Meredith Stiehl has a lot riding on her shoulders. Stiehl, the president of the Fayetteville Museum of Art’s Board of Directors, has spent a lot of sleepless nights, and packed days working to keep the museum alive. When the decision to close the museum’s doors was made, Stiehl was the one who broke the news to the community, and was the one who has worked to close the facility.

“As the board president, I know, and the museum board knows that our vision has got to be based on an accurate view of the current reality,” said Stiehl during a recent interview. “We have to make decisions based on where we are right now.”

Where the museum is right now is in debt, without a staff and with its facility for sale. It is also in a bad relationship with the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County and is facing a community that is at best confused about what has happened over the past couple of years. This is the reality Stiehl lays down with at night and gets up with in the morning.

“I really wanted to believe over the past year that we could all hold hands and come together and work things out,” said Stiehl. “But that didn’t happen. So now, we have to go from here.”

Stiehl is the first to say that she is not in the business of finger pointing. “I’m not laying the blame for our closure on anyone. If any fingers are pointing, they are pointing right back at us,” she said. “But now we have to move forward.”

Part of that movement forward is the establishment of an advisory board made up of members of the community who are not board members. Stiehl established the group in March of 2009, but it was derailed in the face of the city’s task force to study the viability of the museum. On Thursday, June 10, the board met for the first time, and for the first time in a long time, Stiehl believes the museum might be on the right track.

The museum’s board of directors accepted an offer by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County on a way ahead. Upon the agreement of the boards of both agencies, the Arts Council will pay for a “nationally recognized visual arts museum consultant, approved by the American Association of Museums, to provide an institutional assessment of the museum and to make recommendations for a way ahead.

Stiehl said the consultant will look at everything from the museum’s finances to long- and short-term debt to its expenses. The consultant will look at personnel issues, performance issues and facility issues.

“They will go out into the community to hear what the community has to say about the museum and to see if we are meeting its needs,” said Stiehl.

The museum board will work with the Arts Council to pick the consultant. Stiehl knows that the term consultant will immediately turn a lot of people off, but she wants them to give the consultant a chance to hear their needs and to get a picture of what the community needs and wants from the museum — even if the answer is the community doesn’t want a museum.

“We want them to talk to a broad spectrum of the community,” she said. “We are going to need that input if they are going to guide our community.”

Stiehl said since the formation of the advisory group, which she said is filled with many people who may be considered the museum’s critics, more people have come forward to say they want in on charting the path forward.

“We welcome their input,” said Stiehl, who said she has had countless phone calls, and has learned more about the museum’s operations and the community’s thoughts than she had known previously.

“At this point, we really have to go back to the beginning,” she said. “Thirty-eight years ago, when the charter for the museum was signed, they had to plot the course, and we have to do the same thing. We are starting at the beginning.”

Part of that includes clearing up unfinished business. Stiehl, along with a group of volunteers has being working to ensure that area artists get their artwork back. That bills are paid, and that the closing is done in an appropriate manner. “We want to handle things in a professional manner,” she said.

“I believe the Arts Council and the museum are equally committed to keeping a strong visual arts museum in the community,” she said. “And, I believe we are on the right path. I believe we have found a common ground.”

The Fayetteville Museum of Art demonstrated valiant resolve to keep its doors open during a shaky economy and amid criticism. Committed to its mission in the face of public scrutiny, the museum was dependent on donations and support from the community to survive.

After the museum published the blueprint of their contemporary building to be built in Festival Park, the drama began and has played out in the local newspapers. From the whine of frisbee enthusiasts who wanted open space in Festival Park, to City Councilman Theodore Mohn initiating the City’s Task Force to review the museum’s  financial records in 2008, the drama unfolded publicly.

All the speculation, criticism,  fingerpointing and innuendo ended when the museum announced it would have to close it doors on May 31, 2010 due to the lack of  financial support to sustain the operation.

The Fayetteville Observer’s coverage of the situation culminated in a lengthy article (“Why Did the Museum Fail?” 5/30/2010) which highlighted some of the events that have taken place since the museum opened in 1971. The time line in the article skipped many years during the museum’s history, picking up the story in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

The above article noted two obstacles that prevented large financial support of the museum —a grant from the Arts Council and the possible support of a bill by Senator Tony Rand to support of the museum’s new building. Both did not take place.

I think the statement in the Observer’s article by one of the city’s task force members, George Breece, says it all, “Museum officials were slow to understand there had been a political shift against the park location.”

How could the museum know the political shift had changed after they were given two acres in Festival Park in April 2007? They proceeded to have a renowned architect design a stunning contemporary building.

It’s all debatable — people who are interested in the arts, either for political reasons or for their affection of the arts, have an opinion about the “political shift” and any contributing factors that contributed to the museum closing.

For me, after much reflection, I see it as a long story. If chapters in the story had been scripted different, we would have a different ending.

First and foremost, an art museum in Fayetteville will always have a difficult task to support itself until more large donors come to the table consistently. Not only big donors, but it is also the responsibility of all art advocates in the community to buy a membership, participate in the events and buy art from the museum, the museum store and from local artists.

Support of the museum was so much more than going to a Fayetteville After Five event. It’s an annual, monthly commitment to being a part of making a museum possible, making the arts possible.

Those members of the community who have given large sums of money for support and for those of you who have regularly given what you could, you are the reason the museum was able to hold on as long as it did. Without you, the museum could not have existed since 1971.

For those who are interested in the arts, didn’t contribute to its operation, but thought others would make the museum an art venue for the community and the museum would always be there — well, here we are. It’s a part of the story, a chapter that could have been scripted differently with a lot more support from members in the community.

Then there was the 2004 chapter when plans were in place for a building at the opening to Festival Park. We covered it in Up and Coming Weekly; we fought the fight for the museum to find its new home where the Lundy Building now stands. The museum was strong, the economy was strong, the downtown was hot with investors, and was poised for the museum to move to Festival Park.

Again, politics thwarted the move for the museum. The Downtown Development Corporation presented the Lundy Group building to the City of Fayetteville; their reasons for not accepting the PennMark proposal (which included the museum of art) was simply “it did not meet the requirements for new projects downtown” (“DDC Already Answers Questions”, Up and Coming Weekly, November 24-30, 2004).

John Malzone, successful downtown real estate agent and developer, stated the following in reference to the choice between the Lundy Building and the PennMark proposal: “To select other projects (the Lundy proposal) because of political pressure would send a terrible signal to the investment community” (Fayetteville Observer, 11/28/04).

The Lundy proposal boasted about its plans “to construct a building that would have shops and restaurants on the fi rst fl oor and offi ces on the second and third floor (Fayetteville Observer, August 14, 2004). The Lundy building was selected and built (details of what it cost the city are not included here). Those plans were never fulfilled.

In the article titled “Festival Park and the FMA: Red Flags are Flying”, (Up and Coming, December 8-14, 2004) the red flags were clearly listed and they all came true: “doubts about the DDC’s lack of sensitivity to the Renaissance Plan for an arts complex downtown” and “do we have such a poor image of ourselves (as a city) that we think developers will be interested in us (Fayetteville) if we hand over prime real estate right next to a park which is being developed by the city.”

We can nit-pick all the details between the DDC and city council’s decisions, not having the foresight to see the Fayetteville Museum of Art where the Lundy building stands in 2004. Now I hear people in 2010 say: “Wouldn’t it be a great idea for the Fayetteville Museum of Art to purchase the Lundy building?” Great idea, but the support of the idea is just six years too late for our community.

In the end, the Fayetteville Museum of Art has made a significant impact on this community over the years and there are many people in the community who have helped to keep them operational.

Thank you to those who made the museum possible, and to Tom Grubb, Michele Horn and the entire staff at the Fayetteville Museum of Art for all the years you tirelessly spearheaded so many amazing exhibits every month, over and over again, year after year, for the people of Fayetteville and the region; for giving so many children an opportunity to engage in the arts in your youth programs.

When I think of the Fayetteville Museum of Art, I remember the quality it ascribed to, paintings that would wow you as you walked into the gallery, sculpture installations that brought awe, photographs, prints and sculptures that made a difference for so many, for so many years. I will remember all the wonderful receptions hosted by the museum, the quality of their intent and dedication, moments where you could meet and mingle with individuals who knew the value of the arts.

The negative affects of not having a museum of art are immediate, but it will also have harmful far reaching effects. What it says about our community as a whole is not positive. The Fayetteville Museum of Art, like the arts in Fayetteville, was always a fragile gem in our community. Over the years, it needed to be protected by the many, not just the few. An Artist’s Perspective on the Museum Closing

Robin Hood(140 minutes) tries way too hard to live up to the promise of an exciting new Robin Hood legend, but fails to deliver any real substance to back up the potential suggested by years of media buzz.

Waaay back in 2007 there was this really cool script circulating. The new script featured a heroic sheriff of Nottingham facing off against a less than noble Robin Hood, both in love with Maid Marian. A few Hollywoodstyle tweaks later, the sheriff of Nottingham is trapped between loyalty to the throne of an unpopular ruler and an outlaw attempting to gain rights for the people of England. After yet more adjustments, a sassy young upstart named Robin adopts the identity of the dead sheriff of Nottingham for some reason and does some Robin Hood stuff.

You know what? If Director Ridley Scott had gone with any of these three ideas, we might have a Robin Hood movie worth adding to the canon. Instead, at some point he said to himself, “Gosh, we could be innovative and challenge popular ideas OR we could take these fresh new perspectives and rewrite them until they end up as just one more standardized, sexist Robin Hood tale.” Guess which option he went with?

Much like the far superior Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves the film opens during the last years of the Crusades. Richard the Lionheart (Danny Huston) is kind of opinionated and has issues when people don’t agree with him. Unfortunately, he also has issues with people who agree with him too much, so Robin (Russell Crowe) ends up in a bit of sticky wicket when his opinion is solicited.

Following all this radically innovative character development, we are introduced to Lady Marian (Cate Blanchett) and her father-in-law Walter (Max von Sydow). The duo are under pressure from the sheriff of Nottingham to pay more taxes, and are losing their crop to the weird, halfnaked, masked orphans of the Greenwood (Sherwood Forest, by any other name.)

The plot thickens, as apparently jerky Prince John (Oscar Isaac) is too busy working out his Oedipal complex to realize his right hand man Godfrey (Mark Strong) doesn’t have his best interests at heart. Thrown into this mix are some French dudes and a lot of back room dealing and backstabbing.

After a bit more plot development, lots of drinking, a few half-naked peasants, and several battle scenes, Robin, Marian, and the Merry Men are more or less in the same place, along with Friar Tuck (Mark Addy).

At this point, some random soldiers start attacking the peasantry in the name of John, which is understandably upsetting to all the nobles. Fortunately, Robin is a fabulous archer, capable of wooing a lady and inspiring the masses in a single breath. He is oh-so-manly. Marian is really quite lucky that a big strong man is around to solve her problems and prevent her from experiencing any authentic character development.

The film lumbers its way towards a dramatic Braveheart style battle, set on the beaches and featuring sweaty dudes in armor. At the very moment the audience believes that Marian is going to find her feminist redemption, Robin steps in and saves the day. Overall, it wasn’t a bad action movie; it just wasn’t a particularly outstanding Robin Hood movie either.

Yes, you read it right — an upcoming motorcycle ride will help kids learn to fish!

On Sunday, June 13, riders from across the region will embark from the Crown Coliseum headed to the USS North Carolina in Wilmington. The Ducks Unlimited Bike Ride will have riders on all types of motorcycles and trikes, gathered together to support the mission of Ducks Unlimited, the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation.

Proceeds from the ride support the work of the Ducks Unlimited chapter here in Cumberland County. Specifically, the ride will help fund the groups annual Green Wing Adventure. The annual David Varnedoe Green Wing Adventure provides an opportunity for 700 area children to go fishing and learn about conservation. The event takes place in mid-September each year at the John Pechman Fishing Center.

“Last year we took more than 700 kids fishing and our goal is 800 this year,” said M.L. Core, Chairman of the Cumberland County chapter of Ducks Unlimited, adding that one day is devoted entirely to children from the Falcon Children’s Home.

“The GreenWing program is for kids age 17 and younger. It teaches them not to pollute our wetlands and to appreciate the natural habitats of America’s waterfowl,” he added. Each child receives a rod and reel, T-shirt, hat, tackle box, a year’s membership to GreenWing and a year’s subscription to Puddler Magazine. According to ride chairman Bernard Vann, the Ducks Unlimited Bike Ride helps pay for all those rods and reels.

Registration for the ride will be from 7:30 to 10 a.m. The ride will be escorted by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department and will depart from the Crown Coliseum at 10 a.m. Upon arrival to the USS North Carolina Battleship in Wilmington, riders will be treated to a party at Battleship Park. The full meal will include Bar-B-Q pork, home cooked by David Collier of Collier Farms, and Bar-B-Q chicken, provided by Kinlaw’s Supermarket, as well as a live band to entertain the crowd with Beach music and hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s, according Vann. There will be a break along the route on 421 about 10 miles from Clinton.

Those who participated last year will notice that the date of the ride is much earlier than last year.

“We moved the ride up to June, instead of August, on account of the heat. We’re trying to have it when it’s not quite so hot,” explained Vann. “Last year we had 122 riders, a real good turnout for that time of year.”

The $45 registration fee entitles the biker to receive a T-shirt, door prize drawings and meal, as well as a chance at the Ducks Unlimited 12-gauge Shotgun drawing. Additional riders are $25 and they will also receive a shirt, meal and chance at the door prizes. The T-shirts feature original artwork designed by artist Jimmy Norris. Cars and trucks are welcome to participate in the ride as well.

Ducks Unlimited is a nonprofit organization made up of almost all volunteers. According to Core, there are 132 chapters in N.C. and they raise several million per year.

“It’s one of the only nonprofit organizations in the U.S. where 98 percent of the money actually goes towards preserving wetlands. Only 2 percent is used for administration costs,” said Core. “Out of 132 chapters in the state, Cumberland County was number one in sponsors and participation in 2009. And our program was in the top 100 in the nation — we actually ranked 28 in the U.S.”

Tickets for the Ducks Unlimited Bike Ride can be purchased in advance at several area locations including: Steel Dreams, Chrome Custom Cycles, M&M Leather, Prestige Automotive Service, and Cape Fear Harley Davidson, all in Fayetteville, The Shop in Hope Mills, Holly’s Grill in Autryville, and Jamie Deese in Pembroke. For more information, contact Bernard Vann, the ride chairman, at 624-6252 or M.L. Core at 988-2444.

When the Fayetteville SwampDogs take the field every night, they do so with roughly 25 young men from all across the United States. Some of them came to Fayetteville knowing no one, while others came here with some familiarity of a few of the players and coaches. But every player on the roster can agree that they came to Fayetteville with some sense of uncertainty.

After all, they were starting a two and a half month journey with teammates from all across the nation that they had never met. Even though the journey just started a few weeks ago for many of the players, they are starting to feel more comfortable with every passing day.

First baseman Corey LeVier is one of three players on the 2010 SwampDogs roster that came from the west coast. LeVier, who has signed to play baseball next season at the University of San Diego, says the atmosphere in the clubhouse continues to improve.

“Over the past week everyone has gotten to know each other and we are becoming one big unit,” LeVier said. “We all have the same goal in mind and that’s to make the playoffs and win a championship.”

SwampDogs assistant coach Ben Quinto also made the long trek from California to Fayetteville. Quinto says each of the players has a unique opportunity, which should make the transition much smoother.

“We (coaches) made a decision from day one that we want guys here that live for baseball,” said Quinto. “Every single one of the players has a chance to play professional baseball. This is a great opportunity for all of them.” For many of the players, including LeVier, the weather and time change has been the biggest obstactle to overcome.

“The weather has definitely been different than California,” says LeVier. “I’m used to a beautiful 75 degrees every day and not this humidity. The time change has also taken time to get used to because of the difference between California and here (Fayetteville).”

Over the years, big reason why the SwampDogs players have been able to settle in after a short period of time has been due to the help of the host families. Each player on the team is housed with a host family for the summer, which has proven time and time again to be a positive experience. The SwampDogs realize that this team wouldn’t be able to function without the help of its great host families.

As the players begin to settle in their new homes for two and a half months, the 2010 SwampDogs continue to look to take full advantage of the opportunity they have been given — the chance to showcase their skills every night in front of professional scouts on the grand stage of summer collegiate baseball.

“I know this chance is going to allow me to develop my skills and have even a better chance of getting to the next level,” said LeVier.

The SwampDogs play in the Coastal Plain League, which has had more than 700 players looking to make it to “the next level” and play minor league baseball. Meanwhile, 35 former Coastal Plain Leaguers have made it to the Major Leagues, which every young man in the league would tell you is the ultimate goal.

When it comes down to it, the roughly 25 young men in Fayetteville for the summer are here because they want to be the next success story. They want to be the player that fans talk about for years to come.

Madame Melville, by Richard Nelson, is an enticing coming-ofage play about a lonely 15-year-old American boy named Carl who iscompelled into maturity by his literature teacher, Claudie Melville. Madame Melville is making its debut on the Gilbert Theater stage June 10 through June 27.

The story is told by a man in his 50s who is recalling the memory of the play from the apartment of Madame Melville in Paris. Madame Melville schooled Carl in everything, and while her life was perhaps not what she would truly want it to be she creates a fond memory for Carl which he holds dearly in his heart for the remainder of his life. The part of “Carl” will be played by Topher McLean.

“I think it’s a story that shows emotional experiences as common human experiences and provides a greater understanding of the adolescence coming of age,” said Marcela Casals, who is playing the part of Madame Melville.

Casals is no stranger to Gilbert patrons having directed a number of plays at the theater. It is a rare treat to see her on stage, and one the Gilbert faithful is sure to enjoy. “The purpose of any art is to be a mirror of us and look at part of ourselves we many not look at otherwise,” said Casals.

Madame Melville was originally performed in the Vaudeville Theatre of London, in 2000, and drew rave reviews, particularly for its subject matter.

“Nelson, in his 100-minute play, intertwines two familiar themes: the sexual initiation of the young and the confrontation of American innocence by European experience. But what gives the play its peculiar charm is the tender collision between two people at different stages of their emotional cycle: Carl has what Henry James called “the hungry futurity of youth” while the messed-up Claudie has the restless solitude of the permanent other woman,” noted Michael Billington of The Guardian.

The curtain opens Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets will be $10 per person. For group rates and ticket purchases please call: (910) 678-7186. For more information contact the Gilbert Theater at (910) 678-7186.

After more than a decade of providing free summertime entertainment to the community, Fayetteville After 5 continues to bring seasonal entertainment that the whole family can appreciate. Everyone from Grandma to the youngest member of the family can enjoy the wholesome atmosphere and great music.

It is not uncommon to see folks of all ages dancing on the Festival Park promenade, grown-ups sitting and chatting together and youngsters playing games of tag and darting between blankets that have been spread out picnic style in the grass in front of the stage at Festival Park when the third Thursday of the month rolls around.

This is the 13th season for the popular concert series where proceeds directly benefit the Fayetteville Museum of Art and this support has never been as important. The museum closed its doors on May 31 until further notice. The museum’s board of directors has hopes that it can reopen at a future date, with the funds raised through Fayetteville After 5 used to maintain the museum’s permanent art collection in a secure, climate-controlled environment.

Not only will the public have a great time at the concerts this summer, by showing up you are also showing support for an important institution and for the arts in our community.

“This month enjoy the sounds of The Coconut Groove Band! We like to refer to it as feel good music that is loved by all ages,” said Fayetteville Museum of Art President Meredith Stiehl.

On June 17, the band will provide entertainment for the second concert of the 2010 season. The Charlotte-based band used to play this venue several years ago and has been invited back to entertain us once more.

“We are just a hard working band who likes to get together and play good music and entertain people,” said Rick McClanahan. “We started out playing a lot of Jimmy Buffet-type music and have added classic rock, rhythm and blues and a fair share of jam music from a lot of different artists from the ‘70s and ‘80s.”

The park opens around 5 p.m. with local bands performing before the headliners take the stage around 7 or 7:30 p.m. and jam until 10 p.m. Bring a blanket, a lawn chair, your family and friends. The concert is free and so is the fellowship. No pets or coolers are allowed at the park, although there will be concessions available for purchase.

And as for the Coconut Groove Band, well, they are looking forward to offering some great music and some good old fashioned fun.

“We are very pleased to be invited again we are looking forward to being there,” said McClanahan. “It remains a privilege to work with our generous sponsors. Their meaningful contributions support the museum and at the same time allows for these events to be free to the public,” concluded Stiehl.

Citizens are invited to come be a part of history at the opening of the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum Annex Tuesday, June 15 at10:30 a.m. The annex, operated by the Historic Properties Division of Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation, is located at 302 Russell St. next to the Transportation Museum.

On display are a circa 1882 Silsby Steamer and artifacts related to early to mid 20th-century automobile, aviation and military transportation. The Silsby Steamer is historically maintained by the Fayetteville Fire Department and was a common firefighting tool in its day.

A replica 1930s gas station and garage is housed in the annex.

“We’re thrilled to be opening the Transportation Museum Annex, as a lot of work and care has gone into making it a quality attraction,” said Bruce Daws, historic properties manager. “The annex completes the Transportation Museum complex and adds more breadth to the story of Fayetteville’s transportation history.”

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Supplemental Funding Committee funded the annex with three grants of approximately $2.3 million from the DOT Enhancement Division and approximately $105,000 in additional enhancement funds. The three grants were matched by 20 percent of local funds, which are a combination of city funds and donations from private companies and individuals.

The Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum opened in 2006 and offers displays focusing various modes of transportation in the area throughout its history, with a number of displays forcusing on Camp Bragg, now Fort Bragg.

The hours for the annex are the same as for the museum — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday.

Although 145 years have passed since Sherman’s March through Fayetteville, visitors to Campbellton Landing on Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13, will enjoy an opportunity to witness history in the “remaking” as the North Carolina Naval Squadron sets up camp and presents Civil War reenactment skirmishes, infantry demonstrations and artillery fi ring from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

“We try to make it a good family-friendly event,” said Lieutenant Ronnie Goldman, executive offi cer of the crew.

The group, founded in 2001 in Plymouth, N.C., portrays the Confederate Navy both on shore and onboard the 65-foot 3/8-scale replica of the ironclad CSS Albemarle owned by the Port of Plymouth Museum.

“The event is a fundraiser to help the squadron help preserve the Campbellton Landing Civil War Site,” Goldman said.

Campbellton Landing is located on the Cape Fear River and includes original confederate earthworks or breastworks — considered to be some of the best preserved in the state –– put in place to stop Sherman.

“People can walk inside the breastworks, and part of the reenactment battle will take place on the original site. Our cannons will be sitting where the original cannons sat,” said Goldman.

Visitors may also see the road where Sherman and his troops crossed the Cape Fear, as well as a road leading down to the river where the ferry would have crossed in the original colonial settlement of Campbellton. In fact, this living history event offers something for everyone.

“We will also have some Revolutionary War re-enactors,” said Goldman, “and a period fashion show. On Saturday night after it gets dark, we’re going to do a night fi re with the cannons. The camps will be set up, and visitors can wander around them and see what life was like and view artifacts. We hope the mule rides will be there, and souvenirs, food, drink and homemade ice cream will be available. We will also be holding a silent auction on Saturday for a couple of members that were hurt.”

“We want everyone to come out and have a good time,” Goldman said.

Admission is $5 for adults; children 10 and under are admitted free.Campbellton Landing is located at 1122 Person Street near downtown Fayetteville. For more information, contact Ronnie Goldman at (910 483-4469 or visit www.freewebs. com/ncnavalsquad.

PHOTO: Civil War reenactors will take to the battlefi eld June 12-13 at Campbelllton Landing
on the Cape Fear River. Photo courtesy of Ivan Williams.

The farming community of Gray’s Creek is just about as far from the international political scene as you can get. But this year, students at the new Gray’s Creek Elementary School began a journey that brought the world to their doorsteps. And, if the excitement in the children’s voices as they talk about this past school year is a way to judge that journey, then it’s been one heck of a ride.

Gray’s Creek Elementary, which opened in August of 2009, is the pilot Global School, which is a partnership between the Cumberland County Schools and VIF International Education. The VIF program, based out of Chapel Hill, N.C., brings international teachers to American schools to help students learn about different cultures and see the world through different eyes.

When Gray’s Creek Elementary Principal Cal Violette, an educator for 26 years, was approached with the idea of taking on the new school, and creating an international school, he was excited.

“I can honestly say this has been one of the best years out of my 26 years in education,” he said. “This was a great opportunity to open a new school with this international theme. We were able to pull together an outstanding staff and we inherited a great bunch of kids.”

Violette also was given the opportunity to blaze the path where international/ global education is concerned in Cumberland County. The new school was one of a kind, and is the only school of its kind in North Carolina. One third of Violette’s staff is comprised of VIF teachers. The school is what the VIF has termed a Passport School.

A Passport School is designed to build a foundation for students to achieve global literacy. Schools designated as Passport Schools emphasize experiential learning, cultural exposure and early language skills.

Violette noted that while many schools have some component of the Passport School in their curriculum, Gray’s Creek is the only school to have all four components in place. To be designated as a Passport School, the school’s curriculum must have fi ve key components:

    • Regional focus by grade level 

    • International Staff

    • World Language 

    • Professional Development

    • Instructional Resources

“I think we are opening up a new way of learning for our students,” he said. “We are expanding our curriculum, which has allowed us to integrate specifi c regions within our curriculum, and it is enriching and challenging our students on a daily basis because of that.”

At Gray’s Creek, each grade is focused on a specifi c region of the world, and international teachers from those regions teach at that grade level. Kindergarten is focused on North America. The staff felt that it was important for those students just entering school to know about their country fi rst. First grade is focused on Australia, second graders learn about Asia, while third graders study Africa. Fourth graders focus on Europe and fi fth graders look at South America. If a student begins school at Gray’s Creek as a kindergartner, they will literally go around the world by the time they go to middle school.

A key component to the program is the study of language. All students at Gray’s Creek study Spanish, with the hope of incorporating an additional language as the school grows. Violette noted that it was important to introduce students to language early on, so a particular emphasis is placed on language in K-2. There are two full-time Spanish teachers at the school.

Spanish isn’t the only language students are hearing or learning, though.

Deirdre Furlong is a fourth-grade teacher from Wexford, Ireland. Furlong, with her bright red hair and Irish lilt, sparkles when she talks about her students and the past year. She laughingly says she has picked up a southern drawl, while her students have picked up a bit of Gaelic, the ancient Irish language.

Furlong has been with the VIF for two years. Her first year was spent in Raleigh, and in August she made the move to Cumberland County, and the rural school.

“I was so excited when I found out that it was going to be an internationally themed school. I not only had the opportunity to teach, but also to infuse the curriculum with international themes,” she noted. “I thought it was going to be great.”

“I think Gray’s Creek is an ideal place to have an international school,” she continued. “A lot of these children may not be exposed to other cultures and countries but this experience will awaken their curiosity, and later they may want to travel there.”

She said the children have been like “sponges,” soaking up everything they have heard. The parents have also been receptive of the idea and very supportive of the new initiative.

“A lot of the parents are learning through their children,” she said. “People may have an idea about a certain area or people and think they know what they are about, but now, they are learning that might not be the whole story. They’ve learned that Ireland is more than leprechauns and rainbows.”

Furlong plans to return next year, and like Violette, she sees the program and the instruction expanding. “We are all so excited about what we can do next year. There is so much more that we can build on. We’ve gone past maps, fl ags and food. We’ve learned not to judge people or stereotype because we’ve shown the children how people live. And maybe it’s not wrong, it’s just different.” Allie Lamber, a 10-year-old in Furlong’s class agrees with her teacher.

“We learned about cultures through our classes and through the people who came in and talked about their countries to us. I am so interested in what we are learning. I want to go to Europe. This year has been so cool,” she said.

Paul Chavis, another 10-year-old concurs. “When I fi rst came in, I was a little uncomfortable,” he said. “Ms. Furlong asked me if I could tell where she was from, and I saw pictures on the walls and heard her talk about leprechauns, so I thought about Ireland. I know it’s more now.”

“I love this school,” said John Burton, another of Furlong’s students. “Ms. Furlong is absolutely wonderful, and she is able to bring stuff about Europe into just about everything we do — even talking about the oil spill. This year I have learned so much, and have seen a lot about different countries. I feel like I actually went around the world.”

You know how awful Shrek The Third was? So depressingly awful that Ididn’t even really plan to see Shrek Forever After(93 minutes). From acharming ogre-meets-ogre love story the Shrek franchise slid steadilydownhill over a pile of clichés and story retreads until the high pointof the last movie were the end credits.

Happily, the latest entry recalls the heyday of the loveableOgre living his own special brand of fractured fairy tale. Althoughthere is not much to discover that hasn’t been discovered morethan once over the course of the three previous movies, at leastthe sweetness is back.

The tale opens with the story of when Shrek (Mike Myers)met Fiona (Cameron Diaz), which segues into the story of justwhat Fiona’s parents were doing when they discovered thattheir daughter had been “cured.” It turns out that King Harold(John Cleese) and Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews) were gettingready to make a very bad decision, and only the wonderfulnews of their daughter’s rescue prevented catastrophe.

Much, much later, Shrek is becoming disillusioned withboth the life of a settled down family ogre and the paparazzo’sobsession with his every word and gesture. So, oncemore, Shrek is dealing with emotional problems stemmingfrom his inability to connect appropriately with thosearound him. At this point, it is all very retread (albeit verycute retread). Send Shrek to a therapist, get that Ogresome Prozac, and we’re out.

But then things start to get interesting. The cutesinessof the opening scenes quickly shifts to the introductionof Rumplestiltskin (Walt Dohrn), a much bettervillain than whoever it was from the third movie. As anyone familiarwith fairy tales should know, but what somehow escapes Shrek’s attention,is that Rumplestiltskin shouldn’t be trusted. How he missed that fact wheneveryone he knows seems well aware of it is beside the point. The real issue iswhy Shrek, a comparatively worldly ogre, is so easily taken in by a little manin curly shoes who grins like a used car salesman, and does everything buttwirl a black mustache while laughing evilly to telegraph his generallack of trustworthiness.

Of course, if Shrek wasn’t so easily fooledthe movie would be pretty short. This takesus into a world where he is footloose andfancy free. At least, until he realizes thatmagical little men don’t always have our bestinterests at heart.

Following his moment of clarity he isstalked by some tricked out witches and meetsDonkey (Eddie Murphy) again for the first time.Rinse, Wash, Repeat. So many sitcoms have donethis to death, but the whole It’s Wonderful Lifepredictability of it all never wears too thin sincethere are so many fun characters to reintroduce.

As shown in the previews, Puss-in-Boots isnow a pampered housecat and Fiona is a redheadedValkyrie type. As in previous Shrek films,a few new characters are introduced, but recurringcharacters such as Dragon and Gingerbread Man arenot neglected.

For those of you keeping track, try to pick outMad Man Jon Hamm, The Office’s Craig Robinson,and Kathy Griffin. For those of you not keeping track,just enjoy the fact that Shrek is ending ona high note instead of with the completelyinferior Shrek The Third.

A little less than a year ago I sat down at this very computer to write my story about why Fayetteville was in need of a young professionals organization. Growing up in this city, you take for granted the ability to “come home” to familiar surroundings, to friends you’ve known your whole life, to mom and dad, to local restaurant owners that treat you like family. Fayetteville is a wonderful city to its local population. However, imagine being fresh out of college or newly married and coming to this city without knowing anyone — perhaps for a job or perhaps because you were transferred from another military base.

Last June, a group of young professionals in the Fayetteville area, came together with the mission to form a networking community of young professionals from all around the city. We contacted the Chamber of Commerce and asked if it would consider “powering” our program. Once we received approval, we began to develop a plan, a mission and a vision to start the Fayetteville Young Professionals.

Oh my, have we come a long way!

With what served as a launch party to the FYP program last August, the Fayetteville Young Professionals kicked off our program strong — 350 members strong! Boom! Just like that, we went from 25 young professionals sitting at a conference table in the chamber offices to a full-fledged 350 member organization and we haven’t looked back yet!

Since our initial 350 member flood, we have gained another 100 members (between the ages of 21 and 40) over the last nine months. Each month FYP offers our members and their guests a variety of social events to participate in, such as, The Stoneybrook Steeplechase this past April; Adult Field Day hosted at Omni Gym where 100 FYP members gathered for an evening of three-legged races, obstacle courses and tug of war; our FYP Halloween Hike up and down the streets of downtown; or our BBQ Dinner Hoedown at Paradise Acres where Cornhole Champions were born and lots of fried chicken and BBQ were eaten! We also provide monthly professional-development seminars to help young business owners learn how to be better bosses. We recently brought in Denise Ryan, former Fayetteville resident and owner of FireStar (motivational speaker) out of Raleigh, who spoke on how to motivate ourselves and our employees; and we’ve hosted seminars at Cape Fear Valley Hospital with speakers on how to “De-stress” your life! In the near future, FYP will be offering golf lessons at local golf courses, as well as wine tastings and table etiquette seminars! We even have our own softball team that made it into the championship playoffs this past month!

It’s local businesses like the one’s above, and others like Harris Wholesale, Greenbiz, Capital Bank, The Wing Company, The Speak Easy and many more that have helped make everything we do for our members affordable to the average 20-something-year-old! We cannot thank local businesses enough for everything they have done over the past year, and continue to do for our young professionals.

Our members love this organization! Some have even told me, “FYP is the best thing that has happened to me since I moved to Fayetteville!” I’ve actually met many new friends from being an active participant within this membership and I look forward to every social and professional development event because I know I am going to meet more people who will become friends!

If you are between the ages of 21 and 40 and you have not at least checked out the Fayetteville Young Professionals, then I hope I am never standing next to you in a bar or at a restaurant and hear you mutter the words, “There is nothing to do in this city,” because, friend, there is EVERYTHING to do in this city and the Fayetteville Young Professionals is the organization that is getting it done! So I dare you, this organization dares you, step out of your bubble and look at the new potential to be gained for really making Fayetteville your home.

*Become a member of the Fayetteville Young Professionals! Visit www.fayyp. org for more information. Membership is $45 a year (Students- $25 a year). 

**This Friday, June 4, from 8pm-12am the FYP is hosting our MEMBERSHIP PARTY event at the Robeson Medical Plaza building, located at 2301 Robeson St. (right off of Raeford Rd). The party is a celebration of our first year as an organization and is open to the public. Tickets prices range from $25- $40 and can be purchased at: www.fayyp.org. Don’t miss out on checking out FYP!

Photo: Fayetteville Young Professionals sponsors many events that provide networking opportunities — and fun.

June 14 marks the 235th birthday of the U.S. Army. Of course there will be cakes and ceremonies and other birthday type celebrations at U.S. Army posts worldwide. The Web site www.army.mil/birthday/235 is even offering folks a chance the submit Happy Birthday videos to the army online. Amidst all the celebrating, there will also be a chance to do a little PT (physical training) in the name of paying tribute to 235 years of all things Army.

If you are married to a hooah, friends with one (or more), related to one or just happen to know of one, and especially if you are one, then you know that PT is as much a part of being a soldier as breathing is a part of being alive.

On Friday, June 11, Fort Bragg MWR is hosting the Army Birthday 10-Miler. It is open to the public so anyone who is up for the challenge is welcome to participate. Preregistration is required and all packets have to be in by June 10 at 5 p.m. The entry fee is $15 if you register before 5 p.m. on June 3, and $20 for all entries received after that. Payment must be received with your entry form.

“This is an opportunity for us to honor soldiers, and honor the community as well,” said Steve Johnson, who has coordinated this event since its inception 14 years ago. “At the beginning, I think we wanted to establish a challenging event that the soldiers like — not only to help with building esprit de corps — but it also helps us to identify our top runners that we will send to the Army 10-miler in Washington, D.C., in October. We send a men’s team, a women’s team and a mixed team from Fort Bragg.”

Johnson mentioned that last year’s turn out was the biggest they’ve had to date, with about 2,000 runners competing. Of course, everyone is welcome to participate but Johnson notes that “they need to know that it is a challenging course. There are some rolling hills and it isnot fl at by any means.”

“Due to the time of the year, the heat and humidity can be very challenging. Even though we start the race at 6:30 a.m., the climate conditions are a challenge,” he said.

While only a few of the runners will actually be sponsored by Fort Bragg in October, there are several categories for awards in this race.

The standard age brackets apply and there will also be prizes given for hand crank (all ages) and wheel chair (all ages). The men’s overall champion, women’s overall champion and the top three finishers in each classification will be recognized, too.

The Chrono Track Timing System will track each runner, using a timing tag attached to each runner’s shoes. High frequency technology captures the runner’s data through antennas embedded in the tag.

This event is designed for more than just the elite athletes among us though. There is also a fourmile walk. The 4th Annual Army Birthday 4-Mile Walk for Fun is a noncompetitive event that will run in conjunction with the 10-miler. Registration requirements are the same as the 10-miler.

On race day, athletes will rally at Sports USA/Hendrick Stadium at 6 a.m. Allow some extra time though, because there will be road closures because of the race route. At 6:20 a.m., pre-race instructions will be given. The race starts at 6:30 a.m. Please note that pets, bicycles, headphones and roller blades will not be permitted on the course. For more information call 396-1217 or 396-1218 or visit the Web site at www. fortbraggmwr.com/sportsrec/tenmiler.

Whether it is for competition, recreation, a matter of healthy living or as a means of transportation, bicycling offers benefits to most everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are 6-years-old and riding in a circle on your cul de sac, if you are 14 and biking over to a friends house, a 20- or 30-something training for a race, a parent out with the family for an outing, a person recovering from an injury or a senior looking for a low impact and relaxing way to exercise — cycling offers something for everyone, if they care to give it a try.

Unfortunately, Fayetteville is not exactly a bicycle friendly place if you are looking to really put in some miles. The roads are often dangerous and congested. Aside from the Cape Fear River Trail, there are no bike or riding paths to speak of and really, how many times can a person make that eightmile round trip ride without getting a little bored? And sadly, that doesn’t leave much for the long distance biker to explore.

That being said, there are folks in our midst who are dedicated to riding and are fi ghting to show the community that bicycling is something that can and should be pursued.

Since 2003 the Cross Creek Cycling Club has been advocating for cyclists in the greater Fayetteville area.

“Our primary focus, originally, was going to be on the recreation side and rider development as far as getting people in and teaching them how to ride together as a group and riding safety — that kind of stuff,” said Robert F. Havens, president of the Cross Creek Riding Club. “Then we sort of evolved and now we also have people who race under the club’s name.”

The club is still 80-90 percent recreational riders though, and the original goal of getting people out on the bike, learning to ride with traffi c and obeying the laws hasn’t changed.

“There are a lot of people who don’t even know the most basic laws about cycling,” said Havens. “Not just for cyclists, but for vehicles. Car drivers that don’t ride don’t know the law. That is usually our biggest stumbling block — trying to educate people. We are trying to make it safer for everybody.”

They make it fun, too. With about 140 members, in addition to supporting and sponsoring club members who choose to compete statewide, regionally and even nationally, the club also sponsors events like the Patriot’s Criterium and the Wounded Warrior Ride. They also have an event coming up to raise funds and awareness for Fayetteville’s “Bicycle Man” Moses Mathis.

Havens said that while things aren’t ideal for cyclists in the Fayetteville area, the Fayetteville Metropolitan Planning Organization (FAMPO) is working to change that. The organization is currently conducting a bicycle and pedestrian connectivity study. The purpose of the study is to help guide the growth of the region’s walking and bicycling facilities.

The study is in the early phases and is focused on reviewing previous plans, understanding existing conditions, working with stakeholders and listening to public views on biking and walking in the region.

“We started working with FAMPO three or four years ago and they didn’t have a lot of knowledge on how riding was in our area,” said Havens. “They’ve started working on mapping and commuting routes... I hope that it does come to pass. If you compare Fayetteville to Charlotte or Greensville, there is a lot more support for cyclists in those other cities.”

To learn more abut cycling in the greater Fayetteville area or to weigh in on the issues, check out http://crosscreekcyclingclub.org. There is a link to the FAMPO survey as well as information about the study.

In honor of those who have served in the military, the North Carolina Symphony has created the Red, White and Blue Tour which will run June 1-5.

The idea for the Red, White and Blue Tour came from Grant Llewellyn, music director of the North Carolina Symphony. The symphony itself is 69 members strong and combines 19 unique instruments in its performances. The concerts will have guest performers, like vocalist Sgt. Christal Sanders Rheams and other members of the military.

The first performance will be on June 1 at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base on the Fitness Center Track and Field. Food items will be sold and base access is required. The show at the Station Theater of Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point will be on June 2, and will require tickets in advance. June 3 a performance for the troops stationed at Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station at Riverwalk Crossing Park in downtown Jacksonville will be held. Then on June 4, the tour will move to the Main Post Parade Field of Fort Bragg. A photo ID is required for base access. The tour will conclude at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in the Regency Park of Cary.

All of the performances in the Red, White and Blue Tour are free and will begin at 7:30 p.m. The concerts will be approximately an hour and a half long, with a 15 minute intermission, except at Fort Bragg. Fort Bragg’s concert will be 90 minutes long and will not have an intermission.

“I am incredibly proud that we’re going to be doing this particular tour. Music holds a special place in my heart and I think this tour is important to honor those who have served in the military,” said Rob Maddrey, director of Statewide Development for the symphony.

Big crowds are expected because Ft. Bragg and Jacksonville can accommodate more than 2,000 people and typically Cary has brought around 3,000 people to evening concerts the North Carolina Symphony has performed.

While the Red White and Blue Tour itself will probably not become a tradition Maddrey hopes this will not be the last time the North Carolina Symphony plays at these military installations. Maddrey also said that the symphony has been warmly welcomed every step of the way.

The Red, White and Blue Tour’s sponsors are First Citizens Bank and Our State magazine. Complimentary copies of the magazine will be given away at the Fort Bragg concert. The Fort Bragg concert will also have a Hat Parade at 6 p.m., where people are invited to wear their wackiest hats, and an “Instrument Zoo,” where kids can play trumpets, violins, flutes and other instruments. The show in Cary will also have an “Instrument Zoo” and will be part of the North Carolina Symphony’s Summerfest. Summerfest, now in its 20th year, is a series of concerts held over seven Saturdays in the summer months, with different themes.

The North Carolina Symphony was started during 1932, in Chapel Hill, with 50 volunteer musicians from all over the state.

For more information please visit the symphony Web site at www.ncsymphony.org/ redwhiteblue.

OMG! What depressing headlines. I was up early last Friday morning, coffee and newspaper in hand, ready to jump start my Memorial Day weekend when I read the Fayetteville Observer’s front page, below the fold headline Docks building in default. Then, another headline bombshell in the local news section caught my eye. This time, it’s above the fold: City sues Chen over fi nes. Both, inevitable and unfortunate signs of impending disasters for which our community will again become the victim. How exasperating!

Will we ever learn? Now, there is nothing left to do but shake our heads in dismay and disgust and imagine what could have been. It begs the question, why has Fayetteville/ Cumberland County never been a community that learns and benefi ts from its past mistakes?

What makes this so incredibly sad is that both of these depressing situations could have been avoided using common sense, honesty and prudent judgment. In the case of Dock’s it is not as if the banks, city staff, city council members and the Chamber of Commerce (then the CC Business Council) were duped, blindsided or misled.

They were simply irresponsible by turning “blind eyes” and “deaf ears” to what many local and vocal concerned citizens were calling gross and obvious disregard for sound, basic and elementary business and economic-development practices. Duh!

Red flags were up all over the place. Up & Coming Weekly has followed the Dock’s saga since the inception. Many articles have appeared in this publication over the last several years both celebrating Dr. Mel Henderson’s initiative and vision for his downtown business but also in questioning the terms and conditions of the “wink wink-nod nod” program Marshal Isler championed to involve the city, Chamber of Commerce and the taxpayers of the city. Well, get ready, because I have a feeling all the gory details of this transaction are going to come to light very soon. It will not be pretty. Matter of fact, the city better get ready because as the details of this fi asco becomes known the credibility and competence of all involved will be called into question. As the “he said, she said” fi nger pointing and confrontation begins the feasibility of the Dock’s venture will fall apart like a cheap suit in a rain storm. And, again, local taxpayers will be left holding the treads.

Concerning John Chen and his unresponsive and arrogant posture toward paying the city more than $45,000 in fines for violating our historic standard codes (and our community) at the Prince Charles Hotel. Well, in my opinion, jail time would be good. Chen leaving town would be even better. He as infl icted enough embarrassment on our community. Enough said for now on both issues.

Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly. Stay tuned. We will continue to provide you insights and observations on these and other important issues affecting our community.

Paul Cezanne, whom some call the father of modern art, believed that color, line, shape and form were as important as the actual subject of a painting. Fayetteville artist Jonathan Starling is a strong believer in that idea as well.

“I strive for that kind of painterly look in my paintings,” said Starling, a Fayetteville native, whose current exhibition of travel photography is hanging in the Leonard G. McLeod Gallery in the offi ces of Up & Coming Weekly.

Starling, who was handed his fi rst camera by his aunt when he was in third grade, has spent his life studying colors, lines, shapes and forms. He learned the art of looking at life in those terms through a lifetime of looking behind a lens.

“I’ve always loved photography,” he explained as he sat surrounded by his work during a recent interview. “I’ve been shooting ever since my aunt gave me that camera, so I ought to be really good by now.”

During his childhood he spent time learning his camera, and at the age of 16, he got his fi rst 35mm fi lm camera.

“I really loved that camera. I enjoyed it, and then I decided that this was a lot of fun,” he said. Although Starling waited until his 20s when he was working retail to actively pursue his passion, it was never far from his mind.

“I wanted to do something that would really allow me to be my own person,” he recalled. “I found that in photography. It allowed me to start my own business, and I’ve been doing that for the past 25 years.”

During those early years, Starling shot portraits, weddings and babies. “And I still do that,” he said. “But I’ve been able to branch out and do some commercial things and some artistic things.”

He’s also been able to translate his passion into teaching. He not only teaches professionals new tricks, he also teaches photography in the adult education program at Fayetteville Technical Community College. In his classes, he preaches his beliefs about light, form, color and shape.

“I’ve always looked at things differently,” Starling said. Maybe it comes from looking at everything through the lens. “I’ve always had an awareness of light, color and shadows. To me, that’s what makes my work different is my ability to see those subtle differences. I’ve tried to teach my students to look at the world that way, too.”

Starling’s world has also been shaped by his heritage, the son of an Italian mother, he has always had a strong interest in his family’s history. In recent years, he began to plumb the depths of that history, and sought to gain dual citizenship in his mother’s homeland. The process took four years, much longer than he had thought.

“You wouldn’t think it would take so long to gather documents from your family over the last 100 years, but it did,” he said.

Once he established his lieneage through his grandfather, an Italian fi sherman from the village of Molfetta, he applied for and gained dual citizenship.

“I don’t think it’s an unpatriotic thing to do,” he said. “I did it to honor my grandfather, and having the dual citizenship will allow me travel and work throughout Europe if I choose to.”

The act of receiving the citizenship was an impetus to travel to Italy for an extended time, although Starling needs little encouragement to travel. Last year, he spent the month of August traveling throughout the cities and streets of his ancestors. While there, he found that Italy is a country alive with color.

“Italy is full of modern cities will and old feeling,” he said. “It is vibrant. I remember sitting in a 2,000-year-old building and thinking, ‘Wow!’”

As he wandered through the countryside, his camera at hand, he met warm people, who he realized were no different than his neighbors in Fayetteville.

“People have the same wants. They have the same love for their children. They want to love and enjoy life. That’s worldwide, everywhere I’ve been. We have the same common interests,” he noted.

While in Italy, Starling often found himself wandering through the streets until the early morning hours. “Rome is so hot in August, so I spent my time out at night, and the streets were full of people, it really helped me look at things differently,” he said. “The colors there are so unique, and there are so many of them. It’s history and its ancient,” he said. “I wanted to capture that.”

Starling did just that. You have only to look at his photographs of villas surrounded by sunflowers or bridges over Venetian canals to step back and breathe in the heart of Italy. But he doesn’t want it to stop there.

“Next year, I hope to lead a photographic safari of sorts throughout Italy,” he said. “I’m trying to put that together now.”

The trip, designed for amature photographers will not be the usual tourist trip – see Italy by bus. Instead members of the group will walk the ancient streets. They’ll meet the locals, eat great food and see Italy through the eyes of one of its newest sons.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of that group, you can contact Starling at his office. Or if you simply want to bask in the colors and light that comes from an artist with a passion for his subject, stop by the Leonard G. McLeod Gallery to while away an afternoon.

Like rugged bike rides, running through the woods or swimming in lakes? Then the XTERRA Triathlon is for you!

Sunday, May 30, beginning at 8:30 a.m., Fort Bragg will be hosting an XTERRA Triathlon at Smith Lake, which is located on the eastern side of Fort Bragg.

XTERRA is a company that holds off-road triathlons and Fort Bragg is the only military installation to host an XTERRA event. The triathlon will consist of a 1000m swim, in Smith Lake, an 18 mile mountain bike ride and a four mile trail run. Smith Lake is shallow, with its maximum depth at eight to ten feet, the bike ride is across rough, dirt roads and the trail run will be in and out of the woods.

This triathlon has been held annually at Fort Bragg for four years and all elements of the race will be the same as last year except the trail ride will be in the opposite direction along its original path. In the past, winning participants completed the race within two hours and ending competitors finished after four to four and a half hours.

While the triathlon is not a training technique used by Fort Bragg there are usually many military competitors in the race. Thus far, 80 people have signed up to participate and they are hoping for 100 by May 27, the closing date for registration. Registration fees are $70 for individual participants and $120 for a relay team. The fees will be used to pay for costs associated with the triathlon such as race tee-shirts, swimming caps, food, water, etc.

Competitors are asked to bring their own bikes.

There are no age requirements or restrictions and currently a 14-year-old has registered to compete. Though only five or six women have registered, they are invited to compete in the race.

“Just be trained, prepped and ready for an outdoor experience,” said Derek Weller, a Co-race Director for the Smith Lake Triathlon.

Weller stresses to competitors that the bike route is pretty tough and the running trail goes both up and down hills.

Prizes will be given away to participants based on placing, different qualities and at random. The first place winner will receive a trophy and other participants will receive prizes. In the past, Weller has given prizes to the youngest and oldest competitors and to the competitor with the dirtiest shoes.

There will be eight stations set up along the biking and running courses where spectators will provide water and encouragement to competitors. Families are also allowed to come and stand along the course ways to cheer participants on.

The race will be held as planned in the event of rain, but will be postponed or canceled if it thunderstorms.

While there have been no serious injuries in the past competitors are required to sign a liability waver and through that are insured by USA Triathlon.

Qualifying points can be made through XTERRA and points will be awarded to the top 15 competitors to finish. From here participants can go on to national or international levels to compete in triathlons.

For more information please visit

www.fortbraggmwr.com/xterra/index.html.

Photo caption: Fort Bragg offers athletes a chance to push themselves
to the limits at the 4th Annual XTERRA triathlon on
May 30. 

Kick off your shoes and take in the blues as you sample the brews of more than 15 of the finest breweries from across the Mid-Atlantic region during the Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s 7th Annual Blues ‘n’ Brews Festival on Saturday, June 5, from 5-10 p.m. in downtown Fayetteville’s Festival Park.

The yearly event is the main fundraiser for the Cape Fear Regional Theatre (CFRT), and proceeds help the theatre meet operational costs and bring in great artists.

“This is our third year at Festival Park,” said Cassandra Vallery, event planner for CFRT. “It grows by leaps and bounds each year.”

Prior to its Festival Park venue, Blues ‘n’ Brews took place at Campbellton Landing on the banks of the Cape Fear River.

“It’s a type of event that happens in other places,” said Bo Thorp, artistic director of CFRT. “We had a contact with the Brewers Association, and they hooked us up with the brewers. People come for a good time and music, but they come primarily for the beer. They have an opportunity to try specialty and boutique beers.”

Some of those brews include lagers and fruit-flavored beers, noted Vallery.

“We also have food and vendors. People discover new beers and listen to great music. It’s a very upbeat event,” Vallery said.

Some of the breweries that will offer samplings of their beers include Mother Earth, Duck Rabbit, Front Street, Sierra Nevada, Terrapin, Carolina Brewery and Fayetteville’s own Huske Hardware and The Mash House. Additionally, Fayetteville distributors Harris Wholesale and Healy Wholesale and Tyron Distributors and Empire Distributors out of Charlotte will represent other independent beers.

Of course, good weather plays an important role in any outdoor festival, and Thorp is hoping for a repeat of last year’s sunny skies and mild temperatures.

“Last year we had close to 3,000 people. We can tell by the number of glasses we sell. We ran out of glasses and had to go and get plastic cups! The weather was terrific.”

As the crowd mingles and samples, three bands will perform in rotation on the stage.

“The bands will play from 4 to 10 p.m.” Thorp said. “So far we’ve got the Donna Duncan Band, an award-winning blues band from Charlotte, and a local band, the Dirty Water Band, who play the blues and an assortment of music.”

In addition to the blues and the brews, the event features games and contests with prizes, as well as young talent from the theatre.

General admission for the festival is $25, which offers a souvenir beer glass and beer sampling from. For $35, brew afficionados receive premier parking, a VIP glass and access to a private tent area, as well as a private pour with the brewers beginning at 4 p.m., a picnic lunch and snacks. VIP tickets are limited in number. Nondrinkers or designated drivers may purchase a ticket for $15, and members of the military receive a $2 discount. No dogs, tents or outside food or drinks are allowed, and festival attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets.

“It’s very laidback fun for the entire family,” said Vallery.

For more information or to volunteer, call the theatre at (910) 323-4234.

There is just something charming and a little nostalgic about small towns— the laid back pace of life and the close-knit, community spirit that comesfrom generations of families working, struggling and succeeding side by side.Whether you choose to live in one ornot, these small hamlets that dot thelandscape of our fair state offer morethan an opportunity to pull off theinterstate for some gas and a drivethruburger — much more. And they knowit, too.

Without stopping to look,experience and enjoy these places, howwill you ever know which village has thebest walking trails, the quaintest parkto picnic in, the drug store with a sodafountain that makes fresh squeezedlemonade by the glass or the restaurantthat makes the best bar-b-que around?

Well, Wade N.C. is just one of thesesmall town gems that people drive by,through and around without stoppingto sit a spell, much less taking the timeto get to know the town-folk. On June5, they are pulling out all the stops to showcase all that the family-friendlytown has to offer with the 2nd Annual Wade Founder’s Day Celebration.

The goal is not just to bring out the local population, but to draw in thesurrounding communities, show them a good time and give them a taste ofthe quiet, clean country living that makes it such a special place.

“This is the 2nd Annual Wade Founder’s Day celebration,” said EventOrganizer, Joe Dixon. “The reason we are doing it is to give something backto the community. Wade is a little community that nobody knows about andwe want to let people know we are here. We have a lot of older people andwe wanted to give something back to them and to bring back some of theheritage and tradition.”

Some of the static displays that will bring a touch of nostalgia to the dayare the antique tractors and farm equipment.Reconnecting with past traditions andtechnology at the vintage car show willgive parents the chance to reminisce ofmore innocent times while youngsters get apeek at what vehicles were like before theycame with DVD players installed and airconditioning was standard.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the WadeMunicipal Park. The Mayor will be there tostart the festivities.

"The kids (from local schools andchurches) will get up there and do thePledge of Allegiance,” said Dixon. “And wewill have a color guard from one of the localschools — they will sing a song. We arehoping to have some of the beauty queensto do the Star Spangled Banner and maybesome patriotic songs and then we fall rightinto our entertainment for the day.”

There will be two stages that will befilled through out the day witheverything from gospel singers to barber shop quartets, to country andwestern singing to clogging.

“We are going to have the Fort Bragg Stars and Stripes — the ladiesgroup,” said Dixon. “They go from 25 years-old to, well, one of them is 91.They are a feisty bunch.”

There will be pony rides and wagon rides for the kids. What celebrationwould be complete for a youngster without bouncy houses,inflatable slides,field games and face painting? Dixon promises that there will be plenty of allof that, not to mention the food vendors — lots of food vendors. Italian ice,popcorn, funnel cakes, cotton candyand every other delightful confectionthat brings a smile to most everyone’sface will be available.

“We had a fella last year — a goodsized fella — he had three cups ofItalian ice in one hand, a popcorn inthe other,” said Dixon. “He’d eat a bitof each one and then eat some popcornand he’d say ‘Now this is the way tolive!’”

Localfire and police departmentswill be performing demonstrationsand handing out information. Dixon isalso planning for a lifeflighthelicoptorto be on the grounds with somedemonstrations, along with ablackhawkhelicoptor.

What down home country throw-down would be complete without thetalented contributions of local artisans? “There will be a lot of arts andcrafts people there” said Dixon. “Last year we had several jewelry makers,a lapidary guy polishing stones. He will be back this year. He was actuallydoing the work while people were watching.”

Dixon said that it was only two days after last years Founder’s Daycelebration was over that planning for this year’s soiree began.

They’ve been working hard to make a great event happen and to showthe community and surrounding area what Wade has to offer — and it is allfree to anyone who chooses to attend, except the food of course.

“All the entertainment is free. I think it is going to be a really good time,”said Dixon. “It is a family type event. That is what we are hopingfor — to get the people to fellowship and enjoy each other.

“It is safe. It is enjoyable. It is something that families can go to andenjoy themselves without spending a lot of money.”

The town of Wade is located 14.5 miles outside ofFayetteville.Take I-95 to exit 61 andturn left. For more infovisithttp://wadenc.com.

Not too many places can beat Fayetteville when it comes to celebratingpatriotism. Unfortunately, we are right up there when it comes to sacrifi cein the name of duty, honor and country, too. Our community is fi lled withthe proud, selfl ess soldierswho serve and their families who serve just as proudly andselfl essly. The widows, orphansand families of those who havegiven their fi nal measure standfi rmly in our midst — manycontinuing to give as theyvolunteer, advocate, heal andembrace the military lifestylethat permeates the community.

As Memorial Day drawsnear, the community ispreparing their grand fi naleof 31Days of Glory whichhas honored those who havedied while in military service.Memorial Day weekend ispacked with activities that willremind us of the price that hasbeen paid for our freedoms, but also with eventsthat are aimed at helping us enjoy those freedomsand a showing appreciation to the heroes andfamilies that walk among us, and mean so much tothis community everyday.

The Field of Glory will fl y not just onMemorial Day, but through the end of June at theAirborne and Special Operations Museum. Eachof the hundreds of fl ags has been dedicated to asoldier.

On May 28, the Pilot Club of Fayetteville ishonoring military heroes past and present withthe lighting of luminaries at the Airborne andSpecial Operations Museum from 8-10 p.m. Eachluminary will be lit in honor of a service member.A list of the honorees will be available on theevening of the event. To honor your soldier in thisceremony, contact the Pilot Club at 850-7433.

Sunday evening, May 30, the DowntownAlliance is hosting a movie and a picnic in the park — Festival Park.

“Last year it was bigger and better than the year before,” said ChrisVilla the marketing chairperson. “We expect it to be that way again thisyear.” With a crowd of about 200 or so last year, the park should be full offolks coming to watch the award winning feature — The Blind Side starringSandra Bullock.

The park opens at about 6:30, but the movie wont be shown until itgets dark. Villa encourages folks to bring apicnic and a ball or frisbee to toss around.There will be food vendors there too if you’drather buy your dinner or snacks for themovie. She promises that the atmosphereis fun and family friendly, so go ahead andbring the kids.

“We all hang out and chit chat andwander around and play and whatever,”said Villa. “They can bring frisbees, balls orwhatever and just hang out in the park. It isa fun time and I think we should be in forreally good weather this year.”

Don’t stay out too late though, Mondayis packed with things to do and the fun startsearly! The pancake breakfast is back and itstarts at 7 a.m. It costs $5 a plate and willlast until 11 a.m.

If you time it right,you can come downtownfor breakfast and headright on over to theMemorial Day festivities.“It is a full day and weare really excited aboutit,” said Villa. “I wasable to secure general AlAycock. He is going tobe out there to do ourkick off.”

At 8 a.m. thePatriot’s Criterium,hosted by the CrossCreek Cycling Club, willtake place on Hay Street.

“Patriot’s Crit is likeNASCAR on bicycles,”said Villa. “It is bikeraces. It is a lot of fun.It goes really quickly, too.”

Check out www.CrossCreekCyclingClub.org if you are interested inparticipating.

A new event this year called “A Walk in Their Boots” takes place at9 a.m. “You can come down and walk in your dad’s boots, your mom’sboots, your own boots, your boyfriend’s, your husband’s — whatever —and we are walking from the Festival Park Promenade at 9:15 a.m. over tothe 10 o’clock ceremony at Veterans Park.”

The ceremony will pay tribute to veterans past and present. There willbe a guest speaker along with other events like the posting of the colors, atoast to the fl ag, wreath presentations and patriotic music.

Back at Festival Park, the activities range from static displays ofmilitary equipment from different times in history complete with militaryre-enactors to bouncy houses and more.

An old favorite, the Classic Car Cruise, will showcase cars (pre 1989)from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Ray Avenue and Maiden Lane. It’s free, too.

The stage will be rockin’ through out the day with a variety of musicaltalent. In One Accord, Fayetteville Symphony Brass Quintet, KennyHuffman, The Robbie Reid Band and The Stephenson Brothers and Lindaare scheduled to perform.

To find out more visitwww.glorydaysnc.com or31daysofglory.com.

Photo caption:  Fields Of Glory shown at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. 

May 31st will be a really sad day for the Fayetteville/Cumberland County community.

That’s when the Fayetteville Museum of Art will close itsdoors because of a lack of fi nancial support. How sad.

To me and many others, this is just anotherexample of howmutually beneficialorganizations in ourcommunity again havefailed to effectivelycommunicate witheach other.

Only in Fayettevillewould related entitiesrefuse to arbitratesuch a sensitive issue.Especially one thisimportant that affectsour community imageand quality of life. It’ssad to know that withall the progress andwonderful things takingplace in our community,we still lack the civilityand sophisticationto seek out and fi nd“common ground” toresolve our differences.

This is disturbing.

We need theFayetteville Museum ofArt. Visual arts defi ne acommunity. The sights,sounds and activitiesof a stable cultural arts presence refl ect positively on ourcommunity, our residents and our leadership. The cultural artsen instill confi dence, attract commerce, industry and economicdevelopment. The presence of art defi nes who we are andrefl ects a sense of sophistication and gives our community ahumanitarian balance.

Without art, well, you are just “without.”I have no idea of what the outcome of all this will be,however, I do know this: Our cultural, civic and governmentalleaders, at all levels, have let thiscommunity down by allowing thisto happen.

Unfortunately, we have againmanaged to embarrass ourselvesat a time when many individuals,families and businesses arescrutinizing and evaluating ustrying to determine if they want tocome to live, work and invest in theFayetteville/Cumberland Countycommunity (BRAC).

Should they?

Clearly, as a community, wehave not yet defi ned who or whatwe want to be. The reality of it isthat if we don’t fi nd the answersoon, and initiate a serious actionplan to get there, I’m afraid tragicsituations like this will continue todefi ne it for us.

May 31 will be a really sadday for Fayetteville. We still havetime to remedy this situation. Thequestion is, will we? Ego’s aside,let’s hope the ART of commonsense prevails. Mona Lisa is notsmiling anymore.

Thank you forreading.

Photo caption:  In the past two years, the Fayetteville Museum of Art has brought international exhibits, to our city like the Andy Warhol exhibit featured in the picture above. Sadly, unless the community comes together, that era has come to an end. Shown above, FMA Director Tom Grubb and museum patrons. 

The Carolina Philharmonic will perform a Concerto Extravaganza on Sunday, May 23 at 4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

“This is the end of our 2009-2010 season fi nale,” said David Michael Wolff, conductor and artistic director of Carolina Philharmonic. “We have a number of concertos we will be performing.”

Wolff added that the concert features music by Koussevitsky, Bartok, Bach and Ewazen.

Wolff is an avid linguist, fl uent in fi ve languages, and is a sought after coach of international opera stars and aspiring concert pianists. He made his orchestral debut as piano soloist at the age of 12, and has won numerous prizes in international competitions including grand prize in the Naomi Management International Competition in New York City. Wolff is the author of a new book, Zen and the Art of Piano.

Wolff, regular guest artist at Carnegie Hall and other major venues throughout the world, launched the West Side Chamber Orchestra, serving Fayetteville, Southern Pines and Greenville, N.C., in January 2009, with a debut performances on Feb. 28th and March 1st in Fayetteville and Southern Pines.

The entire ensemble then joined forces with Wolff’s New York orchestra, the Manhattan Chamber Philharmonic, on April 4, 2009, making its shared debut in Carnegie Hall.

After a whirlwind first season, the group incorporated as a non-profi t and in the process changed its name to Carolina Philharmonic. Although it remains a chamber orchestra, the Carolina Philharmonic has a decidedly more local fl avor and leaves open the possibility of metamorphosis in the future.

“We strive to show the unity of musical expression through solo performances, small chamber groups, small and large chamber orchestra formations, as well as occasional expansions to a full symphonic orchestra,” noted Wolff.

Also, historically, the term philharmonic did not refer to a large musical ensemble, but rather simply to making music together.

“We just got invited back to Carnegie Hall,” said Wolff. “We will perform on March 3, 2011, and we are real excited about this.”

Wolff added that they have a Chamber Music Series and the performances are in Fayetteville, Pinehurst, and other North Carolina locations. Next season six concerts are planned for Fayetteville.

“The joy of the musicians and the audience is when the concert people come up to me smiling and crying,” said Wolff. “These are people who do not like concerts but loved the show and plan on coming back to see another show.”

“We do not sell tickets in Fayetteville, we just have a donation basket,” said Wolff.

“I want to open this event to the public and not have anyone stay away because they feel like they cannot afford it.”

For more information call 687-4746 or visit the Web site at www.carolinaphil.org.

FIVE STARS

Iron Man wasn’t bad. Iron Man 2 (124 minutes) was fantas-tic. Unfortunately Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow) is still irritat-ingly ineffectual and completely annoying. On the plus side she doesn’t suck up nearly as much screen time.

Director Jon Favreau generally doesn’t appeal to me. Despite his occasional hit (directing and acting) he is just as likely to miss the boat. He does not know what to do with women on screen. He comes off as more than a little mean spirited no matter what kind of character he plays, and he doesn’t leave much to the imagination.

Luckily he had the good sense to hire writer Justin Theroux (Tropic Thunder). Theroux fixes almost every-thing that Fergus and Ostby did wrong in the first film. He does such a good job with the material that not even a hack like Favreau can do too much to mess it up. Pepper Potts gets less screen time, a strong female character is introduced to take down some cronies and a better vil-lain shows up. While it is a very busy script it does not drag or seem bloated.

Soon after Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) reveals that he is Iron Man and alleges that he has privatized world peace he is called before a Senate commit-tee. Senator Stern (Garry Shandling) demands that Stark release his suit to the military and Stark reacts much as you would expect.

After some early plot revelations Stark’s decision making becomes increasingly suspect. His assistants/handlers/friends/servants attempt to come to terms with his life choices against a background of new characters. Paltrow’s atrocious acting ruins every other scene she appears in. The scenes not ruined by her atrocious acting are the scenes featuring hot new female assistant, Natalie Rushman (Scarlett Johansson).

Natalie is actually a key character in the Marvel pan-theon, but she is a much better character when her flaming red curls are cut close. The gorgeous flowing locks almost pass muster considering her role in the film, so let’s not quibble over small details.

Once all the major players are established, includ-ing Colonel James “Rhodie” Rhodes (now played by Don Cheadle), out come the villains.

Ivan Vanko (the greasy haired, fake tanned wreck that used to be matinee idol Mickey Rourke) has a histo-ry with Stark and even merits his own Mr. Bigglesworth … a “burd” who he is unnaturally attached to. Completing the evil-doer sequel quota is Justin Hammer (Sam Rockwell).

The expanded presence of Nick Fury (Samuel Jackson) fits into the plot even if the addition of S.H.I.E.L.D to the main story does seem like adding chocolate sauce to the whip cream on top of morning coffee. If nothing else, it helps build support for the juggernaut that is The Avengers. Speaking of which, those willing to sit through the seemingly endless credits will catch an after credits sequence set in New Mexico featuring S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) … and Mjolnir.

Overall, this movie builds a ton of momentum for Iron Man 3. We can only hope that Theroux hangs around to script the final film.

Lake Rim Park is celebrating its 10th anniversary — and you are invited. The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is in on the fun, too. On Saturday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. there will be food, entertainment, fun and art — plenty of art — at the Lake Rim Neighborhood Art Attack.

According to Amber Williams, park ranger coordinator at Lake Rim Park, they’ve really come a lon g way over the years. The park was originally a part of the old fish hatchery that is now the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center that is adjacent to the park.

“It just started off as a family park with playgrounds and sports fields and stuff like that and they only had a recreation staff out here,” said Williams. “When the city and the county merged a few years ago they started staffing the parks with rangers. Now, we host events and offer educational hikes and talks and things like that in addition to having space for people to play sports and play on the grounds and picnic.”

In the name of keeping things fresh and exciting the park is always looking for new and exciting things to offer the community. They work with wounded war-riors providing exercise and archery programs, and are expanding the kayaking program. One of the big events is a white water rafting trip to the mountains in July.

“We try to come up with new things all the time — new programs and events,” said Williams. “If anybody has anything they are interested in they should feel free to come to us and we will do our best to meet their needs.”

That obviously worked out well for the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. When they began talking to Williams about hosting an Art Attack at Lake Rim Park, she knew right away that there was an opportunity to provide the community with at great event in a relaxed and nature-friendly setting.

“The Arts Council’s Neighborhood Art Attacks are free mini arts festivals that feature musicians, dancers, artists and hands-on activities for the entire fam-ily in specific areas of our county,” said Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County Marketing Manager Mary Kinney. “Arts organizations from around the county partici-pate and actively engage residents in the diverse arts offer-ings in our community. The entertainment stage features a mix of professionals and local talent. The Art Attacks are an opportunity for everyone to express their creativity, have fun and learn about all the incredible arts and cultural offer-ings right here in Cumberland County.”

With the help of Miller Motte College-Fayetteville Campus and the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville, there will be several local organizations there with hands on activities. The Museum of the Cape Fear, Fascinate-U Children’s Museum and Cape Fear Basket makers are just a few of the organizations that will have activities for folks to try.Entertainment will include storyteller Gran’daddy June Bug, singer/songwriter Autumn Nicholas, Brian Morgan and Friends, magician John Tudor and Jef the Mime.

Nature buffs will have plenty to do as well.

“They are bringing the whole arts and entertainment aspect to it,” said Williams. “We are going to provide field games and bounce houses and some exhibitors. The environmental educational mobile unit will be out there and mobile aquarium. I am going to have wildlife rescue agencies bringing out some animals and some other educational and fun hands on activities, face painting and stuff like that — and we will have vendors selling food.”

Lake Rim Park is located at 2214 Tar Kiln Dr. Admission is free. Call the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County at 323-1776, or Lake Rim Park at 424-6134 for more info.