After more than 70 years of living, I still encounter valuable life lessons. An article titled “15 Quotes Filled with Inspiring Life Lessons” begins as follows: “Life’s lessons are a beautiful gift, but they don’t always come wrapped in a shiny red bow. Sometimes tragedy brings us wisdom. Sometimes joy does. Other times we stumble upon life-changing lessons when we least expect to.”

The quote above reflects great truth. Thattruth was reaffirmed for me over the past 20days, ending Dec. 11. Several events grabbed my attention and proved instructive for my living.

The first started on Thanksgiving Day. My wife, Denise, and I got up early and drove eighthours to have time with family in Georgia. My brother, Shelton, was a patient at a local hospital. On April 22, he was in a horrendous automobile accident that left him paralyzedfrom the neck down.

Near the end of Thanksgiving dinner, a callcame from the hospital saying that if we wanted to see Shelton alive, we needed to get to thehospital. Along with some other family members,I rushed to the hospital. There my brother was, in the Critical Care Unit, with a breathingtube in his mouth and lighted monitors onboth sides of his bed.

I had planned to return home to Fayetteville after a couple of days but stayed in Georgia for a week. On Wednesday, Shelton was transported to the local hospice facility. I drove home Thursday. Shelton, my 54-year-old brother, died Sunday morning, Dec. 2.

We returned to Georgia for Shelton’s memorial service, which was held Saturday, Dec. 8. Denise, who is a retired Army Chaplain, delivered the eulogy. It was amazing. She opened up by referring to the book “Halftime,” by Bob Buford. After explaining that “Halftime” is the period of time between our late 30s and into our 50s, the following two paragraphs from her eulogy spoke directly to me: “During these years, as we are attentive, we have the opportunity to discover a different emphasis occurs from acquiring titles and accumulating things to a broad realization that meaning for us is in the significant relationships we build with people around us.

“Often we have this faulty sense of time that we can patch things up later... or we’ll get things right down the road. Then suddenly the unexpected snatches us up and slams us on our deathbed. Too late now.”

Technically, Shelton was my step-brother. With wonderful parents, I grew up as an only child. My father’s second marriage blessed me with four brothers and a sister. I say “technically” because the relationship between Shelton and me was as brothers. That was more because of Shelton than because of me. I was, and still am, a loner. I am sure it has to do with growing up as an only child and facing the bullying that was directed at me in my youth.

Shelton broke through all that. On my visits home, he always made time to talk with me and make me feel like part of the family. No. He made me know I was a full-fledged member of the family.

Shelton Lamar Merritt understood the importance of relationships. Despite all my walls, he was a true brother to me. His death, and Denise’s eulogy for him, profoundly reminded me that relationships must be a high priority and to not put off sustained efforts to make them whole.

There was also the request put forth by my stepmother. I say, without hesitation, God blessed me with two wonderful mothers: my birth-mother and my step-mother. The latter is simply “Momma.” She requested that when we gathered for Shelton’s memorial service, everybody would stay at her house. That meant some people sleeping on air mattresses and all of us competing for bathroom access. This was not an experience I would naturally choose. However, because of my love and appreciation for Momma, I agreed to stay at the house.

In the end, that time with family was one of the best experiences of my life. We laughed and cried, ate meals together and worked through whatever challenges presented themselves. I found a level of comfort and inclusion that I thought impossible. Jesus was onto something when, as recorded in Luke 10:27 (NIV), he said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,” and, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Genuine love of others strengthens us for actions that produce unbelievably positive results.

Then came comments from two readers regarding my column that appeared in the Nov. 27 edition of Up & Coming Weekly. The title was “Decision Time for Democrats.” I contended that, given the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives beginning in 2019, Democrats will investigate the Trump administration while failing to legislate.

Nelson Smith, who identified himself as a Democrat, and Susan Dennis agreed to have their comments published. Those comments appeared in the Dec. 11 edition under the heading, “To the Editor.” I gleaned at least two primary life lessons from Smith and Dennis.

First, Smith disagreed with me on some points while, in my estimation, sharing my thinking on others. His response was thoughtful and civil. To have either of those qualities be present today in an exchange where people do not agree is extremely rare. To have both thoughtfulness and civility present is a near miracle. The life lesson from Nelson Smith for me: I must not allow the seeming total lack of thoughtfulness and civility to discourage me from trying to help build a better world.

Second, the comments of Susan Dennis conveyed lament regarding the conduct of some people in this politically charged atmosphere. Here is part of what she wrote: “… just makes me sad that we have come to this. Each of us has to decide how to behave, what behavior is acceptable in any situation, whether directed toward us or toward someone we dislike, and continue to communicate with our Congressional Representatives and Senators as to what our expectations are of them.”

In light of the tremendous general decline of individual responsibility in our nation, I often wonder if there are Americans who are seriously concerned about this state of affairs. I believe Dennis is concerned. Her words and tone screamed concern. Reading her comment, and sensing the sincerity of her lament, boosted my hope for a return to focusing on individual responsibility in America.

Finally, Dec. 11, my wife and I went into a restaurant for dinner. A young white man came over and introduced himself as our server. He addressed my wife as “Darling” and me as “Bud.” I calmly asked if he called white men “Bud.” The server respectfully responded, “If I don’t know a customer’s name, I call women ‘Darling’ and call men ‘Bud.’” He said this with a smile and moved on to engage us in routine conversation. I thanked him for his straight-forward and acceptable response.

That brief exchange reminded me that it is possible to engage in productive discussion of what might be difficult topics. If approached with a focus on mutual respect, reason and resolution, genuine progress is possible.

These were just 20 days of life lessons in a journey of many years. They were positively impactful. I recommend giving continuous attention to the life lessons that come our way. Recognize, learn from and act on those lessons.

 Ah... the week between Christmasand New Year’s Day, when no one knows exactly what’s going on, what day it is or where they are supposed to be.

It almost feels like limbo — we feel done with the year but still have a few days left. At times, this seemingly unneeded week feels like more of a test of patience than anything else. All that holiday hype surrounds us for months on end, and when it finally gets here and is over in a day, we’re all left reeling from the parties, the hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the (nonexistent) snow. Can the year just be over, already?

In recent years, when this particular kind of impatience rises up in me, I feel a bit of pushback in my own spirit. Yes, the Christmas hype is over, but I think I actually need this week — the week where everything slows down, things are put on hold until the new year, and my mind, body and spirit can just rest and regroup.

Hopefully, resting and regrouping looks a little different for me this year. See, 2018 has left me wanting less. I want simple. I want purposeful. I want slow. I want to want less. However, it’s not enough to just want less. I need a plan, and this week, I’m finalizing it.

Maybe you’re feeling this way too. Here are a few ideas I’ve been tossing around to begin the journey to simple living:

— Less screen time

— More time outdoors

— Less stuff, purging what we don’t need, fewer purchases

— More physical activity

— Less concern for what I don’t have

— More concern for others

— Less social media

— More face-to-face socializing

If you’re craving simple too, grab a pen and paper (because, really, what’s more satisfying than a handwritten list?) and jot down some ideas for yourself and your family.

It all starts with ideas, but it can’t end there. What will these changes actually look like for you and your family? What are some things you can do to make it happen and see results?

For me, I’m even considering entering a contest to not have a smart phone for an entire year just to force me to make a change. If you see me on the side of the road somewhere flipping a map around over and over with a panicked look on my face because I can’t use my GPS, you’ll know I’m making headway. 

Hopefully this will be a year when my heart meets my mind in truly believing that more will not satisfy, busy will not qualify, and good intentions will not modify.

I’m believing less actually is more, and I’m riding that train all the way to 2020.

Want to hear about the journey? Listen weekday mornings to the “Daily Grind” on Christian 105.7 WCLN for updates, and give us your own tips for simple living.

 Cumberland County commissioners have agreed to a compromise for the future allocation of local sales tax funds. County Manager Amy Cannon presented the proposal to the mayors of Cumberland County’s municipalities Dec. 18. Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin was absent and Mayor Pro-Tem Ted Mohn appeared in his place.

Mohn says the plan will have to be discussed by city council before the end of January, when the existing interlocal revenue sharing agreement expires. Cannon told the Mayor’s Coalition that commissioners have decided to continue apportioning sales tax proceeds by population rather than the tax district method, which most large counties use. State law mandates that county governments determine which allocation method to use. The per capita method tends to benefit cities and towns.

Cannon said the county’s proposal is valid until midnight Jan. 31. Without a new signed agreement from all nine municipalities by then, county commissioners will vote on whether to change to the ad valorem allocation method at their Feb. 4 meeting. The ad valorem method would divide the tax proceeds by tax district. County government would benefit because the entire county is its tax district.

The county is proposing a four-year agreement rather than a 10-year term preferred by Fayetteville City Manager Doug Hewett. Neither Hewett nor Mohn commented on the proposed compromise. Cannon said the four-year plan coincides with the county commissioners’ current terms of office.

“We’ve kicked the can long enough,” said Falcon Mayor Cliff Turbin. “It’s time for us to make a move.”

Cannon told the mayors the county proposes a payment adjustment based on tax revenue growth from a base established in fiscal year 2020. During the remaining three years, revenue growth would be shared between the county and the municipalities on a 40/60 percent basis.

The city proposed that its portion of revenue given to the county and towns be phased out altogether.

Turbin, serving as chairman of the mayor’s coalition, told the group he was grateful that commissioners were willing to support the population tax distribution method.

“In the spirit of continued cooperation, the county is willing to reduce our share of future sales tax growth,” Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Jeannette Council said. She reiterated Cannon’s comment, saying, “The county is willing to continue under the per capita method only if there is an agreement to avoid revenue losses for any local government.”

If the commissioners were to change to the ad valorem method, the county’s general fund could see an increase of almost $3 million in sales tax revenues. Cumberland County Schools could gain approximately $500,000; the county’s fire districts could reap $2.9 million; and the Parks and Recreation district could receive $1.3 million. Conversely, all the municipalities would lose revenues. The city of Fayetteville could lose an estimated $5.4 million; Hope Mills could lose $1.1 million; and Spring Lake over $600,000.

The board of commissioners voted in 2003 to go to the ad valorem method because of severe revenue losses that resulted from municipal annexations. They amounted to over $4 million a year, Cannon said, before the 2005 “Big Bang” annexation that cost the county even more.

 The 26th annual New Year’s Day Blackeyed Pea Dinner at the Crown Expo Center on Jan. 1, which runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., is free and open to the public. “All are welcome,” said Lee Warren, Cumberland County’s register of deeds and principal organizer of this event. “If you have 10 people in from out of town, bring them. There is no charge, and we want everyone to feel welcome.”

Community, tradition and gratitude will be the special ingredients in 2019’s dinner. Friends, neighbors, families and new faces are invited to gather together to enjoy a traditional Southern New Year’s Day meal of black-eyed peas, collards, sweet potatoes and good ol’ Southern barbecue.

“2019’s dinner marks the 26th year we’ve been doing this,” said Warren. “This year’s dinner will be special because we are dedicating it to all of the first responders and volunteers who helped during the hurricanes. We want them to know how grateful we are.”

According to legend, when Union soldiers raided Confederate food supplies, they took everything but the black-eyed peas because they believed the peas were only animal fodder. Southerners knew better, and eating the peas helped them survive through the winter. The peas became symbolic of luck.

Black-eyed peas were also a staple food in the black community. So, when the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on the first day of January in 1863, peas featured large in those celebratory meals. Tradition has it that, henceforward, blackeyed peas should always be eaten on Jan. 1.

Between 2,500 and 3,000 meals are served at the New Year’s Day dinner at the Crown each year. Experience has taught Warren and his volunteers how much food to prepare. “When New Year’s Day falls on a Friday or a Monday,” said Warren, “many people take advantage of the long weekend and go out of town, so attendance is less. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, we get more people because folks stop by on their way home from church.”

On-site meal prep begins early so that ladies from the Cumberland County Schools system can begin serving at 11 a.m. Diners enjoy background gospel music and good conversation and fellowship along with the delicious food.

Meals are served until 2 p.m. Like all good cooks, Warren and his all-volunteer kitchen staff clean up as they go. “Once the collards are in the cooker,” Warren said, “we start washing and sanitizing.” Most years, they’r  ready to turn out the lights and head home an hour or so after the last meal is served.

A bit of folklore advises that what you do on New Year’s Day, you will do all year long. 

Taking this advice to heart, when we come together as a community on the first day of 2019 to share a traditional meal with gratitude for the heroes in our midst, we’re placing our bets that the year ahead will be filled with a sense of community, tradition and gratitude that prospers us all.

 First Day Hikes began in North Carolina more than 40 years ago with the inaugural First Day Hike at Eno River State Park in Durham. Today, park rangers lead more than 400 First Day Hikes in all 50 states, including hikes in every North Carolina state park. There is also one in Spring Lake. The Carver’s Creek State Park First Day Hike is set for Jan. 1 at 11 a.m., and it is free to attend.

The First Day Hike initiative is promoted by America’s state parks and the National Association of State Parks Directors. The program is part of an effort to showcase the state park systems, familiarizing people with activities available to them close to home, usually at no cost. It also encourages healthy lifestyles, family time and year-round use of the country’s parks.

State Park Ranger Colleen Bowers oversees the First Day Hikes at Carvers Creek State Park. She said they try to offer a variety of monthly hikes to encourage people of all ages to participate. There are three options for the First Day Hikes. The 3-mile History Hike teaches hikers about the history of Carver’s Creek and allows access to areas of the park normally closed to the public. The 2-mile Nature Hike guides participants through the diminishing longleaf pine forest, teaching them about the longleaf ecosystem and its importance.

The 1-mile Hansel and Gretel Hike is geared toward younger hikers, with participants following a “bread crumb” trail of laminated crumb signs with an activity or nature quote at each stop and a clue leading to the next “crumb.” Participants in any of the hikes can get park stickers, bracelets and pins.

The park opened in September of 2013, and the initial First Day Hike on Jan.1, 2015, was attended by close to 50 hikers. While general attendance at Carvers Creek State Park decreased after Hurricane Matthew damaged a dam and the 100-acre millpond at the park in 2016, attendance at the First Day Hikes has continually grown, primarily due to increased publicity of the event and the variety of hikes offered, according to Bowers.

Bowers added that she felt the turnout for First Day Hikes was a good indicator of how well the program has been received. “It is definitely successful as seen by the number of participants,” she said. “It gets people excited to get out and take part in park hikes and acts as an incentive to start and keep their New Year’s resolutions.”

Visitors who participate in the North Carolina State Parks 100-Mile Challenge can add First Day Hike miles to their 100-mile Challenge totals. The 100-Mile Challenge encourages North Carolinians to walk, hike, run, bike, paddle, roll, ride or skate anywhere in the state’s great outdoors to accumulate 100 miles, earning prizes along the way. To learn more about the 100-mile challenge, visit www.nc100miles.org.

First Day hikers are encouraged to bring plenty of drinking water, dress appropriately for the weather and wear shoes/boots suited for the type of hike they plan to do. Most parks allow pets to accompany hikers, provided they are on a leash. Check the regulations on the specific parks’ pages at www.ncparks.gov. Hikers are also asked to be aware of changing weather conditions as some events could be canceled due to inclement weather.

Learn more about Carvers Creek State Park and its First Day Hikes by visiting www.ncparks.gov/carvers-creek-state-park or by calling 910-436-4681.

 Students interested in database management can earn an associate degree in information technology from Fayetteville Technical Community College. IT teaches students the fundamentals of areas including networking, security and programming. In addition to these fundamentals, FTCC’s Database Management program emphasizes the student learning what a database is and how it functions on both the user side and the administration side.

Students will take classes in Oracle, MySQL and MS SQL Server. Graduates are prepared to work in the IT field providing support to database administrators who organize and protect an organization’s data and keep the data-driven applications performing at their best. Data are at the heart of almost any organization. Business decisions are based on data. It’s important that the data are accurate, accessible and secure.

Database Management students will qualify for entry-level positions with businesses, educational systems, government agencies and any other entities that rely heavily on computer systems to manage their data.

The Information Technology PC Support & Services program at FTCC introduces students to just about all areas of the IT discipline. Students take courses in networking, programming and security, but they focus on hardware and software. Students will learn how to disassemble and build PCs from scratch. They will learn how to build virtual machines and install operating systems, and they will learn the necessary troubleshooting techniques for repairing PC hardware and software issues.

Degrees in IT can open the door to numerous job opportunities and job fields, especially in light of North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park. This curriculum prepares students for employment as troubleshooters responsible for solving problems and providing technical support and advice to customers and users in just about any sector, including hospitals, educational institutions, retail establishments and government and state organizations.

In addition to associate degree programs, FTCC offers several certificate programs of study. Students can complete certificate programs more quickly than associate degree programs. Certificate programs are condensed to promote focus on one particular area of interest. They are ideal for individuals seeking additional career training.

FTCC also offers educational opportunities for high school students. There are many certificates available to students enrolled in High School Connections and Cumberland Polytechnic High School at FTCC.

Anyone interested in learning about computer technology programs at FTCC can apply easily by visiting FTCC’s homepage (www.faytechcc.edu) and clicking on Apply Now. There is no application fee, and everyone is accepted. During the admissions process, applicants should indicate the desired program area. Students may select Information Technology/Database Management or Information Technology/PC Support & Services. Once the admissions process is complete, students will want to proceed in registering for classes right away and can begin their major courses during the first semester.

For more information, call 910-678-7368 or email sobersto@faytechcc.edu. Start the new year in a positive direction with education from FTCC. Register soon; spring classes begin Jan. 14.

 An article in The Fayetteville Observer three weeks ago left the impression for many that “Cumberland County has been designated one of the most economically distressed counties in the state.” The North Carolina Department of Commerce ranked Cumberland County one of the state’s 40 most economically depressed areas, designating it a Tier 1 community.

Robert Van Geons, president and CEO of the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation, said it really isn’t all that bad. “Our community is coming together to create jobs and improve the quality of life for our citizens,” he said. “While we haven’t lost any ground, we have a lot that needs to be done.”

Since 2007, North Carolina has used a three level system for designating development tiers. The designations are mandated by state law. They are incorporated into state development programs to encourage economic activity in all 100 counties of the state. The legislature changed some of the criteria last year, resulting in Cumberland County’s distressed category.

The revised designations are based primarily on a community’s average unemployment rate, median household income, population growth and the adjusted property tax base per capita.

Counties that underperform in any of the four factors may request assistance from the North Carolina Department of Commerce about how to improve their performance.

“According to my review of the data, these statistics … actually improved,” Van Geons said.

Since the 2017 rankings, median income is up $2,700, unemployment is down 1.5 percent, and the per capita tax base has risen $1,900.

“I feel like the economy, if anything, is getting better around here,” County Commission Vice Chairman Marshall Faircloth added.

“If you take a look at all the retail, hotel, downtown and new industrial activity going on, it represents hundreds of millions of dollars, Van Geons said. “In just the last few years, our organization has worked with companies bringing over 1,800 jobs to Cumberland County.”

The new Tier 1 designation will make Cumberland County eligible for additional state grants and make it easier for companies to receive incentives for bringing jobs to the county.

“We want to move forward and push our way out of Tier 1,” Van Geons said. “Meanwhile, we appreciate the tools and resources we have now.”

Fayetteville is the only major metropolitan area in North Carolina that is ranked Tier 1. The most economically disadvantaged counties lie east of the I-95 corridor. They also include Robeson, Hoke, Sampson, Bladen, Duplin and Scotland counties in southeastern North Carolina.

A report released by the North Carolina General Assembly Program Evaluation Division in December 2015 makes three core findings regarding the way North Carolina has used the tier system. The first is that using tiers to distribute state funding has not helped the state’s most distressed counties as intended.

Though created specifically for economic development tax credits, several noneconomic development programs now use the tier designations to distribute state money. “Despite the adoption of the tiers by other state programs, it is apparent that Tier 1 counties are not benefiting the most,” said Jonathan Morgan, a UNC-Chapel Hill School of Government faculty member who has studied the program.

Meetings

For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113. Most meetings take place at Town Hall or the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation center. Until the Parks and Recreation building has been repaired following damage from Hurricane Florence, some meetings may be moved to Luther Meeting Room at Town Hall at regular dates and times. Those meetings are noted with an asterisk below.

• Board of Commissioners Monday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Bill Luther Meeting Room

• Festival Committee Monday, Jan. 7, 6 p.m., Town Hall, Front Conference Room

• Lake Advisory Committee Tuesday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m., Parks and Recreation Center*

Activities

For more information on these activities, contact Meghan Hawkins at 910-426-4109.

• Hope Mills Area Kiwanis Club at Sammio’s, second Tuesdays at noon and fourth Tuesdays at 6 p.m. For details, call 910-237-1240. 

Promote yourself

Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com.

 

 This week, our publisher, Bill Bowman, yields his space for a message fromvisitnc.com.

An Invitation from North Carolina’s Coast:

The holidays are a special time for families in North Carolina to gather and look ahead to the new year with anticipation and enthusiasm. It’s also a time when we reflect on the past year, including memorable highlights and challenges.

As North Carolinians we have much to be thankful for, but many of our families, neighbors and communities in the paths of Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael were severely impacted this fall. Collectively, we say thank you to so many of you for your support.

North Carolinians are resilient. From the beautiful coastline in the east to the towering mountains in the west, North Carolinians are known for strong comebacks and moving forward. As leaders of the travel industry along the coast, we want to assure you that significant progress has been made to make sure visitors can return to the coastal places they love.

Our out-of-state visitors are special guests to us all, but many of them who heard the national news during the storms are unaware of how far we’ve come since. We’ve learned from recent research conducted by Visit North Carolina that only 14 percent of potential outof- state visitors believe North Carolina’s coast is back to normal. Even some North Carolinians are unaware of how far we’ve come. In most instances, our hotels, vacation rentals, attractions, recreational outfitters, restaurants, retail shops, golf courses and more are already welcoming visitors back, and others will certainly be back to normal in time for the popular spring and summer travel seasons.

We recognize many North Carolinians dedicate a portion of their time together during the holidays to begin planning family vacations for the coming year. The tourism economy is vital to our region, our citizens and the quality of life we all cherish. The speed of our recovery is largely dependent on the pace with which travelers return to visit our communities throughout the state.

We encourage you to plan a visit to North Carolina’s beautiful and distinctive barrier island coastline to enjoy what many families make an annual tradition. And with our state’s rich diversity of landscapes, history, culture and activities, please consider exploring North Carolina first for all your leisure travel.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Best Regards,

Wit Tuttell Director, Visit North Carolina/visitnc.com

and

Tameron Kugler, visitcurrituck.com;

Lee Nettles, outerbanks.org;

Helena Stevens, visitocracokenc.com;

Jim Browder, crystalcoastnc.org;

Donna Hammonds, onlyinonslow.com;

Tammy Proctor, visitpender.com;

Tarshi McCoy, visitnewbern.com;

Kim Hufham, wilmingtonandbeaches.com;

Mitzi York, ncbrunswick.com

 The annual Cumberland County Holiday Classic basketball tournament, which changes formats frequently, rolls out another new look for the 45th edition of this year’s tournament Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 20-22.

The 2018 edition will feature four separate tournaments at four local high school gyms, bringing the four championship games for each event to Fayetteville State University’s Capel Arena on the final day.

All 10 Cumberland County schools will be competing, both boys and girls, along with an assortment of teams from outside the county to complete the field.

The new format pays tribute to four past Cumberland County coaching greats as the four brackets are named for them.

The two boys brackets honor former Terry Sanford coach Len Maness and former E.E. Smith coach Ike Walker Sr.

The two girls’ brackets are named for Westover’s Gene Arrington and Pine Forest’s Tom Jackson.

The Maness bracket games will be played at Terry Sanford, the Walker bracket at Seventy-First, the Jackson bracket at Douglas Byrd and the Arrington bracket at E.E. Smith.

The four championship games in each bracket will be held at FSU’s Capel Arena Saturday, Dec. 22, with games at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.

Boys

Ike Walker Sr. Bracket

David Simmons’ Seventy-First team is still getting adjusted since a number of key players arrived to the court late because of the Seventy-First football team’s deep run in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association football playoffs.

Simmons feels his team has more offensive continuity than it did last season. He’s been pleased so far with the play of senior Brion McLaurin.

Some of the Falcon role players, including Demauriea Nickelson and Quiones Clayton, have also stepped up.

The Falcons open the tournament against old Cumberland County rival South View.

“Westover is on our side and they are off to a good start,’’ he said of the rest of the Walker bracket. Len Maness Bracket

Like Seventy-First’s Simmons, Terry Sanford coach Darren Corbett’s concern is still putting his team together after the late arrival of players from the Terry Sanford football team.

Two of the key additions from football are post player Ezemdi Udoh and guard Dante Bowlding.

The team leaders so far have been forward Yates Johnson and guard Jay Hickman, Corbett said. “Jay has been able to give us somebody who can break down defense off the dribble and spot up and knock down the open jump shot,’’ Corbett said. “Yates just brings his energy every night, and I think our other kids feed off of that.’’

Terry Sanford opens the tournament on its home court against Lakewood, and that’s the only team Corbett is thinking about.

“We’re trying to stay focused on what we have going on right now,’’ he said.

Girls

Tom Jackson bracket

Pine Forest was supposed to host the Tom Jackson Bracket, but because Trojan athletic director Jason Norton is recovering from an illness, it was moved to Douglas Byrd.

In spite of that, Pine Forest girls’ coach David May is looking forward to the new format and to seeing some different teams, including 2-A power Clinton in the opener.

Pine Forest is still waiting to get all the pieces of this year’s team in place. Sisters Kendal and Ciara Moore, who transferred from Northwood Temple Academy, haven’t taken  the court together yet as Ciara is still recovering from injury and hoping to be back in January.

“Kendal is playing lights out and is a leader on and off the court,’’ May said.

Twins Gredesha and Claresha Pruitt are back in play for Pine Forest and have meshed well with Moore in May’s guardoriented offense.

May expects a tough test from Clinton and said there are plenty of other good teams in the Trojans’ bracket. Gene Arrington bracket

The only concern veteran Smith coach Dee Hardy has about the new tournament is the field wasn’t seeded, so teams were just paired randomly.

Smith entered the season rated as one of the top girls teams to beat with the return of standout Wake Forest commit Alex Scruggs.

Hardy feels Scruggs has been complemented well so far this season by some of her younger players. Sophomore Jordan Everett is coming off an ACL tear that sidelined her last year.

Another young player who has performed well so far is sophomore swing player Keonna Bryant.

Hardy is expecting a good test from first-round opponent Scotland, which she said has good athletes.

Tickets to the tournament can be purchased at https://gofan.co/app/school/NC67770.

All tickets sold online for $27 are good for all three days of the tournament and can be used at multiple games and sites.

One-day tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at each game site. They are only good for the sit where purchased.

 The new members of the Mayor’s Youth Leadership Committee for the town of Hope Mills were recently introduced to the town’s Board of Commissioners.

The new chair of the group is Ashilyn Burgos, a senior at Gray’s Creek High School.

Melissa Chuy of Jack Britt High School is vicechair, and William Pryor of South View serves as secretary.

Hope Mills Mayor Jackie Warner said the purpose of the youth committee is to get the members involved in town government and leadership so they can understand the roles of elected officials and things taking place in Hope Mills.

Organizers of the committee also try to involve members in a specific town project. Last year the committee worked on two surveys, one for the town’s multi-modal project and one for the Parks and Recreation department.

This year the group will focus on the town’s historical district and properties, with a goal of learning as much as they can about the town’s historical homes and buildings and reporting back to the commissioners with their findings.

When possible, the youth committee members are also encouraged to attend the Hope Mills Citizens Academy for more detailed understanding of how local government works.

Burgos said she is also active with the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Youth Council, so the work done by the Hope Mills youth committee relates to what she’s already doing there.

She said she’s been involved with activities like the Hope Mills youth committee since she entered high school. “It’s the kind of career field I want to go into,’’ she said.

She is looking forward to learning more about the history of Hope Mills in her role with the youth committee because it’s something she hasn’t explored.

She thinks it’s important for people to understand and be aware of the history of the community where they live. “It makes it more interesting if you know the backstory,’’ she said. “I think this involvement will definitely give me a good footing into what government has to offer and what it involves.’’

Following are the other members of the new Hope Mills Youth Leadership Committee: Jack Britt High School — Kiara Ramos, Ethan Finney.

Gray’s Creek High School — Emily Gonzales, Kayla Mady.

South View High School — Nautia Carter, Morgan Evans.

Photo: Ashilyn Burgos

 The Hope Mills Community Emergency Response Team is looking to expand its membership into an untapped area of candidates: teenagers.

CERT is a volunteer organization that works under the oversight of the Cumberland County Emergency Management department.

Melode Dickerson, manager of Hope Mills CERT, said the organization’s work falls into several different categories.

Its primary role is in disaster relief following major events like the recent hurricanes.

“When the hurricane came, we first went out and helped the Red Cross,’’ she said. “We had people working in shelters, closing down shelters, doing damage assessments. We had over 300 hours with the Red Cross.’’

When there are no disasters, CERT members are out in the community at a variety of events, including helping with parades, traffic control and other charitable activities. “We try to keep everybody busy so they don’t lose interest,’’ she said.

“We go out and help in the community.’’ There are about 30 adults currently volunteering

with the Hope Mills CERT team, Dickerson said.

It was before and after the hurricane that Dickerson began hearing questions about whether or not teenagers could be CERT volunteers.

That was when she decided to explore starting a separate group of teenage volunteers to work in conjunction with the adult CERT members.

The plan initially is to have the teenagers operate apart from the adult CERT volunteers, with an eventual goal of possibly working out a change in the bylaws to add the younger members to the adult group.

Dickerson tentatively plans to limit the age range of the teenagers allowed to volunteer to sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school.

The CERT training includes instruction in how to stop bleeding in emergency situations. Dickerson sees that as valuable to students who could find themselves in a life-saving situation at school someday.

“If they don’t learn anything else, they’ll be able to save somebody if they need to,’’ Dickerson said.

Official recruiting for the teen CERT program will begin in January. Those who are interested can contact the Hope Mills CERT by emailing hopemillscert@gmail.com.

The Hope Mills Community Emergency Response Team page on Facebook also has a link to a Teen CERT brochure from the Federal Emergency Management Association.

Photo: Melode Dickerson, manager of Hope Mills CERT

Meetings

For details about all meetings and activities, including location where not listed, call Town Clerk Jane Starling at 910-426-4113. Most meetings take place at Town Hall or the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation center. Until the Parks and Recreation building has been repaired following damage from Hurricane Florence, some meetings may be moved to Luther Meeting Room at Town Hall at regular dates and times. Those meetings are noted with an asterisk below.

• Board of Commissioners Monday, Jan. 7, 7 p.m., Town Hall, Bill Luther Meeting Room

• Festival Committee Monday, Jan. 7, 6 p.m., Town Hall, Front Conference Room

• Lake Advisory Committee Tuesday, Jan. 15, 6 p.m., Parks and Recreation Center*

Activities

For more information on these activities, contact Meghan Hawkins at 910-426-4109.

• Hope Mills Area Kiwanis Club at Sammio’s, second Tuesdays at noon and fourth Tuesdays at 6 p.m. For details, call 910-237- 1240.

• Town Offices Closed for the Holidays Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 24-26, and Tuesday, Jan. 1.

Promote yourself 

Email hopemills@upandcomingweekly.com.

 LaTorria Lyons is taking the giving part of Christmas seriously — so seriously that she involves not only her family but anyone else who wants to get in on it.

This is the second year of a project she started last Christmas called Lyons Stockings of Love.

“I wanted my kids to realize how blessed they were and to get a look at life from a different perspective,’’ she said.

“I told them they had to be a blessing to somebody else. It’s unfortunate we as parents give our kids a whole lot and they really don’t have to work or do anything. We feel we owe our kids so much sometimes. I wanted my kids to get an experience and to see that we have a house to live in (whereas) somebody else may live in a tent.’’

So, she challenged her children to find a way to spread love to those who don’t experience love on a daily basis.

“That’s what Jesus would do,’’ Lyons said. “I don’t believe he would be sitting home opening gifts. I think he would be out spreading love. That’s how it started.’’

Lyons asked her children how they wanted to share love. They elected to identify things that the homeless need on a daily basis and deliver the items to them.

As a result of that conversation, a year ago, Lyons and her children bought stockings and filled them with a variety of items like soap, deodorant, washcloths, hats and gloves.

“We put in potato chips and water bottles, things they need that we take for granted,’’ she said. She and her children, along with some friends, stuffed the stockings and delivered them on Christmas Day last year, a total of 50.

Because of some problems they encountered doing the delivery on Christmas Day, Lyon has decided to make her rounds on Christmas Eve this year.

Anyone who would like to make a donation or who would like to help stuff the stockings and make deliveries on Christmas Eve can call Lyons at 910-884-8268. The deadline for donations is Friday, Dec. 21.

The list of items requested for donation this year appears in the photograph accompanying the article.

While Lyons lives in Hope Mills, she doesn’t limit the reach of her goodwill to the Hope Mills community.

One of the first places she visited last year was the Person Street Bridge in Fayetteville, a place where some homeless people seek shelter.

“That was humbling for my kids,’’ she said. “They had never experienced anything like that. We take for granted sleeping in a bed.

“Let’s just spread love. The whole project is giving love.’’

 It is that time of year to start getting your Christmas gifts together. If you need some good gift ideas for the rider in your life, let me help. Here are a few ideas.

A “Free Pass” to ride is cheap, easy and shows a lot of love. Yes, give your loved one a free pass to let them go riding any time they want. All they have to do is pull out your note, and all you have to do is kiss them goodbye and tell them to be safe. Price: Priceless!

It is incredible how many times I’ve had to use my multipurpose tool. I’ve used it for everything from removing a nail from my tire to cutting a cable. A good motorcycle multi-tool should have a file or hacksaw in the event to you have to cut something away (like a cable). You also need to be able to file a piece of metal down or pull a nail out of your tire while on the road.

Both Leatherman and Gerber make quality tools. Shown here is the Gerber Legend Multi-Plier 800 with Berry Compliant Sheath. You can get it for around $140 at most outdoor stores.

One thing to remember when choosing a tool is quality. There are a lot of cheaper brands out there, but there is nothing worse than breaking a tool when you need it the most.

The Go Cruise is one of the most innovated throttle locks on the market. It boasts a brilliant design and installation that usually takes less than one minute. It clips onto your throttle; you just rotate it up against the brake lever, and you are hands-free. You can get it on Amazon. com starting at $32.

One of my favorite biker-related accessories is the Bison Designs Paracord X-Stream Survival Pod keychain. This keychain is a useful, non-intrusive accessory; when you’re not using it, you will not even notice you have it. The bright orange paracord is easy to see and fits in your pocket without the bulge created by a keychain.

This keychain is great for bikers who are prone to dropping or misplacing their keys. It is easy to spot and does not beat up the paint on a bike.

The keychain also comes with a fishing-oriented survival stash of 16 useful outdoor items wrapped in a handy paracord pod with carabineer clip. Tools include carabineer, sharp eye knife, flint, fire starter, tinder, tape, needle, lure/bait hooks, split shot fishing line and a snare wire hacksaw. These critical items could help your loved one in survival situations where they may not have any help around.

Space is always a problem on a bike, and hygiene is of the utmost necessity on a long trip. For all cleaning and hygiene needs, look no further than Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Pure- Castile Soaps. This soap is suitable for just about any cleaning task. Face, body, hair, food, dishes, laundry, mopping, pets — clean your house and body with no synthetic preservatives, detergents or foaming agents — none.

I have used this this product for decades and still carry it in my overnight bag. Even a small bottle can last a week. Just remember to dilute! You can find Dr. Bronner’s at just about any store that has camping gear or at GNC.

One of my favorite publications is Road Runner magazine. This magazine is North Carolina based and is well-rounded with loads of information. It covers beautiful routes and equipment and clothing reviews and much more. It comes complete with online access to maps and GPS routes. You can pick up a subscription at www.roadrunner.travel for $29.95 a year.

If there is a topic that you would like to discuss, you can contact me at motorcycle4fun@aol.com. RIDE SAFE!

 “We got married on a Saturday, drove to Atlanta to spend the night and came to Fayetteville the next day.” Mississippi native Joy Cogswell’s wedding story is relatable for many military spouses living in Cumberland County. And, like many others who planned to only pass through, Joy and her husband, Bob, ended up putting down roots in Fayetteville and building a life here.

This month, Joy retired from 45 years of playing piano in multiple capacities for Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, including every Sunday morning’s traditional 11 a.m. service. She loved what she did; in those 45 years, she only took four Sundays off.

Joy and Bob arrived in Fayetteville Sept. 20, 1970, with plans to stay here for Bob’s four years of Air Force service. But then, they found Snyder Memorial — a place to worship that felt like home. “It’s hard to find (the spirit they carry) in a lot of other places,” she said. “That is what drew us to stay here, was Snyder.”

Joy, who studied music education and piano at Florida State University, was recruited for her musical talents soon after joining Snyder. In December of 1970, now-retired Minister of Education Wayne Ham asked Joy to teach first-grade choir.

“It’s kind of neat because children who were in that choir are now grown, one of them being Wayne’s son, Bruce,” Joy said. “He was 6 years old at the time, and now he’s in his early 50s.”

Teaching first-grade choir was the start of a career in which Joy touched many more lives and saw many more young musicians grow up.

When then-Snyder Music Director Bob Haynes formed a youth choir in 1971, Joy served as its accompanist — and later its director for 12 years. She took her position as official church pianist when the church purchased its first grand piano in January of 1974.

In 1984, she began leading a young-musicians’ preparatory program at Methodist University, which was at that time Methodist College. Under her leadership, the program grew to 400 students strong.

Joy also pioneered the offering of Kindermusik, an internationally respected children’s music education program, in Fayetteville. In 1990, when Kindermusik introduced new curriculum for toddlers, Joy trained and got certified to teach it. Soon, at the Arts Council and at Methodist University, she was offering the first-ever Kindermusik classes in town. She still teaches Kindermusik classes — free of charge — to residents of the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority. FMHA is a nonprofit that helps low-income community members secure safe, affordable housing.

One of Joy’s most significant positions, which she will continue to hold after stepping down as pianist, is as director of The Snyder Music Academy. Larry Dickens succeeded Haynes as Snyder’s music director in 1999 with dreams of starting a music academy. Of course, he looked to Joy for help, and of course, she said yes. She came on as director of The Snyder Music Academy in 2002, leaving her job at Methodist in 2003 to focus fully on the new program — a program that grew from zero to 400 students in its first year.

Today, The Snyder Music Academy offers lessons in most instruments, singing and music therapy to children and adults throughout the region.

Joy also added Kindermusik to the mix at Snyder. Her program there has been designated a Maestro Top Program for the past 20 years — which means she is recognized as being in the top 5 percent of Kindermusik educators internationally.

Over the years, Joy also helped create and run the Dogwood Festival sanctioned event Festival of Keyboards; accompanied Snyder’s Adult Choir and Men’s Ensemble; and served as Snyder’s Children’s Choir coordinator and Young Musicians Choir director.

Shortly before playing her last Sunday morning service, Joy reflected on what playing piano means to her. “I believe God gave me a gift to be able to share his love through my hands,” she said. “That’s always been my goal: to have people not look at me, but to … hear what God is trying to say to them through the music.

“I can’t say enough about the three ministers of music I served under at Snyder.” Richard Suggs, who arrived five years ago, was the third minister of music Joy served under. “Each was different, but they were all wonderful,” she said.

She called her church family of nearly 50 years one of the most loving congregations she has ever known.

She also said her career would not have been possible without her husband. “He has been so supportive; he even joined the choir and the orchestra so he could see me. He has been my biggest supporter our whole marriage,” she said. "I love him dearly.”

Of settling down in Fayetteville, Joy said, “Of course, that was God’s plan for us. That was not what we had planned to do at all. And we’ve been very happy that we did.”

And it seems big plans for Joy’s life are not finished. Pepper Choplin, a well-known composer of choral and sacred music, recently asked Joy to play piano for a one-day concert he’ll be conducting at Carnegie Hall this May. The concert is called “Immortal Invisible: The Music of Pepper Choplin And Mary McDonald.”

“I am honored; I think it’s God’s way of showing me that he’s got opportunities out there for me still,” Joy said.

Photo: Joy Cogswell

 Every reader of history knows of rosy, illusory claims made by boastful leaders as soldiers gathered to march off to one of the many wars that have occurred in the last 2,000 years. “Our side will win quickly, and the boys will be home by Christmas.”

During the Revolutionary War, Christmas at Valley Forge was a glaring exception to the rule. George Washington lead his army of 11,000 men — a third of which was not fit for duty — into Valley Forge just before Christmas 1777. The temperatures that winter were hovering near 6 degrees. The troops were ill-clothed and ill-housed. But the Continental Army found a way to reverse the course of the war. That Christmas was the beginning of an incredible tale of survival.

During the American Civil War, politicians from both the North and South were confident as armies mobilized that the disagreement would be settled in a few months. But the War between the States turned into a bitter conflict lasting four years and causing hundreds of thousands of casualties.

The U.S. Army is the only branch of the military that honors the Christmas exodus for all recruits who are in basic training and advanced infantry training. The Army shuts down all of its training schools during exodus to allow the drill sergeants and instructors to have a break at Christmas. The exodus break generally starts a week before Christmas and lasts until a week after Christmas. The dates vary every year depending on where in the week Dec. 25 falls that year.

Even if a soldier doesn’t have enough leave time saved up to take the break, and most won’t, the Army will allow him or her to go in the hole to take advantage of this time. In many cases, this means the soldiers will not have leave time available for quite some time after graduation.

The challenge of feeding military forces has always been a difficult one. But it’s a very special time during the holidays. Few commanding officers forget Napoleon Bonaparte’s mythical remark, “An army marches on its stomach.” The United States, and militaries throughout the world, have devoted great effort and huge sums of money to feed the troops at Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Every year, thousands of U.S. military personnel deploy to foreign countries, remote sites and aboard ships/submarines all over the world. An anonymous Army spouse wrote on Military.com that when her soldier deployed over the holiday, the command went all-out to provide a nice meal and holiday cheer.

“Still, it was just another day,” she said.

“It meant they could sometimes be short on the phone or a little irritable or hungry for every single detail of home,” she added. “Be open to whatever spirit your service member brings to the phone or Skype or email that day. You are home to them and this is a great day to celebrate that.”

 Two Navy SEALs and two Marine Raiders face murder charges in the death of Fort Bragg Green Beret Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar last year in West Africa. Another Navy SEAL is under investigation for murdering an Iraqi detainee.

Preliminary hearings for the Virginia Beach-based Navy SEAL Team 6 sailors and the Marines have been pushed to 2019. The Marines are. assigned to Marine Corps Special Operations Command based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Article 32 hearings, the military’s equivalent to a civilian preliminary hearing, were initially scheduled for Dec. 10 at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. The Navy did not say why the hearings were pushed back but indicated it expects to hear the case in March.

The U.S. Special Operations Command has been embedded in global conflict for nearly two decades. Congress is calling for a Defense Department review of the entire organization, to include the state of its professionalism and ethics programs. The most recent National Defense Authorization Act points to “growing congressional concern with misconduct, ethics and professionalism.”

“That review is ongoing right now,” a defense official told Army Times.

Senior leaders in the Army have also taken notice. “Recent incidents in our formation have called our ethics and professionalism into question and threaten to undermine the trust bestowed on us by the American people and our senior leadership,” said the commander of Fort Bragg’s Army Special Operations Command, Lt. Gen. Francis Beaudette, in a memo to the force.

“If we fail to meet the high standards expected of us, we fail in our duty to the nation,” he wrote. Blockbuster stories like murder and corruption abroad have gotten significant press attention, but there are= also stories of individual misconduct in operators’ personal lives.

Just this year, Army Special Forces soldiers have been charged with an attempt to smuggle cocaine back from Colombia, the murder of an estranged wife, the sexual assault of a family friend and the rape of two young girls.

None of those cases came out of Fort Bragg. The National Defense Authorization Act directs the Secretary of Defense to study ethical standards for SOCOM and its component commands.

There is also a positive side of special ops. Two Army Special Operations soldiers claimed the titles of Army Soldier of the Year and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Twenty-two of the Army’s top soldiers gathered at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, to participate in the 2018 Best Warrior Competition. The competitors for the premier event represented 11 commands competing for top honors.

Earning the title of U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Sgt. 1st Class Sean Acosta, 34, is a Civil Affairs specialist assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg. A native of Florida, Acosta is an instructor in the Civil Affairs Qualification Course. He has been in the Army for 12 years.

Sgt. Matthew Hagensick, the Army’s Soldier of the Year, is a Ranger Team Leader, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia.

 The oldest public housing complex operated by the Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority is about to become the newest. The project, which used to be known as Cross Creek Court and is off Grove Street, has been demolished. The housing authority is bringing back the original name. The apartments that will replace what most recently was called Grove View Terrace will be named Cross Creek Pointe.

It will feature modern apartments like those off Old Wilmington Road that were built eight years ago in what was known as the HOPE VI project. The estimated 30 acres of property between Grove and Lamon Streets will not only improve living conditions of tenants, the complex will enhance the appearance of the neighborhood.

“One reason city government supported the federal project was because it’s considered a gateway to the city,” said Dawn Weeks, executive director of the housing authority, in an interview with The Fayetteville Observer.

Cross Creek Court was renamed Grove View Terrace 30 years ago in a public relations effort to dissociate the area from rampant crime that was occurring there. “The project originally had 212 dwelling units. Fifty-six were constructed in 1941, and the remaining 156 were built in 1950,” Weeks told Up & Coming Weekly.

Cross Creek Pointe will have two-and three-story buildings with 272 units ranging in size from twobedroom apartments of 1,015 square feet to three-bedroom apartments of 1,239 square feet. There will be a community building, playground and laundry facility. Weeks said that during the land preparation and construction process, some families chose to move to other FMHA-owned housing units. Others moved into HOPE VI units while others accepted Section 8 vouchers. The relocation culminated in 2017. Families that relocated from Grove View Terrace who desire to move back to the new Cross Creek Pointe community will have the option to do so, if they remain in good standing.

Cross Creek Pointe apartments will have air conditioning and other modern amenities that the original apartments did not. The $40 million project will help reduce the city’s shortage of safe, affordable housing, Weeks noted. The FMHA is the co-developer, along with United Developers.

The FMHA is a federal agency funded primarily by the U.S. government. Local, state and private funds combined with federal grants will pay for the new project. “The new construction is expected to begin in February or March 2019 and is expected to take up to 18 months,” Weeks said. “The units will be similar in appearance to HOPE VI units.”

The FMHA is one of the first in the state to use thenew Rental Assistance Demonstration program for Cross Creek Pointe. It will resemble a modern apartment development with streets, sidewalks and no hint of the days 70 years ago when public housing had an unfortunate racial segregation stigma.

Cross Creek Court was built for white military families. The then-Cape Fear Court, later redesignated Delona Gardens and Campbell Terrace off Old Wilmington Road, were for black families. Over time, both of Fayetteville’s original public housing projects became occupied mostly by African-American individuals and families.

After World War II, racial segregation and inequality within the U.S. came into sharp focus on the world stage. President Harry Truman appointed a special committee to investigate racial conditions that defined a civil rights agenda. Truman issued aexecutive order that abolished racial discrimination in the military.

 Before the death of a North Carolina Army National Guard Explosive Ordnance Detachment technician, his unit had repeatedly requested better equipment and training but were denied because of a lack of funds, according to documents obtained by The New York Times. Sgt. James Slape, 24, a soldier with the North Carolina Guard’s 430th Ordnance Company, died Oct. 4 in Helmand province, Afghanistan, from an improvised explosive device.

In a statement to the media, the Guard said the unit was “trained and ready” for its deployment when the unit mobilized in April. The 430th also “received all required pre-mobilization training in addition to specialized training the unit requested before going on Title 10 Active Duty,” the Guard statement said.

The National Guard has since initiated an investigation “into the training and equipping of the 430th EOD Company for their … deployment,” said Lt. Col. Wes Parmer, a Guard spokesman. “As the investigation is ongoing, no additional details can be provided at this time,” he added.

Fugitive apprehended during cooperative arrest

Fayetteville Police Officer Ariel Aponte captured a wanted accused murderer last week when the man was observed speeding on Ramsey Street.

Aponte approached a white Ford pickup truck with an extended cab and noticed the truck was missing its tailgate. The vehicle matched the description of a pickup detailed in an all-points bulletin issued by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s office following a homicide that had occurred a few days earlier.

Aponte called for backup and pulled the pickup over. Officers “detained the driver and the passenger of the vehicle,” said Police Lt. Gary Womble. They notified the sheriff’s office, and, according to Sheriffs’ Lt. Sean Swain, homicide detectives responded to the scene and took possession of the truck and the driver, Markez Jaquan Mcgriff, 21.

“A handgun was found in the vehicle … the same type of weapon used in the homicide,” Womble said.

Mcgriff, who lives on McArther Landing Circle, was arrested for the murder of Thailia Christina Thomas and the wounding of a second woman Dec. 5. He is being held without bond in the Cumberland County Detention Center.

Airline service reduction at Fayetteville’s airport

Fayetteville Regional Airport has been dealt a setback with an announcement from United Airlines that it is ending service to Washington Dulles International Airport, effective March 7. “As we continuously monitor the demand for travel in every market we serve, we have determined that our current service to Fayetteville, North Carolina, didn’t meet our expectations and is no longer sustainable,” United said in its notification to the Airport Manager.

The carrier has provided flight services at Fayetteville Regional Airport for the past five years, joining American Airlines and Delta Airlines in February 2013.

“We are disappointed with United’s decision,” said Airport Director Bradley Whited. “We thank all our customers who used United Airlines … and we will use this time to look for new opportunities in the market.”

Whited has engaged a consultant to investigate the feasibility of increased airline service to current and new destinations. He and Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin agree the airport’s future is up for discussion at next month’s city council work session.

An amazing act of character

At the Dec. 11 Cumberland County Board of Education meeting, Grays Creek Middle School sixth-grade counselor Lori Leigh told the story of a remarkable young girl who won a special award from the board. The youngster’s name is Delphane Lewis. She recently stepped up in an emergency to provide much-needed comfort to a student at her school with a special skill she possessed.

Leigh said another student was having “some sort of seizure and could not talk.” The student was moving her hands in a way that suggested she was using sign language.

An adult in the area brought Lewis to the student so she could interpret what the girl was saying. Lewis was able to understand the student and respond with sign language.

“This situation called for a skill that no other person in the building besides Delphane had,” said Leigh. “She replied in an unflustered manner and helped the other student remain calm until … medical help was available.”

The Amazing Acts of Character Committee selects winners monthly based on school nominations. This month, Lewis received a trophy and certificate of special recognition.

Fayetteville PWC winter weather advice

Having your heat pump ready for the cold weather is critical. Without proper maintenance, a heat pump will use much more energy than a well-maintained one, resulting in higher energy bills. And a poorly maintained heat pump is also more likely to experience problems when you need it most.

This season, consider swapping out old incandescent string Christmas lights for bright, energy efficient LED lights. LED lights use 96 percent less energy than conventional incandescent strands and can last up to 10 times longer. Check out PWC’s seasonal light program to find out how to earn a bill credit by using LED decorative lights this holiday season.

Photo: Sgt. James Slape

 Who was Fayetteville native Edgar Allan Poe? Was he a poet? A brickmaker? A potter?

The Edgar Allen Poe in question was not a poet, although he shares his name with one. He did, however, own a local brickmaking facility. In fact, his bricks were used in buildings and roads not just in Fayetteville proper, but in Hope Mills, Wilmington, Mount Airy and Wilson, North Carolina, and as far south as Bennettsville, South Carolina. Poe’s foundries and manufacturing facilities also produced clay pipes, drains, tiles and many other products. But was E. A. Poe a potter?

Though many North Carolinians proudly own pottery with the maker’s mark “E.A. Poe” or “POE & CO,” they might be surprised to learn that Poe never actually made a single piece of pottery. Instead, he hired potters to work under his label and sold their jars, jugs, butter churns, pitchers and vases wholesale to merchants who in turn sold them in retail shops. Many of the jugs and jars we now hold near and dear as valuable collectables originally sold for 10 cents apiece.

Local author Quincy Scarborough delves into the particulars of Poe’s brickmaking and so much more in his latest book, “E.A. Poe: Merchant of Clay.” The book follows the life and career of Edgar Allan Poe, one of Fayetteville’s most significant producers and businessmen in the late 1800s and early 1900s; details the history of brickmaking in the Sandhills; and gives insight into what life was like here during that time.

Scarborough was born and raised in Fayetteville. His wife, Betty, hailing from Cumberland County, considers herself more of a country girl. The pair share a passion for local history and the craftsmen and their work that helped shape life in the Sandhills.

For years, Quincy and Betty hosted one of the state’s most well-attended Christmas craft fairs. They continue to promote and celebrate both makers and history, and even history-makers, but now it’s through books.

In addition to “Merchant of Clay,” Quincy has written and self-published books about Carolina metalworkers, North Carolina stoneware, The Webster School of Folk Potters and the Craven Family of Southern folk pottery to name a few.

“We just love things that are handmade,” Quincy said about his passion for fine craftsmanship.

“And we love sharing that with people and putting it into context,” Betty added. “E.A. Poe: Merchant of Clay” does just that.

Edgar Allan Poe was born in Fayetteville. His father, John Cooper Poe, owned a dry goods store on Hay Street and later a tobacco and grocery store. He was also town commissioner in March of 1865 when Gen. Sherman and his troops left town.

Edgar was one of 16 children and was born in 1858 at his family’s home on Ramsey Street.

At just 22 years old, and newly married, Edgar went into the brickmaking business. An astute marketer and self-promoter, Poe’s name became synonymous with well-made, high-quality brick as well as other useful items, including spittoons, flower pots, floor drains, butter keepers and other everyday items.

Articles and ads about Edgar Allan are a common sight in the pages of The Fayetteville Observer from that era. He took his image so seriously that, around 1855, Edgar had an engraving of himself made. It was used frequently to make his image in newspaper articles and promotional materials.

In 1897, local builder Ruffin Vaughn built the Poe House on a lot that was originally part of the U.S. Arsenal. Edgar and his wife, Josephine, had seven children when they moved into the house. They had another child later.

The Poe House is yet another contribution Edgar made to Fayetteville. The Poe House is currently owned by the North Carolina Department of Cultural and Natural Resources and is part of the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. It is also listed in the National Registry of Historic Places.

The Poe House is open for tours Tuesday through Sundays. It showcases what life what like in the first decades of the 20th century. Tours cover women’s roles, African-American history, children’s roles, and technological, economic and social changes in southern North Carolina and the country.

There are also seasonal events and celebrations at the Poe House. Currently, the Poe House is decorated for Christmas in period splendor. It will remain decorated until Jan. 6. Admission is free. It is open for tours Tuesdays through Fridays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. It is open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Find out more about the 1897 Poe House and the Museum of the Cape Fear online at https://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov.

Copies of “E.A. Poe: Merchant of Clay” are available at The Museum of the Cape Fear, C Pottery in Seagrove, Jugtown in Seagrove, leading museums and on eBay. Or, email Quincy at qscarborough@aol.com or call him at 910-483-2040.

Quincy will also be at the next Gallery 208 opening reception at 208 Rowan St. from 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 15, 2019. Call 910-484-6200 to find out more about the gallery opening.