Local News

Every Step Matters: Fayetteville rallies behind Walk to End Alzheimer’s

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Wednesday, 08 July 2026

Written by Jaime Bishop

For one night in June, Fayetteville took on a different glow.

Several city landmarks were illuminated in purple, joining communities across the country in recognizing Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. The color served as more than a visual display; it was a reminder that millions of Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and that countless families in Cumberland County are quietly navigating the daily realities of memory loss, caregiving and uncertainty.

While June’s awareness campaign has ended, the work continues.

The Alzheimer’s Association is already preparing for the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, scheduled for Oct. 24 in downtown Fayetteville. Months before participants gather at Festival Park, organizers are encouraging businesses, churches, civic organizations and families to begin forming teams and raising support for what has become the world’s largest fundraiser dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than seven million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, and nearly 12 million family members and friends provide unpaid care for loved ones facing dementia. In North Carolina alone, more than 210,000 people are living with the disease, a number expected to rise as the state’s population continues to age.

For Kara Harrington, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications for the Alzheimer’s Association in North Carolina, awareness begins with helping communities understand that Alzheimer’s is not simply a normal part of aging.

“Every person who registers, donates or participates in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s helps move us closer to our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia,” Harrington said. 

That mission extends well beyond a single October morning.

The annual walk funds research aimed at improving treatment options while supporting local education programs, caregiver resources, community outreach and the Association’s free, 24-hour Helpline. For many families, those services become a lifeline after receiving one of life’s most difficult diagnoses.

The Fayetteville walk has grown steadily over the years, bringing together hundreds of participants whose reasons for walking are deeply personal. Some honor a parent or grandparent. Others remember spouses, siblings or lifelong friends. Many walk alongside loved ones who are still living with the disease, creating moments of hope in the midst of a difficult journey.

The community’s commitment to raising awareness will continue throughout the summer.

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers are once again partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association by hosting an Alzheimer’s Awareness Night, Aug. 28. The event will combine America’s pastime with opportunities to educate fans about brain health, available resources and the importance of supporting research that could one day lead to a cure.

Community partnerships like these have become increasingly important as advocates work to reach individuals who may not otherwise seek information about Alzheimer’s until it affects someone close to them.

For Harrington, one of the Association’s greatest strengths is its ability to bring people together around a shared purpose.

“The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is about hope, community and making sure no family faces this disease alone,” she said, encouraging residents to become involved.

That message resonates throughout Cumberland County, where caregivers often shoulder tremendous emotional, physical and financial responsibilities while caring for loved ones whose memories gradually fade.

The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that family caregivers contribute billions of dollars in unpaid care each year. Beyond the financial impact lies the emotional weight of watching someone slowly lose the ability to recognize familiar faces, recall treasured memories or complete everyday tasks independently.

Those realities make awareness efforts like Fayetteville’s purple landmarks especially meaningful. They encourage conversations that many families postpone until a diagnosis forces them to confront the disease.

Organizers say the Walk to End Alzheimer’s offers more than fundraising. It creates a visible reminder that no caregiver walks alone and no family has to navigate Alzheimer’s without support.

As October approaches, organizers hope to see new teams joining longtime participants in downtown Fayetteville. Whether walking in honor of a loved one, in memory of someone lost or simply in support of future generations, every participant helps advance research while strengthening local services for families living with dementia.

The purple lights that briefly illuminated Fayetteville have gone dark, but their message continues to shine.

This October, hundreds of footsteps will once again carry that message forward one mile, one family and one memory at a time.

For more information, or to start a team, visit https://bit.ly/4gRMCvT

Shaping the future: Callie Tisdale’s inspiring journey to the Civics Bee National Finals

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Wednesday, 08 July 2026

Written by Katie Herring

In an era where civic engagement is more critical than ever, a new generation of young leaders is stepping up to prove that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact. Among these bright minds is Callie Tisdale, an eighth-grade Fayetteville Academy student whose sharp critical thinking, deep understanding of government and passion for her community have propelled her to the top of a prestigious national stage.

The National Civics Bee, organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is a competitive program designed to encourage middle school students to engage with their communities. According to the Foundation, students who participate "gain knowledge about American democracy, practice engaging respectfully and constructively and build trust in others and institutions."

For Callie, entering the competition was a natural choice. As someone who has always been fascinated by history and government, which was further fueled by her seventh-grade civics class, she jumped at the opportunity when her English teacher presented the idea of competing in the Civics Bee.

The first step of the competition required submitting an essay identifying a local problem and proposing a civic-minded solution. Callie chose to tackle a heavy and deeply critical issue affecting her community: human trafficking in Cumberland County.

In her essay, Callie argued for the urgent need to raise awareness by collaborating with local organizations like the Child Advocacy Center and local law enforcement, as well as utilizing the powerful stories of survivors. To bridge the gap between awareness and action, she proposed creating a centralized website to consolidate vital resources, making it easier for people to access help and information. As Callie wrote in her essay:

“With the horrid nature of these acts, we need a system in place that will prevent it. Helping this issue will help everyone feel safer 

in our city.”

Instead of allowing this idea to remain theoretical, Callie took her ideas beyond the page, the webpage, that is.  While she is working to build the website, she has launched an Instagram account titled WRATH (Websites for Resources Against Trafficking Humans), which can be found at @the.wrath111. The significance of 111 is that January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.  This digital platform serves as the first step in her mission to consolidate resources and spread awareness, proving that her essay was not just a competition entry but a blueprint for real-world change.

The journey of the National Civics Bee is a demanding, multi-tiered sequence. The competition begins at the regional level, where students take part in a live quiz and a Q&A session defending their essays. The top three contestants from each regional event advance to the State Finals.

Callie excelled at the regional level, held in Fayetteville this year, earning her ticket to the state competition. Throughout the progression of the bee, competitors must stick to their original essay and core problem. However, they are permitted to adapt their ideas and expand upon their solutions. In Callie’s case, her original solution involved going into schools to help raise awareness of human trafficking and helping her peers understand how they could help prevent it.  However, as she continued through the competition, she realized how time-consuming and labor-intensive that could be, and that by creating digital resources, more people could be reached and helped. Callie used this opportunity to refine her digital resource strategy, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of public policy and community organizing.

Her hard work, poise and thoroughly researched solutions have not gone unnoticed. Callie not only held her own against the brightest minds in the state, but she won the entire North Carolina State competition. Reflecting on the environment, Callie shared a sentiment that highlights the true spirit of the event:  “It’s really fun to compete with people who have similar interests.”

By capturing the state title, Callie has earned the opportunity to represent North Carolina at the National Civics Bee National Championship in Washington, D.C.  The stakes at the national level are incredibly high. Finalists from across the country will compete not only for prestigious recognition but also for a life-changing $100,000 contribution to a 529 college savings plan.

Through her brilliant analytical skills, dedication to public service, and willingness to tackle difficult conversations, Callie Tisdale is proving that the next generation is ready to lead. As she prepares to take her ideas to the nation's capital, Cumberland County stands proudly behind a young leader who is actively working to make her community a safer place.

(Photo: Callie Tisdale won the North Carolina State Civics Bee after earning her spot at the Regional Civics Bee held in Fayetteville. She will compete in Washington DC in the nation wide competition later this year. Photo courtesy of Karen Tisdale)

Summer of Hope creates community one Thursday at a time

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Tuesday, 07 July 2026

Written by Tiffany Haywood

Before the first family arrives, volunteers are already at work.

Local business Flip Flop Sauce joins Gate Beautiful's crew at the grill, serving hot dogs while children gather around a nearby face-painting tent. An inflatable slide welcomes younger guests, and under one large tent, families sit together, share a meal and spend the evening in conversation.

It doesn't take long to realize Gate Beautiful isn't simply hosting an event. It's intentionally building something much harder to earn: trust.

Most people think trust is built when someone tells the truth. But trust is also built through consistency—showing up again and again, exactly as promised.

That's the idea behind Summer of Hope, a free weekly community gathering hosted by Gate Beautiful every Thursday at 6 p.m. through Aug. 13 at Christ Covenant Baptist Church at 5200 Bragg Blvd. Made possible through the City of Fayetteville Office of Community Safety's Safe Space Activation Grant, the 10-week program offers food, activities and access to community resources while creating a place where relationships can grow.

"This kind of thing is something we've wanted to do for a really long time, but we just haven't had the capacity to do it," said Abbie Arena of Gate Beautiful. "The grant definitely provided that capacity for us."

Although participating organizations could host two events each month through the grant, Gate Beautiful chose a different approach: returning to the same location every Thursday.

"We chose to stay in the same spot every time... to establish that consistency in that neighborhood, to be able to build trust and really just show up for people consistently," Arena said.

Before volunteers realized I was there as a reporter, they approached me just as they did every other attendee. They took the time to introduce themselves, learn my name, ask about my family and welcome me as a newcomer. Nothing felt hurried or scripted. It wasn't about moving me through a line or directing me to a registration table. It was about getting to know me and making me feel like I already belonged.

Arena said that's exactly the goal.

"Maybe on week one, someone's not quite ready," she said. "But maybe by week four or five they've established enough of a relationship to realize, 'Okay, you're the real deal,' and feel comfortable asking for the help they need."

Sometimes, that relationship begins with something as simple as friendship.

During the program's third week, volunteers celebrated the birthday of a returning participant who had been facing difficult circumstances. It was simply the natural result of taking the time to know one another.

"It's starting to feel more and more like a little community," Arena said. "They're just accepting friendship, and that's really what we wanted — to establish that community."

District 8 City Council member Shaun McMillan said the Safe Space Activation Grant, funded through the City of Fayetteville Office of Community Safety and led by Director John Jones, is designed to strengthen organizations before crises occur rather than to respond afterward. The office awarded reimbursement grants to four local organizations, including Gate Beautiful.

"Too often we focus on the outcomes," McMillan said. "In a preventive way, they're pouring into organizations and the spaces that provide safety and meet people's needs."

He said programs like Summer of Hope are "creating opportunities for people to come together in a strong community."

Gate Beautiful, which supports individuals impacted by human trafficking through case management, legal advocacy, rehabilitation referrals, detox services and other support, created Summer of Hope to become a bridge long before someone reaches the point of asking for help.

Attendance grew from 33 participants during the first week to nearly 60 during the second. By the third week, volunteers were greeting familiar faces, and families were bringing friends along.

What stayed with me most wasn't the hot dogs, the inflatable slide or the face painting.

It was the people.

The volunteers weren't simply serving dinner. They were listening. They weren't checking off a task list. They were investing in relationships that may one day become the bridge between someone realizing they need help and feeling safe enough to ask for it.

Summer of Hope continues each Thursday at 6 p.m. through Aug. 13 at Christ Covenant Baptist Church. Arena also credited Christ Covenant Baptist Church for opening its campus and providing the space for the weekly gatherings, the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office for providing security and volunteer support, and Vigilant Hope for serving alongside Gate Beautiful throughout the summer.

The free program is open to the community, offering families an opportunity to enjoy a summer evening together while discovering resources, support and a community committed to showing up week after week.

Because sometimes hope begins with knowing that when you come back next Thursday, you'll see a familiar face, hear your name and realize you're no longer walking into a crowd—you're walking back to a community.

 (Photo: Gate Beautiful's Summer of Hope is held every Thursday at Christ Covenant Baptist Church from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Photos by Tiffany Haywood)

Cooling centers keep residents safe as summer heat rolls in

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Tuesday, 07 July 2026

Written by Mahalia Cooks

The start of summer in North Carolina means soaring temperatures, and keeping cool is more important than ever as our summers grow hotter. State agencies such as the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality have shared that over 5,700 heat-related emergency room visits occurred across the state in 2025. However, securing reliable cooling can be difficult for unhoused individuals and those without air conditioning systems.

Cooling Centers across Cumberland County provide a reprieve for individuals who are unable to access AC or need a quick way to cool off and stay safe after being outside. 

The following buildings serve as Cooling Centers for the community:

• Cumberland County Department of Social Services’ Auxiliary Lobby: 1225 Ramsey St., Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Cumberland County Department of Public Health’s First Floor Lobby: 1235 Ramsey St., Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Cumberland County Public Libraries: All eight branches are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hope Mills, North Regional, Headquarters and Cliffdale are also open on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

• Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) Main Lobby: 505 Franklin St. The Transit Center’s hours are listed at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/City-Departments/Transit.

• Fayetteville Cares Day Resource Center: 128 S. King St., Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation Center Lobbies: Locations and operating hours vary.

Amanda Scheck, Emergency Management Coordinator for Cumberland County Emergency Management, notes that Cooling Centers are available during the facilities’ regular hours and will “not be opening early or extending their hours past normal operations.”

Residents can stay updated on when nearby Cooling Centers will open by following Cumberland County’s social media pages or using the interactive map on the Cumberland County website at https://www.cumberlandcountync.gov/emergencyservices/cooling-warming-centers. Maximum capacity limits vary depending on each specific location.

Scheck states that some locations may have hydration resources for residents, but this is up to the discretion of each center. 

“Some of them do have hydration stations; they could be as simple as the existing water stations that are at those locations, and some of them may have a hydration area set up specifically for residents seeking cooling,” she said.

North Carolina’s heat season runs from May 1 to Sept. 30. Cooling Centers are offered during times of dangerously elevated temperatures so that residents have easier ways to escape the heat; these buildings only operate as Cooling Centers during Heat Health Emergencies.

Alongside the Cooling Center Map, residents have another way to remain aware of high outdoor temperatures. The Heat Health Alert System, created by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, sends email alerts to individuals who sign up to notify them of when the daily maximum heat index is expected to reach certain thresholds.

The alert system is split into eight climate regions. It is categorized by county and presents specific thresholds for different periods of the summer for higher accuracy. Temperature thresholds tend to be lower at the start of the heat season when our bodies are still adjusting to the heat and then later rise as we become acclimated to the weather.

Signing up allows residents to receive alerts when the following Cumberland County heat index thresholds are predicted in the forecast:

• May 1 to June 21: 99 degrees Fahrenheit

• June 22 to Aug. 11: 105 degrees Fahrenheit

• Aug. 12 to Sept. 30: 101 degrees Fahrenheit

In addition to visiting Cooling Centers, people can keep the heat down this summer through various other methods. 

“We are always open to explore and diligently looking for alternatives to ensure that our citizens are safe in every aspect, whether that’s daytime heat or overnight temperatures,” Scheck said.

Scheck recommends staying well hydrated, sticking to shady areas if you have to be outside, wearing loose clothing to help regulate your body temperature and doing yardwork or other strenuous activities in the early morning or late evening if possible.

To receive Heat Health Alerts, register at https://survey.dph.ncdhhs.gov/surveys/?s=J3M84LKNAPN838AA. 

(Photo: The Cumberland County Department of Social Services Auxiliary Lobby is one of the areas residents can go when the heat becomes too much. Photo courtesy of the City of Fayetteville)