Entertainment

Vision Resource Center fashion show cultivates confidence among visually impaired

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Tuesday, 03 March 2026

Written by Anna White

A model steps into the spotlight and confidently walks the runway. This is their moment. Training, preparation, styling—classic fashion show precursors—but one thing is different. The models here are blind or visually impaired. This is the Vision Resource Center’s second annual fashion show for the blind and visually impaired. In a world often void of accommodations, Vision Resource Center is rolling out the red carpet to support independence and essential services for the visually impaired in Cumberland County. In the process, models find support and empowerment, blossoming to their greatest potential.
Vision Resource Center, which began in 1939 as the Cumberland County Association of the Blind, serves the special needs population of Cumberland County by providing a centralized place for education, vocational training, civic engagement, health programs, and recreational activities. They seek to address the social, economic, and vocational isolation that many visually impaired individuals face by offering accessible, comprehensive services in one place. They are one of the first four agencies of the United Way of Cumberland County and operate in conjunction with the Cumberland County Department of Social Services.
Last year, their inaugural fashion show, Blind to Boundaries: Eyes Closed, Style Open, was initiated by VRC member D. Wayne Gille, supported by volunteer Patty Nusbaum, Katherine Gill, and Shona Philips. The show sold out.
This year, a new theme is taking shape, inspired by springtime.
“After seeing the confidence and creativity that emerged during the 2025 debut, we felt drawn to a theme that celebrates personal growth, resilience, and the inner strength within our visually impaired community,” said Maureen Pacheco, community outreach and engagement specialist for Vision Resource Center. “The theme Full Bloom: Cultivating Confidence was inspired by the beginning of spring, a time when everything starts to open up, grow, and reveal new possibilities. That sense of renewal felt like the perfect reflection of what we want this show to represent.”
Pacheco says that behind the scenes, the concept developed through conversations exploring what confidence looks like for each individual.
“We were inspired by the life of a flower, from seed to bloom, and how that journey mirrors our own paths toward self-assurance,” she explained. “This imagery shaped our styling choices, visual design, and the atmosphere we set out to create. Our goal was for every model to feel supported and empowered to step into their own full bloom, much like the world coming alive at the start of spring.”
She shared two models’ stories that exemplify what this theme means on a personal level. Latasha Smith, who lost her sight nearly a decade ago due to a surgical complication, has chosen not to let the challenge define her. Instead, she has embraced joy, music, dance, and living fully.
“For Latasha, participating in the fashion show is a celebration of that resilience. When she steps onto the runway, she isn’t defined by her blindness. The event allows her to showcase her personality and strength, reminding herself and everyone watching that life doesn’t stop after loss,” shared Pacheco.
The second model, Tina Jacobs, is a proud Native American. She works as a childcare director, living with low vision due to diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
Pacheco explained, “Tina sees the show as a platform to share her journey, advocate for inclusion, and demonstrate that her abilities and leadership extend far beyond her visual impairment.”
The fashion show changes its participants in lasting ways. Pacheco says that last year, they saw powerful shifts in the way models carried themselves once they were styled, supported and guided onto the runway.
“Their posture changed, their presence strengthened, and the way they expressed themselves radiated a new sense of pride,” she said. “Even after the event, many shared how their self-esteem had grown and how empowering the experience was.”
In addition to the show’s impact on models, Pacheco says they learned a lot from the wider community’s response. The 2025 show was held in a small venue and Pacheco says the turnout exceeded all expectations, an outcome she calls “remarkable.” This year, they’ve expanded both their venue and volunteer team, making it possible to “welcome everyone who wants to enjoy the show with us,“ according to Pacheco.
When community members attend, Pacheco says they leave with a deeper appreciation for the talent, creativity and confidence within the visually impaired community.
“Many people may not realize the range of abilities our models have or the incredible things they are capable of. This show is a chance to see them not defined by their disability, but by their courage, self-expression, and artistry,” she explained. “We want attendees to understand that the visually impaired community is fully present, active, and part of the same community they live in. They are capable of wonderful and beautiful things, and this event is a celebration of that.”
Attend Full Bloom: Cultivating Confidence, Saturday, March 21, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 614 Oakridge Ave. Tickets start at $26 and can be purchased online at visionresourcecentercc.org

Celebrating the joy of reading: Read Across America Week in Cumberland County Schools

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Tuesday, 03 March 2026

Written by Dr. Shanessa Fenner

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved to read. Being an introvert makes it easy to become completely absorbed and joyfully immersed in the pages of a good book. My Saturday trips to Barnes & Noble reflect a deep personal appreciation for literacy, which is why I value Read Across America for its dedication to promoting the essential role of reading in our lives.
Read Across America was launched in 1997 by the National Education Association, and it was first celebrated in March 1998. The initiative was created to address concerns about declining reading engagement among children, promote literacy nationwide and to encourage families and communities to read with children.
For many years, the initiative was centered around Dr. Seuss’ books and characters. In recent years, the NEA expanded its focus beyond Dr. Seuss, and the program now promotes diverse authors, cultures, and inclusive books.
This year, Read Across America week is now, March 2 to March 6, and the theme is “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Learners.” Schools and libraries will host themed reading days and events throughout this week. Cumberland County Schools will mark the week with a collaborative Read Across America and Social Emotional Learning Spirit Week celebration.
“We are really excited about this week, and the schools do a lot of the heavy lifting,” said Dr. Julia Pabst, K-5 ELA Curriculum Specialist for Cumberland County Schools. “Every school usually plans something from spirit days, mystery readers, having students sit and read with one another and really just enjoy and build that love of reading.”
She added, “We really want to empower schools to make that week their own and to celebrate reading in the way that their school culture already celebrates reading. This just makes it a lot more engaging for their students for the specific group of people that they serve.”
On Monday, the spotlight was on books featuring characters who face challenges and grow through adversity. Tuesday highlighted #OwnVoices titles, including memoirs and stories centered on identity.
Wednesday focuses on books that showcase acts of kindness, allyship and compassion. Thursday celebrates stories about young leaders, activists, inventors and changemakers. Friday wraps up the week with stories that emphasize friendship, teamwork and community.
Literacy is the foundation of formal education. It equips individuals with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that empower them to make informed decisions. Strong literacy skills are essential for personal growth and lifelong success.
“Literacy is a fundamental right, and it is one of the most important things that we can do for our children and our society,” said Pabst. “Reading not only helps us learn and grow, but it also helps us escape into different worlds and see things from different perspectives.”
Pabst added, “It gives us opportunities to come alongside people that we may not know their walk and see what it might be like to be like them or to experience things like them just through books. There’s so much that we can do because we read. It’s just one of those really exciting things.”
Learning starts at home, where parents serve as their child’s first and most important teacher. Children who grow up in literacy-rich homes recognize sounds and letters earlier, have larger vocabularies, develop better listening skills and understand how books work.
“One of the most important things that parents can do is just sit and read with their child, and it does not have to stop at reading; it can be just by sitting and having a conversation,” said Pabst.
“Not only is the literacy piece important, but listening comprehension and just sitting and having dialogue with one another builds vocabulary and builds all of those things that feed into that reading.”
Pabst added, “Just talking at the dinner table about their day using really high-level vocabulary with their children is a great way to help build great reading skills without ever picking up a book.”
A literacy-rich environment does not require expensive materials or elaborate resources. It can be created through simple, everyday activities that expose children to reading and language. This may include storytelling, singing songs, reading aloud each day, bedtime stories, access to books and magazines and more.
For parents looking to create a literacy-rich environment at home, Pabst offers a few helpful suggestions.
“Our public libraries are a great place to start,” said Pabst. “There is also the Dolly Parton Imagination Library from birth to age 5, and they will send books for free in both English and Spanish.”
She added, “There are so many online options of places to get books, so it doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. You can always reach out to your child’s school to see if they have any books that they are discarding to help build that literacy-rich home environment.”
It is essential to ignite a love of reading in our future leaders.
“One of the biggest things is to find what they are interested in, what are students curious about and that is the jumping off point,” said Pabst. “So, if I am curious about a science concept like weather, or I really love my dog and I want to learn more about the breed, what is that interest and how can I bring in different types of genres?”
She added, “Let the child take their curiosity and build different ways to build that literacy because it is not just about picking up a book, it is about combining all of the different skills that we need, and that all starts with being curious.”
Pabst’s concluding reflections about literacy directed toward parents are both profound and insightful.
“I want to encourage parents that even if they are not readers, keep asking what makes me curious and find one article or book that brings that curiosity and answers just one question that they have,” said Pabst. “Reading is so much more than just sitting and trying to get through the words.”
For more information about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, visit www.https://imaginationlibrary.com.

Vietnam Veterans, Gold Star Families to be honored

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Tuesday, 03 March 2026

Written by Jamie Bishop

Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families will gather March 26 for a special luncheon hosted by VFW Post 670 and the Cumberland County Veterans Council, an event designed to honor service, sacrifice and lasting impact.
The Vietnam Veteran & Gold Star Family Lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at VFW Post 670 at 3928 Doc Bennett Rd. Organizers are inviting all Vietnam-era veterans and families who have lost loved ones in military service to attend the annual gathering, which has become a meaningful tradition in Cumberland County’s military community.
The luncheon coincides with National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, a day set aside to recognize the nearly 2.7 million Americans who served in Vietnam between 1955 and 1975. Many of those service members returned home without the public appreciation extended to veterans of other wars. In recent years, communities across the country have worked to ensure that their service is acknowledged and remembered.
In Fayetteville, home to Fort Bragg and one of the nation’s largest military populations, the recognition carries particular weight. Generations of soldiers and their families live in the region, creating a strong network of veterans' organizations and support groups dedicated to serving those who served.
This year’s luncheon will also feature a representative from the Orange Heart Foundation, who will provide information about resources available to veterans and families affected by Agent Orange exposure. Agent Orange, a tactical herbicide used during the Vietnam War, has been linked to a range of serious health conditions. Decades after the conflict ended, many veterans continue to face medical challenges associated with that exposure.
The Orange Heart Foundation works to raise awareness about the long-term effects of Agent Orange and to connect individuals with educational materials, advocacy efforts and available benefits. Organizers say the presentation will help ensure attendees are informed about support systems and programs designed to assist those navigating health or benefits concerns tied to their service.
For Gold Star families, the luncheon offers a space of remembrance and community. The term “Gold Star” refers to families who have lost a loved one in military service. Events like this provide an opportunity to honor those sacrifices while fostering connection among families who share similar experiences.
Beyond the formal program, the luncheon is intended to create an atmosphere of fellowship. Attendees will share a meal, reconnect with fellow veterans and families, and reflect on the legacy of those who served during one of the most complex chapters in American military history.
VFW Post 670 is asking guests to RSVP by March 13. Reservations can be made in person at the post, by emailing ccvcssecretary@yahoo.com or by texting 910-709-8306. Early responses will help organizers prepare seating and meals.
Community leaders say the annual event serves as both a gesture of gratitude and a reminder that the effects of war extend far beyond the battlefield. While decades have passed since the end of the Vietnam War, the stories, sacrifices and health challenges associated with that era remain present in many families.
As Cumberland County prepares to observe Vietnam War Commemoration Day later this month, the luncheon stands as a local expression of appreciation, ensuring that Vietnam veterans and Gold Star families know their service and sacrifice are neither forgotten nor overlooked.

(Photo: Vietnam Veterans visit the VFW Post 670 during a luncheon. The VFW Post is holding their annual Vietnam Veterans and Gold Star Families Luncheon on March 26. Photo courtesy of Amelia Smith)

Chairmen of the Board, Classic Soul headline CARE Clinic’s Beach Blast fundraiser

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Tuesday, 03 March 2026

Written by Anna White

Beach music and shag dancing run deep in the Carolinas, and this year’s 2nd Annual CARE Clinic Beach Blast is bringing that heritage front and center. On March 15 at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, attendees will enjoy an afternoon filled with legendary music, championship dancing, classic cookout fare and a celebration of community spirit — all while supporting one of Cumberland County’s most vital nonprofit healthcare providers.
The highlight of the event is the appearance of Chairmen of the Board, one of the most iconic names in Carolina Beach Music. Known for timeless hits like Give Me Just a Little More Time, Carolina Girls, and Gone Fishin’, the group continues to captivate audiences across generations.
Today’s lineup features Thomas Hunter, Patrick McGuire, and original member Ken Knox, whose unmistakable voice and stage presence have kept the group’s legacy alive. Their newest international hit, Baby You’re the Melody, written by Motown legend Lamont Dozier, is currently climbing the Top 10 charts in England and France — proving their sound is as powerful as ever.
“It’s a tremendous, high‑energy show,” said Warren McDonald, head of The CARE Clinic Development Committee and organizer of the Beach Blast. “Ken … gave us a tremendous price, and we’re going to have a good time while raising money for the CARE Clinic.”
Before Chairmen of the Board takes the stage, attendees will enjoy a performance by Classic Soul, featuring three icons of the Beach Music world: McDonald, founder of The Expressions and longtime contributor to the Carolina Beach Music scene; Terri Gore, the “Original Carolina Girl,” daughter of Jackie Gore, the “Father of Beach Music”; and Keith Pollard, veteran musician and music director known for his work with the band Time Machine.
Together, they deliver a rich, soulful sound that honors the roots of Carolina music while keeping the tradition alive for new generations.
The Beach Blast event proudly welcomes a signature rum-based spirit from Cape Fear Winery & Distillery: the Beach Blast Coconut Cream Rum. Cape Fear Winery & Distillery is based in neighboring Elizabethtown, NC, and crafted the special drink to embody the easygoing, coastal spirit of the Carolinas. Beach Blast Coconut Cream Rum is the perfect match for this celebration of beach music, Shag dancing, and Southern hospitality.
Distillery owner Alex Munroe has supported The CARE Clinic for years, recognizing the vital medical services the clinic provides to residents of Fayetteville, Elizabethtown and the surrounding region. His continued commitment makes Beach Blast not just a co-sponsor, but a meaningful partner in the clinic’s mission.
Guests will quite literally be “serving up Beach Blast Coconut Cream Rum at the Beach Blast,” enjoying this smooth, coastal‑style rum known for its fun, approachable flavor profile. Whether sipped straight, mixed into cocktails, or featured in themed tastings, Beach Blast fits seamlessly into the relaxed, festive atmosphere of this event. Its branding and flavor make it a natural fit for the CARE Clinic’s Beach Blast fundraiser, reinforcing the theme while supporting a great cause.
During the event, Cape Fear Winery & Distillery will offer a special tribute and toast using mini‑bottles of Beach Blast—honoring the dedicated medical volunteers and celebrating the life‑changing work The CARE Clinic provides to our community.
No Beach Blast would be complete without shag dancing, a cultural staple throughout the region.
This year’s event features a special demonstration by Tucker and Easton Brown, championship shag dancers from Harnett County. The brothers, sons of award‑winning Beach Music singer Gary Brown and National Shag Dance Champion Nickie Brown, both earned first‑place honors at the 2024 National Shag Dance Championships in North Myrtle Beach.
“They are fabulous,” McDonald said. “People are going to love watching them.”
According to the North Carolina Museum of History, beach music is “the defining sound of the Carolinas.” Born from African American rhythm and blues in the 1950s and 60s, it inspired a culture all its own — complete with its signature dance, the Shag, and beloved groups like The Embers, The Catalinas, The Tams, and Chairmen of the Board. For many Carolinians, beach music isn’t just entertainment — it’s a shared memory, a tradition, and a reminder of home.
While the music and dancing take center stage, the heart of the Beach Blast is its purpose: raising funds for The CARE Clinic, which has provided free, quality healthcare to uninsured and low‑income adults in Cumberland County for more than 30 years.
“These people do such good work,” McDonald said. “In our metro area alone, about 38,000 people have no health insurance.”
The CARE Clinic offers basic medical care, laboratory and diagnostic testing, pharmacy services, specialist referrals, dental care, and general health education, all delivered by volunteer physicians, nurses, dentists, and medical professionals who give their time to ensure no one is left without care.
“You would be surprised how many people in the community don’t even know the CARE Clinic exists,” McDonald said. “But they’re learning.”
The 2nd Annual CARE Clinic Beach Blast will be held at Gates Four Golf & Country Club at 6775 Irongate Dr. on March 15. Doors open at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $100 per couple, and can purchased at https://bit.ly/4r70q7u.
Attendees can expect great music, championship dancing, classic cookout favorites — “hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the fixin’s,” McDonald promises — and an afternoon filled with energy, nostalgia, and community pride. “The Chairmen of the Board know it’s for a good cause or they wouldn’t be here,” McDonald said. “We’ll leave them with a great memory, and they will enjoy this show immensely.”