Local News

Prepare for hurricane season

19Hurricanes pose significant challenges. Such challenges are considerably less difficult when business owners and families prepare for hurricane season in advance.
A proactive approach to hurricane season can minimize the effects of these powerful storms, which can cause potentially costly property damage. Such preparation also reduces the likelihood that individuals will be involved in accidents and/or suffer injuries.
Hurricane season is here, so now is a great time for business owners and families to prepare for the months ahead.
Evacuation plan
Coastal regions tend to bear the brunt of damage caused by hurricanes, so anyone working and living in such areas should have a well-developed evacuation plan in place as hurricane season begins.
Lifelong residents of coastal regions most often affected by hurricanes, which in the United States includes Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, and Louisiana as well as other areas along the Atlantic coast, no doubt have evacuation plans in place already.
However, it's a good idea to go over such plans with employees and family members at the start of each new hurricane season.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, while the Eastern Pacific season begins roughly two weeks earlier and ends at the same time.
Make a list of accessible hotels and shelters where you can go should you need to evacuate, and make sure everyone has a hard copy of that list.
Keeping the list on a smartphone notes app can be helpful, but hard copies are vital, as access to mobile networks or even electricity to keep phones charged is not guaranteed during hurricanes. Detailed information about routes to take to get to safety and a prearranged place to meet if evacuated is also vital.
Supplies
The Insurance Information Institute notes that, when hurricanes are in the forecast and warnings are issued, it's not uncommon for residents of areas in the eye of the storm to rush to stores to purchase supplies. A proactive approach to hurricane preparation can help people avoid that mad rush. The III recommends people stock up on certain supplies in advance of hurricane season. Such supplies include:
• Extra batteries
• Candles or lamps with fuel
• Matches, which should be kept in a part of the home that's likely to remain accessible and dry
• Materials and tools for emergency home repairs, such as heavy plastic sheeting, plywood, a hammer, and other tools
• Prescription drugs
• A three-day supply of drinking water
• Food that you don t have to refrigerate or cook
• First aid supplies
• A portable NOAA weather radio
• A wrench and other basic tools
• A flashlight
Property
It's also wise for business owners and homeowners in coastal areas to take an annual inventory of their belongings in advance of hurricane season.
The III notes that such an inventory, which should include a list of possessions and their respective values, can speed up the claims process, substantiate losses for income tax purposes and prove helpful if business owners or homeowners apply for disaster aid.
Hurricane season is coming. That means now is the time to prepare businesses and homes for the challenges that hurricanes can leave in their wake.

Exploring Cumberland County's Senior Centers: Tokay and Spring Lake

16The Tokay Senior Fitness Center, located at 328 Hamilton Street, Fayetteville, is the premier destination for seniors looking to take control of their health and wellness. Unlike other senior centers, the Tokay Center focuses on providing top-notch fitness and health resources.
Tana Coleman is the Supervisor at the center and shares health benefits offered to seniors. “Our center is unique and different from the other three senior centers in the FCPR system. Everything that we do is health/fitness related. We have free weights and offer a variety of fitness classes. With six treadmills and ellipticals, five bikes, and a full line of Nautilus strength training machines - our seniors have easy access to everything they need to get fit and stay healthy. In addition, we have certified CPR technicians and nutrition and health education classes.”
The center offers equipment and classes tailored specifically for the 55+ crowd. So, no matter your fitness level or health goals, the Tokay Senior Fitness Center has something to offer. To manage your diabetes, improve your heart health, or shed a few unwanted pounds, this center is the perfect place to start. But don't just take their word for it - come in, set up an equipment orientation, and experience the difference for yourself.
At the center, you'll find an array of offerings tailored to nourish the mind, body, and spirit. Their Yoga classes twice a week will help improve mood, muscle tone, and posture. Get your groove on in the energetic Zumba sessions. "Bingo with a twist" exercise class is a guaranteed good time, complete with the chance to win prizes.
If you love table tennis, bring a friend on the 1st Monday of each month. Tables, paddles, and balls await you! The fun continues with kettlebells, chair aerobics, line dancing, and stretch classes. The options are endless. And it doesn't stop there. The center regularly hosts special events, so check their website or join the email list to stay in the loop.
The center truly cares about health. There are nurses on site to check blood pressure and blood sugar levels and weigh-ins free of charge. Check their website for additional information and special events at https://www.fcpr.us/facilities/recreation-centers/tokay-senior-fitness-center or call 910-433-1547.

Spring Lake Recreation and Senior Center, located at 245 Ruth Street, Spring Lake, offers a variety of programs for children, adults, and seniors.
If you are an active senior, the center boasts a diverse lineup of recreational pursuits. From the ever-popular bingo and pokeno games to the soothing art of crocheting, there's something to pique everyone's interest.
Kristine Schara, the Supervisor at the center, shares how she started her career at the center, “After years of working in an office environment, I relocated and lived in close proximity to the center. Drawn to the quarter-mile outdoor walking trail nearby, I often saw seniors utilizing this space. Through countless enlightening conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of the struggles they face - feelings of isolation, technological disconnection, a need for socialization, and local resources. During one of these encounters, a senior mentioned an open position at the community center, encouraging me to consider a career change. Heeding their advice, I embarked on a new journey. One that has since become my forever job. Working within the walls of this vibrant community hub has allowed me to witness the transformative power of connection, empowerment, and belonging.”
For those who love crafts, the center has a sewing room, and for those who are passionate about crocheting, attendees can join a group to share their work and expertise - it may lead to teaching others interested in picking up the craft.
The monthly potlucks and Fellowship Fridays provide opportunities for residents to connect, share a meal, and forge new friendships. Also, the center organizes group outings to the Omni Theatre, where members can enjoy discounted movie tickets and the camaraderie of their peers.
Moreover, the center's offerings extend beyond just leisure activities. It also serves as a hub for important health screenings and information, with regular diabetes testing and dementia assessments available by appointment. This commitment to the well-being of its members is a testament to the center's dedication to the community.
The community center is a beacon of hope, providing a safe and inclusive space for individuals of all ages to come together, learn, grow, and support one another. It is a testament to the power of community.
Check their website for times and dates for all activities and special events at https://www.fcpr.us/facilities/spring-lake-recreation-center or call 910-433-1547.

(Photo: A senior works out on one of the many machines available to seniors at the Tokay Senior Fitness Center. Photo courtesy of Tokay Senior Fitness Center.)

Cumberland County commissioners approve budget for fiscal year 2024-25, but many nonprofits won’t receive funding

9The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the county’s budget for fiscal year 2024-25 Wednesday night, rejecting requests for funding from several local nonprofits.
The $582.1 million budget includes $89.6 million for the Cumberland County Board of Education and $15.4 million for Fayetteville Technical Community College but did not change the county’s 79-cents per $100 property tax rate, County Manager Clarence Grier said.
Here’s what the board discussed before approving the budget:
Nonprofits speak out
In a brief public hearing before the final budget work session, several people spoke on behalf of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation and the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County. Both nonprofits requested funding in the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, but their requests were not approved, according to the draft budget.
Renee Lane, executive director of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation, outlined the museum’s recent struggles.
“A tragic and fatal vehicle accident closed the theater in February 2023, and in November, the [Pritzker] Motion Simulator ceased operation after 23 years,” Lane said. “Cost-cutting measures have included a hiring freeze, reduced hours for our retail staff and restricted advertising spending.”
Lane emphasized the museum’s key role in Cumberland County’s economy, noting that the museum had visitors from 10 foreign countries just last week.
“The Airborne and Special Operations Museum is a symbol of the Army’s rich and diverse history and unwavering support for our military heroes, to include the more than 50,000 veterans who live in this county,” she said. “Please reconsider our funding request so that together, we honor America’s heroes and show future generations what it takes to preserve freedom.”
According to the draft budget, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation requested $200,000 from the county but will not receive any funding.
Mary Sonnenberg, president of the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, also pleaded with commissioners to reconsider funding for her organization. She said the partnership has provided over $128 million in state funding to the county and its agencies over the past 30 years. The partnership requested $300,000 to fund its Family Connects program and will not receive any money in the upcoming budget. The program, launched in October 2021, provides home visits to Cumberland County families with newborns.
“[The program] provides prevention services and supports maternal child health,” Sonnenberg said. “It shows 50% reductions in emergency room visits, reductions in Child Protective Services investigations and an increase in completion of maternal six-week postpartum health checks.”
“Our request for this amount of money is only 27% of the program’s annual budget,” she continued. “The remainder comes from private grants and Smart Start funding. These dollars are going to direct services to babies and their families.”
According to a handout given to commissioners by the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, the Family Connects program has served 11,250 Cumberland County residents since its inception and is projected to enroll another 1,400 families in the next fiscal year.
“The partnership’s presence is engrained in the county’s economic and community fabric,” Sonnenberg said. “With the support that you might be able to give us with this investment, we can continue supporting our youngest children.”
The partnership is set to provide over $4.7 million to county agencies in the upcoming fiscal year, she noted.
In total, 16 nonprofits requested funding from the county. The 11 that will receive funding include:
• The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, $35,000
• Boys & Girls Club, $10,000
• Cape Fear Botanical Garden, $5,646
• Cape Fear Regional Bureau for Community Action, $10,328
• Cape Fear River Assembly, $9,923
• Child Advocacy Center, $1,000
• Cumberland County Coordinating Council on Older Adults, $150,215
• Cumberland County Veterans Council, $7,000
• HIV Task Force, $5,081
• United Way 211, $5,500
• Vision Resource Center, $15,000
‘Those stories need to be told’
In the budget work session, Commissioner Jimmy Keefe argued to fund the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation.
“We’ve heard it all before that those who do not remember their history are doomed to repeat it in that matter, and those stories need to be told, not only to remember those young men and women who did those things but also to educate those who are coming over so that they remember and that they acknowledge,” Keefe said. “I would really like for the board to consider imagining our community without this facility for one moment and how much we would lose, and it would certainly be more than what they’re asking for tonight.”
Vice Chairwoman Toni Stewart cited a rule she said the commissioners’ American Rescue Plan Act Committee created that prohibits nonprofits that received ARPA funds from getting separate county funding.
Keefe’s motion for the board to provide the museum’s foundation with $85,000 in funding failed, with only Keefe and Commissioner Michael Boose voting in favor.
Chairman Glenn Adams said he didn’t believe the lack of funding would affect the museum’s operations. He added that the foundation needed to do more fundraising on its own instead of relying on municipalities for funding.
“The museum is going to be open regardless because the government pays to keep this museum open,” he said. “If you don’t raise funds and you just eventually think that ‘I’m entitled to this’ every year, I just have a problem with that.”
Adams estimated that over the past 10 years he has served on the board, the foundation has received $1 million from the county.
“You’re trying to tell me a nonprofit can’t live on $1 million?” he said.
Changes made to the draft budget
According to a news release from the county, changes to the original draft budget that will appear in the final version include:
$1,000 for the Child Advocacy Center, which was originally set to receive no funding
$50,000 for the Cumberland County Coordinating Council on Older Adults, which was originally set to receive $100,215. That brings its new total to $150,215
The removal of $2.6 million from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office’s budget to account for the sheriff’s decision to no longer provide school resource officers and crossing guards in most public schools
The inclusion of a $447,149 grant in the Opioid Settlement Fund
An increase in county commissioners’ per diem pay from $50 to $100
Permission for county commissioners to enroll in the Local Government Employees’ Retirement System beginning July 1. This change is contingent upon the Local Government Employees Retirement System’s approval.
The county government faced a variety of constraints this year that led county staff to tighten the budget. You can read more about those issues and the draft budget Grier presented May 23 here.
The budget will go into effect July 1 and run through June 30, 2025.

(Photo: File Photo by Dawson Jarman)

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office SRO contract to expire June 30

8The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office held a private meeting on Thursday, June 6, to discuss the removal of safety resource officers from schools. Cumberland County Superintendent Dr. Marvin Connelly Jr., Assistant Chiefs Todd Joyce and Robert Ramirez from the Fayetteville Police Department, Spring Lake Police Chief Errol Jarman, and Chairwoman Deanna Jones of Cumberland County Schools were in attendance.
Last month, Cumberland County Sheriff's Deputies announced that they will no longer take over the duties of SROs and crossing guards for nearly 50 Fayetteville city schools, per ABC Channel 11 News.
It was also noted in the article that students like Hannah Russell expressed her concerns to ABC 11 News, emphasizing the importance of SROs in schools.
"There are sexual assaults that the police are working to prevent. There are firearms and knives brought to school, and the police are there to assist with the investigation. Drugs. All kinds of things,” the Pine Forest High School student said.
Her mother, Chasity Russell, added, "With my daughter, she feels more comfortable going to the school resource officers than she does the counselor."
In a press release, Cumberland County Sheriff Ennis W. Wright stated that the change was due to the shortages and challenges of recruiting and hiring school resource jobs, stating that the department is unable to carry out its contract.
The Sheriff's Office press release states that public schools in Cumberland County geographic areas without a municipal police department, except the Town of Stedman, will only renew the contract, which expires on June 30.
Sheriff Wright emphasized the critical role of school resource officers in ensuring the safety and well-being of schools and communities, highlighting the need for collaboration between municipalities and local law enforcement agencies.
During the initial informational and organizational meeting, the Sheriff’s Office established a logistic plan to ensure a smooth transition for the School Resource Officer Program. As a result, to provide the necessary personnel and a proper level of protection for students, faculty, administrators, and the public concerning schools’ safety, municipalities with police departments will provide SROs and traffic control officers for schools within those municipalities for the 2024–2025 academic year. In the meantime, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office will continue to supply school resource officers for summer and year-round schools until the start of the regular school year in the fall.
"The agencies will work together with the Sheriff's Office, providing training for all of the agencies and the school board to develop contracts based on the current Cumberland County Sheriff's Office contract, as well as mutual assistance agreements, protocols, and operational functions for a more complete School Resource Officer Program," as detailed in the press release.
Sheriff Wright is more than confident that law enforcement agencies and the school board will work effectively together during the transition into establishing a safe environment for children and the public under the new changes for the SRO program. Despite Wright's confidence in the efficiency of this transformation, he also acknowledged the necessity for elected leaders to provide the necessary funds to support the SRO Program.

(Photo: Cumberland County Sherriff Ennis W. Wright. Photo courtesy of CCSO's website)

 

Find your voice with FTCC’s Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program

19“The human voice is the most beautiful instrument of all, but it is the most difficult to play," said poet and composer Richard Straus.
Would you like to earn a great living while helping people find their voice? If so, the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program at Fayetteville Technical Community College might be your next step on the path to success. SLPAs work with speech-language pathologists to assess and treat patients with voice, speech, fluency, or language disorders. SLPAs help with patient care, research, and implementing programs.
The Fayetteville Technical Community College Speech Language Pathology Assistant Program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes both high-quality academic and clinical experience. Faculty and staff are committed to practices that develop professional and ethical speech-language pathology assistants who are well-equipped to meet the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with communication disorders, the profession of speech-language pathology, and the community at large. We strive to improve human communication.
Speech pathology assistants in Fayetteville currently earn a median salary of $52,000 per year. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts excellent growth in the speech pathology field and numerous opportunities for advancement. Speech pathologists who continue their education and earn a master’s degree can earn a median salary of $84,140 per year in the United States.
Here are some student testimonials about the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program at FTCC:
“This program was a scary step for me but has been the most rewarding. The commitment to excellence at FTCC extends way beyond the classroom! I have felt like family every step of my journey. The dedicated teachers and my amazing advisor have gone above and beyond to support my journey and invest in my success as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant. If you have a passion for the speech and language world, then FTCC is where you need to be. They have provided me with the foundation needed to make an impact on the lives of others. I thought I couldn’t, and they showed me that I could!”
-Skyler Cummings
“The Speech Language Pathology Assistant program has been an exceptional experience for me. I have acquired a wealth of knowledge, and I am excited to put everything I have learned into practice. Not only have I gained the knowledge and experience that I need to be successful, but I have also developed lifelong friendships with my classmates.”
-Heather Lee
Are you ready to learn more?
Please contact us today. Admission into the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program is based on competitive admissions. Stop by to learn more about the competitive admissions process and how you can pursue your dream career. FTCC’s faculty and staff from the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program are eager to help you find your voice.
Department Chair: Charisse Gainey, department chair, can be reached at gaineyc@faytechcc.edu or by calling 910-678-8492. Gainey’s office is located at the Advanced Technology Center, Room 154F, 2300 Hull Rd.
For more information, visit the website at https://www.faytechcc.edu/academics/healthcare-programs/speech-language-pathology-assistant/

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