Give Kids the World is a story that began with a simple wish by a little girl and one man’s desire to make that wish come true. The little girl’s name was Amy. Amy had leukemia and her one wish was to visit the theme parks in Orlando. To facilitate Amy’s wish, the request of a complimentary stay was made to a respected hotelier. As he had done many times before, the hotelier gladly obliged and Amy’s wish was that much closer to being realized. Sadly, the remainder of Amy’s travel plans took too long to arrange and her wish was never granted because she died. Time simply ran out.

This unfulfilled wish inspired a man, the hotelier, to make a vow that no child in need would ever be failed again. That man was Henri Landwirth and his desire to ensure that Amy’s story would never repeat itself resulted in the creation of a village that is represented by Give Kids the World.

Today the village is a 70-acre resort complete with more than 140 villa accommodations, entertainment attractions, whimsical venues and fun specifi cally designed for children with special needs. With your help and the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids the World has welcomed more than 115,000 families from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. With the support of local communities a memorable magical, no-cost experience can be provided to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

No child in need has ever been turned away — and no child ever will. Give Kids the World is a place where families fi nd joy, laughter, serenity and a lifetime of memories. Through the tireless support of volunteers, employees and generous partners, each and every day is dedicated to these special families.

A child with a life-threatening illness between the ages of 3 and 18, whose one wish is to visit any of Central Florida’s best-loved attractions, may have their dream vacation come true by fi rst being identifi ed by a doctor as a child with a life-threatening illness.

The child is then teamed up with one of more than 250 partnering wish-granting organizations from around the world, who then refer the eligible wish child and their family to GKTW Village.

Once a wish has been approved and recommended by the wish child’s local wish-granting organization, their Give Kids The World wish includes:

• Accommodations on-site in one of 140 villas. • Donated tickets to all three major theme-park resorts (SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World)

• Transportation

• Meals in our Gingerbread House Restaurant and Katie’s Kitchen; and ice cream all day in the Ice Cream Palace

• Many other fun surprises

On Sept. 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Candlewood Suites in conjunction with Cape Fear Harley-Davidson is hosting a Charity Ride/Block party. Various levels of sponsorship and participation are available. To support the event, contact Michelle Williams at 868-0873 or send an email to csffsales@gmail.com.

Don’t look now, but North Carolina seems to have survived a significant reduction in the duration of the state’s legislative sessions.

According to the official count, the 2011-12 biennium of the Republican-led General Assembly convened on Jan. 26, 2011 and adjourned for good on July 3, 2012. In-between those dates were two regular sessions — the “long” session in 2011 and the “short” session in 2012 — plus several special sessions devoted to redistricting, veto overrides or other matters.

If you add up all the days in which the General Assembly held session over the past two years, you get 138 days. That’s 103 legislative days in 2011 and 35 days in 2012.

There’s another way to count session lengths, however. Rather than counting the number of days the state legislature conducted business, you count the number of calendar days between the time a session starts and the time it concludes, regardless of whether the legislature met on those days. By that measure, you get 224 calendar days — 167 in 2011 and 57 in 2012.

I happen to think that the North Carolina Legislature can conduct its legitimate business in an even-shorter time than 138 legislative days per biennium. I favor imposing a formal length on legislative sessions. Virginia has a constitutional limit of 60 calendar days in even-numbered years and 30 calendar days in odd-numbered years. Florida’s constitutional limit is 60 calendar days. Georgia’s is 40 legislative days.

Overall, 39 states impose some kind of formal session limit, most often via their state constitutions. North Carolina doesn’t. That’s a mistake on our part. Even factoring in special sessions that may not count against the limits, these state legislatures are compelled to use their time more efficiently. That makes it easier to balance members’ public service with their other professional or personal responsibilities, while saving tax dollars and reducing the damage that lawmakers can do by hanging around the state capital too long.

All that having been said, the North Carolina Legislature under new management is at least moving in the right direction. In terms of legislative days, the 2011-12 biennium was the shortest since 1979-1980, when the count was 123 days. If you look at calendar days, the 2011- 12 biennium was the shortest since 1985-86, when the count was 208 days.

While most state legislatures operate under session limits, and some North Carolina politicians and political activists have long advocated them, the idea does have opponents. Previous Democratic leaders of the General Assembly have argued that the legislative business of a growing state simply can’t be done without spending lots of time in Raleigh. Uh, do they really believe that North Carolina is better governed than, say, Virginia?

Critics have also argued, more persuasively, that a session limit by itself would serve to alter the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches of state government. If the General Assembly isn’t in town to keep an eye on the governor and other state officials, animportant check on executive power would be lost.

I have two responses to this argument. First, North Carolina’s governor remains fairly weak by national standards. Because there is good reason to believe that strengthening executive power has salutary effects on the cost of state government, I think that session limits would have net benefits for taxpayers even if enacted on their own.

However, I also think that it would be reasonable to tie the enactment of session limits to other constitutional amendments that would increase legislative oversight of the executive branch. For example, perhaps the North Carolina constitution should require governors to receive legislative confirmation for certain high-profile appointments, such as those filling vacancies on the state appellate courts. Or the constitution could codify the rule that executive agencies must cite specific statutory authority before spending money or issuing rules.

Over the past two years, the new Republican leadership shifted the legislature back a bit towards its original part-time status. Let’s continue the trend.

The nonprofit Fayetteville Area Hospitality Association (FAHA) comprises a group of area businesses committed to promoting “Hospitality and community awareness and involvement” in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. That commitment to community is underscored by FAHA’s hosting of its 11th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, Sept. 14, at Cypress Lakes Golf Course. Tournament format is four-person captain’s choice, with registration and breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Deadline for registration or sponsorship is Monday, Sept. 10.

Proceeds from the tournament, sponsored by International Minute Press, Miller-Motte College, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, R. A. Jeffreys Distributing Company, LLC and Up & Coming Weekly, will benefit the Falcon Children’s Home and Kidsville News! Literacy and Education Foundation.

“We started this series 11 years ago as a charity fundraiser,” said Ramona Moore, president of FAHA. “Groups that have benefited from the tournament in the past include the Fayetteville Police Foundation, the Stanton Hospitality House, The Cancer Center, the Boys and Girls Club, Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Wounded Warrior Project.

“We made a five-year commitment to Falcon Children’s Home a few years ago. We have built such a rewarding relationship with Joey Leggett, the director of the home. Falcon shows such appreciation to any group that helps it,” Moore said. “We just love them. And Kidsville News!wanted to partner with us to grow the tournament and benefit their program for the children.”

For more than 100 years, the Falcon Children’s Home has opened its doors to children needing out-of-home placement. Its programs include the Mothers and Babies Program, which assists teen mothers with education, parenting skills and life-skills for independent living.

Nationally acclaimed Kidsville News! of Cumberland County is an award-winning literacy and educational resource newspaper provided free each month to all K-6 children in Cumberland County and Fort Bragg.

According to Moore, 92 participants helped raise $10,000 during last year’s tournament. FAHA hopes to exceed those numbers this year, with a goal of 120 participants. Various levels of sponsorship and participation are available for the tournament, including Individual Golfer, Hole Sponsor, Four-member Team and Team Sponsor (foursome and Hole Sponsor). Donations are tax deductible.

”You can buy a sponsorship for $100, and we display your sign on the tee boxes so you get good coverage there,” said Jack Stultz of Kidsville News! Title sponsors’ names will appear on a banner over the picnic hut where the trophies will be on display.

The tournament offers prizes for first-, second- and third-place teams, the longest drive, closest to the pin and hole-in-one, as well as door prizes.

“We have a lot of prizes,” Stultz said. “A tremendous amount, from local restaurants and including trips, free rounds of golf on other courses and gift certificates.”

After the tournament, participants will enjoy lunch catered by Olive Garden Italian Restaurant. It is the second year the restaurant has provided the meal.

“We believe it is a good cause,” said Moe Kong, general manager of the restaurant. “We encourage everyone to come out and support it.”

The tournament is well received — and well known — throughout the community.

“We’ve been doing this tournament for a long time,” said Michelle Williams of FAHA. “It’s very, very successful. It always amazes me that when I am an attendee at other tournaments, people recognize me and say, ‘Aren’t you part of the Hospitality Association tournament? That’s a great tournament!’ We want people to come out and donate time, prizes, anything that can help make it more successful for a great cause.”

Participants and sponsors are encouraged to sign up by Monday, Sept. 10.

“We certainly need and welcome people’s support,” Stultz said. “We have a great time. I think if they come out, they’ll join us again next year as well, and many years to come.”

 For more information or to sign up as a sponsor or participant, please contact Moore at (910) 922-8737 or Jared Ostendorf, Golf Committee chair

It’s about family, faith and culture. It’s about food, dancing and community. It’s about celebrating. It’s Greekfest 2012.

Every September for the past 22 years the Greek community has spent an entire weekend celebrating and sharing all things Greek with the community. This year, the festival falls on the weekend of Sept. 7-9, and it promises to be even bigger and better than before. And it’s free.

A cornerstone of the Greek culture is its faith. The congregation of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church are passionate about their faith — so much so that church tours are offered throughout the Greek Fest. Visitors who take the tour get a peek at sanctuary and the many religious icons that are a part of the worship services. Father Alexander Papagikos leads the tours and explains the faith, taking questions from visitors along the way.

A new event this year, is Faith and Family Sunday, which is scheduled for Sept. 9. All clergy and church families are invited to participate in the Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgy Sunday morning, and if that is inconvenient, to attend, they are invited to lunch. On this day, in honor of faith, family and worship, a donation to Fayetteville Urban Ministry will be made. The donation will come directly from a portion of the Sunday lunch proceeds at the Greek Fest.

“Each year we choose an organization to support and this year it is Fayetteville Urban Ministry,” said Kelly Papagikos, event spokesperson. “Sunday we are having Faith and Family Day. After other congregations have f nished their services, they are invited to come and join us for lunch and tour of the church. If anyone wants to worship with us that day they are more than welcome.”

The food at the Greek Fest is reason enough to come for a meal or two throughout the weekend, but supporting the Fayetteville Urban Ministry makes it that much more enjoyable. The tables in the food tent stay full during the Greek Fest as gyros, souvlaki, spanikopita and other delicacies are served to eager customers. The food offered to the crowds comes from the same recipes used for generations in the old country.

For dessert, don’t forget the ever-popular Greek pastries that are available for sale. Baklava, Finikia and Kataifi are just a few of the many confections usually sold at the fest. Members of the Greek community spend days preparing for the fest and serve only the best to the guests that come to the celebration.

“The women in the Greek community work for weeks to prepare for this. Everything is freshly hand-made. There is no store-bought baklava for sale at this festival,” said Papagikos. “The women pass the torch from generation to generation in hopes that the younger women will be then next generation to make the pastries. The pastries are always the first to sell out — no matter how much the church makes.”

Each year the dance troupes perform dances from Greece for the visitors to the festival. This year they will perform in new costumes from various regions of their native land. The Nick Trivelas Band is scheduled to perform this year. Trivelas performs regularly at festival and events in the southeast and has beenperforming for more than 35 years.

While Greek and American beer and wine imports are popular, a new addition for adults this year is the uozo blue shots. Uozo is black-licorice flavored liquor popular with the Greeks and it packs a wallop.

“It will knock your socks off,” said Papagikos. “…and give you a taste of Greece.”

The Greek Festival is a popular event that grows each year. What started in the fellowship hall has overfl owed into the lawn and church property. There will be a larger playground for the children this year, as well as more vendors at the Greek Market. Take a little bit of Greece home from the fest. Pick up a few items at the Greek grocery market or the ever-expanding Grecian Marketplace.

“The markets are so popular, we are always looking for ways to add new vendors,” said Papagikos.

Looking for Greek god-like skin?

“We have added a new line of soaps this year that are made with things like goat’s milk and olive oil,” she added.

The raffle, a staple at Greek Fest every year, costs $5 per ticket. Tickets are drawn hourly for prizes and the grand prize is either $2,000 or two round-trip tickets to Athens, Greece.

On Friday , Sept. 6, local schools are invited to come and enjoy a meal and learn about the Greek culture.

“Last year more than 400 students from surrounding schools came to learn about the culture,” said Papagikos. “This way we are able to give back education-wise once a year. We love having them — we give them lunch, teach them to dance and enjoy sharing our culture with them. The Greeks are known for their fellowship and warmth. It is called filoxenia — fellowship, warmth and love — and that is definately something Greeks are known for.”

Not only does the Greek Fest open the hearts of the Greek community during the weekend of the festival, it builds a sense of purpose and community in the weeks and months leading up to the event — and it’s not just for the Greeks.

“It is amazing how many people from outside the church come to help with the fest,”” said Papagikos. “With all the different cultures blending in Fayetteville everyone longs to come to the Greek Fest. It is a place where everyone feels welcome and accepted. It is always a good time with lots of good food …you can’t help but walk away with a new Greek friend.”

The festival is held at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church at 615 Oakridge Dr. The festival starts on Friday around lunch time and runs through 10 p.m. Saturday the hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Call the church at 484-2010 for more information.

Photo: Fayetteville’s Greek population comes from all over Greece, according to Kelly Papagikos, wife of Father Alexander Papagikos at Sts. Helen and Constantine Greek Orthodox Church.

Memories are precious. Families spend substantial amounts of money to create memories. Powerful memories can elicit emotions years after the event occurred and some philosophers even hypothesize that memories are what make people individuals. Alzheimer’s, the incurable and unfortunately common disease, robs people of their memories and ability to function.

Alzheimer’s is the nation’s sixth leading cause of death, but communities across this nation have banded together in support of research, care, support and pursuing the end of Alzheimer’s. The largest organization in the nation that supports this fight against Alzheimer’s is The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and on Sept. 8 local residents will join the fight as they walk to raise money for the cause.

Since 1989, this organization has been walking and has grown from the first 1,249 walkers to last year’s astounding 39,000 participating teams nationwide. Susan Thomas, the walk coordinator, says that this year, “Fayetteville hopes to have 40 teams walking on Sept. 8 and plans to raise $25,000. All monies raised support the Alzheimer’s Association mission to advance research, enhance care and support and advocate for Alzheimer’s disease on both local and national levels.”

However the knowledge of the money raised pales in comparison to knowing how this association is helping individuals. Thomas comments that the most rewarding part of this fundraiser is “Meeting all the people that Alzheimer’s has affected. Hearing every individual and unique story about some amazing and inspiring people … caregivers, family members, friends and meeting those people who have recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.”

Alzheimer’s has a wide reach; it is not even regulated by age. It could affect anyone in the community. That is why it is so pertinent that the entire community band together and contribute to finding a cure for all of its members. Thomas says that the most important way for the community to support this great initiative is to “come out on Sept. 8 and either walk or volunteer.”

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will take place on Sept. 8, with a starting point at The Cottages at North Ramsey, 120 Nandia Court. The walk starts at 9 a.m. Registration is both online at www.alz.org/walk and at the walk itself. Registration opens and 9 a.m. and the walk and the opening ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. Fo more information, Susan Thomas can be contacted at 703-2390 or Susan. Thomas@Century-Care.com. The website www.alz.org can provide more information.

The Department of Defense continues to support the popular Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program,which provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of financial assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses, or credentials leading to employment in portable career fields, with several key changes in eligibility and dollar amounts. Here is a summary of the changes:

• Be available to spouses of active-duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2 including the spouses of activated Guard and teserve members within those ranks. Spouses of Guard and reserve members must be able to start and complete their courses while their sponsor is on Title 10 orders.

• Offer a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.

• Require military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course.

• Be limited to associate degrees, certification and licensures.

The MyCAA program does not include Coast Guard spouses.

MyCAA Financial Assistance pays tuition for education and training courses and licensing/credentialing fees. This includes state certifications for teachers, medical professionals and other occupations requiring recognized certifications; licensing exams and related prep courses; Continuing Education Unit classes including those offered through professional associations; and degree programs leading to employment in Portable Career Fields. MyCAA also pays for high-school completion courses, GED tests and English as a Second Language classes.

• MyCAA does not pay for education and training programs that include computers; application, graduation or membership fees; student activity cards; childcare; parking; transportation; or medical services.

• If a spouse enrolls in a course without an approved MyCAA Financial Assistance document, the spouse will be responsible for paying course costs.

• MyCAA does not provide reimbursements of any kind to spouses for any reason.

• MyCAA FA payments are made directly to schools using MyCAA’s electronic invoicing system. Eligible spouses can establish a MyCAA Account by visiting the MyCAA website at https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa. Once spouse profile information is provided, MyCAA will verify spouse DEERS benefit eligibility.

Eligible spouses will be allowed to create the Career and Training Plan and request FA when within 30 days of course start dates. Additionally, spouses are responsible for applying to their selected school or program and enrolling in each course included in their approved MyCAA Career and Training Plan.

Military spouses can help themselves by:

•Visiting www.careeronestop.org to explore Portable Career Fields and find schools that have programs of study leading to licenses, certificates and degrees

.• Finding their school in the MyCAA website using the School Search function. If the desired school is not listed, follow the directions shown at the end of the School Search.

• Establishing and managing their MyCAA Account at https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa, use MyCAA resources to create a Career and Training.

During Colonial times, the social event of visiting one’s neighbors provided not only entertainment, but also the opportunity to share news of the day. How guests were received and welcomed in the home was an important aspect of society.

The concept of warm hospitality is extended today to visitors to and residents to Fayetteville through the efforts of the Fayetteville Area Hospitality Association, a group of hoteliers, restaurants and service-oriented businesses and organizations who work together “to promote hospitality and community awareness and involvement.”

“We are a nonprofit organization of committed businesses promoting tourism, social welfare and quality of life by improving the quality and variety of food, lodging and recreational areas for travelers and local residents,” said Ramona Moore, president of the group. “The organization stays up on matters that may affect our industry or our community, such as the recent possibility of decreasing the per diem rate for our area.”

Moore, who has been with the organization for more than 20 years, explained that the nonprofit has been around since the ‘70s.

“It was the Hotel-Motel Association originally. We have expanded our qualifications for membership, and we changed the name to the Fayetteville Area Hospitality Association.”

The three different categories of membership include fi rms that provide hosting, like restaurants and lodging facilities; companies that provide a service, such as an exterminating company or rental car company, and entertainment, including recreation and sport, which would comprise groups like FireAntz Hockey and Fayetteville SwampDogs teams or the Crown Coliseum that might seek membership.“

We meet at 12:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month,” Moore said, “and we have an educational program at each meeting that the host that particular month provides, something of interest to our industry. It’s a luncheon meeting. We network with each other. We share any news having to do with our industry, and we always have a guest speaker.”

The meetings are hosted at a different place each month, depending on who hosts it; for example, a full-service hotel may host it at its facilities, or a CVB or other group might hold it at a restaurant that has a private meeting room.

In addition to supporting tourism, FAHA works to improve the quality of life in the community. The organization hosts an annual charity golf tournament, held the last two years in September. Groups that have benefi ted from the tournament include the Fayetteville Police Foundation, The Cancer Center, the Stanton House, the Boys and Girls Club, Make a Wish Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project and for the past few years, the Falcon Children’s Home and Kidsville News! Foundation. Funding comes from membership dues.

“If the CVB has a special group coming to Fayetteville and they may need some extra funding to provide some portion of the visit, they may come to FAHA and ask us to make a donation,” said Moore. “We don’t have anything set except for our annual golf tournament that we do every year. Everything else is as it comes along. We just made a large contribution to Mark Wilderman, operations manager/sales of the Fayetteville SwampDogs, who suffered burns [as a result of an explosion in the concession building of J.P. Riddle Stadium in May]. He’s a good friend of our industry. We made a contribution to him of $1,000 for the special clothing that he’s going to need for a while.”

Other charitable contributions include a $1,000 to the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Scholarship Pageant, quarterly contributions to the USO and several others throughout the years. Monies raised from the golf tournament helped pay off the mortgage on the first Stanton Hospitality House of the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, which provides accommodations to family members while loved ones receive treatment at area hospitals. The organization also works the Salvation Army Angel Tree at Cross Creek Mall as a group.

Moore noted that many of the things it does do not receive a lot of publicity.“A lot of people don’t know about our organization or what we’re about.”

For more information about FAHA, contact the organization at fay.area.hosp@gmail.com.

When a patient is having a heart attack, nearly 85 percent of the damage occurs within the first two hours. That’s why hospitals work so hard to get patients to the cath lab as quickly as possible.

Recently Cape Fear Valley Health added special equipment to its ambulances that can cut this time dramatically. The LIFENET system, purchased with a $76,640 grant from the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, allows paramedics to transmit EKGs to emergency department physicians in real time. The goal is to reduce time to treatment, known as door-to-balloon time, for patients who experience a dangerous type of heart attack known as STEMI (ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction).

D2B time refers to the interval from patient arrival at the hospital to infl ation of the balloon catheter within the patient’s blocked artery — the shorter the D2B time, the greater the chance of survival.

This equipment made a real difference for 80-year-old Phillip Outterbridge, who lives in western Cumberland County. Outterbridge’s D2B time was an incredible 12 minutes. A 90-minute D2B time has become a core quality measure for hospitals nationwide.

It all started when Outterbridge suddenly became weak, started sweating and became short of breath. The pain in this chest was unrelenting. A widower who lives alone, he called his neighbor, Marion White, to drive him to the hospital. “Phillip called me and told me he wasn’t feeling good,” said White. “He was sweating and couldn’t breathe. I knew the right thing to do was to call 911. I’m not a doctor or nurse, but I knew from my first-aid training in the military that it could be a heart attack.”

First responders from Fayetteville Fire Department’s Station 8 arrived first. Shortly thereafter, EMS arrived and paramedics hooked Outterbridge up to the 12-lead EKG at 1:22 p.m. The Emergency Department physician could see the EKG in real time, and a code STEMI was called at 1:23 p.m. The paramedics began treatment en route to the hospital.

Once the ambulance arrived at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center’s ambulance garage, paramedics took the patient directly up the express elevator to the cath lab where Dr. Ginn, an interventional cardiologist, and the cath team were waiting.

Dr. Ginn already knew what to expect. He was able to read the patient’s EKG sent from the fi eld to his smart phone, so he knew the blockage was located in the right coronary artery, the vessel that supplies blood to the bottom part of the heart. That advance knowledge led to the incredible 12-minute D2B time.

Thanks to Cape Fear Valley’s electronic medical record, Dr. Ginn was also able to pull up Outterbridge ’s previous medical records before the patient even arrived at the hospital. That gave Dr. Ginn additional information he could use in planning Outterbridge’s treatment.

White’s decision to call 911 probably saved Outterbridge’s life. Too many people take a “wait-and-see” approach when faced with warning signs of a heart attack — and that can be a fatal mistake.

Outterbridge says, “Dr. Ginn told me I got there in the nick of time. He told me I should go home and hug my neighbor.” And Outterbridge did just that.

If you would like to be a part of saving lives, Friends of the Heart Center invites you to our fi rst In Step with the Beat Dance. This dance features beach music by the Entertainers. This event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22, from 8-11p.m. at SkyView on Hay in downtown Fayetteville. Tickets for the event are $50 per person and include the entertainment, heart-healthy hors d’oeuvres and beverages. For more information, tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rachel Richardson at (910) 615-1449 or rrich2@capefearvalley.com. Come get your Shag on and help save more lives!

Photo: Paramedics can now transmit life-saving EKGs to the emergency department in real time.

Four years ago I was asked to take the helm of an organization then known as the Cumberland County Business Council. In doing so, I was given a charge — solidify the organization’s economic-development role and return it to profi tability. In July 2008, the CCBC became known as the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce. With that name change came a renewed focus on leveraging the build-up that came with BRAC and the arrival of the U.S. Forces Command and the U.S. Army Reserve Command. Our community has fared well despite the struggles of our national economy. Currently, the chamber is in its third consecutive year of profi tability. Our financial struggles were plenty, and the challenge of cutting expenses a mighty task. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff and volunteer leadership alike, we’re rebuilding our reserves and have stopped spending money anywhere but where necessary.

Our work won’t stop there. Last year, on the heels of BRAC completion, we engaged the nationally renowned firm of Garner Economics to conduct a comprehensive review of our economic-development strategy, our organizational structure and many other attributes that make up our unified chamber/economic development brand. Thanks to an engaged board and a thoughtful vision, our economic-development effort has become its own autonomous entity, surrounded by a well-trained, experienced, professional development staff and — for the first time in years — a dedicated board.

We learned a lot from the Garner Report. We learned that we can’t be all things to all people. We came to understand that we can do better. We confirmed that there’s a bigger role for the chamber than solely being the community’s “industry recruiter.”

We had not served our membership as well as we we could have, as our focus had been on shoring up finances and building relationships with local government. We sold value-added benefit as the primary value of membership, rather than serving our members by being their collective voice on business-related legislative issues.

We also learned about perception, finding that a surprising number of people were confused about the chamber and its relationship with local government. Some thought that, because the city and county funded the economic-development effort, they were funding the chamber and its operations. Government does not fund the Chamber of Commerce. Government funds the marketing of our community and the economic-development effort that strives to retain the jobs we already have and attract new jobs and investment to the area. In reality, the chamber’s financial woes were brought by the organization subsidizing economic development, and overspending revenue caused by shuttering the former Fayetteville Area Economic Development Corporation and the stream of private revenue it contributed to the economic-development effort.

Your chamber is not an arm of local government. We are not a franchise of the U.S. Chamber or the North Carolina Chamber. We are as unique and local as our community itself, and we’re driven by the leadership of our investors. The chamber’s name has suffered because of attacks on the economic-development effort. We must rebuild both brands.

So where are we today? We are poised to emerge as the region’s chief business advocacy organization, and will stand tall on regulatory issues that impede the area’s ability to grow, add jobs, investment and create a higher quality of life. We’re stepping into the corner of businesses who are fighting the daily battle to make payroll, deal with government bureaucracy and understand complex, burdensome regulations.

In addition, your chamber will strengthen our foundation as a champion for small business. Coming will be new and improved management-assistance programs and seminars, an academy to assist those interested in serving in public offi ce and countless other programs all deisnged to promote small-business development, survival and growth. Further, we will expand our current offerings, including exclusive, member-only discounts; a cost-saving health insurance program; expanded networking opportunities to connect people and businesses.

Among the discussions currently taking place is the creation of a business incubator to help strengthen emerging businesses by sharing overhead costs, support and expertise. We are also identifying opportunities to better engage our members to ensure we’re meeting their expectations. We understand that small businesses have limited resources and are often left weighing the value of membership versus increasing fuel prices for their delivery vehicle. We get it. As a wise man recently told me, when times are tough, small businesses need their chamber more than ever before. We’re stepping up to the plate. Expect great things.

When someone has cancer, getting the right support can make all the difference. It might be what gives a person the strength to power through one more treatment or what gives them the boost of confidence and peace of mind they need to endure another day. The staff and volunteers at the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center understand this and are about the business of saving and changing lives. In fact, many of the volunteers are cancer survivors and they truly understand what the patients they serve are going through. On Saturday, Sept. 15, join the fight and make a difference at the Ribbon Walk & Ride. If participating in the event is not an option, register and make a donation or come out and cheer on the participants.

Since its inception six years ago, the Ribbon Walk has grown from 140 walkers that raised $3,000 at the inaugural event, to 750 walkers last year that raised $88,000. This has enabled the Friends of Cancer Center to provide more services and programs that help local cancer patients.

Tara Brisson Hinton is the Friends of Cancer Center coordinator, and she is serious about making a difference for cancer patients and their families because for her, this is personal. “My grandfather and other family members had treatments at the cancer center and all three have since passed away,” Hinton explained.

So it makes sense that one of the things Hinton loves best about this event is that every bit of the money raised stays in the community. The money is used to support all of the programs that the Friends of the Cancer Center provides: emergency funding for patients in need; medications; help with utilities; dietary supplements and more. “We are able to meet patients’ needs but we are looking to add new programs and services,” said Hinton. “The Friends of the Cancer Center also provides a resource center, assistance with transportation to and from treatment, wigs, turbans, hats and scarves, cancer screenings, spiritual support and the Oasis Program.” Under the umbrella of the Oasis Program, cancer patients have access to massage therapy, healing touch, reflexology and artful reflections. Hinton said that she hopes to add research programs and services as well in the near future. The Friends of Cancer Center is supported 100 percent by gifts and donations.

While supporting cancer patients is the primary goal of the Friends of Cancer Center, the Ribbon Walk and Ride is a wonderful time to honor survivors. There will be a Survivors’ Reception on Sept. 14 at SkyView on Hay from 7-9 p.m. “We want to celebrate with them for a few hours the night before the walk,” said Hinton. “Every survivor who registers for the walk will receive two tickets to the reception and will be able to come to the event. A lot of survivors are unable to walk the 5k, but you can still register and you will receive two tickets to the reception.”

So far, the response has been impressive. The venue holds 650 people “… but we are having many survivors sign up each day,” said Hinton. “We are excited to see such a great response. I think after this — our first year — it will grow just like the walk.

”The survivors’ event will be catered by Elite Catering. Attendees will enjoy a live jazz and blues band, a silent auction, door prizes and a photo booth. The attire for the evening is dressy casual. “We just want them to come and relax and have fun,” said Hinton.

Registration deadline to guarantee the survivors’ reception and t-shirt size is August 31. Find out more about the walk at www.RibbonWalkForCancer.org.

The walk starts at the Medical Arts Center in downtown Fayetteville and includes small hills. Volunteers will be available along the route to help anyone who needs assistance. There are three water stations along the route. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m.

There will be prizes for teams that raise the most money and the names of the winners will be on the event website and in the spring issue of Making Rounds, the Cape Fear Valley Health System magazine.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times and owners are asked to clean up after their dogs. Strollers are welcome but children on bikes, scooters and skateboards create a dangerous situation andinsurance liability.

The motorcycle ride also starts at the Medical Arts Center in downtown Fayetteville, and departs at 9:45 a.m. for the 40-mile round-trip drive.

It is easy to register early. Before Sept. 3, mail the registration form and $25 payment to Ribbon Walk and Ride, Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, PO Box 87526, Fayetteville, NC 28304. Please make checks payable to Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation. Please do not mail cash. After Sept. 3, registration forms may be dropped off at the Foundation office, located in the Medical Arts Building, 101 Robeson Street, Suite 106, during normal business hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Find out more about the Friends of Cancer Center and how you can make a difference at 615-1434 or visit www.capefearvalley.com.

Don’t miss another opportunity to make a difference later in the month … if you would like to be a part of saving lives, Friends of the Heart Center invites you to the first In Step with the Beat Dance. This dance features beach music by the Entertainers. This event will be held on Saturday, September 22, from 8pm to 11pm at SkyView on Hay in downtown Fayetteville. Tickets for the event are $50 per person and include the entertainment, heart healthy hors d’ oeuvres and beverages. For more information, tickets or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Rachel Richardson at 615-1449 or rrich2@capefearvalley.com. Come get your Shag on and help save more lives!

Photo: Friends of the Cancer Center provides: emergency funding for patients in need; medications; help with utilities; dietary supplements and more. The walk/ride on September 15 raises funds to support the Friends of the Cancer Center.

If you are new in town, or just haven’t made it to 4th Friday lately, this month there is a lot to see and do downtown.

The Visual Arts Alliance has coordinated a collaborative exhibit that includes several organizations. The focus of the city-wide exhibit is the human form.

At the Arts Council the exhibit features the works of four artists: Cameron Johnson, Dustan Elliott, Jovian Turnball and Mima McMillan. The exhibit is titled “The Human Figure: Likeness and Presence.”

“The focus of the VAA collaboration of the human form at the Arts Council is to highlight the works by four artists whose approach to representing the fi ure is diverse,” said Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County Gallery Manager Soni Martin. “The likeness of the figure in each work is self evident; but the way in which each artist interfaces the figure in a pictorial environment results in a type of ‘presence.’ For each artist, all the elements of composition or design are there, but the depth and meaning of the works, the ‘presence’ reflects each artist’s personal views about social constructions — a type of reality by each artist is being presented.”

Cape Fear Studios hosts “The Human Form” featuring the works of Alexandra Bloch (painting, drawing), Holly Fischer (sculpture), Sarah Fredericks (painting, drawing) and Robert H. Way (painting).Find out more at www.capefearstudios.com or by calling 433-2986.

At Gallery One13, the Fayetteville Art Guild offers Original 2-D and 3-D works of art in all mediums, including oils, acrylics, photography, jewelry, fabric, graphic, pottery, sculpture and follows VAA theme of the human form. An opening reception is scheduled from 6-9 p.m. during 4th Friday celebrations. The exhibition “celebrates the human form — realistically or abstractly — in portrait, figure, hands, feet, etc. in moments of motion or stillness in all visual mediums. The exhibition theme at Gallery ONE13 is in conjunction with all the art venues in Fayetteville.” The public is invited to the opening reception from 6-9 p.m. on 4th Friday Call 484-6849 for more information.

Also relating to the human form, Fascinate-U explores the different character traits that make up the human race. Kids can make a pony-bead bracelet that represents their hair color, eye color and other physical traits. Admission is free. 7-9 p.m. Learn more at www.fascinate-u.com or by calling 829-9171.

The Downtown Alliance celebrates health and wellness with free yoga, zumba and salsa classes. There will also be fencing and crossfit demonstrations. Pick up a 4th Friday Fanatics card at the Downtown Alliance at 222 Hay Street (they are free) and cash in on all the great deals and discounts offered by downtown merchants. Find out more about what the downtown alliance has to offer at www.faydta.org.

Enjoy a night at the museum at the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum. The museum is open from 6-10 p.m. during 4th Friday events. Patrons are invited to check out the exhibits. In the parking lot, crafts and local produce are available for sale. Check out the vintage car exhibit and listen to live music, too.

At the Headquarters Library, the Cape Fear Mineral and Gem Society showcases fossils and minerals. Come and see jewelry artists at work, as they turn ordinary-looking slabs of rock into beautiful jewelry-quality stones. This exhibit takes place from 7 to 8:45 p.m. in the Pate Room.

Find out more at www.cumberland.lib.nc.us.Find out more about 4th Friday at www.theartscouncil.com.

Photo: Relief print by Cameron Johnson.

Walk or drive down the streets of Fayetteville during the busy workweek (or during one of the city’s many special events in the evenings and on the weekends) and one can’t help but notice the revitalizing effects of the city’s renaissance over the past few years. The changes are impressive. The renovation of older buildings and new construction have brought a variety of new businesses and dining and entertainment venues, as well as elegant living spaces to a place with a history that dates to pre-Revolutionary War times, before the merging of the settlements of Campbellton and Cross Creek to create the city of Fayetteville in 1783.

On Sunday, Sept. 9, history buffs, teachers and anyone interested in Downtown, architecture, historic planning or historic preservation can take a walk through time as they stroll Fayetteville’s historic Downtown District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, for a tour of the area’s architectural styles. The tour, free and open to the public, begins at 3 p.m. at the Cumberland County Library, 300 Maiden Lane. Tour members should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

Bruce Daws, City Historian and Historic Properties Manager, will lead the tour, as participants explore Downtown Fayetteville’s collection of commercial, public, residential and religious buildings dating from the late eighteenth century to the mid-twentieth century.

In addition to examining how Fayetteville was designed, its layout and historic landscape features that helped define how early Fayetteville was developed, participants will visually examine the various layers of development, as well as learn about the form and function of the Market House, the only National Landmark in Cumberland County.

“The Downtown Historic District has statewide significance as a remarkably intact town center,” said Daws. “Government, commercial and residential buildings from 1788 to the 1950s stand along the picturesque meanders of Cross Creek and the elegant classical avenues of the 1783 town plan. And Fayetteville is the only town in North Carolina to retain its antebellum town hall (Market House) in the center of market square.”

The tour also includes the opportunity to examine the character-defining architectural details found in the Historic District, to include Federal, Greek revival, Second Empire, Italianate, Romanesque, Colonial, Art Deco and Moderne. Participants will receive educational handouts and review new construction in the Historic District and the requirements for these projects.

“Fayetteville’s historic built environment provides a tangible link with our past and defines the character of our city,” Daws said.

For more information, please call (910) 433-1457, 433-1458 or 433-1944.

Photo: Liberty Point played a significant role in Fayetteville’s history.

Form is defi ned by dictionary.com as an external appearance of a clearly defi ned area, as distinguished from color or material; configuration; the shape of a thing or person. There are many forms that catch our attention daily; the form of butterfly wings in flight, or the form of shadows on the wall at night. We can think of the beauty and rarity of a butterfly. The metamorphosis that it goes through captures our attention and presents a sense of awe and wonder. In the darkness of night we can take our hands and form the shadows of bunnies, dogs and ducks; however, there is one form that captures our attention each and every day — the form of the human body. No two are alike. They are all exceptionally unique, priceless masterpieces. From the full and robust to the slender and sleek, there is an appeal to each form we pass and meet; the human form how wonderful indeed.

Artists are known for seeing with the eye and creating with the heart and the mind. Their work is manifested in many mediums — pictures, sculptures and interpretations of different forms. The Visual Arts Alliance has come together to present just that in their exhibition “The Human Form.” In this exhibition “artists will investigate all aspects of the human body,” says Dwight Smith, curator of the exhibit. Videos of the human body, and much more will be displayed as each artist takes the theme and interprets what it means to them.

“The Human Form” is a celebration of the human body. It speaks to the core of humankind displayed throughout time. It speaks to us. What form do we know better than our own? From the hands that touch and feel to the silhouette of a torso and wrinkles that line our faces revealing time’s passing, the human form captures it all.

“The Human Form” is the first group exhibition by the Visual Arts Alliance which includes: Fayetteville Sate University, Rose Gallery, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Cape Fear Studios, Methodist University, Old Town Gallery, The Arts Council Fayetteville/Cumberland County and the Fayetteville Art Guild. The alliance presents high-quality visual artwork and uses an idea and theme to further art education. Work from artists ages 18 years and older will be on display. The exhibit is formally set to open on Aug. 24, and will run until Sept. 22, at Gallery One13, which is located at 113 Gillespie Street. The gallery hours are: Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. An opening reception is scheduled for the fi rst night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

When you awake in the morning and face the mirror you see a form which has changed over time; maybe you like what you see, maybe you don’t. Nevertheless, the image that stares back at you is a rare one-of-a-kind treasure. What’s seen on the outside does not compare to the greatness that lies within — systems and functions that consistently work together to support life. It’s amazing, and so is “The Human Form.”

Rekindle your relationship with wonderful you. Go to the exhibit and be inspired and reminded of the beauty of the human form. For all of our body’s frailties and fl aws there are numerous strengths and successes — and that is worth celebrating. For additional information on “The Human Form” exhibit call 223-2787.

Photo: “Backside” by Alexandra Bloch.

A Problem Without Solution

I have been unable to get the story out of my mind since I read it earlier this month.

A 66-year-old former welder in Ohio took a taxi to the hospital where his wife lay in an intensive care bed, unable to speak following a stroke the week before. Hospital staff heard a pop and rushed to the woman’s bedside to fi nd that John Wise had just shot his wife of 45 years in the head.

“Please tell me she is dead,” he said to a doctor. The next day, she was.

Blessedly, this is not a common story.

Sadly, it is not a rare one either. Mr. and Mrs. Wise fit a documented pattern of an older man using a firearm to end the life of an older woman close to him, usually a relative, whose health he perceives as failing. There are many other human configurations as well.

Such actions are sometimes referred to as “mercy killings.” They arise from profoundly painful situations and spark controversy wherever they occur. Widespread public debate has been underway in Great Britain for several years, and the Wise case may trigger similar debate in our country.

Wise has been charged with aggravated murder, although the charges in and outcomes of such cases vary widely. Many are not prosecuted at all, sometimes because the person who causes the death is depressed or otherwise ill. Wise himself is a cancer survivor, a diabetic, and suffers from nerve damage. Sometimes the person doing the killing is overcome physically and mentally by the unrelenting stress of caregiving. When such cases are prosecuted, juries are often sympathetic. Millions of families have coped with and understand the toll illness and incapacitation take not only on the sufferers but on those who love them as well.

Earlier this year, a New York man received a six-month jail sentence after killing his 98-year-old mother and attempting suicide himself. Authorities said the man had been diagnosed with cancer and was afraid there would be no one to care for his disabled mother. A Washington state man is awaiting his fate after shooting his terminally ill wife to death. He said she begged him to do so.

Donna Cohen, who directs the Violence and Injury Prevention Program at the University of South Florida, studies such cases and is at work on a book, Caregivers Who Kill. Cohen fears an increase in so-called mercy killings as millions of Baby Boomers age with longer life expectancies and spotty mental health services and respite opportunities throughout the nation. Watching a loved one suffer with nowhere to turn can be the trigger that sends an otherwise loving caregiver over the edge, she says. Difficult situations are complicated as well by a medical system that has the technology to keep people alive regardless of the quality of the life they are enduring.

Excruciating as some mercy killing situations are, American law has no provisions for the legal killing of another human being, no matter how much that person may be suffering.

Nor should it.

Physician-assisted suicide is legal under strictly limited circumstances in three states — Montana, Oregon and Washington. Any other killing is a crime everywhere, and with good reasons. Every religious faith I know of is clear that no person has the right to take another person’s life. In addition, people outside faith communities agree — because of the potential for abuse. Who has the right to make the ultimate decision for another? Who has the right to implement such a decision? How should such a decision be executed — literally?

The reality of mercy killing is as old as mankind. It has been practiced by health-care workers and on battlefi elds since before recorded history. I even read a British commentator who alleges that a gravely ill King George the V, Queen Elizabeth’s grandfather, was administered a lethal shot by his physician just before the doctor announced that the “King’s life is moving peaceably towards its close.”

We are now a very public culture, though, and there are few secrets and even less discretion. Pair current culture with longer life spans, fragmented families and communities, medical technology, and uneven medical access and we are here. John Wise and others have faced situations no one wants and cracked. Others will as well.

The answer is not changing long-held legal and moral concepts.

The best approach — for there is no real answer to this most agonizing human dilemma — is more thorough palliative care, more accessible respite opportunities and doing for others as we would want them to do for us.

In the end, we are all human beings and we all want to be treated that way.

Photo: American law has no provisions for the legal killing of another human being, no matter how much that person may be suffering.

Like many non-profits these days, the organization has the same mission but less money than in previous years. That hasn’t slowed down progress though. In fact, on Aug. 24 and 25, Kelly invites you to join in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Find-A-Friend Program. “We’re inviting everyone to come to725 W. Rowan St. on Aug. 24 and join us for an open house,” said Kelly. “There will be food and games and you can hang out in the park. This is really a chance to tell people about what we do.” It’s also an opportunity to plug into the local organization and meet some of the volunteers and community resources that support the program. The event is free and lasts from 4-8 p.m.

On Aug. 25, celebrate in style with the Fayetteville Celebrity Idol at the Marquis Market. It’s the last weekend before Labor Day, so take advantage of it and join the fun at the All White Affair. “This is going to be a good time with people singing karaoke and competing,” said Kelly. “We have a great list of people who are going to perform to support our cause.”

Stick around after the performance and enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar and coffee shop. The event is open to patrons 21 and older. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling 483-4661 or 483-5944 or at www.fayurbinmin.org.

Find-A-Friend is about making a difference in the lives of young people. The program includes free tutoring, mentoring, afterschool leadership and life skills workshops and a 6-week Summer Achievement Camp for approximately 200 at-risk youth each year.

Brandon Price is the community liaison at Fayetteville Urban Ministry. He’s thrilled to be a part of an organization that has an impact in the community. The Find-A-Friend program serves 200 kids a year, which is up from 30 kids ten years ago when they started. “One of our goals is to help keep kids out of juvenile detention centers. In the state of North Carolina it costs more than $125,000 to pay to send a kid to a juvenile detention center for a year. It costs $1,500 to send a young person through Find-A-Friend. When you talk about the fact that this program saves our community and our state more than $1 million each year, I think that is astronomical.”

For number crunchers and donors, it is good to know that the program is making a difference. For the kids in the program, there is no way to put a price on what they get out of Find-A-Friend — for some it is self-esteem, for others it is encouragement and refi ned coping skills, for everyone it is a sense of belonging and a source of support.

“What makes us unique is that each of us as staff can relate to these kids in some form or fashion,” said Price. “It is a place where kids can go for behavior modification services, but it’s also a place to call home — where they can be themselves. We can’t take them out of the homes they live in but we can give them tools to survive.”

On the 30th Anniversary of the Find-A-Friend program, Fayetteville Urban Ministry is launching its 30/30 campaign to raise funds to continue making a difference in the community. “Our goal is to raise $30,000,” said Kelly. “We are asking people to team up with friends and organizations, or if they are able to give as individual supporters to do that. We are asking for 30 contributions of $1,000 each from the community.”

“We strive to be transparent with the work we do with these kids,” said Price. “We want to continue to grow and to help more kids. Our organization is based on being good servants and we have seen that this attitude makes a difference in changing lives.”

While youth are the focus of Find- A-Friend, Fayetteville Urban Ministry has other programs that meet different kinds of needs in the community. Emergency Assistance is provided in the form of food, clothing and financial help. According to Fayetteville Urban Ministry, in the 2010-2011 fiscal year, this program helped more than 5,000 family members and more than 300 people in the homeless community.

The Nehemiah Project repairs the homes of low-income homeowners at no cost to the resident. The program partners with contractors, volunteers and other programs and serves between 170 and 200 elderly and/or low income home owners every year.

The Adult Literacy Program serves between 150-185 adult students each year. It costs about $320 to put an adult student through the program, but the difference it makes to the individual is priceless. Find out more about Fayetteville Urban Ministry and how you can make a difference at wwwfayurbmin.org. 

Saturday, Sept. 15, will be a day to celebrate, honor and support our family and friends; our children and siblings; our co-workers — maybe even you.

Chances are, you know someone with cancer. Many people who receive the news that they have cancer feel as if their lives have been turned upside down. Even when they come to accept the reality of cancer, they may feel their life is changed, for cancer can affect you emotionally, physically and fi nancially.

For Mary Acker, Saturday, Sept. 15, will be personal. She’s a survivor. In June 2011, Acker was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer and began treatment at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Treatment and CyberKnife Center.

After putting off her annual mammogram for years, Acker decided to fi nally get one at the urging of her physician. Her initial mammogram showed she needed more scans. An eventual biopsy confi rmed that she did in fact have breast cancer. While the initial diagnosis scared Acker, she felt confi dent in the physicians at Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center.

“The thing that impressed me the most about Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center is how the system is so interdisciplinary,” she said. “My doctors met and reviewed my case at every stage to determine the best methods of treatment for me. I did not feel like a number or a nameless medical record. It was personal.”

She underwent two surgeries and radiation treatment at Cape Fear Valley over the course of a few months. Treatments left her anxious and depressed, but she found help in the Cancer Center’s free Complementary Medicine program.

“I was naturally anxious and sometimes depressed over my situation, but massage therapy and other programs helped me relax and re-focus on the blessings in my life,” explained Acker. “I felt my mind, body and spirit were in good hands.”

The Cancer Center’s Complementary Medicine program offers individual sessions in massage therapy, refl exology and healing touch. Art therapy, nutrition classes and “Look Good... Feel Better®” sessions are offered for small groups. Most of the services are free, and all are relaxing, fun or informative. Some services may even help manage the symptoms experienced during traditional cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Patients who are currently undergoing cancer treatment or have undergone treatment within the past year may use the oasis’ services at either of the Cancer Center’s two locations: Cape Fear Valley Medical Center and Health Pavilion North.

Cape Fear Valley’s Complementary Medicine services are offered free or at minimal cost due to the generosity of donors and fundraising events like the Friends of the Cancer Center’s annual Ribbon Walk & Ride. Proceeds raised through the Ribbon Walk & Ride go directly to the Friends of the Cancer Center, which provides hundreds of cancer patients and their families with emotional support, information resources, food supplements, free wigs and turbans and emergency needs funding. In addition, each year, Friends of the Cancer Center sponsors Camp Rockfi sh, a camp to celebrate life for cancer patients and their families.

Lucky for Acker, her cancer responded quickly to the treatment and she is back on the path to good health. She is a survivor, and this year she is joining hundreds of others to walk downtown in the 7th Annual Ribbon Walk & Ride for Cancer.

Proceeds from the event will benefi t Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center. The support you give will make a difference in the lives of hundreds of cancer patients and their families. For more information or to register, please visit www.ribbonwalkforcancer. org or call (910) 615-1434.

Submitted for your consideration is my annual “What I Did On My Summer Vacation” column. We spent some time in the Blue Ridge Mountains where I encountered a fascinating canine Zen Master. I refer to the Most Exalted Spike 7, a three-legged philosopher dog who lives in the back country near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Spike 

can impart much wisdom if you will carefully listen to his bark. He has a profound grasp of what is important and what is merely passing like the wind through the willows. Consider if you will, the parable of Spike to explain the mysteries of life in the waning days of the Summer of 2012.

The answers from Spike came blowing in the wind. As you may recall, in late June, Fayetteville had its brush with a giant hail storm powered by an ill wind called a Derecho. Derecho is Spanish for “I’ll blow your house down.” The same set of Derecho winds blew through Walnut Knob which is a mountain in Virginia where my wife’s family owns a cabin. The wind did not knock down the cabin, but it uprooted the bridge to a very small island in the pond in front of the cabin. According to a neighbor’s wind gauge, about 85 mph of Derecho blew through Walnut Knob. The wind picked up the bridge and twisted it into a wooden mountain pretzel. 

No man is an island. And what good is an island if you can’t walk across a bridge to drink coffee on it in the morning? The engineering feat of repairing the bridge is far above my pay grade. After asking around for a Mr. Fixit, we located Ike the Cattle Farmer who can do anything. Ike came over to survey the damaged bridge and brought his dog Spike 7. 

Turns out Ike has had seven dogs, all of whom were named Spike. Like the lady in the old Herman’s Hermits song “I’m Henry the Eighth” who only married guys named Henry, Ike only has dogs named Spike. The mountains, although beautiful, are unforgiving as the law of nature ain’t a bean bag. After a run in with an angry Momma Cow, Spike now has only three legs. Ike explained that coyotes have infi ltrated the mountains and are killing calves. The killing of her calf enraged Mamma Cow.

The coyotes murdered her calf and left Spike to take the blame.

Cows have memories but are not particularly sophisticated when it comes to telling dogs from coyotes. Mamma Cow spotted Spike after the killing and decided that he was the Dingo who took her baby. She kicked him so hard that his left front leg had to be amputated. Ike got a $1,400 veterinary bill. Spike lost his front leg. Mamma Cow got sweet, if mistaken, revenge.

Spike had to wear a T-shirt for a few days to keep him from chewing at his new stump but has now recovered famously. Spike is a very happy guy despite now being a three-legged dog. He sat on the front porch smiling, except when he went happily hobbling through the yard looking for something interesting to eat. Spike’s only problem is that when he lifts his leg to pee, he falls over. He gets up, grinning despite this issue. Through everything he grins.

The message is to strive to be like Spike. Keep grinning and don’t worry if you pee on your leg. It was suggested to Spike that he use the lady-dog method to relieve himself. No way, Jose. Spike is a manly dog. He is macho and refuses to squat. If he pees on his leg, he pees on his leg. Imagine that, a male doing something stubborn.

Spike does not care about who eats Chick-fi l-A sandwiches. He doesn’t care about the Presidential slime-fest going on all around him. He doesn’t even care that porn star Jenna Jameson has endorsed Mitt Romney for President. He is abundantly unconcerned that NASA’s space ship Curiosity landed on Mars. He just likes being outside and smiling at the world.

He does not even bear a grudge against cows, although Ike says he is now cautious around them. Spike told me he really isn’t mad at the coyotes because the coyotes were just doing what coyotes do.

Spike is all Zen, all the time.If we could all be like Spike, the world would be a better place despite an increase in wet trouser legs.

Okay, so it might seem that I’m on a social-media kick — but there is a method to my madness.

I am on Facebook a lot. Not during work hours — one because government computers don’t allow it, but more importantly because I have better things to do then talk about what the fashionchallenged wear to work. And believe me — I could talk a lot about that.

But that’s not the point.

Like many people, I use Facebook to keep in touch with friends and family who are far away. Being a military spouse, that’s the majority of the people who are my friends. Not to say that I don’t have a number of people who are near and dear who live in Fayetteville.

But that being said, I use Facebook as a means of being social. I don’t use it as a means of proselytizing, or making political statements. I make my political statements at the polls where they count — not where they just annoy people.

If I want to make a political statement, then I will write a letter to the editor. And, you can bet before I do that, I will have researched what I am talking about thoroughly and my thoughts won’t be from some political machine, but rather from my convictions.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the case with the majority of people. Before you post something, make sure it is true. And most importantly, know your audience.

I, for one, am not a big fan of all the posts by folks who think they shouldn’t have to pay their student loans back. I’m the girl who worked from 4 in the morning until 11 at night every day of my summer break to pay for school. I’m also the girl who couldn’t have cable and drove a rickety car for years to pay back my student loans. I don’t want to hear why you shouldn’t have to pay yours back because I’m still too tired from paying mine back.

I also don’t want to read the statements that begin with “Know the truth” only to get to the end and fi nd out the truth you are pushing is paid for by some special interest group whose truth is obviously not a truth but rather their interpretation of the truth.

If I want that kind of truth shoved in my face, I will stand in line at the grocery store and read it on the pages of the tabloids.

As the political season heats up, I may borrow a page from my husband’s play book. He doesn’t like to receive game requests and political statements. If one of his friends begins to inundate him with those kinds of things, he simply blocks their posts from appearing on his page and they are none the wiser. Smart man.

Each of us can’t be there to directly tend to the needs of our loved ones. That’s where the Foundation at Cape Fear Valley Health can step in. The donations to the Foundation go directly to support cancer patients right here in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

The Ribbon Walk (and Ride), as well as golf tournaments and charity drives at companies and schools in the area, all help support Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation. Each help fund both major acquisitions and seemingly small comforts for patients of Cape Fear Valley Health.

The work of the Foundation helps make Cape Fear Valley Health a “magical place”, according to Brad Loase, a cancer survivor. “It’s the little things they do, not just for patients, but for families as well, to make things easier for them. I always felt wanted, that people were happy to see me. I remember all their faces.”

Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation’s Friends of the Cancer Center provide assistance with transportation to and from appointments. They can help with emergency funding for medications and utilities, mammograms, and a range of personal needs. And sometimes they just sit and wait with you, providing emotional support and a smile. Brad says “They are the most amazing people.” Friends of the Cancer Center is a community of dedicated volunteers who nurture, support and guide cancer patients and their families through a profoundly emotional time to improve the quality of our patient’s lives. FOCC provides many support programs such as Artful Reflections (painting every Friday), Coming Together (kids and parents group), Man Talk, and the Oasis Complementary Medicine Program.

With your help we will continue to work to make a difference for each of our patients, each of our starfish. You can make a difference by participating in the 7th Annual Ribbon Walk & Ride for Cancer. This year’s event will be held on Sept. 15 downtown at the Medical Arts building. The 5K (3 miles) walk will take participants through downtown Fayetteville, Linear Park and back. The motorcycle ride will be on a separate route.

Registration is $25, but only $15 for survivors and t-shirts will be provided. Registration will open at 9 a.m., ride begins at 9:45 a.m. and walk at 10 a.m. All survivors registered by Aug. 15, will be invited to join us for the 1st Annual Survivor Reception on September 14 at SkyView on Hay. Join our community as an individual walker/rider or team in honor and memory of your loved ones while helping our patient’s right here at home. To register, and for more information, please visit www.ribbonwalkforcancer.org, or call 615-1434.

In last week’s issue, the author of the Ribbon Walk Article was Ginny Deffendall.

Photo: The Friends of the Cancer Center plays an important role in helping families of patients.

When Fascinate-U Children’s Museum opened its doors on Green Street in 1999, Susan Daniels, the executive director used to get calls from nervous parents asking where it was safe to park so they could bring their kids to see the exhibits. Fascinate-U had 10,000 visitors that year. Things are different now.

More than 48,000 visitors came to the museum last year. The building also houses the local model train blub and Gilbert Theater, which is known throughout the community for it’s stellar performances.

Progress like this is nothing to sneeze at, but Daniels, along with supporters of the museum and local organizations see no reason to stop now. In fact, there are some pretty exciting things in the works.

At the top of the list is a new exhibit — a farm. “We had a scouting badge workshop in here recently and the kids brainstormed eggs as a dairy product … it is in the dairy section at the store,” said Daniels. “There is such a disconnect these days. Many people how no idea where their food comes from or how it gets from where ever it is grown/made/processed to the dinner table.”

A visitor to the museum also noticed the absence of the food chain in the museum exhibits. Daniels and the Board of the museum took note and started looking for ways to add this information to their exhibits.

Thanks to some very generous local nonprofits, industry, and personal contributions from donors, Fascinate-U is looking to open the new exhibit in the near future. “There is so much potential here, “ said Daniels. The exhibit will include root vegetables in plexi glass under a grow light so kids can actually see what the food looks like when it is in the ground and farm animals like hens, pigs and a cow. “The cow is going to be great. It’s a milking cow with a pump inside so the kids will actually be able see what it is like to milk a cow,” Daniels added.

The exhibit also includes an orchard. “We will be able to Velcro the fruit to the wall and give the kids the opportunity to “pick” the fruit and make the connection that our fruit grows on trees,” said Daniels.

That is just the beginning. Daniels plans to use the exhibit as a platform to talk about nutrition and healthy meal planning and food preparation, to engage local farmers and possibly include them in educational programs, to explore the process of how food gets from the farm to the table and the carbon footprint that process leaves. “There is a lot we can build on here,” she said.

In addition to the new exhibit, the museum is set to get a few upgrades, too. Having 48,000 visitors a year is a wonderful thing, but it can involve some wear and tear, so new paint on the walls and new flooring are in the works. That may take a bit longer, but it’s something that Daniels knows will make a difference for people who come through.

“The flooring may take a little longer because we also hope to redo some of the mini-city exhibit,” said Daniels.

Bringing almost 50,000 people a year is not small feat and it doesn’t happen over night, but the strong programming and community outreach has built a strong following that many in the community hope to build on.

The museum works with both the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of America on badge workshops and other educational and community service projects.

Super Science Saturday and Make It Take It Saturdays provide hands-on learning experiences and include some creativity for patrons. There are three snakes, a tarantula and several rats that are a part of the programming at various time through out the year. Every 4th Friday there is a kid-friendly project for children to enjoy and admission to the museum is free. The Cape Fear Railroaders invite visitors (as well as the general public) to the museum to an open house on the first and third Saturday of each month, too.

During the summer, science and art camps fill the calendar at Fascinate-U. Kids can choose between art and science or stay all day and enjoy them both — once mom and dad sign them up. If camp is out of the question, Daniels suggests holding a birthday party there or hosting a group event for the kids at Fascinate-U.

During the school year, local schools benefit from the outreach efforts of Daniels. The museum has been in the classrooms in local schools for the past three years. “Last year we were in four local elementary schools 14 times during the year,” said Daniels. “We reached 5,000 kids last year through our science programs, and we’ve shared our “Simply Science” program in Bladen County, too.”

In order to continue to grow the programming, the inaugural Fascinate-U Children’s Open is scheduled for Sept. 14-15. “We were looking for something fun and different to do — something wholesome and family friendly,” said Daniels.

It’s a miniature golf tournament that will include nine holes, made by sponsors, so each hole will be a one-of-a-kind. “We really hope that the sponsors will make their holes distinctive and unique — something that reflects who they are and their place in the community,” said Daniels.

There will be other fun activities during the event, too. Look for bounce houses, face painting, games, food, a silent auction and local mascots from area teams and businesses. “We hope to see hundreds of people come out for this. It is family friendly and something everyone can enjoy,” said Daniels. “Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year.”

Find out more about Fascinate-U and how you can help at www.fascinate_u.com or by calling 829-9171.

Photo: An artists rendering of the new Fascinating Farm exhibit that is coming to Fascinate-U.

For many the idea of leaping from an aircraft is absurd, leaping from a mechanically sound aircraft seems downright crazy. None the less, 72 years ago some brave souls took the plunge at Fort Benning in Columbus, Georgia, and changed warfare and recreation drastically. Fayetteville in particular has been affected by airborne operation, being the home of the 82nd Airborne Division, and so it comes as no surprise that the history is celebrated here.

This holiday honoring airborne troops was established in 2002 by President George W. Bush, and recognized by the Senate in 2009. It is however, the 72nd Anniversary of the first parachute jumps taken in Ft. Benning, Georgia that is being celebrated — as well as the museums 10th anniversary. Paul Galloway the executive director of the Airborne Special Operations Museum explained this by saying, “It’s in honor of all the paratroopers and special operations soldiers that have come before us. It came about because of the 40 soldiers that first jumped out of the airplane for the army, and it’s important not to forget those guys.”

Airborne Operations were integral in the Allied victories in WWII, (like D-day) and there is a tremendous sense of pride amongst all airborne soldiers. To honor these soldiers, and those who have fallen in these operations, there will be a ceremonial wreath laid at the feet of the iconic Iron Mike statue. That is not the only memorial to paratroopers as ASOM has a memorial to the original 40 jumpers. “We have a monument on site, outside of the museum, that has all their names on it,” Galloway says. The day’s festivities include free-fall parachute demonstrations for the public to enjoy, executed by the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Black Daggers of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, and the 82nd Airborne Division’s All American Freefall Team. This demonstration will give spectators a taste of the excitement and joy felt by those who opened the doors to these possibilities by taking the very first plunge from an aircraft.

Fort Bragg will also provide soldiers to set up both modern and WW II equipment for visitors toexplore and learn about how much technology has changed over the years. Further highlighting the changes the Army has experienced, re-enactors will be walking around amongst the current soldiers wearing uniforms from WWII. Galloway acknowledges the Army’s role in this celebrations by saying, “It’s an Army event, not a (Airborne Special Operations Museum) Foundation event, and they always lay a wreath in honor of all the army paratroopers and special operations soldiers that have died from today to the past.” 

The event will be taking place on Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum located at 100 Bragg Boulevard. For more information visit the museum’s website www.asomf.org or call 910-643-2766.

Photo: Airborne Operations were integral in the Allied victories in WWII, (like D-day) and there is a tremendous sense of pride amongst all airborne soldiers. 

How can two people walk together unless they agree? They can’t. Have you ever done the three legged race? One of your legs is tied to another person, in order to get to the finish line you must work as a team. During the race there is no time to discuss strategy or to go through a long discussion about a teammate’s weaknesses or strengths. You just get together and work with what you have to successfully complete the race. It’s not about the individual but about the group, it’s about Umoja! Umoja is a Swahili word that means unity. The focusis on building communities that stand together with mutual respect and cooperation.

On Aug. 18, 2012 the Umoja Festival will be held at Seabrook Park at 1520 Slater Ave. in Fayetteville. The Umoja Festival is an African-American cultural, family and community festival. The event is from noon until 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public. The festival is sponsored by Umoja Group, Inc. of Fayetteville, a nonprofit organization whose mission initiates and supports African, African-American and Caribbean positive history, art and culture.

The event is truly festive and includes: storytellers, cultural displays, music, ethnic food, a fish fry and vendors. The Fayetteville State University and E.E. Smith bands will be present along with the Delta Steppers. Radio station107.7 Jamz, 3rd World Soundz, Fayetteville/Cumberland Parks & Recreation, the African-American Education & Research Organization, as well as Cape Fear Valley Health will also be participating in the festival. According to the project director, Isabella Effon, you don’t want to miss the good food. “If you are on a diet that day, take a day off and enjoy the food.”

Although the crowds will be delighted with the food Effon states that the festival is really about bringing families together. “The festival is more family oriented; the elders of the African-American community come out in great numbers. They look forward to it,” says Effon. Many of the elderly come out to talk about their history. Some of them have been interviewed by the Umoja groups’ presidential director Dorothy Fielder. During the festival you will have an opportunity to converse with these “treasures of heritage.” They are walking books of culture and heritage.

This festival has been held since the inception of the Umoja group. This year marks the 22nd year of Umoja Festival. The Umoja group has hosted other events in the past twenty years as well including Kwanza, the Malcolm X Forum, and it’s first Women’s Conference, which was held February of this year.

The group also holds international exhibits. In the coming year they will hold a music exhibit from the West Africa Department of Performing and Fine Arts, so mark the calendar and plan to attend. And while celebrating Umoja, take some time to look at the Fayetteville State University mural on Seabrook Dr. This mural is painted and cared for by the Umoja group, partners in both the community and education.

As a partner in the community the group is offering free health screenings. The health screenings are sponsored by Cape fear Valley Health and the African Physicians Association of Fayetteville. These spectacular screenings are the highlight of the festival. The screenings provide many on site services, such as glucose & blood pressure screenings, rapid HIV testing, one on one doctor consultations, EKGs, BMI ( body mass index ) screenings and the opportunity to sign up for a mammogram. So while you are there be sure to go by and get a free health screening, just do some dancing before the screenings and eat after your BMI check.

It’s a family affair. It’s about coming together. It’s about linking up. It’s about sharing and moving forward as a unit, as a community; mutual respect, mutual effort, mutual support and lots of fun.

In case of rain the Umoja festival will be held on Aug. 25 instead of Aug. 18. For more information call 910-483-6152. Vendors please call 910-488-7130.

Running a small business is difficult and time consuming, but often rewarding. Many times, the biggest challenges are unnecessary, but unavoidable for those who lack experience and information. This is not death sentence however, and help is available for small business owners, and it’s called the Center of Economic Empowerment and Development (CEED). CEED, which is an organization designed to help support local small business owners, kicks off the Partners in Progress. Laura Solano, the CEED business consultant described the program’s purpose by saying, “It’s not only a networking meeting, it’s a mentoring group … and also we offer information, something of interest for small business owners. It’s an opportunity to network with other business owners and to get your information about what’s going on out there and what resources are available for small business owners.”

In this time of economic hardship, it is undeniable and unavoidable that businesses have suffered all over the country, particularly small businesses. This does not mean however that growth must stop. It is the entrepreneurs who charge ahead with their brilliant ideas and business confidence that revitalize economies. “We want to bring information to our small-business owners. There are programs out there that might not be promoted as much as we wanted to so we try to put together three great speakers and offer the programs that the community is looking for, especially small business owners,” Solano explains.

The Partners in Progress program meets once a month, and for the kick off — Mentoring Roundtable — three speakers that will provide valuable information for small business owners searching for success. “I have a representative from work force development. She will be speaking about the Adult Experience Program. Jess Hunt is the Family Chamber President and CEO, and he’s going to be talking about how to go from a home-based business to brick and mortar, and the regional representative for the Small Business Association is coming to talk on the 504 Loan Program,” says Solano. The 504 Loan Program, has $7.5 billion in financing available from the Small Business Association.

Perhaps the most valuable resource these meetings provide is the networking opportunities. Deals and partnerships can propel businesses into new success and open doors for opportunity, but they cannot be made without relationships. Solano expresses the importance of networking further by saying, “Networking is a very essential part of business. It must be a constant activity, trying to establish that it is an everyday thing just like a marketing strategy, and everyday taking care of your business.”

The meeting will be held at the Marquis Market in downtown Fayetteville. There is a $30 fee for those who attend, but it is reduced to $20 for non-members as an introductory price if they join CEED on that day, but free for members. To register or for more information contact Laura Solano at lsolano@ncceed.org or call 323-3377. The meeting is on Aug. 16, at 116 Person St. at the Marquis Market.

Photo: Small business owners find support as well as educational and networking opportunities.

The Dark Knight Rises(Rated PG-13) 4 Stars

Where to begin? First off, don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that The Dark Knight Rises (164 minutes) isn’t an entertaining film. It is. This baby is going to make millions, fulfill the expectations of many fans and sell a lot of popcorn. What I am saying is that for the final film in a groundbreaking series it wasn’t that good and I was rather underwhelmed. And I say that speaking as someone who really likes Batman. When it comes to the eternal question of whether Batman or Superman would win a mano-e-mano, I always pick Batman. But to put it frankly, I was bored.

It’s been eight years since the events depicted in The Dark Knight. Gotham is fairly peaceful, and Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman) is questioning his decision to hide the truth about Batman (Christian Bale) from the public. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne is a recluse, and Alfred the Butler (Michael Caine) is pretty fed up with tending to him. But being a recluse doesn’t mean you can’t throw a party! And despite the common sense practice of running background checks on the people you allow within a hundred miles of your secret lair, somehow a cat burglar (Anne Hathaway) manages to make her way onto the kitchen staff. During the party she infiltrates the inner sanctum of Bruce Wayne and sets the second half of the film into motion.

Through a series of inconvenient coincidences, the details of the Batman/Harvey Dent cover-up are revealed to the main villain, Bane (Tom Hardy). He hangs out in the sewer to ponder this information whilst mumbling to himself. This leaves the burden of advancing the plot to the rest of the characters. For instance, Miranda Tate (Marion Cotillard) hosts a charity ball so Batman and Catwoman have a place to meet and exchange banter. Deputy Dumba … I mean, Deputy Blake (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) draws some astonishing conclusions based on a logical leap coupled with a lucky guess, thus winning over both Commissioner Gordon and Batman.

The plot moves forward at a snail’s pace, so this is probably a good place to mention the flaws inherent in the MPAA rating system. With all the people getting shot, and the implied rapes taking place in the background, it seems a bit odd that this film would end up with a PG-13 rating. The series of comics the movie is based on was meant for a more mature audience, and while I am not advocating for censorship (the MPAA is biased in a number of ways), it seems like this is at least as disturbing as the documentary Bully — and the filmmakers behind that had to engage in some hardcore lobbying to get its rating changed from R to PG-13.

Overall, the main problem with the film was the pacing. The first half was positively sluggish, and the timeline of the last third was all kinds of screwed up. Seriously. Watch the movie and try to figure out the timeline of events. It just doesn’t make any sense without some major suspension of disbelief. The grand climax doesn’t seem scientifically accurate. Finally, if Gotham City does indeed have more than 3,000 police, why do I only see the one chick in the background police shots? I will admit that the twist is worth waiting for, and the very end of the film includes a nice emotional touchstone. The average viewer will like it — just don’t overthink it (I did. See how that worked out for me?).

Now showing at Wynnsong 7, Carmike 12 and Carmike Market Fair 15.

If you haven’t been in a while, head over to the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you find.

The Fayetteville Farmers Market and City Market have joined forces with the museum to provide a destination where patrons can shop, learn, relax and be entertained. On Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings the parking lot of the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum is filled with farmers, artists and entertainers … and the hundreds of people who come out to enjoy the market each week.

Bruce Daws, City of Fayetteville historic properties manager loves seeing all the activity just outside the museum, because of the opportunities it provides both the vendors and the patrons. “We host both the events as the Market at the Museum. We provide the space and block the parking lot and help set up with logistics,” said Daws. “The museum opens its agriculture exhibits because of the ties between historical agriculture and today’s farmers. It also provides an opportunity for people to cool off during the heat of the day and learn a thing or two.”

He added that the goal is to create a destination that will draw people to the market not only to buy fresh food and local, high-quality art, but to spend time downtown getting to know the vendors, local businesses and organizations and become invested in the community.

Like other farmers markets, the Fayetteville Farmers Market offers fresh produce and seasonal vegetables — and more. “We have 24 vendors. Some just sell certain products like blueberries and other berries,” said Crystal Butler, Fayetteville Farmers Market president. “Some new vendors are coming this fall that have pumpkins and sweet potatoes and things like that. We have vendors selling baked goods, we have local honey, fresh flowers, organically raised beef, lamb, chicken and pork. You can come to the market and leave with an entire meal.”

Don’t just come and grab a few tomatoes and head home though. Every second Saturday the Farmers Market offers kid-related activities, and the vendors are eager to educate their customers, too. “The farmers enjoy talking to their customers about what it takes to get their food from the farm to the table. There is so much that goes into it that most people don’t event know about,” said Butler. It is a system that works. “You meet someone new every Saturday. Once you start talking to them and they walk around and see how good everything is they always come back. You (the vendors) get to know a lot of customers on a first name basis. It is rewarding and you know your hard work is worth it.”

Daws sees the Market at the Museum as an event with a lot of potential. The intent is to bring more people downtown and to create an event that is family friendly. “We like to encourage people to come down and spend time,” said Daws. “That is why we set up rocking chairs and we have a band that plays for the crowd. It is to create an event that supports the revitalization of downtown. It is working very well. On an average Saturday we have anywhere from 300-400 visitors or more.”

So far it is working, the Farmers Market opens an hour earlier now on Saturdays. “We used to open at 9 a.m., but we would get here and have people who had been waiting since 8 or 8:30 a.m. for us to open so we moved the time up,” said Butler. “We don’t want to miss a chance to connect with the people who come to the market.”

The City Market vendors consist of handmade, original crafts such as pottery, hand-blown glass, organic soaps, soy candles, glass crocheted jewelry, blended teas and herbs, custom water colors and signs, fabric jotting books for your inner poet, wreaths, birdhouses, original photography and much more. Local musicians appear regularly and serenade the crowd with their mellow tunes. Face painting, clowns, balloon animals, ring toss and a bounce house are just some of the family friendly activities that can be enjoyed on any given Saturday morning.

“We hope to add antique vendors to the market soon,” said Daws. “Of course, like the rest of our vendors, the antique dealers will go through an approval processes so that we can make sure our patrons are getting good quality items.”

The Market at the Museum is open on Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. and during 4th Friday celebrations. Find out more about the Farmers Market at www.thefayettevillefarmersmarket.com, or by calling 703-7708. To fi nd out more about the City Market or the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum call 433-1944.

Photo: The Fayetteville Farmers Market and City Market offer fresh foods, art and entertainment and more.