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Expanding horizons: City Center Gallery & Books' new venture

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Tuesday, 30 July 2024
Written by Sheila D. Barker

10City Center Gallery & Books, located at 112 Hay Street in Downtown Fayetteville, is about to embark on an exciting new venture. The bookstore, which predominantly sells used books, is expanding its store by buying the building next door. This expansion will allow the shop to offer even more to its customers and the community.
With the acquisition of the building next door, 110 Hay Street, owners of City Center Gallery & Books, Hank and Diane Parfitt, have big plans for the future. With this addition, the current shop will go from 1,200 square feet to 2.200 square feet. They envision creating a space that not only showcases the best in literature and art, but continues to serve as a hub for creativity, culture and community engagement.
In November 2021, the Parfitts purchased the neighboring building, which had been neglected and vacant for over 30 years. They bought it not only to expand their shop but also to save it from demolition. If the city had to step in to demolish the building it would have meant long-term structural problems for the current bookstore and a disruption of the street-scape.
Built in 1886, this building originally housed Eggleston’s jewelry store. Over the years, it has remained a jewelry store, most recently known as Henebry’s.
Phase one of the project, which was completed in 2022, consisted of the removal of the metal facade and the demolition of the interior. The Parfitts were thrilled to see a well-preserved architectural brick detailing revealed once the metal facade was removed. There was also the discovery of a large metal safe on wheels that was most likely used to store jewelry and gems back in the day. It was safely removed from the space and donated.
Phase two, where the project currently is, will involve a new roof and the restoration of the facade. They will also remove the brick from the second-floor windows and start to work on the exterior of the building. The original tin tile ceiling, which is mostly in good shape, will be restored and kept in the space. There are also several skylights that will be preserved. The plan is to bring back the original look of the exterior as it was in 1886.
Maintaining architectural design and aesthetic continuity is a key consideration in the expansion of City Center Gallery & Books. The bookstore and gallery has a unique charm and character the Parfitts want to preserve as they expand into the new building next door.
The architectural design of the expansion will be carefully planned to seamlessly blend with the existing structure. The goal is to create a cohesive space that feels like a natural extension of the current store.
Customers will be able to move between the two buildings by a shared opening linking the spaces. The new space will be an open floor plan with books, bookcases and art along the walls giving the current store more space for added inventory. The middle of the space will remain open for meetings and events. From the exterior facade to the interior layout, great care will be taken to ensure that the new space complements the existing one and enhances the overall experience for visitors.
The expansion presents an exciting opportunity for the bookstore and gallery to further enhance their impact in the local community. The Pariftts are planning to use the new larger space for book signings with authors, artist receptions, classes and workshops as well as a place for local book clubs or writing clubs to meet.
They plan to collaborate with local artists, authors, and organizations to create a vibrant cultural hub that brings people together and celebrates the arts. The bookstore and gallery aim to be a place where people can not only discover great books and art but also engage with the creative community and participate in enriching cultural experiences.10a
25 Years Downtown
City Center Gallery & Books is also celebrating a major milestone - 25 years of promoting art and literature in Downtown Fayetteville. Over the past two and a half decades, this beloved establishment has been a hub for creative expression and intellectual exploration. From showcasing local artists to hosting book signings and author events, City Center Gallery & Books has played a vital role in fostering a vibrant cultural scene in the heart of the city.
The original shop, named City Center Gallery, was opened in 1999 on Maxwell Street and was just an art gallery. The current location and business name was opened in 2003.
The gallery has featured a diverse range of artistic styles and mediums, from traditional paintings to contemporary pieces. The bookstore has offered a wide selection of literary works, catering to the varied interests and tastes of its patrons.
Through its curated collections, City Center Gallery & Books has provided a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and connect with art enthusiasts. It has also been a venue for thought-provoking discussions and gatherings, encouraging dialogue and intellectual growth.
In the realm of literature, City Center Gallery & Books has been a haven for book lovers and avid readers. With its carefully curated collection of books across genres, the bookstore has been a place where literary enthusiasts can discover new authors, engage in literary discussions, and find solace in the written word. It has also been a supportive space for local authors, providing them with opportunities to showcase their work and connect with their readers.
In an era where books are increasingly becoming digital and e-readers are gaining popularity, City Center Gallery & Books has successfully navigated the challenges and remained open in the face of these changes. While the digital age has undoubtedly transformed the way we consume literature, City Center Gallery & Books has found a way to thrive, preserving the essence of a traditional bookstore. In doing so, it continues to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of its customers, ensuring that the love for literature and the joy of reading remain alive and well in Downtown Fayetteville.
“There are still a large number of people who want to experience a real book,” says Hank Parfitt. He believes the difference is that a digital screen lets the reader be a spectator, but a real book lets the reader be a participant.
One of the key factors that has contributed to the gallery's continued success is its commitment to providing a unique and immersive experience for book lovers. The physical space of the bookstore offers a sense of nostalgia and warmth that cannot be replicated by digital platforms. The shelves lined with books, the sound of pages turning, and the opportunity to browse and discover hidden literary gems create a sensory experience that many readers still crave. City Center Gallery & Books also has many out-of-print, rare and hard-to-find books that are not available in digital form.
Over the past 25 years, Downtown Fayetteville has undergone significant changes, and City Center Gallery & Books has been a witness to this transformation. As the city has evolved and grown, so has the cultural scene and artistic landscape of Downtown Fayetteville.
One notable change has been the revitalization of the downtown area, with new businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues opening their doors. This has brought a renewed sense of vibrancy and energy to the neighborhood, attracting more visitors and residents.
The Parfitts have also noticed a change in the demographics of the downtown area. With additions of events like 4th Friday, there has been a younger crowd. Outdoor dining options, they feel, has been another great addition to downtown Fayetteville.
City Center Gallery & Books has been at the heart of this transformation, serving as a cultural anchor and contributing to the overall appeal of Downtown Fayetteville. Many visitors to the area, when commenting on Downtown, have mentioned they love the local bookstore.
Another significant change has been the increased focus on community engagement and public art. Downtown Fayetteville has seen the emergence of public art installations, murals, and sculptures, creating a more visually appealing and dynamic environment. The Parfitts have actively participated in promoting Downtown events that celebrate public art and engage the community in artistic endeavors.
Furthermore, the downtown area has become a hub for local festivals and events, drawing people from all over to experience the unique charm and creativity of Downtown Fayetteville. City Center Gallery & Books has been an active participant in these celebrations, hosting book signings, art demonstrations, and cultural performances. It has played a vital role in promoting the city as a cultural destination and showcasing the talents of local artists and authors.
As Downtown Fayetteville continues to evolve, City Center Gallery & Books remains a constant presence, adapting to the changing landscape while preserving its commitment to fostering community and culture. It stands as a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of Downtown Fayetteville, a place where art, literature and community converge.

(Top Photo: The original store front for Eggleston's Jeweler, the original tenant of the building.  Bottom Photo: Brick repair has begun on the building next to City Center Gallery and Books in preparation for the expansion. Photos courtesy of Hank Parfitt)

A sweet destination in Fayetteville

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Tuesday, 30 July 2024
Written by Crissy Neville

9Fayetteville's oldest Bakery is earning new accolades for its amazing baked goods — something of no surprise to its long-standing Cape Fear region customers. Still, the honors are bringing attentive — and hungry — newcomers to the circa-1956 storefront at 2433 Hope Mills Rd.
Superior Bakery scored #1 in the state this year on Yelp's list of the nation's best donut shops, according to the site's top reviewers, the "Yelp Elites." The second-generation, full-service Bakery also made Yelp's 2024 list of the Top 100 places for croissants in the U.S. and Canada, landing at the #11 spot. The new honors combine with numerous other recognitions the Fayetteville business has accumulated in its 68-year tenure; an award-winning experience awaits everyone who walks through Superior's doors.
John S. Poulos, a first-generation immigrant from Greece, opened the Bakery on Raeford Road in 1956. He and his wife Kay grew Superior Bakery into a successful business, expanding and relocating it to Hope Mills Road in 1971. Today, it is owned and operated by the Poulos' son, Nicko; he took over when his parents retired in 1988.
In father-like-son fashion, "Nick" Poulos has a hands-on approach to running Superior Bakery — keeping his hands in the dough, to be exact. Preferring production, Poulos said you can find him "in the back," baking and working alongside the staff, his "team" of 27 employees. He crafts and creates baked goods from scratch using the highest quality ingredients and tried-and-true methods, exactly how his dad taught him.
"I'm a teammate; I love to bake," the Superior Bakery owner said. "It's my passion."
The proof of Poulos' passion is in the pudding — not only for his famous fried and glazed doughnuts and croissants that have made Superior Bakery a destination but also confections, including cakes, cupcakes, pies, brownies, sourdough bread, honey buns, apple fritters, cream horns and more. According to Poulos, the top-selling croissants are cream cheese, raspberry and white butter cream-filled, in that order. For a savory option, Superior's spinach and feta-filled croissant is popular. As for the doughnuts, old-fashioned glazed come in first, followed by strawberry sprinkled, Boston cream, cream-filled, chocolate-covered, and cinnamon-glazed twists. There are also seasonal flavors, such as pumpkin cream cheese in the fall and mango in the summer. Choices, choices.
Superior Bakery is also a go-to for special occasions and cultural baked goods, including New Orleans king cake for Mardi Gras, traditional Paczki, a Polish donut popular on Fat Tuesday and Greek delicacies like baklava, almond horns and wedding cookies, staples at Superior all year long. Whether purchasing from the showcase or placing a custom order, customers receive quality products and exceptional service — business principles repeatedly noted on Yelp and of the utmost importance to Poulos.
One reviewer wrote, "The cookies and donuts are amazing, and their croissants are superior! The service was excellent, and they were so friendly. 10/10 recommend you visit."
Another said, "The name says it all! Everyone gets offered a free freshly made pastry treat of the day upon walking in. No matter whether you buy anything or not! Just a nice place to visit full of happy smiling faces."
According to a third reviewer, "The best breads and sweet treats in town!!! Exceptional customer service!!! They are a staple in the Fayetteville/Hope Mills area. The owners are also very involved with their community!"
Selling thousands of croissants and doughnuts each week, Superior Bakery attracts people from all over the state and nation.
"We have customers from as far away as Raleigh and Charlotte and from 15 minutes down the road. Travelers come off I-95 from California, Florida, Texas — all over. The Yelp reviews have helped us grow, for sure. It validates a lot of hard work and a lot of effort by a lot of people," Poulos said. "I'm thankful; it's unbelievable to get national attention."
From extending friendly greetings at the door, personally gifting complimentary sweet treats in the storefront and ensuring every product is prepared just right, Superior Bakery goes the extra mile for its patrons — treating each one like family.
"We want them to feel like they came to grandma's house," Poulos said.

Prepare to vote; State Board offers free seminars about voter registration; Constitution Party recognized

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Tuesday, 30 July 2024
Written by Aria Spears, CityView Today and the State Board of Elections

7Revered Civil Rights activist and politician John Lewis (1940-2020) said in 2012, “Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.” As one of the original participants in the Freedom Rides, organizer of the march from Selma to Montgomery and more, Lewis understood in a more visceral manner than most the costs associated with that right — and the power in exercising it.
Military members surrender certain political rights when they don a uniform. As it says in the U.S. Dept. of Defense Directive 1344.10, “Members on active duty may not campaign for a partisan candidate, engage in partisan fundraising activities, serve as an officer of a partisan club, or speak before a partisan gathering.” Active duty members can, however, express personal opinions on candidates and issues as an individual, contribute to political organizations and attend political events when not in uniform. Of course, every military and family member is actively encouraged to exercise their right to vote.
In a 2020 Blue Star Families survey, 89% of active duty family respondents reported they are registered to vote, with 51% being registered at their home of record, 33% at their current installation, and 15% at a past residence or duty station. However, as of 2022, only 26% of active duty military members actually cast a vote, compared to 48% of the civilian population. Of those who did not vote but tried or wanted to, the most prevalent reasons included uncertainty regarding the procedures for absentee ballots, figuring out how to vote, reporting that the ballot did not arrive and that voting “was too complicated.” Service members who found assistance through a DoD resource were four times as likely to return their ballot in 2022, according to FVAP.
In 2022, 63% of service members expressed an interest in casting a ballot, but just 26% actually did. There are a multitude of reasons for this, such as logistical and administrative challenges, lack of awareness for resources, narrow time margins with multiple moves, and a sense of feeling uninformed about local issues. Sarah Streyder, executive director of Secure Families Initiatives and Space Force spouse, told the 19th, “I try to encourage folks to remember that you’ve lived all around the world, which has given you a really broad perspective about what’s possible, what forms of government can look like, what quality of life can look like that may be different from a more limited vantage point. That is a value add and a gift that you get to give your civilian neighbors back home when you vote.”
Moving from state to state makes the process challenging, but the Federal Voting Assistance Program, Blue Star Families, Overseas Vote, and the Dept. of Defense offer resources for domestic and overseas military families to cast their ballots. The Secure Families Initiative is a military-spouse driven effort anchored in the belief that “[mobilizing] our military family community to vote and advocate is not only the right thing to do on principle, but an effective way of reshaping our country’s conversations around military intervention,” and adding that because foreign policy affects military families, military families deserve a seat at the table. The organization features a variety of tools and resources to equip military families for advocacy, including voting.

Free seminars about voter registration in North Carolina
Do you or your organization want to learn more about the voter registration process in North Carolina? The State Board of Elections is now offering free voter registration seminars, which include detailed information about the following:
• The legal qualifications for registering to vote
• Tips on completing a voter registration application and updating an existing registration
• Key considerations when conducting a voter registration drive
These seminars will also include information about the photo identification requirements for voting. They will be conducted upon request in person anywhere in North Carolina or online
State Board staff have also scheduled in person seminars at the State Board of Elections office in Raleigh. These seminars will be held at 6 p.m. on July 31, Aug. 14, Sept. 12 and Sept. 25.
"This is a convenient way for individuals and organizations to get accurate information about elections straight from the most reliable source: elections officials," said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director, State Board of Elections. "We encourage North Carolinians to request seminars and to attend these in person events."
State Board staff also provide free seminars about the voter photo ID requirement and about accessibilty in voting. Since late April, State Board staff have conducted 29 seminars around the state.
To request a seminar, any interested group can visit the State Board of Elections website, NCSBE.gov and go to "Seminar Requests." Requesters will be asked for their name, organization, contact information, and the proposed date and time for their event. Seminar requests will be considered on a first come, first served basis and scheduled according to staff availability.
The State Board of Elections has recognized the Constitution Party of North Carolina as an official political party in the state.
Recognition of this party means voters now have another choice of party affiliation when registering to vote or updating an existing registration. Voters may register with the Constitution, Democratic, Green, Libertarian, No Labels, or Republican parties, or they can register as unaffiliated. This recognition also means that voters currently registered with a different political party or as unaffiliated may switch their affiliation to the Constitution Party if they wish. For information on how to do that, see Updating Registration.
State Board Recognizes Constitution Party
The Constitution Party of North Carolina also will have candidates on ballots in November, which it chose during its 2024 nominating convention. They include Walter Vinny Smith for governor and Wayne Jones for lieutenant governor. A letter to the State Board (Constitution Party letter to the State Board (PDF)) indicated that the party would have additional candidates, but the party did not want to disclose their names until it was recognized. The Board set a deadline of July 23 for the Constitution Party to provide the names of its candidates for the 2024 general election.
The State Board is updating voter registration applications to include the new political party option. Until then, voters may register with the new party by checking the “Other” box and writing “Constitution Party” on the line in the “Political Party Affiliation” section of the voter registration form.
State Board voter data also will be updated to include the new party registrants.
According to a review by State Board staff, the Constitution Party submitted 14,022 valid signatures from registered N.C. voters, 157 more than the required 13,855 signatures. The signatures were verified by the county boards of elections of the counties in which they were collected. The Constitution Party also received at least 200 signatures from three different congressional districts, a requirement of “Political party” defined; creation of new party (N.C.G.S. § 163-96(a)(2)).
Justice for All and We The People Parties
As it pertains to the Justice for All and We The People petitions, State Board staff, at the direction of members of the State Board, continues to verify whether those groups complied with the statutory requirement for prospective parties to communicate the “purpose and intent” of the new parties to petition signers.
The Board plans to meet again soon to decide whether to recognize We The People and Justice for All. There is still time for these groups to get their candidates on North Carolina ballots if they are recognized as official political parties.

Demolition paves way for modern soldier housing at Fort Liberty

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Tuesday, 30 July 2024
Written by Jason Ragucci, Ft. Liberty Garrison Public Affairs Office

In a decisive move towards improving Soldier living conditions, Fort Liberty began demolition of the outdated Volar-style barracks on Smoke Bomb Hill. Leadership from the Army Materiel Command, Installation Management Command, and Fort Liberty deemed the 50-year-old barracks unfit for occupancy.
Citing safety and quality of life concerns, leadership swiftly relocated approximately 1,200 Soldiers to more suitable housing arrangements. This decisive move underscored the commitment to prioritize Soldier well-being while pursuing a long-term solution for modern housing.
“The demolition of these outdated barracks is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing our Soldiers with the quality living conditions they deserve,” stated Paul Schaefer, AMC Deputy Director for Facilities, Logistics, and Environmental Management. “This is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about investing in the well-being and readiness of our most valuable asset – our Soldiers.”
The demolition marks a significant milestone in a multi-phase plan to revitalize housing on Fort Liberty. With funding secured and plans finalized, the demolition paves the way for the construction of modern barracks designed to meet the needs of today's Soldiers.
The Volar-style barracks at Smoke Bomb Hill were known for their distinctive design, which provided accommodation for military personnel. These barracks typically feature communal living spaces, shared amenities, and barracks rooms tailored to meet the needs of service members.
However, over time, the barracks have faced various challenges and concerns that have impacted residents' quality of life. Maintenance deficiencies, inadequate facilities, and outdated infrastructure have been longstanding issues that require attention.
The new facilities will feature larger living spaces and improved amenities, including a full kitchen, washer and dryer in each unit, modern bathroom fixtures, and energy-efficient features. These upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for Soldiers stationed at Fort Liberty.
The demolition ceremony, held on July 18, 2024, marked a significant milestone in improving soldiers' living conditions at Fort Liberty. Senior leaders, including AMC Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Walter Duzzny; Fort Liberty Garrison Commander, Col. K. “Chad” Mixon; IMCOM-Readiness Deputy Director, Col. Christopher Ward, Schaefer, as well as members of the community who have been affected by the barracks' demolition, attended the ceremony.
The immediate action taken to relocate the Soldiers was followed by a comprehensive plan to address the situation. The plan included seeking funding and support to demolish the old barracks and replace them with new living quarters that would provide the Soldiers with a higher standard of living.
“We came together with a plan to move over 1,000 Soldiers from the affected barracks,” said Brian Adkins, Director of the Fort Liberty Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. “It was very coordinated, and housing was intimately involved. We are good at coordinating, synchronizing, and integrating everyone else's efforts.”
With collaborative efforts from AMC, IMCOM, and Fort Liberty leadership, immediate changes were implemented, and long-term plans were in place to address the identified issues and improve the overall quality of barracks facilities after a thorough inspection. This inspection catalyzed ongoing improvements and underscores the commitment to supporting our Service Members with safe and comfortable living environments.
“The demolition of the Volar-style barracks is a significant step towards improving the quality of life for our Soldiers," said Mixon. "We are grateful for the support of AMC and IMCOM in making this happen, and we look forward to providing our Soldiers with the modern, safe, and comfortable living quarters they deserve."
The demolition of the Volar-style barracks will pave the way for the construction of new, modern living quarters that will provide Soldiers with a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment. The new barracks are expected to be completed by 2025.

Groundbreaking ceremony for Friendship House Fayetteville

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Tuesday, 30 July 2024
Written by Lisa Stevens

6Friendship House Fayetteville had a groundbreaking ceremony for its cottages on the corner of Broadfoot Ave & Branson St. on July 10, at noon. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished lineup of speakers, beginning with a prayer by Reverend Chip Stapleton, Highland Presbyterian Church, followed by Andy Rind, ServiceSource Executive Vice President, Weyher Dawson, ServiceSource Board of Directors Member, Michael Brown, Friendship House Fayetteville Resident, Dr. Scott Cameron: Friendship House Fayetteville Chaplin, and Tara Hinton, Employment Source Director - Regional Philanthropy and Fundraising, and Jason Amorose, Employment Source Executive Director.
Friendship House Fayetteville is a planned living community that provides affordable integrated housing for young adults and “friend residents” with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This unique program offers a transformative experience for college students and young professionals in medical/healthcare/human service fields to serve as mentors. By providing affordable, integrated housing, Friendship House Fayetteville is poised to revolutionize how it supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
At the heart of Friendship House Fayetteville is a focus on table fellowship - a daily rhythm of eating, praying, and celebrating together. This faith-based community empowers friend residents to achieve sustainable employment and develop crucial independent living skills. Simultaneously, the students and professional mentors gain invaluable real-world experience and strengthen their empathy for individuals with special needs.
The impact of Friendship House extends far beyond its walls. Friend residents are supported in their journey towards independent living. At the same time, mentors cultivate a deeper understanding that will serve them well in their future healthcare, allied health, and human service careers. This innovative model demonstrates the power of intentional community to enrich the lives of all involved.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone for Employment Source, an affiliation of ServiceSourse, as they embark on their mission to provide exceptional service delivery to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Working hand-in-hand with Friendship House Fayetteville, the mission of Employment Source is clear - to deliver innovative and valued employment, training, rehabilitation, and support services that transform lives. Through their network of affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, they leverage a nationwide network of resources and expertise to meet the diverse needs of government and commercial customers while creating pathways to competitive integrated employment.
For general inquiries, contact Employment Source at communityNC@employmentsource.org and to learn more about their organization, visit their website at http://employmentsource.org/

(The Friendship House groundbreaking ceremony brought members of the community together on July 10. Photo by Lisa Stevens)

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