Entertainment

Unleash your inner geek at Fayetteville's Nerd Market

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Tuesday, 07 May 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

From March till October, every fourth Friday is nothing less than a celebration in the Cool Spring Downtown District. They organize a monthly gathering known as '4th Friday'.
This event is a grand display of Fayetteville's best visual and performing arts, accompanied by live music and street performances. However, the 4th Friday of May is expected to be even more special as it also includes their unique Nerd Market.
The Nerd Market will set up on Anderson Street in Downtown Fayetteville on May 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Nerd Market boasts an impressive lineup of over 30 vendors, offering a wide range of merchandise that caters to enthusiasts of comic books, anime, collectibles, and fantasy artwork. It's your ultimate destination for all things nerdy and beyond!
Come for the vendors and stay for the entertainment, a DJ and food truck rodeo on Green Street and Gillespie Street.
There will also be a costume contest. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite comic book, anime or fantasy character.

(Photo: Cosplayers attend the Nerd Market and compete in the 2023's Nerd Market costume contest.  Photo courtesy of Cool Springs Downtown District)

Karen Chandler Trust Beach Music Festival raises money for those fighting cancer

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Tuesday, 07 May 2024

Written by Kathleen Ramsey

The thing about the Karen Chandler Trust — that thing that most people, like the members of Cape Beard or musician Greg Adair, mention when the organization comes up — is that it operates with zero overhead. Everyone who works in the organization volunteers.
All of the money raised by the members of the trust is given to families fighting cancer within Cumberland County. Each year the trust can help cancer patients within Cumberland County with $120,000 to $130,000.
“Every dime we raise goes to patients. We cover rent, mortgages, utilities and transportation,” said Mike Chandler, founder of the Karen Chandler Trust or KCT. “When we run out of funds, we stop.”
The only requirements are they live in Cumberland County and have a letter from the treating physician stating they are in active treatment. The trust began in 1999 and was named for local musician Karen Chandler who developed breast cancer and saw overwhelming support from the community when her disease took her ability to work away.
The local musicians got together and did a number of shows to help Karen with her financial needs. Eventually, Karen succumbed to her disease but her brother and dad couldn’t forget the help she received when she was alive.
“We were so moved by what the local community did for my sister. We asked what we could do to give back,” said Chandler.
“ … Here we are 25 years later, still doing the same thing — trying to give back to the community.”
The trust began with $1,300. Initially, Chandler said, they were only trying to do a “little bit.”
“Lord knows it kind of snowballed,” he said.
Chandler said they often get calls in the middle of the night. Once a cancer patient had to call them at night in the middle of winter because gas had been turned off at that patient’s home. Over the years, Chandler says the organization has given about two million dollars back to the community.
“We have no paid staff,” he said. “But we have a wonderful board.”
One of the annual events the trust does is a music benefit down by the Cape Fear River. This year the event will be hosted at Campbelton Landing on May 19 starting at 10 a.m. and ending around 7:30 p.m.
“Music has the ability to bring us together and create a sense of belonging,” said Cindy Mangiboyat, Chairman of the Board for KCT. “It is my goal to harness that energy and unite our community and empower them to give back.”
Mangiboyat said she hopes that by organizing this event each year, the organization will create a platform for people to connect, share their passion for music and experience “the joy of togetherness.” This year there might even be a guest appearance for the event.
“Rumor has it the original Carolina Girl, Terri Gore, will be making an appearance,” said Mangiboyat.
The event will feature five bands in total including Rivermist, Reflections II, Classic Soul, The Holiday Band and Band of Oz as the headliner. Greg Adair, musician and member of Rivermist, said he is excited for another year at the event.
Adair does a lot of work for the trust and is part of the board. He does most of the approaching bands for this event. This year Adair is even donating his time for the concert.
“ … But I’m making sure my guys get paid,” he said.
Adair said the event is always looking for more volunteers to help. The price of admission is a $20 donation but groups can purchase a VIP table at the event for $500. Tables will seat eight and will include a meal and their name on the banner.
Adair said they encourage event goers to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance through Eventbrite at https://bit.ly/44r7nGu
Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
This year, the members of the trust are hoping to raise about $8,000 to $9,000 at the event. Most of the bands will be playing beach music but there will be a variety band bringing an array of music from the Temptations to Bruno Mars.
Mangiboyat, Chandler and all the musical talent invite anyone within the community to come out, support the organization and in doing so, support the cancer patients within Cumberland County.
“We need the community's help to sustain these needs,” said Mangiboyat. “My motto is, ‘No one fights alone.’”

(Photo: Karen Chandler was a local musician who found help in the community when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Her brother, Mike Chandler, has since been donating money to cancer patients throughout Cumberland County in her honor.  The Karen Chandler Trust Beach Music Festival is an annual event to raise money.  File Photo)

Lori's Ace Hardware BBQ Battle: Shared commitments, family, business, community

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Tuesday, 07 May 2024

Written by Lena Simmons

“Strong commitments to one another and shared commitments to our business helps keep us forward on the long-term outcome of our family. Entrepreneurship is absolutely a team sport. It is the overlap between time we spend with family and time we spend working.”
— Daniel Wesley
Lori Tracy Stobbe, spouse, parent of a child experiencing Autism, president and co-owner of Lori’s Ace Home and Hardware, embodies the principles of empowerment, family, and entrepreneurship teamwork.
All of these will be on display at the Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware BBQ Battle, which will take place on May 17 to 18.
“We are ‘all in’ on grilling at Lori’s Ace. We have a wide selection of high-quality grills with trained associates to find the right grill for them,” said Stobbe.
The BBQ Battle will be located at Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware, 2800 Raeford Road, Suite 24A. The BBQ Battle is sanctioned by the Southern BBQ Network. Teams are competing in the specialty areas of pork butts and ribs. A tasting event for the public will be held 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tickets are ten dollars for the sampling event and can be purchased at the event. The proceeds of the sampling event will be donated to the Cumberland County Autism Society.
Lori Tracy Stobbe and her husband Nate Stobbe are a COVID love story.
“We met each other in 2020, as COVID was just beginning, yet thought it would be over in a few months. We lived in the Twin Cities, (St Paul and Minneapolis), Minnesota. So, while everything was closed, we chose to take long walks each day and talk about the future,” said Lori.
Lori Stobbe has a degree in Marketing and Public Relations. She was formerly Vice President of Creative Services at a large financial institution. She has a twenty-five year career span in Marketing. Nate Stobbe is an original resident of Saskatchewan, Canada. His career track is inclusive of being a Journeyman, CEO of a commercial fabric building and former owner of a custom home building company.
“In 2022, we married in St. Paul, Minnesota. We wanted to work together, and we wanted a warmer climate. After a few months, we chose Ace Hardware and North Carolina. We chose to open an Ace store because we knew it would be a good fit for our backgrounds, and we could help people,” Lori said. “Ace Hardware is a time-tested brand. Ace stores are in the Midwest. I would visit Ace in Marshall, Wisconsin with my father, a retired electrician. It was named ‘Ace’ after WW1 Fighter pilots. Fayetteville is a good fit. The specific site at 2800 Raeford Road proves to have the perfect size and location. There are no other Ace Stores in Fayetteville.”
“We named our store 'Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware' because of the robust home décor, gift section, garden center, toys and games. We designed the store to appeal to both men and women of all ages, a place that feels welcoming, a place that provides personal service, and a place where everyone can feel a sense of belonging to the community,” states Lori Stobbe
Autism Awareness is a family passion. Lori and Nate Stobbe are parents to a son experiencing Autism.
“I was fortunate to have a school system with Autism specialists and therapy resources that helped him navigate his sensory issues, and improve his speech, and motor skills. There was a network of parents to share ideas, successes, challenges and dietary recommendations. As with many Autistic children, he had strong interests. His interests were weather maps and cars. When bad weather approached, he would go outside, not inside. He would study the Rand McNally Road atlas for hours. He would collect Hot Wheels cars, read Car & Driver and watch NASCAR,” said Lori Stobbe
“Today, my son is twenty-seven and has a master’s degree in meteorology, lives independently, and is working for NASA on the Artemis project. The Artemis project explores technology development and preparation for human missions to Mars. He has just purchased a blue Ford Mustang. Without access as a child to therapy and trained school personnel, my son’s story would look different. It is saddening when I think about the children in years past who had no diagnosis and were placed in general special education rooms and labeled as ‘different.’ I am thankful for research and resources so that children in the autism spectrum today have a chance to reach the heights they never could reach before,” said Lori Stobbe.
The Autism Society of Cumberland County is a community resource for families dealing with autism spectrum disorder. The organization “strives to create a community where people with the autism spectrum and their families receive respect, services, and support based on individual differences, needs and preferences,” according to the website. This organization will receive the proceeds from the Lori Ace Home & Hardware BBQ Battle.
Lori Tracy Stobbe also has a zeal for women's entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.
“Women have to fight and work hard to achieve their goals. Depending on your industry, you may have to fight harder and work harder than others. Do not assume you can not do something, Ditch the stereotypes in your childhood or past workplaces that may have prevented you from achieving your goals. If you are a leader, help your employees bury their stereotypes too. Start with one person—yourself—and go from there,” said Lori Stobbe.
“We provide Women in Power workshops at Lori’s Ace. These free workshops help women learn what equipment is best for them. Women can get their questions answered and learn how to operate power equipment safely and confidently. Women may not know the difference between gas and battery equipment. Women may not have grown up learning how to use power equipment,” shares Lori Stobbe. The next Women in Power workshop is May 21 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The Lori’s Ace BBQ Battle will be held May 17 to 18. The sampling event for the public is 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tickets for the sampling event are $10, and tickets can be purchased the day of. The proceeds are a fundraiser for the Cumberland County Autism Society. For more info about the BBQ Battle, contact office@loris.ace.com

(Photo: Nate Strobbe and Lori Tracy Stobbe stand next to a barbecue at Lori's Ace Home & Hardware.)

Local businesses celebrate Mother's Day

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Tuesday, 30 April 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Mother's Day, May 12, is a special occasion to celebrate and honor the incredible women in our lives who have raised us, guided us, and loved us unconditionally. It's a day to show our appreciation for all the sacrifices, love, and support that our mothers have given us. And what better way to celebrate than by attending local events dedicated to mothers? These events are not only a great way to spend quality time with your mom but also an opportunity to create lasting memories together.
Friday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m.: Mother's Day Celebration: Marvin Sapp at the Crown Theater
Don’t miss Marvin Sapp, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, The Clark Sisters & Jekalyn Carr in concert at the Crown Theatre. Tickets are $100-$568 and can be purchased at https://tinyurl.com/4x5vsx5v
Friday, May 10 at 4 p.m.: Mommy & Me Night at Blissful Alchemists
Come out for the launch of Mini Babes & Dudes Line. Free Salt Cave, light refreshments and live music from a talented musician. This event is free. Learn more information here: https://tinyurl.com/t4kwtsrk
Saturday, May 11 at 1 p.m.: Mother's Day Bowling at Dragon Lanes
This is an event the whole family can enjoy. Mothers bowl for FREE with a paying child ages 16 years or younger. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/4nwkhj6s
Saturday, May 11 at 1 p.m.: Mommy & Me Candle Making Tea Party at Scented Wicks Candle Bar
Savor precious moments with your child as you engage in the delightful activity of candle-making using a teacup. Step-by-step instructions will be provided along with premium soy wax and luxurious fragrance oils. Light snacks are also included. Tickets are $50. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/5n7cbvsd
Saturday, May 11 at Noon: Custom Resin Pour Family Portrait at Wine & Design
Create a portrait of your family in resin! A great present for Mom or class to take together! Tickets are $65 and can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/5n6n28p7
Saturday, May 11 at 1 p.m.: Mother's Day Carriage Rides at 222 Hay Street
Take Mom on a special private carriage ride through historic downtown Fayetteville. Tickets are $75. For more information call Cool Springs Downtown District at (910) 223-1089.
Saturday, May 11 at 11 a.m.: Ladies & Girls Tea Party at 498 E. McDuffie Crossing Road, St. Pauls
Get out your prettiest dress and pearls for this special tea party. Bring finger food or a delightful dessert to share. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/yk3ud4zd
Saturday, May 11 at 4 p.m.: Mother's Day Tea Party at The Creative Studio by Jae Renee
Celebrate the special women in your life with an enchanting tea party. Enjoy an afternoon of tea and delectable treats. Tickets range from $25-$75 and can be purchased here: https://tinyurl.com/ycnmp92c
Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m.: Mothers Day Ink Fest at Art-Works & Ink
Mom gets 25% off tattoos all weekend. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc389m4e
Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m.: Mother's Day Fair at 4181 Barefoot Rd
Country Cottage Treats and Click's Nursery are excited to announce their first vendor fair. The greenhouse will be open regular hours as you enjoy food trucks and a variety of vendors at the event. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/dwpa8hue
Saturday, May 11 at 11 a.m.: Mother's Day Festival at Lavish Rose Boutique, St. Pauls
Join in the fun at this festival featuring clothing, jewelry and a build your own bouquet spot. Check in with Crystal Clear Aesthetics who will be there to help you with all your cosmetic needs. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/m67wt44j
Sunday, May 12 at Noon: Mother's Day Brunch at Iron Mike Conference Center, Fort Liberty
Take Mom out for brunch! Tickets are $29.95 for adults, $15 for children 5-11 and children under 4 are free. Reservations are required and need to be made by May 8 by calling (910) 907-2582.
Sunday, May 12 at 10 a.m: Mother's Day Farmers Market at Dirtbag Ales
Treat Mom to a day out at the farmers market where you can browse through 55+ vendors, indulge in a delicious lunch from an array of food trucks, and enjoy a cold beer and live music from Ethan Hanson. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/mr2b2mpj