Entertainment

Step back in time: Experience medieval-style combat at Thaundor Tournament

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Tuesday, 06 August 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Step back in time and experience the excitement of medieval-style combat at the Thaundor Annual Tournament Day VII. This unique event, hosted by The Realm of Thaundor, transports participants and spectators alike to a bygone era filled with brave warriors and epic battles. Held at Dirtbag Ales on Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Thaundor Tournament promises a day of thrilling action and fierce competition.
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere as fighters from all over North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia come together to showcase their skills and vie for victory. Dressed in era-appropriate attire, these warriors are ready to engage in medieval style combat using foam weapons. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a first-time spectator, the Thaundor Tournament offers an exhilarating experience for all.
To participate in the tournament, fighters must be affiliated with a Foam Fighting Association or demonstrate adequate training and knowledge of the rules and guidelines for foam fighting safety. However, the tournaments are free to observe, and spectators are encouraged to join in the fun by dressing in medieval attire, although it is not a requirement.
The tournament day kicks off with check-ins at 10 a.m., where fighters will have their weapons inspected and sign up for the tournaments. Warm-up scenarios will take place at 11 a.m., providing an opportunity for fighters to loosen up before the main battles begin. At noon, the series of tournaments will commence, running consecutively throughout the day.
The tournament structure follows a bracketed format, with seven tournaments for each weapon category. Two fighters will be called from the bracket to engage in a best-of-three, one-on-one battle. The winner advances to the next round, while the loser is eliminated. This continues until the finals, where the two finalists will fight a best-of-five battle to determine the champion of the bracket.
While the focus of the event is primarily on the tournaments, there will also be sparring and small scenario style battles to keep fighters entertained while they wait for their turns. Additionally, participants and spectators can look forward to a raffle at the end of the event, offering the chance to win some exciting swag. After the tournaments conclude, an award ceremony will be held to recognize the winners.
If you're interested in joining The Realm of Thaundor Group and getting involved in foam fighting, you can show up at their practice location at College Lakes Park on Sundays at noon. They also have a Facebook group that provides updates on upcoming events and practices. See their Facebook group page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Thaundor. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of a vibrant community of medieval combat enthusiasts.

(Photos: Top and Above: The Realm of Thaundor attendees fight using medieval-style techniques. Photos courtesy of Tyler Joseph Hancox from the Realm of Thaundor)

CVMA NC 15-1 Hosts Annual Summer Bash

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Tuesday, 06 August 2024

Written by Jamie Bishop

The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association NC 15-1 (CVMA NC 15-1) is excited to announce the upcoming Annual Summer Bash, scheduled to take place on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson located at 3950 Sycamore Dairy Rd. This event promises a day filled with camaraderie, fun, and community support for veterans in the surrounding areas of Fort Liberty.
The festivities begin with registration at 9 a.m., followed by the ride commencing at 11 a.m. and the last bike returning by 3 p.m.
April "Bubbles" Hawkins, the event coordinator, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome all motorcycle enthusiasts to join us for a great cause. Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to the community, this event is for everyone who wants to show support for our veterans.”
Open to the public, the Summer Bash is an important fundraiser for CVMA NC 15-1. All proceeds from the event will support veterans in need. The day's activities will include a variety of vendors, a poker run, food and drinks, and a raffle featuring intriguing "pew pew" items that will capture everyone's interest.
Hawkins further emphasized, “We have an exciting lineup of activities planned for the day, and we anticipate a fantastic turnout. Bring your bike, bring a friend, and come out to support a good cause. You might even go home with something you didn't know you needed!”
The event will host diverse vendors offering unique products and services contributing to the vibrant atmosphere. But that's not all. Participants in the poker run will have the chance to win exciting prizes, adding an extra layer of thrill to the ride. And the raffle items are always a highlight, offering attendees the opportunity to win valuable prizes while supporting a worthy cause. It's going to be an exhilarating day for everyone involved.
Various food and drinks will be available throughout the day to ensure that everyone stays energized and hydrated. The Summer Bash aims to provide a fun and engaging environment where attendees can connect with fellow riders and show their support for the veteran community.
For those interested in becoming a vendor or seeking more information about the event, please get in touch with April "Bubbles" Hawkins at 910-578-3568. This event presents a prime opportunity for local businesses and individuals to showcase their products and services to a large and diverse audience while contributing to a noble cause.
The CVMA NC 15-1 is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families in the Fort Liberty area, and events like the Annual Summer Bash are crucial in raising the necessary funds to continue this important work. Your participation in this event is not just about having a good time, it's about making a real difference in the lives of our veterans. The association is grateful for the community's support and looks forward to a successful and enjoyable event.
Hawkins urged, “Come out and join us in supporting veterans in the community. Your participation makes a significant difference, and we can't wait to see everyone there.”
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association NC 15-1 Annual Summer Bash is not just an event but a celebration of community spirit and support for those who have served. Join the ride, enjoy the festivities, and make a difference in the lives of veterans.

(Photo: CVMA NC 15-1 poses for a photograph at Legends Pub. The veterans motorcycle group will be hosting their annual Summer Bash at the Fort Bragg Harley Davidson on Aug. 10. Photo courtesy of CVMA NC 15-1 Facebook page)

Cumberland County gets ready to go back to school

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Tuesday, 06 August 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Kick off the new school year with a bang! Discover the best back-to-school bashes and events that promise fun and excitement for kids as well as get them well-stocked with school supplies to start the school year off in style.

August 8
• Back to School Giveaway & Open House at A&M Youth Cultivation Center, 211 Owen Drive
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Learn about their before and after school Academic Enrichment Program, receive school supplies, and enjoy a complimentary serving of Wisdom Water Ice.
https://tinyurl.com/4frjmxzb

August 9
• Back to School Bash & Alumni Soccer Game at Fayetteville Academy, 3200 Cliffdale Rd
4 p.m.
Join in for this annual alumni event with bounce houses, food trucks, music, and a junior soccer clinic.
https://tinyurl.com/zjvx92kf

August 10
• Back to School Giveaway at Living Spirit Ministries, 951 McPherson Church Rd, Suite 102
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Living Spirit Ministries is hosting a back-to-school giveaway with school supplies and clothing.
https://tinyurl.com/4ndu6sjb

• Back to School Bash at Honeycutt Park, 352 Devers St
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come out for school supplies, hot dogs, snow cones and a gift for all the teachers.
https://tinyurl.com/y839am9x

• Back to School Backpack Giveaway at Grace Place Gym, 302 Moore Street
10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
The child must be present for a backpack.
For more information call Anita Grant at 910-483-6505.

• Back to School Event at Healing Touch Ministries, 1411 Rim Rd
11 a.m.
There will be food, school supplies, bookbags, games and much more.
For more information call 910-493-0596.
• Back to School Book Bag Giveaway at Mendoza Park, 1114 Little River Rd, Spring Lake
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy some food, music, vendors and more. For more information call 910-261-1444

• Back 2 School at Simon Temple, 5760 Yadkin Rd
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free school supplies, free food, vendors, music and much more. For more information call 910-867-1182.

• Big ERV's Back 2 School Bash at Big Erv BBQ & 910 Sweets The Neighborhood Pit Stop, LLC, 670 N. Reilly Rd
12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Every child will receive a free meal and school supplies while they last.
https://www.facebook.com/events/881075840709655

August 11
• 3rd Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway at 1866 Brawley Avenue
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Essential school supplies for students K-12. One backpack per student. Students must be present. While supplies last.

August 12
• Back to School Bash at Imagination Station Kidcare, 232 Westwood Shopping Center
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Enjoy games, crafts, pizza and a small goodie bag of school supplies, for ages 4 and up. Tickets are $60. Call 910-745-7271
for more information.

• Back to School Bash at Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, 4825 Ramsey St
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Kick off the school year with fun Back to School Bash at Freddy's.
https://tinyurl.com/vdde9jpk

August 14
• CKMC Back2School Ride & Donation Drive at Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson, 3950 Sycamore Dairy Rd.
8 a.m.
This year the CKMC is supporting students of the Westarea Elementary School. Tickets to this event and donations will be used to support this school.
https://tinyurl.com/bdvehz77

August 15
• Community Outreach Day at Kingdom Impact Global Ministries, 2503 Murchison Rd
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This family-friendly event will have free food, food giveaways, clothing giveaways, school supplies, haircuts, and medical screenings. For more information call 910-488-9456.

August 17
• Back to School Party at
Abundant Living, 200 Dick St
2 p.m.
Live music, school supplies and food. For more information call 605-637-9743.

• Back to School Backpack Giveaway at TrueVine, 5315 Morganton Rd
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will be community resources, food and games. For more information email thegrouptheoryinc@gmail.com

• Back to School Family & Friends Day at Westover Rec Center/Park, 267 Bonanza Dr
11 a.m.
Free food, school supplies and bounce houses. For more information call 910-978-8010

• 4th Annual I Love My Community Celebration & Giveaway at Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Dr
11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Free backpacks, supplies, hygiene products, food with live music, games, and health resources. For more information call 910-491-9917.

• Backpack Drive & Block Party at Family Fellowship Worship Center, 1014 Danbury Rd
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
There will be backpacks and school supplies for grades K-12 as well as food, games and music. For more information call 910-482-4022.

• Back 2 School Drive at Seabrook Park, 708 Langdon St
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
There will be free food, free games, haircuts, hair braiding and a laptop giveaway. For more information call 910-728-8237

• Back to School Festival at Cadillac of Fayetteville, 1637 Skibo Rd
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bring the family, friends and neighbors for free school supplies, games, activities, food trucks and the chance to win some awesome prizes.
https://tinyurl.com/5n7zxxf7

• Back to School Bash at St. Paul Full Gospel Baptist Church,
602 Mann St
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pick up a brand new book bag full of school supplies. Enjoy some free food while supplies last.
https://tinyurl.com/fby6885t

• DCAs Back 2 School Bash at Dominion Christian Academy, 373 Pittman Grove Church Rd, Raeford
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Join in for a fun-filled day planned with games, music, food and more.
https://tinyurl.com/5fdyznh8

• Fayetteville Roller Derby Back to School Bash Double Header at Crown Coliseum Arena, 1960 Coliseum Dr
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Presale tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for kids 8-14. Day of tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids 8-17. Kids 7 and under are free.
https://tinyurl.com/b6yjp9u2
• 3rd Annual Back to School Event at Red Coat Design Studio, 7707 S Raeford Rd, Ste 109
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
There will be free backpacks, school supplies, hygiene items, apparel, food and drinks. Enjoy games, bounce house, face painting and more.
https://tinyurl.com/32cncnmc

School year information
Immunizations
As families begin thinking about their child heading back to school, they are reminded of their child's required immunizations for the new school year. Many can beat the rush and think ahead by taking advantage of Cumberland County Schools' upcoming Health Assessment Clinics, which have been rescheduled to Thursday, Aug. 8, and Monday, Sept. 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the T.C. Berrien building, located at 800 North Street in Fayetteville. Visit the district's website at https://bit.ly/3SToD2T for more details and information. Families are being encouraged to also visit the local health department or their primary care physician to get their child immunized.
Volunteers wanted for Student Success
In the district's effort to create opportunities for families to become engaged partners in their children's education, CCS is recruiting candidates at select schools for the Family Ambassadors Program. Those interested in helping CCS families to become more engaged in their child's educational success, promote a positive and welcoming learning environment at school and meet monthly with other families to learn more about what is happening in CCS, the Family Ambassador volunteer position may be the program for them. Participants could receive up to $150 monthly for completing certain family engagement tasks. For more information, visit CCS' Cumberland Family Academy website at https://bit.ly/3LSSmER.
High School Connections New Student Orientation
Students new to High School Connections are invited to the New Student Orientation on Saturday, Aug. 17 in the Horace Sisk Gym on the campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College. For students with last names A-K, orientation begins at 9 a.m. with an 8:30 a.m. check-in. Students with last names L-Z, will attend Orientation at 11 a.m. and check-in at 10:30 a.m. Students and their parents will receive program information, student account assistance, a student ID, a parking pass and a self-guided tour of the campus.
Want CCS Media Alerts?
If you are interested in receiving media alerts from Cumberland County Schools, text MEDIA to 888-897-0649. It's a toll-free number. After subscribing, you will receive media alerts via text message, e.g., press releases, media advisories, etc. Your wireless carrier's standard messaging rates will apply.

J.Bayard Clark Park provides outdoor fun for families

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Tuesday, 06 August 2024

Written by Anna White

Unpaved and secluded, the J. Bayard Clark Park boasts a series of short trails perfect for various ages and abilities.
With three individual trails totaling 1.4 miles and loads of activities available, a visit can be shaped as a brief, self-guided nature walk, or as a pinecone scavenger hunt complete with a visit to the Nature Center or playground.
Park Ranger Supervisor Denise Brown vouched for the distinctiveness of the Clark Park Trails, explaining that the seclusion and organic footpaths provide a close-up look at a large variety of plant and animal life.
“You can hear a lot of bird sounds out on the trails this time of year. If we have a decent amount of rain like we have lately, you can overlook the waterfall near the start of the Bear trail and see it flowing. Our trails are particularly shady as well, which I think is noteworthy this time of year. The Wetlands trail is my personal favorite for walking on a warm day.”
The Wetland Trail, the Laurel Trail and the Bear Trail are the Park’s three main attractions for those interested in strolling. Each trail offers something different. Measuring .3 miles, the Laurel Trail is the shortest and features a fairy garden at the start of the trail. The second longest is the Wetland Trail, which features a somewhat swampy terrain. Brown says it’s perfect for spotting animal tracks.
The Bear Trail offers the longest stretch of path. It’s .6 miles and takes visitors closer to the Cape Fear River. All three trails can be walked in succession, and alltrails.com advises that it only takes an average of 26 minutes to do so. This includes a slight elevation gain of 59ft on portions of the trail.
As you walk, you can soak up the joys of nature at your own pace, or you can participate in one of several trail-themed activities the park offers. Currently, there’s a pinecone scavenger hunt on the Laurel Trail, which encourages visitors to keep their eyes peeled for specimens that fall from the towering pines above.
There’s also an event called Fun with Fungi. According to Brown, participants will learn about the fascinating world of fungi and their importance to the forest. This includes toadstools, morels, fairy rings, puffballs, truffles, mold and lichens. Participants get to view preserved specimens before heading down the trail to find living fungi. It’s a free event that will take place Thursday, Aug. 22 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is suitable for all ages.
For a fusion of self-paced and guided experiences, there’s a stretch of paved trail near the playground featuring StoryWalk. StoryWalk is a collaboration between Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation and the Cumberland County Public Library. Funded by the Women’s Giving Circle, the trail features a series of stands displaying pages of the picture book Mouse House Tales.
By walking the trail, visitors can follow the story of turning a house into a home and learn from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) themes the book features.
The park also welcomes volunteers and provides training for all roles. For those who prefer to take an active role in helping others enjoy the outdoors, the park offers Nature Hike Guide training. As a Nature Hike Guide, participants learn to give structured Nature Hikes to groups ages 4 to 12 years. It’s a perfect way to pass on the joy of nature and exploration while spending time outdoors.
Consistent with the park’s focus on engaging visitors of all ages, the trails feature free activity stations as part of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s “Kids in Parks” network of trails. According to their mission statement, Kids in Parks began in 2018 as a way to “Engage kids and families in outdoor recreation to foster lifelong wellness and meaningful connections to public lands.”
Fayetteville-Cumberland Co. Parks and Recreation explains how Kids in Parks works: “Goals are to encourage physical activity and build connections with nature to inspire the next generation of public land stewards. Each station has a series of brochures that turn an ordinary hike into an adventure. Pamphlets encourage children to identify plants and animals, view the forest from the perspective of creatures, and search for natural features. Children can record their adventures at KidsinParks.com to earn PRIZES and plan more adventures.”
Mailed prizes include collectible stickers, first aid kits, bike lights, and more.
Visitors can access the trailheads and the rich variety of free activities at J. Bayard Clark Park by parking in the paved lot at 631 Sherman Dr.

(Photo: StoryWalk is part of a paved stretch of trails with a collaboration between the Fayetteville Cumberland Parks and Recreation and the Cumberland County Public Library. The trail features displays of the picture book "Mouse House Tales." Photo courtesy of City of Fayetteville Flickr)