Local News

Audit finds nearly $700,000 misspent at Fayetteville State University

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Tuesday, 04 June 2024

Written by Paul Woolverton, CityView Today

Two former employees and one current employee in Fayetteville State University’s communications office improperly spent nearly $700,000 of university money, the N.C. Office of the State Auditor reported May 28. The findings have been forwarded to the State Bureau of Investigation to determine if crimes were committed.
The former employees cited in the audit include Joy Cook, who, as Fayetteville State’s former Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications, was head of the communications office. She reported to the chancellor’s chief of staff. Cook announced on May 8 she was newly hired as the director of communications for the Democratic lawmakers in the state House of Representatives.
Cook has since resigned from that role, the executive director of the state House caucus said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
Efforts to contact Cook were unsuccessful.
In a letter in response to the audit report and its recommendations, university Chancellor Darrell Allison told State Auditor Jessica Holmes that Fayetteville State agrees with the audit’s findings. He said the university has been implementing new policies and practices to prevent these types of problems from happening again.
Credit cards for purchases and travel misused
The audit says the employees used university-issued credit cards to make $692,239 in purchases that were not permitted under university policy or not properly documented per university policy, or both not permitted and not properly documented. This happened from Jan. 1, 2022, to Aug. 31, 2023, it says.
The audit says the employees involved with the credit card purchases were Cook, former Director of Digital Strategy Morgan Osley-Pratt, and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Marketing and Creative Services Tina Raines, who is still employed at Fayetteville State.
Some of the findings:
• 148 purchases totaling $464,627 were payments to individuals, consultants, or employees.
• 26 purchases totaling $91,340 were for payment of invoices.
• 17 purchases totaling $13,650 for computer equipment or software, travel, or gifts.
• 17 purchases totaling $5,506 were payments made for purchases on Amazon.com
Employees are not allowed to use the university-issued credit cards, known as Purchasing Cards or Procurement Cards, for these purposes, the audit says.
Fayetteville State issues other credit cards, known at Travel Cards, for employees to pay for travel expenses.
The audit says Cook and Osley-Pratt made Travel Card purchases that were not allowed under Fayetteville State travel policy:
• $71,792 for 26 payments to consultants.
• $1,276 for five payments via the CashApp mobile phone payment system.
• $5,395 for 20 purchases for lodging within 35 miles of the university. Employees aren’t allowed to purchase lodging unless their work activity is more than 35 miles away.
Osley-Pratt bought a $299 roundtrip airline ticket for her son to travel with her to Orlando, Florida.
The report says an employee — it doesn’t specify which one — incurred $1,843 in unnecessary travel expenses while visiting New York for a work-related conference:
• $270 to change the airline flight in order to arrive two days early.
• $739 in hotel and food expenses accrued by arriving two days early. These were paid with two university credit cards assigned to Cook.
• $368 to fly first-class to New York and return in premium economy class.
• $287 for a ride-share trip to and from a spa.
• $179 for a ride-share trip for a dinner.
Conflict of interest with side businesses
The university paid private businesses operated by four former employees — Cook, Osley-Pratt, former Digital Content Coordinator Ashley Moore, and former Copywriting Assistant Alta Braxton — a total of $165,570 while they also paid employees of the university, the audit says. Moore and Braxton were temporary employees, Fayetteville State told CityView.
This put them in a potential conflict of interest, the audit says. According to university policy, the audit says, a conflict of interest occurs when an employee’s performance of her job duties could be influenced by her financial interests.
The audit says:
• Cook’s business was paid $5,600.
• Osley-Pratt’s business was paid $48,733.
• Moore’s business was paid $54,287.
• Braxton’s business was paid $56,950.
The audit doesn’t name the businesses that received the money.
What is Fayetteville State doing about this?
In his letter to the state auditor, Chancellor Allison said Fayetteville State is taking steps to address the problems the auditor’s staff uncovered.
“The University agrees with the findings and recommendations presented and remains fiercely committed to conducting business in an ethical manner to retain public confidence,” he wrote.
Allison said two of the three permanent employees cited in the audit no longer work there. These are Cook and Osley-Pratt. He listed other steps including hiring new people to oversee purchasing and contracts, and more monitoring of payments, among other efforts.
“The University has conducted a campus-wide retraining on purchasing and travel card policies; conducted meetings with division units on Office of Human Resources processes which included a review of the University's Conflict of Interest policy and procedures; and improved our overall internal controls,” Allison wrote. “In collaboration with the UNC System, the plan moving forward includes a continuous culture of training and educating its employees and making ongoing process improvements.”

Editor's note: Reporter Paul Woolverton can be reached at 910-261-4710 and pwoolverton@cityviewnc.com. To read the full article, visit https://bit.ly/4bX4Je7

Fayetteville Vet Center: A sanctuary of healing

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Tuesday, 04 June 2024

Written by Jamie Bishop

Located at 2301 Robeson St. #103, the Fayetteville Vet Center is a beacon of refuge and assistance for veterans, service members and their loved ones in Fayetteville. Operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this facility offers a wide range of services tailored to address the unique difficulties faced by those who served our nation. The Vet Center is holding a monthly briefing on June 17, aiming to provide confidential, free support in a nonmedical setting, fostering a community of recovery and resilience.
Upon entering the Fayetteville Vet Center, one is instantly struck by the inviting and reassuring atmosphere. The staff, many of whom are veterans themselves, are dedicated to establishing a haven where individuals can seek assistance without judgment or stigma. This dedication to care is evident in the center's wide range of services.
"The Fayetteville Veterans Center is designed to meet the unique needs of veterans transitioning from duty to daily life, particularly those battling mental health issues and readjusting to civilian life. Over time, we have expanded our services to include specialized care for LGBTQ+ veterans, women veterans and those affected by military sexual trauma or assault. Our goal is offering a holistic support network addressing all facets of well-being for those who served,” said Wendy Robinson, a representative for the Fayetteville Vet Center.
"Our monthly information sessions are designed to provide veterans and loved ones a comprehensive overview of the assistance available. These gatherings offer an opportunity to meet our staff, ask questions, and learn how we can aid them. The upcoming briefing on June 17 will allow new and returning clients to engage with programs and start the process of receiving necessary support,” she said.

Comprehensive Counseling Options
The Fayetteville Vet Center offers a variety of counseling services customized to meet the diverse requirements of its clients. These services include individual, couples and family counseling, specifically addressing issues such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma. The center ensures thorough support by connecting veterans and their loved ones with additional resources within the VA and the wider community.

Couples and Family Counseling
The profound impacts of military service on relationships are well understood at the Vet Center. Specialized methods like Gottman's provide spouses with practical tools and organized strategies for enhancing rapport, making it popular among veterans. Moreover, family participation in individual sessions allows for deeper understanding and improved support for loved ones.

Grief and Bereavement Counseling
Loss and major lifestyle changes can be challenging for veterans and their families. In providing caring support, the Fayetteville Vet Center's bereavement counseling extends to Gold Star families. Whether recent or distant, counselors can guide people through mourning toward healing.

LGBTQ+ Veteran Care
Acknowledging the unique hardships faced by LGBTQ+ veterans, the center offers tailored counseling and referrals to meet their specific needs. A leader in LGBTQ+ veteran care, the center provides connections to specialized medical services, community resources, and peer support to ensure all veterans receive comprehensive care.

Mental Health Care
The transition from military to civilian life can often bring mental health challenges. Addressing such issues, the Fayetteville Vet Center offers a range of treatments for conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The center assists veterans in achieving their goals and enhancing overall wellness by utilizing proven therapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy.

Military Sexual Trauma Care
For veterans who have experienced sexual assault or harassment during their service, the Vet Center provides specialized counseling to those affected by MST. This service is available regardless of gender or era of service, ensuring that healing support is offered to all who have endured such trauma while serving our country.

Transitioning from Military Service
Leaving the military and entering civilian life can be an intimidating transition. The Fayetteville Vet Center offers counseling sessions to assist veterans in navigating this change, including help enrolling in VA healthcare, filing disability claims, finding employment opportunities, and accessing education benefits. In this way, the center helps veterans construct stable and fulfilling post-military lives.

Care for Women Veterans
Women veterans often have experiences requiring dedicated support, so the Fayetteville Vet Center is equipped to meet these specialized needs through tailored counseling and referrals to women's health services within the VA. In doing so, the center ensures that female veterans receive comprehensive and compassionate care throughout their adjustment to civilian life.

Connecting to Additional Resources
In addition to its direct services, the Fayetteville Vet Center plays a crucial role in connecting veterans to extra resources and support networks elsewhere. Whether it's specialty medical care, community programs, or peer groups, the center's referral services guarantee that veterans can access any assistance they require.

Orientation Meetings and Community Involvement
The Fayetteville Vet Center holds regular introductory briefings to foster greater awareness and participation, including an upcoming session on June 17. These meetings offer veterans, service members, and families a chance to learn about the center's offerings, meet staff, and sign up for needed support services. Interested individuals can register through Eventbrite after presenting proof of service.

A Sanctuary of Solace and Strength
At its core, the Fayetteville Veterans Center offers far more than mere services; it serves as a haven delivering comfort and healing for all who have served our nation in uniform, along with their loved ones. Through a wide array of programs addressing the multifaceted hardships faced by those who sacrificed so much, the center assists them in smoothly navigating the intricacies of civilian life once again with dignity and resilience. By cultivating a community of care, concern, and mutual understanding, the Fayetteville Veterans Center is a testament to the enduring pledge to all who answered the nation's call to arms.
"Transitioning to civilian life is often difficult, especially for those coping with PTSD, depression, or mental health concerns. At the Fayetteville Vet Center, we create a supportive environment where veterans can receive counseling, connect to community resources, and find the help required to navigate this transition successfully. Our goal is ensuring that no veteran feels alone through this journey,” said Robinson.
For more information or to enroll in services, visit the Fayetteville Vet Center at 2301 Robeson St. #103, Fayetteville. To pre-register for the June 17 briefing, visit https://bit.ly/3yz9Qmm. The center's doors are always open to those seeking assistance, guidance, and a path toward healing.

The secret is out about Secret Garden Bees

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Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Written by Crissy Neville

A post-military career and new-found passion yield sweet results for Jim Hartman, the founder of Secret Garden Bees, a small Cumberland County producer of premium-quality raw honey and jellies. The family- and veteran-owned business recently won the North Carolina Small Farmer of the Year honor for 2024 as a co-recipient with Brown Family Farms in Warren County. This year marks the first time in the award's history that two farms were named.
Hartman's journey is not just about personal success, but also about making a difference in the lives of others. His drive for success and his desire to serve others, including veterans, future farmers, consumers and the community, guide growth at Secret Garden Bees. The budding business owner shared this vision in his North Carolina A&T Cooperative Extension award-acceptance speech.
"I’m actually excited to share this award this year because I am 100% convinced that there's enough success to go around for everybody, and everybody can be a winner," Hartman said. "This (award) is indicative of that."
Secret Garden Bees has grown from a solo-managed, two-hive hobby farm to a thriving enterprise with 65 hives on a site and at several host farms — a staggering 650,000 bees producing 3,000 pounds of honey harvested bi-annually. Today, Hartman's signature labels — raw clover honey and raw wildflower honey — are distributed to 170 stores across 20 states, notably every Fresh Market grocer in the nation. Smaller retail locations include Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Altman's Grocery Barn in Godwin and a few Harnett and Moore County places. The bee-friendly business also sets up shop at the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival each spring, among other festivities in the Cape Fear region, and sells its wares online.
It was 2014 when Hartman, his wife Christi and their young son and daughter moved from Fayetteville to a 22-acre farm in Linden. The disabled veteran began beekeeping for agri-therapy, using the hobby to manage the symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome and a traumatic brain injury — consequences from 10 years in the U.S. Army as an explosive ordnance disposal officer, including two tours of duty in Iraq. After leaving the military, Hartman worked as a high-level project manager for a defense corporation for a few years and farmed on the side. Once catching the beekeeping buzz, Hartman saw health improvements and scaling possibilities.
"I found it is super, super good for me from a mental health standpoint, and something that you have to be very, very calm with the bees, very focused. And if you're not, they give you feedback. And so, if you force yourself to do these things, the bees become so much easier to work with, and that also calms your mind. And that has been very beneficial to me," the veteran explained.
From the 2020 seedling start of hand bottling honey in the family kitchen to an automated system with a growing number of employees, Hartman and Secret Garden Bees have blossomed in their four short years. Originally from rural Missouri, Hartman grew up around corn and wheat fields and worked on local farms as a youth. He is proud to be the first honey farmer in North Carolina to be recognized at the state level, the most recent accolade among the farm's growing distinctions.
Secret Garden Bees, a name that represents the "hidden garden" environment the Hartman created for his bees, complete with three acres of wildflowers plus fruit and nut trees, berries and grapes, poultry and waterfowl, swampland, pondlife and the mighty Cape Fear River as a backdoor neighbor, is an award-winning label. In 2022, the honey won first-place blue ribbons in its inaugural competition at the Cumberland County Agricultural Fair and then again in 2023. Ditto that for Secret Garden Bee's jellies, Christi Hartman's specialties, available in pear, muscadine, jalapeno muscadine and jalapeno pear. The honey is all-natural, never overheated and filtered appropriately to accent its natural goodness. Likewise, the jellies are made with fresh fruits grown on the farm and local peppers — a bouquet of flavors in every jar. Distinctive glass bottles and jars with pretty, floral product labels and a cork topper for the honey that makes use a snap help set this boutique business apart, revealing attention to detail from the inside out.
In 2023, as one of the 10 semi-finalists in the Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge, Secret Garden Bees, the People's Choice Award winner, took home a $10,000 prize. Now in its 10th year, the Challenge stands out as the first national business competition focused exclusively on rural entrepreneurs launching agriculture and food-related businesses. Secret Garden Bees is also a two-time recipient of The NC Sustainable Business Council's Sustainable Business Award for its use of solar panels, an 85% step toward "the farm's goal of reaching net zero energy consumption here on our farming operation," Hartman said.
Secret Garden Bees has tapped into numerous veteran and civilian resources for equipment, funding and even its workforce, including the Veteran Small Business Enhancement Act, USDA Value-Added Producer Grants, NCWorks and the Department of Commerce's work extension program — an apprenticeship program that will bring two high schoolers and two veterans to work on the farm for 12 weeks each. While the youth component is for the summer, veterans will rotate for the year.
"One of the things we do here on this farm that we are committed to is being a place where we train veterans to enter agriculture. We've partnered with the county's cooperative extension Soldiers to Agriculture program, which teaches transitioning veterans how to enter farming," Hartman stated.
The popular Secret Garden Bees' products are easier now to pick up than ever before since the Hartmans added a self-serve store for their honey, jellies and eggs at their farmstead at 6930 Moray Street in Linden. Customers can pay via Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, or the provided cash box. Still, the owner, a soldier-turned-farmer, has a business model about much more than just honey.
"Everybody can win,” Hartman concluded. “If you just put it together into a package, you can do something where everybody wins. You know, youth will get trained, more people will enter agriculture, and we will stimulate the economy by giving more people jobs and preparing them in a hands-on, practical way to enter farming. And then it helps my farm grow by having extra hands on board. It's a win for everyone."
Learn more at https://secretgardenbees.com/.

(Photo: Jim Hartman, the found of Secret Garden Bees, mans his vendor booth at a farmers market. Photos courtesy of Secret Garden Bees Facebook page)

Aging graciously: Fayetteville's Senior Centers

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Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Written by Lena Simmons

“Getting older means you are more alive. More vitality, more interest, more intelligence, more grace, and more expansion,” said actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

The citizens of Fayetteville gave themselves a gift with a 2016 voter-approved Parks and Recreation Bond Project. The 9.2-million-dollar Senior Center East, 917 Washington Drive, Fayetteville, opened for older adults fifty-five plus on May 6. The facility consists of a warm water pool, fitness and exercise room, two racquet ball courts, a multipurpose room, library, billiard room, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, locker rooms, a card room and a kitchen. The interior square footage is 15,360 with a covered patio of an additional 2850 feet according to City of Fayetteville Marketing and Communications.
“The older adults can participate in diverse activities inclusive of physical and mental health programs. There is the availability of space for community group meetings and athletic events. Free transportation will be available for older persons fifty-five years plus. Transportation to Senior Center East is also available by FASTtrac, a program by the Fayetteville Area System of Rapid Transit,” according to City of Fayetteville Marketing and Communications.
The Senior Center East is a significant part of the economic growth of Fayetteville. “Senior Center East is just one transformation along the Murchison Road Corridor. The Center is within walking distance of Fayetteville State University. It is a short distance from Martin Luther King Jr Park and the growing gateway plaza near the intersection of Murchison Road, Bragg Boulevard, and Rowan St.,” states City of Fayetteville Marketing and Communications.
The Ribbon Cutting for Senior Center East was an emotional day on May 3. Past and present city council members, Darrell T. Allison, Chancellor of Fayetteville State University, and other public officials attended the event.
Mayor Mitch Colvin shared at the Ribbon Cutting, “Our Seniors are the heart and soul of our community. They have dedicated their lives to building our city, to nurturing and raising families, and to contributing in so many ways to the outcomes of what we see today. Senior Center East is one example of our commitment to ensuring our Seniors have fulfilling active lives.”
The older adults of Fayetteville and especially citizens living in the Murchison Road Corridor view the Senior Center East as a blessing.
“The Senior Center East is a beautiful addition to the Fayetteville community. I am proud to be a Senior, to be able to take advantage of the many health information updates, community resources and activities at the Center. Many Seniors will be blessed to participate in the Senior Center East outreach endeavors,” states Patricia Leach, Mt Sinai Missionary Baptist Church.
Older adults having a safe haven is an important concern.
“The opening of the Senior Center East is a proud day for Fayetteville citizens. This building is beautiful and offers a safe haven for seniors,” shares Karen Justice, Mt Sinai Missionary Baptist Church.
Bill Crisp Senior Center opened in October 2022. It was named in honor of the late and former Council person Bill Crisp.
“He was known as the “Dean” of Council and served District 6 for six consecutive terms. He expressed the vision of a senior center overlooking Lake Rim,” according to Fayetteville Marketing and Communications.
Bill Crisp Senior Center is located on 7560 Raeford Road. The facility has an open lobby, warm water pool, fitness rooms, lounge areas, multipurpose rooms, open spaces, dance studios, locker rooms and is in close proximity to Lake Rim and Fall Hikes. The center can service the western area of the city.
“The Center programs have better health screening, bingo, workshops, charcuterie board creation, chess, book clubs, crafts, diner’s club, card games, dominos, Fabulous After Fifty, Bible study, walking club, jigsaw puzzle time, recipes, and technology seminars,“ according to the Bill Crisp Senior Center site.
Bill Crisp Senior Center and Senior Center East were funded by the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation voter-approved bond of 2016.
“The longer you live, the more beautiful life becomes,” stated renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Fayetteville’s state-of-the-art Senior Centers for persons fifty-five and older add wellness, health, and positive interaction to create a beautiful life. The Bill Crisp Center can be reached by calling 910-433-1248. Senior Center East can be reached by calling 910-433-1574.

(Photos: Top and above: Fayetteville's Senior Center East is the newest senior center to open in Fayetteville. Boasting a warm therapy pool, billiards room, racquet ball courts, a library, and more, the Senior Center East is the latest place for people over fifty-five in the Fayetteville community to gather. Photos by Lena Simmons)