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Floyd Properties builds dream homes in FIVE STAR locations

downloadFloyd Properties is celebrating its 73rd year of building new homes and neighborhoods in the Cumberland and surrounding counties. We are very pleased to offer our customers many options to have the home of their Dreams.

These new home neighborhoods are exceptional in location, design, amenities and livability. The floor plans we are offering feature wide open living areas with the kitchen, family room and dining with no walls, creating a sense of grand and spacious living.

Our most popular homes have two story family rooms with large glass doors and multiple levels of windows. Open, expansive, boundless, splendid and even gorgeous and majestic are words we are striving for in these houses.

The kitchens have features the family chef would appreciate and bathrooms that are bright with large windows, full glass shower enclosures, rain shower heads with dramatic open ceramic showers and beautiful bathtubs with ceramic tile all around the sides. The master bedroom closets are all wood custom designed and built.

Pot fillers, electric car charging stations, farm sinks, laminate and hardwood floors, custom designer hand railings, coffered ceilings, wainscoting, dramatic upscale inside trim, chair railing, large crown molding, enlarged base moldings, larger window and door casing and entry way accents, large design created columns and archway dramatic design enhance the magnificent impact of these features in each home.

An important part of our vision is to provide our customers locations in the North, South, East and West regions of our local area. The neighborhoods we offer our homes in are as important as the homes themselves. Walking trails, fishing ponds, nature trails, parks, playground equipment, mail stations and beautiful entrances are crucial to making our neighborhoods livable, walkable, safe and outstanding places to live close to shopping, schools and recreational activities.

Saddlebrook is our Southern Pines location on a wonderful golf course at Longleaf Country Club. Fairfield Farms is located on the North side of Fayetteville at the 295 exit, Cape Fear Crossings is near Cape Fear High School next to the Carter blueberry farm, Legacy and Westhaven are located in the Jack Britt school district next to Harris Teeter on Stoney Point Road and Kingston is a new neighborhood opening in 2025 located West near the new aquatic and recreational center in Hoke County near the hospital, shopping and schools.

Call us today at 910-423-6700 to visit one of our FIVE STAR locations in and around our community.

Childhood dreams damaged

IMG 8110It was all a scam. Those ads at the back of comic books in the Way Back Times. Back when comics were a dime, then 12 cents, then 15 cents. Initially, the ads were a source of juvenile dreams. Once upon a time, I believed X-ray specs worked. The ad was awesome, featuring a leering guy with lightning coming out of his glasses. He enjoyed “a hilarious optical illusion” of seeing through a Lady Person’s clothing. The ad promised you could look at your hands to see the bones underneath the skin. What 13-year-old boy wouldn’t want to have such an amazing scientific invention? Honor House sold a pair of these wonder glasses for only $1 plus 25 cents shipping. With a name like Honor House, it had to be true. I ordered a pair. Alas, it was not true. The glasses did not allow you to look at the bones in your hands or beneath Milady’s clothing. Lightning did not zap out of your eyes when you looked through them. What a major gyp.

I blame the lack of truth on the pernicious influence of Madison Avenue. Surely a fine company like Honor House would not knowingly submit false advertising to a candid world. Don Draper had to be behind these misleading ads. As a newly minted teenager, I followed Samuel Coleridge’s theory to have a willing suspension of disbelief. I believed the ads. As Bloody Mary sang in South Pacific, “If you don’t have a dream/ How you gonna have a dream come true?” The ads were the stuff that dreams were made of.

There were many wonders advertised at the back of the comic books. For $1.50 you could get a phony arm cast complete with a sling. It looked like the real thing and would fit teenagers or adults. For a buck you could get a “Mr. Baldy Bigshot Skin Head Wig.” When you put it on “you will look several years older and get a million laughs.” Fortunately, I saved a dollar and obtained a natural skin head look courtesy of my maternal grandfather’s gene pool. You want funny? Get a pack of Onion Gum for 20 cents. It looks like normal gum but tastes like onions. Give a stick to your friends and watch the hilarity as they spit it out.

An all-time favorite that did work was the “Joy Buzzer.” You hid a secret buzzer in the palm of your hand. Then shake hands with an unsuspecting buddy. He will jump six feet in the air when the buzzer goes off, surprising him and entertaining you. Imagine the fun you could have with your own tube of $1 fake Vampire blood. “You never know when a Vampire will strike! Be ready with this realistic-looking Vampire blood and watch the girls swoon.” Like the chronically swooning Miss Pittypat Hamilton in “Gone with the Wind,” back in the ‘60s female teenage persons were more loving swoonful. Fake Vampire blood was just the thing to set them off.

Another classic gag was the tiny voice throwing instrument you hid inside your mouth. It came with instructions on how to become a ventriloquist. You can “throw your voice into trucks, behind doors, everywhere. Fool teachers, friends, and family.” What could be cooler? The ad featured a worker carrying a big box on his back with a voice coming out of the box yelling “Help! Let me out! Help!” Hours of hijinks ensue. Pro tip: This did not work.

For 50 cents you could get a real boomerang for target throwing. Guaranteed that “In case you miss, it comes right back to you, and Bingo! You are all set to fire again. More fun than a barrel of monkeys.” I could never get the boomerang to come back. I would throw it and it just hit the ground. It was considerably less fun than a barrel of monkeys. I was never quite sure how much fun a barrel of monkeys might be. Was the top on the barrel and the monkeys were confined inside?

If there was no top of the barrel, the monkeys would just climb out of the barrel leaving you to chase them down. That didn’t really seem like much fun either. Monkeys in a barrel is a pretty low bar for fun. Chasing monkeys was probably more fun than throwing a curved flat stick and then picking it off the ground.

Yelp Review: Don’t buy a boomerang.

The boomerang craze did spawn a great Australian song in 1962 called “My Boomerang Won’t Come Back” by the late great Charlie Drake. I could identify with the Mac, the hero of the song. Mac lamented “I’m a big disgrace to the Aborigine race/ My boomerang won’t come back.” Bigly sad.

Have we learned anything of use today? Once again, almost nothing. But if it saves one person fifty cents on a faulty boomerang it is worth it. As Marvin Gaye once sang: “Believe half of what you see/ Son, and none of what you hear.”

That goes double for anything contained in this column.

North Carolina should quit this club

pexels laura james 6098057When it comes to regulating nurses, North Carolina is in an increasingly exclusive club. Unfortunately, the cost of our club membership far exceeds any benefits.

In most states, nurse practitioners and other advanced-practice nurses have significant authority to treat patients without being subject to the authority of a physician. In Virginia, for example, they enjoy what is called full practice authority thanks to a 2018 reform bill. In other states, nurse autonomy is a bit more limited. Consider the case of Kentucky. While nurses there don’t yet have full practice authority, they can administer certain drugs on their own after four years of collaboration with a doctor.

Only 15 states satisfy neither condition. Their advanced-practice nurses have little autonomy. North Carolina is one of them.

During last year’s debate about Medicaid expansion, the original position of Senate leader Phil Berger and his colleagues was to give nurses more freedom to treat their patients without the costly supervision of physicians. Along with reducing the power of hospital monopolies, scope-of-practice reform was intended to increase the supply of medical care and thus put downward pressure on prices.

Gov. Roy Cooper and the North Carolina House agreed to relax some state constraints on hospital competition. They rebuffed the Senate on scope-of-practice reform. That’s why our state continues to be one of the few that unwisely denies nurses full practice authority.

In this case, the house majority has it right. When nurses are fully empowered to provide all the services for which they are trained, costs go down and patients receive either equivalent or better care than they did before. A 2021 study published in the journal Health Economics found no evidence that relaxing scope-of-practice laws had an adverse effect on services delivered.

It concluded that allowing nurse practitioners to operate “without physician oversight could reduce health care spending without harming patients.”

For a 2019 study in the Journal of Nursing Regulation, scholars from Columbia University, St. Francis University, and the University of Pittsburgh looked specifically at the effects of the policy on Medicaid recipients. They found that outpatient costs were 17% lower and prescription costs 11% lower in states where nurses enjoy full practice authority.

What about the effects on the caregivers themselves? A recent study in Nursing Outlook focuses on New York State’s adoption of full practice authority in 2015. The authors found “significantly better work environments” for nurse practitioners after the policy change.

“There is a growing body of evidence about the impact of nurse practitioner work environment on the quality of care and patient outcomes,” they wrote. “Thus, removing scope-of-practice restrictions on nurse practitioners may also lead to better care and patient outcomes.”

Physician organizations and other opponents of reform argue that without doctor supervision, advanced-practice nurses will make too many mistakes and misdiagnose serious conditions. In theory, this is possible. In practice, it’s not a persuasive objection. While tragic cases certainly occur — regardless of whether a physician owns or takes a financial cut of a nurse’s practice — the medical and financial benefits of reform appear to far outweigh the downsides.

Otherwise, the relevant research would find that scope-of-practice reform was followed by marked declines in patient outcomes. They’d find the short-term savings from providing primary care in independent nursing practices were overwhelmed by the long-term costs of treating misdiagnosed patients, including expensive hospital stays and lifelong disabilities.

That’s not what a preponderance of the studies show, however. Scope-of-practice reform confers net benefits. That’s why New York lawmakers adopted the policy in 2015. That’s why Virginia lawmakers adopted it in 2018. That’s why 35 states have less restrictive nursing regulations than North Carolina does.

When the General Assembly reconvenes this spring, lawmakers ought to rectify last year’s mistake of leaving scope-of-practice reform out of the Medicaid deal. By expanding taxpayer-funded health care, they set the stage for a surge in demand for medical services. Unless they take additional steps to free up supply so it can meet that demand, prices will soar.

Editor’s Note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His latest books, Mountain Folk and Forest Folk, combine epic fantasy with early American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

Robertson’s leadership takes Chamber organization to new heights

nat robertson CEO and PresWhat a difference a year makes! Every vibrant municipality needs a successful Chamber of Commerce. I have written countless articles about the amazing opportunities available in Fayetteville and Cumberland County for businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs if only we had more competent and engaged civic, business, and governmental leadership. Effective leaders are defined by their work ethic, integrity, and active and ongoing engagement in the community.

Below I have published a letter that Brian Pearce, Chairman of the Board of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce sent to their nearly 800 members reviewing the first 12 months of the Chamber’s performance and progress. The letter congratulates overwhelmingly Nat Robertson, Fayetteville’s former mayor and current Chamber President/CEO on his achievements and overall stellar performance. This letter is the near-perfect example at the type of aggressive and dedicated leadership needed to propel businesses and the Fayetteville community into a state of profitability and respectability in the 21st century.

 

 

 

 

Dear Greater Fayetteville Chamber Members,

As we turn the pages of our collective journey, it is with immense pride and a profound sense of community spirit that we commemorate a significant milestone - the one-year anniversary of Mr. Nat Robertson's tenure as CEO of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. In the span of a year, Nat has not only embodied the values and vision that our Chamber stands for but has also propelled us toward new heights with unwavering dedication, innovative strategies, and a deep commitment to fostering business growth and prosperity in our beloved City and County.

Under Nat's leadership, our Chamber has experienced remarkable achievements and milestones. His strategic vision has paved the way for enhanced member services, expanded networking opportunities, and impactful advocacy efforts that have not only benefited our business community but also reinforced the economic foundation of Fayetteville and the area. His approachable leadership style and open-door policy have fostered a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and shared purpose among our members, staff, and the wider community.

Nat's tenure has been marked by significant initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of our diverse membership, from small businesses to large corporations. His commitment to leveraging technology for better engagement, education programs, and promoting sustainable business practices reflects his forward-thinking approach to chamber leadership. Moreover, his efforts in strengthening partnerships with local government, educational institutions, and other stakeholders have been instrumental in creating a more business-friendly environment in our area.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to the continued journey under Nat's leadership. The roadmap ahead is filled with ambitious plans and exciting prospects that promise to elevate our Chamber and our community to even greater heights. We are confident that with Nat at the helm, supported by our dynamic team and you, our valued members, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber will continue to thrive and make a lasting impact in our region.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Chamber staff, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nat Robertson for a successful year as CEO. We are incredibly grateful for your leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to our Chamber and community. Here's to many more years of success, growth, and achievements together!

Thank you, each and every one of you, for your continued support and commitment to the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Together, we are making a difference in Fayetteville, and it is a privilege to embark on this journey with you all.

Warmest regards,
Brian Pearce
Chairman of the Board, Greater Fayetteville Chamber

 

To add substance and details to Pearce's letter for a better understanding for our readers, I have taken the liberty of documenting a few of the Chamber's achievements under Robertson’s leadership that Pearce refers to.

Robertson’s success during this past year is the near-perfect example of how putting the right person, in the right place, at the right time, produces the right results.

Robertson's Chamber of Commerce achievements:

• Recruited 300+ new Chamber members.
• Organized and Executed five (5) successful and “Sold Out” Business/Community events.
• Created and staffed the Consumer Protection Division.
• Revitalized the Military and Governmental Affairs committees.
Revised ENGAGE Magazine as the Chamber's Official Business Journal.
• Created: The quarterly Non-denominational Chamber Prayer Breakfast
• Implement bi-monthly member Success Seminars and Speaker Series.
• Assembled an enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and talented staff.

Looking Ahead

In Robertson’s own words, “…. I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the Chamber and the Fayetteville community. I am confident in our ability to continue making a meaningful impact for our members and the Fayetteville area. The Chamber team remains committed to delivering even more value to our members, fostering a dynamic business environment, and contributing to Fayetteville's economy and overall success.”

The successes of Nat Robertson in revitalizing the Chamber reflect the trust and leadership support he has received from the Chamber Board of Directors, his ability to recognize Fayetteville's potential, and his vision and talent for organizing and motivating a team of staffers and volunteers that also grasp the vision of supporting and nurturing healthy and dynamic businesses and organizations for the betterment of the entire Fayetteville and Cumberland County community.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Lefty Driesell in his own words

Lefty Driesell V sign Coach Lefty Driesell died on February 17.

He coached successful basketball teams at Davidson, Maryland, James Madison, and Georgia State.

I wanted to honor him now, but I have written so many columns about him, I thought it might be a better idea to let him speak for himself.

I can do this now thanks to my friend, the late Julian Pleasants, who was a history professor at the University of Florida. Pleasants specialized in interviewing important people about their lives and careers.
Pleasants and I spent almost two days a few years ago recording hours and hours of Lefty’s recollections.

So, in honor of Lefty and Julian, I’m sharing a few of those stories.

In 1960, in his first game as a college coach, Lefty’s Davidson team beat top-ranked Wake Forest. Lefty shared his feeling that it might have been time to quit:

“Because I had a great record in high school. I was ninety-nine and fourteen, if you look up my record in high school, and so then I win my first college game. I told my wife Joyce I may as well quit. I was just teasing, I guess, but I sort of felt like it. I said I know I can coach now in college.”

Instead of quitting, he set about recruiting and now has a bag full of stories including one about future great Don Davidson.

“I really got along with his dad good, and his mother too, and so they brought him down for a visit and he liked it and we signed him because I told him–this is just like a little joke–I told him, I said, ‘Don, you go to Ohio State,–or some of the other people that were recruiting him–and they’ll put your name on the back of the jersey.’ I said, ‘I’m going to put your name on the front of everybody on the team.’”

His recruiting success brought his team national attention, and his fans wanted Davidson to play top-ranked Duke.

Driesell explained how Duke was persuaded to come to the Charlotte Coliseum to play Davidson in 1963.
“Oh, yeah. So, I called Vic [Bubas the Duke coach] up. See now, everybody plays guaranteed games, which I despise, but this wasn’t that kind of guaranteed game. We were playing the number two team in the country, and I said, ‘Vic, we’ll give you ten thousand dollars. I’ll send you the check today and you can give it to Eddie Cameron [Duke’s athletic director] or whatever.” So, I told some of [the big Davidson supporters] in Charlotte.

“They wrote me a check for ten thousand dollars, and I sent it to Vic, and I said, ‘Now this is upfront. You’re going to get fifty percent of the gate if we fill it up, and I said, ‘I know we’re going to fill it up, there’s going to be eleven thousand, six hundred, sixty-six people there at fifteen dollars a head,’–or whatever it was–‘but I mean something happens and we don’t fill it up, you’ve got ten [thousand dollars]. So, he said, ‘okay.’ That was the first game we ever played in the Charlotte Coliseum.

“Art Heyman played and Jeff Mullins and Jay Buckley. They had a great team. In fact, Art Heyman, who was, I think, probably one of the best players that ever played in the ACC. He was an animal. So, I think the score was tied or something or maybe we were up. No, we must have been up. So, he was dribbling the ball up the court for the winning basket and Barry Teague came up behind him and stole the ball like that, and Heyman: ‘He got me! He fouled me! He fouled me!’ I mean they didn’t call a foul, but Barry went to the free throw line later on and locked it up with a couple free throws.”

Davidson won 72-69.

Lefty told many more great stories.

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

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