2013 was a banner year for the Cumberland County Schools system. Not only was the Cumberland County Schools system a Ԁnalist for the 2013 Broad Prize for Urban Education, the system received full accreditation and student test results are rising rapidly. Keeping pace in a technology-driven world, CCS introduced its new app and rolled out the Home Base Parent Portal.

The 2013 Broad Prize for Urban Education comes with a $1 million prize and “honors a district that demonstrates the greatest overall performance and improvement in student achievement while reducing achievement gaps among ethnic groups and between social economic groups.” There is no nomination or application process. An institution’s performance is what decides which schools are considered for this prize.

Being a Broad prize Ԁnalist marks CCS as a leader among our nation’s school systems, and acknowledges all the hard work that staff and teachers do in educating students every day. One of the impressive things about being considered for the Broad award is that there is no nomination or application process. An institution’s performance is what decides which schools are considered for this prize. The committee considered 73 items from CCS during the review. Cumberland County Schools were selected because 92 percent of the system’s schools achieved “at least expected growth and 67 percent of the schools achieved high growth. Except for one test in one grade level, CCS “made at least expected growth on every End-of- Course and End-of Grade test administered by the state. The county and all our high schools exceeded 80 percent and surpassed the state average,” according to the CCS website.

The school system is accredited by the AdvancED Accreditation Commission. This commission confers the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) accreditation seal. The accreditation is an indicator that CCS is a quality school system. During the accreditation process the commission considered the following standards: purpose and direction, governance and leadership, teaching and assessing, resources and supports systems and using results for continuous improvement. The accreditation is good for Ԁve years.CCS serves a diverse student population (44 counties and 70 different native languages) and continues to close the achievement gap among all the racial groups. In 2009, the End of Course gap between black and white students was 23.8 percent. In 2012, it was 15.6 percent. The state average is 20.4 percent. The school system is on a high growth track and based on information from the 2011-2012 school year, CCS has no priority or low-performing schools and 11 schools were named N.C. Schools of Excellence and 27 were named Schools of Distinction.

The graduation rate for Cumberland County exceeded the state graduation rate in 2011/2012, and CCS students were awarded more than $40 million in scholarships for the same school year. This year, more than 80 percent of local high school students graduated and they were collectively offered more than $48 million in scholarships.

Results like this don’t just happen. There are committed teachers and administrators spending countless hours working to help prepare student students to be competitive in a fast-paced and technology driven world. While offering students every opportunity to succeed, the hectic world that we live in makes it challenging for parents and guardians to keep up with the details of busy schedules. That is why CCS has developed a mobile phone app that will let busy parents stay up to date with CCS announcements and activities as well as follow their student’s progress.

Find out more about the Cumberland County Schools system and the many programs it offers to help students succeed at ccs.k12.nc.us/departments.STEPHANIE CRIDER, Editor COM-MENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com.

Dr. Huxtable, played by Bill Cosby on The Cosby Show, was seldom seen without a sweater. In conjunction with an evening with Bill Cosby on Jan. 17, the Crown Center kicks off a sweater drive to benefit the Salvation Army.

The Crown Center invites residents of Fayetteville and surrounding areas to donate new or gently used sweaters of all sizes in conjunction with the Jan. 17 appearance of comedian Bill Cosby at the Crown Theatre. Each person who donates a sweater will have the opportunity to win two tickets and a meet-and-greet with Bill Cosby on the night of the show. At the conclusion of the drive, the sweaters will be given to the Salvation Army of Fayetteville.

Sweaters can be dropped off at the north entrance lobby of the Crown Coliseum through Monday, Jan. 13. A winner will be drawn at random by Crown Center staff and notified no later than Tuesday, Jan. 14.

ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY OF FAYETTEVILLE

The Salvation Army provides a variety of services to our local communities. With facilities throughout Cumberland, Robeson, Hoke and Moore counties, we are able to meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of those in need. From housing and feeding programs to disaster services we are committed to meeting human needs in the diverse communities we serve.

ABOUT GLOBAL SPECTRUM CHARITIES

Global Spectrum Charities was established by Global Spectrum to improve the quality of life for people living in regions throughout the US and Canada where the public assembly facility management company operates a stadium, arena, convention center or theatre. Global Spectrum Charities gives back to the community through contributions, donations, celebrity and star appearances, and random gifts of kindness on behalf of the company’s employees, customers and visitors. Global Spectrum Charities is a division of the Comcast-Spectacor Charities, the charitable arm of Comcast-Spectacor, the Philadelphia-based sports and entertainment firm that is also the parent company of Global Spectrum.

ABOUT GLOBAL SPECTRUM

Global Spectrum (global-spectrum.com) manages the Crown Center as well as more than 115 other public assembly facilities around the world. Nearly 23-million people attended more than 15,000 events in Global Spectrum venues last year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Global Spectrum is part of Comcast-Spectacor, one of the world’s largest sports and entertainment companies. Comcast-Spectacor also owns the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage services provider, New Era Tickets, a full-service ticketing and marketing product for public assembly facilities, Paciolan, the leading provider of venue establishment ticketing, fundraising and marketing technology solutions, Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company, and Flyers SkateZone, a series of community ice skating rinks.

For more information, call 910-438-4117.

Photo: The Crown Center is accepting sweater donations to benefit the Salvation Army.

When you think of Bill Cosby, you probably get a smile on your face, The Cos, as he is affectionately referred to by his friends, is known for his colorful sweaters, quick humor, quirky dancing and to some — Jello pudding. Mostly, he is known for his comedy, which has kept people laughing for more than five decades. On Thursday Jan. 17, he will bring his style and humor to the Crown Theatre for a night of comedy and storytelling.

Born William H. Cosby Jr., on July 12, 1937, he is a native of Philadelphia, Pa. While known for his educational and thought-provoking television shows, Cosby quit school following his sophomore year to join the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, he completed high school via correspondence courses. Upon completion of his military service, he was awarded an athletic scholarship to Temple University. At Temple, he worked as a bartender to help pay his expenses. He was known for his quick wit, and following the suggestion of his customers, he tried stand-up comedy and was discovered by Carl Reiner.

In ensuing years, he tackled a variety of mediums to share his quick wit, including stand-up comedy, television, cinema, books and albums. It was through the making of his comedy albums in the early ‘60s that he earned national acclaim. His award-winning albums introduced the country to his voice, but it was his role in I Spy that made him a household name and earned him three Emmy Awards.

During this same time, Cosby continued pursuing his education, earning a doctorate in education, which helped form the social commentary that was at the heart of much of his work. In the early ‘70s, he was one of the founding creators of The Electric Company, an educational children’s program that operated under the auspices of PBS. Kids raised in the ‘70s will remember the show, which used sketch comedy to develop grammar and reading skills. Cosby was joined on the show by Morgan Freeman and Rita Moreno.

Perhaps Cosby’s greatest claim to fame occurred during this time, when he introduced the world to many of his high school friends: Weird Harold, Dumb Donald, Mushmouth and, of course, Fat Albert. The highly successful Filmation cartoon was a staple of Saturday morning television from 1972 to 1984. Through Fat Albert, Cosby taught a generation about tolerance, how to say no to bullies and acceptance of those who are a little different from you.

When Fat Albert wrapped in 1984, Cosby tackled his next big thing, which was the creation of the iconic The Cosby Show, which told the story of Heathcliff Huxtable, his wife Clair, and their children. The Cosby Show was an instant success, which stayed at the top of the ratings throughout its run. It spun off A Different World, which was to be a showcase for Lisa Bonet. Set on the campus of an historical African-American university, the show concentrated on education and young people. The show reflected the social consciousness that imbues Cosby’s art.

Over the years he has appeared in many films, but has not gained the acclaim on the big screen that he did on television. A respected author, Cosby is at his best on the stage, which is where Fayetteville residents will have a chance to watch him shine during his Far From Finishedtour. Tickets range in price from $40 to $70 and are available via Ticketmaster and at the Crown Box Office. The show begins at 8 p.m. For ticket information, visit www.atthecrown.com.

Photo: Funny man Bill Cosby is set to perform at the Crown on Jan. 17

Jeremy Fiebig has a strong history in theatre. He is the Assistant Professor of Theatre at Fayetteville State University and Managing Director at the Gilbert Theater. He is also the founder of Sweet Tea Shakespeare. Sweet Tea Shakespeare is a two-year-old theatre group that until now has performed outdoors during the summer at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. This January the troupe will perform Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night; Or What You Will.

This growth in Sweet Tea Shakespeare is exciting, but it does not come without challenges. “This is our first winter production after two years of performing exclusively at Cape Fear Botanical Garden,” said Fiebig. “This is our first indoor performance and the first that is not in the summer. It is a challenge because we think differently between the indoors and outdoors. “

This show is about the twins Viola and Sebastian and their misadventures trying to reunite after a shipwreck separates them. “The show refers to the 12 nights of the Christmas season, the end of the Christmas season. That’s why we scheduled the play for the end of January, when people are beginning new things,” said Fiebig.

For this performance Sweet Tea Shakespeare will be doing different things, too. There will be two performances at each indoor venue — the Cape Fear Botanical Garden and the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. There will be some differences but Sweet Tea Shakespeare will continue to provide a laid back atmosphere. There is music, fellowship and a play. People are welcome to come early. There will be carols, music, actors talking with people and holiday treats. “It will have the same picnic/ family reunion feel. It will be like a winter gathering over at a friend’s house on a cold night. It feels laid back.” Fiebig says.

Despite being a Shakespeare play, Twelfth Night is still incredibly relevant. Fiebig explained, “The common misconception about Shakespeare is that the way he wrote was old fashioned and old English. Actually, he was inventing some of the language that we use today. This speaks to the connection that many people have to Christmas. It is a bittersweet take on what it means to hang out with friends on a holiday. There is death, comedy and issues of mistaken identity, love and fun. The streak of death and the dark tone really rounds it out. It really speaks to those whose holidays aren’t always happy.”

Sweet Tea Shakespeare will perform Twelfth Night; Or What You Will at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden Jan. 10 -12. The shows begin at 7 p.m. at 536 N. Eastern Blvd. Performances at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church will be held Jan. 17-19. Shows begin at 7 p.m. at 1601 Raeford Rd. Tickets for garden members are $10, non-member tickets cost $12, student tickets cost $7.50, children tickets (5-12 years old) cost $5, children under 5 are free, and FSU students will be charged $5. To purchase tickets online or for more information visit: www.sweetteashakespeare.com. To purchase tickets by phone from the FSU box office call 910-672-1724.

Photo: It takes hours of preparation and rehearsals to bring a production to the stage.

Embracing the New Year

As 2013 draws to a close, we know that many are taking inventory of the things that have happened over the past year – good and bad. Some of us have already started planning for the new year, while others are busy trying to make the most of the waning days of 2013. At Up & Coming Weekly, we are doing a little of both.

2013 brought many challenges to our community, but it also brought many opportunities. We have been privileged to be right beside you, chronicling the changes and the opportunities. We have watched as our community has tackled some pressing social issues; those of crime and race. We have celebrated the steps forward and, with the community, have been saddened by those who have chosen not to move forward.

We believe that 2014 will be a time of forward movement. We believe the time has come for our community to embrace the challenge of becoming not just a good community, but a great one. We believe that we have the citizenry, organization and leadership to make that leap. The question that remains to be answered is whether we have the spirit of cooperation and the strength of commitment needed to make the leap.

Being your community newspaper, we know that there is a willingness in our community to make that leap. We know that the people of this community are ready to put questions of race behind us. We are more than the color of our skin. Fayetteville and its surrounding communities can be one. We can be a community that is judged not by the color of our skin, but the content of our character. As your community newspaper that is what we have embraced over the past 16 years — and what we will continue to embrace in 2014.

2013 was a tough financial year for many in our community. Lack of jobs, government cut backs and furloughs all had an impact on our community. But we have weathered it together. Throughout the great recession, newspapers have been closing, but your support has allowed us to continue to tell the story of this community … to celebrate its diversity … and to trumpet the things which make it great — the arts, our heroes and our everyday people.

Going in to 2014, we see change on the horizon. We are excited to be a part of it and look forward to a growing role as your community newspaper. 2013 has not been all that we, as a community, could have hoped for, but it has been a lot better than what most have endured. 2014 is looming, we are ready. We know you are, too!

Thank you for celebrating our community. Thank you for being a community of people who are worthy of respect. Thank you for being a part of the Up & Coming Weekly family. 2013 is gone, but 2014 is beckoning.

Happy New Year from your community newspaper and its staff!

Bill Bowman and Janice Burton

Hellas, in Hope Mills, is hosting a New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. The event, hosted by former NFL Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Billy McMullen, offers two levels of excitement, and, as an added bonus, partygoers will have the opportunity to meet cast members from the movie Joyful Noise and some other NFL greats including Chris Warren, a former Seattle Seahawk and NFL Pro Bowler, as well as several members of the Atlanta Falcons who will be on hand to celebrate Jason Snelling’s birthday. The dress code for the event is black tie for men and cocktail dresses for the women. A jazz band will play downstairs in Hellas Restaurant & Sports Bar at 7 p.m., and the party gets rocking at 10 p.m., upstairs in the club. Tickets to the event are $20 per person or $35 per couple, which includes a masquerade mask, hors d’ouevres and a champagne toast at midnight. For more information, call 426-4040.

Club Barcelona, located at 1501 Skibo Rd., is sponsoring a New Year’s Eve Bash. Doors open at 9 p.m. You must be 18 to enter and 21 to drink. Drink specials include $5 Jager, $5 Goose, $2 domestics and free champagne for a midnight toast. Reservations are now being taken for the party via www.clubbarcelonanc.com. It is suggested that those wanting to celebrate come early, as the club is expected to reach capacity before 11 p.m. For more information, 483-2671.

Huske Hardware is the anchor to downtown’s New Year’s Eve activities. Huske will host a New Year’s Eve Club Night, featuring a champagne toast at midnight. Dance the night way with your favorite people to music provided by one of Fayetteville’s favorite DJs, Tommy King. One cover charge gets you in the party and includes the midnight toast. Remember to dress your best; Huske New Year’s Eve parties are always great photo ops. There will be party favors, drink specials, a balloon drop at midnight and live photos from Times Square on the big screen. There is also a dinner special for two, which includes salad, your choice of two 10 oz. N.Y. strip steaks or 8 oz. salmon filets, sides and dessert with a bottle of wine or a growler of beer. Meals without alcohol are $59.99. For more information, call 437-9905.

The Tap House at Huske Sports Bar and Grill will host its first ever New Year’s Celebration with live music, food specials and drink specials. And of course, there will be a midnight toast! Live music, party favors, champagne toast at midnight, drink specials and a live feed from Times Square. For more information, call 426-5650.

Circa 1800 will host a more reserved party. For those looking for a great place to eat dinner before beginning your New Year’s Eve festivities drop by Circa 1800 on Person Street. Circa is hosting a full-course dinner, which will feature your choice of a red meat, chicken or seafood. Dinner seating begins at 5 p.m., with the last seating starting at 9:30 p.m. Dinner is served by reservation only, and is $85 per couple. For more information, call 568-4725.

IT’Z Entertainment City is hosting a Black, Silver and Gold Party to ring in the new year. Patrons are asked to dress to impress to ring in 2014. A champagne toast at midnight will signal the beginning of the new year, but the party will keep going as patrons dance to the sounds of DJ SERG Sniper. Reserve your VIP party pass now by calling 826-2300. IT’Z is located at 4118 Legend Ave. in Fayetteville. For pre-party dinner or drinks, you can stop in at the Sports Bar. The Hilltop House is not usually considered a party destination, but if you would like to spend quality time with close friends and family as the old year fades away, the restaurant is now taking reservations for a New Year’s Eve Dinner. Dinner seating begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m., which gives you ample time to get home and countdown the new year in your PJs. For reservations and more information, call 484-6699.

If you choose to travel a short distance from home, The Pinehurst Resort is known for the elegance of its New Year’s Eve celebrations. After you grab your party favors, you can dance the night away to The Band of Oz and make a toast at midnight with a glass of champagne. The New Year’s Eve package includes your room, dinner in the Carolina Dining Room, the party, a midnight breakfast buffet followed by a Southern-style breakfast buffet in the morning and late check out. Cost is $244 per person. You can make reservations online at www.pinehurst.com/offers/package/new-years-eve.If you elect not to stay the night, you can partake in the party and the midnight buffet. Tickets are $90 per person and can be purchased via www.shoppinehurst.com.

A little further from home, Broadway at the Beach offers an all-inclusive party that is hard to beat. The following events will all take place at the shopping complex:

Celebrations Nitelife’s New Year’s Eve Celebration tickets are $25 each and include entry into Malibu’s Surf Bar, Club Boca, Froggy Bottomz and Broadway Louie’s. Doors open at 7 p.m. There will be confetti canons, a complimentary champagne toast when the clock strikes midnight, live music inside Froggy Bottomz with Diversity, DJ BZ inside Malibu’s, DJ Joey inside Club Boca and Broadway Jake hosting a karaoke show inside Broadway Louie’s. For more information, VIP packages and/or to purchase tickets call 843-444-3500 or stop at Broadway Louie’s.

New Year’s Eve Party in the Square A DJ will perform live in Celebrity Square from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and include admission to the clubs of Revolutions, Crocodile Rocks, Rodeo Bar & Grill and Senor Frogs, where each venue will host their own midnight celebration! For more information or to purchase tickets, call 843-444-8032 or 843-315-0120.

Carlos ‘n Charlie’s Old School New Year’s Eve 80’s Party tickets are $10 per person for 21 years of age and older and $20 per person for 18 to 20 years old. Live 80’s style music provided by DJ Lui Diamante.

Hard Rock Cafe New Year’s Eve Concert & Party Doors open at 9:30 p.m. with live music from Black Glass. Tickets are $25 per person plus tax in advance or $30 per person plus tax day of. VIP Tickets are also available for $75 per person plus tax and include a three-course dinner (pre-set menu with five options, salad and dessert) and a reserved table. Event is a concert style event with limited seating. Dinner served at 8:30 p.m. for VIP ticket holders. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. for all general admission ticket holders. VIP tickets will not be available that evening. For more information or to purchase tickets please call 843-946-0007.For more information about Broadway at the Beach, visit www.BroadwayattheBeach.com, call 1-800-386-4662, “like” on Facebook or follow the complex on Twitter.

The WWE Live returns to the Crown Coliseum on Jan. 3 with its many Superstars: WWE Champion Randy Orton, John Cena, The Bella Twins, “The World’s Largest Athlete” and The Big Show, plus many more. If this event is like previous matches, it will be a treat for fans.

Orton beat Cena earlier this year in a Tables, Ladders & Chairs match in the main event of the TLC pay-per-view fight. Cena was set to win the match until he was pulled from the ladder he had climbed and landed face-first into a table that was in the corner of the ring. Orton ended up retrieving the two belts the two were fighting over, making him the first unified champion since Chris Jericho 12 years ago. During the last few seconds of the match, Orton’s counter-attack against Cena was to handcuff him to one of the ring’s ropes, making it easier to pull him off the ladder he was trying to climb, ultimately making Orton the current face of the WWE.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Fans can come join the fun as these superstars go head-to-head in some high-flying, rope-diving, chair-throwing, body-slamming action that will keep them on the edge of their seats. Tickets are $18, $28, $38, $53 and $98, and are available through Ticketmaster. Additional fees may apply and VIP Packages are also available for purchase starting at $299. With the purchase of one of two unique VIP Packages, fans get a premium ticket, merchandise and much more.

The $299 package, which is the WWE Enhanced VIP Package, includes: one floor seat, an exclusive WWE snap back cap, a limited edition event poster, a commemorative VIP ticket holder and venue parking wherever this option is applicable. The second package, which is the WWE Superstar VIP Experience Package, is $599 and includes: one premium ringside seat, a meet and greet and an autograph opportunity with the WWE superstars, a photo with the WWE Championship Title, an exclusive limited edition WWE event chair, an exclusive WWE snap back cap, a limited edition event poster, a commemorative VIP ticket holder, venue parking wherever this option is applicable and an on-site VIP concierge. For anyone who’s ever wanted to be backstage, or up close and personal with their favorite WWE Superstars — these are the packages for them.

The Crown Coliseum hosts several top-notch events each year and looks forward to WWE because it is such a crowd pleaser. Katie Mikos, director of marketing at the Crown Coliseum, noticed that not only do the fans get excited whenever their favorite WWE Superstars come to town, but when superstars are received by their fans the way the Fayetteville community receives theirs, it keeps these superstars coming back to perform for the people of this community again and again. “The thing that keeps the WWE coming back to Fayetteville is that Fayetteville is a great community that responds well to entertainment such as the WWE, and the WWE loves coming back to Fayetteville because of it,” said Mikos.

For more information, visit www.wwe.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Photo: WWE Superstar, John Cena, giving an 11-year-old girl and her dad the VIP Experience for Hurricane Sandy Relief (Photo Credit: www.wwe.com). 

Cumberland County Consistency

James Martin, the Cumberland County manager, recently announced he is retiring and stepping down from his position after 13 years of excellent and well-documented service. He came into the position with experience and quietly and professionally managed the people and assets of Cumberland County. No doubt he is leaving our county better off than when he came.

Finding Martin’s replacement will not be an easy task. His style was abundant with patience and pride and he had an uncanny ability to position the right people in the right places. With his departure, many of those same loyal, dedicated and talented county professionals are looking for the opportunity to step up and serve county government in a management position. Many are con관dent they have the talent, ability and historical background needed to keep Cumberland County on a progressive and challenging growth track in the coming years.

The Board of County Commissioners is charged with 관nding someone quali관ed and competent to 관ll this position. In the next few weeks a lot of discussion on whether to 관ll this position from within the talent we already employ or hire an outside agency and do an external statewide or national search will take center stage on the Commissioner’s agenda.

Don’t kid yourself, this is a big, big decision.

It is my hope that they first take a diligent look from within. I offer up a couple reasons for this.

First, dedicated, accomplished and talented employees should always have of the first opportunity to advance and improve their station.

Second, the needs of our county residents are many. An outside search is extremely expensive, with costs sometimes ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 — an expense that county taxpayers should not have to needlessly endure. Sure the money to finance this venture is available; however, just because the money is available to spend doesn’t mean we have a commitment to needlessly spend it before we have exhausted every other opportunity to do the right and just thing.

Another way to look at it is to ask yourself in what other ways could we better spend that money to improve our county? Or, for how many homeless people could that money provide shelter? How many children could we feed or how much could we add to our parks and recreation program or contribute to the quality of life of our senior citizens?

When we think of how that money could be spent and how many opportunities we have to improve our community, rather than spending it on doing a search with an outside agency, why shouldn’t we look closely at the human resources we have close to home? I believe this is fiscal responsibility. I have a lot of trust and faith in our County Commissioners and I’m sure that ultimately, they will make the right decision.

I would be very disappointed if that decision did not include looking at the dozens of people whom we have in the county system right now that could step up and fill the shoes of James Martin.

He will be missed.

I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank you, our faithful readers, for your support and encouragement over the past year. The past few years have not been kind to newspapers, but it is with your continued support, that we are still here, still telling the story of our community. If we are the voice of our community, we know that each of you are its heart.

Thank you for reading.

The entire staff of Up & Coming Weekly would like to wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and an awesome 2014!

Photo: Cumberland County Manger James E. Martin, left, with Dorothy and Julian McIntyre at  the Dec. 16 Board of Commissioners Meeting. Mr. McIntrye was recognized by the commissioners for his recent induction into the  Cumberland County Agricultural Hall of Fame.Photo Credit: Jon Soles

Every December 25th, families gather around the Christmas tree and unwrap presents. It is after the Christmas celebrations that Cape Fear Botanical Garden receives its gifts. Every year, members of the community bring their live Christmas trees to the garden where PWC, the Fayetteville Public Works Commission, grinds them into mulch. This valuable fresh mulch is then given to the garden for use on their many flower beds and paths. This is great for the local landfills, the environment and is a wonderful “green gift” for the garden. This year, the Grinding of the Greens takes place on Jan. 11.

George Quigley serves on the Board of Directors at the garden and is a volunteer there as well. “On the given day, PWC brings chippers and lines them up to grind the trees into small chips,” said Quigley. “It is noisy and exciting. We have hot chocolate and donuts — the event has a fun carnival feel to it.”

This Grinding of the Greens is particularly special because it is the 20th anniversary. For the past 19 years PWC has been working with the Cape Fear Botanical Garden to organize the Grinding of the Greens. This year the City of Fayetteville and Duke Progress Energy are also partners in this community event. Starting shortly after Christmas, city residents can put their undecorated live Christmas trees out on the curb for pick up. Undecorated trees should be placed by the curb for pickup like normal trash. Residents who do not get city trash pick up can bring their trees to the Garden’s fire tower any time before grinding day on Jan 11.

There are a few things that need to be done to a tree before it can be picked up. Remove all ornaments and lights from the tree. The Garden is only interested in mulch from trees, not broken glass shards. Before the tree makes it to the shredder it is important to make sure there are no forgotten ornaments — for the safety of everyone involved.

Recycling Christmas trees has many benefits for the entire community. Firstly, this gift to the garden provides mulch for use on their flower beds and on the paths that wind through the garden. Secondly, it disposes of all the Christmas trees families no longer need. It keeps all of the recyclable wood out of the landfills and returns it to nature, which is great for the environment. The process also leaves an incredible smell of fresh pine in the garden after everything has been turned to mulch, which is enjoyable for everyone who works there, the volunteers at the grinding and anyone who visits the gardens.

Mulch, is a layer of any material placed over soil. This covering can serve multiple purposes. In this case, it is aesthetically appealing. It also retains water and conserves moisture in the soil below it. This is great for plants and means less water goes to waste through evaporation when plants are watered. As the plant matter in mulch naturally decomposes it also serves as a fertilizer for the soil it rests upon.

“I’m glad it is not disposed of in a regular landfill,” said Quigley. “The trees take up a lot of space and they break down more slowly in a place with so much methane. This saves room in the landfills and puts the end product to good use.”

Thanks to the generosity of PWC and its partners in Grinding of the Greens the beautiful plants at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden will receive all of these benefits from unwanted Christmas trees.

Find out more about this program and other programs at Cape Fear Botanical Garden at www.capefearbg.org. Learn more about PWC and the many ways it promotes energy conservation in the community at www.faypwc.com.

Photo: Each year, Cape Fear Botanical Garden and PWC team up to recycle Christmas Trees at the Grinding of the Greens.

New Year’s Day is a holiday full of traditions and superstitions — especially in the South. As the new year dawns, many people consider it important to do what they can to ensure that it will be a good one. One of the most common ways to do this is through the food served on New Year’s Day. In Fayetteville. the superstitious (and the hungry) can cover all their bases at one of the long-standing traditions; the Black-Eyed Pea Dinner. Truly, it is as much about tradition, friendship and service to the community, but the “lucky” foods add an element of fun to the day. The Black-Eyed Pea dinner began in the ‘70s with Sherriff Ottis F. Jones but in recent years has been carried on by Register of Deeds Lee Warren as his way of giving back to the community.

“The menu includes a great traditional southern meal of black-eyed peas, collard greens, candied yams, bar-b-que, tea and coffee and it is all topped off with some great live Southern Gospel music. Bring the kids out to see Truman from Kidsville News!” said Warren. “It is a lot of fun seeing old friends every year and making sure that no one has to cook on New Year’s Day.”

The tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day goes back many years in the South, but it may have originated in even older cultures. In Jewish culture, in Babylonia circa 500 AD, black-eyed peas were commonly eaten as good luck symbols to celebrate Rosh Hashana, which is the Jewish New Year. This tradition likely made its way to the southern United States through the Sephardic Jews. This group immigrated to Georgia in the 1730s. The popularity of these peas in general can be traced to the Civil War. In the early 1860s, black-eyed peas were only fed to livestock, but when the Union armies came through the South and burned all of the other crops, the peas were eaten out of necessity. The drought resistance also made the peas a popular crop in difficult years. Traditionally these peas are intended as a symbol for prosperity in the coming year, representing coins and swelling in size as they cook. There are also several sayings that are associated with this belief in lucky peas centering around the idea that the act of eating humbly on New Year’s promising better food in the year to come. One common phrase is “Eat poor on New Year’s, and eat fat the rest of the year.” Black-eyed peas are usually prepared with pork, which is considered lucky because pigs are known to root forward when they forage.

Collard greens are another southern New Year’s tradition aimed at bringing luck and prosperity to a family. Collards had a rise in popularity thanks to the Civil War, too. The Union Army left behind these crops, and considered them animal food, but they are packed with valuable nutrients. As far as bringing prosperity on New Year’s Day, the collard’s symbolism is quite easy to see. Thanks to their leafy green appearance they represent paper money. Green is also a color symbolic of hope and growth, both valuable traits for a new year.

The dinner starts at 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day, at the Crown and is free to the public. The dinner grows every year and it is a great way to meet people from the community. Not only will the food be delicious, but also the fellowship and friendship will be an incredible way to start the new year.

Photo: Don't miss the New Year's Day Black-Eyed pea dinner.

Karl Merritt and Bobby Washington have been friends for years. As friends do, the two often chat about things that matter to them. “One Sunday morning …we can’t remember exactly how it happened, Bobby Washington and I started talking and somehow we ended up talking about our daughters,” said Merritt. “I have a daughter about the same age as Bobby’s daughter. That led to a discussion of black males. They (our daughters) had talked to us about the crisis among young black men.”

In a nutshell, America has lost a generation of black males. People seem quick to point out the under-education and poor employment opportunities young black men face. Few seem willing to do much about it. Washington and Merritt could have shrugged and walked away from the problem like so many do, but they didn’t. They decided to do something about it. Washington was working on a Ph.D. in nonprofit management, and an acorn of an idea took root – an organization that would “… provide a foundation for achievement and success among male youth by directly providing educational assistance, mentoring, leadership and life-skills training and cultural-awareness activities.” He showed the plan to Merritt. “I looked at it,” said Merritt. “In a later conversation I said, ‘What are we gonna do about this?’ and Bobby’s response was ‘Let’s make Great Oak happen.’ I said, ‘Okay, I am in.’” 

The two teamed up with Catrina Murphy and got to work. The result was an all-volunteer organization that pairs youth with positive male role models — men who will invest in them, mentor them and hold them accountable. While committing several hours a month to something may sound intimidating, Washington sees it as a matter of perspective. “I’ve been doing it for a long time and it is pretty easy. It is a matter of prioritizing. If I had an antique car I wanted to spend 17 hours a week on, or if I wanted to golf 20 hours a week, I would figure out how to do it. We just ask for six hours a month. It is based on priorities.”

The Great Oak website points out that “Other issues include the lack of men willing to invest a few hours a month to mentor a boy; the policy ramifications of public dollars invested after a child gets in trouble versus investment in preventative solutions; and the general apathy regarding the problem at far too many levels. The black boys across America who are adversely affected by these conditions have tremendous potential and great promise. They simply need to be nurtured.”

For many of the young men who come to Great Oak, just knowing that someone cares can be enough to turn them around. The boys that come to Great Oak often show up with angry hearts. They’ve built emotional walls that can be tough to penetrate, but patience and consistency on the part of their mentors usually win out. “We had our first boy go to college in 2012 and three more in 2013,” said Merritt. “These are the stories that show the effectiveness of what we are trying to do. A lot of it is anger management — 80-85 percent of our boys come from single-parent households with black females as the head of the home. There are some things going on that contribute to the crisis among black males, one of those is the anger generated in these boys because their father is not present. I hear teenage boys say things like ‘I haven’t talked to my father since was 2,’ all the time.”

Instead of feeling sorry for the young men, the men at Great Oak show them that they are valuable and that they have potential and then challenge them to reach for the stars, empowering and encouraging them along the way. Men and Boys Unity, one of the Great Oak programs, meets one Saturday a month, eight months out of the year. Guest speakers are often invited and the men and boys discuss things like responsibility, healthyrelationships, financial management and etiquette. But they do much more than talk. Once they are in high school the boys draft a life plan. “Some understand it but most ask ‘Why do I need a plan? I am just in 9th grade.’ Then you explain that this is not a choice and we explain that planning is part of critical thinking. Sometimes you do get the wide-eyed look or they will say ‘No one ever asked me to think about what I am going to do with my life.’” 

Then a door is open to explain the importance of having a plan. The boys are given a template that asks about hobbies, classes and what they like to do and are good at. “If they say they want to go to college,” said Washington, “then we will assist with that process or with whatever their plan calls for.” To help the young men plan, Great Oak brings in military representatives, as well as professionals from Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville State University, community leaders and businessmen. People talk with parents about their critical role like making sure the boys take the right courses and tests for post high school life, too. 

To teach the young men the value of hard work, Great Oak gives them something to work toward. Since 2009, Great Oak has managed a few plots at the Fayetteville Community Garden each year. The boys prep the soil, tend the plots and help maintain the common areas and abandoned plots. 

To develop critical thinking skills, and help improve performance at school, the Men and Boys Unity program added a Chess Club to the program in 2012.

During the summer, Great Oak offers a leadership and entrepreneur camp. Educators, business leaders and civic leaders in the community participate in programs that focus on leadership development, skills instruction, confidence building and orientation for success.

The Great Oak mentoring program matches each youth with a volunteer who is committed to them for an extended period of time. Through these relationships mentors teach the boys important life skills: they help them plan for the future; they help build confidence in the young men; they encourage positive attitudes and more. Sometimes it is as easy as showing up at school to have lunch with the boys and talking with them about their grades. “It means the world to them that someone is interested in them for them,” said Washington. “They may not show it at first but the boys really do appreciate when someone takes an interest in them.”

To be a Great Oak mentor, volunteers submit to a background check, are interviewed by a social worker and undergo training before being paired with a youngster. Youth can be referred to Great Oak by school officials, community officials or by parents/guardians. Find out more about Great Oak at www.goydc.com.

Sure, most people have heard of Haymount, but not everyone knows about the magic of this part of town. Not only is there a great camaraderie between the residents, there are unique one-of-a-kind businesses that offer everything from food to clothing and gifts to healthcare to petcare to entertainment and more. While this community spends most of the year tending to the day-to-day business and busy-ness of life and looking out for each other, this holiday season the Haymount community is excited to host Haymount Lights for the greater Fayetteville area through Jan 1.

The Haymount areaof Fayetteville has a lot going for it. The cozy eateries, quaint shops, churches, award-winning theater and neighborhoods with tree-lined streets all contribute to the charm and distinct personality of Haymount. Named for John Hay, an Irish-born lawyer who built his home on the corner of Hillside and Hay Streets, the area was originally named “Hay Mount.” This later became Haymount and later still, the spelling Haymont came into play.

Officially, the boundaries of Haymount are from the foot of the hill up Hay Street to Fountainhead Lane, all of Hale Street, all of Hillside Avenue, Brandts Lane and part of Athens Avenue. “This area is a nationally registered and local historic district,” said Fayetteville Historic Properties Manager Bruce Daws. “It was established because of the cluster of homes in that area that represent Federal-style architecture that was popular through the mid 1820s as well as some of the other architecture of the time.”

Officially or not, just a bit further up the hill are establishments that are considered part of the Haymount district by the people who live, shop, worship, eat and play there. These establishments are as much a part of the psyche of this town as other distinctive areas like downtown, Skibo Road and the Cape Fear River Trail.

Pulling the community together even more is a relatively new organization called Happenin’ in Haymount. Throughout the year businesses and residents come together for things like hosting neighborhood dinners, welcoming new businesses and neighbors and building a sense of community in Haymount through group activities. This holiday season the organization is adding some extra sparkle to the festivities.“We were looking for a traditional event that people can look forward to every year,” said Ashley Culliton, Happenin’ in Haymount organizer and spokesperson. “Throughout the year we have get-togethers and things like yoga in the park and mommy groups. We want to create that neighborhood camaraderie and sense of community where neighbors look out for  each other and have life-long friendships. We are trying to make Haymount the community that other areas look to as an example of how to do it right.”

This Christmas season, the Haymount neighborhood is coming together to bring Haymount Lights to Fayetteville. Sixty-one participants, including 21 Haymount businesses, have signed up to participate. It’s fun, it’s free to the public and it is a chance to get out and enjoy the Christmas season. Although there is a lot of love between the participants, no Christmas light display is complete without some competition from the neighbors. Visit the Happenin’ in Haymount Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Haymount for a map and for the form to vote for your favorite lightdisplays.

We are all in the midst of holiday festivities. 

There are neighborhood gatherings, office parties, social occasions, presents to be bought and wrapped, a few more decorations to add to what is already there, cards to send and the list goes on and on.

All of this is going on in our homes and workplaces, or at least in proximity to us, whether we feel festive or not.

Truth be told, many of us are not in a
festive mood. 

Many of us are sad for all sorts of reasons, and some of us are actually hungry even as others are making and sharing goodies which surface only this time of year. Some of us are coping with loss, with aging, with loneliness, even as our televisions show happy folks in their party clothes in sparkling settings and toasting each other with everything from grape juice to champagne. 

Elizabeth Dreesen, a surgeon, writes an occasional column for the News and Observer. A recent one recounts her elderly father’s knee replacement surgery and her family’s struggles as they coped with the same health and aging issues facing millions of American families. Her mother, plagued with respiratory problems, resisted in-home help, and although the knee surgery was uneventful and successful, Dr. Dreesen acknowledges a much clearer understanding of what many of her patients and their families go through both within the medical system and with the difficulties of aging parents. If she, a smart and highly-educated medical professional, was flummoxed by this common experience, no wonder the rest of us are as well.

Two of my oldest friends, women I have known and loved since college, died within 12 hours of each other last month. Both had battled debilitating illnesses with courage, and their deaths were not surprising but were still deeply painful. Both leave families who are going to have very different holidays this year with empty spots where their loved ones used to be.

Another friend lost her husband a year ago on Christmas day. She is a person of many interests and who has many friends, but I know the holidays are especially difficult for her this year.

When I see the holiday television commercials in which everyone seems good-looking, happy, healthy and glowing with seasonal goodwill, I somehow assume they are all wealthy as well. Probably not, of course, but it is true that in our country the rich are indeed getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Forbesmagazine reports the highest number of billionaires ever recorded in the world, with the United States having more than any other nation. This sort of wealth creation has got to be a good thing, but it is mirrored by other sad and alarming numbers. 

The Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire reports that almost 1 in 4 American children now lives in poverty. In addition, the U.S. Census Bureau says that mean household income continues to fall at the same time safety nets, including basic food assistance, at all levels of government are shrinking. Home ownership is also declining, down for the fifth year in a row to just over 63 percent. A drive around our own county confirms the obvious need for life’s basics by the number of people begging at intersections.

I feel a bit like Mrs. Scrooge writing all of this in the midst of what is supposed to be a festive and joyful season, and which many of us pretend is, even if we are not feeling so joyful or festive ourselves. 

I write it, though, to remind us that many among us — friends, neighbors, coworkers, relatives, face challenging situations in their lives that darken not only their ordinary days but their holidays as well. Some of their problems are of their own making, some are out of their control, and some are both. But however they arose, they are driving factors in the lives of people around us, some of whom we know and love.

Some of us blessed to feel festive and joyful can and do volunteer for others not only during the holidays but the rest of the year as well. Some of us can and do share not only our time and talent but our treasure with others at this time of year and at other times. 

All of us can pick up the phone, write a note or pay a visit to someone who is struggling for whatever reason this holiday season. All of us can reach out in some way to someone who is short of cheer this year. All of us can show generosity of spirit in a way that eases the care of another.

Wishing you and those you love a warm, wonderful, and giving holiday season.

A prosperous local economy is almost at our fingertips; however, if you are a fledgling organization or local merchant trying to establish and maintain a profitable small business in Cumberland County, you just may have to reach a little further. 

Doug Peters, president of the Fayetteville Area Chamber of Commerce, understands the importance of promoting and supporting local independent businesses. Small business is the cornerstone of a strong and enduring community and local economy. Bringing awareness to what local communities have to offer is the key to developing a vibrant local economy. This was one of the motivating forces behind the recent Shop Local campaign staged by the Chamber of Commerce.

Becoming familiar with our local community reaches far beyond just doing business locally. Our residents are becoming involuntarily detached from the very community in which we live. 

This is most evident to those of us who work in the media industry. We can attest to the growing trend that people are not familiar with their local surroundings and that small businesses are going out of business at an alarming rate. Why? Because we have been lured into the 21st century infatuation with the Internet, online services and social media like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. As 21st century human beings, our heads and eyes are constantly focused on our computers, iPads and iPhones. Consequently, we know more about what’s going on halfway around the world then we do right here in our own backyard. 

Fortunately, the Internet is not the be-all-and-end-all solution when it comes to developing awareness and communication especially in our own local community. Granted, social media has its place in our society; however, one must be aware that it is gradually deteriorating our involvement and intimacy with our family, friends and local surroundings. 

Why? Because involvement and intimacy take time and effort to develop. The Internet and all its addictive facets for knowledge and entertainment allows us to live in the moment. In reality, the Internet is just another media source that can complement any business or organization by providing information. However, when it comes to establishing credibility, touting the quality of your product or service or actually developing your brand,
 it is extremely ineffective and, in many cases, destructive. Brand, being defined as who you are, what you are and what you stand for cannot be defined on the Internet. This pertains to people, organizations and businesses. 

Here is a case in point, which happened very recently. Deborah Mintz, president of the Fayetteville and Cumberland County Arts Council, and I hosted 25 members of the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Fayetteville. Our task for the day was to give them a brief introduction to the arts, history and cultural venues that can be found within our community. Deborah and I have been doing this as a team for nearly 20 years. We take great pride in showcasing these venues. Our guests are always pleasantly surprised at the quantity of quality venues our community has to offer. Even more amazing was how many of these folks, many of them Millennials, were totally unaware and out of touch with the community. How can that be? 

Full disclosure, these people were participating in Leadership Fayetteville to learn about the community. But, some participants have lived here in Fayetteville and Cumberland County for 10, 15 and 20 years or more and were not aware of some of the basic community arts, entertainment and cultural gems at our disposal like the Dogwood Festival, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Cape Fear Botanical Garden, the FireAntz hockey team or the fact that we have not one, but two, symphony orchestras. 

There is no real excuse for this except to realize that the Internet, iPhones and iPads are robbing us of our sense of community. Finding the good stuff takes effort and with effort comes reward. 

I invite all of our readers to take the time to get to know our community. You won’t find it on the Internet. You need to put down your phones, open your eyes and look at all that is around it. Fayetteville has much to offer and one of its best offerings is the warm and open people who call it home. Get to know them. Enjoy our community. You might just be surprised. Thank you for reading Up and ComingWeekly.

Ryan’s Reindeer Run is more than a foot race. It is a celebration. It is a celebration of the life of Ryan Patrick Kishbaugh and his amazing story but it is also a celebration of love, life and passion. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of this celebration on Saturday, Dec. 21. Ryan’s Reindeer Run is a 5K walk/run that is not only a great time, but it is a chance to make a difference. Named after Ryan Patrick Kishbaugh, Ryan’s Reindeer Run raises funds for the Ryan P. Kishbaugh Memorial Foundation and other charities that provide services to kids in need and cancer patients. 

 

Ryan was an athlete, an amazing community advocate, volunteer and a scholar. He had been accepted to Princeton and was ready to embark on an amazing future when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma; Ryan died from complications of a bone marrow transplant in 2003. He fought valiantly for 15 months before he died. His mother, Roberta Humphries, chooses to celebrate his life each year. Since Ryan was a stellar athlete and loved to run (he even wrote a book called Run Because You Can) having a race seemed like a great way to honor her son.

 

“I wanted to do something fun to remember Ryan,” said Humphries. “I was visiting Charleston in 2005 and they had a Reindeer Run going on. It just seemed like a great way to remember him and to do something fun at the same time.”

 

Hardcore runners are sure to enjoy the course. It is hilly and a bit of a challenge — but that is by design. 

 

“The run is a lot of fun, but the fact that the course is fairly difficult is significant,” said Humphries. “It is to remind people that life can be challenging sometimes.”

 

People who are interested in just having a great time while knowing they are giving back to the community will love this run, too. Sure, there are the standard awards for winners like the male and female runners who get the best times in their age groups, but there are also some awards that are all about fun. There are prizes for the top three pet finishers and their owners; the top three family finishers; the best-costumed runners; the top three strollers and runners; and the best decorated strollers. 

 

“We have a category where families can register together and their times are combined for an aggregate time and then the family with the lowest aggregate time is recognized,” said Humphries. “We also have a best-sweatered runner category.”

 

In planning this event Humphries is always on the look out for ways to embrace the joy and love of life that she remembers most about Ryan and turn it into part of the event. The trophies are reindeer. Every year she looks for reindeer that she can use as trophies for the event. The medals for the winners are shaped like Christmas ornaments. 

 

“I want people to be able to hang these on their tree if they wanted to so they can remember the fun they had at the reindeer run instead of just putting it in a drawer,” said Humphries.

 

There is such a feeling of connectedness that surrounds this event that Humphries considers it a chance to celebrate each and every year. 

 

“Many of the people who run in this race never even knew Ryan, but to see them running and laughing and having fun with their friends and family is a lot of fun for me,” said Humphries. “There are families who have been doing this since the first race eight years ago. One family chooses a theme every year and comes in the most wonderful costumes. They have come as Whos from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, they’ve come as characters from A Charlie Brown Christmas, they have come as Christmas packages. It is just so much fun to see what they will come up with next. Then there are Ryan’s friends who are runners. Many of them have married and have families of their own and they are bringing their children to run in the race.”

 

The fundsthat are raised at the event go right back into the community through the Ryan Patrick Kishbaugh Memorial Foundation. Since the race was established in 2006, the foundation has donated more than $100,000 to different organizations in the community. Each year The Duke Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center, Better Health, the Care Clinic and the Child Advocacy Center receive funds from this event. Every spring the Ryan Patrick Kishbaugh Memorial Foundation also awards a $1,000 writing prize to a student at the Fayetteville Academy where Ryan was a student.

 

Register early to make sure that there is a shirt reserved in your size on race day. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Medical Arts Building on Hay Street. For more information or to register, visit www.active.com or www.ryansreindeerrun.com. 

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the Cumberland Oratorio Singers will join in song to bring Handel’s Messiah to Galatia Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, Sunday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. It is the 6th Annual Messiah Sing, where everyone is welcome to bring their Messiah scores, sit in the audience and join in song together with the choir. Admission is free. 

 

“We really encourage people to bring their scores, stand up and sit down with the choir where it’s appropriate, and
sing along,” said Michael Martin,
director of choral activities and music education at Methodist University and this year’s conductor.

 

“Handel’s Messiah is kind of unique and non-unique at the same time in that — it’s a community sing, which is done all over the world,” said Martin. “Everybody knows the “Hallelujah” chorus, and we only do the first part because it follows the birth, life and death of Jesus, which is an appropriate part to do at Christmas time.    

 

“I think it’s kind of right that the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the Cumberland Oratorio Singers do this together, because they’ve been playing together for quite some time,” said Martin. “It’s good for the community to know that their arts organizations are working together and it makes for a big house.” 

 

The partnership between the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the Cumberland Oratorio Singers is actually broad and goes beyond the Messiah.“We do this, and then we do a large work in the Spring together,” said Martin. “We’re always trying to find opportunities in which the partnership will benefit both groups. They get a chance to pull some of our audience, we pull some of their audiences, and when we get together, we have both of our audiences sitting in the same place.”    

 

Martin was appointed Artistic Director and Conductor of the Cumberland Oratorio Singers in 2008 and has been alternating with Fouad Fakhouri, another conductor in the music department at Methodist University, for the past five years. Due to the way the graduation calendar worked out last year for Martin, Fakhouri ended up conducting Messiah for the past two years in a row. Martin is excited to have the opportunity to conduct this year. 

 

“The reason we do this is because we’ve always considered the Messiah Singto be a gift back to the community,” said Martin. “We don’t want money to be the reason people don’t come and experience this. 

 

“We just want people to come,” Martin continued. “We want it to be a gift for the community, and we’ve always called it that.” 

 

For more information, please contact: Julia Atkins, orchestra personnel and marketing manager for the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, at P.O. Box 53234, Fayetteville, NC 28305 or jatkins@fayettevillesymphony.org. 

 

The Galatia Presbyterian Church is located at 8800 Galatia Church Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28304.     

The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the Cumberland Oratorio Singers will join in song to bring Handel’s Messiah to Galatia Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, Sunday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. It is the 6th Annual Messiah Sing, where everyone is welcome to bring their Messiah scores, sit in the audience and join in song together with the choir. Admission is free. 

 

“We really encourage people to bring their scores, stand up and sit down with the choir where it’s appropriate, and
sing along,” said Michael Martin,
director of choral activities and music education at Methodist University and this year’s conductor.

 

“Handel’s Messiah is kind of unique and non-unique at the same time in that — it’s a community sing, which is done all over the world,” said Martin. “Everybody knows the “Hallelujah” chorus, and we only do the first part because it follows the birth, life and death of Jesus, which is an appropriate part to do at Christmas time.    

 

“I think it’s kind of right that the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the Cumberland Oratorio Singers do this together, because they’ve been playing together for quite some time,” said Martin. “It’s good for the community to know that their arts organizations are working together and it makes for a big house.” 

 

The partnership between the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and the Cumberland Oratorio Singers is actually broad and goes beyond the Messiah.“We do this, and then we do a large work in the Spring together,” said Martin. “We’re always trying to find opportunities in which the partnership will benefit both groups. They get a chance to pull some of our audience, we pull some of their audiences, and when we get together, we have both of our audiences sitting in the same place.”    

 

Martin was appointed Artistic Director and Conductor of the Cumberland Oratorio Singers in 2008 and has been alternating with Fouad Fakhouri, another conductor in the music department at Methodist University, for the past five years. Due to the way the graduation calendar worked out last year for Martin, Fakhouri ended up conducting Messiah for the past two years in a row. Martin is excited to have the opportunity to conduct this year. 

 

“The reason we do this is because we’ve always considered the Messiah Singto be a gift back to the community,” said Martin. “We don’t want money to be the reason people don’t come and experience this. 

 

“We just want people to come,” Martin continued. “We want it to be a gift for the community, and we’ve always called it that.” 

 

For more information, please contact: Julia Atkins, orchestra personnel and marketing manager for the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, at P.O. Box 53234, Fayetteville, NC 28305 or jatkins@fayettevillesymphony.org. 

 

The Galatia Presbyterian Church is located at 8800 Galatia Church Rd., Fayetteville, NC 28304.      

Among the few certainties in life is that it changes.  

 

Some changes are dramatic — the birth of a baby, a sudden accident, an unexpected death.

 

Some are more of an evolution than a stark change, which is the case with the Dickson Thanksgiving tradition.

 

For more than 30 years, our family has celebrated this quintessential American holiday with cousins, extended family, friends and the occasional stranger at a favorite cousin’s home in Chapel Hill. Our celebration evolved for Thanksgiving 2012, when my cousin and I made the executive decision to move the whole operation to a lovely North Carolina beach where both of our families have vacationed for decades. We enjoyed our first beach Thanksgiving with about 35 hungry celebrants.  

 

Thanksgiving 2013 was quieter — about 16 cousins and friends — with our usual fare of real turkey and an ice cream turkey and some new items including a ham and a mac-and-cheese casserole so rich and creamy that it could surely be considered a sin. The holiday weekend continued to unfold with an oyster roast and visits by several more cousins from the younger generation and a longtime friend and former roommate of one of the Precious Jewels.

 

We had such a full house that even the improvised bunks built into a closet were full!

 

It was all great fun, but it also means that scheduling meals and other activities is a challenge and that the mom in charge — that would be me — does not always know exactly who is doing what and when they are doing it.

 

That was the case with an early Saturday morning duck-hunting expedition involving two Precious Jewels, our great friend Ben, and Ben’s faithful wonder retriever, Belle.  I got wind of the planned hunt the night before, heard the hunters stomping around and departing early that morning and was dozing fitfully when my cell phone rang shortly after daylight.

 

Now, every parent’s heart skips a beat when such calls some in, and mine did an extra little flip when the caller ID told me that Ben was on the phone.

 

Why was Ben calling me when the rest of the household was still snoozing?!?!?  

 

It was Belle. She had wandered into a marsh — one paved with oyster shells, and she was cut and bleeding. The hunters were on their way in and could I try to find a veterinarian open on Saturday morning of Thanksgiving weekend in a beach community?

 

Flooded with maternal relief but concerned about sweet Belle, I called around and discovered that the closest vet — about 20 miles away — is usually open on Saturday but had taken Thanksgiving weekend off. An emergency clinic in Wilmington would open at noon, but that was hours away. I considered ringing up a favorite god-child who is a vet, who was home for the holiday from California, but nixed that plan when I realized she probably did not pack her doggie medical supplies and equipment in her overhead bin suitcase.

 

In the meantime, the hunters arrived with Belle who padded around pitifully, leaving bloody paw prints on our concrete floor.  

 

Ben, Belle’s human parent, got on the phone himself and took the recommendation of the emergency clinic’s answering service of another vet practice that was open on Saturday morning, and off they went — Ben, Belle, a Precious Jewel, and a cousin who needed a ride back to his car.

 

Our medical update came in, informing us that Belle was heading into surgery to close cuts on three paws and several gashes on her legs. The rest of the gang would go get something to eat — breakfast not having happened that morning — and then await Belle’s eventual coming to and release from the clinic.

 

Several hours later, the gang appeared, full and relieved, all except for Belle who was bandaged, bedraggled, a bit dazed and frustrated as all get-out by the “halo” around her neck to keep up from chewing at her stitches and dressings.

 

All of us, including Belle, are back in our respective homes, and I am deep into my annual tizzy preparing for the next round of holiday festivities. Ben reports that Belle has had a good checkup with her own vet and that the halo, which should come off soon, is still driving her crazy.

 

My take away here is that little in life turns just the way we think it will. I never imagined Thanksgiving at the beach with no pumpkins or fallen leaves, but that is not the point. The point is that we were packed into a house with those we love. 

 

I can hardly wait for Thanksgiving 2014!

“Say good night, Gracie,” was the familiar quote made popular by the iconic 1950s and 1960s actor/comedian George Burns when he was signaling his young, precocious wife Gracie that she was finished, through and done with her monologue. 

 

“Say good night, Gracie,” meant it was over. Period. Well, someone very recently asked me: “Bill, why don’t you write something about the Prince Charles Hotel?” What? Are you kidding me? January 2014 will mark Up & Coming Weekly’s 19th year serving Fayetteville. During this period we have stayed extremely up-close and personal to the goings on concerning the crown prince of Downtown Fayetteville, the Prince Charles Hotel. Why? Because we have always admired and respected the Prince Charles for its historical value and past contributions to our community. However, anyone not familiar with our publication or the last two decades of history and controversy swirling around this historic icon may think we have ignored the situation or at best had trouble making up our minds or taking a solid position editorially concerning the future of the property. I can assure you this is not the case. 

 

The fact is, we have written dozens of stories, editorials and features about the noble Prince over the years. Yes, in hindsight, our positions may seem a bit contradictory. We love it, we hate it. We need it, we don’t need it. It’s an historical beauty, it’s weather beaten, dilapidated and ugly. It is an economic “tour de force” for the city, it’s an economic disaster and drain on our downtown development. Need I go on? You get my point. 

 

But, in our defense, there have been many people and organizations over the years like the Old Fayetteville Association, Fayetteville Downtown Development Association, Downtown Alliance, Chamber of Commerce, Fayetteville Historic Resources Commission who also respect and admire the Prince Charles and, have loyally followed its progress and plight with sincere and earnest interest in its revival, rejuvenation, rehabilitation, development and success. The numerous attempts good people have made to resuscitate the Prince Charles and restore it to its former self is a matter of public record. 

 

Let’s face it folks, time has told the hotel’s true story. This is not going to happen. As a documented advocate of the Prince Charles Hotel, I have extreme respect for its historical designation and its significance to downtown, but, economically, it is just no longer feasible. Realistically, with the needs being what they are in Downtown Fayetteville, that property, which is directly across from city hall and only blocks from the train station and Airborne and Special Operations Museum, is much too valuable for hosting or harboring a deteriorating and dilapidated building no matter how beautiful or significant it was in the past. The Prince has served this community; now his purpose and usefulness is gone and he must go.  My only wish is that he goes out with grace and dignity and not with the swell of loud and mis-directed protest from people screaming we can’t tear down history. 

 

Let’s not forget that our noble Prince was acquired by a New York investor named John Chen for $1.9 million at a foreclosure sale in 2007. This guy was no friend of the Prince Charles or of Fayetteville. Matter of fact, when the hotel was finally closed down by city inspectors for major building violations, Chen was well on his way to turning the Prince Charles into a grandiose flop house. If protests do arise, it will be from people who have no understanding of business economics or the true value of money. 

 

Bottom line? The property that the Prince Charles Hotel sits on is extremely valuable to the successful economic development of our city. Sure, I know that recently David Levinson, a wealthy developer from Harnett County proposed to the City of Fayetteville a $4 million plan to save the Prince Charles. Well, I doubt if that is ever going to happen. Levinson’s plan was to partner with Chen to restore the building into residential and office condominiums. Success will be elusive. The numbers just do not work.

So, where do we go from here? Actually, I have no idea. Except, if the decision is made to tear the Prince Charles Hotel down, that property should not be used for anything else but to house a three or four star mid-range hotel (Hampton Inn, Marriott Fairfield, etc.) so there will be rooms and meeting space in downtown Fayetteville to support the arts, attractions like the ASOM and other existing ongoing businesses. I firmly believe if downtown is to succeed, if downtown is going to prosper economically, visitors and guests need a place to stay when they come downtown. 

 

When the Prince Charles was revived in the ‘90s, it was supported by downtown businesses organizations and government. The Rotary Club met there. The arts community held huge receptions in the lobby. We had jazz festivals there and it was a convenient gathering place for the entire community. It would be a huge mistake to miss this opportunity to move the downtown economic-development effort forward by not adding good hotel to the downtown landscape. But then again, we have a terrible track record when it comes to placing buildings in the right location. This should be a no brainer. We’ll see. Stay tuned. This is about to get interesting. Thanks for reading Up & Coming Weekly.

 

A tradition in Fayetteville since 1977, The Nutcracker Ballet is many things to many people. This year it has special meaning for Director Charlotte Blume and one of the guest artists, Adam Chavis.

When the North Carolina State Ballet’s Nutcracker returns to the Crown Center Theatre on Dec. 8, 14 and 15, it will be a homecoming for Chavis.

“This is a very good opportunity not only for dancers to display their talent, it also provides a performance opportunity for dancers,” said Blume. “And we do use regional dancers and guests. It provides a good show experience for the region.”

A Fayetteville native, Chavis trained with Charlotte Blume for seven years and performed various roles in The Nutcracker as a student. Chavis is like many of Blume’s students.

“They grow up at the studio; they start at early ages and spend a lot of their time at the studio,” said Blume. “To get to the level to perform, it takes a lot of years of training. The dancers become committed, and their parents do as well. It takes teamwork to create productions like The Nutcracker.”

This year, Chavis guests with Alicia Fabry as Cavalier to Fabry’s Sugar Plum Fairy. Chavis went on to study at the North Carolina School of the Arts and was an apprentice with the New York City Ballet Company before joining the Carolina Ballet in Raleigh. Both Chavis and Fabry are principal dancers with the company. They perform on Dec. 8.

Jessica Fry and Ramon Gaitan will dance the roles of Cavalier and Sugar Plum Fairy on Dec. 14 and 15.

A supporting cast of 65 dancers and actors perform in the two-act, three-scene production.

Alicia Fabry was raised in France and studied ballet at the English National Ballet School in London. She danced with the Ballet Chicago Studio Company before joining the Carolina Ballet Theatre and Pennsylvania Ballet.

Ramon Gaitan, a native of Nicaragua, began dancing at the age of 18 with the Academy of Movement and Music in Oak Park, Ill. He is a Northern Illinois University graduate with a bachelor of fine arts. Gaitan has danced with the Richmond Ballet, Ballet Theatre of Maryland and the Dayton Ballet. He is currently an independent guest artist. This is his first time dancing with the North Carolina State Ballet. Gaitan will double as the Nutcracker Prince with alternating Claras Mary Maxton and Ashley Watters.

Wei Ni, assistant director of the North Carolina State Ballet, will dance the Nutcracker Prince on Dec. 8, with Deprecia Simpson as Clara. Ni trained in China and was a principal dancer with the Carolina Ballet in Raleigh before joining the North Carolina State Ballet.

Other leading dancers in the Nutcracker are alternating Little Claras, Ella Lewis, Marissa Morris and Hannah Reader. Snow Queens are Ashley Watters or Deprecia Simpson. Flower Queens are Ashely Watters or Deprecia Simpson.

Local actor Daniel Moore returns as Drosselmeyer.

While the community looks forward to the production of The Nutcracker each holiday season, for Blume, the dancers, parents and staff, it is a labor of love that starts in late summer and requires serious commitment from everyone involved. Auditions take place in August. While Blume insists the dancers come to the auditions prepared and in top form, the real work starts once the parts have been assigned.

“We start rehearsal in September,” said Blume. “It is a big show. It is 1 hour and 45 minutes long. It is all intense dance and it has to be at a professional level. It does take a lot of rehearsal — we meet seven days a week to practice for The Nutcracker and this is separate from class time.”

Each year the dedication and practice pay off, as the performances do not disappoint.

The Nutcracker is performed for area schools on Dec. 6,9 and 13. Public performances are Dec. 8, 14 and 15. All performances are at the Crown Center Theatre. Tickets for the public performances are $16 for general admission and may be purchased at the Crown Center Box Office or at ticketmaster.com. Curtain time is 3 p.m.

The days are getting colder and the nights are coming earlier. In North Carolina this can only mean one thing: Christmas is coming. As Dec. 25 approaches, the Christmas spirit can be felt at most every shop and on every decorated lawn. One of the ways that Hope Mills shares all this spirit is at the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. What better way is there to spread the holiday spirit than by driving huge colorful floats and brightly decorated vehicles through the streets and singing carols with the community?

Hope Mills Parks and Recreation has been organizing this parade for many years. The very first year they had 40 units participating in the event. The parade has grown tremendously since then. In 2012, there were 114 participants. Though the size of the parade may grow, it has never lost the fun and festive spirit on which it was founded. “This is a traditional parade and a great way for families to have fun. There will be bands playing traditional Christmas carols and many different floats to watch,” says Kenny Bullock, Hope Mills Parks and Recreation director, who has been working with the parade for six years.

The parade is a family-oriented event. Beautiful floats and Christmas music will capture the imaginations of young and old and many floats will also hand out candy. The entire goal of the event is to bring fun and holiday spirit to the entire community. Bullock reflects this view by saying that the most rewarding part of the parade is, “Seeing the kids excited. It is especially exciting if the people in the crowd know someone on the float, it really hypes them up. It’s great to see the community come and support the parade.”

There have been some changes made to the rules in the parade this year. In past years people have been able to throw candy from the floats. This year that will not be allowed. Floats will have people walking beside them to hand out candy. This rule is intended to make sure that children don’t run into the streets and into possible danger. Like always, the floats will be as beautiful as ever. “Color, bright colors, and the people on the float being excited and involving the crowd is important. I love the colors of the red, green, white and gold.” Bullock said when describing the ideal float, “I remember going to parades when they were at night and seeing the Christmas lights. When we saw the bright colors coming we would say ‘Oh, that’s gonna be a good one.’”

The Hope Mills Christmas Parade starts on Main St. and will run from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 7. For more information visit http://174.132.145.94/~hope/index.php/departments/parks-and-recor call 424-4500. After the Christmas Parade, there will also be the Hope Mills Festival of Lights at Hope Mills Lake at 5:30 p.m.

People often think that there’s never much to do right here in the heart of Fayetteville, so they look to neighboring cities like Raleigh and Cary for a great time, but on Dec. 15, the Fayetteville Downtown Alliance will host its 14th Annual Candelight Loft Tours, which promises to be a very interesting downtown event that showcases architecture and living in Downtown Fayetteville.

“We try to showcase Downtown Fayetteville as a great place to shop, eat, play and live,” said Janet Lee, the chairman of the tour. “This is an event that everyone can be a part of and see what it’s like to live in Downtown Fayetteville.”

Just past the traffic circle and on to the cobblestoned streets of Downtown Fayetteville, Hay Street will be candlelit for a guided tour of artistic, original and cutting-edge loft designs. Residents will open their doors to the public in what will feel like an intimate experience of their unique versatility, creativity and decorative elegance in a location that overlooks the small shops of Hay Street. Participating businesses will also open for anyone who’s looking to do some shopping throughout the evening.

Each year, residents are asked if they would like to put their residence on tour for this one-day event in which participants vary from year to year, depending on who’s going to be in town, who’s decorated for the holidays and who’s ready to have people walk through their residence. “The experience is very similar to that of a neighborhood tour except that this will take place in residences that are downtown,” said Lee.

Daniel Brumm, a resident who participated in last year’s event, will participate in this year’s event as well. In light of the tour, he ensures that there are candlelights throughout his residence for the sake of a complete showcase. He enjoys decorating for the holidays and putting an interesting twist for those taking the tour.

“We’re always eager to have the public come out and visit Downtown Fayetteville,” said Lee. “The tour will go up and down Hay Street, Old Street and some of Person Street just around the Market House.”

The event is on Dec. 15 and will last from 6-8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Nov. 29. Tickets are $10 in advance and will be $12 on the day of the actual event. Pre-event tickets are on sale now and the first 100 people to turn in their tickets for an armband will receive a swag bag full of coupons and information about downtown businesses.

Ticket outlets include the Downtown Alliance Office in Downtown Fayetteville, So Chic Bebe, City Center Gallery & Books, Rude Awakening Coffee House, MoonStone Jewelry and Gifts and The Pilgrim, located in the Westwood Shopping Center. With its many historic landmarks, free museums, movie theaters and outdoor dining, there really is a lot to see and do right here in the heart of Downtown Fayetteville.

Additional information for the Candlelight Loft Tours can be found at www.faydta.org or 910-222-3382.

 

 

 

 Once upon a time while I was waiting to pay a bill, I heard a 92-year-old man say something pretty profound. Quote he, “If we live, we’re gonna get old.” This point, while obvious, merits further consideration. I was reminded of his observation on reading that Mick Jagger is about to become a great-grandfather. Yep, the Street Fighting Man’s granddaughter is going have a baby. Jagger’s new status has implications for the rest of us. If Jagger is going to be a great-grandfather, perhaps time is passing by more quickly than we think. Undoubtably, time will ultimately take us with it.

 

Armed with the knowledge that life is fleeting, what should we do about it? I personally suggest deep denial, but that is just me. However, despite the alleged war on Christmas promoted by Fox, you may have noticed that it is Christmas time again. Christmas brings all kinds of events, some deeply theological and some highly commercial. It’s Ying & Yang time. I shall leave the theology to those more knowledgeable about such things. I shall remain in the shallow end of the Christmas pool to ponder the wonders of Yule Tide commercialism.

 

Christmas comes but once a year, but it starts in August and lasts until January. It means Christmas movies, TV specials and buying stuff. Let us count the pretty ways of commercialism. The Christmas season begins in earnest with the Pamplona Running of the Bulls style traditional trampling of the customers on Black Friday at the Big-Box Stores. This year Black Friday has moved up to trampling customers on Thanksgiving. How festive!

 

My favorite holiday movie is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, which theoretically stars Chevy Chase. The real star is Cousin Eddie. Cousin Eddie is the reason I watch this movie. We all have Cousin Eddies in our lives and Randy Quaid is the Cousin Eddiest of them all. Cousin Eddie shows up at the Griswold’s house in his worn out RV and settles in for the duration. Have you ever had relatives show up at your house and outstay the three-day fish rule? Yep. I knew you had. The great thing about Cousin Eddie is that he doesn’t actually show up at your house. He’s on the TV and you can change the channel. Try changing the channel at your own dinner table when Uncle Howard starts his political rant about the wonders of nuclear power with Aunt Donna who is a dues paying member of the Sierra Club. Ah, Christmas cheer.

 

    It is not really Christmas until I hear the Barking Dogs canine chorus howl “Jingle Bells.” How can we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas commercialism without the musical accompaniment of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer?” As for me, Grandpa, and the trial lawyers we believe. If Grandma really got run over by a reindeer driven by Saint Nick we are talking serious money damages. Grandpa’s mailbox is going to be jammed with letters from lawyers wanting to bring a wrongful-death action for Grandpa against the jolly old elf who carelessly, reckless and with wanton malice ran over Grandma while she was in a position of helpless peril due to her consumption of egg nog. It’s an ill sleigh accident that doesn’t bring a contingent fee.

 

   I admit to slightly misting up when Charlie Brown decorates his scraggly Christmas tree at the end of A Charlie Brown Christmas. The tree magically becomes beautiful as the Peanuts gang sings “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” lifting their heads skyward looking like coyotes howling at the moon. It is a beautiful moment. I always look forward to it.

 

   We get 24 hours of the Christmas Story wherein Ralphie dreams of owning a real carbine action 200 shot range model Red Rider BB rifle with a compass in the stock with which he may very well shoot his eye out. As Ralphie’s mom says “It’s always fun until someone shoots their eye out.” Isn’t Christmas about getting new stuff so as to ward off the misery of the lurking wolf of bitter January winds just around the corner? As John Lennon once wrote, “Happiness is a warm gun.” Ralphie puts up with wearing a pink bunny suit and gets his Red Rider BB gun. This teaches us all the value of persistence in getting what you want at Christmas.

 

   As John Lennon wrote, “So this is Christmas/And what have you done?/Another year over/And a new one just begun. “ Merry Christmas but don’t shoot your eye out.

 

 

Congratulations to our new Fayetteville Mayor Nat Robertson and all of the city council members — old and new.

With less than a week under their belts, they are all no doubt putting their plans, visions and ideas together getting ready to focus on the very best ways to serve the residents of our great city. After all, that’s their job and it is the 202,000 city residents they answer to. There are no universal secrets for maintaining a pleasant, peaceful and growing urban community, both economically and culturally. Each city is different and requires a different touch, a different sort of leadership. But ultimately, it is up to our elected leaders to figure out what that touch is, and they need to do it in short order.

In my opinion, these newly elected public servants would get a fast start out of the gate and be best served by tearing down the barriers that serve to separate, segregate and define their particular districts within the city. Think about it.

Fayetteville is one city and we should view it as that. We are not isolated island sanctuaries of purpose and comfort packaged neatly into nine designated territories that serve to separate rather than unite.

Personally, I have never liked this system of governance (wards and ward politics) regardless of the justification and reasons for the implementation. It is a system that is tired and worn and only serves now to breed and nurture apathy, dull enthusiasm, distort responsibilities, misalign priorities and, yes, unfortunately, has the propensity to call one’s integrity and honesty into question. And, why not?

There are very few checks and balances. It is, what it is. However, if our leaders can rise to the occasion and view Fayetteville beyond districts, if they can look beyond the legal boundaries and see Fayetteville as one entity, I think progress and accomplishments would be made in record time.

Fayetteville One. Say it, Fayetteville One. Has a nice sound to it doesn’t it? Fayetteville: One community, one purpose, one mission. With Fayetteville One how could the arts not flourish? How could city hall not be friendly and efficient? How could crime continue to escalate? How could builders and developers not find it conducive to conduct business here? How could Fayetteville not become the epicenter of efficiency and hospitality that embraces Fort Bragg and all of Cumberland County?

This can be achieved. But, it must be done willingly, collectively and in harmony. Our leaders must lead from the front. This style of forward leadership will permeate throughout all the districts exciting the residents, quieting the malcontents and rallying every citizen in support of Fayetteville One.

Monday marked the beginning of a new chapter about to be written into the annals of Fayetteville City governance. The ball is in their court now. How this will read two years from now nobody really knows. However, if I were a betting man (and I am), and knowing the many challenges that lay before this community and new city council, I would bet they can and will be neatly and effectively managed by this new administration if the vision is Fayetteville One.

After all, who wouldn’t want to be a part of this winning community? Let’s all get to work. Thanks for reading the Up & Coming Weekly.

In simpler time and place, Christmas trees were not adorned with lights and glitter, but with ribbons and bows and handmade decorations. Locally, during the Victorian era, Christmas looked a bit different than what most experience today. North Carolina has a long and rich history as a state. One of the many ways that this history is celebrated and shared is through the Museum of the Cape Fear. Every year the Museum of the Cape Fear offers a peek into the Christmas traditions and life of the past with Poe House Tours.

The Poe House was built in 1897 for Josephine Montague Poe, who is no relation to the author Edgar Allan Poe. This home housed the successful local business man Edgar Allan Poe and his family for many years. Now the beautiful house is a museum that provides a unique view into the early twentieth century. Beginning Nov. 26, the grand Victorian architecture of the Poe House will be transformed into a beautiful example of a Victorian era Christmas. Megan Maxwell, the education coordinator of the Poe House, and local volunteers decorate the entire Poe House in a single day of hard work. “It is a great holiday tradition. It is a beautiful house — especially with these Christmas decorations” Maxwell said.

In addition to the beautiful decorations the Museum of the Cape Fear will also host the Annual Holiday Jubilee. The Holiday Jubilee takes place Sunday, Dec. 8, on the front porch of the Poe House and brings many of the Victorian traditions to the public. “The focal point of this event is the Coventry Carolers. They are Victorian era carolers and they sing the traditional carols in acapella. They will perform at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The event is free.

The Poe House will be decked out in the traditional Victorian Christmas décor, with a slightly modern twist. “We will also be cooking, in the Poe kitchen, some traditional Victorian foods, so if you have never seen anyone cook on a wood burning or coal burning 1902 Glenwood stove this is a great opportunity. We will also have a hands-on craft for kids; they will be able to make either a bracelet or a bookmark. There will also be a Victorian Santa visiting and Christmas stories,” says Maxwell. Additionally the house will be open and tour guides available during the entire Holiday Jubilee.

There will be plenty of holiday spirit to go aroud at the Poe House this Christmas season. It is the passion for the season and the history that makes the decoration and festivities so astounding. Maxwell shares the excitement that the volunteers and employees of the Poe House possess “I love Christmas! I have this gorgeous house and my own, so I get to go crazy twice. This is an opportunity to share history and the Christmas spirit with the public,” she said.

Free tours will be offered of the Poe House that will further explain the beautiful decorations and Christmas traditions of the time. Decorations will stay up until Jan. 5. For more information visit http://www.ncdcr.gov/ncmcf/Events.aspx. Admission to the Holiday Jubilee on Dec. 8 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. is free. Tours of the decorated Poe House are also free and take place Tuesdays through Fridays at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Saturdays the tours are from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. beginning on the hour. On Sundays tours are from 1p.m. until 4 p.m. on the hour