Entertainment

Workout for a cause: 12th Annual St. Jude Zumbathon

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Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Written by Amber Little

Calling all Zumba enthusiasts and those who are just curious, it’s the 12th Annual St. Jude Zumbathon. There has been no better excuse to pull out those old leotards than for a good cause with LOTS of dancing. Join local Zumba instructors for 2.5 hours of non-stop DANCING. Although dancing is fun, it is not required, nor is any previous dance training. The fun starts on July 6 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Hope Mills Recreation Center, located at 5766 Rockfish Road, Hope Mills. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15. The day of the event they will be $20 at the door and VIP (which gets you prime Zumba floor space on the first 2-3 rows AND a special gift from St. Jude) are $30. All of the proceeds go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research.
Zumbathon is the passion project of local fitness and personal instructor, mother of 3, military wife, and veteran, Natalie Haskell.
“Although I love supporting many charities, my favorite charity is St. Jude. I was honored and blessed to visit the hospital with some of my Zumba friends in 2013. It was an amazing experience. I also host this annual event in Severna Park, Maryland. When the Army moved us there in 2015, I continued the annual event traveling to Fayetteville; and now I travel also to Maryland since moving back in July 2022,” she said. “I decided to do an annual charity event for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in mid-April 2013. I volunteered to do a Relay for Life Flash Mob along with a midnight 1-hr Zumba class, outside of Jack Britt High School. I was honored to lead and be part of such a great cause; It was an AMAZING experience to volunteer and give back to the community.
“It was a mind-blowing experience to also have so much support from my Zumba friends, and the community! While performing a routine, I spotted a little girl between the age of 7-10, in the front row, with no hair and a wrapped purple scarf around her head. She was as happy as can be and smiling from ear to ear while dancing. At that time I thought and promised myself to do a charity event every year in honor of all the children battling cancer, with 100% proceeds for St. Jude's, as a way to give back with something that I truly enjoy doing, dancing! With less than 30 days of planning, I hosted the first annual St. Jude Zumbathon on May 31, 2013. We raised $1,100 for St. Jude. To date, we have raised over $140,000 for the hospital,” Haskell said.
Attendees can look forward to raffles, door prizes and a variety of vendors to shop with or get resources from such as Fit4Life Hope Mills, Isagenix International, Scentsy and Mary Kay. Instructors include some familiar faces such as Raisa Sanabria, Arturo Saldana, Jolecia Purcell, Judy Stephens, Teia Tyler, Jenya E Nguyen, Morgan Jones, Nina Batton, Amy McLeod Brewer, Fanny Loving Zumba®, Devins Nickens, and Sarah Brennan. This year’s event is sponsored by and wouldn’t be possible without, Fit4Life in Hope Mills, Hope Mills Recreation Center, Luigi’s Italian Restaurant (raffle prizes), and Corbin Flash Photography and Videography.
Haskell is looking forward to this year’s Zumbathon and the many people and organizations that made it possible.
“A special shout out to the Fayetteville Zumba community for all of their support, Hope Mills Recreation Center for allowing us to use their space to host this most noble cause; also to Corbin Flash for donating his time and great talents for our photos and videos. My dear and sweet friends who have supported this cause and event since our first Zumbathon in 2013, Lynn Cline, Terry Knight, Adilah Khalil-Ullah, and Linda Higgins from Luigi’s Italian Restaurant, and my Maryland friends, Jennie Gaviola, Gwen Coleman and Genny PJ.”

(Photo: Natalie Haskell hosted the 12th Annual Zumbathon in Maryland at the beginning of June. The Fayetteville event will be held July 6. Photo courtesy of Working with Natalie Facebook Page)

No Outsiderz Jeep Club hosts Man22 Suicide Awareness Car, Jeep, Bike Show

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Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Written by Amber Little

Summertime in the city means there is plenty to do and see. No Outsiderz Jeep Club is presenting the inaugural Man 22 Suicide Awareness car, jeep, and bike show on June 30 at Mellow Mushroom, 301 N. McPherson Church Rd, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is free to the spectators. For those interested in participating, registration is $30 and can be paid via cash app ($NoOutsiderzJeeps) or by contacting Jill Avila on Facebook or by email at Nooutsiiderz23@gmail.com.
Spectators and participants can look forward to live music and great food. Mellow Mushroom staff will be available inside and outside the show taking orders. Event organizers say there will be a range of trophies presented in various categories for participating cars, jeeps, and bikes.
No Outsiderz Jeep Club is no stranger to putting on a show for a cause. Co-founder Jill Avila is proud of the support they have been able to provide for different organizations near and dear to the club's heart.
“No Outsiderz Jeep Club was founded by three like-minded women Jill Avila, Dr. Stacy Davis, and Teresa Burks. N.O. is a group of talented, strong, women from minority groups who love their jeeps and believe in the importance of community. The combined efforts of our members affords us the opportunity to be a voice for many that feel they do not have a voice while working to improve and support organizations serving within our community. The women within our organization believe it takes a collective to make an impact and we seek to do that by partnering with other organizations to assist them in meeting their goals and
mission,” Avila remarked.
For those unfamiliar, the Man22 Suicide Awareness Run is an annual event hosted by the Through Tragedy Comes Light organization. The run is a combination of a 2.22-mile run and 22 pushups. Proceeds go to nonprofits that focus on suicide prevention and awareness.
The organization's mission is to “bring people together in their time of need to honor the lives of the lost, provide a support network for the survivors, and to reduce the numbers lost because even one a day is too many.” N.O. has been involved with the organization and supported past events.
“N.O. became involved with Through Tragedy Comes Light because they were hosting a Man22 Suicide Awareness Run in which different Jeep Clubs and Car Clubs throughout Fayetteville were tasked with escorting the gold star families to Festival Park. Through Tragedy Comes Light focuses on bringing awareness to fallen veterans, and first responders as well as trying to prevent the rising numbers of suicides amongst veterans. Most of the members of N.O. have either served /or are serving in the military, work for the DOD, or have family members that have served. This movement is near and dear to our hearts, and we will continue to support the cause,” Avila said.
There are only 35 spots available, and the clock is ticking down. Those interested in participating should lock in a spot soon. This event is sure to be a packed one!

Rowan Skate Park Summer Camp youth conquer goals

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Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Written by Katrina Wilson

Rowan Skate Park Summer Camp is a weekly opportunity for the youth to enhance their skills in action sports like skateboarding, scooter riding, inline skating and BMX starting July 29.
Terry Grimble, owner of Daville Skate Shop and instructor for Rowan Skate Camp, said the camp is for kids who want to learn how to skateboard, scooter ride, inline skate or BMX ride. Participants must be between the ages of 5 and 15.
Grimble said campers must bring their own skateboards, scooters, skates or bikes and safety gear.
Scooters specially made for skate parks will be for purchase. Grimble said this is important because not all store-bought ones are safe for a skate park.
The camp dates are: July 29 through August 2, August 5 through 9, August 12 through 16 and August 19 through 23. The cost is $149 for the week. Campers can do one week or all four weeks.
Payment for camp can be done in person via cash, check or card at Rowan Skate Park or online at https://www.rowanskatepark.com/.
Grimble discussed the purpose of the skate camp.
“Riding skate parks can be intimidating and this camp will help overcome those fears, and get those basics down for their sport,” he said.
For the more advanced students, he wants campers to advance to their next personal skill level.
Grimble said campers will learn how to ride the skateboard, scooter, inline skates or bikes correctly. He said he and his instructor, Mavrick Pitman, will work with individuals on their personal level.
“We both have a passion for action sports,” he said.
On rainy days, video learning will be applied. Campers will watch videos on top professionals in the industry, instructional videos and competition videos.
For the teenagers who are interested in a career in this, Grimble will teach about starting a business, how to host skate events and gain sponsorships.
Rowan Skate Park is a part of Rowan Park in Haymount in Fayetteville. The Daville Skate Shop, located next to the park, has a lounge and snack bar where campers start their day.
Campers will not be traveling for this camp.
Grimble said this skate camp is important because it gets kids started in action sports the right way. He said this allows them to advance their experience.
“Skateboarding is hard, but the rewards are great,” he said. “A lot of students will get on a skateboard and think they’re not meant to be on a skateboard. But once they master a kickflip . . ., it makes you feel like you can accomplish anything after being consistent. It helps them set goals and earn those goals.”
Not New To This, But True to This
Grimble grew up in Fayetteville and has been integral in the skate community over the last 30+ years. He started his first skate park project in 1989, which officially opened in 1993. He’s been a skate instructor since 1993 in Fayetteville. He opened his first store in the area in 1995. Grimble even had a privately owned skate park from 1999 to 2007.
He opened Daville Skate Shop in 2009 and it has expanded into South Carolina as well.
Friends of the Skateparks Foundation is a nonprofit he started in 2013 to help cities establish a skate park for their communities in the Carolinas.
The skate park at Rowan Park opened in 2020, and has seen heavy use since its opening. For more information about the Rowan Skate Park Summer Camp or Daville Skate Shop, visit https://davilleskateshop.com/, www.rowanskatepark.com, or call 910-491-3502.

(Photo: Justin Fox on the scooter at Rowan Skate Park. Fox is a scooter instructor at Rowan. Photo courtesy of Terry Grimble)

Join the Festivities: 4th of July Local Events Guide

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Tuesday, 25 June 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Are you ready to celebrate Independence Day in style this year? The Fourth of July is a time for friends, family, fireworks, and fun! If you're looking for the best local events to attend this holiday, look no further. We've put together a guide to help you navigate the festivities and make the most of this patriotic day.

4th at the Fort
• Saturday, June 29 at 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Main Post Parade Field on Ft. Liberty
This year's celebration at Fort Liberty promises to be their biggest event yet. This event is free and open to the public. There will be three different musical performers, the 82nd Airborne Division Rock Band, parachute demonstrations, a flag ceremony, food, fireworks and more.
Event Pass & Parking
If you are not a military ID holder you will need a pass to attend the event. You can obtain event access online through pre-registration using a valid driver's license or state ID at this web address http://liberty.armymwr.com/ or in person at the All-American Visitor Center on the All-American Expressway. You are encouraged to obtain your gate access pass before the event. Waiting until the 29 will most likely leave you in long lines and expected delays in obtaining your pass.
Access the Main Parade Field through All American Main Gate, R. Miller ACP, Long Street ACP or Chicken Road ACP. The main parking for the festival will be at the Womack Army Medical Center. There will also be parking at the Chapel Annex parking lot located across the street from the Main Post Parade Field. See layout of parking areas here: http://liberty.armymwr.com/.
Music Acts
This 4th of July celebration will have not one, not two, but three artists plus the 82nd Rock Band to celebrate with you and all three artists are from three different genres - there will be music for everyone to enjoy! You will be able to enjoy music from Flo Rida, Plain White T's and Maddie & Tae.
Additional Activities
The fun doesn’t stop with the musical acts. Hold your breath as parachutists soar through the sky in heart-pounding free-fall demonstrations by the Golden Knights. Little ones will have a blast in Kiddieland, packed with fun just for them including a number of bouncy houses.
Feel your heart swell with pride during the beloved flag ceremony. The traditional Flag Ceremony will be with a cannon salute representing all 50 states and U.S. territories, Colors of the Major Commands, Major Subordinate Commands, Tenant Units of Fort Liberty, the colors of the United States Army and the flag of the United States of America.
Savor delicious eats and treats from food and beverage vendors. And the grand finale? A dazzling fireworks display that will light up the night sky!
Time Line of Events
• 3 p.m.- Doors Open (Food vendors and Kiddieland)
• 4:30 p.m.- 82nd Airborne Division Rock Band in concert
• 5 p.m.- Golden Knights parachute demonstration
• 5:30 p.m.- Flag Ceremony
• 6 p.m.- Maddie & Tae in concert
• 7:10 p.m.- Plain White T’s in concert
• 8:30 p.m.- Flo Rida in concert
• 9:45 p.m.- Fireworks
Food Vendors in Attendance
Food vendor menus will be available to view at liberty.armymwr.com later this week.
• Big Erv BBQ and 910 Sweets
• Caroll's Corn Crib
• CocoCrissi Tropical Icees
• D&J Concessions
• D&J Smashers
• D'Seal House Coffee Co
• Donut NV Raleigh
• Food Frenzy
• Fire Grill
• Gnam Gnam Gelato
• Hot Dog Central
• IceQueen's Ice out of Durham
• J&R Concessions
• Kona Ice of the Sandhills
• Party in a Pita
• Poppin Joe's Gourmet Kettle Korn
• Smokey's Grill
• Smoothie Island
• Tiki Grill
• Tropical Island
• Pink Label Bakery
•Beer will be sold by MWR
Planning Ahead
Be aware that pets, alcoholic beverages, glass bottles, and weapons of any kind are not allowed at the event. You can view the complete prohibited items list at liberty.armymwr.com. You are encouraged to plan ahead and check out the prohibited items list and parking layout. Arrive early due to heavy traffic flow. ATMs will be available on-site.
Tents are only permitted if you purchased a space in Tent City (which is now sold out).
Patrons who purchased a tent space will need to show their receipts when entering the field.

Independence Day Kickoff Celebration
• Saturday, June 29 at 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
• Hope Mills Municipal Park, Hope Mills
Enjoy live music from the eclectic electronic due from Wilmington: Krispee Biscuits. There will also be 15 food trucks, breweries, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, a mobile rock wall and more. The night will end with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Independence Day Parade
• Thursday, July 4 at 10 a.m.
• Hope Mills
The parade will start at Rockfish Elementary and end at Hope Mills Middle School.
For more information on either of the Hope Mills’ events visit: https://tinyurl.com/mpschrd6

Independence Day Concert
• Thursday, July 4 at 7:15 p.m.
• Festival Park, Downtown Fayetteville
The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, the City of Fayetteville, and Fayetteville PWC present a free Independence Concert on July 4, at Festival Park in Fayetteville. Immerse yourself in a night of unforgettable performances from the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Fayetteville Symphonic Band, Cumberland Choral Arts, the soulful vocals of Ayana Washington, and the patriotic pride of the 82nd Airborne Division Band.
Gates open at 5 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.. Admission is free, so gather your friends and family for an evening to remember. Savor the flavors of the region from our various food vendors and quench your thirst at the beer tent. The night will end with a dazzling fireworks display that will light up the night sky!
Please be aware that personal tents, pets, outside food or beverages, or bicycles/scooters are not allowed at the event. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/25xk6y3a

Fun Family 4th of July
• Thursday, July 4 at 5 p.m.
• Aberdeen Town Lake, 342 Lake Park Xing, Aberdeen
Get ready for an unforgettable Independence Day and an evening filled with thrilling live performances, a mouth-watering array of food vendors, and the company of your favorite people. Feel the excitement as you settle in with your blankets and lawn chairs, eagerly anticipating one of the region's most dazzling fireworks displays.
Events Timeline:
• Kid Zone: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Free - thanks to Fidelity Bank)
• Band: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Fireworks: Approximately 9:15 p.m.
Important Note: Please leave your pets, alcoholic beverages, personal fireworks, and coolers at home. For everyone's safety, backpacks will only be permitted after being searched by law enforcement. For more information visit: https://tinyurl.com/475ybnxk
The Fourth of July is a time to come together with friends, family, and neighbors to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Whether you're attending a parade, watching fireworks, or enjoying a picnic in the park, there are plenty of ways to join the festivities and make lasting memories.
Take advantage of the local events happening in your area and have a safe and happy Independence Day!

(Photos: Top Photo-Fireworks explode at Fort Liberty during the 2022 4th of July celebration. U.S. Army photo by Jacqueline Hill Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs. Bottom Photo-The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra plays during a concert at Festival Park. Photo courtesy of FSO's Facebook page)