Gospel music lovers in the area likely know Larry Chason. He’s been singing old Southern gospel in the Carolinas since 1996. On Dec. 3 Chason is set to host a Southern Gospel Christmas Sing at Eureka Baptist Church. Chason will perform, as will Triumphant Quartet. Come ready to embrace the true meaning of Christmas and leave blessed.

“It will be all Christmas music,” said Chason. “We want to get people in the Christmas spirit. We really need to know real meaning of Christmas and that is just what this music does — it shares the meaning of Christmas.”

Chason started singing in church when he was just five years old. He’s been singing quartet music since he was 16. He performed with the Lighthouse Boys for several years and has recorded five projects with Milton Smith and Wesley Pritchard of Millwest Studios in Fayetteville. Chason has sung and promoted with many well-known Southern gospel performers including Anchormen, Dove Brothers, Dixie Melody Boys, Steele Family, Quinton Mills, and local groups Jay Stone Singers, the Tylers, Pierce Family, Rapture-Road Quartet and Lucy Hemingway. 

Chason’s website, lighthousemusicministry.com, explains his love of music and his “passion for lost souls and desire to minister through song and testimony.”

Triumphant Quartet has 19 albums, including a 2009 Grammy Award nominee — Everyday. Their first album was released in 2003. The group started in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., where the four friends performed at the Louise Mandrell Theater daily from 2003 to 2008. That’s when they started touring. 

A consistent fan favorite in the gospel music industry, Triumphant not only delivers great music, the group is lively and engaging on stage.

“This is a national quartet that travels cross the U.S.” said Chason. “A couple of the members have been involved with singing groups in Dollywood and other well-known groups. Something people may not know is that one of the members is from North Carolina. David Sutton — he is from Raleigh.”

Admission to the Southern Gospel Christmas Sing is free, although there will be a love offering to assist the singers with their ministries. “These guys are professionals,” said Chason. “This is how they make their living.”

The event starts at 6 p.m. and is at Eureka Baptist Church, which is located at 1591 Eureka Drive. For more information, call 818-9769. Find out more at about Chason at lighthousemusicministry.com. Find out more about Triumphant Quartet at http://www.triumphantquartet.com.

Tim Altman is the Chair of the music department at UNC Pembroke. He not only teaches classes and participates in community events, he also oversees the production and planning of the Givens Performing Arts Center Holiday Extravaganza. On Dec. 2, the concert combines the talents of the university’s faculty, staff and students to bring a lively combination of well-loved holiday songs to the audience.

“The audience will hear their favorite holiday tunes from numerous large and small ensembles: the saxophone ensemble, the university chorale, the jazz combo, a vocal jazz ensemble, a percussion ensemble, a trumpet ensemble, a flute Ensemble, a clarinet ensemble, steel drums and more,” said Altman. “The faculty in the UNC Pembroke Music Department are seasoned professionals.  Many have performed all over the world. The students in the UNCP music department are constantly improving.  Our students compete in state, regional and national competitions.  So, the quality of performances usually exceeds expectations.”

From start to finish, the Holiday Extravaganza features more than 200 performers. From small groups to large ensembles that include the Concert Band and University Chorale, there is no shortage of variety in the performance. “I like showing so many different facets of our department in one production.  This is one of our only opportunities to show off such a variety of ensembles in one performance,” said Altman. “The UNCP Music Department gave more than 150 performances last year.”

For Altman, while every part of the show is a lot of fun, it is the end of the show that he really enjoys. “My favorite part of the show is the sing-along at the end. Everyone in the audience joins in to sing holiday favorites (with the 65 people in the concert band accompanying). So, we have a choir of around 1,000 with the audience.”  

The performance starts at 8 p.m. However, there is a TubaChristmas performance in front of GPAC at 7:30 p.m. 

TubaChristmas is a concert held in various cities around the world. It celebrates those who play, teach and compose music for instruments in the tuba family. This includes the tuba, sousaphone, baritone and euphonium. There are also rarer instruments of the tube family such as the helicon, ophicleide, serpent and double bell euphonium.

Harvey G. Phillips had the first TubaChristmas in 1974 to honor his tuba teacher William Bell, who was born on Christmas Day 1902. The first TubaChristmas was held Dec. 22, 1974, in the ice skating rink at New York City’s Rockefeller Center;  More than 300 musicians participated that day. Little did they know it was the beginning a holiday tradition. 

Proceeds from the Holiday Extravaganza concert will go to support music scholarships.  General Admission costs $12. It costs $2 per child or Non-UNCP Student and $2 for UNCP Students. For tickets and information, visit  http://www.uncp.edu/giving/advancement/givens-performing-arts-center/broadway-and-more-series.

Celebrating the holiday season with friends and family is one of the best things about this time of the year. The days are full of friendship, beautiful decorations and happiness. There are opportunities all over Fayetteville and the surrounding area to share this joy and excitement with the community and loved ones.

On Dec. 10, the Rotary club hosts its annual Christmas parade. From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., floats of all kinds will drive through downtown Fayetteville. The route goes from Person Street to the Market House to Hay Street to the train station. The Rotary Club began hosting these Christmas Parades in 1999. It stepped things up when it looked like the tradition was going to end. The very first parade had 50 entries, but with the support of community members and local businesses it has grown to more than 100 floats. This parade is not a fundraiser; instead, it is a community service project with the goal of spreading joy for the holiday season. For more information, visit http://www.rotarychristmasparade.com/history.php. 

Another fun Christmas event is the Fort Bragg Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. On Dec. 1, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m., the Main Post Parade field will be full of holiday spirit. The giant Christmas tree is lit and the parade field filled with fun Christmas activities. This is a family-friendly event that includes a Kidz Corner and the opportunity to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Light refreshments will be available as well as holiday entertainment. For more information, visit www.bragg.armymwr.com.

On Dec. 2, Santa Claus will make an appearance at the family-friendly Christmas in the Mill Village event. From 6:30 until 9 p.m. on Trade Street in Hope Mills the shops will be open late and full of Christmas spirit. This is a perfect time to get some holiday shopping done or to enjoy some free entertainment with friends and family. There is an entire line up for entertainment and street vendors will be available as well. Don’t forget to participate in the special contest.

On Dec. 16, there will also be some Christmas fun at Milton E. Mazarick Park. From 5 until 6:30 p.m. the public is invited to participate in Nature Christmas Ornaments. This event is intended for all ages and it allows everyone to unlock their Christmas creativity. Event admission is $3, but participants make a unique Christmas ornament using objects found in nature. Reservations are required and the designated meeting place is the Mazarick building. Snacks are provided. For more information visit www.fcpr.us. 

On Dec. 3, the Town of Hope Mills will host its Christmas parade. It begins at 3 p.m. The route is from Hope Mills Middle School to South Main Street  to Main Street and then ends at Rockfish Elementary School. This parade represents small-town Christmas celebrations at their finest. They are full of community spirit and joy. The parade is open to the public and this is a family friendly event.  For more information visit http://www.townofhopemills.com/350/Christmas-in-Hope-Mills.

Mac Healy is a successful Fayetteville businessman who has a passion for whatever civic venture he’s involved in. For the last five years or so, he has headed up efforts to bring The North Carolina Civil War History Center to fruition. It would be located on the site of the Fayetteville Arsenal and would be the first history center of its kind in the nation. It would examine the impact of the War Between the States, its lead-up and its aftermath, on all the people of North Carolina.

As envisioned, the Center will deal honestly and factually with much of the 19th Century and will examine the events and impacts of this tragic time in history on all who lived through it. The project will require $65 million in private, local government and state funding. “We have already secured $6.5 million in private donations from the people of Fayetteville and Cumberland County,” Healy said. “We need to secure $7.5 million each from the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County.” With commitments from local governments and the private money already raised, Healy believes the state legislature will seriously consider a $30 million match. But time is running out. The deadline for pledges from the city and county is Jan. 31, a time when the general assembly will be going into session. So far, neither city council nor county commissioners have made a commitment.

The History Center is estimated to draw upwards of 130,000 visitors to Cumberland County each year. Healy says studies show that cultural tourists stay twice as long and spend twice as much as other tourists. The History Center will produce more than 150 service industry jobs for the community. The center is projected to generate $12 million a year in economic impact for the region. Good economic development, such as the History Center, will grow the tax base rather than being a constant financial drain on the community. Healy tells Up & Coming Weeklyhe was motivated to get involved in the project out of a concern for economic development in a community that has seen a depressed economy in recent years. “Something like this is needed so badly,” he said. 

Cumberland County has seen an unprecedented downturn in population and loss of property values. “Although other communities in our state have seen significant growth since the recession, Cumberland County’s economy has seen a pattern of weak growth,” said County Manager Amy Cannon in her budget message to county commissioners. “A reduction in the rate of growth since 2008 has resulted in a five-year revenue loss of more than $3.5 million,” she added. 

Once built, the center will become a state-owned branch of the North Carolina Division of History. Neither city or county taxpayers will pay to operate it. Experts believe other venues will also benefit from visitors attracted to the Civil War History Center, particularly the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, the North Carolina Veterans Park and the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. “As a businessman, I remain convinced that once the county and city elected leaders look at the overall benefits, they will agree that this shows the best return for our hard-earned tax dollars and is more than worthy of their support,” Healy concluded.

Curbside storm debris is being collected in unincorporated areas of Cumberland County. It took until last week for county commissioners to adopt a contract with a private hauler to pick up debris from the Oct. 8 storm in areas outside the city and towns. The Solid Waste Management Department advises residents to place storm debris curbside without blocking the roadway. Residents should separate materials into three categories: vegetative (leaves, logs, branches), construction and demolition (building materials, carpet, furniture) and appliances and other white goods. Household hazardous waste should be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center at 923 Wilkes Road on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safer Driving in Woods Fires

The North Carolina Highway Patrol cautions motorists that wildfires in the western part of the state continue to interfere with normal traffic. Although some roadways may not be directly in the fire’s path, the smoke that is produced can cause hazardous driving conditions. “We will continue to provide assistance to those directly battling the fires until the mission is accomplished,” said Colonel Bill Grey, commander of the State Patrol. Troopers suggest that motorists plan ahead to ensure enough time has been allotted to reach an intended destination safely. Increase following distances and closely monitor speed limits. Use low beam headlights and fog lights. Motorists can obtain updated traffic information by visiting www.NCDOT.gov or by calling 511 from a mobile device.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snyder Singing Christmas Tree a Longstanding Tradition

Since 1980, Snyder Memorial Baptist Church has put on a Singing Christmas Tree for the community. The tree includes 250 singers, a handbell choir and a 40-piece orchestra. Performances are Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 3 at 4 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday Dec. 4 at 4 and 7:40 p.m. Doors open one hour before each performance. For tickets and information, call 484-3191.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Police Foundation Fund Raiser

The Fayetteville Police Foundation is sponsoring its first Back the Blue Night fundraiser. Back the Blue Night is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 8 from 5 to 9 p.m. wherein area restaurants will demonstrate their commitment to helping the Fayetteville Police Department by raising money for the Chief’s Public Safety Campaign. A news release from the foundation says the project also promotes continuing efforts to unite the community with the police. Participating restaurants will donate 10 percent of their sales to the Fayetteville Police Foundation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fayetteville’s Mac’s Speed Shop Places at When Pigs Fly Barbecue Festival and All-American Barbecue special fundraiser that was staged earlier this month in support of Cumberland County’s Communities in Schools, a project that empowers students to stay in school and achieve their goals in life.

“We are fortunate to have such a strong voice advocating for the students in Cumberland County,” said Dr. Frank Till, Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools. There were five categories of pig pickin’ competition at Festival Park Nov. 12. Twenty-five competitors won prizes. Mac’s Speed Shop, which has a restaurant located at 482 N. McPherson Church Road,  won third in the Whole Hog Division. The win was especially good news for Fayetteville residents because Mac’s serves its award-winning barbecue with new twists on Southern sides throughout the year at their restaurant here in town.

“The festival was a great way to spend time with great people. That’s exactly what we strive to do around the tables at Mac’s Speed Shop too.

Like most good cooks, we make our own sauce and use fresh ingredients,” Mac’s Grillmaster Kevin Kuruc said, “and that’s made all the difference in our restaurants’ success in the Carolinas.”

    In addition to its location in Fayetteville, Mac’s has three Charlotte restaurants, in South End, Steele Creek and Lake Norman, plus locations in Greenville, S.C. and Greensboro, N.C.

 

 

 

Public Art

Christmas has come early in Downtown Fayetteville with the installation of 10 temporary pieces of public art. Placing the outdoor sculptures began earlier this month and will conclude by early December. The art will remain until October 2017. The artists and artwork are varied. Phil Hathcock’s piece “Windstone,” made with aluminum, copper and brass, will echo the sounds of clacking bamboo when a good breeze blows near the Fayetteville Area Transportation & Local History Museum. Additional locations of the temporary pieces include Cross Creek Park, City Hall and the Arts Council headquarters. Support for the temporary public art project is provided by private donors with matching funding from the Arts Council. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Cross volunteers 

The American Red Cross serves the community in many ways every day. The Red Cross needs volunteers at Fort Bragg to work with military members and veterans. On post at Fort Bragg, the Red Cross is recruiting volunteers to work at Womack Army Medical Center to assist with greeting patients, managing phone calls and emails, driving a shuttle for patients and serving in clinical positions. Red Cross volunteer opportunities allow the military to make a positive difference and help soldiers and their families in need. They make up to 90 percent of the Red Cross work force and provide more than 2,000 volunteer hours per month at Fort Bragg. To become a volunteer, apply online at www.redcross.org or Linda.Daney2@Redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This column shares my thinking regarding a recent issue related to the Dogwood Festival. The festival is a major Fayetteville, weekend event held in the spring of each year. It brings together vendors who sell a multitude of items ranging from food to birdhouses. Beyond vendors are some 25 musical offerings, carnival-type rides and games and information helpful to the public.  

The situation in question is summarized in an article by Andrew Barksdale titled, “Fayetteville City Council wants more diversity in music at Dogwood Festival:

“Some members of the Fayetteville City Council say the Dogwood Festival’s headlining acts and other bands aren’t racially or ethnically diverse enough. Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Colvin brought up the issue at Monday night’s work session, noting the city donates more than $100,000 in-kind services, such as police and park crews, for the popular event held each April at Festival Park downtown. The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is a private, nonprofit group that organizes the event, which drew an estimated 225,000 people over the three-day weekend this year.”

The article goes on to report that there was a meeting of Council in which Carrie King, executive director of the Dogwood Festival organization, addressed the music diversity concern. She was accompanied by several Dogwood Festival board members. Every indication from Barksdale’s article is that the meeting did not chart a productive way forward. My sense is that, in a city already racially divided and racially tense, as is our nation, this is another issue that has the potential for unnecessarily feeding the beast of division and tension. However, it also offers an opportunity for Council to exercise leadership. Doing so starts with that group fully examining the situation and having the wherewithal to act fairly. I say “fairly” because we live in a society where any mention of race, and certainly racism, very often clouds judgment and produces decisions that disregard fairness toward some parties.

This suggested examination starts with determining the authority of Council in matters such as this one. Mayor Pro Tem Mitch Colvin’s position is that this authority derives from the city providing some $100,000 of in-kind services to the festival. If this argument is legitimate, is that approach taken with other non-profits and entities that receive similar support? If not, why not? If this financial support, even in-kind, thinking is carried forward, Council must apply to every supported effort the same scrutiny being brought to bear on the Dogwood organization. If Council is not prepared to take this step, then there is the appearance of disparate treatment of certain entities. In this case, the Dogwood Festival organization.

Consideration should also be given to the goals of this and other efforts. The statements below, from the Dogwood Festival website, speak to aims of the organization:

“The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival was founded in 1982 by Bill Hurley, John Malzone and other city leaders who had a vision to improve the image of Fayetteville and create a uniting force for various events in our community... Festivals and special events help define our great city, attract new business, and stimulate local economic growth.”

Beyond putting on a superb weekend of entertainment in pursuit of the aims above, the organization has, across the years, donated thousands of dollars to various non-profits that also do work, which is of value to all of Fayetteville. This means there is a fundraising component to the Dogwood Festival. Consequently, Council insisting on greater diversity in music offerings could adversely impact the fundraising effort. Given that nobody is prohibited due to skin color from attending events or treated any differently, I find it unfair to demand changes that might adversely impact event attendance. From the beginning to now, country music has been the primary draw of this festival. Other genres have been offered, but with the overall goals in mind. What Council is doing precludes consideration of goals and forces changes that might not otherwise be implemented. I suppose this kind of thinking would lead Council to tell an Italian restaurant they must diversify their menu because police services are provided.

The response to my “Italian restaurant” comment will be that the restaurant pays property taxes and generates sales tax. The festival’s website states: “In an economic study performed during the 2011 festival, The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival’s estimated economic impact is over  4.5 million dollars.” That $4.5 million would not change hands, except for Dogwood efforts. Because vendors are required to collect and deposit sales tax with the state, the City of Fayetteville receives what must be a substantial sales tax benefit. 

Further, this festival clearly helps make Fayetteville a more attractive place to live and do business. When my wife retired from the Army and we could have moved anywhere, we chose to stay in Fayetteville. My positive view of this city was, in part, influenced by attending the Dogwood Festival. I was amazed at all that was offered by way of vendors, food, entertainment, information and the feeling of community. My wife and I pay property tax, sales tax and various fees that feed city government. We would not be here except for, those years ago, seeing Fayetteville in a positive light. The point is that this festival contributes to a positive image for Fayetteville and that has tremendous value. 

The spring festival is not the only event sponsored by the Dogwood organization. They also put on Cumberland County’s largest pageant, Historic Hauntings and Fayetteville After 5. These events also benefit Fayetteville. It is my understanding that the city does not provide financial or in-kind support for these other endeavors. However, as with the spring festival, benefits accrue to Fayetteville.

The following quote from Barksdale’s article indicates at least one council member also wants to influence make-up of the Dogwood board. “Councilman Chalmers McDougald swung around in his chair, saying he wanted to see how diverse her board members were. ‘And it’s really lacking a little bit,’ McDougald said.”

I have seen nothing indicating that Councilman McDougald sought information regarding how Dogwood board members are selected. The organization has two paid employees. All the great work of the Dogwood group is done by just two employees and dedicated volunteers. Board members must first volunteer with the organization and then be recommended by a board member for membership on the board. It appears to me this approach is reasonable and definitely effective. To volunteer, all a person has to do is go to the organization’s website.

In an attempt to provide music genres desired by festival attendees, there is a survey available on the organization’s website at http://www.faydogwoodfestival.com/. It lists the following genres: country, rock, jazz, Christian, blues, hip hop, reggae, Latin, R & B, urban, gospel, oldies, and metal.  Individuals who want to voice preferences in music should go to the website and complete the survey. 

In my opinion, here is what must be understood. How to respond to survey results must be left to the Dogwood board because there are considerations beyond those results. As already explained, one of these is festival goals. The other is that this is a family-friendly event. Consequently, survey results, or demands for music diversity, must not be allowed to override the aim of keeping this a family-friendly event. 

All of what is presented above provides opportunity for Council to exercise leadership. Doing so requires that those Council members who are pursuing music diversity at the Dogwood Festival think through the matter, as I have done here. I expect their following this approach will result in the realization that this is a matter requiring no further attention from Council. The leadership challenge comes in those Council members mustering the courage to explain this “no further action” conclusion to constituents and stand by this fair decision.

I’m glad we live in a city that respects its residents enough to allow us to voice our opinions on major issues affecting the community. Unfortunately, these opportunities sometimes appear ceremonial and gratuitous. I hope that was not the case at last Monday’s public hearing at City Hall.

Three minutes is not a long time, but in most cases, it is long enough to make one’s point. This being said, I want to share with you my three minutes before the City Council. I’m trying hard to debunk that haunting adage that “Fayetteville never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity.” Here’s what I shared with the city:

“Good evening, Mayor, City Council. Thank you for this opportunity. I want to go on record in support of our new baseball team and the downtown baseball stadium as well as the Vision 2026 project that supports several quality-of-life venues such as the Civil War History Center and a downtown Performing Arts Center. I am here to go on record requesting that the city seriously consider naming the new stadium the Babe Ruth Memorial Stadium, securing Fayetteville’s unique station in baseball history. In addition, I urge the city and the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau to collaborate on establishing The Babe Ruth Museum and Visitors Center. This facility would attract 50,000 -75,000 visitors a year to our community, serving as an economic stimulus for downtown Fayetteville and the surrounding area. 

These suggestions are rather simplistic in nature, but simple ideas sometimes reap the biggest returns. It is said that “Fayetteville and Cumberland County never miss an opportunity to misses an opportunity.” These ideas are simple yet exclusively unique to our community. Please take them under serious consideration.”

That’s it. Short and sweet. Now, let’s wait and see if anyone was listening. Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

The Poe House is a part of the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex. It is a house built in 1897 and was owned by Josephine Montague Poe, hence the name. Josephine married Edgar Allan Poe, a local businessman with no relation to the famous writer. Now the house serves as a historically accurate representation of the early 20th century. Traditional museums are wonderful, but nothing can provide a glimpse into the past like walking through an incredibly preserved piece of it. 

In addition to showing a detailed version of everyday life in the early 20th century. the Poe House also explores other important themes of the time. The best way to experience this all is with one of the daily tours, which give an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of themes such as women’s roles, African-American history, children’s roles and important changes in technology and society. Tours are held Tuesdays through Fridays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. On Saturdays, there is a tour every hour on the hour beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Sundays also feature hourly tours from 1- 4 p.m. 

From Nov. 22 until Jan. 8, the 1897 Poe House will be decked out in historically accurate Victorian decorations. They will include a large tree in the parlor and long hallways adorned with holly sprigs.  Admission into a Victorian celebration of the Christmas spirit is free. Looking into the Christmas traditions of the past puts our own modern traditions into a new light. Some may be things that are still shared and some are different, but exploring the personal connections during such a special season is valuable. It can shed some light not only on the culture of the past but on today as well. 

The Poe House will also host a Holiday Jubilee on Dec. 4 from 1 - 5 p.m. This is an annual free event that brings the Victorian Christmas celebration to life. One of the most exciting parts of the event is the Coventry Carolers singing traditional music on the front porch that is decked out with traditional Christmas décor.  The Coventry Carolers will perform at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. In addition to lovely singing, there will be demonstrations like cooking on the 1902 stove. 

The 1897 Poe House is located at 206 Bradford Ave. For more information visit http://museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov/1897-poe-house. While visiting the Victorian house don’t forget the other incredible facilities that the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex has. The Museum of the Cape Fear and Arsenal Park can also provide insight into our colorful local history. 

Traditions. We all have them. And for the city of Fayetteville, A Dickens Holiday is a can’t-miss celebration that kicks off the holiday season. Every year, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Downtown Fayetteville turns into a Victorian-era celebration of the Christmas holidays. This year, on Nov. 25, join the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County, the Downtown Alliance and all of the Downtown Fayetteville establishments for a taste of what life was like when things weren’t so high-tech and hectic. The fun lasts from 1-9 p.m. 

“A Dickens Holiday is maybe the best feel-good event of the year in our community,” said Arts Council Executive Director Deborah Mintz. “The hearts and hopes of thousands of people seem to come together during the event”, she added.

There is plenty to do at the event, including a few new things, but those tried and true favorites will be there, too. “A Dickens Holiday is full of wonderful traditions, and often I am asked what is new this year,” said Marketing Director Mary Kinney. “And we do have some new things. But we have people who come every year, and we have been doing this for 17 years. When it comes to A Dickens Holiday, it is so rooted in tradition. And for the holidays people tend to look for the same things year after year. That is what makes them traditions. It is part of what makes them special. We are adding on some things and we like to mix it up, but we are aware and respectful of the fact that for many people, the traditions are important.”

A stroll down Hay Street showcases citizens in period attire. Along with roving characters reliving scenes from the Dickens book A Christmas Carol that witness Marley and Scrooge at various stages of the story, including Scrooge’s conversion, right in the heart of downtown.

A photo with Father Christmas is the perfect way to preserve the magic of A Dickens Holiday forever. There is no age limit, you simply must be young at heart to enjoy a few moments in a Victorian sleigh posing for a wholesome photo with one of the season’s icons. It’s $6 per print or $15 for three. They are printed on-site. Father Christmas will be in attendance from 1-8:30 p.m.

Nothing warms the soul – and the fingers – like a steaming hot cider accompanied by tasty gingerbread. Look for different locations on Hay Street to find this decadent treat. 

New this year is a thematic juggler who will be entertaining his way up and down Hay Street.

Gingerbread houses are nothing new this time of year, but H&H Homes and Fayetteville Area’s Habitat for Humanity have put a new spin on gingerbread real estate with the Community of Hope. It is an entire gingerbread village on display. From schools and shops to municipal buildings, and yes, houses are all included in the display. Come cast your vote and root for your favorite design.

Families are invited to Fascinate-U Children’s Museum from 1-6 p.m. to make a Victorian ornament .

At 4 p.m., stop by Hay Street United Methodist Church to take in Tuba Christmas.

The Museum of the Cape Fear’s Poe House will be open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and decked out in Victorian Christmas décor. 

Enjoy a ride in a horse-drawn carriage and get a look at Downtown Fayetteville from a different perspective. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. 

Tickets go on sale at noon at 222 Hay Street on Nov. 25. Or, for a longer and more personal experience, head to the Transportation and Local History Museum for a ride in a Queen Victoria carriage. Tickets are $15 per person. Call 678-8899 for tickets and information.

Learn more about the Victorian era and what life was like for locals during that time. This Victorian Life exhibit is on the second floor of the Market House. The displays include literature, military items, a Victorian Christmas tree and other items that give the visitor a better understanding about how Victorians celebrated Christmas. There is also an interactive aspect to the display. The exhibit is open from 1-9 p.m.

Annie’s Ale House, a Victorian-era pub, will be set up inside the Arts Council. Stop by during the day for a libation and to shop for local art at the Transformation: Recycling Reclaimed Objects exhibit. The Fisk Jubilee Singers are performing at 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. These are historical tributes to the Fisk Jubilee Singers of the 1800s that entertained Queen Victoria. In the evening, the pub gets a bit rowdier with performances by the Belfast Boys. “It’s sure to have your toes tapping,” said Kinney.

Visitors to A Dickens Holiday are encouraged to come dressed in period costumes. New this year is a chance to win a prize for the best costume. Head over to the Rainbow Room to enter the contest. While you are there, add a link to the Chain of Good Cheer. “People are invited to write thoughts of cheer, joy, and hope on slips of paper. This will be linked together to form a large Chain of Good Cheer,” said Kinney. “The chain will stay on display downtown through the holidays. The point is compiling these wonderful sentiments from the attendees.” 

Around 5:30 p.m. everyone gathers at the Arts Council for the candlelight procession to the Market House. Candles are available at selected merchants downtown and at the Arts Council while supplies last. The procession concludes with a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. But that is not the end of the evening. “When you go to an event with fireworks, the fireworks are typically the culmination of the festivities,” said Kinney. “At A Dickens Holiday, it is really the kick-off of Dickens after dark.” 

There is still plenty of time to shop, visit the Community of Hope Gingerbread display to see who won top honors for their structure, grab a bite to eat and visit Annie’s Alehouse for some entertainment.

Find out more about A Dickens Holiday at www.theartscouncil.com/dickensmain  or call the Arts Council at 323-1776 to learn more.

The SSG Robert J. Miller Memorial Chapter, commonly referred to as the Special Forces Association Chapter 100, presents the Green Beret Jingle Jog on Saturday, Dec. 3. It includes a 10K road race at 9 a.m. and 5K walk/run at 9:15 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Fayetteville.  

     “We are projecting 600-800 runners for the event”, said Joseph Healey, president of Special Forces Association Chapter 100. “We are raising money for scholarships that we give away to families within the Special Forces fraternity.” 

     The fraternity has over 200 active duty and retired Green Berets. The chapter is in honor of and named for SSG Robert J. Miller. He is a Green Beret who was awarded the Medal of Honor and is a hero to many people. On Jan. 25, 2008, SSG Miller was in a major firefight in Afghanistan and was shot in the upper torso. He continued to move around the enemy, which took a lot of fire away from his element. He charged forward through an open area in order to allow his teammates to safely reach cover. After killing at least 10 insurgents and wounding dozens more, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while moving from position to position. He was mortally wounded by enemy fire. His extraordinary valor ultimately saved the lives of seven members of his Special Forces team and 15 Afghan National Army soldiers.                   

     Proceeds from the fun run are used to benefit the organization’s scholarship fund. This year’s goal is $20,000. Aside from the scholarships, the organization supports Green Berets and their families struggling with unforeseen circumstances such as Hurricane Matthew. “Yearly we give 10 scholarships for $2,000 for college kids of Green Beret families,” said Healey. “We support all the Green Beret units on Fort Bragg, and if we have a servicemember in immediate need, we get a call and we take action on it.” Healey added that the Special Forces Association serves as the voice for the Special Forces community, perpetuates Special Forces tradition and brotherhood, advances the public image of Special Forces and promotes the general welfare of the Special Forces community.     

     This is a family-friendly event. Leashed dogs and strollers are welcome. Early registration is $30 and ends on Nov. 30. Registration is $40 after Nov. 30.  The Up & Coming Weekly registration code is GBJJUPANDCOMING. Race packet pickup is Friday, Dec. 2 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the Candlewood Suites located at 4108 Legend Avenue. Same-day registration and packet pickup is 

Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church. For more information and to register, visit http://www.active.com and type “green beret jingle jog” in the search box. 

Troy McDuffie, chief of police for the Spring Lake Police Department, has put in his time.  For the last seven years, he has spent numerous hours making sure Spring Lake, North Carolina, is a safe place to reside. McDuffie has an extraordinary passion for his role as Chief of Police and for the safety and well-being of the citizens of Spring Lake. Up & Coming Weeklyrecently sat down and had a reflective conversation entailing his career. 

Chief, I understand you have some news you would like to share. 

After 30 years of law enforcement, effective January 1, 2017, I will officially retire from the law enforcement field. My actual last day is the last week of December.  This will end my law enforcement career.        

When did you realize that now is the time for you to retire?  What prompted this decision?

Thirty years in the law enforcement field is a long time. Those that work in the field      

and still in the law enforcement profession know it is a very stressful profession.  At some point, you know when you get to the point where you have options.  Of course, I could continue my career and talk with the town officials and my employees, that’s what they had hoped. But you just know that it is time to pass the torch to new leadership and allow them to carry on and hopefully continue to build on all that we have built in Spring Lake.       

When you reflect on your 30 years of service what is the one thing in your career that has been profound and had the most impact?

My passion has always been helping and protecting others. I feel that was something that the good Lord instilled in me when I was a child. As I reflect back on my career, it has been obvious that is what he intended for me to do and what he has used me for. The most gratifying of my career is the seven years I have spent here in Spring Lake leading and rebuilding this police department along with the challenges and struggles that we have gone through to rebuild relationships that were lost prior to me taking over. 

It has been a joy to look back on those years and just watch the growth between the police and community, the support of the citizens, the support of the businesses and how we have grown to make this community a much safer place and put the past behind us.  

What kind of legacy are you leaving behind?

When I look back at my legacy, what I would hope for others to say about Troy McDuffie is that I am a fair person and wanted the best for all in this community and ensured that when my officers policed the Spring Lake community, everyone was treated with dignity and respect.  

Chief, we wish you happiness and peace of mind. Kudos for an excellent job and thanks for your leadership and dedication to serving others.  

It’s a Wonderful Lifewas produced and directed by Frank Capra in 1946. It was inspired by the 1939 short story “The Greatest Gift” written by Philip Van Doren Stern. When it was first released, the film was considered a failure. It didn’t bring in the crowds necessary to offset the large production costs. However, over the years, it proved to be one of the most beloved American movies of all time. For many families across the nation, it is traditional to watch the film together every Christmas season. And it is showing at the Gilbert Theater Nov. 26-Dec. 18.

    This season, the Gilbert Theater brings this American holiday classic to life on the stage. This is a unique opportunity, in part due to the theater’s facilities. The Gilbert Theater is a black box theater, which means the distance between the performers and the audience members is very small. For a show like this, it makes the performance feel not only real but also incredibly personal. All in a way that a television set can never accomplish. “This is a classic film and a well-loved story. It’s a tradition for many to watch the film annually during the holiday season. We seek to capture the essence of the film and make the audience feel as though they are at home watching the characters come to life before their eyes,” Artistic Director Robyne Parrish said. 

It’s a Wonderful Lifecenters on the story of George Bailey. His self-sacrifice has driven him to the verge of suicide. His desperation brings about his guardian angel. The guardian angel shows George his value by showing him how life would be if he had not been born. The Gilbert Theater presents this story in a very classic interpretation. “This story is about finding one’s true self,” Parrish said. “It is about redemption and hope. It is a modern-day Scrooge tale. I think we can all identify with it on some level. Many of us experience feeling as though we are not loved or not needed. It takes faith and a little bit of magic to see the truth.”

    While Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time, it can be emotionally tumultuous. George’s struggle and emotional distress are relatable. “I identify with George, absolutely. His struggle to find his identity in a world that he feels has sometimes let him down is palpable,” said Parrish. “The blessings he ultimately finds in friends and family rings so true for me and many others.” It is this representation of classic human struggle that is why this story remains so popular today.

It’s a Wonderful Life tackles some big themes and difficult issues, but it is still accessible and appropriate for young viewers. These lessons are ones that can’t be learned too early. Life isn’t always easy or simple, but everyone has value and should be appreciated. “It’s a family-friendly show with a strong message of love and togetherness,” said Parrish. “Particularly in this time of political unrest. This story brings folks together no matter what their political passions or walks of life.”

For tickets and information, visit http://www.gilberttheater.com or call the box office at 678-7186.

George Quigley was inducted into the Cumberland County Agricultural Hall of Fame this month during the annual Farm City Week program sponsored by the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Service and the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville. “J.R.” Dail was recognized as Cumberland County’s 2016 Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year. 

Quigley’s official portrait was unveiled and will hang on the wall with those of past inductees in the I.B. Julian Auditorium of the Cooperative Extension office at the Charlie Rose Agri-Expo Center, on E. Mountain Drive. In addition, N.C. Sen. Wesley Meredith (R-Cumberland), acting on behalf of the governor, presented Quigley with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the state’s most prestigious civilian service award. 

Quigley was a member of Cumberland County’s inaugural master gardener class in 1996. He has remained a fixture at Cooperative Extension for the past 20 years. Quigley has taught horticulture, landscaping and gardening. He has hosted farm tours and frequently visited with lawmakers to ensure passage of legislation designed to benefit farmers and the agricultural industry. 

“Since 1996 when he started with the Master Gardener program, George has not left our office,” said Cooperative Extension Director Lisa Childers. “He has volunteered more than 8,000 hours with the program and contributed so much to our community, not for recognition, but because of his dedication and commitment to Cooperative Extension and Cumberland County,” she added. 

Quigley has served as chairman of the Cooperative Extension Advisory Council and as President of the N.C. Master Gardener Association. He also serves on the Cape Fear Botanical Garden Board of Directors, the Kiwanis Club of Fayetteville, Cross Creek Linear Park Committee, Fayetteville Beautiful Board of Directors, N.C. Agriculture Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank and Catholic Charities Board of Directors. Quigley was also an instructor of landscaping at Fayetteville Technical Community College and is a recipient of the Cumberland County Cares Award. Quigley, a native of upstate New York, enlisted in the U.S. Army as an infantryman after graduating from high school. He joined the elite Army Rangers and was later commissioned as an infantry officer. He served for 34 years before retiring in Cumberland County. 

Also during this year’s Farm City Week observance, “J.R.” Dail was recognized as Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year. Dail, son of James and Wanda Dail, is a fifth-generation farmer in the Wade community. He grows cucumbers, tobacco, soybeans and wheat. Dail also helps his father and brother, Zach Dail, at the family hardware store located on the farm.

President-elect Donald Trump was ridiculed for claiming he knows more about ISIS than the generals. As Commander-in-Chief to be, Trump now must face reality. In an interview with Military Times, retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey says Trump’s lack of foreign policy experience will prove challenging for the Pentagon. He says he’s confident military leaders will try to work constructively with the unpredictable president-elect. “He’s remarkably uneducated about almost every aspect of defense and foreign policy,” said McCaffrey, a highly decorated Vietnam combat veteran who rose through the Army’s ranks during a 32-year career. As Commander-in-Chief, Trump will come into office with automatic support from senior military leadership, McCaffrey notes. 

Recently retired Marine Gen. John Allen warned that if Donald Trump were elected president, there would be mass unrest among the military rank and file over policies he would implement. Allen was on record in support of Hillary Clinton. “I think we would be facing a civil-military crisis, the like of which we’ve not seen in this country before,” Allen said. The four-star general, who served as commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, was a featured speaker at the Democratic National Convention.

When it comes to rank and file troops, McCaffrey said Trump’s election will help inspire them because many of them come from rural America where Trump has significant support. McCaffrey notes, “There were a lot of things Trump said that were right, in isolation,” but he’s also “impulsive and his instincts are very bad,” he said, citing Trump’s stance on nuclear weapons as an example. The retired general wrote an op-ed piece about Trump for The Seattle Timesin August, in which he referred to Trump as an “abusive braggart” who  wasn’t fit to lead the armed forces. “I don’t withdraw one word of it,” McCaffrey told Military Times. “But now I wish him well. I hope he can pull this off.” 

Trump has no military experience. As a youngster, Trump’s parents transferred him to military school in eighth grade after attending a prep school. At New York Military Academy, students wore uniforms in a quasi-military environment. Cadets participated in march drills and adhered to a strict regimental hierarchy. Trump often points to his five years at the academy in Cornwall-on-Hudson, about 60 miles from his home in New York City, as a formative period in his life that helped qualify him to be Commander-in-Chief. Although he received controversial educational and medical deferments from the Vietnam War draft, he has said that the school provided him “more training militarily than a lot of the guys that go into the military.”

Some are concerned that Trump has displayed an ignorance of the checks and balances that guide an American president’s control of the U.S. military. “Mr. Trump does not seem to realize that active-duty generals are long-serving, apolitical professionals who do not belong to any one administration or president,” said retired Army Lt. Gen. David Barno before the election. “On January 20th, there won’t be any Trump generals or Clinton generals. There will only be America’s generals, no different than today.”

The U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the death sentence of Timothy Hennis, the former Fort Bragg soldier convicted of murdering an Air Force wife and her two young children. A four-judge panel filed its opinion following a mandated review of alleged court martial errors. His 2010 military trial was the third time Hennis was tried on charges of killing Kathryn Eastburn and two of her daughters Kara, 5, and Erin, 3 at their Summerhill Road home. The court found that Hennis’ claims of double jeopardy were without merit, as was his claim that the Army did not have jurisdiction in the Fayetteville murders. Hennis is being held at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. 

Hennis was initially convicted in Cumberland County Superior Court and put on death row in 1986. He won an appeal and was found not guilty in a new trial in Wilmington in 1989. In 2006 the Army brought Hennis out of retirement to face a court-martial on the charges after DNA evidence not available at the earlier trials linked him to the murders. Hennis can now seek relief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces before ultimately appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storm Debris Collection Disappointing

In the wake of the 2011 tornado that struck Fayetteville, city officials decided to contract with a private disaster relief trucking company. The idea was to have the company on standby in case another storm struck our area. Three days after Hurricane Matthew hit Fayetteville, the contractor, CrowderGulf of Alabama, was contacted. The company’s project manager, Barrett Holmes, told City Council it took the company four days to respond. It was another month before the firm geared up with an adequate number of crews on the job. “We failed,” Holmes told the council. By mid-November, most neighborhoods had not had storm debris collected. “Limb collection began Friday (Nov. 11),” said Environmental Services spokesperson Jackie Tuckey. She said the contractor concentrated on collecting construction debris the first few weeks. CrowderGulf now has six crews and trucks working seven days a week, Tuckey said, and the city is assisting with additional crews. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FTCC Among the Best for Military

Fayetteville Technical Community College has been designated a Top School by Military Advanced Education and Transition in its 2017 Guide to Colleges & Universities. The guide will be released next month. It contains the results of a questionnaire of policies enacted at hundreds of institutions. From community colleges to online schools, the 2017 Guide to Colleges & Universities arms students with information about schools that best serve men and women in uniform. Now in its tenth year of publication, the guide is the first reference tool of its kind. Institutions were evaluated on military culture, financial aid, flexibility, general support, on-campus support and online support services. Prospective students can target schools that follow best practices in military education and put them in context with other academic or career considerations. “We want to be a dynamic resource for those looking to further their educations and careers. A key part of that is finding the right school, and it can be a confusing process for military members to navigate,” said Kelly Fodel, Military Advanced Education & Transition’s editor-in-chief.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Educator W.T. Brown Dead at 87

Retired Fayetteville educator William T. Brown passed away on Nov, 14. He was 87. Dr. Brown is remembered as an icon in public education. “This is a very significant loss for anyone associated with Fayetteville State University,” said Dr. James Anderson, FSU Chancellor. Brown was Trustee Emeritus of Fayetteville State and served on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. He retired as an Associate Superintendent of Cumberland County Schools in 1992. He served as principal of Washington Drive Junior High School from 1963 to 1971 during government-mandated desegregation of public schools and later was named principal of E.E. Smith High School. Brown became an assistant superintendent and then an associate superintendent for Fayetteville City Schools and later Cumberland County Schools following the merger. 

A native of Durham, Brown graduated from North Carolina A&T State University in 1948 and North Carolina Central University in 1954. He completed graduate studies at Columbia University in 1961 and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1968. He held honorary doctorate degrees from Fayetteville State University and Shaw University.

 

 

 

 

 

Disaster Response Training

North Carolina Emergency Management is offering Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) basic training to Cumberland County residents in December. Seats are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis for the 21 hours of training held over three days. CERT Basic Training covers the skills needed in the aftermath of a disaster when standard emergency services are not immediately available. Residents who complete the training can assist in saving lives and protecting property using basic techniques taught in the course. The December CERT classes will be held at Fayetteville Technical Community College, 2201 Hull Rd., Fayetteville, on Dec. 2 - 4. For information about meeting times, contact Marlin Scott at 309-9995. Register for the course online at https://terms.ncem.org/TRS/logon.do. 

 

 

Gambling Operation Disrupted

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Homeland Security have conducted a joint criminal investigation into a Korean-run gambling operation, which has resulted in the execution of search warrants and the issuance of arrest warrants for some of the persons involved in the organization. Sheriff’s Sgt. Sean Swain says the group is headed in Cumberland County by Gyoung Lok Lee.  He has been charged with operating a continuing criminal enterprise, two counts of operating five or more video poker machines and felony conspiracy. The group has been linked to other gambling operations in Flushing, New York, Irving, Texas, and Los Angeles. Sheriff’s Office Detectives have obtained search warrants for six locations, five of them in Cumberland   County and one in Raleigh.  Additionally, Smith says the Sheriff’s Office will be executing search warrants at several local banks related to accounts in which gambling proceeds were being laundered.  Others charged in the operation were: Jay Hugh Pridgen and Eric Murillo both of 3206 University Ave., Fayetteville and Allen Larson of 5970 Lakeway Drive, Fayetteville.

 

I winced inside and out when then candidate Donald Trump called his opponent Hillary Clinton a “nasty woman.”   I winced again when Saturday Night Live’s Kate McKinnon portrayed Hillary sipping coffee from a mug emblazoned with “nasty woman.”  Ugly name-calling aside, it was the actual word that triggered my reaction.  When my sister and I were growing up, “nasty” was a word not allowed in our household.  In fact, washing our mouths out with soap might have been mentioned for this particular infraction, and using profanity or obscenity was simply unthinkable.  We really didn’t know any, so that was not much of an issue.

Each of us has only one childhood, and mine occurred in North Carolina, so I really don’t know what goes on in families from other parts of our nation.  I suspect each family everywhere has its own peculiarities, and we Southern families certainly do, a total ban on the word “nasty”—I can write it but still cannot make myself say it—is one of them.  There are plenty of others.

Susan Stafford Kelly is a North Carolina novelist married to a native Fayettevillian, and she often writes for several of our state’s magazines. I was delighted when I picked up a recent edition of Pine Straw: The Art and Soul of the Sandhills to find Kelly’s spot on essay, “The Brief Unwritten Social Rules of the Southern Womanhood.”  Talk about relating…

Kelly’s piece brought back a flood of memories, most of which make little or no sense, but which came to Susan, countless other Southern girls, and me as rules of the world.  Several days before I married—five days short of 30-years-old, friends of my mother, who had been dead for more than four years, began arriving at my door with gift-wrapped boxes.  Each one contained a lovely but tasteful nightgown, or as we say in the South, a “nightie.”  Nothing too low or too high.  Since my mother was not around for my wedding or this gifting experience, I was baffled until my plainspoken aunt informed me that these thoughtful women were doing what my mother would have done.  They were providing my trousseau lingerie!

That tradition has long since bitten the dust, since all the young women I know now sleep in old T-shirts and have been in their hubby-to-be’s beds for years.

Here are a few more rules for Southern women that are not written anywhere, but which we somehow just know—or are supposed to.  More than a few involve our clothes, as Susan Kelly notes.

We carry pocketbooks, not purses.  I was in college before I found out that a tiny little baggie thing my mother and grandmother referred to as a “coin purse” was not what other people meant by purse.  We wear underpants or, generically, underwear.  If you wear “panties,” you were probably born somewhere else.  Whatever you call these garments, they had better be white, as had your slips, if anyone remembers what they were. Ditto for bed linens and maybe bath towels.  We also wear stockings, not hose.  The first time I heard hose, I was very confused, wondering why and how that green moldy, snaky thing left out in the yard could fit on my legs.  Then there’s the white shoe, white pants only between Memorial and Labor Days rule, but even I have had one white pants in recent days.  I wonder if global warming is playing a role in the demise of this rule….

 Of course, you must always write a thank you note for every gift both large and small and certain kindnesses, and what’s more, you must do so on your good, preferably monogrammed, stationery and in black ink.  This is another Southern rule that seems to be leaving us.  I have had pre-printed notes that on which my name was filled in and which said “Thank you for the lovely_____________” with the name of some item handwritten in.  My mother and grandmother never heard of a thank you email, but I have had some of those, too.

A Southern friend whose mother grew up on an estate in Mississippi shared several rules she and her two sisters learned during their childhoods in Tennessee.  They were not allowed to use the word “rich” or to talk about how much anything cost.  Nor could they use “kid” to refer to a child, lest their mother inquire whether they were talking about a goat.  Actually, my mother said that, too.  

And, then there are those things that are not rules but just expressions Southerners use, or did when I was growing up.  We went to the beauty parlor, not the salon, and the picture show instead of the movies, or heaven forbid!—a film.  We ate cheese crackers, not Nabs, and washed them down with Cokes or Pepsis, not sodas.

Every generation writes its own memoirs, and each is different.  Susan Kelly and I are both Baby Boomers, and we both have three Precious Jewels, who in true Southern fashion, know each other.  

I hope I get to enjoy their Millennial memories.

Community and giving back are consistent themes in our publication. Time and again and without fail, our community steps up to care for its own, to problem solve, to get things done. Hurricane Matthew is just the latest example of how we take care of each other when things get hard. Unfortunately, it is not enough to say “Well done,” and move along because there will always be someone in need, someone who, despite their best effort, can’t make ends meet, can’t provide for their family, can’t take care of themselves.

This time of year Social media is usually filled with posts about how thankful, lucky and blessed people are. And that is a wonderful thing. We should all count our blessings and be mindful of how much we have and how fortunate we are. And we should not take these things for granted. There are still people in this community and all across this country who are not so fortunate. And organizations this time of year often struggle to meet the needs of those they serve.

If you are able and it is in your heart, consider giving back this holiday season. It doesn’t take much to change someone’s life. While the holidays are supposed to be a happy time of year, many struggle mightily with things like loneliness and depression during November and December. Take a few moments, call or check in on a friend/acquaintance/office mate/neighbor and let them know you are thinking about them. Or take them to lunch or for coffee or just spend a few minutes letting them know you care.

If time is something you just don’t have or you are unable to “sponsor” someone this season, consider supporting one of the many organizations that are dedicated to helping this community. Drop some money in one of the red Salvation Army kettles. They feed the homeless, while providing a job for the bell ringers, typically lower income.

Write a check to one of the many nonprofits in the area. Places like the Care Clinic and Better Health offer health-related services to the community at little or no cost.

Or volunteer. Not just during the holidays, but    throughout the year. Operation Inasmuch, Catholic Charities, the Dream Center, the Child Advocacy Center, the Guardian ad litem program and other organizations are always looking for help.

Drop off some nonperishable food items like canned goods, dried beans, soup mixes or the like at one of the food banks. Second Harvest Food Bank is always accepting donations, but there are other organizations that have food pantries, too. Donate toiletries or hygiene items at one of the many local shelters. Things like a package of socks, a hat and a scarf or a gently used coat or feminine hygiene products mean everything when you need them and don’t have them.

Donate a toy at one of the many toy drop offs. Toys for Tots is just one way. Support a local toy run that many local motorcycle clubs sponsor this time of year - we have some listed in our Free Wheelin’ section. Many organizations have Angel trees that make it easy to give a child a Merry Christmas. Some organizations that support children in our community are the Girls and Boys Club, Fayetteville Urban Ministry, Great Oaks Foundation and Falcon Children’s Home.

Giving back during this stressful time of year doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money and it can change someone’s life. Including yours.

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

On Nov. 19, Chris Young’s I’m Coming Over Tourwill stop at the Crown Coliseum. Chris Young is a country singer and songwriter who won the TV program Nashville Starin 2006. Since his debut single “Drinkin’ Me Lonely,” his work has consistently topped the charts. Originally from Tennessee, he has brought country music all over the globe with his hit songs. So far he has eight No. 1 singles and 14 Gold/Platinum certifications. His newest hit is “Thinking of You,” which he performed with Cassadee Pope. The song was well received by audiences and critics, soaring to the top of country music charts. The song comes from his fifth album I’m Comin’ Over, which has been nominated for Academy of Country Music Awards, AMC  and reached the #1 spot on the Top Country Albums chart in November. He is known as a dynamic performer who brings a lot of energy and excitement to the stage. This tour brings his work, which is fantastic through the radio, to an entirely new level. Joining Young on stage will be Cassadee Pope and Dustin Lynch. 

Cassadee Pope is also an American singer and songwriter. From 2008 to 2011, she was the lead singer of the pop-punk band Hey Monday. In 2011, she began her solo career, which led her to audition for season three of The Voice.In 2012, she became the first female winner of the program. Many of her performances on The Voice, such as her rendition of “Over You” in the third, live round, reached #1 on iTunes’ charts. While she is also working on her own albums, recently she sang a duet with Chris Young called “Thinking of You.” This is her first song to reach #1 on the U.S. Country Airplay chart. 

Dustin Lynch began his career in country music with a move to Tennessee in 2003. He released his first debut single in 2011, “Cowboys and Angels,” under Broken Bow Records. His first #1 single came in 2014 when he released “Where It’s At (Yep, Yep).” Lynch has also collaborated with artists such as James Wesley, Josh Leo and Tim Nichols.

Chris Young performs on Nov. 19 at the Crown Coliseum. The Crown Coliseum is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $29.50 to $55.50. More information and links to purchase tickets can be accessed at www.crowncomplexnc.com. There are also two VIP Ticket experiences available. The first is the VIP Meet and Greet Experience. This includes a reserved ticket, meeting Chris Young before the show, an individual picture with Chris, one personalized autograph, a ticket to the preshow “VIP hang” that includes an exclusive performance and a fan pack with various Chris Young memorabilia. The second VIP package is the VIP Soundcheck Experience. This includes a reserved ticket to the concert, a ticket to the pre-show “VIP Hang” and the VIP Fan pack featuring a Chris Young tote bag, tour poster and lanyard. 

Chris  is asking his fans to bring new unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots.

Year after year, the Steele Angels help local families. Nov. 19 is the group’s annual Toy Run. It is an event that started 13 years ago. The Steele Angels Riding Club includes members from Cumberland County and surrounding counties who share a common interest -  motorcycling. The club’s purpose is to aid and assist needy and distressed families in and around Cumberland County. The members are concerned with the community as a whole and they promote a sisterhood of compassion and support and an understanding among the club members. 

Although there are several motorcycle clubs in the Fayetteville area, this club chose not to be sculpted and created in the same sense as a “motorcycle club.” This was a decision they made in 2004. They choose to help children and they just happen to ride motorcycles. One thing the Steele Angels always say is that motorcyclists have the biggest hearts whether you are in a club or an independent ride. They all have something in common … they all love to ride and they all have big hearts. 

The Steele Angels want to make a difference in a child’s life. Over the years there have been several runs and involvement in many events, but due to so many organizations, there are events held almost every weekend, so the Steele Angels just stick to having two events a year. Their main mission is to help distressed women and children in the area. They share a common ideology that to better our community, we must contribute to the social, physical and mental well-being  of children, women and families in crisis. 

 This organization provides monetary and physical support to several local non-profit charities and organizations. The Steele Angels motorcycle club provides relief to local families in annual events such as the Toy Run and Back to School Run. The Toy Run is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving and the Back to School Run is in August before school starts. 

This year’s Toy Run registration is from 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m. at Legends Pub on Bragg Blvd. on Nov. 19. The escorted ride leaves Legends Pub at
1 p.m., going to the Doghouse on Owen Drive. There will be food, music, 50/50 raffle, door prizes and more. To participate, bring a monetary donation or bring an unwrapped toy. Call Wendy Rogers at 910-818-0458 for more information.

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

 Diabetes affects nearly 30 million children and adults in the United States. Another 86 million have prediabetes and are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. This is why Better Health presents its 10K run at 8:30 a.m. and 5K run at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Medical Arts Center in downtown Fayetteville. There is also the Haymount Hill Climb, known as the 1-mile fun run, which will start at 8:45 a.m. 

 “This is our 4th annual event and the proceeds go towards Better Health programs” said Amy Navejas, executive director for Better Health. “The programs include emergency direct aid, diabetes management clinics and classes, childhood obesity prevention and medical equipment loans.” 

Navejas added that the money supports a number of different causes and thousands of individuals in need who live in the Cumberland County area. 

 The purpose of the event is to raise awareness that diabetes is an epidemic. It is a problem in our community and across the nation. This race raises funds for Better Health . “We have a really robust diabetes program for self-management,” said Navejas. “Physicians and clients can’t do it on their own because diabetes is a very difficult and complex disease, and they need assistance and support along the way.” In reference to the self-management clinics, Cumberland County clients can walk in and attend classes facilitated by a registered nurse that have different topics every week. Some of the topics include carb counting, a cooking demonstration, goal setting, nutrition planning and having a one-on-one conversation with the nurse about issues with the glucometer, medications or any number of things. 

Low-income clients can be provided a glucometer, test strips and other diabetic supplies that are expensive but a necessity. 

 On Monday nights there is a free “Take Charge of Diabetes” class for registered participants. 

“It is the A-Z of diabetes and we really go in-depth,” said Navejas. “We have a physician come in to talk about foot care for diabetics, eye care, dental hygiene and a therapist to talk with them about dealing with the diagnosis.” Navejas indicated that Better Health tries to be thorough and address all those needs because it is such a complicated disease. 

 Better Health is a nonprofit organization that has been around since 1958 with a vision to impact the quality of life for all Cumberland County residents through a commitment to improving access and availability of healthcare services for the underserved, low-income resident. 

 “We want everyone to come out and participate because we have races for all ages,” said Navejas. 

 Registration fees apply. For more information visit betterhealthcc.org or call 483-7534.  

There was a popular cartoon in the 1920s called Little Orphan Annie. It was created by Harold Gray. The strip ran through the ‘30s and ‘40s.  Fast forward to 1970. Martin Charnin, a lyricist and a director, purchased a coffee table book called The Life and Hard Times of Little Orphan Annie for his friend. As he was getting ready to wrap the book, Charnin opened it to peek inside. He ended up reading the entire book. Charnin fell in love with Little Orphan Annie that day and started pursuing the rights. He talked with his friends Charles Strouse, a two-time Tony award-winning composer and Thomas Meehan, a short story writer for The New Yorker. In 1971, they started work writing the musical. The musical has been through several iterations since then. On Thursday, Nov. 17, Annie comes to Givens Performing Arts Center.

It was six years before Annie debuted at the Goodspeed Opera House. There, it was revised and changed. Then Lewis Allen and Mike Nichols chose to produce Annie as their first Broadway show. It opened in 1977 at the Alvin Theatre, which is now the Neil Simon Theatre. It ran for 2,377 performances and won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score and Choreography. The cast included Reid Shelton (Oliver Warbucks), Dorothy Loudon (Miss Hannigan), Sandy Faison (Grace Farrell) and Andrea McArdle (Annie). Sarah Jessica Parker and Allison Smith also starred in the title role during the original Broadway run. 

Since then, Annie has returned to Broadway twice –  in 1997 and 2012. It’s the 13th longest-running American musical to run on Broadway. It’s been translated into 28 languages and has been performed in 34 countries.

This production of Annie is directed by the same man who fell in love with the comic strip in 1970: Martin Charnin. It’s choreographed by Liza Gennaro. 

Annie includes such favorites as“It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and “Tomorrow.”

See Annie at Givens Performing Arts Center. Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Call Givens box office at 910-521-6361 for tickets and information or visit http://www.uncp.edu. Tickets:  $41, $36, $21/$26 Alumni/$16 Children or Students/$16 Faculty and Staff/$10 UNCP Students. 

Every Thanksgiving weekend for the past 17 years, The Heart of Christmas Show has ushered in the Christmas season. For the audience, it’s a weekend of high-quality entertainment, laughs, heartfelt moments and warm fuzzies that set hearts right for the holidays. For the cast and their families, it is the culmination of three months of grueling rehearsals and pulling together to put together everything they have into this show, which celebrates everyone’s favorite things about the holidays. Then, after the show is over, they give all the money away to help sick and abused children in the community – more than $620,000 to date. This year, the 18th annual Heart of Christmas Show is onstage at the Crown Nov. 26  at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Nov. 27 at 3 p.m.

The performance features Voices of the Heart, a local teenage Christian vocal group, joined by a cast of 32 singers and dancers. Laura Stevens is the show’s creator and director. “There was only supposed to be one show,” she said, “but here we are 18 years later.”

Putting on a production this big every year takes a lot of work and dedication from the cast and their families. “It is amazing to me how everyone pulls together. Parents are sewing sequins on costumes and running out for supplies – just doing whatever it takes to get things done,” said Stevens. “And the cast works so hard. They give up every Saturday for three months to be in this production. Our practices start right after Labor Day.”

But in the end, when the audience is engaged and reacts to the vignettes, when the funds are disbursed to help local children, all that hard work and hours of practice are worth it. “There are segments that have become as traditional as Christmas cookies,” said Stevens. “People come to the show to be inspired. At Christmas time, everyone has their favorites - their favorite song, favorite recipe, favorite traditions etc. At The Heart of Christmas Show, there are only so many favorites, but people want to hear them every year. And those scenes will always be a part of the production – like the manger scene.”

But still, Stevens tries hard to balance the audience favorites with new pieces. It keeps things fresh and interesting. This year, she says, there are some big changes; quite a few of them, in fact. “The first half of the show, we have fun with the secular songs and find new and different ways to spin some of the classics,” said Stevens. “For example, this year ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ is one of the songs. We are doing two versions. For the school shows, we will have a lot of Disney characters on stage for them. On the weekend shows, there is a twist on it. The segment is about a Hummer. As she pulls the salesman out of the car, she shoves him away and strokes the car. It is full of stuff like that. Funny takes on familiar songs.”

The second half of the show focuses on the Christmas story. “Our manger scene segment is a very special segment. It portrays the Christmas story in song and dance. It shows what the meaning of Christmas is - the birth of Christ. We take it from the beginning to the birth,” said Stevens. “For the last 10 years, we’ve had a live baby every year. You can hear the audience whispering when they see the feet go up in the manger and start wiggling. From the starry night to the birth and celebration of the birth, the manger scene stays intact because people don’t want me to change it. I think it is special.”  

After that, the show moves to a message of brotherhood, which Stevens sees as an important part of the show. This year features a new song called “We Are Christmas.”  “We partnered with Spellman College, an all-black college, on this. It speaks volumes. We are to extend love not hate to fellow man,” said Stevens. “We have a real strong brotherhood message this year.”

Keeping a show fresh year after year for almost two decades is a tall order, but it’s one Stevens is happy to take on. She says she finds inspiration just about everywhere. Sometimes it’s the songs themselves that provide insight into what a skit should be. Other times it’s an experience or a memory. “The Heart of Christmas Show has a lot of original arrangements in it, and it is all done with youth performers,” said Stevens. “This year was a tough year with the hurricane, the election and all the other yucky stuff that has gone on in our world. This is a year to see The Heart of Christmas Show. You will understand the heart behind the show. This is a group with a goal to raise money for sick and abused children.”

It’s more than dedicated performers and a loyal audience that make this show possible, though. Stevens noted that without support from the community, The Heart of Christmas Show just could not happen. “We are blessed to have so many supporters. From businesses to individuals, we could not do it without their support,” she said.

The Heart of Christmas Show takes place at the Crown on Sat., Nov. 26 and Sun., Nov. 27. Find out more at http://www.heartofchristmasshow.com or call 910-978-1119..

On Nov. 19, the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will perform the concert Czech it Out! This concert is part of the five concerts this season that are interviews for the five finalists vying for the position as the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra’s conductor next season. “The guest conductor for the November concert is Stefan Sanders, who is currently the assistant conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic and the music director of the Round Rock Symphony in Texas,” Christine Kastner the president and CEO explained. “He began his career playing trombone and then decided to pursue a career as a conductor.”

The season’s concerts are a strong reflection of each guest conductor’s style. “The guest conductors were asked to submit several concert programs as a part of their interview process. The programs they are conducting are ones they submitted,” Kastner said. This month, the theme chosen by Sanders is “Czech it Out!” which features Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8. It is described as cheery and inspired by Bohemian folk music. Scott Marosek will  perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major. 

To get an even better look into what makes the guest conductors tick, there will also be a preconcert  talk featuring the guest conductors and the FSO Music Nerd. “The music nerd is interviewing the guest conductors this season. He asks them some personal questions, but also they discuss the music that will be performed on that evening’s concert,” Kastner said. These preconcert talks allow everyone in the audience to learn not only about the conductor, but also about the music. They offer fun insight into the evening’s entertainment. 

The beauty of these interview concerts is the variation and talent that it showcases. It is not often that a single season will feature five such impressive artists. For Kastner, this is one of the most exciting aspects of the entire season. “We get to experience five different conductors with different backgrounds, personalities and styles,”she said. The conductor guides the orchestra and provides the audiences with a unique interpretation of music. It is a vital role in a concert and this season truly highlights how influential this guidance can be.

Another important part to the concerts is that they allow for community participation in the selection of the next conductor. Audience members will receive surveys following the performances to gauge the most popular candidate. One does not have to have a degree in music to give a valuable opinion. Kastner advises, “attend as many of the concerts as possible and be sure to give us your email so that you will receive a link to the online audience survey. You do not need to know conducting or even music, just let us know what  you think as an audience member. Did you enjoy their concert? Would you come see them again?”

Czech It Out! starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Seabrook Auditorium located at 1200 Murchison Rd. on the Fayetteville State University campus. The preconcert  talk begins at 6:45 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.fayettevillesymphony.org/2016-2017-concerts/. 

The Association of Bragg Spouses presents the 26th annual Yule Mart Craft Fair on Friday, Nov. 18 from 1-7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. -  7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Crown Arena. The event promises unique gifts for that hard-to-shop-for person in your life. It is also a fun event for children.  

“Yule Mart is handmade craft items and we have over 50 craft vendors, “said Nicole Curry, chairperson of the Yule Mart Craft Fair. “Our main goal is to raise money for our scholarships and welfare grants.” Curry added that Yule Mart is one of their two main fundraisers for the year.    

The event will feature live entertainment, photos with Santa, Santa’s Secret Shop, Mrs. Claus’ Bake Shop and opportunities to win prizes. The bake shop will sell goodies such as cookies, banana loaves, Rice Krispy Treats and gluten-free treats. “We opened the opportunity so that some of our kiddos in Cumberland and Harnett Counties can shine. So we have dance teams, a band and choir students who will perform,” said Curry. “Santa’s Secret Shop is for children to come in and do some shopping for family, friends and pets.” Curry added that there is a volunteer who will go in the shop with the child and assist them while they shop.        

The purpose of the nonprofit group is to develop and foster a spirit of community, to provide opportunities for social, cultural and creative pursuits, and to support service and community projects. Membership is available to active duty members of the United States Armed Forces and their spouses assigned to and residing in the Fort Bragg area. Associate memberships are available to retirees and spouses. The group’s mission is to give monetary donations in scholarships and welfare grants. Last year high school graduates, students in college and military spouses were given funds for their education.  “We try to reach out to organizations in need of help especially when they are supporting our military kids in schools,” said Curry. “Last year we purchased instruments for three schools, sponsored Wounded Warriors and assisted churches and local and national groups.  We are very excited this year and can’t wait to give back to our continuing education spouses, kids and our community,” said Curry. 

General admission is $7 and photos with Santa are $5. The cost for Santa’s Secret Shop is $5. If you would like to volunteer for the event visit www.fortbraggabs.org.  

Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carolends with Scrooge turning over a new leaf and the promise of a bright future for everyone. Is that what happened though? Find out on Nov. 18-20 at Heritage Square’s production of A Christmas Carol Revisited: What Ever Happened to Tiny Tim? It’s an interactive experience, so don’t plan on sitting through this night of entertainment that showcases the basement of the Sandford House, the Heritage Square properties and more.

Dr. Gail Morfesis wrote the piece as part of a bigger event that brings Victorian-era traditions and holiday fun to modern-day Fayetteville. The cast is made up of some of local actors who have been seen in shows throughout the area as well as in New York. The actors include: John Doerner, Gary Clayton, Carrie Carroll, Stanley Seay, Terry Levitt and Jane Moran. 

Gary Clayton plays Bob Cratchit. He opens the staged portion of the production. “Bob Cratchit comes from around the corner and greets his friends (the audience) and takes them into the cellar. It is 20 years or so after A Christmas Carol. Scrooge did, in fact, become a better man and a benefactor of the family and he is older, frail and a little bit senile.  So, Bob comes by every evening to check on his friend,” said Clayton. “Scrooge lapses and thinks Bob still works for him and we go into a scene. It is cool how it blends the old in the new.” 

John Doerner is Scrooge. It’s a role he’s played before. “I’ve done Scrooge in a couple incarnations. I’ve done three different Christmas Carol productions. This is a condensed scene that incorporates some of the highlights of the full production,” he said. “He is one of my favorite characters. I see a lot of actors do Scrooge and they get the angry Scrooge correct but they don’t get the other side. Or they get the kind Scrooge but not the angry side. It is a real challenge to make both sides work; to make you dislike someone and then like them.”

After visiting Scrooge, guests get to see the Cratchit home. “They will see the house decorated for Christmas, we play a Victorian word game and sing carols,” said Morfesis.  “The whole time we have live music outside. There will be a performance by a local men’s acapella group. We have a gal coming with ancient wooden recorders to play period music on the grounds. People are invited to listen to music and have some dessert and cider. We will also have the Cratchit family in the home and we talk to them about Dickens and Scrooge and the family. It is really nice.”

Proceeds from this event benefit Heritage Square. Heritage Square is made up of three historic properties: The Sandford House, the  Oval Ballrool and the  Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House. Find out more about Heritage Square at http://www.heritagesquarefay.org.  Admission to A Christmas Carol Revisted is $10. Call 483-6009 for more information.