Local News

Getting down to business: Cooking4Fitness

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Tuesday, 09 July 2024

Written by Staff Report

Tell us about yourself and your business.
Hello, I'm April Perton, a former military spouse with a global footprint living in various locations worldwide. While Fayetteville may not be my native home, it has become a significant part of my story. In addition to my diverse experiences, I'm a proud mother with one daughter currently navigating the college journey. My household is complete with the delightful presence of two amazing dogs, adding joy and companionship to my life. Through my journey, I've embraced the richness of different cultures and now find fulfillment in the unique community of Fayetteville.
Cooking4Fitness is located in Downtown Fayetteville, steps from the Market Square at 130 Bow St. Our hours are based on private bookings and or events that are posted on our website: www.cooking4fitness.com; @Cooking4Fitness, LLC on Facebook.
Please tell the readers about your educational background and the careers you have held/professional life.
I have a bachelor's in business management, fitness certifications for over 10 years and several educational certificates in health and wellness, including becoming a nutritionist with Food Saved Me Institute. I spent over 20 years in IT at BlueCross BlueShield of Georgia, working overseas and within the US, before retiring early.
Transitioning to health and wellness, I became a fitness instructor for military families in several military bases, including Fort Liberty. I moved to Fayetteville in 2016 and founded Cooking4Fitness in 2017. Our mission is simple: bring healthier cooking back home. We aim to inspire families in the community to make healthier choices regarding their meals and overall well-being. Being a "cooking coach" nutritionist has become my love to help everyone love cooking just as much as we
love eating.
Did you have mentors or people who inspired you in your work?
Many inspiring individuals have led me to this career path, including my parents and sister, who have worked in a hospital for more than 10 years. My mother's strength to overcome breast cancer twice and the strength of my "local" mom, Ouida Heilman, who is from right here in Fayetteville, inspire me. Awareness of cancer and other health diseases is important for us all to be aware of. Leading healthier lifestyles and attending workshops are ways that everyone can get the information and learn.
What is your position in the business?
I'm the proud owner of Cooking4Fitness, a company with an incredible team of cooking coaches. Our diverse group includes mothers, teachers and RN professionals, all passionate about hosting and educating the community.
At Cooking4Fitness, we go beyond traditional workshops. Our role extends to conducting teambuilding sessions for small businesses, collaborating with military groups, and offering personalized sessions for individual families. We believe in more than just workshops; we like to say, "We change lives."
As the business owner, I proudly lead a team of amazing partners. I hesitate to call them employees because, to us, it's not just a job — it's a shared mission. Together, we are a passionate group of five cooking coaches dedicated to spreading the message of healthy cooking and lifestyle choices. Our collaborative efforts go beyond a traditional employer-employee dynamic; we are a team united in our commitment to empowering individuals and families with the knowledge and skills to lead healthier lives through mindful eating and cooking practices.
What is unique about the business?
Our company is not just about cooking; it's a unique blend of culinary expertise and essential kitchen education. We go beyond recipes, delving into the safety aspects of our kitchens. From understanding the contents of our refrigerators to examining the potential effects of cooking materials on our food, we provide comprehensive educational information. Our goal is to empower individuals with knowledge about the entire food preparation process, ensuring delicious, safe and healthy meals for the families we reach.
What inspired you to start this business?
The inspiration behind Cooking4Fitness goes beyond my personal experiences; it stems from witnessing the impact of health issues, particularly cancer, within my own family. Observing numerous families grappling with health challenges such as heart disease, weight problems and diabetes, I realized that many of these issues were linked to a lack of understanding or misinformation about food. This realization fueled my commitment to make a difference through our company, advocating for healthier eating habits to positively impact lives and prevent such health issues in the community.
What makes your job and business exciting and fun?
The true measure of success for Cooking4Fitness lies in our impact on families. If we can shift the perspective of just one family towards the importance of cooking healthier, steering them away from constant reliance on eating out, and guiding them back to the tradition of preparing meals together at home, then we've achieved something significant.

Can you share any stories or highlights from your work?
Over the past six years in Fayetteville, Cooking4Fitness has had the privilege of stepping into countless homes and working with diverse groups, emphasizing the significance of cooking healthier. Whether it's an intimate session highlighting the ease of home cooking or collaborating with larger groups, we've had special moments with over 1,000 individuals. Our journey is not just about teaching recipes; it's about sharing our passion for cooking and fostering a love for preparing wholesome meals at home. And with enthusiasm undiminished, we look forward to continuing this journey, reaching even more individuals and making a lasting impact on their approach to healthier living through cooking.
We have a host of workshops, from Food Addiction 911 to African American Nutrition, and offer complementary at-home presentations in which we will walk the families through grocery shopping and cooking. We also share necessary products for a healthier kitchen and educate the community on what's in their kitchens.
Do you have events?
We host at least one open house monthly and at least two to three workshops at our office and throughout the community. Families can call us to schedule their date and time for a class. Businesses can contact us for Lunch and Learn sessions for their staff or even schedule teambuilding in our office.
Do you have plans to expand or offer new things in your business?
We would love to expand throughout North Carolina and the surrounding areas of Fayetteville. We do have a few reps in the Charlotte area. We will continue to work and grow with other Health and Wellness organizations and community outreach.

Editor's Note: This article first ran in the March 2024 Women's View magazine.

Homecourt: A Conversation with Coach Roy Williams: A resounding success

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Tuesday, 09 July 2024

Written by Staff Report

Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with Fayetteville State University’s Athletic Department, hosted a call-to-action event, Homecourt: A Conversation with Coach Roy Williams, at the Felton J. Capel Arena on FSU's campus. The event brought together community members, supporters, and sports enthusiasts to explore Habitat's mission.
The legendary Coach Roy Williams came down to speak about the intersection of sports and community housing.
The goal of this fundraiser was to support Habitat's mission and educate the public on all the work that FAHFH does, including Homeownership, Critical Repairs, the work of the ReStore on Bragg Boulevard, and Trade Days.
"The work of Habitat is creating partnerships to promote affordable housing, helping keep our seniors in the homes they’ve worked so hard to pay for, and inspiring the next generation," said Brandon Price, CEO of Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity.
The event commenced with a VIP meet-and-greet session, followed by a lunch and a stimulating conversation between Coach Roy Williams and Brandon Price. Attendees had the unique opportunity to hear Coach Williams share his insights on the significance of secure and reliable housing and how it has influenced his coaching career, along with a "Q and A session" and a silent auction of items Coach Williams had generously signed.
In addition to the engaging discussion, the Felton J. Capel Arena was adorned with storyboards highlighting the experiences of Habitat beneficiaries.
Exhibits showcased tools and items from the ReStore, as well as displays from the Trade Days initiative, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of FAHFH's impact on the community.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the event sponsors whose generosity made Homecourt possible: Fayetteville State University Athletic Department, Leidos, Cape Fear Valley Health, Up & Coming Weekly, Cumulus Media, Longleaf Pine Realtors, Land Stout, Allegra, and Sweet Valley Ranch. Special thanks to Tony Wooten for his exceptional photography, and to The Belmont Village and Balloon Pops for their services, which contributed to the event's success.
Homecourt not only raised awareness about the crucial issue of affordable housing but also successfully generated funds to support FAHFH's projects, such as the Trade Days of Summer that is coming up this July.
This construction camp will provide a hands-on learning experience for high school students who are interested in making a career in the trades. They are grateful to all attendees, sponsors, and volunteers for their unwavering support in building homes, communities, and hope.
For more information about Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity and upcoming events, please visit the website at fayettevillenchabitat.org.

(Photo: Coach Roy Williams speaks to a crowd at the Felton J. Capel Arena at FSU for the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity Homecourt event, June 27.)

Be an informed citizen with the help of technology

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Tuesday, 09 July 2024

Written by Sheila D. Barker

In an era where information is key to community engagement and success, staying informed about the decisions and deliberations of local governance has never been more critical. The City of Fayetteville NC understands this need well, offering live streaming of Fayetteville City Council meetings as a vital service to its residents. This initiative not only empowers citizens by providing them with direct access to the workings of their government but also fosters a transparent, inclusive, and participatory civic environment in Fayetteville.
Informed citizens serve as the backbone of a thriving republic, and Fayetteville exemplifies this through its proactive approach to civic engagement. Access to information empowers residents to participate actively in public life, which is crucial for fostering government transparency and combating corruption. By enabling citizens to secure their democratic rights effectively, Fayetteville strengthens its community fabric.
Live streaming serves as a pivotal tool in Fayetteville, ensuring that all community members, regardless of location or ability, have real-time access to government proceedings. This technology promotes transparency and enhances democratic engagement by allowing citizens to witness and participate in civic activities from afar. Regular meetings, held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, are broadcast live, allowing residents to stay informed and connected with the city's governance.
Fayetteville's live streaming initiatives address several participation barriers by offering solutions like FayTV, available on multiple streaming platforms such as Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV. This accessibility ensures that even those who cannot attend in-person meetings due to geographical constraints or disabilities can stay informed and involved. The inclusion of features like closed captioning further supports those with hearing impairments, ensuring everyone has equal access to information. To install the FayTV streaming app on Roku, Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV, search for the words “FayTV” or “Fayetteville.”
By integrating advanced streaming technologies and supporting diverse devices, Fayetteville fosters a connected community. The availability of live streams and digital recordings on platforms like YouTube allows for on-demand access, catering to the busy schedules of Fayetteville’s residents. This approach not only keeps the community informed about current events and council decisions but also encourages a broader participation, making civic engagement more inclusive and comprehensive. See their YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/@CityOfFayettevilleNC
The City of Fayetteville has also launched a podcast channel named "Radio Fayetteville" along with a new podcast show, "The Fayetteville 411." "Radio Fayetteville" can be accessed on Apple Music, the Apple Podcast app, and the Google Play Music Podcast Portal. Podcasts enable residents to tune in from their computers, phones, and cars when they are on the go and do not have access to the FayTV option.
"The Fayetteville 411" was specifically created for "Radio Fayetteville" to deliver timely information in a radio talk show style. It's a fifteen-minute weekly show covering various topics of interest and the different departments that keep our city running. "Radio Fayetteville" also features other shows, including MP3 versions of "City Update," "FayTV News" and additional radio-friendly content produced by FayTV, the City of Fayetteville's Government Access Channel.
The implications of these efforts extend beyond fostering a well-informed citizenry; they serve as a cornerstone for building a more connected, engaged, and responsive community.
As Fayetteville continues to leverage technology to remove barriers to participation, it sets a precedent for other municipalities to follow, enhancing the effectiveness of civic engagement across the board. For residents of Fayetteville and beyond, the initiative to engage with the city through these technological options underscores the importance of staying informed and involved, emphasizing that a vibrant republic flourishes on the active participation of its citizens.

(Graphic courtesy of City of Fayetteville, NC Government Facebook page)

Fayetteville adopts budget for fiscal year 2025; FAST begins service to Bill Crisp; Additional flight from Fayetteville to Atlanta begins a STAFF REPORT

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Tuesday, 09 July 2024

Written by Staff Report

Fayetteville City Council Adopts Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
The City of Fayetteville adopted the fiscal year 2025 budget, totaling $320.9 million on June 24. Councilmembers unanimously voted to adopt the budget during a Regular Council meeting held in the council chambers at city hall. The budget can be found at fayettevillenc.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/25866.
“This council did not take lightly and they took into consideration every impact that we could think of to provide the services that residents are accustomed to,” said Mayor Mitch Colvin. “We sent the budget back over and over again to find other ways to do it and to be conscious of the fact that people are recovering financially and economically, but still want service and want to feel protected.”
The FY 2025 budget represents a 3.01% increase over the previous fiscal year and includes critical investments aimed at enhancing community services, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and addressing key priorities identified by both the City Council and residents.
"Working through the budget process this year has been a testament to our commitment to the residents and employees of Fayetteville,” said City Manager Doug Hewett. “I'm proud of the collaborative efforts of our City Council and staff to ensure that we provide the best possible outcomes. Together, we have crafted a budget that not only addresses our immediate needs but also sets a strong foundation for future growth and prosperity.”
These allocations demonstrate the City's commitment to enhancing public safety and community well-being through targeted investments.
Ad Valorem Tax Rate Increase: 100% of the $0.04 ad valorem increase is dedicated to public safety personnel, ensuring competitive compensation for police, fire, and emergency communications employees. The $0.04 ad valorem tax rate increase is expected to generate approximately $6.176 million with each $0.01 increase generating approximately $1.544 million. The new ad valorem tax rate will be $0.5795 per $100 of property valuation for City residents. This funding is crucial to ensure the City of Fayetteville can recruit and retain qualified public safety personnel, maintaining high standards of safety and security for the community.
Allocations to support the Office of Community Safety: $2.5 million in funding is allocated to maintain current Office of Community Safety related activities with $2.3 million in additional funding for the OCS. The new Office will focus on four identified pillars: mental health response and diversion, violence prevention and intervention, homeless risk reduction, and youth opportunities.
Municipal Service District Tax Rate Increase: The tax rate increase for the Municipal Service District is necessary to enhance the quality of life and support the growth of the downtown area. The proposed increase from $0.10 to $0.17 will generate just over $105,000 to maintain services such as enhanced security, street maintenance, beautification projects, community events and Downtown Hospitality Officers.
Employee Compensation: An investment of $4.6 million will provide all non-step employees with a 4% salary increase, along with an additional 1% contribution to the 401(k) plan, bringing the total contribution to 3%. This is part of a multiyear recruitment and retention strategy to reach a total of 5% to be competitive with other employers, municipalities and counties in North Carolina.
Infrastructure Improvements: The budget includes significant investments in infrastructure, such as a $1 monthly increase in the stormwater fee to support stormwater management and ongoing maintenance of the city's 751.6 miles of streets and 122 parks and recreation facilities.

FAST began service to Bill Crisp Senior Center on July 1
The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) is adding an additional stop to Route 17 which includes the Bill Crisp Senior Center. Service to the center was slated to start July 1.
A new bus stop pad and shelter has already been installed near the entrance to the senior center, which has an average of 4,500 to 5,000 participants per month. The new service will run Monday through Friday during the center’s operating hours. The frequency of this route will be about every 90 minutes. The new stop will provide convenient access to the center from Cross Creek mall, Two Bale Lane, and numerous other destinations on the west side of Fayetteville.
FAST will also be replacing seven obsolete bus shelters with new upgraded amenities that will match the City’s brand. The total cost of the new shelters is $129,786.60. This includes seven complete shelter packages with a 12-foot shelter, bench and trash can. The shelters were funded by federal grants.
The precise location of each shelter has not yet been determined. For more information on bus schedules and stops, please contact Jaimie Walters, Transit Planner, at 910-433-1626 or by email at JaimieWalters@FayettevilleNC.gov

Additional Flight from FAY to ATL to begin in September
Delta Airlines is set to enhance travel convenience for passengers at the Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) by adding a third daily flight to Atlanta (ATL) starting September 9. The additional frequency flight will increase travel options and reduce layover times for passengers flying through Atlanta.
The new frequency flight will contribute to a total of 20 flights in/out each day at FAY starting in September. This includes flights operated by both Delta Airlines and American Airlines.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of a new flight service from Fayetteville Regional Airport. This expansion not only enhances connectivity for our residents and visitors but also stimulates local economic growth,” said Interim Airport Director Deontae Watson. “By providing more travel options, we are making Fayetteville even more accessible and attractive as a destination. We look forward to the positive impact this will have on our community.”
Passengers can now expect Delta Airline flights in the morning, afternoon, and evening arrivals and departures, alleviating layover times.
Passengers can book tickets now for the new flight at FlyFay.com or Delta.com.