Entertainment

FTCC hosts Fall Community History Lecture: American Fighter Pilots in WWI - A Lafayette connection

Details

Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Written by Jaclyn Shambaugh

Fayetteville Technical Community College will present a public lecture at 1 p.m. on Sept. 6 about American fighter pilots who volunteered to fly for the French Air Force in the early days of World War I.
The pilots were part of a squadron dubbed the Lafayette Escadrille after the Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution (and the namesake of Fayetteville, NC, and many other US communities).
The lecture will be in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Tony Rand Student Center on FTCC’s Fayetteville campus. It is open to the public. Admission is free.
Mark Trapp will present the lecture. Trapp is author of “A Destiny of Undying Greatness: Kiffin Rockwell and the Boys Who Remembered Lafayette.”
Trapp, a lawyer in Chicago, graduated from the University of Illinois and from the law school at Washington and Lee University. While at Washington and Lee, he learned of Kiffin Rockwell, an alum who in 1916 became the first American to shoot down an enemy aircraft during World War I. Trapp wrote his book after researching Rockwell and the other American pilots who volunteered to fight for France before the United States entered
World War I.
According to Trapp’s book, Rockwell admired Lafayette’s actions during the Revolution and felt duty-bound to act to defend France in return. He was joined by other idealistic Americans, including Carthage resident James R. McConnell, a land and industrial agent for the Seaboard Air Line Railway.
After the war broke out, McConnell reportedly said, “These sandhills will be here forever, but the war won’t, so I’m going.” He left for France in January 1915, five months after Kiffin Rockwell traveled to France and enlisted in the French Foreign Legion.
Rockwell fought in the trenches until he was wounded in May 1915 by machinegun fire. After his recovery, he transferred into the newly formed French Air Service and became a founding pilot of the Lafayette Escadrille. McConnell, initially an ambulance driver, later joined the squadron and the two men became close friends. The mural of James R. McConnell and his plane is located in Carthage on the side of a building near the Moore County courthouse.
Rockwell participated in over 140 dogfights before being shot down and killed on Sept. 23, 1916. McConnell also served with distinction, dying in combat on March 19, 1917. He was the last American flier in the Lafayette Escadrille to die in combat prior to the United States’ entry into the war.
The lecture, part of FTCC’s Community History Lecture Series, will be held on the 267th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s birthday. It will be presented in partnership with the Lafayette Society in Fayetteville.
For individuals who cannot physically attend this history lecture, the event can be viewed via live-stream at https://www.faytechcc.edu/history-department-community-history-lecture-series-live-stream/.
Dr. Daniel Stewart serves as a humanities instructor at Fayetteville Technical Community College – stewartd@faytechcc.edu and can respond to inquiries about this history lecture.

(Photo: The Lafayette Escadrille pictured during a dogfight. Photo courtesy of Hank Parfitt)

Gates Four Summer Concert Series rescheduled

Details

Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

In the wake of Tropical Storm Debby's unwelcome visit, the Gates Four Summer Concert Series has been swiftly rescheduled to ensure the music plays on. The highly anticipated Heart Breaker concert, originally set for Aug. 9, will now rock the stage on Friday, Nov. 8. Meanwhile, fans of the local favorite Rivermist won’t have to wait much longer, as their show has been moved from Sept. 6 to the very next day, Saturday, Sept. 7.
For those eager to mark their calendars, doors for both rescheduled concerts will open at 5:30 p.m., with performances beginning at 7 p.m. These events are graciously free to the public, offering a perfect evening out at the Gates Four Country Club. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enhance their comfort during these unforgettable nights.
Spotlight on Heart Breaker: A Tribute to Rock Legends
Get ready to relive the glory days of rock with Heart Breaker, the electrifying tribute band honoring Heart and Led Zeppelin. With Staci McBeth and Joan Burton leading the charge as the Wilson sisters, they'll belt out iconic hits such as "Alone," "These Dreams," and "Barracuda." Their set will also include a nod to the legendary Led Zeppelin, offering a full concert experience that will leave classic rock aficionados on a high note.
Adding to the atmosphere, Some Tings Cookin food truck will be present, promising to tantalize your taste buds with their culinary delights. So, prepare for a feast for both your ears and your palate.
Experience Rivermist: Fayetteville's Favorite Band
Rivermist, a band that has consistently captured the heart of Fayetteville with their blend of classic rock, R&B, and party music, is set to return with a performance that promises to be as engaging as ever. With over 200 years of combined experience, these seasoned musicians know exactly how to connect with their audience and keep the party going.
The band's acclaim as Fayetteville/Ft. Liberty's "Best Local Band" for eight consecutive years speaks volumes about their ability to entertain. With not one, but two food trucks - Rollin Taco and Some Tings Cookin - present to serve up delectable eats, your Saturday evening is shaping up to be spectacular.
Enhancing Your Concert Experience with VIP Packages
For those looking to elevate their evening even further, the Gates Four Summer Concert Series offers exclusive VIP packages. These premium options provide not just the best seats in the house, but a range of special perks designed to make your concert experience even more memorable.
Details on these VIP packages, including pricing and benefits, can be found on the Fayetteville Dinner Theater's website at https://fayettevilledinnertheatre.com/. Be sure to secure your VIP spot early to take full advantage of these luxurious offerings.
As you prepare to join us for the rescheduled concerts, here are a few tips to ensure a smooth experience. First, remember to arrive early to claim a prime spot for your lawn chairs or blankets. While the concerts are free, consider bringing cash or cards for the food trucks and any merchandise you may wish to purchase.
Lastly, keep an eye on the weather and dress accordingly for an outdoor event. With all preparations in place, you're all set for a night of stellar performances and great food in the company of friends, family, and fellow music lovers.

Crown hosts I Love My Community Giveaway

Details

Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Written by Lena Simmons

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued, when they can give and receive without judgment.” — Brene Brown
I Love My Community Giveaway and Black BBQ Cookoff will be held on Aug. 17, at the Crown Complex. The event will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets to the cookoff are $20 each. The event will feature a giveaway of free backpacks, hygiene products, food, and school supplies. Family-focused games, health and wellness resources and vendors, employment opportunities, and Black BBQ Cook-Off Competition will all be a part of the event. The Black BBQ Cook-Off Competition is donating funds from the competition to the L3 Brand Community Alliance.
“We are excited about uniting with our community partners for the I Love My Community Giveaway once again,” shares Elizabeth Stiff, Executive Director, L3 Brand Community Alliance. “Adding the Crown Complex as a key sponsor for our event is such a blessing as they have been a loyal sponsor for the I Love My Community for the past two years.”
Crown Complex Assistant General Manager, Dorothy Strahley, shares her thoughts on the I Love My Community Giveaway event, “The Crown Complex is thrilled to continue and enhance our support. We are proud to support the community by becoming a key sponsor and hosting the event at the Crown, to allow the event to grow. We love this event and cannot wait to see it flourish even more.”
The L3 Brand Community Alliance, “assists families, under-represented populations, and various organizations worldwide. Connecting and serving the community one act at a time,” according to L3 Brand Alliance, Facebook.
“One act at a time for the readership can be donations. Donations can be new clothing, shoes for all ages, spiral notebooks, pencils, crayons, markers, colored pencils, pouches, three-prong folders, paper, and time. Community services vendors are encouraged to share their expertise during this event,” Stiff said.
Those interested in donating can contact or text Elizabeth Stiff, Executive Director, at 678-665-3526.
For more information about the cook off and giveaway, and for tickets, visit https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/black-bbq-cookoff-2024

6th Annual Psoriasis Awareness Fair held at Fit4Life

Details

Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Written by Amber Little

There are approximately 50 million Americans who suffer from autoimmune diseases according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, so chances are you know or have known someone with an autoimmune disease.
For those unfamiliar with Psoriasis, it is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, causing visible inflammation and patches on those with it. Treatment ranges from topical creams, phototherapy, and even protein injections.
The 6th Annual Psoriasis Health Fair is Saturday, Aug. 24 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fit4Life Gym, located at 2803 Ft. Bragg Rd. The event is free to the public and will include vendors, activities, crafts, and of course, food. Sponsors for the event this year include Dmathisphere Art Gallery, FIt4Life Gym (ft. Bragg road), Lifes a Trip Adventure Club, Sweet Frog, Superior Bakery, Falcon Focus, Mcgee Cadd Reprographics, Flii Apparel & Accessories, Mac Healy Wholesale, Dicks Sporting Goods and Amber Little Marketing.
Takieyah Mathis is the powerhouse behind this event. A Fayetteville native, Mathis, who suffers from psoriasis, has made it her mission to bring autoimmune awareness to Cumberland County and globally and connect individuals and families to resources.
“[This] event brings out so many colors of people with autoimmune diseases beyond psoriasis. My community has been so supportive since day one. This health fair is all about fellowship with others who have a chronic illness or have a relative who is suffering. We come together to learn more about the illnesses, what new resources are available, and even share testimonies,” Mathis explained. This year’s psoriasis awareness event is one of the largest Mathis has put on, something she is proud of and can’t wait for the community to participate in, saying, “During the event, we usually have some fitness activities such as Zumba and yoga, we also include interactive art activities, and we share resources not only from my organization but the others who are involved. We will have food, and some amazing vendors from nonprofits to crafters, and yes, we always have a dance team, speakers, and artists such as my husband Damien Mathis and psoriasis warrior Nick Shaw doing something artsy with the kids at the event … I would love for the community to participate because the support is needed for us to get the research, funding, and medicines needed. The support needed beyond that is extremely personal because everybody has a story. The community impact matters to nonprofits like mine that are trying to spread awareness to the unaware. There is power in numbers when we come together in nothing but love. We are giving people what they need for free, exercise, peace of mind, education, resources, and most of all, fun. This event is extremely family-friendly, everyone is welcome.”
As a nonprofit founder, Mathis is spearheading projects that not only bring resources to those who need them but connect the mind, body, and spirit. Her nonprofit, The Standing Light Foundation is a great resource.
“The Mission of the Standing Light Foundation is to provide resources through creative awareness and community development projects. I wanted to bridge the gap between mental and physical health with art by creating safe spaces of creativity. We produce art events, provide gardening opportunities, fashion shows, and charity events and we also assist in the resources a person may need to improve their environment. I integrated trauma and art because growing up as a child who dealt with domestic violence, child abandonment, and sexual assault, I had to find an outlet and now I can provide that to others,” Mathis said.
Mother, wife, nonprofit founder, national speaker, nonprofit superstar, the list goes on. Mathis is a woman of many hats and talents. Her dedication to a cause bigger than herself, while still maintaining a home life, is no small feat, and worth all the praise she gets. To stay up-to-date on upcoming events follow her Facebook https://www.facebook.com/p.kashh and The Standing Light Foundation, https://www.facebook.com/Thestandinglightfoundation/.