Editor’s Note: D.G. Martin is unavailable this holiday season. The story below is an old favorite.

John Garwood brought down his apples from the mountains the other day.

He brought small sacks for some of us — and a big box full just to be doubly sure that nobody would be left out.

When you break the skin of one of his apples the sweet juice bursts into your mouth and the world is right. Somehow the apples we buy down here just never taste that good.

Eating John Garwood’s apples recently got me thinking about Christmas. And that got me thinking about all the presents I still have to buy for family and friends. And that got me thinking about how frantic the next few weeks are going to be. I started wondering if Christmas — the way we treat it now — is all that good a holiday. How am I going to get the right presents — ones that really last?

All that got me back around to John Garwood, because he really brings the best kind of present. We remember him all year long — thinking about those good tasting apples and hoping that he doesn’t forget us next year.

Who brings you the presents that you remember all year long? Earl Danieley and Maxine O’Kelley and Bob Wendell brought me tomatoes last summer. Fresh from their gardens they were full, red, soft and ripe, firm and juicy — and for just a moment — just right. Salt, pepper and mayonnaise, perhaps, or sometimes, just straight. No chef, no five-star restaurant, at whatever the price, could prepare a dish to top a ripe summer tomato from a friend’s garden. What a gift!

In spring and summer, Candy Owen’s flowers make their way to our desks and bring her garden inside. Watts Auman brings a bag of peaches fresh from his orchard. Ripened on the tree, yellow with touches of red and soft orange, giving in the hand, its smooth fuzzy skin sends up a flowery scent preparing us for the first wonderful juicy bite that never disappoints.

At Christmas time, when their fathers were still alive, Branson McRae and Joe Malamo brought wines — crafted and personalized by their dads. These wines would not wait. They had to be uncorked and sampled and enjoyed immediately. More than the hearty taste, we celebrated the old men who thought enough of others to crush the grapes with care and love, and then watch and treat them with measured attention thinking only toward the moment of our delight

Granny Wall — until she was in her 90s — brought us pecans. Picked up and packed up from her Anson County home place, put in small bags. And she giggled with us as we cracked them up and ate them.

My wife’s mother’s chocolate fudge, packed into a Christmas tin, so rich and sweet, so compelling. Better enjoyed, I guess, if it were put away and measured one piece at a time for desert each day. But it is all gone in an hour—except for its memories that bring juices rushing to my mouth at any season.

A cassette tape of lovely songs sung by a friend comes with a note. “These songs are my present to you. Your listening to them — just once — is your present to me.”

Passing into a season when holy happy feelings are always attacked by a frenzy of mechanical buying, these thoughts of remembered gifts suggest some guidelines: Give of yourself. Give real. Give simple. Give what gives you pleasure to give — and want nothing in return.

It is not often that you meet someone like Wesley Bauguess. Her softspoken manner of speech and alwayspresent smile puts you at ease the moment you meet her. But at the same time there is a toughness about her that, despite her gentle ways, shines through her. You can’t miss it. She has resolve. She has the resolve to provide support to the wounded warriors of the 82 Airborne Division. She has the resolve to raise her two young girls as a widowed mother. She has the resolve to give others hope and encouragement through the memory of her late husband Larry. 

In 2007, shortly following the death of her husband, Bauguess was asked to start the 82nd Wounded Warrior Committee (82WWC). She jumped at the chance and has been the committee head ever since. The 82WWC is an outreach that provides support to wounded soldiers of the 82 Airborne Division through a variet of ways. The all-volunteer and completely donation-funded committee makes hospital visitations monthly to Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC), twice a year to Brooke Army Medical Center and volunteers meet wounded soldiers who arrive at Womack Army Medical Center. The committee provides items such as fleece jackets and blankets for the soldiers. The outreach helps them feel connected to their units and to know that their particular needs are considered. It gives them a way to get specialty items that might be particularly helpful due to the nature of their injuries. For example, pants with snaps up the sides have been a special request from soldiers with leg injuries.

It is easy to see Bauguess’ passion for helping others after spending any amount of time with her. In fact, her passion is contagious. She has never had to recruit volunteers for the 82WWC or organize fundraising for it. People hear about the committee and spread the word. The positive impact of the outreach speaks for itself and compels individuals and organizations to donate the money needed to buy the gifts for the soldiers.

On a typical visit to WRAMC, Wesley makes the drive to Washington D.C., with another volunteer or two as well as a full load of gifts in her trunk. She packs anything she thinks the soldiers might ask for: backpacks, pillows, blankets, T-shirts, water bottles and jackets. She also always has plenty of thank-you cards and candy on hand. Once a month, volunteers gather at Bauguess’ home to put together all of the items. Each item is carefully packaged by hand and embellished with the 82nd logo. Cards are handmade. It is important to Bauguess and the rest of the committee that each item is a beautifully-presented gift to emphasize the importance of each individual soldier.

Upon arrival to WRAMC, Bauguess meets with the division liason, who ensures that the 82 Airborne Division wounded soldiers are receiving the care that they need. He knows the schedules of the soldiers and takes her around the medical center to visit with all who are available. She spends time chatting with them and hands out some of the committee’s gifts, then finds out if they need anything in particular. She usually concludes the visit by taking everyone out to lunch at a local restaurant. Bauguess’ goal is that every wounded 82nd soldier knows that their sacrifices are greatly appreciated and that they are never forgotten.

As Bauguess herself knows, life often presents us with circumstances that we do not wish for. At a recent luncheon to honor wounded soldiers, she mentioned that her husband Larry always said, “It doesn’t matter what happens to you in life; what matters to you is how you react to it.” The way people react to the difficult things that happen to them shows their true character. In Bauguess’ case, there is no question as to the kind of character she possesses.

What could Winston Churchill, Whoopi Goldberg, Rudyard Kipling, Sigmund Freud, Che Guevara, Mikhail Baryshnikov and King Edward VII possibly have in common?

A passion for a good smoke. Cigars, that is.

In fact, in choosing Churchill as number one on its list of Top 100 Smokers in its November/December1999 issue, Cigar Afi cionado magazine relates the story that Churchill, who smoked eight to 10 Cuban cigars a day, asked that a special oxygen mask be made that would let him smoke in a nonpressurized cabin during a highaltitude fl ight. Such a mask was created. Who would say no to Churchill? 

Today, despite the pressure of political correctness, potential health risks and upcoming legislation that goes into effect in January in North Carolina banning smoking in nearly all restaurants and bars, cigar lovers may still enjoy the pleasure of their predilection. Private clubs and cigar bars are exempt from the no-smoking restrictions, and Kelly Rosser and his wife Sandy, of Highlander Cigar Co., located at 308A Hay Street, offer cigar smokers of the Fayetteville area not only a selection of fi ne cigars and pipe tobacco, but also opportunities to enjoy them with other enthusiasts in Historic Downtown Fayetteville.

Rosser, formerly with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department and now working in Raleigh as a police offi cer, opened his storefront downtown the last weekend in September during the International Folk Festival.

“I started smoking cigars about 10 years ago, and I’ve got a friend who owns a cigar shop in Southport. I plan on retiring from police work in another six or seven years, and I’ve wanted to get into cigars, and he suggested that I go ahead and get my license. Along with the store, over the past six years I’ve been doing cigars at golf courses, restaurants and nightclubs, putting in humidors and going around on my days off and restocking them. And that’s how I got into it, and I guess one of the reasons that we decided to go ahead and do this now instead of waiting until I retire is because in January, the law changes, and that will cost me a lot of my wholesale customers.”

After consulting with his wife and the owner of the previous shop, Necessary Things, Rosser bought the inventory of the convenience store and added the retail option to his own business.

“We’re slowly turning it more from convenience store items to tobacco. We started with the cigar and cigarettes, and now we’ve added pipe tobacco and some chewing tobacco. We’ll start adding accessories, pipes, humidors, lighters, cutters.”

And of course, Rosser offers the Cigar and Pipe Club.

“What we do is have people who want to, come in and give us their e-mail, and we send them e-mails with cigar specials. Every Thursday night, if the weather permits, people come out, and we bring out some extra chairs and talk cigars. We have extended hours on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and we’re open for First Friday and all the special events downtown.”

“We’d like to expand the customer base over the next couple of years and then fi nd a larger space down here and have a smoking lounge.”

And while cigar smoking is generally associated with men, Rosser acknowledges that his clientele includes “more women than I would have thought.”

“We’re starting to see more women. A young lady stopped by this morning. She’d just started smoking, and she wanted to ask some questions about cigars and lighters. The only difference I see is that they go for a smaller cigar.”

Rosser carries a nice cigar selection that he intends to expand. His best sellers include Rocky Patel, Cohiba, Arturo Fuente and Romeo y Julieta cigars.

“I carry fi ve or six different kinds of the Romeo y Julieta. I also get a lot of requests for Acid cigars (Drew Estate). I would have thought it would have been a 20-something cigar, but all ages come in and ask for them.”

“My favorite all-round cigar is the Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series.”

And while no tobacconist today can offer –– or could offer in the past for that matter — the “really good fi ve-cent cigar” Vice President Marshall declared the country needed in the early 1900s, Highlander Cigar Co. does offer custom gift packs, gift sets and accessories perfect for those cigar afi cionados on your holiday shopping list.

Kudos to Fayetteville’s Fire Marshall Ron Lewis for the action he and his department took last week by safely evacuating residents from the neglected and potentially dangerous Prince Charles Hotel. This action demonstrates the concerns and sensitivities our city has toward Fayetteville residents and their well being.

This mandate was responsible, over due and somewhat heroic contrary to Chen’s claim that the evacuation was disrespectful to the Prince Charles inhabitants. What? Disrespectful?

Chen knowingly put dozens of innocent people in harm’s way since he was fi rst warned on Oct. 29 that the building had no less than 18 safety and fi re-code violations. He then intentionally ignored the city’s warnings and discounted their courtesy attempt of providing him ample time to correct the serious defi ciencies. Instead, he willingly chose to place dozens of men, women and children in harm’s way. Shame on you, John Chen.

Thumbing your nose at our local authorities, government leaders and agencies whose job it is to protect the health, safety and welfare of our residents is irresponsible. This total disregard of humanity does not sit well with a caring community working too hard to enhance its image and develop its brand of History, Heroes and Hometown Feeling.

We are a generous and forgiving community, Mr. Chen. However, three strikes and you're out. Counterfeit windows, illegal air conditioners, code violations and no building permits.

Hey, I think already you’ve been given one strike too many! Now, that’s generosity! And you boasting that you are going to bring the City of Fayetteville to its knees and “change our culture.” Well, I’ve got news for you, Chen, we are very well pleased with our culture whether you like it or not. So you better bring your A game to court. You saw how fast the Fayetteville community residents, churches and agencies responded to assist your refugees. That’s our culture, Mr Chen.

Your $1.9 million auctionblock bargain isn’t worth the lot it sits on without the respect and support of this community. Here in Fayetteville Mr. Chen, we take care of our own. Had you come into our community with respect and attempted to become a part of the city instead of doing it your own way, You, too, would have been counted in that number. But that wasn’t the case, and soon justice will take care of you.

 Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly. Have a comment or opinion? We would love to hear from you. Call 391-3859 or bbowman@upandcomingweekly. com

Get dressed up, go to dinner, go home (or to a friends house) and await the dropping of the ball in Times Square. For decades this scene is what families in Fayetteville have had to look forward to every New Year’s Eve. And for years, there has been talk that this really needs to change. A town this size and with this many venues surely can offer more to its citizens, young and old, on such a festive and jubilant occasion.

Well, leave it to the folks at the Dogwood Festival to be the fi rst to redefi ne New Year’s Eve for greater Fayetteville. Just like the favorite festival, the inaugural Party in the Park promises to be huge and fun — lots and lots of fun.

“It’s a free event for families and people of all ages,” said Carrie King, Fayetteville Dogwood Festival executive director. “We will have a wing and chili cookoff and there will be a kids area with activities for kids of all ages — craft activities and bounce houses and things like that.”

Its not just local restaurant owners who will be offering up their fi nest chili and wings, but local citizens can also compete for bragging rights to Fayetteville’s Best Chili and/or Wings, as well. King expects some fi ery recipes, especially if the weather is cool that night. They specifi cally chose these foods for their warming potential.

“It is a great way for everybody to keep warm and it will give them something to do,” said King of the contest. “The fun thing about the wing and chili cook-off is that we will have judges and they are celebrity judges. We are going to keep that under wraps for every body to come out and see who they are.”

If chili and wings aren’t your thing, not to worry, there will be food and beverage vendors serving up everything from hot chocolate and hot cider to beer and champagne.

If midnight is too much of a stretch for the little ones, not to worry. There will be an early countdown at 8:45 complete with fi reworks, paper horns and cheers. That way, King fi gures that families will still be able to experience the fun they have planned for attendees, even if they have to cut out early.

“We are definitely catering to the families with children,” said King. “I’ve always noticed that there is nothing to do on New Year’s Eve. We always go to dinner and hang out in the back yard and just kind of wait, and this is something you can bring your kids to and buy some party favors and just hang out and listen to the bands.”

Speaking of bands, local favorites Nantucket and Hot Sauce are going to be rocking the stage in Festival Park throughout the evening with dance tunes and high-energy entertainment.

When the clock strikes midnight, not only will the live feed from Times Square appear on the big screen, but there will also be a local icon dropping from the sky to welcome in 2010. Local artist Greg Hathaway has custom designed a 12 foot dogwood blossom that will “bloom” for the party goers as it descends to greet the new year.

“During the event the petals will be up and it will look like... if you take a dogwood fl ower and lay it fl at it would sort of form a bowl — that is what it will look like,” said Hathaway. “It will be hanging like a big bowl,and the back part of the petals will be painted with butterfl y wings. So during the party it is just going to be this big round bowl that looks like a butterfl y and then as we begin the countdown we will open it up and as we open it up it’ll hang vertical and it will be a dogwood fl ower.”

A staunch supporter of the arts, and a well established artist in his own right, Hathaway is happy for the chance to support this event.

“The fl ower was my idea. I was all for it coming right out of the gate,” said Hathaway. “In fact I’ve been preaching that they needed to do a New Year’s Eve function — I’m really glad they are doing it.”

The party starts at 6:30 p.m. There will be disabled parking available. For more info visit www.faydogwoodfestival.com.

Charlotte-based power/pop alternative rock quartet The Stellas, consisting of vocalist/guitarist Adam Middleton, guitarist/vocalist Shaun McFall, bassist Josh Knight and drummer Jacob Worden, will perform along with Lumberton’s own Dark Water Rising (featuring 2004 American Idol semifinalist Charly Lowry) and What’s Good Friday, Dec. 18 at The Rock Shop. They are generating major industry buzz with their brand of highly-caffeinated alternative pop/rock.

Combining ‘60s British pop (The Beatles, The Kinks) with modern rock (Weezer, The All-American Rejects), The Stellas sound features strong melodies and catchy hooks that put on a kinetic performance that has been amping up audiences everywhere. The band’s debut CD, Cry Baby Cry, was released in the summer of 2008.

The Stellas have shared the stage with such notable acts as Athenaeum, Blind Melon, Safetysuit, The Pink Spiders, Jimmie’s Chicken Shack and Jealousy Curve and the band continues to tour worldwide, including a recent 16-day tour of southwest Asia and the Middle East to perform for troops.

“I saw a band talking about it in Spin magazine,” says bassist Josh Knight, 29, an Air National Guardsman whose job has taken him to the Middle East numerous times since 2002.

“I was kind of nervous. I’d never left the country before,” admits Middleton, 26. The closest the band came to danger was switching planes in Afghanistan.

“Nothing happened, but they told us we were lucky (because) they weren’t shooting that day.”

The concert at The Rock Shop is $7; $10 for those under 21. Doors open at 8 p.m. For more information, go to www.therockshoplive. com or call (910) 321-ROCK. For more on The Stellas, check out their official MySpace page at www.myspace.com/thestellasband.

Christmas is less than 10 days away. If you still need to get yourself in the Christmas spirit, a trip to Lu Mil Vineyard’s Festival of Lights, might do the trick.

Lu Mil Vineyard is located in Dublin, N.C., approximately 30 miles outside of Fayetteville. The light show consists of an approximately 40 minute ride on a double-decker bus through the vineyard, which is elaborately decorated with displays of Christmas lights. Holiday music is playing throughout the tour and at several points during the ride, the bus stops as the song playing synchronizes with the twinkling lights.

Some highlights of the show include a patriotic display in honor of America’s men and women serving in the armed forces and a narration and depiction in lights of the story of Jesus’ birth. The cost of the tour is $5 per person and includes a free cup of hot or cold muscadine cider from the gift shop after the tour. The tours last from 6 -10 p.m. through Dec. 23. There are also tours on Dec. 26 and Dec. 27.

I attended the Festival of Lights recently on a Saturday night. There was a crowd, but it was not so busy that I couldn’t get on the second tour for the evening. I was glad that I had worn warm shoes and several layers of clothing because I stood in line outside for about 20 minutes before the bus came for the second tour of the night. I suggest bringing gloves, a hat and a blanket. Patrons can either ride inside the bus or on top. The top has a better view of the lights, but the bottom is warmer.

After the tour, I was more than happy to step inside the Lu Mil gift shop to redeem my free cup of cider. Mr. and Mrs. Claus were sitting in the back of the shop, happy to speak with anyone who wanted to stop and say hello. The gift shop offers a wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ciders and wines as well as jams and jellies. There are unique cider fl avors, such as peach and strawberry, and customers can sample any variety before purchasing. Lu Mil is also currently offering a special Christmas buffet on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights for $10 per person.

The Lu Mil Festival of Lights offers patrons a chance to experience the fun and beauty of Christmas lights at a family-friendly establishment for a reasonable price. Just be sure to bring warm clothing to fully experience the fun.

For more information visit the Web site at www.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas is just around the corner and there is so much to be done. The Lake Rim Recreation Center will lend you a hand through its program to watch children to allow parents to finish their last minute Christmas shopping on Monday, Dec. 21 and Tuesday, Dec. 22 from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

“The parents will come and drop their kids off so they can do their shopping,” said Jaime Osborne, assistant recreation center supervisor. “We will first have free-play in the gym for about an hour and then start our craft activities.”

Holiday-themed arts and crafts are planned for the kids such as making paper snowflakes, decorating Christmas cookies, decorating reusable bags and making candy cane reindeer.

“We will make some ornaments that the kids can put on their Christmas tree,” said Osborne. “We are also going to make snowmen out of Styrofoam balls and the kids can decorate them.”

Osborne added that the children will decorate wreaths and donate them to an assisted-living facility in order to brighten someone’s day.

“We try to wait and see how many kids we will have before we determine which crafts we are going to do,” said Osborne. “If we have a small number of kids we are going to do technical crafts and if we have a larger number of kids we will do easy crafts.”

Osborne added that there is a staff on site specifically for this program. Games will be played with the kids as well as watching holidaythemed movies, which is the culminating activity of the day.

Participants, ages 6-12, must bring their own non-perishable lunch each day. The cost is $10 per day. For more information, call 867-1147.

The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County opened its doors for the 4th Friday in November with its newest exhibit — The College Invitational. Due to the crowded Dickens Holiday celebration, many people visited the Arts Council to enjoy scheduled activities and were able to view works by area art students.

Four institutions of higher education were invited to select 10 works from their respective students to highlight their program. The visual art programs at Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville State University, Methodist University and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke participated in the exhibition. Each institution selected a body of work to share with the community.

The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is exhibiting a group of paintings. Students exhibiting include Mary Brazelton, Davone Eady, Chris Fowler, Arlene Grady, Tasheeia Green, Candice Johnson, Rebecca Lowry, Sheena Mature, Alexandar Saunders, Meriel Smith, Stephanie Webb and Matthew Wilson.

Most of the paintings from UNCP are still lifes — studies in composition and color; all are oil on canvas. The students seem to be focusing on a direct approach to painting from life, interpreting subject matter and exploring ways to express their ideas about the subjects.

Arlene Grady’s supersized object in warm colors titled Big Vase contrasted with the arrangement of brightly arranged making by Candice Johnson in Still Life with Dripping Candle. Grady’s painting, an analogous color palette, evokes stability and the monumentality of an object compared to the busy movement created by the brushy and varied color of Johnson.

The body of work from UNCP was a way to see fi rst hand what the students study to become painters, the still lifes they work from and how they interpret the still life stylistically. What became paramount was the way in which the students focused on creating their compositions.

I particularly enjoyed the painting by Alexander Saunders from UNCP titled New York State of Mind. Saunders, in a neo-expressionistic style, combined a twisted lighthouse in the foreground with a city line at night and a series of light sources to move the viewer through the painting. Light sources were also used as elements in the composition to balance the collage image and the overall darkness of the night scene.

Methodist University selected students to exhibit a series of drawings using pen and ink, several paintings and a couple of photographs. Students from Methodist University included Joscelyn Abreu, Jordan Adams, Haley Beauchamp, Aaron Casteel, Linden Hiller, Kacey Jenkins and Hansel Ong.

There are several triptychs in the exhibit from Methodist University. Using pen and ink, an unforgiving medium, Kacey Jenkins’ work titled HoneyB Triptych is an example of hatching and cross-hatching drawing techniques to create space. An abstract design, Jenkins’s technique does not describe a surface; instead she created a space fi lled with movement and a sense of play.

Haley Beauchamp demonstrates her expertise in observation and creating value by using pen and ink in the technique of pointillism. The triptych, three close ups of butterfl y and moth wings, is a subtle reminder of the details in nature we miss. From the strong patterns of a monarch butterfl y to the delicate transitions of tone in a moth, Beauchamp demonstrates her skill and partiality for nature.

Aaron Casteel is exhibiting a triptych titled Birth, Life and Death in his series of pen and ink pointillist drawings. An organic form depicted on the top panel, Casteel recreates rising smoke in his second panel and a brick mortared wall is depicted on the lower panel. All three images are close up studies, abstracted from the close up, yet enough realism remains for us to identify the forms.

Hansel Ong is exhibiting a photograph and a large painting titled Lazarus (a Resurrection). Ong’s painting depicts the biblical narrative of the raising of Lazarus from the dead after being entombed for four days. An obvious fl are for painting, Ong paints the subject in muted tones with highlights of color. Large in scale the painting is neo-expressionistic in style and compelling in subject.

The faculty at Fayetteville State University decided to exhibit a broad range of studio concentrations to include sculpture, painting, photography and computer graphics. Students exhibiting include Yashika Burgess, Marcela Casals, April Harmon, Lamar Hill, Richard Kenner, Emmanuel Lynch, Clayton Newsome, Cassandra Ortiz and Jason Stewart.

The various sculptures by Newsome, Casals and Harmon ranged from a free-standing steel sculpture, a copper raised relief sculpture and a mixed-media wooden sculpture suspended from the ceiling.

The mixed media wooden sculpture by Harmon is titled Transitions. A large cylinder constructed of bent cedar strips is suspended from the ceiling. A ladder, approximately 8 feet in height, was fabricated from a tree limb and combined with commercial milled pine; the ladder extends from the fl oor into the cylinder. At the bottom of the ladder, three dead birds, cast in aluminum, are arranged around its base.

Lamar Hill challenged the viewer with his photograph titled HIV Awareness and his computer graphic image titled Days of Breaking Oppression. Hill is a student whose voice refl ects the political in African-American culture.

The paintings by Ortiz, Kenner, Lynch and Stewart are as diverse as their subjects and include an interpretation of the North Carolina landscape, an abstract fi gure in repose, a colorful and impressionistic still life and one conceptual work using an oversized x-ray of the artist’s spine as a background for his painting.

Fayetteville Technical Community College selected many ceramic pieces to exhibit, collages in graphite, a woodcut print and a collagraph print. Artists exhibiting include Georgia Britton, Davone Eady, Rena Israel, Amor López, Yeojeong Love, Nanette Manchion, Heike Nolan, Gracia Reddick and Martha Sisk.

Since only one ceramic work is on a gallery stand, visitors need to make sure they stop at the showcase to see the many excellent ceramic works being exhibited. The forms range from small free-standing and relief sculptures to the functional.

The ceramics techniques vary from glazed to slip stained ware, the subjects as diverse as the students. Manchion’s ceramic work titled Free Form contrasts the Wall Shell by Heike Nolan or Slip Stain Design by Reddick.

Since printmaking is a new course at Fayetteville Technical Community College, the college wanted to exhibit some of its fi rst examples of the medium. Included in the exhibit is a woodcut by López titled Vincent and a collagraph by Martha Sisk titled Aspen Divergence.

López was direct in his approach in the relief process and carefully delineated descriptive qualities of the fi gure, using a balance of negative and positive space. Sisk, known in the community for her art quilts integrated textiles into her print. Warm earth tones echo the texture of an open weave material as a background to the centered interpretation of a grouping of Aspen trees. Both works are sensitive and well crafted.

The College Invitational may become a biannual exhibit for the region to view what students are doing at area colleges and universities. It’s a wonderful opportunity for public school teachers and their students to view the work and for prospective students thinking about attending a regional art program. The exhibit will remain up until Dec. 19, and can be viewed seven days a week. For more information and the hours on weekend, call the Arts Council at 323-1776

In 1995, Cyna Rubin saw a photograph of a soldier from World War II. That photo stayed with her, and almost ten years later, became the inspiration for The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute to Soldiers and Marines, now on exhibit at the Florence Civic Center.

In 2004, Rubin began reviewing photographs for the exhibit. In total, she looked at more than 4,000 photographs spanning the nine major wars the United States has been involved in since 1861. Her intent was to select photographs that could tell the story of the man (and woman) at war.

She selected 116 photographs for the exhibit, which she felt refl ected how America’s wars have “looked on the ground” through the eyes of the men (and, in more recent years, women) who have fought them, and through the lenses of the photographers who have bravely accompanied America’s combat forces into battle.

The exhibit begins with the Civil War and follows America’s Soldiers and Marines through time up to the present day confl icts.

Kendall Wall, the general manager of the Florence Civic Center, noted that while the photographs are different, they are really the same.

“You see it in their faces, their eyes,” he said. “The confl icts have changed, but the spirit of the American Soldier hasn’t.”

Wall, a former general manager of the Crown Coliseum Complex, said hosting the exhibit was a new idea for the center.

“This isn’t something we’ve done before, but we saw the exhibit, and thought it would be an incredible thing to bring to the area,” he said. “It’s open to the public at no charge, and we thought it would be a great gift to the community.”

The exhibit also ties in nicely with the Veterans Park that is adjacent to the facility. Wall said that many people may not think about Florence as a destination for these kinds of events, but he hopes Fayetteville residents will take advantage of the proximity to see this international show while it is in the area.

“Florence is only about 15 minutes further away than Raleigh,” he said. “So it would be a short ride down I-95 to view this wondeful exhibit.”

He noted that the civic center is co-located to the Florence mall and a number of restaurants, so making a day-trip would be quite feasible.

If you decide to make the short trip down to Florence for the exhibit, you might want to consider one of these three special days:

Dec. 19 has been designated as Marine Corps League Day, and will feature speakers from the Marines, including Lt. Clebe McClary, a highly decorated Marine offi cer; Sgt. Maj. William C. Rice of Camp Lejeune; and Sgt. Maj. Andrew Yagle, Depot Sergeant Major, Parris Island. Entertainment for the event will be provided by the Liberty Bells, a touring troup with the USO who will do a special Christmas performance.

Jan. 9, 2010 is the Vietnam Veterans of America Day. Guest Speakers will include: Lt. Joseph Marm, a Medal of Honor recipient, and Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston. Entertainment will be provided by the 282D Army Band, based out of Fort Jackson, S.C.

Jan. 23, 2010 is Disabled American Veterans & Purple Heart Society Day. Guest Speakers will include: Cpl. Roldolfo Hernandez, a Medal of Honor recipient; Maj. Gen. Stanhope Spears, the Adjutant General of South Carolina; and Lt. Gen. John W. Rosa, the president of The Citadel. Entertainment will be provided by The Citadel Regimental Band & Pipes and Rifl e Legion Drill Team.

The exhibit will remain on display through Feb. 2, 2010. The show is free to the public, and is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.fl orenceciviccenter.com or call (843) 679-9417

There are plenty of things that today's kids don't need, but are given freely - things like video game systems, laptops, fast food and iphones to name a few. Conversely, there are a slew of things that children require in the course of their development in order to grow into caring, successful, motivated and responsible, contributing members of society. Two of these things would be examples of how to live a good life and support from adults in helping the next  generation foster their talents and pursue their dreams.

This is something that Kidsville News! publisher Bill Bowman understands, and he has built the publication on the  premise that leading by example is one of the surest ways to set today's children on the path to success.

"Kidsville News! is all about literacy, education and developing good character traits in children - everything that the publication represents is geared to that. You've got Truman who is the icon for all those things, plus Truman is anti-drugs, anti-obesity, anti-bullying, anti-alcohol and that sort of thing - and that works. That is what is creating such excitement out there for the educational resource itself."

Not one to let an opportunity go to waste, Bowman wanted to be able to have a group of children that represented and personified the Kidsville News! mission and standards.

"I feel that if a group of young people can demonstrate and represent those traits, not just through song and dance, but through living wholesome lives and by their example, what better impression to make on a young child?" said Bowman.

"That is why I put this group together. The other reason is because  here in Fayetteville we have many talented young people - singers, dancers, musicians and they work hard developing their craft. However, they do not have the platform to present their craft and it is very hard for a child to stay motivated and to stay entrenched in what they are doing if they never get to showcase their talent.

"By putting this group together, not only were we able to provide them the training at levels that they haven't had access to, but we are also hoping to create a platform where they can present themselves to the community so they can refine their talents, and get the full exposure of the art itself," Bowman concluded.

To give this group the level of training they require, Bowman turned to Snyder Music Academy Director Joy Cogswell. She and international award-winning choreographer Laurie Morrison have been training the 18 youngsters since this summer to prepare them for their debut into the community. The children are all between the ages of 5 and 14.

Cogswell is involved with the children on more than a musical level, though.

"The goal is to have a group of children that use their talent in a way that exemplifies the ideas behind Kidsville News! as far as literacy, good moral values, educational priorities - things like that, and good, clean, wholesome kids that can get out there and show that it is fun to be a good kid," said Cogswell.

"We are working to put together something that we want to be very superior to (what is already out there) and lots of fun, but yet encourage kids to really step up to the plate and go beyond what they think they might could ever have done."

The group made an appearance in the Snyder Baptist Church Singing Christmas Tree last week and are set to premier at the Kidsville News! Publisher's Convention on Jan. 22. From there, Cogswell hopes that the group will be featured at a variety of events throughout the community, state and region.

"We are hoping that after that we will have lots of opportunity to be out in the public - here and in the surrounding counties. I think his (Bowman's) hope is in the future that as the group progresses and grows that they may have other opportunities in other cities."

 

The Cumberland Oratorio Singers will perform George Frideric Handel's Messiah during a free concert scheduled Dec. 12 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Michael Martin, director of Choral Activities and Music Education at Methodist University and COS artistic director, leads and conducts the 18-year-old group of approximately 70 singers based out of the Fayetteville church.

The repertoire is divided into two portions, the first of which is more seasonal than traditional Christmas music.

"It's called a Christmas concert, but we're really trying to represent more of a holiday theme. So we have a spiritual; we have a Hanukkah piece; we have some seasonal pieces associated with the holidays," Martin said. "For the second portion - which is the primary portion of the concert - we're doing the first part of Messiah. The Messiah is really an Easter piece in total, because it really follows the passion of Christ from birth to death."

Messiah is divided into three parts. The first part being the story of Christ's birth; the second part chronicling his life and death; the last part celebrates his resurrection.
"The first part works great for Christmas obviously, but the interesting thing is that the "Hallelujah Chorus" - which everybody knows (and usually hears) at Christmas time - isn't part of the first part. So we have to sing the first part and we just kind of put the "Hallelujah Chorus" in it," Martin said.

Martin hopes this and future performances will attract new performers to the group and he welcomes new singers to COS rehearsals.

"I meet every single new singer one-on-one. We do a little voice placement. We run some scales privately and I hear the person's voice," Martin said. "I really try and keep it very, very light. I don't really envision this group as being an audition group. I would like to have this group become so large that an audition group comes from it."

Anne Knight, 84 and the eldest performer of the group, recalled her first rehearsals when she joined the group as it was being formed in 1991.

"I couldn't follow the music to save my soul," Knight remembered. "I said (to the singer beside me), ‘Tell me something. How is it that you can follow this music so easily and I'm having such a hard time?' ‘Oh Anne,' the singer replied. ‘I have a five-year degree in music. But don't be intimidated. You stay right here'"

And stay she did. Knight, along with a handful of others, has been performing with the group since its formation.

Juanita Norman, 74 and another original member, expressed what brings her back year after year and why she invites others to the performances.

 "This is something each year that brings people closer together," Norman said. "And if you don't have the Messiah, you don't have anything."

Over the past several years, magic has happened downtown during the Downtown Alliance’s annual Carriage Rides With Santa.

“Downtown is beautiful this time of the year,” said Dr. Hank Parfitt, of the alliance. “All the lights are in the trees and a lot of the stores are decorated. It’s kind of magical.”

To add to that magic is the sound of horses hooves clipping down the streets of downtown. Pullin a vis-a-vis or “Cinderella-style” carriage, the horses make the rounds through downtown with none other than good old St. Nick at the reigns.

“You should see the expression on the kids’ faces,” said Parfitt. “It is just wonderful. It’s so much fun not only for the families who are taking the carriage rides, but also for the volunteers who are working the event.”

“Santa will be driving the horse-drawn carriage,” continued Parfitt. “So that really adds to the excitement. He leaves the reindeer back at the North Pole, but he trains with the horses for Christmas Eve. It gives the kids a sense of what it’s like to be in the sleigh on Christmas Eve.”

The event has been ongoing each Christmas season for the past five or six years. It started in conjunction with the first Dickens’ Christmas. Parfitt said the two events lend themselves to each other. “It’s a really unique experience,” he said. “There’s nothing else like this going on in the surrounding communities.”

He noted that the the ride is 10-minutes in length and encompasses the core of downtown. He said the carriage holds four to eight people, so you can either bring a group or make new friends as you make your round downtown.

“It’s usually cold, so everybody bundles up close. There’s a lot of laughter,” he said.

In addition to the laughter, there’s also more magic. Over the past several years, a number of young men have used the carriage ride as an opportunity to propose to their girlfriends.

“The first engagement occurred at the very first Dickens’ Holiday,” recalled Parfitt. “Last year and the year before, we had at least two engagements.”

If you have something like that in mind, you can rent the carriage for a solo ride for just $30, otherwise, the cost is $5 per person.

Rides are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12 and Sunday, Dec. 13 and again on Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20 from 2-9 p.m. To schedule a ride, go to 222 Hay Street, where you can schedule a ride for later in the day or wait for your ride.

“Most people come early and schedule their rides for later in the afternoon and then they spend some time downtown shopping, having dinner or drinking hot chocolate or coffee,” said Parfitt.
For more information, call the Downtown Alliance at 222-3382.

Ryan Kishbaugh was a great kid. He loved sports, excelled in school and had plenty of friends and family who loved him. He was an inspiration, a fighter, an example of the goodness that dwells in the human heart. He died at the age of 18. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma took his life. His memory lives on through his book, Run Because You Can: My Personal Race with Cancer. His family has sponsored events throughout the community in his honor as well.

In fact, on Dec. 19, downtown will be filled with runners (competitive and those who run just because they can), there will be parents pushing strollers, pets on leashes and kids dashing about as community residents come out to enjoy Ryan’s Reindeer Run, which, over the years has evolved into a much anticipated holiday event.

“When we started the run the whole idea was to do something fun where people would come and remember Ryan,” said Roberta Humphries, Ryan’s mom and the event coordinator.

“In doing it, whatever money was raised was ancillary to the event.”

Over the years the proceeds have gone to benefit The Ryan P. Kishbaugh Memorial Foundation and Friends of the Cancer Center at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center as well as the Duke pediatric blood and bone marrow transplantation unit. This year Humphries is delighted about the prospect of using a portion of the funds to sponsor the Make a Wish Foundation of Eastern Carolina.

“One of the things that Ryan really looked forward to was the fact that the Make a Wish people offered him a Make a Wish trip,” said Humphries.And that was one of the things during bone marrow treatment that he really focused on and looked forward to. Unfortunately, he never got to take the trip, but I am excited that this year we are going to be able to do that for a person in our community…hopefully we can raise enough to pay for a whole trip, but if not, at least we can help.”

While Ryan’s Reindeer Run offers all of the standard race day experiences, Humphries goes all out in making this a festive event that is family friendly and will bring cheerful smiles to both the participants and the onlookers. Not only do registered participants receive a T-shirt, but they also get a set of reindeer antlers and are encouraged to come out in holiday-themed costumes and compete not only for their best time but for the best costume as well. Awards are also given for the best decorated stroller.

“Anybody under 13 gets a medal,” said Humphries. “And a certificate. Our medals are different, too. They are Christmas ornaments…all of our trophies are either reindeer- or holiday-based trophies so it keeps that whole holiday reindeer theme going.”

Santa Clause is scheduled to make an appearance, too.

“I think it is a fun time. We have the competitive runners who are out to win, but it is also just a great family event,” said Humphries.

“I think a lot of people look forward to just getting into the holiday spirit.Because of it being a big event and a run there are a lot who come who never even knew Ryan. I like the whole idea of his spirit being there and I think it is something that he just would have had a blast with. I think he really would have had fun with this.”

Pre-register at www.runbecauseyoucan.com or active.com. It costs $25 per runner or $75 for a family of four. Same day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. the race starts at 8:30 a.m. from the Medical Arts Building. Call 323-0520 for more information.

Methodist University and Friends of Music present the 11th Annual Holiday Gala Concert on December 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Reeves Auditorium.

“The holidays would not be complete without the annual Methodist University Music Department Holiday Gala,” said Michael Martin, director of choral activities and music education at Methodist University. “It features Methodist University students in solo and ensemble performances.” The featured ensembles are Methodist University Chorale, Methodist University Chamber Singers, Methodist University Women’s Chorus, The Noblemen Men’s Chorus and assorted small instrumental groups.

“The music is a mixture of different types of holiday material,” said Martin. “The Noblemen will sing an a capella version of ‘We Three Kings of Orient Are.’” Martin added that people should come to be entertained by a variety of music and not just Christmas carols.

Friends of Music was created in order to provide community and alumni support for the Department of Music at Methodist University. FOM has been successful arranging faculty-student concerts, concert receptions, endowed music scholarships, professional guest artist concerts and master classes. The goal is to bring excellence in music to everyone in the community.

“This holiday concert precedes the final music department’s concert of the semester on Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m.,” said Martin. “It will be held in Reeves Auditorium and the Symphonic and Jazz Bands will perform.”

Admission is free. For more information call 630-7158.

Whether your vision of the holidays is a Martha Stewart style banquet with friends and extended family, a scene from a Currier and Ives print or the down-home, wholesome goodness of a Norman Rockwell piece, there is just something about this special time of year that calls for honoring traditions, celebrating with friends and family and decking the halls with fi nery.

A long standing tradition in its own right, is the Downtown Alliance’s Candlelight Loft Tours on Dec. 13. Thanks not only to the new properties downtown, but also to a surge in the downtown population, there will be 12 to 15 homes on display this year.

“I compare it to the parade of homes, only this is a parade of lofts,” said Chris Villa, Downtown Alliance loft tour co-chair. “And this is going to show people what it is like to live downtown and some of the places they could live.”

According to Villa there will be a wide range of lofts on display, older, newer, as well as plenty of newcomers who have not been a part of the tour before.

“I am really excited that we are going to have the loft above Mcduff’s Tea Room on the tour,” said Villa.

“And of course, we have David McCune’s loft which is in the new townhouse...and I am trying to get somebody in the 300 block project.”

On the night of the tour, stop by the Downtown Alliance offi ce at 222 Hay St. before beginning the tour. You’ll receive a wrist band, a program and a map. Luminary paths will light the way as visitors seek out the lofts they are interested in viewing (see them all or only one or two, it is up to you). Volunteers will be on hand at each property to guide visitors through the lofts and shed a little light on downtown living.

Doors are open from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Downtown Alliance offi ce, Rude Awakening Coffee Shop, City Center Gallery and Books and The Pilgrim.

Woman’s Club Tour of Homes

For a totally different take on holiday decorating, check out The Woman’s Club of Fayetteville Christmas tour of homes. Dr. & Mrs. Joshua Barkman, Dr. & Mrs. Bradley Broussard. Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Cates, Dr. & Mrs. Walter Greene, Kay & Jim Jones and Lt. Col. and Mrs. Gregory Politowics have all agreed to showcase their homes and invite the community to enter in and partake of their hospitality.

For a $10 donation, visit these six lovely properties decked in holiday cheer on Dec. 6.

“The home owners that have opened their beautiful homes, friendly doors and lovely decorated homes and all their hard labor are helping to make this happen,” said Betty Muncy, Woman’s Club of Fayetteville tour of homes coordinator.

“I have been the coordinator for seven years, but it takes our whole club — all of our club members to participate — to join in. We have fun, plus we hope to make some money.”

Founded in 1906, the Woman’s Club of Fayetteville promotes civic, cultural, educational and social welfare of the community. Money raised by the tour of homes (which is their largest fundraising event of the year) is used to preserve and restore Heritage Square. The Sandford House, Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House and the Nimocks House are all in need of repair, and it is women of Fayetteville who have taken up the cause to preserve these historic landmarks.

“All three are listed on the National Register of Historic Homes,” said Muncy.“We hope to keep them preserved for future generations.”

The tour runs from 1-6 p.m. Call 485-1555 or 483-6009 for more info or to purchase tickets.

Kings Grant Holiday Tour of Homes

Residents in Kings Grant are opening their doors and their hearts to benefi t the children of Falcon Children’s Home. On Sunday, Dec. 6 from 4-7 p.m., several homes in the community will be on display during the fi rst holiday tour of homes. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of, and can be purchased at the Kings Grant gate house. For more information, contact Jackie Carter at 488-6670.

Don your mittens, coat and hat and head to Downtown Fayetteville early on Saturday morning, Dec. 12, to stake out your perfect spot for the annual Rotary Christmas Parade, a hometown holiday tradition beginning at 11 a.m., complete with marching bands, accomplished performers and festive floats.

Between 100 and 120 entries will assemble from 9-9:30 a.m. in the parking lots of the Cumberland County Courthouse and First Presbyterian Church before traveling the parade route up Person Street to the Market House, then on up Hay Street to the Railroad Station. News 14 Carolina will provide live television coverage of the parade, expected to last two to two and a half hours.

“This is the 10th anniversary of the parade,” said Matthew Smith, co-chair of the parade with A. Johnson Chestnutt since 2001. “The parade is a year-round project for us. It is sponsored by the area’s three Rotary Clubs: Fayetteville Rotary Club, West Fayetteville Rotary Club and LaFayette Rotary Club. We join together to do this as a service project, not a fundraiser. It is geared toward children of the community, whether they are 9 or 99.”

Response from the community, as well as the state and even out of the state as far away as Las Vegas, has been very good since the clubs’ first year.

“We had 40 or 50 entries the first year,” Smith said. “We reached our maximum of 100-110 in the last couple of years. Most folks don’t realize how many people are in the parade — 3,000-3,500 individuals. We’ve done an excellent job of working together to put this on, and we also have additional non-Rotarian volunteers working on the parade. The city, parks and recreation and police department ensure things go smoothly.”

In addition to growing quickly over the past 10 years, the Clubs made another positive change in the parade –– the route.

“When the Rotary assumed responsibility for the parade, we changed the route so that it moved up the street toward the railroad tracks so the parade is not bothered by trains during live TV,” said Smith. “We don’t have to stop the parade for fi ve minutes while a train passes by, and when it’s live TV, you can’t cut out the trains!”

Smith noted that they expect 7,500 to 12,500 people to be on the street watching the parade this year.

“People begin showing up as early as 9:30; most come between 10 to 10:30. There’s not a curb seat left at 10:15,” said Smith. “There are reviewing stands in front of the Arts Council with some public seating and some for dignitaries and guests.”

Among the special guests this year are Rotary District Governor Nancy Barbee, who will be riding on the Rotary float, and the Parade Grand Marshals, Cartoon Network’s Tom and Jerry.

“We choose Grand Marshals who present a wholesome character that kids want to emulate, someone they recognize and associate with,” Smith said. “Of course, we will have Santa Claus, with elves following in pickup trucks with candy. We do want to remind folks that nothing is to be passed out by parade participants. It is a city ordinance.”

And while the overall theme of the parade is Christmas, the Rotary Clubs are working towards specific themes, which may bring out even more creativity in participants.

“We encourage homemade floats,” said Smith. “The number has grown considerably. We’re hoping at some point that the parade will have more floats than walking groups.”

 For more information or to apply to participate in the parade, visit www.rotarychristmasparade. com or call (910) 309-1759.

Fort Bragg is home to a number of senior commands, few of which are more unique than the unconventional war fighters of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. This week the command celebrates 20 years of service to the nation, and will hold a by-invitation, black-tie banquet on Friday at Fort Bragg.

The commanding general of USASOC, Lt. Gen. John Mulholland, will lead his headquarters in saluting the more than 27,000 personnel who currently form the ranks of the Army Special Operations headquarters and seven principle subordinate commands. A sizable portion of Mulholland’s force is located at Fort Bragg, with other units stationed from Key West, Fla., to Okinawa, Japan. The command oversees such unconventional warfare units as the U.S. Army Special Forces Command, the 75th Ranger Regiment, the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade, the 4th Psychological Operations Group, the 160th Special Operations Brigade and the 528th Sustainment Brigade. Also located at Fort Bragg is USASOC’s training center, the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, which trains more than 10,000 students annually in more than 60 courses of instruction.

Since its inception on Dec. 1, 1989, the pace of USASOC’s operations has been extraordinary; operating around the world, often behind-the-lines, in some of the most remote and hostile regions on the planet. The command’s operations and range of military contributions reads like a travel guide to America’s foreign policy — Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Rwanda, Haiti, the Philippines, Somalia, Colombia, Afghanistan and Iraq — to name just a few.

Today the operations tempo for Army Special Operations has never been greater, and is unlikely to decrease in the near future. USASOC currently has Soldiers deployed on 103 missions in 56 countries around the world, and is operating across the spectrum of lethality and influence. On any given day elements of three of the five active-duty Special Forces groups, units from the two National Guard Special Forces Groups, one ranger battalion, some 36 special-operations aircraft and more than 35 Civil Affairs teams and 35 Psychological Operations Teams and Sustainment Brigade logistics units are deployed around the world.

In the eight years since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, more than 240 of USASOC’s Soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their names are cast in bronze on a wall in USASOC’s Memorial Plaza.

That range of USASOC’s expertise ensures the Army’s special-operations forces can execute the most lethal, highly complex and sensitive special operations, wage unconventional warfare, conduct high-risk helicopter operations or prosecute civil military and influence operations. The command’s motto, “Without Equal,” captures the spirit of its people and their commitment to maintaining the world’s finest ground special operations force.

Few commands can match USASOC’s contributions over the past two decades, its countless missions most often quietly executed and unheralded. For those in today’s USASOC, the pace is fast, the challenges great and morale and job satisfaction have seldom been greater.

Bethlehem is an ancient city. The people are a mix of cultures and beliefs, but at Christmas, all of those beliefs and cultures blend into a major celebration. In Bethlehem, Christmas is not observed on any particular day. Bethlehem consists of people of different Christian denominations — Catholics, Protestants, Greek Orthodoxes, Ethiopians, Armenians and more. While Roman Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas Day on Dec. 25, Greek, Syrian and other Orthodox Christians observe it on Jan. 6. For Armenian Christians, Christmas Day is on January 18. Hence, Bethlehem witnesses a longer Christmas celebration than many other places.

In Japan, Christmas is not a family holiday. Instead, the occassion holds a special meaning mainly for young people, especially women and teenagers. For young children, it is the time to recieve presents from “Hotei-osho,” a Buddhist monk who is seen as the Japanese equivalent of Santa Claus. For the single women, Christmas Eve evening is the time to spend quality hours with their special someone, much like Valetine’s Day.

In Fayetteville, a city that prides itself on cultural diversity, it seems only natural that there be a celebration of Holy Days that meets the needs of the entire community. That celebration — the World Holiday Festival — has been a year in the making, and promises to have something for everyone.

Liliana Parker, the event coordinator, started working on the idea some time back.

“We always hear there’s nothing to do in December,” she said. “So we thought it would be a good time to put together a festival.”

In the past, a festival designed solely for the Latina community took place in December. Parker thought it would be better to have something geared toward the culturally rich community.

“We saw this as an opportunity to develop this project,” she said. “The World Holiday Festival will showcase the progress of our community in interaction with other cultures while offering a venue for learning and entertainment. It will also bring to its participants an opportunity for friendship and to create links among those who share the same geographical area but live their private lives within their own culture.”

Taking a group of volunteers from the community, the festival’s board set up a planning meeting last year. They broke the group down into three committees, each looking at different aspects of the festival.

“We met throughout the year, fi ne-tuned our plan, and are now ready for the festival,” said Parker.

Slated for Dec. 11-12 at the Crown Arena, the festival will feature music, dancing, vendors and, of course, food.

“Attendees are going to see entertainers of all different kinds on stage. They will be presenting Holy Day music, Christmas Carols and even a fashion show,” said Parker.

Dancers are coming from all over the state, as well as the local area. The Cumberland County Schools are even participating.

“We have bands and aerial performers, who are a lot like the Cirque de Soleil,” she continued. “There will be other representations from different parts of the world — Greece, several Latin American countries and the Pacifi c Islands.”

In keeping with the season, there will also be shopping, lots of shopping. Parker said the vendors make unique, handcrafted items that cannot be found in local stores. And, of course, you can’t forget the food. Parker said the international food court will have a little bit of everything to tempt your taste buds.

“It is a chance for people all over the world to learn things about each other like that the Chinese don’t celebrate the holidays like we celebrate,” said Parker. “This is a chance for people to see that other cultures have another idea of celebration which is different than Christmas. This is not just about Christmas, it is holidays in general.”

The event will run from 12 to 8 p.m. For more info call 433-0791 or check out www.worldholidayfestival.com.

Won’t Slow Down Till the Wheels Stop Moving

That pretty much sums up this gang of do it yourselfers from West Virginia known as The Fox Hunt. Since 2007 these boys have been building up steam and takin' to the road like true warriors. And now after only three years, The Fox Hunt has cut through the heart of the country state by state, appearing at endless venues, performing at numerous festivals, making countless friends, and in the meantime, releasing what will be their fourth album consisting of all original material. These boys are for real. They are fueled by passion and driven by the music. It won't be long before they work their way into the hearts, minds and voices of every listener.

The Fox Hunt is an all original four-piece string band playing acoustic roots music through a single mic. They have been called a bluegrass band, a rock band, a country band, a punk band, you name it. When you see them you will understand why. Their roots go in all directions. They have a rough-and-rowdy stage presence accompanied with the traditional instrumentation of guitar, upright bass, mandolin, fiddle and banjo. They are constantly trading off roles by switching up instruments, exchanging vocals or harmonizing in the background, all while weaving in and out to a single mic. The instrumentation is characteristic of old time string music, early country and sometimes rock. Their songwriting is clever and creative and quickly captures the attention of every listener. When combining it all you get the bright harmonies of the acoustic melodies fused with the rough and smoky rock and roll style of the lyrical arrangements.

Serving up dirt-laden tales of substance abuse, lonely highways, infidelity, damnation and redemption, Martinsburg, W.V.'s The Fox Hunt plays a brand of music anyone can identify with. Their strong writing and instrumentation is rounded out by a raucous live performance, making them as comfortable in a rowdy punk rock bar as they would be on your back porch.

The band features Matt Kline on bass and guitar. John Miller also plays bass and guitar, while Ben Townsend rounds out their sound on the banjo and the fiddle. Matt Metz is featured on the mandolin and banjo. All of the band members contribute vocally.

Since 2007 the band has produced four albums, Nowhere Bound which was released in 2007. America's Working So We Don't Have To, and The Fox Hunt EP were bother released in 2009 and their current album is Long Way To Go.
To learn more abut them go to www.thefoxhunt.net or www.myspace.com/lefoxhunt

Check them out at the Rock Shop on Dec. 9 at 9 p.m.

The North Carolina State Ballet will present the Nutcracker at the Crown Center Theatre Dec. 6, 12 and 13 at 3 p.m. The gala performance is presented in two acts and three scenes and has a cast of 60 dancers and actors.

The Nutcracker is headlined by international guest artists, Barbara Toth and Wei Ni, who dance the "Sugar Plum Fairy" and the "Cavalier." Anne Talkington alternates "Clara" grown up with Dara Buffaloe. April Glasper performs as the "Flower Queen" and Daniel Moore is "Drosslemeyer".

The cast of sixty plus Dancers and Actors is directed by, Charlotte Blume. Both Toth and Ni are international ballet dancers who have performed with companies in China, the U.S., Canada and Europe. Set in the 19th century, it is the story of "Clara", who receives an enchanted "Nutcracker" from her Godfather(Drosselmeyer) and then embarks on a Magical Journey. She travels from the terror of the "Mouse King" to a Romantic Odyssey with the "Nutcracker Prince" to the "Land of Snow" and to the "Land of Sweets".

Ni is a native of Dalian, China. He began his study of ballet at Shangyang Ballet Academy of China and has danced with several companies in China before coming to the United States where he danced for Tulsa Ballet Theater, Cincinnati Ballet and Pittsburgh Ballet Theater before coming to North Carolina. From Hungary Toth came to North Carolina in 2007 from Hungary where she studied dance at the Hungarian Dance Academy in Budapest. She also studied for a year at the School of American Ballet in New York City.

For Blume, the annual production is a way of giving the community the gift of dance, and of showcasing the talented ballet students in the community.

"We have a large group of talented dancers who are performing," said Blume. "Some of them are from areas outside of Fayetteville; however, most are from Fayetteville. We rehearse seven-days a week - so it's a major undertaking."

The company started rehearsals the third week of September, with various portions of the ballet being rehearsed every day. "We worked on something every day, and then we put it all together," said Blume.
Blume said that she sets the bar high for her dancers.

"I always expect a high-level performance and I work toward that end," she said. "I always try to bring the dancers up to the level of the choreography. We definitely don't water the choreography down. If we did that, it would not be an exciting performance or at the level that the community has come to expect from this company."

While the public performances are highly anticipated, it is the school performances that give the dancers the biggest thrill, and are part of what drives Blume on.

"We have three school performances each year," she said. "For many of these students, this will be the first time they are exposed to the ballet."
All of Cumberland County's fourth grade students attend the performance.

"When students start young going to ballet, concerts or theatre - they develop a taste for it - they find out what a wonderful experience it is and how it transports them, and as adults they pursue the interest," she explained.

The Nutcracker performance has been ongoing for more than 30 years, with students attending for the past 20 years.

"The children are very, very excited," said Blume. "The first school performance they are so excited that the dancers can barely contain themselves - then they want that same sense of excitement from the adult audience as well, but the adult audiences tend to be more restrained. The children are so excited by first act that they get tired of clapping, but they never get tired of the show."

Tickets for the public performances are $14 for general seating. There is a military discount available at the door. For more information, call 485-4965.

Since its founding in April of 1988 the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity has built more than 48 houses in Cumberland County. Habitat's mission is to eliminate poverty housing from the world. They believe that every human has a right to decent housin g and work to provide the disadvantaged with places to live.

Currently, Habitat Village is where much of their good work is being done. Homes are being built on land deeded to Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity by the City of Fayetteville. While the organization is known on a national level, funds are raised locally and are kept in the community to help citizens in Fayetteville.On Dec. 5, Kings Grant Golf and Country Club and Methodist University are hosting a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity - the Cumberland Christmas Classic.

"It is a new concept and the mission is to give back to the community," said Rob Pilewski, head golf pro at Kings Grant Golf and County Club. "The overall goal is to raise funds for a house for Habitat. We can say ‘Hey, this is for the good of the community - and we can see it right there. We built it.'"

This is just the beginning of what Pilewski and other sponsors hope will become an annual event that folks all over town look forward to and participate in.

"We felt like we wanted to benefit the community, Kings Grant is involved with Methodist University and part of those things is giving back to the community. It is in our mission statements," said Pilewski.
"This is a perfect way to do it. If I could look into the future and could say how I see it down the road, I think it would be great if we could get enough money and if we could get everybody involved from all the community building a house. How great would that be?" he continued.

It currently costs almost $45,000 to build a Habitat for Humanity home, not to mention all the volunteer hours required. That's a pretty penny no matter how worthy the cause. Pilewski is confident that it can be done, and he is willing to work toward that end, even if it takes a while.

"Are we going to get there in one year? Maybe not," said Pilewski. "But if we keep banking our funds we will get there - and you've got to start somewhere. I feel like it doesn't matter where you start, it is where you end up. It would be a win-win for everybody. That is our goal and we are excited about it."

The tournament format is an elimination scramble. Pilewski described it in a nutshell as a game where everybody drives, everybody putts and you eliminate a person in between. Along with the interesting format, he also mentioned that there have been several improvements to the course that should make it a great experience for the players. There will also be a silent auction with items like an autographed picture of Peyton Manning, a football from N.C. State, an item or two from the Charlotte Bobcats as well as some national-level donations from various sports teams. Christmas ornaments are a part of the effort too, and can be purchased at Kings Grant Golf & Country Club.

Now through Dec. 5 the course is offering a special on greens fees which will return a portion of the fee to Habitat for Humanity so even if you can't make the tournament, you can still help. While the Christmas Classic officially supports Habitat for Humanity, Pilewski noted that the top three teams will have the option of donating their funds to a local charity of their choice.
Registration is currently open, the fee per golfer is $100, and includes greens fees, cart fees, practice balls, lunch, on-course refreshments and prizes. Sponsorships are still available. The tournament has a 10 a.m. shotgun start.  For more information or to register, call Rob Pilewski at 630-1111.

The weeks leading up to the Singing Christmas Tree at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church are more than hectic. During that time, Larry Dickens, the minister of music, is pulling together what those involved in the annual Christmas tradition call "the Miracle on Westmont."

The tree, in its 31st year, brings together 250 singers, a 30-piece orchestra, two handbell choirs and youth choir, which will feature 114 teens. This year, the tree will incorporate the Kidsville Kids! and a youth choir, under the direction of Joy Cogswell.

"We are excited about it," said Dickens of the tree. "We're doing a few different things this year - but we try to have something different every year."

The big "different" this year is the premier of an original composition by Giles Blankenship, which has been set for the choir and orchestra. The orchestration is also an original, and written for the piece by Neil Finn. Titled Glimpse of Glory, the composition was the inspiration for the title of this year's program.

The tree, more than 40-feet tall, is a big draw inside and outside of the community. Tickets have been available on the church's Web site for several weeks, and have been moving quickly.

"This will be the 31st annual performance of the Singing Christmas Tree at Snyder, and it is really a Fayetteville Christmas tree," said Dickens. "This was one of the first singing trees in the state of North Carolina."
With that rich heritage, the tree has gathered quite a following. "We have groups from out of state that travel on charter buses to come see the performance," explained Dickens. "They plan their Christmas season around it."

As do many people in Fayetteville. Annually more than 6,000 people come out to see the performance, so the free tickets go quickly. "There are still some tickets available and they can be reserved through the church office or on our Web site," continued Dickens.

While the performance seems seamless, much work is put into that finished show.

"It's a pretty interesting process," said Dickens. "The planning process starts in May, with all of the selections and themes completed by August."
All of the scripts are original and pulled from different places.

"Years ago you would buy a musical with all of the songs and scripts and then do what's in front of you," he said. "But that isn't the case anymore. This is a huge process. It's very challenging, but it's worth it."
Dickens said that rehearsals for each of the individual groups begin in mid-August. "All of the different groups work independently as we move through the fall season," he said.
It is during that time that the groups whose performances overlap or interact are brought together in small groups.

"The week before the first performance is the first time everyone is all together," said Dickens. "That's why we jokingly call this the Miracle on Westmont - all of the pieces are never in the same room until Tuesday night's first full dress before the show. Basically it all has to come together in about five and a half hours."

Dickens said with everyone rehearsing bits and pieces, the production doesn't seem to make sense until it is all in the room at the same time.

"It is pretty nerve wracking for the production people," he said. "This is my 11th production, and some people say this is why I have a bald spot. But the show always comes together."

The tree is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, Dec. 3-4 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5-6 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Limited tickets are available now, and can be reserved at the church's Web site, www.snydermbc.com, or by calling the church office at 484-3191.

It will be the best of times, with none of the worst of times, when the streets of Historic Downtown Fayetteville transform into Victorian England, filled with the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas during the annualA Dickens Holidayon Friday, Nov. 27 from 1 to 9 p.m. 

"This will be the 10th year we've hadA Dickens Holiday in Downtown Fayetteville," said Mary Kinney, marketing manager of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County, "and the 10th year that it has been put on by The Arts Council." 

Produced by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County with the Downtown Alliance,A Dickens Holiday is a unique and simpler alternative to starting the holiday season than the chaos of Black Friday at malls and superstores.

"It's an elegant and gentle way to begin the holiday season," said Hank Parfitt, founder and past president of the Downtown Alliance, and chairman ofA Dickens Holiday committee. "It's a collaborative endeavor, and its success is a testament to the working relationship of the Arts Council and the Downtown Alliance."

The Arts Council expects around 10,000 or more people to attend this year's celebration. Parking is plentiful and will be free in city lots; visitors may also park in private lots, which will still require payment.

"The event is free," Kinney said, "but there are certainly opportunities to do other things that would cost a little bit of money. People are welcome to buy hot cider and gingerbread at vendor stalls along Hay Street, have photographs with Father Christmas in front of the Arts Council Building and take our carriage rides."

The horse-drawn carriage rides along Hay Street, available from noon to 9 p.m., are a popular activity and sell out quickly, usually by 3 or 3:30 p.m., explained Parfitt. Visitors may choose to ride like royalty in Queen Victoria's carriage, which costs $15 per person. Tickets may be purchased at, and rides depart from, the Fayetteville Area Transportation Museum on Ray Avenue and include free refreshments. Private carriage rides for two can be reserved for $50. Advance ticket purchases are recommended for Victoria's carriage rides and are available by calling 678-8899. While waiting for their carriage to arrive, visitors will want to be sure and view the Christmas train exhibit presented by model railroaders. 

For those who prefer a big group experience, Ye Olde Hitch Wagon leaves from the Downtown Alliance on Hay Street, also from noon to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 dollars for adults and $5 for children under 12. 

A carriage ride provides the perfect vantage point to take in an overview of the many activities happening throughout the downtown area, including strolling artists performing from 1 to 8:30 p.m. One might catch a glimpse of Marley or Scrooge or Tiny Tim among the crowd. John Tudor, an award-winning magician, will entertain and amaze, and the sounds of the Woodwind Ensemble, Chenaniah Show Choir, Coventry Carolers, Salvation Army Band, Highland Brass Band, Little String Trio, River Valley Players and Oakwood Waits will fill the air with music of the season. 

"Oakwood Waits is an a cappella ensemble that has twice been invited to sing at the White House. ‘Waits' from the early English refers to street musicians, particularly singers," Kinney said.

In addition to serenading audiences along the brick-lined streets of downtown, the musical groups will take to the stages of the Arts Council Building and The Metropolitan Room on Green Street throughout the day and evening. The Metropolitan Room will also presentTuba Christmas, a free all-tuba-and-euphonium concert hosted by Hay Street United Methodist Church, and a sneak preview of Gilbert Theater'sA Christmas Carol, which opens across the street at 8 p.m. Tickets for that performance are $10.

And those who attendA Dickens Holiday won't miss out on the first official day of holiday shopping.

"Certainly with the crowds of people, we create a unique shopping opportunity," Kinney said. "In addition to the merchants who are here every day, we also bring in vendors who are artisans and crafters. So on the sidewalks we have people who are selling their handmade wares. It's definitely a shopping experience, and folks can get their Christmas shopping done early."

Many other activities will take place at venues throughout the downtown area. At Fascinate-U Children's Museum from 1 to 7 p.m., participants can create their own Victorian Christmas ornament to give, to keep or to place on the community Christmas tree. Artists at Cape Fear Studios will demonstrate their skills and offer original hand-crafted items for sale from 1 to 9 p.m. during theAnnual Members Holiday Show and the Market House will feature a Dickens historic exhibit with educational panels and artifacts detailing the Victorian era in Fayetteville and England. Of course, tiny tots and anyone who believes will want to preserve the magic of the day by having their picture taken with Father Christmas in front of an authentic Victorian sleigh at the Arts Council Building from 1-5:30 p.m. and from 6-8:30 p.m. for $5 per print. 

Visitors are also encouraged to immerse themselves in the life and times of Dickens by dressing up in their Victorian finery and participating in the Dickens Costume Contest and Fireside Chat with Charles Dickens from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Metropolitan Room. Admission to the contest is free, and those who wish to enter the contest may register for $10 at 222 Hay Street for a chance to win $500 in cash prizes.

"We have lots and lots to do!" Parfitt said. 

New to this year's celebration is the Downtown Alliance's very first H&H Homes Professional Gingerbread House Competition at the Rainbow Room from 1 to 9 p.m.

"In a nutshell," said Parfitt, "it's professional chefs literally racing against the clock in order to design a gingerbread house that will win the $500 top prize. They can build the structure ahead of time, but they start decorating at 1, and they have to be done by no later than 6. 

"We worked with Chef Richard Kugelmann, director of the culinary arts program at FTCC and chairman of the competition committee. He agreed to help put this contest together, and his students are going to be involved. He's really excited about it because the event is good for the community. We're planning on it becoming an annual event. We have partnered with H& H Homes, a major sponsor of this event, and they want to keep doing this."

Greg West of H&H Homes explained that the competition came about quickly. 

"We thought it would be cute and fun, something that is a natural fit with a homebuilding company," said West, "and it supports the community."

While the competitors must meet certain stipulations with respect to materials used -- all decorations must be edible -- and size of the gingerbread houses, the design rules are fairly relaxed. 

"The houses have to have a North Carolina theme. So it could be a beach house, it could be a part of the Biltmore House, or it could be a country church somewhere," Parfitt said.

The entrants in this year's competition at publication time are Huske Hardware House Restaurant & Brewery, Cape Fear Valley Health System, Fayetteville Technical Community College's Future Culinarians of America and Sandhills Community College's Baking & Pastry Arts Club. An independent panel of board-certified chefs will judge the architectural confections from 6-7 p.m., and the visitors ofA Dickens Holiday will be able to vote with $1 contributions for the People's Choice award to help raise money for the event.

"As you walk by, you put a dollar bill in the ballot box of the one that's your favorite, so that's going to be a lot of fun," said Parfitt. "They will be decorating live, and you can walk in the Rainbow Room and walk by their tables and see how they're doing and encourage them. We hope to have a live deejay narrating the event as we go. We'll actually announce the winners at 7 or 7:30, but people can still go by and see the two-foot trophy and vote for People's Choice until about 8:45. We think that this could become really, really big, and it will be loads of fun."

At 5 p.m., visitors will gather at the Arts Council Building at Hay and Maxwell Streets for the Candlelight Procession along Hay Street to the Market Square. Six London Bobbies, complete with authentic uniforms and metropolitan police whistles, will stroll the street in pairs to help clear the street and move people to the safety of the sidewalks and side streets so that Queen Victoria, horses, carriages and participants may safely pass. Anyone who wishes to join the procession should gather by the Arts Council Building and follow, rather than join from the sides.

"It's probably the most spectacular part of the whole day, and people can pick up free candles at the Arts Council Building and from various merchants in Downtown Fayetteville," said Kinney. "We're inviting people to enjoy the food at the 21st Century Food Court, which is on the 300 block next to the Arts Council and away from where the procession will go. They'll be in a good position to see folks who are gathering for the procession. We plan to start the procession at about 5:30 p.m."

"Doug Elwell is going to be on the bagpipes, leading the procession, followed by the Cape Fear Scottish Clan, followed by Queen Victoria in a white carriage accompanied by the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry (FILI)," said Parfitt. 

"Riding with Queen Victoria will be Charles Dickens. They will process the three blocks to the Market House along with everyone with candlelight. Charles Dickens and Tiny Tim will entertain the crowd, and there'll be singing and bells ringing, the tree lighting and the Grand Illumination," Kinney said. 

Kinney and Parfitt stress that after the procession, people won't want to leave. "The crowd and the events are shifting and moving in terms of location, but the day is not ending," said Kinney. "The party will move down to The Metropolitan Room for the costume contest and fireside chat." 

Visitors are encouraged to stroll about the other activities continuing in the Downtown area until the fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. that will signal the official ending of the holiday, a change in the schedule from previous holidays. 

"They really should stick around for the beautiful fireworks," Kinney said.

Indeed, one won't want to miss any ofA Dickens Holiday and the chance to sample the customs and delights of a time gone by.

"We wantA Dickens Holiday that feels authentic, making you feel like you've really stepped back in time. Whether it's smelling the hot cider and gingerbread or having an encounter with Scrooge himself, to the London Bobbies, you really can take a trip to a different time and place right here in Downtown Fayetteville," Kinney said. 

Parfitt agrees wholeheartedly. "You can come downtown and travel in time back to the past and enjoy all these wonderful sights and sounds, enjoy the carriage rides, do a little shopping so that you won't be too far behind and enjoy some of the real unique shops we have down here."

"A Dickens Holiday is a great opportunity for people who have out-of-town guests to have a place to go and something to do that is heartwarming and a lot of fun for the family to create memories," said Kinney.

For more information and a complete schedule of activities and events at A Dickens Holiday, visit the Arts Council's Web site at ww.theartscouncil.com/Dickens_Holiday.html. 

 

There is no shortage of people in our area who live their faith daily so I rarely have difficulty writing my article. I usually have more difficulty getting it to the editors than actually compiling the information. However, this week I wrestled with what to write because I wanted to do this particular story justice.

Like so many others in this area, I experienced a sense of overwhelming sadness and disbelief after hearing the tragic news about the Maxwell family. As a former English teacher at Village Christian Academy, I felt connected to my former students and coworkers who knew and loved the family, though I personally did not. I felt helpless. I wanted to cry. I wanted to try to make sense of things.

Instead, I made a phone call. I made a phone call to Village Christian and spoke with the one person I felt I could reach out to and that was Kimet Montooth, middle school principal.

The first question she asked me was, “Did you teach Connor?” I had not. My first question to her was, “Do you need help with grief counseling because that’s all I know to do?”

She responded to my offer with gratitude and appreciation. We spoke briefly and ended our conversation.

What I have read and heard about the Maxwell family for the past week is what compelled me to honor them in this way. They are all individuals who loved the Lord and served him to the best of their ability. They were, in life, truly faces of faith in our community and in the lives of others they so deeply touched. In death, they remain the same faces of faith because their faith and trust in the Lord determined their heavenly home. “For to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

Rest in peace, Maxwell family.