City managers are a unique group. They are all Type A personalities. They all have a need to control what’s going on around them, and, if they are smart, they should all learn how to play nice. That’s probably where most of them fail.I must disclose that at my first newspaper job, I worked in a town where the mayor was known for taking young town managers, fresh out of school, and developing them into some of the best city managers in the state.

Just out of school myself and covering the city beat, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that most of those young managers were close friends of mine. After leaving my hometown, they went around the state to places like Woodfin,Wrightsville Beach,Mount Airy, Apex, Mooresville, Fletcher and Laurinburg. These guys are still my friends today. Together, we learned our craft even though it was sometimes painful because my job often required me to hold them accountable. So, I have a basis for what I am about to share, because I saw all of these young managers learn these lessons, sometimes the hard way.

With apologies to Robert Fulghum, here are the things that city managers should have learned in kindergarten:

1. Sticks and stones can break your bones but commentaries can never hurt you. That is unless you take it personally and react in a less than professional manner. You are in the public eye. Like a journalist, at any given time, a third of the people are going to like you, a third are going to hate you and a third just won’t care. You can’t let words goad you into acting in an irresponsible manner. When you do, you lose.

2. Unlike your sandbox, in the real world, you can’t take your ball and go home. If someone does something that upsets you, you can’t, as a public administrator, decide that the person or agency just can’t play. You don’t have that option. That would be like a city administrator cutting off water to a town because they didn’t like what the city leaders did or said. You have to play nice, even when others aren’t so nice.

3. Bullies will eventually meet their match. When you are the big kid on the playground and you think you hold all the cards, you have to remember that somewhere a little kid, who has had to fight long and hard just to be on the playground, is goingo get tired of being bullied. That kid is going to be smarter,tougher and a lot meaner than you are. And when you meet that kid, your best bet is to leave them alone.

4. Honesty is always the best policy. In this electronic age everything you say, type, text and email can and will be held against you. Think no one can find your emails? Lois Lerner just learned differently. So don’t say or do anything that you need to hide and if you do something dumb, own up to it. People are more forgiving when you admit to an honest mistake than when you prevaricate.

And finally, this is the first lesson that the mayor taught his young city managers.

5. Never get into a fight with someone who buys their paper by the train load and their ink by the barrelful. You are going to lose because they are always, always going to have the last word!

The holiday season is a truly special time of year — even more so in the greater Fayetteville area because there are so many wonderful events and traditions to celebrate the season. This year marks the 15th anniversary of one of the most well-loved and well-known local traditions: the Dickens Holiday.

Every year, on the day after Thanksgiving, the streets of downtown Fayetteville are transformed into a bustling Victorian village complete with wandering carolers, horse-drawn carriages, Father Christmas, gingerbread, spiced cider, vendors and characters straight out of the Dickens masterpiece A Christmas Carol. The event runs from 1-9 p.m. and is packed with interesting characters, activities and locations. One of the highlights of the day is the candlelight procession from the Arts Council to the Market House. This year the event has a few additional treats to enjoy.

In addition to Scrooge, Marley and the other characters from A Christmas Carol, actors portraying people who actually knew Queen Victoria will join the festivities. The queen has been quite popular at the event in past years and this will let the crowd peek into her world.

“Our favorite characters like Scrooge will still be there but we are adding a whole new layer of characters to enrich this experience — all of whom have a connection to Queen Victoria and her court.” said Mary Kinney, marketing director for the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County. “We are looking to add some depth to the Dickens experience and to be more diverse and educational. We really want to offer a deeper educational experience. Everything we do is an opportunity for lifelong learning. It isn’t about the performance. It is about what you learn from it. I hope people take something beyond the performance and it is perfect timing — our 15th year. What better year to celebrate than by adding the next layer to programming?”

Meet Sara Forbes Bonetta. Played by local actress Kaity Parson, Bonetta is known as Queen Victoria’s goddaughter. Bonetta was originally from what is now west Nigeria and was brought to England as a child.

“Kaity is doing a lot of research into Sara’s life and will give a monologue at the Dickens Holiday,” said Kinney. “If you are not familiar with Sara Forbes Bonetta’s story, it is worth researching.”

Local actor Sonny Kelly portrays Ira Aldridge, an African-American Shakespearean actor from New York City who made his way to London. He performed not just for Queen Victoria but all over Europe, including Russia and Austria. He was known by many as “African Roscius.” Don’t miss Kelly’s monologue where he will share some of Aldridge’s adventures.

Visit Annie’s Ale House, another new addition to the popular event.

“Annie’s Ale House is a food court and performance area behind the Arts Council,” said Kinney. “We’ll have beer and wine. Annie’s Ale House is open from 1-9 p.m., but programming in that area really picks up after the fireworks during Dickens After Dark. In Annie’s Ale House we will have the Belfast Boys. It is rich music that is very upbeat. It includes instruments like mandolins and has a very toe-tapping kind of beat. That will be an exciting spot to be after the fireworks.” 

This year Habitat for Humanity and H&H Homes join the festivities as sponsors of the gingerbread village.

“People from our own community will create buildings that make the village. It can be police stations, hospitals, houses — pretty much anything that you would find in a community. People are signing up now to participate. There are forms at the Habitat for Humanity Restore. The opportunity during Dickens is to come and see the finished community of hope. There is no charge to enter,” explained Kinney.

Most events run continuously throughout the day, and there is much to experience. Ride through the streets of downtown in a horse-drawn carriage. Have a photo taken with Father Christmas. Sample hot cider, gingerbread and more. Shop the many vendors and businesses. Visit Annie’s Ale House for a bite to eat. Chat with historical figures and literary characters. Don’t miss one of the highlights of the day, Fayetteville’s biggest candlelight procession from the Arts Council to the Market House.

“While most things happen throughout the day, enjoy the one thing that happens at a certain time — the procession,” said Kinney. “Everyone gathers in front of the Arts Council at 5:30 p.m., where you can get a free candle — while supplies last. Then we all proceed to the Market House together. It is the city’s largest procession and the fireworks are beautiful.”

The event doesn’t end once the fireworks are over. “There is so much going on that people will want to stay,” said Kinney.

A Dickens Holiday is a collaborative effort between the Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the Downtown Alliance. It runs from 1-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28 and encompasses the heart of downtown. Find out more at www.theartscouncil.com or by calling 323-1776.

Photo:  Join the festivities as downtown turns Victorian at A Dickens Holiday on Friday, Nov. 28.

Ballet traces its roots to the Italian Renaissance as a combination of the lavish dance, décor, costumes, song, music and poetry that the royalty of Italy and France treasured. Since its inception, the popularity of this dance form has grown and solidified the style as an art form all its own. One of the most magical stories told by ballet is The Nutcracker. This Christmas Classic is on stage at the Crown Coliseum featuring the North Carolina State Ballet on Dec 7, 13 and 14.

The North Carolina State Ballet was created in 1977, and is focused on not only preserving classical ballet choreography but also bringing it to the public. Attending a performance by the ballet is also an amazing opportunity for education. Professional instructors are available to teach students professional grade classic ballet. The commitment to education and preservation is evident in the incredible performances of each dancer and the company as a whole. It has presented many ballets over the years, but a seasonal tradition is their performance of The Nutcracker.

One of the people integral to the success of the North Carolina State Ballet performance of The Nutcracker is Charlotte Blume. Blume, who owns her own school of dance located at 1312 Morganton Rd., instructs students in classical ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary and children’s dance. The school has been instructing students 3 years and older for more than 40 years in classes and after school programs in Cumberland County Schools. However, classical ballet is the main focus of the school.

The Nutcracker originally debuted in Moscow for the 1892 Christmas and made its way to the western world in the 1930s. It had a rocky start at its inception, but now it is a Christmas tradition for many families. Adapted from a fairytale written by E.T.A. Hoffman, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the ballet tells the story of a young German girl named Clara. On Christmas Eve, the children in Clara’s family are given amazing lifelike dolls. Clara awakens in the middle of the night and is attacked by giant mice. She is defended by the Nutcracker, who transforms into a prince and takes her to the Kingdom of Sweets.

They journey through the magical land and at the end of the amazing night Clara drifts to sleep and awakens in her bed. This magical adventure is entertaining for adults and children alike. The incredible dancing, festive costumes and magical lands deliver an incredible show every single performance. It has been entrancing Christmas audiences for years.

The Nutcracker is on stage Dec. 7, 13 and 14 at 3 p.m. in the Crown Theatre. The theatre is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. General admission is $19; $15 for military with I.D.; and children’s tickets are $6. Tickets are available at the Crown Box Office, which can be reached at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com or at the Fort Bragg Travel and Leisure Center.

Photos: Top right, The North Carolina Ballet brings a holiday classic to life at the Crown Theatre with
The Nutcracker.  Bottom left: Annually, students from Charlotte Blume’s Dance Company join the N.C. Ballet for this amazing performance. 

Don’t you just love the sights and sounds of Christmas: lights, Christmas trees, presents, mistletoe and The Temptations singing “Silent Night” on the radio? Adding to the magic of the season, The Woman’s Club of Fayetteville presents its Christmas Tour of Homes on Sunday, Dec. 7 from 1-6 p.m.

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year for the Woman’s Club, and the funds are used to preserve the three historic homes of Heritage Square,” said Betty Muncy, organizer of the Christmas Tour of Homes. “Martha Duell and I started this Christmas home tour in 2002, and it continues to be a huge success with the support of these homeowners.”

The historic homes of Heritage Square are the Sandford House, the Oval Ballroom and the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House. They are owned by the Woman’s Club of Fayetteville.

“Contributions from the Colonial Dames and friends have helped maintain the buildings of Heritage Square,” said Muncy. “We are fortunate to have the support of the community as we try to preserve these historic homes of Heritage Square for the future generation.”

Members of the community generously contribute year after year, opening their homes to the community and sharing a bit of holiday cheer with those who take the tour. It is a chance to appreciate the generosity and decorating skills of the hosts and help a worthy cause. While the addresses may vary from year to year, one thing that remains constant is the sense of hospitality of the hosts. Take a peek inside some of Fayetteville’s most festive homes and spend a Sunday afternoon settling in to the Christmas spirit.

The tour will showcase six homes at the following addresses:

• Dr. Daniel & Ashley Culliton, 517 Oak Ridge Avenue

• Jack & Judy Dawar, 714 Murry Hill Road

• Patsy Politowicz, 1825 Myrtle Hill Lane

• Alvin Smith & Dennis Williams, 306 McAllister Street

• Brian & Rhonda Kent, 300 Forest Creek Drive, (across the street from MacPherson Presbyterian Church on Cliffdale Road)

• Fayetteville Regional Chamber, 1019 Hay Street.

“The Woman’s Club is grateful for the families that showcase their homes each year for us,” said Muncy. “Our club works as a team and this is a great way for us to get to know each other better.”

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at The Pilgrim in Westwood Shopping Center, from Woman’s Club members and at the homes on the day of the tour. Donations are needed and accepted throughout the year to maintain the historic homes in Heritage Square. For more information, call 485-1555 or 483-6009.

Photo: Fayetteville residents will open their doors for The Christmas Tour of Homes sponsored by The Woman’s Club of Fayetteville. The annual event helps maintain three historic homes in Heritage Square, including The Sandford House pictured above.

Since it was originally published in 1843, A Christmas Carol has remained a beloved holiday classic. In Fayetteville, the classic story of a man learning the true spirit of Christmas is told best by the talented actors at The Gilbert Theater. From Nov. 28 – Dec. 21, the theater will give its gift to the community with the staging of the show.

The adaptation used by The Gilbert is a classic telling of the story, though there are a few exciting and creative changes.

“This is a traditional telling of A Christmas Carol. The original Charles Dickens story was then adapted by Christopher Schario. It is written for a small number of actors so each actor plays multiple characters,” said Robyne Parrish, the artistic director of the theater. “You can do this production with eight people, but we do it with 13. It’s a challenge for the actors and I think it challenges the audience to use their imagination. We differentiate them with a hat, or a cape or a moustache. We also have a live violin player and a Foley artist — a person who makes the sound effects live. So the sounds will be created right in front of the audience.”

This year makes the 10th season that The Gilbert has produced A Christmas Carol, though only their second year with this new adaptation. This new rendition of the traditional story is ideal for the intimate space of the theater as it has a smaller set design. The major set piece, which is present throughout the story, is a child’s bed.

Parrish explains, “There’s this framing device to help tell the story. A young kid has to read A Christmas Carol for homework and all the people in his life become characters in the story. This all takes place in his room with his imagination, so his bed is there the whole time, and the story happens around it.”

The small cast is another unique aspect to this adaptation of A Christmas Carol. This falls in line with the framing device of the boy’s family members becoming characters in the story, but it also presents a challenge for the actors because they each play multiple roles. Parrish noted that this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the play from a director’s perspective.

“I also enjoy the challenging nature of the script. Helping the actors differentiate their characters with their movements and voice, the hard characterization is the most fun for me — to discover and create these very different characters. For example, Nathan Pierce plays Bob Cratchit and the ghost of Marley. He goes from a 35-year-old guy to a 7- year-old ghost in a matter of minutes.”

While these new aspects to the story bring a certain element of excitement and intrigue, at its core this is a beautiful and traditional telling of the much-loved Dickens tale, which makes for a better celebration of the holidays by remembering the true spirit of the season.

The Gilbert Theatre is located at 116 Green St. For tickets, go to www.gilberttheater.com/box-office. The box office is also open one hour prior to the show. A Christmas Carol opens Nov. 28 and runs through Dec 21. Fridays and Saturdays there are shows at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.gilberttheatre.com or call 687-7186.

Photo:  Ebenezer Scrooge gets a wake-up call as The Gilbert Theater brings its Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol, to the stage.

Since their original domestication, horses have been revered for their power and grace. In the hands of a riding master such as Rene Gasser, their beauty and elegance is unrivaled.

Gasser has been training and performing with horses since childhood and comes from a family with generations of experience.

“I was born into it. My family has been training and performing with horses for seven generations. It’s a bit in my blood,” he said. “You don’t always stick with it, but I just love it.”

He hasn’t been content to just ride for enjoyment. Instead, he has channeled these generations of experience and passion into a magnificent show called the Gala of the Royal Horses, which is coming to the Crown Coliseum on Nov. 28.

This is no ordinary horse show; it is a combination of Spanish flamenco and Spanish horses.

“There are so many highlights, we change between nice and easy and then another highlight. I think one of the most exciting moments is when one of our Spanish horses dances with a flamenco dancer,” he said. “The audience gets to see this powerful animal making dance-like movements and hear it on the board like tap dance. And there is so much more, we want that wow factor, that’s everything to us. Then we can walk away with a smile on our faces.”

It takes more than an ordinary horse to perform with such elegance and precision; it also takes a lifetime with an experienced trainer.

“We really never stop training. They are like dancers or athletes. We have to always keep them fit and mentally well. They do things that a normal horse can’t do, so once they are 3 ½-years-old, they are never done training,” he explained. “I think that’s the secret to the longevity of our horses, the gymnastic exercises. Our horses can keep performing into their late 20s and early 30s.”

In addition to the years of training, there is also a large amount of preparation that goes into just a single performance, for the horses and their trainers.

“We work hard to keep the horses in performance condition and to get ready. Some of the horses — their manes and tails are so big that it takes two people an hour to wash them, and they get conditioned, too. But when the audience reacts its all worth it,” he said.

Gasser has traveled and performed all over the world, but this year the show is entirely redone for the North American audiences.

“We are using musicians and dancers with the performances, so it’s more like a production,” explained Gasser. “It’s not just for horse lovers, its for anyone who loves a great show. And for horse lovers, we have all these magnificent horses that they can only normally see on television or documentaries, and they are right in front of you. The variety is incredible.”

The Gala of Royal Horses is at the Crown Coliseum on Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $28 to $78 for ringside seats. The Crown Coliseum is located at 1960 Coliseum Dr. To purchase tickets visit www.ticektmaster.com or call 438-4100. For more information, www.crowncomplexnc.com or www.galaofthehorses.com.

Photo:  Magnificent horses flamenco their way into audiences’ hearts during the Gala of the Horses, which is coming to Fayetteville on Nov. 28 at the Crown Coliseum.

The Shot Heard Round City Hall

In the Oct. 22 issue of Up & Coming Weekly, Publisher Bill Bowman wrote an editorial that ricocheted throughout Fayetteville City Hall. The editorial, titled “Voorhees Vigilantes: Lemmings in Pursuit of the Golden Goose,” discussed the law suit pending between the City of Fayetteville and PWC. More specifically, it discussed the money grab for PWC funds by City Manager Ted Voorhees.

Bowman has never been shy about expressing his opinions, which often cause a great deal of debate within the community. People either love them or hate them, which usually results in spirited discussion between the local citizenry and their elected leaders. That kind of discussion makes for an involved and informed community. In this case, Manager Voorhees was not amused and acted quickly to try and silence Bowman and Up & Coming Weekly in a move that flies in face of the 1st Amendment and its establishment of a free press that is not controlled or stifled by the government.

Voorhees’ retaliation for Bowman’s editorial was swift, and came in the form of a letter from the city’s Corporate Communications Director Tracie Davis. The letter was short and to the point:

“This letter is to inform you that as of October 29, 2014, the City of Fayetteville will be suspending its participation in Up & Coming Weekly for the foreseeable future. We will also cease publication of our bi-weekly FOCUS On Fayetteville section. Please remove any ads or sponsorships dealing with the City of Fayetteville from future editions of Up & Coming Weekly, beginning with the Nov. 5 issue.”

No discussion. No warning. In the matter of a week, Up & Coming Weekly went from a valued city partner to persona non grata. And all of this was done by one man with no input or consent by the Fayetteville City Council. They, in fact, were blind sided by the move, and were unaware of it until Monday, Nov. 10, when I filed a public information request with the City of Fayetteville for all communications concerning Up & Coming Weekly. (A request that to date has not been fulfilled.)

When Voorhees was questioned about this action by Mayor Nat Robertson during the city’s working meeting that night, Voorhees stumbled over his words. Trying to explain his actions by first saying the city was reviewing all media partnerships, but eventually getting to the point, noting “Recently, it’s come to our attention again whether this is a vehicle (UCW) that is providing value. It’s clearly got an editorial bias that doesn’t seem to be supportive of the city — I don’t know if we need to be participating in that.”

Did you catch that? If the newspaper doesn’t agree with the city, then the city should not “participate” in the newspaper. Mr. Voorhees, do you realize what you said? We do. The community does. You basically said, “If we can’t control the paper, we will lock it out.”

That, Mr. Voorhees, is the definition of the government trying to control the press. I am not alone in that belief. The North Carolina Press Association believes that, as does their legal staff. All freedom-loving citizens of Fayetteville will see your play for what it is: an attempt to silence the media and violate the First Amendment.

Voorhees is now changing his talking point, questioning whether Up & Coming Weekly is a legitimate means of communicating with the community. He noted in the same meeting that while his staff hasn’t done any research on it, that they will. They just feel it isn’t a good partner.

We can save the city staff time and money. The research has already been done by legitimate media review sources like the Circulation Verification Council, which is an independent, third-party reporting audit company that audits thousands of newspapers nationwide to give an accurate picture of a publication’s reach and market penetration. Up & Coming Weekly has top numbers throughout our community for its reach. It has been done by the Convention and Visitors Bureau awhile back, when its community survey found that Up & Coming Weekly was one of the most read publications in the community and source for news — beating out the daily newspaper. The research has been done by the myriad of community partners we have maintained throughout our 20 -year history.

Mr. Voorhees, if you want to come at us, come at us with more than “feelings” and with something more than questioning our legitimacy. We are a legitimate newspaper. We have been proud members of the North Carolina Press Association for many years, with Publisher Bill Bowman sitting on its board, alongside Charles Broadwell, the publisher of The Fayetteville Observer.

We have the numbers. We have the facts, and we’ve got your number, too. If you want to come at us, don’t do it by treading on the 1st Amendment. While you might not appreciate it, you are living in a community that is built on the backs of men and women who have fought, bled and died to defend our Constitution — and the freedom of the press.

We are quickly approaching the most magical time of the year: Christmas!

While the majority of us wait until Thanksgiving to start decking the halls and trimming our trees, many are already moving full speed ahead. Fayetteville musician Laura Stevens is one of them.

Stevens, the mastermind behind The Heart of Christmas Show, prepares for Christmas all year long. It’s her mission. Stevens, along with her talented ensemble, kicks-off the Christmas season in Fayetteville. It’s not just entertainment, it’s their passion.
In its 17th year, The Heart of Christmas Show brings a Broadway-style musical to the community each Christmas replete with great costumes, big dance numbers and even bigger singing numbers. The show, which is on stage for the public just one weekend, impacts the community all year long in big and small ways that most people will never realize.

The cast of the show is comprised of 36 talented young people between the ages of 5 and 18. And while their talent brings humor and spirit to the season, their passion for the community brings something much more important. The show was born from a need in the community to give talented young people an outlet to grow their talent. The Heart of Christmas Show provides a whistles and bells, full production, professional environment for child performers to develop and gives them a memorable experience. It also give the audience memorable experiences as well. The audience is enthralled by the show’s level of professionalism, talent and entertainment value.
Stevens, the founder and director of the show, noted that the best compliment she gets from audience members is that they forget they are watching young people perform until a “5-year-old comes out, steals your heart and gets a standing ovation because he was so good.”  

That doesn’t happen without a lot of hard work. The cast starts rehearsals about three to four months out. But Stevens’ work starts immediately after the curtain closes on the last performance. It is a tremendous effort with a lot of moving pieces. She first has to assess what worked and didn’t work in the production. Then she has to look for ways to make it fresh and to up the entertainment value. For an artist like Stevens, that is the fun part. But she also has to tackle the business end of the show.

When the show was first conceived, it was meant to be a one-time experience. But its success within the community was overwhelming, causing Stevens to explore the idea of making it an annual event, which has morphed into a Fayetteville tradition that is one of the biggest annual events at the Crown and in the community. To make the show work, Stevens needs talent, but she also needs commitment from the community, which comes from ticket sales, but more importantly from the support of local businesses. Without the sponsorship of the show by local businesses, many of whom have been with Stevens since the first show, The Heart of Christmas Show would not be possible.  

“Thesponsor support has been a lifeline to continue the show and to improve the show,” she said. “We pay for all the expenses of the show with the sponsor support so that we can give all the ticket money back to the community through the charities we pick each year.”

And that’s what is truly at the heart of The Heart Of Christmas Show. The first show was designed specifically to help children in need in Cumberland County. Each year, The Heart of Christmas Show has kept its promise to give away 100 percent of the ticket sales from the weekend shows to local children’s agencies that work to help sick and abused children.

Additionally, the show is performed for school children throughout the community, with proceeds going back into the schools. Throughout its run, The Heart of Christmas Show has raised more than $170,000 for local schools. With the weekend shows and the school shows, it has raised more than $575,000 to help children in our community.

With that kind of giving power, Stevens and her cast of talented performers have lived up to their motto, “Children helping children.”

“We have and will continue to help the children of this community because we believe it is a privilege to help others,” explained Stevens. “It teaches our performers to look outward instead of inward. ”

Stevens said the philosophy she instills in her cast is simple. “Want to know the secret to happiness in life? Helping others. We were created to do that. Ephesians 2:10 says, ‘For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God planned in advance for us to do.’”

“We can make a difference. One life at a time; one community at a time,” she concluded. And the cast has shown that for 16 years, making the community better one show at a time.

The Heart of Christmas Show is on stage at the Crown Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 1 and 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 3 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit the website at www.heartofchristmasshow.com

 

“Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God.”
                    - Bob Pierce’s

The most famous quote by Bob Pierce has opened eyes of many around the world.

Samaritan’s Purse is an international relief organization driven to help those who cannot help themselves. Bob Pierce founded the organization in 1970 after visiting suffering children in Korea. In 1973, he met the man who would eventually become his successor, Franklin Graham, the son of evangelist Billy Graham. Following Pierce’s death, Graham took the reins of Samaritan’s Purse and grew it into an international charity that helps people all over the globe who are in need.

Operation Christmas Child is one of the many programs the organization undertakes each year and one that has come to mean Christmas to many all around the world. Operation Christmas Child sends thousands of shoe boxes to children in need. The boxes contain items that are big or small enough to fit in an average size shoebox.

Green Springs Baptist Church in Fayetteville has been packing boxes for many years. On Dec. 11, church members will make their annual trek to the distribution center in Charlotte, N.C., to volunteer with countless others from across the state to prepare the boxes for their final shipment overseas. Each year, the members of the church rise to the challenge to pack one box per person in each household.

“My family has packed boxes for 20 years,” said Pastor Jeff Broadwell. “We make it a family thing by going shopping and picking out different toys. We get things that require no upkeep and no batteries.

“We throw away a lot of things in America and we also take a lot of things for granted. This is an opportunity to share what we have been blessed with, but most importantly the gospel,” he continued.

National collection week is Nov. 17 to 24. Operation Christmas Child will collect boxes from more than 4,000 drop-off sites in all 50 states, including Puerto Rico. The gifts, packed carefully in the colorful red and green shoe boxes will be delivered to children in more than 100 countries, touching six continents.

“Operation Christmas Child has brought our church home closer together spiritually. This has enabled us to operate as one body and share the things we have been given from God”, said Broadwell. “The letters we receive from the families thanking us for what we have sent in the boxes has made packing all the more enjoyable”, he said.

Green Springs Baptist Church has taken the first of many steps to promote and encourage this program. The surrounding communities of Fayetteville can do their part by donating on the Operation Christmas Child website or having a packing party. Donations on the website are just as important for this program because each box costs $7 to ship.

Packing parties can be a way for families to come together and experience the gift of giving during the holidays.

To pack a shoe box there are a few simple steps:
• Decide if you are packing your box for a boy or girl from ages 2 to 14.
• Fill the box with gifts, which can include toys (nothing to do with war or guns), candy (nothing that will melt), hygiene items like toothbrushes or combs or small items of clothing like socks and gloves. Be sure to include $7 to cover the shipping.
• Say a prayer for the child who will receive your box and write them a letter if you choose.
• Drop the box off to one of the designated donation locations.
There are numerous drop-off locations in Cumberland County, to find the one closest to you, visit the Samaritan’s Purse website at www.samaritanspurse.org. You will also find gift suggestions for the box online as well.

By and large, any time I walk out of the doors of the Cape Fear Regional Theatre after seeing a play, I know how I feel about it. That was not the case with The Bluest Eye, the currently staged production.

I can say, with no problem, that the show was masterfully staged and the acting was superb. It was the content that left me — well, to be honest —disturbed. That was the intent.

The Bluest Eye explores the idea of beauty. And while, in this instance, the story is told from the perspective of an African-American girl, the theme is universal. What is beauty? Who defines it? And, how do we define it
for ourselves?

I went to the play knowing those were the questions that would be tackled but there was so much more in the subtext — and that is probably what left me the most disturbed.

I am southern by birth, but I grew up in a military family, which means we moved a lot and we were exposed to a lot of different people, different ideas and different cultures. I see myself blessed for having those opportunities that broadened my perspective. But maybe that perspective is naïve.
That is the uncomfortable truth that I took away from The Bluest Eye.

As I mentioned, the play’s core discusses the idea of beauty in America. But its subtext also deals with the simmering anger that lies just beneath the surface in all relations — not just racial relations. The fact that that aspect was told through the eyes and the voice of a child makes it so much more impactful. When the idea of hating Shirley Temple for her curls and whiteness was expressed, it quite literally took my breath away. When one of the daughters talked about mutilating her blonde baby doll, it was a revelation. It reminded me all too clearly that until you live in someone else’s skin, you can’t truly see life from their perspective.

CFRT Artistic Director Tom Quaintance noted during his pre-performance welcome that the great thing about this production was the community conversations it is generating. I think an even greater impact is the personal reflection it will generate.

I could spend a lot of space and type telling you how great the actors were — and they were. I could tell you about the brilliant staging or lighting, but that isn’t what matters. The Bluest Eye may well be one of the most important plays staged this year because of its content— not it’s window dressing.

I’m still processing my feelings about the play. I’m still working my way through it. But there is one thing I know without a doubt. This is a play that can’t be missed.

Whether people realize it or not, the founding fathers of this great nation (and yes, with all of its faults and failures, it is still a great nation) were inspired by a spark of genius in setting up this great republic. Founded by the principles of democracy (see how I put the root words for Republican and Democrat in this sentence?), they realized that for this great experiment in freedom to work, certain things had to be protected and certain things had to have checks and balances. For the most part, I think they got it right.

Following last Tuesday’s election, a lot of people were talking. Some were happy, some were sad, a lot of people were mad. (And some, like the commentators on MSNBC, were just stupid.) Some friends of mine on social media were lamenting the fact that even though the power in Congress had shifted, the president was probably going to force his policies down the throats of the country by using executive power. I pointed out to them that with the shift in Congress, the legislative branch has the power to override any veto the president may sign and to counteract any executive legislation that the people (ie, registered voters) are opposed to. They didn’t get it.

But our founding fathers did. They realized that power in its rawest form really needs to have some form of checks and balances (Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely). They knew that no matter who is in power, it could become too seductive or too easy to do what that individual wants rather than what the people want. So they built in those checks and balances and then they clarified their intent through the Bill of Rights. Over the years, the ensuing amendments protected more rights that are sacrosanct.

That is the genius that I celebrate, that I defend, that I, as a journalist, will fight for.

My sophomore year in college, seeing a wrong that infringed on freedom of speech is what prompted me to join the newspaper staff at my school. It was what prompted me to pursue a career in journalism. When someone — anyone — infringes on those rights that we as Americans hold so dear, it gets my blood boiling and my computer hot.

Over the next few weeks, you are going to hear me, and a lot of other people, talking about freedom of the press. Besides freedom of religion, that is one of our most sacred of rights, in my opinion. So, just to make sure we are all on the same page, here is what the first amendment says:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

If Congress cannot make a law “abridging the freedom of the press,” then surely a local government or a paid administrator in local government can’t either. The 4th Estate, which is the ultimate check and balance, has been sorely abused over the past couple of years through partisan politics; however, the defense of a free press makes for strange bed fellows, wherein the enemy of my enemy becomes my friend.

At Up & Coming Weekly, we have fought the giants in city politics in defense of the first amendment since our inception; we haven’t lost a fight yet. Those who would seek to abuse the rights we, as Americans hold dear, need to remember that.

We North Carolinians have had our share of political bad boys.

Think former House Speaker Jim Black who went to federal prison for taking special interest campaign cash in a restaurant men’s room. Think former state Representative Michael Decker who sold his vote for Speaker for $50,000. Think former Senator John Edwards whose notorious behavior will not be recounted on the pages of a family-friendly community newspaper. Think former state Agriculture Commissioner Meg Scott Phipps — OK, she is a girl but you see where this is heading — who took campaign cash from would-be State Fair concessioners. And, just last week disgraced former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon, a convicted felon, voted in the General Election.

But our political bad boys pale in comparison to bad boys from other states whose behavior has dropped jaws across the country and beyond. Here are a few of the most recent bad boys seeking political redemption, most of whom actually got it.

Remember former South Carolina Congressman and Governor Mark Sanford? He is the fellow who told his wife and his staff that he was hiking the Appalachian Trail and would be out of touch for a few days. He then hopped aboard a commercial airliner with his American passport and jetted off to visit his Argentinian mistress. He clearly thought he was invisible despite having spent millions to make his name and face known to South Carolina’s voters. And where is Sanford now? He was elected to his onetime Congressional seat in a special election last year and was re-elected last week, running unopposed.

CNN reported on two Congressional bad boys who also cruised to re-election despite widely publicized and unbelievable conduct. Tennessee Congressman Scott Desjarlais, a physician who is publicly pro-life, found himself in the embarrassing position of having a pregnant wife and a pregnant girlfriend at the same time. To make matters worse, the girlfriend was his patient, one of multiple patients with whom he has slept. Piling on his bad boy tendencies, pro-life Desjarlais demanded that both women terminate their pregnancies.

Stunningly, the doc was re-elected by nearly 60 percent of the voters.

Then there is New York Congressman Michael Grimm who could benefit from an anger management class. Grimm, a former Marine turned FBI agent, was overheard on a live microphone threatening to toss a reporter over a balcony in the rotunda of the United State Capitol. Said Grimm to the unfortunate journalist, “I will break you in half, like a boy.” He is also facing a 20-count federal indictment on charges of tax fraud related to his management of a Manhattan health food restaurant.

Grimm was re-elected last week by more than 55 percent of his voters.

One notable exception to bad boy redemption is former Louisiana Congressman Vance McAllister who was caught on a security camera — how should I describe this? — “smooching” with his Congressional scheduler. Incredibly, his recent campaign featured a TV spot with his wife at his side, saying something about being blessed to have a husband to owns up to his mistakes. I wonder whether she has some new jewelry.
McAllister’s constituents were not buying that one, however. He came in fourth in his race.

How do we explain the reality that despite behavior that is obviously disgusting and in some instances criminal, we continue to elect these bad boys?

Do we think these people are merely characters on a reality show instead of elected officials making decisions affecting all of us? Do we think they are good looking? Do we have thirty-second memories? Are we demented?

My take is that we have become so polarized by party in our nation that we will overlook even the most egregious behavior, character flaws, immorality and simple boorishness to vote for someone of our particular political persuasion. Television talking heads are using sports metaphors to describe this unfortunate phenomenon, saying we will vote for anyone who wears our uniform. And, this is not just a Congressional practice.

Cumberland County residents on both sides of the aisle are grumbling about this very thing in last week’s local elections as well.
“Yellow dog Democrat” is a term dating from the 19th century referring to a person who would vote for a yellow dog before he voted for a Republican, but it seems a bit out of date today. Apparently we are now voting for red and blue dogs when what we really need are purple ones.

Such strident and rigid partisanship says a lot more about us voters than it does about bad boy candidates. It says something unflattering, damaging both to our elective process and to good government.
  

North Carolina is steeped in tradition from blue grass music to BBQ and craft beer. That being the case, visitors can sample a great many of the state’s finer traditions at When Pigs Fly on Nov. 15 at Festival Park.

Anyone with a bone to pick in the battle between tomato-based and vinegar-based sauces won’t want to miss this event because the festival showcases the very best when it comes to the finer points of North Carolina BBQ.

Cindy Kowal, event organizer and director of Communities in Schools is excited about a distinction to the festival earned this year. When Pigs Fly is now sanctioned by the North Carolina BBQ Association. That is significant for several reasons. One of the primary reasons is that it guarantees attendees can sample fare that is prepared in accordance with age-old North Carolina traditions.

Traditional N.C. BBQ is slow cooked with only wood or charcoal fueling the fire versus cooking with gas, which lets the meat cook slower and absorb the flavor of the wood or gives it the smoky taste derived from cooking over charcoal. While the rules for cooking are strict, there is plenty of room for discussion in the tomato versus vinegar sauce debate, which festival-goers can weigh in on while sampling plenty of both.

“We are really excited to be a sanctioned event. That adds a lot of credibility to the competition and will draw more big competitors, which can only be good for the people who come out on that day,” said Kowal. “Last year some of our competitors mentioned that it would be nice if we were a sanctioned competition. We decided to look into it. A lot of them were affiliated with Kansas City BBQ. But North Carolina BBQ is not like Memphis BBQ or Kansas City BBQ or Texas BBQ and we wanted to stick to standards that make sense for who we are and embrace our traditions. So we decided to go with a relatively young sanctioning organization: The North Carolina BBQ Association.”

Competitors from all across the state have signed up to compete for cash, prizes and bragging rights. The categories are whole hog, pork shoulder or chicken. Contestants can compete in one category or all three.

“Last year we had teams from all over the state,” said Kowal. “We are giving $7,500 in cash prizes to the BBQ teams overall winners — the grand champ is the team that receives the highest score. They will win $3,500, Reserve champ is $2,500 and the first through third place in each category receive prizes, too. In addition there is a really big trophy and a cutting board.”

Wash down all that BBQ with one of the dozen craft beers that are on tap. From IPAs to porters, there is something for everyone.

“I’m really excited about this new craft beer Great Lakes. I doubt many folks have seen this one yet and I am also excited about having our new local brewery — Dirtbag — on hand. For non-BBQ lovers, R Burger will offer a BBQ alternative,” said Kowal.

In addition to great food and drink, four bands are set to play throughout the day. Big Daddy Love is from Charleston, South Carolina.

“Our State Magazine put together a scenic mountain play list and Big Daddy Love is on that list,” said Kowal.

Supatight Funk started in Durham and moved to the Asheville area.

“They can do anything — funk, groove, country, rock. They have a lot of great original music, too,,” said Kowal.

Doc Aquatic started in Fayetteville before moving on to Asheville. “When we mentioned the bands to the under 35 crowd, the response was great. It is going to be a lot of fun,” Kowal added. “The final band is the Oak Grove String Band, a traditional blue grass band. We had some incredible blue grass bands last year and people asked for more variety. You will see that this year.”

If you are worried about calories, burn a few at the 5K that is run in conjunction with When Pigs Fly. The course is somewhat challenging and is sure to build an appetite. It hits Haymount Hill pretty early in the race and then the hills in Haymount keep things interesting. It’s definitely not a flat course.

“This year we have great prizes for the overall male and female winner; each will win a Dell tablet, donated by Dell Military. Because our pig noses were so popular last year — we’re also giving a prize for the best 5K costume. So, although it’s a challenge, it’ll be a fun race, too. And, the smell of BBQ is a pretty good motivator,” said Kowal.

VIP tickets are available and include a private concert on Friday night. The gates open at 7:30 p.m. Teams will be in Festival Park throughout the night grilling goodness, with Saturday’s events beginning at 11 a.m. and going to 6 p.m.

Proceeds support Communities in Schools, which advocates for students in Cumberland County Schools. Communities in Schools leverages resources, which allows teachers to teach and kids to learn.

“We touched more than 20,000 kids last year,” said Kowal. “And there are still many that need our help.”

Find out more about When Pigs Fly at www.cisofcumberland.org/when-pigs-fly.

Photo: Communities in Schools is bringing some great North Carolina traditions to Festival Park: BBQ, craft beers and Blue Grass. Join the fun on Nov. 15 and help bring much needed resources to Cumberland County Schools and students.

Diabetes, often referred to as “sugar” in the South, is a serious condition that affects nearly 26million children and adults in the United States. In Cumberland County, one agency that takes diabetes seriously is Better Health of Cumberland County. In an effort to raise awareness of the potentially deadly disease, Better Health is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Red Apple Run for Diabetes on Nov. 22.

The run, which begins at the Medical Arts Building, commemorates American Diabetes Month, which takes place throughout the month of November. The 10K run starts at 8:15 a.m.; the 5K run/walk starts at 8:30 a.m.; and the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk starts at 9:15 a.m.

“We want to welcome people and remind them that they can walk and do not have to run,” said Judge Laura Devan, board president of Better Health and co-chair of the run. “We hope to have a big turnout to bring attention to our mission at Better Health.”

The event includes a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile fun run/walk, and a 10K run for elite runners. The categories for the prizes are first place with a stroller, first place running with a dog, an award for the largest team that participates together, super hero for fitness and more. Trophies for the top three male and female finishers are awarded for the 5K and 10K. Medals are given to the top three finishers in each age group for the 5K and 10K. Teams are encouraged to walk or run in honor or memory of a loved one with diabetes.

“This is a family fun event and many runners love to run with their children, strollers and dogs,” said Devan.

Better Health of Cumberland County is a nonprofit, charitable organization that relies upon local foundations, community members and business donors for funding. The organization provides diabetes awareness, education and self-management programs, childhood obesity prevention and education, loans of medical equipment and financial assistance for emergency medical needs.

There will be a fitness fair with health conscious vendors such as Breathing Space Yoga, fitness instructors and more at the starting line for runners to peruse as they are waiting for the race to begin.

“Our certified race routes are new this year. This is the second year for the 5K and the first year for the 10K,” said Judy Klinck, executive director of Better Health. “We welcome sponsors and in order for their names to appear on the T-shirts and various literature we will need the donation by Nov. 7.”

Fees for the 5K and 10K are $15 for ages 10 and under and $25 for ages 11 and over if you are registered by Nov. 12. After November 12 the fee is $30 for all ages. The fun run registration fee is $10. Registration is available online at www.Active.com and www.FSSeries.com or you can download the form at www.BetterHealthcc.org.

Individuals registered by Nov. 12 are guaranteed a T-shirt. The Medical Arts Building is located at 101 Robeson Street.

For more information about the race or Better Health programs, call 483-7534.

Photo;  The Red Apple Run on Saturday, Nov. 22, sponsored by Better Health, commemorates Diabetes Month and invites the community to get active in the fight against the disease.

This November the Givens Performing Arts Center brings the ninth longest running show in Broadway history to the community. It was also the most successful movie musical of all time and the international tour has visited more than 35 countries. For one night only, Mamma Mia!, the musical phenomenon that has been sweeping the world, is on stage.

The music for this performance features the songs of ABBA. The infectious and lively nature of the songs are clearly reflected by the exciting musical performance. It is impossible to sit in the audience and not sing along.

“The music is what captivates audiences along with the story,” said Chad Locklear, GPAC’s director of marketing. “Fans of ABBA are going to enjoy it for sure because it features all of their greatest hits. Even those who aren’t ABBA fans will still recognize some of the songs.”

Inspired by the ABBA songs, the story of Mamma Mia!is that of a single day of chaos, love and hope on a lovely Greek island. Sophia, raised by her single and independent mother, is about to get married and all she wants is for her absent father to walk her down the aisle. She invites three men from her mother’s past in an effort to discover the truth about her father and in the process discovers much about love and herself. Sophia’s mother, surprised by the arrival of these men, struggles with understanding but also finds new love. Though Sophia and her mother face some large challenges in their adventure, the overall tone is cheery and energetic making for a consistently high-energy performance.

“It makes for a really fun and entertaining evening at the theatre. Lots of singing, dancing and a fun story. There’s a reason why it’s been on Broadway now for more than 10 years. It’s a great show that people love. It’s a feel good musical, “ said Locklear.

Though Mamma Mia! is only showing for one night, the GPAC season is full of many different incredible shows. There is a show for everyone in this star-studded and varied season. GPAC is where the community can come to enjoy Broadway-quality shows without the price tag that typically accompanies them.

“GPAC brings a variety of quality cultural arts events to the community at a very affordable price. The center recently received national attention as one of the 25 best university performing arts centers in the country,” Locklear said.

Another great addition to GPAC is its Act 1 Diner Club. Prior to every performance, the club is open for dinner in the Chancellor’s Dining Room. Dinner includes a wine and cheese reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person and reservations are required. For Mamma Mia! the menu includes a chopped fall vegetable salad, beef tenderloin Bolognese, wild rice, fresh cut green beans and tiramisu.

Tickets range from $21 to $46 and are available online at www.uncp.edu/gpactickets or by calling 910-521-6361. Act 1 Diner tickets can also be purchased online. Mamma Mia! is on stage Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. GPAC is located at 1 University Dr. in Pembroke. For more information visit www.uncp.edu/student-life/involvement-opportunities/givens-performing-arts-center.

Photo: Mamma Mia! is on stage at the GPAC for one night only, Nov. 13.

Methodist University’s Center for Entrepreneurship is hosting the 41st Annual Economic Outlook and Stock Market Symposium on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m., at the Embassy Suites in Fayetteville.

“This is a continuation of a program that has been in existence for many years where we give out four prestigious awards,” said Marty Cayton, director for the Center for Entrepreneurship at Methodist University. “Dr. Robert Genetski is speaking that evening about our local economy, national economy and the stock market.”

Cayton added that the purpose of the event is to educate the community with well-informed speakers on the subject of our economy and to raise awareness of the Center for Entrepreneurship’s programs.

Genetski, the keynote speaker, is an economist who is a longtime advocate of classical economic principles. His experience in the world of economics involves a unique combination of business and academic expertise. He has headed asset management, investment and economic research departments for several financial institutions. He taught economics at NYU and the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business. His latest book, Classical Economic Principles & the Wealth of Nations, is used in colleges and high schools across the country.

For four consecutive years he has been recognized as one of the top-five speakers in the fields of economics and finance and has made numerous appearances on Fox News and CNN. After receiving his Ph.D. in economics from New York University, Genetski worked in the financial industry and subsequently founded his own economic and financial consulting service. He has served on the board of directors for a number of public companies and provides insights on his website: classicalprinciples.com.

The four awards that will be presented include the 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Business Person of the Year Award, Greater Good Award and Alumni Business Person of the Year.

The mission of the Center for Entrepreneurship is to create wealth producers and job creators by training students of all ages to start new businesses and be prepared for business ownership. The center encourages students to take advantage of Methodist University’s newly created major in entrepreneurship that is also offered as a minor. Each year the Economic Outlook and Stock Market Symposium is held in the fall and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Summit is held in the spring.

All of the net proceeds from the event help raise money for the Center for Entrepreneurship’s endowed scholarships for all of the student majors in entrepreneurship. The scholarship, only one-year-old, was first endowed by the late Robert Dunn, a Charlotte, N.C., businessman.

The scholarship honors the Methodist Center for Entrepreneurship founder Dr. Sid Gautam whose business acumen and more than 40 years of engaged service enabled local entrepreneurs and small businesses to flourish. Two entrepreneurial students were awarded the scholarship this school year.

“We look forward to a good turnout that evening and we have a good number of sponsors,” said Cayton.

Tickets for the dinner are $75 per person or $700 for a 10-seat table and can be purchased at www.methodist.edu/cfe. For more information about the event, call 630-7616.

Photo: Dr. Robert Genetski is the keynote speaker at the 41st Annual Economic Outlook and Stock Maket Symposium.

To follow up the recent Scotty McCreery show, Community Concerts will bring another nationally known show to the area with the Broadway Touring show, Sister Act. On stage at the Crown Theatre on Nov. 14, the performance of Sister Act is based on the 1992 film of the same name starring Whoopi Goldberg as a lounge singer sent to a convent as part of the witness protection program. The original stage show of Sister Actdebuted on Broadway in 2011 after a successful run on London’s West End.

Making her national tour debut, actress Kerissa Arrington was quick to express her love for the overall story of Sister Act.

“The musical is very similar to the movie and it tells such an amazing story…the crowds always enjoy it so much. In the end, it is a story about God and what He can do to change someone’s life around,” she explained.

Arrington performs in the central role of Delores Van Cartier that was made famous on the big screen by Goldberg. Arrington describes the central character Delores as a “wannabe diva, aspiring singer... who influences all the nuns to find their voice and in doing so finds her own.” Arrington said her time in the role has been, “One of the biggest learning experiences of my life; it is one of the biggest roles that I have ever played… It has been the most amazing experience.”

Arrington was very passionate in her plea to get the community to come and see this show.

“You are going to be able to get everything in one: acting, singing and dancing. It is all live and live theatre is the best experience of talent that you can get. Sister Act is a fun-loving, family oriented, all ages show. You can’t go wrong with Sister Act.”

Also a part of the touring cast of Sister Act is actor Patrick Clanton. Like Arrington, Clanton is also making his national tour debut with the show. Prior to joining the tour, Clanton, a native of Garner, N.C., graduated from Elon University. He expressed a nervous excitement at the prospect of performing in front of a hometown audience.

“I am excited to come back home and for all of my friends and family to see the show… To know that there are people out there who are rooting for you, to cheer you on and support you is a wonderful feeling that you don’t get too often,” he said. “To be honest, I might shed a tear or two with that added emotion.”

According to Clanton, the show will be very similar to the one that garnered great reviews in New York,

“The tour is very faithful to what was on Broadway; you are getting the Broadway experience in Fayetteville… Every audience has reacted with such joy,” he said. “I have never been in a show where the audience just leapt to their feet as soon as the show was done and I have never heard an audience cheer and laugh as much and as often as they do in this show.”

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.com and the Crown Complex Box office. For more information, please go to www.community-concerts.com.

Photo: top left, Sister Act on stage at the Crown Theatre Nov. 14; middle right, Clanton; bottom left, Arrington.

Fayetteville Woman Inducted to Blood Donor Hall of

Fame

Nancy Umstead was inducted into a national blood donor hall of fame for her unfailing blood donations over the years.

The induction ceremony was held Monday, Nov. 3 on the front lawn of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. For more than a decade, The Fenwall Donation Hall of Fame has recognized individuals nationwide who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to blood donation.

Umstead is one of 12 donors across the country selected for the 2014 Donation Hall of Fame. She has been donating blood at Cape Fear Valley’s Blood Donor Center since 2009.

“It’s my way of paying it forward,” Umstead said of her blood donations.

April Maroschak is the Director of Blood Services at Cape Fear Valley Health. She says Umstead is one of the center’s most dedicated donors.

“She’s a hero in our community,” Maroschak said, “She has selfishly given the gift of life to patients in need by donating whole blood and platelets. This is a fitting tribute to one of our most dedicated donors.”

Blood centers across the country submit nominations for the Donation Hall of Fame every year. Winners are chosen based on their demonstrated commitment and passion to donating blood and/or encouraging blood donation.

Cape Fear Valley Blood Donor Center is the community’s blood center resource, providing vital blood donations to every patient at Cape Fear Valley Health who needs it.

Fenwall is a global blood technology company, dedicated to supporting transfusion medicine and cell therapies. It’s owned by Fresenius Kabi, a global healthcare company that specializes in lifesaving medicine and technology used for infusion, transfusion and clinical nutrition.

FTCC Presents 1 Million Cups: Weekly Gatherings Cultivating Entrepreneurship

Fayetteville Technical Community College is pleased to announce the launch of the 1 Million Cups weekly gatherings to cultivate entrepreneurship. 1 Million Cups is an educational program that engages entrepreneurs in the community by weekly inviting one or two founders to present his/her startup to a diverse audience of mentors, advisors and entrepreneurs. Through their presentations, founders gain insight into possible ways they can improve their business, gather real-time feedback, and connect with a community who truly cares about their progress.

1 Million Cups began in 2012 by the Ewing Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City as a way to provide an educational experience to presenting entrepreneurs and for the audience engaging in the program. While the Kauffman Foundation provides support for 1 Million Cups, a team of local entrepreneurs volunteer to run the program at FTCC.

The kickoff event was Wednesday, Nov. 5, on the Fayetteville Campus. These gatherings are planned to occur weekly each Wednesday to provide founders and entrepreneurs networking opportunities and to learn more about new business startups in our area.

The inaugural presenters were Matrix Knowledgement, LLC and Next Generation Biomedical, LLC. For current weekly presenters and additional information, please visit http://fayetteville.sites.1millioncups.com.

Fayetteville Technical Community College was established in 1961 and serves more than 42,000 students annually by providing more than 190 occupational, technical, general education, college transfer and continuing education programs to meet student needs and desires as well as those of the community.

Visit FTCC’s website at www.faytechcc.edu for more information and follow the instituion on Twitter @faytechcc.

Bruised, Bloodied and Battered Citizens Emerge From

the Horror of the 2014 Mid-Term Elections

Thank God, the election is over. Now, maybe, just maybe, the human race can try to return to some semblance of civility. Ugly, mean and with malice this no-holds barred assault on civility disguised as an election has bombarded, infuriated, depressed and turned off all Americans who dared turn to the media for news and information.

After months and months, this horrific behavior has solidified itself as the norm when participating in America’s free democracy. Did I say “free”? How free can it really be if running for any public office costs hundreds of thousands of dollars as well as your reputation and dignity?

My concern here is the effect this negative campaigning is having on our young people. Politics is not just an adult sport. Our children see the ads on television. They see the mailers sitting on kitchen tables before they are thrown into the garbage where they rightfully belong. What message are we sending them? At a time when we are trying to teach them about honesty, pride, charity and good character, we demonstrate and condone the opposite behavior.

When did we become such an intolerant “search-and-destroy” society? Unfortunately, more and more, this kind of behavior is permeating and consuming our Fayetteville and Cumberland County community. It has to stop!

When did exercising our constitutionally protected rights to free speech and opinion become the catalyst for assault and character assassination? Words have power. The way we wield them says a lot about who we are. The malicious attacks seen in this year’s election not based on ideology or issues, but rather about a candidate’s character, their families and their businesses have gone far beyond the pale. There are no innocent parties in this year’s election debacle. There are no good guys.

As long as we allow this negativity and character assassination to prevail in our community, all of the mentoring programs, community organizations and anti-bullying programs will be for naught. Life lessons are most effectively learned by example, and the example set during this year’s campaign taught our children that it’s okay to lie, to bully and to harass those who don’t agree with you.

I will leave you with this thought: In North Carolina, the slander campaigns on behalf of Kay Hagen and Thom Tillis exceeded $100,000,000. Can you imagine what kind of impact that kind of money would have if spent on developing North Carolina’s young people?

Ask yourself these questions: Do we have the best government money can buy? And, who are the only people who can change it?

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

Photos: Over the past decade, the tone of campaigning has taken a nasty turn. That was seen clearly in the Senate campaigns of Kay Hagan and Thom Tillis, which  cost more than $100,000,000. As Americans, we have to ask ourselves: Are these the people we really want making decisions for us?

It’s time to break out the holiday shopping lists — the 48th Annual Holly Day Fair is right around the corner. Nov. 6-9 shoppers are invited to check out the many unique and varied treasures at Eastern North Carolina’s largest holiday gift and craft show. With more than 200 vendors offering a wide range of items, shoppers are sure to find something fun and different for everyone on their Christmas list.

The Holly Day Fair offers holiday decorations, handmade crafts, stylish jewelry and clothes, children’s toys, specialty food items and much more.

For the better part of 50 years, the Junior League of Fayetteville has helped the area usher in the holiday season with this fun-filled event. On average, the Holly Day Fair draws about 21,000 shoppers over the course of the weekend. This year, the Junior League hopes to make it bigger and better than ever.

“The Holly Day Fair is an exciting event that kicks-off the holiday season! It’s great to see returning shoppers and vendors year after year and meeting newcomers as well,” said Sarah Marie Stewart, 2014 Holly Day Fair Chair. “This year we have expanded our publicity efforts by reaching markets, not only to those counties and cities that surround Fayetteville, but also to several neighboring states. We hope you join us at our 48th Annual Holly Day Fairentitled, ‘A Classic Christmas!’”

Since its inception the Holly Day Fair has served to bring holiday cheer to the community while fostering a culture of volunteerism and community service. Junior League of Fayetteville’s President, Shannon Geoly, says of the event, “The Junior League of Fayetteville is fortunate to host an amazing fundraising event. Last year was monetarily our most successful year, raising in excess of $300,000. This year, our 48th Holly Day Fair, we hope to surpass that amount. These funds make it possible for the Junior League of Fayetteville to continue to promote volunteerism, develop the potential of women and support programs and projects in our community that offer children services and opportunities that support their overall well-being. We live in a great community of amazing people who generously support one another, and we are pleased and proud to be a part of it.”

The Holly Day Fair offers great shopping in a festive environment and the proceeds are all used locally to benefit the community. The event is the Junior League’s biggest fundraiser. The Junior League makes a big impact by choosing to focus on child mental health. Specifically, it partners with Cumberland County Boys & Girls Club and Operation Inasmuch’s Transitional Home Restoration.

Through the Smart Girl Program, girls 8–17-years-old receive guidance that helps them strive for healthy attitudes and lifestyles. The program offers encouragement, development and training to help the girls prepare for the responsibilities of adulthood and to encourage them to reach their full potential.

The Operation Inasmuch Transitional Home Program offers meals to the homeless Monday through Friday. The organization has several programs that include skills training and home repair and housing assistance.

Super shopper hours are Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon. These special event tickets can be purchased for $14 and are limited. Strollers and any type of rolling carts are strictly prohibited during Super Shopper hours. General admission tickets for the event are $9. All tickets include free parking. Children 5 and under are free.

Hours for the event are: Thursday, Super Shopper hours from 9 a.m. to noon; general admission hours from noon to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for the 2014 Holly Day Fair are on sale now through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the following ticket outlets: The Junior League of Fayetteville office, Bumbledoo, Mellow Mango located on Raeford Road, Ramsey Street and Hope Mills, The Pilgrim Gifts, Vibra’s in Dunn, Biggs Park Mall in Lumberton and Southern Pines Diagnostic Imaging.

The Crown Expo Center is located at 131 East Mountain Drive, off Hwy, 301 in Fayetteville. For more information, please visit www.hollydayfair.com or the Junior League of Fayetteville’s website at www.jlfay.org.

Photos: Shoppers enjoy the holiday spirit while shopping at the Holly Day Fair right.)

The Junior League Holly Day Fair Committee (bottom left) 

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”    –Benjamin Franklin

While staying healthy is not always easy, it is always the right thing to do. On Nov. 5 and 6, Fayetteville Technical Community College will host Harvest Your Health, a health fair dedicated to preventive health care. It is not just for FTCC students. The entire community is invited to attend.

Susan Ellis, FTCC dean of health programs is one of the event organizers and she is excited about bringing the community together for such a good cause. “This is the third time we have done this, at least in recent years,” she said. In fact, the turnout is nothing to sneeze at. “We had several hundred people come through last year.”

A new feature this year is the drunk driving simulator that is sponsored by the FTCC Student Government Association. “It is a great tool. People can sit in the simulator and see what it is like to drive while impaired. It is to prevent unsafe driving practices and tell people about their choices,” said Ellis.

Some of the free health services available are: blood pressure screening, blood sugar screening, cholesterol screening and counseling, dental health education, family planning, fitness assessments, flu shots, healthy eating (free samples), HIV testing, know your number counseling, mental health screening, resources for the uninsured, smoking cessation and substance abuse.

Participants will receive a card when they come in to the health fair and as they visit each booth they can record their information. Many of the booths have giveaways as well as useful information for the public. One of the biggest benefits said Ellis, is that there are resources for people who get screened and find that they may need follow-up care. “People are always surprised and appreciative of the affordable resource here. I suspect one of the most surprising things people find is that there are affordable and often free resources to help them with health-related issues. Finding out you have high blood pressure or blood sugar can be surprising because there aren’t really any symptoms. A lot of people think ‘If I don’t check it, it is not happening.’ This is an opportunity for people to find out what their numbers are and do something about them.”

Some of the organizations that are participating are FTCC, Southern Regional Area Health Education Center, Better Health, Walgreen’s, Cumberland County Health Department, Cumberland Health Net and Alliance Behavior Health.

This is also a great experience for FTCC students not just as visitors, but as resources, too. There are many students from the different health-related programs doing their part to help with screenings and passing out information.

Look for representatives from the respiratory therapy, smoking cessation, dental health and nursing programs.

“This gives students an opportunity to learn about the value of community involvement,” said Ellis. “It also gives them a chance to work on things like communication skills.”

Harvest Your Health runs Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Horace Sisk Gymnasium on the FTCC campus. For more information, call 678-8372 or email elliss@faytechcc.edu.

Photo: Preventive healthcare can help save money and lives. Don’t miss the free screenings at FTCC on Nov. 5-6.

Veterans Day traces its origins back to the ending of World War 1, “The War to end all Wars.” The actual hostilities of World War I ended on Nov. 11, 1918, the day was then declared Armistice Day by President Wilson. Since then, every Nov. 11 has been set aside to honor the great feats of courage and heroism of the men and women who serve this nation.

An annual tradition in Fayetteville that shows gratitude towards these veterans is the Veterans Day Parade. This year it is specifically focused on honoring the veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan.

“Over the past few years we have honored veterans from the Vietnam War, the Iraq War, the Korean War and this year is the Afghanistan War. We have a theme each year,” said George Breece parade co-chair.

This year the parade is bigger than ever with more than 2,000 participants marching through Historic Downtown Fayetteville the morning of Nov. 8. For first time attendees, Breece explains, “They should expect an opportunity to be a part of honoring our Afghanistan War veterans past present and future. We are going to have 90 units in the parade. Some are military. We will have people from the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division, the United States Army Special Operation Command, some Air Force personnel from Pope Army Airfield and from the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command. These units will have military equipment with them, as well.

“We also have some military bands in the parade, and five high school bands. All ROTC units from Cumberland County are going to march together. There are representatives from the American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. It is also wonderful that the parade is broadcast live on WRAL and again on UNC T.V.,” he concluded.

This year the theme of honoring the veterans of the Afghanistan war extends to the official Grand Marshalls of the parade. “Our Grand Marshalls this year are Gen. (Ret) Dan K. McNeill and Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret) Steven R. England. They were both among the first to go into Afghanistan. Our Honorary Parade Chairs for the parade are Lt. Gen. Joe Anderson and Command Sgt. Maj. Isaia Vimoto. They are both currently serving in Afghanistan,” Breece said.

Though there are many challenges in organizing more than 2,000 participants into a cohesive event, the dedication of those involved in the Veterans Day Parade guarantees an amazing event every year.

“This is a labor of love and the challenges are just things that you work through,” Breece said. “Seeing the veterans that have served in all these conflicts take part in this and seeing their excitement … being able to honor those who serve in all branches is very rewarding. There are lots of moving parts to this. It’s something that you have to stay on top of, but when it all comes together, it is worth every second, every hour, every day that you put into it. “

The Veterans Day Parade is on Saturday, Nov. 8, beginning at 10 a.m. along Hay Street. It is free for the public. For more information, visit www.ccveteranscouncil.org or call 910-920-0045.

Photo: The Veteran’s Day Parade is set for Nov. 8 at 10 a.m.

Road races are compatible with the mission of soldiers. If you visit Fort Bragg, you will always find people running — a lot of them. It is not surprising that the Fort Bragg Family and Morale Welfare & Recreation, home of the airborne and special operations, is hosting the 18th Annual Fort Bragg 10-Miler. The event is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 7, at 6:30 a.m. on Longstreet Road, which is adjacent to Hedrick Stadium. The event is open to the general public.

“Historically we conduct the race on a weekday in order to honor soldiers and oftentimes if the soldier participates in the event their command will give them the rest of the day off,” said Steve Johnson, intramural sports director. “We normally get about 2,000 people to take part in the event.”

Johnson added that the goal is to honor soldiers and to provide a challenging event for them.

This event was first initiated in 1996 by the command group as a way to identify the top runners on the installation so they could send teams to the Army 10-Miler in Washington, DC. Since then it has gained a strong following and is a much anticipated event locally in its own right. Most of the race course is relatively level but there is a significant climb just beyond the 1-mile mark and at the 9.6 mile mark for about .3 of a mile.

After the race, awards are presented to the men’s overall champion, women’s overall champion and the top three finishers in each classification. Team competitions are conducted exclusively for active-duty personnel in men’s, women’s and mixed divisions. Pets, bicycles, headphones and rollerblades are not permitted on the course. Participants should report to Hedrick Stadium by 6 a.m. on race day. The 9th Annual Fort Bragg 4-mile Walk for Fun is conducted in conjunction with the Fort Bragg 10-Miler. This is a non-competitive event.

“Fitness and soldiering are interrelated so we do try to do events which challenge their fitness,” said Johnson. “This has been a popular event and we are looking forward to a huge turnout for the race.”

Registration is open now. Entries will be accepted until Nov. 6, for the first 2,500 runners. The entry fee for the week of Nov. 3-6 is $35. Cost for online entry is $25 plus a service charge and the deadline is Oct. 31. Race packets are available for pickup from Nov. 3-5 by 6 p.m. Non-military/government ID card holders must apply for a visitor’s pass to participate. Volunteers are needed to assist with water points and the finish area administration. For more information call 396-1218.

Photo:  The Fort Bragg 10-Miler is a great way to prepare for the Fort Bragg Marathon scheduled later this spring.

Tom Quaintance, the artistic director at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre, has made his mark on the community in a very short time by telling stories that matter on the theatre’s stage. With the 2014-2015 season, Quaintance is taking it a step further. He not only wants to bring those important stories to the stage, he wants to take them out in the community in order to start conversations that will not only engage the community, but maybe even change it.

With the opening of The Bluest Eye, a play based on a novel by Toni Morrison and adapted for the stage by Lydia R. Diamond, the conversations have started before the curtain has even come up.

“I saw a production of The Bluest Eye seven years ago and was moved by it. It’s simply a stunning piece of work,” said Quaintance. “When I first saw the play, I didn’t know how often the book had been banned. It is a very serious work. It is a very deep book.”

For Quaintance, it is a story that must be told. The Bluest Eye deals with the question of beauty in the African-American community. It tackles the issue of how African-American girls and women see themselves in the face of the media’s standard of beauty, which is typically centered on white women, and the issues of beauty within the African-American community, which is often based on lightness and darkness of skin.

All of these issues are told through the life of the main character, Pecola, played by Kenya Alexander, who is raised not only in a verbally abusive family, but also a sexually abusive family. Pecola is made to believe that she is ugly because of her color, which leaves her dreaming of having her ideal of beauty, which is blue eyes.

Quaintance said it is very important that the theatre articulates to the community why it is an appropriate play for high school students to see this production. He is trying to do that by hosting a series of conversations in the community, and has already seen there is some resistance to the play’s staging.

“This play was adapted to be accessible for high school students,” said Quaintance. “It speaks to their self image and how American culture can devalue young African-American women.”

To help him tell this story, Quaintance enlisted director Khanisha Foster whom he believes can handle these issues with grace and elegance and who has already made an impact through her conversations with members of the African-American community.

At the first community meeting the theatre created a panel, Foster, Alexander and two professors from Fayetteville State University. Their conversation not only excited those in the audience, but also won some of them over.

“There was one lady who was very against the play, but she became so excited that she and her husband bought all of the tickets for the first Wednesday show, which they are donating to students at FSU. They want to get the students to dig into these issues,” said Quaintance, adding that there will be pre-show discussions with the audience before each show with the audience.

Foster was anxious to direct the show. She noted that the play is an example of how great tragedy can still create joy and beauty.

“You can’t process tragedy without joy,” she explained. “You can’t take it out into the world and do something with it.”

Foster hopes that through the production of the play the cast will be able to experience the tragedy and joy and then reveal the truth and experience it very honestly. If that happens, Foster expects that “parking lot conversations” will occur, where people leave the theatre and openly discuss not only the issues of beauty and body image, but also the cruelty and shame that happens with abuse.

While the story is centered on the issue of beauty in the African-American community, it actually transcends color and addresses the issue of beauty in all women. “This isn’t a book or play about black people,” said Foster. “It’s about things happening to people who happen to be black."

Sponsored through a grant by the Junior League, the play opens Oct. 30 and runs through Nov. 16. For tickets and more information, visit the CFRT website at www.cfrt.org.

PWC’s Court Filing: Clarifying Our Responsibilities

You may have heard about a recent court filing involving PWC and the City of Fayetteville. As Chairman of the PWC Board of Commissioners, I’d like to explain what it is all about:

The Fayetteville City Council has taken actions during the last year that have caused confusion about the authority of PWC’s Commissioners regarding who has the ultimate responsibility for our utility services. We are concerned that this uncertainty may interfere with our normal operations and our ability to effectively serve our customers.

That’s why we have asked the court, whose purpose is to interpret the law, to clearly define who has what roles and responsibilities regarding PWC.

What actions have the city council taken that have caused the commission concerns? Here is one example: The council recently announced it would not honor its agreement with PWC to pay its share ($70 million) to help fund new sewer lines that are necessary because of the city’s Phase 5 annexation program. We had relied on that agreement and a change would hurt our ability to effectively plan ahead — and it could hurt our customers, too. Without the city’s contributions, rates will most likely increase.

For more than a century, PWC has operated independently and free from political influence, in accordance with the charter established by the North Carolina General Assembly. That model has worked well — PWC is consistently recognized for its financial stability, low rates, reliability and outstanding customer service.

With new questions being raised about the commission’s authority, we have asked the court to settle this issue. In addition, we have asked the city to participate in mediation in the hope that we can resolve these concerns without going to court.

For information and updates related to this, please visit www.faypwc.com.