin at 7:45 a.m. on Nov. 26. The parade will begin at Falcon Town Hall, and the program will be at the J.A. Culbreth Auditorium. For more information, call (910) 980-1065.

    Picture 1: Falcon Children’s Home has been serving children in the community for over a century.

    Picture 2: The Harvest Train Parade and Program will have an extra night this year to say “thank you” to the community.

  • 11 noises off“Noises Off!” is a play within a play. A farce filled with physical comedy. A witty production written by British playwright Michael Frayn. It will be at Givens Performing Arts Center for two nights only — Nov. 14 and 15.

    Jay Reume portrays Frederick Fellowes in “Noises Off!” and Fellowes plays Phillip Brent in “Nothing On,” the play within “Noises off!”

    “It is a funny play,” said Reume. “It is a comedy where all these people come together to put on a play.  It goes in a lot of different directions and goes wrong in every way you can imagine. It is also a lot of fun to watch.”

    Olivia von Opel plays Brooke in “Noises Off!” and her character has the part of  Vicki in “Nothing On.” “Brooke is a bombshell. I am using Marilyn Monroe as my inspiration for the role,” said von Opel. “I see her as ambitious. I think others see her as a dumb blonde. I think she is intelligent in her own way, and she is trying hard.”

    Both Reume and von Opel agree that one of the challenging yet rewarding things about the production is the physical comedy. 

    “I love physical comedy,” said von Opel. “Getting to do that has been a dream of mine. To do something where it is all about throwing props and slamming doors and climbing out a window is a dream come true. If you do it correctly, it looks easy.”

    Reume added, “The more work actually comes from the physical perfection the show needs to have. It is almost like a dance. There are so many entrances and exits and pants falling down and things being thrown around. You have to do it well and on time. The playing two characters is the fun part. … The real labor is the dance of the show.”

    “Noises Off!” includes local talent as well. “We have two students in the cast,” said von Opel. Chelsea Williams is a sophomore and Jamonte Madison is a senior. “We get to collaborate with them, and they can work with us and we can show them what it is like to be a professional actor. They are super talented. We are enjoying working with Jonathan  (Drahos, the director) and his wife Carolanne.(Marano). Jonathan is a professor (at UNC-Pembroke) and has been on Broadway. All of us are understudied by a student as well, so we have that additional layer of student involvement.”

    As for the performance,  Reume promises a lot of laughs. “If you’ve never seen live theater and just laughed and laughed and been around others laughing, you have not experienced good theater. This piece really has the potential for that. If you have experienced that, then you know what kind of show this is.”

    The show starts at 8 p.m. each night. For tickets and information, call 910-521-6000 or visit https://www.uncp.edu/resources/gpac/professional-artist-series/noises.

    That’s not all GPAC has in store this month. Nov. 22, UNCP hosts its 11th Annual Holiday Extravaganza at 8 p.m. University choirs, ensembles and more will perform holiday favorites and family singalongs. Come early and take in “Tuba Christmas,”  a mini-concert in front of GPAC, at 7:30 p.m. Call 910-521-6230 or email music@uncp.edu for more details.

    Nov. 24, GPAC presents “The Nutcracker Ballet” by Dance Alive National Ballet at 4 p.m. The company hosts a roster of award-winning international dancers and is the official State Touring company of Florida.

  • 09 N0870320Looking for a way to get fit while also helping a good cause? Look no further than the Red Apple Run for Diabetes. It’s set for Nov. 16 in downtown Fayetteville.

    What started in 2013 as a simple fundraiser has turned into an event that raises money to help support Better Health’s mission to provide for the unmet health care needs in Cumberland County. The run reinforces the same lifestyle that Better Health encourages its clients to live. This event offers several options for its participants. These options fit their needs while also allowing them to complete the run at their own pace. Participants can either do the 10k, 5k or the one-mile fun run.

    “We want to encourage community members to come out and be active. It is a safe, fun way to be active with your family and friends, whether you are a competitive runner doing the 10K, or perhaps a parent with young children pushing a stroller in the 5K or fun run,” said Executive Director Amy Navejas.

    Navejas is the executive director at Better Health. In terms of the Red Apple Run, she works with the volunteer Red Apple Run committee and committee chair, Mick Noland, on coordinating, marketing and planning the event. On the day of the event, she will also be running around cheering on runners, handing out medals and checking up on people.

    There are many goals that this event strives to achieve. Navejas said, “I see the event as having several goals. Of course, it is a fundraiser, so it is crucial that the event raises funds to help provide for our services to the community. Better Health offers emergency direct medical aid like medications, dental extractions, free diabetes clinics (and) loans out medical equipment and hosts a childhood obesity program. While all of our services are free to the community, there are costs to providing these services. The Red Apple Run goes toward supporting those programs.”

    There is much that goes on behind the scenes for this event to take place. From logistics to applying for a permit, the list of what must happen for The Red Apple Run to succeed is endless. Navejas said that a run like this requires “a lot of coordinating and planning.” The event organizers have to select a date, apply for a permit and secure a timing company to solicit sponsors.

    On Nov. 16, the run will take place in the downtown area of Fayetteville. The course will start in the downtown area and go toward Haymount. It will then go through the historic neighborhood, past the E. A. Poe House, and finish off near the site of the new Civil War Museum & Reconstruction History Center where the 5k runners will go back to the starting point. Each participant will also receive a medal and a beanie.

    So, if you are looking for something to do that weekend or want to support a great cause, go to the Red Apple Run on Nov. 16. For more information, visit https://www.betterhealthcc.org/ or call 910-483-7534.

  •  12 2019 Tour Shoppers strolling through many local retail stores lately can’t help but be aware of the Christmas decorations edging out decorations in the traditional colors associated with fall holidays that have yet to make their appearance on the scene. In keeping with our ever-expanding Christmas season, the Crown Theater will host Mannheim Steamroller Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Community Concert series.

     The group’s unusual name comes from an 18th-century German musical technique known as “Mannheim roller” or “Mannheim Walze,” which was popularized by the Mannheim school of music at that time. The contemporary Mannheim reinvention is considered a neoclassical new-age music group known for blending classical music with elements of jazz and new-age rock. In the beginning, no major record label wanted anything to do with founder Chip Davis and his music. So Davis founded his own music label, “American Gramaphone,” another nod to its German roots, being a play on the name of a popular German classical music record label called “Deutsche Grammophon.”

     Although Mannheim Steamroller has become synonymous here in Fayetteville with Christmas music, the group’s early recordings, the “Fresh Aire” series, were an exploration of the four seasons. All four albums consisted of a combination of the baroque classical music, light jazz and rock for which Davis and his musical partner, Jason Berkey, were becoming noted. In 1984, Mannheim Steamroller released its first Christmas album, which took traditional Christmas carols and gave them an interpretation consistent with their earlier work. Despite industry insiders’ belief that the album would never sell, it became a hit. It also inspired other mainstream musical artists to record Christmas albums of their own. Most of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas albums have since gone platinum on the Billboard music charts. Mannheim Steamroller is now celebrating its 35th annual Christmas concert touring season, making it the longest-running consecutive tour in the entertainment industry.

     It seems fitting that such a venerable concert tour should be hosted by Fayetteville’s oldest art organization. Founded in 1935, Community Concerts is an all-volunteer, nonprofit endeavor. Fulfilling its mission statement to bring “the finest in top-notch entertainment to Fayetteville, N.C. and the Fort Bragg/Cumberland County Community” and to “make Fayetteville better …one concert at a time,” CC is currently celebrating its 84th season with the following lineup: 
    Chicago performed Oct. 15, Mannheim Steamroller takes the stage Nov. 19, Texas Tenors are scheduled for Feb. 14 in 2020, The Four Tops and the Temptations come to town March 6, 2020, and the fifth concert in the series is a mystery yet to be announced.

     In addition to the concert series, CC contributes to the overall artistic well-being of our community in many lesser-known, behind-the-scenes ways. CC sponsors the Fayetteville Music Hall of Fame, which honors those musicians who have brought musical distinction to the community, among them the Cumberland Oratorio Singers — recently rebranded as Cumberland Choral Arts — the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus and many other individuals, performing in both secular venues and local churches. A complete listing of past Hall of Famers can be found on the CC website.

     CC awards college music scholarships annually to promising local high school graduates. This year’s scholarship recipient is David Song, a graduate of Douglas Byrd High School who will be attending UNC-Greensboro, where he plans to major in music education. Past scholarship recipients are also listed on the website.

     Additionally, CC is the creative force behind the Local Artist Showcase, which gives talented local performers a chance to take the stage as opening numbers for the nationally renowned musical artists that CC brings to town. Recently, Voices of the Heart opened for Gladys Knight, children from the Linda Kinlaw School of Dance performed with Martina McBride and local country music artist, Trae Edwards, opened for Ricky Skaggs.

     CC provides free concert opportunities for children, seniors, members of local fire and police departments, members of the military, local high school theater arts classes, and other deserving non-profit community groups.

     CC enjoys widespread financial support from the community with sponsors ranging from categories such as master of ceremonies, executive producers, producers, concertmasters, benefactors, sponsors and patrons. A full list of these financial assistance opportunities can be found on the website, along with the amount of the financial pledge needed for each category. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland is also a major contributor.

     Season tickets are now available for this 84th season concert series. There are ticket prices and options available for all budgets and those needing special seating. For season ticket purchasing information, contact Becky Spell at 910-303-3513. To view prices for various seating levels and sponsorships, see the CC website at www.community-concerts.com. Tickets for individual shows may be purchased in person from the Crown box office or online at www.CapeFearTix.com. Parking at the Crown Theater is free, and ample space is available.
     
     
  • 11 no child chalkboardNilaja Sun’s “No Child …” is a play about a play. The setting is a public high school in the Bronx in 2006. The characters are students, teachers and faculty.

    On the surface, as the title indicates, the story highlights the issues of the public education system. Just below the surface is a powerful statement about the soft bigotry of low expectations placed on economically disadvantaged students.
    Teaching artist Ms. Sun, played by Tara Whitney Rison, comes into Malcolm X High School to lead a 10th-grade class to present a play. Her enthusiasm is greeted with scorn, bad language and bad attitudes. Over the next six weeks, she slowly breaks down barriers. Her steadfast willingness to see the potential in every student encourages loyalty and commitment from the class.

    The students are caricatures of troubled teenagers — the class clown, the thug, the international student, the shy kid and so on. While the performances bring a lot of laughs, there is a serious undertone that kids who are told repeatedly that they are the worst will become the worst.

    Director Kaja Dunn brings together a fantastic cast of five actors who play 16 characters. It is a treat to see each of these actors shift between two to four characters, sometimes between sentences. The dialogue is fast-paced and gives the audience a peek into how a lone teacher must wrangle a classroom of rowdy students.

    The cast includes Ja’Maul Johnson, Andrea Somera, Brandon Rivera and Monet Noelle Marshall. All deliver fine performances in their various roles. Johnson also serves as the narrator in his role as the school janitor who grounds the story with history and details.

    An admirable quality of the play is the lack of finger-pointing, which has become the norm in the discourse on public education. Bureaucracy, bad teachers, bad students, uninvolved parents — honestly, there is enough blame to go around. But Dunn and the cast present the story as students and teachers across this country see it — the reality of struggle. “No Child …” is the presentation of the struggle of children to be accepted, to be loved and encouraged. It is the presentation of the struggle of teachers to reach their students.

    Ms. Sun’s selection of play is apropos to the struggle of many disadvantaged students. She has the class present Timberlake Wertenbaker’s “Our Country’s Good,” which explores how drama and language can become a refuge from the hopelessness of grim conditions.

    The play itself is adapted from the Thomas Keneally novel “The Playmaker,” a story about a group of British Royal Marines and convicts in a penal colony in Australia in the 1700s.

    While such an origin story may not seem applicable to public school students in the 21st century, it shows the restorative power of drama as a means of giving purpose and a sense of community to a group of social outcasts. It gives credence to the idea that people born without a chance deserve a chance to become something better.

    Simply highlighting the similarities between characters in a story about prisoners in the 1700s and students in modern America doesn’t necessarily make any profound statement that fixes any problems in public education. But it does point out that there is value in the effort of even one teacher who is able to reach one student.

    The Cape Fear Regional Theatre is presenting “No Child …” through Nov. 17. For information on ticket discounts for teachers and military, call the box office at 910-323-4233.
     
  • 11-20-13-harvest-train.gifThe Falcon Children’s Home is a haven — and has been for more than 100 years. The home began with just two children in need who were cared for in a small cottage by the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. Since then, and with the support of the community, the home has grown to a 300-acre property that has multiple facilities to support these children in need. One way to support this great cause and the children it supports is through the Harvest Train.

    The Falcon Children’s Home is a nonprofit organization that is licensed to take care of 90 children at a time. Needless to say it gets expensive. One way that the home is able to get all of the necessities that the children need is through generous donations from the community, and the Harvest Train is one of the ways that they are able to raise these donations. There are challenges preparing an event of this size, but the joy it gives the children, and the compassion the community exhibits make it all worthwhile, Jessica Dunning, the director of marketing and public relations for the home said. In past years, more than five times the population of Falcon have attended the event.

    The Harvest Train is much more than just a fundraiser, however. It is a time to celebrate the generosity of the community and the work that the children have done to prepare this celebration. Dunning explains their expectations for the day, “This is the highlight of the year at Falcon Children’s Home. Guests should expect a festive atmosphere when they arrive. There will be a big crowd, an overwhelming amount of generosity and a wonderful kick-off to the Holiday season. There will also be excitement in the air in anticipation of a program that the kids have been preparing for 2-3 months that will touch guests both emotionally and spiritually.”

    For the month of November, the home will be asking for Brownie mix, cake mix and icing, snacks, soft drinks, spaghetti sauce, sugar, canned vegetables, canned fruits, pop tarts, ketchup, cooking oil, juice, salad dressing, chicken noodle soup, pancake mix, grits, flour, rice, mustard and Kool-Aid. There are also more ways to support the Falcon Children’s Home and the children it cares for. “Monetary donations, commodities that will be used throughout the year, volunteering time, sponsoring a child for Christmas, gently used clothing, furniture, food, school supplies, tutoring at the on campus school, and prayers,” will all be gratefully received by the home Dunning and Superintendent Joseph Leggett said. On the flyers for the Harvest Train, available on the Falcon Children’s Home website, is a calendar with needed items for each month.

    The Harvest Train will take place Tuesday, Nov. 26. There will be a parade that begins at 8:30 a.m. and the Harvest Train Program itself begins at 10:30 a.m. The parade will march through Falcon and the program is held in the J.A. Culbreth Memorial Auditorium located in Falcon. For more information visit http://www.falconchildrenshome.com/wordpress/ or call 980-1065.

    Photo: The Harvest Train in Falcon, N.C., benefits Falcon Children’s Home. The community generously donates items like toiletries, nonperishables, clothes and more. The children at Falcon Children’s Home put on a program after the parade.

  • 11242010-sct400.gifMusic is an integral part of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. The music academy provides group and private music lessons, Kindermusik programs, music therapy and more. With Christmas right around the corner, the church’s adult music program is reaching out to the community again with its annual Singing Christmas Tree.

    A tradition that goes back 32 years, the Snyder Singing Christmas Tree is a tradition that the community loves and looks forward to every year.

    “It has really become one of the fi xtures in the Fayetteville community, like two or three other things that happen every year,” said Snyder Memorial Baptist Church Minister of Music Larry Dickens.

    “We really look forward to it. We enjoy sharing with the people who come and the time that we get to share with almost 6,000 people who attend during that weekend.”

    The event involves 350 people in the actual production with another 100 people who have signifi cant roles as ushers, canned-food collectors, hospitality, custodial, food service, construction workers and set builders. Although there is a lot of work and planning that goes into the Singing Christmas Tree, the performers only have two full rehearsals to pull it off, Dickens noted. They meet once for a pre-dress rehearsal, then the dress rehearsal and then on to the stage.

    This years performance is titled Voices of Christmas/Legacies of Faith and it looks to be outstanding, as usual. The general gist of the performance is an attempt to contrast the contemporary voices of Christmas with the traditional legacies of faith that we think of with the Christmas story like Mary, Joseph and the shepherds.

    “We are really contrasting what are the contemporary voices that we hear at Christmas? What do they say? And what were those legacies of faith voices? What do we hear from them about the Christmas story? As we look at it we realize that they had many of the same challenges that we have as contemporary people,” said Dickens.

    “For example, there is a teen that has a short monologue talking about needing acceptance. There is an elderly woman who talks about loneliness, a middle-aged person who talks about how to pay the bills at Christmas and we contrast those with things like what was it like for Mary?” continued Dickens. “Did she faces challenges? Did Joseph? Did the shepherds? What were their choices? Their choice was to be faithful, to trust God.

    “The lyrics from one of the 2010 Singing Christmas Tree ring especially true for many people: ‘I need a silent night, a midnight clear, a little peace right here,’” said Dickens. “But where do we fi nd these things? We fi nd these things when we return to the manger. When we look closely, listen carefully, worship fully, and follow faithfully! That’s where we’ll fi nd the hopeful Voices of Christmas. That’s where our own legacy of faith begins.”

    Performance dates and times are as follows: Thursday and Friday, Dec. 2-3 from 7:30 - 9 p.m.. On Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4-5, from 4:30 - 6 p.m. and 7:30 - 9 p.m.. Please note that it is the policy not to “hold” or “reserve” tickets. (All performances are now full. You may go to the church offi ce at 701 Westmont Dr. in Fayetteville to check if tickets have been returned). Visit www. snydermbc.com for more info.

  • While Hope Mills has been growing like nobody’s business, they’ve still got small town charm. On Saturday, Dec. 4, an entire day of activities has been planned for the community.

    The fun starts with breakfast with Santa from 8:30 - 11 a.m. He’ll be at the Hope Mills Recreation Center at 5766 Rockfi sh Rd. ready to share his morning with all the good little boys and girls out there.

    “We’ll be serving pancakes and the kids will have a choice between sausage or bacon and we’ll also have orange juice,” said Kenny Bullock event coordinator. “And the kids will have a chance to talk with Santa and spend some time with him.”

    Limited space means that preregistration is required, but the $5 fee is payable at the door. Be sure to register by Nov. 29, by calling 424- 4500 In the spirit of the season the recreation center is requesting donations of canned and nonperishable foods to benefi t the Lam’s House in Hope Mills.

    Later in the day, at 3 p.m. is the Hope Mills Christmas parade. It starts at the Hope Mills Recreation Center and will end at Hope Mills Middle School.

    “We’ve got the traditional beauty queens who will be riding in the parade, and several school bands including Southview and Jack Britt among some other — we are hoping to include E.E. Smith High School too,” said Bullock. “One of our most interesting parade entries so far is First Baptist Church. They are going to bring shopping carts and walk with them in the parade to collect canned goods which will be given to the Alms House. We are encouraging anyone who comes to the parade to bring a canned good or nonperishable food item. It is the season of giving after all and like I was taught when I was a young boy, it really is better to give than to receive.”

    Items collected will be distributed to families in need and used to feed the local homeless population.

    Rounding out the day of festivities and good will is the 35th Annual Festival of Lights at Hope Mills Lake Park on Main Street. It starts at 5:30 p.m. and promises to be a fun evening of Christmas music, fellowship and memory making. There will be hay rides, the lighting of the town Christmas Tree, the town star and the yule log.

    “We’ll be handing out cookies and hot chocolate while supplies last,” said Bullock. “And Santa and Mrs. Clause will be coming to make their rounds and they’ll be handing out cookies to the children. The little ones will have a chance to make their Christmas wishes known to Santa that evening too. It will be a really enjoyable event.”

    For more information about any of these events please call 424-4500 or 426-4107.

  • uac111611001.jpg If the idea of joining the maddening crowds at the mall and super stores on Black Friday does not appeal to you, why don’t you take a step back to a kinder, gentler time and join the peaceful crowd downtown for the celebration of A Dickens Holiday.

    A Dickens Holiday, a Fayetteville tradition started by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, has evolved over the years to a partnership between the Arts Council and the Downtown Alliance. Each year, the two organizations pull out all of the stops to create a fun, family atmosphere that reminds visitors of a simpler time when celebrating Christmas meant family and neighbors. It was a time of tradition — not a time of commercialism.

    On Friday, Nov. 25, from 1-9 p.m. Fayetteville’s downtown will turn back the clock and the city’s Victorian history will come to life (and there will be a touch of commercialism for those of you who still have some Christmas shopping to do!).

    Mary Kinney, of the Arts Council noted, “We are planning to have some of the things people look forward to year after year — the traditional parts of the event. There will be characters from A Chistmas Carol roaming the streets, and you can still get your photo made with Father Christmas at the Arts Council, but there will be some new events and things going on to entertain visitors.”

    There is a whole host of events going on throughout the day including:

    • Hot cider and gingerbread will help keep you warm throughout the day. Buy some on every block of Hay Street. 50¢ each.

    • Preserve a lifetime memory with a picture of you and your loved ones with Father Christmas and an authentic Victorian sleigh at the Arts Council building. $6 per print (or $15 for 3 prints).

    • Amazing holiday entertainment all day at the Arts Council building along Hay Street.

    • See what students have created in a Scholastic Gingerbread Competition. Cheer on your favorite high school team in the H&H Homes Scholastic Gingerbread Competition, starting at 1 p.m. at the Rainbow Room. Cookie decorating workshop for kids 12 and under for $1 per cookie from 1-5 p.m. Come back after the fireworks to se11-16-11-dickens-1.jpge which school won the $500 first-place prize and to vote for the People’s Choice Award until 9 p.m.

    • Victorian Carriage Rides, 1-9 p.m. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a Dickens downtown on a big decorated horse-drawn hitch wagon. Only $10 for adults, $5 for children. Tickets on sale at 222 Hay St. beginning at noon on the day of the event. Come early — they sell out fast!

    • Queen Victoria Carriage Rides, 1-9 p.m. Enjoy a longer, more personal tour of historic downtown Fayetteville in this intimate setting. Tours leave from the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum, at Franklin and Maxwell streets. $15 per person. Advance ticket purchase recommended by calling 678-8899.

    This Victorian Life display on the second floor of the Market House from 1-9 p.m., sponsored by the Transportation & Local History Museum. See how the Victorians celebrated the holidays. Don’t miss the display of coins, ceramic plates and other commemorative pieces created to honor her, during Queen Victoria’s reign.

    • Candlelight Procession and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Gather in front of the Arts Council building for the 5:30 p.m. candlelight procession to the Market House. Pick up a free candle at selected merchants, or in front of the Arts Council building (while supplies last). Join thousands of townspeople for Fayetteville’s largest candlelight procession to the Market House, followed by fireworks!

    • Victorian Costume Contest. Put together a Victorian outfi t from the simple suggestions offered at www.theartscouncil.com, and participate in the contest, which starts at 7 p.m. Contestants model authentic Victorian costumes from the Dickens era. Call 678-8899 for more details and to register.

    11-16-11-dickens-2.jpgIn addition to the many activities, visitors will also have the opportunity to participate in some retail therapy. “You will have the opportunity to shop,” said Kinney. “There are many fine merchants in downtown Fayetteville, but we also add arts and crafts vendors all along Hay Street on this special day. They will sell handcrafted items, which are perfect for Christmas gifts.”

    There are a number of holiday performances including magicians, bands and carolers.

    “It’s a good mix of performances at the Arts Council, and also roaming the streets,” said Kinney. “A lot of people are really looking forward to Phoebe Hall, who is going to be dressed as Mother Goose and will do story telling.”

    For more information on A Dickens Holiday or to get hints on how to dress in Victorian style, visit www.theartscouncil.com.

  • uac112311001.jpg To hear Don Hudson tell it, there are two things North Carolina is known for —pottery and wine — and he is looking to bring the best of both to the Second Annual Sanford Pottery Festival Christmas Show and Wine Tasting Event. Don’t misunderstand. This isn’t Hudson’s first rodeo, or pottery show, if you will. He’s been participating in pottery festivals, as well as organizing and running them, for years. In fact, there is a Sanford Pottery Festival every spring. It’s the largest one in the state, and he has serious ties to the oldest pottery festival in the state, the Seagrove Pottery Festival. So, if you’ve been to either one and enjoyed it, you’ve already had a taste of the high-quality offerings to be had and won’t want to miss this one either.

    Held on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4, the Sanford Pottery Festival Christmas Show and Wine Tasting Event is set to include some of the area’s fi nest potters, including several from the Seagrove Area (of which Sanford is a part). Look about 45 oversized booths selling pottery and everything from artisan chocolates, woodwork, leather and purses to accent clothing, gourmet items, jewelry and more. And that’s before you get to the wine tasting event.

    With 14 vineyards representing, Hudson promises everything from sweet muscadine wines to the more robust European varieties.

    “We see this as an opportunity to promote North Carolina pottery and wines nationally, and throughout the military community,” said Hudson. “We’ve had military folks tell us over and over how they enjoy exploring the local culture. There is nothing more local than pottery and we’ve got some of the fi nest potters in the world here.”11-23-11-pottery-1.jpg

    With the holidays just around the corner, there’s no reason a person can’t serve a holiday meal on a piece of genuine North Carolina pottery with a glass of top-notch locally grown wine. Friends and family will be coming to visit from out of town. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to hand them a one-of-a-kind piece of handcrafted pottery or a bottle of wine that they won’t be able to get anywhere else in the world?

    In addition to showcasing the best of what the local culture has to offer, Hudson is seeking to build a long-term relationship with the military, but fi rst he wants to show them why it is worth their while to investigate what the area has to offer. To show he’s sincere, anyone with a military ID (plus one guest) gets in to the festival free — both days. “I’ve been to events that have military appreciation and they’d give something like $2 off on Sundays. I just thought that was really chintzy,” said Hudson. “If you are going to appreciate the military, appreciate them!”

    Admission to the event costs just $5 (except for military ID cardholders and children under 14; they get in free). The wine tasting costs $10 and is only for adults 21 and over. There are no discounts for the wine-tasting, although Hudson promises it will be worth your money. Wines will be available for sale by the glass, bottle and case as well.

    Hours are from 10 a.m. – 6 p.11-23-11-pottery-4.jpgm. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center at 1801 Nash St. in Sanford. Find out more at www.sanfordpottery.org.

      Trey Taylor (12) and Caleb Fulton (11) are brothers. They were first introduced to pottery in 2003 when their father, Lewis Fulton, worked at D. K. Clay. Growing up around one of the largest pottery studios in NC was, for them, like a child being turned loose in a candy shop. Various potters are helping them develop a line of pottery to do on their own, working with clay slabs, fused glass and ima11-23-11-pottery-5.jpggination. Their grandmothers want them to grow up to love the Lord, work hard and save money for cars and college. They want to buy clothes, sneakers and video games. A happy medium is being sought. To inquire about their work contact: donhudson@windstream.com.

     

     

     

    Photo top right: Phil Morgan hard at work.

    Photos above left and right: Trey and Caleb with Phil Morgan and Don Hudson and working in the studio

     

    Cover and Story photos courtesy of Ben Albright.

  • Each Christmas season, Samaritan’s Purse chooses to celebrate by reinforcing the adage that it is better to give than to receive. The Samaritan’s Purse is a Christian organization that is dedicated to providing relief to11-13-13-christmas-child.gif impoverished and struggling people internationally. The very name of the organization, which is based off a parable in the Bible that expresses Jesus’ teaching to help unconditionally, expresses the sentiment on which this organization was founded. One of the many ways that Samaritan’s Purse practices this principle of giving is through Operation Christmas Child.

    Operation Christmas Child unites communities across the nation through stuffing shoeboxes, or shoebox-like containers, with gifts to send as Christmas presents to impoverished children all across the world. These small gifts are far more than just simple toys when they are given to children. They are a symbol of the love and compassion that the parable of the Good Samaritan teaches. While these gifts may seem small when they are packed, the impact and the joy that they create in communities, and in a single child’s life are immeasurable.

    Operation Christmas Child first began in 1993. Since then, more than 100 million children in more than 130 countries have received these shoebox gifts. This year, the aim is to increase this number even more. In the Fayetteville region alone, the goal is to collect 30,000 shoeboxes in support of the project. Samaritan’s Purse hopes to collect 9.8 million boxes from across the nation. Often church groups or volunteer groups create the shoeboxes, but any and all donations are welcome. The official drop off dates for this year are Nov. 18 - 25. Drop off sites are located all over Fayetteville including Faymont Baptist Church, Cedar Falls Baptist, Hope Mills Presbyterian, Stedman Baptist, First Baptist Church of Spring Lake and Fairview Baptist. There are also collection points in Raeford, Southern Pines, Lumberton and Clinton.

    Donations should be made in a shoebox or similarly sized box with a removable lid. The boxes can be wrapped, but the lids should be wrapped separately. Each box should also be sent with $7 in cash or check to cover the expenses of shipping. There are also suggestions on how to pack a box, and what to leave out on the Samaritan’s Purse website.

    Generally toys, school supplies, hygiene items, accessories (such as T-shirts, hair clips, or sunglasses), and a personal note are great things to pack. Food, liquids, medications, war-related items and breakable items should be left out of the boxes.

    If the drop off dates are missed, don’t worry. Samaritans Purse collects donations year round. Boxes can be sent to the headquarters in Boone, N.C. This address can be found at www.samaritanspurse.org where monetary donations can also be made year round. Now, boxes can be tracked online at this same website, so people can see where their gifts finally arrive.

    Operation Christmas Child is not all that the Samaritan’s Purse does however. They have many fundraisers and projects that benefit global victims of war, natural disaster, famine and poverty. Volunteers and donations from all over the nation make the good work that this organization does possible. For more information about Operation Christmas Child, drop off sites, volunteer opportunities or any of the work that Samaritan’s Purse does, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.

    Photo: Each year, operation Christmas Child delivers shoeboxes to millions of children around the world.

  • Stephen Colbert hosts an ironic Christmas special
       

        Stephen Colbert shines as an egotistical host on his mock right-wing news program The Colbert Report. Colbert satirizes the Fox News worldview while pretending to embody it. He makes war-loving, tax-hating, God-slinging, gay-baiting conservatism look absurd — even more absurd than it does on The O’Reilly Factor. The Colbert Report is undoubtedly a work of genius.
        {mosimage}A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All!(Sunday, 10 p.m., Comedy Central) is a work of…well, to be honest, I’m not exactly sure what it is. I can say with confidence that it’s one of the weirdest TV shows of all time.     Still in character, and outfitted in a cable-knit sweater, Colbert hosts a faux-cheesy Christmas special featuring “sincere” songs, “surprising” celebrity appearances and “wise” words for the holiday. The “plot” finds Colbert trapped by a bear in his mountain cabin, and thus unable to make it to the studio for his Christmas special.
        My initial impression of A Colbert Christmas was that Colbert had jumped the shark. The celebrity set pieces seemed less amusingly surreal than certifiably insane. There’s Willie Nelson as a miniature nativity-set wise man who brings marijuana to the baby Jesus; Feist as an angelic operator who puts Colbert’s call to God on hold; and Elvis Costello as a victim of the aforementioned bear.
        But damned if Colbert didn’t finally yank me onto his nutty wavelength. Jon Stewart nails a semi-apologetic song that explains the not-quite-jolly holiday of Hanukkah to the puzzled host. The bear, now with the Costello’s voice, unexpectedly touches your heart with a performance of “Peace, Love and Understanding.” Colbert’s last song also catches you off guard by taking the quotation marks out of “wise.” He concludes that, in a troubled world, there are worse things to believe in than Christmas. It’s a qualified affirmation, but an affirmation nonetheless. Beneath the irony, we’re shocked to find, lies a heart.
        Writing this review has helped me figure out what A Colbert Christmas is: a work of genius.

    An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
    Saturday, 9 p.m. (Hallmark Channel)
        Ah, old-fashioned America. Women couldn’t vote, black people couldn’t associate with whites and workers couldn’t convince robber barons to pay them a decent wage. Oh, wait, this TV movie is about old-fashioned America Hallmark-style. All poor families are happy, any obstacle can be overcome with pluck, and no one uses contractions, somehow suggesting an essential decency.
        An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving is about a family that falls on hard times following the father’s death. The cold, wealthy, disapproving grandmother (Jacquelyn Bisset) comes to visit and is soon thawed by their can-do spirit. “My father said everything is a lesson from which we ultimately profit,” the daughter tells her proudly.
        I’m not sure I profited from the lessons of An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving. It just made me feel vaguely guilty for using contractions.

    24: Redemption
    Sunday, 8 p.m. (Fox)
        24’s season seven begins in January with another 24-hour adventure in real time. But first comes 24: Redemption, a TV movie that continues the season six storyline. Agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is on the run, fleeing a subpoena. The U.S. Senate wants answers about prisoners in Bauer’s custody who were illegally detained and tortured; Bauer has no intention of testifying. So he holes up in Africa to help children at a friend’s orphanage. But an evil rebel army has designs on those children, kidnapping them to use as cannon fodder in a coup against the country’s democratic government. A new American President must decide whether to fight them with U.S. forces or slink away.
        The cast is divided between good guys and bad guys, and the good guys don’t slink away. Bauer risks his life and his freedom to save the children — a noble move. It’s too bad nobility is so dull onscreen. We might as well be watching The Perils of Pauline as Bauer foils one goon after another to get a bleeding child to the hospital. “If we don’t get him there soon, he’ll go into shock!” he cries in a speeding truck. The story lacks tension and momentum, and even a grisly torture scene can’t get us onto the edge of our seats.
        I think we have a long 24 hours.

  • 112515_pubpen.png

    Is Fayetteville a sanctuary city for the homeless? It could happen. Actually, it is happening. Why? Because we live in a community where love, generosity and compassion far outpace vision and aggressive, competent and compelling  leadership at both the city and county levels. Together, they are not even visionary enough to see the advantages of leveraging this pure and unfiltered outreach of Christian generosity for the betterment of the Fayetteville community.

    What a shame. A blind man could see why our community fails to mature socially, culturally and economically just by the way we communicate or fail to communicate among ourselves. Unfortunately, instead of seeking prosperity and solutions for our community, our city and county leadership are collectively more concerned with finding fault with each other and making excuses for their lackluster achievements. 

    A perfect recent example is the case of Operation Inasmuch’s dispute with St. Luke’s AME Church on Hillsboro Street over building another 40-bed homeless shelter. A community shattered needlessly. Why? Basically, because  building another homeless shelter is viewed by Hillsboro Street residents as creating another enabling haven for the homeless rather than a solution to a problem perceived to already be of epidemic proportion. This comes even after homelessness  has been publicly  proclaimed one of the biggest concerns and highest priorities of the community.

    Why? Because city and county elected officials cannot come together to address the actual problem and find feasible solutions and remedies. No, they can only sit back with their political heads in the sand while dozens upon dozens of homeless men, women, children, veterans, vagrants and exploiting panhandlers cripple local businesses, terrorize residents and tarnish Fayetteville’s reputation and our quality of life. A stroll down Maiden Lane demonstrates how our elected officials have allowed our downtown Headquarters Library to be transformed to a  quasi-homeless haven at the detriment of the community.

    City and county elected officials must work together to find real solutions to problems our community faces like homelessness, crime, littering, economic development, utility expansion and, of course, the need for expanded park and recreation facilities.

    The solution? First, residents need to get active and vote. Second, they need to stop voting for the same old political hacks who say nothing and do nothing but serve as partisan placeholders. Third, demand that our elected officials state what their vision is for the community and how they plan to improve our city or county. Fourth, start holding our political leaders responsible. Speak out. Demand the facts, details and explanations of why things are or are not being accomplished. Fifth: Demand transparency. To be sure, no city or county resident has ever benefited from anything that goes on behind closed doors.

    The lack of harmony and leadership in dealing with the Hillsboro Street homeless shelter and our failure to come together with adequate solutions to our homeless problem indicates a serious lack of vision and leadership – not necessarily a good position for a community with aspirations of greatness! 

    2016 will be and can be a big year for Fayetteville and Cumberland County. However, vision and leadership are imperative for that success. And, that will be up to us. 

    Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly.


  • pilates-for-pink.jpgAccording to the Center for Disease control, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. In 2005 (the most recent year numbers are available) 186,467 women and 1,764 men were diagnosed with breast cancer, 41,116 women and 375 men died from breast cancer.


    On Nov. 7, Pilates of Fayetteville is participating in the nationwide event Pilates for Pink sponsored by Shape Magazine. From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., instructors will donate their time to teach Pilates and yoga classes. For just $10 per class (or $20 to stay all day and enjoy unlimited classes) Fayetteville is invited to join in the fight against breast cancer. All proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
    When it comes to breast cancer and helping patients heal, Pilates of Fayetteville is constantly and consistently looking for ways to help and this is one more way to do just that.


    "I'm certified in breast cancer rehab and (my business partner) Chris is certified in physical therapy. We offer free classes for breast cancer patients," said Melinda Craven, co-owner of Pilates of Fayetteville. "Women come in and sometimes it has been a year or even 10 years since their surgery, but they never were taught to move so they have scar tissue that has built up and they can't move very well. They get to come in and move and focus on feeling better instead of being sick."


    Last year was the first time that Pilates of Fayetteville participated in the event. They were able to raise more than $600. This year the goal is $1000. Craven says it doesn't matter whether you are a Pilates pro, a newbie or a wannabe; this event is a great way to exercise your body and support a great cause.


    "We've added more classes," said Craven. "It is a good time for people to try Pilates. It is easy and we've got door prizes galore. Ravenhill donated a head to toe package that is worth more than $200 and a queen for the day package." The classes are varied so there is something for most every interest and skill level.


    "Anybody can do it and you don't need to know anything to come and do it," said Craven. "Basically what Pilates does is strengthen (your core) all the way around which is what you need to be able to move well for everyday life. It teaches you great posture. Pilates is gentle and it has modifications for everybody if you have aches and pains then we adjust it for you or if there is someone who wants to work hard we can adjust it. With Pilates you feel better afterwards instead of just feeling like you've been beaten."


    Craven recalled that last year several moms brought their daughters not only as a bonding experience, but as an educational one as well.


    Register online at www.BCRF.org or pay at the door. Call 484-2163 for more info. Most of the classes at Pilates for Pink are 30 minutes long and scheduled for this order: 9 a.m. Mini Circuit, 9:30 a.m. Beginner Reformer/and Beginner Mat, 10 a.m. Jumpboard, 10:30 a.m. Ballet-ates, 11 a.m. Sculpture & Tone/Open Level Reformer, 11:30 a.m. Bosu Challenge, 12 p.m. Pilates Silver, 12:30 p.m. Upper Body Sculpt, 1 p.m. Yoga Flow
    (50 min.)
     
     

  • There’s been a lot of changes over the summer to Fayetteville hockey. The FireAntz have welcomed a slew of new players to the team, and they have welcomed three new teams to the league. Even with all the changes, fans can still expect to a great season.

    “We have brought back 10 players, but at least half of our team will be new,” said Dean Russell, the vice president of sales and marketing. “The guys are fi nding their place and getting to know each other. We got off to a slow start, but the players feel that they are coming together.”

    cover.jpg As the team gels, Russell said fans can expect to see the hardhitting hockey they’ve come to expect from the team.

    “This should be our year,” said Russell. “Last year we were one minute and a half away from winning the championship. The guys really feel like it’s their year.”

    Leading the team will be veteran player Rob Sich, who has started the year in a big way. Sich leads the league in goals at this point of the season.

    Bryan Bridges will keep the goal hot again this year. Russell said Bridges is playing very well, and he expects him to be key in the FireAntz success this season.

    New faces to watch are Jesse Biduke, a forward who has been playing a three game tryout with the team. Biduke impressed the coaching staff, and he is expected to stay in the lineup for the remainder of the season.

    Also new to the lineup is Connor MacDonald. MacDonald has been playing in Wichita, Kan., but was recently released. 

    “He is a very tough kid,” said Russell. “We were very excited to pick him up.”

    The team is going to need the added power, as they are joined in the league by three new teams.

    “The dynamics of the league have changed,” said Russell. “We have added three teams that we are calling the I-10 rivalry. All three teams are located along Interstate 10.”

    The teams, located in Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida, have made a very noticeable change in the scheduling for this season. FireAntz fans will fi nd their team on the road a lot more; however, they will have more nov18-fireantz-perfect-logo.jpgweekend-long stands and will be in the community more during the week. 

    One of the new teams, the Ice Gators, has a little in common with Fayetteville — the city shares our namesake. The Ice Gators are based in LaFayette, La. In December, Mayor Tony Chavonne will issue a challenge to the mayor of LaFayette during a homestand here in Fayetteville. The winner of the best of three will pay up - either a southern barbecue meal from Chavonne or a Cajun dinner from the LaFayette mayor. 

    “It’s all in good fun,” said Russell.

    For more on the FireAntz, check out the team’s interactive Web site at www.fi reantzhockey.com. The site haseverything from player stats to upcoming appearances.

  • uac112410001.gif Once the turkey has been eaten, a few rounds of left overs have been reheated and savored and the pie plates hold nothing but crumbs, there still looms a long weekend ahead. Early on Friday morning, you might head out to the stores to partake in the great American pasttime known as Black Friday shopping, but you will want to save some of your energy for the afternoon when one of Fayetteville’s favorite holiday traditions — A Dickens Holiday returns to downtown Fayetteville.

    From 1-9 p.m., Fayetteville is turned into a picture from the past, a Victorian scene full of good cheer, good times and good fun. Forget the standard 4th Friday events that usually happen this time each month, this celebration lasts through the afternoon and into the evening with events that only come once a year.

    “Dickens Holiday is a Victorian-style holiday celebration that kicks off the holiday season. It is based around A Christmas Carol and the whole point that Charles Dickens was making with A Christmas Carol is that this is the time of year when you feel kindly towards your fellow man, you are warmed by your generosity to you fellow man and your good will. That is what turned Scrooge around, that spirit of a Dickens Holiday is absolutely palpable on the street during these celebrations,” explained Hank Parfitt, A Dickens Holiday spokesperson.

    “It is probably one of a lot of people’s favorite holidays because you just have a wonderful sense of community and you feel good about yourself, your community and your fellow man. It really is magical. There is no other festival like it,” he continued.

    Hot cider and gingerbread vendors line Hay Street offering yummy treats for just .50 cents as professional chefs assemble gingerbread masterpieces at the Rainbow Room. The competition is stiff and everyone is bringing their best decorating tricks as they compete for the $1,000 prize — and don’t forget to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, too.

    Check out the Market House display to see the holidays portrayed Victorian style. Vintage coins, ceramics and other commemoritive pieces honoring Queen Victoria will be on display.

    There will be carriage rides available from 1-9 p.m. Don’t miss the chance to savor downtown decked out in finery for the holidays. Take a ride with a group or make reservations and have the carriage all to yourself. Tickets are $15 per person, and can be purchased by calling 678-8899.

    Capture the memories with a momento from Fascinate-U Children’s Museum. Kids are invited to create an original Victorian ornament from 1-7 p.m. There is always room to share with the city and hang the decoration on the community tree if your child chooses not to take his treasure home.

    Photos will be available for purchase at the Arts Council. Gather the family around Father Christmas or pile into the Victorian sleigh to create a picture that you’ll cherish for years. While you are there, enjoy holiday entertainment that is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!

    If you’ve already got that spirit, why not join in the costume contest — it’s only $10 to enter and there will be cash prizes in men’s, women’s and children’s categories.

    “It is important to let people know it is a fun event to watch. These costumes are very authentic. They match the time period when Dickens wrote, which is around 1830-1860. It is a quite entertaining to see what these people have designed and sewn together or assembled,” said ParfItt. “We encourage people not only to watch but to take part in the contest. There are $500 in cash prizes that we will be giving away.”

    It is not too late to sign up. Just go to the Arts Council website at www. theartscouncil.com for the application and rules.

    The costume contest begins with a Picadilly Promenade and a fi reside chat with Charles Dickens. The promenade is where anyone in costume can come across the stage at the beginning of the contest.

    There is no judging or announcing names, it’s just a chance to show off your cool Victorian get up and to walk across the stage.

    The contest starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be preceded by an appearance by Charles Dickens who will give a little back story about how he came to write A Christmas Carol and some of his other works.

    “This year we’ve got a wonderful Charles Dickens,” Parfitt added. With so many events throughout the day it was hard to get Parfi tt to name just one favorite.

    “There are fi ve things that make a Dickens Holiday — the carriage rides, the costumed characters from A Christmas Carol and the musicians and performers and roving carolers, the hot cider and ginger bread — without those you don’t have a Dickens Holiday,” Parfitt noted.

    The other component is the procession. At 5 p.m. people gather at the Arts Council for the candlelight walk to the Market House. Queen Victoria in her carriage will be leading the procession and anyone in costume gets to go behind the carriage and everyone else behind that.

    Then comes the tree lighting.

    “All of the lights come on at one time — and when the lights come on the Market House bell will ring and the fireworks will burst into the night sky,” said Parfitt. “That is not the end of the event though. That is the beginning of the holiday season.”

    There will be activities and entertainment well into the night with the last of the events finishing up at 9 p.m.

    Find out more at www. theartscouncil.com.

  • As November begins to unwind, the sanctuary of Green Springs Baptist Church is transformed by the construction of a Christmas tree that spans more than 20 feet into the air. Soaring to the ceiling, the tree is lovingly adorned with greenery, lights and ribbons by the church members, and for one weekend only, it will come to life as the Green Springs Music Ministry presents A Baby Changes Everything during its annual singing Christmas tree.

    The church has been hosting the event for almost 15 years, and Charles Stevens, who along with his wife Laura, serve as the music ministers, doesn’t see it stopping any time soon.

    “It really has become a Christmas tradition for us,” said Stevens. “We spend about four days putting the tree up, and we spend about four months rehearsing for the event.”

    Stevens said the music for this year’s event is very moving.

    “The basis of the performance is the song ‘A Baby Changes Everything.’ Just like that baby changes the life of his mother, he also changes the lives of men and women throughout the world,” said Stevens.

    The choir will be joined by the children’s choir, the Joy Singers, the Green Springs Trio and a men’s ensemble.

    “This event truly brings all of the church together,” he said.

    While there is no admission fee, the church asks those who are able to bring a canned food item for donation to the Gray’s Creek Christian Center.

    “We know there are so many in need at this time of year, and this is a way to help them,” continued Stevens. “But if you can’t bring anything, come anyway.”

    Refreshments will be served after each peformance and the public is invited to attend.

    Shows are Friday, Dec. 3, Saturday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.

    Green Springs Baptist Church is located at 1095 E. Green Springs Rd., just off Highway 301 South. For more information, call 425-8602 or visit the website at www.greenspringsbaptistchurch.com.

  • The 2011-2012 version of the Fayetteville FireAntz can be summed up in one word — bigger. The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) enters it’s second decade with more teams, more speed and more opponents.

    Kevin MacNaught, team president and general manager, says many factors are responsible for these changes. Several other leagues at higher levels have seen a reduc-tion in the number of teams in their leagues which has increased the talent pool look-ing to play professional hockey. The SPHL has also matured as a league and college and junior players see the SPHL as a viable option to continue their playing careers and try to move to the next level.11-16-11-fireantz.jpg

    Sean Gillam, the new head coach, is in his first year in the league, but he has been watching the league for a while and has seen it improve each year. He has seen many players, whom he watched for years as their careers progressed, make it to the SPHL. Five to 10 years ago, players who were capable of playing at a higher level were hesi-tant to come to the SPHL and play for fear they would not be taken seriously at those higher levels. Gillam says that is not the case anymore. Players now feel the SPHL may be their best chance to get noticed and “get their shot” at moving to the next level.

    Many players on the roster this year have come from the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and Central Hockey League (CHL) training camps. In fact, several were on rosters in the ECHL or the CHL last year.

    Training camp was a little more complex this year as the CHL camps opened the same week the SPHL camps opened. The filter-down of players starts with the National Hockey League (NHL). After the NHL camps break they move players to the American Hockey League (AHL). Then the AHL move play-ers to the ECHL, who in turn start releasing players. It’s at this time that the SPHL and the CHL start hearing from agents, coaches and free-agents. Coaches then have to move fast to secure the best players available.

    Gillam, who was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings and went through three NHL training camps, has been there and under-stands how the process works. Having played three years in the AHL and then playing and coaching in the ECHL and CHL has given Coach Gillam many connec-tions. Gillam has worked to assemble a big, hungry team of rookies and experienced players to create an exciting team for the Fayetteville FireAntz and the community.

    After three weekends, the FireAntz are hovering around the 500 mark but Gillam said he did not come to Fayetteville to be “average.” He said his team is still coming together with a radically changed roster this year, but expects things to change by Thanksgiving.

    The FireAntz have been on the road since the Oct. 29, but return to the Crown Coliseum for a home stand on Nov. 18 and 19. The FireAntz will then have their traditional home game on Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, complete with turkey bowling and all of the entertaining trimmings the FireAntz provide for their home games.

    Group tickets for all the home games are available by calling the FrieAntz office at 321-0123 and as always kids tickets are just $5 dollars.

    Photo: Many players on the roster this year have come from the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and Central Hockey League (CHL) training camps.

  • Hay Street Prop 1The City of Fayetteville will be requesting $20,000 to repair the property at 242 Hay St. They would like to use the money to power wash and repaint the exterior of the property. They would also like to rebuild the balcony structure using composite decking, install composite handrails, replace the rotted door and door frame to the balcony, repair rotted wood on the window frame closest to the balcony door and repair cracked tile at the front.

    Since the location is part of a historically protected area, they will only be fixing what is rotted or broken and repainting the building in the original colors.

    Members of the public have until Dec. 13 to submit written comments to the Economic and Community Development Department at City Hall about the
    project.

    Diane’s Vintage Market was previously located at the site but closed in October of 2019.

  • Pamela StorySchool students in transition or experiencing homelessness have social workers on their side to help with transportation, food, emotional needs and more, according to local school officials. Cumberland County Schools has a nationally recognized homeless liaison leading the Social Work Services Department. Pamela Story, CCS Social Work Coordinator and Homeless Liaison is North Carolina’s Homeless Liaison of the Year. The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth announced at its annual conference on Nov. 14, that Story was chosen as the 2022 National Homeless Liaison of the Year. 
     
    Story graduated from E.E. Smith High School and is an alumna of North Carolina Central University. She earned her master's degree in social work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 
     
    “We must ensure that we provide every opportunity for our students in transition to be successful and to soar above their circumstances,” Story said. “Homelessness in many situations is temporary, and any one of us could be homeless in the blink of an eye." 
     
    She has worked with the Cumberland County School System for 23 years. Story likes to tell children that “Life throws us many curveballs, and we are here to help you.” She encourages parents and students to maintain hope and integrity and seek assistance to rise above life's circumstances. 
  • PWC graphicFayetteville City Council members finally voted to select a new commissioner for the Fayetteville Public Works Commission.

    Last Monday night, City Council selected Retired Col. Don Porter to serve as the new PWC commissioner. He was supported by Councilmembers Johnny Dawkins, Larry Wright, D.J. Haire, and Christopher Davis. Mayor Mitch Colvin also voted in Porter’s favor.

    Porter is a retired Military Logistics Specialist and served 20 years as an Executive Director of Economic Development in Hoke County and the City of Raeford. In his application, he says that he believes that city-owned water and sewer is good not just for citizens but also for business recruitment.

    Porter was initially recommended to the position by the city’s Appointment Committee last month. City Council was split on the decision and kept delaying the vote. Porter's term is expected to end on Sept. 30, 2025.

  •     {mosimage}Midnight To Twelve has been getting a lot of attention lately. The first song off their self-titled album, “Slam,” his climbed the charts, and got a lot of media buzz following its airing on the show One Tree Hill.
        With or without the television buzz, it appears that the CD and the group have the potential to be BIG, REALLY BIG.
        Local residents will get a chance to judge the group for themselves, as the band makes its Fayetteville debut at Jester’s Pub on Saturday, Nov. 22. The band will share the stage with Nonpoint, 12 Stones and Anew Revolution.
        The group, formed in Los Angeles in 2000. A quote from a Roman philosopher, Seneca, seems to define their rise in the music industry: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
    The band, based in Southern California, and made up of Jon Hartman (vocals), Al Baca (bass), Steve Oliver (keyboards), Daniel Jordan (guitar) and Drew Molleur (drums) believes strongly in making their own luck, mainly through hard work.
        From Southern California by way of Iowa (Hartman) and Oklahoma (Molleur) with a stop in Nashville for Barca and Hartman, the band took full shape after meeting Oliver through a friend and Jordan through the classifieds, the band added Molleur and the time was right to get things going.  Finding the right name took a long time for the rockers — the idea for Midnight to Twelve came when discussing the shift Barca was working in order to make time to write and rehearse with his bandmates.
        Always willing to do the hard work involved in establishing themselves in a competitive market like LA, the band played all around town, slowly building their audience.
        “Our motto was, whether the audience was five people or 5,000, they got the same show,” says Hartman.  Eventually the band was headlining Saturday nights and selling out storied clubs like the Roxy. Midnight to Twelve sold 13,000 copies of its previous independently-made recording out of its tour bus.
        Along the way, the band made fans and friends who were eager to spread the good word.  One such fan worked on One Tree Hill.  The producers of the show heard the single “Slam,” and put it on the show right away.  Seeing a way to take the exposure one step further, the band made it known on the show’s message board that they would give away CD singles to anyone who signed up for their e-mail list.  A barrage of Hill fans obliged.
        “I was up all night collecting addresses, and sent out 600 singles the next day — I spent a whole paycheck on postage,” Baca explained.
        They are hoping to add to their fan base when they play in Fayetteville, make a trip to Jester’s and see if you can get sold on Midnight To Twelve.
  • FAST busFour red, white and blue coaches have been placed in service. Four more are on the way, according to Fayetteville Transit director Randy Hume. He said the change was made to bring the transit system in line with the city’s new color palette.

    The City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, plus nine businesses and civic partners, have launched an intensive project to develop a community-wide branding campaign to create an updated and unified approach to make known the area’s strengths, assets, diversity, vision and potential.

    Another eight new buses are expected to be delivered after the first of the year. The cost of FAST buses is provided primarily by the Federal Transit Administration. 18 citywide bus routes are operational.

  • Charles EvansCumberland County Commission Chairman Charles Evans has set his sights on higher public office. He says he will run for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolina’s revised 4th District. The 4th Congressional District is newly drawn with no incumbent. The district includes all of Cumberland, Sampson, Johnston Counties, most of Harnett County and a small fragment of Wayne County.

    “This district is home to Fort Bragg and the county that's home to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base,” Evans noted. “As a veteran, I understand what military families and personnel need and will be their number one ally in Congress."

    Evans has served on the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners for the past 11 years and previously served on the Fayetteville City Council from 2005-2009. He is affiliated with the Democratic party.

    Sen. Ben Clark and Rep. John Szoka have also announced that they will be running for the seat. Szoka will be running against former Fayetteville mayor Nat Robertson and former police officer Christine Villaverde for the Republican primary. Clark and Evans will run against each for the Democratic primary.

  • Fayetteville PoliceThe Community Police Advisory Board is closer to being finalized and should start in the new year. The board's mission is to provide recommendations to the City Council, City Manager and Police Chief to improve the quality of policing in Fayetteville in a cooperative effort between the community and the police. 

    They will be reviewing and recommending policy enhancements to better meet the needs of the community, provide and support a training curriculum that allows for police and community experiences to be shared and understood with greater context and analyze existing public records. 
     
    Ideally, this will result in improved perception of procedural justice, and enhance trust in the police. 
     
    To have applied for a spot on the board, applicants must be 18 years old or older, live within the City of Fayetteville for at least the last six months, and they will be required to complete the Citizen Police Academy, complete one ride-along and participate in other group learning opportunities.
     
    Ten people will be appointed to the board by City Council. Nine will be regular board members and one person will be an alternate member. 23 people have applied. Out of all the applications, a majority had either worked for a police department or worked/volunteered with a police/corrections department at some time. Ten of the applicants stated that they currently reside in Districts 2 and 8. 
    The only district that is not represented among the applicants is District 6.
     
    The applications were also diverse. Out of all 23 applicants it included six females, eight caucasian applicants, two Hispanic applicants and 13 African-American applicants. They varied in professions but many were either retired military, retired police or working military. 
     
    A handful have previously served on a Fayetteville City Board or commission. 
     
    In the questionnaire for each applicant, two questions ask what is one thing civilians and police officers can do to promote healthy relationships. 
     
    Almost every person replied that officers need to develop relationships within the communities they serve — specifically in areas they are assigned to. Many of the applicants stated that citizens should become more familiar with what police do day-to-day and participate in police-community events.
     
    The Appointment Committee will review all 23 applications and forward their top picks for finalists. 
     
    City Council will then interview each finalist one-on-one. The nine interview questions, which have already been written out, include the candidate’s involvement with the city, how they perceive the role of the police department and why they want to join the board.
     
    According to the charter, City Council members should be looking for candidates who work well with people of opposing viewpoints, can provide constructive criticism, are able to communicate effectively, can recognize conflicts of interest and have a commitment to civilian oversight. 
     
    After the interview process is over, the top ten candidates will be voted on during a City Council regular meeting.
  • 07In the next few weeks, Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West will hold informational sessions for people who think they may qualify to be lawfully expunged. An expungement clinic will be held in the Spring of 2022 where local attorneys, the public defender’s office, and Legal Aid of NC will assist individuals in having their records expunged. So, what in the world is expungement? To “expunge” is to “erase or remove completely.” In the law, “expungement” is the process by which a record of criminal conviction is destroyed or sealed from state or federal records.

    An expungement order directs the court to treat a criminal conviction as if it had never occurred, essentially removing it from a defendant’s criminal record as well as, ideally, the public record. It is important to clarify that expungement is not “forgiveness” for committing a crime — that is a legal pardon. Likewise, pardons are not expungements and do not require removal of a conviction from a criminal record. When a criminal record is expunged, the public record of the arrest, charge, or conviction is deleted.

    Notice is also sent to a range of government entities, such as the sheriff’s office or police department that made the arrest and the division of motor vehicles. These agencies are directed to purge their records relating to the arrest, charge, or conviction. For most purposes, it’s like the legal proceeding never happened. However, confidential records are retained after expungement. These records are available under very limited circumstances, such as when a judge considering an expungement application wants to know whether the applicant has been granted an expungement in the past.

    Who should be expunged?

    "It's someone whose license has been suspended for at least 5 years due to unpaid fees on a minor traffic offense that has already been adjudicated such as a stop sign offense, speeding ticket, expired registration," West said.

    Fayetteville criminal justice activist Demetria Murphy said the economic treadmill is exactly what stops people from getting their licenses again.

    "Someone who goes from making $8 or $9 who now can go and work for a distribution center and have their regular driver's license back...puts them in a position to actually win," Murphy said.

    Under North Carolina law, a person whose record has been expunged generally does not have to disclose the arrest, charge or conviction on job applications, applications for housing, and in other settings where a criminal conviction may have a negative impact. Prospective employers and educational institutions can’t require applicants to disclose expunged entries. In fact, North Carolina law specifically protects people with expunged criminal records from perjury and similar charges relating to failure to disclose an expunged record. Employers who violate this law can be fined.

    North Carolina law provides for expungement of a wide variety of arrests, charges and convictions. In some cases, expungement is available only to people who were under a certain age at the time of the crime. Other expungements are available regardless of age. The best source of information about whether your arrest, charge, or conviction may be eligible for expungement is an experienced Fayetteville criminal defense attorney. For more information, contact the District Attorney’s Office at (910) 475-3010 or at Cumberland.DAExpugements@nccourts.org.

  • 06The Council on Criminal Justice issued a report earlier this year that shows the number of homicides in the U.S. during the first half of 2021 increased by 16% compared to the same period last year. The number of homicides in 2020 compared to 2019 rose by 25%, according to an FBI preliminary report. It was the largest increase since the FBI began releasing annual homicide figures in the 1960s. The spike in violent crime came as the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the country.

    This year’s murder rate in Fayetteville is unprecedented. As of Nov. 17, 43 people were killed by others. Arrests have been made in 33 of the cases. That exceeds the highest annual homicide number by 12.

    “There is no one answer to what’s going on,” Police Chief Gina Hawkins told Up & Coming Weekly. “There are so many guns in our community.”

    She says that people are impatient having been locked away in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hawkins said that unlike previous years, homicides here are city-wide.

    “In Fayetteville, the number one reason for murder was drug-related robberies,” Hawkins said, noting that murder is almost impossible to prevent.

  • 05Fencing around Fayetteville’s downtown Market House will remain for at least another few months. City Council decided in April to re-purpose the historic landmark. A citizens committee came up with several ideas for transforming the building. The ideas include creating a museum of art and Black history displays or creating a marketplace for Black vendors.

    “This group is scheduled to release their recommendations in early 2022,” City Manager Doug Hewett told Up & Coming Weekly. “The fencing will remain in place pending the outcome of that discussion or further direction from City Council.”

    The Market House, built in 1838, is one of North Carolina’s 50 national landmarks. But historically was sometimes used to sell, trade and auction slaves before the Civil War.

    In May of 2020, the building was set on fire during protests following the death of George Floyd. The fire was quickly put out, resulting in minor damage. Two months later protesters camped out at Market Square for nearly a week, demanding police reform in Fayetteville.

  • 04Cumberland County school bus drivers will share in additional system-wide bonuses being provided by the board of education. The school board decided on Nov. 17 to give the school district’s 6,000 full-time employees $1,000 bonuses in December and again in May. Local bus drivers have been demanding better pay and have staged protests recently. More than 100 buses were idled two weeks ago because of a "sick-out" staged by drivers.

    Starting pay for bus drivers in the school district is $12.21 an hour. A new state budget proposal includes a provision that the minimum hourly wage for non-certified school employees be raised to $13 this year and to $15 in the 2022-23 fiscal year. The state sets the baseline for pay in public schools, and some counties “supplement” those wages.
    The Cumberland County school district used to have a competitive supplemental package, but education officials say they are falling behind.

    "Determining the full cost (local, state and federal) of adjusting our minimum hourly salary to $13 or $15... is extremely complicated and if conducted internally could take an inordinate amount of time that we do not have given the state of the labor market," a memorandum released by the board said.

    Drivers say they are frustrated over a stalemate between the Cumberland County Board of Education and the county commissioners. The Board of Education develops the budget, but county commissioners provide the funding.

    "If you raise the pay for just one group, then you have many other groups within the district that did not get that same consideration," said Clyde Locklear, associate superintendent of business
    operations.

    Many North Carolina school districts are struggling to hire and retain workers because of low wages and working conditions many complain about. More than a third of Cumberland County Schools, 50,000 students, depend on bus services to get to school.

  • 17 ornaments Apparently, I'm trying to jump the gun this holiday season. I really  wanted to put up my Christmas decorations early this year.

    Typically, we wait until the day after Thanksgiving to deck the halls, but this year, the few days between Thanksgiving and Christmas are cut short because of where Thanksgiving  falls on the calendar. I just feel like I need more time to have a holly, jolly Christmas, which means I needed my tree up yesterday.

    But do I really need to have it up early? Why can't I wait just a few more days? It doesn't help that Hobby Lobby, WalMart and even gas stations (bless 'em) had rows of red and green back in August, and my favorite interior design accounts on Instagram posted their holiday décor ideas and their stockings hung by the chimney with care in October. I'm definitely being influenced by a consumer-driven culture. Sometimes we don't even notice it's happening. So, ashamedly yes, Mom, I probably would jump off that proverbial cliff too if everybody else was doing it, especially if it was covered in brightly stringed lights, gingerbread men and Christmas ribbon.

    Where does it end, at least when it comes to Christmas? Where do I take control of what I want for my family and not what advertisers and influencers are telling me I need for them?
    Putting up the decorations early might not seem like a big deal, but to me, it signifies much more. It signifies my inability to wait patiently. It points to the fact that I have a tendency to overspend on gifts my child won't play with longer than a couple hours, overfill my home with stuff we're just going to donate next year and overthink gift giving to the point that I'm convinced what I have to offer isn't good enough.

    When I was little, my thing was Barbie dolls. I always asked for more Barbie everything — dolls, clothes they could wear, cars for them to be pushed around in, accessories, houses, etc. I remember having a few tubs full of this stuff. But I don't remember playing with them. I do remember lining them up. I remember counting them and comparing how many dolls I had to what my friends had. I remember wanting more Barbies, even though I had more than I could count on my fingers and toes combined. I was never satisfied with what I had. I always wanted more.

    Contentment is a funny thing. We all long for it, but few find it. We all search for it, but few actually stop doing the same things over and over again to break the cycle and get a different result. That's the definition of insanity, right?

    What if we worked and waited for good things? What if we only bought what we could afford and didn't start the new year with more debt? What if we focused on memories instead of things? What if we were satisfied with everything we already had, and anything extra was just a bonus? What if we actually thought about the person we were giving a gift to and what they would truly appreciate, instead of grabbing whatever because we feel obligated to have a present for them? What if we decided to not be afraid that our children won't have a good Christmas if they don't get everything on their extremely long Christmas list? What if we didn't do everything because everyone else is doing it?

    What if I don't put up my lights until after Thanksgiving?

    Alright, I've talked myself into it. I'm waiting. I'm resting. I'm going to be more thoughtful. Maybe this will be the start of something new, a push-back in my spirit that says, “No thanks, that cliff is bright and shiny with all of those Christmas lights, but it looks like a long down. I'm happy with where I am right now.”

    Also, check out your favorite Christmas tunes on Christian 105.7 this holiday season. We waited until after Thanksgiving.

  • edgerton_clyde.jpgThese days, who couldn’t use a good laugh? And what better way to enjoy a good case of the giggles, guffaws and sidesplitting laughter than to support an excellent community cause at the same time? Just such an opportunity arrives in Fayetteville when award-winning author and musician Clyde Edgerton presents Wake Up Your Funny Bone: Readings, Stories and Music for the Friends of the Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center’s 10th Annual Author Event and Library Endowment Trust Benefit on Monday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m., at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre.

    Edgerton, a professor of creative writing at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, was raised in Bethesda near Durham. He has published nine novels, three of which have been made into movies, and a memoir, as well as short stories, essays and reviews. His numerous awards include a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Lyndhurst Prize, the North Carolina Award for Literature, acceptance into the Fellowship of Southern Writers, honorary doctorates from UNC-Asheville and St. Andrews Presbyterian College and five notable book awards from the New York Times. Five of his books, Raney, Walking Across Egypt, The Floatplane Notebooks, Killer Diller and Lunch at the Piccadilly, have been adapted for the stage, providing an additional special connection to the Fayetteville/Cumberland County area.

    “One of my good friends, Tim McLaurin, grew up in Fayetteville, and then also I have a long association with the Cape Fear Regional Theatre and Bo Thorpe,” Edgerton said in an interview. “Bo and the people at the theatre have been more open to and receptive of my works that have been adapted to theater than anybody else.”

    The immense popularity of the stage productions of Edgerton’s works at the CFRT is just one part of his strong local appeal, explained Joan Ingalls, member of the Friends of the Cumberland County Library Speakers Committee.

    “Clyde has done so much,” said Ingalls, referring to Edgerton’s multiple accomplishments in teaching, writing and music. Long before he started writing fiction, Edgerton wrote songs, and he’s played the banjo and guitar for 35 and 10 years, respectively. “We have this incredible talent in our little corner of the world, and we want to share it.” And Edgerton is happy to oblige with his one-man show that offers a sampling of his storytelling and musicianship.

    “I’ll read from a variety of selections and do a scene from the musical readers theatre The Bible Salesman. I’ll also read from The Book of Dads, an anthology of essay by fathers. Mine starts off: ‘Before the birth you should go ahead and install the car seat and assemble the crib. This will take four to seven days.’”

    All proceeds from the show will benefit the Library Endowment Trust generated by the Friends of the Library, a nonprofit organization whose mission “…is to create an awareness of the services and resources offered by the Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center, to focus attention on library needs and to enrich programming opportunities available to county citizens of all ages.” The organization sponsors lectures, exhibits and book talks, as well as quarterly book sales — with one coming up in November — using the money it raises “…for library needs beyond the budget provided by the Cumberland County government.”

    “The Friends enrich our community’s library experience,” said Kellie Tomita, marketing and communications manager of Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center. “So much of the extras we do, like the summer reading programs, are due to the generosity of The Friends.”

    Edgerton is very supportive of such generosity on behalf of the library.

    “It’s difficult for me to turn down library events especially, because libraries are so important to our culture and life,” Edgerton said. “I started reading fairly seriously in high school and can remember the good smell of new library books. The library was especially important when my some of my books started being censored and librarians began coming out of the woodwork –– in my defense.”

    General admission tickets are $15 and available for purchase at City Center Gallery, 112 Hay St. Tickets for a benefit reception at 6 p.m. in the Glass Block Room at the theater are $85 each or $150 a pair and include program admission, heavy hors d’oeuvres, beverages, a signed copy of Edgerton’s book The Bible Salesman and an opportunity to meet the author. For reception tickets, call (910) 483-7727 ext. 119.

  • 03President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden traveled to Fort Bragg, Nov. 22, to hand out Thanksgiving meals to service members and their families.

    Service members and families spent the afternoon getting COVID-19 tests and onboarding buses at Pike Field. From there, they were bused to a hangar by the Pope Army Airfield. The hangar had several activities for kids and families set up, including coloring books and games provided by the USO. The hangar was open, showing a panoramic view of the newly refinished flight line, so when Air Force One landed shortly before 5:30 p.m., all the service members and their families could see the iconic plane land and slowly pull past the hangar.

    Shortly after arrival, the Bidens disembarked from Air Force One. Before serving a meal to service members and their families, they each spoke to the crowd about the struggles military families face. Both Bidens talked about when Joe Biden's son, Beau Biden, served in the U.S. Army in Iraq and Kosovo. Beau Biden passed away in 2015 from cancer.

    "I know what it feels like for all of your families here because you won't be home for the holidays. I know what it's like to see that empty seat at the table and just feel how hard it is for the families," Jill Biden said. "I just wanted to thank all of you. That's why we came to have dinner with you."The First Lady then passed the microphone to President Biden, who spoke about how proud he was of being the Commander in Chief.

    "You do so much. Your families give so much. I really mean it," President Biden said in his speech to the troops. "You're the finest military that the world has ever seen. That's not hyperbole. You literally are. You're the finest the world has ever seen."

    The Bidens, Gov. Roy Cooper, Kristin Cooper, and Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin helped serve 250 service members and military families. The President served stuffing, and the First Lady served mashed potatoes.

    The Robert Irvine Foundation prepared and supplied the food. The non-profit foundation focuses on supporting service members and veterans through relief grants, scholarships and hearty meals. The founder, Chef Robert Irvine, is the host of Food Network's Restaurant Impossible.

    After dinner, the President and the First Lady walked along the hangar to take photos with and talk to service members.

    image0Attending family members and the service members were chosen by their commands, and representatives from each command at Fort Bragg were present.

    One of the families in attendance, the Ryan Family, Natalie Ryan and her two children, 10-year-old Mikayla and 8-year-old Tommy, have been at Fort Bragg for two years. Natalie's husband, Tommy Ryan Sr., who has 15 years of Army service under his belt, is deployed. She received the invitation to the dinner only the day before.

    "It's definitely an honor. Once in a lifetime kind of opportunity," Natalie Ryan said. The visit is part of the Joining Forces initiative — a White House effort to support military service members, military-affiliated families and veterans. The initiative, spearheaded by First Lady Jill Biden, began during her tenure as the Second Lady.

    "I think that Dr. Biden is incredible. I always appreciated it since she was the Second Lady. Especially her work getting military spouses’ employment and reducing the barriers to military spouse employment," Ryan said. "It's incredible and wonderful."

  • 04 Consolidated photoWe live in a country and world that are in disarray, headed toward certain self-destruction. Our only hope is in turning to God and following the way that he calls us to. Our failure to make this turn is, for the most part, because far too many Christians and Christian churches are failing to act with the boldness necessary to influence such a change of course.

    John Charles Ryle was an English evangelical Anglican bishop who lived from 1816 to 1900. In his time, he said something that accurately describes the American Christian condition: “There is a common, worldly kind of Christianity in this day, which many have, and think they have enough — a cheap Christianity which offends nobody and requires no sacrifice — which costs nothing, and is worth nothing.”

    Rectifying this “cheap Christianity” and, thereby, saving this nation — and even the world — from impending doom, requires that a multitude of Christians stand up and demonstrate a kind of boldness that is almost extinct in our nation. It means leading people to unite based on their shared Godly values and beliefs. Coming to this state of being creates an atmosphere where the challenging conditions that divide us can be peacefully and successfully addressed. Essential to this process is the presence and movement of the Holy Spirit.

    On Sunday, Oct. 20, I saw an unequivocal real-life demonstration of how this process of gathering around shared Godly values and beliefs can unite people and create an atmosphere where the challenges of our world can be successfully addressed. Making this event happen required tremendous boldness on the part of two Fayetteville pastors. Dr. Jamale Johnson is pastor of Mount Sinai Baptist Church and Rev. Rob James at First Baptist Church. Mount Sinai is a black congregation while First Baptist is nearly totally white.

    Having never met, in the spring of 2019, both pastors agreed to participate in a pulpit exchange that as part of the AsONE Prayer Walk. This is an event where people of various ages, ethnicities, religious denominations and backgrounds gather to walk through downtown, stopping to pray at five designated stations.

    When agreeing to participate in the pulpit exchange where one pastor would preach at another’s church, and vice versa, they were fully aware that they would probably be paired with a church where the majority of the people in the congregation were racially different from people of the congregation that they serve. Of the hundreds of pastors in the Fayetteville area, only a handful agreed to participate in this pulpit exchange program. In a time of tremendous racial divide and tension where this threatening condition worsens every day, these pastors exchanged pulpits April 7. Dr. Johnson preached at First Baptist and Rev. James at Mount Sinai. This was boldness in action.

    Even bolder was the commitment by these pastors that they would not allow that pulpit exchange to be the end of their efforts to have the two racially different congregations work together. That commitment, that boldness, led to a joint worship service at First Baptist Oct. 20. We worshipped and then had a meal together.

    The worship service and meal required cooperative planning by the pastors and members of both churches. The result was amazing participation in these two phases by members of both churches. That participation ran from a combined choir to Scripture reading, prayer, supporting musicians, a children’s sermon, liturgical dance and an offering donated to relief in the Bahamas. Johnson served as the worship leader, and Rev. James preached. Early in the worship service, Johnson invited the congregants to greet one another. Those greetings were genuine. Smiles, hardy handshakes and hugs were all around.

    James’ sermon was titled “A New heaven and A New Earth” with Revelation 21:1-4, 22-26 as the Scripture focus. He explained that we live in times of harmful separations, divisions and distinctions driven by tradition, race, culture and even pain. However, when the kingdom comes and the new heaven and new earth (as described by John in Revelation) are in place, these harmful separations will be no more. Nearing the end of his sermon, James said  279 years refers to the combined time that Mount Sinai and First Baptist have served the Fayetteville community: “I don’t think we should wait for the coming of the kingdom to get a glimpse of it right now. And I don’t think we have to. Look around. Look at what’s happening this morning; something that hasn’t happened in 279 years. Two churches, two families of faith praising God together, joining in fellowship, in prayer, in song as one. What we are looking at this morning is a reflection of not just heaven, but of the new heaven and the new earth that God has had in mind from the very beginning of all things.”

    In that combined worship service and meal, I saw an atmosphere where the challenging conditions that divide us could be peacefully and successfully addressed. Essential to this process was the presence and movement of the Holy Spirit. Giving life to this atmosphere conducive to societal healing requires a kind of boldness that is extremely rare in our time.
    (Segments of this service, along with Rev. Rob James’ sermon, are available for viewing at:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sijb6PfHj0c)

    Photos contributed by Paula Young and Anna Brown

     

  • 05 FOrt Bragg signPresident Joe Biden and his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, are visiting Fort Bragg Monday evening as part of the Joining Forces Initiative. They will be celebrating Thanksgiving early with service members and military families.

    North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and his wife, Kristen Cooper, will be joining the President during his visit.

    The president is expected to leave from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland around 4:20 p.m. and then arrive at Fort Bragg about an hour later. The White House's "Friendsgiving" dinner is expected to start around 6 p.m.

    Joining Forces is a White House initiative to support military families, which includes families of service members, veterans, caregivers and survivors. Last week, Jill Biden spoke at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and pleaded with business owners to hire and train spouses of active members of the military — just as businesses have been doing in successful efforts to hire veterans.

    Up & Coming Weekly will be at the event. We will update our Facebook and Instagram pages throughout the day.

  • As some of you know, I get packer's anxiety. I travel a lot, but I have a list for my list. Anytime I can simplify my packing and downsize my load is a win.

     When packing, everything has a place, and every place has a purpose for your travels. Space is always a challenge when traveling. Over the last six months, I have been working on reinventing my packing methods. In the past, my packing was a hot mess. Finding what I wanted when I wanted it was often frustrating. While motorcycling, every day you pack and unpack. Being organized makes for less mess and less stress and saves time.

     Packing cubes are one of those things I have found to be great. I have about eight different sizes of cubes for various space limitations. I used to pack my clothes by items. All underwear, socks, etc., were together. Now I pack by the day. The cubes I bought are dual-sided. One side is waterproof, and the other side is vented. This is good for separating dry and wet clothes or dirty and clean clothes.

     Laundry soap bars are a great way to wash your clothes on the road. I know this sounds crazy, but wearing your dirty clothes in the shower and soaping them up is good way to do the laundry after a long day of riding.

     Ziploc bags are great. I have a ton of them in different sizes. I use these for things I need to keep dry, and I can see what is what. I use them to waterproof my wallet to keep it dry while riding through the rain. I use them for my medications. I use heavier bags for my tools so I can quickly find the right tool for the right job.

    I have a few small clear cosmetic bags for packing my electronic chargers and cables.

     On one trip, I pulled off from an ATM and did not realize I left my ATM card in the machine until I got to the next gas station. I was in Kansas City and had to borrow some money from a friend to finish the trip. These days, I carry a spare credit card and cash and keep them on the bike, just in case something happens to my wallet, or  I do something stupid like leave my card in an ATM.

    As you continue to refine your packing skills, Nirvana is achieved when everything has a place, and every place has a purpose for your travels. If not, you overpacked.

    If there is a topic that you would like to discuss, you can contact me at motorcycle4fun@aol.com. Ride safe!

  • 08The Fayetteville Public Works Commission has issued $94.79 million of revenue bonds at an interest rate of 2.278%, the lowest public rate ever achieved by PWC. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. bought the bond series. PWC issued the bonds to fund improvements to its electricity, water and wastewater utilities, including $22 million to retrofit utilities in the City of Fayetteville’s Phase V annexation area.

    “The low cost of borrowing helps PWC maintain highly-reliable utility services and demonstrates the strength of Fayetteville’s utility system,” said PWC General Manager, Elaina Ball.

    Fitch Ratings has assigned and affirmed an “AA” rating to bonds issued by Fayetteville’s Public Works Commission.

    The rating reflects PWC's very strong financial performance characterized by very low leverage, strong operating cash flow and healthy liquidity, Fitch Ratings said.

  • 03 group of people making toast 3184183Just this month, the United States has endured six school shootings. CNN reports that 2019 brought us 45 school shootings in 46 weeks, from Georgia to California, in elementary, middle and high schools, as well as on college and university campuses. Of those, 32 occurred at institutions serving kindergarteners through high school students. Here are the most recent.

    Nov. 3 A 30-year-old student was shot and killed in a Texas State Technical College dorm in Waco. The victim the shooter knew each other.

    Nov. 4 A University of Central Missouri student was killed in an on-campus apartment when a gun was accidentally discharged.

    Nov. 5 A man was shot outside a dorm of a Langston, Oklahoma, university.

    Nov. 11 A 19-year-old student was shot getting out of a vehicle near Achievement Academy, a high school, in Baltimore, Maryland. Law enforcement authorities believe shooter and victim had been in an altercation.

    Nov. 14 Two students, aged 14 and 15, were killed and three injured in a shooting at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California. The shooter, 16, turned the weapon on himself and later died.

    Nov. 15 One adult and two children were injured in Pleasantville, New Jersey, when gunfire erupted at high school football game.

    Barely over two months ago in September, one of 45 school shootings took place at Fayetteville State University where a 20-year-old former football player was found with numerous gunshot wounds.

    When are we going to stop this, or are we even going to try?

    Other nations have issues of violence with various causes, but no nation — I repeat — no nation tolerates the gun violence to which we have apparently grown inured. No other nation allows civilians to own weapons of war designed to kill as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time possible. 

    What if Sandy Hook happened not at Sandy Hook Elementary but at VanStory Hills or Benjamin Martin Elementary and your child, grandchild, niece or nephew were in one of the classrooms shot up by the shooter? 

    What if instead of Saugus High School, an alienated 16-year-old shot up Jack Britt or E.E. Smith High Schools with your terrified child, grandchild, niece or nephew trying to find safety? A Saugus student told an interviewer that students there choose classes not by subject matter but by which classrooms have large, locking closets.

    How much longer are we going to make our young people live like this?
      
      ********************
    Two stories from the “Who Knew?” department.

    The Pew Research Center reports this startling find. It seems that between 1995 and today, some 59% of adult Americans between 18 and 44 lived with an unmarried partner, handily out pacing the 50% who have been married. During that same time, the percentage of currently marrieds dropped from 58 to 53%, while the percentage of those cohabitating rose a full 7%. So glad my grandmother missed this news flash.

    And, this happy news from the animal kingdom. As we in North Carolina know all too well, hurricanes can be major weather events with strange consequences. Hurricane Dorian slammed the Bahamas in September before moseying on to make landfall at Cape Hatteras. Just south, Ocracoke Island was stunned by a 7-foot storm surge that flattened homes and businesses and from which the community is struggling to recover. During the storm, three wild cows living on Cedar Island went missing, presumably swept out to sea. Well, not so fast. It seems the trio has turned up 4 miles away on the Cape Lookout National Seashore, happily munching federal grass.

    I don’t begrudge them one bit!
     
      ***********************
    When I was a child, Thanksgiving was always at our grandparents’ house, complete with white tablecloths and fancy china. In more recent years, it has been with cousins and friends, less formal and sometimes rollicking fun. Thanksgiving 2019 will be different still, but always a welcome respite with folks near and dear.

    Wishing you and yours a warm and peaceful Thanksgiving wherever you may be!

  • 07The Fort Bragg Religious Support Office organized a Thanksgiving Build-A-Meal Campaign on post to help support soldiers and family members who are in need. With the help of 71 volunteers earlier this month at the All American Chapel, the RSO helped build 1,631 Thanksgiving food bags and is giving out 1,269 $25 commissary gift cards.

    Included in the bags of food are stuffing, yams, green beans, potatoes and cranberry sauce.

    “The Thanksgiving meal bags are to provide meals for those soldiers and families who are in great need this year,” Col. Julie Rowan, Fort Bragg garrison chaplain, said. “These meals were accessible through the Unit Ministry Teams here at Fort Bragg.”

    The bags of food will be distributed to soldiers and their families on Nov. 19.

  • 04 pub pen

  • 06Cumberland County Social Services Director Brenda Reid Jackson is retiring at the end of the year. The Social Services Board of Directors has hired Heather L. Skeens to succeed Jackson beginning on Dec. 6.

    “Brenda Jackson has worked tirelessly for our county’s most vulnerable citizens over the last 13 years, and we are grateful for the impact her service has had across the county,” said County Manager Amy Cannon.

    Skeens is currently Guilford County’s Health and Human Services Director but previously served in Cumberland County as DSS Deputy Director. She will oversee the administration of one of the largest social services agencies in North Carolina. Cumberland County DSS has more than 700 employees and a fiduciary budget of over $600 million.

  • 04 element5 digital RPjyNMHDrFY unsplashIt’s the most wonderful time of year — the full-blown eating season. The sun has disappeared due to the end of daylight saving time, leaving us in the dark at 5 p.m. Entering the depths of darkness, what is better at chasing away November’s gloom than overconsumption of calories? It is better to eat a candle than curse the darkness. Fortunately you don’t have to eat candles in Fayetteville. Seasonal food is all-around you.

     Today’s lesson will attempt a road map of what and where to eat. Locally, the eating season begins with the Gray’s Creek Woman’s Club dinner on the grounds in mid-October. If you have never been to this excellent event, go next year. It is a symphony of fried chicken, country ham, chicken and pastry, more country-style vegetables than you can shake a stick at, homemade desserts and an infinite variety of deviled eggs. As an added bonus, you can buy a chance to win the world’s best homemade quilt. I have been attending this fine event since 1978 when I first darkened the door of the Cumberland County Courthouse as a young lawyer. Young no more, but still able to darken a door, I give this elegant country cooking event five stars.

    Next up on the eating agenda is the World’s Largest Spaghetti Supper at the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. This is one of the true highlights of the eating season. The 61st edition of the spaghetti supper occurs Nov. 20, which coincidentally is the date of the publication of this issue. Read this column, and then go buy a bunch of boxes of spaghetti. Not only will you get the world’s finest spaghetti, but you can purchase the best Greek pastries in the universe. It is also the opportunity to see some of the hardest working people in the world slinging spaghetti and baklava.

    Which brings us to the grand-daddy of all eating events — Thanksgiving. It’s time for the annual food coma. There’s turkey, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, rolls, pies, cakes, adult beverages and, last but not least, relatives and friends sitting around the groaning board discussing topics both tame and inflammatory.

    As nowadays everyone agrees on almost everything, conversation around the dinner table may lag when the turkey bloat sets in. To keep folks awake and engaged with relatives they see once a year, toss out some of these verbal stocking stuffers to get the conversation started and opinions on full boil. It is guaranteed if you bring up at least three of these topics, you will not have to buy as many Christmas presents for your relatives after these discussions — as you won’t be speaking to each other. It’s fun and thrifty, too!

    Go ahead. Try it out. Before the pumpkin pie is served, blurt out your version of the conversation topics below: 1. Donald Trump is the greatest/worst president we have ever had. Anyone who disagrees with me is a poopy head. 2. Melania Trump is the classiest/strangest first lady in American history. 3. Adam Schiff is a pencil necked geek/ American patriot who is trying to oust the savior of American democracy through a sham impeachment process/ save America from a moron ignorant of the Constitution. 4. There is/was no collusion. 5. There is/was not a quid pro quo. 6. The phone call to the [president of Ukraine was perfect/a sleazy attempt to root out corruption/get dirt on Joe Biden. 7. Dook basketball is the greatest/most overrated program in the history of round ball. 8. Coach K dyes his hair with black shoe polish. 9. Elizabeth Warren is going to save/destroy the American health system. 10. Bernie Sanders is too old/radical/cranky/white to be president. 11. If Joe Biden is elected president, it will be illegal to say “Merry Christmas.” 12. Black mold is good for you. 13. More teenagers should vape because it makes them sophisticated and keeps them off heroin. 14. Climate change is a Chinese hoax sustained by fake news of heat waves, fires, melting ice caps, floods, giant hurricanes and drowning polar bears. 15. Mom always liked me the best. 16. Russia is our best friend.

     17. Formaldehyde is good on pancakes. 18. Gravity is not just a good idea, it’s the law. 19. The pepperoni pizza is nature’s perfect food. 20. If life were more like the Hallmark Channel Christmas movies we would all be much happier and healthier. 21. Sean Spicer should have won/ been ashamed to be on “Dancing with the Stars.” 22. Hillary Clinton was robbed/ the devil’s spawn. 23. Democrats/Republicans/Independents are in league with the devil.

    24. Air travel during the holidays is more relaxing than ever. 25. It’s lots of fun until somebody shoots their eye out with an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200 shot range model air rifle.

    Let the eating begin. Loosen your seat belt, it’s gonna be a lot of bites. The eating won’t stop until Jan. 2, when the gyms begin their annual guilt membership drives.

    Bon appetit.
     
  • 05It's not often that law enforcement agencies give up investigations. But the death of Spc. Enrique Roman-Martinez, 21, of Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne Division “is in a cold case status,” according to Jeffrey Castro, an Army Criminal Investigation Division spokesman.

    Martinez was reported missing on May 23, 2020, at North Carolina’s Cape Lookout National Seashore. Roman-Martinez’s severed head washed ashore six days later.

    “After exhausting hundreds of leads and thousands of hours of investigation, there are no more credible investigative leads remaining at this time,” Castro added.

    Roman-Martinez’s family has expressed concerns that the apparent murder of their family member may never be resolved. U.S. House Rep. Norma Torres has been in touch with the family since his death.

    “I think that we owe our personnel at the very least and their families the respect of giving them answers,” Torres wrote in a letter to the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General. “I’m not satisfied that the Army CID has done everything in their power to solve this case.”

  • 03 white ceramic cup 2878708Once upon a time in a land far away, a 20-year-old college student waited tables for the summer at a tony private club on a New England island. The six-person wait staff was all college students, including three from North Carolina, among them the Tar Heel girl who won the flip among the wait staff to see who would service Uncle Walter Cronkite and his wife lunch. Deploying her Southern accent, much enhanced for the summer, our college student once received a $50 tip for hamburgers for two from a visiting New Yorker apparently charmed by the Southerness of the belle.

    That young waitperson was I, and that tip — far more in today’s dollars — instantly brought home to me both the importance of tipping in the service industry and the inherent unfairness of that system. It turned me into a routine tipper, even for mediocre service, and sometimes a big one. Tipping is what puts food on the table, clothes on the children, pays the utility bills of your servers of all sorts — wait staff, cabbies, hotel housekeepers and the like — because their employers do not pay them a living wage.  

    Not all countries treat service providers the way the United States does, but overhauling our gratuity system would be a colossal task with massive opposition from all sorts of service industries, including restaurants and hotels. Prior efforts to move to a no-tip system have failed, and restaurants that automatically add tips to bills risk significant consumer blowback once they recover from the added 20% sticker shock. Tipping remains a cruel and capricious system, dependent on the whims of service consumers, but it is what we have. It is instructive to look at our system in all its ugliness.

    New York Times writer David Brooks took a recent look at our gratuity system, referencing the perceived pros — tipping rewards excellence, and the cons — it discriminates based on gender, age, race, even appearance. Brooks relies on research by Michael Lynn, a Cornell University business professor, who finds that quality of service does not have much to do with the size of the tip.

    Research finds the same sorts of bias in tipping as in other areas of American life. Young, blond women servers get bigger tips than brunettes. One survey found that Uber drivers get 12% higher tips from men passengers if the driver is a young woman. African-American and Latino servers can expect smaller tips across the board. Servers in upscale restaurants can make a good living from tips, surely because their customers have more disposable income, while people who work in the back of the house do not. Servers in more downscale establishments can expect to struggle more financially. In short, tipping has much more to do with the tipper than the server.

    Brooks said he cheers on efforts to reform our gratuity-dependent system but is not holding his breath. In the meantime, he has several suggestions aimed at taking bias and capriciousness of the system.“Tip 20% when the meal is over $25 and 30% when it is under.

    “Always, always, always leave a tip in a hotel room.

    “To combat implicit bias when tipping drivers and others, commit to a percentage for all rides and stick to it.

    “Understand that the advantages you enjoy are products of both your individual effort and privileges you didn’t earn. Tip accordingly.”

    I never waited tables for pay again after my New England summer job, but the lessons I learned at that fancy-dancy club remain with me. Brooks’ last bullet sums them up perfectly. Our tip-for-service model does not reward excellence. It can even punish it and the hard-working people who practice it.

    Tip accordingly, indeed.

  • 04The Cumberland County school system is among several school districts dealing with school bus drivers who want higher pay. The numbers vary day-to-day, but on a typical morning this month, a school district spokesman said 315 buses picked up children. Normally, 438 buses operate morning routes.

    Last Tuesday, more than 100 school bus drivers called in sick and did not show up for their shift in protest. Some drivers from other schools were able to assist schools without drivers. School buses usually take as many as 17,000 students to school each morning. The current starting pay for all bus drivers is $12.21. Superintendent Marvin Connelly Jr. said that there will need to be an annual $6 million budget they can set aside before drivers can receive a raise.

    The Cumberland County Board of Education will be holding an emergency meeting on Nov. 17 at 8:30 a.m. to discuss "recent employee compensation and working condition concerns and to address additional recruitment and retention employee bonuses and to update the 2017 Compensation Study." That meeting will be live-streamed on their YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/CumberlandCoSch/videos

  • 02 pub notes picEditor’s note: In the spirit of the holidays, Publisher Bill Bowman yields his space to Stephanie Crider. The following publisher’s note originally ran in 2016.

    Community and giving back are consistent themes in this publication. Time and again and without fail, our community steps up to care for its own, to solve problems, to get things done. We take care of each other when things get hard.

    Unfortunately, it is not enough to say “Well done,” and move along because there will always be someone in need, someone who, despite their best effort, can’t make ends meet, can’t provide for their family, can’t take care of themselves.
    This time of year, social media is filled with posts about how thankful, lucky and blessed people are. And that is a wonderful thing. It’s good to count our blessings and be mindful of how much we have and how fortunate we are.

    There are still people in this community and all across this country who are not so fortunate. And organizations this time of year often struggle to meet the needs of those they serve.

    If you are able and it is in your heart, consider giving back this holiday season. It doesn’t take much to change someone’s life. While the holidays are supposed to be a happy time of year, many struggle mightily with things like loneliness and depression during November and December. Take a few moments, call or check in on a friend/acquaintance/office mate/neighbor and let them know you are thinking about them. Or take them to lunch or for coffee or just spend a few minutes letting them know you care.

    If time is something you don’t have or you are unable to “sponsor” someone this season, consider supporting one of the many organizations dedicated to helping this community. Drop some money in one of the red Salvation Army kettles. They feed the homeless, while providing a job for the bell ringers, typically lower income.


    Write a check to one of the many nonprofits in the area. Places like the CARE Clinic and Better Health offer health-related services to the community at little or no cost.
    Or volunteer. Not just during the holidays but throughout the year. Operation Inasmuch, Catholic Charities, the Dream Center, the Child Advocacy Center, the Guardian ad litem program and other organizations are always looking for help.

    Drop off some nonperishable food items like canned goods, dried beans, soup mixes or the like at one of the food banks. Second Harvest Food Bank is always accepting donations, but there are other organizations that have food pantries, too. Donate toiletries or hygiene items at one of the many local shelters. Things like a package of socks, a hat and a scarf or a gently used coat mean everything when you need them and don’t have them.

    Donate a toy at one of the many toy drop-offs. Toys for Tots is just one way. Support a local toy run that many local motorcycle clubs sponsor this time of year. Many organizations have Angel trees that make it easy to give a child
    a Merry Christmas. Some organizations that support children in our community are the Girls and Boys Club, Fayetteville Urban Ministry and Falcon Children’s Home.

    Giving back during this stressful time of year doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money, and it can change someone’s life — including yours.

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • 03Redistricting of congressional and legislative seats has created a political opportunity for former Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson. He announced on Facebook that he will run for Congress in the newly drawn 4th Congressional District. Robertson served three terms as mayor from 2013 to 2019. The new district includes all of Cumberland, Sampson and Johnston counties, as well as portions of Harnett and Wayne counties. Robertson is running as a Republican candidate.

    “There is no current incumbent running in this district, and hopefully no one else from Cumberland County will file,” Robertson said.

    He is a businessman and currently works for Cintas, an Ohio-based services company that provides uniforms, cleaning supplies and safety equipment. As mayor, Robertson oversaw Fayetteville’s efforts to build a minor league baseball stadium and secure funding for the I-295 freeway.

  • 15 fall prettyIs it officially fall yet? Not by the calendar, but by the way it looks, feels and smells outside? I truly love all weather — the world just seems to be ablaze in color, there's a certain crispness in the air each morning, and the afternoons bring a little jacket weather before the winter officially sets in to send us on daily trips to the woodpile.

    The fall weather is more than beauty and comfort, though. It's a sign. A signal to us all that the time for gathering as family and friends is just ahead. It's a season for gratitude and thoughtfulness, where the coolness of the air outside is perfectly countered by a warmth that seems to grow within us all.

    We started a new fall tradition in my family a couple of years ago, and I thinks it's a good exercise in humility. The gratitude pumpkin. Maybe you've done this, too, or at least heard about it. The concept is simple: get a pumpkin, place it where it's easily visible to your family and guests, and use a permanent marker — or paint, for the really artsy among us — to write down things you're grateful for.

    It doesn't take long to get past the cool stuff and start writing really simple things like health, family or a home, and that's where the gold is. Realizing how immensely blessed we are in our everyday lives. Life — even abundant life — isn't about money or cars or possessions. It's about the relationships we build. It's about the joy we get from, or bring to, others. There is an undeniable joy in the laughter of a toddler, or the tender moments with a newborn. There is joy and much to be thankful for all around us. It just takes us pausing long enough to recognize it.

    The gratitude pumpkin at our house was so filled with the thankful thoughts we wrote on it last year you could hardly tell it was ever orange at all. And that's how I want to live. I'm ready for the negativity and the pain and the ugliness we see in this crazy, divided world to give way to a sense of gratitude for what we have. There is freedom in that place. There is joy in that place. And there is love in its truest form in the place where gratitude lives.

  • 02Efforts are underway by Fayetteville City Council to replace District 3 council member Tisha Waddell. She resigned suddenly last week citing “egregious actions” of misconduct by Mayor Mitch Colvin and some of her council colleagues. Waddell issued a lengthy five-page open letter outlining her allegation that Colvin has engaged in conflicts of interest and lack of transparency.

    She charged that the mayor regularly “ignored council policy and used his position to influence and subvert” procedures established by the council.

    “I am disappointed that Former Councilwoman Waddell has chosen to resign while making baseless accusations against her former colleagues on City Council and private citizens on her way out the door. It’s campaign time so I guess here comes the smear campaign,” Colvin said in a Facebook statement. He has since updated and edited that statement.

    “The City of Fayetteville is saddened by the abrupt resignation of one of our city council members. We thank her for the time she has dedicated to her district and our wonderful city. The City Council wishes her the very best in all of her future endeavors and we are looking forward to working with the new representative as we put Fayetteville first!”

    During their years working together, Waddell was regularly critical of Colvin. Five of the nine council members — Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen, Chris Davis, Johnny Dawkins, D.J. Haire, and Larry Wright — have been generally supportive of the mayor. Waddell wrote of “multiple closed sessions” held by the City Council, one of which included a representative of a private equity firm, Bernard Capital Partners, and Fayetteville Public Works Commissioners on BCP’s proposal to invest nearly $1 billion to operate the city's utilities for the next 30 years.

    PWC eventually declined the offer. Closed meetings of public bodies are governed by state statutes that limit participation and topics of discussion.

    Some of the allegations Waddell made include: Colvin destroyed public records by having his cell phone wiped clean; Colvin was involved in communication with BCP representatives about City Matters without City Council approval and did not state to City Council about the conflict of interest; Members of City Council were contacted by and had discussions with Attorney Johnathan Charleston regarding Dismass Charities before a Special Use Permit was brought before the City Council – which could violate sunshine state law.

    Waddell urged the City Council to conduct an independent review of her allegations and that if they fail to do so, “the citizens of this city should begin calling for an investigation of their own regarding corruption of members of the Fayetteville City Council.” She went so far as to suggest that the State Bureau of Investigation of the FBI probe BCP involvement with Mayor Colvin.

    In a follow up interview with RUD:E Podcast, Waddell said that it is up to the council and the public to follow-up on the allegations.

    “I have every expectation that the members of this community will do their due diligence and that they will call me out if the need is there and I'm willing to answer to any accusation made of me. I'm willing to submit to any investigation. I am willing to move forward as a part of whatever this city and this governing body feels is the appropriate course of action,” Waddell said. “I said what I said, and now you take what I said, and you do what you're going to do with it. And if this body chooses to ignore this information, that says a lot about this body."
    Waddell said she was honored to have served the city.

    As of Nov. 16, the City of Fayetteville Ethics Commission told Up & Coming Weekly that they have "no such investigation related to those allegations, at this time."

    An application form is currently available on the city website for anyone interested in filling the seat. Applications are due on Nov. 26. Anyone can apply for the position as long as they are a registered voter, live in District 3, over the age of 21 and is a Fayetteville citizen.

    The application form can be found here: https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Home/Components/Form/Form/900e59e85aba4d1b9207af0d0722a146/4126

    A City Council Special Meeting is scheduled for Dec. 6 where the council will appoint the next District 3 representative.

    This person would serve in the role until the next election. People who have already declared that they will be campaigning for the district seat in the upcoming election include John Zimmerman, Johnny Gordon and Mario Benavente. The primary election will be on March 8.

  • 14 bikesThere are modern inventions I love. On cold mornings, I can remotely start my car from inside the house. A few minutes later, I go outside and get into a nice warm car. The seat is heated and so is the steering wheel. As I wrap my hands around the wheel, I take a deep breath and thank God that one of the blessings of growing up in these times is some of these modern inventions. I look outside at the already-defrosted windows, and I head out to start my day.

    On a motorcycle, we can get the same comfort to stay warm.

    Before you head out, check the local hourly temperatures. If you are going out of town, check the weather for various locations along your route. Remember to give additional attention to elevation changes
    For a planning factor, subtract three degrees for every 1,000 feet of elevation and bring extra layers.

    Here are some ideas that will keep you warm. A full-face helmet is a start. The face shield should have pin-lock and lens inserts. Pin-lock inserts will prevent your face shield from fogging up. To help keep the head, neck and face warm, use a balaclava helmet or ski mask hood. The body loses a lot of heat around the neck, especially on bike, where the wind and air are blowing around your neck, and where there is little body fat for insulation.

    For your chest, wear layers. A good base layer is a shirt that provides odor resistance, warm and cold reactive temperature regulation, comfort and breathability to wick away the sweat from your body. For the midlayer, wear something a little looser. For frigid weather, I have a North Face jacket that is nice and warm and another North Face rain jacket. Both are great for using as casual wear when you are off the bike. For the outer layer, I have a few different jackets. They all have back, shoulder and elbow protection pads.

    For the legs, I have a base layer that does the same job as the chest base layer. I have an inner layer of waterproof/windproof pants and outer layer Gore-Tex protective pants with hip and knee protection.

    Protect your feet with a thin pair of Polypropylene socks, layer them with a pair of wool socks. My boots are Gore-Tex to help keep the moisture away from the feet. Any boot will work, but cold feet make for a stiff ride.

    Hands are always a struggle for me. I have a medical condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes decreased blood flow to the fingers. For the winter, I carry what I call a mid-thick glove, a heavy glove made of Gore-Tex and glove rain covers. Once your gloves get wet, it is hard to get them dry again in cold weather. In a pinch, I have seen people use surgical gloves and dishwashing gloves. Whatever works, right?

    Of course, going electric is pretty impressive on those really cold days. I have an electric jacket and gloves. You can wire them into the bike's electrical system or buy a battery system. Mine is hardwired. I have a dual thermostat. One thermostat controls the temperature of the jacket and another one for the gloves. They also make pants and boot inserts.

    Lastly, having heated hand grips and heated seats are great any time of the year. For some bikes, this is standard, and for others it is optional. There are also plenty of aftermarket products out there that are easy to install.
    No matter how you stay warm, take lots of breaks and ride safe!

    If there is a topic that you would like to discuss, you can contact me at motorcycle4fun@aol.com.

  • Tisha WaddellEfforts are underway by Fayetteville City Council to replace District 3 council member Tisha Waddell. She resigned suddenly this past Tuesday citing “egregious actions” of misconduct by Mayor Mitch Colvin and some of her council colleagues. Waddell issued a lengthy five-page open letter outlining her allegation that Colvin has engaged in conflicts of interest and lack of transparency. She charged that the mayor regularly “ignored council policy and used his position to influence and subvert” procedures established by council.

    "I am disappointed that former Councilmember Waddell has chosen to resign and make baseless accusations against a substantial number of her former City Council colleagues and private citizens on her way out the door," Colvin said in a statement.

    During their years working together, Waddell was regularly critical of Colvin. Five of the nine council members -- Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen, Chris Davis, Johnny Dawkins, D.J. Haire, and Larry Wright -- have been generally supportive of the mayor.

    Waddell wrote of “multiple closed sessions” held by city council, one of which included a representative of a private equity firm, Bernard Capitol Partners, and Fayetteville Public Works commissioners on BCP’s proposal to invest nearly $1 billion to operate the city's utilities for the next 30 years. PWC eventually declined the offer. Closed meetings of public bodies are governed by state statutes that limit participation and topics of discussion.

    Waddell urged city council to conduct an independent review of her allegations and that if they fail to do so, “the citizens of this city should begin calling for an investigation of their own regarding corruption of members of the Fayetteville City Council.” She went so far as to suggest that the State Bureau of Investigation of the FBI probe Bernhard Capitol Partners involvement with the mayor.

    Waddell asked that City Attorney Karen MacDonald “guide the council” in selecting her District 3 successor by November 30. She said she was honored to have served the city. “I believe I have done so ethically, legally and according to the community’s expectations.”

    FULL LETTER:

    City Manager, City Attorney and Members of the City Council,

    This letter is to serve as notice of my immediate official resignation from the Fayetteville City Council. City Manager Hewett, my badqe, city tablet, and cell phone are at City Hall for retrieval on your desk. Would you please advise if I need to do anything else to out process? City Attorney McDonald, per Council Policy 175·11, please guide the City Council according to N-C·G·S· § 160A-63 "the City Council shall make the selection within 30 days of the event mandating the replacement".

    I hope that in the interest of the Citizens of District 3, Council will promptly adhere to the policy as outlined and appoint someone to represent the District no later than November 30th, 2021.

    I have been honored to serve in this capacity· I believe I have done so ethically, legally, and according to the community's expectations. This decision was not easy to make as I
    have taken my role as a representative of the people, for the people, and by the people very seriously. Multiple factors have made it necessary for this to be my designated
    course of action· While the following explanation is not exhaustive, it highlights the most egregious actions that have led to my resignation.

    Per the Council's Code of Ethics, the only agents that can hold any member of this body accountable for violating policy or procedure are the members of this body. Unfortunately, many times, both publicly and privately, members of this board have not taken action, even when faced with evidence of the need.

    I submit the following to this board and to the public who will read this document, as it is a matter of public record:

    Bernhard Capital Partners was initially brought to the City of Fayetteville through an introduction by then 1st term Mayor Mitch Colvin. Members of the Council and
    members of PWC's board were present for this initial meeting. There was no further mention of Bernhard Capital Partners during the remainder of Mitch Colvin's 1st term as Mayor. Recently, the possible effects of this agreement and the lack of transparency surrounding this conversation have been a vast topic of concern in the community·

    Shifting ahead to the inauguration of the 2019-2021 Fayetteville City Council, Mayor Steve Benjamin swore in Mayor Colvin. On the surface, this may seem inconsequential. However, when considered part of the big picture, it is an integral part of this discussion· On March 10th, 2020, Mayor Benjamin was announced as an addition to the Charleston Group ( owned by Attorney Johnathan Charleston) to their Public Finance practice.

    He is also associated with Bernhard Capital Partners since at least 2015 https://dipresa.com.py/cmr36yx/3c6290-bernhard-capital-partners and at their 2020 annual meeting (https://www·bcp-2020-com) was a featured guest speaker. On page 8 of Institutional investing in Infrastructure (A Special Report published in conjunction with Bernhard Capital Partners), November 2020 Issue, Mayor Benjamin is also featured commenting regarding municipal revenues and public-private partnerships.

    My priority on Council has been increasing the investment we were making in our infrastructure (stormwater, street resurfacing, and sidewalk installation.)

    During my second term, I began getting calls about a "private equity firm" that may be looking into an arrangement with the City regarding the fund transfer dollars from PWC. Eventually, it came out that the Mayor had been in communication with BCP without the involvement of the Council and without; direction to engage them (inconsistent with Council Policy).

    Once the concession agreement dialogue came before the Council, a few members of the body were clear that we expected equitable access to the information discussed regarding the agreement. During multiple closed sessions regarding the matter, a few other Council members and I continued to express concerns for the lack of clear communication across the Council. We could never gain the consensus of the collective Council to bring it under control·

    Eventually, there was a closed session meeting with Bernhard Capital Partners, PWC's board, and the City Council to have some more detailed discussions. Allegedly Johnathan Charleston was present at the start of the meeting but left before the closed session discussion. This seems to present; a conflict, of interest, as Mr. Charleston serves as the Bond Council for the City of Fayetteville and Public Works Commission, Mr. Benjamin's employer, and Mayor Colvin's attorney. The overlap seems, at minimum, to present a conflict.

    Mr. Charleston also allegedly hosted a fundraiser for Mayor Mitch Colvin recently. Allegedly members of Bernhard Capital Partners were present.

    Currently, the Council stalled in the appointment of a PWC commissioner, which is relevant because, without the agreement of PWC, the City cannot arbitrarily accept Berhard Capital Partners concession agreement. The community should question the seeming allegiance to Mayor Colvin's agenda by Mayor ProTem Jensen, Councilman Haire,
    Councilman Dawkins, Councilman Davis, and Councilman Wright.

    Allegedly members of this Council are being lobbied by Johnathan Charleston for one of the applicants. This applicant was asked about a relationship with any member of the Council that could be considered a conflict of interest on his application and during an in-person interview. He denied any existed, however allegedly he has both a close relationship with Mr. Charleston (PWC's Bond Council) and an almost familial relationship with Councilman Chris Davis, who also serves as the liaison, appointed by the Mayor, between PWC and the City of Fayetteville.

    Allegedly, the six members of the Council listed above have close communication with Mr· Charleston both professionally and personally. Mr. Charleston has provided legal counsel for at least three of the above. I have not heard allegations of influential familiarity with Attorney Charleston regarding Councilman Dawkins or Councilman Haire. They appear to have different motives that influence their synchronization with the Mayor's efforts.

    Of note, the City has pending litigation regarding Dismass Charities, a transaction involving Attorney Charleston. The influence of Mr. Charleston on this body may help make the confusion surrounding this conversation make more sense·

    Lastly, the Mayor has been accused of using his position and his influence to subvert the process established by the Fayetteville City Council. Some examples include:

    • Having his cell phone wiped of information by City Staff during the timeframe then-Councilman Tyrone Williams was accused of inappropriate usage of his position. If this allegation is found, it demonstrates using City Staff to destroy public records.
    • Encouraging members of the body to ignore concerns about and not report potential exposure to what is considered one of our time's most contagious virus (COVID-19)
    • Building permits and certificate of appropriateness being handled in a manner inconsistent with the policy by City Staff regarding his property on Hay Street (Kress Building)
    • An attempt to coerce elected members of the Council to follow unestablished policies including "attendance policies" without following the protocol set forth.

    The Fayetteville City Council should call for an immediate investigation into:

    • The allegation that Mayor Mitch Colvin destroyed public records by having his cell phone wiped clean (phone number 910.987.0590) and any involvement of any member of City Staff
    • The involvement of Johnathan Charleston regarding any business with Bernhard Capital Partners or their representatives
    • The involvement of Mayor Mitch Colvin regarding any business with Bernhard Capital Partners or any of their representatives - to include Mayor Steve Benjamin
    • Members of Council contacted by or having discussions with Attorney Johnathan Charleston or any of his representatives regarding Dismass Charities before, during, or after the initial Special Use Permit was brought to us for consideration? If this happened, it would be a direct violation of the law/policy regarding Special Use Permits.

    The City Council should move forward IMMEDIATELY with an independent review or these allegations and should require that Mayor Mitch Colvin and Councilman Chris Davis abstain from any vote regarding PWC's appointment or Bernhard Capital Partners, as there is the appearance there could be a conflict of interest or something to be gained financially.

    In the case that the Council does not immediately investigate, the citizens of this City should begin calling (or an investigation on their own regarding corruption of members of the Fayetteville City Council by the State Bureau of lnvesti9ations (S.B.I.) or Federal Bureau od Investigations (F.B.I.), specifically regarding the Bernhard Capital Partners involvement in Fayetteville with the Mayor, Mitch Colvin, and the City and PWC's Bond Council, Johnathan Charleston as well as the alleged  destruction of public records by mayor Mitch Colvin.

    Remember that Fayetteville is a Council/Manager form or government which means the Mayor only has one vote and does not determine the direction of the body. There should be more communication, more outward-facing transparency, and less blind compliance or members or the overall body. I am very disappointed in Mayor Colvin, Mayor ProTem Jensen, Councilman Wright, and   Councilman Davis because they have been dismissive of the process, critical of anything that seemingly opposed the Mayor's agenda and has refused to submit to a process review, choosing instead to ostracize those who believed it to be important. While the step I am taking to resign may seem drastic, it is imperative at this time.

    Lastly, this Council should appoint someone to succeed me within 30 days or my resignation. Hold them to it.In the meantime, I am still just a phone call away and will continue to serve this community in whatever way God requires.

    With respect,

    Council Member Tisha S. Waddell

    EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a developing story. For the most updated information, pick up our next issue of Up & Coming Weekly at our newsstands on November 17.

  • 05 N1911P59001CEditor’s note: The following is a reprint of a Facebook post by Earl Vaughan Jr. on election night.

    In the wake of the reelection of Mayor Jackie Warner and Commissioner Pat Edwards, the historic election of Kenjuana McCray to the board along with the return to the board of Bryan Marley, I share this poem by Edgar Guest. It is dedicated to a voice of hate and divisiveness that has flooded Facebook in this election cycle with vicious personal attacks and perversions of truth. Here’s to Mayor Warner and the new board of commissioners and the hope they will unite to exemplify the high ideals shared in these words.

    I watched them tearing a building down,
    A gang of men in a busy town.
    With a ho-heave-ho and a lusty yell,
    They swung a beam, and the side wall fell.
    I asked the foreman: “Are these skilled--
    And the men you’d hire if you had to build?”
    He gave me a laugh and said: “No, indeed!
    Just common labor is all I need.
    I can wreck in a day or two
    What builders have taken a year to do.”
    And I thought to myself as I went my way,
    Which of these roles have I tried to play?
    Am I a builder who works with care
    Measuring life by a rule and square?
    Am I shaping my deeds to a well made Plan,
    Patiently doing the best I can?
    Or am I a wrecker, who walks the town
    Content with the labor of tearing down?
     
  • Phil Harris, the executive director of the Sandhills Chapter of the American Red Cross, says that they are trying to make the general public aware of the constant need hospitals are facing right now with a blood shortage.

    “The supply has been challenged and the need has not stopped. So we have continued to appeal to the general public since you can't manufacture blood,” Phil Harris said.

    The local chapter has several promotions going on this month to help incentivize people to come and donate.

    One of the incentives is an Amazon Prime raffle that allows people to enter for a free trip to Hawaii.

    That incentive ends on Nov. 12. After that promotion, people are being offered a $10 Amazon gift card by email if they donate blood until Nov. 23. To volunteer or to make an appointment to donate blood, go to www.redcrossblood.org and look for a blood drive near your zip code.

  • 04 Franklin Graham 2016 cropped 1I am starting this column Thursday night, Oct. 17. This is the 12th day of 14 days of vacation in New Bern, North Carolina. My time is being spent staying in a house where the back porch overlooks an amazingly beautiful stream surrounded by trees and still green grass. This setting, and the far slower pace than is mine in Fayetteville, have allowed me, caused me, to focus more intently on God and all the good that comes to us by way of a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.  

    In this peaceful atmosphere, it rang out more clearly than ever for me that we are chasing the wind while missing the solution. The Urban Dictionary defines chasing the wind as: “A task that is meaningless. Void of purpose or virtue. A circular path, leading to no particular destination.”

    Looking at that stream, and all that surrounds it, has been a daily reminder that our only hope for correcting the course of our troubled, hate-filled country is being committed to, and guided by, the ways of God. For me, that view is a reminder of God’s power as creator and of all that he offers us because of his love for us.

    The bottom line is that all of us will have our moral bearing shaped by what we are exposed to. There are only two providers of experiences — God and the world. What the world exposes us to, and calls us to, is counter to the will and way of God. Our situation in America is that the world is winning. In great part, the world is winning because it does not play fair and has control of most of the assets that allow for power and influence over people.

    Here is an example of what I mean: As part of my research for writing this column, I read 10 articles that appeared in The Fayetteville Observer regarding Rev. Franklin Graham’s “Decision America Tar Heel State Tour″ that started with a stop at Fayetteville’s Festival Park Oct. 1. Of the 10 articles I read, seven included some claim that Graham was carrying on a political effort in support of President Donald Trump. In my estimation, this charge was made as something he should not do and that it was abhorrent.

    In “Evangelist Franklin Graham talks about tour, Trump, gay people,” by Michael Futch, Graham said, “I want to go from the coast to the mountains telling people how to have hope. And people are searching for hope today. Our country is such a mess. All the hatred. The lies that are told. People have just lost hope. In our political system, people have lost hope in the future. They just are looking for answers. There’s no one who can solve a person’s problems, individual, or solve the problems of this country collectively. Only God can do that. Jesus can solve problems and needs in a person’s life. So that when this life is finished, we can be in heaven for eternity. We’re going to the coast all the way to the mountains.”

    Then this from an Observer editorial titled, “Our View: If past is a guide, politics will weave its way into Graham’s ‘Decision’ tour”: “But if Tuesday’s event is anything like Graham’s 50-state ‘Decision America’ tour, it will be a scarcely-veiled political nod to Donald Trump’s reelection and conservative candidates for the 2020 election. Just as he did in 2016, Graham plays down the political angle even though he remains a strong supporter of Trump, as he was in 2016.”
    For me, focusing on and trying to prevent Graham from addressing political matters is a way of keeping people from being influenced in their political thinking by religious beliefs and values. The same strategy is employed in addressing societal issues. Yes, Graham speaks out in opposition to acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle. His position is consistent with Scripture, but the world’s view is that this behavior is acceptable. Consequently, Graham, and those who share his belief, are protested against and ridiculed by the world.

    The question to be answered honestly is has America come to a point where people of faith will not be allowed to have the beliefs and values of their faith guide them in day-to-day decision-making across the length and breadth of who they are as human beings? The world’s answer is a resounding “Yes.” And because of that, we are chasing the wind while missing the solution... a relationship with God.

    Tuesday night, Oct. 15, I watched all of the Democratic presidential debate. As I sat there listening to the back-and-forth regarding various issues, I was not surprised that nothing of substance by way of solutions came out. It was just circular talking and arguing... chasing the wind. That was especially the case when the topic of mass shootings was addressed. There was the age-old call for stricter gun control. Mental health might have been mentioned in passing.

    However, nobody on that stage mentioned how the source for the formation of moral standards has shifted from relationship with God and teachings of Scripture to the ways of the world. Those ways of the world are antithetical to all that God calls us to by way of a moral code. The world’s code has a way of allowing people to think that the conduct, so harmful to some, is acceptable.

    I mentioned Democrats in that preceding paragraph, but be assured, wind-chasing is rampant in America. It is, by no means, limited to Democrats.

    Not only do purveyors of this worldly code of conduct verbally attack proponents of God’s way, they do not hesitate to pursue punitive policies. A prime example of this is reflected in a widely reported recent incident. Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., speaks to it in an opinion piece published Oct. 18. Here are a couple of paragraphs from that piece: “Last week, presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke went on national television and called for eliminating the tax-exempt status for any church or religious institution in America that does not recognize same-sex marriage. O’Rourke’s proposal was met by cheers and thunderous applause from the audience.

    “... While some other Democratic presidential candidates are claiming they do not support eliminating the tax-exempt status for religious institutions, we have been here before. We have seen the pattern of fringe, far-left proposals gaining traction over time. Many of these fringe proposals are now mainstream Democratic Party positions.”

    Tillis sees what is happening in regard to challenges to religious liberty. Thankfully, Attorney General William Barr sees it, too, and understands that we are chasing the wind and why that is the case. On Oct. 11, Barr delivered remarks to the law school and the de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame. The following is from his prepared remarks that are available at https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/attorney-general-william-p-barr-delivers-remarks-law-school-and-de-nicola-center-ethics (combined for space): “This is really what was meant by ‘self-government.’ It did not mean primarily the mechanics by which we select a representative legislative body. It referred to the capacity of each individual to restrain and govern themselves.  But what was the source of this internal controlling power? In a free republic, those restraints could not be handed down from above by philosopher kings. Instead, social order must flow up from the people themselves — freely obeying the dictates of inwardly-possessed and commonly-shared moral values. And to control willful human beings, with an infinite capacity to rationalize, those moral values must rest on authority independent of men’s will — they must flow from a transcendent Supreme Being.”

    Later, Barr says: “On the one hand, we have seen the steady erosion of our traditional Judeo-Christian moral system and a comprehensive effort to drive it from the public square. On the other hand, we see the growing ascendancy of secularism and the doctrine of moral relativism. By any honest assessment, the consequences of this moral upheaval have been grim. Virtually every measure of social pathology continues to gain ground.”

    Simply put, I join with Tillis and Barr in contending that religious liberty is under tremendous attack in America, and further, with Barr, that there is a serious turning from God that is proving destructive in America. We are chasing the wind while missing the solution — God.

    Pictured: Rev. Franklin Graham

  • 11242010-charles-pettee.gifThe Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex will usher in another joyous holiday season with its 10th annual Holiday Jubilee on Sunday, Dec. 5 from 1-5 p.m. The event is a well-loved tradition of music, food and festivities that North Carolina residents look forward to all year.

    Visitors will be awed at the beautiful and lush decorations as they tour the historic Poe House. The Poe House kitchen staff will prepare a meal on an authentic stove dating back to the 1800s, bringing delicious seasonal treats for children and adults.

    Children will also enjoy taking part in the wintertime scavenger hunt or join their parents in making and taking home a traditional Victorian present.

    Heidi Bleazy, education coordinator for the Cape Fear Historical Complex said, “This is such a fun time for families, scout groups, anyone welcoming the holiday season. I cannot wait to hear the wonderful music and the cooking demonstration on the 1897 wood burning stove.”

    The seasonal sounds will be brought by musical guest Charles Pettee, who will delight the audience with a tasty blend of original and traditional American Folk, Bluegrass and Celtic music. Multi-talented as a singer and musically adept at banjo, harmonica, guitar and mandolin, Pettee will provide the perfect holiday sounds, while the Poe House will provide the perfect visual backdrop. Pettee will perform at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.

    Bleazy thinks that this year will be as successful and enjoyable as in past years. “This is our 10th anniversary of having the Holiday Jubilee at the museum, and I hope to see a lot of folks come out and be a part of this great time.”

    Share this event with those you cherish. There will be so much for the whole family to hear, see and do. Make this years Holiday Jubilee a part of your seasonal celebrations. The Holiday Jubilee is a free, family-friendly event for all to enjoy.

    The Musuem of the Cape Fear Complex is located on Arsenal Avenue, just off Haymount Hill in Fayetteville. The historical complex is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m., and admission is free.

    For more information, visit www.musuemofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov or call Heidi Bleazy at 910 486 1330 from 1-5 p.m.

  • 07Methodist University has received a record-setting gift of $14 million.

    More than $12 million will go directly to student scholarships while $1.5 million will go towards to the nursing program’s new facility. The money was given to the university by Robert J. Chaffin’s estate.

    Chaffin served on the Administrative Board and the Board of Trustees for Camp Ground Methodist Church in Fayetteville. He died earlier this year at the age of 93.

    “Mr. Chaffin clearly was not looking for attention to his generosity during his lifetime. Quietly, very much behind the scenes, he was working on building a highly successful financial portfolio for the purpose of one day making a transformative gift to the university,” said MU President Stanley Wearden.

    “While we knew he had established a bequest for the university, Mr. Chaffin never shared the full extent with us nor asked for any thanks in return.”

  • 03 deviere articleEditors note: Margaret Dickson is taking the week off. We are yielding her space to fellow Democrat Sen. Kirk deViere, who represents District 19.

    One year ago the people in Cumberland County voted to have a new voice represent them in Raleigh. A voice that would stand up for public education, access to affordable health care and clean air and water, and to ensure that everyone, no matter your zip code, has the opportunity to succeed. I am honored to serve our community in this role, and I thank each of you for the opportunity and for your trust to represent you in Raleigh. 

    I was hopeful when the session first started back in January that Republicans and Democrats would come together, find middle ground and policy areas that we agree on, and ensure government works for everyone, not just some. Senator Phil Berger, president pro tem, talked about this in his comments during the Senate’s opening session. “But this session, hopefully, will be different,” Berger said. “Republicans will have to work across the aisle, but so will Democrats. If we are to have a successful session, we all will have to accept outcomes that don’t cater to the extremes. I know we’re capable of this, and so do you.”

    While we did see some bipartisan work in the areas of criminal justice, we stalled on many issues that affect our working families and how we invest in our children’s future. Discussion and dialogue really broke down around healthcare, public education, and corporate taxes.  I truly believe that the people that elected all of us want to see us work together to make things better for all North Carolinians.

    This year’s session has been longer than normal because, for the first time in almost 10 years, the House and Senate leadership have not had a supermajority, and we have a governor that now has the ability to use a veto. This forces the leadership to have conversation and negotiate.  This community’s vote for me in the Senate seat allowed these conversations to happen because we were one of six seats across the state that helped break the supermajority in the Senate. 
    We still have work to do. We must have a real conversation around how our state will transform our health care, invest in public education, grow our workforce, protect our environment, and ensure our economic opportunities are equitable. Good government will happen when we can have real dialogue and talk about these issues and allow everyone’s opinion to be part of the process. This is how democracy should work. I remain optimistic that we can get there but not under the current leadership in the senate or with “recycled” politicians who will be “yes” men.  If we want to change the conversation and change the policies that affect our families then we have to change the leadership in the Senate.

    We saw this week in Virginia where the state House and Senate changed from Republican majority to Democratic majority. We saw in Kentucky where voters chose a new direction for their state. We saw it locally with races in Fayetteville, Spring Lake and Hope Mills that people want representatives that will put the people first. Last year, in District 19, voters made the same decision and rejected corruptions and the bad policies that hurt working families. I have worked hard this year to ensure I stood up for people and against policies that don’t put people first. My voting record shows that commitment. As the 2020 election cycle officially kicks off, locally, we have the opportunity to truly debate our ideas about creating access to affordable healthcare, investing in public education, protecting our environment, and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed and access to opportunities.

    Senator Dan Blue, Senate Minority Leader, joined me here in Cumberland County in May of this year to support me as I announced my plans to run again for Senate District 19.  I am committed to changing the conversation in our state Senate and committed to representing the people of our community. I will continue to fight for the things that are important to the people of Cumberland County.

    Thank you again for the honor of serving our community — and you — in Raleigh. I do not take this lightly and will continue to work to represent you and put people over politics.

    We still have work to do. We must have a real conversation around how our state will transform our healthcare, invest in public education, grow our workforce, protect our environment, and ensure our economy opportunities are equitable. Good government will happen when we can have real dialogue and talk about this issues and allow everyone’s opinion to be part of the process.

     
     
  • 12012010n1012p19007c.gifIf you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting a downtown loft, the candlelight loft tour is a can’t miss event. Not only are the homes quirky and interesting, they are decorated in Christmas splendor and ready to impress. Have you ever wondered what the space is like above the Cameo Theatre, or what about that space above McDuff’s Tea Room? Who spends their evenings looking down from the balcony over Bob & Sheree’s Beer & Wine shop? Well, now is your chance to find out.

    This year, as in years past, several of downtown’s residents are throwing open their doors and inviting the public into their homes to share their way of life and give us a peek at the historical abodes above the shops.

    Make your way downtown on Dec. 12 for this once-a-year peek into the downtown lofts.

    “The tour will have 10 or so homes and is self guided so you can set your own pace,” said Chris Villa, Downtown Alliance spokesperson.

    “There is always something new and different to see — and then we have some regular properties on the tour that everyone looks forward to seeing. This year we hope to have a few lofts that have not been on the the tour in a while.”

    Villa didn’t mention any names but, the spaces are so varied and individualized, that every year is a treat — and a bit of a surprise.

    Buy a ticket, ($10 in advance through the Downtown Alliance, Rude Awakening and City Center Gallery and Books and $13 on the day of the event) grab a map and wristband and begin your downtown adventure.

    Tours will run from 5-8 p.m. For tickets and more info., call 222-3382. Be sure to stop at the Downtown Alliance office on Hay Street before you start out. Tour volunteers won’t let you into the buildings without a wristband and the Downtown Alliance is the only place to get one.

  • Vacuum trucks will soon begin collecting curbside leaves and pine straw by zip code. Collections will begin at households in the 28314 zip-code area on Nov. 22. Leaves and pine needles should be placed at the curb not in the street on the first day of the assigned pickup period.

    Piles should contain leaves and pine straw only. No tree limbs or other yard debris.

    Visit fayettevillenc.gov/leafseason for details on the loose-leaf collection dates. Residents can contact the Fayetteville call center at 910-433-1329 if they have questions.

  • 02 pub penThe “Citizens have Spoken!!  No Civil War museum!” That was the subject of an email sent to Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin and state Rep. Elmer Floyd this past Saturday. Penned, of course,  by an anonymous source who didn’t want to man (or woman) up to the subject matter.

    The message was anti-North Carolina Civil War & Reconstruction History Center and stated that the results of the Fayetteville elections Nov. 5 was a mandate against the project because most of the pro-Civil War History Center council members lost their seats, proving that the majority of Fayetteville citizens oppose and reject the project and want nothing to do with having this “toxic and controversial” project in our community. Mr. or Ms. Anonymous declared that “A clear statement has been made by the voters.”

    I wish we knew the name of Anonymous so I could address the topic directly. Calling this statewide Civil War History Center an “expensive ridiculous Civil War project” only confirms the lack of knowledge and understanding this person has of its benefits and remarkable opportunities our community will have to improve the quality of life of all our citizens, increasing our prestige and notoriety throughout the state while increasing pride, education and understanding of generations of our North Carolina heritage. Not taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by moving forward with the project will leave an indelible mark of ignorance and naivety on future generations residing in the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community.

    There is no doubt in my mind that Anonymous, when asked, could not articulate how our community would benefit from this state-operated $60 million facility as it will create nearly 200 jobs and attract 160,000 visitors while generating $20 million a year in revenues for our community.  Would this not be a great asset to Fayetteville and Cumberland County? Not embracing this project is the kind of toxic thinking and leadership that stifles a progressive and growing community like ours. It demonstrates no wisdom, logic or vision — three things that will be missed when Ted Mohn exits his role as city councilman of District 8.

     02 02 Tisha WaddellAll the newly elected council members must waste no time getting orientated and up to date on current city business and basic issues or run the risk of being collectively blamed for every failure and misstep that takes place in the city during the next two years. From where I sit, only Chris Davis has dedicated the time and effort to prepare himself for the task at hand. With tens of millions of dollars at stake and several major issues currently confronting the Fayetteville community, there will be no do-overs.

    This is why losing conscientious city representatives like Mohn will make moving the community forward even more difficult. Mohn’s honesty, his calm, consistent demeanor, common sense, logic, insights and remarkable vision have served as the stalwart of most important city decisions and actions. His response to this situation and the mayor’s upcoming Nov. 14 public hearing on the History Center is the near-perfect example of Mohn’s logic and vision. Within hours of receiving a copy of Anonymous’s email to Colvin and Floyd, Mohn sent a heartfelt recommendation to Colvin strongly suggesting that he cancel the Nov. 14 public hearing. Mohn felt the mayor would run a risk of damaging his credibility and reputation since knowledgeable sources on social media were already beginning to question the intent, timing and purpose of such a meeting since the 2020/2021 state budget allocating the $46 million to the museum project has not yet been approved. In addition, he warned a premature meeting would appear to be a blatant “appeasement public hearing” and not an actual or practical public hearing where all 10 City Council members were present and relative to the process since future discussions or decision-making authority concerning the city’s $7.5 million contribution to the museum was in the future city budget.

    If the meeting is held, Mohn will be there, but it is senseless since the incoming council’s strategic planning retreat is in February. In addition, and equally important as planning, Mohn pointed out that councilmembers Johnny Dawkins and Bill Crisp will not be present that day. Dan Culliton of District 2 has already voluntarily vacated his position and Jim Arp is also on his way out. His points are all well made and beg the question: What would be the purpose of such a meeting?

    Mohn genuinely cares about the city, Colvin and the perception of both. The optics of this are just not good. Mohn went on to suggest the public hearing be postponed until the new year — after the new council has been installed and the status of the $46 million and intentions of the North Carolina General Assembly are known. 

     There’s not much to disagree with here. This Civil War History Center project started over a decade ago. By who? People with vision. Community leaders. People who care about the future of Fayetteville and Cumberland County and preserving and improving our quality of life for generations to come. We agree with Mohn.

    We also recognize that City Councilwoman Tisha Waddell of District 3 is having a community meeting Friday, Nov. 15, at Simon Temple AME Zion Church from 6-8:30 p.m. to discuss important city-related issues and to solicit unfiltered feedback on topics like the condition of city streets, the Civil War History Center, stormwater, sidewalks, safety etc. This is real leadership. This is real community involvement. This is real vision. This is looking into the future and demonstrating a responsible, sincere and heartfelt passion for constituents. We applaud and support her efforts and the efforts of those elected officials that share her values. 

    Doing the right things for the right reasons have never failed to have the right results. Thank you, Ted, for your service and wisdom. To Councilwoman Waddell, we say, “Go git em!” You are what this community needs. Let’s hope the newly elected city council shares the same vision.

     Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

    Picture 1: Outgoing District 8 City Councilman Ted Mohn

    Picture 2: District 3 City Councilwoman Tisha Waddell

  • 06The Cumberland County Schools Office of Indian Education is celebrating American Indian Heritage Month by posting daily videos of American Indians from across the country representing their respective tribes.

    Each video will be shared on the school district’s Facebook page.

    Members of the Lumbee Tribe Ambassadors and the Cumberland County Culture Class also visited E.E. Miller Elementary School to share their culture through dance on Nov. 1 to kick off the month.

    "Native Americans are still here," said Rodney Jackson, coordinator of Cumberland County Schools' Office of Indian Education.

    "We still exist and we are more than just a mascot. We are a culture."

    1.47% of students who attend Cumberland County Schools are Native American. That’s approximately 747 students.

  • 05 Spring Lake town logoEditors note: This submission is running as received from the candidate.

    The Town of Spring Lake is a town with explosive potential, one that needs strong leadership. I was encouraged to run for Mayor of Spring Lake and I can provide that leadership as we look forward to rejuvenating our town with unity, transparency and more communication to residents. This is our town.

    With a long standing history in the town from my grandfather Grady Howard being the first mayor and first Chamber of Commerce president and my grandparents having Howard’s Variety Store on Main Street, and also in my own history of serving as Mayor Pro Tem and Alderman for two terms, as the Executive Director of the Greater Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce and as the editor of the Spring Lake Beacon, a partnership with Up and Coming Weekly, I can say I know the residents and businesses and can see where we can grow.

    My vision for Spring Lake is one of passion. This town and our residents deserve the best. As we look towards the next couple of years and beyond, we need to put policies and partnerships in place that will help us get to where we need to go. We need to bring back our small town mentality, but balance with the trends of Main Street development, marketing and events, which will only be assets moving forward. As I have been going door to door, I have heard the need for change. The need to re — look at our town with fresh eyes. I serve as the Spring Lake representative for the Cumberland County Joint Planning Board where we will be making our town a priority for a new land use plan and also updating our municipal area of influence. This is vitally important considering our need for new businesses, redeveloped infrastructure, jobs, entertainment and the like. Our need for economic growth is one that concerns all of us, from the families who have built their lives here to the new residents moving in. Our tax rate is the highest in the county and we need strong leadership to ensure that our budget is transparent allowing community input before we make those decisions. We need to work harder to get information out to residents and bring involvement that is so key.

    I have spent the last 20 years volunteering in this community from serving on the 50th Anniversary committee to my current position as Town Historian. In between, I have co — written a history book about Spring Lake with Howard B. Pate, Jr. I was named Spring Lake Volunteer of the Year and was also named to the first class of Fayetteville’s 40 under Forty. I have been involved in everything from children’s support organizations like Communities in Schools of Cumberland County, the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County Board of Directors, Fayetteville Urban Ministry and March of Dimes to military relations on the MAC Council, as an active member of DUSA and as an honorary commander on Pope AFB to being the 50th Anniversary Holly Day Fair Chair for Junior League of Fayetteville and writing Fayetteville Area Mom on the Go, a blog to help residents find events and activities in our area, which was also named the WRAL top five blog in the state of NC last year. I also currently serve on the Spring Lake Economic Development Advisory Board.

    My educational and professional background in nonprofit management, communications, downtown development and marketing are only part of what I bring to the table. In today’s world, there is too much that divides us. I want to bring all our neighborhoods, no matter our economic circumstances, political affiliations or backgrounds, to find solutions that create bright futures for all of our people. Spring Lake is an extraordinary community, and by working tirelessly to break down barriers, we can create a town where success, health and progress is available to everyone.

    I am very thankful to my family, my children and my friends for supporting me to run. I hope I can count on your vote, a vote for Spring Lake.

    Platform:

    • Transparency – The Town Board MUST be open, honest and transparent for you. This means working harder to get vital issues to residents in a timely fashion so there is no second guessing what our town is doing for you. Your elected board represents you and transparency is KEY.

    • Economic growth – We need to determine how to work with Fort Bragg and outlying areas to grow our town businesses and lower our tax rate. We need to create strong partnerships with our local leaders surrounding our town and doing business around us. Our neighbors have experienced growth around us so looking at our “Municipal Area of Influence” is going to be important as we exist in regard to economic growth and development, both preserving our important areas and working towards improving our others.

    • Main Street development – We have applied to be a Main Street community in NC and working on our downtown will provide events, businesses and a “heart” to our town. The Main Street program, along with our Main Street Overlay District guidelines, will bring new life to a section of town that has not reached its full potential in a few decades. Think parades, more street fairs, thriving restaurants, cafes and living space. I am looking forward to citizen involvement as committees are formed and seeing our downtown area transform, and transform Spring Lake for the better. This is about quality of life.

    • Parks and recreation – Our children are important. We need to look at upgrading our fields for soccer and football. We need to improve our programs and our outreach so that soccer, baseball, basketball, cheer, tennis and our other programs are full and children are experiencing the full programs that rival other towns and communities. We need to make sure our parks, walking trails and green space are well — lit and safe for our families.

    • Budget –We need to look at our budget with town involvement. The budget process should be on the Town website well before the budget approval process and everyone should have input. This is your money. You should know where every dollar comes from and where every dollar goes. We have the highest valuation tax in the county. We have infrastructure that needs to be improved so we can avoid flooding in our streets and create a better quality of life in our neighborhoods.

    • Safety – This is at the forefront thought of most families in our town. We need visible police presence in our neighborhoods, our parks and throughout our town. Our police officers and firemen should know us, not just when a call comes in, but through a gentle reminder that they are here to serve and protect. Our police and fire departments through community engagement and school visits can help educate and build our community for future generations.

    • Unity – Our town board needs to represent and respond to ALL citizens in Spring Lake. Our town motto “Unity for Prosperity” rang true when it was created and resonates strongly today. We need a town board who will answer the call whoever is on the line. We need to hear from ALL residents. We need to listen to ALL residents. Connectivity, transparency and unity are what will help our Town get to the next level. Our Town is on the cusp of greatness, we will be looking towards a balanced quality of life. We can be proud of Town. It will take all of us!
     
     
  • 15WCLN peppermint Now that we’ve put the fall decorations away, I’ve got a confession to make.

    Just a forewarning — I may get shunned or bullied for this confession. You may even stop reading this after I bare my soul in just a few sentences. This has been on my heart for a while, and I must get it off my chest ... right here, right now.

    I am not a fan of pumpkin spice.

    There. I said it.

    I can hear you gasping, your neck creaking ever so quietly as you shake your head in disapproval — I know I’m in the minority. I’m so thankful we’re past that time of year where you can’t escape all the advertisements for this epitome of fall delicacies.

    You’ve got the ever-popular Can’t- Wait-Until-Fall-It’s-July-But-I-Need- My-Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte (that’s the full title, it just won’t fit on the menu). Then there are the pumpkin spice cakes, cookies, coffee creamer, donuts — every brand having its own variation of this seasonal phenomenon.

    There’s pumpkin spice Cheerios, Mini Wheats or Special K cereal; Triscuits, yogurt, marshmallows, bagels, Jell-O, milk, chocolates — the list goes on. Even Easter seasonal treats are jealous of all of this fallthemed attention — there’s now pumpkin spice Peeps available at a store near you.

    It’s quite ridiculous.

    But now? The Christmas season is when seasonally themed food actually shines. It’s peppermint season, and I’m gunning for that peppermint mocha creamer in my daily cup — er, cups — of coffee every morning. Peppermint in my diffuser, peppermint hand soaps and candles galore. Andes Mints no longer have to hide behind their green wrappers. We all know if the wise men had been in possession of Andes Mints, they would have brought the pepperminty chocolates to the manger for Baby Jesus that first Christmas.

    Ho-ho-ho, y’all, a peppermint Christmas to all, and to all a good night. 

    Somehow, peppermint echoes this time of year so perfectly. It’s invigorating, like the chill in the air on a winter’s day, yet cozy, complementing all the fresh greenery adorned with lights or mixing in nicely to a cup of hot cocoa. And it’s perfect alongside a hefty helping of Christmas music.

    That’s where WCLN Christian 105.7 comes in. This Christmas season, WCLN is playing Christmas favorites 24/7 — but it might sound a little different than what you’re used to. Songs about snow and Santa might get old quickly, and this station does play a few of those, too, but WCLN’s staff believes the freshness of the sound of Christmas comes in the message. Hear the good news this Christmas season: How Jesus came to Earth, wrapped in skin — the best gift of all, the most needed gift of all, the most glorious, life-giving gift of all.

    So, download the WCLN app, turn it on in the car, at home or wherever you can find a radio, and celebrate Jesus with us.

    And, I must say — if WCLN had a flavor, it would most definitely be peppermint.

  • 05A $2 million investment has been made to Fayetteville’s Jordan Soccer Complex adjacent to Methodist University, including the addition of new lights. The money comes from the 2016 voter-approved Parks and Recreation Bond Referendum. Operating hours will expand now that the fields are lighted.

    The soccer complex includes eight fields, public parking and access to the Cape Fear River Trail. The complex is located at 445 Treetop Drive off Ramsey Street

    “This is a game changer for Fayetteville,” Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Director Michael Gibson said.

    “Our residents deserve world-class 21st century Parks and Recreation facilities."

    The city of Fayetteville operates the Jordan Soccer Complex through a partnership and lease with Methodist University.

  • 04 Paul Bunyan and Babe Klamath CaliforniaPaul Bunyan is making a comeback right here in Fayetteville. Our very own City Council recently came out against big trees in favor of money from developers. In a remarkable display of fealty to contributions from our local developers lobby, the City Council cut the cost of chopping down big trees in half. Since 2011, something called the Uniform Development Ordinance, or UDO, has been a thorn in the wallet of our developers. To protect big trees, the original UDO charged developers $100 per caliper inch to cut down big trees. Under the new improved developer-friendly UDO, it will only cost $50 per caliper inch to cut down big trees.

    To misquote Robert Frost’s poem about walls, “Something there is that doesn’t love a big tree in Fayetteville.” You may recall several years ago the City Council was seriously considering cutting down the trees on Hay Street because they were messy, dropping leaves in the fall and having roots that could mess up sidewalks. The current City Council voted 9-1 to cut the cost for cutting big trees, with Tisha Waddell the only one voting against the kissing of the tushies of our local Developers. Huzzah for Ms. Waddell.

    Tree huggers will moan and wail about the new UDO’s war on trees, but money talks, and the oak trees will drop. Our City Council is more concerned with political contributions than stupid trees. Trees don’t vote or make political contributions. Let the trees eat cake. This leaves us with the eternal question of whether it is better to light the darkness or curse a candle. Can we make margaritas out of this pile of lemons from the City Council? I say yes. The trees must die! If our city is to be denuded of big dumb trees that interfere with profits, let’s make the most of it. A new city motto springs to mind: “Look Up Fayetteville, there are no trees to block your view.”

    Fayetteville’s new emblem instead of the Market House could be Paul Bunyan, slayer of trees. Pictures of Paul on the side of PWC trucks would light up the eyes of the little children of our semi-verdant city. If you have forgotten your American legends, kindly pull up a chair to ponder old Paul. Paul Bunyan was a giant of a man who was a giant of a baby. When Paul was born, it took five giant storks to deliver Paul to his parents in Maine. Paul soon grew too big for his little town. He moved into the Midwest. During a terrible snowstorm — this was before climate change — Paul found a baby ox that had frozen from the blizzard. The ox had turned blue after being frozen solid. A lesser man would have left the ox to die, but not Paul. He took the ox to his camp, wrapped it in his sleeping bag, and warmed it up by his campfire. The ox survived but never lost his Carolina blue color. Paul named him Babe. Babe grew into a giant Blue Ox who helped Paul with his logging.

    Paul and Babe worked in the snows of the Midwest, leaving giant footprints that filled up with water and became known as the land of 10,000 lakes. Paul cut all the trees in North and South Dakota, to the delight of the Dakota Developers Association. To get the logs from the Dakotas, Paul dug out the Missouri River to float the logs downstream. He dug Lake Superior to use to ice down logging roads to get his lumber to market. One day, Babe the Blue Ox slipped and turned over his water trough. The resulting flood created the Mississippi River. Paul and Babe were major dudes in the tree-chopping business.

    Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. Paul got into a tree-chopping contest with a fellow named Joe Muffaw, who was trying to convince loggers to buy steam-powered chain saws. Paul and Babe did their mightiest work creating a pile of lumber 240 feet tall. Muffaw and his steam-powered chain saw created a pile that was 240 feet and 1/4 inches tall, thereby defeating Paul. Paul and Babe, being despondent, moved to Alaska where they stopped cutting trees and lived in the forest. Paul and Babe are still up in Alaska. When they are wrestling each other they create the Aurora Borealis.

    Where does that leave us in Fayetteville? Muffaw and his steam-powered chain saws have won the day with their newly mutated UDO tree ordinance. We can turn chopped down trees into something that will draw visitors to look up at our untree blocked skies. I suggest holding a Paul Bunyan Festival each spring with prizes to the developers who chop down the biggest trees. The developer with the largest tree fall will be awarded their very own City Council member for a year. Members of the City Council will attempt to catch trees as they fall. The Council member making the loudest splat under a falling tree will receive the Joyce Kilmer Developers Award.

    Let us redo Mr. Kilmer’s poem “Trees” to reflect our new open-skies policy. “I think that I shall never see/ A developer as lovely as a tree/ A politician whose hungry mouth is pressed/ Against a developer’s sweet flowing wallet/ A developer who looks at profits all day/ And lifts political contributions to pay/ A developer who may in summer wear/ A nest of politicians in his hair/ Upon whose political lobby dollars have lain/ Who intimately lives without blame/ Poems are made by fools like me/ But only developers and politicians can kill a tree.”
     
     
     
     
  • 12Heritage Square Each year, the Heritage Square Historical Society of Fayetteville presents A Christmas Tour of Homes. It is a one-day-only event showcasing some of Fayetteville’s finest, most decadently decorated homes. Sunday, Dec. 2, the society invites the public to enjoy this year’s tour and celebrate the beauty of the season.

    Stops on the tour include the homes of Jesse Byrd, Nancy and Murray Duggins, Nicole and Brian Raynor and the Heritage Square Historical Society of Fayetteville. It’s a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit or to enjoy a girls’ day out — or both. It’s become a tradition for many.

    “We’ve done this for 17 years,” said Heritage Square Historical Society of Fayetteville President Elaine Kennebeck. “People come year after year and love it. We have big, beautiful homes in Fayetteville decorated to the nines.”

    Even if decorating is not a priority, Kennebeck added that there are other reasons people go on the tour of  homes. “Some go for decoration ideas, and some go for architecture. We have seven to eight garden clubs involved, and they each decorate a room in fresh greens. This year’s theme is Santa Claus.”

    Proceeds from the event benefit the historical society, which is the home of three unique historical homes located at 225 Dick St. The homes are The Sandford House, the Oval Ballroom and the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House. With histories woven into Fayetteville’s earliest days, the historical society has taken on the task of preserving these structures and the stories that unfolded within their walls and on their properties.

    The Sandford House dates to 1797 and is said to have housed Gen. Sherman’s troops when the Union forces occupied Fayetteville.

    The Oval Ballroom was once home to a socialite accused of poisoning her husband. Her 1850 trial was dubbed the “trial of the century.”

    Property for the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House was secured in 1781 on a 24-acre plot of land. It was headquarters for Gen. Sherman’s troops during the Civil War.

    Formerly known as the Fayetteville Woman’s Club, the history-focused group changed its name to better reflect its mission. “Our only mission in the club is to preserve and maintain these homes,” said Kennebeck. “There are so few historic homes left in Fayetteville. It is important with all the (historic) houses we are losing in this the city that we keep this property going.”

    The society hosts a few fundraisers a year, but sharing the buildings with the public and helping people understand why the structures are important is a big part of what it does as well.

    “We rent out the property for wedding showers and things like that,” said Kennebeck. “We have beautiful grounds. The property is for people to enjoy. Our rental fees are probably the cheapest in the area. If you are looking for an authentic Southern wedding, this is a great place. We have a full working kitchen, which caterers love. People can bring their own food. We are kind to the people who rent from us.”

    Tickets for A Christmas Tour of Homes cost $20 and are available for purchase at Bell’s Seed Store, The Pilgrim, and Heritage Square. To learn more or to purchase tickets another way, call 910-483-6009 or visit www.heritagesquarefay.org.

  • 04The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners and Fayetteville City Council have agreed to award up to $1.25 million each to help with costs related to a distribution center planned for Fayetteville.

    Robert Van Geons, President and CEO of the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation has confirmed that a U.S.-based company is considering Fayetteville for a large distribution center. Official documents indicate that Amazon is the firm involved, but that has not been confirmed by officials.

    The planned distribution center, in the Military Business Park off Santa Fe Dr. will span more than 1 million square feet. For the company to receive the grants it must commit to investing $100 million in real estate and equipment in Cumberland County over the next five years and hire more than five-hundred full-time workers with an average annual wage of about $33,000.

  • 03 Ok boomerMaybe the story caught my eye because I have always been interested in baby boomers. I am, after all, a proud member of what was once the largest ever American generation, the 76 million born between 1946 and 1964 to parents of the Greatest Generation, thrilled that World War II was over and ready to get on with their lives. Boomers were the big bump moving through America’s demographic snake that has impacted everything we encountered from 1950s elementary schools to 2019 retirement communities.

    Generational conflict is built into the human condition. Young people always think their elders are hopelessly out of step, and old people always think whippersnappers are a bit nutty. Over the last century, flappers of the 1920s thought their Edwardian parents too fogey for words. Parents of boomers found their own 1920s parents frivolous and hedonistic, and boomers were universally annoyed when their depression-raised parents turned off all the lights as they left a room and asked questions like “do you think money grows on trees?”

    Now, no less than the “old gray lady,” The New York Times, reported last month that millions of teenagers shrug at their parents and grandparents who just don’t get it. They toss out the catch phrase, “Ok, boomer” to their elders, who in turn think the teenagers, sometimes called Generation Z, are simply unwilling to grow up. The words “Peter Pan syndrome” have been uttered.  

    What’s more, Gen Z is monetizing calling out boomers and millennials. A quick internet search confirms mountains of “Ok, boomer” swag, including bumper stickers, phone cases, socks, water bottles, bedsheets and more. Amazon has a large selection of “Ok, boomer” coffee mugs and T-shirts as well as my personal favorite, a sweatshirt bearing the inscription, “OK, Boomer. Great job. We’ll take it from here.” topped off with an emoji face rolling its eyes.  

    The NYT quotes 19-year-old Shannon O’Connor, who designed an “Ok, boomer. Have a terrible day.” T-shirt and received more than $10,000 in online orders. Said young O’Connor, “The older generation grew up with a certain mindset, and we have a different perspective. A lot of them don’t believe in climate change or don’t believe people can get jobs with dyed hair, and a lot of them are stubborn in that view. Teenagers respond, ‘Ok, boomer.’ It’s like, we’ll prove you wrong, we’re still going to be successful because the world is changing.”

    Nina Kasman, 18 and also an “Ok, boomer” entrepreneur, was blunt. She told The NYT that teens believe older Americans are compromising younger ones. “Everyone in Gen Z is affected by the choices of the boomers, that they made and are still making. Those choices are hurting us and our future. Everyone in my generation can relate to that experience and we’re all really frustrated by it.”

    Economists say teenagers have a point. Theirs is expected to be the first American generation whose quality of life will be lower than their parents enjoyed. Education is expensive, and few can afford health insurance if their parents cannot cover them.

    Kasman continued, “…there’s not a lot I can personally do to reduce the price of college, for example, which was much cheaper for older generations, who then made it more expensive. There’s not much I can personally do to restore the environment, which was harmed due to corporate greed of older generations. There’s not much I can personally do to undo political corruption, or fix Congress so it’s not mostly old white men who don’t represent the majority of generations.”

    Touché.

    While every rising generation sees its elders as at least a tad fogey, few younger generations have as many legitimate grievances as does this one. We elders — some would say perpetrators — would likely be angry as well.

  • 11RUDOLPH An American holiday staple, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has gone down in history as the highest rated Christmas television special of all time. Since 1964, the redeeming tale of the misfit reindeer who helped Santa Claus save Christmas has entertained people of all ages. Sunday, Dec. 2, fans of Rudolph will have a onenight- only opportunity to see the stopmotion classic spring from the T.V. screen to the stage in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical” at the Givens Performing Arts Center, located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

    GPAC Marketing Director Chad Locklear said seeing the movie as a live performance is exhilarating and special for adults and kids alike. “The music is sung live, the props are colorful, and the bright costumes and puppetry all bring an exciting and unique experience,” he said.

    The production boasts lots of action and movement. From dance numbers to high-flying elves, all the hard work put in behind the scenes is sure to keep every audience member amused, said Natalie Holt MacDonald, the actress who portrays Rudolph. “With the set movements, they all roll, and people roll them around, so it kind of looks like they’re ice skating the set pieces all over the stage. It’s all beautifully choreographed,” she said.

    Raised as a homeschooled student in Simi Valley, California, MacDonald found it simple to connect with Rudolph’s story through what she said was a misfit experience of her own. “When I finally got around to … going to college, I definitely didn’t have all the inside jokes of everyone. I felt like I lived under a rock at some points,” she said.

    While written for children, Rudolph’s narrative speaks to multiple generations. MacDonald said the show is close to the hearts of those who come to see it. “It really is a timeless piece that is great for everyone of all ages, and you have that really nostalgic feel for those who grew up with this story — our grandparents and our parents,” she said.

    In addition to the magic of Christmas, MacDonald said she hopes the musical will illuminate the message of acceptance for audience members. “I think everyone feels (a little bit) like a misfit sometimes. … Everyone is different, and because of that, everyone has something to contribute to society,” she said. “No matter how different you are than everyone else, you matter and you’re important.”

    MacDonald and the rest of the touring cast of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical” will perform Sunday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. at GPAC. The show is 90 minutes long, including a 20-minute intermission. Tickets range from $21 to $41. Visit uncp.edu/gpac to purchase tickets online. For more information, call 910-521-6361 or visit www.rudolphthemusical.com.

  • 08No means no. Rape is a serious crime and one-in-six women in the United States have experienced completed or attempted rape in their lifetime.

    “We have been talking about renaming our agency for 13 years and the legal name is Rape Crisis Volunteers of Cumberland County,” said Deanne Gerdes, executive director, Phoenix Center.

    “A couple of years ago we dropped the word volunteers because it just did not sound professional according to a General on Fort Bragg.” She added, “Rape and crisis really does identify victims so that anytime a victim had to say they were going to the Rape Crisis Center to a boss, family member or friend, it automatically outs them and not all victims are in a crisis.”

    The background story behind the name change involves Gerdes being at a human trafficking trial where she had a conversation with the mother of one of the victims.

    Most sex traffickers brand their victims with some kind of tattoo using a symbol, initial, name, etc. This trafficker had tattooed his name in Roman numerals on this victim’s back. So, when the victim went through the program, one of the things they immediately do is to remove the tattoo. The victim had a phoenix to put in the place of the old tattoo to cover it up. The mom of the victim explained that the phoenix is a mythical bird that rises from the ashes.

    “So when she was telling me the story I knew we needed to be renamed the Phoenix Center,” said Gerdes. “We had a board meeting two days later and they were for the name change so we have renamed the building, not the agency, the Phoenix Center.”

    The Phoenix Center also provides services to victims of other crimes, not just sexual violence. They offer services for domestic violence, human trafficking and help family members of homicide victims.

    “We have expanded our services and we just don’t say no to anyone who comes in our doors, needs help and we certainly know the resources in town and can help them get them,” Gerdes said.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, sexual assault statistics went down.

    “It could be that people are not out as much as they used to be and it is not back to the way it was before the pandemic,” explained Gerdes.

    Gerdes added that unfortunately the domestic violence statistics are higher and it has been a weird switch for them. The domestic violence cases were much more violent during COVID-19.

    “People were stuck inside of their homes together with children, their jobs were crazy and things just got much more violent,” Gerdes said.

    The annual Walk Awhile in Her Shoes fundraiser event is scheduled for March 25, 2022.

    Volunteers are needed. For more information call the 24-hour local hotline , 910-485-7273, visit https://www.rapecrisisonline.org/ or the National Sexual Assault Hotline, 800-656-4673.

  • 02 couple holding handsdFor 24 years this space has been reserved to opine about, showcase and accentuate local community events, initiatives and issues affecting the health, welfare and quality of life of all residents of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Recently, Karl Merritt, Rep. Billy Richardson, and now, District 3 Councilwoman Tishsa Waddell have written and editorialized in my space. These folks — two men, one woman, two black/one white, one Republican, one Democrat and one Independent — all have a passion for this community, and all are committed to doing the right things for the right reasons. This commitment and their willing participation is our endorsement. Enjoy!

     — Bill Bowman, publisher

    Two years ago, you gave me a chance to be trusted to work diligently for you — and I don’t take that lightly. My goals have been open communication with my district and other governing bodies, a truthful representation of who you are and what you want and employment and workforce development, not only for youth but also for displaced adult workers. I have gained the support and respect of most of my peers and have done so without compromising my character. I know above all that I have to represent you in the best possible light because when people see me, they judge my whole district.

    I’ve remained present for individuals and groups throughout our district, focusing on the priorities you wanted to be established throughout my term, and I have challenged conventional governing and openly discussed concerns so that my constituency base could be well-informed not only about pending decisions but to be knowledgeable about procedure, so that no member of government at our level could use misleading tactics to gain their trust all while circumventing their voices.

    Through my tenure, residents remind me that they want the city’s help to restore safety and beautification within its borders, and they want the property values of their homes to stop declining and experience an upward shift. They deserve to be well supported by their tax-funded city services and well represented by their council member in public and behind closed doors. In response, we (city council) worked to increase (police) patrol, ensuring these residents remain safe. I continue to make sure our staff remains responsive when concerns are raised regarding any other issues like trash collection, speeding and other nuisance activity.

    Additionally, I advocated for a homeownership program that would specifically target our aging neighborhoods to create a more dominant presence of owner-occupied homes. As a result, the “Neighbor Next Door” program was created, and I was able to partner with members of the council to secure $400,000 in operating funds in our current budget. Police officers will be incentivized to purchase homes in designated areas through a $20,000 forgivable home loan, and I’ll be working to expand this program to teachers through collaborative funding with Cumberland County and am hopeful this will happen within the first 12 months of the program.

    Residents across the city, and most certainly in my district, have expressed multiple concerns for pedestrian safety and stormwater solutions. Under the leadership of Councilmember Johnny Dawkins, I have worked to shape a city-funded stormwater infrastructure repair program, which to date, has $2.2 million allocated this year alone for repair projects on private property. This is a big deal because we are finally showing a serious commitment to investing in our infrastructure.

    I am also an advocate for sidewalk installation along heavily walked routes. My family and I walk along Rosehill Road, Ramsey Street, McArthur Road and Country Club Road often for health and recreational purposes. I am familiar with the dangers faced by our lack of sidewalks. I have been pushing for increased funding and an expedited schedule for completion of this work. During the recent budget process, there was hesitation on behalf of a member of our board about having conversations — public conversations — regarding infrastructure and public safety bonds before the election due to the possibility that it could become a focal point, which could present challenges during some re-election campaigns. Bonds are usually secured through an increase in taxation. While I was not advocating for an increase in taxation, I did feel we owed it to the citizens of this community to look into options for repairing our streets and installing sidewalks. I addressed these concerns in writing to that member and cc’d the mayor pro tem. The member took no responsibility for their actions or the outcome. I was the only person to vote “NO” for the current budget, and the primary reason was because of the refusal to consider the most pressing needs of the community at large where sidewalks and street resurfacing is concerned and the two-faced way “no new fees” was highlighted by some, knowing that their intention is to raise fees in this off-election cycle budget.

    Without fail, I continue to work to ensure the installation of crosswalks and other safety measures to protect our walkers, as is evidenced by my most recent request to consider options for resurfacing, which this time was unanimously approved by council.

    I have confidence in each of you that when it is time to decide how to move forward with the work at hand, we will continue as partners. My proven record of leadership, commitment to open and transparent communication and ability to gain support from my peers has helped keep the needs of our district and our city and it’s citizens at the forefront and gives us confidence as we look ahead to the next two years.
  • 10LoftTour Ever wonder what those homes up above the shops on Hay Street and at Park View on Bragg Boulevard look like inside and what drew people to live in the heart of downtown Fayetteville? An upcoming tour of these spaces will give community members the opportunity to find out. Gracious residents will once again open their lofts to host Cool Spring Downtown District’s annual Downtown Fayetteville Candlelight Loft Tour for one night only on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 6-9 p.m.

    That evening, stop by the Cool Spring Downtown District office at 222 Hay St. to pick up an event program and a map for the self-guided tour and to get the official tour wrist band, which will give participants access to all the homes on the tour. Wander farther down Hay Street, toward the Market House, to begin the tour at the delightful City Center Gallery & Books. The loft above the shop is home to proprietors Hank and Diane Parfitt.

    Stroll back up the sidewalk, following the printed guide, to visit the other fascinating loft homes along Hay Street. Catch the Majestic Mobility shuttle at the Cool Spring Downtown District office to be transported to Park View where, in addition to lofty condos warmly decorated for the holidays, there will be light refreshments and representatives on hand from the Prince Charles Hotel and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.

    Learn all about the new residential and commercial spaces that will be available once renovations at the Prince Charles are complete. Get updates on the construction of the new baseball stadium and peruse the team merchandise on hand for purchase.

    As always, throughout the downtown tour there will be lots of interesting shopping opportunities, delicious dining experiences, street art and sidewalk entertainment provided by Cool Spring Downtown District’s Busker Program. The Wine Café will host jazz performances on the patio. Enjoy a film in the elegant ambience of the Cameo movie theater. Be sure to check out the Arts Council’s current gallery exhibition, “Touchstone: Images of Service.” Around the corner from the Arts Council and down the block on Maxwell Street, wander through the potters’ and painters’ studios and view the mixed media art on display and for sale.

    Tickets for the Downtown Fayetteville Candlelight Tour are $10 each and may be purchased at the Pilgrim Gift Shop in Westwood Shopping Center; the Cool Spring Downtown District office; Rude Awakening coffee house; City Center Gallery & Books; The Shops at 123 Hay Street; Pressed-A Creative Space; Kinder Koalas; The Wine Café; The Coffee Cup; The Door- Belle; The Hemp Farmacy; and at A Bit of Carolina.

    Check-in for the event will be at 222 Hay St. any time between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. the day of the event. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and to give directions. Parking is available at the city of Fayetteville’s municipal parking deck on Franklin Street and is free after 5 p.m.

  • SGT Calvin RockwardA soldier died Oct. 27 after a sudden and unexpected medical event during physical fitness training at Fort Bragg, according to U.S. Army officials.

    Sgt. 1st Class Calvin T. Rockward was attending the Special Forces Warrant Officer Technical and Tactical Certification Course when he passed away.

    Rockward enlisted in the Army in 2004 as a Special Forces candidate. He has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

    After his deployments, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne).

    “Sgt. 1st Class Rockward was a warrior,” Col. Ryan Ehrler, commander of 1st SFG (A), said. “An accomplished, respected, and loved Special Forces soldier and teammate, Cal was also kind-hearted and cared deeply about his family,” Ehrler added. “He always put a smile on the face of every person he encountered. We collectively mourn the loss of our brother and honor his service to the nation, and our deepest condolences go to Sgt. 1st Class Rockward’s family.”

    Rockward's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.

    Rockward is survived by his wife and daughter.

  • 08Festival In a community filled with fun and meaningful Christmas traditions, Owen Chapel and Camp Ground Methodist Church shares a new experience unlike any others locally. The Festival of Trees takes place Nov. 30-Dec 1, and the public is invited.

    The Festival of Trees is just that, a celebration of beautifully decorated trees. “I think the thing I love about this is the different themes, like the patriotic theme, Frosty the Snowman, and the Friendly Beast, just to name a few,” said Sandy Holland, the event organizer. “One of my favorites is the historical tree decorated by Edward Goins, floral designer, that has grapevine and church ornaments on it.”

    On Friday night, Nov. 30, ticket holders can tour the trees and then enjoy homemade snacks and drinks in the church’s Fellowship Hall, where the children can visit with Santa and have their picture taken. “The older children from our daycare will begin the evening by caroling at 6 p.m. in front of the Chapel,” said Holland.

    Saturday night, Dec. 1, the tour begins at 4 p.m. and lasts until 6 p.m. Afterward, there is a Moravian Love Feast, which starts at 6:15 p.m. in the main sanctuary. The Love Feast is open to the public and is part of the ticket price.

    Holland explained that the Moravian Love Feast is a communal meal shared among Christians. It originated in the early church and was a time of fellowship for believers. She said it refers to a Christian ritual meal distinct from the Lord’s Supper. “The Love Feast seeks to strengthen bonds and a spirit of harmony and goodwill with one another,” she said. “The Moravian church celebrates the Love Feast, with the Methodist Churches continuing the practice.”

    The Festival of Trees is “a vision we have had for several years, and we were able to bring it to fruition this year,” said Holland. “For those that love the Christmas season, it is a new experience to enjoy. What better venue for this event than our historical William H. Owen Chapel? It enables us to open our doors to the community to view the chapel while enjoying the different trees, all decorated with a musical song theme. We have a few … members that have volunteered to share some history about the chapel during the tour as well.”

    The Owen Chapel dates to 1861, although the congregation has worshipped at this site since the 1840s. In 1961 the congregation built a larger, more modern building in which to worship.

    Proceeds for this event will go to Camp Ground UMC projects and missions, with a portion going specifically to local churches and schools that were affected by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence.

    “Last fall, our mission team took a trip to Beverly County, Kentucky, Red Bird Mission,” Holland said. “During our community service, our group saw the great need there. One of our trees is devoted solely to that area. Most of the ornaments on that tree are handmade by the craftsmen of that county. All of the money received from ornament sales from this tree will go back to them.”

    The Festival of Tress takes place at Owen Chapel at Camp Ground Methodist Church, 4625 Campground Rd. Tickets cost $6 in advance and $7 at the door. Children under 11 get in free. Tickets are available for purchase at Cumberland Paint on Forsyth Street, the Camp Ground Methodist Church office on Campground Road, and Fredrick’s Hair Salon on Sycamore Dairy Road across from CarMax. Call Sandy Holland at 910-867-9436 or 910-308-6112 for additional information.

  • 07Mayor Mitch Colvin announced last week that he will be ending the Fayetteville mask mandate. Colvin issued a Sixth Amendment to the State of Emergency for the City of Fayetteville that ends the indoor mask mandate within city limits starting on Nov. 1. The mask mandate has been in place in the city of Fayetteville since Aug. 18.

    Colvin cites in the ammendment that the mask mandate lift comes as vaccination rates in Cumberland County have risen to 57%

    "I am grateful today to announce the rescinding of the city's mask mandates," Colvin said. "This is the result of the reductions we have experienced in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. We are very thankful and appreciative to all of you for your cooperation, patience and most of all for getting vaccinated. Let's continue this positive trend and keep each other safe as we work through this challenging time."

    Colvin says in the amendment that the City of Fayetteville "withdraws any consent, explicit or implied, to be included” in the county’s indoor mask order.

    However, the Cumberland County mask mandate and the Cumberland County Schools mask mandate are still in place, which does override the Fayetteville orders.

    Cumberland County Public Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green sent out a statement shortly after Colvin signed the amendment, stating that the Public Health Abatement Order remains in place - requiring masks inside in all municipalities in Cumberland County, including Fayetteville.

    “While trends are improving, Cumberland County remains in high transmission,” Green said.

  • Screen Shot 2018 11 20 at 12.22.55 PMWhy would I ask you to read from a column I wrote almost 30 years ago? 

    When I read that column, tearfully, at a recent family reunion, I knew I wanted to share it with you, just in case you missed it back in 1987. 

    That year was one of triumph for my mother. 

    In 1933, she finished college and left her home in South Georgia to go to New York to study theatre. She was admitted to the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse, training ground for many of America’s best actors. It was the Depression, hard times for everybody. But she worked hard and took extra jobs to make enough money to stay in New York. 

    Would she have been a star? 

    You can never tell which gifted people fate will select to be successes in the world of acting. But it is clear that she had the talent to be good – to be great. 

    Fortunately for me, one of her jobs was producer and director of a summer stage production called “O Professor.” It traveled from place to place in the South during the summer of 1934. She recruited local talent, trained them, sold ads for the programs, managed costumes, directed the production and then split the profits with local charities or church groups. One stop was in Davidson, where my father (to-be) was working for Davidson College. 

    The rest of the story? It’s obvious. Well, almost. Romance. Love. Marriage. Children. Happiness. And sorrow, too. Through it all, I don’t think she ever regretted her choice to be a wife and mother. 

    But she was never able to prove what she knew in her heart – that she was good enough to be a star. 

    Those few who saw her through the years in amateur productions knew that she was good. Meanwhile, she earned her reputation as the caring, exuberant wife of a college administrator, who pushed students to do their best, charmed potential donors, thought up wonderful connections to bring people and resources together – and most of all – for three generations of college alumni, she remembered your name when you came back to campus. 

    When my father, who was as close to a perfect husband and father as could be, was struck down with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, she did not hide it or deny it. There was no shame in her sorrow. Instead, she used that tragedy to help other families struck by Alzheimer’s. She helped them overcome their anger and guilt with the knowledge that many other families who suffered were ready to help each other. 

    She was a success by any measure, and at 76, she had every reason to sit back and relax, but she went through her entire life without ever making it to the professional stage, until... 

    Until this spring (1987), when she got a chance to try out for the Charlotte Repertory Theatre’s production of the Broadway hit “Steel Magnolias.” To make this long story a little shorter, she won a leading part and was a smashing success in a cast with five professional actresses – I mean five other professional actresses. 

    They packed them in. They wowed them. At 76, making her professional debut, my mom was a star. Triumph. 

    Unfortunately, not long after the curtain came down, she noticed a dreaded lump in her breast. It was malignant, and she had a mastectomy. 

    Down and out you would think she would be. Nope. Her first words to me on my first visit after surgery: “Can you get the script for ‘Steel Magnolias?’ Charlotte Rep is going to do the play again and they have asked me to come back and do my part.” 

    She pushed through the recovery and was a star again, a reminder that we too may still have important roles to play, whatever our age or circumstance. 

    Photo:  Louise McMichael Martin 

  • 06The Fayetteville Police Department is having to deal with a 14% officer vacancy rate. A 10% rate has been common in recent years.

    “We have 59 vacant sworn full-time officer positions,” police spokesman Sgt. Jeremy Glass said.

    The FPD’s authorized strength is 433 officers. A new pay scale for the police may help the recruiting process. The starting wage has been increased to $41,000 from $34,000.

    An education incentive of $3,000 is available to officers with bachelor’s degrees. Hiring incentives are also helping. Certified officers from other agencies who join the FPD receive $10,000 lateral entry bonuses.

    “Our recruiting unit is working diligently to recruit quality applicants for our upcoming December BLET [Basic Law Eenforcement Training] academy,” Glass added.

    The shortage of street cops hasn’t reduced service.

    “Our response times are within our goal, so we have not seen any significant reduction in our quality-of-service times.”

    Police Chief Gina Hawkins instituted 12-hour patrol shifts which keeps more officers on duty to offset the personal shortage.

  • 09bragg tree  Evergreens have been a symbol of life since even before the ancient Druids of Stonehenge fame. Early European Christians brought evergreens to their gatherings at Christmas to symbolize the birth of Christ. The tradition of our modern-day Christmas tree is believed to have begun in the 16th century in Germany when people, Martin Luther among them, brought evergreen trees into their homes and decorated them. Today, a brightly decorated Christmas tree has become the focal point for family gatherings. In keeping with Christmas tradition, Fort Bragg ushers in the holiday season with the annual lighting of the garrison Christmas Tree at the Main Post Parade Field Thursday, Nov. 29, from 4:30-7 p.m. 

       Ornaments on early Christmas trees were likely to be gingerbread, apples, sweets and colored paper. Later, decorations evolved as glassmakers crafted glass ornaments similar to those used today. Those early trees were lit by candles, which are still in use throughout much of Europe in modern times. Late in the 19th century, electric lights were first used to illuminate a Christmas tree in a New York City apartment. As electrification spread to homes throughout the U.S. and the U.K., strings of electric tree lights supplanted candles as a much safer way to provide that holiday glow. 

       Each year, a military family from among the Fort Bragg community is honored as the Family of the Year. The family is selected as one who demonstrates exceptional strength, character, service and commitment to both their unit and to the wider community. 

       Fort Bragg’s Family of the Year symbolizes all military families who sacrifice so much in service to our country. The senior commander will introduce the Family of the Year, who will then share the honor of lighting the tree. During this time of traditional holiday celebrations, the Fort Bragg tree-lighting ceremony has become a way of celebrating and honoring these families, many of whom may have family members currently deployed. 

    Fort Bragg Mutual Federal Credit Union is the presenting sponsor for the 2018 tree-lighting ceremony and will be represented at the event by President and CEO Todd Kenthack. Gilbert Baez will act as the master of ceremonies. There will be a Kidz Corner and light refreshments while supplies last. 

       Among the highlights of the evening will be a demonstration of a parachute jump by the Golden Knights. The Poole Elementary Chorus will entertain the crowd throughout the evening with renditions of holiday favorites. The evening will be capped off by a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. 

       The event is free and open to the public. The rain date is Nov. 30. Call 910-396-9126 for more information. 

  • 05Details of a Fayetteville home invasion in which the intruders were killed are still lacking. Police found two young men had been shot to death at a home on Brookstone Lane. Investigators identified one of the teens as Hunter Markham, 19. The other was a 17-year-old whose name was not released because of his age.

    The preliminary investigation indicated the teens were shot after forcing entry into the home. A third person was shot but he apparently lived in the home.

    His wound was minor. The person who did the shooting, evidently the homeowner, was not identified by police.

    Police would not say whether it was a random act or if anyone else was involved.

  • 01coverUAC112118001 Each year, people gather from surrounding counties to launch the official start of the Christmas holiday season in Fayetteville. In its 19th year, the annual “A Dickens Holiday” transports revelers to Victorian England in hopes of catching a glimpse of Tiny Tim, Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley and other beloved characters from Charles Dickens’ story “A Christmas Carol.” Unlike the classic tale, there are no “Bah! Humbug’s!” uttered during this event, but rather “ooohs and aaahs!” by all the festivalgoers. Hosted by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County in Historic Downtown Fayetteville, “A Dickens Holiday” kicks off at 1 p.m. the Friday after Thanksgiving and ends after dark, around 9 p.m. 

    The Saturday after Thanksgiving is traditionally Small Business Saturday, where people are encouraged to shop at small, brick-and-mortar local businesses for holiday shopping. In Fayetteville, people patronize small businesses a day early. Lampposts and storefronts are decorated with holiday greenery and ribbons. Merchants along Hay Street sell their wares to wandering festivalgoers, who leisurely stroll while sipping hot cider or hot chocolate. 

    “‘A Dickens Holiday’ truly is the ultimate ‘Shop Local’ experience as merchants pull out all the stops,” said Janet Gibson, marketing and communications director for the Arts Council. “But it’s also a time to enjoy holiday music, strolling carolers, Annie’s Alehouse, horse-drawn carriage rides and to get your photo taken with Father Christmas – and, of course, enjoy gingerbread cookies and hot apple cider.” She added that the day ends with “an amazing candlelight ceremony for as far as the eye can see down Hay Street!” 

    “A Dickens Holiday” celebrates the best of Victorian times and Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Attendees filled with joy merrily wish each other good cheer while the echoes of Christmas carols drift through the air. 

    The Arts Council pop-up pub “Annie’s Alehouse” is found in the Arts Council building at 301 Hay St. This gathering place is perfect for revelers to warm their hands and tummies while pub tunes play in the gallery. 

    Carriage drivers dressed in Victorian garb take riders through the streets of downtown in an elegant carriage. There are two choices for carriage rides. Ye Dickens Wagon begins at noon and starts from 222 Hay St. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. If you’re looking for a fancier carriage ride, the Queen Victoria Carriage is hosted at the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum at 325 Franklin St. Tickets for the Queen Victoria Carriage cost $15 for adults and $10 for children. Reservations in advance are recommended either in person at 222 Hay St. or by calling 910-223-1089. It’s a perfect way to snuggle up with your sweetheart! 

    Father Christmas makes a special appearance to the delight of children of all ages, who eagerly run to meet the jolly, white-bearded man sitting in his colorfully adorned sleigh. Parents can snap photos and take videos of their kids with Father Christmas at the Arts Council building from 1-8:30 p.m. 

    More recently, the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity began hosting the Gingerbread House Community of Hope during the festivities. The spicy scent and fun decor of gingerbread houses are a holiday tradition for many, and residents in the community are invited to construct their most creative gingerbread houses for display at SkyView on Hay, 121 Hay St. 

    Bob Pinson, Arts Council operations director and longtime Dickens event planner, said the Gingerbread Community of Hope is a fun way for Habitat for Humanity to raise awareness of its mission to ensure affordable, quality housing for lower-income people. 

    “With the recent hurricanes and the destruction they brought, (this event) seeks to show how grateful we are for what we have but remember that there is a great need for the community to support rebuilding efforts for so many,” he said. 

    There is no fee to enter a creation for display, but an entrance form is needed. Entry forms and a base for the house can be picked up at Fayetteville Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 3833 Bragg Blvd. Voting for the best gingerbread house will take place between 1 and 5:30 p.m. The winner will receive $250. 

    The historic Fayetteville Market House is also open to the public during “A Dickens Holiday,” where visitors can view the “This Victorian Life” exhibit. Local history is on display, including an interactive area where visitors can learn about the area, view the decorated Christmas tree and identify obsolete household items from Victorian times. It also offers the best bird’s eye view of bustling Hay Street below. 

    Many other fun activities abound throughout the day, including Marvelous Mauve, the roving photographer – dressed in mauve, of course. Marvelous Mauve roams the streets looking for revelers dressed in Victorian attire so she can snap photos for the Virtual Costume Contest. Winners receive gift cards to local stores or eateries. Marvelous Mauve will also be at the Rainbow Room from 2-3 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. to take photos. 

    New this year is the Canterbury Victorian Dance Group. The group will demonstrate various English country dances such as the Rufty Tufty, Hearts Ease and the Queen’s Waltz. There will be opportunities for audience members to participate during the Circle Waltz and the Halfe Hannikin. Dances will be performed in the front hall of The Capitol Encore Academy, 126 Hay St. throughout the day. 

    The highlight of “A Dickens Holiday” is the anticipation of the candlelight procession. As the sun sets, crowds gather in front of the Arts Council and all along Hay Street to the Market House. With candles in hand, festivalgoers eagerly await the arrival of Queen Victoria. One by one, each person shares their candle flame with another until all of Hay Street is aglow with candlelight. 

    Finally, Queen Victoria arrives. Once she’s tucked in her carriage, the procession begins. The Queen waves to onlookers as her carriage advances from the Arts Council to the Market House along Hay Street while the street is lit by thousands of candles. The excitement grows as the crowd strains to catch a glimpse of the queen. Bagpipers playing Christmas songs declare the Queen’s arrival by marching in front of her. Spectators hum along to the tunes. 

    After much fanfare and cheers from the crowd, the evening culminates in a chorus of oohs and aahs as colorful fireworks burst above the Market House and the holiday lights are lit along Hay Street for the season. “A Dickens Holiday” showcases the best of Fayetteville and its community members on one enchanted day. 

    According to Gibson, planning for the next event begins as soon as this one ends. Preparing for attendance numbers that hover between 15,000 and 20,000 each year takes a lot of forward-thinking. 

    The charming affair is held Nov. 23 from 1-9 p.m. Find out more at www.theartscouncil.com/things-to-do/a-dickens-holiday. If you want to turn your experience up a notch, consider dressing Victorian-style! The Arts Council has a handy How to Dress Dickens Style guideline available here at www.theartscouncil.com/sites/default/files/HowToDressR_links-compressed.pdf. 

  • 04Cumberland County’s Health Department is administering Pfizer booster shots for approved groups but not earlier than six months after second doses have been given.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people who have compromised immune systems receive booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

    “We want all eligible citizens to get fully vaccinated before the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Dr. Jennifer Green, Cumberland County, public health director.

    “We will offer Pfizer boosters at all of our vaccination locations.”

    The Health Department also provides free at-home COVID-19 rapid antigen testing kits.

    A list of approved groups and appointment applications can be found at cumberlandcountync.gov/covid19/vaccination.

    An online application form allows individuals to choose their appointment dates and times for the first, second or third doses.

  • 11BetterHealth On Saturday, Nov. 17, Better Health will host its 6th annual Red Apple Run for diabetes in downtown Fayetteville. It’s a fun event for the entire family whether they are running or enjoying what the vendors have to offer. The Red Apple Run aids Better Health in its mission to help those in the community who are uninsured. It also supports Better Health’s diabetes program, which was started in the 1970s. The program provides clients with one-on-one meetings with a nurse and dietitian, offers participation in cooking demonstrations, access to diabetic supplies and more.

    Over the last six years, the Red Apple Run has had a turnout of about 300-400 participants of all ages. The run offers a 5K course, 10K course and 1-mile fun run that all wind through Historic Haymount.

    Better Health Executive Director Amy Navejas said, “Last year, 5K participant times ranged from our first-place winner Mack Brooks’ 18-minute pace to an hour. Participants in the 10K ranged from Mary Tramazzo’s incredible 36-minute completion time to an hour and a half.”

    Children can participate, too. In fact, children from one of Better Health’s programs will join the event with the Honeycutt Elementary School’s running team. Both groups of children will participate in the 5K. The 5K and the 10K races will be timed, while the 1-mile race will be just for fun.

    There will be multiple sponsors for the Red Apple Run as well as vendors like Master Exterminators, which will provide information about its services, and New Deli, which will provide delicious snacks for the finishers.

    The top three overall male and female winners in each age group of the 5K and the 10K runs will receive awards.

    Better Health was started 60 years ago as a nonprofit to provide emergency medicine to those without insurance. Over the years, it has evolved and now offers multiple services and programs like emergency dental extractions, vision screenings, a diabetes program, a childhood obesity program and a new Fayetteville Fit program meant to support obese children and help their families start healthier lifestyles.

    Navejas said, “Our new Fayetteville Fit program requires funding to help these children and their families become active and create healthier lifestyles. Another recent need would be for hurricane victims who are unable to afford emergency medications or dental care. Without the funds, we can’t offer these services.”

    Navejas added, “Diabetes has many facets, and, if not well controlled, can contribute to or lead to many other issues occurring in the body.” 

    Diabetes is said to be the leading cause of blindness for those between the ages of 20-74 years old. The disease is also the main cause for nontraumatic foot amputation, affecting 73,000 people per year in the United States. The best way to stay healthy and avoid diabetes includes getting vision and foot screenings, attending regular checkups, eating healthy and exercising regularly.

    Better Health is partnering with Cape Fear Eye Associatesto offer free quarterly vision screenings. The clinic also provides quarterly foot screenings with the help of podiatrist, Dr. Dan Laut.

    The Red Apple Run helps secure funding for Better Health and its programs, allowing it to continue to provide for the community. Better Health uses these funds to serve more than 5,000 clients every year, creating a tremendous impact on the community.

    Register for the run online at https://its-go-time. com/red-apple-run-for-diabetes or in person at the Packet Pickup, 1422 Bragg Blvd., on Nov. 16 from 4-6 p.m., or the day of the race at 7:30 a.m. behind the Medical Arts Building. The 10K starts at 8:30 a.m.; the 5K starts at 8:45 a.m.; and the 1-mile fun run starts at 8:50 a.m.

    Contact the Better Health Clinic at 910-483-7534 or visit https://its-go-time.com/red-apple-run-fordiabetes for more information.

  • 03North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said the sheriff of neighboring Hoke County was a man who “worked diligently to protect the people of his county in addition to making a significant difference for good in public safety throughout our state.”

    Hubert Peterkin, who had been sheriff of Hoke County since 2002, died Oct. 23 during a surgical procedure. It was reported that he had cancer.

    Peterkin was a law enforcement officer for more than 30 years, serving with the Fayetteville Police Department before joining the sheriff's office.

    He received his bachelor's degree from Liberty University and held a master's degree in public administration and a doctorate in management, according to his bio on the sheriff's office website.

    In 2015, Peterkin was elected president of the N.C. Sheriff's Association and was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine which recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the state.

  • 10maher It’s been said that small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy. It can be easy for consumers to forget the risks entrepreneurs face in building sustainable businesses and the impact these organizations have on a community. Thursday, Nov. 15, Methodist University will host the 4th Annual Reeves School of Business Symposium and Awards Dinner to do just that – celebrate our risk-takers and change-makers.

    This year, the symposium will focus on keys to success and the changing landscape of the golf industry. The event will recognize the achievements of leaders and individuals associated with the PGA Golf Management Program who have made outstanding contributions. There will be nine awards presented: Alumni Business Person of the Year, Business Person of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Greater Good Award, Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Silver Spoon Award, Small Business Excellence Award, University Service Award, and Friend of the Program Award.

    David Maher, president and CEO of Acushnet, will be the keynote speaker. Maher has worked at Acushnet since 1991. He started as a sales support representative and worked his way through field sales and sales management for Titleist. For the company’s success, he credits its ongoing investment in product innovation, commitment to quality, strong trade partnerships, rich golfer connections and an enduring, rewarding company culture.

    In celebrating small businesses, Maher noted, “It’s important to recognize and support talented business partners whether they are large or small. As you might expect, small business, in the form of golf courses and their golf pro shops, is an especially important component of the golf industry.”

    Like any field, the golf industry faces headwinds that require thoughtful solutions. It’s an unchanging fact of life and has been for years.

    Maher noted that Titleist’s founder, Phil Young, back in the early 1930s, believed he could make a better golf ball by employing a better manufacturing process. Young’s entrepreneurial spirit lives throughout Acushnet today.

    “The game is filled with stories of equipment innovation, golf course design innovation and even golf course maintenance innovation,” he said. “I expect these advancements will continue for as long as the game is around.”

    He continued, “It is important to understand and build upon your strengths and competitive advantages while establishing strong customer connections. Golf has been around for hundreds of years and is as inviting and enjoyable as ever. … More recently, we have seen thousands of facilities become more family-friendly and more inviting to beginners and juniors over the past decade.

    “Today there are more junior golfers in the U.S. than at any other time, which is an exciting byproduct of these efforts.”

    As for the future of golf and the golf industry, that’s up to the next generation of golfers and what they want from the game. In the next 10 years, Maher sees technology and connectivity playing a more prominent role for some, while for others it will mean an opportunity to disconnect for a few hours to enjoy the game, competition, camaraderie and exercise. “The point is, the golf industry must adapt to evolving golfer preferences, and I am confident that it will,” Maher said.

    The 4th Annual Reeves School of Business Symposium and Awards Dinner takes place at the Embassy Suites Fayetteville/Fort Bragg. Networking starts at 5:30 p.m. The symposium begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call Krista Lee at 910-630-7148.

    Photo: David Maher, President and CEO of Acushnet

  • 02No day is the same for a principal of a school. One day can be filled with meetings with teachers, staff, parents and district officials. Another could be helping in the cafeteria or working with the I.T. department to make sure the Wi-Fi is working. A principal’s job at times can seem never ending.

    But helping teachers and students succeed is what gives Joy Williams — the principal at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Middle School — the confidence she needs to keep going.

    Williams started out in the education field almost by accident. She initially got her bachelor's degree at Fayetteville State University in literature, but had a hard time figuring out what to do after she graduated. Her friend recommended that she become a teacher.

    “I started half-way through a school year replacing a teacher, and fell in love,” Williams said. “While it was not initially my first choice, it later became my only choice.”

    While working as a teacher, Williams started to see how schools work from the inside and how important administrators were to a school’s overall wellbeing. She also became involved in mentorship programs and was able to develop relationships with students outside the classroom. This gave her the perspective of what support students really needed from school officials.

    She worked to obtain certifications and received her Master of School Administration from FSU. She worked as an assistant principal at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Middle School before becoming a principal in 2012 at Howard Health & Life Science High School. A few years later she transferred back to the middle school, this time as the principal.
    In October, Williams was named 2022 Principal of the Year for Cumberland County.

    “It is exhilarating, humbling, exciting, stunning all at the same time,” Williams told Up & Coming Weekly. “I am very excited not just for myself, but for my school, for my teachers and for my students.”
    Luther "Nick" Jeralds Middle School has about 620 students that attend the school across three grade levels and approximately 50 teachers. Including teacher assistants, custodial staff and cafeteria staff, that number goes up to 75 people total.

    She attributes her success to having established relationships with her staff, having a warm and inviting climate, creating a culture of collaboration and making sure teachers have good morale and extend grace.

    “Everyone needs understanding. Without that, I don't understand how any organization is successful,” Williams said.

    Williams is a principal of a Title I school. These schools typically have students that come from low-income families and she admits that getting students engaged is harder at these schools. Williams doest see that as a problem. Rather it’s just another reason to be inventive. By being more engaged with teachers, she is able to help provide them with what they need to engage these students in different ways.

    “Knowing how much work these teachers have to prepare for their lessons, we make sure to celebrate those teachers,” Williams said. “We make sure to also celebrate teacher attendance. Without teachers, students aren't going to be successful.”

    As part of the prize for the principal of the year, Williams earned $2,000 to be used at her middle school.

    “For me, this award, this award is for the faculty, staff and students at Luther Middle School. I'm excited to win this award so my teachers can be proud of where they work every day,” Williams said. “I love our school and I'm just very honored to serve in the capacity of the principal.”

  • 09Stand Down Recent hurricanes have brought disaster on parts of the community, causing people to lose their homes and prized possessions. It is crucial for communities to stick together and help each other in times of need. With that in mind, United Way of Cumberland County presents the 2018 Community Homeless and Hunger Stand Down Friday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at VFW Post 6018 located at 116 Chance St. in downtown Fayetteville.

    “The purpose of the event is to provide a one-day wraparound service for people in need – and not just homeless people but working people who are in need,” said Crystal Williams, community impact director for United Way of Cumberland County and coordinator for the Community Homeless and Hunger Stand Down. “We usually have anywhere from 30 to 35 agencies that participate, and our goal is to connect people with the services they need.”

    Williams added The American Red Cross and Operation Inasmuch will provide breakfast, and The Salvation Army will provide a free lunch using chicken provided by Mountaire Farms of North Carolina.

    The services offered include voter registration, prescription assistance, job placement assistance, blood pressure and glucose screenings, dental screenings, housing authority assistance, veteran services, continuing adult education, free personal hygiene kits, a prayer tent, free haircuts, flu shots, new and gently used clothing and more. Local artists will provide free entertainment.

    “Second Harvest Food Bank will provide carry-away groceries that consist of non-perishable food items,” said Williams. “Some of the agencies that will be there will set up an appointment and the individual will have to come to their office.”

    Free bus transportation by Fast Transit will be provided to and from the event. “All the person needs to do is let the bus driver know they are going to the stand down and your travel will be free,” said Williams. “And when you leave from there, your travel will be free back to your destination.”

    Last year’s event rendered assistance to 300 to 400 people, and Williams is expecting more this year. “This is a community event for those who are in need in our community, and especially now because we had Hurricane Florence and people are still suffering from Hurricane Matthew,” said Williams. “If folks want to get involved, this is a great way to give back to the community.”

    For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, call 910-483-1179.

  • 11spaghetti Food. It sustains the human body, and when shared in good company, it nourishes the soul. Empires have been built and destroyed, battle plans drawn and peace accords brokered at the dinner table. In the case of the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church’s annual “World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner,” it’s where long-lasting friendships are formed and a community is strengthened. It’s been that way for 60 years now. Nov. 14, once again, the Greek Orthodox congregation will serve up mouthwatering spaghetti dinners and Greek pastries at the Hellenic Center at 614 Oakridge Ave.

    The dinner is a carry-out only affair; tickets are available at the door.

    This much-anticipated event lasts just a day, and for the congregation, it is a herculean effort. For the community, it is a delectable, easy way to enjoy a hearty meal and support a noble effort.

    Dozens of volunteers join ranks to put together thousands of meals in just 10 short hours. That equates to around 4,000 pounds of dry pasta, 900 gallons of meat sauce and 200 pounds of grated cheese. The amount of work that goes into making that much spaghetti is incredible, but when the cars start lining up at the Hellenic Center and the volunteers are bustling to fill orders, it is all worth it. Not many events get that kind of community support.

    While the pasta alone is a great reason to support the Spaghetti Dinner, anyone with a sweet tooth can find relief at the Greek Pastry Sale that happens in conjunction with the dinner. It is, in its own right, worth a trip to the Hellenic Center.

    The congregation treats the community to delicious Greek pastries and desserts, complete with traditional recipes and presentation twice a year. The Spaghetti Dinner is one of those times. The other is the Greek Festival, which happens every September. Dripping with honey, coated in powdered sugar, with coffee or on the go, the pastries are a decadent treat for anyone craving a little something sweet from the islands of the Mediterranean.

    The entire daylong event is a big commitment, but what is even more impressive is the fact that the money raised at the event goes right back into the community. The “World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner” is a fundraiser for local nonprofits. The beneficiaries change from year to year, but the spirit behind Spaghetti Dinner does not.

    Each meal costs just $6. Tickets are available at the door. This all takes place at the Hellenic Center at 614 Oakridge Ave. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    Visit http://stsch.nc.goarch.org/spaghetti-dinner or call the church at 910-484-8925 for information.

  • 10carriage There was a time when things were simpler. Slower. Hay Street was not abuzz with cars but was filled with horse-drawn carriages plodding through downtown and meandering through neighborhoods, and people stopped to greet one another as they passed on the street. Cool Spring Downtown District’s Carriage Tours of Olde Fayetteville celebrate that spirit and charm all while sharing Fayetteville’s colorful history. Nov. 10, following the Veterans Day Parade, tours will depart from Cool Spring Downtown District at 222 Hay St. from 1-6 p.m.

    The guided tours include historic sites from Fayetteville’s rich 250-year history. Riders learn about the people and events that shaped the city and get insight into the places and personalities that have become local legacy and lore. You may think you know Fayetteville, but chances are, even if you’ve lived here your whole life, you will learn something new.

    Dr. Hank Parfitt started the carriage rides three years ago. “Part of it is that over the years I learned more and more about Fayetteville’s history,” he said. “I was surprised how far back our history goes. For 150 years, Fayetteville was a commercial and trading center for the state, and it had an important role in government. There are just so many interesting people and events, and I am always looking for ways to promote my hometown.”

    He is still passionate about the carriage rides and the way they highlight local history. It’s important to Parfitt that the tours are not only fun, but historically accurate, too. That’s why all the guides receive one-on- one training with the city historian.

    “The response has been phenomenal,” said Parfitt. “I noticed a real increase in the numbers of people we seem who have moved to Fayetteville recently. And they do the tours because they want to learn more about their new town. It is a great way to get a connection to your new community. It’s a fun way to learn something and make memories – and take some fun selfies.”

    Parfitt added that more than 40 percent of carriage riders are from out of town, and two-thirds of that group are from out of state.

    In addition to monthly rides in the warmer months, there are themed rides throughout the year as well. There are rides at A Dickens Holiday, during December and on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, among others.

    The rides during A Dickens Holiday, which is on Nov. 23, run from 1-9 p.m. Expect to see the drivers, carriages and even horses dressed for the occasion. Parfitt noted that there are two kinds of carriage rides at A Dickens Holiday – two wagons that seat up to 12 people and the Queen Victoria carriages, which can seat up to six people. For reservations for A Dickens Holiday carriage rides, call 910-223-1089. Tickets sell out fast.

    Parfitt also said carriage rides will also run weekends throughout December and will include Santa Claus. For the November and December rides, advanced reservations are recommended. Call 910-678-8899 to reserve a ticket for the Nov. 10 or December rides. Tickets are $25 per person; $20 with military ID; and $15 for children under 12.

  • 08Oxendines Playing the 50th Cumberland County Golf Championship on his home course at Gates Four Golf and Country Club, Jack Britt High School senior Spencer Oxendine wasn’t lacking for confidence.

    “I told my mom if I didn’t win this thing I’m going to be pretty upset,’’ the North Carolina State University golf commit said.

    He had little reason to be upset Sunday after turning in a 74-72-146 that led him to the title over previous champions Billy West and Gary Robinson.

    Robinson and Thomas Owen tied for second, Robinson shooting 79- 72-151 and Owen 74-77-151. West, the defending champion, recorded a 75-77-152.

    Oxendine apparently made history in the process, becoming the first CCGC champion in the tournament’s 50-year history to win the event while still attending high school.

    In 1984, Pine Forest product Mitchell Perry won the title after graduating the previous June. The tournament was held in September that year. Oxendine just began his senior year at Jack Britt this fall.

    Oxendine, who blistered the Gates Four course with a 62 this summer that was one shot off the course record of another Cumberland County high school star, South View’s Todd Gleaton, said his effort over the course this weekend was “nothing stellar.’’

    He felt he drove the ball well and kept it in play for the most part. “I played the course how I always do,’’ he said. “I play this course very aggressive. This is not a golf course whereyou can hit it off line, because if you start to hit it off line, you can make some big numbers.’’

    Oxendine’s goal was to keep the ball in play and get it on the green.

    The first day he recorded four bogeys and only three birdies. He finished Sunday’s round with three birdies and three bogeys.

    His near-course record 62 over the summer featured nine birdies, an eagle and one bogey.

    He called the win a great confidence boost going into his senior season of golf next spring at Jack Britt and looking ahead to his freshman season with the N.C. State team a year from now.

    “Winning is always good no matter what it is,’’ he said.

    Oxendine said he was looking forward to playing the full three days of the tournament and was disappointed when bad weather forced cancellation of Friday’s first round.

    “I was kind of upset, but there was nothing we could do about it,’’ he said  “We didn’t want to tear up Stryker.’’ The tournament had been scheduled to open on Fort Bragg’s Stryker Golf Course, which would have been a first for the event.

    “It didn’t change my approach,’’ he said. “My approach was I was probably going to shoot par on Stryker, maybe one or two under, then I would kind of tear it up on Gates Four. That was my mindset.’’

    Photo: Spencer Oxendine and his mother, Mary Ellen Oxendine

  •     Rob Sich is entering this third season with the Fayetteville FireAntz but it will be his first complete season with the club. The Windsor, Ontario native enters the season with his name already firmly entrenched in the FireAntz All-Time Record Book. 
        {mosimage}In his fifth game of the season, Sich moved into a tie for first on the FireAntz’ all-time list in goals scored (60), tying all-time leader B.J. Stephens. To put it into perspective, it has taken Sich just 75 games to reach his 60 goals, while it took Stephens 129 games to reach his 60. He is already in fifth place on the all-time points list, trailing leader and former linemate, Tim Velemirovich, by 38 points. Velemirovich totaled 160 points on 53 goals and 107 assists in 108 games played. Sich has 122 points on 60 goals and 62 assists, again in only 75 games played with the FireAntz. That is a staggering 1.63 points per game. If Sich averages 1.63 points per game this season he should become the all-time leading scorer in FireAntz history around the midpoint of the season. And all that in right around 100 games played with the FireAntz.
        Sich joined the FireAntz in December of 2006 and the team never looked back. Right around the same time that Mike Clarke and Chad Wilcox joined the team and Bryan Dobek returned was when Sich became a FireAnt. The rest is history. The team went 19-5-1 to end the regular season and Sich tallied 29 goals and 28 assists in only 25 games. His combined total that season was 92 points (46 goals and 46 assists) and his 46 goals set an SPHL record. He fell one point shy of the scoring title but was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. In eight playoff games, Sich scored six goals and had nine assists as the FireAntz won the Southern Professional Hockey League President’s Cup.
        Last season Sich had another year that was filled with points. In 45 games played he netted 29 goals and assisted on 31 others for 60 points. He also had a career high in penalty minutes with 138. Sich continued to average more than a point per game in the SPHL playoffs as he contributed a goal and five assists in five playoff games.
        Expect another great season from star forward Rob Sich in 2008-09.  Playing alongside talented forwards Justin Keller and Jeff Genovy will surely make this an exciting season for the “Top Line” of your FireAntz.

    UPCOMING HOME GAMES FOR THE FIREANTZ:
        Sat. Nov. 22nd (7:30 pm vs. Columbus):  Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Night; also will feature the unveiling of the 2009 Rock 103 Calendar with the Calendar girls in attendance.
        Thur. Nov. 27th (7:30 pm vs. Richmond):  It’s a Thanksgiving Tradition with your FireAntz.
        Sat. Nov. 29th (7:30 pm vs. Knoxville):  ONLY home game that weekend; Refill the Food Bank.
  • uac110409001.jpg

    Fun Flourishes with Rhythm & Blooms

    Concert at Campbellton Landing to Benefit the Cape Fear Botanical Garden

    LOCATION CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER: Now indoors at King Party Rental Warehouse (1226 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301)cfbg_rnblogo.jpg

    Fayetteville’s Campbellton Landing will come to life with a taste of the lowcountry on Nov. 12, as The Blue Dogs will be kickin’ back Charleston-style. The first ever Rhythm & Blooms concert and shrimp boil will benefit the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

    Headlining the event is Charleston, S.C., band, The Blue Dogs, whose music is a unique blend of country, roots, bluegrass and Americana, or as lead vocalist Bobby Houck puts it, “a little pinch or this, a little pinch of that.” 

    “We do country rock, we have some elements of blue grass, and we do some funky music,” explained Houck when asked about the group’s style of music. “We can cover George Jones, the Grateful Dead or The Who. We’re pretty spontaneous — it keeps us fresh and keeps things exciting.”

    Celebrating more than 20 years together as a band, the Blue Dogs primarily tour on the east coast now, but have performed on the same stage with Willie Nelson, Widespread Panic, Bruce Hornsby, Three Doors Down and Little Feat. Their eclectic sound appeals to a variety of musical tastes and creates a show that will delight people of all ages. “We’ve played many times in Fayetteville, but not in a while. We’re looking forward to getting back,” added Houck. “The event will be a fun, casual, family event,” said Jennifer Sullivan, resource director for the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

    “We’re bringing this well known band from the southeast into Fayetteville with the hopes of expanding the Garden’s reach. The Blue Dogs have a huge following in larger cities, and we think we’ll reach a younger demographic, so more folks will know about the Gardens.”

    The Rhythm & Blooms evening will feature an informal buffet-style dinner, with a shrimp boil and all the fi xings. There will also be a full cash bar. So why the shrimp boil theme? “Well, this is normally the time of year when people do shrimp boils and oyster roasts, so we decide to keep with the lowcountry theme since the band is from Charleston,” explained Sullivan. “It is our intention to make this an annual event that brings the community together and also raises funds for the Garden,” said Kensley Edge, vice president of planning and programs for the Garden’s board of directors. 

    “We are very excited to have the participation of both Campbellton Landing and The Blue Dogs for our inaugural Rhythm & Blooms, and we know it will be a great night full of good music and good food.” The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is Fayetteville’s “front yard.” Located on 79 acres nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek, it is just two miles from downtown Fayetteville. Founded in 1989, the Garden now boasts more than 2,000 varieties of ornamental plants and has several specialty gardens, including Camellia, Daylily and Hosta gardens. The River Walk, Heritage Garden, Children’s Garden and PWC Water Wise Garden provide unique educational experiences for young and old alike. In addition to showcasing nature’s beauty, the Garden serves in many roles: environmental stewardship, education and research, the preservation of our agricultural heritage, a unique setting for activities and events, a prime attraction for visitors from near and far, and a valuable economic resource for our community.bluedogs.jpg

    “The Cape Fear Botanical Garden will use proceeds from the concert to support expanded educational programs and the Garden collections, and expanding the gardens,” said Sullivan. The Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a 501(c)3 non profi t organization. In keeping with the lowcountry theme, and the connection to nature, the Thursday evening event will be held just down the river at Campbellton Landing on the banks of the Cape Fear River. The setting at the Sol Rose Amphitheatre at Campbellton Landing is perfect for the outdoor, rain or shine, event. But of course, the folks at Cape Fear Botanical Gardens are betting mother nature will be on their side and bring a glorious fall evening. 

    “We are so pleased to partner with the Botanical Gardens and their fundraiser. With terrific music and food, coupled with the beauty of Campbellton Landing on the river, it will surely be a great event,” expressed Kevin Summers, president of Campbellton Landing.

    Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with the concert starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and include the show and meal. An alternate meal will be available for those with seafood allergies. The evening is sponsored by RBC Bank, Up & Coming Weekly, Fayetteville Observer, Healy Wholesale, Hedgecoe Dentistry, Jim’s Pawn Shop, and Valley Auto World BMW.VW. Ticket sales are open to the public. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. For more information, visit the web site at www. capefearbg.org or call 910-483-4638.

    LOCATION CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER: Now indoors at King Party Rental Warehouse (1226 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301)

    Gates open at 6:30pm; Concert starts at 8pm
    Tickets: $25 in advance; $30 at the door (includes meal and concert)

  • 12012010martin.gifThe Cumberland Oratorio Singers will perform George Frideric Handel’s Messiah during a free concert scheduled Dec. 4 beginning at 4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

    Michael Martin, director of Choral Activities and Music Education at Methodist University and COS artistic director, leads and conducts the 18-year-old group of approximately 60 singers.

    This holiday tradition is scheduled a little earlier than it has been in past years, but the format is still the same. It’s called a Christmas concert, but the group is really trying to represents more of a holiday theme. There is a spiritual, a Hanukkah piece and we have some seasonal pieces associated with the holidays.

    “It is the opening for us, of the Christmas season,” said Cumberland Oratorio Singers President Mary Potter. “In fact, this year we are doing it a week earlier than we normally do. We’ll be right ups there at the beginning of the season to sing.”

    If you are new in town or if this will be your first time to view the walk-in Messiah here in Fayetteville, this is how it works. Walk-in means that the Cumberland Oratorio Singers are performing the piece, but they welcome anyone to join them — for that song.

    “We have a few traditional Christmas and Hanakkuh songs to sing before we sing the Messiah. The songs we do in the beginning celebrate everyone’s holidays,” said Potter. “But when it comes time to sing the Messiah we welcome anyone to come join us up front — or to sing in their own seats, should they bring their own scores as we dont’ have any score to give them.”

    There will be a practice at 10 a.m. on Dec. 4, if you are planning to participate and want to practice with the- COS for that part of it.

    Adding some holiday splendor to an already impressive performance, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is providing the instrumental music.

    “It really is a community effort to put this on,” said Potter. “The church and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the singers who com to join us — it is fun and it kicks off the season. It stars things off right the holidays and boosts everyone’s morale.”

    This long-standing tradition usually packs the house, so Potter suggests coming early to get a good seat (or any seat really). While there are usually extra chairs in the back, the modest space is usually standing-room only.

    “My favorite thing about this is that it is for the community,” said Potter. “Anyone can come and join us — it is an open call. Come sing with us — that to me is more of a community feeling that we are offering to our Fayetteville brothers and sisters, that we are asking them to come join us for this yearly performance. That, to me, is what community is about.

    Whether you are joining the walk-in or enjoying the performance from the pew, you can find out more at www.cumberlandoratoriosingers. org

  •     {mosimage}Sitting down to chat with Pete Skenteris was like listening to a favorite uncle or catching up with an old friend. He is the owner of the Haymont Grill, and a spaghetti dinner fundraiser volunteer with a fabulous way of bringing the flavor of Fayetteville’s past to life. He remembers the first spaghetti dinner like it was yesterday.  
        “We started 50 years ago with the late Pete Parrous. In those days we only had 30 or 35 families (in the Greek Orthodox Church congregation) and when we built the fellowship hall we didn’t have any money coming in. So anyways, Mr. Parrous came out and said he wanted to do something to help us raise money. So that is where we came up with the idea to make spaghetti — it was the cheapest thing we could do to make money. We started to make spaghetti and we’ve  gone all these years; we built the fellowship hall, we made the church, we built the education center. Of course a lot of this goes to charity too.” And yes, Skenteris noted, they still use the same recipe.
        Fayetteville, prepare your tastebuds.  On Wed. Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.  the Hellenic Center is hosting it’s 50th Annual Spaghetti Dinner. Each meal costs $6 and includes spaghetti with meat sauce and a hard roll and cheese, so each one is a complete meal. “We do not only the spaghetti, but also the pastries. It is not just the worlds largest spaghetti sale but the worlds largest spaghetti and greek pastry sale;  lets correct that one” Skenteris laughed.  Pastry sales can add as much as $7000-$9000 dollars to the fundraiser. “It still goes to the church though, it goes to the Philoptochos Society — that stands for friends of the poor” he added.
        In the past, the funds have benefitted  organizations like the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Some pastries to look forward to this year include Baklava, Finikia, Kaitaifi, Kourambiedes and Koularakia as well as home made breads and cakes. “They make thousands of pastries” Skenteris noted. This year there will be 60 pans of baklava prepared with each pan yielding 85 baklava pastries. No matter how you slice it, that is a lot of baklava. “These ladies been working hard making homemade breads, homemade cakes... they put in more time than the men” said Skenteris.
        Don’t be shy, there is always plenty to go around. In past years the church has served as many as 13,000 meals to the community in 10 hours. Preparation starts several days in advance. “Everybody pitches in, but when it comes to selling the spaghetti...Sunday through Wednesday night all of our volunteers are helping.” Each year, the cooks prepare 4,000 pounds of dried pasta, 1,000 gallons of sauce, 1,300 pounds of high-grade hamburger meat, 1,500 pounds of fresh onion, 400 pounds of grated Romano cheese and 13,000 rolls for the citizens of Fayetteville. The event is such a tradition that attempts to table the fundraiser have always been discarded — and quickly. “The spaghetti dinner, everybody enjoys......everybody likes it. We were going to stop it many times but we get at least 10-15 phone calls a week at the church ‘When you gonna have the spaghetti dinner?’”  said Skenteris. “In the meantime we were able to raise funds to do what we wanted to do and like I said we donate to charities” he added. 
        Come on out to the Hellenic Center at 614 Oakridge Ave. or call the church for more info at 484-8925. Tickets can be purchased at the door.
  •     Some things just work...a good punch-line; Gramma’s peanut butter cookie recipe and the premise for Neil Simon’s classic Broadway hit The Odd Couple. {mosimage}
        The story line goes something like this; Oscar and Felix are both estranged from their respective wives. For financial reasons the neat freak and slob decide to move in together only to find that the same things that got them into trouble with their wives get them into trouble as roommates and friends — hilarity ensues. 
    “I think everybody can relate to that,” said Dr. Paul Wilson, department chair and associate professor of theater and speech at Methodist University.  
        On Nov. 21-23, Methodist University is bringing Felix and Oscar, with all their foibles and charm, to Fayetteville. “We hadn’t done a Neil Simon comedy in long time,” said Wilson. “We hadn’t really done any traditional comedy in a very long time either and we figured this was a good time to do it.”
        The Odd Couple debuted on Broadway in 1965, followed by the movie in ‘68 and the hit television show that ran for several years in the ‘70s. There is even a female version, which proved to be just as popular as the original. From Broadway to the big screen and on to the small screen and stages across America, Oscar and Felix have been entertaining generations with their quick-witted zingers and crazy antics. “There are so many great lines in there that are classic,” said Wilson. Neil Simon has a reputation as being king of the one liners, and he writes brilliant jokes “But what really makes it work is those jokes come out of very solid character delineations,” said Wilson. “A lot of the other stuff just comes out of the way these people play off each other and the jokes play themselves.”
        This version features Justin Leonard as Oscar. Leonard is a communications major from Cambridge, Md. “He is a senior and wanted to do a show before he left,” said Wilson.
        Clinton, N.C., native and theater major Nick Owen is taking on the role of Felix. “Something very interesting that Neil Simon said in the introduction to the published version of the screen play...the main thing that people come up to him today and say is how much they enjoyed playing Oscar or playing Felix when they were in the community theater production or college or high school production,” said Wilson. “For classical actors everyone wants to play Hamlet, in community theater everybody wants a chance to sink their teeth into Oscar or Felix.” 
        So this performance promises to be a good time not only for the audience, but for the actors, too. 
        The show starts at 8 p.m. There is also a matinee at 2 p.m. on Nov. 23. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Children’s tickets are also available, but Wilson cautions that there is a miscellaneous curse word or two and suggested that if this play were a movie this one would be rated somewhere between G and PG. Performances will be held at Reeves Auditorium. Contact: (910) 630-7105 or pwilson@methodist.edu for tickets or more information.
  •     My boyfriend’s from a socially prominent family, complete with a long line of sycophants and hangers-on. I apparently passed the initial vetting process, but a year later, I still feel like I’m auditioning. He sometimes doesn’t invite me to events where everyone brings a spouse or a date. I feel like he and others don’t think I’m “fabulous” enough. He said his not including me is related to issues he has with letting go and trusting, and mentioned an ex who attended events with him, then let him know she was doing him a favor. I’m trying to be patient and gradual, stop analyzing, and just enjoy our time together. How else can I cope and make this work?
                                —The Girlfriend


        Perhaps you could do more to let these blue bloods know how much you and they have in common. Maybe mention how you learned the ABCs of diplomacy from your father’s work at the Embassy (Suites Hotel, where he’s the night manager). Share how you felt the day you discovered that you, too, are an heiress, as your father waved his hand over the family holdings, proclaiming, “Someday, this will all be yours.” Unfortunately, he wasn’t gesturing at the homes, the cars, the yachts, but at the boxes of crap piled up in the basement.
        If that campaign doesn’t get you in, you might take a lesson from the society stiffs — those who made their money the old-fashioned way, by inheriting it from their robber baron ancestors — and stop trying so hard. You’ve already asked, watched, waited, avoided analysis; you’ve pretty much done everything short of enrolling in suck-up lessons at the community college. Yet, a year later, your boyfriend’s still trotting off solo to society events, leaving you to wait home on the foyer rug like the family dog. (Some girls get into the society pages, some just go on them.)
        Your real problem is your failure to be difficult. I’m not suggesting you start flying around your relationship on a broom, but that you become somebody who couldn’t fathom trying to “cope” with a guy who balks at presenting her to Mummy, Daddy and the drunk trust-fund uncles. Tell your boyfriend “I don’t date guys who don’t feel they can bring me around.” And be willing to walk away. Don’t just get behind the idea of that; be a girl who needs her dignity more than she needs a boyfriend. This should eliminate the need for icky conversations about how you’d like to be treated. Instead, you’ll communicate it from the start, from within: Oh, what’s that? They don’t want my sort around? Well, who wants them? My family got an engraved invitation to be here, right on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor; your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...” Nowhere does it say “Give me your stuck-up snots, your country club masses in scary-ugly golf pants yearning to get everything for free...”
  •     Christmas traditions are part of what makes the holiday special. In Fayetteville, one of the many holiday traditions is the annual presentation of A Christmas Carolby the Gilbert Theater. Held in conjunction with the Dickens’ Holiday, this year’s production will run Nov. 28 through Dec. 14. Shows will be on stage Thursday through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.
        “This is the third year that The Gilbert Theater is presenting A Christmas Carol,” said Elysa K. Lenczyk, resident stage manager of The Gilbert Theater. The Charles Dickens’ classic, directed by Lenczyk, tells the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, who holds anything other than wealth in contempt, including friendship, love and the Christmas season. It reveals what motivates people and how they cope with life situations. Over the course of the evening he undergoes a profound experience of redemption.   
        {mosimage}“We have about 25 volunteer cast members this year,” said Lenczyk. “We also have a new Scrooge this year.”
        Lenczyk added that there was an overwhelming number of students who auditioned for parts in the production and will be used as carolers in the show.         
        The Gilbert Theatre was founded in 1994 in the basement of Lynn Pryer’s home. It is named in honor of Marquis de Lafayette, for whom the city of Fayetteville is also named.  The theatre provides quality contemporary and classical theatre productions for. It is currently located on the corner of Green and Bow streets near the Market House in downtown Fayetteville.  
        The theater’s mission is to give local actors, musicians and artists a place where they can practice their craft and showcase their talents. There is a student review night where high school students are invited to meet with the director and cast members. The theater has highlighted the work of featured writers such as John Merritt, James Dean, Chris Canfield and Jim Geoghan and produced Eve Ensler’s, The Vagina Monologues to raise funds and awareness for the local Rape Crisis Center and C.A.R.E. Battered Women’s Shelter.       
        Other features for this upcoming season include References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot from Jan. 29, 2009 to Feb.15, 2009, On the Verge from March 19 to April 5 and Exits and Entrances from May 28 to June 14, 2009.         
    “This is a production for children and it will not scare them,” said Lenczyk. “We look forward to the community coming and know they will enjoy the show.”  
        Doors and box office open one hour prior to the performance. Ticket price is $10 at the door using cash or check only. Reservations are recommended to guarantee seating and for groups of 10 or more advanced payment may be required.
        For more information about auditions or to make reservations call 678-7186 or email gilberttheater@aol.com.  
  •        Legendary banjo player Eddie Adcock, age 70 and suffering hand tremors that failed to respond to medication, volunteered for a revolutionary neurosurgery in August in which he finger-picked tunes while his brain was exposed, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center surgeons tried to locate the defective area. In “deep brain stimulation,” doctors find a poorly responding site and use electrodes to arouse it properly. As Adcock, conscious but pain-free, picked out melodies, doctors probed until suddenly Adcock’s playing became disjointed, and electrodes were assigned to that spot. By October, according to an ABC News report, Adcock, with a button-activated chest pacemaker wired to his head, was back on stage, as quick-fingered as ever. 

    Fat is Good
        Clair Robinson, 23, told an interviewer in September that she believes the only reason she survived the deadly flesh-eating infection recently was because she had too much weight for the bacteria to consume. “Being big saved my life,” she told Australia’s Medical Emergency TV show.

    Fat is Good, Part II
        Though Mayra Rosales, 27, stands charged with capital murder in Hidalgo County, Texas, she was not ordered to jail pending trial but was allowed home detention because of her obesity. At about 1,000 pounds, Rosales requires special transportation and facilities and was ruled by a judge in August certainly to be no “flight risk.”

    The Litigious Society
        Murderers in the Money: Reggie Townsend, 29, serving 23 years in a Wisconsin prison for reckless homicide against an 11-year-old girl, won $295,000 from a jury in September as compensation for a two-month confinement with only a “wet, moldy and foul smelling” mattress to sleep on (about $4,900 per unpleasant night). 

    When it Rains...
        Neighbors in the previously quiet New York City neighborhood of Nolita complain about the raucous, late-night trance music and crowds at the recently opened Delicatessen, according to an August New York Post story, but with little success. However, 10 of the apartments next door happen to look directly down upon the club’s architectural signature, a see-through ceiling, and at least one resident has taken to relieving himself out his window, splattering the roof. (Another of the residents, though, said that when the man misfires, it ruins his air-conditioning unit.)

  •     Having trouble finding just the right gift  for that special someone? Or maybe something fabulous for you — just because you deserve it? Then don’t miss the 18th Annual Fort Bragg Area Officer Spouses Club (FBAOSC) Yule Mart Craft Fair. 
        With 53 vendors and an intimate shopping atmosphere, Yule Mart Chairman, Kelly Pardew is excited about what this year’s event has to offer. 
        “I think the important thing for people to know is that this is a crafter’s fair,” said Pardew. “All of the items have to be handmade and we want the artisans to be there; so you aren’t going to find any retail products or commercial type things.”
        The Yule Mart will open on Friday, Nov. 21 and run through Sunday, Nov. 23 at Frederick Physical Fitness Center on Gruber Road (between Reilly Street and the All American Freeway). Shoppers can not only find some great gifts, they can also enjoy some yuletide cheer.  {mosimage}
        “I am really wanting to make it a warm holiday spirit kind of event,” said Pardew. There will be a huge range of crafters on hand with great ideas and gifts including jewelry, hand bags, Americana items and hand-woven baskets, to name a few. The location isn’t the only new thing this year. The food court is going to offer German and Mediterranean cuisine.
        Mrs. Claus will have her bake shop open, providing tasty treats and Santa will be on hand, too, for photo taking opportunities. Visit Santa’s workshop and let the kids (ages 3-10) come and do some Christmas shopping of their own. All gifts will be priced under $5. Gift wrappers and Santa’s helpers will be on hand to help kids pick out the perfect gift for family members, teachers and even pets.
        As the FBAOSC’s largest fundraiser, Yule Mart does more than offer great shopping opportunities and a chance to catch the Christmas spirit. Funds raised, are put back into the community in the form of scholarships and donations to various organizations both on Fort Bragg and in the Fayetteville area. In the past, the FBAOSC has given money to the Fisher House, the Wounded Warrior Committee, the Autism Society of Cumberland County and the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society.
        The Yule Mart is open Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. -6 p.m., and Sunday, 12-5 p.m.  Admission is $3 or $5 for a three-day pass. Children 10 and under are free and admission is free after 3 p.m. on Sunday.  Visit www.fbaosc.org/yulemart for more information.
  •     A few years ago, Bob and Elnora Hollingsworth, along with Tommy and Becky Lewis, had an awesome idea. They wanted to do something special for the kids in Robeson and the surrounding counties: a toy run.         
        On Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9, the Annual Red Springs Toy Run will take place at the Red Springs Fire Department.
        “This event started with 75 bikers and last year we had 502 bikers,” said Hollingsworth. “Everybody in town gets involved.”
    Hollingsworth added that each year the event has gotten bigger and has become one of Red Springs’ favorite events.   
        {mosimage}The bike run begins at 11 a.m. in Red Springs and is led by the police department through each county. The bikers ride from Red Springs to Pembroke, then up Hwy. 74 to Laurinburg. In Laurinburg there is a stop at Golden Corral to take a break. From there the route continues to Raeford with the final stop in Red Springs.
        “We have a chase pick-up truck with a trailer that follows behind us on the route,” said Hollingsworth. “This is in case one of the bikers breaks down or runs out of gas.”
        The bikers are escorted back into town and fed along with their guests. Door prizes are distributed and a 50/50 raffle is held.  
        There are organizations that donate the food for the event and toys for the children.
        Mountaire Farms donated bicycles for the children and Boles Funeral Home donated tricycles and wagons. 
        Proceeds are used to purchase toys for the kids. The toys are given to the police departments or sheriff’s department in Red Springs, Lumberton, Laurinburg, Pembroke, Raeford, as well as the Department of Social Services in Lumberton. The community delivers the toys to the children. A cash donation is given to the kids at the Waccamaw Children’s Home to purchase school items.  
        “The Red Springs Rotary Club is very integral in the toy run,” said Hollingsworth. “They help us and in exchange we help them raise funds for the Waccamaw Children’s Home.” 
        Every year a mother asks Hollingsworth for his assistance in getting her child something for Christmas. He does not mind helping and wants kids to have a great holiday season.
        “We can’t solve the problems of the world,” said Hollingsworth. “But we can make sure that a kid gets something for Christmas.”
        Registration is from 9-11 a.m. For more information call 843-6131.
  •     {mosimage}On a recent Saturday morning the auditorium of a Cumberland County school rang with the laughter of children. That was soon accompanied by the sound of music, interspersed with the occasional shriek of laughter when someone missed their mark or forgot the words to the song.
        Most of the joyous sounds were caused by the five girls who make up Voices of the Heart, but they were joined in their hilarity by the extensive cast of the 10th Annual Heart of Christmas Show. The show, scheduled at the Crown Theatre Nov. 29-30, has become firmly entrenched in the holiday traditions of the community.
        The show, a Branson-styled musical journey that takes its viewers directly to the heart of Christmas, features the vivacious and talented members of Voices of the Heart. The singing group, which was the impetus for the show, has been together in one form or another for the past 10 years. At its center is local musician and voice teacher Laura Stevens. Stevens, who can be just as vivacious as the girls she mentors, started the group with her voice students. After winning a gospel music contest, Stevens started looking for ways for the group to perform, but also benefit the community. That’s when the idea for the Heart of Christmas Show took root.
        The show, which can be compared to a show you might see in Branson, Mo., has all the props. There’s the scenery, there’s the dancers, there’s quick costume changes and a chorus of singing Elvises. All of those elements are put together to tell the story of Christmas starting with the traditional celebrations like Rudolph and Frosty, and then leading to a quiet manger in Bethlehem.
        And while the girls make it look easy on stage, the road getting to the stage is far from easy. In the months and weeks leading up to the show, the girls totally immerse themselves in music. Of course, that’s not so difficult, as they spend the whole year traveling across the state performing concerts at churches. The girls will be the first to tell you that they love to perform, but more importantly, they love to share their love of God with the people they perform for.
        You only have to have one conversation with the girls to understand where they are coming from. Take 14-year-old Mandy Hawley for example. Hawley has been a full-fledged member of the group for three years, but she performed in the show before then. Hawley, a student at Jack Britt High School, has been performing since she was a small child. Hawley, whose usual show tradition is to get sick or hurt prior to the performance, has managed to stay in good health to this point, but even in years past she hasn’t let her various illnesses slow her down.
    “I really just enjoy singing and this is a way for me to share my love of the Lord with everyone,” she said. “It’s very important that people know about God’s love, and someone has to tell them.”
        And, the show has also given her sisters. “These people are the best people,” she explained. “We have grown to be best friends, and all the time we spend together is just a lot of fun.”
        Her thoughts were echoed by all the members of the group. For 15-year-old Katie Strickland, a sophomore at Pine Forest, the eight years she has spent in Voices of the Heart have enriched her life as much, as the group has enriched the lives of the community. “They are just like my sisters,” said Strickland, “but the fact that we can have fun and still share with those in need is really important.”
        Strickland is referencing the funds raised by the group during the annual show. Each year the proceeds from the show go to various charitable organizations in the community. The show itself is designed as an outreach to share God’s love through music, but also to share his love in a very real and tangible way. Since its inception, the show has returned more than $200,000 to community nonprofits.
        This year, that money is even more important to Strickland. A friend of her’s is at Cape Fear Valley. He’s staying in the wing sponsored by the Friends of Children, one group that benefits annually from show. “I can actually see where the money we raise is making a difference,” she said.
        For her sister, Karmen, this year is bittersweet. Karmen has been performing with the group for the past nine years. She will leave the group when she starts college, but knows that the time she has spent has done a lot of good in the community. Karmen noted that while performing was a rush and something she has enjoyed, what is more satisfying is seeing the good the group can and continues to do in the community. “To know that we’ve impacted the lives of children in need is really important,” she said. “It lets us know that even at a young age you can make a difference, you can change someone’s life.”
        Rachel Crenshaw, also 14, has been with the group for seven years; like the others she enjoys helping the community, but she also loves the spectacle of the performance. “There’s a lot of singing and dancing,” she said. “We love to perform. I would like to continue working on my music, and maybe one day teach kids just like Ms. Laura.”
        Hannah Godbold, 13, is the newest member of the group. She’s still finding her way, but has found herself welcomed with open arms. “I danced in last year’s show and the girls were just so nice,” she said. “They made me feel like a part of the family.”
        And they hope you’ll feel like part of the family and join them on Thanksgiving weekend for the 10th Anniversary of the Heart of Christmas show. The show is scheduled to be at the Crown Nov. 29-30 at 7 and 3 p.m., respectively. Tickets are $12 in advance for adults; $8 for children under 12; and $18 at the door. Group rates are available.
        Tickets may be purchased at the Crown Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. Advance adult tickets are also available at Hawley’s Bicycle World on Raeford Road.
        For more information, visit the group’s Web site at www.heartofchristmas show.com.
  • 13WhatsUp There is a flurry of upcoming holiday activities to partake in and sights to see in Hope Mills and the surrounding area. Whether you prefer big, festive parade crowds or quiet, one-on-one walks, Cumberland County has something for everyone this holiday season.

     • Dec. 1-30  Christmas Lights at Denton Ridge on Ramsey Street starts with a tram ride accompanied by Christmas music and lights. Stops include a live Nativity scene, an old-timey country store, Mrs. Claus’ bake shop and a museum of early 1900s farming equipment. Marshmallow roasting and free photos with Santa are also available. Open every weekend Dec. 1-30. Entry is $10 per person. For more information, visit www.dentonridge.com.

     • Dec. 1-23  Christmas in Paradise at Paradise Acres in Hope Mills features, in addition to lights, a holiday buffet, live Nativity scene, train rides, inflatables, fried moon pies, marshmallow roasting and the Clauses. Admission is free. Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 1-23. Call (910) 424-2779 for details.

     • Dec. 1, 2, 8, 22, 29  Nothing adds excitement to an evening like a hockey game. With five home games this month, it is easy to come out and support your local team. All local games are at the Crown. Learn more about the team and purchase tickets at www.marksmenhockey.com.

     • Dec. 1-17  “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a beloved Christmas tradition at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. This comedic classic tells the story of the awful Herdsman kids and how they wreak havoc on a local production of the Christmas story. For tickets and information, visit www.cfrt.org

     • Dec. 1-2  Enjoy a Renaissance-style dinner featuring a four-course meal in a banquet hall setting. Characters in period costume sing Christmas carols to keep everyone in good spirits. The festive event, titled Yuletide Feaste, starts at 7:30 p.m. at Haymount United Methodist Church. Call (910) 630-7100 or (910) 364-9710 for details.

     • Dec. 2  The Hope Mills Christmas Parade starts at 3 p.m. at Hope Mills Middle School and ends at Rockfish Elementary School. Christmas in the Village will follow directly, featuring free train rides, hot cocoa, cookies, a visit with Santa and an outdoor Christmas movie at the Hope Mills Town Hall, 5770 Rockfish Rd. Call (919) 426-4109 for details.

     • Dec. 2  Enjoy Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s “A Carolina Holiday” at Methodist University at 7:30 p.m. The symphony will play traditional and popular holiday music, accompanied by the children of Fayetteville Academy Chorus for many selections. Visit www.fayettevillesymphony.org to purchase tickets.

     • Dec. 2  Runners, don’t miss the 7th Annual Green Beret Jingle Jog at 102 Ann St. Proceeds benefit fallen heroes, gold star families, Op X-mas Cheer and wounded warrior programs. Call (813) 446-8125 for information.

     • Dec. 3  Celebrate the holidays Victorian style at the Holiday Jubilee at the 1897 Poe House from 1-5 p.m. This free event features a concert by Fayetteville’s own Coventry Carolers. The Coventry Carolers will perform on the front porch of the Poe House at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. The Poe House will be decked out in Victorian-era decorations, and there will be workshops and activities for children along with cookies and cider. Santa will be there, too. Free admission. Call (910) 486-1330 to learn more.

     • Dec. 3  At 5 p.m., Fayetteville State University Choir and Band present “Great Joy,” a holiday spectacular, at Seabrook Auditorium. Call (910) 672-1528 to purchase tickets.

     • Dec. 4-17  “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Gilbert Theater runs through Dec. 17. This classic production is based on the 1946 comedy-drama produced and directed by Frank Capra starring Jimmy Stewart. Watch local talent bring this timeless tale of hope to life. Visit www.gilberttheater.com to purchase tickets.

     • Dec. 7-21  Christmas in the Park occurs at Arnette Park adjacent to the Cape Fear River. Enjoy a half-mile stroll on a paved walking trail and take in the sights and sounds of Christmas. Other features include local musicians, a Christmas Express train, food vendors, a marshmallow pit, Santa, and an outdoor movie screen with holiday films. Tickets cost $10 per vehicle. Open every day Dec. 7-21, 6-9 p.m. Call (910) 433-1547 for details.

     • Dec. 7-30  Holiday Lights in the Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers a mile-long walk to admire the decoration of the garden’s natural winter plant life and structures. Other attractions include a synchronized light show, Santa photos, s’mores and free kids’ crafts. Entry is $5-12 depending on age and membership. Open Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 7-30. Learn more at www.capefearbg.org.

     • Dec. 7-9  Sweet Tea Shakespeare presents “Behold, a Folk Christmas Cantata” at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. The production features musicians and actors with music from Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God” and the Oh Hellos. Find out more at www.sweetteashakespeare.com.

     • Dec. 9  Givens Performing Arts Center presents “Holiday Extravaganza” featuring the performing groups, students and faculty of UNC Pembroke. Virtually all the university’s ensembles and choirs will gather to perform uplifting renditions of holiday favorites starting at 8 p.m. Call (910) 521-6361 for tickets and information.

     • Dec. 9  Fayetteville’s Rotary Christmas Parade brings the spirit of Christmas into downtown. The parade starts at 11 a.m. and features bands, floats and more. Free to attend. Learn more at www. rotarychristmasparade.com.

    • Dec. 9-10  Nothing says Christmas like a performance of the “The Nutcracker.” Join the NC State Ballet at the Crown for a beautiful interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s iconic two-act ballet. Visit www.crowncomplexnc.com for tickets and more information.

    • Dec. 9-17  Santa and his sleigh will be in downtown Fayetteville. Enjoy a carriage rides with the jolly elf, and take in the charming sights and sounds of Fayetteville during the holidays. Call (910) 223-1089 for tickets and information.

    • Dec. 10  Have you ever wondered what the lofts above the Hay Street restaurants and shops look like? Don’t miss the Downtown Candlelight Loft Tour. This self-guided tour lets you peek inside the historic living spaces (and some newer ones, too). Call (910) 223-1089 to reserve your spot.

    • Dec. 14-17  The Crown hosts Disney on Ice “Dare to Dream,” a production that will entertain Disney fans of all ages. Visit www.crowncomplexnc.com for tickets and information.

     

     

  • 09Marksmen The inaugural season of Marksmen hockey kicked off Oct. 27, and while they aren’t off to the start head coach Nick Mazzolini was hoping for, there is still plenty of time left in the season to get things back on track. The team currently sits eighth out of a 10-team league, with a record of 2-5-1. Captain Jake Hauswirth leads the league with 17 points scored and 11 assists.

     After the Marksmen wrap up a road game stretch, they have some great home game opportunities coming up at the Crown Coliseum. November was the team’s Teddy Bear Toss – a game for a good cause that has become a tradition for hockey leagues around the nation. The team asked fans to bring a teddy bear to toss onto the ice. Donated bears benefit the Cape Fear Valley Children’s Hospital.

     Jeff Longo, president of the Marksmen, is thrilled to give back to the community his new team calls home, saying, “Fayetteville has been so welcoming, and it’s wonderful to call this city my second home. We are looking forward to putting smiles on the faces of children in this community along with providing a night of entertainment for our fans who come out to support us.”

     Other great opportunities to catch the Marksmen in action include the Dec. 22 Star Wars Game, which features Star Wars-themed jerseys and a lightsaber giveaway, and a variety of other themed games in the new year, including Pink in the Rink, a Pooch Party, a Mascot Party and more.

     Even if you’re not a hockey fan, the Marksmen organization strives to create an atmosphere where anyone can have fun. If you’re looking for something to do, check out a game. By the third period, you’re likely to find yourself cheering along.

  •  08DentonRidge

    When the Dentons decided to help the local tractor club with a fundraiser in 2010, the idea was fairly simple: line up tractors and string them with lights to create an impressive and colorful display, then give guests rides on the tractors through the woods to see festively lit farm buildings. Today, the Christmas Lights at Denton Ridge span four family properties across about 75 acres. Every Friday and Saturday evening in December, from 6-9 p.m., unless it is raining, Denton Ridge is filled with twinkling lights, music, a live Nativity, a bit of history and a touch of nostalgia, bringing old-time traditions and down-home goodness to the Christmas season. It will bring back sweet memories for adults and create new ones for youngsters.

     When guests arrive, they take a tram ride on a festively lit path through the woods. The first stop is a live Nativity scene. The Dentons wanted to include Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection in this part of the event, so the Nativity includes three crosses and an open cave with two angels inside. While the manger scene is a live one, event spokesperson Debbie Denton noted that there are wooden camels, and the wise men are mannequins. Mary and Joseph are real, though, as are the goat and donkey.

     At the venue, visitors can wander the grounds. There are pony rides, several fire pits throughout the property and snacks available for purchase. “We have popcorn, snickerdoodle cookies, hoop cheese, funnel cakes, candy apples and hot chocolate and apple cider, along with marshmallows for roasting,” Debbie said. “We even sell s’mores kits.”

     There are several buildings to explore as well, all decorated for the season. The Model T car shop houses a 1925 touring car belonging to Debbie’s husband. “It is filled with vintage tools and other interesting things,” Debbie said. “It is a man cave for back in the day.”

     The barn features a bluegrass band. “They are really fun and easygoing,” Debbie said. “They take requests and do sing-alongs, too. People always enjoy them.”

     There is a one-room schoolhouse furnished like a 1920s classroom. “The desks have inkwells, and there is a potbellied stove and old books and maps,” Debbie said. “Often, church services were held in schools like this, so there is an old pump organ from the 1800s in there, too.”

     The wash house has a 40-gallon wash pot encased in brick. “This is how they used to heat water, cook food, render lard and wash clothes,” Debbie said. “We have old cast iron irons to press clothes, old bottles of bleach – it looks like a wash house from the 1920s.”

     The old-timey country store is one of Debbie’s favorite elements. “It is set up with open candy jars lining the counter, just like when I was little. You can even buy a coke and leave with a paper bag filled with peanuts to eat with it.”

     The big house is another favorite, with a large room set up to host a feast. The tables are set with Christmas china, and the shelves are stacked with Nativities. The open chimney beckons guests to come in and look around.

     For the little ones, though, visiting Santa is often the highlight of their visit. The Santa house is decorated with vintage toys and a working train set. “Santa is just wonderful,” Debbie said. “He tries not to rush anyone and really takes times with the kids and listens to them.” Guests are invited to take pictures with Santa.

     Dec. 2, Denton Ridge hosts a fundraiser for Baptists on Mission to support disaster relief. Bring five cans of food and get in for $5. Entrance to Denton Ridge costs $10. Children 3 and under are free as are guests in wheelchairs. It’s open Friday and Saturday through Dec. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 17. Visit www.dentonridge.com for more information.

     

  • 07PoeHouse

     The holiday season is a wonderful time of year in the Sandhills, and the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex celebrates in a special way – with an old-fashioned holiday jubilee, complete with carolers, Victorian décor and a lot of family-friendly fun. It’s a one-day-only event, but one visitors will surely remember for years to come. Sunday, Dec. 3, from 1-5 p.m., the museum opens the 1897 Poe House and showcases local history and traditions from a bygone era for its visitors. It’s free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

     “We do this event every year, and it is our kickoff to the holidays,” said Megan Maxwell, education coordinator of the Poe House. “This year, we are having a free concert. We first started it as a Victorian Christmas to let people experience what Christmastime would have been like in the late 1800s and early 1900s.”

     She noted that people enjoy the experience, and many have added the museum to their list of Christmas traditions, returning year after year to celebrate the holidays in a unique and meaningful way.

     The jubilee features the Cross Creek Chordsmen and the Coventry Carolers. The Coventry Carolers are a staple at this event, adding a touch of nostalgia to an already sentimental day. The group will perform on the front porch of the Poe House at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

     “We will have hot cookies and cider along with a cooking demonstration on our 1902 woodburning stove,” said Maxwell. “We also have Santa Clause at the event, so parents can bring their kids to visit with Santa and take their own pictures free of charge.”

     While the jubilee on Dec. 3 is the perfect time to come experience a Victorian-era Eastern Carolina Christmas, the 1897 Poe House will be decorated for Christmas and open for tours from Tuesday, Nov. 21– Sunday, Jan. 7. To view tour times and learn more, visit www.museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/1897-poe-house.

     “We normally do a Victorian Christmas theme, which includes a lot of traditional greenery – that is pine, holly and magnolia – which is what they would have used at the time,” said Maxwell. “We do our Christmas trees with a Victorian theme, but this year we are doing a patriotic spin on it because we are honoring the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I.” Maxwell added that the trees will have red, white and blue decorations along with other items typical of a Christmas in 1917 after the United States entered the war.

     “Come out and join us for holiday music, Christmasdecorations, food and fun,” said Maxwell.“This is a fun time to see the Poe House in a morefestive, relaxed atmosphere.”

     Admission to the Holiday Jubilee is free, and the event is open to the public. For more information, call (910) 486-1330.

  •  

     10Hope Mills Christmas ParadeThere is a flurry of upcoming holiday activities to partake in and sights to see in Hope Mills and the surrounding area. Whether you prefer big, festive parade crowds or quiet, one-on-one walks, Cumberland County has something for everyone this holiday season.

    • Nov. 24 A Dickens Holiday in downtown Fayetteville is a family favorite, presented for its 18th year by the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the Downtown Alliance. Festivities will run from 1 to 9 p.m.; the traditional candlelight procession starts in front of the Arts Council at 5 p.m. To learn more, visit www.theartscouncil.com/thingsto-do/a-dickens-holiday.

    • Dec. 1-30 Christmas Lights at Denton Ridge on Ramsey Street starts with a tram ride accompanied by Christmas music and lights. Stops include a live Nativity scene, an old-timey country store, Mrs. Claus’ bake shop and a museum of early 1900s farming equipment. Marshmallow roasting and free photos with Santa are also available. Open every weekend Dec. 1-30. Entry is $10 per person. For more information, visit www.dentonridge.com.

    • Dec. 1-23 Christmas in Paradise at Paradise Acres in Hope Mills features, in addition to lights, a holiday buffet, live Nativity scene, train rides, inflatables, fried moon pies, marshmallow roasting and the Clauses. Admission is free. Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 1-23. Call (910) 424-2779 for details.

    • Dec. 1, 2, 8, 22, 29 Nothing adds excitement to an evening like a hockey game. With five home games this month, it is easy to come out and support your local team. All local games are at the Crown. Learn more about the team and purchase tickets at www.marksmenhockey.com.

    • Dec. 1-17 “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a beloved Christmas tradition at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. This comedic classic tells the story of the awful Herdsman kids and how they wreak havoc on a local production of the Christmas story. For tickets and information, visit www.cfrt.org.

    • Dec. 1-2 Enjoy a Renaissance-style dinner featuring a four-course meal in a banquet hall setting. Characters in period costume sing Christmas carols to keep everyone in good spirits. The festive event, titled Yuletide Feaste, starts at 7:30 p.m.  at Haymount United Methodist Church. Call (910) 630-7100 or (910) 364-9710 for details.

    • Dec. 2 The Hope Mills Christmas Parade starts at 3 p.m. at Hope Mills Middle School and ends at Rockfish Elementary School. Christmas in the Village will follow directly, featuring free train rides, hot cocoa, cookies, a visit with Santa and an outdoor Christmas movie at the Hope Mills Town Hall, 5770 Rockfish Rd. Call (919) 426-4109 for details.

    • Dec. 2 Enjoy Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s “A Carolina Holiday” at Methodist University at 7:30 p.m. The symphony will play traditional and popular holiday music, accompanied by the children of Fayetteville Academy Chorus for many selections. Visit www.fayettevillesymphony.org to purchase tickets.

    • Dec. 2 Runners, don’t miss the 7th Annual Green Beret Jingle Jog at 102 Ann St. Proceeds benefit fallen heroes, gold star families, Op X-mas Cheer and wounded warrior programs. Call (813) 446-8125 for information.

    • Dec. 3 Celebrate the holidays Victorian-style at the Holiday Jubilee at the 1897 Poe House from 1-5 p.m. This free event features a concert by Fayetteville’s own Coventry Carolers. The Coventry Carolers will perform on the front porch of the Poe House at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. The Poe House will be decked out in Victorian-era decorations, and there will be workshops and activities for children along with cookies and cider. Santa will be there, too. Free admission. Call (910) 486-1330 to learn more.

    • Dec. 3 At 5 p.m., Fayetteville State University Choir and Band will present “Great Joy,” a holiday spectacular, at Seabrook Auditorium. Call (910) 672-1528 to purchase tickets.

    • Dec. 4-17 “It’s a Wonderful Life” opens at Gilbert Theater Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 17. This classic production is based on the 1946 comedy-drama produced and directed by Frank Capra starring Jimmy Stewart. Watch local talent bring this timeless tale of hope to life. Visit www. gilberttheater.com to purchase tickets.

    • Dec. 7-21 Christmas in the Park at Arnette Park adjacent to the Cape Fear River. Enjoy a halfmile stroll on a paved walking trail and take in the sights and sounds of Christmas. Other features include local musicians, a Christmas Express train, food vendors, a marshmallow pit, Santa, and an outdoor movie screen with holiday films. Tickets cost $10 per vehicle. Open every day Dec. 7-21, 6-9 p.m. Call (910) 433-1547 for details.

    • Dec. 7-30 Holiday Lights in the Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers a mile-long walk to admire the decoration of the garden’s natural winter plant life and structures. Other attractions include a synchronized light show, Santa photos, s’mores and free kids’ crafts. Entry is $5-12 depending on age and membership. Open Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 7-30. Learn more at www.capefearbg.org

    • Dec. 7-9 Sweet Tea Shakespeare presents “Behold, a Folk Christmas Cantata” at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. The production features musicians and actors with music from Andrew Peterson’s “Behold the Lamb of God” and the Oh Hellos. Find out more at www.sweetteashakespeare.com.

    • Dec. 9 Givens Performing Arts Center presents “Holiday Extravaganza” featuring the performing groups, students and faculty of UNC Pembroke. Virtually all the university’s ensembles and choirs will gather to perform uplifting renditions of holiday favorites starting at 8 p.m. Call (910) 521-6361 for tickets and information.

     

     

  •  

    01DickenscoverWith a bevy of activities to choose from during the holiday season, A Dickens Holiday is a must. From 1-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, downtown Fayetteville takes a step back in time, transforming Hay Street into a Dickensian-era wonderland. Scrooge, Jacob Marley and other characters from “A Christmas Carol” come to life and roam the streets, engaging visitors and reenacting scenes from the well-loved story. It’s like a scene from a storybook as horse-drawn carriages roll past merchant windows decked out for the holidays. Artisans and vendors selling everything from decorations to warm cider fill Hay Street with the sights and sounds of Christmas. As the sun sets, everyone gathers at the Arts Council for a candlelight procession to the Market House. Fireworks and continued festivities follow with the fun until the night concludes at 9 p.m.

    Tammy Rice is the interim marketing director at the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County. “I’ve been coming to Dickens since 2003,” she said. “I have participated since 2012. I was the person who contracted performers and artists. I had the easy part. In this position, I am also trying to make sure the world knows about Dickens.”

    And, like in years past, there will be plenty of performers throughout the event. There will be old favorites, and a few new things as well. “We have Highland Brass, the Coventry Carolers, John Tudor with Tudor Magic and juggler Tain Collins – he had a big crowd last year, and we are thrilled he is coming,” Rice said. “We will have ‘Christmas Carol’ characters roaming the streets, too.”

    A new item this year that Rice is excited about includes a special kind of vendor. “We have a special food vendor this year – a food truck actually – Mcdermott’s Irish Pub. The trailer itself looks Victorian; it was an obvious choice. There will be pub fare that people can enjoy. It will be parked outside the Arts Council.”

    She added that “Every year we try to do a make-and-take. This year it is fascinators (what women would wear instead of a hat because during that time they wore head coverings – they often include things like feathers and other fun items) and boutonnieres. It is a free experience. That is from 1-7 p.m. at the rainbow room.”

    The list of activities and things to do at A Dickens Holiday is a long one. Attendees are invited to dress in period costumes.

    Visit Annie’s Alehouse inside the Arts Council. Modeled after Victorian pubs, the alehouse offers entertainment, featuring music by Brynmor, and provides beverages like beer, wine and nonalcoholic cider. The pub is open from 1-9 p.m. While you are there, enjoy the “Reclaimed” exhibit hanging on the gallery walls. “What is new at the alehouse is we have a selection of seasonal craft beers this year,” Rice said. “We also have live performances from 1-5 p.m. Then from 6:30-9 p.m. we have Brynmor. They are a Celtic rock band. We had then here a couple years ago, and everyone loved them.”

    Gingerbread houses were brought to America in the early 1800s by German bakers. Now they are a staple for many during the Christmas season. Don’t miss the Gingerbread Community of Hope on display at SkyView. Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity and H&H Homes have come together to present this gingerbread community created  by Fayettevillians.

    Carriage rides through town are a charming way to take in the sights and sounds of the festivities. There are two choices. The Dickens Carriage Rides offer a ride in a decorated horse-drawn hitch wagon. They cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Purchase tickets starting at noon the day of the event at 222 Hay St. Rides run from 1-9 p.m. The Queen Victoria carriage rides offer a more personal ride – and a longer one, too. These depart from the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum. Tickets cost $15 per person. Call (910) 678-8899 to make a reservation. The Victorian carriage rides also run from 1-9 p.m.

    The second story of the Market House is open during A Dickens Holiday and features an exhibit called “This Victorian Life.” Test your knowledge of the Victorian Era and try to identify household items from the past. The exhibit also displays literature from the time period, a Victorian Christmas tree and other holiday-related artifacts as well as military items.

    From 1 p.m. until dusk, Fascinate-U Children’s Museum invites youngsters to create a Victorian ornament. Hang it on the community tree or take it home. It costs $2 per child and $1 per adult.

    At 4 p.m., in the Hay Street United Methodist Church sanctuary, enjoy a performance of Tuba Christmas.

    The 1897 Poe House is decked out in traditional Victorian-era holiday decorations. At 11 a.m.,  1 p.m. and 3 p.m. the public is invited for a free tour of the historic home.  

    The biggest spectacle and most anticipated part of the day is the candlelight procession. Throughout the day, merchants and the Arts Council give out candles for the procession. At about 5 p.m. everyone is invited to gather at the Arts Council. At 5:30 p.m., the procession to the Market House begins.

    “It is a magical experience because downtown Fayetteville is transformed into a scene out of Victorian England,” Rice said. “Many of our vendors dress in costume, going so far as to make their booths look like a stall in the streets of Victorian England. The candlelight procession is the culminating experience. To watch all these people of all ages and to know the first candle is lit and the flame is passed from person to person, spreading the light. It is metaphorical for what we hope to bring to the city. It is just a moving experience. And the tree-lighting ceremony is just one of those things where everyone is gathered together in good cheer. It’s a moment of lightness.”

    A fireworks display follows the procession and tree lighting, but the night is still young, and attendees are invited to stay until 9 p.m. and enjoy the festivities. 

    Call the Arts Council at (910) 323-1776 to learn more.

     

  •    Pride and Glory (Rated R) 2 Stars�

        About three-quarters of the way through Pride and Glory (130 minutes) one of the characters heads off-screen, mumbling “I’ve had enough.” At this point in the movie, pretty much everyone should be able to clap in agreement. Did the world really need yet another police procedural focusing on corruption in the NYPD? Especially one so utterly boring and poorly acted? There was not one person in the movie correctly cast, there is no audience connection with the characters and the writing is boring and predictable.
        {mosimage}We open on men playing football while their families cheer them on. Get used to it, because for the next two hours men are pretty much just shoving each around while women sit in the background with nothing to do but provide emotional support for the men while they argue with each other. The game is interrupted, and the film moves to a bloody scene, the aftermath of an ambush in which four officers were killed. The chief of police, Francis Tierney Sr. (Jon Voight) asks his son, Detective Ray (a miscast Edward Norton), to lead an investigation into the murders. Meanwhile, Ray’s brother Francis Jr. (Truman’s best friend Noah Emmerich) and brother-in-law Jimmy Egan (Colin Farrell) trigger his supercop radar by looking at each other shiftily, and generally telegraphing their guilt to everyone in sight. 
        The film certainly recalls police corruption in the 1970s, but there is nothing new here. Director/screenwriter Gavin O’Connor can’t even write decent dialogue. This is a movie by, for and about men. It wasn’t the most terrible police movie ever, but neither is there anything to really talk about, so let’s play improve the movie. 
        Idea one: Make Francis Tierney Jr. a woman with a sick husband instead of a man with a sick wife. It would be so much more interesting to add another layer to a clichéd character by making this a movie about the pressure on women to conform to masculine ideals while caring for a sick husband who is challenged by his inability to conform to masculine ideals. It would just make more sense if there was a legitimate reason for a detective to turn a blind eye to the kind of extreme corruption (Pride and Glory is a little short on character motivation) shown in the film. 
        Idea two: Replace Jon Voight. His strangely waxed and stiffened complexion was distracting as anything, and he can’t seem to meet anyone’s eye. In every scene, rather than talking to the character he is with; he seems to stare directly at the floor. Did he even know he was making a movie?
        Idea three: Create female characters who aren’t poorly written, badly acted wallpaper. Aren’t there any corrupt female police officers? Aren’t there any capable female politicians? This is the one of the most sexist movies I’ve recently viewed. All the women stay home; safe behind four walls…the men wander the streets and then come home to their women, whom they ignore. At one point, and I swear my mouth dropped open, Tierney Sr. orders his wife to leave the conversation and go to her room — and SHE DOES. Of course, when the character is first introduced she seems more like his daughter than his wife, since he is approximately 90 years old and she can’t have celebrated her 50th birthday yet. So, wrapping up — don’t bother. Two minutes after the credits roll, you’ll have forgotten what you just watched.

  •  

    07FSO A Carolina HolidayFayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s 2017-18 season continues Saturday, Dec. 2, with “A Carolina Holiday” concert that’s distinct from its predecessors. This year, for the first time, a children’s choir – the Fayetteville Academy Chorus – will join the symphony in creating music that evokes the feelings and meanings of Christmas. The FAC is comprised of divisions including third-graders through twelth-graders. The choir recently earned multiple awards at Festival Disney Spring 2017.

    FSO president and CEO Christine Kastner reflected on what makes “A Carolina Holiday” special. “I think in the Carolinas, family is important,” she said. “There’s nothing like children’s voices. So to put that in a Christmas concert, I think it brings home what the season is really about with family and children.”

    FAC director Lee Ann Valcarcel agreed. She added that she thinks music has a special role to play in family traditions this time of year.

    “I feel like the holidays is a time where music plays a bigger role in many people’s lives than it typically does throughout the year,” she said. “More families are going out into the community and listening to live musicians, and I think it is important that children are given the opportunity to share their gifts with an audience that may not typically come to one of their regular concerts. This performance with the symphony has given (the children) the perfect opportunity to do that. … And honestly, we expect to hear adults singing with a symphony. It is such a different and cool experience to hear children do it.”

    Sarah Busman, FSO principal flute, said the Christmas season is “the season of fun for musicians” for exactly the reason Valcarcel gave. “(This) season is one of the times that I feel like people in their normal, everyday lives look forward to hearing orchestral musicians..... like ‘The Nutcracker;’ that is a difficult piece of music to play, and it is a long piece of music to listen to, but people do it.... It’s part of what makes you smell that pine smell, and you can feel the firewood crackling, and you hear the sleigh ride.”

    Along with Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker,” the orchestra will play music from classic Christmas films “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Home Alone,” music by John Rutter and two Hanukkah songs. Audience members are encouraged to join in the concert’s traditional Christmas sing-a-long medley with selections from songs including “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and “Away in a Manger.”

    FSO music director Stefan Sanders said, “We are also featuring our own solo violinist, concertmaster Fabián Lopez, in a really cool (pun intended) juxtaposition of ‘Winter’ from Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ and ‘Winter’ from Astor Piazzola’s ‘Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.’

    “This time of year brings out so many wonderful feelings of good cheer, gratitude and peace to all. We encourage everyone to come, bring their singing voices, and celebrate the start of their holiday season with the FSO.”

    “A Carolina Holiday” takes place Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Huff Concert Hall at Methodist University. FSO “Music Nerd” Joshua Busman will give a pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m.

    To purchase tickets and to view the full list of concerts for the 2017-18 FSO season, visit www.fayettevillesymphony.org.

     

  •     For those unschooled in music history, the names of some of the instruments in the museum of the Cape Fear’s upcoming exhibit Rhythm and Roots of North Carolina Music, might sound like something out of a Dr. Suess book. The melodeon, the cimbalom and B-flat Flugelhorn all play a part in the heritage of North Carolina and will be on exhibit starting Saturday, Nov. 22. As part of the opening, the museum is hosting an old time music band featuring local musicians Marvin Gaster and Richard Owens.
        The goal of the exhibit is to not only preserve artifacts like the instruments, but to bring meaning to them as well. While the exhibit covers North Carolina music in general, there is a specific focus on the Cape Fear Region.
        For example, there is a hand-crafted drum made by Joe Liles of Durham County on display. It was used in 1971, as the center drum at the Lumbee Indian tribe’s first pow wow, and is still in use to this day. Liesa Greathouse, curator of education at the museum, pointed out the process that people go through at an exhibit is simple but important.
        “When you sat down and saw this drum you didn’t know anything about it and now through talking about it; it has more meaning to you,” she said. {mosimage}
        There is a similar reaction with the old time music program that the Museum of the Cape Fear sponsors. “We provide a place for people who want to keep that alive. This is a place where they can come and learn and do and teach each other. Museums are great for doing that; keeping those things preserved and ongoing,” she added.
        As society has moved on and progressed in different ways it is a museum’s job to help the community remember by preserving and interpreting traditions.
        Unfortunately, since the instruments on display are artifacts, they can’t be handled — which may be hard to resist.
        “That is the thing about musical instruments they make you want to pick them up and touch them and see what they sound like and how they work,” said Exhibit Designer Margaret Shearin. “We do have an interactive thing called jukebox interactive and they will be able to hear different types of music using that.”
        The exhibit opening will give everyone a chance to come and hear history first hand. Officially dubbed Old Time Music by the Library of Congress, the music has a direct link to the history and heritage of North Carolina. According to musician Marvin Gaster, this genre is very traditional. 
        “There are quite a few songs that I play that no one else knows because I learned ‘em from old people.     They are very traditional and a great many of them are from the upper Cape Fear Valley,” he added.
    One such song is “The Boatmen.” It is about the boatmen and riverboats and dates back to the pre-Civil War era.
        “’Rye Straw,’ is an old song, that is a local one, too, and ‘Dancing Ladies’ — they are both Cape Fear River Valley stuff.”
        Chris Woodson, Arsenal Park educational coordinator, credits generational changes for the decline of old time music. 
        “A lot of that stuff is passed down generationally and a lot of it just didn’t get passed down,” he said. “That is part of the reason for doing this, to preserve some of these songs and styles of playing that are unique to North Carolina or even unique to the Sandhills region,” explained Woodson, noting that when some of these older “fellas” are gone, the tradition may ver well die with them because they are the keepers of the music. 
        Through exhibits like this, Woodson hopes that interest can be generated and perhaps a few folks will connect with old time music and the rich local heritage. “Every once in a while you can see it connect with some of the people who come through,” said Woodson. “Hopefully it will spark an interest in this older kind of music that is dying out.” 
        The jam session begins at 2 p.m. on Nov. 22. Admission is free. The exhibit will be on display through Apr. 5, 2009. The Museum of the Cape Fear is on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal.
  •  

    12WhatsUpThere is a flurry of upcoming holiday activities to partake in and sights to see in Hope Mills and the surrounding area. Whether you prefer big, festive parade crowds or quiet, one-on-one walks, Cumberland County has something for everyone this holiday season.

    • Nov. 24 A Dickens Holiday in downtown Fayetteville is a family favorite, presented for its 18th year by the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the Downtown Alliance. Festivities will run from 1 to 9 p.m.; the traditional candlelight procession starts in front of the Arts Council at 5 p.m. To learn more, visit www.theartscouncil.com/things-to-do/a-dickens-holiday.

    • Dec. 1-30 Christmas Lights at Denton Ridge on Ramsey Street starts with a tram ride accompanied by Christmas music and lights. Stops include a live Nativity scene, an old-timey country store, Mrs. Claus’ bake shop and a museum of early 1900s farming equipment. Marshmallow roasting and free photos with Santa are also available. Open every weekend Dec. 1-30. Entry is $10 per person. For more information, visit www.dentonridge.com.

    • Dec. 1-23 Christmas in Paradise at Paradise Acres in Hope Mills features, in addition to lights, a holiday buffet, live Nativity scene, train rides, inflatables, fried moon pies, marshmallow roasting and the Clauses. Admission is free. Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Dec. 1-23. Call (910) 424-2779 for details.

    • Dec. 1, 2, 8, 22, 29 Nothing adds excitement to an evening like a hockey game. With five home games this month, it is easy to come out and support your local team. All local games are at the Crown. Learn more about the team and purchase tickets at www.marksmenhockey.com.

    • Dec. 1-17 “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a beloved Christmas tradition at Cape Fear Regional Theatre. This comedic classic tells the story of the awful Herdsman kids and how they wreakhavoc on a local production of the Christmas story.
    For tickets and information, visit www.cfrt.org.

    • Dec. 1-2 Enjoy a Renaissance-style dinner featuring a four-course meal in a banquet hall setting. Characters in period costume sing Christmas carols to keep everyone in good spirits. The festive event, titled Yuletide Feaste, starts at 7:30 p.m. at Haymount United Methodist Church. Call (910) 630-7100 or (910) 364-9710 for details.

    • Dec. 2 The Hope Mills Christmas Parade starts at 3 p.m. at Hope Mills Middle School and ends at Rockfish Elementary School. Christmas in the Village will follow directly, featuring free train rides, hot cocoa, cookies, a visit with Santa and an outdoor Christmas movie at the Hope Mills Town Hall, 5770 Rockfish Rd. Call (919) 426-4109 for details.

    • Dec. 2 Enjoy Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s “A Carolina Holiday” at Methodist University at 7:30 p.m. The symphony will play traditional and popular holiday music, accompanied by the children of Fayetteville Academy Chorus for many selections. Visit www.fayettevillesymphony.org to purchase tickets.

    • Dec. 2 Runners, don’t miss the 7th Annual Green Beret Jingle Jog at 102 Ann St. Proceeds benefit fallen heroes, gold star families, Op X-mas Cheer and wounded warrior programs. Call (813) 446-8125 for information.

    • Dec. 3 Celebrate the holidays Victorian style at the Holiday Jubilee at the 1897 Poe House from 1-5 p.m. This free event features a concert by Fayetteville’s own Coventry Carolers. The Coventry Carolers will perform on the front porch of the Poe House at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. The Poe House will be decked out in Victorian-era decorations, and there will be workshops and activities for children along with cookies and cider. Santa will be there, too. Free admission. Call (910) 486-1330 to learn more.

    • Dec. 3 At 5 p.m., Fayetteville State University Choir and Band will present “Great Joy,” a holiday spectacular, at Seabrook Auditorium. Call (910)672-1528 to purchase tickets.

    • Dec. 4-17 “It’s a Wonderful Life” opens at Gilbert Theater Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 17. This classic production is based on the 1946 comedy-drama produced and directed by Frank
    Capra starring Jimmy Stewart. Watch local talent bring this timeless tale of hope to life. Visit www.gilberttheater.com to purchase tickets.

    • Dec. 7-21 Christmas in the Park at Arnette Park adjacent to the Cape Fear River. Enjoy a half-mile stroll on a paved walking trail and take in the sights and sounds of Christmas. Other features include local musicians, a Christmas Express train, food vendors, a marshmallow pit, Santa, and an outdoor movie screen with holiday films. Tickets cost $10 per vehicle. Open every day Dec. 7-21, 6-9 p.m. Call (910) 433-1547 for details.

    • Dec. 7-30 Holiday Lights in the Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers a mile-long walk to admire the decoration of the garden’s natural winter plant life and structures. Other attractions include a synchronized light show, Santa photos, s’mores and free kids’ crafts. Entry is $5-12 depending on age and membership. Open Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 7-30. Learn more at www.capefearbg.org.

    • Dec. 7-9 Sweet Tea Shakespeare presents “Behold, a Folk Christmas Cantata” at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. The production features musicians and actors with music from Andrew Peter son’s “Behold the Lamb of God” and the Oh Hellos. Find out more at www.sweetteashakespeare.com.

    • Dec. 9 Givens Performing Arts Center presents “Holiday Extravaganza” featuring the performing groups, students and faculty of UNC Pembroke. Virtually all the university’s ensembles and choirs will gather to perform uplifting renditions of holiday favorites starting at 8 p.m. Call (910) 521-6361 for tickets and information.

     

  •  

    11CmasinParadiseParadise Acres presents Christmas in Paradise Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from Thursday, Nov. 30 through Saturday, Dec. 23, from 5-9 p.m.

    “Christmas in Paradise is a 12-acre park, and we are going to have it decorated inside and outside,” said Shane Taylor, owner of Paradise Acres. “We have been out here for 33 years, and
    for the last five years, we have been aiming to do something different like this so that we can invite the public to Paradise Acres.”

    Taylor added that they have been doing private events, so it was decided to open to the public to be able to serve and allow people to come out and enjoy Christmas.

    The event will include Santa Claus, a train ride, marshmallow roasting, a holiday buffet, local entertainment, a children’s playground, Christmas lights and inflatables. “A bonfire will be set up outside to roast marshmallows,” said Taylor. “We will have an outside section where we will sell fried moon pies, Oreos, Brunswick stew, hot chocolate and apple cider.”

    Taylor added that Santa Claus will be onsite and it is free to take selfies with Santa. Every night there will be live entertainment featuring performances by two bands and local students.

    A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association of North Carolina. “My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease years ago, and we are taking care of her now,” said Taylor. “We will have a couple of boxes set up so that you can give directly to the Alzheimer’s Association, and we will also give back a percentage of the proceeds at the end of Christmas.

    “We just want people to feel free to come out and enjoy our family-friendly venue during the holiday season.”

    Admission is free. Reserved seating for large groups is available. The buffet dinner is from 5–9 p.m. The cost is $14 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under. The train ride is $2 and the in-
    flatables are $1. Paradise Acres is located at 1965 John McMillan Road. For more information, call (910) 424-2779.

     

  •  

    01HOC coverThanksgiving weekend, The Heart of Christmas Show will bring a spectacularly choreographed and elaborately costumed show to the Crown Coliseum. The show has one goal: giving fayetteville children a platform to use their singing and dancing talents to raise funds for other local children in need. Showtimes are Nov. 25 at 1 and 7 p.m. and Nov. 26 at 3 p.m.

    Fayetteville native Laura Stevens, creator of The HOC Show, said the show’s 19-years-and-counting popularity came as a surprise; it was never intended to be more than a one-time event. It started when Stevens, who gives vocal performance lessons out of her home, decided to take a group of her students to the Great American Gospel Fest in 1999 at Alabama Theatre in Myrtle Beach. “I just wanted them to be able to have other experiences vocally and performing-wise,” she said.

    The girls performed under the moniker Voices of the Heart. They had only existed as a group for one year. It was their first time at a competition, and they were the first group to push the envelope by performing gospel music with choreography. Out of 267 acts from all over the U.S., they won first place in the nationally televised event.

    Though Voices of the Heart has not returned to any competitions since – Stevens said that’s not the group’s purpose – that win did encourage her to view the show as a legitimate offering the
    Fayetteville community could enjoy.

    “Now let’s turn and do something good with this,” she remembers telling her girls. She decided to put the show on at the Crown as a fundraiser in which 100 percent of the proceeds would benefit local organizations that work with children. “I never intended for it to go on this long – never – but it has because the response was so great,” she said. “The first time we gave away Money, it was only $8,000.... Well, that’s a totally different story today.”

    To date, The HOC Show has raised over $700,000 and donated all of it to organizations like Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of Children, the Child Advocacy Center, the Autism Society of Cumberland County, Agape Pregnancy Support Services, Falcon Children’s Home and Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina.

    Though homegrown in the truest sense of the word, The HOC Show boasts the quality and professionalism of a big-city production. It’s one of the best-attended shows at the Crown every year, and it’s got costume, prop and scene changes that put it on par with New York City’s Rockettes. Voices of the Heart, which today is comprised of five girls, is joined onstage for over 30 acts put on by 36 performers ages 6 to 18. These 36 performers include, in addition to Stevens’ vocal performance students, dancers from Elite Dance Center.

    “Seriously, I have people from New York stop by and say, ‘I haven’t seen a show in New York like this. This is amazing,’” Stevens said. “We have just raised ourselves up right here in little ole’ Fayetteville. We have people come in from Virginia, Florida, Myrtle Beach, Raleigh – from all over.”

    Some acts, like the manger scene in the second half of the show, are too special and important to ever be changed much, Stevens said. But she does implement at least a few new songs each year, and this year’s show has been significantly updated with never-before-seen numbers.

    New acts include a segment from “Elf: The Musical,” a ’50s-themed holiday medley, a performance of “Light a Candle,” new quartet and quintet songs, an adorable rendition of “I Want a
    Hippopotamus for Christmas” from the younger cast members and a finale based on the Rascal Flatts version of “Joy to the World.” Also new in the second half is a number that explores the
    way the virgin Mary must have felt when she first found out she was pregnant.

    “The song shows her turmoil and her coming to an understanding that God was with her every step of the way,” Stevens said. “The way it’s going to come across is just really, really beautiful.”

    Stevens said one of the best and most common comments she hears from audience members is that during the show they forget, and afterward can’t believe, that all the performers are so young. “W.C. Powers from Powers Swain Chevrolet said, ‘It’s CPR for Christmas,’” Stevens said.

    “Come to The Heart of Christmas Show and get away for a few minutes. Remember what Christmas was like when you were young.... That’s the magic of (the show). It will definitely take to you to a place about the real meaning of Christmas and the fun of Christmas and the joy and outreach. I don’t think there’s an element of Christmas that (the show) doesn’t touch.”

    Perhaps it’s the way the Christmas spirit is at work behind the scenes that makes the performances shine so brightly. The school-aged performers sacrifice every Saturday from Labor Day until the show at the end of November – about two and a half months – to rehearse.

    “The children understand that they’re raising money with their talents to help children who are not as fortunate,” Stevens said. “When you see them performing, you see this is a group of young
    people who are energized about life and about what they’re doing.... That’s going to carry them into adulthood, (the idea that) we’re here for each other, and this is something (they) can do at a very young age. I hope and pray... they will always have that energy and passion to do something good for somebody else because they can and are willing to.”

    Stevens’ backstage crew is comprised of parents who take a week off of work to help pull curtains, fix costumes, paint, build props and do hair.

    “Who takes vacation time to work a show?” Stevens asked. “It’s strengthening bonds as all these families do this together. I don’t have people pulling the curtains who don’t care. Nobody’s getting paid.”

    Also behind the scenes are the hundreds of local sponsors who make the purchase of costumes, props and the rented stage possible. “We are so lovingly supported by this community,” Stevens said. “They’re there every year because they love the show, even when their business is tight financially.”

    The combination of local roots, altruistic motive and top-notch quality is what makes The Heart of Christmas Show an annual event to enjoy and take pride in for families in Cumberland County
    and beyond.

    “Support the show; come and see,” Stevens said. “Once you come once, you’re going to come again.... This is Fayetteville’s own shown. Look at the outreach; this is a show Fayetteville can truly be proud of.”

    Visit www.heartofchristmasshow.com to purchase tickets for The Heart of Christmas Show on Nov. 25 and 26.

     

  •  

    10SpagEvery year, the Sts. Constantine And Helen Greek Orthodox Church offers the greater Fayetteville area a delicious spaghetti meal. And every year, thousands show up to partake. Nov. 15 marks the church’s 59th Annual World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner and Greek Pastry Sale. This muchloved tradition lasts just one day, but it’s worth attending.

    During the early years, the spaghetti dinners were dine-in affairs, serving about 400 meals each year. The event has grown so much that eating in is no longer an option, but still, thousands turn out to pick up the piping hot pasta in to-go boxes.

    While the community is always eager to support this delicious endeavor, it’s a huge effort on the part of the Greek congregation as well. Dozens of church volunteers come together to make a couple of tons of pasta and 900 or so gallons of meat sauce – all topped with 200 or so pounds of grated Parmesan cheese – for their friends, neighbors and community.

    Head chef Tony Kotsopoulis started helping with the dinner in 1989. By 1993, he was running the kitchen for the event along with the generous help of many volunteers. There is a lot that goes into making the dinner and pastry sale a success year after year. The planning, the prepping, the cooking and the serving all take time and energy. But as cars line up and the boxes of spaghetti start heading out the Hellenic Center doors, it becomes worth it. Few events receive this kind of support from the community, and that’s not lost on the volunteers who twice a year pull together to embrace Fayetteville. The other occasion is the Greek Festival, which takes place each September.

    The delicious pasta is reason enough to support the spaghetti dinner, but the Greek pastry sale that happens alongside this event has a strong following, too. For anyone with a sweet tooth, the pastries are a treat not to be missed.

    While the dinner and pastry sale is a boon for the community, it’s about more than filling stomachs with a hearty meal. The proceeds benefit local nonprofits that help people in this community. The beneficiaries change from year to year, but the generosity of the Greek congregation does not.

    The spaghetti dinner and pastry sale runs Nov. 15 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Hellenic Center at 614 Oakridge Ave. Tickets cost $7 and can be purchased at the door. Call (910) 484-8925 for more information.

     

  •  

    14DirtyDancingIt’s hard to earn the title of “classic,” and even more so to be labelled a cult classic. Can a story and its characters withstand the test of time? Find out on Nov. 11 at the Crown.

    “Dirty Dancing” is one of a very few stories that can and has. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the original film’s premiere. It was a commercial success and a pop culture phenomenon that managed to reinvent itself onstage decades later.

    “Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage” will have an exclusive one-night show at the Crown Theatre Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

    According to Broadway World, what began in 2001 as an eight-week staged workshop in Manhattan was parlayed into a sensation in its own right. The official stage premiere at the Theatre Royal in Australia in 2004 sold more than 200,000 tickets in a six-month run. Its five-year run at London’s West End is the longest-running production in the theater’s history. The highest advance sales in European history occurred when “Dirty Dancing” premiered in Germany in 2006.

    But what’s even more special for Fayetteville is that one of its own has been cast in the North American tour.

    Nickolaus Colõn, born and raised in Fayetteville, plays Billy Kosteki (Johnny’s cousin). Colõn started taking acting classes at the age of 7 at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, where he would continue to perform for 10 years. He went on to graduate from the renowned University of North Carolina School of the Arts with a degree in drama in 2015.

    When asked what it was like returning to his old stomping grounds with a huge company at his back, Colõn said, “I almost cried when I saw the touring sheet. You can’t ask for something more than that. It’s not about fame. It’s not about fortune. It’s just about this. I get to come back and make a career out of performing these amazing stories, especially for my hometown.”

    This being the fourth year of the North American tour, there’s both old and new blood in the production. Sarna Lapine, fresh off of directing Jake Gyllenhaal in “Sunday in the Park with George,” is its new director. She is joined by the show’s original music supervisor, Conrad Helfrich, and choreographer Michele Lynch. Along with the classic songs from the film, several more than that. It’s not about fame. It’s not about fortune. It’s just about this. I get to come back and make a career out of performing these amazing stories, especially for my hometown.” This being the fourth year of the North American tour, there’s both old and new blood in the production. Sarna Lapine, fresh off of directing Jake Gyllenhaal in “Sunday in the Park with George,” is its new director. She is joined by the show’s original music supervisor, Conrad Helfrich, and choreographer Michele Lynch. Along with the classic songs from the film, several morepieces have been added to the set list.

    Eleanor Bergstein, who wrote the screenplay for the film, has also been at the helm of the stage adaptation since the start. In an article for Cleveland’s The Plain Dealer, Bergstein said, “This is the summer that Martin Luther King made his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, and that was very important to me, because three months later, (Robert) Kennedy is assassinated. This is the last summer that you believed you could reach out your hand and change the world.”

    Bergstein had also described her desire to not disappoint fans of the movie with a subpar stage adaptation.

    Colõn insists audiences are in for something different. His character Billy, for example, is best known in the film as the guy carrying watermelons with Baby as she sees real dirty dancing for the first time. But in the play, Billy actually has his own love interest with another counselor, Elizabeth, on the grounds. Billy is white, Elizabeth is black, and it’s 1963.

    “That was a pretty big deal for a young white guy to be falling in love with a black girl,” said Colõn. “So Eleanor has added this whole other subplot and so much more. People will always love the movie, but they’re going to love the show even more because they’re going to get so much more out of it.”

    This incredible persistence to really portray the cultural and social moment of the 1960s has been echoed by many outlets that have seen the musical. Critics have also raved that “Dirty Dancing” is nostalgic fun with electric dance numbers to rival the original film.

    Colõn said, “It’s one of those things where the movie has such a specific, fond memory in basically everyone’s heart in America. It’s either a first kiss or a first date. It’s (someone saying)oh, I learned how to dance because of this … The first night, we finally had our first crowd and they were lively and fun. Then Johnny comes up and he’s like ‘Nobody puts Baby in the corner,’ and the whole crowd goes wild, and every night that’s the one thing that you can guarantee will happen.”

    Get tickets while they last at  www.crowncomplexnc.com.

     

  •  

    01coverThe holidays are fast approaching, and UNC Pembroke’s Givens Performing Arts Center is ready to entertain well into the new year. Monday, Nov. 20, GPAC takes holiday showmanship to a new level with the 10th anniversary national tour of Broadway musical “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.” The show includes a 30-foot-tall Christmas tree with 30 performers from seven countries as the ornaments. As stars, dreams and ornaments come to life, the stage fills with music, sparkle, song, dance and more.

    “The only thing ordinary is the extraordinary,” Director Neil Goldberg said on the show’s website. “The thing that makes ‘Cirque Dreams Holidaze’ so unique and different than traditional holiday shows is you never know what’s going to happen next.”

    Jill Winters is the creative content director of music and talent for “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.” Part of her job includes attending circus and performing arts festivals all over the world to find fresh talent. “That is just amazing because these events are really big deals with red carpets and award ceremonies – and incredibly talented artists,” she said. “I get to pluck these amazing performers before other people even know about them.”

    Having an international cast means many world views and a diverse talent pool, which is part of what makes the production so special. It also means working through language barriers. There are interpreters, but Winters has also become very good at charades. “We have a great team. They are usually very open to new ideas,” she said. “We have amazingly talented artists, and they work hard, but it takes time to put a show like this together. We start getting ready in May.”

    Bringing the magic of the holidays to audiences means pulling out all the stops when it comes to what happens on the stage. Winters credits the team with making the magic happen. From handheld props to larger-than-life scenery to the performers, it all comes together to deliver that feeling that makes this time of year special.

    “Everyone who comes to this show leaves with something different,” Winters said. “Anyone from ages 2 to 92 can sit in the audience and enjoy it. I think the kids love the spectacle part … we have slinky candy canes that come across the stage and angels and gingerbread cookies that do flips and soldiers walking on thin wires. We have snow onstage – and, of course, Santa. The show pays tribute to Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve, too. I think everyone can have fun at this show and leave happy.”

    “Cirque Dream Holidaze” starts at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 20. Tickets range from $21-$41.

    Drawing on local talent, the UNCP music department hosts its Ninth Annual Holiday Extravaganza Dec. 1. The Holiday Extravaganza showcases virtually all the university’s ensembles and choirs in performing uplifting renditions of holiday favorites. The performance includes a sing-along of well-known Christmas carols.

    “We’re happy to have this unique ‘Cirque’ performance just before Thanksgiving. We hope it helps put our audience in the holiday mood,” said GPAC Director James Bass. “Then, when we come back after Thanksgiving break, we’ll have our annual Holiday Extravaganza, which is not to be missed.”

    A “Tuba Christmas” performance at 7:30 p.m. in front of GPAC will precede the Dec. 1 concert; the concert itself starts at 8 p.m. Tickets for the show are $12 for adults and $5 for children. The concert raises money for music scholarships at the university.

    The GPAC season continues on Jan. 9 with a Derik Nelson and Family concert. Consisting of siblings Derik, Riana and Dalten, this group grew up performing together. Known for their three-part harmonies, the group has more than 3 million YouTube views. The show features “Derik clones” – electronic clones of Derik – a light show, and a 20-foot video display that takes audiences on a journey that includes landscapes, weather conditions and musical settings.

    Derik’s singing has been included on FOX’s “Raising Hope” and “New Girl,” CBS’ “How I Met Your Mother,” and NBC’s “Go On” and “The Voice.”

    Riana is no stranger to show business, either. She’s been a casting associate for FOX’s “Empire,” an onscreen vocalist for Renee Zellweger’s pilot “Cinnamon Girl” and the lead vocalist for Princess Cruises.

    Dalten appeared on several episodes of television’s “Glee.” He also conceptualized, designed, filmed, edited and executed more than 150 separate videos in perfect sync to create the visual immersion footage that plays on the 20-foot video screen during the show. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $5 for students to $16.

    Well-Strung string quartet comes to GPAC Jan. 23. Using vocals and strings, the group blends classical and modern pop music. The group is made up of Edmund Bagnell (1st violin), Chris Marchant (2nd violin), Daniel Shevlin (cello) and Trevor Wadleigh (viola). The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $5-$16.

    On March 12, “Amazing Grace: The Musical” takes the stage. Based on the true story behind the song, the performance tells a tale of romance, rebellion and redemption. John Newton must choose between following his father into the slave trade business or listening to his lover’s more compassionate voice. With his slave, Thomas, in tow, Newton sets out on a journey on the high seas where he has a transformative moment of self-reckoning. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $10.

    The iconic “Wizard of Oz: The Musical” will show March 19 at 7:30 p.m. This musical promises to blow audiences away with great acting, brilliant music and, of course, flying monkeys. Tickets start at $10.

    “On Golden Pond” closes the 2017-18 season. Based on the Academy Award-winning film starring Henry and Jane Fonda and Katharine Hepburn, the show explores an estranged fatherdaughter relationship. It’s heartwarming and touching to watch as an unexpected relationship blossoms. Tickets start at $10. Showtime is 8 p.m.

    For information about tickets and the full season lineup, visit www.uncp.edu/gpac or call (910) 521-6361.

     

  • Super Nanny sets things right

    SUPERNANNY
    Friday, 9 p.m. (ABC)
        “Super” is not an exaggeration for British nanny Jo Frost. The woman can heal any rift, as she proves in this week’s episode. Jo arrives at the woeful Manley home, where Mom and Dad hate each other and the two kids are monsters. She immediately perceives that civilizing the parents is job one. She gets them to talk about their feelings and declare a truce for the children’s sake. Then she teaches them gentle-but-firm disciplinary techniques, and voilà: The monsters turn back into kids again.{mosimage}
        Has anybody considered sending Supernanny to the Middle East to work with the Shia and Sunni?

    BROTHERHOOD
    Sunday, 8 p.m. (Showtime)
        Missing The Sopranos, I decided to give Showtime’s mobster drama another try. Brotherhood is about two Irish-American siblings mixed up in dirty business in Providence, R.I. The new season has everything     The Sopranos had: corruption, violence, cusswords, regional accents, local color, gritty scripts, impressive acting. Everything, that is, except the magic.

    MASTERPIECE
    Sunday, 9 p.m. (PBS)
        “God on Trial” is set in a Nazi concentration camp barracks, where inmates stage a mock trial to determine God’s guilt or innocence in the Holocaust. You can easily imagine the potential problems with this conceit, and “God on Trial” doesn’t avoid a single one. It’s less a drama than a pat theological debate, with barely characterized believers and skeptics offering their arguments in turn. The concentration camp setting doesn’t make the debate seem more powerful and important; it just makes the producers seem more tawdry. They use the Holocaust to add urgency to their cornball philosophizing.

    SUMMER HEIGHTS HIGH
    Sunday, 10:30 p.m. (HBO)
        HBO has been accused of losing its comic touch, and this new series provides more evidence. Summer Heights High is a mock documentary about a British high school in which creator Chris Lilley plays three roles: a stupid rich girl, a stupid delinquent and a stupid drama teacher who seems unaware of how untalented (and how gay) he is.
        Does HBO think we’ve never seen a Christopher Guest film? Lilley takes exactly the same approach to self-important pinheads, minus the laughs. I must immediately rent Waiting for Guffman to cleanse my palate.

    ROOKIES                                                                                                                                                    Tuesday, 10 p.m. (A&E)
        This reality series follows newly graduated cadets from the police academy. We ride with them and their field training officers as they hit the mean streets for the first time.
        A cadet named Mark is not happy to be paired with a female officer. “No man wants to take orders from a female,” he says. “We’re the man — we’re supposed to be giving orders.”
        Mark blows a routine traffic stop, practically fainting from fright as he approaches a car on a quiet suburban street. He neglects to collect phone numbers at an accident scene, mistakes an ID card for a driver’s license, forgets to use his police radio during a crisis, and lets a domestic-disturbance call slide into chaos.
        If this is what happens with men in charge, then please, God, let women give the orders.

  •     The name itself may confuse you. I mean Worth Dying For — what do you consider worth dying for? For a group of musicians from California, their belief in God and their passionate desire to worship him falls into that category.
        Formed in Modesto, Calif., the band began performing at Calvary Temple’s weekly youth event, “The Stadium.” The group sees its calling to awaken today’s youth from a state of lethargy and despair that seem pandemic. The band sees its work as more of a mission than music, but they tend to let their music talk for itself.
        {mosimage}Released this spring, Worth Dying For’s self-titled debut marks the national launch of a movement destined to impact youth culture in a whole new way. Featuring 15 pop/rock anthems and impassioned ballads, the debut CD draws heavily on themes that define the band’s mission: infiltrate, destroy [the darkness] and rebuild today’s youth culture.
        “Jesus Christ and music are the two things that consume the thoughts and lives of this band,” said Sean Loche, one of two lead vocalists in Worth Dying For. “Combine the two, and you get what we love to do: worship. We are ordinary people who have a desire to show others how to fall in love with God in a deeper, more passionate way. The music that God has used us to write has changed our youth ministry and our city. Now, God has put it on our hearts to let these songs resonate in the hearts of the young people across this nation.”
        Josh O’Haire, the band’s 20-year-old drummer adds: “Everything we’re doing from the ministry to the music, we want it to make an impact on this generation. We see so many young kids each week … so much that they go through. Broken homes, depression, suicide. In mentoring them, I’ve seen how they feel like they’re not a part of something… Our goal is to give them hope and something to be a part of, something real.”
        “Our dream is to see lives changed,” Loche continues, “to ignite and empower them to go out and do big things… It’s not just about us playing songs, but helping them connect, letting a revolution begin with them.”
    Many of WDF’s songs are born in personal times of worship, time alone spent with God in prayer and study.
        “The biggest place we’re seeing growth as a band is lyrically,” Micah says.  “As we keep growing in God, he begins to give us even deeper, more mature songs. ‘At Your Cross’ is a great example. I’d been praying for a song to take us past the level we were used to, a song that would tap into a deeper presence.” He says the song spontaneously came to him at a youth camp during a worship service. Not forced or planned, but a natural result of being ‘at worship.’ 
        In these and all their songs, the band says, that their mission is front and center.
        “Our message is: The revolution is you… one person standing up for Christ,” Loche continues. “We have a different sense of Christianity than some do. We talk about duty, the forces of darkness and spiritual warfare, and we try to empower our kids, not to sit back but to engage, to stand up and realize that when they do that, they are empowered by the king of kings to fight the darkness. With Jesus on their side, nothing can stand against them…”
        Worth Dying For will lead the worship during the Creation Festival: The Tour, a two-month, 30+ city tour that features some of Christian music’s top acts. 
        Nick Kulb, Executive Producer, Creation Festival: The Tourstates, “We are very excited to have Worth Dying For on Creation Festival: The Tour with us this fall. We had a blast getting to know them at the festivals this summer and we’re looking forward to not only an amazing worship time each evening, but also a lot of fun off-stage as well.”
        Worth Dying For will be joined by Kutless, Thousand Foot Krutch, Pillar, KJ-52, Fireflight, Run Kid Run, Esterlyn, Capital Lights and guest speaker Bob Lenz at the Crown Coliseum on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m.     Tickets range in rice from $25 to $38 and may be purchased at the Crown Box Office or all Ticketmaster outlets. For more information, visit creationfesttour.com.
  • 14ftcc computer Fayetteville Technical Community College offers the computer programming and software development degree as a concentration under the information technology major. This curriculum prepares individuals for employment in computer programming and related positions through study and application in computer concepts, logic, programming procedures, languages, generators, operating systems, networking, data management and business operations. Upon completion of the program, students receive an associate’s degree in computer programming and software development and will be well-equipped to enter the growing field of software development.

    Alumni of this program have gone on to work for entities, including the city of Fayetteville, Cape Fear Valley Hospital, Cumberland County Schools and local defense contractors.

    The computer programming and software development department will offer two new certificate programs beginning in 2019. The first certificate program, Data Analysis using SAS, will introduce students to the concepts and practices necessary to analyze big data sets and develop real-world applications.

    The SAS Corporation is a world-leading business analytics software company located in Cary, North Carolina. SAS develops its own proprietary software and is consistently ranked as one of the top employers among technology and software development companies.

    The second certificate program is Creating iOS Application using Swift. Swift is the primary mobile application development language of Apple, the developer of the iPhone and iPad. Students will learn concepts related to mobile application development needed to create basic applications for the iPhone and the iPad.

    Fayetteville Tech offers a broad range of programs of study leading to the award of associate degrees, certificates and diplomas. Many educational choices are available in the field of computer and information technology, where graduates can seek employment as designers, developers, testers, support technicians, system administrators, and programmers. Specialty areas include business intelligence, database services, healthcare informatics, security and more.

    Specific program areas to explore at FTCC include CISCO networking academy, computer programming and software development, cyber defense education center, database management, digital media technology, game and interactive programming, network management, PC support and services, systems security and analysis, and simulation and game development. Within each of these program areas are additional specialty programs of study, which allow students broad choices for expansion in becoming well-equipped for a great career in the computer technology field.

    For students interested in pursuing an exciting career in a high-demand field, FTCC is a wise choice for education in computer and information technology. Spring semester begins Jan. 14, 2019.

    Visit www.faytechcc.edu to apply now and begin the enrollment process.

    For more information about the program, visit www.faytechcc.edu/academics/computer-information- technology-programs/computer-programming- development. Call 910-678-8571 or email camerona@faytechcc.edu with questions about pursuing computer programming and software development education at FTCC.

    With over 250 curriculum-level programs of study to choose from leading to an associate’s degree, certificate, or diploma — plus a wide range of continuing education programs to choose from — FTCC is the smart choice for education.

  • 04tucker carlson In case I have not been crystal clear before, let me be so now. In my opinion, as a whole, Congress is a dismal failure in meeting its responsibilities to the people of America. I am profoundly disappointed by the full body — Republicans, Democrats, everybody. I say “as a whole” because there are some high quality people in the House and Senate, but their efforts come nowhere near lifting the full Congress from the utter depths of failure. I offer this opening because the thoughts that follow focus on Democrats, and I do not want anybody to conclude that Democrats are the sole cause of my congressional concerns.

    With that bit of clarification, let me address the fact that it is decision time for Democrats. Now that they will hold the majority in the House of Representatives, Democrats must decide how to proceed. The options are to legislate or investigate. They cannot do both. Democrats have backed themselves into a corner where all they can do is investigate President Trump, thereby keeping up their efforts to force him from office. This backing themselves into a corner is the result of how Democrats have conducted themselves going into, and since, Trump’s election. They have pursued a course that employs obstructing the president at every opportunity and disparaging him nonstop.

    The result of that approach is an atmosphere where millions of Americans are consumed by dislike, if not pure hatred, for Trump. This undesirable condition played heavily, if not totally, in Democratic gains during the 2018 midterm election. Some will argue that the Democratic success resulted from their focus on improving access to health care. They have not put forth a feasible plan and will not be able to do so in the next two years. That failure will leave Democrats with “Destroy Trump” as their only strategy. That is the arrow that got them here, and it is the only arrow in their quiver.

    It does not require much effort to see that, to the extent that they are winning elections, Democrats are doing so by provoking and nurturing dislike for Trump. I have seen various media reports that support this conclusion, but I saw it live and in person during the 2018 election.

    As a volunteer, I passed candidate information to voters at the Board of Elections early voting site. There must have been 15 people, in the midst of candidate signs, lining both sides of the sidewalk leading into the building where voting is done. A lady walked through that gauntlet and stopped at the building entrance. She turned and, facing us, announced that she was one of those white, educated, suburban women coming to vote against Trump. She was screaming at a level that seemed to be as loud as possible. My sense was that she was beyond angry. In addition to the words, her tone, movement and expression seemed to indicate the presence of pure hatred.

    On that same day, while volunteering, I had a conversation with another lady. She was composed, and we talked about the president. Her comment was that she dislikes him. When I tried to talk with her about his long list of positive actions on behalf of the country, the lady kept going back to her dislike of him. She could not move beyond her dislike to even consider actions that are good for the country.

    After a gunman ruthlessly took the lives of 11 people at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Trump visited the area to grieve. A pastor who lives near the synagogue protested the president’s visit. Her screaming from a sidewalk was widely reported by various media outlets. An article in Pulpit & Pen titled “Ranting Lady Pastor Protests Trump’s Visit in Pittsburgh” notes that the protester screamed the following at Trump: “This is our neighborhood. You are not welcome here. We don’t want him here. We don’t want him on our streets. … You don’t belong here. This is our neighborhood. We welcome everybody here. You are not welcome on my street. … You are not welcome in Squirrel Hill.”

    The contradiction in that “rant” by Susan Rothenberg cries out. She says that her neighborhood welcomes everybody, but the president of the United States is not welcome. Watching the video of her protest leads me to sense far more than disagreement with policies or a simple dislike for the president. Her protestations look and sound like hate.

    Then there is what recently happened at the home of Tucker Carlson. He is host of a nightly Monday through Friday show on Fox Cable News. The focus is current events. I watch Carlson’s show with some frequency. He seeks to make sense of what is going on, and not going on, in our country and the world. That leads him to ask tough questions and challenge positions taken by guests. He brings this same approach to his personal examination of, and commentary on, issues and events. In a world where reason and godly values are rare, Carlson’s approach brings out tremendous opposition.

    That opposition recently manifested itself in accordance with what is becoming normal in America. Antifa members surrounded Carlson’s home. Karol Markowicz, in an article titled “The mob at Tucker Carlson’s house is a serious threat to freedom,” reported that the Antifa members chanted, “We know where you sleep at night.” Markowicz also wrote: “The mob vandalized the Carlsons’ driveway with graffiti, tried to break down their front door, shared the family’s address on social media and encouraged others to confront him.

    “In an interview with The Washington Post, Carlson said, ‘It wasn’t a protest. It was a threat. They weren’t protesting anything specific that I had said. They weren’t asking me to change anything. They weren’t protesting a policy or advocating for legislation... They were threatening me and my family and telling me to leave my own neighborhood in the city that I grew up in.’

    “Carlson’s wife hid in a back room until police arrived. Their four children were not at home at the time.”

    What was done to the Carlson family looks like, feels like and smells like pure hatred.

    What is presented to this point defines a societal atmosphere of rapidly growing hatred that is driven by Democrats’ unbounded quest for power. The happenings that support this conclusion go on far beyond what has been addressed here. To get an even better feel for the severity of our situation, please read “Rap Sheet: ***594** Acts of Media-Approved Violence and Harassment Against Trump Supporters.” Simply enter the title in your browser search bar.

    As to how Democrats proceed now that they are the House majority, I hold that they will not have the fortitude, or good sense, to turn from their “Destroy Trump” strategy. That strategy has contributed mightily to the condition of rampant hatred indicated by what is discussed above. The likely accuracy of this assessment is supported by what Zachary Basu writes in an article titled “Democratic hit list: At least 85 Trump investigation targets.”

    The article reads: “Now that they’re set to assume control of the House, there are at least 85 topics that Democrats have said they’d target — or are expected to target — in the forthcoming torrent of investigations and subpoenas to be directed at the Trump White House, according to Axios’ reporting and analysis of members’ public comments.”

    Eric Tucker’s article titled “Trump warns Dems against investigating him” gave the president’s response. “Some House Democrats have threatened to use the subpoena power they will gain in January to investigate Trump and administration actions. But, he warned, he will respond in kind and government will suffer.”

    Since the Democrats have locked themselves into a hate-producing “Destroy Trump” strategy, standby for government to suffer and, thereby, for the American people to suffer.

    Photo: Tucker Carlson

  • 03SchoolChoice When it comes to giving parents more control over where their children attend elementary and secondary school, North Carolina has become a national leader. Now that Republicans no longer enjoy veto-proof majorities in the legislature, however, will the state’s progress on school choice be arrested or reversed?

    That’s one of many questions politicos are asking in the aftermath of the 2018 midterm elections, which produced a 16-seat gain for Democrats in the General Assembly. No one can answer it for certain yet, but I tend to think school choice will survive and thrive despite recent shifts in the political winds.

    It is certainly true that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper has been a skeptic, at best, when it comes to the core elements of North Carolina’s school-choice strategy: charter schools and assistance to low-income and special-needs students who attend private schools. He and his appointees would prefer to limit charter-school expansion and to reduce if not eliminate funding for the other programs.

    If he vetoes a state budget next year over these issues, Republicans do not have enough votes on their own to override. But it is important to remember that Democrats are hardly unified in their opposition to school choice. Some members of the House and Senate are strong supporters of the popular charter schools in their districts, for example. Others believe that opportunity scholarships and educational savings accounts aimed at at-risk and special-needs students are a worthy expenditure of state funds.

    To put the issue in a national context, North Carolina’s policy commitments to parental choice and competition in education rank us sixth in the nation in educational freedom, according to the Cato Institute, and seventh in the nation on the Parent Power Index, published by the Center for Education Reform.

    Moving North Carolina into the top five will require continuing expansion of both charter school enrollments and annual funding for opportunity scholarships, among other things. The top states in school choice, such as Indiana and Florida, have had their schoolchoice reforms in place for a longer time. They serve more of the students in those states.

    But North Carolina is headed in the right direction — toward giving parents more authority to direct the education of their children, and toward giving educators and community leaders more opportunities to be innovative in addressing the many needs of our students across the state.

    School choice has sometimes proved to be a partisan issue. That’s unfortunate. As I have argued many times, both fiscal conservatives and progressives can endorse choice and competition in North Carolina without betraying their fundamental principles.

    After all, we have for decades allowed beneficiaries of government programs to make choices among competing providers of critical services. That’s how Medicare and Medicaid work. Patients aren’t assigned hospitals and doctors based on their home addresses or socioeconomic status. They make that choice for themselves. The underlying assumptions are that individual choice leads to a better fit between patient and provider and that the resulting competition lowers the cost while increasing the quality of services rendered.

    Our public policies follow the same course when it comes to nutrition assistance, Section 8 housing vouchers, preschool and day care subsidies, and assistance to students attending private as well as public colleges and universities. To wall off K-12 education as the one place where choice and competition will be largely absent, where the vast majority of students attend schools assigned to them by central authorities, would be odd and counterproductive.

    I recognize, however, that some interest groups and individuals disagree vociferously with my argument here. They will push the larger Democratic minorities in the General Assembly, plus as many Republican legislators as will listen, to keep new families from accessing choice programs while imposing much heavier regulation on charter, private and even home schools.

    The resulting debate may get testy. The legislative battle may get messy. In the end, though, I don’t think North Carolina will take a backward step toward monopoly. I think we’ll keep moving forward.

  • 02handshake 2009195 1920 It’s time for our community to give metro government a second thought. We need to have that serious conversation about the future of our community. We are growing at breakneck speed, desperately trying to find our place in the 21st century.

    Yes, we are making progress, but not at the pace we could if everyone in the city and county governments were working together for the betterment of all residents — regardless of where citizens live, their economic status, race or political affiliation. Decades have passed, and other North Carolina cities have grown and prospered while Fayetteville and Cumberland County have all too often acquiesced into mediocrity. We deserve better.

    Recently, our Cumberland County legislative delegation met with Fayetteville City Council — without our senators, of course, who obviously had more important things to do than meet with constituents. Think about what priority Cumberland County has with them. The purpose of this meeting was to hear what the city’s priorities are and find out how to assist our leadership in moving the city forward.

    It’s a great idea — except that a similar meeting will be held separately with our elected Cumberland County commissioners. And therein lies the problem. The dirty little secret that’s not a secret at all is our city and county operate as separate and divided agencies to the detriment and peril of the residents. Sure, in public they both claim emphatically that they work closely together in cooperation and respect. However, their rhetoric and actions reflect otherwise.

    This no doubt frustrates our state legislators, who could accomplish much more in Raleigh on behalf of our community if unity, cooperation and a common vision were present. After all, our state elected officials represent all the residents and rightfully refuse to be referees in local conflicts. The result? Little gets done on our behalf, and our community suffers.

    A perfect example is the ongoing situation concerning a centralized and consolidated 911 center. Everyone agrees we need it and acknowledges the economic benefits it would bring to the community, yet our two divisive governments can’t agree on where it should go or who should run it. And it’s all to the detriment of local residents who deserve the very best services when it comes to health and safety. Yet the center is not forthcoming, and taxpayers are picking up the tab for such inefficiency, delays and procrastination.

    A metro government may not solve all the problems, but it would be a step in the right direction. It’s difficult to ask our state legislators to be effective in Raleigh when they are relegated to representing and serving two conflicting entities.

    I know this conversation may be futile, but what would be the harm in having a joint public hearing or town hall meeting on this subject? Let’s get the topic of metro government out in the open and see how the public feels about it. 

    Education and awareness may be the only things needed to assist our electeds in doing what is best for all citizens. What do we have to lose? Besides, if metro government is not in our future, maybe electing responsible and responsive county commissioners and city councilmen is.

    We’ll see.

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • Christmas2018 It seems like yesterday that, around this time of year, I was the most excited kid in the world. I would, not so patiently, wait on the J.C. Penny, Montgomery Ward and Sears Christmas catalogs to come out. I meticulously made my Christmas list and marked every page so that Santa would not miss what I wanted. 

    In the 1960s, those catalogs had everything in them. They had clothes, car parts, sports equipment, music equipment, guns (yes, you could order a firearm from Sears), and a few pages of motorcycle accessories. 

    For many, those catalogs were the spark that fueled the engines of our dreams and adventures. As a child, I would look at the tricycles, bicycles, mini-bikes and go-carts. Bikes in those days had style and personality to them. They had everything from a real gear shift to a circular steering wheel, sissy bar, chopper extensions, banana seats and so much more. The toy section challenged me to be a cowboy, a soldier and an astronaut. 

    Montgomery Ward went out of business in 2001 and is now an online company. Sears is almost a thing of the past, and J.C. Penny still struggles with market shares. 

    In 1993, Sears discontinued its big Christmas catalog. These major brick-and-mortar stores will say they cannot compete with the internet, Amazon and eBay. On the surface that seems logical, but people still want that excitement of actually shopping, seeing and touching an item. 

    Today, instead of finding my dreams in a Christmas catalog or finding everything in one store, I go to specialty stores. For local motorcyclists, between Fort Bragg Harley- Davidson and Baker American Cycles, you can find about 80 percent of the motorcycles on the market. 

    The economy is on the upswing, and more people have more jobs than ever before. However, interest rates are going up. They still are not that bad, but they are expected to rise to hold inflation down. So, if you want to blow your loved one away this Christmas, take a surprise trip to the motorcycle shop and help them pick out a brand-new motorcycle or ATV. 

    Trust me. Even if they are paying for it, your permission will earn you more cool points than you will ever know. 

    As for accessories, I think that part of motorcycling is struggling. Motorcycle industry shows have declined over the past 10 years. At motorcycle industry shows, vendors used to bring their new ideas to the public and market, hoping for that big deal. With the shows going away, that means vendors do not see a big enough profit to make it worthwhile. That is why, when you go to so-called motorcycle shows or rallies, you see the same thing over and over: T-shirts, leather and tattoo artists. 

    Cycle Gear on McPherson Church Road is the best place to see a variety of gear and accessories. The prices are competitive, and the staff has always been friendly to me. 

    Of course, Fort Bragg Harley- Davidson has all things Harley- Davidson related. The other local shops have limited merchandise and inventory. There are so many choices, sizes, and types of gadgets that it’s probably not worth the return for most stores to carry everything. 

    So that leaves you with the internet. If I have to buy motorcycle equipment online, I turn to RevZilla.com. They have great videos for most of their products, and so far, they seem to be honest on the pros and cons on their reviews. They also have a great return policy. Always check return policies before any internet purchase. 

    I love our local motorcycle shops, though, and I try to buy locally. You might find a better deal somewhere online, but I don’t mind paying a little more to keep our businesses here. I don’t mind paying a little more to have someone I can talk to in person or who can make recommendations that improve my riding life. 

    I hope everyone has a happy holiday season. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. 

    If there is a topic that you would like to discuss you can contact me at motorcycle4fun@aol.com. RIDE SAFE! 

  • 05BusinessNot that it is really in my interest to say this, but many of our political debates are a waste of time. 

    They may well be about important issues. But they go nowhere. The two different “sides” disagree strenuously without making a real effort to understand what their foes are saying. 

    So here’s a little time-saver the next time you get into such a debate. Assuming you’re somewhat on my ideological wavelength, just tell your opponent, “Mind your own business.” 

    No, I don’t mean give him the brush-off. “Mind your own business” is a pretty meaningful phrase, if you think about it, and nicely describes a key element of the freedom philosophy as articulated by English philosopher John Locke in the 17th century, the American Founders of the 18th century, and free-market scholars of the 19th and 20th centuries. 

    I say that it describes a key element of the philosophy because it is not, by itself, the philosophy. There are other aspects and areas of substantial disagreement among those who otherwise agree on the primacy of liberty in politics. But as a starting point, “Mind your own business” suffices. 

    As it happens, the phrase did originate with a famous English writer and thinker of the 17th century. No, it wasn’t John Locke. It was one of his intellectual forebears and heroes, Sir Francis Bacon. A lawyer, statesman and essayist who lived from 1561 to 1626, Bacon served in several posts in the Stuart monarchy of the early 17th century, ran afoul of many powerful politicians, got removed from office amid allegations of bribery and then retired to write and conduct scientific experiments. 

    It was only in about the 1500s that speakers of English began to use the term “business” to refer to trade or commercial activities, so earlier usages would have had a different connotation than the one usually ascribed to Bacon’s phrase. 

    It’s worth considering the original meaning, though. The word “business” seems to have come from the obvious: “busy-ness.” It referred to something that kept one “busy,” that made one anxious or uneasy. Later came the notion that “business” was a particular matter needing one’s attention. 

      Consider two different ways to understand the phrase “mind your own business” in a political context. First of all, it basically means butt out. Don’t fixate on, or try to prohibit or regulate, what someone else is doing – unless, of course, that person’s actions would impinge on your own freedom. Applying this principle in public policy doesn’t invalidate government action. It demands government action, but only to maximize the freedom of individuals to make choices and act on them. 

      The second meaning is more literal: pay attention to your own needs. This may sound presumptuous to say, perhaps even somewhat in tension with the first meaning. After all, who are you to demand this of me? Shouldn’t I have the freedom not to mind my own business, my own personal or financial affairs, if I don’t want to? 

      Up to a point, yes. But practical people – and both Bacon and Locke were immensely practical as well as philosophical thinkers – understand that it can be hard to contain the effects of irresponsible personal decisions. 

      Adults who don’t adequately care for their children or their elders generate a problem that, perhaps contrary to good sense or libertarian principle, inevitably becomes a public one. People who don’t save for a rainy day, who don’t finish school and make sure they have a marketable skill, who indulge personal vices and addictions, who drive recklessly and act foolishly – in short, people who don’t mind their own business very well – somehow end up costing the rest of us a lot of our money and often quite a lot of our freedom when politicians pass laws to “save them” and to help others avoid their fate. 

      I think that we might have a better chance of getting governmental busybodies to mind their own business if we really and truly minded our own business. 

  • 04pitt And now almost live from Washington, D.C., is the report on my recent fact-finding trip to our nation’s capital. In an effort to distance ourselves from the ongoing slow-rolling horror that is Carolina’s football season, we headed out of town. Unfortunately, 300 miles from Chapel Hill was not enough to avoid the moral victory that befell the Tar Heels in the Dook game. The Heels lost the game to the evil Dooksters. However, the Heels did improve our record to one win and eight moral victories. Carolina’s football team now leads the nation in moral victories, a slim reed upon which we can cling as we face the final game of the season against Moo U. 

    In keeping with the theme of moral victories, I would like to give a shout-out to our Dear Glorious Very Stable Genius Leader who tweeted on Election Night: “Tremendous success tonight. Thank you to all!” Dear Leader curiously found a tremendous victory by losing the House of Representatives to the Democrats. It turned out resistance is fertile. Despite precise gerrymandering, the House flipped, bringing back the Speaker’s gavel to Nancy Pelosi. As many of my Republican friends would say, “The horror. The horror.” 

    Allow me to retort as Jules said in “Pulp Fiction.” Elections have consequences. As the Talking Heads on cable repeatedly say, “There is a lot to unpack here.” Let us robustly drill down into what it all means at the end of the day to see what’s it all about, Alfie. 

    Dear Leader is like UNC football Coach Larry Fedora concerning the word victory. To quote Inigo Montoya from “Princess Bride, “You keep using that word – I do not think it means what you think it means.” 

    In a spasm of lucidity, it occurred to me how much political speak and coach speak have in common. The event horizon between the two speaks is nonexistent. Consider George Orwell’s statement, “Political speech is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give the appearance of solidity to pure wind.” Now consider Fedora’s coach speak after yet another Carolina gridiron loss: “Our guys never gave up. We keep getting closer. I saw a lot out there I really liked. You have to give credit to the other team, they got the job done. I will have to go review the game film to see where we need to improve. Now excuse me while I update my resume. I have to meet with my financial advisor to determine how to invest my $12 million severance package.” 

      Both UNC football and Dear Leader’s administration are knee-deep in the Big Muddy and keep pushing on. Dear Leader skipped going to the U.S. military cemetery in France during the World War I commemoration because it was raining. The American soldiers buried there faced a lot worse than drizzle. Perhaps Dear Leader didn’t want to have a bad hair day. He was awarded the Morton Salt “When It Rains, It Pours” certificate of nonparticipation from the other world leaders who somehow managed to show up in the rain. Dear Leader loudly proclaims to be a supporter of the military but can’t pay his respects to American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in France or even attend the Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington. As the King of Siam once said, “It is a puzzlement.” 

      So, what have we learned today? William Burroughs wrote, “Sometimes paranoia is just having all the facts.” I clearly do not have all the facts. Sometimes circumstantial evidence can be extremely strong, as when you find a fish in a bucket of milk. Under those circumstances, even though you didn’t see someone put the fish in the milk, it is reasonable to infer that someone put the fish in the milk. The fish did not swim into the bucket. To mangle Victor Hugo’s quote: “There is nothing so strong as a bad idea whose time has come.” 

      Gentle Reader, you may consider this entire column a bad idea. You could be correct. I submit that bad ideas have come to D.C. and Kenan Stadium. 

      In the classic movie “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” illegal space aliens landed in D.C., threatening destruction. Klaatu the Alien tells Earth “to live in peace or pursue your present course and face obliteration.” After Klaatu is killed, Gort can only be stopped by hearing the magic words: “Klaatu barada nikto.” 

      To quote Rodney King, “Can’t we all just get along?” 

      Will no one say “Klaatu barada nikto” in D.C. or Chapel Hill? 

  •     {mosimage}America loves the misadventures that frequently beset normal people in their daily lives. Even more engaging is the over-the-top misadventures – think Lucy and Ethel – that happen in the lives of some people. That misadventure is the type of farce that leaves us in stitches. On Friday, Nov. 7, the Cape Fear Regional Theatre will bring a beloved farce to the stage as Lend Me a Tenoropens.
        Bo Thorp, the artistic director of the theatre, is excited about the opportunity to direct the show. “It is absolutely so funny,” said Thorp. “It is such a well-crafted play. Farces are very often cheap material, but that isn’t the case with this play. It’s a classic. It truly is.”
        The play written by Ken Ludwig, focuses on the arrival of a great tenor at the Cleveland Grand Opera. The organizers of the event are so excited about his arrival that they bend over backwards to ensure that all will go well – until a crisis happens.
        “The crisis is so improbable, which is the case with most farces,” explained Thorp. “The stage is surrounded by six doors and the trick is to try and get in one and get out the next without anyone seeing each other.”
        The story revolves around a gastrointestinal problem the tenor has. Upon his arrival, all he wants to do is take a nap, instead he argues with his wife, who leaves abruptly, further upsetting the tenor. Everyone wants to be helpful and tries to give him a little bit of something to make him feel better – a little more relaxed.     The problem is that everybody gives him a little something, which knocks him out. Then the madness ensues.
        “It’s a kind of sexy play,” continued Thorp. “a little naughty.”
        This isn’t the first time Tenor has been on stage at the CFRT. It first debuted 18 years ago. “We haven’t done a farce for quite some time,” continued Thorp. “This is the best one that I know. There are a number of Neil Simon farces that are quite good, but this is the best one out there, so I thought ‘Let’s do this one.’”
    Her affection and knowledge of the play allowed Thorp to cast it almost immediately, and with people who are well-known to the theatre’s audiences. “If I ever brag about myself about anything, I have to say it is that my casting is very good,” said Thorp. “That’s when I’m at my best.”
        She think she’s outdone herself on this cast. “This is an excellent cast. So it’s not only a well-crafted play, but the actors know how to use the material. All eight of the actors are capable of the comedy,” she said. “Comedy is a different thing than a drama or a musical. It’s dependent on people who are capable of humor.”
        The play runs through Nov. 23, with tickets ranging in price from $17 to $23. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s Box Office at 910-323-4233 or via the Web site at www.cfrt.org.
  • 03SouthernSendoff A friend confided recently that she is mapping out her funeral – readings, hymns, flowers, pallbearers, homily suggestions for the minister and other details. She believes that such advanced planning takes some of the burden away from her family when the sad day arrives. I believe that as well. 

    That said, I have not planned one single aspect of my own sendoff, not because I don’t want to ease the burden on the Precious Jewels but because I find the entire notion a tad creepy – not an occasion around which fantasies are savored. One thing I do know for sure, though, and I have communicated it to those who might be in charge. Under no circumstances is there to be a homily, sermon – or Lord forbid – eulogy of any sort. 

      I decided that in my 20s while attending the funeral of a good friend’s mother at a Charlotte church. The deceased, whose name was Pearl, had attended the church for a relatively short time after her two children had already flown from the nest. In about 20 seconds, the minister managed to call both my friend and her brother the wrong names. Then he went on to say – and I remember this word for word – “Forgive me, but Pearl was a real pearl.” I nearly bolted out the church doors, screaming all the way. 

      More recently, services featuring various family members and friends recounting the dearly departed’s struggles with various substances seem like too much information to me. They reinforce my desire to be barely mentioned at all. It probably does not help that the name Margaret is derived from the Greek word for – you guessed it – pearl. 

      I am sure people in other parts of the country plan their funerals as well, but Southerners seem to handle funerals and associated activities our own special way. 

      A cousin married a Belgian man, who was horrified when he encountered his first Southern funeral. The deceased was a friend close enough to be family, so we all trooped to the widow’s house, where a full party was in swing. No one called it that, but that is what it was, complete with a dining room table laden with food and all sorts of beverages, very few of them iced tea. 

      The scandalized Belgian urged us to leave immediately, insisting the family was mourning and needed to be alone, despite the fact the widow was in the living room having a glass of wine. We assured him that the family would have plenty of time to mourn and that for the time being, we were there for diversion. 

      The Belgian eventually came around and, as an accomplished cook himself, made appropriate food for just such occasions. 

      “Being Dead is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral” by Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays is a handy little book to keep around for when the need arises. Need a good funeral recipe to serve or to take to someone – say, tomato aspic topped with homemade mayonnaise? They have it. What’s more, they classify by denominations. Episcopalians sip wine and eat shrimp in the living room. Methodists eat casseroles with mushroom soup in the family room, and Baptists drink bourbon out of coffee mugs in the driveway. Other helpful tips include not rolling the car windows down when driving your loved one’s ashes home. 

      All Southern funerals make room for eccentric Southern ladies. One of my favorites is the much-loved aunt riding in the funeral limousine with her two 20-something nieces who had just buried their mother. The aunt, it seems, had been in high school with the funeral director who was driving the limo, which had already broken down once. The car was quiet until the aunt leaned through the sliding glass window into the front seat and said loudly, “Billy, I know the funeral business is lucrative, but how do you stand it?” 

      That same Southern belle, grief-stricken but stalwart, hated the urn in which the same funeral director had returned her loved one’s ashes. She did the only thing a Southern belle could possibly do under the circumstances. She buried the ashes in a sterling silver biscuit box taken from her dining room sideboard. 

  • 12FTCC Virtually every organization is connected to the internet. As such, virtually every entity has a network that needs to be managed – including your home network on a much smaller scale. Whenever someone buys or upgrades a wireless router, connects their devices and/or configures wireless parameters, they are managing a network.

    Organizations, on the other hand, have multiple computers that need to be connected to each other and to the internet. The range of technologies involved in setting up and managing a network is vast.

    Information technology specialists receive training in various aspects of the industry to bring it all together. Fayetteville Technical Community College can help students learn the necessary skills to enter an exciting and lucrative career in IT/network management.

    What is a network?

    A network is a series of connected devices, such as personal computers and servers, for sharing resources. End devices, like PCs, cell phones and tablets, are devices used by individuals. Intermediary devices, like routers, switches and firewalls, are typically not seen. All of these devices comprise the network.

    Switches connect multiple end devices together. A router connects networks. Connecting the switch to a router provides a path for the end devices to connect to other networks, including the internet.

    Some devices are capable of performing more than one function, while others are designed to perform a series of dedicated functions very well and can easily scale to handle millions of events per second, such as forwarding packets. Enterprise grade routers and switches fall under this category. A packet is a unit of data that includes addressing information. The addressing information specifies where (what device) the packet came from and where (what device) it is going.

    Addressing devices

    Every company has a dedicated phone number followed by individual extensions to access each employee. To communicate with an employee, two parts are needed: the main number and the extension number. In a similar way, the network address of a specific computer has two components: the network portion, or main phone number and a host portion, or extension.

    The address used for networking devices is called an IP (internet protocol) address. There are two flavors: IPv4 and IPv6. IPv4 allows for just over 4.2 billion unique addresses. IPv6 offers the capacity for enough unique combinations to theoretically assign a unique IPv6 address to every grain of sand on planet Earth and not come close to running out.

    Other things to consider in a network

    Suppose you need to install 2,000 new computers. Do you want to assign an IP address to each one individually? Of course not. You set up a DHCP – dynamic host configuration protocol – server to automatically assign IP address to devices as they are powered up.

    If you need to connect 100 networks using, for example, 20 routers, do you want to configure each router with entries that tell it how to reach every single one of those 100 networks? No. You enable a routing protocol that allows each router to tell its neighbor about its directly connected networks. This information is propagated to all the other routers until the network converges. When the network converges, every router will have an entry allowing it to forward packets to any one of the 100 networks based on the destination IP address in the packet.

    Security is another important concern. If the network is not secure, end devices could be at risk. The more you know about how a network is managed, the better you will be at securing it.

    FTCC’s programs

    FTCC offers an associate degree program in IT/ network management as well as a Cisco Networking Certificate. Both offerings prepare students for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate industry certification exam, which gives credibility to accomplishments and abilities as a networking professional. FTCC students spend at least 75 percent of classroom time performing hands-on activities that put into practice the concepts learned.

    According to Glassdoor.com, the national average for salaries for network engineers is $76,970. Salary varies with location, experience and level of education.

    Upon completion, FTCC students will be ready for an entry-level opportunity in the networking field and be on their way to a rewarding, lucrative career.

  • 04T.I. performing The Oxford Dictionaries defines hypocrisy as “the practice of claiming to have higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.” A trustworthy means of testing for hypocrisy is to observe the extent to which a person, or some entity, consistently responds the same way to similar occurrences. Without doubt, hypocrisy has been present across the ages. However, it seems we have reached a point in America where hypocrisy is totally routine, even expected. Consequently, it is allowed to, without effective challenge, influence our societal attitudes and actions in detrimental ways. Beyond the negative impact on society, there is the damage and the unfairness visited upon individuals and groups.

    For example, I see all of the above happening in the response to a video by T.I., a rapper, whose recent music video features a Melania Trump lookalike dancing without clothes in a fake Oval Office.

    A CNN Wires article titled “First lady’s office calls out rapper for ‘disgusting’ video depicting Melania Trump” describes the video as follows. “T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, stars in the video as himself, seated at a fake Resolute Desk in a setting made to look like the Oval Office. Video footage of President Donald Trump taking off from the White House in Marine One plays, and shortly afterward, a woman enters the ‘Oval Office.’ The woman is wearing only a jacket, which reads: ‘I really don’t care do u?’ a clear nod to the controversial Zara jacket the first lady wore during a June trip to Texas.

    “The woman in the video, who has a clear resemblance to Melania Trump, then proceeds to strip off the jacket and dance atop the desk.”

    In this age of rightfully heightened attention to protecting women from abuse of any kind – whether verbal, physical or any other form – one would expect overwhelming condemnation of T.I.’s video. Instead, as best as I can determine, there has been complete silence from people who are normally extremely vocal in speaking out against this kind of treatment.

    The glaring difference here is that Melania Trump is the wife of Donald Trump. I can only conclude that this means disrespect of her is acceptable to those who, otherwise, would speak vociferously against this kind of treatment of a woman.

    Google “T.I.’s video on Melania Trump” and you will, with two exceptions, only find reports on the content of the video.

    The first exception is that Canadian model Melanie Marden, who appears as the Melania Trump lookalike, reports that she has received death threats. Clearly, this response is unacceptable. Roisin O’Connor writes the following in an article titled “Melania Trump lookalike who strips in TI video speaks out after White House criticism.”

    “Marden has now shared a message on Instagram detailing the backlash she has faced since appearing in the video, and following Melania Trump’s response. ‘I was hired (as an actress) not a stripper to portray Melania Trump,’ she wrote. ‘It was a creative choice for me, and also an opportunity to empower women. I stand firmly in my decision to share all of myself in this role.’”

    “She continued: ‘I wanted to be brave, be fearless and for the first time in my life do a role that required nudity. The body is nothing to be ashamed of.’”

    The second exception is the White House response to the video, which prompted Marden’s comment above. This is also from O’Connor’s article. “The First Lady’s spokeswoman responded to the video calling it ‘disrespectful and disgusting.’”

    “Like it or not, she is the First Lady and this is the White House,” communications director Stephanie Grisham said. “It’s disrespectful and disgusting to portray her this way simply because of politics. These kinds of vulgar attacks only further the divisiveness and bias in our country – it needs to stop.”

    Grisham is absolutely right. The video is disrespectful and disgusting. However, there is no outrage from the so-called protectors of women. Further, the woman who appears as the Melania lookalike sees what she did as “an opportunity to empower women.”

    Contrast the response to the Melania Trump lookalike video with the response to Roseanne Barr’s tweet regarding Valerie Jarrett, former Obama White House aide. The tweet compared Jarrett to an ape. In May 2018, ABC cancelled Roseanne Barr’s show, “Rosanne.” An article by Andrea Park titled “ABC cancels ‘Roseanne’ after Barr’s racist tweet” reports that Barr’s tweet said, “muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj.”

    Park writes the following regarding the response of Channing Dungy, ABC Entertainment president, and that of Robert “Bob” Iger. “Dungey said in a statement, ‘Roseanne’s Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show.’ In 2016, Dungey made headlines when she became the first African-American to run the entertainment division of a major broadcast television network.

    “Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, which owns ABC, shared Dungey’s statement on Twitter and added the comment, ‘There was only one thing to do here, and that was the right thing.’”

    ICM Partners, the talent agency that represents Barr, also dropped her as a client.

    Roseanne Barr repeatedly apologized for her tweet. From Park’s article, here are some of the tweets reflecting Barr’s apologies, regret and acceptance of responsibility for the consequences of her action:

    • “Don’t feel sorry for me, guys!!-I just want to apologize to the hundreds of people, and wonderful writers (all liberal) and talented actors who lost their jobs on my show due to my stupid tweet.”

    • “@ValerieJarrett I want to apologize to you. I am very sorry to have hurt you. I hope you can accept this sincere apology!”

    • “guys I did something unforgiveable so do not defend me. It was 2 in the morning and I was ambien tweeting-it was memorial day too-i went 2 far & do not want it defended-it was egregious Indefensible. I made a mistake I wish I hadn’t but...don’t defend it please.”

    • “hey guys, don’t defend me, it’s sweet of you 2 try, but...losing my show is 0 compared 2 being labelled a racist over one tweet-that I regret even more.”

    • “’I apologize to Valerie Jarrett and to all Americans. I am truly sorry for making a bad joke about her politics and her looks. I should have known better. Forgive me-my joke was in bad taste’.”

    Despite all of her apologies and expressions of regret, the show was cancelled within hours of the initial tweet being made public. ICM Partners, the talent agency that represented Barr, also dropped her as a client. Even further, as Barr tweeted, many people lost their jobs because of the cancellation.

    On the other hand, T.I. does a video that is rightly described as “disrespectful and disgusting.” His disrespect and disgust are directed at the wife of the president of the United States. His action is not challenged by the “protectors of women,” but Roseanne was punished unmercifully for her offense.

    Why the difference in treatment? Roseanne is a bold Trump supporter, while T.I. is at the other end of the spectrum. There it is – a clear manifestation of the hypocrisy that is alive and well in America like never before in my lifetime.

    Against the backdrop of Roseanne’s apologies, Andrea Park writes, “But she also retweeted tweets from her supporters that seemed to contradict the earlier statements, including comments that ‘leftist’ celebrities wouldn’t have gotten the same treatment.”

    Park seems to indicate Barr’s claim of different treatment for “leftist” lessens the sincerity or her apologies. I say no … she spoke truth regarding the hypocrisy that has been unleashed in this country. Even though the cost of doing so is high and unfair  we must forthrightly call out this life-destroying, society-contaminating hypocrisy.

    Photo: T.I.

  • 03NC map Some of us are pleased with the results of last week’s midterm elections in our nation. Some of us are distressed. Some of us are a bit of both, and a great many of us remain saddened by the ongoing levels of division and accompanying vitriol among some segments of our population.

    Here are some points to ponder as we digest election results our community, our state and our nation.

    The North Carolina General Assembly is no longer veto-proof. Democrats made enough gains in both the House and the Senate to sustain gubernatorial vetoes in the next session beginning in January. This means that if and when Gov. Cooper vetoes a bill, there will likely not be enough votes in both chambers to override his veto. Ours is a nation built on a system of checks and balances, and veto power is a check on legislative overreach. The same is now true in the U.S. Congress, as Democrats prepare to take control of the House of Representatives.

    This is what our founders intended, even though both our state and our nation have been controlled by the Republican Party in recent years. A judge once told me that if one side left his courtroom cheering and the other side weeping, he did not do a good job. If both sides left “slightly miffed,” then he had probably made a good decision. Compromise is what greases our system of government, not one side strong-arming and simply overpowering the other.

    Since the 2012 election cycle, North Carolina has been among the most gerrymandered states in the nation, and the midterms confirm that yet again despite years of lawsuits resulting in not much change.

    Here is the proof for the 2018 cycle. Going into last week’s midterms, North Carolina had 13 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, 10 Republicans and three Democrats. Even though both parties voted for congressional candidates at approximately the same rates, 50 percent of Republicans and 48 percent of Democrats, North Carolina came out of the midterms with 13 members of Congress, 10 Republicans and three Democrats.

    How is that possible, many voters wonder? It is possible because Republican legislators doing the redistricting in 2011 crammed large numbers of Democrats into three districts and spread Republicans into the other 10 districts, practices known as “packing” and “cracking.” One redistricting committee chair, David Lewis of Dunn, even bragged that the only reason the districts are not more lopsided is that “I do not believe it is possible to draw a map with 11 Republicans and two Democrats.”

    The News & Observer of Raleigh reports that North Carolina’s seven largest counties, including Cumberland, Durham, Guilford, Forsyth, Wake and Buncombe, elected African-American sheriffs, five of them for the first time in their histories. It is interesting to note that Buncombe County, whose largest city is Asheville, did so with a white population of 90 percent. Election observers and several of the newly elected sheriffs attributed their victories to avoiding hardline stances on immigration enforcement, which appealed to voters who felt fear or marginalization. Their elections highlight minority participation in law enforcement, as do minority women serving as chiefs of police\ in Fayetteville, Raleigh, Charlotte, Durham and Winston Salem.

    Some see these outcomes as two steps forward and one step back, while others see the reverse. What does seem clear, though, is that the political pendulum is doing what it has always done in our nation’s history. It is arcing away from an extreme.

  • 02PubPenLocal Well, it’s done. Love it or hate it, the results are in. There are some new political players both nationally and locally, but how much is that going to change things, really?

    The mortgage is still due on the first. The office still beckons on Monday. Chores still need doing, and errands still need running. While our leaders have big decisions to make, from day to day, we all still have lives to live and dreams to chase. I still get to choose how to spend my time, my money and my energy. We all do. There are big issues on the table and conflicts in ideologies in play. But it’s not the first time and  won’t be the last.

    It’s been said that all politics is local. Maybe that is true, maybe not. But local is where we live and where we can make a significant difference all year long, elections or no elections. Local is where we invest our time and talent. It’s where we spend our money and build our lives. No matter how many votes your candidate got last Tuesday, there is plenty we can all do on a personal level to effect the change we want to see.

    Regardless of your cause, there is a way to support it – locally. Donate. Volunteer. Educate. Organize. Serve. Give back. There are countless opportunities to make a difference, no matter which party is in power. Helping one another on a personal level builds relationships and community in a way a tax break, a check from the government or a public policy change cannot.

    It is something we should all do. Study after study shows that being kind, altruistic and compassionate not only benefits the receiver, it positively affects the doer, too. An article titled “The Science of Good Deeds,” by Jeanie Lerche Davis, explores this concept and offers example after example of how helping ourselves and helping others is good for us – so good that it causes positive changes in our body chemistry – and good for our communities, too.

    For example, the article notes, “Two large studies found that older adults who volunteered reaped benefits in their health and well-being. Those who volunteered were living longer than nonvolunteers. Another large study found a 44 percent reduction in early death among those who volunteered a lot – a greater effect than exercising four times a week.”

    But that’s not all. There’s evidence in brain studies of a compassion-altruism axis.

    According to the article, “Utilizing functional MRI scans, scientists have identified specific regions of the brain that are very active during deeply empathic and compassionate emotions.”

    Stephen G. Post, Ph.D., a professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, is quoted, “These brain studies show this profound state of joy and delight that comes from giving to others.”

    Take a minute and celebrate your victory or mourn your loss from last week’s election, and then go make a difference. Put actions behind your beliefs. Work to make your community the place you want it to be. Our leaders have big problems to solve, even if many of them are of their own making. That doesn’t mean we are off the hook. There are plenty of local problems we can solve if we each give what we can when and where we can.

    Read the complete article “The Science of Good Deeds” at www.webmd.com/balance/features/science-gooddeeds#3. Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • 13jones When Dr. H. G. Jones died on Oct. 14, our state lost a key connection to its history as well as a prime and positive, but all too rare, example of dedicated and unselfish public service.

    For many years, Jones was my neighbor. I admired the fruit tree in his front yard across the street from my house on Country Club Road in Chapel Hill. It was an uncommon variety of apple named Mattamuskeet. Its small, dark-colored fruit was not as alluring as the flashy golden varieties in the grocery stores, nor was its flesh as super sweet and tasty as the varieties we have come to love so much. Mattamuskeets are tough and tangy, part of the adapted attributes that equip them to withstand the challenges of storage in the warm and moist conditions of the coastal plain of North Carolina. For that reason alone, this apple is treasured by people who live in Hyde County near the lake that shares the Mattamuskeet name.

    According to legend, the seed of the first such tree was found ages ago by Mattamuskeet Indians in the gizzard of a large goose.

    Walking by Jones’ house during the fall, I would sometimes steal a few apples that had fallen. Then I would make apple cobbler, take a serving to Jones and ask for his forgiveness for my theft. He always forgave, always with a smile.

    How that Mattamuskeet apple tree got to Jones’s yard is one of my favorite stories.

    In his role as director of North Carolina’s Department of Archives and History and later as curator of the North Carolina Collection at the UNC-Chapel Hill library, Jones was often asked to travel to various parts of the state to lecture to local groups about their community’s history. Usually, the group offered him a small honorarium. He always refused, explaining that he was a public servant and had already been paid to promote the history of our state.

    Although he always refused any monetary payment, it came to be known that he would accept an apple pie, if one were offered. So it became customary for local groups to present him with a pie after every talk.

    Once, he traveled to Hyde County to give a talk. Surprisingly, no pie was presented, and Jones came back to Chapel Hill empty-handed and a little puzzled about the missing pie.

    Several days later, when he came home from work, Jones found a new tree in his yard. It had been planted by the folks from near Lake Mattamuskeet, and as it grew and bore fruit, it was a living monument to Jones’s unselfish and loving service to the people of North Carolina.

    In addition to many talks throughout North Carolina, Jones spread the knowledge of state history in countless ways including, for 17 years, a weekly newspaper column, “In Light of History,” which explained our history in words we could understand. In the same spirit, he wrote and assembled illustrations for “North Carolina Illustrated, 1524- 1984.” It is my favorite book to put our state’s rich early history in perspective.

    Jones projected a modesty that complemented his commitment to service. Every now and then, though, he let pride shine through. Once, I asked him to help me to get the Country Club name of our street changed because it made people think we were rich, even though it is nowhere near a country club. Jones said he would oppose any such change as a matter of principle. “And besides,” he said grinning, “I don’t mind if the folks in Caswell County, where I grew up on a tenant farm, think that I now live near a country club.”

    H.G. Jones, like the fruit of the Mattamuskeet tree, was a rare and precious apple.

    Photo: Dr. H.G. Jones

  • 04UC GoldenFleece Look out there on the horizon. No bigger than a man’s hand, see the small, dark cloud that is the annual gathering of your Thanksgiving relatives? They are coming to your house soon. Beware. Beware.

    Today, we shall take a deep dive into the colorful world of Greek mythology in an effort to make you feel better about hanging out with your extended family over the Thanksgiving holiday. If you think your family has some troubling characters, consider the story of

    Jason and the family issues he had. You may have to avoid talking about politics around the turkey dinner with crazy Uncle Lou. But when Jason hung out with his in-laws, relatives were carved instead of turkeys. Jason had a wicked Uncle Pelias who had Jason’s daddy and most of Jason’s relatives whacked so Pelias could be king. Jason’s mom, Alcimede, saved Jason as an infant by pretending Jason was stillborn. She realized Jason couldn’t live with her, so she sent him to be raised by a centaur named Chiron.

    Being raised by a half horse/half man may have caused Jason some developmental issues.

    When Jason was a grown man, he came back to Pelias’ court to claim his rightful throne. On the way back, Jason helped a little old lady cross a stream and lost his sandal. Turned out the little old lady was the goddess Hera in disguise. As Wonder Woman used to say in the comics, “Hera helped him.”

    Uncle Pelias told Jason he could be king if he went on a quest to bring back the Golden Fleece. Never one to turn down a quest, Jason took the challenge.

    Jason, Hercules, and his buddies who were called the Argonauts took the good ship Argo and set sail for adventure.

    His first stop was the island of Lemnos, which was occupied only by women. The ladies of the island had irritated Aphrodite by not complimenting her enough. Aphrodite laid a spell on the ladies making them stink. The ladies smelled so rank that their husbands would have nothing to do with them. The husbands used this as an excuse to party down with some ladies of easy virtue from Thrace. Unfortunately, while the boys were asleep, their wives killed them. This proves that heck hath no fury like a smelly woman.

    When Jason landed on Lemnos, their queen had finally found some good deodorant. She and Jason produced a set of twins. Turned out Poppa was a rolling stone. Jason skedaddled to his next stop, Bear Mountain, leaving the queen a single mom.

    Jason then had a ruckus with some six-armed giants. One of his men, Hylas, got pulled into a stream by a bunch of half-nekkid nymphs and drowned.

    Jason made it to the kingdom of Phineus, which was under siege by the Harpies. The Harpies have a woman’s head and body with bird wings and claws. They were stealing Phineus’ food. The old king was about to starve to death. Naturally, Jason killed the Harpies. Phineus started eating again and developed Type II diabetes for his troubles.

    Finally, Jason arrived at Colchis where the fleece was kept by King Aeetes. The king promised to give the fleece to Jason if he completed three tasks. The King’s daughter, Medea, fell in love with Jason with a little help from Aphrodite’s son Eros. Medea would do anything for her man.

    Job one was to plow a field with a herd of firebreathing oxen. Medea whipped up a potion of Sunblock SPF 10,000 to keep Jason from being burned by the flaming halitosis of the oxen.

    Jason then had to plant an allotment of dragon’s teeth in the field. The teeth sprouted into armed warriors who wanted to kill Jason. Medea came up with a great plan. She told Jason to chunk a rock into the crowd of warriors. The warriors couldn’t tell where the rock came from and blamed each other. They ended up killing each other in a big bar room brawl.

    At last, Jason had to snatch the Golden Fleece fromva dragon who never slept. Medea whipped up anvaerosol spray of early Ambien, which Jason squirtedvon the dragon, who fell fast asleep. Jason grabbed thevfleece and started to sail away with Medea. Her daddy,vKing Aeetes, was not happy and took after them.vMedea, to throw her daddy off the trail, chopped upvher brother Apsyrtus. She threw chunks of him intovthe ocean. This tactic distracted Aeetes, who stoppedvto pick up the pieces of his son, which were floating invthe sea. Jason and Medea were then able to high-tailvit back home with the fleece.

    So, what have we learned today? Never ever mess with a woman named Medea or you may get an extreme makeover like Apsyrtus. Even if your wife needs a bath and smells a bit funky, if you want to keep living, buy nose plugs and stay away from women of relaxed social sensibilities. Finally, no matter who you vote for, Congress is going to keep fleecing you.

    Now don’t you feel better about your own family?

  • 03Statue of unity My mother, and probably yours, was fond of all sorts of sayings, among them “pretty is as pretty does” and “you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” Mrs. Trump, the mother of our president, apparently was not fond of such sayings. Or, if she were, those lessons did not take with her fourth-born child, Donald, in any way, shape or form.

    One moment our president talks about unity and all Americans, and two seconds later he calls people names and spews divisiveness and venom. He uses what another Republican president, Theodore Roosevelt, called his “bully pulpit” literally and perversely.

    Political talking heads have debated the Trump style on national civility and public discourse since the 2016 campaign, and more recently, how the Trump style may or may not be pushing some among us into violent, even lethal, behavior.

    Chances are we will never know the answer to that question, much less agree on it, but recent and ongoing gun violence points toward the “chickens coming home to roost.”

    The United States has been blessed for more than two centuries in that our presidents have been more statesmen than bullies. Think Abraham Lincoln addressing national unity: “The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave, to every heart and hearth-stone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”

    Think John Kennedy acknowledging his responsibility for the fiasco of the Bay of Pigs invasion: “There is an old saying that victory has a hundred fathers, but defeat is an orphan.”

    Remember, too, the profound common sense of a military man and another Republican president, Dwight Eisenhower: “You don’t lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.”

    ******************

    University of North Carolina President Margaret Spellings has decided to fold her tents and decamp back to Texas after working only three years of a 5-year contract. She reportedly began negotiating her early exit last month and is the second president to depart in fewer than five years.

    Tom Ross was inexplicably muscled out in 2015 by a highly partisan board of governors whose chair was unable to explain the move, calling Ross was a great leader. What he also was is a Democrat, apparently a disqualification for a big job under the total control of Republicans.

    Spellings is a Republican who worked for George W. Bush, but she is also a woman and one who marched to her own drummer, not partisan politics, when it came to doing her job in higher education.

    Spellings does not depart until March, but her announcement catapulted her into lame duck status, and it is unclear what more she will be able to accomplish for North Carolina’s once-fabled university system.

    One thing is clear, however. The position of UNC President, once held by the likes of Bill Friday and CD Spangler, is now a political appointment, not a respected and sought-after leadership position in our nation’s world of higher education.

    Who on earth is going to put himself or herself forward to follow Spellings under these cut-throat circumstances?

    ******************

    If it is true that size matters, India is winning the contest in at least one department.

    India is now home to the world’s largest statue, a massive 600-foot depiction of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhia Patel, and is called the Statue of Unity. It is twice the size of our Statue of Liberty, not counting her pedestal.

    The Statue of Unity takes the world’s biggest title from China, home of a 420-foot statue of the Buddha.

    India apparently intends to hold on to its title. Another statue is under construction off the coast of Mumbai that will soar nearly 700 feet toward the heavens.

  • 02The Fayetteville Woodpeckers Naming rights? You bet! And Fayetteville’s Class A Advanced baseball team President Mark Zarthar and company named it right. The Fayetteville Woodpeckers is a name that can fly with the eagles with its powerful, attractive logo that automatically evokes a sense of pride, strength and determination.

    That pretty much defines the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community. On Sunday, Nov. 4, more than 1,000 people and potential Woodpeckers fans showed up at Festival Park to find out what the team name would be. I doubt there was anyone, other than the die-hard skeptics, who thought the name Fatbacks was even in the running. Again, kudos to the Houston Astros organization. The name is great, the logos are awesome, the uniforms are classy, and the launch event was a huge success.

    The celebration was executed with class and style, encompassing and reflecting many aspects of our community. It included beer, a great band and baseball. What’s not to like?

    So far, it looks like our $37.8 million stadium has great economic development potential for downtown Fayetteville. However, a future challenge may lie in managing all this newfound economic potential and good fortune. Harnessing potential to successfully create a vibrant, exciting downtown community is a decades-old objective that seems to remain stubbornly elusive.

    One business owner described the situation in downtown Fayetteville as having “too many chiefs and not enough Indians.” Another referred to having an overabundance of self-serving, noncommunicating organizations content on building silos rather than a consensus. In other words, downtown Fayetteville seems to conflict with itself to its own detriment. This needs to change.

    Downtown Fayetteville desperately needs a common bond or thread if it is to realize the full potential of our new stadium and Fayetteville Woodpeckers baseball team. This is not hyperbole. This is serious business.

    Example: My $5 glass of wine at Huske Hardware House Restaurant and Brewery Sunday evening transformed into a $130 dinner tab when I was joined by friends attending the Astros’ Woodpeckers event in Festival Park. This long-anticipated party brought people and business into Fayetteville. With this being the case, you would have thought the downtown businesses, merchants, restaurants and organizations, including the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, would have readied themselves to take advantage of and participate in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Hay Street should have been lit up like a Christmas tree, celebrating the Woodpeckers with shops andrestaurants opened and ready to do business.

    It didn’t happen. Hay Street was dark, and if you listened closely, you could hear the food trucks leaving Festival Park with our money, goodwill and hope for developing a healthy and vibrant downtown.

    Like I said, we are conflicted in our overall objectives because we fail to communicate. This is a simple problem that can be easily eliminated if anyone would step up in a leadership role to bring everyone together.

    We are hopeful this happens soon. 

    Again, a hearty welcome to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers!

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  •     On Friday, Nov. 7, the Department of Fine Arts at Fayetteville Technical Community College will present Fiddler on the Roofat Cumberland Hall on the FTCC campus. The performance will be on stage following the annual FTCC Foundation dinner.{mosimage}
        The dinner will begin at 6 p.m. at the multipurpose room of the Tony Rand Student Center. Students from FTCC’s Culinary Technology program will provide the meal. Tickets to the dinner are $50 and can be purchased by callin 678-8441. Proceeds from the foundation dinner will be used to fund scholarships and mini-grants for students and faculty.
        An exhibition of landscapes by award-winning artist Benjamin Billingsley will run in conjunction with the production of Fiddler. Billingsley will lecture on his exhibit on Saturday. Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m, in the gallery at FTCC.
        Other productions of Fiddler will be performed on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. Admission to the play is free and open to the public.

    Headquarters Library to Remain Closed to Public
        The Headquarters Library at 300 Maiden Lane will remain closed to the public for an undetermined time. Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center administration and staff are dealing with the aftermath of a fire in the library’s basement during the early morning hours of Oct. 25.
        Library Director Jody Risacher told staff Monday, Oct. 27, that the building will not open to the public until the fire alarm system is cleaned and operational; the heating and air conditioning ventilation system is cleaned, and the public areas on the first and second floors have been cleaned of soot. 
        “All exposed areas will be wiped down,” Risacher said.
        Two offices were gutted in the basement. All ceiling tiles in the library’s basement are being replaced. Administrative offices are being moved to other areas of the three-story building. Other departments being moved include Community Relations, Technical Services, Computer Services, Facilities and Mobile Outreach.
    Risacher is not able to predict when the library will be open to the public. In the meantime, the public is asked to return their books and other library materials to any of the system’s other six branches.
        All programs scheduled at the Headquarters Library have been canceled through the end of the year. With staff from the various departments taking over the Pate Room and the two conference rooms for work areas, the library will not be able to offer programming or conference and meeting room space even after the building opens to the public.
        However, the Friends of the Library Annual Author Event and Library Endowment Trust Benefit set for Nov. 10 at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre will go on as scheduled.

    Gibson Named Interim Director
        Michael Gibson has been selected as the interim Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation director, effective Nov. 1.
        Gibson has been with the parks and recreation department for 20 years having served in a variety of positions, including athletic program coordinator, parks superintendent and most recently parks division manager.
        He has a B.S. degree in physical education from Fayetteville State University.
        Gibson was selected from a pool of three highly qualified internal candidates.
         “It is clear from the quality of the candidates, that retiring Parks and Recreation director Robert Barefoot made it a high priority to prepare his employees for advancement,” City Manager Dale Iman said. “I am confident that Mr. Gibson is ready and anxious to meet the challenges of this important position.”
  •     {mosimage}Across the nation, the official kickoff of the Christmas shopping season is the day after Thanksgiving — or Black Friday.
        But leave it to Cumberland County to be ahead of the curve.
        For the 42nd consecutive year, the Holly Day Fair christens the holiday shopping season, bringing more than 180 vendors peddling arts, crafts and other unique gifts to the Crown Expo Center for four days of shopping bliss.
        The Holly Day Fair — the largest holiday gift and craft show in the South — begins Thursday, Nov. 6, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 9. It is sponsored by the Junior League of Fayetteville, with the money raised through the event donated to local worthy causes and organizations.
        Last year, the Holly Day Fair drew more than 20,000 attendees and raised more than $264,000.
        Leonna Byrd, Holly Day Fair organizer, says she expects this year’s fair to be the biggest yet, as well as offering the largest variety of shopping options.
        “With the economy the way it is, we decided to offer wider variety of vendors so there will be something for every budget,” said Byrd. “We’ve also signed up some vendors that we think will appeal more to males, such as a vendor offering every type of neck tie imaginable, as well as a vendor offering personalized golf markers.”
    Tickets for the event are $8, with the exception of opening day — Thursday — when tickets will be $12.     Thursday is “Super Shopper” day, which means fewer shoppers and limited tickets, though you are asked to leave your child strollers at home on this day. Thursday’s festivities get started at 9 a.m. and last until 8 p.m. (Super Shopper is 9 a.m. until noon).
        Tickets revert back to $8 on Friday, which kicks off at 10 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m.; Saturday, the action also runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; on Sunday, the doors of the Charlie Rose Agri-Expo Center at the Crown open at noon, with the closing bell at 5 p.m. Children under 5 are admitted free.
        The Junior League of Fayetteville contributes more than 80,000 hours of service annually to local worthy causes, helping out such organizations as the Partnership for Children, CONTACT of Fayetteville, Inc., the Salvation Army and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
        In May, the Junior League raised money for premature babies during the March of Dime’s WalkAmerica.
    Through fundraisers such as the Holly Day Fair, the Junior League issued more than 20 grants of $100-$1,500 in 2007-2008 to such organizations as Cumberland County Schools, Rape Crisis, Fayetteville Urban Ministry and the La Leche League. In addition, 2007-2008 Partnership Grants of $1,500 to $50,000 and volunteer support were given to the Boys and Girls Club of Cumberland County, the Child Advocacy Center, the Care Clinic, Cumberland County Coordinating Council on Older Adults and the Pilot Club of Fayetteville.
        The Junior League of Fayetteville has more than 400 volunteers. Over the past 40 years it has provided more than $1.3 million and countless volunteer hours.
        However, despite its past good works, the ladies of the Junior League also want to have fun, which is a major part of the Holly Day Fair.
        “It’s just a great event that’s a lot of fun,” said Byrd. “And it’s really not Christmas around here for a lot of folks until they’ve been to the fair and listened to our Christmas music. This is the area’s biggest Christmas tradition.”    
  •     Looking for a special Christmas gift but don’t want to get caught up in the holiday crush, yet still want the advantage of talking to a human face-to-face instead of doing the online thing?
        Then the Home-Based Business Holiday Shopping Expo is tailor-made for you.
        The expo, as the name implies, features representatives showing off products sold through home-based businesses. It will be held Saturday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Carolina Room of the Hampton Inn across from Cross Creek Mall.
        The event is in its first year and is the brainchild of Amber Wellman and Bria Cunnien, who dreamed up the idea after attending a similar expo.
        {mosimage}“We decided, ‘Hey, we could make this really big... We can really do this and make it a lot better and get more vendors,’” said Wellman.
        As of press time, 13 vendors had reserved booths at the expo, with more on the way, said Wellman. And even though she says women are generally the chief demographic for such expos, everyone is invited.
    “If a man needs to get his wife a Christmas present, we’re all right here,” said Wellman. “We’re all women and we can help out.”
        Among the vendors who will be offering plenty of gift options is Amy Stewart, a consultant for Longaberger, an Ohio-based company that’s been in business for 35 years which sells handcrafted baskets and other home and lifestyle products, including pottery, wrought iron, fabric accessories and specialty foods. The company has 45,000 independent home consultants located in all 50 states who sell Longaberger products directly to customers.
        “We (consultants) can’t sell on the Internet,” said Stewart, who’s been a Longaberger consultant for about two months. “The company wants to keep us very home-show specific and committed to our clients.
        “The great thing about our baskets is if you go to a big-name retailer and buy a basket and it breaks, you just pitch it out,” said Stewart. “Longaberger is going to fix it for you and you don’t have to worry about it.”
        Stewart says Longaberger has a variety of unique products in a various sizes, shapes and colors.
        Another vendor who will be offering a unique gift experience at the expo is Bridget Barreira, who represents Ribbon, The Gift of Choice. This endeavor offers a gift card that comes in the form of an album showcasing gifts the recipient can choose for himself. Gifts vary widely in price and type, with items representing such brand names as Fossil, Sony, Dooney & Bourke, Ghirardelli, J.A. Henckels and others.
    “You get a wide variety and you get to choose your own gift,” said Barreira. “You really get to receive the gift three times — when you receive the gift certificate, when you go online to order the gift, and when you actually receive the gift through the mail.”
        A vendor proffering a more service-based gift is Nubian Farley, owner of Fondue 4 U — a catering service that offers scrumptious fondues of every variety to groups as small as two people on up to “as many as my client can safely seat” said Farley.
        Farley said her mother first got the idea for the business back in the 1970s when the military family was stationed overseas. Farley said a friend from Belgium invited her mom over and it was the first time she’d ever seen a fondue.
        “She fell in love with it and decided she wanted to bring it back to the states with her as a business,” said Farley. “My folks did just that and I helped over the years. When they became ill I took it over and put my own twist on it.”
        Farley says there are “no limits” as to what kind of fondue she can set up.
        “I do vegetarian fondue... all poultry... it’s a very client-specific dinner,” said Farley. “I can conjure up pretty much anything that you would like.
        “Cheese fondue is included with the dinners and veggies for dipping and chocolate fondue for dessert,” said Farley. “I have done expos; I do demos -  I do it as a sit-down but also as a buffet. I have set up a demo for realtors to try and sell homes, office parties, etc. My biggest hurdle is trying to get folks to realize that I am not a restaurant, that I am a traveling fondue service and I come on location to wherever you’d like me to come.”
        And you don’t have to travel far to check out these vendors and others at the Home-Based Business Holiday Shopping Expo. Admission is free and there will be door prizes and a massage therapist on site doling out free massages.
  •     What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, most Americans don’t know the answer to that question. They just know one is in the spring, the other in the fall. Who we are honoring on these holidays though is significant. Memorial Day is set aside so American’s can pay our respects to service members who have died on our behalf in combat, or as a result of wounds from combat. While fallen service members are also remembered on Veterans Day, it is a day set aside to thank the veterans who are still with us, those who have served honorably in wartime or in peaceful times.  {mosimage}
        On Saturday, Nov. 8, at 11 a.m. the Cumberland County Veterans Council is hosting a parade to celebrate and honor our veterans. Event co-chair Keith Bates listed an impressive number of participants in the parade. There are about 90 entries, including 5 local high school bands, Rolling Thunder, Triple Nickel, VFW Posts and American Legion Posts and several high school JROTC units.
        “There will be an Air Force flyover, an Army helicopter flyover - right through downtown, up and down Hay Street,” said Bates.  
        Some of the 82nd units that have been deployed numerous times overseas to Iraq and Afghanistan will march and display equipment in the parade too. “It’s really a sight to see when they come down,” said Bates. “We’ll be there to show our support for them.” 
        The parade route starts at the intersection of Hay Street and Bragg Boulevard – the Airborne and Special Operations Museum - and goes down Hay Street to the courthouse.
        As a veteran of more than one combat tour, the gravity of what service members endure is not lost on Bates.  “When you go away for 10, 12, 14 months at a time you endure some hardships. You could be living in a tent for 12 months at a time, and you have to make the mad dash 100 yards to the bathroom in 30 degree weather….and then just being there especially when your buddies get killed, it takes a toll,” he said.
        The Cumberland County Veterans Council, made up entirely of veterans, looks forward to being able to support and encourage their brethren with the parade.
        “It is just a way to show our appreciation for the ones that are still serving,” said Bates. “The thing to me is to show our support for the many sacrifices that the men and women are enduring so that we can be free here. We don’t have to worry about getting blown up when we got to the polls, we don’t have to worry about getting harmed when you got to the Obama rally or the McCain rally or to the mall.” 
        While parades are fun, and a great way to say thanks to America’s vets, they are out there every day on our behalf going places and doing things that the rest of us pray we will never have to endure.  It doesn’t have to be Veteran’s Day to say thank you, and it doesn’t always take a parade to show you appreciate what our service members do.  “All you got to do when you see ‘em is just say thank you,” said Bates. “The best way (to thank them) is to just tell them everyday ‘thank you.’” 
        And we do thank you, for your service, your sacrifice and the many freedoms that we have because of you. Thank you.
  • I have had a long love affair with books. I’ve traveled around the world, solved mysteries, seen war, known great romance and met some of the most interesting people – all in the pages of a book. {mosimage}
        So it was with great excitement that I contacted Belinda Cashwell at the Cumberland County Schools to sign Up & Coming Weekly and Kidsville News! on as sponsors of Reading Rocks. Anything that supports literacy and a love of reading in children is tops in our book (excuse the pun). So, like many Cumberland County residents, we bundled up against the cold and made our way to Festival Park last Saturday.
        What we saw was a sight that definitely warmed our hearts, if not our hands. More than 14,000 people braved the cool morning temperatures to take a walk downtown in support of literacy, and more importantly books for our schools and their children. They came in droves. Some were walking, smaller ones were in strollers or wagons, and they all came filled with enthusiasm for the walk ahead.
        In the interim, they danced. They sang. They lined up in their groups. Some sported costumes of their favorite book characters. Others wore school colors with pride. To my reckoning, a vast majority of them wore buttons that proudly proclaimed they were “Kidsville Kids!” I should know, I stickered most of them as they walked by.
        And as much fun as it was, it wasn’t just about fun. It was about raising money – lots of money for books. Books that can change people’s lives by changing their understanding of the world.
        Our staff positioned itself at the entrance of the park to cheer on every school as it began its walk. Yes, we were the crazy people with the big green Dragon – our Kidsville News! mascot Truman. We were the ones shouting at the tops of our voices. Cheering each school one by one as they marched out. Even today, my voice is hoarse and my throat is sore. But every shout out we gave was heartfelt. Reading Rocks was a huge success and that’s something to shout about!!
  • 03 01 diabetes testLet’s begin with some statistics from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention:
    1. Thirty-four million people in the United States have diabetes.
    2. More than 88 million adults in the United States have pre-diabetes.
    3. Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in United States.
    4. In the last 20 years, the number of adult cases of diabetes has more than doubled.
    5. Thirty-eight percent of people with diabetes were physically inactive, which means they get less than 10 minutes a week of moderate, vigorous physical activity.

    Risk factors for diabetes include:
    1. Being overweight. Eighty-nine percent of people diagnosed with diabetes are overweight or suffer from obesity.
    2. Being over the age of 45
    3. Having a parent, brother or sister with Type 2 diabetes
    4. Having gestational diabetes (during pregnancy)
    5. Being African-American, Hispanic or Native American
    6. Having fatty liver disease

    Now that you have the statistics, let’s make it personal. All of the complications from diabetes are preventable, which means that a person should never have to end up on dialysis, lose a foot, have a heart attack, a stroke or go blind, because of their diabetes. It does not have to happen.

    The key is to get your blood glucose under control. Getting tight control of your blood glucose goes beyond being compliant with the medications that your medical provider has prescribed. It is also doing your part and monitoring your blood sugar as directed by your provider, as well as making good decisions about what you eat.

    This is a disease that has a direct correlation between the sugars/starches that you consume. We all have to make better choices in our diets, consuming more protein and low-carbohydrate vegetables rather than high carbohydrate starches such as rice, potatoes, pasta, corn and bread, all of which breakdown to sugar.

    The goal for most females is no more than 30-45 grams/meal of starches and no more than 15-20 grams for snacks. For males no more than 45-60 grams/meal of starches and again no more than 15-20 grams of carbohydrates for snacks. But what does that really mean? Although this is a little over simplified, it means that approximately 1/2 cup serving of most starches are equivalent to 15 grams. We should not consume more than 2-4 1/2 cup serving of starches per meal depending on whether you are a female or male. If you are still hungry with 1/2 cup of these starches, then eat more protein or non-starchy vegetables to get full and do not go back for seconds of rice, potatoes, pasta, corn or bread.

    The other important fact is blood sugars go down naturally with exercise. You do not have to have a gym membership or fancy equipment, it can simply be walking. Our bodies are designed to move. Walking briskly for 30 minutes, five days a week will lower your blood sugars naturally as well as provide the added benefit of losing fat which is important with diabetes. The greater the amount of body fat, the more insulin resistant a person becomes, the less the body is able to use its own insulin to lower your blood sugar.

    If you are the person who cooks for your family or does the grocery shopping, remember that you have the biggest influence on habits of eating that last throughout one’s life.

    Obesity has become an epidemic in our country and we are seeing this more and more in our children. It is not that you can't eat bread, corn, pasta, rice and potatoes with diabetes, but it is learning how much you
    should eat.

    The high carbohydrate drinks such as sodas and juices, however, are not an option. One can of soda often has more than 45 grams of sugary carbohydrates, which is more than a meal's worth of sugar. It is healthier to get the nutrients from foods rather than to drink sugar with no nutritional value. This is the same for the simple sugar such as snack cakes and other non-healthy snacks.

    Lastly, everyone probably knows someone who has had something horrible happen as a result of uncontrolled diabetes. This does not have to be you.

    Know that you have control over the outcomes for your diabetes. When you have done your part with your food choices, exercising, checking your feet, and following up for your annual eye exam, your healthcare provider will do the rest with appropriate medications.
    Call 1-844-735-8864 for assistance with managing your diabetes with the help of a SeHealth primary care provider who can refer to an endocrinologist or diabetes educator if needed.

  • 11 couple computerCredit is like a key. If you have good credit, then you can unlock more of society’s doors than someone with bad or no credit. Credit plays such an important role in our lives that Congress created an entire system to ensure that your credit is reported correctly. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) ensures that compawnies who run and report your credit (i.e., Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) and companies who provide information to consumer reporting agencies such as credit card companies, auto finance companies, bank collection agencies, etc., do not harm you with false information. Broadly speaking, the agencies or companies who report your credit information must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information, nor can they report outdated negative information.

    On a more personal level, the FCRA provides seven consumer rights:
    1. You have the right to know what is in your credit file.
    2. You have the right to know what, if any, of your file has been used against you.
    3. You have the right to ask for your credit score.
    4. You have the right to challenge inaccurate or incomplete information.
    5. You have the right to “prescreen” offers of credit and insurance you receive as a result of information in your file.
    6. You have the right to limit access to your file and obtain a security freeze.
    7. You have the right to prevent your employer from accessing your credit report.

    If your rights are violated, you can seek damages for FCRA violations. The FCRA distinguishes between negligent and willful violations. If someone negligently violates the FCRA, then a consumer victim can recover their actual damages and attorneys’ fees. Conversely, willful violations allow a consumer victim to recover between $100 and $1000 dollars in actual damages, attorneys’ fees, and, if allowed by the court, punitive damages.

    Your credit is important and it is protected by Federal Law. If you are having issues with your credit report or have received notification indicating that you were being rejected based on a consumer report that contained inaccurate information, it is important to know your rights and to consider seeking the advice of an experienced consumer protection attorney.

  • 10 01 HT2020 Poster letter 10022020Falcon Children’s Home, located in the town of Falcon in eastern Cumberland County, has about 100 employees who serve over 80 youth of all ages. Since 1909, FCH has been providing a home for children who, for whatever reason, are unable to live with their parents. FCH has directly or indirectly touched an estimated 15 thousand lives through its various programs and foster care
    licensing.

    Since 1949, on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, visitors kick off the season of giving by donating much needed commodity items and monetary gifts that help FCH stay operational throughout the year. The annual Harvest Train is one of the most important days of the year at FCH. Along with gratitude, visitors usually watch a stage production by the children, caregivers and teachers at FCH. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, FCH will not be able to conduct the usual Harvest Train parade and production.

    This year, in lieu of the parade, FCH presents “All is Bright Christmas Lights,” a drive-thru lights show on the campus Nov. 19-21 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. nightly with a live nativity. Staff will be present to direct visitors and guests through the lights and to give out FCH keepsake mementos to those who come through and drop off donations.

    The tour is free, and while donations are appreciated, they are not required to attend the "All is Bright Christmas Lights" event.

    Visitors can begin at 7569 N. West Street in Falcon and turn the vehicle radio to station 89.5 FM and listen to the sounds of the season as well as greetings from ministry leaders. At the end of the tour, visitors can stop at the brick warehouse and drop off commodities and donations. There will be a decorated box for each cottage so visitors can bring bagged candy for the students as well as a secured donation box for checks and/or monetary donations. Total monetary donations will be announced during the virtual program on Nov. 24. In keeping with COVID-19 guidelines, visitors are asked to remain in their vehicles. FCH staff will assist in unloading donations.

    On Nov. 24 at 7 p.m., supporters of FCH can see a pre-recorded showing of the Harvest Train 2013 program “The Two Trees” on Facebook. The story follows the life changing experience of two teenage boys as they work at Ed’s Christmas Tree Lot. Their lives are forever changed by the events that occur there. The story echoes the sentiment found in Jeremiah 29:11, which reads, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

    Top commodity needs this year include: canned goods, paper towels, toilet paper, 13-gallon size trash bags, ethnic hair products, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, hand soap, disposable take out trays and breakfast cereals. Routine needs include: socks, bath towels, twin size comforters, pillows, diapers of all sizes. To donate larger items, call FCH at (910) 980-1065.

    To find out more about how to be involved with FCH or donation needs visit https://www.falconchildrenshome.com/ or www.facebook.com/FCHFS. To learn more about the Harvest Train and this year's "All is Bright Christmas Lights" visit www.harvesttrain.com.

    10 02 FCH crest

  • 09 Chief Hawkins FPDFayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins has publicly conceded that morale is low among officers while turnover is high.

    “Morale is low. It’s low for a lot of different reasons,” she told City Council recently. “But we still are resilient. We are still doing our job.” She did not elaborate as to why she believes morale is on the decline, but she also said retention of police personnel is a problem.

    The FPD’s authorized strength is 434 sworn officers. The current turnover rate is 10% or 43 vacancies. Hawkins said 391 officers are currently on the payroll. Turnover rates and morale are linked. According to the Law Enforcement Management and Administrative Statistics, the average nationwide turnover rate of law enforcement officers is 10.8%.

    Fayetteville patrol officers work 12-hour shifts. Hawkins told city council that many employees no longer think of police work as a 20-or-30-year career. Law Enforcement wages are higher than Fayetteville in many North Carolina cities. The chief has noted that that retention is a problem because Fayetteville cops earn a starting salary of $38,000 a year. Salaries in North Carolina’s top five municipal police agencies are: Greenville $50,666; Raleigh $47,741; Smithfield $45,645; Jacksonville $45,597 and Apex $45,066.

  • 08 SFC Barretos homeThe family of a fallen 82nd Airborne Division Paratrooper got the keys to their new ‘Hero Home’ on Veterans Day. Operation Coming Home unveiled the new house in Wake County earlier for the family of the late Sgt. 1st Class Elis Angel Barreto Ortiz of Morovis, Puerto Rico.

    He was killed during combat operations September 5, 2019, in Kabul, Afghanistan. Barreto’s widow and young children moved into the house Nov. 11 during a ceremony presented by Operation Coming Home and other organizations which built the home in Wendell for the family.

    “We are proud of him and his sacrifice,” said Barreto’s widow Legna Aponte.

    “This house means hope, it’s healing and it’s an honor because it’s built because of my husband.”

    Sgt. 1st Class Barreto was considered a hero by his compatriots. One of the soldiers who served with him in Afghanistan called him a great leader. “It was my first deployment, and I just built a relationship with him,” said Domenic Canzano. “It’s heartbreaking.”

  • 01 01 vet resource fair 3The Community Veterans Engagement Board, supported by other agencies and local businesses, are coming together to connect veterans with resources to address needs, some of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The “Drive Through Veterans & Transitioning Service Members Resource Fair” will be held Nov. 24 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Manna Church on Cliffdale Road in Fayetteville.

    “A lot of the people that we partner with … wanted to do something for the veterans to let them know that we care and we are still thinking about you,” said Susan Deckant, veteran outreach program specialist for the Fayetteville Vet Center. Decante hopes the drive-thru resource fair will raise the morale of local veterans while providing much-needed information.

    “We understand there may be some homeless veterans that may walk up and we’ll hand them things, we’ll make sure they have masks and if they don’t we’ll give them a mask, and we’ll have hand sanitizer on all the tables,” Deckant said. “If they need to talk to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program social worker and get into the program, they can.”

    There is a virtual resource guide but the CVEB members realized that not all veterans are able to go digital for various reasons including lack of internet access or inability to navigate digital resources, said CVEB Board Chair Paul Berry.

    The event will take place in the parking lot of Manna Church located at 5117 Cliffdale Road. The parking lot will have a Veteran Affairs RV with tables set up in the front and going around the building where veterans can drive through and be handed pre-packaged bags as they go, Deckant said. Bags will include the “2020 All North Carolina Veterans Resource Guide,” Zaxby’s gift cards, reference cards from helpful organizations such as the Veterans Administration, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and others.

    Reaching out to service members is not new to Manna Church. The church recently hosted a drive-thru lunch for single soldiers on Fort Bragg who are not be able to go home during the holidays. Deckant said the church’s reputation for being military-friendly was one reason they were asked to host the resource fair.

    “As a local church, we want to be here for the community and we have a building in the heart of the city and we want to make ourselves available and do various activities and serve,” said Tom Cartwright, Outreach Pastor for Manna Church.

    Deckant said there will be organizations at the event like the Veterans Benefits Administration to assist veterans in setting up an appointment or to file claims. Among others, American Legions and NC Legal Aid will also be giving out information to help veterans facing evictions during the pandemic, or to assist with discharge upgrades. There will be representatives from different organizations to help with financial counseling, gain employment, legal services and more.

    The Vet Center will be able to connect them with suicide prevention and caregiver support, as well as substance abuse treatment programs. The Center provides community based mental health counseling to combat veterans and active duty and provides therapy for PTSD, anger management, anxiety, depression, grief and loss counseling, marriage and family therapy and military sexual trauma. Their services are free to veterans and service members. Current service members can self-refer to the Vet Center without having to go through their chain of command or primary care provider, Decante said.

    The drive-thru fair will be handing out over 250 gift coupons for a free sandwich and drink from Zaxby’s and free turkeys will be passed out to the 1st, 25th, 50th, 60th and the 82nd drivers courtesy of the Bingham Drive Food Lion grocery store.

    “Many veterans, particularly with COVID, are more and more isolated,” Berry said. “Veterans by nature are wired to be connected, have a sense of team, no matter what service you’re in, you’re part of something bigger,” he said. “Due to COVID, they might be feeling very isolated, then you bring in financial, marital, domestic stressors — that whole dynamic is hard, so it’s important to get them these resources.”

    Berry emphasized that the community needs to do this to provide resources to the veterans and to also thank them for their service. The resource fair is an opportunity to put veterans in touch with organizations that have the specific resources to address their needs.

    Deckant said it is important to connect veterans to resources because a lot of them face uncertainty when they are transitioning out of service. Sometimes service members and their families are not aware of the services provided by different agencies.

    “Through COVID-19, it’s more needed to spread the word of these resources and it’s our job as a community to provide them,” Berry said. “We want to provide a holistic service, no matter what the veteran may have a question on, it’s there.”

    “It’s very scary to go from active duty to civilian life, you work so hard to get promoted all those years and you when you get out, it all drops drastically,” she said. “We can help navigate the process.”

    For more information to get connected with resources contact the Vet Center Call Center at 877-WAR-VETS (927-8387) or the Veterans Crisis line 1-800-273-8255, or visit https://www.va.gov.

    If veterans and service members are struggling, they can reach out to the local VA Vet Center located at 2301 Robeson Street, Suite 103. They can also call (910) 488-6252 to speak with a therapist for individual or group
    counseling.

    Veterans and family members of service members can also reach out to the Cohen Veterans Clinic located at 3505 Village Drive, (910) 615-3737 for community-based counseling

     

  • 07 PostponedThe Patriotic and Veterans Day Celebration that was scheduled for Nov. 14 at Bryan Honda in Fayetteville has been postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. The event was organized by the All American Patriot Association to bring members of the community together in a celebration of our nation and our veterans.

    AAPA CEO and President Franco Webb said he and his team are working to reschedule the event for a later date, tentatively in December.

    “We are looking into two other possible venues,” Webb said. “We’re also looking into ways to scale it down, but still be able to take advantage of the entertainment, raffles and auction items that were donated.”

    Although disappointed that the event could not be held in conjunction with traditional Veterans Day celebrations, Webb emphasized that being American and paying tribute to our veterans is something that can be celebrated all year long.

    “We really appreciate all the support we received from sponsors, vendors and the public,” Webb said. “Stand strong – the event will go on.”

    On Nov. 10, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said the state will remain in Phase 3 for another three weeks because coronavirus cases continue to rise.

    In Executive Order 176, Cooper reduced the number of people allowed to gather indoors from 25 to 10. The extension takes effect Nov. 13. This is the second time Cooper has extended Phase 3, which was set to expire Nov. 13.

    Phase 3 first began Oct. 2 and allowed bars, entertainment venues, movie theaters and large outdoor arenas to open with some restrictions. Still in effect is the limit of 50 people allowed at outdoor gatherings. The new order is scheduled to expire at 5 p.m. on Dec. 4.

    As of Nov. 11, more than 297,000 people in North Carolina have tested positive for COVID-19, and 4,660 have died, according to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. The NCDHHS regularly updates the “Dashboard” on https://www.ncdhhs.gov/ with state and county case number information. It reports that in Cumberland County, there have been 7,953 cases and 108 deaths.

    The full text of Executive Order 176 can be read on the NCDHHS website https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO176-Phase-3-ext.pdf

  • With Fort Bragg as a neighbor, it is common to see Army soldiers and sometimes Air Force airmen, many living right next door. Our community has a patriotic core with many of our young men and women enlisting to serve our nation in other military services. To recognize them, we proudly shine a spotlight on some of our hometown heroes currently serving abroad.

    Information System Technician 2nd Class Jose Rivera-Scott, a sailor from Hope Mills, is a network operations technician assigned to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Located in an austere environment, Camp Lemonnier is a U.S. Navy base located in the Horn of Africa and is the only enduring U.S. military base on the continent of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa.

    Rivera-Scott is a 2013 graduate from Gray’s Creek High School. “Many family members have served before me in the Air Force and Army including my grandfathers and my mother,” said Rivera-Scott. “My grandfathers were pilots, so that is what I originally wanted to be; however, I chose a different path, and I’m proud of being the first Navy sailor in my family.”

    Halfway around the globe, two Fayetteville natives are assigned aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67).

    Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Darrius Hames and Operations Specialist Seaman Julia Champagne are in the Philippine Sea participating in exercise Keen Sword 21.

    Keen Sword is an example of the strength of the U.S.-Japan Alliance, the foundation of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region for more than 60 years. The relationships built and maintained during these events are critical to our shared capability to respond to contingencies at a moment’s notice.

    03 01 Sailor Rivera Scott

    03 02 sailor spotlight

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     03 03 Seaman Champagne

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Pictured: (top left) Information System Technician 2nd Class Jose Rivera-Scott, from Hope Mills, is serving in Djibouti. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Colin Sens)

    (top right) Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Darrius Hames, from Fayetteville, is serving aboard the USS Shiloh in the Philippine Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Santiago Navarro)

    (bottom) Operations Specialist Seaman Julia Champagne from Fayetteville, left, and Operations Specialist 2nd Class Edith Dantes from Sioux City, Iowa, measure the bearing and range of surface and subsurface contacts in the combat information center of the USS Shiloh in the Philippine Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryre Arciaga)

  • Members of local Veterans of Foreign Wars posts work to help veterans and the local community members alike.

    “We do things to help out our local veterans, point them in the right direction, if they need to understand their medical benefits or their disability, we have a lobbyist group in D.C. for them,” said Jim Blevins, commander of VFW Post 10630 in
    Hope Mills.

    The VFW acts as a middleman to educate veterans on their benefits, rights and connect them to the proper resources. VFW posts have a service officer that helps with claims, answers questions, helps complete paperwork. The service officer is available to help if veterans need it said Mike Baker, commander of VFW Post 670 in Fayetteville.

    “We have the need fund to pay bills in case of emergencies, cars broke down, you need gas, etc., they can call the local VFW’s, submit a form and we are able to assist them with small cash payments,” Baker said.

    Post 670 raises money through golf tournaments and other events throughout the year and donates some of it to homeless veterans to meet their food and clothing needs, and connect them with other resources.

    Blevins said the group tries to protect veterans’ rights as well as help them in times of need. He said the post received brand new electric wheelchairs, which cost about $6,000, which will be donated to a veteran in need, who otherwise couldn’t afford it.

    “In conjunction with the Veterans Affairs committee in Hope Mills, we do outreach programs, we invite the VA, Red Cross, Disabled Veterans Administration, Tricare and set up a table for veterans who aren’t sure what they’re benefits are, just to get information,” Blevins said. “It gives them an opportunity to come in and learn more about their benefits and help point them in the right direction.”

    VFW also gives back to the community by offering scholarships to students locally. The Voices of Democracy and Patriot's Pen programs allow students to write essays and win scholarships towards the school of their choice.

    “The Voice of Democracy is a $30,000 scholarship, Patriots Pen is a $5,000 scholarship to the school of your choice,” Baker said. “So that’s a way for us to give back to the community, the post gives some, the district gives some, then national gives some.”

    Another thing that we do is partner with Student Veterans of America to help them get the supplies they need for college, he added.

    “What is special to me is being able to help other veterans, but not just veterans we also help out the community,” Blevins said. “Last year, Hope Mills had about 4 baseball teams here that made it into the world series, and VFW donated money to each team to help them travel and cover expenses.”

    He said the organizations have had to slow down their fundraising and outreach efforts due to  COVID-19.

    “We are getting everything back in the groove again, raising money so we can run the facility as well as donate money to the community,” Baker said.

    Blevins said they are starting to lean more towards social events to bring people in and have a really nice facility and lots of things that they would like to do but COVID-19 has put a damper on things.

    “A lot of the VFW’s are now in survival mode to get through it, it’s a difficult time for us,” he said, adding that it makes it even more difficult to attract new members right now.

    The Hope Mills Post 10630 hosts monthly dinners for members and the community at $12 a plate, as an effort to recruit new members.

    VFW Post 630 in Fayetteville offers different social events like poker night, steak night, line dancing and karaoke for current, new members and the community. On Tuesdays, they offer poker nights, on Fridays it is karaoke from 5-10 p.m., Baker said.

    “We are on the 28th year of our Friday night Steak Nights... it's a way for us to raise money, a lot of members come out on Friday night to line dance, and do karaoke and enjoy comradeship,” he said. “And we are also open to the public so it's a way for them to meet members and to have a good time.” The $12 meal includes ribeye, potatoes and salad.

    VFW Post 670 meets monthly every second Thursday at 7 p.m. at 3928 Doc Bennett Road in Fayetteville. VFW post 10630 located at 3226 Davis Street in Hope Mills, meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

    “I have made good friends here at the post, they're a bunch of characters for sure,” Blevins said. “It’s a good place to meet when you miss the military, and you get to talk and exchange stories.”

    Baker said the post is a good way to mingle with different war vets, exchange stories and hear interesting things.

    We are pretty far out which doesn’t help but folks can look us up on Facebook at VFW Post 670, or visit https://vfw670.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp or come down on Friday nights, he said.

    We are including using technology and social media to reach new people, Blevins said.

    “You know the Vietnam vets took care of the Korean War and the WWII people and now it’s kind of like the Desert Storm and younger people take care of them,” he said.

    Post 10630 will be live streaming the Veterans Day event on Facebook due to COVID-19.

    Post 670 will be hosting Veterans for America Day on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. with live bands and vendors at the post, open to veterans and the public, Baker said.

    “The organization is open to both men and women, we do have mostly men but as long as you are a veteran of foreign wars, it does not matter,”  Blevins said.

    For more information on joining a local VFW post, seek assistance or meet veterans, contact Post 10630 at 910-476-3719, ocdrpost10630@vfwnc.com or Post 670 at 910-424-8675.

    There are more than 1.6 million VFW and Auxiliary members in over 6,000 Posts around the world. The VFW provides vital assistance and support for America’s service members, veterans and their families.

    There are three qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in the By-Laws. 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 in the Armed Forces of the U.S. 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.

    For more information on becoming a member of the VFW or learning about the services the VFW provides, visit www.vfw.org/

    01 01 bldg post 670

    01 02 DH 10630

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    01 03 VFW veterans

    Pictured: (top left) VFW Post 670 meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 3928 Doc Bennett Road in FaVFW Post 670 meets the second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 3928 Doc Bennett Road in Fayetteville.yetteville.

    (top right) VFW post 10630 located at 3226 Davis Street in Hope Mills, meets the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.

    (bottom) Veterans gather at VFW events to share military experiences, provide assistance to others in need, and promote awareness of veterans issues.

     

     

     

     

     

  • 15 McLamb VickyLast year, two Southeastern Health co-workers, Melanie McKee and Stephanie Smith, helped to organize an event designed to raise awareness and funds to assist COPD patients. Their involvement was in memory of their fathers who both experienced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a family of lung diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

    The event will continue this year with some adjustments due to COVID-19.

    The “Every Breath Counts” COPD 5k Run will be held in a virtual format on Nov. 7. The fee to participate is $25, which includes a race T-shirt. Medals will be given to the top three overall winners for both male and female participants as well as in each age category.

    A Walk, Run, Fundraise Walk-a-thon will be held throughout the month of November. Participants will be entered into a raffle based on the number of miles they track and the dollars they raise for COPD. Winners will be recognized in multiple categories.

    To register for either initiative, visit https://runsignup.com/everybreathcounts. The website also offers opportunities to purchase long-sleeve T-shirts, raffle tickets and to sign up for sponsorship opportunities. Visitors to the site may also make donations and raise funds to honor a loved one. All funds raised will expand education for COPD awareness through the Southeastern Health Foundation.

    Vicky McLamb, 57, of Lumberton, plans to walk in this year’s COPD Awareness event.

    McLamb completed Southeastern Health’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program in November 2019 after being diagnosed with COPD and, later, pulmonary arterial hypertension, in 2018. She sought help for extreme shortness of breath, to the point she thought she had pneumonia. After being referred to a pulmonologist, she began receiving care for her condition and was referred to an eight-month cardiopulmonary rehab
    program.

    After completing the program, McLamb went from using six liters of oxygen to only having oxygen on hand in the event of an emergency.

    “I have only used maybe three minutes of oxygen since I finished the rehab program and that was because my doctor recommended it for a trip to the mountains,” said McLamb. “I only used it going up the steps at the hotel.”

    Because her quality of life has improved so much since completing the program, McLamb shares her experience with anyone she encounters on oxygen, suggesting they ask their doctor about the program in the hopes that they can experience the success she has found.

    “They recommended I keep up with my exercise, so I continue to go to the fitness center three days a week,” said McLamb. “When the fitness center closed due to COVID, I walked at home but have returned now that the fitness center has re-opened.”

    McLamb has found a renewed energy she didn’t have before her rehab program.

    “Now I can’t sit still at work,” said McLamb. “I just want to get up and walk. I always want to be doing something.”

    Individuals interested in more information about cardiopulmonary rehab may ask their doctor or call 910-738-5403.

    For more information about the 5K race, call 910-738-5433. For information about overall COPD initiatives, call the Southeastern Health Foundation at 910-671-5583.

    Pictured: Vicky McLamb found a renewed energy after completing Southeastern Health’s Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program after a COPD diagnosis.
    (Photo courtesy Southeastern Health)

  • 14 Chevy SparkOne lucky student will be driving to school in a brand-new car, just for giving the gift of life. Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center and Powers Swain Chevrolet are teaming up to give away a Chevy Spark to promote blood donations among area high schoolers. The two-door hatchback’s winner will be picked at random in a drawing next year.

    High school students who donate by May 15, 2021, are eligible to be entered in the drawing. Official rules are available at the Blood Donor Center.

    The winner must be enrolled in a public, private, virtual or homeschool high school in Cumberland, Bladen, Harnett or Hoke county. The prize drawing will be held May 17 at Powers Swain Chevrolet in Fayetteville.

    The Blood Donor Center is in continuous need of blood donations because its blood products help patients throughout southeastern North Carolina. Currently, the center needs all blood types.

    High school donations help the center maintain a safe, adequate blood supply during most years. Nearly half the blood Cape Fear Valley uses for patient transfusions during school months comes from high school student donations.

    Due to COVID-19, schools are not allowing blood drives, so students are encouraged to donate at the Blood Donor Center located at 3357 Village Drive in Fayetteville or at a bloodmobile drive in the community.

    Information about becoming a donor and a complete schedule of upcoming blood drives are available at www.savingliveslocally.org.

    Blood drives scheduled for the next week include:
    Panda Express
    Nov. 4, 12 to 4 p.m.
    585 Cross Creek Mall
    910-487-7932

    Reserve at Carrington Place
    Nov. 5, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
    6511 Lexi Lane
    910-864-6886

    Plantation at Fayetteville
    Nov. 6, 2 to 5 p.m.
    3050 Plantation Garden Blvd.
    910-600-6116

    St. Ann Catholic Church
    Nov. 7, 9:00 a.m. to noon
    357 N. Cool Spring St.
    910-483-3216

    HWY 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries
    Nov. 8, 1 to 4 p.m.
    380 Laurinburg Road, Raeford
    910-875-1133

    Rustic Burger
    Nov. 10, 2 to 6 p.m.
    2653 Hope Mills Road
    910-568-4471

    Cape Fear Ortho and Sports Med
    Nov. 11, 1 to 4 p.m.
    4140 Ferncreek Dr. Suite 801
    910-484-2171

    Pictured: A Chevy Spark similar to the one shown in this stock image will be given to a high school blood donor in a drawing to be held May 17, 2021. Nearly half the blood Cape Fear Valley uses for transfusions comes from high school blood donations, which are down because schools have been closed during the pandemic.

     

  • 11 Elaina BallThe Fayetteville Public Works Commission announced that Elaina Ball will be the utility’s next CEO/General Manager. Ball, who brings 14 years of utility experience to PWC, is the first female leader in PWC’s 115-year history and just the 9th CEO/General Manager. Ball will join PWC Dec. 1 and succeeds David Trego who will retire Dec. 31 after leading PWC since 2015.

    Ball comes to PWC from El Paso Electric where she served as Senior Vice President in Operations and Administration roles. Since 2018, she oversaw functional areas of the Company including Power Generation, Power Marketing, T&D, Customer Care, Technology, Safety, Environmental and Public Relations and Corporate Communications.

    “Elaina has a wealth of experience in the electric industry, including generation, which is a huge asset for us, “said PWC Chair Wade Fowler.

    “She’s been a leader at outstanding utilities including public power utilities in San Antonio and Austin Texas," Fowler said. "She was highly sought after by several other organizations and we are very fortunate that she chose PWC and Fayetteville. We are excited about the future of PWC and what she brings to it. She’s a very relationship oriented and in addition to PWC, is looking forward to her involvement in the community.”

    She was responsible for over 800 employees and helped El Paso set new records for annual customer satisfaction scores and earn its first JD Power top performing utility award in 2019 as well as helping them through a successful merger with IIF, an infrastructure investment fund advised by J.P. Morgan. El Paso Electric is a regional electric utility that serves over 400,000 customers in a 10,000 square mile area of the Rio Grande valley in west Texas and southern New Mexico.

    Ball served in leadership roles at two of the nation’s largest municipally owned electric systems. Prior to joining El Paso Electric, Ball worked at Austin Energy, the publicly owned electric utility serving 450,000 customers in the Austin, Texas area. While at Austin Energy, she served as Chief Operating Officer and was responsible for power generation, transmission and distribution, information technology and onsite energy resources. She also served on the board of the South Texas Nuclear Project electric generating station.

    Ball served as Vice President, Technical Services at CPS Energy, the municipally owned electric and gas utility serving over 800,000 customers in the greater San Antonio area from 2006-2012. At CPS, she was responsible for electric transmission, substation and distribution engineering, and operational technology, among other functions.

    “I’m very excited to join the great team at the PWC and for our family to be a part of this community,” said Ball. “PWC is a significant asset and plays a vital role in the community’s success. It is known throughout both the electric and water utility industry for its excellent operations and I look forward to continuing the legacy of strong leadership at the PWC and continuing that excellence of providing safe and reliable service to our customers.”

    Ball is an active civic leader, currently serving on the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Board of Directors. She is also a current Board of Directors member of the Association of Women in Energy. A native of Texas, Ball has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.

    Fayetteville PWC is a municipally owned utility that provides electric, water and wastewater service to over 118,000 customers in Fayetteville/Cumberland County. PWC has over 600 employees and is the 37th largest municipal electric utility in the U.S.

    Pictured: Elaina Ball

  • 07 baseball softball complexThe Fayetteville City Council has decided to locate a $9 million sports complex on property owned by the U.S. Army at I-295 and McArthur Road. Council had also considered a city-owned tract on Fields Road in East Fayetteville. A five-year lease agreement with Fort Bragg calls for developing the first phase of the sports complex at a cost of $3.5 million. The city approved a memorandum of understanding with Fort Bragg to build baseball and softball fields which would be shared by Fort Bragg troops and the general public.

    The city will build and maintain the complex, which will provide priority use by soldiers during specified weekly time periods. The money to launch the complex will be drawn from proceeds of the 2016 $35 million parks and recreation bond referendum. The facility will eventually include additional sports and recreation facilities which have not yet been designated by the city. The City Council was divided on the initial agreement, with council members Shakeyla Ingram, Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and Tisha Waddell dissenting.

    They preferred the Fields Road site. Citizens "east of the river have been advocating for development and investment for longer than I have been alive," Ingram said. Councilman Chris Davis called her remarks divisive, pointing out that 60% of bond revenues have been spent in Ingram’s district. District 2 consists of the region east of the river and the downtown business area. A staff report provided to council earlier proposes opening this first phase of the sports complex two years from now.

    City Council also agreed on a $1.5 million upgrade of the Jordan Soccer Complex at Methodist University. The city/county recreation and parks department will install a lighting system and renovate the soccer fields and parking facilities. The university gets the upgrades, while the city hopes the improvements will generate greater interest in sanctioned tournament play to generate income. The lease provides for open use of the soccer fields by the public when tournaments are not being held. The agreement also officially designated the complex as the trailhead for the Cape Fear River Trail. Recreation Director Michael Gibson said this project gives the city the ability to expand its soccer and football programs while also providing 35 acres of undesignated green space.

    In other business at the Oct. 26 meeting, City Council members unanimously approved an agreement with Fayetteville State University to develop a multi-million-dollar East Senior Center at the intersection of Filter Plant and Murchison Roads. It will resemble the first of two regional senior centers funded by the 2016 parks and recreation referendum. The Senior Center West was built adjacent to the recreation center at Lake Rim. Gibson said this project will be a "game-changer" for redevelopment of the Murchison Road corridor.

    Pictured: Fayetteville City Council voted to locate a $9 million sports complex on property owned by the U.S. Army at I-295 and McArthur Road. The completed baseball and softball fields would be shared by Fort Bragg troops and the general public. (Photo for illustration purposes.)

  • 10 Cape Fear River 2Fayetteville depends on the Cape Fear River for water and is impacted by inter-basin water transfers. The Fayetteville Public Works Commission is asking the public to comment on Fuquay-Varina’s proposed inter-basin transfer from the Cape Fear River basin to the Neuse River basin.

    PWC’s hope is that a thorough process will include full consideration of the impact on all communities downstream on the Cape Fear River and that before any IBT certificate is issued, it has been demonstrated there is no alternate option that would eliminate the need for an IBT. Fuquay-Varina is requesting an average transfer of approx. 4 million gallons per day and a maximum day transfer of 8 million gallons from the Cape River basin to the Neuse River basin.

    The request is based on 2055 water demand projects in the town’s service area. Previous agreements have included requirements for water to be returned to the Cape Fear River. The NC Division of Water Resources makes any decisions relating to such requests. Public comments can be submitted to msadler@hazenandsawyer.com. The public comment period closes on Nov. 20.

  • 09 2020 electionPresidential elections in America are unique. In other U.S. elections, candidates are elected directly by the people. But the president and vice president are not. Instead, they’re chosen by “electors” through a process called the Electoral College.

    This process of using electors is prescribed in the Constitution. Changing the system would require a constitutional amendment. Electoral College vote totals determine the winner, not the statistical plurality or majority a candidate may have in national popular vote totals.

    Electoral votes are awarded on the basis of the popular vote in each state. 48 out of the 50 states award electoral votes on a winner-takes-all basis, as does the District of Columbia.

    For example, all 15 of North Carolina’s electoral votes go to the winner of the state election, even if the margin of victory is only 50.1 percent to 49.9 percent.

    The number of electors each state has is based on the total number of U.S. senators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Those numbers are based on each state’s population. California has the largest population. North Carolina is ranked 10th.

  • 08 scam keyboard 2The Cumberland County Health Department says some residents have received calls and voice messages from individuals claiming to be with the Health Department. Residents should beware of contact tracing scams seeking personal and financial information. These callers say it is about an “urgent health matter.”

    Legitimate contact tracers with the COVID-19 Community Team will never ask for anyone’s social security number, bank or credit card numbers, or any other financial information. If you are asked for this information, hang up and call the Cumberland County Health Department at 910-433-3600 to report the incident Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Contact tracing is an important tool to combat the spread of COVID-19. Legitimate contact tracers will call, text or email individuals who have been in close contact with positive coronavirus cases. Information shared with the COVID-19 Community Team is a private health record and is strictly confidential. Contact tracers will never reveal the identity of persons who have tested positive.

  • 06 fayetteville police departmentDetectives with the Fayetteville Police Department’s Cold Case Sexual Assault Unit have arrested a 60-year-old Florida man alleged to have committed a pair of rapes which occurred thirty years ago. Timothy Keller has been charged with two counts each of 1st degree rape, 1st degree sex offense, 1st degree kidnapping and armed robbery in the abduction and sexual assault of two women.

    One of the victims was attacked on Jan. 5, 1990. “The victim was walking to her vehicle in the parking lot of Bordeaux Shopping Center on Owen Drive when Keller kidnapped her at gunpoint,” police spokesman Jeremy Strickland said.

    “He drove her to the rear of the shopping center where he then raped her.” Fayetteville and Hope Mills authorities have also accused Keller of kidnapping another woman at an ATM machine on Hope Mills Road on April 25, 1990. “Keller kidnapped her at gunpoint, drove her to an isolated location where he then raped her,” Strickland said.

    Both cases went unsolved until now. Keller is being held in the Cumberland County Detention Center under $300,000 secured bond after being extradited from Florida.

    Over the last five years city police have solved dozens of cold cases utilizing technologies provided by grants from the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance. The police department received an initial grant in 2015 and a second allocation in 2016 for a total of $1.2 million to test sexual assault kits, obtain technical training and prosecute sex crimes. The DOJ says that since June 2015, the FPD Cold Case Sexual Assault Unit has made nearly 60 arrests.

    Police ask that anyone with information concerning a sexual assault cold case contact Detective D. Kocher with the FPD at 910-433-1500 ext. 2323 or Crime Stoppers at 910-
    483-TIPS.

  • 05 get flu shotMillions of people across the globe get flu shots each year to protect against influenza, but the vaccine might provide even greater benefits in 2020. As the world continues to confront the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, it’s imperative that people everywhere take necessary steps to protect themselves and others.

    “We are still fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in Cumberland County,” said Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green. “As we enter the flu season, we must protect our healthcare and frontline workers. Getting your flu shot is a simple way to help these heroes who have been fighting this pandemic tirelessly since March.”

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that a flu vaccine will not protect people against COVID-19. However, flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of illness related to the flu. Those illnesses weaken people’s immune systems, making them more vulnerable to other viruses, including COVID-19.

    Flu vaccines have also been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization. That’s a significant benefit of being vaccinated, as people who get their flu shots can indirectly help hospitals conserve potentially scarce resources. As the COVID-19 virus rapidly spread late in the winter of 2019-20, many hospitals across the country and even the globe were stretched incredibly thin. So, anything ordinary citizens can do to alleviate such burdens can help save lives while also making hospital workers’ jobs easier and less stressful.

    The Cumberland County Department of Public Health is now offering free flu vaccinations regardless of insurance status. To protect the health and safety of staff and clients, flu vaccines at the Immunization Clinic located in the Health Department at 1235 Ramsey, St. are by appointment only.

    The public must call 910-321-7116 to make an appointment to receive the flu vaccine at the Cumberland County Health Department Immunization Clinic. Upon arrival at the clinic, participants will complete a short registration form and if insured, a copy of insurance cards will be captured, and the insurance company will be billed. Participants will not receive a bill for flu vaccines.

    Children, 18 and younger, can also receive a free flu vaccine through the Vaccines for Children program. Anyone accompanying a minor must show proof of custody.

    Many people may be concerned about going out and getting a flu shot in 2020. That’s especially likely for people who live in communities where the COVID-19 virus is spreading. However, the CDC notes that getting a flu shot in 2020 is an essential part of protecting your health and the health of your family.

    Many doctor’s offices are now insisting patients wait in their cars until doctors are ready to see them, and masks may be required when entering the doctor’s office. Such measures can reduce the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus when visiting a doctor’s office for a flu shot or another visit, so patients should not be hesitant to receive their vaccinations in 2020. Patients can follow such protocols even if their doctors are not insisting they do so. The same safety measures can be followed by people who intend to get their flu shots from neighborhood pharmacies.

    Community Flu Shot Clinics

    The Health Department is also partnering with community agencies to offer free flu vaccine clinics throughout the county. The public can choose between drive-thru or in-person flu vaccine services. No appointments are required for community flu clinics. Drive-thru clinics begin Nov. 10.

    To protect the health and safety of staff and clients, flu vaccinations given by drive-up cannot accommodate those on foot. Directional signage will guide the public through the registration line. Individuals receiving a vaccination must sit next to an operational window, be wearing a mask and remain in vehicles. Staff will administer flu vaccinations through the window. Individuals in middle or third row seats cannot be vaccinated.

    There is a drive-thru flu clinic scheduled Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Falling Run Baptist Church located at 2852 Cedar Creek Rd.

    Another drive-thru flu clinic is scheduled Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Alliance Health located at 711 Executive Pl.

    An In-Person Community Clinic is scheduled Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fayetteville State University’s Rudolph Jones Student Center—The Bronco Lounge, located at 1200 Murchinson Rd.

    No appointments are required for community flu clinics. As they are scheduled, additional community clinics will be posted on http://www.co.cumberland.nc.us/fluclinic
    Is it flu or COVID-19?

    There are some key differences between COVID-19 and the flu. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer. Another important difference is there is a vaccine to protect against flu. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to
    the virus.

    Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics, but there are some key differences between the two.

    “While many unknowns surrounding COVID-19 remain, we do know having a cough, fever or fatigue can be symptoms of both the flu and COVID-19,” said Dr. Green. “At least one symptom that COVID-19 and flu do not share is the loss of taste many COVID-19 positive individuals report.”

    While more is learned every day, there is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and the virus that causes it. The CDC updates information daily and has the best available information to date.

  • 01 01 20201005 115840aThe School of Hope is a local non-profit serving children with autism and their families by providing resources and special needs education. Co-founders Amy and Rob Sparks decided to start the school after the death of their own son, Jarred, in 2011.

    “We lost our son who was autistic and we had never really found a good school for him,” Rob Sparks said. “My wife said, ‘I really want to open a school to provide the special needs of these kids.’ After Jarred passed away we started talking about it, and said this is what we were supposed to do,” he said.

    Amy said she made a promise to Jarred that she would never let his death be in vain, and opening a school for children with autism is a way of fulfilling that promise.

    “It was a labor of love for my husband and I,” she said.

    The duo raised money for six years, started the Jarred Bryan Sparks Foundation in memory of their son and then the School of Hope in 2017.

    “We said we would never let Jarred’s memory die and he was my greatest teacher, you know when you think you're teaching kids that have disabilities, they're actually teaching you,” she said.

    The education facility located in Fayetteville has grown from 5 students in 2017 to 23 this year.

    “We service children who are severely autistic, all the way up to kids who are high functioning autistic,” Amy said. “We are not based according to grades, it's based on ability levels, socialization and skills and how we can meet the needs of these students.”

    School of Hope is a private school that sees a lot of children with autism that public schools haven’t been a good fit for, she said.

    There are no more than six children in each classroom compared to public schools with higher numbers, Rob said.

    The school offers smaller classroom sizes, teachers, teaching assistants, Applied Behavior Analysis Therapists and Registered Behavior Technicians.

    “Cumberland County schools do not allow RBT’s into the classrooms and that's where our parents have been distraught because they know that their kids need that extra person there to help them but yet they are not allowed to bring them in public schools,” Amy said. “We feel like we are meeting the needs of a lot of these families because we can provide services that meet the individual needs of our children.”

    The School of Hope doesn’t follow an Individual Education Plan like public schools but focuses on a Personal Education Plan and takes into consideration the children's academic and socialization levels.

    They assess students and then form a plan on how to best serve the child and their needs, she said.

    “Because a lot of our children don't want to be around other people, they don't want to have conversations with people so we set up situations, teach them how to interact with their peers, something as simple as playing Uno, a game that teaches socialization how to take turns, follow directions,” Amy said.

    The School of Hope serves not only civilians but also the military community, she said.

    Rob Sparks said when he served in the Air Force, they struggled to find the right schools for their late son.

    “We have been there where people tell you they can't do anything else with your kid or that there's nothing else … we can provide for their needs,” he said. “We just want to be able to try and do that.”

    The couple hopes that the school will have about 100 children in the next 10 years.

    “Our greatest goal is that this school will go on forever when we are long gone and will touch lives even after us,” Amy said.

    They need to find people they can trust and know are going to love these children and do what’s best for them when she and her husband are no longer able to run the school, Amy said.

    “It makes me feel great, I mean I love giving back to the community especially an area I am familiar in,” Rob said. “My son didn’t have these opportunities, so I like to be able to create those opportunities and resources for autistic kids and I am just glad to be one of those resources.”

    The foundation and school host various fundraisers and events in the fall and spring to raise money for both non-profits. The next one is the Riding for Hope fundraiser scheduled for Nov. 14 to raise money for playground equipment and other needs of the school, Amy said.

    The fundraiser will have a motorcycle ride, raffles and a silent auction. The event will also serve to raise awareness about autism and answer questions that people may have, she said.

    “I think it's important that we are advocates for our children,” Amy said. “Our children are very unique, and this isn't a cookie cutter disability, and the number of autistic children is going up so it’s important we raise awareness because autism isn’t going away.”

    Rob said that the pandemic has slowed down the efforts to raise money and grow and this fundraiser will help move things along.

    “You know you can write grants and hope and pray that you get them but just because you write them doesn't mean you will get them,” Amy said. “We need this money to help for new playground equipment, when our kids go outside they can be engaged, have physical exercise,” Amy said.

    The goal of the fundraiser is to raise at least $10,000. If someone can’t attend but still wants to donate they can do so at the website https://theschoolofhope.networkforgood.com/projects/94356-make-a-difference-in-the-lives-of-children-with-autism

    For more information visit https://www.theschoolofhope.net and https://www.jarredbryansparksfoundation.org

    The Riding for Hope event starts at 10 a.m. Nov. 14 at the Fayetteville Community Church located at 2010 Middle River Loop. The bike ride will stop at the Seven Gables Skating Rink in Clinton and return to Fayetteville. Registration will be from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Rider tickets are $20, passengers are $10. Pre-registration email is sohfundraiser2020@gmail.com

    01 02 Rob and Amy Sparks

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    (Left) Amy and Rob Sparks opened the School of Hope for austistic children in 2017 in honor of their late son, Jarred.
    (Right) The Riding for Hope event on Nov. 14 will raise funds for playground equipment for students and other school needs.

     

  • staff1staff2Gospel music lovers in the area likely know Larry Chason. He’s been singing old Southern gospel in the Carolinas since 1996. On Dec. 3 Chason is set to host a Southern Gospel Christmas Sing at Eureka Baptist Church. Chason will perform, as will Triumphant Quartet. Come ready to embrace the true meaning of Christmas and leave blessed.

    “It will be all Christmas music,” said Chason. “We want to get people in the Christmas spirit. We really need to know real meaning of Christmas and that is just what this music does — it shares the meaning of Christmas.”

    Chason started singing in church when he was just five years old. He’s been singing quartet music since he was 16. He performed with the Lighthouse Boys for several years and has recorded five projects with Milton Smith and Wesley Pritchard of Millwest Studios in Fayetteville. Chason has sung and promoted with many well-known Southern gospel performers including Anchormen, Dove Brothers, Dixie Melody Boys, Steele Family, Quinton Mills, and local groups Jay Stone Singers, the Tylers, Pierce Family, Rapture-Road Quartet and Lucy Hemingway. 

    Chason’s website, lighthousemusicministry.com, explains his love of music and his “passion for lost souls and desire to minister through song and testimony.”

    Triumphant Quartet has 19 albums, including a 2009 Grammy Award nominee — Everyday. Their first album was released in 2003. The group started in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., where the four friends performed at the Louise Mandrell Theater daily from 2003 to 2008. That’s when they started touring. 

    A consistent fan favorite in the gospel music industry, Triumphant not only delivers great music, the group is lively and engaging on stage.

    “This is a national quartet that travels cross the U.S.” said Chason. “A couple of the members have been involved with singing groups in Dollywood and other well-known groups. Something people may not know is that one of the members is from North Carolina. David Sutton — he is from Raleigh.”

    Admission to the Southern Gospel Christmas Sing is free, although there will be a love offering to assist the singers with their ministries. “These guys are professionals,” said Chason. “This is how they make their living.”

    The event starts at 6 p.m. and is at Eureka Baptist Church, which is located at 1591 Eureka Drive. For more information, call 818-9769. Find out more at about Chason at lighthousemusicministry.com. Find out more about Triumphant Quartet at http://www.triumphantquartet.com.

  • jeff9Celebrating the holiday season with friends and family is one of the best things about this time of the year. The days are full of friendship, beautiful decorations and happiness. There are opportunities all over Fayetteville and the surrounding area to share this joy and excitement with the community and loved ones.

    On Dec. 10, the Rotary club hosts its annual Christmas parade. From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., floats of all kinds will drive through downtown Fayetteville. The route goes from Person Street to the Market House to Hay Street to the train station. The Rotary Club began hosting these Christmas Parades in 1999. It stepped things up when it looked like the tradition was going to end. The very first parade had 50 entries, but with the support of community members and local businesses it has grown to more than 100 floats. This parade is not a fundraiser; instead, it is a community service project with the goal of spreading joy for the holiday season. For more information, visit http://www.rotarychristmasparade.com/history.php. 

    Another fun Christmas event is the Fort Bragg Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. On Dec. 1, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m., the Main Post Parade field will be full of holiday spirit. The giant Christmas tree is lit and the parade field filled with fun Christmas activities. This is a family-friendly event that includes a Kidz Corner and the opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Light refreshments will be available as well as holiday entertainment. For more information, visit www.bragg.armymwr.com.

    On Dec. 2, Santa Claus will make an appearance at the family-friendly Christmas in the Mill Village event. From 6:30 until 9 p.m. on Trade Street in Hope Mills the shops will be open late and full of Christmas spirit. This is a perfect time to get some holiday shopping done or to enjoy some free entertainment with friends and family. There is an entire line up for entertainment and street vendors will be available as well. Don’t forget to participate in the special contest.

    On Dec. 16, there will also be some Christmas fun at Milton E. Mazarick Park. From 5 until 6:30 p.m. the public is invited to participate in Nature Christmas Ornaments. This event is intended for all ages and it allows everyone to unlock their Christmas creativity. Event admission is $3, but participants make a unique Christmas ornament using objects found in nature. Reservations are required and the designated meeting place is the Mazarick building. Snacks are provided. For more information visit www.fcpr.us. 

    On Dec. 3, the Town of Hope Mills will host its Christmas parade. It begins at 3 p.m. The route is from Hope Mills Middle School to South Main Street  to Main Street and then ends at Rockfish Elementary School. This parade represents small-town Christmas celebrations at their finest. They are full of community spirit and joy. The parade is open to the public and this is a family friendly event.  For more information visit http://www.townofhopemills.com/350/Christmas-in-Hope-Mills.

  • coverTraditions. We all have them. And for the city of Fayetteville, A Dickens Holiday is a can’t-miss celebration that kicks off the holiday season. Every year, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Downtown Fayetteville turns into a Victorian-era celebration of the Christmas holidays. This year, on Nov. 25, join the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County, the Downtown Alliance and all of the Downtown Fayetteville establishments for a taste of what life was like when things weren’t so high-tech and hectic. The fun lasts from 1-9 p.m. 

    “A Dickens Holiday is maybe the best feel-good event of the year in our community,” said Arts Council Executive Director Deborah Mintz. “The hearts and hopes of thousands of people seem to come together during the event”, she added.

    There is plenty to do at the event, including a few new things, but those tried and true favorites will be there, too. “A Dickens Holiday is full of wonderful traditions, and often I am asked what is new this year,” said Marketing Director Mary Kinney. “And we do have some new things. But we have people who come every year, and we have been doing this for 17 years. When it comes to A Dickens Holiday, it is so rooted in tradition. And for the holidays people tend to look for the same things year after year. That is what makes them traditions. It is part of what makes them special. We are adding on some things and we like to mix it up, but we are aware and respectful of the fact that for many people, the traditions are important.”

    A stroll down Hay Street showcases citizens in period attire. Along with roving characters reliving scenes from the Dickens book A Christmas Carol that witness Marley and Scrooge at various stages of the story, including Scrooge’s conversion, right in the heart of downtown.

    A photo with Father Christmas is the perfect way to preserve the magic of A Dickens Holiday forever. There is no age limit, you simply must be young at heart to enjoy a few moments in a Victorian sleigh posing for a wholesome photo with one of the season’s icons. It’s $6 per print or $15 for three. They are printed on-site. Father Christmas will be in attendance from 1-8:30 p.m.

    Nothing warms the soul – and the fingers – like a steaming hot cider accompanied by tasty gingerbread. Look for different locations on Hay Street to find this decadent treat. 

    New this year is a thematic juggler who will be entertaining his way up and down Hay Street.

    Gingerbread houses are nothing new this time of year, but H&H Homes and Fayetteville Area’s Habitat for Humanity have put a new spin on gingerbread real estate with the Community of Hope. It is an entire gingerbread village on display. From schools and shops to municipal buildings, and yes, houses are all included in the display. Come cast your vote and root for your favorite design.

    Families are invited to Fascinate-U Children’s Museum from 1-6 p.m. to make a Victorian ornament .

    At 4 p.m., stop by Hay Street United Methodist Church to take in Tuba Christmas.

    The Museum of the Cape Fear’s Poe House will be open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and decked out in Victorian Christmas décor. 

    Enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage and get a look at Downtown Fayetteville from a different perspective. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. 

    Tickets go on sale at noon at 222 Hay Street on Nov. 25. Or, for a longer and more personal experience, head to the Transportation and Local History Museum for a ride in a Queen Victoria carriage. Tickets are $15 per person. Call 678-8899 for tickets and information.

    Learn more about the Victorian era and what life was like for locals during that time. This Victorian Life exhibit is on the second floor of the Market House. The displays include literature, military items, a Victorian Christmas tree and other items that give the visitor a better understanding about how Victorians celebrated Christmas. There is also an interactive aspect to the display. The exhibit is open from 1-9 p.m.

    Annie’s Ale House, a Victorian-era pub, will be set up inside the Arts Council. Stop by during the day for a libation and to shop for local art at the Transformation: Recycling Reclaimed Objects exhibit. The Fisk Jubilee Singers are performing at 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. These are historical tributes to the Fisk Jubilee Singers of the 1800s that entertained Queen Victoria. In the evening, the pub gets a bit rowdier with performances by the Belfast Boys. “It’s sure to have your toes tapping,” said Kinney.

    Visitors to A Dickens Holiday are encouraged to come dressed in period costumes. New this year is a chance to win a prize for the best costume. Head over to the Rainbow Room to enter the contest. While you are there, add a link to the Chain of Good Cheer. “People are invited to write thoughts of cheer, joy, and hope on slips of paper. This will be linked together to form a large Chain of Good Cheer,” said Kinney. “The chain will stay on display downtown through the holidays. The point is compiling these wonderful sentiments from the attendees.” 

    Around 5:30 p.m. everyone gathers at the Arts Council for the candlelight procession to the Market House. Candles are available at selected merchants downtown and at the Arts Council while supplies last. The procession concludes with a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. But that is not the end of the evening. “When you go to an event with fireworks, the fireworks are typically the culmination of the festivities,” said Kinney. “At A Dickens Holiday, it is really the kick-off of Dickens after dark.” 

    There is still plenty of time to shop, visit the Community of Hope Gingerbread display to see who won top honors for their structure, grab a bite to eat and visit Annie’s Alehouse for some entertainment.

    Find out more about A Dickens Holiday at www.theartscouncil.com/dickensmain  or call the Arts Council at 323-1776 to learn more.

  • wonderful lifeIt’s a Wonderful Lifewas produced and directed by Frank Capra in 1946. It was inspired by the 1939 short story “The Greatest Gift” written by Philip Van Doren Stern. When it was first released, the film was considered a failure. It didn’t bring in the crowds necessary to offset the large production costs. However, over the years, it proved to be one of the most beloved American movies of all time. For many families across the nation, it is traditional to watch the film together every Christmas season. And it is showing at the Gilbert Theater Nov. 26-Dec. 18.

        This season, the Gilbert Theater brings this American holiday classic to life on the stage. This is a unique opportunity, in part due to the theater’s facilities. The Gilbert Theater is a black box theater, which means the distance between the performers and the audience members is very small. For a show like this, it makes the performance feel not only real but also incredibly personal. All in a way that a television set can never accomplish. “This is a classic film and a well-loved story. It’s a tradition for many to watch the film annually during the holiday season. We seek to capture the essence of the film and make the audience feel as though they are at home watching the characters come to life before their eyes,” Artistic Director Robyne Parrish said. 

    It’s a Wonderful Lifecenters on the story of George Bailey. His self-sacrifice has driven him to the verge of suicide. His desperation brings about his guardian angel. The guardian angel shows George his value by showing him how life would be if he had not been born. The Gilbert Theater presents this story in a very classic interpretation. “This story is about finding one’s true self,” Parrish said. “It is about redemption and hope. It is a modern-day Scrooge tale. I think we can all identify with it on some level. Many of us experience feeling as though we are not loved or not needed. It takes faith and a little bit of magic to see the truth.”

        While Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time, it can be emotionally tumultuous. George’s struggle and emotional distress are relatable. “I identify with George, absolutely. His struggle to find his identity in a world that he feels has sometimes let him down is palpable,” said Parrish. “The blessings he ultimately finds in friends and family rings so true for me and many others.” It is this representation of classic human struggle that is why this story remains so popular today.

    It’s a Wonderful Life tackles some big themes and difficult issues, but it is still accessible and appropriate for young viewers. These lessons are ones that can’t be learned too early. Life isn’t always easy or simple, but everyone has value and should be appreciated. “It’s a family-friendly show with a strong message of love and togetherness,” said Parrish. “Particularly in this time of political unrest. This story brings folks together no matter what their political passions or walks of life.”

    For tickets and information, visit http://www.gilberttheater.com or call the box office at 678-7186.

  • youngOn Nov. 19, Chris Young’s I’m Coming Over Tourwill stop at the Crown Coliseum. Chris Young is a country singer and songwriter who won the TV program Nashville Starin 2006. Since his debut single “Drinkin’ Me Lonely,” his work has consistently topped the charts. Originally from Tennessee, he has brought country music all over the globe with his hit songs. So far he has eight No. 1 singles and 14 Gold/Platinum certifications. His newest hit is “Thinking of You,” which he performed with Cassadee Pope. The song was well received by audiences and critics, soaring to the top of country music charts. The song comes from his fifth album I’m Comin’ Over, which has been nominated for Academy of Country Music Awards, AMC  and reached the #1 spot on the Top Country Albums chart in November. He is known as a dynamic performer who brings a lot of energy and excitement to the stage. This tour brings his work, which is fantastic through the radio, to an entirely new level. Joining Young on stage will be Cassadee Pope and Dustin Lynch. 

    Cassadee Pope is also an American singer and songwriter. From 2008 to 2011, she was the lead singer of the pop-punk band Hey Monday. In 2011, she began her solo career, which led her to audition for season three of The Voice.In 2012, she became the first female winner of the program. Many of her performances on The Voice, such as her rendition of “Over You” in the third, live round, reached #1 on iTunes’ charts. While she is also working on her own albums, recently she sang a duet with Chris Young called “Thinking of You.” This is her first song to reach #1 on the U.S. Country Airplay chart. 

    Dustin Lynch began his career in country music with a move to Tennessee in 2003. He released his first debut single in 2011, “Cowboys and Angels,” under Broken Bow Records. His first #1 single came in 2014 when he released “Where It’s At (Yep, Yep).” Lynch has also collaborated with artists such as James Wesley, Josh Leo and Tim Nichols.

    Chris Young performs on Nov. 19 at the Crown Coliseum. The Crown Coliseum is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $29.50 to $55.50. More information and links to purchase tickets can be accessed at www.crowncomplexnc.com. There are also two VIP Ticket experiences available. The first is the VIP Meet and Greet Experience. This includes a reserved ticket, meeting Chris Young before the show, an individual picture with Chris, one personalized autograph, a ticket to the preshow “VIP hang” that includes an exclusive performance and a fan pack with various Chris Young memorabilia. The second VIP package is the VIP Soundcheck Experience. This includes a reserved ticket to the concert, a ticket to the pre-show “VIP Hang” and the VIP Fan pack featuring a Chris Young tote bag, tour poster and lanyard. 

    Chris  is asking his fans to bring new unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots.

  • annieThere was a popular cartoon in the 1920s called Little Orphan Annie. It was created by Harold Gray. The strip ran through the ‘30s and ‘40s.  Fast forward to 1970. Martin Charnin, a lyricist and a director, purchased a coffee table book called The Life and Hard Times of Little Orphan Annie for his friend. As he was getting ready to wrap the book, Charnin opened it to peek inside. He ended up reading the entire book. Charnin fell in love with Little Orphan Annie that day and started pursuing the rights. He talked with his friends Charles Strouse, a two-time Tony award-winning composer and Thomas Meehan, a short story writer for The New Yorker. In 1971, they started work writing the musical. The musical has been through several iterations since then. On Thursday, Nov. 17, Annie comes to Givens Performing Arts Center.

    It was six years before Annie debuted at the Goodspeed Opera House. There, it was revised and changed. Then Lewis Allen and Mike Nichols chose to produce Annie as their first Broadway show. It opened in 1977 at the Alvin Theatre, which is now the Neil Simon Theatre. It ran for 2,377 performances and won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score and Choreography. The cast included Reid Shelton (Oliver Warbucks), Dorothy Loudon (Miss Hannigan), Sandy Faison (Grace Farrell) and Andrea McArdle (Annie). Sarah Jessica Parker and Allison Smith also starred in the title role during the original Broadway run. 

    Since then, Annie has returned to Broadway twice –  in 1997 and 2012. It’s the 13th longest-running American musical to run on Broadway. It’s been translated into 28 languages and has been performed in 34 countries.

    This production of Annie is directed by the same man who fell in love with the comic strip in 1970: Martin Charnin. It’s choreographed by Liza Gennaro. 

    Annie includes such favorites as“It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and “Tomorrow.”

    See Annie at Givens Performing Arts Center. Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Call Givens box office at 910-521-6361 for tickets and information or visit http://www.uncp.edu. Tickets:  $41, $36, $21/$26 Alumni/$16 Children or Students/$16 Faculty and Staff/$10 UNCP Students. 

  • coverEvery Thanksgiving weekend for the past 17 years, The Heart of Christmas Show has ushered in the Christmas season. For the audience, it’s a weekend of high-quality entertainment, laughs, heartfelt moments and warm fuzzies that set hearts right for the holidays. For the cast and their families, it is the culmination of three months of grueling rehearsals and pulling together to put together everything they have into this show, which celebrates everyone’s favorite things about the holidays. Then, after the show is over, they give all the money away to help sick and abused children in the community – more than $620,000 to date. This year, the 18th annual Heart of Christmas Show is onstage at the Crown Nov. 26  at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Nov. 27 at 3 p.m.

    The performance features Voices of the Heart, a local teenage Christian vocal group, joined by a cast of 32 singers and dancers. Laura Stevens is the show’s creator and director. “There was only supposed to be one show,” she said, “but here we are 18 years later.”

    Putting on a production this big every year takes a lot of work and dedication from the cast and their families. “It is amazing to me how everyone pulls together. Parents are sewing sequins on costumes and running out for supplies – just doing whatever it takes to get things done,” said Stevens. “And the cast works so hard. They give up every Saturday for three months to be in this production. Our practices start right after Labor Day.”

    But in the end, when the audience is engaged and reacts to the vignettes, when the funds are disbursed to help local children, all that hard work and hours of practice are worth it. “There are segments that have become as traditional as Christmas cookies,” said Stevens. “People come to the show to be inspired. At Christmas time, everyone has their favorites - their favorite song, favorite recipe, favorite traditions etc. At The Heart of Christmas Show, there are only so many favorites, but people want to hear them every year. And those scenes will always be a part of the production – like the manger scene.”

    But still, Stevens tries hard to balance the audience favorites with new pieces. It keeps things fresh and interesting. This year, she says, there are some big changes; quite a few of them, in fact. “The first half of the show, we have fun with the secular songs and find new and different ways to spin some of the classics,” said Stevens. “For example, this year ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ is one of the songs. We are doing two versions. For the school shows, we will have a lot of Disney characters on stage for them. On the weekend shows, there is a twist on it. The segment is about a Hummer. As she pulls the salesman out of the car, she shoves him away and strokes the car. It is full of stuff like that. Funny takes on familiar songs.”

    The second half of the show focuses on the Christmas story. “Our manger scene segment is a very special segment. It portrays the Christmas story in song and dance. It shows what the meaning of Christmas is - the birth of Christ. We take it from the beginning to the birth,” said Stevens. “For the last 10 years, we’ve had a live baby every year. You can hear the audience whispering when they see the feet go up in the manger and start wiggling. From the starry night to the birth and celebration of the birth, the manger scene stays intact because people don’t want me to change it. I think it is special.”  

    After that, the show moves to a message of brotherhood, which Stevens sees as an important part of the show. This year features a new song called “We Are Christmas.”  “We partnered with Spellman College, an all-black college, on this. It speaks volumes. We are to extend love not hate to fellow man,” said Stevens. “We have a real strong brotherhood message this year.”

    Keeping a show fresh year after year for almost two decades is a tall order, but it’s one Stevens is happy to take on. She says she finds inspiration just about everywhere. Sometimes it’s the songs themselves that provide insight into what a skit should be. Other times it’s an experience or a memory. “The Heart of Christmas Show has a lot of original arrangements in it, and it is all done with youth performers,” said Stevens. “This year was a tough year with the hurricane, the election and all the other yucky stuff that has gone on in our world. This is a year to see The Heart of Christmas Show. You will understand the heart behind the show. This is a group with a goal to raise money for sick and abused children.”

    It’s more than dedicated performers and a loyal audience that make this show possible, though. Stevens noted that without support from the community, The Heart of Christmas Show just could not happen. “We are blessed to have so many supporters. From businesses to individuals, we could not do it without their support,” she said.

    The Heart of Christmas Show takes place at the Crown on Sat., Nov. 26 and Sun., Nov. 27. Find out more at http://www.heartofchristmasshow.com or call 910-978-1119..

  • yuleThe Association of Bragg Spouses presents the 26th annual Yule Mart Craft Fair on Friday, Nov. 18 from 1-7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. -  7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Crown Arena. The event promises unique gifts for that hard-to-shop-for person in your life. It is also a fun event for children.  

    “Yule Mart is handmade craft items and we have over 50 craft vendors, “said Nicole Curry, chairperson of the Yule Mart Craft Fair. “Our main goal is to raise money for our scholarships and welfare grants.” Curry added that Yule Mart is one of their two main fundraisers for the year.    

    The event will feature live entertainment, photos with Santa, Santa’s Secret Shop, Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shop and opportunities to win prizes. The bake shop will sell goodies such as cookies, banana loaves, Rice Krispy Treats and gluten-free treats. “We opened the opportunity so that some of our kiddos in Cumberland and Harnett Counties can shine. So we have dance teams, a band and choir students who will perform,” said Curry. “Santa’s Secret Shop is for children to come in and do some shopping for family, friends and pets.” Curry added that there is a volunteer who will go in the shop with the child and assist them while they shop.        

    The purpose of the nonprofit group is to develop and foster a spirit of community, to provide opportunities for social, cultural and creative pursuits, and to support service and community projects. Membership is available to active duty members of the United States Armed Forces and their spouses assigned to and residing in the Fort Bragg area. Associate memberships are available to retirees and spouses. The group’s mission is to give monetary donations in scholarships and welfare grants. Last year high school graduates, students in college and military spouses were given funds for their education.  “We try to reach out to organizations in need of help especially when they are supporting our military kids in schools,” said Curry. “Last year we purchased instruments for three schools, sponsored Wounded Warriors and assisted churches and local and national groups.  We are very excited this year and can’t wait to give back to our continuing education spouses, kids and our community,” said Curry. 

    General admission is $7 and photos with Santa are $5. The cost for Santa’s Secret Shop is $5. If you would like to volunteer for the event visit www.fortbraggabs.org.  

  • heritageCharles Dickens’ A Christmas Carolends with Scrooge turning over a new leaf and the promise of a bright future for everyone. Is that what happened though? Find out on Nov. 18-20 at Heritage Square’s production of A Christmas Carol Revisited: What Ever Happened to Tiny Tim? It’s an interactive experience, so don’t plan on sitting through this night of entertainment that showcases the basement of the Sandford House, the Heritage Square properties and more.

    Dr. Gail Morfesis wrote the piece as part of a bigger event that brings Victorian-era traditions and holiday fun to modern-day Fayetteville. The cast is made up of some of local actors who have been seen in shows throughout the area as well as in New York. The actors include: John Doerner, Gary Clayton, Carrie Carroll, Stanley Seay, Terry Levitt and Jane Moran. 

    Gary Clayton plays Bob Cratchit. He opens the staged portion of the production. “Bob Cratchit comes from around the corner and greets his friends (the audience) and takes them into the cellar. It is 20 years or so after A Christmas Carol. Scrooge did, in fact, become a better man and a benefactor of the family and he is older, frail and a little bit senile.  So, Bob comes by every evening to check on his friend,” said Clayton. “Scrooge lapses and thinks Bob still works for him and we go into a scene. It is cool how it blends the old in the new.” 

    John Doerner is Scrooge. It’s a role he’s played before. “I’ve done Scrooge in a couple incarnations. I’ve done three different Christmas Carol productions. This is a condensed scene that incorporates some of the highlights of the full production,” he said. “He is one of my favorite characters. I see a lot of actors do Scrooge and they get the angry Scrooge correct but they don’t get the other side. Or they get the kind Scrooge but not the angry side. It is a real challenge to make both sides work; to make you dislike someone and then like them.”

    After visiting Scrooge, guests get to see the Cratchit home. “They will see the house decorated for Christmas, we play a Victorian word game and sing carols,” said Morfesis.  “The whole time we have live music outside. There will be a performance by a local men’s acapella group. We have a gal coming with ancient wooden recorders to play period music on the grounds. People are invited to listen to music and have some dessert and cider. We will also have the Cratchit family in the home and we talk to them about Dickens and Scrooge and the family. It is really nice.”

    Proceeds from this event benefit Heritage Square. Heritage Square is made up of three historic properties: The Sandford House, the  Oval Ballrool and the  Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House. Find out more about Heritage Square at http://www.heritagesquarefay.org.  Admission to A Christmas Carol Revisted is $10. Call 483-6009 for more information.

  • spaghettiWhen many people think of pasta, Italy instantly comes to mind. Noodles have a history dating back thousands of years, but according to history.com, the first written record of a tomato sauce and pasta recipe is from a French cookbook published in 1797. It wasn’t until the 1800s that Italians added tomatoes to their diet on a large scale. Pasta has a place in American history as well because farmers in the 1920s used pasta as a marketing campaign for wheat. During the Great Depression, pasta became a staple in households because it was filling and inexpensive. Here in Fayetteville, though, say the word “spaghetti” and most people think Greek because for more than half a century, the local Greek congregation has served this delicious dish as a fundraiser.Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church presents the 58th annual spaghetti dinner on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. 

    For days leading up to the spaghetti dinner, volunteers labor in the kitchen making both pasta and pastries. The recipe is the same as the one that was used for the first spaghetti dinner. “We serve about 10,000-12,000 boxes of spaghetti, and the city knows about us because we have been very consistent,” said Litsa DaRosa, secretary of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. 

     “This thing started over 50 years ago and is a fundraiser for the church,” said John Bantsolas, president of Parrish Council. “It started out small as an eat-in dinner and it evolved into carryout.” Bantsolas added that not only do they sell spaghetti, the ladies prepare homemade Greek pastries that people can purchase when they come in. 

     The funds raised this year will be used for various organizations such as the local Red Cross, Autism Society of Cumberland County, Second Harvest Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club, Vision Resource Center, The Salvation Army and others. “The money also helps our church,” said DaRosa. 

    “We invite everyone to come out and enjoy a spaghetti dinner,” said Bantsolas. 

    The cost of the spaghetti box is $7. For more information call 484-8925. 

    Did you know?

    Italy produces almost 3.5 million tons of pasta a year. The U.S. produces about 2 million tons. 

    The U.S. consumes 2.7 million tons of pasta while Italy consumes about 1.5 million tons.

    Pasta was first referenced in a book in 1154, but it is believed that the Chinese were eating pasta as early as 5,000 B.C.

    There are more than 600 types of pasta. The three most popular are penne, spaghetti and macaroni.

    Dried pasta doubles in size when it is cooked.

    Many give Thomas Jefferson credit for bringing macaroni to the U.S. after he tried the dish in Naples, Italy and fell in love with it. 

    The first American pasta factory was in Brooklyn, New York. It opened in 1848.

     

  • whenpigsfly  Communities in Schools presents the fifth annual When Pigs Fly All-American BBQ Festival on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. -6 p.m. in Festival Park. 

     “When Pigs Fly is our signature fundraiser and annual BBQ competition,” said Charlie Horman, executive director for Communities in Schools for Cumberland County. “It is our sanctioned BBQ contest and we are sanctioned by the Carolina BBQ League and we follow their rules and procedures.” 

     The two-day event begins on Friday and the public is invited to attend the event on Saturday. 

    “The BBQ team rolls in on Friday morning and they set up camp in Festival Park,” said Horman. 

    “There is a judge’s meeting that discusses all the rules of the competition and then they head back to their individual campsites to begin cooking.” Horman added that the participants cook their barbecue through the evening and into the night. There are two divisions this year. The “Whole Hog” division features whole hogs cooked over charcoal or wood. The “Pitmaster”  division is broken down into three categories: butts, ribs and chicken. These can be cooked using any heat source.

     “This year we are doing a taster’s choice component in which the public can pay to taste the barbecue,” said Horman. “The public wanted access to what the teams were cooking so we are excited that this is the first year of adding the tasting component.” 

     Four bands will provide entertainment for the event. The Parsons hail from Grays Creek and have a repertoire that relies heavily on guitars, banjos and mandolins. Clydes Cabin, Lotus Sun and Machine Funk (Widespread Panic Tribute band) are also scheduled to perform.

    Vendors will be on-site. Beer will be available for purchase.  “This festival is about good music and the celebration of barbecue in North Carolina,” said Horman.  “We welcome everyone to come out and participate in the event.” 

    Proceeds benefit Communities in Schools of Cumberland County, which has been in operation for 12 years. “The fundraiser is how we pay for the folks who work in our schools,” said Horman. “We are the county’s best kept secret and we work with some of the community’s most vulnerable students.” Horman added that they work with the students to keep them on track to stay in school and be successful in life. 

    In 2013/2014, Communities in Schools gave $28,000 in grants to teachers in Cumberland County. It paid $4,500 for third graders in Cumberland County to attend a Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra concert. CIS funded the $5,000 teacher of the year cash awards and teacher appreciation gifts. Programming for after school clubs and career and college access plans received $30,000 from the organization. A scholorship for $1,500 came from CIS coffers as well. For the 2013/2014 school year, CIS served 21,617 Cumberland County students.

     No outside food or beverages allowed at the event. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at www.cisofcumberland.org. For more information call 221-8800. 

  • symposiumOn Nov. 17, Methodist University is set to host the Second Annual Reeves School of Business Symposium and Awards Dinner at Embassy Suites Fayetteville/Fort Bragg. This event is a combination of the previous Center for Entrepreneurship’s Fall Symposium and Spring Entrepreneurial Leadership Summit. 

    “I love this event,” said Methodist University Center for Entrepreneurship Assistant Director Pam Biermann. “It brings community leaders together to join with Methodist University in sharing our desire to build up our community through guest speakers to give us new ideas and foster collaboration with each other. This year we are adding an hour of networking. The event is from 6:30-8:30 p.m., but we are opening the doors at 5:30 p.m.”

    Jeremy Miller, author of Sticky Brandingis the keynote speaker. His speech is titled “Sticky Branding: How to Win When the Rules Keep Changing.” Miller’s knowledge on this topic comes from firsthand experience. 

    When his family’s business nearly failed, Miller took a hard look at the way they did business. He found the problem was not the people or the processes; it was the brand. Since then, Miller and his team have studied hundreds of companies to learn how businesses grow brands that people recognize and remember, or “sticky brands” in Miller’s terms. He’s spent more than a decade conducting research and helping businesses develop their own sticky brands.

     “Our keynote speech is on a topic I don’t think we have ever covered — and that is branding. Marketing has changed so much over the past 20 years. A lot of businesses are struggling with how to have a brand that people will remember long term and seek when they need your service,” said Biermann. “The traditional sales staff idea doesn’t work like it used to — even social media is limited in what it can do for a business. Jeremy Miller offers interesting insights. He asked to be in contact with some business leaders in town that he could interview. He called and talked to them about advantages and challenges of the local business community and is customizing his talk to that.”

    The keynote speech is just one part of the evening’s programming though. Seven people will be honored. The event website explains the awards to be presented that evening, which include: the Alumni Business Person of the Year, which goes to a Methodist University graduate; Entrepreneur of the Year, which goes to a risk-taker in the free enterprise system: a person who sees an opportunity and then devises strategies to achieve specific objectives; the Business Person of the Year, which goes to an executive for their contributions to the local business community as well as the civic and cultural community. The Greater Good Award is given to a professional who has shown kindness, charity, humanity, love, and friendship to his/her associates The Small Business Excellence Award will go to a business with fewer than 300 people that generates less than $15 million a year. Other things considered for this award include the creativity of the business, the uniqueness of the product, the employees’ welfare and the contributions of the business to its community. The Silver Spoon honoree is someone who has originated and built a successful business recognized for its uniqueness in planning, production, or some other aspect of its operation. The Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur must be a North Carolina resident who owns, has established, or manages a small business. The Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award committee will also consider the individual’s creativity, innovativeness and personal contributions to and involvement with the community.

    To find out more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.methodist.edu/rsb-symposium.

  • nickiThere is a play being set upon a stage, and on those planks, there is a fire that glows hot and unyielding.  The play is Henry V and it is the final show for Cape Fear Regional Theatre Artistic Director Tom Quaintance who is moving on to the position of artistic director at the Virginia Stage Company.  The show, directed by Quaintance, delivers a lesson that is in many ways recognizable in this community - no matter how much we might say we do not understand the words and stories that were penned and delivered with such stylistic flair by William Shakespeare.

    The story of war, leadership, love and brotherhood that is so prevalent and understood in our military community can be visualized and appreciated in this production. Montgomery Sutton, who plays Henry, rallies and rouses not only his army on stage, but also his army of an audience.  

    On opening night, Sutton delivered the lines of the great Henry with an ease and attitude that bring to mind many great leaders; for that is what Henry was, a fierce leader.  He led by example.  He physically situated himself amongst his troops, as opposed to the French army he was fighting against whose leaders were shouting out commands from the front lines with the soldiers behind them.  Great battles have been led not by leaders who charge by the front, but by leaders who are willing to get their hands dirty and fight side by side with their brothers.  Sutton shows us this side of Henry with bombastic servitude that shakes the stage to its foundations.  

    The following lines from the play were given by Sutton in almost religious fervor: “That he which hath no stomach to this fight, let him depart; his passport shall be made and crowns for convoy put into his purse.  We would not die in that man’s company that fears his fellowship to die with us.”  When delivered with such passion, can there be a more inspirational war-cry than this? 

     Now also bring in the hair-raising performances of the ensemble cast that marches and fights with Henry in this show and you are set to see the battle of ages on the stage.

    There were actors playing multiple characters with great style and ease. Local actors Michael Carney, John Doerner, Denver McCullough and Robyne Parrish did outstanding work. Actor Josh Innerst filled the house with moments of intensity. Jeremy Fiebig plays the narrator who is adeptly named “Chorus.” Fiebig played well by setting up certain scenes that would settle better in our minds and stomachs with his eloquant delivery of the plays verses.  

    Wallis Quaintance played the queen, Katharine, beautifully.  Striking the stage with startling presence and delivering her lines in her exquisite French, we come to understand her relationship with Henry.  There are comedic twists at many moments in this play that Shakespeare has planted, and they bloom largely when delivered well in this cast.

    Quaintance stretched the set on the stage all the way to the very back-wall of the theatre.  Seasoned theatre-goers to CFRT will appreciate the ingenious work of the artistic staff.  The icing on the cake is the fact that there are seats on the stage for audience attendees to sit in for this production... talk about being intimate with the actors.  

    Get ready to dig your heels into the floor like the hounds that are leashed in at the heels of Henry.  Quaintance asks us to listen like in prayer and to judge this play.  It only then seems fitting to leave the readers with the most rousing and spiritual words in the play the war-like Henry gives us.  I know these words have been used in a motivational speech or two by great leaders, as we see, Henry was giving his troops the intestinal fortitude that is far greater than the meek will ever know. “ From this day to the ending of the world, but we in it shall be remember’d; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he today that shed his blood with me shall be my brother.” 

     Henry Vplays until Nov. 13 at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre.  It is truly the inspirational show this season that will motivate you to keep coming back to find the strength to carry on in all the daily wars we wage.

  • out of sightOctober is Blindness Awareness Month. In Cumberland County there are more than 600 blind and visually impaired adults and children, so that is why the Vision Resource Center presents its fifth annual Out of Sight Dining event on Friday, November 11, from 6 – 10 p.m. at the Hellenic Center. 

    “The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of what it is like to be visually impaired in our community and for people to get why the Vision Resource Center is here,” said Terri Thomas, executive director of the Vision Resource Center. “Unless you walk a mile in a visually impaired person’s shoes, you don’t get it until you actually experience it.” 

    At the event participants will place a blindfold on their eyes as they eat dinner. This is a firsthand experience about how challenging it can be to eat a meal that you cannot see. “So many people do not want to come to the event because they don’t want to be blindfolded while they are eating,” said Thomas. “My own relatives will not come because they refuse to put the blindfold on.”

    Thomas asks people to just think about the visually impaired who live this every day and can’t take the blindfold off. 

     The Vision Resource Center enhances the lives of adults and children from the ages of 6 to 86 by making sure they have the most fruitful life possible. “We want to make sure they are independent and socializing,” said Thomas. “Being visually impaired can easily happen to anyone via diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, a brain tumor and other medical conditions.” Thomas added that visually impaired adults often feel nonexistent and will isolate themselves from the world. 

     The proceeds will be used to reach the people who don’t necessarily come into the center by helping them with the accessories needed, which will help them cook more safely and move around the house easier. 

    “They need help with getting to their doctor’s appointments and the grocery store along with other daily living skills,” said Thomas. “People want the skills based on their sight levels that are deteriorating and they need to know what to do now.” Thomas added they plan to purchase the apparatus, Amazon Echo, that reads to the visually impaired person, tells them the weather and time and plays music. Electric skillets will be purchased for them as well as offering an independent cooking class that teaches them how to use the skillet. 

     “We have been blessed with a vision rehab specialist,” said Thomas. “They go into the homes and show the visually impaired how to set up their home to make it more user friendly and do orientation mobility.” Thomas added that the specialist teaches them the number of steps to take and how to navigate around your home without help. 

     Live entertainment and a silent auction will take place at the event. Tickets are $75 per person and $125 per couple. The Hellenic Center is located at 614 Oakridge Avenue. For more information call 483-2719. 

  •  11Celebrating

    Well, now that Thanksgiving is over, we can relax and enjoy Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

     How do you celebrate Christmas? Do you travel? Is your home the gathering place for friends and family? Do you do like I do and bake to your heart’s content? Do you put up the tree and decorate on Thanksgiving? There are many ways to celebrate and enjoy our savior’s birth. Everyone has their own traditions. Some make homemade presents. Some ride around and listen to Christmas music while looking at the different decorations and lights. Some volunteer to help feed the less fortunate. Some donate clothes and/or money. Some eat … and eat and eat. (You can’t blame them – the food is just too good!)

     The Town of Hope Mills has traditions as well. Santa will be making a special stop to our humble town to kick off the holiday a bit early. Beginning Dec. 1, the town will begin celebrating with Christmas on Trade Street from 6-9 p.m. The celebration continues with Christmas in the Village and the Hope Mills Christmas Parade Saturday, Dec. 2, at 3 p.m. Right after the parade, there will be a Christmas movie to enjoy along with free hot chocolate and cookies. You also can ride the train.

     On Friday, Dec. 8, Seniors (55+) can enjoy a Christmas banquet at the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.  Who doesn’t want to enjoy a tasty breakfast with Santa? Saturday, Dec. 9, from 8:30-11 a.m., join Santa for breakfast at the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center. If you can’t make it, no worries. Santa won’t be heading back to the North Pole until after he eats dinner and dances with us all Saturday, Dec. 16, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

     This is the first of my wishing you a Merry Christmas! Enjoy the parties, the food, the decorations and most of all, the fellowship with family and friends.

     For more information on the events, call the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center at (910) 426-4109 or visit their Facebook page.

  • 12HM special Monday, Nov. 20, was a special date to remember for the town of Hope Mills. This meeting was unlike others. In her usual manner, Mayor Jackie Warner called the assembly to order, and then Michael Mathis from Mission Field Ministries prayed the invocation. During the prayer, we could all sense it. We could feel it. Mathis lifted the mayor and the commissioners up in prayer. He prayed for our humble and growing town of Hope Mills. He prayed for our first responders and their families. He prayed for America. And he prayed for the family and friends of Mayor Pro Tem Bob Gorman, who passed away Nov. 4. One could feel the differences put to the side to come together as a community of business leaders, town leaders, veterans and citizens so we could        remember and celebrate Gorman’s leadership and contributions to our town.

     There was an extra sense of community pride when Alizdair Ray was presented his Certificate of Recognition for being selected as a panelist at the 62nd Biennial Conference as a North Carolina Student Library Ambassador. This young man is on the right path for a bright future and will represent Hope Mills in a tremendous way.

     Warner then gave a heartfelt speech about Gorman’s impact on the community and her life as her friend. She recalled how sincere he was when he would call to check on her if she had a bad day. She credited Gorman and his wife, Marian, for always thinking of her. With gratitude, she then presented Marian, his children and grandchildren a proclamation and a plaque to honor Gorman for his dedication and service to the town of Hope Mills as commissioner and mayor pro tem.

     Gorman was an advocate for citizens knowing about what goes on behind the scenes in Hope Mills. He was proud of and enjoyed the Hope Mills Citizens Academy so much that he went through it twice – the first time on his own and the second time with his granddaughter, Katie, even though he was not a registered student in the course.

     The students from the 2017-02 session had their graduation ceremony and were presented plaques. There were a total of 18 students. They learned about local government, inspections, the police department, fire department, the Parks and Recreation Center and much more. The citizens of Hope Mills for this session included: Lamikka Bell, Sherhondia Blanks, Grilley Mitchell, Richard Cox, Kenjuana McCray, Thurston Plumley, Winnie Golden, Marie Callendar, Christine Cox, Katie Hawkes, Larry Jenkins, Michael Mitchell, Jo Lynn Mitchell, Oscar Taylor, Derrick White, Patricia Edwards, Allen Miller and myself, Erica Walls.

     As I learned about Hope Mills through the Citizens Academy, I had the pleasure of getting to know my classmates and their roles within the community. During the course, Gorman told me that even though he was told it might be best to retire because of his health, it was not in his heart to do so. He told me that his passion was for the town and to help the people in this community and that he felt more productive when he was able to just that. It was an honor to meet him. He set an example of determination and passion when it comes to doing what was best for the town of Hope Mills.

  •  03booksThe Old Testament was originally written primarily in Hebrew (with a little Aramaic sprinkled in a few chapters of Daniel). The New Testament was originally written primarily in Koine Greek (also a few Aramaic words used in the Gospels). As you may know, many English words have their roots in Hebrew and Greek, especially Greek.

     The Greek word for “book” is transliterated “biblos,” from which we get the word “bible.” Technically speaking, the word “bible” could refer to any book. However, because the early church was so focused on studying, understanding, applying and teaching the Bible, they commonly added the article “the” to the word “bible” to get “The Bible,” or quite literally, “The Book.” It was THE BOOK of the church. They realized it was the only source of divine revelation; it was the only book that God had ever written.

     That book is the source of Carolina College of Biblical Studies’ mission, which is obedience to the great commission as we partner with local churches to disciple believers in Christ through biblical higher education.

     While CCBS is different from many colleges and universities, it has one thing in common with most of them – our library is a focal point of the campus. It is there that students and patrons from the community can access what scholars have written on a topic or portion of scripture. Because the library is important, CCBS recently completed a major expansion and relocation of the Mark and Marilyn Boyd Library. The size of the library was more than tripled to allow for the growth in our collection and to provide a quiet place to study.

     While still purchasing traditional hardback books, more than ever before, CCBS is purchasing electronic books. These books allow our growing number of online students (who now represent 17 states and one foreign country) to access the collection and receive the same excellent student services our local students enjoy.

     CCBS does not want to add resources to its collection merely for the sake of growth; therefore, the college has a procurement policy whereby potential books are vetted by professors and the librarian to ensure the collection exposes students to a worldview that aligns with scripture. Solomon wrote that of the creation of new books there would be no end (Eccl. 12:12), so I can’t imagine CCBS will ever cease adding books to our collection until our king returns.

     The apostle Paul, in Romans 12:1, commanded believers to “renew their minds.” In part that process involves a serious consideration of what God has said on any topic. The study of the Bible is often aided by additionally reading good books about the topic or passage being considered. CCBS focuses on “The Book” and has more than 14,000 volumes in the Boyd Library to aid its students (and our community) in the study of that special book.

     If you live locally, you really should stop by for a tour. Better yet, why not make use of the Boyd Library for your enrichment?

  •  02KarlUpon reaching my early 60s, I said to my father, “I am an old man now.” Given that he was in his 80s, Daddy staunchly announced that I was not yet old. Shortly before his death in 2012, when I was about 65, Daddy looked at me and said, “You are old now.” There were times when I would call this wise father of mine and ask, “What are you doing?” He would often respond, “Just sitting on the back porch, watching the grapes grow.” It meant he was sitting there musing: reflecting on his life, what was happening around him, what the future might present … no matter how brief that future might be.

     I know what he was doing because, now that I am old, I do more than my fair share of musing. That has especially been my mode over the last week. Happenings in my life often bring on musing moments. However, one recent moment turned into a week and is still with me.

     This current musing session started Nov. 11, when my wife and I went to a couple of events at Fayetteville’s Airborne and Special Operations Museum. The first event was a show called “On the Air: A Tribute to Bob Hope.” I expected a video of some of his USO shows. Instead, Lynn Roberts dressed like, talked like and performed a Bob Hope USO show while imitating Hope in every way. Not only did he perfectly imitate Hope, but he did the same for Jack Benny, Jimmy Durante and Red Skelton. It was an amazing show. For those who do not know Bob Hope or the other performers, I encourage you to do an internet search and learn a bit about them.

     Roberts’ perfect impression of Hope started me musing about having seen a Bob Hope USO show while the U.S. Navy ship I was assigned to was making a port call in Singapore. This was in the early 1970s. Between 1941 and 1991, Hope traveled all over the world, doing 57 USO tours and entertaining American military personnel. Beyond the show, I remember seeing Hope shopping in a downtown jewelry store. The store closed so he could shop, but passersbys could easily see him through the huge glass walls. Over 40 years later, I remember that he was wearing a light-colored sports jacket and brownish slacks, both of which screamed top-quality.

     Thinking about Hope started me musing upon present-day entertainers. Bob Hope clearly loved America, was thankful that this was his home and was, in my estimation, the epitome of class. As I look at most of today’s entertainers, people who make millions for singing a few songs, talking about meaningless topics on TV or other mediums, playing some sport that produces nothing of real value and so forth … I long for there to be some Bob Hopes. Missing Bob Hope, and so many others like him, grows out of seeing far too many entertainers conduct themselves in ways that show a lack of love and appreciation for America, while exhibiting zero class. The lack of class, of polish, shows in their dress, speech, conduct and general presence.

     After the show, we walked out to visit a traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall. It was set up in a grassy area behind the museum. As I stood there looking at sections of the Wall where the names of 58,220 American men and women who died in the Vietnam War are inscribed, I realized I could see my reflection on the Wall. That reflection did not cover the inscribed names, but seemed to appear behind them. As I looked at that picture, it hit me like a bolt of lightning: These men and women died; they gave their all so that I, and millions of other Americans, could be free. Not only did these individuals die, but across the wars in our history, hundreds of thousands have died, and even more have been wounded.

     With some help from a guide, I found the name of Willie Clyde Robinson Jr. He was a Marine Corps lance corporal and was 19 years old when he gave all in Thua Thien Province, Aug. 25, 1967. His name is at panel 25E, line 44. I attended Clyde’s funeral back home in Camilla, Georgia. He was a year or two behind me at Camilla Consolidated School. We played together on the school’s football team. I remember him as a kind young man with tremendous promise. In spite of all his promise and kind spirit, Clyde is on that wall. Like hundreds of thousands of others, he died so that hundreds of millions of Americans could go on being free.

     By the time this column appears in Up & Coming Weekly , Thanksgiving 2017 will have come and gone. Americans will have gathered and reflected on what we are thankful for. As I write this, I can, through my tears, still see my reflection on that Vietnam Memorial Wall. I see all those names, including Willie C. Robinson Jr., and am thinking about the hundreds of thousands of others who gave all, and the some 2 million who have been wounded, in order to keep us free.

     The question now fueling my musing is whether or not the totality of our actions in 2017, as a nation, reflects genuine thanks for the freedom that is ours, in great part, because of those who gave all, those who were wounded and those who serve right now in the military of our nation. I think the answer is a resounding “No!” If you doubt me, take an honest look at the condition of America. Words of thanks are meaningless when actions are inconsistent with those words. I contend that, as a nation, we have a consistency problem. We claim appreciation for freedom but, more and more, our actions tell a different story.

  •  01.5PubPengraphicI feel compelled to send this message to my longtime friend, Sara Vanderclute, after reading her heartfelt article in the Nov. 24 edition of The Fayetteville Observer  titled “FayetteNam: The slur that will not die.”

     Very few people have contributed more to the quality of life of this community than Sara. She wears her love for Fayetteville and Cumberland County on her sleeve. Sara’s outlook and perspectives are always positive, and her loyalty to our city and county has never been in doubt or compromised. For as long as I have known her, Sara has been a woman of principle, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, a consummate community activist, a volunteer and a talented writer and editor. She’s served this community in many capacities, including as a Cumberland County School Board member.

     My message to Sara is this: When it comes to the moniker “Fayette- Nam,” stop trying to combat it! Thousands of men and women came through Fayetteville via Fort Bragg during the Vietnam War era – I was one of them – and the experience was not always a pleasant one. Multiply that by the hundreds of thousands of people who have passed through our fair city. What you end up with is an indelible “brand” that is not going away – FayetteNam. So, why not embrace it for what it is? History. Pure and simple.

     FayetteNam is a term that qualifies as history when it comes to defining Fayetteville as a community. Many things point to this. Over a decade ago, I observed that we – members of the Fayetteville community – were reinforcing and perpetuating this haunting moniker by continually talking about it as a negative feature of the community. We introduced the term FayetteNam to those who were unaware of our past. Whenever a person, group or organization like the Greater Fayetteville Chamber or Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation presents programs or speeches intended to promote or showcase the Fayetteville community and the prospects we have for a prosperous future, the presentations are usually preceded by reminding the audience of Fayetteville’s questionable past.

     They bring up FayetteNam – the notorious 500 block, the prostitutes at the Prince Charles Hotel, and Rick’s Lounge. They recall the many fights that broke out on Hay Street between drunken teenage soldiers hours before they were shipped 3,000 miles overseas to fight a war they didn’t understand in a country they’d never heard of – Vietnam. That was Fayetteville then. It’s history.

     That is not what Fayetteville is now. We are a military community. We have a past, and we have future – an extremely bright future. It would serve us well to embrace our history and use it shape this future. The progress we have made in the last two decades is inspiring. However, if you were not living here 20 years ago, how could you appreciate this progress?

     This is why many of the people who come to Fayetteville through their business or the military decide to make it their permanent home. It’s because of who we are now. It’s because of the tireless efforts of so many who fought to make this a better, stronger community. Those who choose to call Fayetteville home love what the area has to offer.. They’ve sought out the goodness that resides here. They love the arts, culture, schools, weather, shopping, restaurants and, most of all, the people, all of which make up our community.

     I encourage everyone, including Sara: When you encounter the term “Fayette- Nam,” don’t fight it. It is part of who we are. But do take the opportunity to let people know what you love about Fayetteville and the wonderful community it has become.

     Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly .

  •  

    09NewVoyagesDon’t worry about the monuments coming down. There is more. People are rewriting our history.

    Some folks who oppose taking down Civil War monuments argue that such actions would destroy important history. Meanwhile, a group of prominent North Carolina historians are revising our state’s history, and they are doing it proudly.

    “New Voyages to Carolina: Reinterpreting North Carolina History” was published this month by UNC Press. Several years ago the volume’s editors, Larry Tise and Jeffrey Crow, both former directors of North Carolina’s Division of Archives and History, concluded, “We need a new narrative for North Carolina’s history!”

    Crow wrote, “Whereas older studies emphasized great white men, chronology, politics, institutions, wars and a Whiggish faith that history is an inexorable march toward progress, newer works take a much more critical view. Historians have begun to look at race, class and gender as new tools for deconstructing the past.  The new paradigm focuses on social history, class conflict, gender-based studies, the African-American experience (including civil rights), economic development and working-class struggles.”

    The editors and about 16 other prominent historians contributed essays on topics that include “Europeans in the Indians’ Old World,” “Linthead Stomp: Carolina Cotton Mill Hands and the Modern Origins of Hillbilly Music,” “Defying Brown, Defying Pearsall: African Americans and the Struggle for Public School Integration in North Carolina, 19541971” and “Chasing Smokestacks: Lessons and Legacies.”

    Tise and Crow believe that these essays and an avalanche of new research during the past few years require a new framework to guide us in studying our state’s history.

    At a meeting of the Historical Society of North Carolina last week in Chapel Hill and in an essay titled “A New Description of North Carolina” written for the new book, Tise and Crow suggested that the important periods of the state’s history can be broken down into:

    1. Possessing the land, prehistory to 1713. Until 1713, when the Tuscarora Indians were decisively defeated and scattered, European presence and settlement depended on accommodation from the native inhabitants of the colony.

    2. Choosing the rulers, 1713-1835. The Constitutional Convention of 1835 limited participation in government to “freemen,” effectively limiting the ruling class to white males.

    3. Defining the realm, 1835-1900. During this period, Tise and Crow wrote, a “vision of North Carolina as a virtuous republican state emerged slowly.... As vicious and destructive as the Civil War was, that great conflict neither shattered nor essentially modified the basic North Carolina story that it was and always would be a virtuous and moderate republic.”

    4. Pursuing progress, 1900-1980. During this time, North Carolina sought to be a progressive state, one that promoted education and sought economic development, even though, as Tise and Crow assert, its self-image was based on the premise that “only white males could rule properly.”

    5. Turf wars and bragging rights, 1980-present. These years feature the struggles for power by the political factions and the major political parties. Tise and Crow opine that the shift in power from Democratic to Republican control is not a seismic shift. “North Carolina’s proud reputation as a progressive state will most likely not be permanently tarnished by the proceedings of either a liberal or a conservative governor or General Assembly.”

    They continue, “North Carolina has always been something of a middling state – a lot of people, a lot of diversity, a complicated geo-physical landscape, moderate aspirations, low taxes and low salaries, some talented and renowned expatriates, a good state university and many outstanding private colleges, and barely adequate schools.”

    Tise and Crow’s assessment of North Carolina’s progressivism should be a challenge to progressives of all political parties to commit to work for a kind of progressivism that will eliminate every vestige of our state’s “middlingness.

     

  •  

    04planned parenthoodFor decades, American taxpayers have unknowingly provided tax breaks that help lower the cost of building new abortion clinics.

    The 1976 Hyde Amendment forbids the use of federal funds to pay for abortion. However, a loophole in the tax code allows abortion providers to utilize special tax-exempt bonds to finance construction of abortion clinics. The tax break lowers the cost of the bond, which is ultimately backed by hardworking American taxpayers.

    Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, has repeatedly used this loophole.

    In 2012, Planned Parenthood financed major renovations on their national headquarters with a tax-free, taxpayer-subsidized $15 million municipal bond. Abortion facilities in several other states, including Massachusetts, Florida and Illinois, have also been financed with these “abortion bonds.”

    These special tax-exempt bonds are intended to be used for construction of hospitals, schools, roads and other projects, which fulfill critical government functions and support the common good. Abortion does not fit this category. Using these special bonds for abortion facilities effectively diverts much-needed money away from essential public works projects.

    While the full extent is unknown, the use of tax-exempt bonds has gifted abortion providers with significantly lower costs when financing construction of abortion clinics.

    Tax-exempt bonds cost the federal government billions of dollars. These bonds are intended to support infrastructure projects. Their use for abortion facilities is wrong and a blatant abuse of your tax dollars.

    As a Christian, father and grandfather, I believe life begins at conception and that abortion is a moral travesty. Millions of Americans similarly hold deep religious and moral convictions about abortion. These hardworking taxpayers should never be forced to pay for the willful termination of an innocent life.

    Our position is not a radical stance. In fact, a 2016 Knights of Columbus/Marist poll found that 62 percent of Americans oppose taxpayer funding for abortion, including those who consider themselves pro-choice.

    At a time when many of my constituents and millions of other hardworking Americans are forced to face tough financial decisions to make ends meet, it’s unconscionable that the federal government would provide Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers with taxpayer-funded subsidies and preferential tax treatment.

    That’s why I introduced the No Abortion Bonds Act, a bipartisan bill that ends taxpayer-subsidized, tax-exempt bonds for abortion providers. My important pro-life legislation is co-sponsored by a bipartisan coalition of over fifty members of Congress and is endorsed by North Carolina Right to Life, North Carolina Family Policy Council, March for Life, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Americans United for Life and several other pro-life, pro-family organizations.

    My bill will ensure the spirit of the Hyde Amendment is enforced in the tax code. This legislation will end another taxpayer subsidy of the abortion industry.

    The No Abortion Bonds Act includes exemptions for facilities that only perform abortions in cases of rape, incest or danger to the life of the mother. We also include a common sense exemption for hospitals.

    Not every American shares my longstanding commitment to the “right to life” and speaking up for innocent babies who cannot defend themselves. However, I believe we all can agree that taxpayers shouldn’t provide subsidies to construct abortion clinics, and this week, I took action to make that law.

     

  •  

    I ran for Fayetteville City Council thinking that 17 years working in the mayor’s office coupled with a half-dozen years covering local government as a newspaper reporter prepared me well for public service. It may have, but I landed smack in a four-way primary race in my council district and came out a disappointing third.

    What did I learn? Looking back, I’ve got a list of things that stuck with me.

    1. I learned people don’t follow the rules when it comes to campaigning. The incumbents were the first to put out signs along public roadways before they were supposed to. Now, weeks after the election, some of their signs still grace our community.

    2. Candidates, especially some incumbents, make outrageous claims. My opponent listed a slew of items he personally accomplished. Others claimed that under their leadership, crime declined and jobs increased. That may have been true, but violent crime actually increased, and Fayetteville still ranks above the state average for unemployment.

    Besides, any success or failure doesn’t hinge on one council member or even mayor. Anything that happens or doesn’t happen is a result of at least six votes, a simple majority.

    3. A full-time job puts a crimp in campaigning. Having to go to work while your opponents can spend time contacting voters is frustrating. Newspapers, radio stations and other organizations demand your time, a lot of your time. You wonder if filling out the endless forms and surveys or attending functions that no one in your district attends helps. In most cases, they don’t. But you feel obligated because your opponent is participating.

    4. Raising money is hard. Asking anyone for anything is especially hard for me. You have to swallow your pride and ask. People expect you to ask, but it’s still hard.

    5. The financial reporting process imposed by the state Board of Elections is cumbersome and, in my opinion, intrusive. The deadlines to turn in financial reports come at inopportune times, mostly when you need to be out knocking on doors.

    The folks at the county Board of Elections are great. They are helpful and friendly. If you have a Windows-based computer, there’s online software you can download to file your finances. If you have a Mac computer, you are out of luck. You have to download the files, print them out, fill them out and return them to the local Board of Elections. There, someone will stamp the front page and offer to make you a copy.

    The report basically asks repetitious questions and intrudes into the privacy of the people who donate to your campaign. I suppose there’s a good reason for that.

    Using downloadable paper version is a legal option. The newspaper tried to make an issue out of the incumbent mayor using the paper files.

    6. You can’t do it by yourself. You need a team. While some who said they would help won’t be there when you need them, others step up and do a great job. Pick your supporters well.

    7. Ignorant people can hurt you. In my case, a troll on social media suggested I caused the 2004 annexation of my district because I worked for the city at the time. Never mind that I never had a vote in the matter or that I was also a victim. Ironically, the only person involved in voting in favor of an annexation was my opponent.

    8. Don’t assume just because you pay someone for a job that it will get done. Always check. I learned the hard way that you can’t leave important projects to someone else who has no stake in your success. I paid a local business to print and mail postcards to potential voters. They never were delivered on time and probably cost me critical votes.

    9. Don’t respond to negative emails if you are tired, especially if you are reading them off a small smartphone screen. If you must respond, cool off and choose your words well.

    10. Study the demographics of your voting district. People tend to vote for folks with whom they identify the most. Issues don’t come into play. But that’s obvious in this year’s election results.

    There are probably more things I’ve learned, but these 10 are good for a start.

     

  •  

    03ZombieSupernovaToday, class, in honor of the upcoming new Star Wars movie, Mr. Science will spend some time with us in a galaxy far, far away. According to a recent article in Trump’s favorite newspaper, The Washington Post, there is some pretty weird stuff happening in outer space. Put on your Shakespeare hat and ponder what Hamlet said: “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”

    Turns out the philosophy of astrophysicists hasn’t been dreaming wildly enough about supernovas. Supernovas are not to be confused with Chevy Novas. I personally drove to Key West in a Chevy Nova whose spare tire floated and sloshed in the wheel compartment all the way, but I digress.

    Supernovas are supposed to be rudely explosive but then politely follow the laws of physics after blowing up. The previously agreed upon etiquette for supernovas held that the star blows up with a huge explosion spewing out matter and energy for several months, which can be seen from billions of light years away.

    When the light show is over, a polite supernova shrinks down into either a black hole or a neutron star with gravity so great that even light can’t escape it. Stealing and mangling a quote from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, “a collapsed supernova struts and frets its hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Collapsed supernovas are supposed act like Harvey Weinstein, Louis C.K. and Roy Moore by essentially disappearing after the big flash, never to be seen again. At least that was the rule until the rebel supernova named iPTF14hls came to the attention of the scientists at the Intermediate Palomar Transient Factory. This supernova, whose friends call it Ippy, does not behave like all the other supernovas. If all the other supernovas jumped off a roof, Ippy would take the ladder.

    Ippy lives in a galaxy about 500 million miles away. According to the Post article, Ippy blew up five times in the last two years. This can’t be happening. Once a supernova blows up, that is supposed to be the end of it. And yet Ippy perseveres in lighting up the night. Ippy, rather than blowing up once and for all and then settling into a nice long retirement as a black hole, keeps blowing up against all the rules. Ippy is hyperactive, and no amount of cosmic Ritalin can control its explosions. Astrophysicists report Ippy has sent out the equivalent of 50 Jupiters of matter and the energy of “10 quintillion suns.” I have no earthly idea how many a quintillion is. It sounds like a really big number that would require sun block of at least SPF 6 zillion to avoid serious dermatological damage.

    Ippy may in fact be a zombie supernova, coming back from the dead repeatedly to mess with astronomers’ brains. Because astronomers feel comfortable when they name things, Ippy has now been classified as a “pulsation pair instability supernova.” This means Mr. Science has created a name for a phenomenon that he can’t explain.
    A pulsation pair instability supernova is a fake supernova that happens “when a star 100 times bigger than the sun blows off some of its outer layers.” This theory may explain Ippy’s recidivist behavior or it may not. Mr. Science does not know for sure. Supernovas are not supposed to come back from the dead, which Ippy has been doing since at least the 1950s. You can’t keep a good zombie supernova down.

    So where does this leave us? What are we to make of Ippy, and how can we turn it into cash? Consider what Jiminy Cricket sang in Walt Disney’s “Pinocchio” in “When You Wish Upon a Star.” Jiminy pointed out, “When you wish upon a star/Makes no difference who you are/Anything your heart desires will come to you/ If your heart is in your dream/No request is too extreme/Like a bolt out of the blue/ Fate steps in and sees you through/ When you wish upon a star/ Your dreams come true.”

    Since Ippy is a zombie supernova and keeps coming back from the dead, it likely means Ippy can grant wishes each time he blows up. What to wish for? Perhaps a hit record? A world without Kardashians or presidential tweets? The elimination of green peas from Thanksgiving dinner? Steve Bannon falling into a black hole? No more denials of Russian interference in our elections? Christmas ads before Halloween? The possibilities are endless. If we all clap our hands and make a wish, neither Ippy nor Tinkerbell will die.

    Mr. Science urges all of you out there to start clapping and wishing upon a Zombie Star. Makes no difference who you are.

     

  •  

    02TurkeyWe all have our favorite holidays, and Thanksgiving is near the top of my list for several reasons.

    It lasts just one day, and that day is generally relaxed.

    No one dresses up much beyond a nice sweater.

    No shopping for presents is required.

    Few, if any, decorations are needed, although in our family’s case, we faithfully put out two ceramic pilgrims made by a very young Precious Jewel who neglected to paint the face of the boy pilgrim.  An artistic cousin gave his blank visage features a few years later.

    The food, of course is abundant and almost always spectacular. Turkey is our staple, even though no one knows for sure whether it was on the menu for the first Thanksgiving. No one knows anything about that menu, in fact, but I am pretty sure mac and cheese was not a side nor were marshmallows on top of canned sweet potatoes. Ditto for pumpkin pie, but our dessert choice has veered in another direction to Kentucky horse race pie, a divine version of pecan pie that includes chocolate and a wee dram of bourbon.

    A special treat for me happens after the big turkey dinner.  It is a next-day turkey sandwich made from leftovers and topped with green tomato pickles spiced with cloves.

    The guests include both family and friends of all ages, as well as the occasional stranger. One year, a fellow in full motorcycle black leather regalia turned up. He was congenial, but I never found out who invited him. Another year, a family from Nigeria made our Thanksgiving an international occasion by sharing both food and music. We expect no strangers this year, and our family group has been diminished due to the death last summer of an important member, our longtime turkey chef extraordinaire. His absence is another reminder that life brings not only the joys of family and friends but sadness and a void when someone dear is gone.

    We look forward to and treasure our Thanksgivings together, even though each day is a new experience with different dynamics. There will be hugs and kisses from people who have not seen each other since last Thanksgiving and from those who saw each other last month. There will be photographs from Thanksgivings past, the occasional tiff and this year, I suspect, a tear or two. Little ones will shriek and be sent outdoors to burn off some energy. Several especially full diners may fall asleep in chairs and on sofas. At the end of the day, when it starts to get dark and everyone but my little family has gone their separate ways, I will join millions of other thankful Americans in reflecting on the great blessings of our family and our nation. 

    Our family’s Thanksgivings are not glamorous or special, and I love them for exactly those reasons.  As is the case at countless other Thanksgiving gatherings, the joy is in our family’s evolving way of celebrating and enjoying being together – if for only one day a year – and in being part of our great nation.

    It is our quiet reminder that even in these trying times, we are grateful for so much, including the quiet before the commercial storm that will burst upon us beginning with Black Friday.

     

  • In his book “Jesus, Interrupted,” Bart Erhman, the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said, “Within three hundred years Jesus went from being a Jewish apocalyptic prophet to being God himself, a member of the Trinity. Early Christianity is nothing if not remarkable.” Erhman is an atheist and is considered one of the leading scholars in New Testament studies. Through his class, he serves as an “evangelist for atheism,” seeking to convert Christians to skepticism and atheism. Professors and scholars like Erhman are why the church needs Christian apologetics.

    Christian apologetics is simply the methods and means of defending the Christian faith. In 1 Peter 3:15, believers are commanded to be ready to provide an answer for their faith. We call this “doing apologetics.”

    The goal of Carolina College of Biblical Studies’ first lecture series, “The Defending the Faith Conference,” was to help believers develop a robust understanding of some of the basic ways to defend their faith as well as help believers grapple with some of the most common arguments against Christianity.

    This conference featured world-renowned apologist Dr. Norman Geisler, who has written over 100 books on the subject (that is about 70 more books than Erhman has published). Other leading apologists, including some of CCBS’ own alumni and faculty, also presented and dialogued to serve the church by helping believers contend for the faith once and for all handed down to the saints (Jude 3).

    Geisler addressed the inerrancy debate and why the topic is of the utmost importance for believers. A discussion followed regarding how believers can know that they know the meaning of Scriptures in a world that believes truth is entirely subjective.

    The conference also offered eight unique breakout sessions covering topics like the historicity of the resurrection, answering the problem of evil, dealing with postmodernism, understanding the reliability of the Bible and more. Each breakout session was offered twice to allow attendees the chance to attend half of the breakouts and both plenary sessions. That way, everyone could attend the breakouts that would benefit them the most.

    The speakers had a lay-audience in mind and sought to offer practical advice and information to help equip the saints in evangelization, teaching and responding to the challenges of culture and anti-Christian rhetoric. This conference was a wonderful opportunity to receive world-class training and build a foundation for further studies in how to defend the faith.

    To learn more about CCBS’ upcoming lectures, visit www.ccbs.edu.

  • 05AnalysisMost Fayetteville politicos thought this month’s race for mayor between two-term incumbent Nat Robertson and Mayor Pro-Tem Mitch Colvin would be tight. It wasn’t even close, and the outcome of the election had veteran observers wondering if the national anti-Trump down-ballot movement reached this far. Robertson is a Republican. Colvin’s a Democrat. He handily beat Robertson, unofficially, by winning nearly 60 percent of the votes, a difference of 4,000 ballots of nearly 23,000 cast.

    Robertson’s strength was confined toan “old city” pocket of voters in Van Story Hills and other Haymount and center-city neighborhoods. Colvin, on the other hand, attracted an impressive, wide swath of support around Robertson’s core – despite the incumbent mayor’s expensive, negative ad campaign targeting Colvin’s past indiscretions and troubling business practices. Robertson said the campaign was fair game because his allegations were true. Voters evidently didn’t buy it. In fact, some of the mayor’s supporters were critical of him for launching what some called the dirtiest political campaign in Fayetteville’s modern memory.

    Others sensed that Robertson didn’t have his heart in the race. After all, he said publicly when he first ran for office that he wouldn’t seek re-election. Close associates said the mayor had not planned on running for a third term. He had been offered a cabinet level post in Raleigh a year ago by then Governor Pat McCrory. Both are Republicans and had grown close personally. But then McCrory lost his bid for re-election, and Robertson’s hopes were dashed.

    For the first time in modern history, Fayetteville City Council will be majority minority. Six of the 10 members are African-American, continuing a trend that began a few years ago with the successful election of black judicial candidates. Also, a second woman joins the body. Only one other incumbent lost his job. District 4 Councilman Chalmers McDougald was defeated by the man he replaced four years ago. D.J. Haire did not seek re-election in 2013 because of nagging back problems. But he apparently decided he wanted his old job back and ran an impressive, positive campaign touting his accomplishments while on council previously.

    Haire had built a strong political constituency in his 16 years of service. McDougald, on the other hand, exhibited bouts of anger in public, and at one point earlier this year alienated the 300-member Fayetteville Fire Department. He alleged the city’s hiring practices lacked inclusiveness and resulted in a lily-white department.

    Incumbents Kathy Jensen, Larry Wright, Jim Arp and Ted Mohn won re-election. Arp was the only incumbent who was unopposed. The dean of the governing body, Bill Crisp, won a sixth term.

    There will be two newcomers on council. Tyrone Williams won the District 2 seat vacated by Kirk deViere. Tisha Waddell will take Colvin’s place as the District 3 council member. District 5 veteran Councilman Bobby Hurst did not seek re-election. Former Councilman Johnny Dawkins defeated Henry Tyson – but there was only a 10-point differ- ence in what was Tyson’s first run for public office.

    The new council will be sworn in next month.

  • 04KarlSome 40 years ago, I enrolled in a Master of Business Administration degree program at the University of Georgia. At the time, I was working long hours in my assignment as director of the Leadership and Management Division at the Navy Supply School in Athens, Georgia. My work responsibilities simply did not allow time for the graduate program. I remember walking into a macroeconomics class and having absolutely no idea what the professor was talking about. I have come to a similar realization regarding much of what is going on in America today involving how some legitimate issues are addressed. Further, I do not understand how some issues even become issues.

    As I share my thinking in what I write and in speaking, it is obvious that I am failing to understand the positions taken by some other Americans; especially a substantial percentage my fellow black Americans. I suppose my life experiences have shaped my thought process in a way that does not allow me to understand most of the arguments presented in contradiction to my thinking.

    An example of this is a reader’s comments in response to my October 2017 column titled “National Football League... goodbye.” Regarding players kneeling during the national anthem to protest oppression of black Americans, I objected. I included a definition of oppression from the Cambridge English Dictionary: “A situation in which people are governed in an unfair and cruel way and prevented from having opportunities and freedom.” Looking at the definition, I contended that there is still racism in our country, but black Americans are not oppressed.

    A frequent reader disagreed with my thinking. His rebuttal was to argue that oppression shows in black Americans being racially profiled, beaten or killed in the streets of our country. He contends that when racists with authority – meaning police officers – feel free to kill a black man simply because he is black, that is oppression. The reader went on to give other indicators of the oppression of black Americans: A black woman is stopped for a traffic violation, ends up dead in a jail cell and no one is held accountable; judges and juries do not convict police officers who kill black Americans; a political party repeatedly tries to strip millions of Americans of the health care they have (Obamacare).

    Out of my life experiences and examination of facts, focusing on the black male component, here is how I process this reader’s response. Regarding experiences, I am a black man who has never had an unpleasant encounter with a police officer: white, black or other. In a September 2016 column titled “My Interactions with White Police Officers,” I reflected on those interactions all the way back to my teenage years. That would be well over 50 years.

    Couple this with my most recent encounter, which has been since I wrote that column. A young, white, Fayetteville police officer stopped me for speeding. As he approached my truck, I let the window down and put my hands on the steering wheel. He politely and respectfully greeted me and explained that I was clocked doing 45 mph in a 35 mph zone. I explained to him that the speed limit in that area had always been 45 mph. There was no speed limit sign between where I turned onto the street and where he checked my speed. The officer acknowledged that the speed limit had recently been changed. When he asked for my driver’s license, I looked at him and said I was going to get my wallet from my hip pocket. He said that was fine, and I gave him my license. He went back to his car and did whatever had to be done. Returning, he gave me a warning, and I went on to the golf course. Not for a moment did I feel threatened or in any danger.

    Time and time again, this has been my experience with police officers, no matter their skin color. Consequently, I read the response of this reader, and my personal experiences do not align with the oppression picture he paints.

    Then there is the consideration and analysis of facts. The football players who are kneeling during the national anthem claim that black Ameri- cans, as a whole, are oppressed. The reader of my column is making the same claim. Colin Kaepernick – former San Francisco 49ers quarterback who was the first athlete who refused to stand during the national anthem – the current kneelers and my reader all point to white police officers killing black men or using excessive force. They see this as indicative of all black Americans being oppressed. The question to be addressed, then, is the extent to which all black men in America are affected by police brutality or killing.

    Philippe Lemoine speaks forthrightly to this consideration in an article titled “Police Violence against Black Men Is Rare.” I encourage reading of this article at www.nationalreview.com/article/451466/police-violence-against-black-men-rare-heres-what-data-actually-say. Following are some statements made by Lemoine that show police do not kill or commit brutality toward black males at the terrifying pace portrayed by media and others:

    • In reality, a randomly selected black man is overwhelmingly unlikely to be victim of police violence – and though white men experience such violence even less often, the disparity is consistent with the racial gap in violent crime, suggesting that the role of racial bias is small.

    • (Referring to 2016) Last year, according to The Washington Post’s tally, just 16 unarmed black men, out of a population of more than 20 million, were killed by the police. The year before, the number was 36.

    • Only 0.6 percent of black men experience physical force by the police in any given year, while approximately 0.2 percent of white men do.

    • Actual injuries by the police are so rare that one cannot esti- mate them very precisely even in a survey as big as the Police-Public Contact Survey, but the available data suggest that only 0.08 percent of black men are injured by the police each year, approximately the same rate as for white men.

    • National Crime Victimization Survey data from 2015, the most recent year available, suggests that black men are three times as likely to commit violent crimes as white men. To the extent that cops are more likely to use force against people who commit violent crimes, which they surely are, this could easily explain the disparities we have observed in the rates at which the police use force.

    These facts speak clearly. I hear the reader, but my thinking through brings me to conclude that treatment of black males by police officers does not show oppression of black Americans.

    The thought process employed above reflects my approach to every issue. Whether it is illegal immigration, Obamacare, alleviating poverty or a multitude of other issues, the approach is the same. That is, draw on my life experiences while assembling and analyzing the facts. That process leads to conclusions and, where appropriate, action.

    I am comfortable with the decision-making approach outlined above. I recognize there is the danger that being comfortable can lead to over- confidence and wrong conclusions. Consequently, I invite readers to give me feedback regarding the thoughts and issue positions I put forth. However, if that feedback is to be productive, it must be supported by facts and orderly analysis of those facts.

    Whether I agree or not, I want to understand the arguments of those who see an issue differently than me. Let me hear from you.

  • 03GunsWhy does the United States have exponentially more mass shootings than any other country on the globe? Are we an inher- ently more violent people? Do we have more mentally ill citizens? Does our diversity cause us to attack each other?

    The answer may be simpler than we think. Our mass shootings may well be because we have way, way, way more guns than any other country. Americans account for 4.4 percent of the world’s population, and we own an astounding 42 percent of the world’s guns.

    Recent research by University of Alabama professor Adam Lankford found that only one other nation, Yemen, has a higher rate of mass shootings than we do. Not surprisingly, it also ranks second in gun ownership.

    Lankford found that the United States’ mental health problems are not appreciably different from those of other developed nations, nor are we more or less likely to play violent video games. Societal diversity and associated divisions also show little correlation to gun murders or mass shootings.

    No need to take my word for this or even professor Lankford’s. Here are a few numbers to sober even the most ardent gun enthusiast.

    In 2009, the United States’ gun murder rate was 33 lost souls per million people. In Great Britain and Canada, the same statistics are 0.7 and 5 per million. In numbers rather than percentages, this means that of gun-related deaths in the U.S. in 2013, there were more than 21,000 suicides, more than 11,000 homicides and more than 500 accidental gunshot deaths. During the same period, Japan, a nation and with a 150 percent lower gun ownership rate, recorded 13 gun-related deaths.

    Yes, 13 – for the entire nation.

    A landmark study from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1999 found that while our nation suffers no more violent crime than other developed countries, we are more likely to die from it. A person in New York is no more subject to robbery than a London resident, but she is 54 percent likelier to be killed in the process, most likely from a gunshot.

    It is true that mass killings happen everywhere, including Switzerland, Finland, Britain and France. China has them as well, though most of those involve knives, not guns. We simply have more mass killings than anyone else on earth, again from gunshots.

    Much has been written in recent years expressing the question of when the United States will reach its tipping point regarding the relationship between mass shootings and weak gun regulation, as other nations such as Britain have done. Many observers thought it would be Sandy Hook Elementary with 20 dead school children, Virginia Tech with 33 lost or the Orlando nightclub with 49 dead.

    More recently, people have speculated that Las Vegas with 58 dead and more than 500 wounded would do it – or, just this month, the 26 dead in a Texas church.

    So far, there has been little official discussion and no change.

    Cynics say nothing will happen as long as the National Rifle Association gun lobby maintains its financial lockdown on our Congress, including North Carolina’s own U.S. Senators, Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, who have accepted $7 million and $4.4 million respectively in NRA campaign contribu- tions. Sadly, the cynics seem to be right.

    British journalist Dan Hodges wrote this two years ago regarding the United States’ long-running debate over gun regulations:

    “In retrospect, Sandy Hook marked the end of the U.S. gun control debate. Once America decided kill- ing children was bearable, it was over.”

    Sleep tight.

     

  •  

    13SagAs I was waiting to speak with a business owner, I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable in beholding the scene before me. There was a male with his pants so far down that he had to stand with his legs apart to keep them from falling around his ankles.  His boxers were showing in all their faded glory. I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but my eyes were not beholding any beauty whatsoever.

    Towns and cities in various states across this great country of ours have adopted ordinances that will allow local police officers to fine anyone who openly and blatantly exposes underwear that causes offense to others. According to www.nydailynews.com, in April of 2013,  Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, adopted the ordinance with an 8-1 vote. Towns in Georgia and Florida followed suit in hopes of making people aware of the image they are portraying. 

    What is that image? What comes to a person’s mind when he or she sees someone that has difficulty walking because of sagging pants? What do employers believe? 

    Well, as someone who sees this on a daily basis – along with the rest of the U.S. – I find that sagging pants makes one look unkempt.  Wearing pants in such a way creates the image of someone who does not care about the future or reaching goals and has an “I don’t care” attitude about life in general.  

    I could be sadly mistaken. But as a professional and a business owner, I could not allow that in my business. As a mom, I really don’t want it around my children – especially my son, who is now 16. Thank goodness he despises the trend. As a woman, I find it offensive when I walk into a public area and a male is all but exposing himself. 

    Has society as a whole conformed our way of thinking when it comes to the sagging pants being appropriate? Or is it really true that common sense is still around and no one cares to see someone else’s underwear in public? I prefer the latter.  I like to believe I am capable of forming my own opinion. 

    Where did it begin?

    We have all heard the story that this fad began in the prison system as a way for a prisoner to let other inmates know he was “available” or that he was already “taken.” According to www.Snopes.com, that is false. But can we believe Snopes – considering their most recent downfall? Either way, it is a horrible stigma to have attached to a fad. And helping popularize this fashion atrocity are pop culture idols such as Justin Beiber, Lil Wayne, The Game and many others.  Please note the coincidence that these people have either served time in jail or prison.

    The Risks

    According to a 2011 article from www.hiphopandpolitics.com, wearing pants below the posterior can lead to problems such as severely bad posture, hip degeneration, lower back problems, bunions, life-long knee misalignments and erectile dysfunction.  

    What if an emergency happened and the guy had to run? I’m extremely curious as to how he would make it out of a burning building. Hopefully, he’d survive.

    On a positive note, if someone wearing sagging pants commits a crime, he is much slower, allowing the police to catch him. According to www. christianpost.com, in 2013, a robber in Brooklyn, New York, punched a woman in the face and stole her cellphone. He was easily caught because his sagging pants caused him to trip when the pants fell to his ankles.

    Will the cities and towns of Cumberland County ever adopt an ordinance prohibiting sagging pants like the one in Louisiana? Who knows? Not much is being said, and now it is basically a personal issue for those of us who are against the sagging pants.  We will have to agree to disagree. Maybe it does come down to the cliche of “To each his own.”  I just know that my “own” wears pants that buckle or button above the hips.

     

  •  

    11PoliticalMiddle“The bottom has fallen out of the Republican Party.” So wrote Fort Worth’s Star-Telegram columnist Cynthia Allen last week.

    “Well,” she continued, “not the bottom exactly. More like the middle.”

    She was writing about Texas, where the far-right-wingers are driving moderates out of the party. “So-called Republican ‘moderates’ have been living on borrowed time. They are vestiges of an era when compromise was a hallmark of good policymaking.”

    She had harsher words for Texas Democrats, who, she said, “drove out every member of their party who didn’t adopt the agenda of the far left.”

    If Allen lived in North Carolina, she might say the same things about both of our major parties. They are forcing out the moderates who are uncomfortable with their parties’ unwillingness to accommodate compromise and less strident approaches. “It’s a sad state of affairs,” Allen wrote. “We need the middle.”

    About divisiveness within two parties nationwide, the Pew Research Center last week issued a report that confirmed major challenges for the political middle. “Nearly a year after Donald Trump was elected president,” the report begins, “the Republican coalition is deeply divided on such major issues as immigration, America’s role in the world and the fundamental fairness of the U.S. economic system.”

    Democrats have a shade different stage of divisiveness. “The Democratic coalition is largely united in staunch opposition to President Trump. Yet, while Trump’s election has triggered a wave of political activism within the party’s sizable liberal bloc, the liberals’ skyhigh political energy is not nearly as evident among other segments in the Democratic base. And Democrats also are internally divided over U.S. global involvement, as well as some religious and social issues.”

    The Pew report helps explain the power of the extremes in each party. Core Conservative Republicans on the right and Solid Liberal Democrats on the left “make up an even larger share of their partisan coalitions when political engagement is factored in.

    “While Core Conservatives make up about a third of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents overall (31 percent), they constitute a larger proportion of politically engaged Republicans (43 percent).”

    Similarly, the Pew report says, “Solid Liberals constitute by far the largest proportion of politically engaged Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents. Solid Liberals make up a third of all Democrats and Democratic leaners – but close to half (48 percent) of politically engaged Democrats.”

    Thanks to their more-active participation, far-right Republicans and far-left Democrats have moved their parties away from the middle and toward the fringes.

    Officeholders in the middle of the Republican Party face competition from Steve Bannon’s support network and others on the fringe. One of them, moderate Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, announced his retirement earlier this month, as did U.S. Sens. Bob Corker of Tennessee and Jeff Flake of Arizona.

    Republicans on the fringe may be celebrating, but Cynthia Allen mourns, “While the fight may be futile for politicians like Straus, Flake and Corker, the only way they have a chance of improving the odds for their team is by staying in the game. Instead, they are abandoning the field, and everyone loses.”

    Democrats have similar challenges. The middle may be bottoming out of their party, too. Long-time moderate Democrats with pro-business, free trade and socially conservative views wonder if they are still welcome.

    What are the pathways for those in the unwelcome middle of both major parties, other than following the route out of politics shown by Straus, Flake and Corker?

    Allen, who recognizes the need for a strong middle in both parties, wants the disaffected to stick with their parties and fight it out against their parties’ controlling fringes.

    Although it has been more than 150 years since Americans organized a major new political party that competed for control of the national government, today’s disappointed middle in both parties may see this possibility as their only alternative to dropping out.

     

  •  

    With the national debate about tax reform heating up, you’ll be hearing a lot about the difference between marginal and average tax rates. It’s an important distinction – and the concept doesn’t just apply to taxes. Postsecondary education is another area where the “fallacy of the average” often rears its problematic head.

    To put it simply, what is true “on average” does not necessarily provide useful guidance about what will happen, or what one ought to do, in a particular case.

    You experience this difference all the time, even if you don’t realize it. In sports, for example, Jones may be a better player than Smith in general. But if the other team plays Brown, Smith matches up better than Jones, so the coach makes a substitution.

    In business, the distinction is critical. The average cost of producing a product is usually different than the marginal cost of producing the next unit of that product because of up-front costs, limited capacity or efficiency gains that come from experience.

    To apply the concept to tax policy, it’s important to understand that if income taxes, for example, have a significant effect on the individual decisions of employers, employees, investors and consumers, the effect typically occurs on the margin, not on average. If I work harder, add a second job, add a new product line or make a new investment, how much of the new income can I expect to lose to taxes? This future tax loss may be much higher than the tax burden I already shoulder.

    I mentioned that a less-familiar application of the principle can be found in post-secondary education and training. Fortunately, two American Enterprise Institute scholars, Mark Schneider and Rooney Columbus, have just produced a fascinating study that illustrates the effect in the education markets of three states: Florida, Texas and Tennessee.

    On average, students who pursue and earn bachelor’s degrees certainly do have higher lifetime incomes than those who earn associate degrees, who in turn make more money than those who get post-high school certificates, who in turn make more money than those whose formal education ends with high school.

    But these relationships between averages don’t necessarily mean that any specific person would be better off economically by foregoing community college or the working world and enrolling in a university. Circumstances matter. Some young people who don’t go on to universities have concluded quite properly that they aren’t likely to succeed there – either because of academic preparation, distance from home or preexisting responsibilities. You can’t assume that the population of those already university-bound is equivalent in every relevant respect from the population of those who aren’t – or that any differences are purely matters of finances that can be eliminated by larger subsidies.

    More importantly, students don’t get an “average” bachelor’s degree. They get degrees in particular subjects from particular schools. It turns out that there is a very wide variation in post-graduation earnings, a variation that is masked by “average” lifetime incomes.

    For some careers and individuals, it makes more sense to pursue less-expensive education or training at community colleges. One report estimated that 28 percent of holders of associate degrees have higher incomes than the median income of those with bachelor’s degrees.

    In their own study, Schneider and Columbus looked at careers with the highest rates of return on investment. Many of them required community college, not university training, such as allied health and electronics technicians in Florida, fire protection and quality-control experts in Texas and automotive technicians and computer-assisted designers in Tennessee.

    Boosting personal incomes and the overall economy aren’t the sole purposes of higher education or even the most important ones. I think the study of arts and sciences has great intrinsic value (although it need not occur in expensive campus settings). For many young people deciding what to do after high school, however, career preparation is a high priority. They shouldn’t let the fallacy of the average obscure what North Carolina’s ubiquitous and impressive community colleges have to offer.

     

  •  

    04RatLet us now praise famous rats. Rats come in all shapes, sizes and species – both the rodent and the human variety. There are way too many human rats for this column to ponder more than briefly in passing; Benedict Arnold, Jane Fonda and Tokyo Rose, just to name a few. Today’s focus will be on the wonder and lore of the rodent variety of rats.

    A recent article in The New York Times breathlessly described the discovery of a new variety of rat – the mysterious and now famous Vangunu giant rat. Just when you thought you had too many things to worry about – North Korea’s Little Rocket Man, the indictments on Manafort Monday or whether diet Coke is worse for you than regular Coke – along comes the Vangunu giant rat.

    Once more elusive than Big Foot or a good nickel cigar, the Vangunu giant rat was rumored to exist on the island of Vangunu, which is part of the Solomon Islands way out in the South Pacific. You may recall that Lt. Commander Quinton McHale of the 1960s TV show “McHale’s Navy” was stationed in the South Pacific along with Ensign Parker and Capt. Binghamton during World War II. It is unclear if McHale ever confronted a Vangunu giant rat. We can only hope there is a video somewhere in the vaults of ABC that can solve that mystery.

    But I digress. Back to the Vangunu giant rat. VGR, as his friends call him, is the royalty of the rat family. He is one big rat. VGR can weigh in at about 2 pounds, stretching 18 inches long from his nose to his scaly, bald tail. His dental prowess is legendary, despite never having been known to floss, use fluoride or participate in a regular program of professional dental hygiene. VGR can crack open a coconut using his bare teeth. He will drill a hole in his coconut and scoop out the coconut meat, discarding an almost completely empty coconut shell. If Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones had trained a pet VGR to retrieve coconuts, he would have never fallen out of that coconut tree, landing on his head in Fiji back in 2006. Like cockroaches and Twinkies, one day only Keith Richards and Vangunu giant rats will survive the coming nuclear apocalypse. It’s time we began to seriously think about the kind of world we want to leave behind for Keith Richards once we all have crossed the great divide.

    Until very recently, VGRs were just rumored to exist on Vangunu. The only evidence they were real were the drilled, emptied coconuts and unidentifiable rat droppings that appeared on the jungle floor.

    Enter professor Tyrone Lavery, the Indiana Jones of rat detectives. Lavery spent years of his life searching for proof of the VGR to no avail. The professor was the Inspector Javert in pursuit of the VGR. He was no quitter. He laughed at the danger of falling coconuts. He used every trick in the rat detective playbook to try to confirm the existence of the VGR; traps, cameras and hanging out under coconut trees at all hours of the day and night. A lesser rat detective would have given up years ago and gone back to studying the effect of gallons of caffeine on lab rats. Not our intrepid professor Lavery. He persevered in his rat detection.

    On one tragic day in the jungle, a particularly unlucky VGR, Rodney, was imitating Keith Richards in a coconut tree when the tree itself fell to the ground. Rodney was seriously injured and unable to scamper away to the Rat Rehabilitation Clinic.

    Lavery discovered the injured Rodney while on his daily rat patrol. Lavery attempted to nurse Rodney back to health. Unfortunately, the professor was fresh out of the tiny little rat veterinary instruments necessary to save the Rodney’s life. After a few hours of rodent hospice care, Rodney expired. Rodney went to dwell in the land of his ancestors in the Peaceable Kingdom of the Rat Havens, which is filled with soft-shelled coconuts and music by Keith Richards.

    Rodney’s body was interred for the traditional 10-day period in a stone tomb, after which the stones were rolled away and his mortal coil was sent to the Queensland Museum in Australia where it remains to this day. If you have enough mileage points, you can fly Qantas and see Rodney.

    The mystery of the existence of Vangunu giant rat is solved. We are left only to ponder one final question. If a coconut tree containing a Vangunu giant rat falls in the jungle and Keith Richards is not around to hear it, does it make a sound? As the King of Siam once said, “It is a puzzlement.”

     

  •  

    03InOtherNewsSome mornings I can hardly wait to hear overnight news, and some mornings I dread it. As I write this, our nation is reeling after the terrorist attack in New York City, apparently timed to involve school children on Halloween day by a man who seems proud of his deadly work. Not all news, though, is bad. Some of it is just plain wacky, so much so that the only description I can come up with is, “You really can’t make up this stuff.”

    Here are a few examples.

    If it’s Tuesday, who is being accused of sexual harassment today?

    Allegations against Harvey Weinstein continue to roll in, and he is hardly alone. More recently, Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey of “House of Cards” fame has been accused by a young actor who says he was a teenager at the time he was assaulted. For his part, Spacey took the opportunity to make it public that he is gay, something long-rumored in the industry. Netflix grabbed its opportunity to suspend production of “House of Cards.”

    There have also been allegations against three Dartmouth College professors, a top NPR editor and actor Jeremy Piven. And lest North Carolina be left out, the Wilmington Star News reported that a candidate for the Kure Beach town council is the longtime author of a blog regarding all things sexual. A sample post read, “Her punishment went well. She left with marks and bruises that should remind her of proper behavior for quite a while.”

    You really can’t make up this stuff.

    From the annals of history, The New York Times reports that Michelangelo, one of the world’s greatest and most famous artists of all time, was in an artistic snit by the time he completed painting the exquisite Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, one of the most beautiful and iconic rooms in history. The Chapel was opened in 1512 after four years of painting during which Michelangelo lay on his back high above the floor as he painted the ceiling with God and Adam reaching fingers toward each other. Wrote the painter, sculptor and all-around Renaissance man:

    “I’ve already grown a goiter from this torture, hunched up here like a cat in Lombardy  (or anywhere else where the stagnant water’s poison).  My stomach’s squashed under my chin, my beard’s pointing at heaven, my brain’s crushed in a casket, my breast twists like a harpy’s. My brush, above me all the time, dribbles  paint so my face makes a fine floor for the droppings. My haunches are grinding into my guts, my poor ass strains to work as a counterweight, every gesture I make is blind and aimless. My skin hangs loose below me, my spine’s all knotted from  folding over itself. I’m bent taut as a Syrian bow.”

    Michelangelo goes on a bit more, but you get the idea.

    I wish we were all so creative when we gripe about our jobs, but none of us could make up that one.

    From Washington, the biggest and most serious news surrounds the indictments of President Trump’s former campaign manager, along with one of his lieutenants. Unbeknownst to everyone beyond the special prosecutor and his staff, a Trump campaign aide has apparently been spilling some serious beans. George Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for telling what he knows about campaign contacts with Russians. In doing so he went, in the words of a president whose relationship with the truth is challenging at best and seemingly nonexistent at worst, from “an energy and oil consultant … an excellent guy” to a “lowlevel volunteer” who “has already proven to be a liar.”

    Finally, from The Associated Press comes a little item from Germany about a couple in the city of Kassel who will not under any circumstances be allowed to name their newborn son Lucifer. You read that correctly - Lucifer, a word connoting Satan and general evil. German parents are allowed to name their children, of course, but officials are allowed to step in if the name would expose the child to humiliation or offend others. Step in the officials did, and the parents decided to switch to Lucian, though there is no word on what the boy will be called at home. AP also reports that several countries have banned Lucifer and other names. Not so in the United States, where 13 little boys were named Lucifer in 2016, a record crop.

    You really can’t make up this stuff.

     

  •  

     02PubPenI’ve heard many opinions about how to create jobs and how Fayetteville is barely shuffling along and only creating “fast food” jobs; now if the hard-hearted politicians would only fund this program or that program, we’d solve poverty and create jobs for everyone. Well, if the solutions were that simple, we’d have implemented them by now. Perhaps the real answer isn’t that easy. This article is an attempt to share my conversations and experiences over the last five years as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and to point toward possible answers. Just to be clear, my opinions are not based on just one conversation. I’ve spoken with scores of outof-county and out-of-state businesses, and they all echo similar sentiments.

    Step one: Let’s agree that the real answer isn’t easy. If you don’t agree, stop reading here. 

    Step two: What are companies really looking for? There are hundreds of studies that try to answer this question by evaluating municipalities and regions against one other to come up with some magical ranking. When we’re near the top of the list, we congratulate ourselves, and when we’re near the bottom of the list, we blame one another for the perceived failings. These lists may be fine as a general guide, but they do not hold universal answers for municipalities and regions across the country.

    Last year, I had a discussion with the vice president of Apple, who was in charge of selecting new expansion locations. The decision boiled down to one issue – the bottom line. Apple considers where it can make the most money. This is the spirit that continues to make America great: satisfy customer demand, provide new and innovative products and services, keep operating costs low and sell products and services at a profit to grow your business. 

    So, what goes into the cost of doing business? Here’s what I’m continually told is near the top of companies’ concerns.

    • State business taxes. We’re competitive in this area. Our corporate tax is at 3 percent and going lower. When you compare our tax rates to those of other states, compare apples to apples, no pun intended. This year, when we were trying to land Project Zeus, a $240 million potential investment in our county, the Legislature quickly changed a section of the Mill Machinery tax to make us competitive with other states. The Cumberland County Business Park was one of the final two sites on the East Coast under consideration, thanks to this change and the cooperation of the city of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. 

    • Cost of land/buildings/facilities. Rural land is less expensive than land inside the city limits. We’re competitive in both the county and the city.

    • Access to a trained workforce. We come in OK in this area for many industries not needing advanced college degrees. For those of you who continue to ask the question why we can’t attract high-tech pharmaceutical companies in Cumberland County, the answer is we just don’t have the job skills those companies are looking for. It would take decades to grow that base. For industries that require workers trained in specific skills – for example, special manufacturing processes or specialized computer skills (think cybersecurity) – our community college system is ready, willing, able and funded to set up whatever worker training is required. 

    • Ease of hooking into utilities. Here, we fall short. Again, this is what companies are saying, not my opinion. If you remember back to the city of Fayetteville/PWC debate of just a few years ago, you’ll recall that an early version of the bill allowed the PWC to extend water and sewer into the county without being required to request “voluntary annexation.” One of the reasons that section was inserted into the bill was because 13 different companies over a two-year period did NOT select Cumberland County to build small manufacturing facilities (20 to 100+ employees) in the county because they didn’t want to pay city taxes and conform to city codes. The final bill “solved” the water issue, but not the sewer issue.

    • Ease of doing business. Time is money. I’ve heard from companies that have locations statewide, and almost every one complained that dealing with the city and county are some of the worst experiences they have had. Both the city of Fayetteville and Cumberland County have come a long way in addressing this issue, but neither is competitive amongst their highest-performing peers.

    Step Three: We need a brand. I ask people outside of our community how they would define Fayetteville and Cumberland County. I usually get blank stares or some mumbled response about Fayettenam. That’s a real problem. We need to define ourselves. But, before we can do that, we should be able to recognize and celebrate the economic development our community has achieved lately. If we’ve done something well, shouldn’t we tell that story?

    Case in point: What’s the most significant economic development project with the highest number of well-paying jobs that has occurred in Cumberland County in the last five years? The answer is the new residency program at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, which began earlier this year. In the next three years, this program will generate 300 resident doctors, about 50 teacher, mentor and support positions and an additional 300 associated jobs. That’s at least 650 wellpaying jobs with the upside potential of increasing to over 900 jobs. This equates to a minimum new payroll of $30 million a year. This doesn’t address the increase in quality health care that will benefit the entire region.

    So, where does all this fit in with our message to outsiders? We have “Visit Freedom’s Home,” promoted by the Fayetteville Area Convention and Business Bureau. “Building a prosperous and resilient community through business leadership,” from the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. The Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation highlights opportunities in defense, food, manufacturing, business and financial services and logistics on its webpage. How about the “History, Heroes and a Hometown Feeling,” signage at the entryways to the city? I understand that each of these organizations has a unique mission, yet, I have been unable to find any unifying theme among the various groups. While these are all positive messages, they are unrelated and disconnected.

    Our community needs a unified message. We need to have a positive, accurate, realistic discussion regarding what we can do together to tell our story better and make our economic marketing message efforts more effective. I’m encouraged that there are some people and organizations in the community who share this view and are already coming together.

    Whatever the results of these efforts, the message needs to be more than an empty slogan. Every business, organization and elected official needs to be able to explain the “mission” and “buying proposition” to everyone they meet, particularly the media. If the media hears it often enough, we will see more positive headlines about our community rather than stories and reports about how our crime rate is increasing, who murdered who in what parking lot, what drug deal has gone bad or what political candidate got a speeding ticket 30 years ago.

    An overarching brand with a unified message for our community will surely help. But then, we must live up to it. Branding, advertising and marketing alone won’t convince industry and new companies to locate here.

    I’ll finish the way I started, by challenging you to think about how we can advance our community both economically and socially. There is no simple answer. Are you willing to join with those who’ve begun an honest assessment of our community and are working toward making Fayetteville and Cumberland County more attractive to business and industry?

    Join those of us willing to work.

     

     

  • 15 College studentThis is the season we wait for every year. It is a time to give thanks for the good things we have and also a time to share blessings with others. Do you need a new and unique gift idea that will not only satisfy the need to give but also significantly impact the life of the person receiving it? Consider paying for someone’s education.

    Why is this idea so important? Cuts in federal and state aid programs make it harder for students to fund educational opportunities without having to take on part- or full-time employment. When students have time to participate in case competitions and clubs, collaborate with faculty, test career options and network with alumni, they find the educational journey much more fulfilling. Furthermore, a student who experiences the benefit of receiving is more apt to give back to others in the future.

    Here are a few qualities of Fayetteville Technical Community College that you may not know about.

    Great name recognition: Last year, 30,000 individuals participated in studies at FTCC, involving over 280 educational pathways.

    Greater earning potential: On average, community college graduates will earn more than graduates with a four-year degree.

    Quality instruction: Community College graduates transferring to a four-year institution will academically do better than students who started at the four-year school.

    Affordability: The cost of tuition at the community college is $76 a credit hour. At many four-year institutions, the cost of tuition is $350 per hour or greater.

    Incur less debt: Community college students will have reduced loan debt because educational expenses are much less.

    Would you like to give a gift that changes a person’s life? There are several ways to get started. Here are just a few.

    1. Meet with your financial planner and set up a 529 plan. This is a gift from you to the student and is used to fund educational experiences. There are also tax benefits that your financial planner can discuss with you. FTCC accepts payments from 529 college savings plans and 529 prepaid tuition plans.

    2. Create a general scholarship for students through the FTCC Foundation office. You have input on the selection criteria and are not obligated to continue the funding past your initial donation.

    3. Establish an endowed scholarship through the FTCC Foundation office. An endowed scholarship differs from a general scholarship in that the general scholarship runs out once the donor no longer funds it. Students receive money from the appreciation of the investment only. The principal remains intact.

    4. Make a payment on behalf of a student at either the cashier’s area in the Thomas McLean Administration Building or the cashier’s area in the Tony Rand Student Center.
    Investing in someone's education can change a life forever.

    To learn more about funding scholarships for students, call the FTCC Foundation Office at 910-678-8441 to schedule an appointment.
     
  • 07 Leapfrog safety grade logo color jpegLeapfrog Hospital Safety Grades were created a decade ago by The Leapfrog Group, a national leader and advocate in hospital transparency. The Leapfrog Group is an independent, national nonprofit organization founded by the nation’s leading employers and private health care experts. The Leapfrog Safety Grade scored 79 hospitals in North Carolina as well as more than 2,600 acute care hospitals across the United States in its bi-annual survey of health providers.

    The study ranked hospitals in various categories, including prevention measures, hospital personnel and issues with safety and surgery. The scores are based on performance measures for errors, accidents, injuries and infections. Leapfrog surveys are completed twice each year — once in the spring and again in the fall.

     Overall, 34% of North Carolina hospitals received an A, which ranked 19th nationwide. Five medical centers in the region were among the best in the country, according to the survey. They include Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill and Duke University Hospital in Durham. Two hospitals earned C grades: WakeMed Cary Hospital and the WakeMed Raleigh Campus. No North Carolina hospital received an F.

    WakeMed hospitals ranked below average for patients getting various infections, “dangerous” items left in patients’ bodies during surgeries and other measures, according to Leapfrog.
    “We will … strive to reach even higher for the benefit of the patients and the families we serve,” a WakeMed email to the McClatchy newsgroup said. “Unfortunately, due to a lag in the data, our Leapfrog grades do not incorporate these improvements and do not accurately represent the quality of care we deliver,” WakeMed’s email concluded.

    The grades were announced this month in The Leapfrog Group’s Hospital Safety fall assessment. The ratings system is considered the gold standard for patient safety. It is the first and only hospital rating system to be peer-reviewed by the Journal of Patient Safety. The study reviews 28 publicly available safety data measurements to produce an A, B, C, D or F score for each facility. The grades represent a hospital’s overall capacity to keep patients safe from preventable harm.

    Cape Fear Valley Medical Center has earned an A grade for patient safety over four straight reporting periods. The local health system serves a region of more than 800,000 people in several counties of southeastern North Carolina. The nonprofit system is the state’s eighth-largest health system made up of 7,000 team members, 850 physicians, eight hospitals, and more than 60 primary care and specialty clinics.

    Cape Fear Valley Medical Center on Owen Drive is the flagship of the system offering residencies in emergency medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry and general surgery, as well as a transitional year internship in affiliation with the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine at Campbell University. For more information, visit
    www.CapeFearValley.com.

  • 06 Transmission lines Fayetteville’s Public Works Commission is North Carolina’s largest independent electricity distribution agency. PWC manages, operates and supervises electric, water and wastewater utilities in Fayetteville. It owns and operates the Butler-Warner Generation Plant, a gas-turbine-based electric generation facility. But Public Works purchases most of its power from energy suppliers, including Duke Energy Progress.

    PWC has reached an agreement with Duke Energy that is expected to result in over $300 million in savings for its customers. The new deal modifies the current wholesale power supply agreement, which began in 2012 and runs through June 2042. But PWC has an option to end the agreement in June 2024. Amending the contract early provides both savings and long-term power supply stability for the next 22 years.

    The parties expect to submit the revised agreement to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approval by February 2020. Through renegotiations, the change is expected to save PWC $313 million. Over the past two years, the commission has examined various options and alternatives for PWC’s power supply after 2024. The amendment to the contract with Duke Energy is the only one that provides PWC and its customer’s savings before July 2024. 

    “Long-term power supply is the most significant decision PWC has to make because it is the No. 1 factor in providing our customers reliable electric service at a reasonable cost,” said David Trego, PWC CEO and general manager. “Purchased energy is our largest single expense for PWC, and there are many factors and risks, in addition to cost, that had to be taken into consideration.”

    When compared to other options, DEP offered the best combination of competitive rates and low risks, including PWC maintaining the highest level of delivery reliability. Duke Energy agreed to continue giving PWC the same service priority as Duke’s own retail customers. In addition to savings and reliability, the amended agreement allows PWC to promote additional conservation and zero impact on PWC’s bond rating.

    “Our Board of Commissioners is very pleased that the leadership team has negotiated a mutually advantageous, long term, energy agreement with Duke Power on behalf of our customers,” said Evelyn Shaw, PWC Chairwoman. “For many years into the future, this agreement will undergird PWC’s goal of reliable, sustainable, low cost energy for our customers.” The terms of the amended agreement run through 2042 and PWC has the option to end the contract in 2032.

    In a separate agreement, DEP agreed to continue leasing the Butler-Warner Generation Plant. Under the existing lease contract, Duke Energy allows PWC to operate the plant as needed for $12 million annually. New terms extend the contract through June 2024 for an additional $5 million in PWC revenue. PWC may be able to achieve additional savings beyond 2024 if operational requirements are met. The Public Works Commission provides electric service to more than 82,000 customers in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. The local utility is the largest public power provider in the state and the 36th largest in the United States.

  • 05 01 loose leaf pickupIt’s the annual loose-leaf curbside season in Fayetteville, through Feb. 21. Residents are supposed to put their leaves and pine straw at the curb during the periods specified for pickup in their neighborhood. The city has created eight collection cycles based on postal ZIP codes. For example, if you live in the 28301 ZIP code area, your pickup period is Dec. 9 -20. Details are available on the city of Fayetteville’s website. Free trash bags are available at recreation centers and city fire stations. Officials ask that residents rake their leaves and pine needles to the curb by the day before their first scheduled collection day. Put the pile on the right of way but not in the street and away from obstructions.

    Additional sections of I-95 to be widened

    Thanks to a $22.5 million federal grant, the North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to widen and improve 27 additional miles of Interstate 05 02 I 95 signs95 in Robeson and Cumberland counties. It is the second major federal grant the NCDOT has received since the summer of 2018 to help fund major improvements along the I-95 corridor. The grant will help DOT improve mobility and safety along a section of I-95 that has been plagued by flooding during hurricanes. The interstate between mile markers 13 and 40 from Lumberton to near Hope Mills will be widened.

    “These grants are highly competitive, and will help us modernize Interstate 95 in North Carolina,” said Grady Hunt, the North Carolina Board of Transportation’s representative from Robeson County. DOT will also raise portions of I-95 in low-lying areas that are vulnerable to floods. An earlier grant received for I-95 improvements came in June 2018 when $147 million was awarded for I-95 and U.S. 70 improvements. The grant was earmarked for widening two sections of I-95 north of Fayetteville to eight lanes.

    Military retirement COLA increased for next year

    05 03 cost of living adjustmentsMilitary retirees and eligible survivors will receive a 1.6% boost in their monthly paychecks beginning in January, based on the Pentagon’s annual cost of living adjustment, the Defense Department announced. The increased pay will be doled out to most military retirees, survivors of service members who died on active or inactive duty and survivors of retirees who participated in the Survivor Benefit Plan, which pays the family of someone who opted for monthly annuities following the death of an eligible military retiree. The Pentagon said the annual boosts are based on inflation numbers during the previous year as determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, a monthly measure of average changes to prices for goods and services across the nation. For retirees and survivors receiving the 1.6% boost, the increase amounts to an extra $16 for every $1,000 in government benefits received. Individuals who retired at the pay grade of E-7 and served 20 years will see about $38 extra per month. An individual who retired at the pay gradeof O-5 and served 20 years will see a $72 boost each month of 2020.

    05 04 PWC truckFayetteville’s hometown utility wins award

    The Fayetteville Public Works Commission has earned a Smart Energy Provider designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating commitment to and proficiency in initiatives that support providing low-cost, quality, safe and reliable electricity. The designations were announced during the association’s annual Customer Connections Conference held in New Orleans, Louisiana. The SEP two-year designation recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines. This is the first year the association has offered the SEP designation. PWC is one of more than 60 public power utilities nationwide that were acknowledged, and one of two North Carolina public power utilities recognized this year. “We’re honored to be recognized for our efforts to support our community’s responsible energy use,” said David Trego, PWC 05 05 CVS HealthCEO/general manager. PWC’s initiatives noted in the designation include its community solar and battery storage project, time of use electric rates and customer incentive programs promoting energy conservation.

    Alzheimer’s Association picks up big supporter

    CVS Health has joined the Alzheimer’s Association in the fight to end Alzheimer’s as a new national, corporate partner. CVS Health has made a three-year, $10 million minimum commitment to the Alzheimer’s Association, including customer fundraising, caregiver support and national presenting sponsorship of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. CVS Health and the Alzheimer’s Association launched this new partnership this month. CVS is the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States with more than 295,000 colleagues across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
     
  • 08 ruralCape Fear Valley Health System has received a $1 million Duke Endowment grant to help grow its new psychiatry residency program. Launched in 2018, the program’s mission is to train new psychiatrists, who will hopefully practice in more rural areas of the state. The nation’s rural communities are struggling to attract new psychiatric specialists as older physicians retire out of the workforce.

    Samuel Fleishman, M.D., is Cape Fear Valley’s chief medical officer. He said there are entire counties in the health system’s six-county coverage area that do not have local psychiatrists. “The need for behavioral healthcare and psychiatrists has always been a big issue for our region,” he said. “Our psychiatrists have long been challenged with an overwhelming community need.” The Duke Endowment grant will help offset the program’s start-up costs for the first three years.

    The program launched with just four residents but will have 16 by 2020. That number will grow to 24 in 2022 when a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship is added. The program’s residents train by providing psychiatric care at Cape Fear Valley Health inpatient and outpatient facilities. “These residents help take care of those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse in our community,” said Scott Klenzak, M.D., Cape Fear Valley’s psychiatry residency program director.

    Lin Hollowell, Director of The Duke Endowment’s Health Care program area, said funding programs like Cape Fear Valley’s is important because the need for psychiatrists will only grow in coming years. “The shortage of psychiatrists is particularly dire in rural regions,” he said. “The program at Cape Fear Valley Health will expand access to quality care for people in need and lay the groundwork for providing important services in the future.”

    Cape Fear Valley CEO Mike Nagowski said he is grateful the Duke Endowment chose to invest in Cape Fear Valley’s fledgling residency program and its mission.

    “We are so excited about this new partnership,” Nagowski said. “The Duke Endowment understands the importance of the psychiatry residency program to our region, as well as the funding challenges that come with starting these kinds of programs.”

    Based in Charlotte, the Duke Endowment has distributed more than $3.6 billion in grants since its creation in 1924 by industrialist and philanthropist James B. Duke. The private foundation’s mission is to strengthen North Carolina and South Carolina communities by nurturing children, promoting health, educating minds and enriching spirits.

    Cape Fear Valley Health is a 950-bed health system serving a region of more than 800,000 people in Southeastern North Carolina. The not-for-profit system is the state’s eighth-largest health system and made up of 7,000 team members and 850 physicians, eight hospitals, and more than 60 primary care and specialty clinics. Cape Fear Valley Health offers residencies in emergency medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry and general surgery as well as a transitional year internship in affiliation with the Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine at Campbell University. For more information, visit www.CapeFearValley.com.

  • 07 StatueEver since a raid that targeted ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last month, military working dogs have been in the spotlight. A Belgian Malinois, whose name was later declassified and revealed to be Conan, was slightly hurt while taking part in the mission that cornered Baghdadi in Syria. But Department of Defense leaders said he was recovering and had already returned to duty after the raid.

    There are hundreds of military working dogs across the service branches serving day-in and day-out alongside our service members. Their missions include drug and explosive detection, subduing fleeing suspects and search and rescue missions. U.S. war dogs, as they are called, and their handlers from every military service, are deployed worldwide. About 1,600 dogs are either in the field or helping veterans, the military said.

    On July 27, 2013, the first bronze statue of a Special Operations Force K9 was unveiled on the grounds of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville. Over 2,000 people gathered to honor brave K9s and remember what they have done for our country. The statue depicts a life-size Belgian Malinois wearing his full deployment kit. SOF dogs are called super dogs. They parachute from planes with their handlers and can track enemy forces in difficult conditions.

    Most U.S. military war dogs are German and Dutch shepherds and Belgian Malinois breeds, said Army Col. David Rolfe, director of the Defense Department’s Military Working Dog Program. That’s also true of K9s involved in police work. The Fayetteville Police Department’s dogs are bred and initially trained in Europe. The Belgian Malinois, in particular, is high-strung, “very aggressive, very smart, very loyal and very athletic,” Rolfe said.

    Master Sculptor Lena Toritch has created several K9 military dog statues for different branches of the U.S. Military. The statue at the ASOM is a bronze monument depicting a life-size Belgian Malinois wearing his full deployment kit. The monument is a symbol of respect and mourning for SOF dogs that have died in the line of duty. Each of those dogs is represented by a paver that is placed at the base of the statue and includes the dog’s name and the year and theater in which it was killed.

    The SOF bronze statue by Toritch was the first monument in the world depicting this type of a military dog. SOF super dogs are trained to jump out of planes and float to the ground with their partners. They can track and seize the enemy in the most difficult conditions. The SOF K9 Memorial Foundation continues its work by helping K9 Handlers remember their canine partners by assisting with the purchase of memorial plaques, photos, headstones or anything else the handler would like to memorialize his partner.

  • 06 calle macarone Vl78eNdiJaQ unsplashIt’s that time of year again. The leaves are changing, football season is wrapping up, and people are preparing their homes and stomachs for the festivities of the holiday season. Part of the tradition of American Thanksgiving is the spirit of service. One of the most effective ways for people to give back during the holiday season is to donate to a local food bank. In the U.S. alone in 2015, nearly one in eight households suffered from food insecurity. In the military services, some young families depend on food stamps to get by. 

    A new food pantry serving lower-ranking soldiers and their families is up and running at Fort Bragg just in time for the holidays. The pantry, designed to provide families with free, nonperishable food items, is operated by the Armed Services YMCA, said Michelle Baumgarten, associate executive director of the YMCA.

    Families needing additional assistance are referred to their unit’s chaplain or Army Community Service for financial planning and budgeting classes, Baumgarten added. “This came about as people expressed a need for food support.”
    Fort Bragg’s Religious Services Office provides financial support through chaplains assigned to specific units — typically by providing commissary gift cards to families in need. Baumgarten said families with unexpected, special needs are among those the YMCA’s food pantry was established to serve. “That’s what we’re here for,” she said.

    The partnership is also beneficial to the Religious Services Office, said Lt. Col. Jeff Masengale, Fort Bragg’s deputy garrison chaplain.

    The pantry is open to any active duty soldier, military family member and veterans. It runs on an honor system, with no rules on what families can help themselves to. Information is private and is not available to the chain of command. Baumgarten said the only things that are tracked are how many pounds of food go out the door and how many times a person uses the food pantry.

    A young military spouse whose husband is a private first class is typical of those in need. She asked that her name not be used. The young parents have two children, ages two and 16-months-old. “Honestly … it saved me like almost half of the items that I needed to get from the commissary.” 

    Baumgarten credited the North Post Commissary with helping to initially stock the food pantry. The commissary provides weekly donations and serves as a collection point for monetary donations.

    Those wanting to help can also host food drives or drop off donations or dry goods at the YMCA’s food pantry. Donations should be nonperishable, unexpired and unopened. Personal hygiene items such as diapers, razors and shaving cream are accepted. Popular items include baby food, formula and canned tuna and chicken. The food pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Fort Bragg YMCA building 2-2411 off Rodney Trail. Those wanting to visit, provide a donation or volunteer can call 910-436-0500.

  • 05 01 Caitlin Hunt 2Caitlin Hunt, 25, a sixth-grade English Language Arts teacher at South View Middle School, noticed that some of her students needed warm clothing. She coordinated efforts to purchase every sixth-grade student a sweatshirt.
    “Mrs. Hunt feeds the minds of her students every day with knowledge, but she also feeds their hearts and souls with love,” said Jody Phillips, the media coordinator at South View, who nominated Hunt for this month’s Cumberland County Schools’ Extra Mile Award. Hunt received a plaque and was recognized by the Cumberland County Board of Education at its meeting Nov. 12. The Extra Mile Award is designed to acknowledge employees who demonstrate a sustained high level of performance and inspire others to do their best.

    To learn more about CCS’ Extra Mile Award, visit www.extramileaward.ccs.k12.nc.us.

    Downtown Fayetteville for the holiday

    The 20th annual A Dickens Holiday will be held this year on Friday, Nov. 29, in downtown Fayetteville. Presented by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, downtown is transformed to the Victorian era. Costumed re-enactors will stroll Hay Street. Activities include a candlelight procession and carriage rides. Horse-drawn carriages, carrying shoppers the old-fashioned way, will pass merchants’ windows adorned with Victorian holiday decorations. Father Christmas will be in attendance for photo opportunities.

    05 02 Dickens HolidayOn Dec. 5, the Cool Spring Downtown District presents a candlelight loft tour from 6-9 p.m. 

    Carriage rides with Santa Claus are scheduled Dec. 14-17.

    Blood Platelet shortage is ongoing

    The Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center is in urgent need of blood platelet donations. Blood platelets aid the healing process. Donated platelets must be used within five days, resulting in the constant need for donations. Platelets are the cells that circulate within our blood and bind together when they recognize damaged blood vessels. Demand for the life-saving blood product far exceeds current availability in Cumberland and surrounding counties.

    05 03 Blood Elements graphicIdeal platelet donors have AB+, AB-, A+, A-, B+ and O+ blood types. Cancer patients are the primary recipients of blood platelet transfusions because of chemotherapy side effects. Transfusions replenish the patient’s blood supply, heal injury sites and prevent life-threatening hemorrhages. Blood platelet transfusions are also used for premature babies, surgical patients and patients with other life-threatening conditions. Platelet donors can give as often as every two weeks.

    New platelet donors will receive tokens of appreciation from the blood donor center located at 3357 Village Drive across from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s Emergency Department. For more information, call 910-615-3305.

    Sign up for solar

    PWC Community Solar is a large-scale, ground-mount solar array offering its electric customers a shared renewable energy option and an alternative to rooftop solar. PWC is taking applications now. Avoid the effort and expense of installing solar panels at your home or business. Interested electricity customers pay a monthly subscription fee and in exchange receive a bill credit for the value of the solar less the cost to operate. Helping provide cleaner, greener power for the community is the ultimate benefit. Log in to PWC’s Online Account Manager. Look for the Community Solar Enrollment link under Customer Enrollments and complete the application. For additional information or if you have questions, call 910-223-4950 or go customerprogramscsr@faypwc.com.

    05 04 PWC Solar Farm 2Highway safety update

    The North Carolina Department of Transportation is using several innovative intersection designs across the state to improve traffic and pedestrian safety. Kevin Lacy, DOT’s chief traffic engineer, told a group in Robeson County the agency is constructing various safety improvement projects — from rumble strips to all-way stops, and from roundabouts to reduced-conflict intersections. Robeson County is one of the least safe counties in the state, where an average of 45 people die in crashes each year, according to the department’s Mobility and Safety Division.  “We have a lot of tools in our toolbox to make our roadways safer, and we are deploying them where they are needed and can make an important difference,” Lacy told a group of locally elected officials and other community stakeholders committed to reducing traffic deaths.

    Master gardening

    Cumberland County’s Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program will offer training classes for people interested in becoming Master Gardener Volunteers beginning Jan. 23 and continuing 05 05 Highway Crash Scenethrough April 9, 2020. The class will meet every Thursday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Cooperative Extension Service Auditorium at 301 East Mountain Dr. There is a fee to cover the cost of training supplies and manuals. Applications are now being accepted and can be obtained by calling the Extension office at 910-321-6405 or by going online at http://cumberland.ces.ncsu.edu. For more information about the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program, contact Jason Weathington at 910-321-6870.

    Picture 1: Caitlin Hunt








    06 N1904P44002C

     
     
  • 12 chbryanIMG 0304 2Fayetteville Technical Community College is the smart choice for individuals seeking education, for a variety of reasons. The No. 1 reason revolves around the center for FTCC’s existence — to serve as a learning-centered institution to build a globally competitive workforce. FTCC students who successfully complete two years in the college transfer programs transition and perform well in the four-year college environment. One example of how FTCC prepares students well for the next step in the educational journey is the C-STEP program.

    C-STEP is a partnership between North Carolina community colleges and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The purpose of the program is to provide transfer opportunities for talented low- and moderate-income students. Students at Fayetteville Technical Community College who successfully complete C-STEP will receive guaranteed admission to UNC-Chapel Hill. FTCC became a partner with C-STEP in 2011.

    FTCC graduate Bryan Cuevas-Figueroa recently completed C-STEP at FTCC and transferred to the UNC-Chapel Hill. Bryan intends to graduate from UNC’s business school and continue his education to attain a Master of Business Administration degree. With the outstanding educational foundation Bryan received at FTCC, he is now continuing his educational studies beyond the first two years and is pursuing his four-year degree at UNC-Chapel Hill with confidence and success.

    “Sometimes things in life don’t quite work out exactly as planned, but blessings come from the support of others and the ability to stay humble along the way,” Bryan said when reflecting on how his experience with FTCC prepared him in the best way for achieving his personal goals. In addition to exceptional education provided by caring and knowledgeable faculty members, students have access to many resources at Fayetteville Tech to provide support. FTCC students who pursue a four-year degree at UNC-Chapel Hill through C-STEP benefit academically while engaging with individuals from UNC who bridge the gap through advising, special events, transition and support services.  

    C-STEP at FTCC  is just one of the many exciting opportunities awaiting students who choose Fayetteville Tech. FTCC offers over 280 associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to choose from in the areas of arts and humanities, math and sciences, business, applied technology/engineering, health, and public service. To complement experiences in the academic programs, students have unique opportunities to participate in athletics, student clubs and leadership organizations, theater and music, scholarships and more.

    Additional information about C-STEP is available at nelsonl@faytechcc.edu or by calling 910-678-8205. To learn more about academic programs available at FTCC, visit www.faytechcc.edu, call 910-678-8473 or schedule a tour of our beautiful campus. For exceptional education, affordable tuition, convenient classes and unique learning-centered experiences, choose Fayetteville Technical Community for the smart choice—and the first choice—for education.

    Pictured: Bryan Cuevas-Figueroa recently completed C-STEP at FTCC and transferred to the UNC-Chapel Hill.

  • 08 American airlines 767Fayetteville Regional Airport “is the window through which nearly 500,000 people a year view our community,” said Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of the Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation. Up & Coming Weekly interviewed him about the airport’s importance to greater Fayetteville’s economy. “Our Airport has a growth-oriented vision for Fayetteville and our region,” he added.

    Van Geons said residents are one connection away from over 160 national and international destinations, yards away from dozens of technology-driven companies and surrounded by one of the best marketing assets in our community’s arsenal.

    Fayetteville Regional Airport is just that, a small airport with a dozen flights a day, 40% of whose customers are military members and their families. Bradley Whited has been the airport director for 20 years. He spent the last 10 years working to secure federal funds to upgrade the facility. His hard work paid off with $47 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants being allocated for renovations and expansion, “the objective being to improve the customer experience,” he said.

    The airport is “a powerful economic engine that we are aggressively working to grow,” Van Geons said.

    The airport staff is attempting to attract new flights. American Airlines and Delta currently serve the airport. Phase one of the development was a $20 million effort to elevate and expand the original concourse A. It was built at ground level 50 years ago. Passengers had to board planes in the open air. The new concourse A is now accessible on the same level as concourse B. A large circular atrium connects them. Both concourses have modern, new jet bridges.

    Phase two of the renovation will include completing the new restaurant. Escalators will be moved to the front of the building, so customers arriving at the airport can check-in at the airline ticket counters and then go upstairs. Baggage carousels will be upgraded, and a full-length canopy will stretch across the exterior roofline. The third-floor mezzanine will be eliminated, and administration offices will be moved to the ground level. Restrooms are being renovated throughout, and a fire control sprinkler system will be installed.

    Whited says construction should be completed in two years — a year-and-a-half after Whited retires. He said he will move to the Charlotte area where he has family. He hopes he’ll receive an invitation to the ribbon-cutting when the improvements are finished.

  • 07 Vote buttonsVeteran Fayetteville City Councilmen Ted Mohn and Jim Arp suffered upset election losses Nov. 5. Both served for 10 years. They were defeated by novice politicians Courtney Banks-McLaughlin and Yvonne Y. Kinston respectively. Another newcomer, Shakeyla M. Ingram, was elected to replace Dan Culliton in District 2. He chose not to seek election after being appointed to council a year-and-a-half ago. Three African-American women are replacing three white men. Chris Davis won the District 6 election replacing longtime councilman Bill Crisp, who did not seek re-election. Incumbents Kathy Jensen and Tisha Waddell won re-election, bringing to five the number of women on the new city council, which is a record. Incumbent members Johnny Dawkins, D.J. Haire and Larry Wright were unopposed and easily won their races. Mayor Mitch Colvin was re-elected without opposition.

    Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner won a fifth two-year term Nov. 5 defeating Mayor Pro Tem Mike Mitchell. “We’re going to have a great team and we’re going to work together, and all the negativity is going to be gone,” Warner said.
    The Board of Commissioners was divided by internal feuding and personal attacks on social media. Without naming them, Warner’s reference clearly was to Mitchell and incumbent commissioner Meg Larson, both of whom vigorously opposed Warner the last two years. Incumbent board members Pat Edwards, Jerry Legge and Jessie Bellflowers were re-elected. Kenjuana McCray and Bryan Marley won the seats vacated by Mitchell and Larsen. McCray becomes the first African-American to be elected to the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners. She was the top vote-getter. “I’m humbled. we made history tonight,” McCray said.

    In Spring Lake, Mayor Larry Dobbins won re-election to a second term, defeating newcomer Jami Mclaughlin. Incumbent Town Alderman James Christian lost his re-election bid by one vote to incumbent Sona Cooper. Mayor Pro Tem James O’Garra and Alderwomen Frederika Sutherland and Jackie Lee Jackson won re-election. Newcomer Taimoor Aziz replaces Christian in December.

    This year’s local election oddity was in Stedman where Mayor-for-life Billy Horne found himself in an initial tie with challenger Jordan Stewart. Each of them received 30 votes. A third candidate, Jeremy George was just one vote behind them with 29. Totaling all the Cumberland County municipal elections, less than 10% of the registered voters went to the polls.

    Now it’s time for the real change to happen. If you’re wondering about the timeline when newly elected officials will get to work, city council members in North Carolina take office at different times between early December and Jan. 1. Local councils are chosen in what are called off-year elections, usually in odd numbered years. This year, the new Fayetteville City Council will be sworn in Monday, Dec. 2. Members will then select the mayor pro tem, which is typically the top vote-getter. But there are no official rules for the procedure. The inauguration will be held at Seabrook Auditorium at Fayetteville State University at 6 p.m.

  • 06 01 cumberland rd fire deptFive rural Cumberland County fire departments will receive over $1 million in funding as part of a 2018 federal grant program, according to the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs Association. A combined $1.6 million was awarded to the Stedman, Bethany, Wade, Spring Lake and Stoney Point fire departments through a fire and emergency response grants program. Stedman, Bethany and Wade community fire departments collaboratively applied for and received a joint grant for $530,847 to purchase new self-contained breathing air packs. “The grant for lifesaving air packs not only relieves our taxpayers of the financial burden but also places our fire departments in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association national standard,” said Stedman Fire Chief Justin Nobles. Seventy-six self-contained individual breathing air packs with spare bottles will be purchased, Nobles said. The Spring Lake and Stoney Point Fire Departments were awarded grants to hire additional firefighters, said Freddy Johnson Sr., president of the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs Association and chief of the Stoney Point department.

    06 02 Matthew JoskowitzFort Bragg paratrooper dies

    Army officials continue to investigate the circumstances that led to a paratrooper’s death on post at Fort Bragg. Sgt. Matthew D. Joskowitz, 24, died on Halloween night in his barracks. The soldier’s death was not training related, according to division spokesman Lt. Col. Mike Burns, who said he was unable to discuss the facts of the case as the investigation is ongoing. The paratrooper from Hackensack, New Jersey, was an infantryman assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

    “Sgt Joskowitz represents the very best of our nation,” Lt. Col. Christopher Brawley, his battalion commander, said in a statement. “He was revered by his fellow paratroopers and was a superb noncommissioned officer. We are focusing on caring for his friends and family as they mourn this tragic loss.”

    Joskowitz enlisted into the Army in May 2014 and spent his five-year career at Fort Bragg.

    06 03 CumberlandCountySchoolsNEWlogo“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of Sgt Matthew Joskowitz,” Capt. Christopher Cioffoletti, his company commander, said in a statement. “A rising star in our battalion, Sgt. Joskowitz was motivated by a deep love for both his country and his fellow paratroopers,” Cioffoletti added.

    High school choice opportunities

    An estimated 1,000 people attended Cumberland County Schools Choice Fair Nov. 2 to learn about the educational options the school district has to offer students. Educators and student ambassadors manned information booths that lined the walls of E.E. Smith High School’s atrium, cafeteria and gymnasium. Parents stopped to ask questions of the representatives in their quest to find that ‘perfect fit’ for their children. Choice program options range from engineering and fire science to the arts and foreign languages. The choice application season just began, and parents interviewed seemed to like the idea of one-stop shopping for their children’s education during the three-hour event. “This has been great,” said Kaia Frye, who attended the fair to learn about the opportunities available to her daughter, an eighth grader at John Griffin Middle School. “This has helped us get information firsthand and talk to students who are currently in the program about their experiences,” she said. Frye said her daughter plans to apply at Cumberland International Early College High School. For more information about CCS’ Choice Program and its educational options, visit www.choice.ccs.k12.nc.us.

    06 04 Geneen Ballenger 2Death from child neglect

    A 7-year-old boy who died in last spring didn’t have proper care officials say. The youngster wasn’t breathing when first responders arrived at a Fayetteville home April 15, the city’s police department said. Officers said the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

    “Based on the investigation and reports from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, it was determined that the child was not receiving proper care,” the Fayetteville Police Department said. The child’s grandmother, Geneen Ballenger, 53, has been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter in connection with the case. Ballenger was arrested late last month. She posted a $25,000 bond and was released pending trial. Records indicated her next court date is Nov. 21.

    Picture 2: Sgt. Matthew D. Joskowitz

    Picture 4: Geneen Ballenger

     
     
     
     
    06 05 Noonday Kitchen copy
     
  • 10 Greek Orthodox churchEvery year, Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Fayetteville hosts a spaghetti dinner fundraiser — but not just any spaghetti dinner fundraiser. The biggest one in the world. The fundraiser is back again for its 61st year on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

    If there is any doubt about how popular the tradition is in the community, the Church uses a whopping 4,000 pounds of dry spaghetti and 900 gallons of tomato sauce for the affair. With such a large quanity of pasta being made for the event, the dinner would not be possible without the help of a plethora of volunteers. Last year, the dinner required over 100 volunteers.

    Each plate comes with a roll and parmesan cheese. The affordable and delicious meal makes for a convenient lunch or dinner. For attendees who pick up plates for a family or treat their coworkers, the spaghetti dinner fundraiser is a delicious crowd-pleaser.

    If you have a sweet tooth, you can find a Grecian dessert that will tickle your tastebuds at the sale. The church also sells delectable pastries every year. 

    For Kathy Jensen, who grew up in Fayetteville and attends the church, the spaghetti dinner carries a special meaning because it is where her parents, John Keefe and Sophia Makris, met.

    “My mother came over from Greece when she was 12, and my aunt worked at Ft. Bragg, and she brought my dad and his friend to meet my mother at the spaghetti dinner,” Jensen explained. At that time, people would eat their spaghetti dinners at the church, and Keefe dressed to impress.

    “My mother was Greek and  my dad was American, so that was a no-no, but they were engaged 4 months later and married within 6 months of meeting,” said Jensen. Sophia and John stayed married until his death.

    For the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg crowd, the Greek Orthodox Church has become known for hosting events that have become a part of the local culture. In September each year, the Church hosts the annual Greek Festival, where people can tour the church, learn traditional Greek dances, shop from local vendors and get an authentic Mediterrean meal.

    But perhaps the sweetest part of the fundraiser is that it benefits nonprofits in the area. While the recipients of the proceeds change, the church uses the massive event to benefit worthy causes.

     Plates cost $7 each. Cash and card are both accepted. The event will be held at the Hellenic Center on 614 Oakridge Ave. Tickets can be purchased at the door and the event is carry-out only. Visit http://stsch.nc.goarch.org/spaghetti-dinner or call the church at 910-484-8925 for information.

  • 09 Tom BrokawWhen military storylines play out in Hollywood films, TV shows and plays, they barely skim the surface of the reality of what military life is like, if the stories are even accurate. “Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret,” opening in Fayetteville Dec. 7, promises a realistic and vivid image of the sacrifice that comes with serving our country.

    The production is quickly becoming a success, as NBC’s Tom Brokaw, ABC and other media networks are all touting its magnificent and moving storytelling. "You know all of our movies are about the first in — the Navy SEALs, the Army Rangers, the Green Berets, 12 strong, the first in,” said Scott Mann who wrote the play and plays the main character, Danny Patton. “But you never hear about the men and women who are last out — the ones who go back day after day, week after week, month after month, like so many of our warriors at Bragg who have 10, 12, 14 deployments. I thought, what if we could actually get veterans together and tell that story about what this long war has been like for that percentage of our population?”

    The story, in many ways, is biographical, although Mann says the story is also based on the experiences of service members and their families that he and his wife knew.

    The story takes place in the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg area. The play is centered around a Green Beret team sergeant — Master Sgt. Danny Patton. He is killed in the very first scene. His desire is to rest and to go to Valhalla. But he’s holding on to something he can’t let go of, so he’s stuck between the fire base and his living room — his personal purgatory. His best friend, Kenny Suggins, who was killed in the Pentagon on 9/11, played by Leonard Bruce,  along with some other operators from Valhalla, come and take the form of people in Danny’s life who made his heart pump the most blood, both good and bad, in an attempt to shake him loose to see if he can figure out what he’s holding on to.
    Everyone involved with the production has a military background or ties to the military in some way.

    The minimalistic set allows for the audience to focus on the story. For Ame Livingston, the director who also plays the role of Danny’s wife, Lynn Patton, the story is  meaningful, especially coming from a family with a rich military history. She wanted it to be something that could be told in any setting. “When I was first working on the play, I said to Scott, ‘I want to make this story so strong that we could do it in a bathroom or we could do it on Broadway,'” she said.

    In her 35 years of performing, Livingston said that “Last Out” is the most important story she’s been able to tell to date.

    “We go in and hit your heart with a hammer and then we spend the last 20 minutes or so of the show picking the pieces back up for you, so at the end when the lights come up, people don’t know what to do with their hands — you know?” said Bryan Bachman, who plays Caiden Patton and several other characters. “They don’t know what to do with themselves because they’ve experienced something really raw and real.”

    Audience members, whether they are civilians or military, can see themselves in the storyline. “The response is pretty visceral,” said Bruce.  “A lot of people who have had similar experience are heavily impacted by the play because they see part of their story being told on stage. People are seeing their lives being validated.”

    The team is excited to bring a play to Fayetteville that shares the lives of so many people who live in the area, especially since three of the cast members were stationed at Fort Bragg and the tour manager, Kari Ellis,  worked at the Fayetteville Police Department. As a traveling show, however, funding is an obstacle. “We need support bringing it here. It costs around $30,000 for us to travel here. We are a nonprofit,” said Ellis.

    The show will play at the Crown on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. For more information about the play, visit http://www.lastoutplay.com/ and visit CapeFearTix.com to purchase tickets. 

    Pictured: NBC's Tom Brokaw talks to Scott Mann about "Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret."

     

  • 08 KAY HAGAN The sudden death last week of former U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan to a rare illness had people wondering how she contracted encephalitis. North Carolina’s first and only Democratic female U.S. senator died Oct. 28 at her Greensboro home. She was 66. Hagan died in her sleep after a three-year battle with encephalitis, caused by tick-borne Powassan virus. The infection causes irreversible inflammation of the brain.

    In 2008, the former state legislator defeated Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole. She lost to Republican Thom Tillis in 2014. “Susan and I are absolutely heartbroken by Sen. Kay Hagan’s sudden passing,” Tillis said in a statement, “and we extend our condolences and prayers to her loving family and many friends. We join all North Carolinians in remembering her dedicated and distinguished record of public service to our state and nation.”

    In late 2016, Hagan became ill. Symptoms of severe Powassan encephalitis include confusion, loss of coordination, difficulty speaking and seizures. Her husband, Chip Hagan, said he initially thought his wife was having a stroke. Later, he said he suspected she was bitten by a tick during a Thanksgiving trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Two weeks later, she was rushed to a hospital. Symptoms of a tick bite may not reveal themselves for a week or more.

    Doctors eventually determined Hagan suffered from Powassan virus. It’s less common than other tick-borne diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease. North Carolina regularly ranks as one of the states with the most reported tick-borne cases in the United States each year.

    Sen. Hagan had difficulty controlling her muscles. She was confined to a wheelchair and rarely made public appearances. The number of reported cases of people sick from Powassan virus has increased in recent years. Most cases in the United States occur in the northeast and Great Lakes region from late spring through midfall when ticks are most active.

    There are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat the disease. The likelihood of infections is increasing, according to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2017, local and state health departments reported a record number of cases. Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other tick-related illnesses increased from 48,610 in 2016 to 59,349 in 2017. Reported tick-borne illnesses in the United States doubled between 2004 and 2016.

    Ticks become infected when they feed on groundhogs, squirrels, mice or deer that have the virus in their blood. Infected ticks then spread the virus to people and other animals by biting them. Three types of ticks spread Powassan virus and are primarily found in the eastern half of the United States: the groundhog tick, squirrel tick and blacklegged or deer tick. The blacklegged tick was the culprit in Sen. Hagan’s case.

    Blacklegged ticks are aggressive. They often bite people. Ticks can attach to any part of the body but are often found in hard-to-see areas such as the groin, armpits and scalp. In the absence of a vaccine, prevention of Powassan virus disease depends on measures to decrease exposure to infected ticks. These include avoiding wooded and bushy areas with high grass and using repellents to discourage tick attachment.                                                

  • 07 Tisha WaddellFayetteville City Councilwoman Tisha Waddell has scheduled a community forum for Nov. 15. Waddell has no formal opposition in the election. But her candidacy was opposed by Mayor Mitch Colvin, who supported a write-in candidate. Before being elected mayor, Colvin represented the city’s 3rd District, which Waddell now represents.

    The write-in candidate was Dominique Ashley, a recent graduate of Fayetteville State University. She announced her candidacy two weeks before the Nov. 5 election. She’s “the kind of people we want involved in the political process,” Colvin said in an interview with The Fayetteville Observer.

    Since Ashley announced her campaign, the mayor has twice shared news about her candidacy on his official Facebook page. But he said he has not formally endorsed anyone for office.

    Waddell concedes she and Colvin have not always shared the same views on local issues. She supports the proposal to build a multimillion-dollar Civil War & Reconstruction History Center in Fayetteville. Colvin does not. “The majority of the people I’ve spoken with are supportive of the center,” she said. “We think that it’s a good idea.”

    It’s one of the subjects the councilwoman says will be highlighted at the community meeting she has scheduled for Nov. 15. It will be held at Simon Temple AME Zion Church on Yadkin Road from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

    Stormwater issues and sidewalks plus street resurfacing are the other topics of discussion for the forum. “We are directly affected by a lack of resources,” Waddell declared. “I want to make sure the people in my district are knowledgeable,” she added.

    City officials responsible for management of streets and sidewalks will be on hand to field questions. Leaders of the History Center have also been invited. “We don’t think of it as a museum,” said Center Chairman Mac Healy.

    The Winston-Salem-based Winslow Group was commissioned to perform a conceptual feasibility study, measure support for the mission and gauge interest beyond Fayetteville. Planning of the learning center began 12 years ago. In 2007, the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex Foundation received a planning grant from the North Carolina General Assembly. Foundation leaders immediately commissioned the Ohio-based museum consulting firm Germann and Associates to perform a benchmarking and assessment study.

    Because of the existing museum’s location on one of North Carolina’s most important Civil War sites and its ownership of the Reconstruction-era E. A. Poe House, consultants recommended that the new center focus on the Civil War and Reconstruction in North Carolina. Local leaders also decided to include the antebellum period from about 1830. It was the period before the War Between the States that philosophically and politically resulted in the conflict.

    The interpretive consultants were instructed to find the most effective means of telling the story of North Carolina’s people, all of them, and not to rely solely on artifacts. From the beginning, the History Center’s planners understood that many students from across the state would benefit from the use of technology. So, they created one of the nation’s first digital master plans to make this authoritative resource accessible to all.

    Pictured: Tisha Waddell

  • 06 01 ALE Agents 2A statewide series of raids by Alcohol Law Enforcement agents late last month had remarkable local similarities to another event several months ago. ALE special agents, in partnership with local authorities, arrested more than 200 individuals for alcohol, drug and firearm charges. “ALE special agents routinely partner with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in order to have a greater impact on public safety as it relates to the sale of alcoholic beverages” said, Bryan House, interim director of ALE.

    In Fayetteville, agents assisted local police when a shooting occurred at an illegal residential bar. The situation was identical to a Fayetteville shooting during a local raid several months ago. ALE charged the host with selling alcohol without Alcoholic Beverage Control permits. Across the state, various types of controlled substances were seized along with 11 firearms, one of which was stolen. Of the 399 charges, 31 were felonies, 136 were alcoholic-beverage-related charges, and 109 were drug-related. Agencies involved in the operation included U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, North Carolina DMV License and Theft Bureau and local police departments. Counties involved in the operation included Cumberland, New Hanover, Columbus, Nash, Edgecombe, Durham, Johnston, Wake, Alamance, Guilford, Randolph, Mecklenburg, Burke, Buncombe and Polk.

    Busy Eastover intersection closed

    06 02 Rural roundaboutA roundabout under construction in Eastover has resulted in the temporary closure of Baywood Road at Murphy Road. The department of transportation said it agreed to close the intersection so the project can be completed more quickly and safely. A marked detour will send drivers around the area. A DOT contractor began building the roundabout in the spring. The roundabout is scheduled to reopen by Nov. 26. A final layer of pavement and permanent lane markings will be added later. Traffic circles improve safety because motorists have to slow down going through them. The design also eliminates the stop-and-go nature of a traditional intersection. According to a report last year by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, intersection improvements reduce fatalities and serious-injury collisions by almost 30%.

    Elementary school closing for repairs

    T.C. Berrien Elementary School on North Street in Fayetteville will remain closed for the rest of the school years because of significant functional problems. “Maintenance crews are working to address building concerns at T.C. Berrien, including structural issues and malfunctions with air conditioning systems that have caused indoor air quality issues,” said Associate Superintendent Lindsay Whitley.

    06 03 Primary A A kidsIt will operate as a school within a school on the campus of W.T. Brown Elementary School in Spring Lake. The move will “allow contractors to have full access to complete the necessary repair work at T.C. Berrien,” said Whitley.
    T.C. Berrien will continue to operate as a separate school utilizing unused classrooms at W.T. Brown. The Spring Lake school is 10 miles from Berrien, which will require altering school bus pickup and return times. School officials have notified families and provided them with opportunities to address questions or concerns. T.C. Berrien is a primary school with 250 kindergarten to fifth-grade youngsters.

    E-Waste disposal opportunity

    Cumberland County, Sustainable Sandhills, the school system and Fayetteville Beautiful will hold an electronic waste drive Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Ann Street Landfill in downtown 06 04 electronics wasteFayetteville. Residents can take old televisions, computers, stereos, DVD players, computer monitors, video game players and other electronics to the landfill for disposal. It’s part of America Recycles Day and will include giveaways and landfill tours. A shredding service will also be available for the regular charge of 35 cents per pound. Cumberland County Solid Waste accepts electronics at its convenience centers year-round during normal business hours. For more information, go to co.cumberland.nc.us/solidwaste or call 910-321-6920.

    Library services plan

    The Cumberland County Public Library & Information Center continues to encourage residents to fill out a survey that will provide feedback for a revised strategic plan. A $21,080 federal grant from the state library provided funding for a consultant to assist in developing the new five-year plan. The current plan ends in 2020. Survey participants have a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card donated by Friends of the Library, Inc. The survey is available online at cumberland.lib.nc.us. “A strategic plan will guide the library staff in areas that have the most impact in Cumberland County. It’s an exciting process to be involved in,” said library director Jody Risacher.
    In addition to surveys, the project includes a community needs assessment and interviews with local leaders. Information gathered will contribute to developing a flexible strategic plan to help the library effectively manage resources for services and programs. For more information about the Cumberland County Public Library, visit cumberland.lib.nc.us/ccplsite.
     06 05 Cumberland County Public Library
     
  • dogwoodThis column shares my thinking regarding a recent issue related to the Dogwood Festival. The festival is a major Fayetteville, weekend event held in the spring of each year. It brings together vendors who sell a multitude of items ranging from food to birdhouses. Beyond vendors are some 25 musical offerings, carnival-type rides and games and information helpful to the public.  

    The situation in question is summarized in an article by Andrew Barksdale titled, “Fayetteville City Council wants more diversity in music at Dogwood Festival:

    “Some members of the Fayetteville City Council say the Dogwood Festival’s headlining acts and other bands aren’t racially or ethnically diverse enough. Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Colvin brought up the issue at Monday night’s work session, noting the city donates more than $100,000 in-kind services, such as police and park crews, for the popular event held each April at Festival Park downtown. The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is a private, nonprofit group that organizes the event, which drew an estimated 225,000 people over the three-day weekend this year.”

    The article goes on to report that there was a meeting of Council in which Carrie King, executive director of the Dogwood Festival organization, addressed the music diversity concern. She was accompanied by several Dogwood Festival board members. Every indication from Barksdale’s article is that the meeting did not chart a productive way forward. My sense is that, in a city already racially divided and racially tense, as is our nation, this is another issue that has the potential for unnecessarily feeding the beast of division and tension. However, it also offers an opportunity for Council to exercise leadership. Doing so starts with that group fully examining the situation and having the wherewithal to act fairly. I say “fairly” because we live in a society where any mention of race, and certainly racism, very often clouds judgment and produces decisions that disregard fairness toward some parties.

    This suggested examination starts with determining the authority of Council in matters such as this one. Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Colvin’s position is that this authority derives from the city providing some $100,000 of in-kind services to the festival. If this argument is legitimate, is that approach taken with other non-profits and entities that receive similar support? If not, why not? If this financial support, even in-kind, thinking is carried forward, Council must apply to every supported effort the same scrutiny being brought to bear on the Dogwood organization. If Council is not prepared to take this step, then there is the appearance of disparate treatment of certain entities. In this case, the Dogwood Festival organization.

    Consideration should also be given to the goals of this and other efforts. The statements below, from the Dogwood Festival website, speak to aims of the organization:

    “The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival was founded in 1982 by Bill Hurley, John Malzone and other city leaders who had a vision to improve the image of Fayetteville and create a uniting force for various events in our community... Festivals and special events help define our great city, attract new business, and stimulate local economic growth.”

    Beyond putting on a superb weekend of entertainment in pursuit of the aims above, the organization has, across the years, donated thousands of dollars to various non-profits that also do work, which is of value to all of Fayetteville. This means there is a fundraising component to the Dogwood Festival. Consequently, Council insisting on greater diversity in music offerings could adversely impact the fundraising effort. Given that nobody is prohibited due to skin color from attending events or treated any differently, I find it unfair to demand changes that might adversely impact event attendance. From the beginning to now, country music has been the primary draw of this festival. Other genres have been offered, but with the overall goals in mind. What Council is doing precludes consideration of goals and forces changes that might not otherwise be implemented. I suppose this kind of thinking would lead Council to tell an Italian restaurant they must diversify their menu because police services are provided.

    The response to my “Italian restaurant” comment will be that the restaurant pays property taxes and generates sales tax. The festival’s website states: “In an economic study performed during the 2011 festival, The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival’s estimated economic impact is over  4.5 million dollars.” That $4.5 million would not change hands, except for Dogwood efforts. Because vendors are required to collect and deposit sales tax with the state, the City of Fayetteville receives what must be a substantial sales tax benefit. 

    Further, this festival clearly helps make Fayetteville a more attractive place to live and do business. When my wife retired from the Army and we could have moved anywhere, we chose to stay in Fayetteville. My positive view of this city was, in part, influenced by attending the Dogwood Festival. I was amazed at all that was offered by way of vendors, food, entertainment, information and the feeling of community. My wife and I pay property tax, sales tax and various fees that feed city government. We would not be here except for, those years ago, seeing Fayetteville in a positive light. The point is that this festival contributes to a positive image for Fayetteville and that has tremendous value. 

    The spring festival is not the only event sponsored by the Dogwood organization. They also put on Cumberland County’s largest pageant, Historic Hauntings and Fayetteville After 5. These events also benefit Fayetteville. It is my understanding that the city does not provide financial or in-kind support for these other endeavors. However, as with the spring festival, benefits accrue to Fayetteville.

    The following quote from Barksdale’s article indicates at least one council member also wants to influence make-up of the Dogwood board. “Councilman Chalmers McDougald swung around in his chair, saying he wanted to see how diverse her board members were. ‘And it’s really lacking a little bit,’ McDougald said.”

    I have seen nothing indicating that Councilman McDougald sought information regarding how Dogwood board members are selected. The organization has two paid employees. All the great work of the Dogwood group is done by just two employees and dedicated volunteers. Board members must first volunteer with the organization and then be recommended by a board member for membership on the board. It appears to me this approach is reasonable and definitely effective. To volunteer, all a person has to do is go to the organization’s website.

    In an attempt to provide music genres desired by festival attendees, there is a survey available on the organization’s website at http://www.faydogwoodfestival.com/. It lists the following genres: country, rock, jazz, Christian, blues, hip hop, reggae, Latin, R & B, urban, gospel, oldies, and metal.  Individuals who want to voice preferences in music should go to the website and complete the survey. 

    In my opinion, here is what must be understood. How to respond to survey results must be left to the Dogwood board because there are considerations beyond those results. As already explained, one of these is festival goals. The other is that this is a family-friendly event. Consequently, survey results, or demands for music diversity, must not be allowed to override the aim of keeping this a family-friendly event. 

    All of what is presented above provides opportunity for Council to exercise leadership. Doing so requires that those Council members who are pursuing music diversity at the Dogwood Festival think through the matter, as I have done here. I expect their following this approach will result in the realization that this is a matter requiring no further attention from Council. The leadership challenge comes in those Council members mustering the courage to explain this “no further action” conclusion to constituents and stand by this fair decision.

  • babeI’m glad we live in a city that respects its residents enough to allow us to voice our opinions on major issues affecting the community. Unfortunately, these opportunities sometimes appear ceremonial and gratuitous. I hope that was not the case at last Monday’s public hearing at City Hall.

    Three minutes is not a long time, but in most cases, it is long enough to make one’s point. This being said, I want to share with you my three minutes before the City Council. I’m trying hard to debunk that haunting adage that “Fayetteville never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” Here’s what I shared with the city:

    “Good evening, Mayor, City Council. Thank you for this opportunity. I want to go on record in support of our new baseball team and the downtown baseball stadium as well as the Vision 2026 project that supports several quality-of-life venues such as the Civil War History Center and a downtown Performing Arts Center. I am here to go on record requesting that the city seriously consider naming the new stadium the Babe Ruth Memorial Stadium, securing Fayetteville’s unique station in baseball history. In addition, I urge the city and the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to collaborate on establishing The Babe Ruth Museum and Visitors Center. This facility would attract 50,000 -75,000 visitors a year to our community, serving as an economic stimulus for downtown Fayetteville and the surrounding area. 

    These suggestions are rather simplistic in nature, but simple ideas sometimes reap the biggest returns. It is said that “Fayetteville and Cumberland County never miss an opportunity to misses an opportunity.” These ideas are simple yet exclusively unique to our community. Please take them under serious consideration.”

    That’s it. Short and sweet. Now, let’s wait and see if anyone was listening. Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • jogThe SSG Robert J. Miller Memorial Chapter, commonly referred to as the Special Forces Association Chapter 100, presents the Green Beret Jingle Jog on Saturday, Dec. 3. It includes a 10K road race at 9 a.m. and 5K walk/run at 9:15 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Fayetteville.  

         “We are projecting 600-800 runners for the event”, said Joseph Healey, president of Special Forces Association Chapter 100. “We are raising money for scholarships that we give away to families within the Special Forces fraternity.” 

         The fraternity has over 200 active duty and retired Green Berets. The chapter is in honor of and named for SSG Robert J. Miller. He is a Green Beret who was awarded the Medal of Honor and is a hero to many people. On Jan. 25, 2008, SSG Miller was in a major firefight in Afghanistan and was shot in the upper torso. He continued to move around the enemy, which took a lot of fire away from his element. He charged forward through an open area in order to allow his teammates to safely reach cover. After killing at least 10 insurgents and wounding dozens more, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while moving from position to position. He was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His extraordinary valor ultimately saved the lives of seven members of his Special Forces team and 15 Afghan National Army soldiers.                   

         Proceeds from the fun run are used to benefit the organization’s scholarship fund. This year’s goal is $20,000. Aside from the scholarships, the organization supports Green Berets and their families struggling with unforeseen circumstances such as Hurricane Matthew. “Yearly we give 10 scholarships for $2,000 for college kids of Green Beret families,” said Healey. “We support all the Green Beret units on Fort Bragg, and if we have a servicemember in immediate need, we get a call and we take action on it.” Healey added that the Special Forces Association serves as the voice for the Special Forces community, perpetuates Special Forces tradition and brotherhood, advances the public image of Special Forces and promotes the general welfare of the Special Forces community.     

         This is a family-friendly event. Leashed dogs and strollers are welcome. Early registration is $30 and ends on Nov. 30. Registration is $40 after Nov. 30.  The Up & Coming Weekly registration code is GBJJUPANDCOMING. Race packet pickup is Friday, Dec. 2 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Candlewood Suites located at 4108 Legend Avenue. Same-day registration and packet pickup is 

    Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church. For more information and to register, visit http://www.active.com and type “green beret jingle jog” in the search box. 

  • shanessaTroy McDuffie, chief of police for the Spring Lake Police Department, has put in his time.  For the last seven years, he has spent numerous hours making sure Spring Lake, North Carolina, is a safe place to reside. McDuffie has an extraordinary passion for his role as Chief of Police and for the safety and well-being of the citizens of Spring Lake. Up & Coming Weeklyrecently sat down and had a reflective conversation entailing his career. 

    Chief, I understand you have some news you would like to share. 

    After 30 years of law enforcement, effective January 1, 2017, I will officially retire from the law enforcement field. My actual last day is the last week of December.  This will end my law enforcement career.        

    When did you realize that now is the time for you to retire?  What prompted this decision?

    Thirty years in the law enforcement field is a long time. Those that work in the field      

    and still in the law enforcement profession know it is a very stressful profession.  At some point, you know when you get to the point where you have options.  Of course, I could continue my career and talk with the town officials and my employees, that’s what they had hoped. But you just know that it is time to pass the torch to new leadership and allow them to carry on and hopefully continue to build on all that we have built in Spring Lake.       

    When you reflect on your 30 years of service what is the one thing in your career that has been profound and had the most impact?

    My passion has always been helping and protecting others. I feel that was something that the good Lord instilled in me when I was a child. As I reflect back on my career, it has been obvious that is what he intended for me to do and what he has used me for. The most gratifying of my career is the seven years I have spent here in Spring Lake leading and rebuilding this police department along with the challenges and struggles that we have gone through to rebuild relationships that were lost prior to me taking over. 

    It has been a joy to look back on those years and just watch the growth between the police and community, the support of the citizens, the support of the businesses and how we have grown to make this community a much safer place and put the past behind us.  

    What kind of legacy are you leaving behind?

    When I look back at my legacy, what I would hope for others to say about Troy McDuffie is that I am a fair person and wanted the best for all in this community and ensured that when my officers policed the Spring Lake community, everyone was treated with dignity and respect.  

    Chief, we wish you happiness and peace of mind. Kudos for an excellent job and thanks for your leadership and dedication to serving others.  

  • MargaretI winced inside and out when then candidate Donald Trump called his opponent Hillary Clinton a “nasty woman.”   I winced again when Saturday Night Live’s Kate McKinnon portrayed Hillary sipping coffee from a mug emblazoned with “nasty woman.”  Ugly name-calling aside, it was the actual word that triggered my reaction.  When my sister and I were growing up, “nasty” was a word not allowed in our household.  In fact, washing our mouths out with soap might have been mentioned for this particular infraction, and using profanity or obscenity was simply unthinkable.  We really didn’t know any, so that was not much of an issue.

    Each of us has only one childhood, and mine occurred in North Carolina, so I really don’t know what goes on in families from other parts of our nation.  I suspect each family everywhere has its own peculiarities, and we Southern families certainly do, a total ban on the word “nasty”—I can write it but still cannot make myself say it—is one of them.  There are plenty of others.

    Susan Stafford Kelly is a North Carolina novelist married to a native Fayettevillian, and she often writes for several of our state’s magazines. I was delighted when I picked up a recent edition of Pine Straw: The Art and Soul of the Sandhills to find Kelly’s spot on essay, “The Brief Unwritten Social Rules of the Southern Womanhood.”  Talk about relating…

    Kelly’s piece brought back a flood of memories, most of which make little or no sense, but which came to Susan, countless other Southern girls, and me as rules of the world.  Several days before I married—five days short of 30-years-old, friends of my mother, who had been dead for more than four years, began arriving at my door with gift-wrapped boxes.  Each one contained a lovely but tasteful nightgown, or as we say in the South, a “nightie.”  Nothing too low or too high.  Since my mother was not around for my wedding or this gifting experience, I was baffled until my plainspoken aunt informed me that these thoughtful women were doing what my mother would have done.  They were providing my trousseau lingerie!

    That tradition has long since bitten the dust, since all the young women I know now sleep in old T-shirts and have been in their hubby-to-be’s beds for years.

    Here are a few more rules for Southern women that are not written anywhere, but which we somehow just know—or are supposed to.  More than a few involve our clothes, as Susan Kelly notes.

    We carry pocketbooks, not purses.  I was in college before I found out that a tiny little baggie thing my mother and grandmother referred to as a “coin purse” was not what other people meant by purse.  We wear underpants or, generically, underwear.  If you wear “panties,” you were probably born somewhere else.  Whatever you call these garments, they had better be white, as had your slips, if anyone remembers what they were. Ditto for bed linens and maybe bath towels.  We also wear stockings, not hose.  The first time I heard hose, I was very confused, wondering why and how that green moldy, snaky thing left out in the yard could fit on my legs.  Then there’s the white shoe, white pants only between Memorial and Labor Days rule, but even I have had one white pants in recent days.  I wonder if global warming is playing a role in the demise of this rule….

     Of course, you must always write a thank you note for every gift both large and small and certain kindnesses, and what’s more, you must do so on your good, preferably monogrammed, stationery and in black ink.  This is another Southern rule that seems to be leaving us.  I have had pre-printed notes that on which my name was filled in and which said “Thank you for the lovely_____________” with the name of some item handwritten in.  My mother and grandmother never heard of a thank you email, but I have had some of those, too.

    A Southern friend whose mother grew up on an estate in Mississippi shared several rules she and her two sisters learned during their childhoods in Tennessee.  They were not allowed to use the word “rich” or to talk about how much anything cost.  Nor could they use “kid” to refer to a child, lest their mother inquire whether they were talking about a goat.  Actually, my mother said that, too.  

    And, then there are those things that are not rules but just expressions Southerners use, or did when I was growing up.  We went to the beauty parlor, not the salon, and the picture show instead of the movies, or heaven forbid!—a film.  We ate cheese crackers, not Nabs, and washed them down with Cokes or Pepsis, not sodas.

    Every generation writes its own memoirs, and each is different.  Susan Kelly and I are both Baby Boomers, and we both have three Precious Jewels, who in true Southern fashion, know each other.  

    I hope I get to enjoy their Millennial memories.

  • angelsYear after year, the Steele Angels help local families. Nov. 19 is the group’s annual Toy Run. It is an event that started 13 years ago. The Steele Angels Riding Club includes members from Cumberland County and surrounding counties who share a common interest -  motorcycling. The club’s purpose is to aid and assist needy and distressed families in and around Cumberland County. The members are concerned with the community as a whole and they promote a sisterhood of compassion and support and an understanding among the club members. 

    Although there are several motorcycle clubs in the Fayetteville area, this club chose not to be sculpted and created in the same sense as a “motorcycle club.” This was a decision they made in 2004. They choose to help children and they just happen to ride motorcycles. One thing the Steele Angels always say is that motorcyclists have the biggest hearts whether you are in a club or an independent ride. They all have something in common … they all love to ride and they all have big hearts. 

    The Steele Angels want to make a difference in a child’s life. Over the years there have been several runs and involvement in many events, but due to so many organizations, there are events held almost every weekend, so the Steele Angels just stick to having two events a year. Their main mission is to help distressed women and children in the area. They share a common ideology that to better our community, we must contribute to the social, physical and mental well-being  of children, women and families in crisis. 

     This organization provides monetary and physical support to several local non-profit charities and organizations. The Steele Angels motorcycle club provides relief to local families in annual events such as the Toy Run and Back to School Run. The Toy Run is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving and the Back to School Run is in August before school starts. 

    This year’s Toy Run registration is from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. at Legends Pub on Bragg Blvd. on Nov. 19. The escorted ride leaves Legends Pub at
    1 p.m., going to the Doghouse on Owen Drive. There will be food, music, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and more. To participate, bring a monetary donation or bring an unwrapped toy. Call Wendy Rogers at 910-818-0458 for more information.

    If there is a topic that you would like to discuss you can contact me at motorcycle4fun@aol.com. RIDE SAFE!

  • red apple Diabetes affects nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States. Another 86 million have prediabetes and are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. This is why Better Health presents its 10K run at 8:30 a.m. and 5K run at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Medical Arts Center in downtown Fayetteville. There is also the Haymount Hill Climb, known as the 1-mile fun run, which will start at 8:45 a.m. 

     “This is our 4th annual event and the proceeds go towards Better Health programs” said Amy Navejas, executive director for Better Health. “The programs include emergency direct aid, diabetes management clinics and classes, childhood obesity prevention and medical equipment loans.” 

    Navejas added that the money supports a number of different causes and thousands of individuals in need who live in the Cumberland County area. 

     The purpose of the event is to raise awareness that diabetes is an epidemic. It is a problem in our community and across the nation. This race raises funds for Better Health . “We have a really robust diabetes program for self-management,” said Navejas. “Physicians and clients can’t do it on their own because diabetes is a very difficult and complex disease, and they need assistance and support along the way.” In reference to the self-management clinics, Cumberland County clients can walk in and attend classes facilitated by a registered nurse that have different topics every week. Some of the topics include carb counting, a cooking demonstration, goal setting, nutrition planning and having a one-on-one conversation with the nurse about issues with the glucometer, medications or any number of things. 

    Low-income clients can be provided a glucometer, test strips and other diabetic supplies that are expensive but a necessity. 

     On Monday nights there is a free “Take Charge of Diabetes” class for registered participants. 

    “It is the A-Z of diabetes and we really go in-depth,” said Navejas. “We have a physician come in to talk about foot care for diabetics, eye care, dental hygiene and a therapist to talk with them about dealing with the diagnosis.” Navejas indicated that Better Health tries to be thorough and address all those needs because it is such a complicated disease. 

     Better Health is a nonprofit organization that has been around since 1958 with a vision to impact the quality of life for all Cumberland County residents through a commitment to improving access and availability of healthcare services for the underserved, low-income resident. 

     “We want everyone to come out and participate because we have races for all ages,” said Navejas. 

     Registration fees apply. For more information visit betterhealthcc.org or call 483-7534.  

  • Screen Shot 2016 11 23 at 8.39.36 AMCommunity and giving back are consistent themes in our publication. Time and again and without fail, our community steps up to care for its own, to problem solve, to get things done. Hurricane Matthew is just the latest example of how we take care of each other when things get hard. Unfortunately, it is not enough to say “Well done,” and move along because there will always be someone in need, someone who, despite their best effort, can’t make ends meet, can’t provide for their family, can’t take care of themselves.

    This time of year Social media is usually filled with posts about how thankful, lucky and blessed people are. And that is a wonderful thing. We should all count our blessings and be mindful of how much we have and how fortunate we are. And we should not take these things for granted. There are still people in this community and all across this country who are not so fortunate. And organizations this time of year often struggle to meet the needs of those they serve.

    If you are able and it is in your heart, consider giving back this holiday season. It doesn’t take much to change someone’s life. While the holidays are supposed to be a happy time of year, many struggle mightily with things like loneliness and depression during November and December. Take a few moments, call or check in on a friend/acquaintance/office mate/neighbor and let them know you are thinking about them. Or take them to lunch or for coffee or just spend a few minutes letting them know you care.

    If time is something you just don’t have or you are unable to “sponsor” someone this season, consider supporting one of the many organizations that are dedicated to helping this community. Drop some money in one of the red Salvation Army kettles. They feed the homeless, while providing a job for the bell ringers, typically lower income.

    Write a check to one of the many nonprofits in the area. Places like the Care Clinic and Better Health offer health-related services to the community at little or no cost.

    Or volunteer. Not just during the holidays, but    throughout the year. Operation Inasmuch, Catholic Charities, the Dream Center, the Child Advocacy Center, the Guardian ad litem program and other organizations are always looking for help.

    Drop off some nonperishable food items like canned goods, dried beans, soup mixes or the like at one of the food banks. Second Harvest Food Bank is always accepting donations, but there are other organizations that have food pantries, too. Donate toiletries or hygiene items at one of the many local shelters. Things like a package of socks, a hat and a scarf or a gently used coat or feminine hygiene products mean everything when you need them and don’t have them.

    Donate a toy at one of the many toy drop offs. Toys for Tots is just one way. Support a local toy run that many local motorcycle clubs sponsor this time of year - we have some listed in our Free Wheelin’ section. Many organizations have Angel trees that make it easy to give a child a Merry Christmas. Some organizations that support children in our community are the Girls and Boys Club, Fayetteville Urban Ministry, Great Oaks Foundation and Falcon Children’s Home.

    Giving back during this stressful time of year doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money and it can change someone’s life. Including yours.

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • karlAcross my almost 70 years of living, I have been lousy at initiating and nurturing friendships. It was not until I worked with my father to write a book about his life that I came face-to-face with this fact. Talking with Daddy about his treasured friendships and then compiling the chapter on that topic caused me to assess my status in the friendship arena. I committed to learn to be much better at initiating and nurturing friendships.

    My current and most powerful, most effective friendship development training installment was not planned. On a pleasant weather day in April 2015, I was playing golf with a Canadian fella at Stryker Golf Course in Fayetteville. At some point, we realized there was a player behind us. We kept calling for him to play our current hole and we would wait for him to move ahead of us. When he kept refusing, we stopped and waited for him to catch up. 

    The then 85-year-old player was Frederick O. Byrom. He explained that, due to medical issues, including eleven surgeries, he needed to pace himself and did not want to pass us. He agreed to play the remaining holes with us. He said it was not good for him to play alone and, for a while, the course management required that he play with at least one other person. From that day to now, Fred and I have golfed together four to five mornings a week.

    During these past 18 months, I have learned more about this now 87-year-old than I realized or expected. It did not happen because of any interviews... just walking a golf course and talking. Fred was born in Alabama and lived there until age 20, when he joined the U.S. Army. Those early years in Alabama were difficult. Circumstances were such that he started buying his own clothes at age nine. He earned the money by cutting the grass of neighbors with a sickle. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes a sickle as “a tool with a curved metal blade attached to a short handle that is used for cutting grass, grain, etc.”) His pay was normally a nickel per yard. While still a young boy, he purchased a lawnmower from a local store on credit and earned the money to pay that account in full. His lawn-cutting business prospered.

    There was a point in his youth when Fred worked with his grandfather in logging. It was rough work and he earned 50 cents a week. He was living with his grandfather because he had run away from home. Fred had to wear used clothing from a young uncle because his grandfather’s position was that since he was paying him, Fred should buy his own clothes. When there was no hand-me-down jacket and Fred desperately needed one, he purchased a jacket for $2.50 by paying 50 cents down and then 50 cents a week until that account was paid in full.

    Starting at age 14, and for the next year until a truancy officer found him, Fred worked at a restaurant. In that year, he progressed from dishwasher to chef. Married at age 17, he worked eight-hour shifts at a cotton mill and then four more hours in construction each day. At age 20, he joined the U.S. Army. This decision led to 22-and-a-half years of service at duty stations in the U.S., South Korea, Italy, Germany, Thailand and Vietnam. After a prolonged illness, Fred’s first wife died, leaving him with two young children to rear. He later married again. Fred clearly loves, and is concerned for, his wife and family.

    When Fred retired from the Army, his monthly retirement pay was $400. That meant he had to keep producing  income. Without hesitation, he moved on to operate an accounting firm and a trucking company. Consider all that is outlined above regarding Fred’s early years . He is the very embodiment of determination. Our routine is to walk nine holes of golf while each of us pulls or pushes a cart. No motorized carts. The ninth green is seriously uphill. Every trip to that green is physically demanding for Fred and even for me. Approaching that ninth green, I sometimes say to Fred, “we can quit. Don’t push yourself on that hill.” His answer is always a quiet “no.” The exception was Oct. 28 when he said, “No. If I quit, that will be it.” Determination personified. 

    Fred knows golf and knows how to teach it. One day, when I was having a horrible round, he started instructing me. When my game continued to nosedive, he said, “never learn to play golf while playing golf on a course.” I took that statement to mean there is a time for playing and a time for separately assessing one’s game, thinking deeply about it and focusing while practicing. Life is no different. We should be careful not to get so caught up in the process of living that there is no assessing, no real thought regarding choices and no considering probable consequences of our choices.

    Fred has helped me improve my golf game beyond what I ever thought possible 18 months ago. Unlike many others, he knows when to instruct and when to shut up. He encourages but is direct in pointing out failure. 

    Well, that’s 886 words about Fred Byrom in a column that is supposed to be about me learning to be a friend. It is on point. Of the many friendship insights I have gained from time with Fred, three come to the forefront in this moment of reflection. The first is that meaningful friendships absolutely require the potential friends coming to know one another’s life journey. That process is most successful when it is unplanned... when it just happens. I know a good bit about Fred’s journey, as he does about mine, from just walking together on a golf course.

    Second, I did not offer or ask to play golf with Fred because I was looking to build a friendship. I did it because, in light of his medical history, Fred needed someone to be on the course with him. I am not holding myself up as some Good Samaritan as reflected in that parable told by Jesus and recorded in Luke 10:25-37. My takeaway is that when people act out of concern for one another and, in the process come to know and appreciate each other’s life journey without seeing it coming, strong friendships happen and both parties are better because of it.

    Finally, when these first two conditions are present, it allows for getting the right perspective of experiences that might otherwise end badly. Time and time again, Fred has told me how to successfully hit out of a sand trap. Normally, it takes me several attempts because I do not follow Fred’s instructions. Sand traps are those sand-filled areas on a golf course. During a recent round, I hit into a trap. On the first try, I hit out of the trap and into one on the other side of the green. I hit out of the second trap on the first try and started to celebrate that, at least, I got out of two traps on the first try. 

    Fred looked at me and said, “I am disappointed in you.”  He knew if I had followed his often repeated instructions, I would not have gone into the second trap. There is currently tremendous racial division and tension in America. Couple this with the deafening cries of racism that occur when there is an even remotely questionable negative interaction between black and white individuals or groups. If controlled by this atmosphere, I would have responded in a totally unjustified manner. My response might have been, “this white man is a racist and is putting me down because I am black.” The thought never crossed my mind because I know Fred’s story and he knows mine; we have a friendship born of a desire to help, not of a plan to be friends. I looked at Fred that day and was thankful that he cared enough to call me to account … even on playing golf.

    This is just a bit of what I have learned about being a friend on the golf course with Fred Byrom. Doing some of this across America, across the canyons that divide us, might help to heal our nation and save us from ourselves.  

  • margaretIt is all over now, thank goodness.

    We have survived an ugly and painful presidential campaign and are living witnesses to one of the most historic elections in our nation’s history. The United States of America has a new President-elect, and while not everyone is happy, our nation has no option but to move forward. Those of us who are not happy must make every effort not to say “we were robbed,” and those of us who are happy must never let the words “I told you so” cross our lips. 

    Our country is divided in ways it has not been during my lifetime, and if we are to go forward as a democratic republic, we must concentrate on what we have in common more than what separates us. This is going to take sincere and deep effort from both the winners and the losers. 

    Teresa Sullivan, President of the University of Virginia, sent an open letter to members of the UVA community. She said, in part, “As we move into the future following this year’s election, let our values be our guideposts. We define ourselves by a shared commitment to reasoned discourse, mutual respect and steadfast support for every member of our community regardless of race, religion or any other human difference. Political elections will come and go. The values that we share will remain a timeless source of affirmation and hope.”

    The alternative is unthinkable.

    ********************

    Having lost an election myself, I empathize with the candidates of all stripes who came up short. In my case, being portrayed as a hooker was the so far off my radar screen, I hardly knew what to say, except that if I had ever wanted to go into that line of work, I should have done it decades earlier. There is no market for a hooker in her 50s. People who have run for political office develop thick skins, and my reaction to the hooker ad was, “Whoa! That is a really good bad ad.” 

    That, however, was not the reaction of my husband, children and friends who were hurt and insulted on my behalf. 

    Campaign advertising disappeared in an instant last week, not expected to reappear with such magnitude until the 2020 presidential cycle, although there will be some lesser eruptions between now and then. When campaigns ads burst onto your TV screens again, remember that while most of them contain a grain of truth, they are all slanted to one point of view or another. None, and I repeat none, of them is entirely true. Remember as well that for every candidate who is savaged, there are husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters and friends whose hides are tender and whose feelings are hurt for the candidates they love. 

    Is it any wonder that both Democrats and Republicans struggle to recruit strong, attractive and qualified candidates when what is being asked of those people is to put themselves and their families through the public meat grinder? Why would an able, respectable and upwardly mobile person put himself or herself through a vicious political campaign when a more cordial and likely more lucrative option is available?

    Is this why we talk about the lowest common denominator?

    ********************

    Who wudda thought it?

    Now that Americans can go back to our regular lives watching TV commercials for products not candidates, we can also feel better about our use of social media, including Facebook. Since social media came into our lives a decade or so ago, doomsayers have shrieked loudly about its negative effects on our physical health, mental health, relationships, self esteem, time management, even our financial wellbeing. 

    Some of that is surely true for some of us, especially those who cannot seem to tear ourselves away from gizmo screens, but there is some positive news as well, including a longer life. A study published recently in PNAS, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that the favorable health effects of a virtual social life are much the same as those of a face-to-face social life. 

    The study dealt with information from 12 million social media profiles made available by Facebook, so there was plenty of data. Study authors write, “We find that people with more friends online are less likely to die than their disconnected counterparts. This evidence contradicts assertions that social media have a negative impact on health.” Scientists have long known that strong personal relationships encourage longevity, and it seems that may be true in the virtual world as well.

    I          that!

  • Pub PenThe election season is what I’m referring to. We all suffered through it. The hate. The accusations. The loss of dignity for the country and the frustrations of the American people. Believe me, no one suffered from election fatigue more than me. The TV and radio political commercials flooding the air waves and the thousands of political emails from every candidate under the sun running for every office you can imagine locally, statewide and nationally was overwhelming. It was crazy! Crazy! My thumbs are sore from toggling back and forth from MSNBC and Fox News trying to determine what was news and what information was factual, truthful and honest.  

    What also made the 2016 election season excessively stressful was the amount of negativity that permeated at all levels. For many Americans, the barrage of mean and hateful rhetoric made it extremely difficult to determine who was telling the truth or who was advocating for the American people rather than for themselves. To hear these politicians tell it, everyone is a liar, everyone is a cheater and everyone is crooked and unethical. Everyone, except themselves of course. 

    It has become sad and even ludicrous that our election process has deteriorated to this level. It surely creates a barrier of entry to decent, well-meaning people who would like to serve their communities and country in the political arena.  Who wants to throw their hat in the ring knowing the hate and ill will that will likely result from their desire to serve and make a difference? An honest debate and exchange of ideas over differing philosophies and beliefs is one thing. Name calling and personal attacks are quite another and something many citizens who care deeply about their communities, states and country don’t care to endure.

    Well, it’s over for now, and we are moving forward. At least, I hope we are. I care most about this community and what kind of leadership Fayetteville and Cumberland County can expect in the crucial years ahead. Our local trends in education, population growth, retention, business and economic development and cultural enrichment programs are drastically lagging behind other North Carolina counties. Why? Leadership. Or, more specifically, lack of leadership.  Locally, we desperately need political leaders who can address problems, identify needs, generate ideas and create excitement - the kind of excitement that comes from aggressive imaginative thinking, “getting the job done”, and then celebrating the accomplishment. The few aggressive leaders we do have get bogged down with minutiae caused by those whose only talent was knowing how to get elected. These placeholders seldom have ideas or solutions, and when they do they have no feasible plan to move that idea forward.

    The good news is that all may be changing in our community very soon. There is a movement afoot led by responsible and concerned local residents to bring important issues and quality-of-life venues to the forefront and to get them in front of our local government officials in the hope they, too, will see the vision of what our community needs and deserves, thus creating a vision of what Fayetteville/Cumberland County could be and should be. 

    We deserve it. Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • foodThe 2016 Community Homeless & Hunger Stand Down Planning Committee presents the annual Homeless & Hunger Stand Down on Friday, Nov. 18 from 9 a.m. -1 p.m. at the VFW Post 6018 located at 116 Chance St. in downtown Fayetteville.   

     “This event was established about 15 years ago by the Human Relations Commission,” said Crystal Moore-McNair, coordinator of the 2016 Community Homeless & Hunger Stand Down. “At that time, things were going on in our community, such as study circles, and they were trying to plan an event in which all different faiths could plan together as one to give back to the community.” Moore-McNair added that this is the 16th annual year with a couple of name changes during the past few years.  

    The stand down will include free haircuts, clothing, lunch, flu shots by Walgreens’ Skibo Pharmacy, personal hygiene kits, prescription assistance, job placement assistance, health and dental screenings, veteran assistance from the VA Medical Center, housing assistance, educational assistance, affordable health care and much more.  A prayer tent has been added this year for prayer and counseling. Better Health will conduct blood pressure screenings. The Salvation Army will provide the hot meal. Second Harvest Food Bank will be on hand to provide bags of groceries for individuals in need. Cape Fear Regional Bureau will perform HIV/AIDS testing. Different agencies will be on hand to share their knowledge and services to participants. “There is a whole lot going on and many things will be happening on that day,” said Moore-McNair. “We need volunteers to help us with the event this year.”          

    The mission of this project entails an organized effort of community representatives working together to provide health and human service access to Cumberland County residents in need. There are 35 agencies that participate annually with the Stand Down. Last year the event served over 350 veterans and 300 Cumberland County residents. This year’s goal is to serve over 1,100 Cumberland County residents. “We are expecting more people this year due to the disaster of Hurricane Matthew,” said Moore-McNair. “There will be more people in need of these services.”     

     “I look forward to doing this event every year,” said Moore-McNair. “It is a joy to assist people in need.” 

    To donate nonperishable food, deliver it to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Free bus transportation will be provided by Fast Transit to and from the event. Checks can be made payable to Community Homeless & Hunger Stand Down at P.O. Box 303, Fayetteville, NC 28302. For more information, how to donate or to volunteer, email Crystal at crystalmcnair@unitedway-cc.org or call 483-1179.    

  • jeff1Fayetteville Recreation and Parks Director Michael Gibson says he hopes construction on some of the projects approved in a $35 million parks bond referendum earlier this year will get underway by Feb. 1. The first bond issuance of approximately $8 million will provide for construction of four of the seven splash pads approved in the referendum. They should be ready for use by May 1. Also among the initial projects are improvements to Brentwood School Park, Clark Park, Dorothy Gilmore Center, Massey Hill Recreation Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Mazerick Park and Seabrook Park. The west side senior center at Lake Rim and the downtown Fayetteville Skateboard Park are included as well. All the referendum projects must be completed within seven years, although it will take much longer for the bond debt to be paid back. Chief Financial Officer Cheryl Spivey told the committee that tax funds raised by the referendum will run out in 2040. Councilman Jim Arp noted that at that time the three-cent property tax increase approved by voters should be rescinded. Councilman Bill Crisp commented that taxes are never reduced. He later said the city would have a moral obligation to consider cutting the tax.

     

    jeff2Fayetteville Storm Debris Update

    Collection of storm-related construction debris resulting from Hurricane Matthew continues across the city. As of this writing, more than 125 truckloads of debris have been collected. A private contractor has four trucks and crews now picking up household yard debris, including trees, limbs and the like. Based on experience resulting from the 2011 tornado, the city had a contract in place with a vendor who was prepared to help with disaster relief. “We will continue to pick up debris across the city until it is all removed, whether by the vendor or by city vehicles,” said James Rhodes, interim Environmental Services director. FEMA will cover up to 75 percent of all storm-related debris collection by the city. State government is expected to help with the other 25 percent. Residents are asked to place their storm debris as close to the curb as possible, keeping it out of the street where possible. Residents should also keep the various types of debris separated since different vehicles are picking up the various types of debris. 

     

     

    jeff3What About the People?

    Cumberland County’s last emergency shelter, which was housed at Westover Recreation Center, closed last week. More than 11,000 residents applied for Disaster Food and Nutrition Benefits at the Department of Social Services Oct. 22-26. When combined with the more than 8,000 replacement food stamp affidavits submitted since Oct. 8, the department has assisted almost 20,000 residents affected by the hurricane. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) revised the hours for the Disaster Recovery Center at the DSS offices on Ramsey Street. The new hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m-7 p.m. Residents who suffered losses and damage can get information about state and federal assistance at the center, which is staffed by representatives of FEMA, N.C. Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

     

     

     

     

    jeff4Cumberland County Rabies Clinic

    The Health Department will hold a fall rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats on Nov. 12 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Public Health Center on Ramsey Street. The cost is $10 per pet. The clinic, originally scheduled for Oct. 8, was postponed because of Hurricane Matthew. North Carolina requires that “the owner of every dog and cat over four months of age shall have the animal vaccinated against rabies.” Owners of dogs and cats that have not been properly vaccinated are subject to a civil penalty of $100. Dogs and cats initially must receive two rabies vaccinations one year apart. Thereafter, vaccination boosters are due every three years.

     

     

     

     

  • jason Important policy issues are taking a back seat.

    Among them is securing our borders. It’s the topic that got The Donald through the primary and onto the presidential stage. Hillary didn’t make much of a deal about it. Let’s face it; a big, beautiful wall (Donald’s words) paid for by Mexico is a bit much to comprehend.

    The issue here is not about the 12 million illegal aliens already in the US. They are integrated into our economy and culture. That’s way too complicated for me. What’s not complicated but just as important are the daily incursions across our borders. They include illegal immigrants, drug smugglers, and sometimes human traffickers.

    It’s a dangerous situation for Border Patrol agents and for illegals. In fiscal 2015 violators assaulted 378 Border Patrol agents.

    It happened on Oct. 31 in Calexico, Ca. A Border Patrol agent saw someone climbing over the fence. When he tried to arrest him he got punched in the face. It also happened a week earlier. A Border Patrol agent tried to arrest a man coming over the fence. Someone on the Mexican side threw a chunk of concrete hitting the agent on the shoulder.

    It’s not all scuffles and handcuffs.

    Agents rescued 2,183 immigrants during 2015. Another 240 died. Heat stroke, dehydration and hyperthermia are the top killers. Agents scouring the desert in a helicopter recently rescued a man bitten by a venomous snake and suffering from heat exhaustion. He recovered.

    Some are lucky. Take for example a 4-year-old El Salvadorian girl shot last August. She and her mother traveled through Mexico toward the U.S. border. A Mexican pistol-wielding robber stopped their train. The robber’s pistol discharged and struck the girl in the shoulder when he pistol-whipped another victim.

    She did get patched up but spent the night in a filthy “stash house” along the border. Luckily, U.S. Border Patrol agents spotted her and took the girl to a hospital.

    While most of the news about illegal incursions is along the southern border, incursions also come from our coastal and northern borders.

    The Border Patrol apprehended 337,117 people coming into the U.S. illegally in 2015. The Border Patrol listed 148,995 of them other than Mexican.

    It also seized a variety of drugs:

    •1.5 million pounds of marijuana

    •11,220 pounds of cocaine

    •8,282 ounces of heroine

    •6,443 pounds of meth

    •158 pounds of Ecstasy (mostly along the U.S./Canadian border)

    •101 pounds of “other” drugs.

    The last category included the powerful synthetic opioid painkiller known as Fentanyl.

    Agents also stopped 375 guns and roughly 14,000 rounds of ammunition from coming into the U.S.

    So, while our country remains split over who is the least offensive presidential candidate, people are dying in the desert, agents are being pummeled with rocks, and for every pound of illegal drugs stopped at the border, you can be sure another pound is making its way to the U.S. heartland.

  • pittWho won? When both of my readers skim this column, they will know the results of the presidential election. This stain upon world literature is scribbled one week before the election in the foggy dew of uncertainty. Once the election results become final, half the country is going to be happy as a barrel of drunken clams. The other half is going to be enraged. This doesn’t sound like an outcome devoutly to be wished for America. Unfortunately, stuff happens. If Hillary wins, The Donald will fuss and moan piteously about the election being rigged and refuse to concede. If The Donald wins, Hillary will give a grudging concession speech and huddle with her advisors to get ready to run again in the 2020 presidential election. Whatever the result of the election, neither The Donald nor the Clintons are ever going to go away until Time’s Winged Chariot calls them home to their reward.

    While I cannot predict the winner of the election, I can with 100 percent certainty point out the losers of the election. The biggest losers are our old buddy James Comey and the FBI. Big Jim is the current and likely temporary head of the FBI who dropped his Hillary Email Bomb Letter eight days before the election. Big Jim managed to torque off The Donald with his original non-indictment of Hillary in July. Jim then turned on Hillary with his toxic Eight Day Letter intimating that Huma’s email could mean the Big House instead of the White House for Hillary. The Donald’s supporters went from cursing the very ground upon which Big Jim slithered upon when he made his first speech explaining why he didn’t charge Hillary to heaping praise on him for his Eight Day letter. Hillary’s supporters pirouetted from praising Big Jim’s honesty, judgment and parentage for not charging Hillary to calling him ugly names for attempting to sway the election in Trump’s favor by releasing his Eight Day letter.

    Those of you of a certain age may recall a 1964 political paranoia movie called Seven Days in May. There are certain parallels with Big Jim’s Eight Day letter and Seven Days in May. In the movie, the president signed a nuclear disarmament treaty with the Commies. The treaty is highly controversial. The president’s political opponents and the military are strongly opposed to the treaty because, after all, who can trust the Commies? It turns out the Joint Chiefs of Staff are so opposed to the treaty they decide to stage a military coup and toss the president and the Constitution into the flaming dumpster of history. In order to save the Constitution, it was necessary to destroy the Constitution. Big Jim is playing the part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in our current election. Let us hope the aftermath of this election will not be as ugly as in Seven Days in May. 

    The dazzling metamorphosis of Big Jim from hero to goat, depending on whether you are a Donald or Hillary fan, as Larry David would say was, “Pretty, pretty dramatic.” It reminded me of the old sayings about our bovine friend, the ox. Reality depends solely upon whose ox has fallen into the ditch. If Big Jim’s Eight Day letter pushed Hillary’s ox into the ditch, The Donald is one happy dumpster fire. If Big Jim’s non-indictment of Hillary pushed The Donald’s ox into the ditch, Hillary is free to resume ignoring the rules from the Oval Office. Another ox parable states that reaction to events depends on whose ox was gored. If your ox is gored, that’s okay. My ox gets gored? Not okay. Al Gore’s ox got gored in Florida when the Supreme Court appointed Bush president. Al took it like a trouper and didn’t create a constitutional crisis saying: “Thank you, Mr. 5 to 4 decision, may I have another?” 

    Pondering bovine wisdom got me thinking deeply about the mystical power of the letters O and X. Why is this combination of letters so powerful? What does Ollie, Ollie oxen free mean? Paul Bunyan’s pet, Babe the Blue Ox is clearly a Democrat. The way many people relieve pain and become addicted to Big Pharma’s drugs is through Oxycotin and Oxycodone. The letters used in Tic, Tac, Toe are O and X. Coincidence? I think not. As Bob Dylan, the Nobel Laureate, sang: “There is something happening here, and you don’t know what it is. Do you, Mr. Jones?”

    What is the difference between an ox and a cow? This leads to a vegan concern about what is the difference between a yam and a sweet potato.Would an ox by any other name smell as sweet? Cowabunga! Will no one rid me of this meddlesome election?

  • margaret…Are you a happy person?

    I am not talking about every single moment of every single day. We all have our every day frustrations, such as my current ones—an icemaker that has gone on vacation and a bathroom ceiling that needs repair. I am talking about overall satisfaction with life in the place where we live, North Carolina.

    Apparently, most of us are. 

    McClatchy, the company that publishes North Carolina’s two largest newspapers, the News and Observer and the Charlotte Observer as well as several smaller papers, recently published an analysis of quality of life in our state, and North Carolina stacks up not perfectly but pretty darn well compared to residents of some other states. McClatchy reporters Anna Douglas and David Raynor used data from various sources to look at large factors that contribute to our ability to land jobs and to get to those jobs. Personal health and safety obviously play into our happiness and satisfaction with life as well.

    As I write this, I am also checking email and texts and—truth be told—doing a bit of online shopping. All this, including zapping my column into the good folks at Up & Coming Weekly, requires an internet connection, something I often take for granted. Turns out that most North Carolinians do have internet access at home, about four out of five of us according to U.S. Census figures. This is slightly below the national average but higher than it was after the 2010 Census. The other 21 percent of us do not have internet, however, a significant disadvantage. Sometimes Internet access is unavailable particularly in rural areas, and sometimes people do not subscribe to it, but whatever the reason, lack of internet means people cannot search for job opportunities online, cannot work from home in today’s economy and cannot enroll in online education. They are shut out from the technological world most of us live in and expect.

    North Carolina, like states across the nation, is increasingly urban and suburban, which brings advantages and longer commutes to work. But those of us who drive to work in North Carolina have shorter commutes than folks elsewhere across the nation, including our neighbors in Virginia and Georgia. U.S. Census data finds our average commute is 24 minutes, up from 20 years ago, but below the national average of 26 minutes. Still, it is a reason that Tar Heel cities are exploring mass transit options on the theory that traffic congestion will get worse, not better.

    We are all enjoying our lovely fall weather with its crisp air and clear blue skies. One reason we love being outside this time of year is that North Carolina has reduced our air pollution of nitrogen oxide by half since the early 2000s. This gas comes largely from motor vehicles emissions, and reduction in its levels is in large part due to the North Carolina Clean Smokestacks Act of 2002. But guard your lung health by keeping an eye on the General Assembly, which has tried to roll back emission standards. Again, mass transit can play a role here.

    More good news for North Carolinians.

    Both property crime and violent crime are down, the first reduced by about 45 percent since 1995 and the latter down by 46 percent over the same period. If you have been the victim of either kind of crime, these numbers may not speak to you, but they are still good news for most of us. Community policing and advances in forensic technology probably account for some of the decreases. On the flip side, however, drug abuse is on the climb, devastating families in countless ways. North Carolina joins the rest of the nation in this increase, coming in second in the South in drug overdose deaths. Stunningly, more people die in our state from drug overdoses than from vehicle accidents. Clearly, there is work to be done in this area all across our nation.

    Whether we are Tar Heels born or got here as soon as we could, North Carolina is not among the fastest growing states in our nation for no reason. Decades ago, state boosters promoted “Variety Vacationland,” stressing our beautiful coast and majestic mountains and the urban centers in between. It has become truer and truer, as we have tried to nurture our natural assets and build newer ones. None of our blessings just happened, though, and we protect them only by paying attention to what our elected officials are up to at every level. 

    Whether you are elated or appalled by the outcome of Nov. 8, it is incumbent on each of us to pay attention and to participate in public decision-making. I am thankful to live in North Carolina and want it to get better and better.

  • pubpenNo doubt history teacher Lee Francis used poor judgment when he stomped on Old Glory in front of 29 Massey Hill Classical High School students to demonstrate how the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment protects our right to freedom of expression. Not a smart idea. However, we are a forgiving community with a competent school board with many trained, experienced, forward-thinking administrators quite capable of handling such bazaar behavior. For this, we are thankful, though sometimes I feel these dedicated educational leaders go mostly unappreciated. Unfortunately, this situation initially could have been dismissed as “poor judgment” and settled with a simple and humble apology from Mr. Francis. Instead, the incident escalated into a nationwide embarrassment for our community while possibly exposing hidden agendas that can only be described as calculated and self-serving. After all, one of the very first things Francis did was lawyer up and start sounding off to the media. Not necessarily the heartfelt behavior of someone who is repentant or desires to educate and teach children about American history or our inherent First Amendement rights. 

    To his credit, Cumberland County Schools Superintendent Frank Till Jr. is recommending to the Board of Education a 10-day suspension without pay. However, Francis says he’s not going back to the classroom, nor does he want to teach in Cumberland County. Oh, well! See ya later, Gator! And, good riddance. Such behavior is not acceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstance. 

    Children need to be aware of and taught their constitutional rights. To this, I agree. Matter of fact, if emphasizing and demonstrating free speech and the right to freedom of expression were the major objectives of this class, then all Francis had to do was turn on the TV to Fox News or MSNBC and let the students watch Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump go at each other with their disgraceful and never-ending barrage of accusations and insults. This would demonstrate that the First Amendment protects this kind of behavior. They could witness up close and personal the kind of behavior that is protected by our Constitution. A clever teacher could even mix in a character education lesson with an emphasis on honor, honesty, truthfulness, caring, trustworthiness, fairness, responsibility and, most of all, respect. You remember, the same character traits that are being taught to our children in K – 6 grades. 

    My point is this, we have too many Lee Francises in America. Our country needs to get back to teaching and practicing the basics of civility. We need to teach by example. We need to be good role models for our young people. We are the ones responsible for setting the example for future generations. America needs to pay attention because we are losing our morality. This 2016 presidential election has demonstrated effectively that our nation has reached an all-time high in new lows. It is to this that Americans should all “take a knee.” 

    Lee Francis, is just an example of where we are now. The bright side of this unfortunate incident is that several students immediately got up and left the room in disgust taking the flag with them – a good sign that there is s

     hope for America. 

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly

  • COVERHeroes Homecoming is a celebration of America’s veterans. All of them. It’s how the community honors their sacrifices and bravery and how we say thank you for the freedom earned through their deeds and commitment. In a city that has sent hundreds of thousands of Americans to distant shores to serve and welcomed them home again, anything less would be a disservice to the dedicated men and women who answered their country’s call and carried out the will of the American people around the world. Heroes Homecoming features several events from Oct. 29 - Nov. 11 throughout the community.

    This year is the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. While Heroes Homecoming honors all veterans, this year it gives a special nod to the greatest generation. During World War II, more than 16 million Americans answered their country’s call. Now, there are fewer than 800,000 of these veterans among us. Almost 500 World War II veterans die every day. 

    “Heroes homecoming has been going on since 2010 when the community first honored the Vietnam veterans. After that, there was a lot of feedback about the need to honor the World War II vets because that generation is getting older. It is time. It is time to honor what these men and women did, and say thank you, because it is that generation that gave us so much. We wanted to do it before it was just too late,” said Angie Brady, Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau director of tourism.

    “These events all come out of a result of us wanting to preserve the legacy of this generation. One way to do that is through the live forever campaign. It is an offshoot of Heroes Homecoming,” said Brady. The campaign invited several World War II veteran to tell their stories. The campaign is partnering with Cumberland County Schools to help school age children understand what these vets did. “It is pretty moving. If you share your connection to World War II on social media and tag it with #operationlivesforever, it will populate on the website and by doing their stories, their legacies will continue to live on. You can find out more at www.Operationlivesforever.com.” 

    The Heroes Homecoming celebration kicked off on Oct. 29 at Eastover Heritage and Heroes. The Eastover Civic Club honored veterans with exhibits, food, vendors and music. The event combined a celebration of the town’s agricultural heritage along with its patriotism. 

    While America’s youth went to war in the 1940s, it meant changes at home, too. Everyone stepped up to fill in the gap. Americans tighten their belts and conserved resources wherever they could so that loved ones overseas would have what they needed. Things like gasoline and sugar were rationed. People who didn’t already do so started growing their own food. They held drives to raise money and to gather supplies to send to America’s soldiers. But they also carried on with their lives. Amidst the tension and concern there was still room for laughter. They took care of their families and friends. They socialized and danced. 
       On Nov. 3, the Arts Council presents A Sentimental Journey. It’s a night of World War II era swing dancing along with a look at what life in America was like during World War II. Capture the spirit of the 1940s with a night of fun-filled music and dance. Take notes as the emcee provides information about how to grow a healthy and fruitful Victory Garden, gives tips about how to stretch your resources (including sugar and butter rations) and offers news updates from the front. 

    More than 400,000 American service members died in the war and many more died from causes related to the effort. Worldwide it’s estimated that between 50 and 80 million died from World War II or from war-related disease and famine. And when the unthinkable happened, when the news came that a loved one had fallen, Americans buried their service members and mourned their losses. On Friday, Nov. 4, the Town of Spring Lake and the city of Fayetteville will each hold a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to America’s World War II heroes and veterans.  The Spring Lake Candlelight Tribute starts at 6:30 p.m. and is at Veterans Memorial Park. After the service, take a candlelit walk to the community recreation center for music, light refreshments and World War II exhibits. The Fayetteville Candlelight Vigil also starts at 6:30 p.m. The event starts at the Arts Council where everyone will meet for a walk to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum garden. At the garden, there will be a ceremony complete with speakers and music to honor World War II veterans and their service to our country.

    Nov. 5 is a busy day for Heroes Homecoming with the Fayetteville Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m. followed by Mayor Nat Robertson’s proclamation to World War II veterans at noon. At 1:30 p.m. ASOM hosts a salute to the veterans with Vincent Speranza. It includes a discussion and book signing with the author and World War II vet. The 101st Airborne Division machine gunner at Bastogne shares his experiences and talks about his book.

    Hope Mills proclaims Nov. 6 as Greatest Generation Day with a flag displayed at Veterans Memorial Park for each World War II veteran from Hope Mills. Each flag will bear the name of a veteran along with their branch of service. This flag display lasts until Nov. 11. 

    On Nov. 11, Cape Fear Botanical Garden, in conjunction with its Nature Connects Art with LEGO Bricks exhibit, hosts Veterans Day at the Garden.  It features a mock LEGO Brick battle scene and an American flag build. The garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

    At 10 a.m. on Nov. 11, Spring Lake hosts a Veterans Day ceremony from 10 - 11 a.m. at the Town of Spring Lake Veterans Park. At 11 a.m. Eastover is set to dedicate a World War II monument as the Eastover Civic Club unveils the monument, which was made from the same granite as the World War II monument in Washington D.C. It’s at Eastover Community Center. Admission is free. At 3 p.m., Hope Mills honors veterans with a wreath laying ceremony at Hope Mills Recreation Center. Refreshments will be available after the ceremony. Admission is free. At 5 p.m., the ASOM Foundation hosts a POW/MIA ceremony to honor missing Americans and their families. Rolling Thunder North Carolina Chapter 1 will attend and host a Missing Man Table Ceremony. It will be followed by a flag retirement ceremony. Admission is free. 

    Cape Fear Regional Theatre hosts military appreciation nights on Nov. 11-13 with discounted ticket prices for military members.  Willian Shakespeare’s Henry Vtells the story of warriors, the brotherhood, the valor, the costs and consequences of war. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. Visit www.cfrt.org or call 323.4233 for information and tickets.

    Find out more about these events at www.heroeshomecoming.com.

  • karl merrittWe are in the throes of a painful 2016 presidential election. This is an election where Americans must be careful and give detailed thought to how we should individually respond in this situation. My wife and I recently spent a weekend visiting with a 2-year-old and her mother. The father, the mother’s husband, was not with us due to his work schedule. As I watched this little girl move about in freedom, filled with excitement and expectation, I was saddened to realize she might not get to grow up in the great America that I have experienced. This election could result in a country that my generation would not recognize and over which we would despair and even cry.

    That possibility exists because our choice for president is between two people who offer very different courses into the future. They are Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Our choosing one over the other is complicated and is challenged by questionable comments and alleged unacceptable actions by these candidates. In the haze of this situation, it is very difficult to slow down, examine the facts and thoughtfully decide how to vote or even if one will vote.

    Recently, an audio tape was released in which Donald Trump, some eleven years ago, made comments about being able to grope and otherwise inappropriately touch women. This being possible, he indicated, because of his status in the world of business and entertainment. He also recounted his efforts to seduce a married woman. Let the record be clear, I find his comments far beyond the pale and reflecting an attitude that is disgusting. A few days later, several women came forward accusing Trump of unwelcomed touching and kissing, one from 30 years ago. The question is do we choose the Hillary course based solely on Trump’s totally unacceptable comments and alleged actions toward some women. I contend if that 2-year-old could look into the future and see the calamity that such a choice on our part would bring, she would cry out, “Please, do not put my future and that of others like me in the hands of Hillary Clinton.”

    What follows are a few of the considerations that cause me to conclude Hillary Clinton is by far the wrong choice for president. Start with Supreme Court appointments. There is one vacancy now, and given the advanced ages of some justices, more vacancies are likely over the next four years. In an article titled “Hillary Clinton Has a Vision for the Supreme Court, and It Looks like Sonia Sotomayor,” Cristian Farias writes that when asked during the Oct. 9 debate how she would go about selecting justices, Clinton said, “‘I want to appoint Supreme Court justices who understand the way the world really works, who have real-life experience, who have not just been in a big law firm and maybe clerked for a judge and then gotten on the bench, but maybe they tried more cases’” I read this statement to mean Hillary Clinton wants justices who will legislate from the bench. I watched the second presidential debate and in talking about these appointments, not one time did she mention upholding the Constitution. On the other hand, Trump’s response addressed upholding the Constitution.

    Clinton makes attractive promises regarding free college, government investment in infrastructure that will produce jobs, along with a myriad of other government spending programs. She proposes to pay for this additional spending by increasing taxes on the wealthy. As does Barack Obama, she argues that the wealthy must pay their “fair share.” The question Obama and Clinton never answer is what is a fair share for the wealthy? The Summary of the Latest Federal Income Tax Data, 2015 Update says:

    “In 2013, the bottom 50 percent of taxpayers (those with AGIs below $36,841) earned 11.49 percent of total AGI. This group of taxpayers paid approximately $34 billion in taxes, or 2.78 percent of all income taxes in 2013.

    ”In contrast, the top 1 percent of all taxpayers (taxpayers with AGIs of $428,713 and above), earned 19.04 percent of all AGI in 2013, but paid 37.80 percent of all federal income taxes.”

    Is widening the spread above fair or even productive? The national debt is approaching 20 trillion dollars and Clinton wants to spend more. Trump proposes reducing taxes. This approach has a record of stimulating economic growth. 

    Then there is the matter of religion in America. In an article titled “Hillary Clinton Is a Threat to Religious Liberty,” Marc A. Thiessen writes:

    “In a speech not long before she launched her 2016 presidential campaign, Hillary Clinton made a stunning declaration of war on religious Americans. Speaking to the 2015 Women in the World Summit, Clinton declared that ‘deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed.’” 

    Couple this with emails among various Clinton staff persons where they disparage Catholics and Evangelicals and a picture of war against religion is clear. The emails were released by WikiLeaks along with thousands of others that reflect badly on Hillary Clinton. 

    An article by Pamela Engel titled “Leaked Emails Show State Department Gave Special Attention to Bill Clinton’s Friends after Haiti Earthquake” adds another item for thought. The article’s title states a conclusion. Engel supports that conclusion by quoting from various emails, especially those of Caitlin Klevorick, who was one of then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s senior aides.

    In one email, Klevorick wrote, ‘“Need you to flag when people are friends of WJC,” referring to William Jefferson Clinton. “Most I can probably ID but not all.” 

    She wrote in another email: ‘Is this a FOB [Friend of Bill]! If not, she should go to cidi.org,” “referring to a general government website.” 

    The person was emailing to offer medical supplies in the wake of the earthquake.

    Beyond special attention to some people is Clinton’s use of a private server at her home instead of using the State Department’s email system as required by Department rules and with all the associated security risks. Emails were destroyed after a Congressional subpoena had been issued for those emails. Then she changed her message to fit the audience, saying one thing before wealthy donors and something different to other groups. 

    These negative revelations continue to flow from WikiLeaks and other sources. There were reports on Oct. 17 of another disturbing incident. Budhaditya Bhattacharjee writes following in an article titled “Patrick Kennedy ‘Quid Pro Quo’: Facts to Know.”

    “Documents released on Monday show that the State Department official tried to make the FBI back down on classifying the contents of an email from Hillary Clinton’s private email server. He offered a ‘quid pro quo’ to the FBI while trying to get the Bureau to shift a single classified email to “unclassified.” However, the FBI claimed that it refused the request.” 

    There is disagreement regarding who between State and the FBI proposed the quid pro quo. No matter who proposed it, this is not reassuring behavior. 

    An article by Right Rally News titled “Hillary Clinton Favors ‘Open Trade and Open Borders’” quotes Clinton as saying the following in a speech for which the transcript was released by WikiLeaks. The speech was given Brazilian bank in 2013.

    “‘My dream is a hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders, some time in the future with energy that is as green and sustainable as we can get it, powering growth and opportunity for every person in the hemisphere.”’

    She dreams of an America with no borders and trade that flows freely. Donald Trump says, “A nation without borders is not a nation.” This is a point on which the difference between these two candidates could not be clearer.

    What I have presented is miniscule when compared with the totality of negatives regarding Hillary Clinton. What is equally dangerous is that the vast majority of media outlets give little attention to Clinton’s negatives while religiously focusing on every possible negative of Donald Trump. We must be careful, America…think, then vote. While thinking, remember that 2-year-old and the millions of others like her.

  • margaretDriving on an interstate recently, I tuned into to Terry Gross’ excellent interview show on National Public
    Radio. Her guest, a national journalist with a conservative bent, had offended a nebulous group with white nationalist leanings called the “alt right.” The next thing he knew, his Twitter account exploded with racist, sexist and personally threatening tweets, including depictions of his wife and 7-year-old daughter in pornographic scenes. The journalist said he worked with law enforcement authorities to protect himself and his family and bemoaned the reality that the ugly undersides of Twitter and other social media are now part of our international fabric. 

    While the journalist and his family endured their ordeal, all of us have been living through the worst election year in recent memory. We have all heard Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump insult women generally and specifically, minorities and anyone who dares criticize him in any way. No lesser institution than the New York Timesrecently published a two-page spread of Trump’s 282 insults of people, places, and things. We know his feelings about Hillary Clinton and Rosie O’Donnell, but Trump also has negative opinions of major league baseball — “so ridiculous,” other Republican candidates — “mere puppets,” Amazon — “a no profit company,” the State of the Union address — “very hard to watch,” and T-Mobile — “I think the service is terrible.”

    I know no one in Trump’s league when it comes to insulting tweets or insults in general, but he is not alone in spewing ugliness.

    Hillary Clinton labeled half of Trump’s supporters “deplorables,” and talking heads of all political persuasions are slinging mud of their own.

    Saturday Night Live and a raft of other comedic shows skewer widely and not always kindly, but at least we get a chuckle. 

    My question is when did all of this become OK? When did it become acceptable to call other people names, to demean someone’s physical appearance, intelligence and character? How did we become desensitized to personal insults? How did we come to embrace and enjoy them?

    Clearly, I am not the only person put off by political incivility. A quick Google search brings up a plethora articles on the topic as well as scholarly research on the topic. These include an article in Commentary magazine entitled “Politics of Incivility: Where Discourtesy Meets Democracy in Modern American Life,” a Huffington Post piece asking “Is There an Incivility Ceiling for Women?”—apparently, we tolerate rude behavior a lot less than men do, and research from the University of Arizona’s National Institute for Civil Discourse (who knew that existed?) and KRC Research, both looking at how much of this vicious incivility we are willing to take.

    Truth be told, American politics has always been rough and tumble, to put it politely. George Washington seems to have been most everyone’s choice as our first president, but by his second term political parties were taking hold. Along with partisan politics came rough campaigning, including allegations of sexual misconduct going all the way back to our Founding Fathers. Think Thomas Jefferson.

    It seems to me that the difference between then and now is not the ugliness of the incivility, but that it is with us 24/7. It took weeks and longer for political news and campaign rhetoric to travel to the hinterlands, and some voters — all white, landowning men in our early years — probably did not get a full dose of messaging until after the election was over. Some may not have known there was an election.

    Contrast that with our Election 2016 experience. 

    As I write this column, CNN plays on a television in my office. I have seen Donald Trump snarling from Ohio, and Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama hugging in Winston Salem. An endless stream of talking heads has weighed in on what we viewers should think about all this, both pro and con, and prognosticating about the rapidly approaching outcome. I flick through channels, and every channel that covers “news” is full of campaigning, even though most people in our country and around the world are going about our lives totally outside campaigning. In short, for early Americans — whatever their politics — campaigning was not in their faces all day, every day. Incivility might have reigned, but without television, radio, internet, social media and the U.S. Postal Service, they did not have their noses rubbed in it.

    I am no Pollyanna about any of this, having been around the political block a few times myself. On one of those trips, I was even portrayed as a hooker, though if that had been my chosen profession, I should have started decades earlier. I suspect the Twitter-afflicted journalist feels the same way.

    That said, I have thought of one of my mother’s favorite sayings most” days of 2016. “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

     

  • pub penIn less than one week it will be election day. Yes, in less than seven days all this political madness will be over. The horrendous barbaric TV and radio attack ads will end, the talking heads will cease their partisan screeching, the thousands of Constant Contact emails begging for money and clogging your inbox will stop – as will the tons of political junk mail now overflowing in your trash can. 

    Yes, it will all be over soon. And for many, the end cannot come soon enough. 

    Patriotic Americans are vastly disgusted and disappointed with our leadership in government. It makes no difference whether you are a registered Democrat, Republican or Independent. The political shenanigans, disgusting behavior and distasteful antics we are witnessing during this election are proof positive that “America, we’ve got a problem.” And that problem is not about immigration, Constitutional rights, gun control, black lives, white lives, Trump or Hillary. The problem is: Our government is broken. For the most part, it lacks honesty and integrity from those in power on both sides of the aisle. “What’s in it for me?” has become the battle cry of these bureaucrats at all levels. Greed and power drive this fanatic nastiness – with no end in sight. 

    Oh, well. At least we still get to vote. Here is the sunny side of this pathetic situation: After the election, all the participants will be exposed for what they are and what they stand for. Then the average American can examine his or her own conscience and ask him or herself, “Did I sell myself out? Did I compromise my own values? Did I actually endorsed and enable such deplorable behavior?” 

    Sorry, but at this point, it may be too little, too late. We have created and nurtured a government of self-indulgent politicians who care only about personal power and wealth and what they can game from the system. They are not looking out for their constituents. Sad. However, there is one thing that you can be sure of: We will end up with the government we deserve. 

    So, vote! Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • 07Warriors The U.S. Army Special Operations Command wants to recruit the small number of soldiers who are qualified to join more high-intensity career fields like Green Berets, special operations aviation, civil affairs and psychological operations. Fort Bragg’s Special Operations Recruiting Battalion wants to hire more than 2,000 soldiers to fill these elite job slots.

    “A lot of people, when they hear ‘special operations,’ immediately either go to the Ranger regiment or Special Forces, and all they think about is guys blowing stuff up and hunting people down — and we do a lot more,” said Maj. Adam Paxton, operations officer for the Special Operations Recruiting Battalion.

    Paxton, himself a Special Forces officer, wants 469 soldiers each to join civil affairs and psychological operations units. The Army is looking for helicopter repair technicians for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. The Army also needs 1,400 Green Berets.

    “Less than 1 percent of Americans actually can — and want — to serve in the military,” SORB recruiter Sgt. 1st Class Michael Harter told Army Times. “Then you’re asking 18 percent of that 1 percent to do something a little bit more tough.”

    In spite of the pop culture mystique of special operations, it’s not easy to get people qualified. Conventional wisdom suggests that soldiers would be beating down a recruiter’s door for the chance to serve with Special Forces. Not so, according to Paxton. Recent research shows that despite the dangers, many soldiers also want to deploy overseas. That was a conclusion of a RAND Corp. study released earlier this year about new soldiers.

    Army Special Operations Command units deploy and work behind the scenes in South America, Africa, Asia and beyond. There are a handful of things one might find in the special operations forces community that aren’t available elsewhere in the Army. There’s advanced schooling and special pay that go along with it. Demolition training, dive training, sniper school, airborne qualification, even languages can pay up to several hundred dollars extra a month.

    There are also opportunities for rapid promotions, particularly in Special Forces.

    There are also bonuses available across Special Operations Command, and big reenlistment bonuses are available across USASOC. Special Forces soldiers can receive between $4,400 and $72,000 to re-enlist, depending on rank, length of contract and special skills. For psy-ops, it’s between $6,300 and $72,000. If all that sounds appealing, the next step is to reach out to the SORB.

    Though Special Forces has been open to women since early 2016, no women have completed the qualification course, until now. For the first time, a female soldier has completed the initial Special Forces assessment and selection process. Recruiters try to bring female officers and NCOs from the psy-ops or civil affairs communities to SOF. And they work with Army Recruiting Command to make sure the conventional Army recruiting machine is bringing in the high-quality recruits Special Operations Command will need.

  • 06Kirk deViere A redrawn boundary of North Carolina Senate District 21 is said to have contributed to the election victory this month of Democratic candidate, now Senator-elect, Kirk deViere. The district was gerrymandered in 2010 by the Republican General Assembly to exclude many African-American voters. At that time, former Fayetteville City Councilman Wesley Meredith, a Republican, defeated incumbent Democratic Margaret Dickson. Meredith won the seat in the wake of what was characterized by politicos as a nasty, personal campaign against Dickson.

    Meredith had little trouble beating the opposition every two years after that. This year was the first general election since the district was redrawn in  2017 as a result of a federal lawsuit that challenged 28 legislative districts as racial gerrymanders. With more than 52 percent of registered voters casting ballots, North Carolina had better turnout than the nation as a whole.

    The national turnout was “the highest turnout for a midterm election since 18-year-olds received the right to vote,” the Bipartisan Policy Center said in an email.

    The new legislative redistricting map rounded off and pushed the boundaries for Senate District 21 slightly west and farther north. That left more Democratic voters in the adjacent 19th district. Democrats had hoped to flip that seat in their favor in efforts to end Senate Republicans’ 35-15 veto-proof supermajority, which they did. The lines no longer favored Republicans and comprised what FLIPNC called North Carolina’s third most flipable Senate district in the state.

    Democrats needed to pick up six seats to eliminate the supermajority. “Now we need to find ways to compromise,” deViere said. The election “brought back a balance in state government and the governor’s veto stamp will actually work now.”

    deViere’s win was close. Of 59,000 ballots cast in the district election, 433 votes made the difference for deViere. “In the last 90 days, we knocked on 30,000 doors, 300 to 400 doors a week,” deViere said. “That was the biggest piece of our campaign.”

    The 2018 North Carolina Voter Guide, published by Common Cause, said deViere’s legislative priorities include reinvesting in our public schools and teachers; providing affordable health care for all through expansion of Medicaid; and increasing North Carolina’s minimum wage.

    “I strongly support an independent redistricting process,” deViere said. “Extreme partisan gerrymandering results in extreme partisan policies, not solutions.”

    He added, “I understood how to build a team to make a winning force when I was on city council; I hit the ground running.”

    As for his personal life, the Senator-elect said he and his wife Jenny “will do what we can to minimize the impact on the family.” They have a 2-year-old son. “She’ll continue to work,” deViere said of his wife, “and I will balance legislative work with my family and business.”

    They haven’t decided whether to take an apartment in Raleigh.

    Photo:  Kirk deViere

  • 05melgar Two Navy SEALs and two Marines face murder charges in the June 2017 death of a Fort Bragg Green Beret in West Africa. The charges include felony murder, involuntary manslaughter, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, hazing and burglary in the strangulation of Army Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar in Bamako, Mali. An Article 32 preliminary hearing for all four is scheduled for Dec. 10, according to a release from Navy Region Mid-Atlantic public affairs.

    None of those charged were named in the release. But previous reporting by The New York Times identified the two SEALs as Petty Officer 1st Class Tony DeDolph and Chief Petty Officer Adam Matthews. The Times cited a leaked an Army preliminary investigation document that it was DeDolph, a former professional mixed martial arts fighter, who choked Melgar to death.

    Whereas previous accounts only noted that the two SEALs had assaulted Melgar, charge documents indicate that the two Marines identified only as a staff sergeant and a gunnery sergeant were also involved in the assault. Staff Sgt. Melgar, 34, was found dead in U.S. embassy housing in the Malian capital. It’s the same part of West Africa where four other Fort Bragg special operators were ambushed and killed while on a covert support mission in Niger.

    The SEALs allegedly offered money to Melgar when he learned the others had stolen money from an informant fund. When Melgar declined, they allegedly broke into his bedroom while he was asleep, bound him with duct tape and strangled him. Rear Adm. Charles Rock, the commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, approved the charges following the completion of an investigation into Melgar’s death. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service recently completed the investigation and turned it over to Rock, said Adam Stump, a spokesman for NCIS.

    Pentagon officials had long declined to discuss the homicide on the record other than to acknowledge the soldier’s death. Melgar and the four accused service members were assigned to a secretive special operations team operating out of Mali to help French and Malian troops target terrorist cells aligned with al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

    Investigative documents allege that the killers are also charged with conspiring to cover up Melgar’s death; that they performed a medical procedure on the victim’s throat to hide evidence of his fatal injuries. The men are also accused of making false statements to their commanders and, later, to military investigators from the Army and Navy.

    The gunnery sergeant is said to have made up a story that Melgar and another individual mutually initiated a wrestling match in Melgar’s room during which he was accidentally killed, a claim described in the charging documents as “totally false.” 

    Melgar, a Texan, was an Afghanistan combat veteran twice. His hometown paper, The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, reported that Melgar was a 2006 graduate of Texas Tech University. He enlisted in the Army in 2012 and graduated from the Special Forces Qualification course in 2016. At the time of his death, Staff Sgt. Melgar was assigned to Fort Bragg’s 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne).

    Photo: Army Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar

  • 08Thanksgiving TurkeyAbout 50 percent of all turkeys produced in the United States last year came from four states: Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas and Missouri. Minnesota is responsible for 18 percent of all turkey production. North Carolina is No. 2, producing 14 percent of turkeys, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While Minnesota had the edge on the number of turkeys, the value of turkeys produced in North Carolina was greater. At $848.8 million, North Carolina’s turkeys are worth about $10 million more than Minnesota’s. 

    Butterball, LLC, is one of America’s most iconic brands. Headquartered in Garner, North Carolina, Butterball is the nation’s largest producer of turkeys. The company owns and operates farms, processing facilities and support offices. Butterball opened its newest processing plant in nearby Raeford three years ago with an initial investment of $30 million. 

    The company recently added another $20 million to expand the Raeford operation, including a new production line for turkey bacon products. “When Butterball opened the Raeford plant in 2015, we knew we had a great workforce and a state-of-the-art facility, but the overall operation has exceeded our expectations,” said Barry Gum, Butterball chief financial officer. “We are a proud North Carolina-based company and are excited about the opportunity to continue to grow our business within the state.” 

    In 2015, then-Gov. Pat McCrory said the plant would create 367 jobs in Hoke County over three years. The company expects to add an additional 50 jobs to its Hoke County workforce. “I think when we had that first announcement... we were talking about the employees being close to 500 or 600 associates at some point in time,” said Mike Bliss, vice president of operations. 

    Plant production climbed to 130 million pounds of turkey in 2017. Data compiled by Iowa State University’s Agricultural Marketing Resource Center found that growth in poultry consumption has outpaced that of red meat over the past decade and has grown twentyfold since 1910. Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays typically feature traditional turkey feasts. 

    The history of the Thanksgiving turkey is a mystery. Historians have different theories. Thanks to letters and records kept by early American settlers, we know that when the pilgrims sat down to dine with the Wampanoag Indians, beef and fowl were on the menu. This historical meal would later become known as the first Thanksgiving. 

    Although historians cannot say for sure which types of fowl were served that day, a letter written by pilgrim Edward Winslow mentions a turkey hunting trip before the meal. The wild turkey is native to North America. Benjamin Franklin claimed this made the turkey a more suitable national bird than the bald eagle. Not everyone agreed with Franklin, and the bald eagle became the national emblem for the United States in 1782. The bald eagle may be America’s bird 364 days a year, but the turkey has one day all to itself – Thanksgiving. 

  • 07fayetteville police vehicleFayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins says she needs more officers. Hawkins mentioned to city council that she is changing the patrol schedule to get more cops on the street. It was not part of her quarterly report to city council but came in response to a question from Councilman Larry Wright. 

    Hawkins said Fayetteville’s pro rata number of police officers per population is below that of other cities our size. But she recognizes that city council, just three years ago, raised the property tax rate to hire additional officers. The city added 40 cops, bringing the authorized strength to 433. “We’re going to 12-hour shifts, putting 42 officers on patrol per shift,” Hawkins told Up & Coming Weekly

    Traditionally, Fayetteville Police have worked three eight-hour shifts, resulting in an average of 26 patrol officers on duty at any given time, according to the chief. Each shift also has supervisory lieutenants and sergeants. Hawkins said she will be promoting three officers to sergeant to improve supervisory efforts. Councilman Johnny Dawkins said the longer shifts could put a hardship on the policemen. “Tired officers can create situations that are unpleasant,” he said. 

    Chief Hawkins said the department’s personnel strength has stabilized in recent years, resulting in an average turnover of only three officers per month. She noted that 16 rookie cops took their oaths of office last week and that 25 more candidates will be part of the routine overhire employment plan in the January academy. 

      Officers will have a dependable work schedule that will give them every other weekend off. Monthly shifts will result in two days on duty followed by two days off, then three days on and two days off. Hawkins conceded that officers who work part-time jobs while off duty may have to adjust their secondary schedules but that the P.D. comes first. 

      Hawkins’ quarterly report to city council contained data explaining the departments work. The FPD’s narcotics and gang units seized a large amount of marijuana over the first nine months of this year. Seizures of opioids were way down, but the narcotics unit alone confiscated 732 pounds of marijuana compared to 43 pounds during the same time period last year. The gang unit seized another 439 pounds of weed. The chief said much of that which was nabbed resulted from two major drug busts. 

      As for major crimes, homicides, rapes and robberies were down 14.3 percent so far this year. Aggravated assaults rose 21 percent. Hawkins said 35 percent of the assaults were related to domestic violence. Property crimes, including burglaries and larcenies, were down 12.2 percent. Hawkins emphasized the need for motor vehicle owners to lock their cars. She said 812 larcenies were from motor vehicles, 74 percent of which were unsecured. 

  • 06LeavesIt’s that time of year again. The city calls it loose leaf season. It’s the only time loose leaves and pine straw can be put at the curb uncontainerized. Loose leaf season usually runs from mid-November through mid-March. 

    Vacuum trucks operated by the Fayetteville- Cumberland Parks & Recreation Department collect the yard debris on a published schedule of neighborhoods itemized by postal ZIP codes. This year’s schedule has not yet been announced. 

    Leaves and pine straw placed in bags or brown roll-out containers are picked up on a regular weekly schedule. If garbage collection is Monday, yard waste collection is Friday. If garbage collection is Tuesday, yard waste collection is Thursday. If garbage collection is Thursday, yard waste collection is Tuesday. And if garbage collection is Friday, yard waste collection is Monday. 

    Arts Council wins national award 

    The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County recently received special recognition from Ovation, the nation’s arts network. Ovation joined Spectrum to award the Arts Council $10,000 as part of its “Stand for the Arts” joint initiative. It is dedicated to supporting local arts, cultural and educational organizations. 

      The Arts Council will use the award money to raise awareness of available grants and scholarships that promote the arts throughout the region. 

      “The Arts Council is honored and thrilled to be among only 12 national organizations presented with such a prestigious award,” said Deborah Martin Mintz, Arts Council executive director. 

      Also, Spectrum will run public service announcements to highlight its “Stand for the Arts” partnership with Ovation and reinforce the value local arts organizations bring to communities across the country. 

      Grant recipients were chosen based on three criteria: their level of community outreach and engagement, their ability to create inclusive access to artistic programming, and their innovative approach to arts education and skills development. 

    Highway safety 

      As family and friends come together for the holidays, the State Highway Patrol has prepared in hopes of ensuring safe travel. According to the American Automobile Association, November and December are the busiest time of the year for travel across the country. Troopers will be out in full force to monitor driver behavior. 

      “Our mission is simple; reduce needless collisions in hopes of reporting zero fatalities statewide,” said Col. Glenn McNeill Jr., commander of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. 

      The safety campaign is taking place on the busiest travel days of the holiday period, especially on interstate highways. Motorists can assist with safe travel by expecting delays and planning ahead to use alternate routes. Drive cautiously. Speeding is still the leading cause of traffic collisions. Avoid distractions. Focus solely on driving, and never drive impaired. 

    Citizens Academy 

      The next Fayetteville Citizens Academy class is being held Tuesday, Dec. 11, at the City Services Building conference room, 455 Grove St. Class begins at 9 a.m. Representatives of the Fayetteville Area System of Transit, Fayetteville Regional Airport and Traffic Services Division will be on hand. 

      “The Citizens Academy gives residents an opportunity to see city of Fayetteville employees at work, up close and personal,” said Corporate Communications Director Kevin Arata. 

      Applicants must be city of Fayetteville residents or work in the city. The class size is limited to 25 people, so early applications are encouraged. Residents will interact with department directors and staff and engage in hands-on learning. Lunch will be provided. 

      The application window closes Thursday, Dec. 6, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance by close of business Friday, Dec. 7. 

    Small Business Saturday 

      Many small and independent retailers who are holding Small Business Saturday shopping events Thanksgiving weekend are banding together. Small Business Saturday started in 2010 to encourage consumers to skirt the big box stores and shop local stores instead. Some communal Small Business Saturday events have grown to the point where they’re organized by local chambers of commerce and community business organizations, although Fayetteville merchants have yet to capitalize on it in a big way. 

      Some downtown store owners got involved last year under the auspices of the new Cool Spring Downtown District. What’s considered the downtown district covers an area of 30 blocks and includes roughly 125 small, independent shops, restaurants and entertainment establishments. Last year, retailers said they saw a sales blip during Small Business Saturday, but their aim is also to remind shoppers that they are there year-round. 

      This holiday was created by American Express in 2010 and aggressively marketed via social media, radio and national broadcasting. Today, it is a registered trademark of American Express. 

  • 08Recall Fayetteville City Council members not only wanted to extend their terms of office, they are seeking legislative authorization to remove a member from office should the need arise. Voters said no to changing the terms. Council voted unanimously at a work session to ask the North Carolina General Assembly to grant it recall authority.

    Members have not said why they prefer recall to amotion, an existing process by which elected officials can be removed from office. This year, 2nd district Councilman Tyrone Williams faced the amotion process and chose to resign. The recall proposal, authored by city attorney Karen MacDonald, is patterned in part after recall ordinances in Durham and Greensboro.

    A recall procedure would allow Fayetteville citizens an opportunity to address any “serious concerns that may arise between regular city elections with regard to allegations of misfeasance, malfeasance, nonfeasance or a violation of the oath of office,” as stated in the proposed resolution adopted by council.

    A recall ordinance would also provide an opportunity for a council member to resign rather than face a vote of the people. A recall document would be submitted by a five-member council committee asking for a formal petition.

    Councilman Larry Wright commented that the process seemed lengthy.

    “It is a high bar and will require a lot of work,” responded MacDonald.

    Fifteen percent of registered voters in the effected member’s district would ask the Cumberland County Board of Elections for certification of the petition. It would then be sent to the city clerk, who would submit it to the city council and notify the elected official whose removal is sought. If the elected official does not resign within five days, the city council would then order a date for a recall election.

    In other business, city council agreed to strengthen the city’s code enforcement ordinance and fine property owners who ignore nuisances on their properties. Owners could be fined for noncompliance with regulations governing overgrown lots or yards, junk and abandoned vehicles, maintenance of structures, illegal signs and other public nuisances. Fines of up to $1,000 could be imposed for repeat offenders.

    Michael Martin, assistant development services director, said more than 90 properties in the city had four violations last year.

    Several council members expressed concerns about burdening property owners with financial hardships. Councilman D.J. Haire said people in his district dump limbs, refrigerators and furniture on vacant properties and the owners are held responsible.

    “It’s just a vacant lot and it’s always, of course, on that property owner,” he said. Other council members took a harder line. “Whatever happens is their responsibility, and they must be held accountable,” said councilwoman Tisha Waddell.

    Council agreed on a tiered approach in which a $500 fine would be levied on a fourth violation in any 365-day period. After that, property owners would face $1,000 fines for each violation in that year. A property would no longer be a nuisance when there have been no violations within 12 months.

  • 07Fayetteville VA Medical Center The Department of Veterans Affairs has released the newest performance ratings for each of its 146 hospitals. The department cited improvements in the past year at some of its lowestperforming facilities. The fiscal 2018 ratings include nine one-star hospitals, the lowest possible, down from 14 hospitals that received one-star ratings in 2017.

    Fayetteville’s VA received a two-star rating, which the agency describes as trivial. A star ranking system was used to designate a facility’s performance in individual measures, domains and overall quality. Ratings indicate each hospital’s quality of care and are based on data such as death rates, patient satisfaction and efficiency.

    In years past, VA withheld the data from the public. In 2016, the performance ratings were released under pressure that followed a USA Today investigation. Overall, 38 hospitals improved their star ratings in 2018, 40 dropped in the ratings and 68 stayed the same as the year before.

    Five VA hospitals received onestar ratings in 2017 and showed no improvement this year: Big Springs and El Paso, Texas; Loma Linda, California; Memphis, Tennessee; and Phoenix, Arizona. Four other hospitals were added to the worst-rated this year: Montgomery, Alabama; Tucson, Arizona; Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Georgia.

    Eighteen hospitals received five stars in 2018, the best possible. Four of them are in Pennsylvania. The Asheville, North Carolina, VA was one of the fivestar facilities. “With closer monitoring and increased medical center leadership and support, we have seen solid improvements at most of our facilities,” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said in a statement. “There’s no doubt that there’s still plenty of work to do, but I’m proud of our employees, who work tirelessly to move VA in the right direction for veterans and taxpayers.”

    A VA Inspector General’s Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of the Fayetteville VA released in March of this year indicated that current leadership has been stable with the most recent assignment of the associate director in February 2017. In the review of selected employee and patient survey results regarding facility senior leadership, opportunities to improve both patient experiences and employee attitudes toward leadership were noted.

    The report found that the leaders should continue to take actions to improve performance of the Quality of Care and Efficiency metrics likely contributing to the current two-star rating. In the review of key care processes, the inspector general issued 10 recommendations attributable to VA Medical Center Interim Director Mark E. Shelhorse, the chief of staff, and associate director.

    Of six areas of clinical operations reviewed, office of the inspector general noted findings in five needing improvement: quality, safety and value; medication management; coordination of care; environment of care; and post-traumatic stress disorder care. The report noted a generally safe and clean environment of care at the facility.

    The Veterans Integrated Service Network Director and Shelhorse agreed with the Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program review findings and recommendations and provided acceptable improvement plans.

  • 05ballot 160569 1280 2 Fayetteville and Hope Mills voters have put to rest their governing boards’ wishes to extend their terms of office. In unofficial returns, 35,386 people voted against the question in Fayetteville while 19,377 were in favor. In Hope Mills, 2,591 people voted against the change and 1,955 voted for it.

    Fayetteville City Councilman Larry Wright was the principle proponent of 4-year terms. Mayor Pro Tem Mike Mitchell raised the issue in Hope Mills. Both bodies wanted to lengthen their traditional 2-year terms, claiming that they spend half their time in office campaigning for re-election.

    The Fayetteville ballot proposal would have put a favorable outcome to a vote of the people. In Hope Mills, a positive vote would have established staggered terms of office to begin following the 2019 election.

    06Niger attack victims The military has reportedly punished six troops, including an Air Force two-star general, for their roles in the October 2017 Niger ambush that resulted in the deaths of four American and four Nigerien soldiers, The New York Times reported.

    The punished troops include Air Force Maj. Gen. Marcus Hicks, who was the commander of all special operations troops in Africa, and two senior members of Fort Bragg’s 11-man Green Beret team that was ambushed. Three others in the team’s chain of command also were reprimanded, according to the Times report.

    The Times said a letter of reprimand cited the team’s insufficient training and a lack of mission rehearsals. Hicks was reprimanded for not having appropriate oversight of the officers below him.

    A 6,300-page investigation detailed by the Pentagon in May said the mistakes leading up to the ambush were widespread. An unclassified eight-page summary was released for public viewing.

    “The direct cause of the enemy attack in Tongo Tongo is that the enemy achieved tactical surprise there, and our forces were outnumbered approximately three to one,” said AFRICOM’s former chief of staff, Army Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier, who led the investigation.

    The Green Beret team and 30 Nigerien troops were returning from a village near the Malian border in West Africa when they were overrun by scores of extremist fighters

    Photo From left: Staff Sgt. Bryan Black, 35, of Puyallup, Washington; Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Johnson, 39, of Springboro, Ohio;

    Sgt. La David Johnson of Miami Gardens, Florida; and Staff Sgt. Dustin M. Wright, 29, of Lyons, Georgia. All four were killed in the Niger ambush last year.

  • 07sales tax reciept A Fayetteville City Council committee met late last month in response to a plea from County Commission Chairman Larry Lancaster. He had sent the city details of commissioners’ sales tax distribution proposal 10 months ago. County Manager Amy Cannon told the board’s finance committee last week that when Lancaster didn’t hear back from the city, he sent them a reminder in early October.

    Cannon gave committee members details of the city’s counteroffer, which was received last week. As Up & Coming Weekly has reported, it would renew the sales tax agreement with the county and small towns for 10 years. It would cap future reimbursements from the city to the county at the FY2018 level of 7.3 million for those 10 years. Cannon also explained that the city’s counterproposal would phase out reimbursements to the county and towns over a 5-year period.

    She reiterated that the county’s current agreement with local municipalities expires June 30, 2019. Cannon noted that time is running out. She stressed that any change in the agreement or sales tax distribution method would have to take place no later than April, 2019, to be effective with the 2019-20 fiscal year.

    “It’s time for you to do what you need to do and not prolong the situation,” Falcon Mayor Cliff Turpin told commissioners. He is chairman of the coalition of Cumberland County mayors.

    Except to acknowledge the county manager’s report, the finance committee took no action and gave no indication of when they will. Commissioner Marshall Faircloth did say he would like to hear the details and options available to all concerned.

    “This has been a lingering issue,” Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin said during the recent city council committee meeting.

    Tax revenue reimbursements of $86 million have been made by the city to the county and small towns since 2004. Colvin pointed out that the greatest percentage of retail sales and taxes raised occur in the city limits of Fayetteville. Proponents of the city’s position on tax revenue distribution say privately that county commissioners know that two thirds of community voters live in the city.

    The amount of sales tax revenue collected in Cumberland County is staggering. Last fiscal year it amounted to $192,897,697, said Cumberland County Finance Director Vicki Evans. When divided among county government and the eight municipalities, sales tax receipts represent a significant source of funding for local government operations.

    North Carolina law provides that the governing boards of each of the state’s 100 counties determine how to distribute sales tax receipts. They can select one of two methods – population or property values. Cumberland County Commissioners and many others have traditionally used the population method, which benefits the municipalities.

  • 06Cross Creek The city of Fayetteville stormwater program is expected to take giant steps forward in the years ahead in efforts to control stormwater runoff, prevent flooding and address citywide stormwater issues. The adoption this fiscal year by city council of a significant increase in the stormwater fee will allow for development of a master plan.

    The city has experienced predictable localized flooding and stormwater runoff for decades with no plan to reduce or eliminate it. The stormwater fee increase is expected to raise approximately $3.2 million yearly to be set aside for the capital portion of the stormwater program. Over the firstfive years, the revenue will pay for completion of watershed studies and development of a master plan. The city currently spends nearly $3 million annually on both design and construction for stormwater capital improvements, and that amount will double once the studies are completed.

    With passage of this fiscal year’s municipal budget, the city’s stormwater program is being accelerated so that a dozen watershed studies that could individually take up to two years can all be completed within five years. “We’re paralyzed until we get these studies done,” city Councilman Jim Arp said.

    City officials over the years have examined and reviewed stormwater problems and how to fix them. But recent hurricanes have prompted the administration and elected officials to concentrate on the fix.

    Officials contend that getting things done is based on capacity to do so, which usually means money. “The city is very forward thinking in its management of new growth and associated stormwater impacts,” said Assistant City Engineer John Lurch II. Fayetteville was recently recognized as the most innovative city in the country for its use of data analysis to guide decision-making, management and long-term planning.

    “The city’s stormwater ordinance is an attempt to balance the development rights of upstream property owners with the rights of those downstream... without creating or worsening flooding problems,” said city Engineer Giselle Rodriguez. At her request, city council last week agreed to add $223,000 annually to the engineering division’s payroll to hire three additional professionals to enhance the review process for new housing developments.

    Improvement of the city’s 15 watersheds is an extremely expensive undertaking. “The day of reckoning” is at hand, said city councilman Bill Crisp. “Millions and millions of dollars will be needed.” In an article for American Infrastructure, an industry periodical, Lurch wrote that “the city may need over $200 million in stormwater capital to design and build the projects that are uncovered through the study.”

    City council members seem to agree that, ultimately, a revenue bond proposal may be put to a vote of the people to fund future stormwater needs. It would be the largest effort ever undertaken by the city stormwater program and promises to create a long-term plan for the development of the stormwater utility.

  • 05News The Houston Astros organization this week unveiled the Fayetteville Woodpeckers as its new Class- A Advanced minor league baseball affiliate.

    “The All-American feel of the city, its support of our nation’s military and its economic development make it a great environment for the championshipcaliber baseball we will bring to the Fayetteville community,” said Astros President of Business Operations Reid Ryan.

    The concept of the Woodpeckers came directly from the Fayetteville/Fort Bragg community as the result of town hall meetings, online surveys and one-on-one conversations with residents. Fort Bragg is home of the second-largest population of endangered redcockaded woodpeckers in the world. The bird is small but vital to the Long Leaf Pine ecosystem.

    “Fayetteville is proudly recognized as the nation’s most All-American city, making it the perfect home for America’s pastime,” said Fayetteville Woodpeckers President Mark Zarthar.

    The Houston Astros are partnering with the city of Fayetteville to open a nearly $38 million state-ofthe- art sports and entertainment stadium on Hay Street. “In addition to new retail, restaurant, hotel and office space, it will be the top destination in Fayetteville for fun,” said Astros Senior Director of Business Operations Dan O’Neill. “The community is a true representation of American values and pride, and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers will represent those values on and off the field.”

    Honoring local heroes

    The Cool Spring Downtown District, in partnership with the Cumberland County Veterans Council, the Airborne & Special Operation Museum Foundation and the city of Fayetteville, has launched a new recognition program – the Hometown Hero Award.

    Honorees will be acknowledged annually during Fayetteville’s Veterans Day celebration in November.

    Retired Army Gen. James J. Lindsay is the first recipient of the Hometown Hero award. The ceremony will take place Saturday, Nov. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum.

    Gen. Lindsay, 86, enlisted in the Army in 1952 and graduated from Officer Candidate School in May 1953 as a second lieutenant. His first assignment was as a platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division. It began a long association with Fort Bragg and Fayetteville, during which time Lindsay served in every level of military supervision.

    He was a commanding general of the 82nd Airborne and subsequently the 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg. He was the first commander of the Special Operations Command.

    In 1990, Lindsay established the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation. As a direct result of his efforts, the museum opened in August 2000, changing the complexion of downtown Fayetteville and becoming the catalyst for revitalization and development.

    “The city of Fayetteville is forever grateful and indebted to Gen. Lindsay for his significant contributions to our community,” said Mayor Mitch Colvin.

    Round two of local residential stormdebris collection

    Fayetteville’s storm debris contractor has begun its final pickup round across the city. It will conclude the week of Nov 12.

    Refuse pickups are being done by postal zip codes: The first began in the western sections of 28304 and 28314 codes. Work is now proceeding in easterly/southerly directions in each zip code. Trucks will then move to the next zip code areas in the following order: 28304 and 28314 simultaneously; then to 28303, 28311, 28301, 28305 and 28312 in order.

    If curbside storm debris has not been picked up by Nov. 12, residents should call 910-433-1FAY or report it using the FayFixIt app.

    Commercial building debris is not being collected. Residents are asked to containerize leaves, pine straw and small limbs for regular, weekly yard waste pickup. Yard debris bags are available free of charge at recreation centers and city fire stations. Piles of refuse less than 12-feet long by 5-feet tall will be picked up according to the city’s normal yard waste pickup schedule.

    Important public meetings

    The city of Fayetteville’s Economic and Community Development Department is hosting public meetings this month seeking citizen input on community needs. Topics include housing, the economy, community development and homelessness.

    The city is required by the federal government to conduct these sessions to determine whether existing programs can be improved and if new programs should be undertaken. The ECDD administers federal Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnership Grants.

    Residents can learn more about these programs by visiting the department’s web page on the city of Fayetteville’s website, Fayettevillenc.gov/home.

    The input will be incorporated into preparation of the agency’s 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan. Dates, times and locations of the meetings include:

    • Tuesday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m., at the Massey Hill Recreation Center, 1612 Camden Rd.

    • Thursday, Nov. 15, 6 p.m., at the Cliffdale Library, 6882 Cliffdale Rd.

    • Tuesday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m., at the Smith Recreation Center, 1520 Slater Ave.

  • This year, we celebrate Veterans Day on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice ending World War I, on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in the year 1918. President John F. Kennedy once said, "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers." The historical purpose of Veterans Day is to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

    On this Veterans Day, we give thanks for the 28 million living veterans and 57 million family members and survivors of those veterans who strengthen our nation with their example of our nation’s service and sacrifice. Our veterans are drawn from many generations and from many backgrounds. We honor these American patriots for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication to service.  

    Since the birth of our great nation in 1776, we salute the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have rendered the highest service any American can offer by contributing to the character and to the greatness of American freedom. Today, almost one in every three Americans is either a veteran or a member of a veteran's family.

    According to the U.S. World War One Centennial Commission, this Veterans Day, we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of World War I, in remembrance and to honor the heroism and sacrifice of the more than 4.7 million American sons and daughters who served in the Great War. Of these, 116,516 service members died from combat and disease. Another 200,000 were wounded, a casualty rate far greater than in World War II. And, more than 3,000 are still missing and unaccounted for today. World War I remains America’s forgotten war, even though more Americans gave their lives during the Great War than during Korea and Vietnam combined, and this war profoundly shaped the rest of “the American century.”

    North Carolina sent over 60,000 men and women to serve in the Great War through three training camps: Camp Greene near Charlotte, Camp Bragg near Fayetteville, and Camp Polk near Raleigh. Women joined the American Red Cross, the YMCA, the Salvation Army, and served as nurses in military hospitals at home and in France. Of these, 1,771 service members died in combat from North Carolina according to the Gold Star Casualty list. Of these, 17 service members died in combat from Cumberland County. Today, we remember and honor these local American heroes:

    Benjamin W. Brady, Rank: Mechanic, U.S. Army, Hope Mills

    George W. Brown, Rank: Corporal, U.S. Army, Hope Mills

    Thomas Macon Bulla, Rank: Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Fayetteville

    Nathan Byrd, Rank: Cook, U.S. Army, Fayetteville

    Rone L. Coffey, Rank: Private, U.S. Army, Hope Mills

    William W. Grantham, Rank: Private, U.S. Army, Fayetteville

    Henry H. Hall, Rank: Private, U.S. Army, Hope Mills

    Thomas L. Hall, Rank: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Fayetteville

    Thomas H. Kirkpatrick, Rank: Private, U.S. Army, Fayetteville

    William Mason, Rank: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Fayetteville

    William McLaurin, Rank: Mechanic, U.S. Army, Fayetteville

    John D. McPhail, Rank: Corporal, U.S. Army, Hope Mills

    Robert Porcelli, Rank: Bugler, U.S. Army, Fayetteville

    Archie C. Rasberry, Rank: Corporal, U.S. Army, Fayetteville

    Walter West, Rank: Mechanic, U.S. Army, Fayetteville

    Walter West, Rank: Private, U.S. Army, Hope Mills

    Rogers Williams, Rank: Private, U.S. Army, Wade

    VFW Post 10630 would like to invite any family members of these World War I American heroes to attend the Veterans Day Ceremony, with the release of Balloon Doves, on November 11, 2018 (Sunday), starting at 3 pm, at the Hope Mills Veterans Memorial Park near the recreation center on Rockfish Road. If you wish to present a “wreath” in remembrance and to honor our nation’s veterans during the Veterans Day Ceremony, please contact Mr. Bill Greene, Quartermaster, at wgreen20@nc.rr.com.

    As we raise our flag and as the bugle sounds taps, we remember that the men and women of America’s Armed Forces serve a great cause. They follow in a great tradition, handed down to them by America’s veterans. What veterans have given our country is beyond our power to fully repay, yet, today we recognize our debt to their honor. And on this national holiday, our hearts are filled with respect and gratitude for the veterans of the United States of America.

    May God bless our veterans and their families, and may God continue to bless our great nation.

    Jessie Bellflowers is a past Veterans of Foreign Wars All-American/Triple Crown state commander for North Carolina and he is a member of the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners.

  • Wow! The celebration of the first year anniversary of LocksCreek Seafood Grill and Campbellton Landing brought mixed emotions for Kevin Summers, the owner and general manager. No doubt, he'll never forget this one.

    Last week Summers dodged the ruthless execution of his entrepreneurial dream development on the banks of the Cape Fear River. North Carolina's tax police, whose sole purpose in their bureaucratic life must be to shutter upstart, struggling businesses, put their mark on LocksCreek in a resounding way — they locked the front doors.

    This isn’t an uncommon occurrence, as small businesses, trying to make their mark in the community and contribute to the economy, often falter in their first year of operation. Sure, it's the job of the North Carolina Tax Office to collect taxes due, and no doubt they have the authority. However, where’s the logic? You would think in this dismal economy, choking recession and with the state’s unemployment numbers closing in on the 10 percent range, they would apply the same logic to their responsibilities as the thousands of small, humble businesses and organizations that are trying to survive.

    Everyone, and I repeat everyone, I know in business throughout the country is just trying to survive and keep their doors open. They are trying to “wait it out.” Surely, as in the case of LocksCreek, rushing in and padlocking a viable but struggling venue while putting 40 to 50 people out of work makes logical sense only to a government that is ridiculous, dishonest and "out of control."   lockscreek_banner.jpg

    That being said, our entrepreneurial hat’s off to Summers and his small group of local investors (of which I am one) for their vision, perseverance and dedication to create something wonderful for this community by keeping alive Sol Rose's vision for the development of Campbellton Landing as a historic, fun, family destination.

    Note: Summers isn't the only person with vision taking risk, spending money and investing in our community. Take a look around.

    Look at the new owners of the Village Coffee Shop, the new location of the Southern Gourmet on Grove Street, Blue Moon Café, Huske Hardware, Circa 1800 and the Fresh Cafe — all locally owned downtown businesses. There is also Morgan's Chop House on Morganton Road and the northside’s newest venue, ScrubOaks on Ramsey Street. These are just a few examples of restaurants whose owners dared to risk their life savings and financial resources to raise the quality-of -life here in Fayetteville. There are hundreds of other small businesses aggressively doing their part to stimulate our local economy and get it back on track.

    Unlike local bankers and other self-proclaimed financial geniuses whose arrogance and incompetent business practices contributed to this economic mess, local entrepreneurs are up front and out front working hard to pay the taxes of those who only want to shut them down or subsidize their “bailout.”

    Well, it’s a strange world we live in, but thank God there are still many Americans who honor old-fashioned values and work ethic. Entrepreneurs are a tough bunch. So, hang in there, Kevin. Campbellton Landing is a wonderful historic asset to this community. Remember, bureaucrats may be able to shut us down, but they will never be able to shut us out. Seldom has doing the right thing, for the right reason not prevailed.

    Up & Coming Weekly is your community newspaper and I would love to hear from you. Email me at bbowman@upandcomingweekly.com or call me at 910 391 3859. Your insights are important to us. You may also subscribe to our online edition absolutely “free” and receive our VIP Early edition. Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • Dear Editor:11-07-12-letter-to-editor.gif

    If there is an iconic image of Downtown Fayetteville, and its near miraculous transformation, that image would include the marquee of the Cameo Art House Theatre on Hay Street. A dozen years ago, when what is now a foregone conclusion was much more elusive, the renovation of that old theater into the Cameo was an act of faith. Now, reality is at the door, and soon the Cameo may be just a memory.

    In case you haven’t noticed, that wonderful invention of Kodak’s creative labs, (digital photography) has turned film into 1s and 0s. Everything is digital. It’s been quite a ride,taking us from big clunky cellular bag phones to the iPhone; from huge film cameras, to slightly smaller video cameras, to incredibly small, superior digital video cameras. It’s changed everything, from the way we read the news, to the way we share Christmas photos, to the way we watch movies. Digital has made a lot of things disappear, including Kodak and maybe the Cameo.

    When I arrived in Fayetteville, in 1968, there were four movie houses Downtown: the Broadway, The Carolina, The Colony and The Miracle. The Miracle was the spiffiest, with a long hallway that stretched inside to the large 1,500 seat theater. The line wove by the glass front studios of WFLB, Fayetteville’s only rock’n roll station. On your way to the movies, you could see Ted Michaud, Ron Phelps or Larry “Boom-Boom” Cannon, messing with the constant stream of people who were out for a night on the town. Then multiple-screen theaters came. Then VHS and Blockbuster came. The movie houses left.

    Change happens. Ever hear of Vaudeville? It was killed by the movies, the silent movies, which was killed by the talkies, which were killed by radio, which was killed by television, which seems to be dying a long, slow death, morphing, along with many other forms of entertainment, to the Internet.

    So digital has overtaken the film industry. Film is history. Film is expensive, to print, copy, ship and display. So just as the telephone companies realized they could make more money by eliminating the telephone poles and underground wires by switching to cellular, the film industry said, “Us, too!”

    So let’s get back to the Cameo. So maybe some of you reading this say, “So What? I can see the big blockbuster, shoot ‘em up/ blow ‘em up at the local giant 30-screen cinderblock box.” True, but what about those of you who have experienced the Cameo Art House Theatre? You know who you are.

    In 2000, when Eric Lindstrom and Chris and Naseem Keunzel designed and built the Cameo, most folks thought they were crazy. It made no sense. They did it because Fayetteville “needed” an art cinema. If we were going to help transform our downtown into a place that would be a destination, a place that tourists would visit, we needed certain things. They mortgaged everything they owned to get the money to renovate and open the Cameo. It was an investment of more than $600,000 in 1999. Then they finished the upstairs, more intimate screening room for an additional $300,000. They did this on the belief that Fayetteville would come and support them. Many did, but not nearly enough. As is the history of small, independent art-house cinemas across the country, each month is a struggle. It is a struggle that makes Fayetteville a better place to be.

    Now, if they were a non-profit organization, they could solicit tax-exempt donations, or grants (as the Sunrise Theater in Southern Pines just did), but they wanted to stay true to their independence. They bet on downtown, and they were right. Now they’re betting on the public (that’s you). A lot of people began to believe in the future of downtown when they saw the Cameo open its doors. Granted a lot of small businesses have come and helped promote the dream of Downtown Fayetteville, but the Cameo is different. It still makes no sense that the Cameo is open. They show the movies that the “big guys” don’t touch. Usually the movies that become the award winners, the movies that you would have to leave town to see. It should have closed years ago.

    Lindstrom left the partnership because of work demands, but the Keunzels are still struggling to keep the doors open. They have an architectural company that pays their monthly bills, but they simply can’t afford to underwrite the digital upgrade.

    The good news is — they are not alone.

    A growing group of supporters is organizing a private fundraising effort to switch the Cameo to digital. The campaign is called, “Go Digital or Go Dark.” An ominous name, but true. By 2013, all major film releases will be available only in a digital format. End of story. Or is it?

    It really is up to you. Why should you support this effort? Because if you like what is happening to our town, then you need to help the people who helped make it happen. I always urge everyone to buy something from a downtown merchant ( full disclosure – I am one), so they can stay in business and keep downtown thriving. That’s the only way it can work. This move to digital is the same. The amount is huge — $200,000. Yikes!

    Yes, you could write one check for the entire amount, but they’d prefer a smaller amount that will go through the bank. I cannot think of any other private company that I would support in this manner, but this is a for-profit company that has never made much of a profit. Why? Because the mission meant more than the margin, and I’m thankful for that.

    To help out, visit www.cameoarthouse.com.

    C. John Malzone
    Fayetteville
  • 112812-allin.jpgThere is nothing quite like a wild sex scandal to rivet Americans’ attention, and — boy howdy! — does the military have our attention now!

    Recent years have brought us politicians of both stripes who paid bazillions of dollars to make their names and faces known to the American public and then, inexplicably, thought no one would notice when they had a little fling. Think the South Carolina Governor who told his staff he was hiking the Appalachian Trail and then boarded a commercial airliner with his American passport to visit his sweetie in South America. Think the New York Governor who patronized a highpriced call girl in a fancy but public hotel. Think our own former Senator John Edwards who fell for a girl with a camera trained on — guess who?! — himself! Now it seems to be the military’s turn.

    First came Army General David Petraeus, who not so long ago was a hero within our midst here in the greater Fort Bragg community, and his biographer, Paula Broadwell. Then came an entwined but murkier situation between Marine General John Allen and Jill Kelley. Both combos feature everyone married, everyone attractive and everyone successful.

    Throw in a couple of lesser light Generals — William “Kip” Ward, the former commander of the U.S. African Command, who stands accused of taking his wife on an $80,000-plus vacation at our expense and Jeffrey Sinclair, who has Fort Bragg ties through the 82nd Airborne Division and who is charged with such charming offenses as forcible sodomy, and it is clear that there is serious trouble in our military’s River City. The predictable investigations are already underway.

    No one could convincingly make this stuff up.

    Several thoughts occur to me about all this.

    The first is that all of us are human beings and we all have feet of clay in some regard, and that military life during two lengthy and unpopular wars comes with significant personal and family challenges. Secondly, women tell each other, “There is just something about a man in uniform.” That seems even truer if the uniforms come with lots of brass, as is the case with these decorated generals who have reached the stratosphere of military and governmental careers.

    Power, it is said, is the ultimate aphrodisiac, and it certainly seems a major factor in both our political and military scandals.

    That being said, these officers have been charged with the safety of our nation and of other people in other parts of the world. The decisions they have made in their personal lives cannot help but give us pause about the decisions they have made in our names.

    Another question has implications for each of us who communicates by email, which, as far as I can tell, is virtually everyone born since World War II and a substantial percentage of people on the front side of that dividing line.

    What is privacy and do we still have any?

    Once upon a time, privacy was an envelope with a sealed flap. It was a diary we kept in a locked drawer. It was a telephone conversation between two people, each holding a receiver with a cord attached to it.

    The Petraeus-Broadwell and Allen-Kelley relationships, whatever they really are, unraveled in public over emails the parties exchanged with each other. None of them apparently ever imagined that their emails would be scrutinized by no less than the Federal Bureau of Investigation or discussed in national and international media in all their “sweetheart” and “honey” glory.

    Most of us probably send and receive emails that would render other people into comas born of boredom. My own are generally among family members and friends, with the occasional communication regarding boards I serve on and appointments I have for meetings and other obligations.

    My emails allow me to keep up with those near and dear and to structure my schedule to avoid confl icts. While they are important to me, they are hardly intriguing, provocative or even interesting reading. I suspect many of yours are much the same.

    At the same time, my emails are mine, and I assume they are private.

    But they really are not.

    Modern communications are with us forever, unless one is technologically savvy enough to make them disappear. Otherwise, they linger on our hard drives and in cyberspace in case the FBI or someone far less intimidating, even mundane, decides to take a peek. I really do not think anyone is checking out my email and text communications, but I also understand the capability is there, as the generals in question and their special friends have learned so painfully and so publicly.

    The lessons in these sad messes seem to be two-fold.

    In this age of 24/7 cameras, celebrity watching and bigger than life public fi gures, it is not possible to melt back into the Average Joe whom no one recognizes and who can do what he or she pleases in anonymity.

    And, do not press the “send” button on anything you would not want your grandmother to read on the front page of The New York Times.

  • As a social worker for many years, I encountered a lot of people who felt that society owed them something. Most felt that their race automatically determined the level of debt owed them while others felt that their birthright was the determining factor. I also encountered those who refused to allow their circumstances, race or any other factor to dictate their level of achievement and they worked hard to pursue their dreams; dreams that seemed unattainable.
    Linda Branch understands what a strong work ethic is all about because hard work was instilled in her as a young child. As the first African-American director of the AAA Crisis Pregnancy Center sponsored by Operation Blessing of Fayetteville, Branch saw a need and was determined to fulfill that need. Pregnant mothers would come to the center to receive free items without having to contribute anything for them. Branch felt that if the mothers were able to earn those same items they would appreciate them more. The "Earn While You Learn" program was created in 2005 as a way to give pregnant mothers the opportunity to earn the items needed for their babies. Branch now operates the program as a part her ministry nonprofit organization, C.O.R.A.S (www.corasnc.org).
    The Earn While You Learn program's and goals are to empower pregnant mothers to become self-sufficient, to change hopelessness into hopefulness, and to provide "mommy dollars" to purchase necessary items. Participants are screened and accepted based on their specific needs. They attend an eight week training program that meets twice a week for two hours each day. The free program consists of approximately 32 hours of instruction on understanding  pregnancy, labor and delivery, proper care of a baby, CPR, finances, career planning, sex education and business ownership. A participant can earn up to $200 in "mommy dollars" that can be used to buy new items from the Mommy Store. The store is stocked with new clothes for newborns- 5T, baby care items and items that a mother can use. At the end of the program the participants take a 200-question test on all the material covered during their sessions and prizes are given to the top three scorers in the class. Fathers are encouraged to attend the class to gain valuable information and to be supportive.
    Branch stated that one of the highlights of the program for her is the graduation banquet for the participants and their families. All the items that the young ladies purchase are on display for everyone to see. The Sharing Hearts Women's Ministry of Mount Carmel Church has partnered with  Branch to host the banquet. Whenever possible,  Branch tries to provide one big item (i.e. crib or car seat) for each participant. She relies on the generosity of donors to supply those items and her program is always in need of new clothing, cribs, car seats and very gently used items to stock the Mommy Store. The program has gained the attention and support of various churches in the community, the Junior League of Fayetteville, Wal-Mart and several community leaders including Mayor Tony Chavonne and Councilman Bobby Hurst. Branch recently received recognition from the mayor for outstanding community work.
    Branch is so passionate about her program because she's providing an alternative to abortion and providing ways for young ladies to regain their self-esteem. "I don't ever want anyone involved with this program to feel like they are nothing. Their babies are a gift from God and they need to know how special they are. I want to make sure the young mothers (and fathers) know that they can do whatever they put their minds to."
    For more information about how to make a tax-deductible donation to this program or to volunteer, please call 910-797-4918 or email Linda Branch at skyhawk357@aol.com  


  • THANKSGIVING 201211-21-12-margaret.gif

    For as long as I can remember since the Precious Jewels came along, the Dicksons have celebrated Thanksgiving in Chapel Hill with family from all branches, friends and people who have become friends over the years.

    My first memory of this tradition involves toting a diaper bag for babe # 1, who is now a married man in his early 30s. My cousin’s house, which held the first of more than three decades of Thanksgivings for us, was later destroyed by a fire caused by a Christmas tree, then replaced by one on a lake, making for a memorable setting for a fall gathering almost every year. The annual cross-Piedmont trek to get there is a dear tradition, complete with a station wagon loaded with Thanksgiving foods and accompanied by sing-alongs to a Triangle radio station which plays the long version — all 18 and a half minutes — of Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant” every Thanksgiving morning.

    Since the only certainty in life, though, is change, this year we are changing. We are moving the entire Thanksgiving production to the North Carolina coast, where we will be eating our turkey and dressing beside the lovely salt water and keeping our fingers crossed for good weather so some of our nearest and dearest can spill out onto the porch.

    Most of us are looking forward to the change of scenery, but it has prompted me to ponder what is most precious about these gatherings of people — some kin, some not — who have come to love each other.

    Beyond family, our little Thanksgiving band generally includes two retired and esteemed educators from the Triangle area and a young man who immigrated to the U.S., from what was then Yugoslavia, when he was 18. He, his Charlotte-born wife, and their two daughters are an integral part of our very American celebration. There have been people my father referred to as “connections,” not exactly relations but perhaps kin to relations or in-laws of relations; in other words, some connections not involving DNA. There have been relatives from Belgium and Austria, a man in full black leather motorcycle gear whose name I never knew, and once an Ethiopian family who played native musical instruments. This year, we have several new people coming — some from a branch of the family which has generally been to the other in-laws for Thanksgiving, and a single woman friend we invited for the heck of it.

    And then, there is the food!

    The Chapel Hill cousin and her Belgian husband always do the turkey, dressing with apples and walnuts and gravy, and this year a Precious Jewel is frying a turkey as well. There will be rice and mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes with marshmallows — a hold-over from the days of many young children that always seems to get eaten anyway, some green vegetables — I always cross my fi ngers for asparagus with hard-boiled eggs crumbled on top, yeast rolls, Kentucky horse-race pie along with other pastries, and, everyone’s fave, an ice cream turkey! I am also hoping for some scalloped oysters, but we have several wildly allergic diners, so we shall see.

    There will be hugs and kisses from people who have not seen each other since last Thanksgiving and some who saw each other last month. There will be displays of photographs, the occasional tiff and maybe a tear or two, and little ones either rowdy or screaming. One or two particularly full diners will grab a quick nap in a chair, overcome by the bounty of the occasion.

    A new tradition has arisen in very recent years, the brainchild of the Precious Jewel generation which has moved from running around outside to more adult fun. It is the annual Turkey Bowl, to which members of my generation are not invited. It involves the younger cousins and some of their friends going out either before or after the big day to — what else — Go bowling!

    I look forward to and treasure our Thanksgivings together, not because they are glamorous or special, because they are not. Our Thanksgivings, like millions of other Thanksgiving gatherings throughout our nation and wherever Americans might gather in far-flung corners of the world, are our family’s evolving way of celebrating and enjoying being together if only for one day a year and for being part of this great nation.

    It is our reminder that even in these trying times, we are grateful for so much. I am also grateful that Thanksgiving is a one day holiday that requires very little decoration since we all know what is about to overtake us next month.

  • Crisis in Confidence: Chavonne Sends Out S.O.S.

    After speaking to many Fayetteville residents about the results of Fayetteville’s 2013 mayoral election, the consensus is that our community has dodged a political bullet by electing Nat Roberston over Val Applewhite, the incumbent city councilwoman.

    A bullet, I might add, that may have proved fatal to a community desperately looking to build consensus for a happy, safe community where economic growth, peace and harmony all come together to accentuate our community’s unique quality of life.

    Overwhelmingly, the residents (voters) not familiar with Ms. Applewhite’s past performance on the city council were highly impressed with her poise, intelligence and eloquent speeches. After all, on the surface, what was there not to like?

    However, those who know her, worked with her and come in regular contact with her in the course of conducting the city’s business are familiar with a less-than-charming, eloquent and tolerant Applewhite. In this incarnation, she is not so congenial and eager to please or reason with, and surely not a team builder or peacemaker.

    I truly believe, had it not been for Mayor Tony Chavonne’s last minute endorsement of Nat Robertson, the end result may have been quite different. Chavonne’s final-hour involvement and decision to not sit on the sidelines added a much-needed sense of urgency to the message. Chavonne’s endorsement of Nat Robertson was more of an S.O.S. Yes, it was an S.O.S. — an emergency message to all Fayetteville residents that regardless of race, religion or political affiliation, if you live in the city of Fayetteville, your future and the amazing progress we have made over the last several decades would be severely in jeopardy. The lesson here is don’t believe everything you hear or are being told. Pay attention to what you actually see and experience. Trust your eyes. Your eyes do not lie. Let what you see and experience help you in determining the truth.

    In America, not just in Fayetteville, we are experiencing a crisis in confidence at all levels of government. For America to recover and become responsible citizens, we must at some point, take responsibility for our actions, ask the right questions and demand honest answers. This means holding other people responsible for their actions and resisting being led down a path of ignorance, corruption and dishonesty like helpless sheep to the slaughter. Corrupt people are lying and deceiving us and we are not objecting, resisting or holding them responsible for their actions. Making this situation even more pathetic is that there are no consequences for such actions. Here are just a few examples:

    The failed Solyndra Solar Plant, which wasted $50 million. There were no answers and no consequences.

    Benghazi, with four Americans killed. There were no answers and no consequences.

    The first Benghazi distraction showcased Susan Rice and the video pretense. Again, there were no answers and no consequences, except Rice got promoted.

    The second Benghazi distraction, with Hillary Clinton front and center, taking no responsibility. You guessed it, no consequences and no answers.

    Fast & Furious, the mastermind of Eric Holder, resulted in one American killed. There are still unaccounted for guns.

    Let’s not forget the IRS scandal, where our own government targeted our neighbors, maybe even one of us.

    And who could forget the NSA scandal that rocked not only America, but also our allies?

    Obamacare. Do I really have to say anything else?

    And finally, President Obama and his promise to Americans: “If you like your healthcare, you’ll be able to keep it. Period.”

    These black-eyes to our nation have nothing to do with political affiliations.

    They have to do with integrity and truth. This affects all Americans and all Americans cannot escape the responsibility. With this dubious promise, Obama joins former Republican president Richard Nixon, who in 1973 declared to the American people “... I am not a crook.” He was. And, President Bill Clinton who in 1998 declared, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman.” He did. And, now the real blatant untruth that Obama perpetrated on Americans by telling them they can keep their doctors and their healthcare plans. It has become painfully obvious to them that they have been deceived by their Commander-in-Chief as they experience millions of cancellations of their existing insurance policies, higher insurance premiums and deductibles. An entire program based on a calculated deception. A lie! How outrageous! Yet, I don’t see the outrage.

    In closing, let me say I hope we can come to our senses in the very near future to remedy this crisis situation before it becomes the new normal.

    Our involvement by holding people accountable is the only remedy. We dodged the political bullet here locally, now we need to put your sights on the nation. In Fayetteville, we will continue moving forward with our new energetic mayor and his new city council. Nationally, we need to open our eyes, trust what we see and start taking action by holding people accountable. If not, there will be a consequence not unlike the ones we are experiencing now. Only worse. Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  •  North Carolina has already accomplished what Republicans in Washington want to pass – historic tax reform that caps or eliminates special-interest deductions, cuts tax rates and encourages investment, business formation and job creation.

     The process began in 2011, after the GOP took charge of both houses of the state legislature. While then-Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue wanted to keep in place a “temporary” increase in sales taxes costing North Carolinians nearly a billion dollars a year, legislators refused. They prevailed.

     With the election of Republican Gov. Pat McCrory in 2012, legislative leaders had an ally rather than an adversary on tax reform. The ensuing 2013 tax bill initiated a reform process that has continued to reduce the tax burden by both cutting rates and increasing standard deductions.

     The net effect was to save North Carolina taxpayers about $5 billion from 2013 to 2017. By 2022, the projected savings will approach $10 billion.  With regard to tax rates, the most dramatic change was on the business side of the tax system. Keep in mind that businesses are bundles of contracts among human beings – among owners, workers, customers and vendors. When the government taxes a business, it really taxes the incomes of some or all of these individuals, even if they don’t realize it.

     Politicians and political activists often assume that corporate taxes, for example, just bite corporate shareholders. In the short run, investors may well bear most of the cost when corporate taxes go up. But markets soon adjust. Investors can move their money fairly easily from high-tax to low-tax jurisdictions. Customers can often do the same, particularly if they shop online or can shop around among competing products or places.

     Workers are the least able to avoid business taxes, because it can be so costly to leave one job for another – particularly if it would require leaving one community for another. Thus, many economists believe that workers bear most of the burden of corporate taxes in the long run.

     Before 2013, North Carolina imposed a 6.9 percent tax on corporate income attributed to the state. By 2019, thanks to tax reform, that rate is scheduled to fall to 2.5 percent. That’s one of the lowest rates in the country. That will make North Carolina a more attractive place to do business – thus boosting the employment and incomes of North Carolina workers over time.

     As the state implemented tax reform, its economic performance has often compared well with our peers. In virtually every category – job creation, employment gains and income growth – North Carolina has exceeded regional averages, national averages or both.

     That doesn’t necessarily prove a causal relationship. Indeed, most of the benefits of tax reform couldn’t possibly have happened yet, given the lifecycle of business investment. But pro-growth tax policies certainly haven’t hurt. And, make no mistake, corporate tax cuts are pro-growth. According to the findings of the more than 100 peer-reviewed studies published on the issue since 1990, states with lower corporate taxes tend to experience stronger economic growth than those with higher corporate taxes.

     In Washington, both the House and Senate tax plans seek to follow in North Carolina’s footsteps by dramatically reducing the tax rate on corporate income. There are many other features of the plans – some good, some not-so-good – but in fiscal terms the net effects aren’t large. The real action will be slashing the corporate rate to 20 percent, a move likely to induce substantial flows of capital into America.

     There remains one big difference between Raleigh’s accomplishments and Washington’s aspirations: fiscal responsibility. While reforming and cutting taxes, North Carolina has kept a lid on spending growth. Our state budget is in the black, not deeply in the red like the federal budget.

     Indeed, measured as a share of the state’s gross domestic product, the government sector in North Carolina grew slower than the national average from 2013 to 2016 while North Carolina’s private-sector economy grew faster than the national average.

     Our state has set a good example. Federal politicians should follow it.

     

  •  Across the nation and in North Carolina, manufacturers and trades industries are facing daunting workforce shortages. Several factors have contributed to this gap in the skilled fields: many skilled workers are aging and retiring, creating a need for a replacement workforce; technological advances and a growing economy have created new jobs; and a decades-long emphasis on four-year college degrees has steered many young people away from skilled employment. 

    10FTCCMany of today’s young people are not aware of the opportunities in the skilled fields and leave four-year institutions with large debt and no marketable skills.

     At Fayetteville Technical Community College, the Applied Technology division offers certificates, diplomas and degrees at affordable prices in many of these skilled fields. The Applied Technology division includes air-conditioning, heating and refrigeration, automotive systems technology, building construction technology, carpentry, collision repair and refinishing technology, computer-integrated machining, electrical systems technology, gunsmithing, industrial systems technology (a new program), plumbing and welding. Each of these programs leads to high-demand, high-skill careers. Companies seeking employees regularly contact us, but we lack enough students to fill the demand.

     Many companies are starting to look to apprenticeship programs as a way to attract employees. Apprenticeship programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Participants work and earn a paycheck while they attend classes. Apprenticeship programs can last one to five years, depending on the occupation. Apprenticeships provide access to clear career pathways for employees and encourage loyalty in the company’s workforce by demonstrating a desire by the employer to invest in their employees. As the result of apprenticeship, not only does the employee gain the skills for success, the employer gains a skilled employee who has grown up in the culture and vision of their company.

     FTCC has worked closely with the State Apprenticeship Program to provide apprenticeship training in areas such as electrical, heating and air conditioning, industrial maintenance and machining. This hand-in-hand relationship just got stronger this summer when the State Apprenticeship Program and the Apprenticeship Council transferred from the North Carolina Department of Commerce to the North Carolina Community College System. FTCC is excited about leveraging its Applied Technology programs to create more apprenticeship opportunities to serve our community and our economy.

     To learn more about the many skill training programs available at FTCC or about apprenticeship opportunities, call (910) 486-3930 or email gibsonp@faytechcc.edu

     Don’t miss the opportunity to register for spring semester classes. Stop by the Fayetteville or Spring Lake campus or the Fort Bragg Training & Education Center for assistance in enrolling in FTCC and registering for classes. With over 250 programs of study to choose from – in program areas including arts and humanities, business, computer and information technology, engineering and applied technology, health, math and sciences, and public service – FTCC can quickly and affordably prepare you for a better future. Call (910) 678-8400, visit in person, or take virtual tours at www.faytechcc.edu for more details about what FTCC can offer. Preparing for a better future is a wonderful way to begin a new year.

  •  05PovertyCiting successes in Mecklenburg and Forsyth counties, local community organizers want to galvanize Cumberland County to put an end to poverty. It’s an objective likely impossible to achieve, but making serious efforts to try could significantly reduce poverty here.

     Two hundred and fifteen people gathered in an auditorium at the Social Services Office building to hear what the process will involve. Pathways for Prosperity, known as P4P, will require creation of a Community Revitalization Task Force, said City Councilman Kirk deViere. He and Councilman Larry Wright have taken P4P leadership positions. As envisioned, the task force would consist of local civic and service organizations, community groups, the faith community and local government – to include elected officials, business leaders and the military.

     To dramatize the need for change, deViere revealed the results of a community survey that was responded to by more than 1,500 people. A concerted effort was made to engage individuals who have experienced living in poverty. Twenty-one percent of the respondents reported annual household incomes of less than $24,000 a year. Another 25 percent said they had household incomes of between $25,000 and $49,000. A living wage for a family of four is considered $25 an hour, or $52,000 annually.

     “There are people out there who are hurting,” said County Commission Chairman Glenn Adams. Commissioner Charles Evans was also present. City council members present in addition to deViere included mayor-elect Mitch Colvin, Jim Arp, Ted Mohn and Larry Wright. Assistant City Manager Jay Reinstein and Assistant County Manager Sally Shutt were on hand. Neither the sheriff nor the police chief were present. “The optics were not good not having law enforcement represented,” said one official.

     Defining poverty requires a lot of statistical data: Locally, barriers to economic mobility include lack of job training, the cost of living, criminal backgrounds and racial discrimination.

     “One-and-a-half million people of the state’s 10 million citizens have criminal records,” said Executive Director Rick Glazier, of the North Carolina Justice Center.

     “Nearly one in four children in our community live in poverty,” said deViere; 18 percent of Cumberland County’s residents live below the poverty line, he said. Of that number, 24 percent are African-American, 21 percent are Hispanic and 12 percent are white. “Our sole mission is to eradicate poverty,” Glazier emphasized.

     Researchers have found that three supportive factors help people move up the economic ladder: job training, affordable housing and higher wages. Therein lies the need for what deViere called “an infrastructure of opportunity.” Proponents of community involvement to tackle poverty’s causes and effects hope to create an atmosphere of openness, broad-based societal support, an understanding of how to leverage our strengths and assets and a will of the community to come to grips with poverty. “This is a two to three-year process,” said deViere.

  • Bruised, Bloodied and Battered Citizens Emerge From

    the Horror of the 2014 Mid-Term Elections

    Thank God, the election is over. Now, maybe, just maybe, the human race can try to return to some semblance of civility. Ugly, mean and with malice this no-holds barred assault on civility disguised as an election has bombarded, infuriated, depressed and turned off all Americans who dared turn to the media for news and information.

    11-05-14-pub-notes.gifAfter months and months, this horrific behavior has solidified itself as the norm when participating in America’s free democracy. Did I say “free”? How free can it really be if running for any public office costs hundreds of thousands of dollars as well as your reputation and dignity?

    My concern here is the effect this negative campaigning is having on our young people. Politics is not just an adult sport. Our children see the ads on television. They see the mailers sitting on kitchen tables before they are thrown into the garbage where they rightfully belong. What message are we sending them? At a time when we are trying to teach them about honesty, pride, charity and good character, we demonstrate and condone the opposite behavior.

    When did we become such an intolerant “search-and-destroy” society? Unfortunately, more and more, this kind of behavior is permeating and consuming our Fayetteville and Cumberland County community. It has to stop!

    When did exercising our constitutionally protected rights to free speech and opinion become the catalyst for assault and character assassination? Words have power. The way we wield them says a lot about who we are. The malicious attacks seen in this year’s election not based on ideology or issues, but rather about a candidate’s character, their families and their businesses have gone far beyond the pale. There are no innocent parties in this year’s election debacle. There are no good guys.

    As long as we allow this negativity and character assassination to prevail in our community, all of the mentoring programs, community organizations and anti-bullying programs will be for naught. Life lessons are most effectively learned by example, and the example set during this year’s campaign taught our children that it’s okay to lie, to bully and to harass those who don’t agree with you.

    I will leave you with this thought: In North Carolina, the slander campaigns on behalf of Kay Hagen and Thom Tillis exceeded $100,000,000. Can you imagine what kind of impact that kind of money would have if spent on developing North Carolina’s young people?

    Ask yourself these questions: Do we have the best government money can buy? And, who are the only people who can change it?

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

    Photos: Over the past decade, the tone of campaigning has taken a nasty turn. That was seen clearly in the Senate campaigns of Kay Hagan and Thom Tillis, which  cost more than $100,000,000. As Americans, we have to ask ourselves: Are these the people we really want making decisions for us?

  •  04NewsDigestFormer Fayetteville Mayor Tony Chavonne broke ground on Fayetteville’s new transit center four years ago in the last month of his administration. But construction didn’t begin until months later. The opening of the gleaming new terminal came a year-and-a-half late, 19 months after the construction contract completion date. The center features 16 bays to accommodate FAST buses and Greyhound coaches. Megabus has a reserved spot on Russell Street. Buses will arrive at the terminal from West Russell Street and will depart onto Robeson Street.

     The building itself has modern customer ticket counters and waiting rooms. It will be open 24 hours a day to accommodate Greyhound’s schedule. Greyhound Lines is sharing in the day-to-day cost of operating the facility. On-premises security will be enforced 24/7. Police surveillance cameras installed inside and outside of the building will be monitored at all times. The federal government contributed most of the $13 million cost of construction. Smaller amounts were provided by the state and city.

    Retired Army general arraigned on rape charges

     A retired two-star general has been arraigned in Virginia on six courtmartial specifications related to the alleged continuous rape of a minor while on active duty. Maj. Gen. James Grazioplene spent some of that time at Fort Bragg as a battalion commander with the 82nd Airborne Division. He deferred entering a plea during a hearing this month at Fort Belvoir. Grazioplene was not placed in custody, and no date has been set for the next proceeding in his court-martial.

     At least one military court of criminal appeals has affirmed that retirement is a change in duty status. Those who retire from active duty and receive retired pay remain subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The Army said he faces a maximum sentence of forfeiture of pay and allowances as well as confinement for life.

     During an Article 32 preliminary hearing in August, the victim, who is now 46, described in detail Grazioplene’s alleged escalating abuse starting at age 3 and continuing until she turned 18. Military prosecutors charged that Grazioplene assaulted the girl at or near each of his duty stations from 1983 to 1990, including Fort Bragg. As a lieutenant colonel, he served as commander of the 3rd Battalion, 73rd Armor and 82nd Airborne Division during some of that time.

     The alleged victim testified in August that she revealed different portions of the ongoing abuse to different people over the years, depending on how much she trusted each of them. The government prosecutor, Lt. Col. Carol Brewer, said at the August hearing that some problems with the woman’s recollection were due to Grazioplene’s “depraved acts.” The general has not been recalled to active duty. He continues to draw retirement pay and benefits, but for purposes of adjudicating the charges is attached to Headquarters, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia. According to court documents, the rapes Grazioplene is accused of occurred at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Amberg, Germany; Bindlach, Germany; and Woodbridge, Virginia. The identity of the victim was redacted from the records.

     In 1986, a three-year statute of limitations on rape charges was removed from the Uniform Code of Military Justice. No statute of limitations on rape exists in the military now. The U.S. Army has only court-martialed four generals since the Truman administration. Grazioplene is a 68-year-old resident of Gainesville, Virginia. He is a West Point graduate who entered the Army in 1972 and retired in 2005.

    Investigation of Fort Bragg Green Berets’ murder continues

     The U.S. mission in Niger is the largest in West Africa, and the incident that left four Fort Bragg special operators dead is calling into question the extent to which military officials have been transparent with Congress and the public about the full scope of undercover missions. The Army’s investigation into the deadly Oct. 4 ambush in Niger is likely to extend into January 2018, the Pentagon said. Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier Jr., chief of staff of U.S. Africa Command, is leading the investigation into a 12-man Fort Bragg special forces team and 30 Nigerien troops who were ambushed by fighters believed to be associated with the Islamic State.

     Staff Sgt. Bryan Black, Staff Sgt. Dustin Wright, Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson and Sgt. La David Johnson, all assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group, died in the attack. It resulted in the U.S. military increasing its defensive posture in the area and Niger requesting the military to operate armed drones above it. Its aftermath has generated political controversy in the U.S. A fifth Green Beret was murdered in neighboring Mali at about the same time, and two Navy SEALs are suspects in that case. Families were informed that the investigation team has begun to visit locations in the U.S., Africa and Europe to gather information related to the investigation, the Pentagon said in a prepared statement.

    University president to retire

     One of Methodist University’s most effective fund raisers is stepping down. Ben Hancock, Methodist’s fourth president, said he will retire in May. He’s 65.

     “With my current contract coming to an end in 2018, it seemed to be an appropriate time for Debbie and me to consider our future and that of the university,” Hancock said. Mac Healy, chairman of the university’s board of trustees, is expected to announce search plans for Hancock’s successor soon, according to a statement from the university. Hancock had an impressive fundraising background when appointed in 2011. During his tenure, the university conducted its largest-ever fundraising campaign, generating nearly $42 million for new buildings, programs and the school’s endowment.

    Police training academy opens

     Fayetteville Technical Community College has dedicated its new Law Enforcement and Emergency Management Center adjacent to its Spring Lake campus on McKenzie Road. The center houses the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy for individuals wishing to become law enforcement officers and the training facility for sworn officers who need to maintain their certifications. The BLET curriculum prepares entry-level cadets with the skills needed to become certified North Carolina law enforcement officers. The center contains six classrooms, a state-of-the-art driving simulator, a shooting simulator and a mock courtroom with a holding cell. Currently, 33 cadets are enrolled in the day and night academies. The course of study conforms with guidelines established by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission. It mandates a 616-hour, 16- week course, which concludes with a comprehensive written exam, skills testing and certification.

  • 11_26_14-margaret.gifYou all have been so good to me over the years! I want to be the first to share what I think is really wonderful news. You have helped me understand that my befuddlement over tattoo mania is just a generational difference, that driving only station wagons is a perfectly reasonable vehicular choice and that there are plenty of other dog lovers out there. I appreciate when you have straightened me out on a number of weightier issues as well.
    So, here is some good news for you.


    If you are mid-life and feeling a bit low about things, you are very likely heading into the happiest years of your life.
    Say what?


    Happiness is the thrust of the cover story in the current issue of The Atlantic magazine, chronicling recent research indicating that we get happier, more contented and wiser as we age. Researchers use a U-shaped curve to graph this transition in human life. It is a visual representation of the burst of energy, optimism and creativity that accompanies young adulthood, followed by the slump, sometimes referred to as a midlife crisis, that overtakes many people in their 40s and 50s. The right side of the U is the uptick life often takes for people beginning in their mid 50s, bringing with it a sense of peace, well-being sometimes despite chronic health issues, acceptance and gratitude.

    The science of the U-curve is in its infancy for all sorts of reasons. Happiness is like pornography. We all know it when we see — or in this case — feel it, but it is impossible to define. In addition, the whole concept of a midlife crisis is relatively new, first appearing in a 1965 scholarly article. The Atlantic depicts a midlife crisis with photos of a sad looking middle-aged fellow decked out in a moto leather jacket and shades as he hangs morosely over the door of a red Corvette. Until recent human history, though, no one worried about midlife crises, because most people did not live long enough to have one. Today, however, being middle-aged almost doubles your chances of taking antidepressants.

    Each human being is unique, of course, and it appears that some of us simply do not experience the swoop of the U-curve, but many of us do. What is more, scientists are finding indications that the U-curve exists across genders, nationalities, cultures, survey questions, population studied and methods of analysis. In other words, people who experience the U-curve felt their lowest at the average age of 50 when the pressures of life buffet us relentlessly. Satisfaction with their lives climbs steadily after that nadir. In addition, studies also show that social reasoning and long-term decision making — maybe this is what we think of as wisdom — improve as we age. We also become increasingly spiritual, especially if we are women. There is evidence, too, that older people cope more readily with life’s complexities and ambiguities. They go with the flow.

    While some scientists blanch a bit at this, other researchers have found evidence that some of our closest genetic cousins, chimpanzees and orangutans, also experience the U-curve. And how do we know since we cannot ask them directly and they cannot fill out a survey? Zookeepers and other animal caretakers observed them and filled out the surveys in their stead. Suspicious science? Maybe, but I can tell when Lovely Lilly the Lab is feeling a little blue.

    A young person recently told me I am so lucky to be at my stage of life. “Why do you say that?” I asked. “Because,” she said, “your major life decisions, the really hard ones like career, choosing a life partner, whether to have children and how many are behind you. You do not have to worry about making big mistakes in those critical areas of life.”

    I have thought a great deal about this conversation and realize my young friend is right. Those major decisions have been made, and I do have a sense of well-being that I did not have not so very long ago along with a sense that the rest of my life will revolve around the people, both family and friends, who mean the most to me. I look forward to most days, even the uneventful ones, to traveling more, to watching the Precious Jewels grow in their adult lives.

    The Atlantic quotes the late author Donald Ritchie on the progress of life, what we are now coming to think of as the U-curve. Said Ritchie, “Midlife crisis begins sometime in your 40s, when you look at life and think, ‘Is this all?’ And it ends about 10 years later, when you look at your life again and think, ‘Actually, this is pretty good.’”

    In this season of thankfulness, the U-curve seems like one more reason to be filled with gratitude.
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from the Dicksons.

    Blessings,
    Margaret

  •  

    • Dec. 7 Multimodal Congestion Management Plan Public Meeting No. 2 at Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center from 6-8 p.m. Open house starts at 6 p.m., presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. Several potential transportation alternatives will be presented to address transportation issues in Hope Mills. The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners may be attending the meeting, and there could be a possible quorum. To learn more about the study, visit  www.HopeMillsPlan.org. For more information, contact Joel Strickland of the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization at jstrickland@co.cumberland.nc.us or (910) 678-7622.

     

    Are you interesting in sharing Hope Mills’ success stories? Do you know of a person, business or event in Hope Mills that our readers should know about? Email us at  hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com.

     

  •  

    06Chief Hawkins localFayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins gave city council her first crime update report last week. She said she continues to evaluate the department of 433 officers with emphasis on the redeployment of personnel to “enhance operations and provide maximum resources based on the needs of the community.”

    Hawkins wants to form a community affairs office to increase residents’ engagement and improve communications. She has said she was impressed on her arrival from suburban Atlanta with the community involvement she witnessed here. When asked by City Councilman Larry Wright if she would favor the establishment of a civilian police review board, Hawkins was hesitant but indicated she was confident the department doesn’t need one. The idea has been floated in years past in the wake of allegations of racial profiling by police.

    The chief also said she hopes to intensify efforts to combat the opioid epidemic. Fayetteville has been identified as having a serious problem, although community efforts championed by outgoing mayor Nat Robertson have reduced it. In her crime report, Hawkins noted that drug enforcement efforts yielded a significant reduction in seizures of cocaine and marijuana. But cases involving heroin and fentanyl have increased; heroin by 127 percent over last year. Fayetteville patrol officers were among the first in North Carolina to be equipped with naloxone, which is sold under the brand name Narcan. It’s a medication now available as a nasal spray, which is used to block the effects of opioids, especially in overdose situations. Hawkins told city council that her officers have saved more than 100 lives, 75 this year alone, by administering Narcan to opioid overdose victims.

    Councilman Jim Arp wanted to know why police can administer naloxone and Fayetteville firefighters cannot. Firefighters are first responders who often arrive on the scene of medical emergencies first, but the fire chief has not authorized the use of Narcan. All city firefighters are trained EMTs. Brian Pearce, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center emergency medical service director, told Up & Coming Weekly for an earlier article that “All (the fire department) would have to do is work with us to come up with a plan and protocols for administration and education. Then we would update the county EMS plan, and they would be allowed to administer naloxone.” Pearce administers regulations of the county’s medical examiner.

    Chief Hawkins told council she was surprised to learn that the FPD doesn’t have a gang unit, although ranking officers have developed an expertise in the field.

    As for the crime rate, there are plusses and minuses. The homicide rate is down a bit over last year, which set an all-time high record of 31 violent deaths. Through the end of September, 23 homicides were investigated. Overall, crimes against persons are about the same as last year. Property crimes are down by 2.7 percent. Motor vehicle thefts are up 15.7 percent.

    Car crashes continue to get the attention of police. There have been 15 fatal wrecks so far this year, compared to 14 during the corresponding period of 2016. Speeding continues to be a major contributor to motor vehicle crashes.

     

    PHOTO: Fayetteville Police Chief Gina Hawkins

     

  •  

    05NewsDigestLeaf Season is almost here

    Fall is here, and trees are losing their leaves and pine needles. During leaf season, which begins later this month, residents can rake leaves to the curb without containerizing them. City of Fayetteville officials note that pine straw and leaves should not be raked into the street but left in the yard near the curb. Residents would be wise to check the city’s website to determine dates that trucks will be in their neighborhoods to pick up leaves and pine straw. These trucks will make only one pass. The city’s pickup schedule is available online at Fayettevillenc.gov/leafseason or by calling (910) 433-1FAY.

    Leaf season this year is Nov. 27 through Feb. 7.  If you notice leaves piling up in the street, call the city’s stormwater hotline at (910) 433-1613. People wishing to bag their leaves can pick up free plastic bags at any city fire station or recreation center.

    Possible serial rapists jailed

    Cumberland County sheriff’s detectives have jailed three suspects on rape charges in a case that first came to the attention of Fayetteville Police. And, deputies have concerns that this case was not an isolated incident. They have reason to suspect that “there may be other victims who have not reported being robbed and assaulted by these three suspects,” said sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Sean Swain.

    The youths, ages 17 to 21, have been charged with first-degree rape, armed robbery, kidnapping and conspiracy. Swain said that Nov. 10, the sheriff’s human trafficking detectives were notified by city police of the rape that occurred at 2272 Carbine St. The victim had posted about her sexual assault on Facebook. She recounted the event that had taken place a week earlier, explaining that she had posted an ad for companionship online. She was contacted by one of three men asking for a date. When she arrived at the Carbine Street address, she said she was greeted by James Haywood III. He escorted her to a rear bedroom where Jason Hammonds and Branden McKenzie were waiting. Swain said the three youths allegedly displayed handguns and demanded the victim’s money. She was then told to remove her clothes, after which the suspects forced her to perform sexual acts. The woman told police she didn’t know where to turn since she was new to Fayetteville, so she told her story on Facebook live.

    “Detectives were able to corroborate the victim’s account and arrested the three suspects,” Swain said. James Haywood III, 21, Jason Hammonds, 18, and Brandon McKenzie, 17, were arrested.  Hammonds was charged additionally with possession of a firearm by a felon. Their bail bonds range from $1.5 million to $2 million.

    Swain asks that anyone with information on similar instances call the sheriff’s office.

    2017 Fayetteville homicide No. 25

    The owner of a pair of Bragg Boulevard properties was killed in a shootout involving an apparently disgruntled patron and a security guard. The victim, Akash Talati, 40, owned the DiamondZ strip club. He was one of five people who were shot, Fayetteville police said. Acquaintances said Talati also owned the Knights Inn Motel across the street.

    The assailant, Markeese Dewitt, 23, had been escorted out of the club for becoming unruly, but returned moments later and exchanged gunfire with the security guard, who was one of five people wounded. Dewitt was shot several times by security officer Raymond Young, 30. The others wounded have been identified as Andelo Nelson, 20, an employee of the business, and Joshua Caldwell, 27, a bystander. Their conditions are not life-threatening. All the victims were shot outside the front entrance to the club, said Fayetteville Police Sgt. Shawn Strepay. Dewitt faces numerous charges once he’s released from the hospital.

    Misconduct in the military

    Army Col. Larry Dewey, the commander of Fort Bragg’s 16th Military Police Brigade, isn’t Bragg’s first top cop to lose his job in recent years. Dewey was suspended from duty in mid-October, according to the 18th Airborne Corps, the unit’s higher headquarters. Officials refused to release any details about the nature of the ongoing investigation. Dewey took command of the brigade in July.

    One of his recent predecessors, Col. Chad McRee, was removed from the same post as brigade commander after investigators confirmed that he had been kissing soldiers’ wives on the lips at public events. He lost his job, but he remained in the Army for two years and retired in April 2015. McRee never was court-martialed. An investigation into McRee’s behavior was launched when an anonymous letter complained about his conduct. McRee had made it a habit to plant unwelcome kisses on the lips of subordinates’ wives. The 16th Military Police Brigade provides garrison law enforcement and force protection at Fort Bragg and three other 18th Airborne Corps.                                           

    GenX violation results in citation

    The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality has cited Chemours Fayetteville Works facility with violating the conditions of its wastewater discharge permit because the company failed to report an Oct. 6 chemical spill. The notice demands that Chemours submit within 10 days to DEQ information about the duration and quantity of the dimer acid fluoride and any other chemicals spilled, as well as a description of all actions taken by the company to stop the spill.

    “It is both unlawful and unacceptable for a company to fail to report a chemical spill to the state and public as soon as possible,” said Michael Regan, secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality.

    The Chemours permit requires that DEQ is notified within 24 hours of any discharge of significant amounts of chemical as well as any noncompliance that potentially threatens public health or the environment.

    DEQ questioned Chemours officials in early November after receiving preliminary data from water samples the state agency collected that indicated elevated concentrations of GenX at Chemours’ primary wastewater discharge outfall.  The company admitted that a spill had occurred. “We will take all appropriate enforcement action to hold Chemours accountable for failing to comply with its permit,” added Regan.

     

  • • Nov. 15 Historic Preservation Commission meeting at 5 p.m. at the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center. The purpose of the meeting is to review guidelines for the commission.

    • Nov. 20 Public hearing for Case No. P17-40 at 7 p.m. at the Town of Hope Mills Regular Meeting. The meeting will be held in the Bill Luther Board Meeting Room in the Town Hall at 5770 Rockfish Rd.

    • Nov. 20 Audit Finance Committee special meeting at 6 p.m. in the Town Hall Board Room to discuss the fiscal year 2017 audit.

    • Dec. 7 Multimodal Congestion Management Plan Public Meeting No. 2 at Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center from 6-8 p.m. Open house starts at 6 p.m., presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. Several potential transportation alternatives will be presented to address transportation issues in Hope Mills. The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners may be attending the meeting, and there could be a possible quorum.

    To learn more about the study, visit www.HopeMillsPlan.org. For more information, contact Joel Strickland of the Fayetteville Area Metropolitan Planning Organization at jstrickland@co.cumberland.nc.us or (910) 678-7622.

  •  

    10FTCCHave you ever wanted to attend college but felt as if your disability prohibited you from accomplishing your academic goals? If you answered yes, now is the time to pursue your educational dreams. Fayetteville Technical Community College renders its services to students who require accommodations based on mental, emotional or physical impairments through its own Disability Support Services Office.

    The DSSO is an exclusive entity within Student Services at FTCC and, as a renowned equal opportunity learning and educational institution, takes great pride in assisting students online and on campus who have disabilities. The academic rigor of curriculum courses does not change based on the diagnosis or disorder of the student. The services and accommodations provided by the department are implemented to promote fairness within education. The purpose of quality education is to retain knowledge and to foster career opportunities through a mastery level of academic retention.

    FTCC policies and procedures, which can be found on the FTCC website, comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is essential to FTCC that its students do not undergo discrimination or exclusion from participating in college events and programs and that they are not denied curriculum or non-curriculum educational activities and opportunities based on any form of a medically diagnosed disability. All prospective students applying to FTCC arewelcome to visit the DSSO to obtain information before enrolling into programs offered at FTCC. The team will be glad to answer any questions regarding ADA compliance and services provided to the public. When applying to FTCC, future students are provided with information about where and how to apply for disability services. Once a student submits the proper documentation through the DSSO, accommodations will be granted immediately.

    The DSSO promptly sends accommodations to faculty members after the student completes required procedures. It is later the student’s responsibility to follow a simple step-by-step process to renew accommodations for each semester. The appropriate documents to receive and to maintain academic accommodations consist of a valid medical evaluation that must come from a licensed psychological or medical provider within the last five years. If students cannot provide required medical information, some temporary services may be determined and arranged on a case-by-case basis.

    Those receiving services provided by the DSSO should have no concern about their data being vulnerable to public exposure, as the department responsibly guarantees secure, ethical and legal protocols for protecting students’ welfare. Students’ medical information is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and is considered confidential.

    The DSSO is located at the Tony Rand Student Center, Room 127. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time so that we may respond to questions or concerns regarding student accommodations, ADA compliance or professional assistance. At FTCC, student success is our No. 1 priority. We look forward to working with you.

     

  •  

    09CARE"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." – Luke 6:31

    The CARE Clinic was established in 1993. It’s run by volunteers – staff members, doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, dental assistants, pharmacy assistants, chiropractors, social workers and nutritionists. The clinic relies solely on donations, grants and whatever monies fundraisers bring in. The CARE Clinic offers free health care to eligible uninsured, low-income adults who live in Cumberland County and the surrounding area. Serving selflessly to keep their community healthy, the clinic volunteers provide basic medical care, dental extractions, chiropractic care, lab tests, diagnostic tests, pharmacy service, health education, community resource information, social services are referrals to specialists.

    Meet Kimberly. Originally from Ohio, she’s called Fayetteville home for more than three decades. Making a living as a server in local eateries meant Kimberly did not have medical insurance. That wasn’t a problem until she started having trouble with her teeth. As a server, Kimberly’s smile is a big part of her job, so much so that it can impact her earnings. When the pain became unbearable, she knew she had to do something about it. A friend told Kimberly about The CARE Clinic. She decided to see if they could help her.

    The team there extracted her tooth, giving Kimberly immediate relief. “This place is awesome! You are very welcoming and have been very wonderful to me,” Kimberly said.

    Meet Angela. When Angela moved to Fayetteville in 2014, she moved into an apartment. Two years later, Hurricane Matthew came through, and, like so many in the area, Angela’s place was flooded. Shortly after that, Angela and her children started getting sick – so sick that Angela sent her children to live out of state while she figured things out. She did some digging and learned that there was black mold growing in her apartment. Having no insurance, Angela turned to The CARE Clinic and found the medical care she needed.

    “The CARE Clinic is the only place to see me. I just want to say thank you to The CARE Clinic for everything,” she said.

    For the volunteers at the clinic, doing a good deed is often its own reward. Sometimes, there are other forces at play, though.

    Dr. Brandt Wood has a strong faith and volunteers because he believes in doing what he can to make a difference. “I began volunteering as a way to give back to those in need, to do God’s mission here on Earth,” Wood said.

    Wood is an OB/GYN at Fayetteville Woman’s Care. He received his medical degree in 1997 from Des Moines Medical University. Wood completed his internship and residency at Christiana Care Hospital in Newark, Delaware, in 2002. The Woods moved to Fayetteville in 2004 when Wood joined Fayetteville Woman’s Care. Wood’s desire to help people is strong. Before putting his skills to use at The CARE Clinic, he started a Medical Mission Team that traveled to Dominica and Romania.

    While the services at the clinic are free, donations are what keep the lights on and the doors open. Running a high-quality clinic is a massive undertaking. You don’t have to be a medical professional to make a difference. Volunteers are welcome, as are monetary donations. Learn more about The CARE Clinic and how you can help at www.thecareclinic.org.

    The CARE Clinic is open Tuesday and Thursday and the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from 5:30-8:30 p.m. by appointment only. Call (910) 485-0555 to make an appointment or to learn more.

     

  •  

    08localelectionFayetteville’s new city council is set to be sworn in next month. Mitch Colvin’s election as mayor came despite being outspent two-to-one and being characterized by Mayor Nat Robertson as unfit for office. There will be two fresh faces, and two former members will return to council. Newcomers include former councilmen D.J. Haire and Johnny Dawkins, who will represent Districts 4 and 5 respectively. Tyrone Williams and Tisha Waddell will represent Districts 2 and 3. Incumbents Ted Mohn, Bill Crisp, Larry Wright, Kathy Jensen and Jim Arp won re-election.

    Elsewhere in Cumberland County, Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner won a fourth term by defeating Keith Bowen. Mike Mitchell, Meg Larson, Jerry Legge, Pat Edwards and Jessie Bellflowers will comprise the new town board of commissioners. Mitchell was the leading vote-getter. Incumbent commissioner Bryan Marley lost his bid for re-election.

    Warner observed that the three newcomers have been involved in civic affairs for some time. Mitchell is a former mayor pro tem. Bellflowers is chairman of the town Lake Advisory Committee, and Larson has been a political observer. Commissioner Jerry Legge will serve his seventh term. Also in Hope Mills, 57 percent of the 1,000 voters favored a ballot issue authorizing the on-premises sale of malt beverages.

    Spring Lake Mayor Chris Rey retired. Mayor Pro Tem Larry Dobbins becomes the new chief executive. Incumbent Aldermen James O’Garra, Fredricka Sutherland and James Christian remain on the board. Political newcomers Jackie Jackson and Sona Cooper fill out the five-member board of aldermen. In Stedman, Martin “Mardy” Jones was elected mayor. Jon Wayne Mosley and Paul Pirro won election to the board of commissioners.

    In the newly-incorporated town of Eastover, Charles G. McLaurin won his unopposed election for mayor. Retired educator Lawrence Buffaloe, Bruce Sykes and Randy Lee were elected to the town council.

    In Wade, longtime mayor Joe Dixon was unopposed. Johnny Lanthorn, Kenny Griffin, Ray Edwards, John Nunnery and Johnny Sawyer will serve on the board of commissioners.

    Marie Butler will stay on as mayor of Linden. Barbara Denning, Larry Overby, Bobby Garner, Ronnie Maness and Frances Collier were elected to the Linden Board of Commissioners.

    Willie Burnett was re-elected mayor of Godwin. Town commissioners include Donald McIntyre, George Cooper Jr., Ronald McNeil and Darold Dugger.

    And in Falcon, Clifton Turpin Jr. was re-elected mayor. Wiley Clark, Jerry Lucas Sr., Rayford Dunning and John Gipson were elected to the board of commissioners. Gipson was a write-in candidate.

     

  •  

    07fayairportFayetteville airport gets a makeover

    A multimillion-dollar renovation of Fayetteville Regional Airport is underway. It’s the first major makeover of the local airport in more than 30 years, although smaller improvements were made in 1999, 2003 and 2006. Renovations will begin with the demolition of the original Concourse A, which is still in use. It was built in 1969. The replacement Concourse A will include two second level jet bridges with a ground-loading gate to provide direct service access to aircraft.

    This first phase of the terminal renovation willcost $17.6 million in federal, state and airport funds. The bulk of it, nearly $14 million, is part of an estimated $30 million in Federal Aviation Administration grants awarded the airport by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Renovations will also include replacement and relocation of the restaurant, which will be designed to primarily serve flight passengers.

    The total project is tentatively divided into three phases. Additional value engineering must be completed to determine final project costs, said Airport Director Brad Whited. The Fayetteville Regional Airport services 500,000 customers annually. This portion of the renovation project is expected to take 18 months. The travelers will not be affected by the work.

    Firefighting danger

    Municipal and rural firefighters deal with hazardous situations each time they respond to alarms. Some fires are preventable and should never have occurred. A case in point was a mobile home fire off Wildwood Drive in West Fayetteville last week. It was the third fire in the trailer since early summer.

    “The mobile home was the subject of a fire in July with minor exterior damage,” said city spokesman Nathan Walls. The blaze on July 1 gutted the mobile home, rendering it uninhabitable, said Fire Marshall Michael Martin.

    Firefighters returned to the Lafayette Plantation Mobile Home Park the next day to extinguish a blaze that apparently was rekindled from the day before. Utilities were pulled at that time, Martin said.

    “Structures determined to be dangerous are set for hearings, and subsequent orders to repair or demolish them may be issued,” Walls said. “We initiated a substandard building hearing and subsequent order to repair with a compliance date of Jan. 23, 2018.”

    The city’s governing council must eventually issue the order to remove the burned-out hulk. Last week, the trailer flared up again, and was fully engulfed in flames when first responders from Fire Station 12 arrived.

    “This doublewide was vacant... and because of the previous fires, a defensive attack was used to gain control,... which provided for a safer entry to confirm no one was present,” said Battalion Chief David Hargis, who was the fire scene commander. Hargis said none of his firefighters were hurt.

    A look at city committees

    Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson started installing committees soon after he took office four years ago. Since then, he’s established several standing committees of council members.

    When Robertson served on city council in the 1990s, the body had a few working committees. So far, the mayor has created eight committees. Robertson appointed himself to five of the small groups, which number from three to five members. Three committees are hybrid groups to include PWC representatives. One also includes a county commissioner.

    Robertson appointed Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Colvin to four committees and named him chairman of two of them. Councilman Bill Crisp sits on five committees. Councilmen Chalmers McDougald and Larry Wright have one committee assignment each.

    Whether Mayor-elect Colvin will continue the practice remains to be seen. There’s a ninth committee, but it’s been around for nearly 10 years and determines citizen appointments to various municipal boards and commissions. It was the only standing committee prior to Robertson taking office.

    The other groups deal with such issues as the parks and recreation bond spending, the baseball stadium, city-county emergency communications, fleet maintenance, city-county sales tax, Shaw Heights annexation, gateway beautification and city auditing.

    Combatting addiction one step at a time

    A small Moore County firm may have a solution to part of the country’s ongoing opioid epidemic. DisposeRx Inc. of Southern Pines has developed a compound that, when combined with water, virtually destroys unused and unwanted prescription drugs. It becomes a biodegradable goo that makes the meds impossible to use. And, they can be thrown in the trash.

    Taking prescription opioids non-medically is considered one of the ways people get addicted to drugs. Unwanted or expired prescriptions are an easy source for those wanting to abuse medications, according to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

    “Our passion is to find a way to stop this cycle of addiction,” John Holaday, the company’s co-founder, said. His concept is to include a packet of DisposeRx with each prescription when it’s picked up from the pharmacy. It only costs $1.50. Ten thousand of the packets have already been distributed.

    In North Carolina, more than 12,000 people died from opioid-related overdoses between 1999 and 2016, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. “It’s important to get these drugs out of circulation,” said Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., whose district includes Southern Pines.

    Passing of a true public servant

    Hope Mills has lost a longtime town commissioner. Mayor Pro Tem Robert “Bob” Gorman Sr., 71, died Nov. 4. Gorman served on the Town Board of Commissioners for 14 years. He was a 24-year Air Force veteran.

    “He really was a great man,” said Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner, who regarded Gorman as a close friend and professional colleague. Gorman was a native of Wilmington and later lived in Asheville before settling in Hope Mills.

     

  • 02PubPenThis is a time of year, with Thanksgiving drawing near, when many of us spend time reflecting on our lives and counting our blessings. It’s true, we live in interesting times; some would even say troubling times. Headlines report rising tensions around the globe with the spotlight currently shining on the Middle East, North Korea, Russia and, of course, the ongoing battle against terrorism. An avalanche of sex scandals continues to break with new accusations against various high-profile personalities released almost daily. Recurring mass shootings and continued political strife continue to plague our country. Still, there are many reasons to give thanks.

    One of the things we at Up & Coming Weekly are thankful for is you, our reader.

    For more than two decades, we’vehad the privilege of bringing you good news and positive coverage of the greater Fayetteville and Cumberland County area. Because of you, we get to seek out the goodness, promote the generosity of our citizens and share the facts that counter the naysayers and prove the haters wrong and misinformed. Because of you, we get to tell this community’s story. We bring you the unbridled truth about the people, businesses and organiza- tions working hard to make Cumberland County a better place.

    It’s no secret that the print media indus- try is struggling. Subscriptions are down across the country, and many publications – both nationally and locally – are fighting just to keep their doors open. Even iconic publications like Vogue and Rolling Stone have felt the change with the former losing its editor of more than 25 years and the lat- ter preparing to hang a “for sale” sign on its door. In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that national publishing giant Gatehouse Media bought the family-owned The Fayetteville Observer, North Carolina’s oldest newspaper. So, we are feeling it here, too.

    It is mostly the daily, subscription- based newspapers feeling the brunt of this trend. Up & Coming Weekly is a free weekly community publication and doesn’t rely on paid subscriptions. We focus on the local community and rely on “demand” distribution at more than 500 locations in Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Hope Mills and other places in Cumberland County. This means Up & Coming Weekly readers “demand” the publication and search it out. In addition, many enjoy it conveniently online.

    Because you continue to pick up our paper around town and read it online, we get to continue celebrating the goodness and uniqueness of this community while discussing the most important issues that affect quality of life locally. We get to sup- port local nonprofits, engage with community advocates, promote high-quality events and share the meaningful stories that make this community special. Thank you for giving us that opportunity. It feels good to serve a community that allows us the opportunity to walk on the sunny side of the street.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from the staff at Up & Coming Weekly.

  •  

    • Nov. 4-12 Heroes Homecoming V at the Hope Mills Public Library, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 4 is the first day of a nine-day ceremonious event to honor veterans. The focus will be on Vietnam veterans. Visit www.heroeshomecoming.com for more information. All Heroes Homecoming events are free and open to the public.

    • Nov. 4 - 12 Cumberland County’s display of Missing Man Tables The public is invited to tour these tables, thank the businesses participating and – most importantly – honor our MIA/POW soldiers. Visit  www.heroeshomecoming.com for details.

    • Nov. 8 Veteran Movie Extravaganza  Millstone 14 on Camden Road in Hope Mills will honor veterans by presenting an evening of military-themed movies. The event is free for veterans and their families. The event begins at 4 p.m., and space is limited. Call  (910) 354-2124 for more information.

    • Nov. 10 Building Dedication Ceremony by VFW Post 10630 honoring retired CW4 Edwin S. Deaver, former Hope Mills mayor and commissioner.

    • Nov. 11 Veterans Day event at VFW Post 10630 3-5 p.m. Call (910) 424-4555 for details.

    • Dec. 2 Hope Mills Christmas Parade starting at 3 p.m. at Hope Mills Middle School and ending at Rockfish Elementary School. Call (910) 426-4109 for details.

    • Dec. 2 Christmas in the Village directly after the Hope Mills Christmas Parade. Free train rides, hot cocoa, cookies, a visit with Santa and an outdoor Christmas movie at the Hope Mills Town Hall, 5770 Rockfish Rd. Call  (919) 426-4109 for more information. 

    • Dec. 9 Breakfast with Santa at Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center from 8:30-11 a.m. $6 per person. Menu includes pancakes, sausage, bacon, eggs and juice. Call  (910) 426-4109 to RSVP no later than Nov. 27.

    • Dec. 16 First Annual Dinner and Dance with Santa at Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. $20 per couple, $10 per additional person. Call (910) 426-4109 to RSVP no later than Dec. 4.

     

  •  

    12VeteransWhen is the last time you thanked a veteran for serving and sacrificing? This is the time of year when we, as Americans, are given an opportunity to show our gratitude to those who have served and are currently serving in our military. America was founded upon the lives of those who fought for the freedoms that we partake of every day. We have been in numerous wars and have lost many soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors. And it’s not just the ones who serve or who have served that sacrifice. The families and loved ones sacrifice also.

    Each veteran has a story to tell, whether he or she fought overseas or remained to protect the homeland. Each signed the anticipated “dotted line” and knew there was a chance they would be called away and not make it back home.

    The American military has been met with honor and appreciation when returning from all wars since King George’s War (1744-1748). All except the veterans of the Vietnam War. These veterans, like all veterans, did as they were told – going overseas to fight a war at the behest of the president and Congress. When they returned, they were met with disdain, anger and physical abuse such as being spat on and kicked and beaten. Some chose to move overseas and are still there to this day because of the lack of respect from the country they diligently served. For the ones who returned, they have struggled to gain the respect they rightfully deserve.

    Richard Maury joined the Army in 1965 and served in Vietnam. He explained how every unit was responsible for helping the local community’s orphanages, hospitals and other civilian facilities. Maury recounted how a young Vietnamese mother was carrying her baby and decided to use herself and her child as suicide bombers. Maury has post-traumatic stress disorder and can easily empathize with fellow military servicemen and women. He gives credit to his wife for standing by him and loving him throughout the healing process. He, along with countless others, suffers from the effects of Agent Orange – the toxic chemical the U.S. government used to kill the foliage in the jungles. This chemical caused a lot of health issues with the troops – including cancer.

    Maury has dedicated much of his life to helping other veterans. He is a member of several veterans’ associations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Association of Vietnam Veterans of America. While living in Colorado, Maury helped to bury over 20 Vietnam veterans a week due to suicide. Many of these veterans were loners. Maury believes there is great opportunity within Hope Mills to grow awareness of veterans’ needs.

    James Clark joined the Army in 1968 and was shot at while circling over Saigon while landing for his first tour. He was on a small jet that carried 260 people. He was warned to “get out fast” and go straight to the bunker. He served two tours in Vietnam – 26 months total.

    Clark also has health issues caused by Agent Orange. He said, “I’ve had 15 things wrong with me at one time or another, and every one of them is Agent Orange-related.”

    Although he has dementia, Clark can vividly remember the details of his time served. When asked if he lost any of his comrades, he broke down in tears. He was proud to serve. His father served, and his son followed in his footsteps. As a collector of American Eagle statues, his home is beautifully decorated with numerous statues with the American symbol wrapped in the U.S. Flag. Clark is also a member of the VFW.

    Michael Grilley was a military planner during the Gulf War. He served one tour as a soldier and the rest as a civilian as a government contractor. Grilley retired as a Sgt. 1st Class. He trained soldiers before they headed to war. He made sure that they knew what to do, how to do it and when to do it. He spoke of how enemy fire was not the only thing that kept a soldier from coming home, but how failure to respect equipment took lives. “My fear was that if I (wouldn’t) train you properly and you leave here and not be prepared to go to battle,” Grilley said.

    He knew he was the last one to give instruction before the soldiers left, and he took that to heart. “I wore that uniform with pride. Every time I put it on, I was proud,” Grilley said. He, Maury and Clark are on the board for Heroes Homecoming in Hope Mills, which raises awareness of Vietnam veterans, those declared missing in action and prisoners of war and explains the importance of respecting the sacrifices that the military make daily. The initiative also helps organize placement for the “Missing Man” tables on display throughout the community and so much more. Grilley is also a member of the VFW.

    Whether you agree with war or not, veterans deserve our respect. They don’t just sacrifice time. They sacrifice health. They sacrifice limbs. Some sacrifice their lives. Many never made it home because they were declared missing in action or were taken as prisoners of war.

    When you see Old Glory waving in the breeze or spot an eagle flying high, remember that those symbols represent the men and women who have given so much for us to enjoy our freedoms. On this Veteran’s Day, thank a veteran. He or she would appreciate it.

    It was an honor to speak with these gentlemen – these soldiers who provided a way for my family and myself to be able to do what I do every day … live in freedom.

     

  • We Americans talk a big game when it comes to electing our public decision makers. Every election that rolls around is accompanied by calls for change, for moving our city, county, state and nation forward, and sometimes even “throw the bums out.”  

    That rarely happens.  We rarely walk the walk.

    Take our community’s recent municipal elections. We faithfully re-elected our incumbents, with the exception of one new Fayetteville City Council member who joins the city board because the incumbent chose not to seek re-election. It was pretty much the same story across North Carolina’s larger cities, with a couple of notable changes. For reasons unique to their communities, Charlotte and Chapel Hill elected new mayors, and Chapel Hill also replaced two council members.  Voters there must be on a tear. So why, I wonder, is incumbency such an advantage?

    111115_margaret.png

    Part of it is simply that we are more likely to know the names of incumbents than the names of their challengers. Part of it can be summed up in that old saw about “the devil we know as opposed to the devil we do not.” And part of it is just old-fashioned laziness. Too many of us do not make the effort to get out of bed, off the sofa, push open the car door, much less to pay attention to the quality of government we are getting or how challengers might want to improve it.

    Mine is a tired lament, one that surfaces after most elections. No one seems to know how to light the fire of civic engagement in Americans both as voters and as willing candidates. As long as we cannot, though, we will pretty much get what we deserve.

    At the risk of confirming paranoia, my cell phone is stalking me.  

    I recently downloaded an update, as I regularly do with my fingers crossed and with great hope that the update is not some hideous cyber bomb, and my phone is now tracking my movements.

    Example.  

    Not that I asked it, but my phone now informs me how far it is from wherever I might be back to my house. If I drive downtown to the library, return and check out items, then get back into the car, my phone beeps and tells me that there is moderate traffic and it will take me 8 minutes to get home.  

    Ditto for the grocery store.

    Ditto if I go out of town and even out of state.

    It apparently does not occur to my cell phone that I might not go directly home, that I might have errands to run, meetings to attend, people to visit, movies to see.

    I think my phone is descended from world-class homing pigeons.  

    I can only hope it is not psychic.

    The Dickson household had no trick or treaters on Halloween, probably because there are few children in our mature neighborhood. Halloween is nevertheless the fastest growing American holiday, with almost $7 billion — yes, with a B — expended on costumes for children and adults. Facebook was consumed by photographs of people dressed in everything from French maid outfits to aliens from outer space, often accompanied by children dressed like monkeys, which seemed to be this year’s go-to costume for little ones. 

    Now comes Thanksgiving with its famously fattening and always-delicious home-cooked feasts and family extravaganzas — I am hungry just writing about it!

    Then on to Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, both fun and festive and deeply meaningful.  

    Where did 2015 go?

    Finally, from the “Where On God’s Green Earth Were This Man’s Parents?” department.

    Earlier this month, I rushed to meet a friend for lunch at a local restaurant.  I — mistakenly, as it turned out—thought she was already inside, so I swung open the restaurant door and headed in at the very same time a younger man headed out with the heft and deliberation of an aircraft carrier. Call me a naïve and foolish old Southern lady, but I must have assumed he would yield to a much older woman.

    Silly me in the uncivil world of 2015.

    Not only did the youngish man — maybe 35 — not yield, he slammed his shoulder into mine and kept going without looking at me. As he past by, eyes rigidly ahead, he snarled out of the side of his mouth, “Get your a*& out of my way, b#$*&!”

    Talk about being stopped in one’s tracks with one’s mouth agape!

    Not only has no one ever spoken to me like that, I doubt my grandmother ever heard those words at all.

    The times have changed, indeed.

  •  

    07BetterHealthNovember is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is the sixth-leading cause of death in Cumberland County. One out of 10 North Carolinians are diagnosed with diabetes, and one out of five may have diabetes and not be aware that they have it. Better Health presents its fifth annual Red Apple Run for Diabetes Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Medical Arts Center at 8:30 a.m.

    “This is a fundraiser for Better Health and our charitable programs. We want to help raise funds to support the programs that we offer to the community,” said Amy Navejas, executive director of Better Health. “But at the same time, we really wanted to have something that was applicable to what we believe in and what our mission is – and that is health.” Navejas added this event was the perfect opportunity to combine the two by presenting an opportunity for individuals to get out and get active.

    The run features three races: a 5K run, a 10K run and the fun run. “This is our fifth Red Apple Run, and we will have a little something for everybody at all different levels,” said Navejas. “We are going to have the 10K run, which goes through historic Haymount, a 5K run, and we will also do a one-miler called the Haymount Hill Climb.”

    Navejas added that the one-milers will get participation ribbons and the others will receive medals for first, second and third place winners in their age categories.

    A DJ will be on-site as well as a variety of healthy food.     

    The event is called the Red Apple Run for Diabetes because one of Better Health’s biggest programs is its diabetes management program. “In this program we offer clinics in our office three days a week where individuals can come and meet with a nurse and get educated on different topics related to diabetes,” said Navejas. “We bring in guest speakers, and we try to be very thorough. We also have diabetic supplies that we can offer for low-income clients, and we check blood sugar.”      

    Diabetes is a complicated condition, and often people need that extra support. “It is hard to manage diabetes on your own, and we want to help individuals to get better at doing that and give them those tools to help work with their doctor,” said Navejas. “Our goal is to raise $23,000. We are excited and look forward to an outpour of community support.” 

    Registration for the 5K is $25, the 10K is $35, the fun run is $20, and it is $15 for children ages 10 and under. Prices go up after Nov. 9. Free screenings for diabetes are available at Better Health’s weekly clinics.

    For more information, call  (910) 483-7534.

     

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    06CallCenterAt a recent meeting, Cumberland County Commissioners indicated they were prepared to settle an issue that has confounded Fayetteville City Council for weeks. Commission Chairman Glenn Adams said at a meeting of the joint 911 Task Force that the county had agreed to let the city operate the planned $30 million center. But, the financial formula was changed by county officials when they agreed to let the city run the facility.

    Deputy City Manager Kristoff Bauer and Assistant County Manager Tracy Jackson have been the principle negotiators. Bauer said Jackson’s position is constrained by the board of commissioners.

    “We do a disservice to the citizens of our community if we don’t move this thing forward,” Adams said. Commissioners want funding percentages for the center’s operation to be based on the pro rata share of population between the city and county. All parties agree it comes down to a 64/36 population split with Fayetteville shouldering the larger share.

    “This is as close as it’s ever been,” said City Manager Doug Hewett, referring to the back and forth between agencies.

    The details are contained in a 16page interlocal agreement that the jurisdictions have yet to agree on. The agencies aren’t far apart on percentages of operational expenses. But a city council subcommittee continues to propose that the cost of construction be based on calls for emergency services, not the formula the county has proposed. An acceptable formula the council subcommittee agreed to would cost the city $7.8 million with the county’s share being $5.2 million.

    “We’re bending over for that,” Committee Chairman Bobby Hurst said. “We could play hardball, but we can iron this out with the county,” he added.

    The subcommittee, comprised of Hurst, Councilwoman Kathy Jensen and Mayor Nat Robertson, voted 3-0 in favor of both funding formulas. The local governing bodies hope the State 911 Board of Directors will award local government $15 million toward construction of the communications center, which would be built on cityowned property off Fields Road.

    There are still some ambiguities in the proposed agreement, noted Bauer, such as the structure of the communications center’s advisory governing board. However, all parties are in agreement that the city and county managers would have final responsibility for decision-making.

    A grant application to the state for partial construction funding must be submitted by the city of Fayetteville no later than Dec. 15. An application submitted two months ago was turned down because the agreement outlining which local government would be the lead entity was not included in the application. In counties where joint centers have been established, such as Wake and Guilford, the cities of Raleigh and Greensboro were designated as the lead agencies with operational responsibility.

     

  • 05NewsAdmitted deserter goes free

    The commander in chief of the U.S. military wasn’t at all pleased with a Fort Bragg judge’s decision to spare Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl from serving a prison sentence. Bergdahl pleaded guilty to deserting his post in Afghanistan in 2009.

    “The decision on Sgt. Bergdahl is a complete and total disgrace to our Country and to our Military,” President Donald Trump tweeted. Bergdahl won’t serve time in prison for endangering his comrades by walking off his Afghanistan post, the military judge ruled. Army Col. Jeffery R. Nance sentenced Bergdahl to forfeit $10,000 in pay, a reduction in rank to private E-1 and a dishonorable discharge, barring him from receiving any medical or other benefits entitled to most veterans.

    Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban and endured brutal captivity for five years before President Barack Obama struck a deal to release the captured soldier in exchange for Taliban prisoners. Immediately after he was captured, the U.S. military conducted a massive search operation that resulted in the deaths of six American soldiers. Trump called Bergdahl a “no-good traitor who should have been executed” last year, during his presidential campaign. The president’s remarks could have played into Nance’s decision, although he publicly denied it.

    Panhandling unresolved

    Some Fayetteville City Council members were disappointed at the last meeting that the administration hadn’t recommended changes to the city’s panhandling ordinance. City attorney Karen MacDonald gave members some options based on what other North Carolina cities are doing. But, she said recommendations won’t be forthcoming until January. MacDonald, who reports directly to city council, wanted more council input and apparently needs time to research the law further.

    Council members Bill Crisp and Chalmers McDougald like the idea of arresting people who give beggars money. They suggested fines and jail time for them. Councilman Jim Arp wants the city to launch an educational, public service outreach in the community asking people not to give panhandlers money.

    Judicial review of alleged gerrymandering

    The federal court has appointed a special master, Stanford Law professor Nathaniel Persily, to review proposed legislative districts from the latest Republican district map, which Democrats charge is just another gerrymander. The action suggests that the federal court believes the Republican Party is still illegally drawing districts based on race.

    In its court order, the judges named Persily to sample and review North Carolina House districts in Sampson, Wayne, Wake, Guilford and Mecklenburg counties to address concerns that these districts failed to remedy the identified constitutional violation or are otherwise legally unacceptable. The judges and Persily will review the legality of the districts in question. The courts concluded earlier that districts mapped in 2011 were drawn for the sole purpose of facilitating and ensuring a Republican majority in the General Assembly, disenfranchising thousands of voters in the process.  

    Fayetteville police commander arrested

    A city police captain has been charged by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office with failing to report her husband’s recent sex offender violations. William Augurson, 47, is a registered sex offender. He allegedly violated terms of his registration by unlawfully attending at least three events on protected premises, said Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Sean Swain. The events were primarily intended for children, he said. Augurson’s wife, Captain Tracy Bass-Caine, attended the events with him and, “being a law enforcement officer with the Fayetteville Police Department had an obligation to report this offense,” Swain said. Bail bonds for both were set at $30,000. Police spokesman, Lt. Todd Joyce, said Bass-Caine had been suspended with pay.

    Another Green Beret death  – this time, murder

    Two Navy SEALs are suspects in the murder of a Fort Bragg Green Beret who was assigned to the western African nation of Mali. It’s the same part of West Africa where four other Fort Bragg special operators were ambushed and killed while on a surreptitious support mission in Niger. The Pentagon identified the fallen soldier as Staff Sgt. Logan J. Melgar, 34, of Fort Bragg’s elite 3rd Special Forces Group. The Army’s Criminal Investigation Command said he was strangled in a June 4 attack and was found dead in his hotel room in Mali’s capital of Bamako.Military medical examiners determined the cause of death was “homicide by asphyxiation,” The New York Times reported, citing unnamed military sources.

    There have been five U.S. combat deaths this year in Africa – four in Niger and one in Somalia. Those are the only cases in which U.S. forces have been killed in action during the past 10 years, according to AFRICOM. There have been numerous other noncombat deaths attributed to malarial infection, driving accidents, and now, murder.

    The Navy SEAL Team 6 members were quietly taken out of the country and placed in military custody on administrative leave, the Times reported. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service is now leading the investigation, according to U.S. Africa Command. These incidents have provoked questions in Washington. Members of Congress have voiced complaints that they are ill-informed about military activities in the region, some admitting that they were unaware of special forces’ involvement in many parts of the world.

  • 11-23-11-pitt.jpgLet us contemplate the fl eeting nature of power. Case in point — Italy. I will miss Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian Prime Minister. Silvio loved wine, women and deficit spending. He was a major party animal. Because the Euro was going to heck in a hand basket, the Italians dumped Silvio. The B-man was as colorful as an explosion in a Paas Easter Egg dye plant. The guy rocked. The Italians replaced him with Mario Monti, a boring dignified financial technocrat dude who is the spitting image of Mr. Peanut.

    Many moons ago as a Boy Scout, I went to Camp Durant, a Scout camp in northern Raleigh, every summer. You had to pass the Planter’s Peanut store to get there. The store had a guy dressed up in full Mr. Peanut garb dancing on the side of the road. Mr. Peanut waved to you as you rode by. This naturally set off a chorus of “Please stop at the peanut store!” from the Scouts in the back seat. Mr. Peanut is a dapper legume, sporting a top hat, fancy walking cane and a monocle. The new Italian premier looks just like Mr. Peanut without the personality. The Italians are still playing a shell game with the Euro.

    I lost track of Mr. Peanut over the years. The last I heard, Mr. Peanut had moved to the Gray Havens Retirement Home in Lakeland, Fla., where he was living with his long-time companion Bilbo Baggins and their aging blind pet, Tony the Tiger. Frankly, I thought Mr. Peanut had passed away. I was overjoyed to see Mr. Peanut pulled out of retirement to become the Prime Minister of Italy.

    Once again, as Mr. Rogers would say, “It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” We truly live in the best of all possible worlds. There is so much fascinating stuff going on right now. I identify with my favorite Republican Presidential Candidate, Herman Cain, who told the TV cameras after fl ubbing a Libya question, that he has all sorts of things “Whirling around in my mind.” Don’t we all have stuff whirling around in our minds? The Herminator has it all: lots of ladies who adore him and a new found knowledge that the Red Chinese have had nuclear weapons for about 50 years. That’s a lot to keep up with. No wonder Herman had some issues with deciding whether he agreed with President Obi’s action in “that Libya.” The Herminator’s policy pronouncements should have taken some of the heat off poor Rick Perry, but they just haven’t helped our Texas friend.

    As Frank Costanza said, all this Republican colorfulness has resulted in the road kill formerly known as Newt Gingrich “rising like a Phoenix from Arizona” into a tie with Mitt Romney for the Republican Presidential nomination. The Newt is back, baby! Mitt is still steady as he goes, but the Newtron bomb is trying to replace him at the top of the Republican heap. All of these Republican debates are like MacBeth said, “full of sound and fury, a tale told by an idiot, signifying nothing.” The debates don’t matter. Their campaigns don’t matter. It’s Mitt’s turn to be the nominee. The Republicans always choose the guy whose turn it is to be the nominee. On that you can rely.

    Mitt is going to be there like it or not. But the once beloved Joe Paterno is gone. The Penn State fans in Unhappy Valley rioted on behalf of a guy who apparently knew about child abuse for almost 10 years. Some might think it odd to rally behind a cover up of child sexual abuse, but Jo Pa was King. As we all know, the King can do no wrong. It’s called the doctrine of Sovereign Impunity. The mess that is the Penn State football empire is hideous.

    Enough about Jo Pa’s troubles. He has strutted and fretted his hour upon the stage and then is heard no more. Let us instead close with a touching poem about a suicidal peanut:

    “A peanut lay upon a railroad track

    His heart was all aflutter

    A train came down the railroad track

    Toot, toot

    Peanut butter.”

  • Boys and Girls!  Attention, Please!11-06-13-margaret.gif

    You and I are among the 300-million plus Americans who are sick to death of the dysfunction in our United States Congress. That is basically all of us except those too young to get it or too old to care any more.

    Our latest government shutdown was the straw that broke my patient camel’s back, and I will not beat that poor camel any more. All I have to say about that is that our collective frustration is not over yet, only postponed. The federal government is funded only for another two months, and the debt ceiling will have to be revisited before Feb. 7.

    Are you dreading the next round as much as I am?There was one bright spot for me and for syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker among others during what Scarlett O’Hara might have described as the “recent unpleasantness.” While men in the Senate, both Democrats and Republicans, bickered and postured and called each other names, several women Senators, again both Democrats and Republicans, rolled up their sleeves, sat down together, and tackled the work at hand. It did not escape notice that while Harry Reid (D-Nevada) and Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) patted themselves on the backs and announced the eventual deal, its framework had been put together by a group of women Senators who avoided blustering and just did it

    .No lesser light than longtime Republican Senator and former Presidential candidate John McCain confessed, “Leadership, I must fully admit, was provided by women in the Senate.”

    Why am I not surprised?

    Like Congress, the membership of the North Carolina General Assembly and all other state legislatures is largely male. There are many reasons for this. Originally only white, male property owners were eligible to serve, women and minorities have a tougher time raising the money necessary to run successful campaigns, and, more nebulously, women approached to run for elective office are more likely to ask “Why me?” while men are more likely to ask “Why not me?”

    The reality, though, is that women make excellent legislators at all levels, just as a group of senators has just demonstrated.

    Women serving in elective office is often discussed in terms of fairness. People making public policy should reflect our population, including women, blacks, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans, all of whom are represented in our increasingly diverse society. Office holders at the policy making table should look like the rest of our community.That is only fair and equitable, we say, but it is also smart politics, good business and it promotes economic development.Women make up more than 50 percent of our state and nation’s populations and now represent 57 percent of college enrollments. In many instances, women are outperforming our male counterparts in the academic arena.

    In the political arena, not so much.Only 22 percent of the 535 members of our United States Congress are women. In North Carolina, things are one percent better, but that percentage is down from the last decade. Stunningly, the United States ranks 91st in the world in electing women to a congress or a parliament.

    People in other countries must look at this and think, “Really?”I look at this and cannot help but think that some of our worst messes, like what we just suffered through with Congress, relect this disparity.

    My experience is that women are not necessarily better legislators and policy makers than men. Some are and some are not. Individuals, regardless of gender, bring different skills and talents to any endeavor. All of us, both men and women, excel some of the time, fail some of the time and are mediocre some of the time.

    Women do bring different life experiences to the public policy table. We have lived life from different perspectives than men, and our skills are often more consensus-oriented than executive decrees. Our voices enrich the public conversation as study after study continues to show. Studies also show that women are perceived as less corrupt and more collaborative than our male counterparts, which has got to be a plus in the current highly charged partisan atmosphere.

    Columnist Kathleen Parker wrote recently about the positive role of women senators in resolving our latest government shutdown and referenced the old adage, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” I hope that is true and that the reverse is also true.

    But here is how Parker ended her column

    .“…may many more women invade the congresses and white houses of their states and nation to practice and teach the arts of compromise. And let it be said hereafter that behind every great woman is…probably a bunch of other great women.”

    Well worth thinking about as we head into the political battlefields of 2014.

    Photo: Like Congress, the membership of the North Carolina General Assembly and all other state legislatures is largely male.

  • Election Aftermath11-13-13-letter-to-editor.gif

    This past week’s local election should be a lesson to some unsuccessful candidates. Keep an eye on your rear view mirror if you have political history or baggage that could prove unhelpful. Specifically, in the ridiculous candidacy of former town commissioner Tonzie Collins, Mr. Collins found out that the voters of Hope Mills do not forgive and they do not forget. To his embarrassment he trailed the field. Maybe it was because Hope Mills’ taxpayers did not want to continue to deal with Tonzie’s questionable behavior and the possible liability it could present to the town if it reoccurred. Or maybe Tonzie’s poor showing was because Hope Mills voters did not want their town to be the joke of Cumberland County. So Tonzie should look to new jurisdictions if he wants to be an electable politician. Somewhere in Alaska would be a likely place to start. But, in fairness there was something positive about ol’ Tonzie. For those who read the newspaper for amusement and enjoyment, his antics did provide that. On the other hand, late news has it that Matt Hoerner who garnered more votes than hard campaigning Tonzie is 12,000 or so miles away and thus may find attending Board of Commissioners meetings difficult. So Tonzie could, by default, be back.

    Then came loser Curtis Worthy. A former city of Fayetteville council person whose most memorable accomplishment was to vote for the annexation of 27 square miles of Cumberland County to the city. This was against the will of 40,000 residents of that area and they have not forgiven and will never forget. Worthy had opportunities during his campaign to throw himself on the mercy of the annexed voters’ court. But he chose not to, apparently convinced in his own mind that he had done a great thing supporting the disastrous forced annexation. What is somewhat inexplicable is that Worthy is an accountant and a tax expert. As such, he should have at once, when the annexation was proposed, insisted that the numbers be analyzed for accuracy. He should have seen that the additional ad valorem tax revenues from the annexed areas would not offset the additional costs and liabilities that the annexed areas presented to the city. A thoughtful elected official should have listened closely to the warnings given by PWC regarding the impossibility of providing water and sewer to the new city areas in a timely manner — but he did not. These shortcomings in his past live after him and he now should understand that his political ambitions will never be realized again in the city of Fayetteville.

    Val Applewhite lost an election that, by all reasonable reckoning she should have won handily. Her history as a city council person was satisfactory but her behavior during city council sessions did not serve her well. Val has a style and temperament not unlike New Jersey’s Governor, Chris Christie. They both can be abrasive and contentious at times. But the problem for Val was and is that Fayetteville is not New Jersey and what wears well in New Jersey is seen as generally offensive here. Her demonstrated hubris before and during the campaign played into the hands of her opponent. She failed to capture solid support of African-American voters, some of whom found her council behavior disrespectful and unseemly for a sitting council member. But her most damaging error as she planned her run for mayor was to make a public opponent of the incumbent mayor, Tony Chavonne, who made his preference for his successor known in the final stages of the campaign with a well distributed letter. That endorsement of Nat Robertson tipped the scales away from Val. Most likely, she will be back on the local political scene — perhaps the wiser from her unsuccessful experience as a candidate for mayor of the city of Fayetteville.

    Photo: David G. Wilson

  • The Shot Heard Round City Hall

    In the Oct. 22 issue of Up & Coming Weekly, Publisher Bill Bowman wrote an editorial that ricocheted throughout Fayetteville City Hall. The editorial, titled “Voorhees Vigilantes: Lemmings in Pursuit of the Golden Goose,” discussed the law suit pending between the City of Fayetteville and PWC. More specifically, it discussed the money grab for PWC funds by City Manager Ted Voorhees.

    Bowman has never been shy about expressing his opinions, which often cause a great deal of debate within the community. People either love them or hate them, which usually results in spirited discussion between the local citizenry and their elected leaders. That kind of discussion makes for an involved and informed community. In this case, Manager Voorhees was not amused and acted quickly to try and silence Bowman and Up & Coming Weekly in a move that flies in face of the 1st Amendment and its establishment of a free press that is not controlled or stifled by the government.

    Voorhees’ retaliation for Bowman’s editorial was swift, and came in the form of a letter from the city’s Corporate Communications Director Tracie Davis. The letter was short and to the point:11-19-14-pub-notes.gif

    “This letter is to inform you that as of October 29, 2014, the City of Fayetteville will be suspending its participation in Up & Coming Weekly for the foreseeable future. We will also cease publication of our bi-weekly FOCUS On Fayetteville section. Please remove any ads or sponsorships dealing with the City of Fayetteville from future editions of Up & Coming Weekly, beginning with the Nov. 5 issue.”

    No discussion. No warning. In the matter of a week, Up & Coming Weekly went from a valued city partner to persona non grata. And all of this was done by one man with no input or consent by the Fayetteville City Council. They, in fact, were blind sided by the move, and were unaware of it until Monday, Nov. 10, when I filed a public information request with the City of Fayetteville for all communications concerning Up & Coming Weekly. (A request that to date has not been fulfilled.)

    When Voorhees was questioned about this action by Mayor Nat Robertson during the city’s working meeting that night, Voorhees stumbled over his words. Trying to explain his actions by first saying the city was reviewing all media partnerships, but eventually getting to the point, noting “Recently, it’s come to our attention again whether this is a vehicle (UCW) that is providing value. It’s clearly got an editorial bias that doesn’t seem to be supportive of the city — I don’t know if we need to be participating in that.”

    Did you catch that? If the newspaper doesn’t agree with the city, then the city should not “participate” in the newspaper. Mr. Voorhees, do you realize what you said? We do. The community does. You basically said, “If we can’t control the paper, we will lock it out.”

    That, Mr. Voorhees, is the definition of the government trying to control the press. I am not alone in that belief. The North Carolina Press Association believes that, as does their legal staff. All freedom-loving citizens of Fayetteville will see your play for what it is: an attempt to silence the media and violate the First Amendment.

    Voorhees is now changing his talking point, questioning whether Up & Coming Weekly is a legitimate means of communicating with the community. He noted in the same meeting that while his staff hasn’t done any research on it, that they will. They just feel it isn’t a good partner.

    We can save the city staff time and money. The research has already been done by legitimate media review sources like the Circulation Verification Council, which is an independent, third-party reporting audit company that audits thousands of newspapers nationwide to give an accurate picture of a publication’s reach and market penetration. Up & Coming Weekly has top numbers throughout our community for its reach. It has been done by the Convention and Visitors Bureau awhile back, when its community survey found that Up & Coming Weekly was one of the most read publications in the community and source for news — beating out the daily newspaper. The research has been done by the myriad of community partners we have maintained throughout our 20 -year history.

    Mr. Voorhees, if you want to come at us, come at us with more than “feelings” and with something more than questioning our legitimacy. We are a legitimate newspaper. We have been proud members of the North Carolina Press Association for many years, with Publisher Bill Bowman sitting on its board, alongside Charles Broadwell, the publisher of The Fayetteville Observer.

    We have the numbers. We have the facts, and we’ve got your number, too. If you want to come at us, don’t do it by treading on the 1st Amendment. While you might not appreciate it, you are living in a community that is built on the backs of men and women who have fought, bled and died to defend our Constitution — and the freedom of the press.

  • 11_26_14-pubsnotes.gifCity managers are a unique group. They are all Type A personalities. They all have a need to control what’s going on around them, and, if they are smart, they should all learn how to play nice. That’s probably where most of them fail.I must disclose that at my first newspaper job, I worked in a town where the mayor was known for taking young town managers, fresh out of school, and developing them into some of the best city managers in the state.

    Just out of school myself and covering the city beat, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that most of those young managers were close friends of mine. After leaving my hometown, they went around the state to places like Woodfin,Wrightsville Beach,Mount Airy, Apex, Mooresville, Fletcher and Laurinburg. These guys are still my friends today. Together, we learned our craft even though it was sometimes painful because my job often required me to hold them accountable. So, I have a basis for what I am about to share, because I saw all of these young managers learn these lessons, sometimes the hard way.

    With apologies to Robert Fulghum, here are the things that city managers should have learned in kindergarten:

    1. Sticks and stones can break your bones but commentaries can never hurt you. That is unless you take it personally and react in a less than professional manner. You are in the public eye. Like a journalist, at any given time, a third of the people are going to like you, a third are going to hate you and a third just won’t care. You can’t let words goad you into acting in an irresponsible manner. When you do, you lose.

    2. Unlike your sandbox, in the real world, you can’t take your ball and go home. If someone does something that upsets you, you can’t, as a public administrator, decide that the person or agency just can’t play. You don’t have that option. That would be like a city administrator cutting off water to a town because they didn’t like what the city leaders did or said. You have to play nice, even when others aren’t so nice.

    3. Bullies will eventually meet their match. When you are the big kid on the playground and you think you hold all the cards, you have to remember that somewhere a little kid, who has had to fight long and hard just to be on the playground, is goingo get tired of being bullied. That kid is going to be smarter,tougher and a lot meaner than you are. And when you meet that kid, your best bet is to leave them alone.

    4. Honesty is always the best policy. In this electronic age everything you say, type, text and email can and will be held against you. Think no one can find your emails? Lois Lerner just learned differently. So don’t say or do anything that you need to hide and if you do something dumb, own up to it. People are more forgiving when you admit to an honest mistake than when you prevaricate.

    And finally, this is the first lesson that the mayor taught his young city managers.

    5. Never get into a fight with someone who buys their paper by the train load and their ink by the barrelful. You are going to lose because they are always, always going to have the last word!

  • Free Web Conference Helps Caregivers Tune into Trouble11-23-11-senior-corner.jpg

    It’s easy for busy family caregivers to overlook the subtle signs that a senior loved one needs assistance. But the holidays, when many return to their childhood homes with aging parents, can highlight those red flags.

    Signs of potential trouble can be evident in a senior’s home — such as spoiled food in the refrigerator and piles of unpaid bills — or personal indicators such as episodes of confusion or dirty and unkempt clothing.

    Here’s what several noted national caregiving experts had to say about the issue:

    Gail Hunt, the president and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving, said: “If you’re a long-distance caregiver, perhaps you haven’t seen your loved one in a while. You may notice some real differences since a few months ago. The hometown caregivers might not see the signs because they’re so busy and the changes are so subtle.”

    Countering senior resistance to assistance can be a challenge, added President and CEO of the National Family Caregivers Association Suzanne Mintz. “Family caregivers must recognize that their parents are adults and – unless there are cognitive or emotional problems – they can make their own decisions. We do not and should not become our parents’ parents. We must remember we will always be their children.”

    You can learn more about those signs by registering for the free Home for the Holidays web conference, moderated by a representative from the Home Instead Senior Care® network. The event will be hosted by the American Society on Aging, and co-sponsored by the National Family Caregivers Association and the National Alliance for Caregiving.

    The hour-long web conference will be available in the U.S. and Canada: Monday, Dec. 5, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Register by going to www.caregiverstress.com/familyeducation.

    The web conference will be moderated by Director of Strategic Alliances Mary Alexander of Home Instead, Inc., the franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care® network. Alexander is a family caregiver and a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA).

    Featured will be information about countering senior resistance to assistance as well as resources that can help family caregivers and senior care professionals.

    Following are 10 signs that a senior might need more help at home:

    1. A change in appearance or condition of the home. If Mom never cared much about her house, the fact that it’s a little messier than usual might not indicate a problem. However, if the house was always spotless and decked out for the holidays, a messy home might mean trouble is brewing.

    2. Clutter. Piles of magazines or clothing could be an indicator that an older adult needs more help.

    3. Dirty or unkempt clothing. Lack of interest in appearance can be a sign of depression in a senior.

    4. Unpaid bills. A pile of unpaid bills or correspondence is an alarm-ing sign that could require a family caregiver to intervene immediately in the best interest of a loved one.

    5. Fresh food replaced with junk food. A senior who loses interest in cooking sometimes resorts to junk food.

    6. Spoiled food in the fridge or freezer. Spoiled food could be an early sign that a senior no longer has an appetite and is not eating prop-erly.

    7. Bugs or rodents in the home. An older adult who no longer can clean a home properly may be vulnerable to bugs and rodents.

    8. Confusion. Disorientation could be a sign of dementia, a problem with a medication or another medical issue that needs to be assessed by a doctor.

    9. Unfilled prescriptions. Seniors could be forgetting to take their medications or cannot afford to refill them.
    10. Spills on floors and countertops.

    Older adults with mobility problems may no longer be able to clean up spills, reach high places to dust and change light bulbs, and bend under beds to take care of messes.Older adults often need help year-round, not just during the holidays. Professional caregivers are ready to assist with a variety of services including companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medi-cation reminders, running errands and shopping.

    Photo: The hour-long web con-ference will be available in the U.S. and Canada.

  • 11-30-11-bowles_erskine_9_06.jpgWe are following in the footsteps of Greece and Italy. Just like them, we have lost control of our nation’s budget, and along with them, our economy is tanking.
    Just like them, we have a bunch of people who are hooked on government subsidies and unwilling to give up any part of them. We also have a bunch of people who have the resources to contribute much more, but who are, like the Greeks who are wealthy, unwilling to give up anything.
    Our country, like theirs, is headed for a train wreck.
    You hear this kind of talk, don’t you? Like Thelma and Louise, we seem to be headed for a cliff, more ready to ride out — and crash — than we are to grab the steering wheel or push our foot down on the brakes.
    Our two political parties have strong partisan and tactical commitments that preclude a cooperative and pragmatic approach to the budget emergency and the shattered economy.
    Both political parties have only enough power to keep the other one from taking charge. Thus, neither political group has enough power to govern.
    Meanwhile in Greece, where the budget emergency is greater than in our country, the warring politicians have organized a coalition government and picked a “technocrat,” one respected by everyone, to lead the government as prime minister.
    A similar approach in Italy resulted in the recruitment of a respected economic specialist to lead the government.
    The American political system is not designed to accommodate this sort of change in government leadership between elections. Our people elect the President, and there is no simple way for Congress to undo that decision.
    But, what if our system were more like the European parliamentary governments? What if our Congress could put in force a coalition government of “national unity” to meet the budget and economic emergencies?
    Who could they recruit to lead? Who has the expertise to develop a plan? And who has the skills to bring the different groups to the table and give up ground, at least temporarily, for their highest priorities, and, finally, someone who agrees that the budget and economic crisis require compromise and unity?
    Such skilled, non-partisan leaders are in short supply in Europe, and maybe even more so in the United States.
    Nevertheless, let us try to come up with some ideas and some names. First, we have to concede that the candidates ought to have some expertise in government, and even have some experience in partisan politics, but one in which he or she still has the respect of the opposition political party.
    So who are some candidates?
    First consider Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City. Although he is a Republican, he has shown an ability to bring people of different political persuasions to work on commons tasks in New York City.
    Or consider Warren Buffett. Maybe he is too old to take on such an assignment. But he has proven time and time again an ability to understand the importance of good financial planning and discipline for the success of businesses. He has been active in the debate of several important political questions Even though he is very wealthy, he has shown a willingness to promote some tax increases on the rich.
    But my candidate for “prime minister” of the United States is Erskine Bowles.
    Bowles has demonstrated an understanding of the importance of finding a painful solution to the budget situation in the United States. As representative of President Clinton in the discussions with Congress, he has already proved an amazing ability to bring about workable solutions to budget making challenges. His pragmatic approach to the challenges of administration and leadership of the UNC system is just one more indication that he is a someone you ask to take on the toughest assignments.
    You might disagree for one reason or another, but I think Prime Minister Bowles sounds pretty good.
  • Congratulations Mayor!11-06-13-pub-notes.gif

    Well, Fayetteville finally has a new mayor, new council members and hopefully a new energetic direction. Again, congratulations to all. Your hard work and dedication has paid off!

    For the sake of full disclosure, since this column was written last Friday, before the election, I had no idea who the winners would be. But, I do know this, Fayetteville has gotten exactly what it deserves. Good, bad or indifferent.

    It doesn’t make any difference whether you are rich, poor, Democrat, Republican, Independent, Libertarian, black, white, Hispanic or Asian, if you live within the city limits, it is what it is.

    The future of Fayetteville now lies in the hands of this new council. Hopefully, it will be well-balanced, dedicated, effective and sensitive to the needs of its citizens and capable of leading us forward into a bright and prosperous future. Hey, if this doesn’t happen, well, like I’ve already said, we’ve gotten exactly what we deserve.

    At the very least, we will no longer be subject to those newspaper accounts of how helpful, wonderful and effective all of the those pre-election candidate forums were. Ugh. Truth. They were horrid, just horrid. Every one lacking in form, thought-provoking insights and questions that would render candidate responses that would have provided voters insight into a candidate’s talents, capabilities and sensitivities. Unfortunately, we got nothing of the sort.

    No tough questions.

    No detailed answers.

    No rebuttal.

    No one-on-one interaction.

    What we got was just a lot of redundant, cautious political posturing designed to ensure that no one’s feelings got hurt and that no one strayed far from their comfort zones or challenged their much-guarded political correctness.

    Now, that’s not to say that everyone didn’t talk a lot. They most certainly did. And, their guarded political correctness spoke volumes about how they could talk, talk, talk and actually say practically nothing. At least nothing new. Most were redundant, boring and shallow and said very little to gain the confidence of the voter or enhance the voting process let alone encourage and motivate city residents to show up at the polls.

    Those who did exercise their right to vote are responsible for the city officials that will take office in December. And now, it is our responsibility to make sure we get involved and support them in doing the people’s business.

    Public service should be an honor. It should be a collective and collaborative partnership that results in progress and a better, richer and higher quality of life. The next two years will tell the true story.

    As for now, we have gotten what we deserve so let’s make the best of it. November 2014 will be here before you know it.

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • 11_12_14mark-sanford.gifWe North Carolinians have had our share of political bad boys.

    Think former House Speaker Jim Black who went to federal prison for taking special interest campaign cash in a restaurant men’s room. Think former state Representative Michael Decker who sold his vote for Speaker for $50,000. Think former Senator John Edwards whose notorious behavior will not be recounted on the pages of a family-friendly community newspaper. Think former state Agriculture Commissioner Meg Scott Phipps — OK, she is a girl but you see where this is heading — who took campaign cash from would-be State Fair concessioners. And, just last week disgraced former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon, a convicted felon, voted in the General Election.

    But our political bad boys pale in comparison to bad boys from other states whose behavior has dropped jaws across the country and beyond. Here are a few of the most recent bad boys seeking political redemption, most of whom actually got it.

    Remember former South Carolina Congressman and Governor Mark Sanford? He is the fellow who told his wife and his staff that he was hiking the Appalachian Trail and would be out of touch for a few days. He then hopped aboard a commercial airliner with his American passport and jetted off to visit his Argentinian mistress. He clearly thought he was invisible despite having spent millions to make his name and face known to South Carolina’s voters. And where is Sanford now? He was elected to his onetime Congressional seat in a special election last year and was re-elected last week, running unopposed.

    CNN reported on two Congressional bad boys who also cruised to re-election despite widely publicized and unbelievable conduct. Tennessee Congressman Scott Desjarlais, a physician who is publicly pro-life, found himself in the embarrassing position of having a pregnant wife and a pregnant girlfriend at the same time. To make matters worse, the girlfriend was his patient, one of multiple patients with whom he has slept. Piling on his bad boy tendencies, pro-life Desjarlais demanded that both women terminate their pregnancies.

    Stunningly, the doc was re-elected by nearly 60 percent of the voters.

    Then there is New York Congressman Michael Grimm who could benefit from an anger management class. Grimm, a former Marine turned FBI agent, was overheard on a live microphone threatening to toss a reporter over a balcony in the rotunda of the United State Capitol. Said Grimm to the unfortunate journalist, “I will break you in half, like a boy.” He is also facing a 20-count federal indictment on charges of tax fraud related to his management of a Manhattan health food restaurant.

    Grimm was re-elected last week by more than 55 percent of his voters.

    One notable exception to bad boy redemption is former Louisiana Congressman Vance McAllister who was caught on a security camera — how should I describe this? — “smooching” with his Congressional scheduler. Incredibly, his recent campaign featured a TV spot with his wife at his side, saying something about being blessed to have a husband to owns up to his mistakes. I wonder whether she has some new jewelry.
    McAllister’s constituents were not buying that one, however. He came in fourth in his race.

    How do we explain the reality that despite behavior that is obviously disgusting and in some instances criminal, we continue to elect these bad boys?

    Do we think these people are merely characters on a reality show instead of elected officials making decisions affecting all of us? Do we think they are good looking? Do we have thirty-second memories? Are we demented?

    My take is that we have become so polarized by party in our nation that we will overlook even the most egregious behavior, character flaws, immorality and simple boorishness to vote for someone of our particular political persuasion. Television talking heads are using sports metaphors to describe this unfortunate phenomenon, saying we will vote for anyone who wears our uniform. And, this is not just a Congressional practice.

    Cumberland County residents on both sides of the aisle are grumbling about this very thing in last week’s local elections as well.
    “Yellow dog Democrat” is a term dating from the 19th century referring to a person who would vote for a yellow dog before he voted for a Republican, but it seems a bit out of date today. Apparently we are now voting for red and blue dogs when what we really need are purple ones.

    Such strident and rigid partisanship says a lot more about us voters than it does about bad boy candidates. It says something unflattering, damaging both to our elective process and to good government.
      

  • 111115_pubpen.png

    Well, no doubt, I was not the only one that was sad and disappointed at the Fayetteville Observer’sThursday, Nov. 5, article written by Andrew Barksdale (Some See Divide in City Vote Totals). Here, he interpreted Mayor Nat Robertson’s 673 vote victory over challenger Val Applewhite as proof positive that our community is divided along racial and economic lines. 

    Barksdale shamelessly expounded on our communities “apparent” divide between well-to-do aristocratic white Fayetteville citizens living in exclusive high-class neighborhoods to poor and lower-middle-class black Fayetteville residents living in segregated parts of our community including  the newly  annexed West Fayetteville area. How absurd. 

    He also made sure that everyone understood that Robertson is a white male registered as a Republican who lives in the Terry Sanford High School area while accentuating that Applewhite is a black female registered as a Democrat and lives in the city’s middle-class western suburbs. As he reported, Applewhite’s campaign was based on the platform of inequality as she touted that there was a major disparity of income and wealth among Fayetteville residents, and that was unacceptable. 

    In reality, she lost the mayor’s race because her base of likely voters did not buy into her radical and racially-charged conclusions.  Barksdale’s attempt to paint that as a foregone reality is the type of racial divide this community does  not need or want. And, the Fayetteville Observer’s Executive Editor Michael Adam’s sloppy left-handed mea culpa only added insult to injury. 

    Barksdale is a talented reporter; however, he is not the boss. He has at least two newspaper editors above him that must approve and sign off on his stories. Hence, once printed, the story no doubt also representing the position and opinion of the newspaper. 

    Well, here’s a newsflash: Val Applewhite’s inequality platform, even when supported and reinforced by the Fayetteville Observer, doesn’t make it truth or a Fayetteville reality. Far from it. What it does indicate is that they all are out of touch with the residents of the community.

    Fayetteville ObserverEditor Michael Adams, in response to reader backlash, tried to soften the article’s intention and purpose. He tried to walk it back in Sunday’s newspaper and justify the purpose for it. His article, “Story Didn’t Show Reporter’s Insights” came across only as a weak, left-handed mea culpa. “We are sorry, but.....” !  

    This begs the question: Do our daily newspaper editors (Adams and Tim White) even live in Cumberland County?

    In closing, I do live in Fayetteville and I stay in touch with its residents. I can tell you unequivocally that I sense no racial divisiveness, hostility or bias among the residents that I come in contact with in all my daily social and business events. I only experience and witness divisive negative and destructive behaviors in our daily newspaper and liberal talk shows and when inept individuals find it politically convenient and self-serving.

    Reality check: Fayetteville is now at a critical crossroads with a new Chamber president, reorganized City County Economic Development Board, Downtown Fayetteville Development, PWC issues and the all-important parks and recreation referendum. There is absolutely no room or time for divisiveness. This is crunch time! 

    Now, more than ever, our community needs vision, perseverance, cooperation and most importantly, leadership. On Nov. 3, whatever the circumstances, the voters have made it clear on what they want and expect from their elected officials. Now, let’s get it done. 

    Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • Please Take My Seat11-09-11-margaret.jpg

    Let’s just admit it.

    The South is hot right now. Hotter than a firecracker. The joint is jumping. The place to be seen, and — forgive me all you grammarians out there — “where it’s at!”

    The talking heads tell us that for political year 2012, North Carolina is the new Ohio, and we are indeed seeing President Obama and his surrogates dropping in to visit with increasing regularity. As soon as the Republicans settle on their nominee, we can expect to see him or her with equal frequency.

    Ordinary tourists turn up as well, sunning themselves on our beaches, and snapping photos of our colorful mountain leaves. I have even heard “bless your heart” come out of the mouth of a distinctly non-Southern network television anchor. Our foods are hot as well, with pimento cheese shedding its humble origins and popping up on trendy big city menus across the country. A recent issue of the New Yorker magazine, a high-tone publication usually chronicling all things New York, sports a lengthy piece on a Charleston chef whose mission is to revive traditional Southern cooking as it was at its peak by recreating its original ingredients in their organic, pre-industrialized agriculture forms.

    Yum! I can hardly wait for that effort to succeed.

    It seems that everyone wants a little piece of us in whatever form they can get it. At least one point of Southern pride seems to be slipping, though, which both alarms and saddens me.

    America’s “old grey lady,” The New York Times, ran a story by Kim Severson recently with the disheartening headline, “A Last Bastion of Civility, the South, Sees Manners Decline.”

    My maternal grandmother, a steel magnolia born, raised and laid to rest in Kinston, N.C., held that manners are the “glue” that holds us together. If pressed, she would say that manners are what keep us from killing each other. My own experience has taught me the truth of her wisdom. Manners are the tool that can keep families from exploding into open warfare, give friends the opportunity to love the best of each other and overlook the rest, and, until recent years, allow politicians to debate each other by day and dine together by night. Manners are a vehicle to show respect to other people.

    Southern children are often taught to say “Yes, sir” and “Yes, ma’am,” but manners are more than just going through the mechanics of polite behavior. They are practiced to make other people feel comfortable, and what could be kinder and more courteous than that?

    Former President George H. W. Bush, or President Bush the First, is often said to have perfect manners, which he displayed when a White House dinner guest made what could have been an embarrassing social gaff. The guest, obviously unfamiliar with the formal custom of using fi ngerbowls, picked his up and drank from it. The President, who knew very well about fi ngerbowls, did not miss a beat in making his guest comfortable. He picked up his fi ngerbowl and sipped from it as well.

    The NYT’s article says the South, long viewed as the nation’s most polite and gracious corner, is slipping in the manners department.

    Most of us have seen an example of this.

    My most recent one was a perfectly normal-looking woman motorist who apparently took issue with some aspect of my driving and angrily poked a finger at me — a finger which was defi nitely not a thumbs up “atta girl” for my skills behind the wheel. I cannot imagine anyone doing this to my grandmother.

    I see men who no longer stand when a woman enters the room and able-bodied people of all ages who do not yield their seats to the elderly, the handicapped or someone unusually burdened. The NYT quotes an Alabama second-grade teacher who bemoans the current low level of manners and says parents who have moved South from somewhere else instruct her not to teach their children to say “ma’am” and “sir.” “Too demeaning, they say.” It also details an Atlanta lawsuit involving two men who declined to give up their seats at the bar to two women.

    Oh, well.

    If we are honest, though, we have to concede that manners can be used to “keep people in their place” — not necessarily a good thing.

    That being said, I buy my grandmother’s argument about the “glue.” Manners do grease the skids of human interactions. They do make us comfortable with each other and help turn some us from mere acquaintances and business connections into fast friends.

    They are part of our Southern charm and part of what endears us and our region to people from all over the nation and the world. These people come to our community with the military, and they are coming to our state next year for the National Democratic Convention. The world’s spotlight will be trained on us, and it is our best interest for the South to shine in every way.

    As one Southerner optimistically told the NYT, “It’ll be all sweet tea and hush puppies.”

    Yes, ma’am, I certainly hope so.

    Photo: President George H.W. Bush is said to have perfect manners, the kind that allow politicians to debate each other by day and still dine togther by night.

  • DISPATCHES FROM VENUS AND MARS

    Sexual harassment in the American workplace continues to be a mysterious issue that torments men and women at all ends of the social, professional and political spectrums.

    Republican Presidential hopeful Herman Cain and his expanding circle of accusers are but the latest to duke this troubling issue out on a very public stage, and there are countless people who struggle with it in tortured privacy. Occasionally, it is obvious that a wrong — maybe even an actual assault — has occurred, but many times the issue boils down to this.

    11-16-11-margaretart.jpgWhat the heck is sexual harassment?

    My first and only up close and personal encounter with what might be termed sexual harassment took place in the hallway of the office of my second employer.

    I was freshly out of college, thrilled to be working in a well-respected company and eager to learn and to succeed in my chosen industry.

    My-entry level position required that I go with my immediate boss to the private office of the big boss for a regularly scheduled meeting. The big boss was a man of significant achievements and is still remembered as a pioneer in his industry. He evoked respect and sometimes fear in those who worked with, and certainly in those who worked for, him.

    At the time I arrived at his legendary business, he was relinquishing the reins to younger family members, although he did appear in his office every day from about 10 to 2, accompanied by his wife/secretary who watched him like a hawk. He was probably 85 or older, which seemed impossibly ancient from my early 20-something vantage point.

    One day as I followed my immediate boss down the hallway for this regular meeting, I felt a solid pinch to my posterior and turned around to see the big boss, a now-tiny old fellow shrunken to be shorter than I, grinning up at me like an imp with his eyes all a-twinkle. Somehow, he had momentarily escaped the eagled-eyed wife who obviously had his number and was pleased as punch to be loose in the hall!

    To say I was fl abbergasted hardly describes my reaction.

    I was speechless with shock and riveted to that spot in the hallway. I am still surprised when I think of this little incident today.

    But what really happened?

    Was this inappropriate behavior by the biggest boss of all to a very junior member of his staff? You betcha!

    Was this sexual harassment? Did I feel I was being asked to do something I did not want to do or that my job was being threatened?

    I do not mean to make light of sexual harassment in the workplace. It is a real phenomenon that causes untold distress and damages careers on all sides. The problem is that it is just so dif cult to define, much less to prove.

    Using the little example from the mists of my own career, what were the big boss’s intentions? Did he think he was acting inappropriately? Did he intend for me to feel threatened by that pinch? Was this a pattern of behavior or was it a one-time impulse by a man heading into his sunset who just happened to feel frisky one day when opportunity walked down the hall?

    And how did I react? Was I frightened? Did I fear a repeat or that this incident might haunt my career with his company and possibly beyond?

    What if I had called the incident sexual harassment and made an issue of it?

    To my knowledge, no one saw this happen, even though I did tell my immediate boss about it and we had a good chuckle over the notion of the big boss’s “escape” from the Mrs. There were no bruises, so how could I have proven that the incident ever occurred?

    The big boss, a well known and well-respected man, could have simply denied that pinch and dismissed my allegations as not only false but mercenary.

    That is the underlying problem with charges of sexual harassment.

    Like art, sexual harassment is in the eye of the beholder.

    Maybe the big boss did intend something nefarious and I did not understand, or maybe I should have felt more threatened than I did even if he did not intend anything more than actually occurred.

    Moreover, not only may the parties involved perceive the situation differently, but even when both know that something quite untoward has occurred, it is virtually impossible to prove one way or the other. Short of an actual witness, a recording or a smoking gun of a blue dress with DNA on it, sexual harassment is too often reduced to a case of “he said, she said.”

    All of which brings us back to Herman Cain and the women who allege he sexually harassed them. I suspect that as in most such cases, we will never know what happened between Cain and any of them.

    Voters considering supporting Cain will simply have to use their own best judgment.

    Photo: Like art, sexual harassment is often in the eye of the beholder. What happened and who did what to who often is hard to prove and harder still to understand.

  • 11_12_14pub-notes.gifWhether people realize it or not, the founding fathers of this great nation (and yes, with all of its faults and failures, it is still a great nation) were inspired by a spark of genius in setting up this great republic. Founded by the principles of democracy (see how I put the root words for Republican and Democrat in this sentence?), they realized that for this great experiment in freedom to work, certain things had to be protected and certain things had to have checks and balances. For the most part, I think they got it right.


    Following last Tuesday’s election, a lot of people were talking. Some were happy, some were sad, a lot of people were mad. (And some, like the commentators on MSNBC, were just stupid.) Some friends of mine on social media were lamenting the fact that even though the power in Congress had shifted, the president was probably going to force his policies down the throats of the country by using executive power. I pointed out to them that with the shift in Congress, the legislative branch has the power to override any veto the president may sign and to counteract any executive legislation that the people (ie, registered voters) are opposed to. They didn’t get it.

    But our founding fathers did. They realized that power in its rawest form really needs to have some form of checks and balances (Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely). They knew that no matter who is in power, it could become too seductive or too easy to do what that individual wants rather than what the people want. So they built in those checks and balances and then they clarified their intent through the Bill of Rights. Over the years, the ensuing amendments protected more rights that are sacrosanct.

    That is the genius that I celebrate, that I defend, that I, as a journalist, will fight for.

    My sophomore year in college, seeing a wrong that infringed on freedom of speech is what prompted me to join the newspaper staff at my school. It was what prompted me to pursue a career in journalism. When someone — anyone — infringes on those rights that we as Americans hold so dear, it gets my blood boiling and my computer hot.

    Over the next few weeks, you are going to hear me, and a lot of other people, talking about freedom of the press. Besides freedom of religion, that is one of our most sacred of rights, in my opinion. So, just to make sure we are all on the same page, here is what the first amendment says:
    “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

    If Congress cannot make a law “abridging the freedom of the press,” then surely a local government or a paid administrator in local government can’t either. The 4th Estate, which is the ultimate check and balance, has been sorely abused over the past couple of years through partisan politics; however, the defense of a free press makes for strange bed fellows, wherein the enemy of my enemy becomes my friend.

    At Up & Coming Weekly, we have fought the giants in city politics in defense of the first amendment since our inception; we haven’t lost a fight yet. Those who would seek to abuse the rights we, as Americans hold dear, need to remember that.

  • 111115_dinner.png

    For almost 60 years, the congregation at Saints Helen and Constantine Greek Orthodox Church has pulled together to feed their friends and neighbors, the Fayetteville community, a delicious hot spaghetti meal. And every year, the community shows up in droves to enjoy the delicious offerings. This year, the 57th Annual Spaghetti Dinner falls on Wednesday, Nov. 18. It is a one-day only event and something that is worth attending.

    This dinner is not only a treasured tradition for the Fayetteville community, it’s an event that pulls the Greek congregation together, too. More than 40 volunteers, including 15 cooks join ranks to put together between 12,000 and 13,000 meals in just 10 short hours. That equates to 4,000 lbs. of dry pasta, 900 gallons of meat sauce and 400 lbs. of grated cheese.

    Tony Kotsopoulos started helping with the event in 1989. He took over as the head chef in 1993 and has been running things ever since.  The amount of work that goes into it is crazy, but when the cars start lining up at the Hellenic Center and the volunteers are bustling to fill orders, it is all worth it. Not many events get that kind of community support, and that is not lost on the volunteers.

    While the pasta is definitely a great reason to support the spaghetti dinner, anyone with a sweet tooth knows that the Greek Pastry Sale that happens in conjunction with the dinner is in its own right worth a trip to the Hellenic Center. 

    Twice a year, the public is treated to delicious Greek pastries and desserts, complete with traditional recipes and presentation. The Spaghetti Dinner is one of them. The other is the Greek Festival, which happens every September. Dripping with honey, coated in powdered sugar, with coffee or on the go, the pastry sale offers a little something for anyone craving a little something sweet from the islands of the Mediterranean.

    The entire day-long event is a big commitment, but what is even bigger is the generosity of the Greek congregation. The World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner is a fundraiser for local nonprofits. The money raised from this event goes right back to the community. The beneficiaries might change from year to year, but the spirit behind Spaghetti Dinner does not.  

    This is a carry-out only event. Each meal costs $7. Tickets are available at the door. This all takes place at the Hellenic Center at 614 Oakridge Ave. It runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit http://stsch.nc.goarch.org/spaghetti-dinner or call the church at 484-8925 for information.


  • 112515_pub-pen.png

    This editorial message is a tribute and thank you to the entrepreneurial spirit of all of our privately owned, local Fayetteville businesses. 

    No doubt, creating and developing your own successful business in these hard economic times is a major challenge. I’m talking about real grass root local businesses and not necessarily those hundreds of franchises that have migrated here. You know the businesses I’m talking about. The ones where absentee owners either cling to the elusive dream of striking it rich or revel in the title of “business owner” completely void of any sense of local community. 

    The Internet compounds this situation and contributes considerably to the deterioration of local communities. Sure, “shop local” is a warm and fuzzy sound byte, but my fear is that it has become meaningless and somewhat of a cliché. That shouldn’t be. Small, independent businesses are the heart of America and the heart of this community. Yet dozens of new small businesses go out of business each month from lack of direction and support, while more established Fayetteville/Cumberland County businesses struggle to survive under the pressures of a sagging economy, high  taxes, excessive rules and complicated ordinances. And, of course, we have to again mention the Internet, which attracts and solicits an apathetic following, while returning nothing to the community. 

    We need to celebrate locally owned businesses and create an ongoing awareness of their importance to our local economy. Alarm companies, printers, clothing stores, restaurants, financial services, pawn shops, jewelers, gift shops, art galleries, automobile dealers and even non-profit charitable organizations are local businesses that respond to the needs of our community. These businesses are the ones that sponsor arts and cultural events, buy season tickets and are asked to contribute to our schools, dozens of charities, festivals and cultural events. 

    These people are committed. They are the ones who care about quality of life and have a true investment in our future. Big-box stores, franchises 

    and Internet businesses siphon revenue, profits, taxes and opportunity from our community while locally owned businesses bear the burden of providing amenities  and infrastructure to
    local citizens. 

    Our local businesses are often contributors to the problem: unpredictable hours, short staff and questionable customer service. Look at downtown on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. People are out and about, but a large number of the businesses are closed!

    I believe the majority of the local business owners truly care about their customers and the community. The point is this: No one is denying the lure and strength of the Internet. However, we need a greater awareness campaign marketing and promoting the support and consideration for locally owned businesses. A serious and aggressive one. Residents cannot continue to spend local dollars with Internet businesses and then depend on local businesses to support the community. 

     Here at Up & Coming Weekly we appreciate and salute small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit. Count on us for continued assistance and  support. After all, we too, are a small business. 

    Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

  • 11-02-11-a-warm-welcome.jpgLike many of the readers of Up & Coming Weekly, I am not a native of Fayetteville, or even North Carolina. I was born and raised in Arkansas, so before my move, my only familiarity with Fayetteville was of the Arkansas variety. Eighteen months ago that changed when I was offered a job right here in America’s hometown. As expected, I was excited about the pros-pect of a fresh beginning, but daunted by the reality of not knowing a soul within 500 miles. As many of us under-stand, moving to an unfamiliar place is frightening. Fortunately, after a couple of weeks in town, I was invited to attend the weekly Kiwanis lunch. At this lunch I happened to sit with Kristie Meave and T.J. Jenkins, both members of Fayetteville Young Professionals (FYP).

    Kristie and T.J. told me all about the events and opportunities offered by FYP. Needless to say I was very intrigued. I had discovered that Fayetteville is a very dynamic community, but it can be difficult for a young professional to meet people in their age group with similar interests. I decided FYP was worth checking out, so I attended one of their monthly Lunch & Learns. Honestly, I do not remember the guest speaker or the topic, but I do remember the people I met and how welcome I felt. In fact, I met a few of my good buddies that day. After that Lunch & Learn I knew I wanted to get involved with FYP. I began attending as many events as I could, because I realized FYP is not another boring networking organization. It is a dynamic and interesting way to make some great friends who just happen to be great business contacts as well.

    Since becoming a member of FYP I have had a change of jobs. In my initial move to Fayetteville, I was coming to work for a community bank. I was excited to be a part of that organization, and am proud of my time there. However, through my contacts in FYP, I was approached about an opportunity at another institution. After some careful consideration, I decided it would be more ben-eficial to my career to pursue the new opportunity, an opportunity that came to me because of FYP! The individual, who asked me to consider the position, and would be integral in the hiring decision, is an FYP member. Had I ignored Kristie Meave’s invitation to check out FYP, I would have never known about this opportunity, and I certainly would not have been asked to apply.

    After realizing what FYP had done for me, I made the decision to help them by joining the Professional Development Committee. There are several commit-tees which all FYP members have a chance to be a part of, including member-ship, social, and marketing committees. Each committee plays an integral role in our group and allows members to help lead events that fulfill their personal and professional interests. For me, Professional Development was a good fit. Through that committee we have hosted some great speakers and roundtable discussions in our monthly Lunch & Learns. I am proud of the work our various committees have done for FYP. This is why I was happy to accept the role of Professional Development Committee Chair and a place on our executive committee for our current membership year. All of this has taken place in 18 months.

    I am telling you my story because, without FYP, my Fayetteville experience would have been much different. FYP provided many opportunities for me that I did not know existed. I eventually would have made some contacts, and certainly would have made some friends; however, FYP made this a much simpler process.

    If you are curious about FYP, please look us up online at www.fayyp.org and come join us at our next event! To make life a little simpler, I have included a few of our upcoming activities. However, we are always adding new Meet-Ups and events, so keep checking our online schedule and look us up on facebook for updated news.

    FYP’s Up coming events:

    Wednesday Wake Up — Every Wednesday from 7 a.m.-9:30 a.m. at Haymont Grill.

    December 15 — FYP Christmas Party at Itz Entertainment City.

    Photo: FYP provided many opportunities for me that I did not know existed.

  • Like the original Grand Ol’ Opry house, to quote the late great singer, John Hartford, another piece of America has done gone on. The atomic wizards at the Pantex Nuclear Bomb Emporium in Texas recently dismantled the last B53 nuclear bomb. It is no more. It is deceased, like the dead parrot in the Monty Python sketch. The B53 was a bomb that Dr. Strangelove would have coveted and cherished. How should we love the B53? Let us count the ways. It was a Prince among nuclear weapons. A consummation devoutly to be wished. It was the Clint Eastwood of atomic death and destruction. The B53 was the biggest, baddest, bomb on the block. It was America’s largest nuke. Nobody dissed the B53. Our big bomb was born in 1962 weighing in at a svelte 10,000 pounds and was about the size of a mini-van or one half of Donald Trump’s ego.11-09-11-dickey.jpg

    The B53 could do it all. It was 600 times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Imported to a target by a B-52 bomber, the B53 was designed to blow up stuff buried way under ground. Recall the Russki’s Doom’s Day device in Dr. Strangelove. The only way to survive the Doom’s Day device was go live way underground. The elite government leaders and particularly attractive and fertile women were to go down into mine shafts for several centuries to live, work and procreate until it was safe to come out. The B53 could have been used to blast the Russkis deep in their mine shafts leaving only Americans surviving in our red, white and blue mine shafts. Using the B53, we could have won a nuclear war, if winning is defi ned as wiping out the rest of the world. Our American government leaders would emerge from the depths of the Earth to once again reign supreme.

    Deceased at the tender age of 49, the B53 bomb was loved by atomic apocalypse enthusiasts everywhere. Having outlived its creators, the B53 died after being dismantled while surrounded by its new friends and paid caretakers. The original wizards who invented the B53 had long since retired or died. They weren’t available to tell us which plugs to pull. The instruction book that came with the B53 when it was a brand new bouncing baby bomb had been misplaced over the years. The engineers who took it apart had to fi gure out ways to euthanize the B53 without setting it off and causing a really large glowing hole in the Texas desert.

    Coincidentally, a number of States are currently considering laws to establish that life begins at the moment of conception. At the other end of the spectrum of life and death, the Pantex plant had to decide when a B53 bomb is offi cially dead. The B53 bomb was declared dead after the removal of the 300 pounds of high explosives embracing the uranium pit which is the nuclear explosive material. The uranium pit is then stored for that sunny day when once again America will need to resurrect the world’s biggest nuclear weapon. The B53 died without ever getting to kill millions of people. Shiva and General Curtis LeMay would be so disappointed. It is the end of an era.

    Speaking of the end of an era, where were you when you heard the riveting news that Kim Kardashian was divorcing NBA player Kris Humphries? Their marriage lasted only 72 days. Their divorce news is a moment that was seared in America’s collective psyche like the Kennedy assassination or the day that Herman Cain introduced Plan 999 from Outer Space.

    No one saw a divorce coming between Kim and Kris. This marriage would last forever, or at least 73 days. Kim explained that sometimes, things just don’t work out. Maybe the alliteration of their fi rst names was too much to bear. Maybe it was after the $18 million check cleared they received for the publication rights to their wedding orgy of good taste that they suddenly realized they had made a terrible matrimonial mistake. Somehow these kids are going to have to pick up their lives and start all over with nothing but an $18 million payment for a sham wedding to grubstake them in their attempt to live a quiet simple life. Kim explained they were still the best of friends but that she wanted to be able to spend more time with her cats.

    Maybe we should have suspected the marriage might not last when the media reported that the wedding punch was made out of Prime Evil brand embalming fl uid. Let us bid a fond farewell to the B53, Kim and Kris. We hardly knew ye.

  • Heroes Homecoming Coverage a Hit11-16-11-letters-to-publisher.jpg

    Mr. Bowman,

    First, after all these years of knowing you, it is nice to be able to say to fellow Vietnam Veteran, WELCOME HOME!!! It has amazed me how many there are of us and we had no idea.

    Just read my latest issue of Up & Coming Weekly datedNovember 2-8. Thank you for your publication’s coverage of the upcoming Heroes Homecoming. As a member of the Heroes Homecoming Executive Committee and a Vietnam veteran, it is wonderful that you and others have done great things to help tell the story. What a great series of happenings for veterans, but especially Vietnam Veterans.

    Looking forward to seeing you at some of the events. I plan on extending my hand to you and personally telling you WELCOME HOME!!! It will be my honor to do so.

    Doug Nunnally, Fayetteville

    Readers Respond to Occupy Wall Street

    Mr. Bowman,

    I have enjoyed your editorials with the conservative slant for some time now, and this week was no exception as you exposed the irony in the latest group of protesters on Wall Street.

    You referenced entrepreneurs in Fayetteville and I wanted to add a name to your list...Hall Powers. He has been involved in multiple adventures in capitalism including the restaurant Powercard that has been widely successful throughout Cumberland County these past 10 years as a fundraiser for local schools, clubs and the hospital.

    However his latest venture you may not be aware of: the purchase and remodeling of the Technimark Bdlg. next to the vacated Black & Decker plant on 301S. He purchased it for $1.9 million and completely renovated it from within to build both a new school — Freedom Christian Academy — but also a community center which houses four basketball courts, or nine volleyball courts, plus a nautilus center and a coffee shop. The school opened on this new campus three weeks ago and the gyms, which will be open in November, will house JO volleyball practices and tournaments, AAU basketball and its tournaments, plus indoor soccer, wrestling, etc. No longer will our local teams have to travel to Charlotte to play competitive ball.

    Both Mr. Powers, the founder, and the architects were in agreement that the motif of the physical plant should highlight the manufacturing community with its retro design. The building also honors American Exceptionalism “our grand experiment” with its giant murals/paintings, founding father quotes and etched glass Preamble in the huge front lobby. It is a must-see.

    You sound like the kind of man who takes objection to the re-writing of American History... if so please stop by for a tour on Veterans Day.

    Joan Dayton, Fayetteville

    Mr. Bowman,

    You ask in the title of your article, “Where is the Logic in Occupying Wall Street?” My answer to that would be with a few more questions: What was the logic behind Ghandi marching with hundreds, if not thousands, of his country’s people to the sea to make their own salt when the English Viceroy denied them of the spice? What was the logic behind sit-ins, bus boycotts, and other protests of the 1950s and 1960s? Very simply... it’s grassroots efforts that mark the path of improvement. Those things you mention in your article about getting an education, fi nding a job, even when there are so few to be had, are the things that result when a free and self-governed nation find an outlet for their voices. Especially for the generation your article is targeting.

    Leisa Greathouse, Fayetteville

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    Christmas is going to be a little different in Fayetteville this year at the Gilbert Theater. Instead of the familiar A Christmas Carol, a new holiday story will take center stage , with It’s a Wonderful Life by James Rodgers. 

    The show, which follows the life of George Bailey, a small-town family man, runs from Nov. 27 through Dec. 20. Bailey feels trapped by responsibilities when a guardian angel brings back his sense of joy and fulfillment by showing him how life would be different if he had never been born. 

    For years, the Gilbert Theater made a tradition of presenting A Christmas Carol. This classic tale is still poignant, but familiarity began to work against it. It was time to infuse some more excitement into the season. 

    “We at the Gilbert were a bit tired of  — meaning  we needed a change — and I felt the community needed one as well,” Robyne Parrish the artistic director at Gilbert Theater explained. “You can never really tire of that story — but you can take a break and come back to it later with fresh eyes and heart. I have always loved It’s a Wonderful Life, so it was my first thought as a possible replacement. We are not sure at this point if the change will be ongoing — but if it works out well this year we will plan to bring it back again next year. There is always room for a new holiday tradition!”

    This change, in many ways, is a community decision. The Gilbert Theater was less excited about another rendition of A Christmas Carol and the community echoed the sentiment in attendance. The next step after deciding change is necessary was deciding on a new production. The theatre reached out to the community again. 

    “Before we made any decision, we polled our audiences,” Parrish explained. “For more than six months last season we asked our audiences to vote by ballot and they chose It’s A Wonderful Life!The response has been nothing but positive across the board . I was not sure what to expect since tradition is important here in the South. I think it might be easy for some to say... if it ain’t broke... but our excitement about producing A Christmas Carol was low and you really must do something that you feel a passion for and want to share with the community  or what is the point? I was happy to discover the overwhelming excitement from our community about getting to see this well-loved film to come to life on stage.”

    This full-stage rendition of It’s a Wonderful Life is not a musical, but it is full of fun and festive music and singing. Adding another layer to the challenge is that this production will feature the largest cast that Parrish has ever seen in the theater — 24 people. Usually the cast size is limited to 15 or 16 members due to the intimate nature of the space, but the Gilbert Theater is committed to doing this show the right way, even if it means being a little crowded back stage. Parrish says that the passion of the actors will overcome these small discomforts and rather than double casting, it is important to maintain the integrity of each character for this story.

    The Christmas season is always a highly charged and emotional season, and not all of these emotions are positive. It’s a Wonderful Life is still so relatable and applicable because it captures both the beautiful and difficult emotions that surround the season. “In keeping with our tradition of thought provoking material, Wonderful Life is a story of depression, love, loss and at last, redemption! It is a modern day Scrooge tale at its very core; a look at one man’s true struggle to find purpose and peace in this life we all share,” Parrish said, noting that while holidays are never simple but it’s this powerful mix of emotions that makes them so magical. 

    The Gilbert Theater will also offer student matinees of this classic family-friendly tale. Already, the matinee for this production has sold out, prompting plans for the addition of a second matinee next year. Parrish feels that these opportunities for students are very important, especially when the production has such a relatable theme. 

    “I especially feel that the more mature students will really understand the struggle that George experiences throughout the play. George is a small-town boy with a big city dream, and I am sure that many of our local students can relate to this feeling; the feeling of wanting to break out and do something big somewhere else! George, much like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, discovers that everything he needed was always ‘right in his own back yard’ but only after several decades of failing and picking himself back up again. He actually considers ending his life at one point but through the help of a spiritual guide or an angel, as it were, George discovers why he must stay and that he is loved. I hope that it will be a message to our kids that it is okay to fail. Failure is a part of growth,” she said. 

    In addition to bringing a new production to the stage, the Gilbert Theater also brings a new actor. Parrish said, “Local favorite, Ken Griggs will star as George Bailey. This will be Ken’s first appearance on the Gilbert stage and we are thrilled to have him.”

    It’s a Wonderful Life runs from Nov. 27 until Dec. 20 at the Gilbert Theater. Tickets are $16 and can be purchased online through a link on the Gilbert Theater website or by calling the theater. For more information visit www.gilberttheater.com or call 910.678.7186. The Gilbert Theater is located at 116 Green St. This is a classic family friendly tale that explores the holiday season honestly. And as Parrish says, “… it is a wonderful way to celebrate this holiday season.”

     

  • jeff8Mac Healy is a successful Fayetteville businessman who has a passion for whatever civic venture he’s involved in. For the last five years or so, he has headed up efforts to bring The North Carolina Civil War History Center to fruition. It would be located on the site of the Fayetteville Arsenal and would be the first history center of its kind in the nation. It would examine the impact of the War Between the States, its lead-up and its aftermath, on all the people of North Carolina.

    As envisioned, the Center will deal honestly and factually with much of the 19th Century and will examine the events and impacts of this tragic time in history on all who lived through it. The project will require $65 million in private, local government and state funding. “We have already secured $6.5 million in private donations from the people of Fayetteville and Cumberland County,” Healy said. “We need to secure $7.5 million each from the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County.” With commitments from local governments and the private money already raised, Healy believes the state legislature will seriously consider a $30 million match. But time is running out. The deadline for pledges from the city and county is Jan. 31, a time when the general assembly will be going into session. So far, neither city council nor county commissioners have made a commitment.

    The History Center is estimated to draw upwards of 130,000 visitors to Cumberland County each year. Healy says studies show that cultural tourists stay twice as long and spend twice as much as other tourists. The History Center will produce more than 150 service industry jobs for the community. The center is projected to generate $12 million a year in economic impact for the region. Good economic development, such as the History Center, will grow the tax base rather than being a constant financial drain on the community. Healy tells Up & Coming Weeklyhe was motivated to get involved in the project out of a concern for economic development in a community that has seen a depressed economy in recent years. “Something like this is needed so badly,” he said. 

    Cumberland County has seen an unprecedented downturn in population and loss of property values. “Although other communities in our state have seen significant growth since the recession, Cumberland County’s economy has seen a pattern of weak growth,” said County Manager Amy Cannon in her budget message to county commissioners. “A reduction in the rate of growth since 2008 has resulted in a five-year revenue loss of more than $3.5 million,” she added. 

    Once built, the center will become a state-owned branch of the North Carolina Division of History. Neither city or county taxpayers will pay to operate it. Experts believe other venues will also benefit from visitors attracted to the Civil War History Center, particularly the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, the North Carolina Veterans Park and the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. “As a businessman, I remain convinced that once the county and city elected leaders look at the overall benefits, they will agree that this shows the best return for our hard-earned tax dollars and is more than worthy of their support,” Healy concluded.

  • jeff1Curbside storm debris is being collected in unincorporated areas of Cumberland County. It took until last week for county commissioners to adopt a contract with a private hauler to pick up debris from the Oct. 8 storm in areas outside the city and towns. The Solid Waste Management Department advises residents to place storm debris curbside without blocking the roadway. Residents should separate materials into three categories: vegetative (leaves, logs, branches), construction and demolition (building materials, carpet, furniture) and appliances and other white goods. Household hazardous waste should be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center at 923 Wilkes Road on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff2

    Safer Driving in Woods Fires

    The North Carolina Highway Patrol cautions motorists that wildfires in the western part of the state continue to interfere with normal traffic. Although some roadways may not be directly in the fire’s path, the smoke that is produced can cause hazardous driving conditions. “We will continue to provide assistance to those directly battling the fires until the mission is accomplished,” said Colonel Bill Grey, commander of the State Patrol. Troopers suggest that motorists plan ahead to ensure enough time has been allotted to reach an intended destination safely. Increase following distances and closely monitor speed limits. Use low beam headlights and fog lights. Motorists can obtain updated traffic information by visiting www.NCDOT.gov or by calling 511 from a mobile device.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff3Snyder Singing Christmas Tree a Longstanding Tradition

    Since 1980, Snyder Memorial Baptist Church has put on a Singing Christmas Tree for the community. The tree includes 250 singers, a handbell choir and a 40-piece orchestra. Performances are Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday Dec. 4 at 4 and 7:40 p.m. Doors open one hour before each performance. For tickets and information, call 484-3191.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff4Police Foundation Fund Raiser

    The Fayetteville Police Foundation is sponsoring its first Back the Blue Night fundraiser. Back the Blue Night is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5 to 9 p.m. wherein area restaurants will demonstrate their commitment to helping the Fayetteville Police Department by raising money for the Chief’s Public Safety Campaign. A news release from the foundation says the project also promotes continuing efforts to unite the community with the police. Participating restaurants will donate 10 percent of their sales to the Fayetteville Police Foundation.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff5Fayetteville’s Mac’s Speed Shop Places at When Pigs Fly Barbecue Festival and All-American Barbecue special fundraiser that was staged earlier this month in support of Cumberland County’s Communities in Schools, a project that empowers students to stay in school and achieve their goals in life.

    “We are fortunate to have such a strong voice advocating for the students in Cumberland County,” said Dr. Frank Till, Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools. There were five categories of pig pickin’ competition at Festival Park Nov. 12. Twenty-five competitors won prizes. Mac’s Speed Shop, which has a restaurant located at 482 N. McPherson Church Road,  won third in the Whole Hog Division. The win was especially good news for Fayetteville residents because Mac’s serves its award-winning barbecue with new twists on Southern sides throughout the year at their restaurant here in town.

    “The festival was a great way to spend time with great people. That’s exactly what we strive to do around the tables at Mac’s Speed Shop too.

    Like most good cooks, we make our own sauce and use fresh ingredients,” Mac’s Grillmaster Kevin Kuruc said, “and that’s made all the difference in our restaurants’ success in the Carolinas.”

        In addition to its location in Fayetteville, Mac’s has three Charlotte restaurants, in South End, Steele Creek and Lake Norman, plus locations in Greenville, S.C. and Greensboro, N.C.

     

     

     

    jeff6Public Art

    Christmas has come early in Downtown Fayetteville with the installation of 10 temporary pieces of public art. Placing the outdoor sculptures began earlier this month and will conclude by early December. The art will remain until October 2017. The artists and artwork are varied. Phil Hathcock’s piece “Windstone,” made with aluminum, copper and brass, will echo the sounds of clacking bamboo when a good breeze blows near the Fayetteville Area Transportation & Local History Museum. Additional locations of the temporary pieces include Cross Creek Park, City Hall and the Arts Council headquarters. Support for the temporary public art project is provided by private donors with matching funding from the Arts Council. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff7Red Cross volunteers 

    The American Red Cross serves the community in many ways every day. The Red Cross needs volunteers at Fort Bragg to work with military members and veterans. On post at Fort Bragg, the Red Cross is recruiting volunteers to work at Womack Army Medical Center to assist with greeting patients, managing phone calls and emails, driving a shuttle for patients and serving in clinical positions. Red Cross volunteer opportunities allow the military to make a positive difference and help soldiers and their families in need. They make up to 90 percent of the Red Cross work force and provide more than 2,000 volunteer hours per month at Fort Bragg. To become a volunteer, apply online at www.redcross.org or Linda.Daney2@Redcross.org.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • jeff7jeff8George Quigley was inducted into the Cumberland County Agricultural Hall of Fame this month during the annual Farm City Week program sponsored by the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Service and the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville. “J.R.” Dail was recognized as Cumberland County’s 2016 Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year. 

    Quigley’s official portrait was unveiled and will hang on the wall with those of past inductees in the I.B. Julian Auditorium of the Cooperative Extension office at the Charlie Rose Agri-Expo Center, on E. Mountain Drive. In addition, N.C. Sen. Wesley Meredith (R-Cumberland), acting on behalf of the governor, presented Quigley with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s most prestigious civilian service award. 

    Quigley was a member of Cumberland County’s inaugural master gardener class in 1996. He has remained a fixture at Cooperative Extension for the past 20 years. Quigley has taught horticulture, landscaping and gardening. He has hosted farm tours and frequently visited with lawmakers to ensure passage of legislation designed to benefit farmers and the agricultural industry. 

    “Since 1996 when he started with the Master Gardener program, George has not left our office,” said Cooperative Extension Director Lisa Childers. “He has volunteered more than 8,000 hours with the program and contributed so much to our community, not for recognition, but because of his dedication and commitment to Cooperative Extension and Cumberland County,” she added. 

    Quigley has served as chairman of the Cooperative Extension Advisory Council and as President of the N.C. Master Gardener Association. He also serves on the Cape Fear Botanical Garden Board of Directors, the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville, Cross Creek Linear Park Committee, Fayetteville Beautiful Board of Directors, N.C. Agriculture Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank and Catholic Charities Board of Directors. Quigley was also an instructor of landscaping at Fayetteville Technical Community College and is a recipient of the Cumberland County Cares Award. Quigley, a native of upstate New York, enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantryman after graduating from high school. He joined the elite Army Rangers and was later commissioned as an infantry officer. He served for 34 years before retiring in Cumberland County. 

    Also during this year’s Farm City Week observance, “J.R.” Dail was recognized as Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year. Dail, son of James and Wanda Dail, is a fifth-generation farmer in the Wade community. He grows cucumbers, tobacco, soybeans and wheat. Dail also helps his father and brother, Zach Dail, at the family hardware store located on the farm.

  • jeff6President-elect Donald Trump was ridiculed for claiming he knows more about ISIS than the generals. As Commander-in-Chief to be, Trump now must face reality. In an interview with Military Times, retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey says Trump’s lack of foreign policy experience will prove challenging for the Pentagon. He says he’s confident military leaders will try to work constructively with the unpredictable president-elect. “He’s remarkably uneducated about almost every aspect of defense and foreign policy,” said McCaffrey, a highly decorated Vietnam combat veteran who rose through the Army’s ranks during a 32-year career. As Commander-in-Chief, Trump will come into office with automatic support from senior military leadership, McCaffrey notes. 

    Recently retired Marine Gen. John Allen warned that if Donald Trump were elected president, there would be mass unrest among the military rank and file over policies he would implement. Allen was on record in support of Hillary Clinton. “I think we would be facing a civil-military crisis, the like of which we’ve not seen in this country before,” Allen said. The four-star general, who served as commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, was a featured speaker at the Democratic National Convention.

    When it comes to rank and file troops, McCaffrey said Trump’s election will help inspire them because many of them come from rural America where Trump has significant support. McCaffrey notes, “There were a lot of things Trump said that were right, in isolation,” but he’s also “impulsive and his instincts are very bad,” he said, citing Trump’s stance on nuclear weapons as an example. The retired general wrote an op-ed piece about Trump for The Seattle Timesin August, in which he referred to Trump as an “abusive braggart” who  wasn’t fit to lead the armed forces. “I don’t withdraw one word of it,” McCaffrey told Military Times. “But now I wish him well. I hope he can pull this off.” 

    Trump has no military experience. As a youngster, Trump’s parents transferred him to military school in eighth grade after attending a prep school. At New York Military Academy, students wore uniforms in a quasi-military environment. Cadets participated in march drills and adhered to a strict regimental hierarchy. Trump often points to his five years at the academy in Cornwall-on-Hudson, about 60 miles from his home in New York City, as a formative period in his life that helped qualify him to be Commander-in-Chief. Although he received controversial educational and medical deferments from the Vietnam War draft, he has said that the school provided him “more training militarily than a lot of the guys that go into the military.”

    Some are concerned that Trump has displayed an ignorance of the checks and balances that guide an American president’s control of the U.S. military. “Mr. Trump does not seem to realize that active-duty generals are long-serving, apolitical professionals who do not belong to any one administration or president,” said retired Army Lt. Gen. David Barno before the election. “On January 20th, there won’t be any Trump generals or Clinton generals. There will only be America’s generals, no different than today.”

  • jeff2The U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the death sentence of Timothy Hennis, the former Fort Bragg soldier convicted of murdering an Air Force wife and her two young children. A four-judge panel filed its opinion following a mandated review of alleged court martial errors. His 2010 military trial was the third time Hennis was tried on charges of killing Kathryn Eastburn and two of her daughters Kara, 5, and Erin, 3 at their Summerhill Road home. The court found that Hennis’ claims of double jeopardy were without merit, as was his claim that the Army did not have jurisdiction in the Fayetteville murders. Hennis is being held at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. 

    Hennis was initially convicted in Cumberland County Superior Court and put on death row in 1986. He won an appeal and was found not guilty in a new trial in Wilmington in 1989. In 2006 the Army brought Hennis out of retirement to face a court-martial on the charges after DNA evidence not available at the earlier trials linked him to the murders. Hennis can now seek relief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces before ultimately appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff3Storm Debris Collection Disappointing

    In the wake of the 2011 tornado that struck Fayetteville, city officials decided to contract with a private disaster relief trucking company. The idea was to have the company on standby in case another storm struck our area. Three days after Hurricane Matthew hit Fayetteville, the contractor, CrowderGulf of Alabama, was contacted. The company’s project manager, Barrett Holmes, told City Council it took the company four days to respond. It was another month before the firm geared up with an adequate number of crews on the job. “We failed,” Holmes told the council. By mid-November, most neighborhoods had not had storm debris collected. “Limb collection began Friday (Nov. 11),” said Environmental Services spokesperson Jackie Tuckey. She said the contractor concentrated on collecting construction debris the first few weeks. CrowderGulf now has six crews and trucks working seven days a week, Tuckey said, and the city is assisting with additional crews. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff4FTCC Among the Best for Military

    Fayetteville Technical Community College has been designated a Top School by Military Advanced Education and Transition in its 2017 Guide to Colleges & Universities. The guide will be released next month. It contains the results of a questionnaire of policies enacted at hundreds of institutions. From community colleges to online schools, the 2017 Guide to Colleges & Universities arms students with information about schools that best serve men and women in uniform. Now in its tenth year of publication, the guide is the first reference tool of its kind. Institutions were evaluated on military culture, financial aid, flexibility, general support, on-campus support and online support services. Prospective students can target schools that follow best practices in military education and put them in context with other academic or career considerations. “We want to be a dynamic resource for those looking to further their educations and careers. A key part of that is finding the right school, and it can be a confusing process for military members to navigate,” said Kelly Fodel, Military Advanced Education & Transition’s editor-in-chief.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff1Educator W.T. Brown Dead at 87

    Retired Fayetteville educator William T. Brown passed away on Nov, 14. He was 87. Dr. Brown is remembered as an icon in public education. “This is a very significant loss for anyone associated with Fayetteville State University,” said Dr. James Anderson, FSU Chancellor. Brown was Trustee Emeritus of Fayetteville State and served on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. He retired as an Associate Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools in 1992. He served as principal of Washington Drive Junior High School from 1963 to 1971 during government-mandated desegregation of public schools and later was named principal of E.E. Smith High School. Brown became an assistant superintendent and then an associate superintendent for Fayetteville City Schools and later Cumberland County Schools following the merger. 

    A native of Durham, Brown graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 1948 and North Carolina Central University in 1954. He completed graduate studies at Columbia University in 1961 and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1968. He held honorary doctorate degrees from Fayetteville State University and Shaw University.

     

     

     

     

     

    Disaster Response Training

    North Carolina Emergency Management is offering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) basic training to Cumberland County residents in December. Seats are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis for the 21 hours of training held over three days. CERT Basic Training covers the skills needed in the aftermath of a disaster when standard emergency services are not immediately available. Residents who complete the training can assist in saving lives and protecting property using basic techniques taught in the course. The December CERT classes will be held at Fayetteville Technical Community College, 2201 Hull Rd., Fayetteville, on Dec. 2 - 4. For information about meeting times, contact Marlin Scott at 309-9995. Register for the course online at https://terms.ncem.org/TRS/logon.do. 

     

     

    jeff5Gambling Operation Disrupted

    The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Homeland Security have conducted a joint criminal investigation into a Korean-run gambling operation, which has resulted in the execution of search warrants and the issuance of arrest warrants for some of the persons involved in the organization. Sheriff’s Sgt. Sean Swain says the group is headed in Cumberland County by Gyoung Lok Lee.  He has been charged with operating a continuing criminal enterprise, two counts of operating five or more video poker machines and felony conspiracy. The group has been linked to other gambling operations in Flushing, New York, Irving, Texas, and Los Angeles. Sheriff’s Office Detectives have obtained search warrants for six locations, five of them in Cumberland   County and one in Raleigh.  Additionally, Smith says the Sheriff’s Office will be executing search warrants at several local banks related to accounts in which gambling proceeds were being laundered.  Others charged in the operation were: Jay Hugh Pridgen and Eric Murillo both of 3206 University Ave., Fayetteville and Allen Larson of 5970 Lakeway Drive, Fayetteville.

     

  • jeff9Infrequent but devastating storms can cause expensive infrastructure damage to communities like ours. Last month, 13 of the 17 earthen dams that are known to have failed during Hurricane Matthew are in the Cape Fear River Basin. Some of the same dams were severely damaged or destroyed 27 years ago during a storm that dumped eight inches of rain on Fayetteville one week before Hurricane Hugo struck South Carolina. This year, we weren’t so lucky. Coincidentally, Hurricane Matthew hit Fayetteville one week after another torrential rainfall. Nearly 30 inches inundated Greater Fayetteville in a ten-day period. 

    Inspectors from the state’s Dam Safety Program are still collecting data on the failures and near-failures. The Federal Emergency Management Agency notes in its overview of dam ownership in the United States that property owners on popular residential lakes are responsible for the safety and liability of their dams and for financing their upkeep and repairs. The state has been working with the owners of two dams on Keith Lake in Rayconda off Raeford Road. 

    Residents have been trying to correct problems since at least 2004, said Brad Cole, Chief of Regional Operations for Dam Safety. The upper dam, which carries Siple Avenue, separates the two sections of Keith Lake. The street is maintained by the city, but the dam belongs to the homeowners’ association. When it partially caved in, the city rushed to shore it up to restore vehicular traffic on Siple Avenue... the only access to the neighborhood of about 230 homes. 

    Homeowners’ Association President Freddy Rivera said earlier this year that the HOA hired a contractor to make repairs to the dam’s spillway to better regulate the flow of water from the 2.5-acre lake to the larger 7-acre lake. The group hoped the City of Fayetteville would help with the costly repairs needed on the dam itself. That’s where the ownership issue comes into play, as it does for the Aarran Lakes Dam on Greenock Drive. It too is privately owned. 

    Many streets, bridges and utility systems owned by the City of Fayetteville cross privately-owned dams. A few, like the dam beneath Mirror Lake Drive in Van Story Hills and the lower dam on McFadyen Drive in Devonwood, are maintained by the city, said spokesman Kevin Arata. 

    So, what happens after the fact, when it comes time to repair or rebuild earthen dams? Emergency Action Plans are required as a condition of impoundment for all new high hazard potential dams in North Carolina. The EAPs must be approved by engineers in the Dam Safety Program. They are not required under state law for dams that already exist. But what if an existing high hazard dam is destroyed?  Is an emergency action plan required before the dam cane be rebuilt and the lake impounded? Failure of a dam can be a personal as well as expensive and legal calamity. Laws pertaining to North Carolina Dam Safety are found in G.S.143-215-23. 

  • jeff8The 2017 property revaluation may be an unusually difficult one for Cumberland County Commissioners — and not for the usual reason. Many business and home owners typically rebel at higher tax values that ordinarily result from mandatory property revaluations every eight years. Higher values mean higher taxes. But, this time, something extremely unusual has occurred. Since the last revaluation in 2009, overall property values in Cumberland County have gone down, not up.

    Commissioners face a potential dilemma of dealing with values that dipped a year ago to less than 90 percent of what they were in 2009. Chairman Marshall Faircloth tells Up & Coming Weekly he’s hopeful they will have rebounded to the upper 90s by the end of the year. 

    “We’re still analyzing data, and I wouldn’t want to comment on values until January,” said Tax Administrator Joe Utley when asked whether he’s determined if property values have made a comeback. A 10 percent loss in the overall value of local properties could mean one of two things, or both. Taxes might have to be increased to offset the loss of revenue. Or, significant cuts in services could result. For his part, Faircloth says cuts would come first.

    State law provides that reappraisal schedules of value must represent uniformity in guidelines used for all real property, including the valuation of land and various types of construction, to determine “fair market” value. 

    Utley took the first step in the process when he gave county commissioners proposed SOVs last week. One of them is for appraising property at market value. Another is for appraising agricultural, horticultural and forest lands at present-use value. The board of commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed schedules, which outline the revaluation process and formulas, during their next regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 21, at 6:45 p.m. in Room 118 of the Courthouse. 

    Commissioners will adopt the SOV on Dec. 19, and the values will go into effect Jan. 1. Property owners will have an opportunity to file appeals with the Property Tax Commission. Values established Jan. 1 will be used, in part, to determine property tax rates effective with the new fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017. And they will remain in effect until the next revaluation. Revaluation notices are scheduled to be mailed on Jan. 20, 2017. Property owners will have 30 days to informally appeal to the tax office. A formal appeals process can be made to the Board of Equalization and Review beginning Feb. 20. Those appeals will be accepted for about three months. 

    The 2017 notices of value may not reflect adjustments for individual properties damaged by Hurricane Matthew. Nearly $52 million in property losses and damage resulting from the storm will be considered during the appeal period. Second notices will be mailed to owners that will reflect property damage not repaired by Jan. 1. Property losses attributed to the hurricane are not expected to significantly affect total tax values, said County Manager Amy Cannon. The schedule of values manual is available online at co.cumberland.nc.us/tax/revaluation.aspx and in the Tax Administrator’s office, Room 570, in the Courthouse at 117 Dick Street. 

  • jeff1Beasley Media Group has announced it has acquired three Detroit, Michigan radio stations from Greater Media, Inc. on Oct. 31, as part of a 21-station purchase. The transaction, which has been approved by the board of directors of both companies, is subject to FCC approval. It was also announced that they have promoted local Beasley General Manager Mac “Edwards” McTindal to manage and oversee the newly acquired Detroit, MI. properties.  The promotion and transfer officially took effect Nov. 1.   Mac, as he was called by his friends and associates, has spent nearly 25 years in the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community as Beasley’s General Manager, overseeing six local radio stations. “He’s a good people person,” and perfect for the Detroit market, said Paul Johnson, an operations manager for Beasley in Fayetteville. However, those who have worked with Mac and know of his love for media and the Fayetteville community were shocked and saddened at the news of losing such a media professional and community advocate. “He loved this community and he surely will be missed,” said Up & Coming Weekly Publisher Bill Bowman. “He was the consummate media professional. We’ve worked with Mac and Beasley as media partners for two decades.” Bowman added. “And, for 10 years Mac hosted Up & Coming Weekly’s Best of Fayetteville Awards Party along with radio personality Don Chase of WKML. He will be missed.”

     

    jeff2Sheriff Butler Retiring After 22 Years

    Longtime Cumberland County Sheriff Earl “Moose” Butler is using an age-old Democrat party maneuver to set up the man he hopes will succeed him. Butler announced he’s retiring at the end of this year, two years before his current term of office expires. He’s recommending that Chief Deputy Ennis Wright serve out those two years as acting sheriff, which would give him the advantage of incumbency in 2018. Wright is a 20-year veteran of the sheriff’s office. County Commissioners will make the appointment. Butler, 79, has been sheriff for 22 years. “The time comes when a person knows that it is, in fact, time to…retire, and I know that this is the time,” Butler said. He is a life-long Democrat as are the seven members of the board of commissioners. 

     

     

     

     

    jeff3Fayetteville Road Repair Progress

    Major highway repairs have been underway in Cumberland County in the wake of Hurricane Matthew a month ago. NC Department of Transportation Division Six Engineer Greg Burns says work on Hope Mills Road near Camden Road is moving along well. “We anticipate opening the road to three lanes of traffic the end of this week,” he said, with the entire project completed near the end of January. The five-lane highway was destroyed when it caved in during the storm. Burns also says progress is being made on Strickland Bridge Road with completion of repairs in about two weeks. Complicating work there is a significant amount of utility reconstruction, Burns said. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff4Fayetteville Parks and Recreation NBA Basketball Clinic

    Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation will partner with professional basketball players including former NBA players to host a pre-season basketball clinic for beginner, intermediate and advanced players. Children can prepare for a successful basketball season by joining the fun. Autographs and prizes, including free one-on-one sessions will be granted during the clinic. Players will learn proper shooting, dribbling and passing form, as well as offensive and defensive strategies. Clinic attendance is $40. Two three-hour sessions will be held on Saturday, Nov. 19. Registration is open now at city and county recreation centers.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff5Wounded Warrior Honors Service Members

    November is being observed at Fort Bragg as Warrior Care Month. Various activities and programs are scheduled. Events include a bicycle ride around Womack Army Medical Center and the WTB area, a wheelchair basketball game, a caregiver appreciation luncheon, a cadre appreciation luncheon and job fairs. Informational static displays will also be exhibited throughout the month highlighting the programs and resources available to soldiers in transition. Warrior Care Month was established in 2008 by the Secretary of Defense as a time to highlight the care for and triumphs of our nation’s wounded, ill and injured service members.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff6Town Hall Meetings to Discuss HUD Eligible Activities

    Cumberland County Community Development will hold town hall meetings in November and December to provide information about various programs available to county residents, including affordable housing, housing rehabilitation, public services, public facility improvements, infrastructure and other Housing and Urban Development (HUD) eligible activities. The meetings will also give residents a chance to provide feedback on community needs for the 2017 Program Year. The meeting schedule is listed below:

    · Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. – Stedman Town Hall, 5110 Front St., Stedman

    · Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. – Falcon Two Hall, 7156 South West St., Falcon

    · Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. – Eastover Community Center, 4008 School St., Eastover

    For more information, contact Community Development at 321-6112 or go to co.cumberland.nc.us/community_dev.aspx. The office is located at 707 Executive Place, Fayetteville.

     

     

     

    jeff7Sunday Bus Service in Our Future?

    Fayetteville City Council has given no hint whether it will support Sunday bus service. Transit Director Randy Hume mentioned that a 25-cent increase would raise $120,000. At a work session, Monday, November 7, council members rejected the idea of a fare increase. Hume said the city’s cost of implementing the service would be about $290,000 a year.  The bus system’s citizen advisory committee recommended Sunday service. It has been part of FAST’s transit development plan for several years. The proposal is to offer the service on the ten most popular bus routes from 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. The proposal will likely be part of the city administration’s FY18 budget recommendation come April.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • jeff6The City of Fayetteville has a new tool it can use to rein in loitering. City Police Attorney Michael Parker came across a state statute that’s been on the books for more than 30 years. G.S.14-275.1 governs disorderly conduct at bus or railroad stations and airports. 

    Until recently, City Attorney Karen McDonald believed the city could not enforce loitering laws because of long standing Supreme Court decisions. The statute says in part that “Any person shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor if such person while at or upon the premises of any bus station, depot or terminal shall engage in disorderly conduct, or … without having necessary business there loiter and loaf after being requested to leave by any peace officer or by any person lawfully in charge of such premises.” 

    Officials say discovery of this state law is significant. The Center for Problem-Solving Policing notes courts have held that laws that specify places where panhandling is not allowed are constitutional. This statute is being added to the police blue book of enforceable city ordinances and state statutes, said Deputy City Manager Kristoff Bauer. It should be a “helpful tool in combatting loitering should problems develop at the new downtown FAST bus terminal now under construction,” he said. A city ordinance prohibits panhandling in the downtown area. Officials believe it should help prevent street people from begging at or near the new transit center. 

    “Officers have zero tolerance for the violation” in the downtown area, said police spokesman, Lt. Todd Joyce. “Officers assigned to downtown patrol will include the new bus terminal in their normal patrol functions,” he added. 

    Transit Director Randy Hume says construction of the center is expected to be completed by January. Safety and security have been top of mind for city officials. Five exterior surveillance cameras monitored by police are to be installed around the transit center, and there will be 30 cameras inside the building, said Hume. 

    Two security guards will be on duty from 5 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily, with one guard during the overnight hours. They will be equipped with two-way radios. Because Greyhound Lines will be moving its terminal operation from Person Street to the FAST Transit Center, it will share in operational costs of security and maintenance. The issue of vagrancy and loitering in and around the Greyhound station is not something city officials believe will be transferred to the new location off Russell and Robeson Streets. 

    “There are two distinct issues here,” said Bauer, “poverty and behavior.” Being poor is not unconstitutional, he said, whereas behaving badly can be. He notes the Person Street bus station is in an area where behaviors have been an issue. A police survey determined that the area of downtown where the FAST Center is located has not been a problem spot. Its location adjacent to police headquarters should also help deter crime.

  • jef5 Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend is the seventh American general since 2003 to assume command of war operations in Iraq. Townsend left his command of XVIII Airborne Corps and Ft. Bragg in August to become commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. His objective is to defeat the Islamic State (ISIS) while simultaneously diffusing the region’s ethnic and religious conflicts that have drawn in nearly every major country across Europe and the Middle East. He heads coalition forces in the battle for Mosul. Then he must pursue ISIS into Syria, where the U.S. has few allies on the ground, and negotiate a highly complex battlefield. 

    Military analysts say Townsend is overseeing a shift from conventional warfare to a mission dependent upon unconventional U.S military advisors and foreign troops. He has the help of the four star general who has spent much of his career in special operations. Former Special Operations commander Gen. Charles Votel is now in charge of Central Command, which has American military oversight of Middle East operations. He has emphasized the need for special operations forces to work hand-in-hand with traditional forces. Yet only 300 American special forces have been advising the Syrian Democratic Front (SDF) in the fight against ISIS. The coalition force of 30,000 is mainly made up of Kurdish troops and a sizable Syrian-Arab contingent. In Washington, Townsend faces historic uncertainty and a new Commander-in-Chief in January. 

    One of his diplomatic challenges is Kurdish forces being used in an offensive on Raqqa, a sensitive matter for neighboring Turkey, which is wary of a strong Kurdish military presence on its border. A power struggle has played out in public as Townsend vowed to march on Raqqa with Kurdish forces regardless of Turkey’s opposition. “Turkey doesn’t want to see us operating with the SDF anywhere, particularly in Raqqa,” Townsend acknowledged in a press briefing. But, he added, “we think there’s an imperative to get isolation in place around Raqqa because our intelligence feeds tell us that there is significant external attack planning going on” there. The U.S. also depends on Turkey for use of Incirlik Air Base, a hub for U.S. air operations near its southern border. 

    Townsend did say the isolation of Raqqa would be primarily undertaken by non-Kurdish Syrian forces. He believes there are currently enough of those fighters available to begin encircling the city soon. But he anticipates that the battle for Raqqa will take longer than the current battle for Mosul given that anti-ISIS partners in Syria do not have the resourcing available to the Iraqi military. Townsend says the timing of the offensive to retake Raqqa was not precipitated by the potential of an overseas terror plot although that concerns him. “We want to pressure Raqqa so that the enemy doesn’t have a convenient place to go,” said Townsend

  • FLPLThe Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch inspires, educates, empowers and celebrates the lionesses in our community by bringing women together in a quarterly forum filled with opportunities to network, learn and shop all under one roof. At the November event, FLPL welcomes Dr. Kimberly Jeffries Leonard, president and CEO of Envision Consulting, LLC and the national vice president of The Links, Incorporated, as the keynote speaker.

    A graduate of Fayetteville State University with a degree in Psychology, Dr. Leonard continued her education at North Carolina Central University and Howard University, with a master’s degree in science and a Ph.D. in Psychology, respectively. Her career covers working as a senior research scientist at MayaTech Corporation where she conducted and presented research involving the substance abuse treatment of African-American adolescents followed by a brief period at the District of Columbia Department of Health with the Addiction Recovery Prevention Administration. Leonard then served as the Chief Operating Officer at the District of Columbia Department of Health, later moving to Envision Consulting, LLC where she currently serves as the president and CEO. 

    Serving as the national vice president of The Links, Incorporated, Leonard commits to giving back to her community in the areas of services to youth, the arts, national trends and services, and health and human services, benefitting African-Americans and people of African ancestry.  Founded in 1946, The Links, Incorporated, a non-profit, international organization, has chapters in 42 states with more than 13,000 members.

    Before and after the keynote speech, Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch attendees have many opportunities to get a head start on their shopping lists with the Shopportunity Expo. Vendors, representing small and medium-sized businesses, bring an array of goods and services to the Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch. To date, vendors include representatives from 6 Figure Girl Boss, Avon, Design By Training, LLC, Isagenix, Jamberry, Lilla Rose, LuLaRoe, Mary Kay, McKee Homes, McTails, Park Lane Jewelry, Perfectly Posh, Pure Romance, Ramada Plaza, Renaissance Spa, Rodan + Fields Dermatology, Small Frye Photography, Stella and Dot, Style Dots, Terry’s Originals, Thirty-One, Usborne Books & More, Victoria’s Esthetics and Ways to Wellness.

    The Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch offers Platinum, Gold, Silver and Hostess Table sponsorship packages. The sponsors for November are Biz Card Express of Fayetteville; The UPS Store in Westwood; Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop; Omni Plaza Movies, Games, and Golf; and Carolina Selfie Stand. The power lunch organizers appreciate the support from these businesses and welcome more companies to recognize the women who make a difference in the community.

    Support of the Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch, now in its sixth year, benefits the children and youth of Cumberland County schools. The Kidsville News Literacy and Education Foundation receives a portion of the proceeds. Kidsville News! is a monthly newspaper distributed at no charge to schools to support literacy in grades K -6. 

    Find out more about the Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch at http://www.fayettevilleladiespowerlunch.com/index.html

  • vday paradeThe Cumberland County Veterans Council is sponsoring the Fayetteville Veterans Day Parade scheduled for Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown Fayetteville.  The theme of this year’s parade is “Honoring our World War II Veterans – The Greatest Generation.” 

    Organizers said there will be more than 100 participants in the parade, including active duty military with military equipment, veterans’ organizations, ROTC units and marching bands from area high schools and universities. The parade is set to begin on Hay Street at the Airborne Special Operations Museum and end at Liberty Point on Person Street.

    “The Veterans Council is once again proud to sponsor this event with the City of Fayetteville,” said Mike Gillis, President of the Cumberland County Veterans Council and a retired Chief Warrant Officer. “The Veterans Council wanted to honor the veterans of World War II during this anniversary year.  This generation called ‘the Greatest Generation’ grew up in the great depression, went off to serve their country, and came home to help rebuild a nation into the world’s economic powerhouse.”

    Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth “Rock” Merritt will be the Grand Marshal of the parade.  Merritt is a World War II veteran who took part in the combat parachute jump into France on D-Day with the 82nd Airborne Division.  He served for 35 years, with 31 years spent on jump status.  

    While Merritt served in many capacities during his military career, he spent much of his time at Fort Bragg in the 82nd Airborne Division and the XVIII Airborne Corps, even twice serving as the Corps Command Sgt. Maj.  He began his military service with the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment when it was at Camp Mackall.  During his career, Merritt served several overseas tours including Korea, Vietnam and the Dominican Republic. 

    “I’ve marched in many parades, but never been the Grand Marshal of one,” Merritt said. Now 93 years old, Merritt retired from Fort Bragg in 1977 and decided to make Fayetteville his home.

    Merritt has received other honors for his military service, including the Silver Star.  After his retirement, Merritt made a point to stay connected to the men and women who continue to serve in uniform, often attending reunions and functions to share his experience and advice.  

    “I’ve been retired almost 40 years,” Merritt said. “And I’ve been talking to soldiers at Fort Bragg ever since.”

    Merritt, who makes it out to Fort Bragg about twice a week, is not hesitant about picking favorites.

    “My favorite soldier’s a squad leader – they have the toughest job in the Army,” Merritt said.  “General Omar Bradley told me to take care of them, even after I retire.”

    It is a charge the sergeant major has taken to heart. His service and commitment to young soldiers, especially those serving in the infantry, has not gone unnoticed.  Just last month, Merritt was presented with the Doughboy Award at Fort Benning, Georgia, the home of the U. S. Army infantry.  

    The Doughboy is presented each year to an individual in recognition of outstanding contributions to the infantry.  It is presented on behalf of all infantryman past and present.  “Doughboy” is the term coined while soldiers were preparing for World War I along the Rio Grande in Texas.  The troops would become covered in the dusty, white adobe soil.  Mounted troops called these infantrymen “adobes.” The term became “doughboys” over time.  The Doughboy Award is the highest honor the Chief of Infantry can bestow on any Infantryman.

    Merritt said he is honored to be asked to serve as Grand Marshal for the Veterans Day Parade in Fayetteville, an event he has enjoyed for years.  “I think it brings the community together,” he said.  “A lot of people look forward to it.”

    Parade organizers said Merritt’s connection to the community and his service make him an ideal choice for Grand Marshal duties.  

    “We are honored to have Command Sgt. Maj. ‘Rock’ Merritt serve as our Grand Marshal this year,” said Kirk deViere, Chairman of the Fayetteville Veterans Day Parade.  “Command Sgt. Maj. Merritt is the epitome of the ‘Greatest Generation’ - a man that is humble, who never brags about what he had done or been through. He is just a loyal patriot that gave so much for our country.”

     For those unable to attend the parade downtown, WRAL-TV will cover the parade live again this year.

    “This is one of the state’s finest parades and is dedicated to the generations of military men and women who have served us all so valiantly,” said WRAL-TV Vice President and General Manager Steven Hammel. “We are extremely honored to be a part of it.”

  • jeff9Fayetteville City Council has taken the first of many steps to build a multi-million-dollar minor league baseball stadium in downtown Fayetteville. It’ll take a year-and-a-half, and it will be much more than a ballpark. The venue is officially described as a multi-use outdoor sports stadium/entertainment facility designed for baseball, soccer and perhaps even football, as well as outdoor concerts and festivals. Its presence behind the former Prince Charles Hotel off Hay Street is expected to be a catalyst for millions of dollars of economic development projects. Renovation of the old hotel will include 60 apartments, a luxury penthouse, a ground floor restaurant and retail spaces.

    City Council agreed to hire a pair of architectural firms. One of them is a well-known local group, Slf+a. The other is Populous, which has designed athletic stadiums, arenas and convention centers around the world. In its solicitation of architects for the project, the city said it is interested in “negotiating a master development agreement that will leverage public investments in amenities and infrastructure to induce private sector investment in downtown.” Council appropriated up to $3 million for the undertaking. It sets out five core elements: the stadium itself; private re-development of the former Prince Charles Hotel into a mixed-use building, a ground level apartment and retail building; private development of a new hotel to be integrated with the venue providing public parking to be owned by the city; and a private partnership to provide public open space for a park or square on the Hay Street side of the stadium. 

    In its proposal, the City of Fayetteville states that a market study concluded the project development should attract as many as 300,000 visitors per year. The budget anticipates $33 million in hard costs for venue construction. It must be constructed to facilitate diverse year-round use for purposes to be defined during the conceptual design process. 

    The architectural proposal gives a hint, on paper at least, what the ballpark will look like. First and foremost, it must meet minor league baseball standards and include fixed seating, outfield berm seating and other general admission areas to comfortably accommodate approximately 4,500 fans. A limited number of luxury and club suites will include all finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment. Concession facilities will include specialty cooking and vending areas, general commissary and point-of-sale vending locations. 

    Also outlined are team facilities including locker rooms, training areas, a “green room” or secondary locker room area for other types of events as well as team store(s), merchandising, concessions and box office facilities. Press access includes facilities for print media, radio and television broadcasts as well as in-house public address and audio/visual equipment. Scoreboard and video board design including facilities for video production are to be provided.  Construction is expected to begin in July with completion anticipated by January 2019. 

  • jeff8Residents of the Rayconda neighborhood in West Fayetteville have not gotten along particularly well with the City of Fayetteville since their annexation by the city 10 years ago. Like other suburban residents on the west side, the so-called big bang annexation became a bone of contention. But now, residents are beginning to appreciate the city services they receive. When the neighborhood was subdivided, county government standards allowed a single roadway, Siple Avenue,  in and out of the community. Siple Avenue crosses an earthen dam that splits Keith lake into two sections. The dam was heavily damaged last month when a utility culvert beneath the street ruptured during Hurricane Matthew.  The road was closed because of the damage beneath it. The city had assumed responsibility for the street, but as is often the case with dams, it belongs to and is therefore the responsibility of the homeowners association. For three weeks, residents were cut off from the rest of the city. “This is a mess,” said Freddy Rivera, president of the homeowners association. 

    The city and its contractor worked seven days a week to make repairs to Siple Avenue, which reopened for all traffic on Oct. 28., two weeks ahead of schedule.  But for the lake to be fully impounded, the levee must be replaced by a more structurally sound dam, which isn’t likely to occur anytime soon, if at all. A new road at a different location is the only permanent solution to the problem facing the more than 230 residents of Rayconda.  

    That’s something the city became aware of sometime ago. Design work on the new street into the neighborhood was all but complete when the city had to turn its attention to Siple Avenue following the hurricane. With repairs finished there, work has resumed on development of a 1,000-foot city street at the other end of the neighborhood. It will connect Rayconda directly to Raeford Road at the traffic light near the VA Healthcare Center. It will link up to Pinewood Terrace, said City Engineering and Infrastructure Director Rob Stone. But land clearing and construction could easily take a year or so, said Stone. For now, Siple Avenue will continue to be Rayconda’s life-line to the rest of the community.

  • jeff7Secretary of Defense Ash Carter has ordered the Pentagon to stop the National Guard Bureau from aggressively collecting enlistment bonuses paid to thousands of Guardsmen in California, even as the Pentagon says the number of soldiers affected was smaller than first believed. The White House said President Obama has warned the Defense Department not to “nickel and dime” service members who were victims of fraud by overzealous recruiters.   

      The Los Angeles Timesfirst reported that the Pentagon had demanded that some soldiers repay their enlistment bonuses after audits revealed overpayments by the California National Guard. Recruiters under pressure to fill ranks and hit enlistment goals at the height of the two wars improperly offered bonuses of $15,000 or more to soldiers who re-enlisted, the newspaper reported. That number is lower than a widely reported figure of nearly 10,000 soldiers who were told to pay back their bonuses. The Pentagon now says it told at most 6,500 California Guard soldiers to repay the bonuses. 

    Defense Department spokesman Maj. Jamie Davis said an audit more than five years in the making concluded last month that 1,100 soldiers improperly received bonuses for which they were ineligible. Another 5,400 soldiers had erroneous paperwork that could have made them ineligible. The California Guard said it has collected about $22 million from fewer than 2,000 soldiers who improperly received bonuses and student loan aid. A defense authorization bill passed by the House would establish a statute of limitations on the military’s ability to recover future overpayments and scrutinize existing cases of service member debt. House and Senate negotiators are trying to finalize the defense bill and pass it during the post-election, lame-duck session. 

    The California National Guard told the state’s congressional delegation two years ago that the Pentagon was trying to take back enlistment bonuses from thousands of soldiers. But Congress took no action then, said a senior National Guard official. The official added that what may have been ill-advised bonuses had been paid to National Guard members in every state. Attention was focused on California because it was “the only state that audited” bonus payments at the height of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he added. The Pentagon acknowledged that the problem likely extends beyond California. So far no instances have surfaced in North Carolina. 

    Many of the veterans were enticed to enlist with bonuses topping $10,000, and later served combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. “These bonuses were used to keep people in,” said Christopher Van Meter, a 42-year-old former Army captain and Iraq veteran from Manteca, Calif., who says he had to refinance his home mortgage to repay $25,000 in reenlistment bonuses and $21,000 in student loan repayments that the Army says he should not have received. “People like me just got screwed.” The likelihood that hundreds of soldiers must repay large bonuses which were paid years ago when the Pentagon relied heavily on the Guard to supply troops for two wars may increase pressure on Congress to act. 

  • jeff1Fayetteville City Council continues efforts to revise its Community Development Annual Action Plan to devote nearly a million dollars to Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts. Council unanimously agreed to reallocate $900,000 budgeted for neighborhood improvement projects to individual owner/occupied housing grants. Other funds would be devoted to assist tenants of rental properties. The money would be used to supplement expenses not covered by private insurance or FEMA, said Victor Sharp, Fayetteville Community Development Director. Sharpe told the council that federal Housing and Urban Development guidelines must be followed, but that some requirements can be waived to speed up the assistance project. Sharp said 90 $10,000 grants could be made available to residents on a first come, first served basis.

     

     

    jeff2Recovery Housing Available

    The City of Fayetteville’s Community Development Department has a list of affordable rental properties available to families displaced by Hurricane Matthew. Persons needing short-term housing options should call Adolph Thomas at 433-1935 or email him at athomas@ci.fay.nc.us for the current list. Property management agencies that would like to be added to the list may go to Fayettevillenc.gov. Click on Government, City Departments and then Community Development. Once there, click on the Hurricane Matthew link. 

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff3

    Disaster Relief Grants

    The Cumberland Community Foundation is matching the first $100,000 in gifts for Hurricane Matthew relief and recovery. That money is being made available by the Foundation and the William R. Kenan Charitable Trust. The 15 members of the Fayetteville New Car Dealers Association wasted no time making a major contribution. “They’ve given $30,000 to help local people recover from the hurricane,” said Foundation Executive Director Mary Holmes. “I’m glad we’re able to do it,” added Eason Bryan, president of the car dealers group. Other sizeable contributions were received subsequently, taking the challenge well over the top. One hundred percent of the money raised will go to local nonprofit organizations in support of Hurricane Matthew victims, said Holmes. The disbursements will be coordinated by the Cumberland Disaster Recovery Coalition.

     

     

     

     

    jeff4Salute to Veterans

    Fayetteville’s Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation will host the eighth annual Salute to Veterans on Saturday, Nov. 5, through Monday, Nov. 14 at the museum. The public can purchase flags for $5 in honor or in memory of a veteran by calling the museum at 643-2778 or visiting the website at www.asomf.org. Flags can also be purchased in the museum’s gift shop. Each flag will be placed on the museum grounds. “This is a wonderful way to show your support and gratitude to those who have served and those who are serving now,” said Paul Galloway, Executive Director of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation. “We hope to have more than 1,000 flags on display, showing the true patriotism of all citizens of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and beyond,” added Galloway. An Opening Ceremony for the Salute to Veterans will be held Nov. 5, at 1:30 p.m. at the museum. Guest speaker will be World War II veteran Vincent Speranza. Immediately following the ceremony will be a book signing with Speranza, author of Nuts! A 101st Airborne Division Machine Gunner at Bastogne. This is Vince’s life story including his participation in the Battle of the Bulge. Books are available in the museum’s Gift Shop. The ceremony is free and open to the public. 

     

    jeff5Fayetteville Outer Loop Improvements

    Fulcher Electric of Fayetteville will install dynamic message signs and traffic cameras along Fayetteville’s Outer Loop (N.C. 295) from the All-American Expressway interchange to Interstate 95, thanks to a $1.5 million contract awarded by the Department of Transportation. The route will eventually be designated I-295. Work can begin as early as Oct. 31 and will be complete by Aug. 1, 2017. This was one of six road and bridge projects recently awarded by the N.C. Department of Transportation. The contracts were awarded to the lowest qualified bidders, as required by state law.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    jeff6Solid Waste Manager Named

    Cumberland County Manager Amy Cannon has hired Jerod A. Roberts as Cumberland County’s new Solid Waste Management Director. Roberts had been Superintendent of Waste Collections for the City of Virginia Beach, Va., since December 2013. Roberts begins work in Cumberland County on Nov. 28. A native of Portsmouth, Va., Roberts spent four years in the Marine Corps. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Strayer University in Chesapeake, Va. “We are very pleased that Mr. Roberts will be joining our Leadership Team and look forward to working with him as he guides our Solid Waste Management Department,” Cannon said. Roberts was hired following as assessment conducted by Developmental Associates. He succeeds Bobby Howard who retired in December of last year. 

     


     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Fall's This, That, and the Other

    It is impossible not to be horrifi ed by the shooting of a 15-year-old student at Cape Fear High School late last month.

    All of us, including this mother of three, kiss our Precious Jewels goodbye on school mornings as they head for the school bus or the carpool. We hope they will have a successful day both in class and in their social scenes. We might fret over looming band, forensic, soccer or cheerleading tryouts, a scary test they are facing, the often vicious atmosphere on playgrounds and in lunchrooms or some other anxiety transmitted from child to parent.

    I suffered more of the above than I like to recall.

    I cannot, however, remember a single day when I sent a child to school fearing he or she might be shot on campus.

    The shooting at Cape Fear High School occurred with professional educators doing their jobs in close proximity on what was, by all accounts, a normal school day. Nothing seemed off kilter, just students, teachers, and administrators going about their routine and responsibilities two months into a school year.

    Then came a shot from nowhere, aimed, apparently, at no one.

    What a mystery is the human brain!

    Even more, what a mystery is the teenaged human brain!

    Current science suggests that it takes decades for our brains to come into their own — for our judgment to catch up with the stunning physical capabilities of our bodies. If we are honest with ourselves, all of us remember some really stupid action we took because we could and because our young brains did not snatch the behavioral reins and say “Whoa!”

    So what are we to make of what happened at Cape Fear?

    No suggestion of adult slacking has been fl ated nor has any hint of teenaged provocation. The incident appears so ill-conceived, so random and so completely avoidable that it could only have come from a teenaged brain.

    Those teenaged brains have changed many lives, including their own, forever and now they must live with the consequences.

    ********************

    The ongoing Occupy Wall Street movement, now camping out in New York City and in many other places around the country, is all about the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. It expresses this sentiment, in part, by saying the richest 1percent is making all the decisions for the other 99 percent of us, although the concept remains a bit sketchy.

    OWS does have a point about the dangers of pronounced financial inequity in any society.

    Richard Wilkinson, a retired British medical school professor of social epidemiology and author of The Spirit Level has studied the social health differences in nations with high disparities in wealth and those whose wealth distribution is more level, and the news is not good. Says Wilkinson about countries with signifi cant gaps, “Mental illness is say, three times as common. Life expectancy is lower. Teenage births are much, much higher, rates of violence as measured by homicide are much higher.”

    There are many ways to calculate and assess wealth, of course, and much discussion about the importance of rewarding merit in any culture. It is worth noting, though, that by many measures the gap between the haves and the have-nots in the United States is among the largest in the world in industrialized nations, and that gap — by almost any measure one uses, is growing. Our rich are indeed getting richer and poor, poorer.

    Cheery news, n’est pas?

    ********************

    When they perceive dear old Mom is a tad ornery, my Precious Jewels call me Andy, shorthand for Andy

    Rooney, everyone’s favorite curmudgeon.Rooney, now 92, retired last month from his long and award winning career in journalism, which culminated at CBS. For 34 years and 1097 broadcast essays, he harrumphed on camera behind a walnut table he made himself about all the t11-02-11-margaret.jpghings that drove him — and many of us — crazy. How do you feel about annoying relatives, pricey bottled water, unwanted and unreturnable Christmas presents, multiplying brands of cars and milk? How about the cost of groceries and gas and grandstanding politicians?

    Andy was not shy about what he thought on these and a smorgasbord of other topics big and small. He gave voice to what many of us were thinking, too. In his last grumpy essay on CBS’s Sixty Minutes, Rooney bid farewell to his friends, viewers, and fans.

    He also requested that if any of us see him out to dinner somewhere that we just keep our good wishes to ourselves and let him enjoy his meal in peace.

    As we say in the South, bless his sweet heart.

    Photo: Rooney, now 92, retired last month from his long and award winning career in journalism, which culminated at CBS. For 34 years and 1097 broadcast essays, 

  • Chasing the American Dream11-09-11-publishers.jpg

    It is rare, in fact, I can’t recall when I have ever responded to an opinion put forth by a columnist in our paper. I have published many things that I disagree with to the very core of my being — things that make my skin crawl — and made no response. But last week’s editorial by Sharon Valentine, along with the local news, moved me out of my bed at 11 p.m. (even though I get up at 4 a.m.) to respond.

    Occupy Wall Street is not a movement that will create reform. Occupy Wall Street is nothing more than a distraction from the real problems that face our economy, our nation and our society as a whole. It is a sound bite for the media. In short, Occupy Wall Street (Raleigh and Fayetteville) is a tempest in a tea pot with people who seemingly have nothing better to do.

    I would suggest that if these folks really want to make a difference in our economic free fall, they get out of their chairs, put down their picket signs, pack up their $200 tents, put down their $4 lattes and get a freaking job.

    Yes, I said it: GET A JOB.

    And before you all run to your computers to say there are not any jobs — yes there are. They may not be what you want, but they will start to pay the bills. There are a number of people who feel that certain jobs are beneath them. Guess what? When you’ve got no money, your extended unemployment has run out and the rent is due, nothing is beneath you.

    I have been poor. And I don’t like it. So I did what I had to do to change my situation. I have been a hostess at restaurants, tended bar, turned socks, lifeguarded, worked in a deli, a daycare and at a newspaper that expected me to work 80 hours a week for less than most people make on unemployment. (Oh, and I always paid for my own insurance.) I can honestly say, with no exaggeration, that since I have been 19-years-old I have worked no less than two jobs at any given time. I now have three.

    Do I have to? Nope. Do I do it because I want what is best for my family. You bet. So I have little patience or time to listen to people who complain about not being able to get $50,000 a year jobs. Work two jobs, work three jobs if that’s what it takes to meet your economic expectations. Do what you have to do to be successful.

    When my husband and I bought our fi rst house, we paid $83,000 for it. We didn’t go out and buy a $300,000 house we couldn’t afford. That, Ms. Valentine, is why the housing market crashed — people reached beyond their means to buy what they thought they deserved, not what they could afford.

    I keep hearing about the 99 percent and the 1 percent. Would it surprise you to know that if you earn more than $150,000 in a household of two working people, you are knocking on the door of what our tax system and our current administration calls wealthy?

    Is it somewhat disconcerting to anyone that you are actually penalized for working hard, for chasing the American Dream? I know at tax time it’s pretty darn disconcerting for me.

    I grew up in a one-income family. My father was in the military, and despite what you hear to the contrary, the salaries for enlisted soldiers are not that great. No one in Congress who keeps saying the military is overpaid, would work the hours, face the hardships or give up their plush lives in DC to spend one minute on a forward-operating base.

    I forgot to mention that my father had five children. My mother was a stay-at-home mom. We didn’t have fancy cars, clothes or homes, but we always had enough. They always managed to make it work. In short, we lived within our means.

    My grandfather, who lived through World Wars I and II and the Great Depression, raised 15 children. They didn’t always have everything they wanted either, but they had what they needed. I can assure you, they didn’t have $200 tents, and they didn’t stand around on street corners all day long whining about what they didn’t have. They worked. They worked long hours in the fi elds on the farm, the saw mill and in the house.

    And at the end of the day, I will always remember what my grandfather said about the hard times, the good times, and what he would probably have said about Occupy Wall Street.

    “Smart people don’t starve — they just work harder.”

    Get a clue. The American Dream isn’t dead. What is dead is the desire of many to pursue it.

  • In Time (Rated PG-13)  2 Stars11-16-11-movie-review.jpg

    I love a good science-fiction movie. Let me know if you hear about one coming out soon, because this one sucked. The major flaws include stupid dialogue, bad acting, characters with poorly realized motivations, and a series of thinly veiled references to class inequality. While writer/director Andrew Niccol has a few wins to brag about (The Truman Show, Gattaca), he really should hide In Time (109 minutes) at the bottom of his resume

    .In a future sort of inspired by Logan’s Run and sort of ripped off from a Harlan Ellison short story (one of his better ones, in my opinion), people stop aging at the of age of 25, when a one-year clock starts counting down, and unless you earn more time, you die. Following your untimely death, you leave a fabulous looking corpse in the suspiciously clean ghetto streets, which then ap-parently disappear via some super-efficient yet completely unex-plained futuristic corpse-disappearing mechanism.

    Each “Time Class” lives in a different “Time Zone.” The poor, including working class hero Will Salas (Justin Timberlake), work each day to earn enough money to pay the bills and earn a few more hours of life. The inhabitants of the lower-class “Time Zone” basically run around with a day or so left on their clocks, which makes me wonder what happens if somebody gets sick. Perhaps the Hippocratic Oath is under general suspension? Or have they found the cure for the common cold and wiped out all disability and disease? Maybe doctors only work for the rich? There are burning administrative questions going unanswered here!

    While wandering around aimlessly, instead of working overtime for extra life, Salas runs into a 100-year-old man. Which really isn’t that old compared to characters introduced later in the film, but we are clearly supposed to be blown away by his Vampire Lestat-style boredom with immortality. The old man does the equivalent of flashing a roll of hundreds on a street with a lot of abandoned cars and shady guys, consequently attracting the attention of Fortis (Alex Pettyfer).

    Apparently, Fortis is a mobster who spends his time stealing the time other people have earned and leaving them for dead. It seems like a major flaw in the system that stealing time is as simple as grabbing someone’s wrist. How could anyone sleep at night? If they got robbed they would totally wake up dead. Also, it must cost much less in time currency than it would cost in dollars to buy an international plane tick-et, since Fortis has a pretty random British accent. And several scenes establish that the mega-rich live wrapped in bubbles, and don’t take even the slightest risk of an accident cutting their lives short, so do people even fly commercial anymore?

    So many questions, and we’re not even that far into the movie. Did I mention that movie-killer Olivia Wilde has a prominent role as well? As does Amanda Seyfried, playing the Patty Hearst of the movie, Sylvia Weis (So Niccol apparently ripped of the 1987 classic Dragnet as well).

    See, when Salas ventures into the time-rich side of town he meets up with spoiled Weis and her daddy (Vincent Kartheiser). He kidnaps her and they find true love. It’s just like Bonnie and Clyde!

    One wonders what Cillian Murphy was doing in this subpar, lackluster mess of a film. He really should have read the script, realized his character made next to no sense, and opted out. Overall, as much as the set tries to be retro-futuristic the film has a very sterile look. It was hard to sit through without laughing, and many of the lines were unintentionally hilarious. The movie could have been so good … but there was so much left unexplored.

    Now showing at Wynnsong 7, Carmike 12 and Carmike Market Fair 15.

  • 112515_margaret.png

    We all have experiences we immediately recognize as shaping our lives. Marriages. Children. Illnesses. Deaths. Jobs. Retirements. Some are positive, some are negative and some are both. We know these experiences both color and direct our lives, because they are personal. They happen to us.

    What we do not always recognize are trends in our culture, outside forces that also impact and shape us, sometimes without our ever really understanding that we are buffeted by events, decisions and changes far beyond our own control. We may never even know they happened.

    I am Exhibit A of thinking a national, even global, trend would not affect my own little world. 

    Almost two decades ago, a literal act of Congress made changes in the communications industry, one of which was deregulating commercial broadcasting in the United States. As with other deregulations, industry consolidation was immediate. We, in our family broadcasting business, saw it coming, of course, but it did not register with me that our family could be swept up in that national tide. But swept we were, and the third generation went our separate ways in the business world. No one got sick or died, but a force we could not control altered our lives.

    Across our nation, forces people may or may not recognize affect lives. 

    Troubling indeed is a recent report by two 2015 Nobel Prize laureates that middle-aged white Americans are dying at higher rates than would be caused by common health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Alcohol and drug addictions and, tragically, suicides, afflictions of sad, angry and desperate people, are driving the statistics. Most affected are people between 45 and 54 with a high school education or less. Their mortality rate rose a staggering 22 percent between 1999 and 2014. Other demographic groups saw their mortality rates holding steady or declining.

    Wham!

    White people with a high school diploma or less are the folks devastated by the loss of jobs overseas and by the rapid expansion of ever-expanding technologies. Even for those with jobs, salaries have not risen appreciably and many skilled workers have been forced into low-skilled and low-paying jobs. Social scientists are describing the rising death rates in this group as akin to what happened in Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Political pundits opine that it is a factor in ugly, anger-driven politics as we head into the 2016 election cycle. 

    John Quinterno, a research consultant in Chapel Hill, told the Raleigh News and Observer, “The report is pretty stunning. These are people who we see as the backbone of the middle class.” 

    Says Dr. Angus Deaton, one of the Nobel Laureates and study authors,
    along with
    his wife, Dr. Anne Case, says, “Only HIV/AIDS in contemporary times has done anything like this.”

    There is no way to make this sad picture pretty, but it can only be good that we are now taking notice.

    Another trend that caught my eye is this one:

    Young American women are living at home with parents or other relatives at the highest rate since the U.S. Census Bureau began tracking this statistic. Using Census data, the Pew Research Center found that more than a third, 36.4 percent of women between 18 and 34 lived with their families in 2014, besting the prior record set in 1940. 

    Richard Fry, the economist who did the analysis, had this to say, “Some of what’s happening is probably economics, because the great recession really hit young adults hard. But I am still struggling with the economic explanation, since the labor market for young adults has improved in the last five years, and yet the percentage living their family is still going up.” 

    The New York Times interviewed young women living at home. Said one, 24-year-old woman, “It would be nice to have my own space, but my parents are very supportive….My mom stays awake until I come home.” 

    Says another, 21-year-old woman, “In my head, I see myself as an adult, but I don’t know what kind of job I really want. I don’t know how to get an apartment. I don’t have to buy the toilet paper, and that’s what being an adult is.” 

    I understand that living with family can be very nurturing and comforting, but as a woman who came of age at a time when young women were heading into professional schools and careers, I find this growing trend baffling. 

    Since 1940, the United States has become much more diverse and has many incorporated cultural values. Young people are also carrying greater student debt and marrying later than their parents and grandparents, and rent has increased.

    But, still.

    I am not comforted by the fact that, according to the Pew Research Center, more young men live at home than young women. Fry found that nearly 42 percent of young men lived with family in 2014. In 1940, that percentage was 47.5.

    Are we, or do we want to be, the captains of our own ships?


  •     The first gold record ever released by Atlantic Records was Percy Sledge’s No. 1 song “When a Man Loves a Woman.” Sledge wrote the song after his girlfriend left him for a modeling career after he was laid off from a construction job late in 1965. Was Percy Sledge giving marital counseling? Probably not on purpose, but he is on the road to a successful marriage.{mosimage}
        The Apostle Paul gave some similar advice in the New Testament book of Ephesians to husbands and wives. He says, “Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33, NASB).
        First, Paul tells husbands to love their own wives. We all recognize that men and women are different. And that includes how husbands and wives give and receive “love.” Wives need to not only be told their husband loves them; they need to see it, to feel it, to sense it. Paul looks at the men of his day and says, “Guys, love your wives.” He then goes on to add “even as himself.” Love them the same way you want to be loved…fully, forgiving, forever.
        Paul then gives some marital advice to the wives of the day, “and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.” Again, men and women are different. Women want to hear and sense that they are loved by the husbands. But men are different. Men, though all tough-guy on the outside, really want just one thing. They want to feel like the hero of their home. They want to be respected…and that is exactly what Paul is saying in this verse.
        Percy Sledge got it right when he said “When a man loves a woman, can’t keep his mind on nothing else; He’ll trade the world for the good thing he’s found.” Husbands, love your wives. Wives, respect your husbands. Both, make Christ the center of that forever relationship.
  •     It all began October 12, 1988. She had long brown hair with brown eyes. She was in my French class. She was a cheerleader. She was my first girlfriend; and the world stopped for just the two of us. We spent hours on the phone, not “talking” but just listening to the other person say nothing. In class, we wrote letters back and forth all day telling each other how much we missed one another in the past 10 minutes of life. Every afternoon ended the same…a kiss behind the school bus before getting on our golden chariots to ride home. Six months later, she dumped me. But in the 8th grade, that’s what we call being  “in love.”
        The years came and went, and so did the girls. But it was not until May 31, 2003, that I married the “love” of my life. And for five years now, we have been living this thing called “marriage.” And to be honest, I’m still not quite sure I can tell you what “love” is. As a husband, how am I to love my wife? I believe that apart from God, I can’t love my wife.
        In order to really love my wife, I must first accept God’s love. In the Bible, the apostle John wrote that “love is from God” (1 John 4:7). And God proved that love in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Love is an action. It is something that we feel, but it is also something that we do. God showed his love for us in that he sent Jesus to die on the cross for us. That proved his love. In the same way, I must not only tell my wife I love her…but show her I love her.{mosimage}
        In order to really love my wife, I must also abide in God’s love. John goes on to say that “if we love one another, God abides in us” (I John 4:12) and “the one who abides in love abides in God” (1 John 4:16). If God is love, then I must fill my heart with God. As the weather turns cold, the gloves come out. The purpose of the glove is to keep the hand warm. But a glove with no hand is useless. The glove does no good. The same is true with love. If God is love, and I do not have God in my heart and life, then there is no way to express God’s perfect love. So to love my wife completely, I must abide in God’s love and allow God’s love to abide in me.
        Finally, in order to really love my wife, I must acknowledge that God first loved me. John adds, “We love, because he first loved us.” In other words, even when we hated God, spit in God’s face, rejected God, and didn’t want to have anything to do with God…he loved us first. The word “first” is a superlative here. It’s like saying good, better, best. He loved us “first” compared to all other objects. The Bible says that “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” He loved us even when we didn’t love him. And so no matter how you are treated by your spouse, love them first. No matter how your boss treats you, love him/her first. No matter how your child loves you back, love him/her first.
        Remember, you can love others because God loved you first. So make him your first love today. Then, go show your spouse how much you love him/her today.
  • Response to Occupy Wall Street

    11-02-11-sharon-valentine.jpgHey, just a minute Mr. Publisher. Could you possibly be misreading the Occupy Wall Street movement?

    My read on the “sit-in” of 2011 is an American public angry with the Wall Street-Washington cartel that is gutting the middle class. It is not a protest against capitalism but the against a “bastardization” of capitalism that allows a Goldman-Sachs to post its first loss in earnings this quarter and still set aside $10 billion for year-end executive bonuses. It is frustration with hundreds of millions of dollars anonymously “invested” into national and state campaigns to assure ownership of politicians. (Did you know that Congressmen Chris and Dodds were the biggest recipients of Wall Street campaign largess?)

    If you are the average guy earning $20 an hour in a plant you have no clout in Washington.

    You state that this nation was built on capitalism and the vision of entrepreneurs. I agree with you. But capitalism requires “capital”.

    The cozy deal between D.C. and Wall Street that struck down the firewall and allowed the investment banks to move into the conservatively managed arena of the commercial banks blew up the housing sector. This critical sector not only employed a lot of people and kept manufacturing humming but was also the original retirement account for most Americans — the equity in a home. Millions of homeowners are still underwater or facing foreclosure. Employment opportunities go unmet as potential workers can’t sell a house and move (i.e. BRAC).

    Occupy Wall Street is demanding some answers on why our tax dollars were used to bail out the “big banks” and those government bastions of confl ict of interest: Fannie and Freddie. Local banks are in shell shock, very cautious and over regulated. The result is “no capital” capitalism — no mortgages, no business loans, no lines of credit unless you have enough money that you do not need a loan.

    Other Occupy Wall Street frustration is directed at a tax code that helps the rich get richer. If you believe that the rich really pay taxes I have some shocking news for you. Do you recall that our treasury secretary got a “pass” on forgetting to file his return? The 1 percent has lawyers, accountants, corporations and a “favorable” tax code that has resulted in an income disparity that is outrageous. While we worker bees have had incomes that are “flat lined” for the last 30 years, the wealthy have soared into the economic stratosphere with not a responsible glance back at the ravages of their excess. Deregulation of the commodities market (that was once the safety net of farmers) has allowed hedge funds to “win” (not earn) billions of dollars. In a system that has Goldman-Sachs executives moving between major government positions and the bank, we can’t fix this system by just voting. It will take major structural changes.

    That is why I give Occupy Wall Street a pat on the back. They are doing what angry, frustrated Americans do when they do not know how to change the process. They are in the streets raising awareness to our increasingly dangerous future. They may not have candidates — nor did the Tea Party originally. And they may not have the ballot answers — but neither does Congress, our President or our courts. They are successfully forcing the system to pay attention. They are demanding reform:

    • Reform of an unfair tax code

    • Reform of a broken political process

    • Reform of a “rigged” economic system

    • Reform of a system that favors 1 percent over 99 percent

    • Reform of a system that no longer offers the dream of upward mobility.

  • 11-09-11-bikers.jpgBikers For Bikers Foundation (BFBF) is a nonprofit organization founded to help injured/sick bikers and needy children. Motorcyclists across America are known for hosting charitable benefits for people in need, supporting the families of fallen service members, doing toy runs for less fortunate children at Christmas, gathering food and coats for the homeless during the months before the bitter cold sets in, supporting breast-cancer campaigns, and doing poker run benefits for emergency situations when people have fallen ill or lost homes to fires and disasters. However, when was the last time you heard of a “biker” asking for help? It doesn’t happen very often.

    In 2010 there were more than 10 million registered motorcycles in America. With an average of approximately 100,000 accidents recorded year-ly, there are approximately 90,000 injured, and 5,000 killed yearly accord-ing to the U.S. Department of Transportation statistics from 2000 to 2010. Motorcyclists are strong and often too proud to ask for help, but the numbers are staggering.

    When Mickey, founder of BFBF and a North Carolinian, went down some years ago and broke an ankle he couldn’t get any help because he was “a biker.” He had kids to feed and clothe and basic bills like everyone else. He vowed that someday he would change that. After researching some of the larg-est charitable organizations in America, he was shocked by the percentages taken by large charities and how little of it actually goes to help those in need. Even more alarming was the fact that several of those charities have CEOs whose salaries are nearing the million dollar mark. The average is more than 50 percent and in some charities up to 99 percent of the money given actually goes to pay salaries, marketing expenses, buy office supplies and purchase and maintain corporate jets.

    Bikers For Bikers Foundation is not a “big charity” or a household name — yet. It was started by a man who had a vision and one year of pocket-change. It is still a small, but rapidly growing organization with the goal of being known by every biker in America while keeping the operating cost to a minimum, so the money goes to help those in need instead of lin-ing the pockets of CEOs or employees. To date, everyone who works with the foundation volunteers, including the founder. The foundation is head-quartered in Cumberland County, and has members in 46 states, and state captains, who help raise funds in four states. BFBF is not affiliated in any way with Biker For Bikers, incorporated out of Texas, nor is it a club. The organization shares no one’s information.

    If you ride, or have loved ones or friends who ride, this is one nonprofit you should take the time to visit their web-site, www.bikersforbikersfoundation.com, and show support for their cause.

  • 11-16-11-tattoo.jpgIn our Oct. 12-18 issue, Up & Coming Weekly ran a syndicated article by Earthtalk from the editors of Environmental Magazine about some of the environmental and health risks associated with tat-toos. A few hours after the issue hit the streets we heard from local tattoo studios asking for an opportunity to set the record straight. A digital copy of the article can be found at www.epageflip.net/issue/44467 on page 18.

    Adrian, Charlie and Hadley, tattoo artists at Divine Line Studios, Mark, owner and tattoo artist at Sky Dragon Tattoos and Piercings and “E,” owner and tattoo artist at Cherry Blossom Studios Custom Tattooing and Art Gallery all weighed in to defend the tattoo industry and educate the uninformed about their work.

    Just like any industry, there are highly trained professionals who take their work and their art very seriously, and there are posers out to make a quick buck with no regard to standards, best practices and the laws that regulate the industry or the health and safety of their customers. Anyone thinking about get-ting a tattoo should do extensive research before getting inked, and they all warned against the dangers involved in going to an untrained, unknowledgeable, unlicensed “scratcher” tattooing out of their home.

    The Earthtalk article stated “If the tattoo parlor’s needles and equipment aren’t properly sterilized in an autoclave between customers, you could be exposing yourself to hepatitis B or C, tuberculosis, mycrobacterium, syphilis, malaria, HIV or even leprosy.”

    Charlie and Hadley both pointed out that this is true, which is all the more rea-son to research a potential tattoo artist, their studio and their practices before baring your skin.

    “Any idiot can buy a kit online and start jacking up his friends the next day with no idea about cross contamination or the risk of infection,” said “E,” owner of Cherry Blossom Studios Custom Tattooing and Art Gallery.

    Many of the problems tattoo customers face are self-inflicted. “In order for a tattoo to heal properly it is really important to follow the instructions your tattoo artist gives you,” said Mark. “You’d be surprised how many people will get a tat-too and the very next day go water skiing or something crazy, not clean it and then wonder why it is infected and try to blame the artist.”

    Earthtalk claims that “…some red inks used for permanent tat-toos contain mercury.” Artists from all three studios refute this claim saying that they know of no professional ink maker or line of ink con-taining any mercury in any of the colors. In fact, there are ink compa-nies that specialize making purely plant-based inks. Adrian was quick to point out that just like the kits that can be found online, there are probably dangerous inks available, but no artist who cares about his work or his customers would even consider using them. “

    A reputable artists will always use the safest, best-quality inks and tools available no matter what the cost,” noted “E”.

    Finding someone to do a name tattoo for $20 might sound like a reasonable deal, but for an artist using top-quality inks, and proper tools and sterilization practices, it costs about $50 just to set up their station — before they’ve even touched their customer or talked about size and style of the tattoo.

    The artists at all three studios maintain that no self-respecting artist worth their salt would give a tattoo without making sure the customer is comfortable with their processes and practices. They stressed over and over how important it is to commu-nicate with the artist and not to move forward without feeling comfortable.

    For someone looking to get inked, whether it is your first piece or one of many, here are some guidelines from the tattoo artists featured in this article for finding a good artist and protecting yourself.

    • Check with the health department about the shop’s licensure and health record.

    • Ask to see the spore report for the studio’s autoclave. In N.C. autoclaves are required to be spore tested every 30 days.

    • Ask to see the equipment. Many places use disposal needles and other equipment. Ask to see the packs of needles and make sure they are not expired.

    • Ask the artist about the process. What do they use to clean the skin before the procedure? What brand of inks do they use? Then go home and research the ink company.

    • What are the aftercare procedures?

    • Does the tattoo parlor look clean?

    • Does the tattoo artist have dirty fingernails? Look sober?

  • alzheimers-walk.png

    Currently 5.4 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease and about 13 percent of them that are diagnosed are 65 and older, making Alzheimer’s sixth in the nation’s leading causes of death. An estimated 150,000 of those are North Carolinians with Alzheimer’s. When it comes to dealing with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to remember that … “You don’t have to go it alone,” said Julie Russo. 

    McKee Home’s has fundraised for the Alzheimer’s Association for five years. This year the Fayetteville Walk to End Alzheimer’s raised $90,372 which is significantly more than its goal of $69,000.

    This year the walk included 76 teams 688 walkers and 818 total participants. The top two teams being Rhudy’s with $13,292 worth of donations and The A team with $12,083. 

    To make things more competitive, the walk included a traveling trophy contest. The contest encouraged the teams to have a healthy competition to raise money and bring awareness to the cause. Teams organized garage sales, raffles and other fundraisers to build moral for the walk. 

    One of the most touching aspects of the walk is the promise garden ceremony. Loved ones and caregivers can place pinwheel-shaped flowers in the garden of hope before the walk. Flowers are personalized with messages and names. The garden of hope also gives walker’s something to take with them to remain hopeful for a cure to be found.

    Originally McKee homes started the walk in its own neighborhoods but the participation has been so overwhelming in recent years that the walk now takes place downtown. 

    “My father-in-law Joe McKee died from Alzheimer’s complications. My husband Pat McKee and his brother Mike founded McKee Homes in their father’s honor and donate a portion of every home sale to the Joe McKee Memorial Alzheimer’s Fund. We use this fund to support the Alzheimer’s Association as well as other local and national charities. McKee Homes made a $25,000 donation this year,” said Russo.

    The Fayetteville Walk to End Alzheimer’s has raised over $250,000 in the past five years. 

    The money raised goes toward research, patient and family services, public awareness and fundraising. The Alzheimer’s Association strives to: 

    • Help families across the country by continuing to provide and enhance programs focusing on education and support.

    • Advance critical research studies into methods of treatment, prevention and ultimately, a cure.

    • Speak up for the needs and rights of those facing Alzheimer’s through our public policy initiatives.

    “After Pat’s dad died, he knew he wanted to do something to help others who were dealing with Alzheimer’s,” she said. 

    To prevent Alzheimer’s some of the measures include physical exercise, mental exercises, no smoking and maintaining a healthy diet. 

    “The thing I look forward to the most is the opportunity to bring the community together for a common cause. This disease affects so many and those it affects often are not aware of the services that the Alzheimer’s Association provides,” she said. 

    If you missed the Fifth Annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s, next year’s will be September 24, 2016.

     

  • flashdance.png

    Flashdance the Musical comes to the Givens Performing Arts Center on Nov. 14. It is a tale about dreams, hard work, love and hope. 

    It is a story about much more than just great dancing. “I love the Flashdancestory. I think a lot of people don’t really realize what the story is about. It’s about a girl who wants to go to ballet school. She doesn’t want to be famous, she doesn’t have these outlandish dreams, she is just a hard working girl who wants to go to ballet school. Its about blue collar workers, hard working people that just want a little more and I think we all have those dreams. It’s a fun story,” said Hannah MacDonald who plays Gloria in the show. 

    MacDonald’s character, Gloria, also has a relatable story, but her dreams are even bigger. “Gloria is the character that does have these big outlandish dreams. She wants to be a pop star; she wants to be famous,“ MacDonald said. 

    Gloria is a waitress at the local club and all she wants is to dance up there with her friend — but no one thinks she has the talent. So Gloria is stuck in the position of watching her friends dance while she waitresses. “She goes through this arc in the story where she ends up at a seedy strip join but her friends and boyfriend come and rescue herm,”said MacDoanld. Now, I can’t really relate to dancing at the seedy strip joint down the road but I think we all have dreams. I’m an actress so obviously I’m someone who has big dreams.”

    MacDonald’s dreams started as soon as she could walk. According to her parents, she was a performer from the very beginning. “I was always a very theatrical kid. When I was three years old I knew I wanted to be on Broadway. When I was growing up, at every family function people were gathered around me performing. I did community theatre growing up, and I started working professionally when I turned 18. It has been something that has carried me through my whole life. There was never a question about whether I would do this,” she explained. 

    Touring has its difficulties. The cast often stays in hotels, after traveling for hours. It is always physically trying. However, for MacDonald all the hours spent away from home are worth it. She says, “Its incredibly rewarding to be able to tour. We’ve been on the road maybe 10 days and I’ve already gotten to see so much of the country that I wouldn’t have been able to see if I wasn’t on tour,” she said. “Its also rewarding to be able to bring this story to so many new audiences. We all live in New York City so we can see these huge incredible theatre productions whenever we want so it’s exciting to be able to bring this to other parts of the country that might not have that access. And I get to meet a lot of new people and friends.” 

    For more information visit http://www.uncp.edu/giving/advancement/givens-performing-arts-center/broadway-and-more-series or call 910.521.6287. Tickets range from $21 to $36 and can be purchased by calling 910.522.6361. The GPAC theatre is located at                1 University Dr. in Pembroke.

     

  • 112515_flpl.png

    The Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch isn’t just a luncheon. It’s an event that celebrates the lioness in every woman. The goal is to inspire, motivate and highlight successful women in the community. Those in attendance should be moved to dream, create and act. The next Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch is scheduled for Dec. 10 at Holiday Inn 1-95.

    “The Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch has a dedicated mission to motivate and empower women from all walks of life by using these casual and friendly gatherings that are specifically themed and focused on inspiring, educating, empowering and celebrating the women of Fayetteville, Fort Bragg and Cumberland County,” said Karla Allen, one of the organizers of the event. “We have a dedicated group of women, our advisory board, that gathers a few times monthly. We divvy up all the responsibilities and then work hard to provide an inspirational event that educates, empowers and celebrates everything that is good and true about being a woman.” 

    The luncheon starts at 11 a.m., and is a lot more than a ladies’ lunch.  There is a time for networking and shopping., which is timely during the holiday season. The event offers something for just about everyone on your holiday shopping list. While at the event you can visit one of the many vendor stations and stock up on holiday essentials.  “Our Shopportunity Expo area will host up to 30 vendors with a good mixture of local merchants, home-based businesses and business to business enterprises,” said Allen. 

    “Something new that we are very excited about is the Wine Bar and tasting provided by Grapes & Hops of Fayetteville. It will add a new dimension to the luncheon and we know it is something that the attendees will really enjoy,” she said.

    Teresa Swint is the owner of Grapes & Hops and she is looking forward to the luncheon for many reasons. “As a local business owner, I am looking forward to meeting other business women and networking and talking with them about the many things that women in business face today,” she said. “From a wine perspective, I am very excited to share good wine, answer questions and enjoy the luncheon. I will have something that everyone can enjoy — reds, whites, sweet wines — there should be something for every palate. And I am happy to talk with people about the different wines, too.”

    Playwright Elaine Alexander, author of A Southern Girl’s Gotta Have It is set to read an excerpt of her side-splitting play. 

    “The Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch program has grown extensively every year for the past five years. With the help of local sponsorships and an incredibly hard working advisory board we hosted more than 185 women at our luncheon in September and plan to expand the Dec. 10 holiday luncheon to more than  250, “ said Allen. “Our featured speaker is Mary Lee Cudd PA-C. She comes to us with an impressive background and brings a lot of enthusiasm. I think everyone will appreciate what she has to say.”

    “Our featured speakers typically talk about their journey as a woman in business and how they arrived to where they are today. Every story is inspirational, educational, empowering or a celebration of life, work and family in some way or another. I am looking forward to hearing Mary Lee speak,” she continued.

    The luncheon speaker takes the podium at 1 p.m. Cudd has practiced medicine in Fayetteville since 1987.  A graduate of Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Cudd is no stranger to mission work. She’s been on missions to Asia, South America and Europe. A physician’s assistant, Cudd has instructed students from from Duke, Bowman Gray, Methodist and the Army PA programs. She is specifically interested in educating women about their health so they can feel good about themselves and lead satisfying lives. It is something she’s been doing for more three decades — 20 years in OB/GYN and nine years in plastic surgery. She opened her own office in 2012, adding successful business owner to her list of accomplishments. The event concludes at 2 p.m.

    “The Fayetteville Ladies Power Luncheon is a powerful tool for the women of this community. Denise Mercado, our original founder, put a tremendous amount of effort into this event during our first five years and made the Fayetteville Ladies Power Lunch an incredible resource for women in our community,” said Allen. “Our Advisory Board is so excited about 2016 and more than ready to take this event to the next level. Please, mark your calendars for Feb. 11, May 12, Aug. 11 and Nov. 10. We will be at the Holiday Inn I-95, and we’ve confirmed our speakers and, let me tell you, you don’t want to miss even one of the luncheons!”

    For more information or to register for the Dec. 10 Fayetteville Ladies Power Luncheon, visit  http://fayettevilleladiespowerlunch.com. Seating begins at 12:15 p.m., with door prizes drawn at 12:20 p.m. The menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free options . Tickets are $35.

     

  •     The state treasurer’s race is the most important political contest in North Carolina that isn’t making the daily headlines.
        Current Treasurer Richard Moore did make headlines recently when he discussed the 12 percent drop over the past year in the assets of the pension fund for teachers and state employees. This is neither a surprising performance nor a sub-par one, due to the fund’s relatively conservative asset allocation.
        Still, Moore’s announcement underlines the critical connections among the expectations of state employees, the interests of state taxpayers, and the prospects for economic growth far away from the Tar Heel State.{mosimage}
        Democrat Janet Cowell and Republican Bill Daughtridge are trying to replace Moore as North Carolina’s chief investment officer.
        Cowell and Daughtridge both have relevant experience. Cowell is a liberal state senator (she scored 21 percent on Civitas’ new Conservative Effectiveness Ratings) who previously served on the Raleigh city council. She previously worked as a securities analyst in Asia and consulted with a venture-capital fund in Durham. Daughtridge, a moderately conservative state representative (he scored 67 percent on the CER), worked as a financial analyst in Texas before taking over the operation of Daughtridge Group, a family gas and retail concern in Rocky Mount. Both have MBAs and years of legislative experience.
        The candidates’ personal backgrounds and legislative records are worthy of consideration on their own terms. More important, it seems to me, is trying to assess whether their backgrounds and voting records telegraph how they would respond to the kinds of challenges that the state treasurer will almost certainly face in the coming years. For example:
        The new governor and general assembly will likely face a budget deficit next year of between $1 billion and $2 billion.
        There continues to be talk in Raleigh political circles of proposed bond issues for transportation, land preservation, water and sewer and school construction that would add many billion of dollars to the state’s bonded debt. But state debt per North Carolinian has nearly tripled in just the past decade, and is already close to the limit that Moore believes is affordable. Will the new state treasurer oppose massive new state borrowing?
        There’s been a troubling increase in the share of state debt issued without a vote of the people, as the state constitution requires. Will the new state treasurer cry foul?
        While the pension fund has endured some losses, a far more yawning gap exists between the state’s assets and its liability to finance supplemental health benefits for retired state employees. When I say yawning, I mean an unfunded liability in the tens of billions of dollars. Will the new state treasurer demand legislative action on the issue?
        Periodically, lawmakers and others propose that the state directly invest a portion of its pension funds in North Carolina companies. Although touted as a way to boost job creation in the state, such policies are inevitably at odds with the interests of state employees and taxpayers. Political constraints on investment choices necessarily reduce expected returns, which increases the risk the taxpayers will have to pay more to finance promised retirement benefits. Will the new state treasurer always say no to such “economic development” schemes?
        These are the questions that North Carolina voters ought to be thinking about as they choose between Cowell and Daughtridge. But given the far-larger media attention paid to high-profile races for president, U.S. Senate, and governor, I wonder if the electorate is thinking about the state treasurer’s race at all.
        Voters should be. A lot.
  •     There’s great mischief lurking in fuzzy definitions.
        In politics, the mischievous — and most certainly the villainous — prefer to employ ill-defined words that hide their true intentions and reduce their exposure to investigation and refutation. As the great philosopher John Locke himself once wrote, in An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, “there is no such way to gain admittance or give defense to strange and absurd doctrines as to guard them round about with legions of obscure, doubtful, and undefined words.”{mosimage}
        Today’s excursion into the political misuse of the English language, a form of rhetoric Locke compared to “the dens of robbers, or holes of foxes,” concerns the word subsidy.
        Many politicians and commentators employ the term to describe any payment from one party to another. But that doesn’t capture its true meaning. If I give you a dollar today, and you return the dollar to me tomorrow, neither of us has been subsidized. There was no net transfer of wealth. Moreover, if I pay you a dollar in exchange for a good or service you perform for me, I’m not subsidizing you. Again, there is no net transfer. It is a trade.
        Bear with me. This is no mere semantic distinction. It has a bearing on many political debates in North Carolina, on issues ranging from transportation to higher education.
        The original Latin term was subsidere, combining two words: sub, meaning below, and sidere, to settle or sit. It is the root of such modern-day English words as subside, subsidiary and subsidy. The common denominator is the concept of something being left over, as in what solids sink to the bottom of a glass of liquid. Figuratively, it refers to something being supplemental, extra, a remainder.
        Subsidies can be voluntary. But in the political context the subject is typically an involuntary subsidy, a forcible transfer of money from some group of taxpayers to another group of beneficiaries. The important point is that it has to be a net transfer. It is impossible for everyone to be subsidized. That’s an incoherent concept. If everyone receives direct benefits in relationship to direct taxes paid, no one is being subsidized.
    Confusion about subsidies pervades the debate about transportation funding. Defenders of mass transit like to argue, as critics did in response to a recent John Locke Foundation study of the Charlotte new rail-transit line, that all transportation choices are subsidized, so fixating on the share of transit cost shouldered by non-transit users is unfair.
        This is a case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing. Sure, if we’re talking about government assets such as unlimited-access highways or airports, it appears as though taxpayers rather than users are financing the system. In reality, however, the taxes and fees that fund roads and airports bear a strong relationship to usage. The vehicles being used to traverse the infrastructure are privately owned and maintained, unlike transit vehicles.
        Moreover, the direct beneficiaries aren’t hard to identify. You either ride the train or you don’t. Either there’s a net transfer of wealth from transit users to non-transit users, or the money flows the other way. It is impossible for both users and nonusers of transit to receive a net subsidy, unless foreigners or extraterrestrials are involved. One group must subsidize the other.
        Of course, the transit users are the ones being subsidized. In the case of the Charlotte rail line, more than 90 cents of every dollar spent to transport a rider come from taxpayers other than the rider.
        To distinguish the subsidized from the subsidizers is not necessarily to invalidate the program in question.     You might say that even though students at public universities derive the vast majority of the benefits from their education, those who don’t attend public universities should help pay the bill. But at least you’d be admitting that a subsidy exists (in this case, constituting a forcible transfer of wealth from the relatively poor to the relatively rich). Using precise language helps to clarify political issues — which is why so many politicians and commentators prefer to keep things nebulous
  • Military Service and Social Security

    Fayetteville is in the midst of its 10-day Heroes Homecoming celebration. Many special events have been planned to recognize Vietnam veterans for the sacrifices they made so many years ago. Thanks to the people of Fayetteville for recognizing the need and doing something to show American soldiers our appreciation.

    As a public service to the seniors and veterans of our com-munity, we are printing the following article from the Social Security Commission.11-09-11-senior-corner.jpg

    Each year, on Nov. 11, America observes Veterans Day and honors the men and women who have served in our nation’s Armed Forces. Many Vietnam-era veterans are now nearing retirement age or are already there. It is important that they — and other American service personnel — know just what retirement benefits they can count on from Social Security as they make their future financial plans.

    Like most of the civilian workforce, all current military personnel pay Social Security taxes and earn Social Security coverage. Earnings for active-duty military service or active-duty training have been covered under Social Security since 1957.

    In addition, earnings for inactive duty service in the reserves (such as weekend drills) have had Social Security coverage since 1988.In addition to regular military pay, Social Security adds special-earnings credits to an individual’s Social Security record when he or she serves in the military. The extra earnings are for periods of active duty or active-duty training. If, for example, a person served in the military between 1957 and 1977, he or she has been credited with $300 in additional earnings for each calendar quarter in which active-duty basic pay was earned. These extra earnings may help someone qualify for Social Security or increase the amount of the Social Security benefit.

    The number of credits an individual needs to qualify for Social Security depends on his or her age and the type of benefit. Any future Social Security benefit payment depends on a person’s earnings, averaged over a working lifetime. Generally, the higher a person’s earnings, the higher his or her Social Security benefit will be.

    Remember that Social Security is more than retirement. If a worker becomes disabled before reaching retirement age, he or she may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. A disabled worker’s spouse and dependent children also may be eligible for benefits. If a worker dies, the widow or widower and dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivor’s benefits.

    If you, or someone you know, were wounded while on active duty in the military, find out more about what Social Security can do by visiting our website designed specifically for wounded warriors: www.socialsecurity.gov/wound-edwarriors. At that website you will find answers to a number of commonly asked questions, as well as other useful information about disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

    Veterans and others who are within 10 years of retirement age should begin planning for retirement. A good place to start is with Social Security’s Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

    For more information, you can read the fact sheet, Military Service and Social Security, which is available at www.socialsecu-rity.gov/pubs/10017.html.

    For more information call 484-7200 or visit www.homeinstead.com/647.

  • margaret1104.png

    Several weeks ago, I wrote a column as a follow-up to one I had done ten years ago on tattoos.  It is a subject that fascinates me and one that I also find mystifying.  As I did in the first column a decade ago, I asked readers to tell me about their tattoos, why they got them, what they mean, and whether they regret getting inked.  

    Two readers responded this time with particularly rational and articulate emails, and I share parts of their responses below, with their permission, of course.

    One came from Aissatou Sunjata, who also wrote to me ten years and who refers to herself as the “Tattooed Librarian.”  Her first tattoo was done to commemorate a job, which quickly went south, and she regretted the tattoo.  She has recently had what she says is her last tattoo, a dragonfly to cover that first one.  There have been others in between.

    Here is some of what Aissatou wrote.

    “Now, at 56…I realize time and age have compelled me to show my position in life by doing something other than getting tattooed.  Believe this final one makes eleven tattoos for me….Months ago, I was in a restaurant on Carolina Beach.  There were two couples several years older than myself.  One lady was overheard saying she could not imagine putting a tattoo on her body and how it would look as she become older and wrinkled.  Another lady from the same table said how she would never put a tattoo on her body and vehemently she was opposed due to her religious beliefs.  Well, I was getting ready to depart…and stopped by her table.  I announced…how I was a former teacher and a librarian and have several tattoos.  Upon students having expressed they too wanted a tattoo and could not wait until they became of age to get one, I would honestly give them ideas to consider.  I would alert them how permanent a tattoo is to the body.  I would compel them to think about what career, profession they intended to pursue.  I would tell them that contrary to belief, tattoos are not as mainstream and accepted.  Well, the woman who would not do so because of her religious beliefs began to recite to me according to the Word.  Respectfully, I listened.

    “My response to her was that I have proof God loves and blesses me often.  Therefore, he must not be as disapproving, angry or against my having tattoos on my body as it seems to some humans.  I wished them continued blessings and turned on my heels and departed.  Before doing so, I think it was her husband I saw from the corner of my eye smiling at my response to his wife.”

    Angela Livingston, also familiar with earlier columns on tattoo shared her thoughts as well.  She works in a professional arena and says her colleagues are surprised when they learn of her tattoos, including a local judge.  Angela wrote this.

    “I was employed in a field where I worked closely with multiple community partners and I always remained professional.  Therefore, adhering to a strict dress code was a must.  My tattoos were always covered/hidden from the public and coworkers.  For many of my professional associates, they would not have ever known I had tattoos if I had not told them (including Judge ___).    I was not ashamed of the graphic art I chose to adorn my body with.  I simply know what is expected and is accepted in the professional realm and I act accordingly.  I have worked in various fields of child protection and prevention for over 20 years and my tattoos have never been an issue.

    “It seems interesting that your curiosity remains active regarding the choice of others to express themselves via tattoo art.  For me, a tattoo is simply an avenue of expression.  To date, I have over 20 tattoos and I am proud of each choice….  I have not had a tattoo removed.  In the Bible, God gave a command to the nation of Israel to not do as their neighbors and mark their bodies with symbols of their gods.  I choose to not mark my body with any inappropriate symbols because my belief is in only one higher power than man.  As followers, women are encouraged to be modest and not draw attention to one’s self with expensive clothing, gold and pearls, etc.  Many women have already failed at that.

    “As a strong, independent woman, I continue to wear my body art proudly and my tattoos remain covered when I am at work.  I may choose to obtain additional tattoos in the future.  It simply depends on what my internal spirit moves me to do.”

    Clearly, our correspondents are grounded and secure women with similar outlooks on life, and I respect their choices and admire their confidence.  

    No tatts for your columnist yet, and likely never.  That said, even though I did not realize it when I wrote about tattoos last month, I see now that I have done some mellowing over the last ten years myself.

  • 111115_karl-merritt.pngOperation Inasmuch is a Fayetteville-based nonprofit that provides a myriad of services to the city’s homeless population. The organization’s stated purpose is “to go outside the church walls to a world in need, offering the talents and gifts with which we have been blessed.” 

    To that end, Inasmuch has submitted an application for a Special Use Permit that will allow for construction of a 40-bed homeless shelter for men located diagonally across from the organization’s primary building at 531 Hillsboro Street. The proposed site is next to Saint Luke AME Church.  The Fayetteville City Council held a public hearing on Aug. 24 regarding the application. This meeting concluded with council members directing city staff to get answers to several questions and report to the council at a future meeting when a decision on the application is to be made. I understand that meeting is scheduled for Nov. 9, two days before this column will appear in Up & Coming Weekly

    My aim here is to examine the primary points made by those on either side of this issue and reach some reasonable conclusion as to the appropriate course of action. Since my thoughts will be published after council will hopefully have decided this matter, my contribution might only be in providing information that will help citizens assess the council’s decision. 

    A starting point is to accurately define, accurately label, what it is Operation Inasmuch wants to build. It is repeatedly referred to as a “homeless shelter.” I did so in opening; however, my examination of the total picture says what they want to do is closer to supportive housing than to a simple shelter. 

    A research report on the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness website titled Affordable and Supportive Housing says of supportive housing, “…the most successful intervention for ending chronic homelessness is permanent supportive housing, which couples affordable, community-based housing with supportive services that target the specific needs of an individual or family.” 

    Based on this statement, I conclude that what Operation Inasmuch is proposing is more supportive housing than it is a shelter. This labeling matters significantly when examining the impact of the proposal. 

    The above conclusion is based on the procedures and rules that will apply to residents coupled with programs that will be provided to them. As opposed to what happens in a shelter, residents of this facility will sign-in during breakfast at Inasmuch, be allowed to remain in the new facility over time while leaving their belongings there during the day and pay a fee. Further, these residents will be served breakfast five days a week and have access to job-search training and computers, entrepreneurial skills-building and alcohol and drug abuse counseling along with assistance in locating employment. They will also get to interact with volunteer men in activities such as Bible study, mentoring and general conversation, all of which help build self-worth that is critical to successful living. Those who do well in this facet of the Inasmuch outreach receive an opportunity to move into one of the organization’s seven homes. What is defined here is not a shelter, but closer to supportive housing.

    The fact that this facility is far more supportive housing than a shelter is important because it allows for addressing the objection that the facility will drive down property values. The Furman Center’s research report titled “The Impact of Supportive Housing on Surrounding Neighborhoods: Evidence from New York City” concludes as follows: “The findings show that the value of properties within 500 feet of supportive housing do not drop when a new development opens and show steady growth relative to other properties in the neighborhood in the years after the supportive housing opens. Properties somewhat further away from the supportive housing (between 500 and 1,000 feet away) show a decline in value when the supportive housing first opens, but their prices then increase steadily relative to other properties in the neighborhood.”

    Further, Inasmuch has seven houses in the Hillsboro area that serve as homes to residents who were homeless, but now have a place to live. These individuals work at regular jobs and pay rent. They also have access to the programs of the organization. These homes clearly fit the definition of “supportive housing” although individuals opposed to the Inasmuch project insist that they are shelters and argue that no more shelters should be placed in the neighborhood. Under Inasmuch control, the total tax value of these properties has increased by approximately 254 percent. The primary building at 531 Hillsboro Street was donated by Saint Luke AME Church. The tax value at the time of donation was $77,933. After renovations by Inasmuch, that value is now $495,587. All of this speaks not only to the positive property value impact of Operation Inasmuch, but also to the organization’s track record.

    In the public hearing, one supportive speaker stated that Operation Inasmuch does not receive any funding from the City of Fayetteville. Councilman Chalmers McDougald said he thought the organization was in the budget. Hearing this, I thought he was saying these funds were from taxes paid to the city by residents. As it turns out, Inasmuch does receive $20,000per year from a Community Development Block grant for food, which is provided to the city by Housing and Urban Development, a federal agency. It is a local decision to pass those funds to Operation Inasmuch. So, in a city that has alleviating homelessness as a priority, this organization is prepared to through cash and in-kind donations, build a much needed facility, something that should be celebrated. But instead, it is accused by opponents of misrepresentation because a supporter of the project who did not know about the federal funds misspoke. I cannot see in this point a legitimate reason for opposition to the project.

    I talked with Sue Byrd, executive director of Operation Inasmuch, about her organization’s proposal. My view of the public hearing indicates Pastor Artie Odom Jr., Saint Luke AME Church, is instrumental in leading opposition to this project. I made attempts to contact Pastor Odom by phone and letter, but did not hear from him prior to writing this column.

    It seems to me the facts here present a situation requiring council members to do far more than hear responses to their questions in a politically and emotionally-charged meeting and then make a decision. This situation requires more than mere staff work. What’s needed is council involvement beyond the routine to bring divergent groups and interests together to do what is good and fair for the whole city. More and more, I am convinced the political process in this city and nation has deteriorated to the point this might be impossible. By the time this column is published, I suppose a test will have come on Nov. 9 regarding my declining confidence in our political system. 

  • 112515_pwc.pngEmployees of the Fayetteville Public Works Commission have reached a new safety milestone, having worked more than 5 million work hours with no lost-time due to injuries. The last lost-time injury was in November 2011. 

    The accomplishment was recognized by the North Carolina Commissioner of Labor, Cherie Berry, on Oct. 23, and marks the first time in PWC’s nearly 110 year history that employees have surpassed the 5 million hour mark with no lost-time injuries. The North Carolina Department of Labor oversees the health and safety of employees at more than 250,000 places of business across the state.

     In the past year, NCDOL recognized just 17 organizations across the state for working 5 million or more safe hours. No other utility  in North Carolina has achieved a 5 million hour milestone in recent history.

    “Reaching 5 million hours without a lost-time accident has a positive impact on our customers and the community as a whole by knowing our employees are committed to perform their jobs in the safest way possible while providing reliable and cost effective service,” said David Trego, PWC’s CEO/general manager. “While this is all very important, the thing I am most proud of is that since we started our 5 million hour journey, our employees were able to go home, without a major injury, to their families and friends each and every one of those days.”

     PWC’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration incident rate (0.78) is half of the U.S. average for utilities (1.8). PWC has more than 600 employees who face hazardous conditions every day and in the last year, worker injuries were reduced by 65 percent. PWC workers drive an average of 7,000 miles daily as well as work around dangerous electrical voltages, enter confined spaces, dig trenches 20-plus feet deep, handle hazardous chemicals and operate heavy machinery. Nationally, one in five worker fatalities were in construction as a result of electrocution, cave-ins, equipment and falls. 

    “Safety is not something that can be driven from the top of the organization downward, nor can it be done by employee efforts alone,” said Trego. “It is a cooperative effort throughout the organization with the support of management, the commitment and involvement of all employees, as well as a desire to have a culture of safety that permeates throughout the organization.”

  •     What about the other races?{mosimage}
        Few people, other than political insiders, are asking this question when they talk about the possible results of the upcoming elections in North Carolina.
        All this is understandable given the excitement surrounding the races at the top of the ballot — the close governor’s and U.S. Senate races and, for the first time in recent memory, a real contest in the battle for North Carolina’s 15 key presidential electoral votes.
        North Carolinians are experiencing continuous courtship from John McCain, Barack Obama, Sarah Palin, and Joe Biden. When we are “in play” in the critical contest for the Presidency, it is harder to concentrate on other races.
        Perhaps the well-funded gubernatorial campaigns of Bev Perdue and Pat McCrory may be getting through to us, as maybe also are the U.S. Senate candidates Elizabeth Dole and Kay Hagan.
        But mostly we are thinking presidential, overlooking important council of state, congressional, state legislative, judicial and local races. It is like the Fourth of July when it is hard to watch the sparklers in your own backyard, when there is a massive fireworks show over at the football stadium.
        So it is possible, even likely, that the days after the election are going to disclose some surprising election results that could have a profound impact on political life and government in North Carolina?
        A few days ago I talked to John Davis, one of North Carolina’s most respected political observers.
    Davis pays attention to the polls and to the relative strengths of the competing political parties the same as other consultants. But he puts extra weight on other considerations. He factors in the rapidly changing electorate. For instance, although many new North Carolinians who have moved here from the Northeast may be registered Republicans, they tend to be more independent and less conservative than North Carolina Republicans. They are more likely to be ticket splitters.
        This year, he says, the new youthful voters may have been registered as a result of the efforts of the Obama campaign, but they should not be expected to vote a straight Democratic ticket. Many of them will be voting for youth and for change, rather than for a particular party label.
        These factors, says Davis, make an Obama win in North Carolina a real possibility — even a likely outcome. These considerations work against the incumbent Senator Dole in her contest with Kay Hagan, who Davis thinks will win.
        On the other hand, these same factors operate in the governor’s race to work in favor of Pat McCrory, the likely winner in Davis’s view.
        Most surprising to me is Davis’s prediction that the upcoming election will bring about a change in control of the North Carolina Senate, in which Democrats currently have a commanding 29 to 21 seat edge.
        He identifies several senate seats currently held by Democrats that are likely, for various reasons, to be won by Republicans this year — enough, he says, to give Republicans a majority for the first time in modern history.   
        Marc Basnight, the Democrats’ current senate leader, has gained enormous influence, which he has used to insure generous legislative support for environmental programs and for the University of North Carolina. New leadership would mean new priorities — and big changes in the support level for these and many other programs.
        If Davis proves correct in his predictions, there will be a lot more to talk about after the election than just who won the presidential race.
  •     {mosimage}Calvinism — the great threat to Christianity?
        I was stunned the other day when I wandered into the bookstore of a nearby conservative religious college bookstore coffee shop and found shelves of books warning about the dangerous threat of Calvinism.
    Surrounded as we are everywhere by books that attack the religious beliefs of others, maybe I should not have been surprised. Books denouncing the heresies and menace of Islam, Judaism, Mormonism and Catholicism abound. I have gotten used to seeing them and passing them by, unwilling to take my time to read their passionate justifications for adding another group to my enemies list. Nor have I been moved to mount a platform and attack the attackers.
        No business of mine.
        But the attacks on Calvinism struck a personal chord. How, I wondered, could the church doctrines of my religious ancestors and those of many of the founders of our country be so dangerous?
    If you attack somebody else’s religion, I shrug my shoulders and move on, hoping that you have not done any real harm. But attack mine and we are enemies.
        What would Jesus think? What would Jesus do?
        Maybe he would evangelize, which is what one of the young students in the bookstore set out to do while I was visiting the bookstore on his campus. He approached me in a friendly and respectful manner. He asked me about my church connections. I told him I was reluctant to tell him, given the hostility toward Calvinism apparent from the many books for sale in the store.
        Respectfully, he said that he could not believe that God could limit salvation to only a predetermined “elect” as he believed the Calvinists teach. In a moving conversation, he described his own conversion experience, the positive changes that had come about in his life, and God’s plan for him to serve in the ministry.
    I responded, “If all these things are part of God’s plan for you, hasn’t God selected you in advance? Isn’t that close to the part of Calvinism that your books attack?”
        We continued our discussion for a while. He told me of his plans to start a new congregation and build it over time. He said he had been taught to deal courteously with mistaken religious views of others and would do so with mine — and as we said goodbye, he promised to pray for me, praying, I supposed, for me to give up my wrongheaded religious views.    
        Why am I sharing this experience with you now?
        Now, when our country has made its decision about leadership for the next four years. Now, when some discussion of our options and opportunities might be more helpful and timely.
        Why, at this critical time in American political life, am I writing about religion?
        Here is why. Our politics is too much like religion.
    In our political life, we have broken ourselves down into sects and tribes. Our political groups and parties adopt the same kind of dogmas, doctrines and intolerances that characterize the worst features of some religious groups.
    In politics this year, we saw the results. Candidates and political parties not only asserted that their opponents were wrong. They treated those on the other side as dangerous heretics — prospects, it might seem, for burning at the stake.  
        With this election is over, somehow we have to put aside unnecessary doctrinal differences and find practical approaches to the common challenges face together.
        Healthy disagreements are a positive part of American government and politics as long as we remember something. We Americans are all in the same boat. And, as long as we are in this world, whether we are going to heaven or hell, we are traveling all together.

  • jean-stultz.png

     Jean Stultz is a force of nature. Those who know her know her quick wit, her rich laugh, her business savvy and her incredible love of her family, friends and the Fayetteville community.

    Last Saturday, hundreds of friends and family members from all over the country gathered at Highland Country Club  to celebrate and honor Ms. Jean on her 46 years of dedicated service to Bragg Mutual Federal Credit Union. 

    Yes! 46 years! Friends, family, state and local government officials and credit union industry leaders attended the celebration and each spoke of the many contributions Ms. Jean has made to the credit union industry. They credited Stultz’s leadership for many ideas and innovations that directly resulted in the popularity and growth of credit unions across the nation. It was quite an impressive affair. 

    Stultz left her mark not only on the credit union industry but on  all facets of life in the Fayetteville/ Cumberland County community. Few people have ever or will ever reach this pinnacle of success and fulfillment in their lifetimes. Her lifetime of awards, achievements, honors and proclamations pale in comparison to her energy and tireless contributions to humanity that will surely serve as her legacy.

    Retirement is in her future. However, at 83 years young and with a 46-year career in her rear view mirror,  she shows no signs of slowing down. Yes, we are a better community because of Jean Stultz. In an age that measures careers in years rather than decades, she will continue to inspire us to achieve greatness through honesty, compassion, hard work and tenacity. No doubt the petite Ms. Jean casts a long shadow, and in doing so, gives us a not so subtle reminder that we should do it “our way.” 

    Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly.


  •     Editor’s Note: Margaret is winding up her campaign, so we are running another of her favorite columns from 2004.

        Last week a rumor floated my way from a neighboring state that two of my oldest friends, a couple married for more than three decades, had separated.
        This couple saw each other through separate professional schools. They have wonderful children, three of whom they have shepherded through college and helped plant the seeds of productive adult lives. Together they have lived through the ordeals of childhood and the angst of teenage years, and together they have weathered the deaths of their parents. They have changed careers, both finding professional niches that seem to fit. They have lived together in the same house for many years, adding on and redecorating as family needs shifted. They remain active and responsible members of their community, and both are well known and well respected. Both are in their late 50s.{mosimage}
        I was astounded and saddened by the news, but it is hardly the first time I have heard such stories. Another recent one came from two high school classmates who married in a haze of romance during their junior year in college. As their second and last child finished up college, the wife got her own apartment. He was flabbergasted but has since “adjusted” and is moving on. Another high school friend was equally stunned when her husband of three decades announced one Saturday morning that he would not be coming back, and he has not been.
        My walking partner and I have discussed this circumstance over many miles of pavement in the early morning hours. She maintains that it occurs when two long-marrieds suddenly find themselves alone in the house in which they were so busy, so occupied, so intent on the day-to-day routine and frenzy of combining work and family life that they simply lost track of each other. By the time the last child leaves home for the real world, they no longer recognize each other. The handsome and ambitious young husband and father he once was and the lovely and devoted wife and mother she once was have become two middle-aged people who may no longer have much in common once their mutual “glue” — children — fades away.
        There in the stark silence of their once-bustling home they realize that the people they were have morphed into other people entirely. If they are lucky, these two new people like, maybe even come to love, each other. If they choose to, they can work together to build a new relationship within the context of their marriage, a relationship which can turn out to be even better than the original bonding so many years before. Or, they may just grit their teeth and stick it out, since that was the plan they agreed on so long ago. But if they are not so lucky or if the wounds inflicted over many years of being together cannot heal, they will go their separate ways.
        On Sunday mornings, I often read the newspaper announcements of couples who have been married for 30, 40, 50, even 60 years. These anniversaries are clearly important enough to the couples that they submit the occasion to the newspaper, often accompanied by then and now photographs, a slender young couple in dated fashions next to a couple of more robust and less hairy senior citizens. I salute and wonder about these couples, who are more the exception than the rule. How is it that their marriages survive when so many others do not?
        My own maternal grandparents were married for more than 50 years, and I cherish my grandmother’s gold wedding ring engraved inside, JGD to MRW 1911. But they were the exception for their day and in centuries before theirs. During most of human history death intervened more often than not when men labored long hours on farms and in factories and women gave birth to more babies than their bodies could really endure. I think the couples I read about in the newspaper now are the exception, too, not because today’s Americans are at high risk of premature death, but because we are not. They are exceptions because they have found their own unique ways to make the institution of marriage work for them over the long haul when over the vast sweep of human history, marriage has been relatively short because life has been relatively short.
        Several of my children’s friends have married in their early 20s, and I have looked at these beautiful young people filled with so much hope and so much promise and wondered whether they will still be together when they reach their statistical life expectancies in their 70s and 80s. I hope so, but I also know that as they work on their careers and building their families, they will also have to work on keeping up with each other.
        As for the rumor about my long time friends? At this point, it remains just that, a rumor, and I am keeping my fingers crossed that it stays that way. They have invested a great deal in each other, and their children and friends are invested in them.
  •     {mosimage} Calvinism — the great threat to Christianity?
        I was stunned the other day when I wandered into the bookstore of a nearby conservative religious college bookstore coffee shop and found shelves of books warning about the dangerous threat of Calvinism.
        Surrounded as we are everywhere by books that attack the religious beliefs of others, maybe I should not have been surprised. Books denouncing the heresies and menace of Islam, Judaism, Mormonism and Catholicism abound. I have gotten used to seeing them and passing them by, unwilling to take my time to read their passionate justifications for adding another group to my enemies list. Nor have I been moved to mount a platform and attack the attackers.
        No business of mine.
        But the attacks on Calvinism struck a personal chord. How, I wondered, could the church doctrines of my religious ancestors and those of many of the founders of our country be so dangerous?
        If you attack somebody else’s religion, I shrug my shoulders and move on, hoping that you have not done any real harm. But attack mine and we are enemies.
        What would Jesus think? What would Jesus do?
        Maybe he would evangelize, which is what one of the young students in the bookstore set out to do while I was visiting the bookstore on his campus. He approached me in a friendly and respectful manner. He asked me about my church connections. I told him I was reluctant to tell him, given the hostility toward Calvinism apparent from the many books for sale in the store.
        Respectfully, he said that he could not believe that God could limit salvation to only a predetermined “elect” as he believed the Calvinists teach. In a moving conversation, he described his own conversion experience, the positive changes that had come about in his life, and God’s plan for him to serve in the ministry.
        I responded, “If all these things are part of God’s plan for you, hasn’t God selected you in advance? Isn’t that close to the part of Calvinism that your books attack?”
        We continued our discussion for a while. He told me of his plans to start a new congregation and build it over time. He said he had been taught to deal courteously with mistaken religious views of others and would do so with mine — and as we said goodbye, he promised to pray for me, praying, I supposed, for me to give up my wrongheaded religious views.    
        Why am I sharing this experience with you now?
        Now, when our country has made its decision about leadership for the next four years. Now, when some discussion of our options and opportunities might be more helpful and timely.
        Why, at this critical time in American political life, am I writing about religion?
        Here is why. Our politics is too much like religion.
        In our political life, we have broken ourselves down into sects and tribes. Our political groups and parties adopt the same kind of dogmas, doctrines and intolerances that characterize the worst features of some religious groups.
        In politics this year, we saw the results. Candidates and political parties not only asserted that their opponents were wrong. They treated those on the other side as dangerous heretics — prospects, it might seem, for burning at the stake.  
        With this election is over, somehow we have to put aside unnecessary doctrinal differences and find practical approaches to the common challenges face together.
        Healthy disagreements are a positive part of American government and politics as long as we remember something. We Americans are all in the same boat. And, as long as we are in this world, whether we are going to heaven or hell, we are traveling all together.
  •     I feel a need to speak up about Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.
        In recent weeks, reporters have hovered over Cumberland County’s flagship hospital like a pack of lawyers sniffing out a malpractice suit (paging John Edwards, paging John Edwards). The negative articles and editorials that have appeared in the county’s other newspaper continue to build, tsunami-like, threatening to burst the dam of respectability that the hospital has worked so hard to rebuild following the failings of past administrations.
        I cannot speak to those past or present foibles or the reported long lines in the emergency room.
    The only reference point I can call upon in rating the hospital is my recent stay on the third floor of that facility, where, in the seemingly extinct journalism style of cutting to the chase, I’ll tell you I was treated like a prince.
    It was my first extended hospital stay for an illness, and let me confess, I was more than a little scared. As I lay in the hospital bed while doctors and nurses probed and pricked me in search of a cause for a sudden case of anemia brought on by internal bleeding, I felt the black dog of mortality licking and nipping at my 44-year-old heels.
        The false bravado of my outward patina of masculinity was pierced like a a carnival balloon as my secret fear of needles came to light; I would make a truly sorry junkie, as the mere sight of a hypodermic sends me rocking and rolling on the wildest roller coaster in Nausealand, afflicting me with a cold sweat that even James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, couldn’t imagine.
        {mosimage}Fortunately, that’s when the nurses and nurses aides came to my rescue like a cavalry of angels in hospital scrubs, reassuring me and consoling me, telling me everything would be just fine. Time after time, they apologized for sticking needles into my notoriously shy veins, applying cool hands and cooler compresses to my suddenly fish-belly white countenance.
        Their mea culpas extended into the wee morning hours when they would awaken me for the requisite checking of my vital signs. They were gentle and caring and incredibly competent, and out of the round robin of Florence Nightingales who cared for me during my stay, three really stood out: Charnise, Meliss and Sabrina — a trinity of caring and compassion that made a miserable situation bearable; and, I say this as someone who has an insider’s view into how pressure-packed your chosen vocation can be — my grandmother toiled for 26 years as a nurse’s aide at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton and my sister is a respiratory therapist in Richmond, Va. I know all about those pain-in-the-ass patients who press the call button like an accountant manipulating a calculator; I know the dignity you maintain as you carry out the indignity of cleaning up the secretions and excretions of your sickly citizens; I know the hours you labor for ladies in labor and men with meningitis.
        Whatever these women (and men) are paid, it’s not nearly enough — though surely, the care they gave me during my visit was priceless.
  •     What people name our most precious possessions, our children, has always fascinated me, as longtime readers of this column may have noticed.
        Some of us, including the Dicksons, opt for traditional family names, even if they sometimes sound a bit old-fashioned, odd or dated. This course does seem to have limits, however. I know several young Emmas and Ellas and Jacobs and Aarons, but no young Ethels and Berthas or Clarences and Elmers. Perhaps the resurgence of those names lies in the years ahead.
        {mosimage}Others of us go for the creative, choosing names from other nations and cultures, or simply creating a new and unique name for a new and unique human being. Occasionally I run into an unusual name whose bearer tells me it means virtue or beauty in some other language, but this path has its pitfalls as well. Naming a girl Chandelier seems a bit off base to me, as does the legal name I once read in the newspaper for a girl. The name was spelled using the numeral 8. Both of those choices seemed destined to set up those individuals up to deliver explanations all their lives.
        Still others of us honor someone we admire by naming our children for him or her. I have a cousin named Jessica in honor of a great friend of her parents and another cousin named Robert in honor of the doctor who delivered him.
    Some of us name our children for people we admire but may not know personally, and with the advent of a new administration in Washington, we seem to be entering a new era in Presidential baby-naming as well.
        When I was growing up, it was common in Fayetteville to meet men named Franklin Roosevelt Smith or Franklin Roosevelt Jones in tribute to the President who led our country out of the Great Depression and who guided us and the world through World War II. My generation has more than a few Dwight Davids, in honor of the World War II military hero and United States President Dwight David Eisenhower. A bit later, I met several John Kennedy Somebodies, and there were even a few Lyndons running around, probably mostly in Texas. Not surprisingly, the name Theodore as in Theodore Roosevelt, our 26th President from 1901-1909, peaked in the early 1900s, according to the Social Security Administration which keeps up with such things. A trip to its Web site to tour baby names makes an interesting afternoon diversion and clearly illustrates the long American tradition of honoring our Presidents in this fashion. It is an Internet journey well worth the trip to me.
        The practice of Presidential naming seems to have fallen from favor shortly after the rash of Lyndons. Maybe folks just did not want to name their sons after Richard Nixon and his successors. Maybe we became cynical about instead of admiring of our leaders, or maybe the 1960s made us all especially creative, but for whatever reasons, there do not seem to be many Jerry Fords, Jimmy Carters or George Bushes running around in American neighborhoods these days.
        All of that appears ready to change.
        Jennifer 8. Lee — yes, 8, just like the newborn whose name I read in the newspaper, reports in the New York Times that Barack Jeilah was born to a mother in Phoenix, Ariz., after she got so excited on election night that she jumped up and down and promptly went into labor. Across the Atlantic Ocean, Michelle Obama was born to a mother in Kisumu, Kenya.
        Can little Malias and Sachas be far behind? {mosimage}
        If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then American Presidents, or at least some of them, should be proud that we lesser mortals name our children after them and their families. But the honor of Presidential naming comes with built in risk. The Times also tells us that bad economic times and scandal bode ill for Presidents with such problems and their potential namesakes. In 1928, Hoover — as in Herbert, was in the top 400 for boy’s names. But three years later, when the Great Depression had the entire nation in its grip, Hoover was pushing 1,000. Similarly, Clinton was a top 200 boy name during much of the 1970s and 1980s, but by 1999 and countless news stories about Monica Lewinsky and her berets and blue dresses later, Clinton had tanked to nearly 700.
        I suspect that what we are already beginning to see is the first wave of many Baracks, Michelles, Malias and Sachas who will be named in honor of our nation’s new, young, and attractive First Family. None of us can predict the future, of course, or know whether or how long these names will make the Social Security Administration’s Top 20 list.
        I do believe, though, that kindergarten teachers in classrooms across the nation in the fall of 2013 will make name tags for so many eager Baracks, Michelles, Malias and Sachas that most of them will be known as Barack A, Michelle B, and so on through Z.
  •     My fellow conservatives, take heart. We won Canada!{mosimage}
        Not only does President-elect Obama deserve our admiration, so does the whole Democratic Party, though I would argue that they benefited from a complicit media and a dis-spirited Republican Party that gained momentum too late in the game.  Nonetheless, the Democrats were passionate, disciplined and mobilized, electing, in defiance of conventional wisdom that we are a center-right country, one of the most liberal members of their party. To the victor goes the spoils and may the next four years bring us peace and prosperity.
        In an endless campaign full of surprises, a final twist is that the U.S. of Ronald Reagan, Rush Limbaugh and George W. Bush has taken a hard turn left, while Canada has turned to the right (to saying nothing of France and Germany veering to the center).
        Yes, that Canada. The Canada whose national healthcare system has been held up by the left as a model. The Canada of gay marriage and liberal immigration and stifling taxation. The Canada that some liberals threatened to move to if George W. Bush was re-elected (that was the premise of Blue State, a 2007 film starring Anna Paquin).
        The Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, picked up 16 seats in Parliament on Oct. 17, making them not a majority but a greatly strengthened minority. The Washington Times’ Jeffrey T. Kuhner writes that, “For decades, the country’s liberal elites have sought to transform Canada into a North American version of Scandinavia — a multicultural social democracy characterized by economic [control], moral permissiveness and a United Nations-first internationalism. The results have been devastating.”
        So, what do the results from Canada say for America’s political future? Nothing hard and fast, they just remind us that there is a cyclical aspect to political fortune. The Republican Party is now at its lowest point since the years just after Watergate. The GOP was blown out in the 1974 midterms and lost the presidency in 1976 — and then, under Ronald Reagan, won an electoral landslide in 1980 and a dominating bloc that finally crumbled on Nov. 4, more than a generation later.
        America is much more diverse than it was in 1980 and Republicans face an uphill climb in winning votes from racial and ethnic minorities and nontraditional families, groups that don’t traditionally vote Republican. Barack Obama may well have altered America’s political landscape for at least a generation.
    Or Obama-mania may fade in a single term.  Who knows? Conservatism in this country is not dead. If Canada and France can see a resurgence, there is no reason to believe the U.S. won’t. I started out here graciously but I end defiantly: I do not believe that most Americans want government-mandated healthcare and higher taxes on businesses. I believe that most Americans’ values are more in sync with those of Joe the Plumber than of Barack Obama. I believe that Americans are still deeply concerned about illegal immigration and national security, two issues that received scant attention in the general election. I do not believe that liberalism, on an issue-by-issue basis, won in 2008. Americans, justifiably upset and betrayed by their leaders, voted for change, which is neither a philosophy nor an ideology.
        Note to the Democrats: with leadership comes responsibility. The possibilities of economic catastrophe, a nuclear Iran, a resurgent Russia and the continued threat of radical Islam require more than bumper sticker-isms promising hope. They may require unpopular decisions. And remember, every president ran promising something new or in contrast to the previous administration. Indeed, today’s change is tomorrow’s status quo.
  •     The recent brouhaha over a leak on the city council has gotten many on the council up in arms. It has also put the spotlight on open meetings and what business is and is not subject to our state’s open meetings laws.
        As a young reporter, I had a crash course in the state’s open meetings laws. The local community college was involved in an internal squabble. Some members of the board of trustees wanted to fire the college’s president. {mosimage}
        Others wanted to keep him. They tried to do most of their bickering behind closed doors — even though most of the time what they wanted to talk about did not fall into the realm of a closed meeting.
        So, it was with a copy of the state’s open meetings law clutched firmly in my hand that I stood the board down one day. It’s the kind of right versus wrong moment that young reporters dream about. I had right on my side, and I was not going to stand for any business going on behind closed doors. The board was, as you can imagine, rather surprised that a 22-year-old reporter would call them on the carpet. They railed against it. But I was right. Later, when everything came down, the very folks who were ready to blow a gasket when I questioned their practices, wanted to use the law to bring discussions on the president’s annual review out into the open. They were wrong.
        The state’s sunshine laws were not written to give boards an excuse to conduct business outside the sight of the public. Nor were they written to give board members an out when things don’t go their way. What is covered by the open meeting laws should be respected — personnel matters, real estate transactions, economic development, etc. If it is covered by the open meetings law as something that should be discussed in a closed session, then no one on the council has the right to discuss the gist of that meeting outside the confines of that closed session. All the law requires is that if an action is taken, then it is reported by the board.
        That doesn’t mean that every statement made within the closed session is discussed or shared with the local media.
        It may seem odd that I am writing this, but Fayetteville has a problem. We have too many leaders who want headlines and not enough who want to do what is right. Transact the business of this city, make good decisions and you won’t have to seek headlines. You’ll get them because people see you as someone who knows what they are doing; as someone who is truly serving this city. If you have to seek the spotlight, it’s because you’ve got the newspaper on your speed dial and have already written your next headline.
  • 101415_cos.jpg

    The Cumberland Oratorio Singers, a mainstay in Fayetteville’s musical scene, opens its 2015-2016 season on Friday, Oct. 23 with Mozart’s “Coronation Mass.” This choral music group is composed of local singers who are driven by their love of the art. It’s their passion. Through their concerts, the entire community benefits. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Martin, the group continues to deliver performances that keep the singers challenged and audiences enthralled. 

    The first piece of the season is the “Coronation Mass” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The piece is a great selection not only because it is so beautiful, but because it gives the group an opportunity to showcase the work of one of classical music’s powerhouse composers. 

    On Dec. 12, the ever- popular, holiday piece, “Hallelujah Chorus” or “Messiah Sing” from Handel’s “Messiah” continues as one of the Sandhills’ favorite Christmas traditions on Dec. 12. In April, “Carmina Burana” is set for April 6 and the season closes with Ola Gjeillo’s “Sunrise Mass.”

    In selecting this season’s music, Dr. Michael Martin uses the performances to build on the skills of the singers, each one preparing them for what is coming next. 

    “All the large works we are doing in the fall help us to prepare for ‘Carmina Burana’ in the spring,” said Martin.

    The first concert of the season, Mozart’s “Coronation Mass,” was written after a fairly miserable job hunting trip to Paris and Mannheim.

     “He ended up in Salzburg, a town he did not like, and working for the Archbishop,” said Martin. 

    “On April 4, 1779, it was premiered during Easter. Contrary to what the name implies, it was not written for a coronation. The general consensus is that it got the name from the Imperial Court in Vienna in the early 19th century where it became the preferred music for royal and imperial coronations.”

    This is paired with Vaughan Williams’ first known choral work “Toward the Unknown Region.”

     “It is very “Brahms-ian” in character; many people  might say that it sounds like the music to a film score,” said Martin. 

    The piece was Vaughan Williams’ first one for chorus and orchestra, but it is still somewhat obscure with regard to other popular choices of Vaughan Williams’ choral music. The text is by Walt Whitman, whose
    “Leaves of  Grass” remains a source of inspiration for many composers.”

    The theme of the 2015 season is Ethereal. 

    “If no other reason than because of some of the material we are doing this year,” said Martin. The first features a piece by Vaughan Williams during the opening concert. “The second of these “ethereal” pieces will be performed in May and is called ‘Sunrise Mass,”’ by Ola Gjeillo. In his own words, Gjeillo indicated that the piece works  ‘“... as a metaphor for human development from child to adult, or as a spiritual journey.”’ In that sense, our season takes on a journey of different types of choral music.”

    Singers are still welcome to join the Cumberland Oratorio Singers for performances of “Messiah” (December), “Carmina Burana” (April) and the “Sunrise Mass” (May). 

    “They need only contact us through our website (singwithcos.org) and set up a voice placement,” said Martin. “It is not an audition but just to find out where your voice best fits in the choir. If you already know what part you sing, that’s great, too. Anyone who has sung music as a hobby or professionally should be part of Fayetteville’s choir. With about 275,000 people who live here, I would like to think we have more  than 65 singers ready to go.”

    For more information about the season, visit the website at www.singwithcos.org.

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    Vilas Tonape, like so many art professors in academe, wants students in his advanced painting and drawing classes to explore ways to “find their voice” as a visual artist. Yet, first, they must undertake the disciplined rigors of developing the skill sets and techniques of working from observation in his introductory classes. 

    Explore evidence of Tonape’s teaching philosophy at Galley 208 while visiting Contemporary Realism of Vilas Tonape. This is his first one-man exhibit in the region. The exhibit hangs from Nov. 10, 2015 to Jan. 30, 2016. The show clearly demonstrates his qualifications for teaching the foundations of a classical figurative approach; while his personal work, as an artist, transcends descriptive painting as simple technique. 

    Six years of undergraduate studies in art school prepared him for the rigors of observation yet meaning in the work is his response to the subject. Each of the works in the exhibit is a point of departure for viewers to experience his keen sense of beauty and dignity and the subtle uniqueness of the portrait and the still life as a subject. 

    Recently hired as the Chair of the Department of Art at Methodist University, Gallery 208 will introduce him to the artistic community and patrons of the arts during the artist’s reception on Nov. 10, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend the reception and hear a brief presentation by this artist who brings a multicultural view to the educational and artistic community. 

    After earning his BFA in painting at the Sir J.J. School of Art at the University of Bombay in Bombay, India, his instructors urged Tonape to go abroad and study. He took their advice and was pleased to receive a full scholarship in the MFA program at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. After graduation in 1996, he taught in various colleges, to include the geographic regions of Colorado, Florida, Idaho and Georgia. His professional teaching history includes being an instructor at the Amory Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., and “visiting artist” at Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, Fla.

    Visitors to Contemporary Realism of Vilas Tonape will quickly acknowledge his skillfulness; but, with all good realism, it is important to take the time to look at each work carefully, to look beyond proficiency. Each work has meaning for the artist; it is the viewer’s undertaking and pleasure to pause for meaning to be revealed. The artist is communicating to us through his choices: his mark making, the way he applies paint, tone and light, the silence of a color, the stillness of a space within the composition, the composition itself. With all the options an artist has to choose from, during observation what the artist includes and leaves out reflects their intent — their personal interpretation, vision and perceptions to share with us. 

    The works of Tonape are best described by the philosopher Benedetto Croce, “intuitive knowledge is expressive knowledge.” How Tonape constructs each work is the starting point for how he unifies his response to his subject. Where Croce is concerned with the idea and the nature of beauty, Tonape talked about how each character (portrait) means something to him, “they are individual personalities. After I meet someone I know immediately there is a personality I want to draw or paint, it is the spirit of an individual that I want to capture and share.”

    Tonape is obviously a colorist and talks about his color palette in ways that reveal his system and his philosophy about color. “Color is based on my observation. Viewers might think it is subjective, but for me it is objective. These are the colors, the hues and tones I perceive that day. So, I don’t feel as if I am exaggerating or being subjective. And the value white! You will not see white in my paintings, in other words, no pure white without hue; every tone has its own color. I don’t think there is anything in nature that is hue-less.”

    With so much photographic software in the market place, in academe, and cell phone photography, why would an artist still work from life? Tonape stated: “That’s how I was trained and I feel that is how it should be done — to see all the colors in the face. A camera cannot capture what I see in the face and I am able to see those colors! As well, from an academic standpoint, I am viewing something three-dimensional through observation, translating it into a two-dimensional surface and then back to an illusion of the three-dimensional. That is an experience, for me, it doesn’t take place in a photograph — in addition to the color factor.”

    Working in a variety of mediums, Tonape is exhibiting charcoal and graphite drawings, pastel on paper, oil paintings and watercolors. No matter what the medium, he is always a mix of classicism and realism. He deliberately limits what we see, often leaving large areas of negative space as a place of visual rest, a way to emphasize color, or an approach to call attention to the object or portrait. Ever-present in each work, the complexity of form and three-dimensionality gives way to a directional or diagrammatic line. Either implicit or explicit, line leads the viewer around the composition or to a focal point. Line is an ever-present underlying structure throughout each work, an artistic strategy used to direct us or contrast with the volume in the work. 

    A realist artist most often focuses on the world of people and places around them, but they also communicate and express something about how they perceive the world. After leaving the exhibit visitors will easily remember Tonape as an artist who views a world filled with grace, a sense of humor, beauty and dignity — a world of harmony. 

    The public is invited to the opening and reception Nov. 10, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Gallery 208 is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. during the duration of the exhibit and is located at 208 Rowan Street, in historic downtown Fayetteville. For information about the reception or exhibit, call 910.484.6200. Visit Vilas Tonape’s website at http://www.vilastonape.com. 

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