Local News

Historical events from September 1924

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Tuesday, 03 September 2024

Written by Staff Report

The month of September has been home to many historical events over the years. Here is a look at some that helped to shape the world in September 1924.
• The Dawes Plan goes into effect on September 1. The plan details a restructuring of reparations payments Germany owes to the Allied Powers in the aftermath of World War I. Charles G. Dawes, who was integral in developing the plan, would be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1925 for his contributions.
• On September 2, Negro National League President Rube Foster announces the first 'Negro World Series' would be played in October. Foster announces the series will feature the champion of his league and the champion of the Eastern Colored League.
• At least 300 civilians are killed during the Taif massacre in the Kingdom of Hejaz on September 3.
• The fourth annual Miss America Pageant is held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 6. Miss Philadelphia, Ruth Malcomson, wins the pageant. Miss Columbus, Mary Katherine Campbell of Ohio, finishes as First Runner-Up after winning the pageant the previous two years.
• John Dillinger, who would ultimately be identified as the mastermind behind a gang accused of robbing 24 banks and four police stations, attempts to rob a grocery store in Indiana on September 6. The attempt marked Dillinger's first attempt at a major crime, but he and his accomplice are quickly apprehended and sent to jail.
• Twenty people, including four police officers, are killed during a gun battle in the American territory of Hawaii on September 9. The Hanapepe massacre stemmed from a dispute amongst striking workers at the McBryde sugar plantation on the island of Kauai.
• The sensational trial of Nathan F. Leopold, Jr. and Richard Albert Loeb ends on September 10. Each man is sentenced to life plus 99 years for the kidnapping and murder of Bobby Franks in May.
• Pengiran Ahmad Tajuddin becomes the new Sultan of Brunei on September 11. Ahmad Tajuddin serves until his death in 1950.
• Thomas Wade Landry is born in Mission, Texas, on September 11. Landry would become the first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League, a job he held for 29 seasons.
• General of the Armies John J. Pershing retires from the United States Army on September 13. The highly decorated General Pershing is the last American military officer to achieve the rank of a six-star general.
• Horace Saks and Bernard Gimbel open the luxury department store Saks Fifth Avenue at 611 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on September 15.
• First baseman Jim Bottomley of the St. Louis Cardinals sets a major league record when he drives in 12 runs in a nine-inning game on September 16. The record still stands, though Bottomley now shares it with a fellow St. Louis Cardinal, Mark Whiten, who drove in 12 runs against the Cincinnati Reds in the second game of a doubleheader on September 7, 1993.
• On September 18, the United States military occupation of the Dominican Republic ends after more than eight years.
• Joseph Stalin orders the arrest of Alexander Krasnoshchyokov on September 19. Krasnoshchyokov is the first prominent Bolshevik to be arrested under the leadership of Stalin, who ultimately allows Krasnoshchyokov to rejoin the government in 1925. That second chance would prove somewhat brief, as Stalin would order Krasnoshchyokov's execution in 1937.
• The American freighter SS Clifton sinks in Lake Huron on September 22. All 26 crew members perish, and the wreckage of the Clifton would not be found until 2016.
• British racer Malcolm Campbell breaks the record for the fastest speed on land on September 24. Campbell, driving a Sunbeam 350HP with a V12 engine, reaches a speed of 146.18 miles per hour, narrowly breaking the record set by Ernest Eldridge just months earlier.
• Controls on the German Navy are relaxed on September 30 in recognition of improved relations between the Allied Powers and Germany.

John Webster brings experience, passion as new Director of Child Advocacy Center

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Tuesday, 03 September 2024

Written by Amber Little

The Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville serves an important role in our community and is a vital resource for children and their parents or guardians. For those unfamiliar, the Child Advocacy Center supports and advocates for children who have suffered physical and sexual abuse, with the purpose of minimizing the trauma associated with the abuse.
Established in 1993, the Child Advocacy Center filled a gap that was so desperately needed. Up until its inception, child victims of physical and sexual abuse had the daunting task of going from agency to agency, retelling the story of trauma to get the resources they needed. The Child Advocacy Center bridges the gap between victims and resources in the city and county. To say this is important work would be an understatement.
The sensitive, yet important work that the center does, is why it’s essential to have the right person as the Executive Director. On June 10, John Webster officially became the new ED of the Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is John Webster and I became Executive Director of the CAC following my retirement from a 32-year career in state and county government.
I am married to Ginger Webster, and we have two adult children as well as a new son-in-law. I live in Four Oaks, NC (Johnston County) where I am active in community and church events. I currently serve as an elder at my church as well as a Sunday School teacher for the youth/teens at my church. I grew up in Kings Mountain, NC before enrolling in classes at Campbell University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and secondary education.
Upon graduating I fell into the social work field by accident but loved the work and I have remained in the child welfare arena since that time.
My work experience includes eight years as a CPS investigator with Harnett County DSS, six years as a CPS Supervisor with Wake County Human Services, 15 years as a supervisor with the Guardian Ad Litem with the Administrative Office of the Courts, and then most recently, spent 3.5 years as a Program Manager for Adoptions and Foster Care with Johnston County DSS.
I love spending time with my family, church activities, playing the piano, and working around the yard at our home.
Tell us about your journey to advocacy.
Since getting into the social work arena, my passion for helping kids and families in need has just continued to grow over the years.
I have a deep sense of empathy and concern for those who are hurting and who have been victims of abuse. While in college, I had a close friend from home who disclosed a history of sexual abuse by her grandfather. I saw firsthand the devastating effects that history of abuse had on almost every aspect of life, so that helped to fuel the passion I feel for this work, along with the countless number of kids and families I’ve worked with over the years who were struggling with abuse, addictions, domestic violence, etc.
What led you to the Child Advocacy Center of Fayetteville?
As I was preparing to retire from Johnston County, I knew that I still had the passion and desire to work in child welfare, so I began exploring options that would allow me to do the work I love so much. Fortunately, the CAC was looking for an executive director and I thought it sounded like a role that would mesh well with my skills and interests.
I met and interviewed with the board and I was quite impressed with the CAC, its staff, and its board, so I was fortunate enough to be offered the position and I quickly accepted.
What are your hopes, plans, and mission as the new director?
After having completed over 2 months of work with the CAC, I am continuing to evaluate processes, procedures, and program needs. The work of the CAC continues to grow and expand, so I am committed to helping seek out funding and support for continuing to grow the CAC and its thumbprint in the local community.
My goal is to do what we can do to eliminate abuse and neglect by partnering with other community agencies and initiatives to raise awareness and education about abuse, neglect, human trafficking, etc.
I am so impressed with the CAC staff and their dedication to the work and mission of the CAC! One of my main goals coming in the next year or two is to work with our marketing team as well as our staff and community partners to get the word out to the local community about the daily work of the CAC and our impact on the community!
What do you want the community to know about you and what to expect from the Child Advocacy Center in the future?
We want the community to know that we are here to serve the community, and we want to do everything we can do to eliminate abuse in all of its forms and do everything possible to keep our precious kids safe from harm.
The community needs to know that I am committed to making sure the CAC strives toward excellence in all that we do as we continue to partner with local partners and law enforcement agencies who share our mission.
What do you feel is your greatest mission in life?
As a person of deep faith, I feel it is my calling to reach out to help those who are struggling and to reach out to those who are in need of an encouraging word due to the many struggles that can be associated with day-to-day life! I enjoy my life’s work and I do feel that the work we do at the CAC is life-changing and that, of course, leaves me with a feeling of satisfaction and purpose.
Is there anyone you would like to recognize, supporters, friends, or family?
I would extend a heartfelt thanks to the CAC Board Members for all they do to support the work of the CAC and the little things they do to sustain the morale of our staff. I would also want to give a shout-out to our Multidisciplinary Team members — included on this team are DSS staff, representatives from the DA’s office, Cumberland County Sheriff’s office, Spring Lake Police, Hope Mills Police, Fayetteville Police, and CID, along with Southern Regional AHEC.
In addition, we have such a dedicated group of volunteers who show up when called to fulfill many functions at the CAC – we love our volunteers!

(Photo: John Webster is the new Director of the Child Advocacy Center in Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of the Child Advocacy Center)

Dorothy Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center: Where Abilities and dis-Abilities become POSS-Abilities

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Tuesday, 03 September 2024

Written by Anna White

“Everyone loves to get their groove on at the Gilmore,” Benjamin Kowalczyk explained, referring to two well-attended classes at the Dorothy Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center.
While all the classes offered at the Center have regulars, he’s noticed the Adaptive Zumba and Adaptive Aerobics draw the largest crowds. In both classes, participants with physical or cognitive disabilities jive to upbeat music while watching for the instructor’s cues. Kowalczyk, supervisor of the Dorothy Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center, thinks it is the music that draws the crowds.
After the excitement, if participants feel overwhelmed or overstimulated, they can head to the sensory room. The sensory room helps visitors self-regulate emotions by increasing or decreasing sensory input as needed. It’s a controlled environment with a variety of visual and tactile experiences where visitors can “find their calm” according to Kowalczyk.
From breaking a sweat to taking a breather, the Center wants to be a place “Where Abilities and dis-Abilities Become POSS-ABILITIES”
Throughout its history, the Center hasn’t always catered to visitors with limitations. Originally, it was known as The Teen Center and Glendale Park. After its dedication in honor of Dorothy Gilmore in 1991, it was renamed the Dorothy D. Gilmore Youth Center and Park. Then, when Dorothy Gilmore retired, the Center’s focus shifted. No longer a Youth Center, it became a Therapeutic Recreation Center. Finally, after closing for extensive renovations, it reopened in October 2023 as the Dorothy Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center.
Kowalczyk, who has worked for the City of Fayetteville since 2017, says he can’t think of a more fulfilling and rewarding job.
“Working at this center and with this community has been an absolute blast,” he remarked. His work includes managing operations and programming and assisting with Special Olympics Cumberland County and the Buddy Sports League. Both Special Olympics Cumberland County and the Buddy Sports League make playing sports accessible for the adaptive community.
Special Olympics Cumberland County is a branch of Special Olympics North Carolina. The Cumberland County branch offers year-round training and competition for intellectually disabled children and adults. There are 14 different sports available. This summer, a swim camp made possible by a grant from the Cumberland Community Foundation was held for 8-14 year olds. The fall holds opportunities for soccer, tennis, bocce, and golf. SOCC participants also get to play in local, regional and state competitions.
The Buddy Sports League helps participants get physical exercise while building team spirit and learning new skills. Disabled children are paired with a non-disabled volunteer as necessary and get to learn the basics of baseball, flag football, indoor soccer, and basketball.
According to the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Parks and Recreation website, past volunteers have hailed from local organizations, school athletic teams, service groups, and athlete’s family and friend groups. Kowalczyk says the Center is always recruiting new buddy volunteers.
The Center offers many activities beyond sports programs. There’s a fitness room and a lounge area, and activities such as classes and special events.
Classes include Adaptive Recreational Social Group, Adaptive Karate, Creative Art Class, Gilmore Baking 101, and Please Pass the Peas.
Please Pass the Peas focuses on mastering simple meal preparation. Adaptive Recreational Social group is a chance for participants to socialize, experiment with arts and crafts, and to do a bit of exercise together.
Past special events include Splash Day and Adaptive Golf Clinic. Upcoming, visitors can attend the 3rd Annual Touch a Truck on Sept. 21, Halloween Dance: “Monster Mash” on Oct. 25, and Girls and Guys Night Out. Every month, participants in Girls and Guys Night out will spend time on a themed outing with old and new friends. The September theme is Bowling, October is Movie Night, and November is Mall Walking. Attendees are accompanied by a chaperone, and the center is always looking for more volunteers to serve as chaperones.
When asked how new visitors could “get their feet wet” at the Center, Kowalczyk quipped, “We do have a splash pad around back!”
He added that it is best to come during the day if it's your first visit. This gives visitors time to familiarize themselves with the activities, meet other participants, and meet staff. Kowalczyk says the staff at the center wants to use the recreational services and leisure experiences to help people with limitations make the most of their lives - physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. His personal favorite part of his job description is “hanging out” with participants.
Many events and programs require registration, and an introductory visit is a perfect time to learn which activities are still open for registration and which have closed. The center is open to the public, but visitors who are not independent should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“We are very inclusive and make every effort to welcome in everyone no matter their ability level,” Kowalczyk concluded.
For more information about the Dorothy Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center, visit https://www.fcpr.us/facilities/recreation-centers/dorothy-gilmore-therapeutic or call 910-433-1000.

(Photo: The sign outside of the Dorothy D. Gilmore Adaptive Recreation Center greets guests as they enter the facility's campus. The center reopened in October 2023 as an adaptive rec center. Photo courtesy of City of Fayetteville Flickr from the Oct. 2023 opening)

Arts Council announces staff promotions; Fayetteville Regional Airport selects new director

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Tuesday, 03 September 2024

Written by Staff Report

Arts Council announces staff promotions
The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is pleased to announce the promotion of two dedicated staff members. Sarah Busman and Kashia Knight are moving into new roles at the organization, bringing changes that reflect the Arts Council’s ongoing commitment to connecting with the community and advancing arts education initiatives.
Sarah Busman, formerly the Arts Education Manager, has been promoted to the newly created position of Director of Community Engagement. In her new role, Busman is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to engage diverse community members in the Arts Council's initiatives. Busman manages direct artist engagement by supervising staff responsible for the Arts Council’s Mini Grant, Artist Support Grant, Artists In Schools, Artist in Residence, primary exhibit, and Local Artist Spotlight Gallery initiatives.
Kashia Knight, formerly the Grants Assistant, has been promoted to the position of Arts Education Manager. In her new capacity, Knight manages the Artists In Schools and Mini Grant programs providing administrative and logistical support to individual artists and Cumberland County schools.
Knight has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting the grants department. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and foster meaningful learning experiences will be instrumental in advancing the arts education programs.
“Promoting Sarah to the Director of Community Engagement and Kashia to the Arts Education Manager marks an exciting new chapter for the Arts Council. Their combined leadership and vision will enhance our mission to enrich, inspire, and connect our community through the arts. We are confident their expanded roles will deepen and diversify our community outreach and further elevate arts education opportunities across Fayetteville and Cumberland County," said Kennon Jackson, Jr., Arts Council Chief of Staff.
New Airport Director to land at Fayetteville Regional Airport beginning Oct. 2
The City of Fayetteville has selected a new Airport Director to lead the regional airport into the next chapter beginning Oct. 2.
Andrew LaGala, Aviation operation and management professional, was selected as the new Fayetteville Regional Airport Director after an exhaustive 11-month search.
“His extensive experience is very impressive,” said Fayetteville City Manager Douglas Hewett.
He has over 30 years of experience in the aviation field and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He holds a private pilot’s license and is a member of the American Association of Airport Executives, receiving his professional designation of Accredited Airport Executive in 2018.
“I am excited to have been selected to assume this critical leadership role as airport director of Fayetteville Regional Airport and to contribute to the airport’s continued success and growth,” said LaGala. “Maintaining an efficient full-service airport with quality airline service is a key element in local economic development efforts, and I see tremendous opportunity for FAY to enhance its potential to contribute to those efforts.”
LaGala most recently served as the Airport Director for Lynchburg Regional Airport for the last five years. He spearheaded several efforts in that role including a post-COVID development strategic plan to recover airline flight frequency, and rehabilitated the primary runway at Lynchburg Regional Airport.
“Andrew’s knowledge of both airport operations and air service development will serve the airport well in our future expansion efforts,” added Hewett. “We've already completed more than $60 million in capital improvements over the last several years, were able to secure two additional flights to Atlanta, received $5 million for an international terminal and will break ground on a consolidated rental car facility shortly.”