Local News

Winter wellness: Staying healthy, connected this season

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Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Written by John Riggio

Winter’s shorter days and cold weather can leave anyone feeling tired or down. The National Institute on Aging reports that up to 1 in 5 older adults experience seasonal depression or mood changes during winter.
You might notice a loved one losing interest in hobbies, skipping social activities, or feeling low energy. These can be signs they need extra support.
Staying connected is one of the best ways to boost mood and support emotional health during this season. Here are a few ideas to brighten the winter months:
• Schedule regular phone or video calls with family and friends.
• Plan a visit to see a loved one, even if it’s just for a cup of coffee.
• Volunteer with a local organization—it’s a great way to meet people and give back.
• Join a group like a book club, Bible study, or hobby circle.
• Stay involved in your faith community or other social networks.
Mental health matters as much as physical health. When we feel good emotionally, we’re more likely to eat well, stay active, and keep healthy routines. And when temperatures drop, warmth isn’t just about comfort, it helps maintain mood and energy. Try these tips:
• Drink something warm: Tea, hot chocolate, or a warm, low-caffeine drink.
• Stay hydrated: Dry air can cause dehydration, so sip water often.
• Keep your head warm: Wear a hat or scarf outside.
• Bundle up: Layer clothing to stay cozy.
• Set the heat: Keep your home at least 65°F.
• Stay active: Light stretching or indoor walks can boost mood and circulation.
How LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines Helps
Winter doesn’t have to feel cold or lonely. At LIFE St. Joseph of the Pines, we help older adults stay safe, active, and connected all year. Our PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) program cares for the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
Our full-circle care team, including nurses, therapists, dietitians, and social workers, works together to keep every participant safe, healthy, and thriving through every season.
Participants also enjoy activities that encourage socialization and build community, such as:
• Pet therapy
• Music & dance
• Bingo & games
• Trivia & brain boosters
• Social events & celebrations
Need extra support for yourself or a loved one? We’re here to help! Call 910-429-7223 or visit lifestjosephofthepines.org.

Physical therapist assistant job demand expected to grow

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Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Written by Annette Webster, Department Chairperson

Physical Therapist Assistants work alongside a Physical Therapist to provide rehabilitative care and treatment to patients recovering from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses. PTAs help patients improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent or manage physical disabilities through prescribed exercises, therapeutic techniques, and other interventions. PTA duties include implementing treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, educating patients about exercises and proper body mechanics, and assisting with physical therapy equipment.
Outlook for the Next Ten Years. The demand for PTAs is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. This growth is driven by an aging population, increased awareness of the benefits of physical therapy, and a rise in chronic conditions, such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Additionally, as more people seek non-invasive treatments, physical therapy becomes a preferred option over surgery or medication. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 16% growth for physical therapist assistants from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. The national median annual salary for a degreed physical therapist assistant is $65,510, according to the BLS. The lowest 10% of earners make less than $46,930, while the highest 10% earn over $87,630.
Specialties within Physical Therapy. PTAs are integral rehabilitation team members with diverse career opportunities in various specialties and a strong employment outlook in the coming years.
Physical therapy encompasses various specialties, and PTAs can work in any of
these fields, including:
• Orthopedic Physical Therapy
• Neurological Physical Therapy
• Pediatric Physical Therapy: Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Sports Physical Therapy
• Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy
• Women’s Health Physical Therapy
As part of the professional Physical Therapy community, PTAs are uniquely positioned to significantly impact both within their professional field and in their local communities. Through volunteerism, PTAs have the opportunity to give back to the community and develop their skills, advance their proficiencies, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of healthcare and education in physical therapy. The American Physical Therapy Association emphasizes the following core values that PTAs uphold in their work and actions:
• Optimization of Human Movement – helping patients achieve their fullest potential by enhancing mobility and overall function
• Innovation in Healthcare – being flexible at adopting new technologies, treatment approaches, and evidence-based practices to improve patient care and outcomes
• Advancement in Education - whether through formal advanced proficiencies, continuing education, or mentorship
• Advocacy for Equal Access to Services – ensuring that services are available for everyone, no matter one’s age or background
• Vigilance in Protecting Patient Rights - ensuring patient privacy, consent, and ethical treatment of all
• Responsiveness to Patient, Client, and Member Needs - maintaining flexibility and responsiveness to ensure optimal patient care
• Respect for Diversity – embracing and respecting the diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences of patients, clients, and fellow healthcare professionals.
By aligning with these values, PTAs play a critical role in advancing the physical therapy profession, advocating for patients, and making a meaningful impact in the communities they serve. Their efforts help shape the future of healthcare by ensuring that the profession remains inclusive, innovative, and patient-centered.
Want to learn more about enrolling in Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Associate Degree Physical Therapist Assistant program? Contact us at healthproadmissions@faytechcc.edu.

Sweet celebrations at Rocket Fizz for milestone anniversary

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Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Written by Anna White

You never outgrow a bottle of pop and your favorite candy bar. That’s what Ann Wiremalm Sims and Ineke Morris, co-owners of Rocket Fizz of Fayetteville, have seen time and time again over the last ten years.
“It’s a place for everybody, we don’t care who you are,” shared Wiremalm Sims.
Innumerable repeat customers, the formation of lifelong relationships, and the simple joy that a candy and soda shop holds to turn a bad day into a good one are all part of their decade-long history. Throughout December, they’re celebrating these pillars with special deals and surprise offers.
“It’s a happy place,” Wiremalm Sims explained, “When people walk in, you cannot be in a bad mood.”
The month will feature exclusive anniversary discounts, weekly specials, limited-edition holiday candles, and surprise flash deals, which will be announced on Facebook and Instagram.
Rocket Fizz Fayetteville’s story began in 2015. Wiremalm Sims, a military spouse who stayed home with her children, was shifting gears as her husband’s retirement neared. She wanted something new to focus on, and a random TV episode was all it took to spark her new career path.
“We watched an episode of Undercover Boss and Rocket Fizz was featured on it,” she explained. “Once we watched that episode, we looked into other franchises as well, but we were thinking, ‘Fayetteville doesn’t have anything like [Rocket Fizz],’ and we thought a candy store looked fun.”
With that, Wiremalm Sims’ path to franchise ownership was set in motion. It took several years to gain awareness and traction for the business, but with time, their brand grew and Rocket Fizz became a fixture.
“When we would talk to people and tell them what we were doing, they’d say, ‘We’ve already heard of that place! We’ve been there and love it!’” Wiremalm Sims shared. “That’s one of the most wonderful things to hear.”
Immediately upon opening, Wiremalm Sims hired a storefront manager. A mutual friend recommended Ineke Morris for the position. They had something in common that made the relationship a natural fit.
“She was kind of in the same situation as myself. Her husband was retired Air Force, and we’re both Europeans,” Wiremalm Sims explained. “She’s from the Netherlands, and I’m from Sweden.”
The two excelled at their respective job descriptions, Wiremalm Sims crunching numbers behind the scenes, and Morris handling operations in the store. Almost two years into the arrangement, Morris and her husband were thinking of opening their own franchise when Wiremalm Sims saw another opportunity.
“She and her husband were thinking of opening their own Rocket Fizz, and I said, ‘Well, why don’t you join forces with us instead?’ So that’s how we became co-owners and ever since then we’ve run the place together.”
In 2018, they opened a second location in Columbia, SC, but the venture was short-lived. It taught them just how strongly they felt about keeping a personal touch to their storefront. “We want to be present at that store, and the South Carolina location wasn’t what we expected it to be; the distance was hard.”
They closed it without any second thoughts.
“This is our baby,” Wiremalm Sims said of the Fayetteville location. “Instead of spreading ourselves thin, we wanted to do this one store well.”
“Do one store well,” they have, with customers staying in touch years later to keep fond memories alive, even after leaving the Fayetteville area. Wiremalm Sims recounted the custom soda can labels they previously offered at Rocket Fizz, and a particular bride and groom who ordered some for their wedding.
“That couple—we are still friends with them today, they always send us Thanksgiving and Christmas cards even though they don’t live here anymore.”
Repeat customers hold a place in her heart as well. One older lady made a habit of coming in with her daughters and buying ten small mystery bags and one large one. The tradition stuck out in Wiremalm Sims’ mind: “There are certain customers that you will never forget.”
For both regulars and new customers, a stop by Rocket Fizz during the month of December will be full of surprises and sweet discounts.
Many items are discounted 50% for purchases of ten items or more. Large bags of saltwater taffy cost the same as small bags. For mystery bags, which contain a surprise assortment of candy, one in every ten also contains a $5 gift card, and half the bags contain a ticket for a free soda. Other products in the store, such as tin signs, are marked buy one get one half-off. There’s even a prize wheel that customers can spin to gain exclusive prizes and discounts.
With a decade of serving up sweet treats behind them, Wiremalm Sims has one message for the community: “I hope we will be around to make people happy for another 10 years at least!”
Rocket Fizz is located at 1916 Skibo Rd. To find out more information about the shop, visit their website at https://rocketfizz.com/locations/rocket-fizz-fayetteville-nc/

(Photo: Ineke Morris, left, and Ann Wiremalm Sims, right, are the co-owners of Rocket Fizz in Fayetteville. The candy shop is celebrating ten years of business in Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of Ann Wiremalm Sims)

Library's Cumberland Cooks increases culinary literacy

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Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Cumberland County Public Library is transforming the way residents engage with food, nutrition, and lifelong wellness through its new Cumberland Cooks program. Launched in September, this culinary literacy initiative uses fully equipped Charlie Cart mobile kitchens to deliver hands-on cooking classes, live demonstrations, and wellness-focused education across multiple library branches.
With a mission to combat food insecurity and increase food literacy, Cumberland Cooks is opening doors for community members of all ages to build practical, healthy cooking skills—entirely free of charge.
At its core, Cumberland Cooks is designed to make healthy, affordable cooking accessible to everyone. The program teaches fundamental skills, such as knife safety, budgeting for groceries, interpreting nutrition labels, and preparing balanced meals.
Participants not only learn how to cook but also gain a deeper understanding of why food literacy matters—especially in a county where food deserts and food insecurity affect many families. The library’s focus on outcomes-based instruction ensures that each session equips attendees with knowledge they can immediately apply at home.
The heart of the program is the library’s two new Charlie Carts, state-of-the-art mobile kitchens funded by a $40,500 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Each cart includes a convection oven, induction cooktop, sink, and storage for more than 100 kitchen tools, allowing staff to deliver high-quality cooking programs anywhere. The carts rotate among CCPL’s eight locations, spending two months at each branch so the entire community has consistent access to hands-on culinary learning.
These portable teaching kitchens make it possible for CCPL staff to bring dynamic cooking experiences directly to neighborhoods across Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Sessions vary by branch and audience, with events held at locations such as Headquarters Library, West Regional Library, and East Regional Library.
The program serves multiple age groups, offering targeted events for teens, adults, and families, ensuring everyone from beginners to budding home chefs can participate.
Cumberland Cooks classes are intentionally fun, interactive, and seasonal, blending practical skills with creative cooking activities. Recent and upcoming programs include making Chocolate Chip Cookie Jars, gingerbread, and a variety of savory dips. Whether attendees are mixing dough, experimenting with spices, or learning how to stretch ingredients into multiple meals, each event reinforces the message that nutritious cooking can be both enjoyable and achievable. To see more Cumberland Cooks events, visit their calendar at
https://bit.ly/4oPgk55
Participants can expect two main types of experiences: hands-on cooking classes, where they actively prep and cook food with guidance from trained library staff, and live demonstrations, which allow attendees to watch, taste, and learn techniques they can recreate at home. Tastings provide opportunities to sample healthy dishes and explore new ingredients—an important step in expanding food awareness, especially for families on tight budgets.
Beyond teaching recipes, Cumberland Cooks fulfills a broader mission: promoting wellness and empowering residents with life skills that extend far beyond the library’s walls. By integrating concepts like food safety, meal planning, and cultural cuisine, the program encourages a deeper appreciation for nourishing foods and the role they play in overall well-being.
For teens and young adults, these classes provide essential skills that support independence and long-term health.
Cumberland Cooks is redefining what a public library can be. With mobile kitchens, grant-funded resources, and a commitment to community wellness, CCPL is creating a vibrant space where residents can learn to cook healthy, affordable meals—one recipe at a time. In doing so, the library is not just a place for books, but a hub for practical skills, shared learning, and lasting nourishment.

(Photo: The Charlie Carts at the library were provided by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The carts are mobile kitchens, and allow for easier culinary instruction. Photo courtesy of the Charlie Cart Project's Facebook page)