Local News

Cape Fear Botanical Garden's new grant helps growth

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Tuesday, 24 December 2024

Written by Anna White

In September, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden received a $50,000 grant toward their Heritage Garden Revitalization Project, awarded by the 2024 Kubota Hometown Proud Grant Program with support from Linder Turf and Tractor. The $50,000 will aid several aspects of revitalization, including the Heritage Garden’s ultimate purpose of connecting the past, present, and future of horticulture and agriculture in North Carolina.
According to information published by CFBG, the Heritage Garden Complex is a 1900’s era interpretive experience including a Farmhouse, General Store, Corn Crib, Tobacco Barn, and garden spaces:
• The Carter – McCauley – Snider Farmhouse: Built by Alexander Carter in 1886, this farmhouse was initially located near the entrance to Baywood in Eastover and was relocated to CFBG in 1996. It boasts original mantels, woodwork, ceilings, floors, lattices, and some original doors.
• General Store: Originally located on the same site as the Carter—McCauley—Snider Farmhouse and operated by the Carters, the general store now sells farm implements and hosts educational programs.
• Corn Crib: Originally located on the same site as the Carter—McCauley—Snider Farmhouse, the corncrib serves as a storage space and antique machinery shelter.
• Tobacco Barn: Built in the 1930s and donated by Mrs. Lill Geddie, this building was added to the Heritage Garden in 2000. It is considered a rare remaining element of pre-industrial tobacco farming.
• Garden Spaces: Completed in 1999 and maintained by the Master Gardeners of Cumberland County; the garden spaces include a vegetable garden used for therapeutic gardening programs.
Sheila Hanrick, Director of Marketing, Programs and Visitor Experience at CFBG says they’re deeply aware of the need to preserve and teach North Carolina history, especially Eastern farm life, to students in surrounding counties. They feel the Heritage Garden is uniquely positioned as an educational resource. As an approved NC field trip facility with written programming that meets the NC State curriculum standards, they hope to foster a “sense of connection, education and just an appreciation of the history of the North Carolina farmer,” according to Hanrick.
Hanrick said the Heritage Garden has been maintained by CFBG volunteers over the years, with many volunteers having a military background, making the Kubota “Hometown Proud” Grant Program a perfect fit.
“That was sort of a natural connection that we made with some of our volunteers and with what Fayetteville in Cumberland County is known for,” Hanrick explained.
Cape Fear Botanical Garden originally heard of the grant program from a cohort at another local nonprofit, who forwarded the
information to Harnick.
“Nonprofits in our area are very much known for partnering with each other and looking out for each other,” Harnick said.
After reviewing the grant application and discussing the opportunity, Harnick said they decided to move forward.
Local Kubota dealer Linder Turf and Tractor agreed to support CFBG in the application process by being interviewed. Linder Turf and Tractor has an ongoing relationship with CFBG providing equipment and repairs, and while they had no say in the outcome, their contribution to the grant application was an essential part of the process.
“It’s a really neat circle of how we all helped each other,” Hanrick commented.
After an initial phase where twenty applicants received $10,000 each, community members voted on which ten would ultimately receive a $50,000 grant.
“It was up to us to rally the community to vote,” Hanrick explained, “praise the Lord, they did!”
Chris Hoffman, CEO at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, says they’ve already received several proposals for portions of the revitalization project requiring contracting with local businesses.
According to information provided by CFBG, the current Heritage Garden Revitalization Project has three phases:
Phase One included analyzing conditions, programming, and defining project phases. This phase has seen the successful and ongoing renovation of pathway drainage and surface materials, irrigation systems, ongoing weed remediation, soil improvements, and expanded garden plots.
Phase Two includes replacing a non-compliant pedestrian bridge to fit ADA standards, installing educational signage, installing raised “seat” beds that allow children, guests with motility issues, and volunteers to sit on the edge of raised garden beds as they work, installing arbor structures, and reconfiguring lighting and irrigation systems.
Phase Three depends on funding and includes the completion of phase 2 elements plus the conversion of a Farmhouse room into a functional workspace for staff/volunteer use and water service reconnection to sink and restroom.
Hoffman said that eventually, funds could additionally support programs that take place in the garden. CFBG hopes to rebuild relationships with military volunteers, retirees, and therapeutic court programs who could use the Heritage Garden complex as a space to learn about gardening, growing food, and well-being.
Though the funds may not be sufficient to complete all phases of the project, Hoffman described the grant as an “incredibly important part of helping us get the ball rolling” in their efforts to preserve the Cape Fear area’s agricultural history.
He described CFBG’s response as “humbly grateful,” adding that he was “just so thankful that they saw us as a worthy candidate.”

(Photo: The Cape Fear Botanical Garden's Farmhouse, built in 1886, was relocated to the Garden in 1996. It has original pieces all throughout the structure, and is part of the Heritage Garden Complex.)

Fort Liberty celebrates 2024 Family of the Year

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Thursday, 19 December 2024

Written by Erin C. Healy

On Dec. 5, Fort Liberty leaders named the Family of the Year during a ceremony at the Main Post Chapel. Army Volunteer Corps Coordinator Alice Stephens emceed; she has organized everything behind the scenes for 18 of the event’s 22 years. The 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus performed “God Bless America” and a heartfelt rendition of “Lean On Me.” Chaplain Col. Jay Outen gave the invocation, inviting God to watch over not only the families being honored that evening but all Fort Liberty families. In his final public appearance as Commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Liberty, Lt. Gen. Christopher T. Donahue reiterated that “here at the center of the military universe,” as he referred to Fort Liberty, the Airborne Corps has two jobs: to protect the nation and to take care of its people. These families not only supported its military member, but they were involved with the unit, other military families and the wider community.
Each year, unit leaders on Fort Liberty nominate families from their unit to be considered for Family of the Year. The families put together packets of their involvement with other families in the unit, activities on base and volunteer work in Fayetteville. Board members whittle the pool of families down to 16, all of which are invited to the ceremony. The field is again narrowed to the five top families and one finalist family is selected from the five.
Top honors this year went to:
• Sgt. Maj. Scott Chapman II, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, DIVARTY, 82nd Airborne Division, spouse Melinda; children Triston, Giulianna, Keira, Abigail and Elijah
The four remaining top five families in alphabetical order are:
• Chaplain Cpt. Euy Cho, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, spouse Eun Sung; children: David and Daniel
• First Sgt. Gregg Kimbell, 127th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, spouse Daisy; child Angelina
• Sgt. Johnathan Lovegren, A Co., 189th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, spouse Amanda; children Athena and Ares
• Chaplain Cpt. Andrew Lowe, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 2-319 Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 82nd Airborne DIVARTY, 82nd Airborne Division, spouse Alexandria; children Dominic and Allen

In addition to a plaque commemorating the Chapmans recognition as the 2024 Fort Liberty Family of the Year, they also received a red poinsettia and a stocking full of snacks. Each family chose a single word to describe the essence of their interactions and motivations. The Chapmans chose “versatile” because they meet the demanding schedules of two careers, five kids, volunteer efforts and deployments. Sgt. Maj. Chapman said of his family, the effort “has only strengthened our bond and love for each other.” The family is involved in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Fayetteville, Melinda is a Family Readiness Group advisor and this year the family collected donations to send to our still-suffering neighbors in the western mountains of the state. Their eldest son is a U.S. Army Reserve member.
Following the ceremony, guests moved outside for the Christmas festivities being held at the Main Post Parade Field. The 82nd Airborne Division All-American Chorus added some cadences and Christmas carols to their evening’s repertoire. Cookies and hot chocolate were available for the kids while food trucks and beer and wine tents served the needs of their parents. The U.S. Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights, provided swirling, sparkling white Christmas lights as they surfed the air from plane to ground. Santa and Mrs. Clause arrived to the tune of the 82nd Chorus singing “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and the Chapman’s youngest girl flipped the lever that lit the posts’ main Christmas tree.

(Above Photo: Sgt. Maj. Scott Chapman II, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 82nd Airborne Division Artillery, alongside his wife, Melinda and kids, Keria, Abigale, and Elijah receives the Garrison Family of the Year award during the Family of the Year Ceremony on Fort Liberty, Dec. 5. Sixteen family nominees were recognized by their units for their willingness to sacrifice moments as a family to serve full time while still investing in the community.)

226 The Warehouse: Elevated experience Downtown

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Thursday, 19 December 2024

Written by Amber Little

Fayetteville is growing. Downtown is seeing its own growth and revitalization of existing buildings that mark the humble beginnings of the All America City.
The newest addition to the Downtown area is 226 The Warehouse, located in the old Cotton Exchange building located at 226 Donaldson Street. Nestled on a side street right off Hay Street, 226 has a sophisticated atmosphere before you even open the doors. From the sign that hangs above the double, temperance glass doors, to the restored brick and wood inside, the space serves as the perfect backdrop for an array of occasions.
The space boasts a brand-new elevated DJ booth, and 2 fully stocked bars, one serving the downstairs area and one for the upstairs mezzanine and private lounge area. Downstairs is an open-space concept with several luxury private booths for guests to sit and enjoy a more intimate space while still enjoying the festivities.
Keeping some of the essence of the previous long-term tenants, several antique fixtures were kept and incorporated into the new space. The antiques and modern fixtures serve as perfect backdrops for any occasion. The Mezzanine also has a fully stocked bar and custom-made tables and railings, offering cup spaces for those who are standing. Owners Robert Savage and Andre Thomas have been very meticulous in the details they added to the space. Ladies can find purse hangers methodically placed around the space and custom-built cup holders in the upstairs area for standing guests. Every inch of the space has been well thought out and the process from purchasing the building to the ribbon cutting took two years.
Savage, a St. Thomas, Jamaica native, father, husband, and retired CW4 is no stranger to opening and operating a business. He and his wife also own a hair replacement center. When Thomas asked him to walk over to The Cotton Exchange one evening after a drink at the Livery Cigar Emporium, Savage was open to the idea of bringing something different to the downtown area.
“I saw what this place could be, and I saw that we could actually make a change for what is in Fayetteville. The space is 8,000 square feet. I [said] we can make something upscale for Fayetteville. And it took us a very, very long time to get it, a bit over two years to get it where it’s at. My buddy Jose and I did 90 % of the work in here. We didn’t have contractors. We had specialty tradesmen who came in, the electricity and plumbing and so forth. But this was a massive undertaking, so Andre and I, we [held] true to our vision of making something exclusive for Fayetteville,” Savage explained. Co-owner Andre Thomas, a Chicago native and also a retired military member, has always loved a good party, and opening 226 The Warehouse was just a natural progression for him.
“I’ve always liked entertainment. Something like this was just playing into who I [have] always been. I used to do parties at different locations and things of that nature. So it was like hey, how about having somewhere where you can host your own events?” Thomas said.
Keeping the integrity of the building was important to Savage.
“[The] majority of everything that you see in here was already here. If it’s on the wall, it was here before… We didn’t want to do drywall because [the] original structure was wood. We want[ed] to keep the natural color of the wood. For all the stains, we used a light stain,” he said.
All of the design choices and preservation have led to a unique, one-of-a-kind space that is perfect for hosting a variety of events including weddings, receptions, balls, fashion shows, art shows, comedy shows, and of course parties. Through collaborations they have made themselves a one-stop shop, offering access to a range of caterers, decorators, and DJs. It took several years of work to open, and Savage and Thomas are thankful for all who have helped to get them ready.
“There are so many people, that contributed their time and their energy and sacrificed so much for us to get here,” Thomas said.
To book your event or tour the space visit the website at https://www.226thewarehousenc.com/ or send an inquiry via email to 226thewarehouse@gmail.com.

Gracefully Fit, LLC owner’s journey to opening exclusive women’s gym

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Thursday, 19 December 2024

Written by Anna White

When Grace Bex faced a particularly challenging first pregnancy, she could hardly have imagined the transition and opportunities it would bring into her life. She gave birth 4 weeks early due to preeclampsia and began navigating the unknowns of postpartum recovery. That was in 2017. Now, she’s on the cusp of opening Fayetteville’s only exclusively female fitness facility.
Bex’s journey began when she started sharing her postpartum weight loss journey on social media. Though she had spent her childhood and college years involved in a variety of sports and power-lifting, her new daughter was changing her perspective. There was a new motivation behind her fitness.
“I wanted to take care of myself,” Bex explained, “for [my daughter].”
She began sharing the details of her postpartum workouts, meal plans, and progress. As followers, friends, and family connected with her story and saw that her choices were working, they began to reach out.
“Friends who were like, hey, can you write down what you're doing so I can do it? I was like, okay, yeah, but you know, I'm not certified.”
As time went on, friends and family encouraged her to pursue certification. Bex eventually became a Certified Personal Trainer through Auburn University’s American College of Sports Medicine. She said her business grew rapidly during the first year and a half. During that time she offered training in her “humble” home gym.
In 2019, Army life dictated changes, and Bex and her husband moved to Germany. Bex didn’t expect personal training would keep her busy during their time there, but spent several months advertising her services ahead of the move anyway. When she settled in Germany, she restarted in their 160-square-foot garage.
“I figured, okay, everybody's going to be paying for traveling and whatever, they're not going to want to pay for personal training,” Bex shared. “By the grace of God, I was wrong.”
Her first three months of offering training in Germany were fully booked.
During her time in Germany, Bex began hosting what has since become one of her most popular events, “Ladies Lift Night.” She describes the event as “a night full of empowerment and ladies getting together who potentially wouldn't cross paths otherwise.” The ladies she brings together hail from a variety of backgrounds such as Cross-Fit and Yoga; backgrounds that Bex says often carry the stigma of not getting along in the fitness world.
“These nights are for everybody to come together,” she explained.
When COVID-19 hit, the German government eventually closed all gyms, and Bex decided to permanently close the 10,000-square-foot facility she had purchased and was operating her business in. At that time, she was expecting again, and she and her husband were preparing for a permanent change of station
back to Fayetteville.
Back in the Fayetteville area, she had no intentions of opening another gym and planned on operating Gracefully Fit out of her commercially equipped home gym until her training waitlist grew beyond what she could support there.
She continued living by the motto she had coined for her business years earlier - “Do one thing today that you didn't do yesterday that will change your tomorrow”- and eventually began to see the need for an exclusive women’s gym in the area.
Having now faced three challenging birth experiences - journeys that she feels have given her the ability to relate to other women around her - she wants to create an environment where women can “feel comfortable and heard and seen and related to and the ways that only women can relate to each other.”
Gracefully Fit is set to open their new facility in a to-be-announced location in the first quarter of 2025. A boutique gym, Bex says they’ll focus on a “well-rounded, wellness approach,” offering classes and training in a variety of modalities such as Pilates, yoga, and barre in addition to regular classes. Other offerings will include an on-site cold plunge, sauna, discounted rates on child care at the facility directly next door, and Connect Groups.
“I’m really big on community,” Bex shared.
She said from the beginning of her journey as a personal trainer, clients have wanted spaces to connect, whether virtually or in person. Connect Groups give clients the chance to connect via book clubs, mom groups, and more according to Bex. She hopes clients will use the groups as a place to “find [their] people.”
Find more information on Gracefully Fit’s training packages and stay up to date with developments at https://begracefullyfit.com/

(Grace Bex will be opening a woman only fitness space in Fayetteville in 2025. Bex hopes the gym will bring ladies of all backgrounds together. Photo courtesy of Grace Bex)