Local News

An open letter of thanks to our committed community

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Written by Dr. Lindsay Whitely

Dear Volunteers and Community Partners,
As we approach the end of the school year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible support that surrounds our students and schools each day. Cumberland County Schools is deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of our nearly 1,500 Community Partners and more than 9,000 volunteers who have helped us move our mission forward throughout the 2024-2025 school year.
Whether you’ve dedicated a few hours or made a consistent weekly commitment, the time, talents and resources you’ve shared have had a profound impact. From reading with students and leading classroom activities to organizing supply drives, offering professional expertise and showing up at events to cheer our students on – you’ve shown us what it truly means to be a ‘true partner in education.’
This year alone, you’ve provided countless hours of service, and your contributions go far beyond time. You’ve given generously through financial gifts, in-kind donations and personal investments. Thanks to you, our schools have the resources needed to create safe, enriching and nurturing environments for all students. You’ve supported teacher appreciation efforts, hosted family engagement nights, served on advisory councils and spoken at career days. You’ve helped build connections that show our students just how many people believe in their potential.
One area where your impact has been especially visible is in Career and Technical Education. Through job shadowing, internships, mentorships and classroom presentations, you’ve opened doors to real-world learning experiences that inspire students to pursue their goals with purpose. You’ve helped students explore career paths, gain industry certifications and understand the skills needed to thrive in the workforce. Your partnership has truly bridged the gap between education and opportunity.
Your presence matters. Students feel encouraged when they see familiar faces return week after week. Staff feel supported when volunteers show up to lend a hand or brighten the school day. Families feel connected when community partners offer resources and support. The work you do, both behind the scenes and in front of the classroom, does not go unnoticed.
This collective impact reminds us all that it truly takes a village to educate and support every child. The efforts of our volunteers and partners strengthen our schools, empower our educators and help create a brighter future for students across Cumberland County.
As we move into the summer months, we encourage you to take pride in the role you’ve played this year. Because of you, students have learned new skills, gained confidence and built relationships that will carry them forward. You’ve helped lay the foundation for their success – not just academically, but personally and professionally.
And the story doesn’t end here.
Next month, we’ll focus on ways we can continue Keeping Learning Alive throughout the summer. Opportunities for involvement and enrichment don’t stop in June, and with your continued support, we can ensure students stay engaged, curious and ready to start the next school year strong.
For now, we want to extend our sincere thanks to each and every community partner and volunteer who has contributed to our CCS family this year. Your belief in our students and staff fuels the work we do – and we are better together because of you.
Not yet part of the CCS village? We invite you to get involved, make an impact and help shape brighter futures – one student at a time. Visit ceo.ccs.k12.nc.us to discover how

FTCC’s Student Learning Center provides tutoring

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Written by Brenda Harris

The Student Learning Center at Fayetteville Technical Community College recently relocated to the first floor of the Paul H. Thompson Library and celebrated with a grand opening ceremony held in January. There’s always something to celebrate at the Student Learning Center, as our tutors work collaboratively with instructors to enhance classroom instruction with additional one-on-one assistance to help students achieve success.
Serving as a resource for encouragement and support, the staff at the Student Learning Center provides a welcoming environment for all students. FTCC’s students are diverse, with some being recent high school graduates and some not having been in a classroom environment for years. Tutors at the Student Learning Center recognize that community college students have a variety of life circumstances to manage in addition to their educational goals, and they work hard to bridge the gap that might exist for some students between classroom instruction and overall academic success. With online education representing some portion of the overall learning experience for many students, staff at the Student Learning Center work with new students to help them successfully navigate the Learning Management System used at FTCC for course management.
The instructors at the Student Learning Center are eager to help students focus on their grades and overcome obstacles by bridging the gap between classroom and mastery of content. Instructors at the SLC are trained to assist students in subjects such as English, math, science, computer information, accounting, and foreign languages.
Instructors at the Student Learning Center understand that students learn in different ways, and they assess students’ needs to identify the best method for instructional delivery. The Student Learning Center strives to promote a welcoming atmosphere that removes student anxiety and promotes positive learning experiences, including comfortable seating, computers, laptops, and opportunities for group collaboration within instructional rooms. The Student Learning Center uses mobile whiteboards and whiteboard tables to promote interactive learning activities. Students often choose to study at the Student Learning Center between or after classes. In addition to one-on-one tutoring, the Student Learning Center provides NetTutor Online Tutoring Services for students, which are conveniently available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Access to the many benefits of the Student Learning Center is free, and no appointment is necessary. Students simply present their student ID for quick, easy access.
At FTCC, we believe that education enriches one’s life, helps students reimagine their futures, and is the key to upward mobility. The Student Learning Center is one of the many resources available at FTCC that extends classroom instruction to bridge learning gaps and help students not only access but also stay on the road to a bright, successful future. We invite students to visit with us at the Student Learning Center to experience personalized learning in personalized ways that make the academic experience superior and rewarding.
The Student Learning Center is located in Room 127 of the Paul H. Thompson Library, 2221 Hull Road, Fayetteville campus of FTCC. It is open Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 910-678-8266 or visit https://www.faytechcc.edu/campus-life/academic-resources/student-learning-center/ for more information. You can also email the Learning Center at learningcenter@faytechcc.edu

New tennis, pickleball courts to come to Fay

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

After a period of delays and contractor issues, the Mazarick Park Tennis Center is finally seeing progress. The City of Fayetteville has confirmed that construction is back on track, bringing renewed energy and anticipation to the project. Steel framing is currently being installed on-site, and groundwork is actively being prepared for the tennis and pickleball courts.
This revitalization effort is expected to transform Mazarick Park into a hub of activity and community engagement, offering state-of-the-art facilities for both recreational and competitive play.
The new Mazarick Park Tennis Center will feature an impressive array of facilities designed to cater to both tennis and pickleball enthusiasts. The center will include 15 tennis courts, with one designated as a championship court, and four pickleball courts. Additional amenities will include locker rooms, a player lounge, learning areas, and a pro shop.
These facilities are designed to support a wide range of programs for youth and adults, from competitive tournaments to recreational play, making it a versatile and inclusive space for the community.
The Mazarick Park Tennis Center project is being funded by a combination of the voter-approved Parks and Recreation bond and federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. This community-driven funding approach underscores the importance of public support and investment in local recreational facilities.
The combined funding sources have been pivotal in overcoming previous financial hurdles and ensuring that the project moves forward to completion.
After legal and contractual complications with the original builder, the City of Fayetteville awarded a new contract to M&E Contracting in early 2025 to complete the project. M&E Contracting, a locally owned company based in Fayetteville, has a long history in commercial construction across the region.
Their recent involvement in city projects such as the Dorothy Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center and other municipal facility upgrades demonstrate their capability and commitment to delivering quality public infrastructure.
According to the latest updates, the Mazarick Park Tennis Center is now projected to be completed by late summer or early fall of 2025. Officials are optimistic that the state-of-the-art complex will be a major asset to Fayetteville, offering top-tier recreational and instructional opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels.
The new facilities are expected to enhance the quality of life in the community, promote physical activity, and foster a sense of community through sports and recreation.

Enjoy nature's bounty at You-Pick-It Farms

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Wednesday, 14 May 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

One of the most enjoyable parts of spring and summer is the wealth of fresh fruits, vegetables, and colorful flowers that these seasons offer. Picture yourself on a sunny day at a pick-your-own farm, collecting the finest produce nature has to offer. We've compiled a list of top locations where you can relish this activity.

Strawberries
• Gross Farms, located at 1606 Pickett Road in Sanford, has a strawberry patch that is ready for the picking from April until late May or early June (depending on the weather). You can visit the farm to pick your own strawberries Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more about Gross Farms, visit their website at https://www.grossfarms.com/.

• Strawberries are ready for picking at White Hill Farms. Located at 5020 South Plank Rd in Cameron, White Hills Farms is open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can follow their Facebook page for updates at https://tinyurl.com/bc32rvyh or call them at 910-783-8552.

• Another great option for pick-your-own strawberries is Bunce Brothers Farm. Established in 1961, this family-owned farm is located at 6267 Blake Rd, Stedman. To learn more about picking strawberries at the Bunce Brothers Farm, call 910-483-5007.

• Grab your buckets and head to Gillis Family Farm. Open Fridays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Gillis Family Farm is located at 2899 Gillis Hill Rd. For more information, call 910-867-2350.

• Spivey Farms & Produce, located at 285 McCormick Rd, Sanford, has you-pick-it strawberries from mid-April to the end of May. They are open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. To learn more about their farm, call 919-499-0807.

• Powers Strawberries & Farm Market, located at 906 Baker Church Rd, Lumberton, has you-pick-it strawberries Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Berryppl, or you can call them at 910-738-9404.

• Jack Pait Strawberry Farm is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for strawberry picking. They are located at 1561 Old Allenton Rd, Lumberton. For more information on their farm, you can call them at 910-734-7420.

• McNeill Strawberries has a you-pick-it strawberry patch that opens at 9 a.m. Located at 1822 Chicken Foot Rd, Hope Mills, you can learn more about their strawberry patch by calling 910-425-7355.

• Get ready for the 4.5-acre strawberry farm at Gary Thomas Farms. Operating from April to June and open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on their farm, visit their website at https://www.garythomasfarms.com/.

Blueberries
• Carter Blueberry Farm will be open for you-pick-it blueberries in late June-early July. Located at 4120 Clinton Road, you can follow them for updates on their website at https://www.carterblueberries.com/.

• Established in 1986, Stedman Blueberry Farm is located at 5991 Sidney Bullard Dr, Stedman. To learn more about when their season will open, you can reach them at 910-531-3110.

• The Little Blueberry Patch will be open from late June until the middle of August. Monday and Thursday 7 a.m. to noon, and then will reopen in the evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays they are open 7 a.m. to noon, and Saturdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 5227 Matt Hair Rd, you can confirm opening day by calling them at 901-322-5038.

• Plump, pesticide-free blueberries are waiting to be picked at Blueberries of Cameron. Buckets for picking are provided, and berries are sold by the pound. Located at 1171 US Hwy 1 Business, Cameron, you can contact them for days and hours of operation by calling 910-366-3310

• Blueberry Hill U-Pick has both blueberries and blackberries for you to pick. Located at 3250 White Hill Rd, Sanford, the farm is open from May to late July. Operating Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. They even let you pick and pay when they aren't open. Supplies are on site, and you can scan a QR code to pay online. For more information, visit them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/blueberryhillupick.

Blackberries
• Locklear Blackberry Farm, located at 5134 McDuffie Crossing Rd, Lumberton, offers thornless blackberries starting in early June and continuing into early July. Operating hours are Sunday-Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Confirm their opening date by calling them at 910-738-6959.

Grapes
• Auman Vineyards at 1300 71st School Road grows muscadine and scuppernong grapes. To learn more about their time and dates for grape picking, call them at 910-867-9690.

Watermelon
• Mark the calendar for July 1 to Aug. 1 for pick-your-own watermelon at Bullard Farms. Located at 2280 Stedman Cedar Creek Rd, Stedman, be sure to call ahead for operating hours at 910-303-3795.