Entertainment

High Tea for a cause: Veteran Women at the heart of WVIF

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Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Written by Amber Little

Fayetteville is home to Fort Liberty and with that comes not only a bustling population of Active Duty personnel but also a very active population of veterans. While some veterans can adapt to civilian life with ease, some need a little extra helping hand.
There are several organizations in Fayetteville and Cumberland County to assist veterans with needs from housing, food, to transportation. If there is a need, there is an organization to help. The Women’s Veteran Interactive Foundation is no different. This year they are hosting a High Noon Tea Party on June 22 at New Life Family Life Center, located at 1420 Hoke Loop Rd, Fayetteville, from noon to 3 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by contacting Mary Jordan at 910-286-9774. Donations can be made on CashApp to $give2wvifay2.
Attendees should put on their “High Noon Tea” best dress, gloves, and hats. This is the event to show off and show out for a cause. Mary Jordan, retired army Veteran and WVIF fundraiser is excited to bring a classy, fun event to the city in support of people just like her.
“The highlight of the tea is coming out, enjoying some savory food, and various teas and we are going to be honored by [North Carolina] Supreme Court Associate Justice Anita Earls. We have entertainment with Leigh Montague and the Radioboxx (band) and we also have Nigel Graham on the saxophone. It is going to be a beautiful event, where women can get up and wear their fascinators (small British hat) or hats… they will have their gloves, their beautiful floral dresses and we have so many various teas for them to sample and this is all $50, a donation to female veterans,” Jordan said.
North Carolina is home to over 700,000 veterans, with nearly 86,000 of them being women, according to va.gov. Women’s Veteran Interactive Foundation was started by a Navy veteran named Ginger Miller. The foundation was started on the understanding that women veterans’ needs after the military were far different from those of their male counterparts. WVIF, a nonprofit has currently helped over 8,000 women veterans, started 6 distinct programs, and has awarded over $40,000 in scholarships according to their website, https://womenveteransinteractive.org/ WVIF’s outreach is far beyond providing resources but they also supply women veterans with safe spaces to connect and network with other women in the Women Veterans Transition Space. This space provides the women with resources to obtain employment, and to get the maximum use out of VA benefits. They also have a program called Operation Safety Net, to combat homelessness and Beyond the Transition. This program ensures women veterans have connections to the community far beyond the first year of retiring.
The Fayetteville chapter is only one of four chapters in the country.
“This chapter here in Fayetteville, it’s a National organization, but the chapter here in Fayetteville, we strictly focus on women veterans in their moment of need, which could be housing, gas, utilities, various items that they need. We actually raise funds to provide those items in support of those females,” Jordan said of the work her chapter is doing.
As the All America City it’s important that care is taken for veterans.

Indulge in the regal delights of a Bridgerton Tea Party

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Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

You are warmly invited to attend the season's most anticipated event: "The Bridgerton Tea Party." Blissful Alchemists are avid admirers of Bridgerton and they wish to extend their passion to you.
As we eagerly await the premiere of season three and the revelation of Penelope and Colin's romance, let us partake in a splendid celebration fit for nobility.
Unveil the innate Queen or King that lies within you as you indulge in the pleasure of high tea prepared by Serena Gunn from Heal Holistic, accompanied by delectable treats provided by Bees and Boards in an ambiance of elegant grandeur.
As you listen to a carefully curated Bridgerton playlist, you will be able to fully immerse yourselves in the enchanting realm of Bridgerton with trivia and a chance to capture some elegant photographs.
First, second and third place winners of trivia will get a free month of Blissful Alchemist’s wellness package that includes salt room, red light therapy, yoga and meditation.
Get ready to strike a pose for a selfie or group photo in front of a floral backdrop decorated with flowers grown in Erwin by Blissful Alchemist's Alyssa Cienega.
This grand event will be taking place on Saturday, May 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Blissful Alchemist's space located at 414 Ray Ave.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/bridgerton-tea-party-tickets-863145440247. Ticket sales will end on Tuesday, May 7.
And, esteemed attendees, it is kindly requested that you don your most elegant Bridgerton outfits for this fabulous gathering. To help you get on the Best Dressed List we asked Rebecca Russell, Regency expert of Fayetteville and owner of Beespoke Vintage, for some tips.
You will find a great blog article entitled “Putting Together a Regency Look Without Breaking the Bank” on her site at https://tinyurl.com/3xub73ma.

KidsPeace presents 4th annual Gallery of Hope

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Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Written by Amber Little

KidsPeace and Dominique Womack are putting on the most meaningful art shows in the city. KidsPeace Art Gallery of Hope is set for May 19 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Warehouse, located at 226 Donaldson Street, Fayetteville. The event is as Womack said, “a party for a cause.”
Attire is all black and guests will be treated to live music, provided by Tyrek Hearon and friends, with a cash drink and food bar. This year’s event features Audrey Hasslocher, United States of America’s Mrs. Fayetteville and owner of Firebird Communications, a national marketing agency based in Fayetteville.
Hasslocher, a former foster kid, is set to share her story of the foster system and inspire others to become foster parents. The art auction will include several mediums and an eclectic list of local artists who have donated their work to the cause.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased by contacting Womack at 910-778-6462 or Antonio Gonzalez at 910-600-1332. Some of this year’s art is donated by the best Fayetteville has to offer, including Damien Mathis, Lauren Falls, graffiti artist Nick Shaw, Pia Jones and Johnathan Diaz.
In previous years, the auction has brought big bucks to the organization, which no longer has an office in the city. This year, Womack said, “...I would like for us to raise 15 [thousand]. In years' past we’ve done 7, 9, 13, so if I can do $13,001, I’m a happy camper. But just being real, a couple thousand would give our kids all they need for school supplies and Christmas presents, but I can pour more into the community for foster programs if 15 [thousand] is my number, I’m gonna go with 15….if I can raise awareness that’s the cake…”
For those unfamiliar with KidsPeace, it is an organization dedicated to helping foster parents and foster children with the mental health side of fostering. The agency provides support to new foster parents to overcome the new hurdles they face, such as acclimating to a new environment, settling into a new routine and healing the wounds of trauma. Fostering takes a tremendous amount of support from the community. In North Carolina in 2021, there were 10,927 children ages birth to 17, placed outside of the home. That year, the national average was 203,770 children in foster care under the age of 18, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a national organization that tracks the fostering demographics in the United States, including maternal occupation and race. Demographic information is vital in ensuring the children placed in foster care are accounted for. Pinpointing flaws in the systems that lead to unsafe conditions for children and tracking behaviors in parents that lead to the children being placed in foster care is another important task.
Those who are interested in becoming a foster parent will find the process is extensive, but worth it. The state requires potential foster parents to complete courses, background checks, interviews and home visits. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, all potential foster parents must complete the following:
1. Watch the mandatory Foster Parent Orientation video
2. Choose an agency, local DSS or private foster care placing agency. Links are provided below.
3. Attend an orientation with your chosen agency.
4. Complete TIPS-MAPP course.
5. Completion of Mutual Home Assessment for foster home licensing. This is not the same as an adoption home study.
6. Your agency will complete your Foster Home Application and submit it to the NC Division of Social Services for review and licensure.
7. Once licensed by the NC Division of Social Services, consider and accept foster care placements based on the needs of the children and your family’s parenting abilities and preferences.
8. Relicensure of foster parents is required every 2 years.
KidsPeace is a great resource for individuals looking to become foster parents, providing classes and other resources. The class schedule and registration can be accessed via the website, https://fostercare.com/ Whether a person buys a piece of art or starts the process of becoming a foster parent, the need is great for individuals looking to be the change and constant in foster children’s lives.

(Photos-Top: Dominique Womack hosts during the KidsPeace Gallery of Hope.  Bottom: Paintings are displayed during the 2nd Annual Gallery of Hope.  Photos are courtesy of Dominique Womack.)

Everything old is new again at Vinyl Record Show

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Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

In this digital age where music is predominantly consumed through streaming platforms and downloaded onto devices, it's fascinating to witness the unexpected resurgence of vinyl records. Vinyl, once thought to be an outdated medium, has made a triumphant comeback in recent years. People are rediscovering the magic of flipping through record store bins, holding physical copies of their favorite albums, and experiencing the rich sound that only vinyl can deliver. It seems that the allure of vinyl lies not only in its nostalgic appeal but also in its ability to offer a more authentic and immersive music experience.
Vinyl records also offer a different sonic experience compared to digital formats. The warm, analog sound that vinyl produces is often described as more "organic" and "full-bodied" than the cold and compressed sound of digital music. Audiophiles argue that vinyl allows for a wider dynamic range, capturing every nuance and subtlety of the music. The act of actively engaging with vinyl, carefully placing the needle on the record and flipping it over at the end of each side, encourages listeners to fully immerse themselves in the music.
Moreover, vinyl records hold a sentimental value that cannot be replicated by digital files. They evoke memories of a time when music was cherished and shared physically, creating a tangible connection between the listener and the artist. Whether it's flipping through your parent's old record collection or discovering hidden gems in a thrift store, vinyl records have a way of transporting us back in time and reminding us of the beauty in slowing down and savoring each moment.
Collecting vinyl records has become a popular hobby among music enthusiasts, both young and old. The thrill of hunting for rare and limited-edition records has ignited a new sense of excitement in the music community.
If you are a collector of vinyl records, make sure to attend the Vinyl Record Show at Dirtbag Ales on Saturday, May 11th, noon to 6 p.m. Indulge in the unique experience of holding a vinyl record, appreciating the artwork, and reading the liner notes from your favorite musicians and bands.
A variety of vendors, including local dealers Mark Parsons and Joe Riddle, will be on hand selling not only vintage vinyl records but also CDs, cassettes, movies and music memorabilia. Wilmington DJ Joshua Stowe will be on hand to spin some tunes and Dirtbag Ales' very own Brew Master, Tito, will be playing some of his favorite vinyl selections as well.
Naturally, a Dirtbag Ale event would not be complete without delectable cuisine. Attendees can choose from a variety of options, such as Taco Arepa, Napkins and BBQ Lab.
The resurgence of vinyl records is more than just a trend; it's a testament to our innate desire for tangible experiences in an increasingly digital world. The appeal of vinyl lies not only in its ability to offer a unique sensory experience but also in its ability to connect us to the past and create lasting memories. Dust off that old turntable. You never know what hidden treasure awaits you a the Vinyl Record Show. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/4rdct3zb