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Gear up for the ultimate cycling showdown

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Tuesday, 16 April 2024
Written by Sheila D. Barker

12aThe highly anticipated championship cycling event has arrived! The Carolinas Cycling Association is thrilled to declare that the charming town of Wade, located in Cumberland County, has been chosen as the host for the upcoming 2024 North Carolina and South Carolina Road Cycling Championship, scheduled to take place on April 27 and 28th.
“Hosting the Regional Road Cycling Championship in Cumberland County truly indicates the strong grassroots base that cycling has in southeastern N.C.,” said Mike Thomas, Race Director.
“On behalf of the Cross Creek Cycling Club, we are thrilled to host these two exciting days of amateur bike racing.”
Thomas also holds the position of President at the Cross Creek Cycling Club (C4), which recently marked its 20th anniversary in October 2023. C4 is a member club of USA Cycling that is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the national governing body for bicycle racing in the US. C4 has been honored with the title of "Club of the Year" by USA Cycling on 13 occasions, across different categories. In 2021, USA Cycling specifically recognized C4 as the Master's Club of the Year.
The primary objective of the Cross Creek Cycling Club is to foster inclusivity in cycling, regardless of age or skill level. C4 advocates for all facets of biking, placing particular emphasis on promoting bicycle safety, educating cyclists about their rights and responsibilities, and prioritizing overall health and fitness.
Additionally, they endeavor to facilitate better communication among cyclists, creating avenues for both biking and socializing with fellow enthusiasts. To learn more about the Cross Creek Cycling Club, go to www.crosscreekcyclingclub.org.
The Regional Road Cycling Championship is set to showcase a diverse range of participants, including masters, elite riders, and juniors, in both male and female race categories.
Competitors will have the opportunity to vie for cash prizes totaling up to $1,400, in addition to the highly coveted State Championship Medals.
The 2024 North Carolina and South Carolina Road Cycling Championship is an event that holds immense importance for the cycling community. This championship provides a platform for both amateur and professional cyclists to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the region.
It serves as a stage where riders can test their limits, push themselves to new heights, and gain valuable experience in a competitive environment.
This championship not only brings together cyclists from different backgrounds but also creates a sense of unity within the community.
Sports Marketing Director for the Fayetteville Convention and Visitors Bureau said, “This cycling championship is the start of a collaborative effort between the cycling community, Cumberland County and the city of Fayetteville to bring high-quality amateur bike racing to the region”.
The racecourse, spanning 17 miles, commences at the Wade Community Fire Dept at 7130 Powell Street in Wade, NC. Thomas expressed gratitude for the support received from the Wade Fire Department, acknowledging their generosity in offering the race staging area, parking facilities and complimentary camping.
The race distances will range from 34 miles, equivalent to two loops, to a maximum of 85 miles, which involves completing five loops for the more experienced participants. To get a peek at the route check out it out here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3179172468379457354
Everyone is invited to participate in the event as a spectator or a competitor. The event is free of charge for spectators interested in cheering the racers on.
For those looking to compete, there will be race fields open to the general public on Saturday, April 27.
Go to bikereg.com for online registration details. Mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend of high-speed action and camaraderie. Wade is waiting to welcome you with open arms as you join in on the excitement of this prestigious championship.
For more information go to the CCA Regional Road Race Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CCA-Regional-Road-Race

(Photo: Members of C4 pose in front of the Field of Honor at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Downtown Fayetteville.)

Fun ways to celebrate Earth Day

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Tuesday, 09 April 2024
Written by Staff Report

19Earth Day is an annual holiday that has been celebrated since 1970. Despite somewhat humble beginnings, much of the globe now celebrates Earth Day, which this year takes place on Monday, April 22.
Earth Day has long drawn attention to issues affecting the planet and its climate. The effects of those issues have grown increasingly noticeable in recent years, which makes this Earth Day and all subsequent celebrations an ideal opportunity to celebrate the planet while learning about the many challenges it faces in the years to come. The following are unique, fun and educational ways to celebrate the planet this April.
Leave the car at home. Winter weather is a distant memory by late April in many places, making Earth Day an ideal time to travel by foot or by bicycle instead of by car. That is not only fun, but also a great opportunity to learn about carbon emissions.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. Vehicles also emit a substantial amount of methane and nitrous oxide. This is why gas-powered vehicles are so often linked to climate change, much of which is driven by greenhouse gas emissions.
A car-free Earth Day can be fun and serve as a catalyst for conversation about the effects of gas-powered vehicles on the health of the planet.
Volunteer with a local environmental organization. Environmental organizations are committed to the ideals behind Earth Day all year long. However, each Earth Day many of these organizations sponsor eco-conscious efforts to help the planet and raise awareness about issues like climate change.
Volunteering with a local beach or park cleanup or signing up to walk and raise money for a local environmental charity makes for a fun and educational way to spend your Earth Day.
Get your hands dirty and plant. The National Forest Foundation notes that planting trees can have a profound and positive impact on the planet.
According to the NFF, planting more trees helps forests sequester carbon, which can have a significant effect on climate change.
The NFF estimates that 100 mature trees can remove 50 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and 430 pounds of pollution from the atmosphere. Even if you can't work with a local forestry organization to plant more trees in a nearby forest, planting native trees on your own property can help combat climate change.
Involve children in your efforts to combat climate change. Today's adults likely won't be the ones forced to confront the more challenging consequences of climate change.
Unfortunately, that cost is likely to be passed on to future generations. That makes this Earth Day a great time to involve kids more directly in efforts to combat climate change. Explain the significance of avoiding the car, volunteering or planting trees in terms that kids can understand, emphasizing that the planet's future could very well be in their hands.
Earth Day takes on greater significance each year as the effects of climate change become more noticeable.
This year, the holiday can be celebrated in various ways that are both enjoyable and educational.

FTCC offers program in database management

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Tuesday, 09 April 2024
Written by Tomica L. Sobers

18In many ways, data is changing the face of the world. The constant collection of data helps to improve the quality of life. Businesses thrive on data to help improve processes, save money, and maximize profits. Decision-makers rely heavily on data to help make key decisions on business practices and processes. Data helps find solutions to problems by effectively determining the cause and developing fact-based solutions that are as close to predicting the future as humanly possible. Data helps businesses and organizations be extremely strategic in their approaches. The world runs on data, so it’s vital that data is managed properly, kept secure, and accessible in a timely manner. In today’s world, that means immediately.
The Information Technology curriculum at Fayetteville Technical Community College prepares graduates for employment in the technology sector as designers, testers, support technicians, system administrators, developers, or programmers who use computer software and/or hardware to design, process, implement, and manage information systems.
Course work includes the development of a student’s ability to understand the role of databases and database management systems within the field of Information Technology, to demonstrate knowledge of SQL data definition and SQL, to develop queries to extract information from large databases, and to implement a database solution in the area of Information Technology.
A career in database management can be very financially rewarding. Database architects currently earn a median salary of $113,000 a year.
FTCC Student Tiffany Brown shared her thoughts about the program: “In my experience, the Database Management program at FTCC is exceptional. Throughout my matriculation, the courses provided me an opportunity to build a strong foundation in Information Technology and Database Programming which helped me feel confident that I will be able to excel in the field of Technology. More importantly, our Dean, Tomica Sobers, was very knowledgeable on the subject matter and always willing to go the extra mile to assist me with any questions or hurdles I encountered during and after my completion of the program. As an individual with minimal prior knowledge in this discipline, her advice and constant words of encouragement helped me maintain a positive attitude when facing new challenges.”
FTCC Student Bryan Campbell plans to pursue a career in database management: “With help from my favorite advisor, Ms. Sobers, I completed the database program at FTCC, and I wish to pursue a career in database management; with the knowledge that I have gained, I continue to excel in my current program of study at UNC-G.”
Are you ready to learn more? FTCC offers a broad range of specialty areas in the field of Information Technology. Contact FTCC today to begin your career in database management or explore the many available pathways to success.
Find the office of Advanced Technology Center in Room 154-D, 2300 Hull Rd., open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call 910-678-7365. Tomica Sobers, department chair, can also be reached at sobersto@faytechcc.edu.

Methodist University wins Military Friendly gold medal ranking

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Tuesday, 09 April 2024
Written by Staff Report

8Methodist University proudly serves those who serve at the highest level – and once again, it has the designation to prove it.
Today, the Military Friendly® ratings program officially named Methodist University a Military Friendly® university with a gold-level ranking for the 2024-25 academic year. The ranking is a recurring honor for the University, which was also listed as one of the Military Times’ “Best for Vets” schools in November.
“Receiving this recognition is important for Methodist University,” said Dr. Doris Munoz, assistant provost of student retention and persistence initiatives at MU. “We have amazing services and resources in place to support all military-connected students. It is an honor for us to receive this recognition, but it’s even more of an honor to be able to provide military-connected students with the services we provide. After all they have done for us, this is the least we can do for them.”
The Military Friendly® program utilizes public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey to determine the rankings.
Located only a few miles away from Fort Liberty and Pope Army Airfield, Methodist University is uniquely positioned with several students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are serving or have served. For active-military student Ryan Lucas, the Military Friendly® ranking for Methodist University is well earned.
“At Methodist University, they adapt to my mission in expanding my education,” said Lucas, a U.S. Army critical care flight paramedic who is studying MU’s online Advanced Paramedicine program. “Flexibility meets dedication as they synchronize with my military schedule, ensuring I’m successful both in the field and in the classroom.”
With a Fort Liberty Office, Methodist University is dedicated to serving active-duty military, veterans, and their family members with personal assistance on general inquiries, admission, registration, academic and career advisement, and tuition assistance.
Methodist University also offers more than two dozen 100-percent online degree and certification programs – allowing active-duty military the flexibility they need to take the steps in their education or career.
Online undergraduate and graduate programs include Advanced Paramedicine, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Health Administration, Marketing, Psychology, Social Work, and more.
To learn about all of the advantages offered to active-duty military, visit Methodist University’s Fort Liberty Office web page.
Methodist University is an independent, four-year institution of higher education with approximately 2,000 students from across the U.S. and more than 50 countries.
MU offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including doctoral-level options, on campus and online. MU has been ranked as the “No. 1, Most Diverse University in North Carolina (2021-22 and 2022-23)," features more than 75 student clubs and organizations, plus 20 NCAA intercollegiate sports with nearly 40 team national championships.
To learn more about Methodist University, please visit methodist.edu.

Deployed Love celebrates military children

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Tuesday, 09 April 2024
Written by Staff Report

7

Deployed Love, a national nonprofit organization, will be hosting a celebration for military children at Fort Liberty in honor of April, the Month of the Military Child.
Military families will be able to join Deployed Love at Sprout Springs Church Community Playground on April 20 for a fun afternoon. Children will be able to play on the playground, get their faces painted, jump in a bounce house, and dance to music.
As the kids have fun, there will be a special appearance from Leo the Lion, the Food Lion mascot.
Several food trucks will be available on-site for families to purchase food and drinks. The New Growth Cafe, which is partnering with Deployed Love to host the event, will also be open. Their menu includes a variety of espresso, coffee beverages and a selection of non-coffee drinks and seasonal flavors.
The event will begin at 1 p.m.
With help from volunteers from the community, Deployed Love will be able to provide 50 military families at Fort Liberty with free professional photos.
“I am so excited for this event, as it gives us the opportunity to recognize the military kiddos and the sacrifices and changes they make everyday.
"They are asked to follow their parents where they go, even if that means leaving behind friends, family, sports and schools. They have experienced certain things other children will never understand, but they also get to explore more than most children! Our military kids are the strongest group affiliated with the military and they deserve the world,” said Co-coordinator Katrina Belvin.
Anyone interested in volunteering, donating items and food for the event, or sponsoring the event can email communicationmanager@deployedlove.org.
About Deployed Love
Deployed Love is a non-profit based out of Fayetteville, North Carolina and currently has 6 chapters nationally.
It is a fully volunteer-run organization providing a community for military families.
Deployed Love strives to unite deployed military members and their families by serving the military community with events that bring connection and joy to the families involved.
The purpose of Deployed Love is to create and share events that allow families separated by military deployments a chance to connect. To learn more, visit DeployedLove.org or follow @DeployedLove on Instagram and Facebook.

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