CityView June 2025 by CityView Magazine

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10 New life beats in the city’s historic heart

Downtown Fayetteville’s fortunes have waned and waxed since Cross Creek Mall whisked away its customers in the 1970s Today’s entrepreneurs say opportunity knocks in the former commercial center

20 In vibrant color

Floral Oasis Owner Savannah Nelson brings color and community connection to downtown Fayetteville, one stem at a time

30 Expanding care

The hospital network helps attract new physicians and specialties, growing their clinics by more than 58 percent in the past four years to now have 93 in total

34 2025 Fayetteville Pride Festival

The

The annual Fayetteville Pride Festival is back on June 21 with new and exciting changes

Chapter House Books will open beside Cursive on the 200 block of Franklin Street in downtown Fayetteville. Photo by Tony Wooten

On the cover: View of the 100 block of Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville. Photo by Tony Wooten

EDITOR'S TAKE

Downtown Fayetteville from a bird’seye view

BY VALERIA CLOËS

One of my favorite things about Fayetteville is its vibrant downtown, filled with restaurants, cute places to shop and so much more

In this June’s “The Downtown Issue,” we explore downtown Fayetteville from a bird’s-eye view, celebrating its continued vitality with new businesses

Floral Oasis, a new flower shop on Hay Street, is the first one highlighted in this magazine With its turquoise exterior, the shop that bloomed in November 2024 is hard to miss Savannah Nelson, Floral Oasis’ owner, reflects on her first six months in business and her hopes for the future

Downtown Fayetteville is renewing its heartbeat, striving to get the commercial energy back from when it moved to Cross Creek Mall in the 1970s Despite businesses coming and going, entrepreneurs have hope and see opportunities downtown .

Cape Fear Valley Health went from having 34 clinics in its network in 2020 to now having 93 The sponsored feature starting on page 30 examines the medical group’s 58% expansion and how it has attracted new physicians and specialties

Fayetteville PRIDE is hosting its 2025 Pride Festival in an inside venue for the first time And the festival will have new offerings this year, including a kids’ area with youth activities and a poetry reading, as well as alcohol beverage sales and comprehensive security

Our columnists explore summer and downtown: the first looks back on the past 25 years and rejoices in downtown Fayetteville’s rebirth Our next shares how a spreadsheet saved her family’s summer vacation Another highlights Cumberland County’s Juneteenth celebrations, including one in downtown Fayetteville at Festival Park The last shares her six book recommendations about the lifeblood of downtowns everywhere: bookstores .

There are so many events this June, turn to our To-Do List to fill your calendar

Were you at Kansas City Chiefs cornerback and Fayetteville native Josh Williams’ Community Day Event? If so, we may have spotted you . Flip to page 46 to find out .

And did you know you could get CityView Magazine mailed directly to you for just $1 a month? Now you do Scan the QR code to sign up for a year's subscription for only $12

This summer, we hope you can stroll down the brick sidewalks, popping into the new shops that line the streets . Maybe even sit down for a meal at a restaurant patio with a CityView Magazine in hand

Thank you for reading!

Valeria Cloës

Magazine Editor

For comments, questions, feedback, or to submit story ideas, email vcloes@cityviewnc com

Spray Roses are among the many varieties currently available at Floral Oasis. Photo by James Throssel

LOCAL JOURNALISM NEEDS

JUNE 2025

Publisher Kyle Villemain

Magazine Editor Valeria Cloës

Editorial Assistant Maydha Devarajan

Contributing Editor Katie Kosma

Director of Operation & Sales Talmadge Rogers

Administration & Operations Coordinator Caitlin Malson

Social Media Manager Grace McFadden

Graphic Designer Annette Winter

Sales Team Leader

Dawn Denham

Sales Executive

Arianna Bannerman

Photographers

Aaliyah Lane

Christina Martin

James Throssel

Sharilyn Wells

Tony Wooten

Contributing

Writers

Bill Kirby Jr

Jami McLaughlin

Claire Mullen

Trey Nemec

Diane Parfitt

Tim White

Paul Woolverton

Claudia Zamora

Distribution

Jennifer Baker Wayne Robinson

Mechanics know engines... but what about staging your home to sell?

Downtown’s rebirth is a joy to behold

BY TIM WHITE

It was 26 years ago, but I remember that weekend stroll better than I can recall yesterday’s breakfast It’s a strong and lasting memory — my first impression of downtown Fayetteville .

It was early May, and I’d just unloaded the big U-Haul trailer into the Haymount house that would be home for a year while I looked for a place to buy . My dog — a scruffy mutt named Picasso — had already introduced me to most of my new neighbors He was an irrepressible, exuberant soul who never met a stranger .

We dropped the trailer off at a U-Haul dealer and headed down the hill to take a look at our new downtown, which I’d driven through a few times in the previous week as I began my new job as The Fayetteville Observer’s editorial page editor But if you really want to know a place, you’ve got to walk it .

I was floored by the beautiful new U S Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum It was, and still is, one of the city’s crown jewels . Nearby, an oasis — the thriving Huske Hardware Restaurant & Brewery

There were a few other businesses, some struggling to survive, others recent arrivals — optimistic pioneers . But much of Hay Street was underwhelming Some of it, I decided — litter-strewn vacant lots and gutted shells of once-grand buildings — would make a good set for a movie about a bombed-out city in postwar Europe

Rebuilding would be a project — one that an editorial page editor would need to heed, watch, encourage and try to help guide Downtown’s revival became one of my passions, one of the editorial page’s frequent topics

Shortly thereafter, I met architect Robert Marvin, who had developed a magnificent, detailed, visionary plan that would have remodeled downtown into a modern Eden, complete with a towering “mound” and a lake, as well as a host of cultural venues Unfortunately, most City Council members at that time weren’t excited about being visionary Instead, they saw a daunting price tag Implementing the “Marvin Plan” could have been a tax-rate nightmare and the council knew it

But that didn’t stop downtown from taking off More “pioneers” were arriving every year, buying and restoring properties, building new structures Sidewalk cafes appeared, along with culture — anchored by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County and abetted by places like the Cameo Art House Theatre and City Center Gallery & Books Then came Festival Park and most

recently, a magnificent ballpark . In 25 years, downtown has blossomed

But the job’s not done yet At least one critical element is still missing — an indoor performing-arts center that can host concerts, plays, small conventions and similar gatherings

Robert Marvin’s vision included such a venue downtown . The county commissioners had other ideas They voted to build the Crown Coliseum out in the boondocks, near the airport, instead of putting it downtown . And where Marvin saw athletic facilities downtown, the commissioners — who should have been part of downtown’s redevelopment — put a sprawling county jail .

They decided to make do with the old Crown Theatre, out on the same property where the coliseum was built Even then, the theater was tired and worn . Today, it’s dilapidated and unsafe

A much more recent board of commissioners agreed that a new theater belongs downtown, and they ordered up plans for a gorgeous facility, on one end of the county courthouse’s big parking lot The project is on hold, though, while the current board takes a new look at the plan’s costs . Talk of an alternative — rebuilding the Crown Theatre — still hasn’t gone to the grave it deserves It’s time, I think, to give that idea a funeral, once and for all . The Crown Complex is, to be kind, in a lousy location Talk of large-scale urban renewal around it has remained just that — idle talk with few plans and less money . It won’t happen .

Meanwhile, downtown needs another crown jewel — a showplace for the performing arts that can draw people from near and far . Fayetteville residents deserve that, and the city deserves a cultural magnet that will inject even more vibrance into downtown’s life

I find old photos of Picasso now and then, and it gets me to thinking about the wonderful dog who introduced me to so many of my neighbors Lately, I’ve been thinking about walking him downtown today With so many people to meet, we’d need a few weeks just to get through one block of Hay Street

In a quarter century, downtown has risen like the phoenix from its ashes . It’s a great story . Don’t stop now .

Tim White is the former editorial page editor of The Fayetteville Observer.

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A spreadsheetworthy vacation

BY CLAIRE MULLEN

It’s official . We have become a vacation spreadsheet family .

If you’d told me a few decades ago that a family beach trip would not be possible without Google Sheets, I would have laughed in your face . Back then, I could throw a couple bathing suits, a beach towel, a pair of flip-flops, a bottle of tanning oil, some dollar store sunglasses, a handful of gym shorts and T-shirts, my Sony Discman, and a couple good books into a gym bag and be good to go for our week at the beach This summer, I’m seriously considering renting a U-Haul .

It’s been years since my family has been able to find a solid week over summer break when all 10 adults and six children (11 years old and younger) were available for a vacation together

Between work schedules, camp schedules and sports schedules, it’s not an easy task . But this year, by an act of God, we made it happen One week at Topsail Beach, in one house, all together

My younger sister, who is probably the most forwardthinking and practical of the bunch, suggested a novel idea a month in advance of our trip: What if we use a spreadsheet to organize several aspects of our vacation such as grocery-buying, meal preparation assignments and various items one would want to pack for a week at the beach?

As my smart sister mentioned, a simple, shared Google Sheets document with the categories “groceries,” “meal prep” and “miscellaneous items” that we could all add to at our leisure would help us avoid wondering who is spearheading dinner each night And it would also prevent five families from arriving at the same house to find that we collectively brought 10 pounds of deli ham, seven beach umbrellas, eight gallons of 2% milk, 12 boxes of Cheerios, five boxes of Scrabble, 15 bags of Cool Ranch Doritos and … no toilet paper

You see, traveling with young children takes planning First, there’s the huge undertaking of packing up the whole family to leave town for seven days In order to even begin to do that, four loads of laundry must first be washed, dried and folded

Then you must proceed with gathering half the contents of your house and containerizing it for transport to your vacation destination (hence the U-Haul rental temptation)

You’ll need Zofran, Children’s Motrin, adult Motrin, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Allergy/Sinus, aloe vera gel, anti-itch spray, ACE bandages, maybe even a pair of crutches for good measure, and essentially everything else in your medicine cabinet because, as a general rule when traveling with children, the further you are from the comforts of home, the greater the probability of grave illness or severe injury

Everyone will want to bring their favorite blanket and special pillow . You must load up the grocery bags full of essential provisions such as Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Glowberry PRIME sports drinks, and a family-size bag of Haribo gummy bears to sustain your family until you can get to the beach grocery store And finally, four suitcases full of enough clothing for a month-long European tour

Your SUV will be so crammed with this-and-that that you’ll contemplate strapping the loudest kid to the roof

And just when you thought your packing was done, you’ll remember that every trip from the vacation house to the beach will require roughly the same amount of effort

You will need sunscreen Lots and lots of sunscreen in a wide array of SPF, scent and application preferences . And snacks LOTS of snacks An endless supply of snacks that is somehow still never enough

You certainly can’t forget the special anti-chaffing stick for your son, and also the Aquaphor ointment for when you inevitably forget to actually apply the anti-chaffing stick that you were so proud of yourself for remembering to pack .

There’s the sunshade that works like a charm as long as the wind is blowing, and the back-up beach umbrella for when the wind dies in the 30 minutes it took you to put the sunshade up Then there’s the all-important backpack cooler full of adult beverages that will nearly throw out

PHOTO BY LUKE SOUTHERN ON UNSPLASH

your back on the trudge from the house to the beach, but be worth its weight in gold when you can finally crack open a cold one after rubbing in all that sunscreen, listening to the whining about the chaffing and wrangling the wayward sunshade

You’ll need a stack of beach towels Boogie boards . Skim boards . A bag of plastic buckets and shovels A bocce ball set that weighs more than your toddler nephew . A book that you know you will absolutely not read because you can’t take your eyes off your kids in the water for more than a split second Cash for the Sunset Slush cart (unless you want to witness six perfectly content children transform into poor, deprived souls before your very eyes) . A beach chair for every member of the family that hardly anyone ever actually sits in And finally, a gargantuan beach wagon packed so comically full of all of the aforementioned supplies that elderly bystanders lounging in their chairs without a care in the world smile in sympathy as the circus rolls by And at the very moment that you finally have that wagon unpacked, your sunshade adjusted just right, each and every body sufficiently lathered in Coppertone, snacks doled out, and can take a deep breath of salt air, survey the ocean in all its splendor and appreciate the fruits of all your planning for this glorious day at the beach? The youngest kid will say he is just about ready to go back to the house

At least back at the house, thanks to your handy dandy Google spreadsheet, you’ll know exactly who’s making supper, and that there will, in fact, be toilet paper

NEW LIFE BEATS IN THE

Downtown Fayetteville’s fortunes have waned and waxed since Cross Creek Mall whisked away its customers in the 1970s. Today’s entrepreneurs say opportunity knocks in the former commercial center.

BY PAUL WOOLVERTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY WOOTEN

CITY'S HISTORIC HEART

View of the 300 block of Hay Street.

AA walk through downtown Fayetteville shows the city’s former commercial heart presents a mixed picture of its health, but signs of growth

A passer-by might find homeless people wrapped in blankets, surrounded by battered baggage filled with their belongings, snoring in the evening in a doorway

A promised downtown anchor tenant development atop the Hay Street parking deck — at first planned to be a hotel and office tower, then set to be a 212-unit, $67 million apartment building — was going to be the tallest building in the city The project remains unbuilt, and the city last year sued the developers, alleging breach of contract The trial is scheduled for June 23 . But the tower may be revived “I’m hopeful that the project will advance in the next few months,” City Manager Doug Hewett told CityView on May 23 .

The future of another downtown anchor tenant — a $145 million, 3,000-seat performing arts center and event space on Gillespie Street — has become cloudy . The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners in April decided to seek new cost estimates for the project

The commissioners also hired an architectural firm to evaluate what it would take to renovate and upgrade the Crown Theatre and Crown Arena facilities several miles away . The new Crown Event Center downtown was supposed to replace the 57-year-old theater and arena facilities The study has downtown advocates and business owners worried that the commissioners will

cancel the downtown project and instead rehabilitate the old theater and arena

Some Fayetteville residents refuse to go downtown In conversations and on social media, they cite fears of crime (such as a shooting just outside the annual Fayetteville Dogwood Festival in April) Others complain that it’s too hard to find a place to park . Then they say they don’t want to pay to park when parking almost everywhere else in town has free parking

On most any block, some of the storefronts and offices — even entire buildings — sit empty, with few signs of life The Wells Fargo bank at 200 Green St shut down its downtown location in May, The Fayetteville Observer reported The bank building had been in operation since it opened as a First Union in 1978

These challenges haven’t dissuaded property owners and new entrepreneurs from putting their hopes, dreams, money and sweat equity into the downtown area this past year .

They see opportunity

They find opportunity not only in the crowds of Woodpeckers baseball fans at Segra Stadium, in the masses of people who attend the Dogwood Festival, 4th Fridays, and other downtown events and activities They say opportunity lies in the families and friends, old and young, who regularly ply the brick and concrete sidewalks, even on non-event days

The business owners are confident they will attract

Sol's Arcade + Taproom sits on Maiden Lane across from Segra Stadium.

customers to a downtown that has battled to fully reawaken since the 1970s when Fayetteville’s commercial heart was transplanted from the Hay and Person Street corridor to the shopping district of Cross Creek Mall and other shopping centers surrounding Skibo and Morganton roads

Jazz, books, an arcade, craft brews and more

Here are some of the new businesses that opened recently or that are coming soon

Sol’s Arcade + Taproom.

California native Cameron Carlotti and his wife decided to stay in Fayetteville after an injury led him to leave the Army After nearly two years of work, his arcade bar on Maiden Lane across from Segra Stadium is set to open in June in what used to be known as the AIT building .

The Former Huske Hardware House Restaurant & Brewery.

Huske on the 400 block of Hay Street was Fayetteville’s first craft brew pub, and it was one of downtown Fayetteville’s redevelopment pioneers when it opened in summer 1997 Huske closed in April 2024 when the landlords, the Baggett family, decided they wanted a new restaurant operator in the space

Since then the Baggetts have invested a large sum in renovations Co-owner Joe Baggett declined to specify a figure . The front of the building had been sinking, he said

“We went in and put pilings in the front to kind of what they call ‘stabilize the building,’ and then you tie the front of the building back to itself, and that solves the problem,” he said

The Baggetts last year planned to sell the Huske building and their fivestory building next door Now these are off the market

“Two people are interested in the property, for leasing it for a restaurant/brewery,” Baggett said of the Huske brewery building . Once that is settled, the family is looking at putting apartments or condominiums

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405 Hay St. once housed Huske Hardware House Restaurant & Brewery in downtown Fayetteville.

Mondrell's Social Lounge at 226 Franklin St. in downtown Fayetteville opened in April.

in the five-story building next door, he said .

“We still are definitely investing money in downtown,” Baggett said

Mondrell’s Social Lounge: Jazz and R&B

Fayetteville native Mondrail Myrick opened Mondrell’s Social Lounge in April at 226 Franklin St Myrick describes it as an intimate live music club with a nostalgic feel, inspired by jazz clubs in New Orleans, Paris and other places he has been .

It’s aimed at people age 45 and older Patrons can’t get in unless they are at least 30 and meet a dress code

“I created a place that I would love to go to,” with a calm, old-school atmosphere about meeting people, he said “We don’t have anything like it in Fayetteville ”

Why open downtown, vs elsewhere in Fayetteville?

“I feel like what I’m creating fits into what they are — want downtown to be,” Myrick said, with live entertainment

The county’s plan to open the performing arts center two blocks away was a factor in Myrick’s choice to open on Franklin Street instead of someplace else, he said People walking to or from shows at the Event Center might hear a band playing in Montrell’s .

“Even if you don’t come in, just hearing that is an asset to downtown Fayetteville,” Myrick said .

The Gathering Place. This is another tenant of the former AIT building on Maiden Lane . According to its Facebook page and website, The Gathering Place offers office, event and meeting space suitable for a variety of uses, plus an outdoor patio for parties and other events and activities .

Chapter House Books.

Independent bookstore Chapter House Books is preparing to open at 225 Franklin St

Dad Bod Dive Bar. After Bright Light Brewing Co . at 444 W . Russell St shut down last year, the Dad Bod Dishes food truck owners took over

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the space in November to create Dad Bod Dive Bar .

The Traveler bar. According to its posts on social media, craft beer maker Southern Pines Brewing Co is nearing an opening date for its Fayetteville location, The Traveler, at 123 Hay St It has been advertising for employees

Two Two Six The Warehouse. The old Cotton Exchange antiques mall at 226 Donaldson St . was remodeled in 2023 and 2024 into a cavernous, two-level performance venue and event space called Two Two Six The Warehouse

The Ammons Building. For the past several years, Stevie Ammons has been building a 9,000-squarefoot mixed-use building on the 100 block of Donaldson Street . He plans a ground-floor retail space, a secondfloor office space and a third-floor apartment with rooftop access — all surrounding a central courtyard He said he anticipates he will finish it in the coming months .

What bodes for the future of downtown?

Downtown can be more, several advocates said

“One of the challenges is that affordability to rent a space downtown,” said City Council Member Malik Davis, who represents downtown “We’re seeing a lot of businesses go away, but then we also are seeing some businesses come in

“But I think the city has to make it more inviting, because we have a lot of restrictions and things that we can’t do downtown, because of some of the ordinances that we have in place . So we have to be more friendly to business owners downtown to get things done and to do certain things ”

He described downtown as “breaking even a little bit right now ”

The non-profit Cool Spring Downtown District, funded in part with a special tax levied on downtown properties, strives to boost the downtown economy with events and other support .

“Downtown is in a good spot at the

Retired Lt. Col. Dale Cremisio. Photo by Sharilyn Wells

moment,” said Ashanti Bennett, the interim president and CEO of the Cool Spring district, with foot traffic rising to the small businesses

“At this time there are not any major items of note to elaborate on in the District, but there are several projects in the pipeline that are anticipated to contribute to the downtown fabric, such as the continued construction of the multi-use center and the anticipated Black Voices Museum,” she said “The Market House is currently undergoing necessary renovation, which will refresh and preserve that notable landmark ”

Property owners with space to rent have gotten higher rental rates, said Patrick Murray of the Grant-Murray Real Estate firm, due to a general shortage of space on the market across Fayetteville

But those seeking to sell their properties need to manage their price expectations, he said

Murray’s firm handles sales and leasing for several downtown properties, including the Baggett family’s Huske building, Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin’s Kress Building, the Downtown Executive Tower on Donaldson Street, and the Robert C Williams Business Center on Hay Street

“I think there’s a lot of buildings on the market that are overpriced,” Murray said Property owners are overestimating how much the Crown Event Center will boost their property values, he said, similar to when Segra Stadium was built in the late 2010s

“When that was announced, expectation was ‘That’s going to drive property values up significantly,’” he said “It didn’t have a huge impact ”

The district’s success will be driven by people, Murray said

“We need more residents downtown,” he said “That to me is going to be the catalyst of what grows downtown I mean, the commercial growth is definitely needed and good But we need more

Rich Clymer visits with his daughter, Annie Clymer, as she prepares to open Chapter House Books in downtown Fayetteville.

Independent bookstore Chapter House Books is preparing to open at 225 Franklin St.

People from out of state are looking at Fayetteville, and are looking at opportunities that they see now . – John Malzone

residential type of development downtown and drive more full-time residents to live there And that’s what’s going to drive more commercial development, retail and restaurants ”

Downtown real estate agent John Malzone said downtown was healthy when he arrived in Fayetteville in the 1960s After Cross Creek Mall opened in the 1970s, and pulled away customers and stores, “it became a trouble spot, and we worked through that .

“We worked through crime We worked through homelessness We worked through a tremendous amount of problems and challenges,” he said

Now Malzone is optimistic

“People from out of state are looking at Fayetteville, and are looking at opportunities that they see now, which

might in our marketplace seem crazy,” Malzone said “But with their experience in other more mature markets that have undergone the regentrification of certain areas of their town, I think they’re going to see the opportunities that some of the locals do not see ”

He said he tells potential buyers, “We are on the precipice of really good things ”

123 Hay St. will soon house Southern Pines Brewing Company's The Traveler.

In vibrant color

Floral Oasis Owner Savannah Nelson brings color and community connection to downtown Fayetteville, one stem at a time

BY TREY NEMEC PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES THROSSEL

A

As you pull open the door at 312 Hay St , the noise of downtown Fayetteville fades away . A fresh, vegetative scent wafts towards you Roses, carnations and peonies perfume the air

A smiling woman greets you with a friendly “Hi! Welcome!”

You’ve just entered Floral Oasis, Fayetteville’s newest boutique flower shop, and the brainchild of local entrepreneur Savannah Nelson

Since November 2024, Floral Oasis and its owner Savannah Nelson have been serving up bouquets of fresh flowers and bundles of dried florals to the Fayetteville community

Floral Oasis sets itself apart with its interactive approach to floral design The build-your-own bouquet method of the shop lets flower-seekers pick the perfect single stems to create their own personal arrangements

The experience encourages people to slow down and think intentionally, one bloom at a time

The shop, with its vibrant green and blue mural, selection of thrifted vases, and tables for arranging the perfect bouquet, feels more like a creative studio than a retail space . It offers a quirky, creative place that’s rooted in community connection

Savannah Nelson, owner of Floral Oasis, shares her love for the downtown community and the wide range of customers she serves.

From office to owner

After earning an undergraduate degree in criminology from Virginia Tech in 2020, Nelson found her way to the Washington, D C , area, before ultimately landing in Fayetteville . She described the transition from the hustle of city life to the slower pace of Fayetteville as quite the adjustment, but she always loved the local downtown district .

By day, Nelson works a full-time office job, and she felt that she was lacking a creative outlet

“I just felt like I really needed to add some color back in,” Nelson said

She explained that she had always believed an interactive flower shop would work in Fayetteville, and that the local community deserved places that offer the chance to do something new

With so much of the area being tailored to the military community, she decided to open up what she considers to be the antithesis of her criminology degree and government work: a vibrant and modern flower shop

Flowers for all

Behind the dreamy flowers and sweet scents, Floral Oasis is also making some serious moves in the name of

sustainability Different from more traditional florists, who sometimes rely on chemically treated blooms, floral foam and other single-use products, Nelson is determined to keep her shop as green as the stems she sells

Florists will often use bleach and other chemicals in their vases to prevent bacteria or algae growth around the base of flower stems and keep the water clear In a world that is quickly becoming more intentional about the chemicals we keep around us, Floral Oasis offers a more natural alternative

“We compost as much of the flower waste as we can,” she said Flower waste can include things like cut stems, leaves, stray petals and flowers that have spoiled or wilted . Nelson explained that they try to be as foam-free as possible and she wants to keep the flowers themselves as natural as she can She steers away from the use of chemicals in her arrangements whenever possible, and repurposes flowers she doesn’t feel good about selling by drying or pressing them

The shop goes a step further, often sourcing thrifted vases to hold the carefully chosen bouquets This practice cuts down on waste and overconsumption Thrifting vases keeps glass and ceramics out of the landfills and gives them a new home, proudly displaying your stems at

Inside her downtown shop, Nelson works on fulfilling orders.

the kitchen table

Nelson said that florists are everywhere, and they’re usually operated in a very traditional way The sustainability practices at Floral Oasis are filling a gap in the local market, offering Fayetteville a new, more sustainable and more holistic way to enjoy their favorite seasonal flowers

“I think we’re right at the cusp of a new floral era,” Nelson told CityView “A more organic design and florists wanting to be more eco-friendly ”

Another big aim for Floral Oasis is making flowers an accessible treat for everyone Floral Oasis is able to offer sweet-smelling arrangements to the community at reasonable rates by providing thrifted, reusable vases at affordable prices and by being mindful about the stock of flowers they keep A luxury no more, these are flowers for all

Tulips, tariffs and tough decisions

Recently, the floral industry, like many others, is facing challenges Proposed federal tariffs on imported flowers could hit the industry and the affordability of certain varieties Flowers like roses and carnations, for example, are often sourced from Latin and South American

countries, according to The Washington Post

Tariffs on Ecuador and Colombia, two of the largest floral exporters to the United States, are already raising concerns among florists nationwide About 80% of the country’s cut flowers are grown outside the U . S ., as reported by The Washington Post in mid February, and these tariffs would significantly hike the price and hinder accessibility .

Beyond the blooms, vases and other vessels that hold the freshly chosen bouquets could see a spike in price In April, The New York Post reported that China leads glass production globally, and the U S imported about $2 98 billion in Chinese glassware in 2024, according to Trading Economics .

In early April, the Trump administration announced many countries that import goods into the U S would face a 10% “baseline” tariff , as well as a range of other higher tariffs imposed on about 60 countries in addition to this baseline rate, according to BBC These tariff announcements spurred a number of countries, including China, to introduce retaliatory tariffs on the U S , with American tariffs on Chinese goods reaching as high as 145% Just a few hours after his announcement, Trump announced that there would be a 90-day pause on these

Floral Oasis invites customers to hand-pick their own flowers and create personalized arrangements.

higher tariffs, but did not roll back the 10% rate

Consumers could see prices skyrocket if foreign importers and the Trump administration fail to make a new deal before the end of the 90-day pause With the cost of imports rising to unfathomable highs, those sweet bouquets and their vessels could get a whole lot more costly

These potential impacts, though they would be felt by Floral Oasis and other floral shops in the area, could also change things in some interesting — and hyper-local — ways

Alisha Ingram, manager of Floral Oasis and a flower farmer herself, told CityView that changes in the wholesale price of certain flowers and vessels could cause the industry to try to source more from local suppliers .

“If we see those changes being made, then we will pivot ourselves and go with more local flower farmers,” Ingram said . “There is a way for us to change things . ”

She also explained that because flower farmers around the Fayetteville area grow in open fields, the variety of flowers that are available would become much more seasonal, as only certain varieties will successfully grow in open fields during their seasons

“It’s awesome because you can get your flowers according to what’s actually growing,” she said

In good times and bad

Events like gender reveals and weddings are popular moments for floral arrangements, but what surprised Nelson the most in her first six months?

Flowers for funerals

“We opened not really knowing if we were going to get into the funeral space or not,” she said . “But that’s honestly, maybe, been the most meaningful thing ”

She said that crafting funeral arrangements feels like a beautiful way to help people in their time of need, and Ingram feels the same

“To be a part of someone’s hard time, as well, has really been amazing,” Ingram said “To be able to help honor a deceased loved one has been really impactful ”

Ingram noted that, whatever the occasion, the shop seems to have the perfect flowers Happening to be stocked up with blue flowers on the day a customer needed a bouquet for a gender reveal, Ingram explained, felt like a moment that was meant to be

Nelson believes in the impactful nature of flowers for all of life’s moments, whether they are decor for a desk or a meaningful gift to a loved one She told CityView that she thinks consumers aren’t used to being creatively involved with their purchases That’s part of what makes her shop

Manager Alisha Ingram helps a customer create an arrangement to gift to their former coworker.

stand out among the other options From hand-selecting the stems to deciding on the perfect ribbon as a finishing touch, customers are involved from start to finish

“I think it’s so meaningful when people gift flowers to other people,” Nelson said . “They can say, ‘I actually built this for you, and thought of you when I picked out each one of these flowers ’”

The act of giving flowers is deeply personal, and by allowing customers creative freedom to find the perfect stems, Floral Oasis ensures it stays that way, in good times or bad

A dream in bloom

Running a small business is never easy, especially in its first year, while battling an unpredictable economy

“It’s been very scary because you just don’t know what is going to happen any given day,” Nelson admitted .

Regardless of fear, she keeps charging forward

“The community response has been amazing,” Nelson said . She added that the connection to Fayetteville’s local community and the daily chats she gets to have with visitors to the shop have been some of the most rewarding parts of this new endeavor .

So, what’s next for Floral Oasis?

Nelson hopes to create more community relationships and collaboration, telling CityView that she would like to do events at places like nursing homes and anywhere she feels she can give back to the community more

She aims to bring the color of life that she has found through the shop to Fayetteville and its people

As downtown Fayetteville continues to evolve, Floral Oasis shows what’s possible when creativity meets collaboration It’s a place where florals aren’t just pretty, they’re personal, sustainable and rooted in community

So, next time you’re wandering downtown, follow your nose There’s a little oasis waiting for you on Hay Street

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Trey Nemec is a senior at Fayetteville State University, majoring in communication and media studies Along with interning for CityView, he serves as the editor-in-chief of FSU’s The Voice, a student-led newspaper

Among the Hay Street storefronts, Floral Oasis distinguishes itself with a mission rooted in community and sustainability.

Men in Business

A good businessman knows what it means to exceed expectations. He also knows the value of honest work. If you are striving for success, these men in business are eager to help you achieve it.

CityView will be profiling family-owned businesses in our August issue. Call us at 910-423-6500 or email sales@ cityviewnc.com to reserve your spot in this special promotional section.

CityView

Pavan D. Patel, CEO of Willow Group Investments and managing director of Willow Equity, is a strong proponent of entrepreneurship in Cumberland County. His business portfolio includes investing and development in commercial real estate, along with hospitality franchise brands, including

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Hilton and Marriott. Patel is committed to servant leadership and fundamental growth for all. In 2024 Patel was elected as a Cumberland County Commissioner, where he chairs the Finance Committee and represents the county in committee, board and liaison positions that focus on safe water, education opportunities, economic growth, infrastructure and quality of life.

910-273-6864 | pavan@willowequity.com

Jim

Pittman

FAYETTEVILLE ACADEMY

After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1984, Jim Pittman and his wife, Dellmarie, moved to Fayetteville in 1986. Jim managed local Certified Public Accountant offices for nearly a decade before the couple opened their own FASTSIGNS franchise, which they successfully ran for 23 years. After selling the business in 2018, Jim began looking for his next professional challenge. That opportunity came in 2019 when Fayetteville Academy was seeking a new Director of Finance and Operations. Although Jim had no direct experience in education, his extensive background in accounting, nonprofit auditing and business ownership made him a natural fit for the role.

Transitioning from entrepreneurship to school administration was a significant shift, but Jim embraced it wholeheartedly. He has since played a key role in modernizing financial processes, strengthening vendor relationships and enhancing the school’s overall fiscal position.

Jim’s values — fairness, accountability and service — align closely with the mission of Fayetteville Academy. He often reflects that “God wanted me here,” and credits the warm, collaborative environment for making his transition both smooth and fulfilling.

Today, Fayetteville Academy is in its strongest financial condition in over 50 years, and Jim Pittman is proud to help guide its continued growth and success.

910-868-5131 | fayacademy.org

3200 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303

Joshua Gray-Heim — JCo Salon

A North Carolina native, Joshua Gray-Heim moved to Fayetteville in 2009 to teach at Paul Mitchell The School. After 12 years of educating future professionals in the beauty industry, Joshua and his husband, Adam, then opened JCo Salon & Blo’Dry Bar in downtown Fayetteville in 2015.

From the beginning, Joshua’s mission has been to curate a team of artists who exemplify a true mastery of their craft, along with a shared wealth of expertise. He invested his own financial resources, industry knowledge and sheer grit to build his business into what it is today: the region’s premier destination for luxury salon experiences.

Aligning with JCo’s 10th anniversary, Joshua recently announced an exciting new chapter. The salon will relocate in the near future to 115 Oakridge Ave., just 1 mile “up the hill,” in Fayetteville’s historic Haymount District. He is also giving JCo Salon — as it is now simply known — a branding makeover, reflecting a new era of elevated service and sophistication.

As a seasoned entrepreneur, Joshua’s goals for the next 10 years include dedicating more time to his philanthropic passions, community engagement and personal hobbies. He primarily focuses extra time now on two local nonprofits: Cape Fear Regional Theatre, where he is the wig designer and curator, and OffRoad Outreach, where he serves as vice president, supporting unhoused veterans. Through his profession and philanthropy, Joshua has invested over half a million dollars back into the Fayetteville community and beyond over the past decade. His evolution from educator and master stylist to business owner and philanthropist has been guided by Joshua’s simple, yet profound mantra: “Make a difference before you make a dollar.”

Jason Johnson

PREMIER KITCHEN AND BATH

Jason Johnson brings 25 years of handson experience to the remodeling industry as a certified thirdgeneration master tile setter. His technical expertise is matched by a reputation for genuine, thoughtful service — customers often highlight his kindness, clear communication and ability to make the renovation process feel seamless. Jason believes that great work goes beyond craftsmanship: It’s about creating trust and building strong, lasting relationships. His dedication to both quality and client care continues to set him apart in the field.

910-779-1073 | premierremodelnc.com 3813 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304

Alberto Smith

OTREBLA’S TAILORING & HABERDASHERY

Alberto Smith is Fayetteville’s only tailor for formalwear. He moved to Fayetteville in 1972 and has been in business here since 1973. His first location was on Murchison Road. He moved several times before settling at the Wooten Building in Haymount in 2007. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, he came to the United States and obtained his formal education and training in tailoring in Washington, D.C. Because of his expertise, outgoing personality, and extraordinary skill set, he has acquired a loyal following. He can alter a favorite suit or dress or make a new one.

910-323-0264 | otreblas.com 1218 Fort Bragg Road, Fayetteville, NC 28305

Richard Johnson

CREATIVE STONE

Richard Johnson is a professionally trained expert in flooring and home remodeling with over 30 years of experience. As the founder of Creative Stone, he is known for delivering high-quality renovations and fostering long-term client relationships. Beyond his projects, Richard plays a key role in supporting Fayetteville’s construction workforce, providing consistent

opportunities for local contractors and tradespeople.

His hands-on leadership, dedication to excellence and commitment to community have made him a respected figure in the remodeling industry.

910-491-1225 | creativestonenc.com 6253 Raeford Road, Fayetteville, NC 28304

EXPANDING CARE

The growth of Cape Fear Valley’s Medical Group

The hospital network helps attract new physicians and specialties, growing their clinics by more than 58 percent in the past four years to now have 93 in total

BY JAMI MCLAUGHLIN

Mark Cobb, President of Cape Fear Valley Medical Group, poses outside one of the many clinics in the Fayetteville area.

Photo by Tony Wooten

WWhen Elizabeth Sawyer, M D , transitioned from the U S Army to private practice, she had two clear goals: she didn’t want to work for a hospital, and she didn’t want to teach residents

But just a year and a half into her dream role, everything changed Her clinic became Cape Fear Valley General Surgery – Village Surgical, and with that shift, so did her perspective

Now, Dr Sawyer embraces both opportunities — thriving as part of a collaborative hospital team and finding fulfillment in mentoring the next generation of surgeons

“I have found tremendous support and infrastructure from the health system and have been able to build the breast program to the degree it is now,” Dr Sawyer said “We have grown the program by 40 percent . It’s been a tremendous value to be a part of the network ”

Her clinic was acquired by Cape Fear Valley Health in an effort to increase patient access to specialized services and expand into rural, underserved areas

Mark Cobb, president of Cape Fear Valley Medical Group, said that, within the health system, there are more than 90 primary and specialty care clinics in Cumberland County and the seven surrounding counties, including Moore, Hoke, Harnett, Bladen, Columbus, Robeson and Sampson

“In 2020, we had 34 clinics in the network, and we currently have 93,” Cobb said . “Within the next year, we expect to reach the 100 mark We are working diligently to make this happen ”

Mark Eaton, M D , with Cape Fear Valley Podiatry – Foot and Ankle Specialists – Fayetteville, said their clinic was the largest that was brought into the medical group, and the growth has been a tremendous benefit to the clinic and the community

“We wanted to improve our practice and expand so we looked at it as a partnership,” Dr Eaton said “In the six years we have been a part of the health system, we have doubled our patients seen from 33,000 to 65,000 per year and gone from seven physicians to 16 ”

Dr . Eaton said it makes them the largest hospital-based podiatry clinic in the United States With the backing of the health system, the podiatry group was also able to create the first Podiatry Resident Clinic in the country, where resident doctors treat patients under the guidance of an experienced podiatrist

“Being a part of this system allows us to expand our services within our seven locations, which allows more access for our patients,” Dr Eaton said “It gives our patients access to specialty doctors and care . ”

Top left, Cape Fear Valley General Surgery – Village Surgical, photo by Christina Martin. Bottom left, Cape Fear Valley Podiatry –Foot & Ankle Specialists, photo by Christina Martin. Above right, Mark Eaton, DPM, Cape Fear Valley, photo by Tony Wooten.

It is also a benefit to the community doctors, some of whom might be aging or want to see their operations become more efficient

It is also another reason that Dr Eaton said their practice is now gladly part of the network

“We wanted to create a legacy and continue to guide training for younger doctors,” Dr Eaton said “It’s another way to give back to the community for us ”

“When a clinic becomes part of Cape Fear Valley Health, it allows doctors to just be doctors,” Cobb said “They can practice medicine without worrying about the business operations part of it Being part of a larger network means they don’t have to deal with staffing issues or supply embargoes ”

He said it helps save smaller clinics in private practice from operational issues and challenges that can significantly impact patient care, including shortages and delays .

Cobb said the main driver of acquiring more clinics is the patient and their access to care It also helps financial stewardship across the board between the hospital, clinics and those needing the care

Another benefit is the ability to more easily transfer information from the clinic to the hospital, following the patients wherever they go within the health system

“It’s a much easier path to travel,” Cobb said “Patients

have one medical record, and that record is shared among Cape Fear Valley Health, accessible by providers at any time ”

Johnnie Moultrie, M D , who is with Hope Mills Family Care, recognizes this benefit daily with his patients .

“There are so many different specialties that our patients can get in to see if they need something specific, like interventional radiology or women’s health,” Dr Moultrie said “We can expedite referrals, and it makes our healthcare system very efficient ”

With specialties ranging from primary care and orthopedics to neurosurgery and pulmonary medicine, Cape Fear Valley Health is growing and will be adding even more specialists to the network in the next year

For more information on how Cape Fear Valley clinics are ready to serve your healthcare needs, visit capefearvalley com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jami McLaughlin writes for CityView She can be reached at jmclaughlin@ cityviewnc .com or at 910-391-4870 .

Top left, Hope Mills Family Care, photo by Christina Martin. Bottom left, Kenneth Morkrid, PA-C, and Johnnie Moultrie M.D., prepare to receive patients, photo by Tony Wooten. Above right, Johnnie Moultrie M.D., photo by Tony Wooten.

The future is bright — and they’re leading the way! Armed with knowledge, determination and purpose, these outstanding graduates are stepping boldly into their next chapters. From college campuses and military service to launching promising careers —this is just the beginning. Celebrate their journey! Cumberland County Schools — Shaping Leaders of Tomorrow!

COMMUNITY

2025 Fayetteville Pride Festival

The

annual

Fayetteville Pride Festival is back on June 21 with new and exciting changes

BY VALERIA CLOËS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY AALIYAH LANE

FFor the first time in Fayetteville PRIDE history, the nonprofit will be hosting its annual Pride Festival this year in an indoor venue: the Crown Complex’s expo center

The 2025 Fayetteville Pride Festival will be held from 10 a m to 8 p m on Saturday, June 21 In addition to the location change from Festival Park, organizers extended this year’s festival by four hours — last year’s ran from noon to 6 p m

Festivalgoers can also expect new features, like a kids’ area with youth activities and a poetry reading, as well as alcohol beverage sales and comprehensive security through the Crown Complex’s sponsorship of the event, Fayetteville PRIDE President Krystal Maddox told CityView ’s Evey Weisblat

“I want the LGBTQ+ community and our allies to know that we are listening to them,” Maddox said in a press

release published on the festival’s Facebook event page “The changes in 2025 are our way of making sure that we make your safety and comfort a priority More than ever we MUST come together as a community and support each other!”

This year’s festival will also include performances by Morgan Richards, a drag performer described by Maddox as a “Fayetteville legend,” and Jean-Belle Bleu, the headliner of the festival, Maddox told CityView

There will also be educational workshops, a community arts project table, local vendors, as well as food trucks, crafts and other goods, and community resource hubs The event is free and open to the public, all ages welcome .

For more information on this year’s Fayetteville Pride Festival, scan the QR code .

Aaliyah Sanders (left) and Sierra Bermudez, PRIDEFEST 2024!

OYE, ¿CÓMO VA?

JUNETEENTH

FREEDOM IN BLOOM, MEMORY AS OUR GUIDE

BY CLAUDIA ZAMORA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY WOOTEN

On June 19, 1865, in Galveston, Texas, freedom was finally announced for the last African Americans still held in slavery in the United States More than two years had passed since the Emancipation Proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln . But that day — delayed, urgent, necessary — freedom finally touched ground

That moment is known as Juneteenth It wasn’t the beginning of freedom . It was its late arrival . It wasn’t the end of racism It was the planting of a new kind of hope

Today, Juneteenth is much more than a historical date

It’s a pause . A mirror . A celebration and a call . A collective embrace that says: We’re still here, still rising

Here in Cumberland County, where more than 136,000 residents — 40 2% of the population, according to the U S Census Bureau — identify as Black or African American, that

history isn’t distant

It’s lived . It’s inherited . It’s sung . It becomes leadership, community and everyday resilience And Fayetteville honors it with heart

On Saturday, June 14, Festival Park will host the fifth annual Juneteenth Jubilee, themed “Sovereign ” A word that not only acknowledges the past but uplifts the present, especially the voices and brilliance of women of color, whose stories shape the soul of this city

Expect music, dance, food, art and above all, presence

Living stories Unapologetic expression . Truth that doesn’t whisper — it sings

And that’s not the only Juneteenth celebration in Cumberland County The Town of Hope Mills is hosting its second annual Juneteenth Liberty & Legacy Celebration on

The marque headliner Skip Marley brought the sounds of reggae to the Festival Park stage during the annual Juneteenth Jubilee in Fayetteville's Festival Park on Saturday, June 13, 2024.

Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14, at Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom

There will be a fashion show, an art crawl, vendor markets, live music and more

The Sandhills Family Heritage Association is also hosting a Juneteenth Observance at 2 p m Saturday, June 28, at Spring Lake Community Library, according to the association’s April newsletter Its Executive Director, Ammie McRae Jenkins, and other members will be speaking about the “rich history and cultural impact of the rural African American communities of Spring Lake” and Manchester, and beyond

As members of the Latinx community, we might wonder: How do we show up for a story that isn’t ours, and yet somehow still touches us?

The answer isn’t in perfect words . It’s in presence In showing up, listening, learning and giving thanks In recognizing that the freedom of one community is always woven into the dignity of all

Juneteenth is not just about the past It’s about what still needs building, not from guilt or fear, but from love, from clarity, from a sincere desire to walk more closely, together

Let’s celebrate what’s been won Let’s also hold space for the question: What can I do today to help that freedom bloom even more?

See you in the park, June 14 With gratitude With flowers in our voices With the knowledge that we are still writing the most beautiful promise of all, a world where we can all breathe freely

Claudia Zamora is an Argentinian writer, mental health and wellness coach, and director of the Sí! Spanish Immersion Institute at El Centro Hispano She has lived in Fayetteville, North Carolina, since 2011 .

Two-time Grammy nominee Pierce Freelon performed at the 2024 Juneteenth Jubilee.

Festivalgoers enjoy the 2024 Juneteenth Jubilee.

‘The heart and soul of a city’

BY DIANE PARFITT

A community’s downtown is often considered the “heart of the city” due to its economic, cultural and historical significance, and the accessibility of transportation There is that and more in downtown Fayetteville We have several major businesses, our city and county government offices, many retail stores, restaurants, historical buildings, galleries and museums, and access to mass transit And we have a bookstore that is an example of something that thrives in a city’s downtown core . If downtown is the “heart” of the city, an independent bookstore is its “soul ” Many, if not most, independent bookstores are in their city’s downtown area . Travelers who visit downtown are very often booklovers And they love to walk along the shelves, treading the creaky wooden floors while exploring the variety of titles in each genre and simply experiencing the familiar ambiance found only in a local bookstore Out-of-town customers often tell us they don’t visit a downtown without looking for a bookstore where they can find these experiences For them, a bookstore is like a comfortable old friend

There are numerous fiction and non-fiction books about bookstores Mystery and romance novels that have an “indie” bookshop for their setting are hugely popular now Non-fiction authors have traveled around the world researching the history of individual bookstores, past and present Others lament the decline in bookstores and write about the possible reason for that “Books about bookshops” have something for everyone’s taste, and here are a few that might just become your next read

1. The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore by Evan Friss

This must-read book covers the history of bookstores beginning with Benjamin Franklin’s first bookstore in Philadelphia and bringing us to the present . The author treats us to the story behind a variety of large and small book dealers As we follow this history, we are reminded of how bookstores have shaped our history and why we need them more than ever before Photographs and illustrations throughout the book add to the nostalgia of the stories I had the pleasure of meeting the author at a recent book festival in Charlottesville and loved hearing some of his stories firsthand

Why Books Still Matter: Honoring Joyce Meskis Edited

by Karl Weber

“If books didn’t matter, nobody would try to ban them,” reads the book’s overview

Joyce Meskis was the founder of the famous Denver bookstore Tattered Cover and an advocate of First Amendment rights This collection of essays by leading publishers, booksellers, authors and free speech advocates offers reflections on the important role of books in our lives today and pays tribute to the movement that Meskis championed Books have a dynamic role in our cultural, civic, social and economic development If we lose sight of this, we will be diminished in ways we can only imagine

3. Footnotes from the World’s Greatest Bookstores: True Tales and Lost Moments from Book Buyers, Booksellers, and Book Lovers by Bob Eckstein, Forward by Garrison Keillor

This is like a travelogue of 75 bookstores around the world — with marvelous illustrations by the author . Included are stories by many great writers and artists, including Deepak Chopra, Terry Gross, Ann Patchett and many more who entice us to seek out a bookstore in all the cities we visit Oh, that sounds like a heavenly thing to do

5. The Booklover’s Library: A Novel by Madeline Martin

The threat of war is looming over England, and widow Emma Taylor needs a job to support herself and her precious daughter Olivia However, there are restrictions against widows with children, preventing them from taking a job When the blitz threatens, Olivia is evacuated to the country, and Emma tries to convince the manager of Boots’ Booklover’s Library to hire her Here she finds a new purpose as she develops friendships with her coworkers and the library’s quirky regulars But she must also confront the memories of her late father, the owner of the family bookstore where they worked together before a tragic accident . As the war continues, Emma works to bring her daughter home while she learns to depend on others for support and to understand more about the power of literature to help in the darkest of times .

5. The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True Stories of the Magic of Reading by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann

Who are booksellers? Who becomes a librarian? Patterson and Eversmann introduce us to a variety of people who are in the business, and we find out exactly who they are . They said it best through the book’s description:

“To be a bookseller or librarian…

You have to play detective . Be a treasure hunter A matchmaker An advocate A visionary

A person who creates ‘book joy’ by pulling a book from a shelf, handing it to someone and saying, ‘You’ve got to read this You’re going to love it ’”

6. The Vanishing Bookstore: A Novel by Helen

Phifer

A story that opens with the following quote is sure to please booklovers everywhere: “Every story needs a happy ending And you can’t have yours until you find the bookstore .” This story opens in 1692 in Salem, where witches may be lurking about A young woman hides a journal under the floorboards of an abandoned bookstore and runs away . After many years, the bookstore vanishes, never to be seen again until it reappears in present time Dora, in present-day Salem, is about to meet her long-lost mother when danger confronts them both She begins to dig into her family’s past when she comes upon a secret that is locked in this mysterious bookstore that has not been seen in generations . As she is being watched, will she be able to find the journal that will uncover these secrets?

In the same way that downtown is the heart of a city and bookstores its soul, one might rightly consider books to be the heart and soul of our society They can inspire us, connect us to each other and help us sustain that which is truly important

“What I say is, a town isn’t a town without a bookstore .”

— Neil Gaiman

Diane Parfitt owns City Center Gallery & Books in downtown Fayetteville . She can be reached at citycentergallerybooks@gmail com

Every kid’s hero

When the game was on the line, Larry Miller was there for his beloved Tar Heels

BY BILL KIRBY JR.

There’s a teardrop falling this day from jersey No 44 high above the rafters overlooking the Dean E Smith Center basketball court .

It’s long been retired there as a reminder that Larry Miller once passed the Tar Heels’ way

“He was the most competitive person I’ve ever met in my life,” says Franklin Clark, 78, who played alongside Miller in the 1966-67 and 1967-1968 seasons that saw the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill advance to the NCAA tournament Final Four, including a 78-55 defeat to Lew Alcindor-led UCLA in the title game on March 23, 1968, at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena

Miller grew up in the anthracite iron town of Catasauqua, Pa , where he was a high school Parade All-American, who led his team to the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class A Eastern Finals

He averaged 33 6 points per game in a high school career and caught the eyes of college coaches throughout the country to include the late Vic Bubas at Duke and the late Dean Smith at UNC

He chose UNC at the urging of UNC standout Billy Cunningham

“Larry Miller was his first big-time recruit,” said Hooper Hall, 79, a walk-on with the freshman team after a standout career at old Fayetteville High School . “Larry and I swapped sweat during many practice sessions Larry always wore weighted shoes and anklets As far as I was concerned, he was the best ball player I ever had been close to He was one of those strong guys He was just thick, and he could jump He was just a bear ”

A 6-foot, 4-inch small forward, Miller joined with senior Bob Lewis on the UNC varsity team, where the Tar Heels would finish 16-11 in the 1965-1966 season

“Then he brought in Rusty Clark,” Hall said about Smith and five high school All-Americans, and Dean Smith’s basketball dynasty was underway at Chapel Hill, where the Tar Heels dominated the Atlantic Coast Conference and advanced to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Final Four the ensuing three years

“He certainly was a major force in Carolina basketball,” said Clark, a 6-foot, 10-inch center out of Fayetteville High School and who attended UNC on a Morehead Scholarship after leading his FHS team to a 25-1 record and the N C High School Athletic Association 4-A title

Larry Miller. Photo courtesy of UNC Athletics

With teammates to include Dick Grubar, Bill Bunting, Charlie Scott, Clark and Miller, UNC finished 26-6 in the 1966-67 season and 28-4 in 1967-68

Miller was the catalyst

“He could win a game for you,” Clark said . “He did not want to lose He was a fierce competitor ”

A southpaw, Larry Miller could shoot from the outside corners, and he possessed athleticism underneath the goal with acrobatic, turning and twisting maneuvers like a Harry Houdini

“If the game was close and you needed to win, you went to him,” Clark said “He was as good of an athlete as there was on the court What made his athletic ability was he was competitive . You would just give him the ball and get out of the way ”

‘One of the Carolina greats’

Larry Miller was devilishly handsome, and something of a heartthrob in Chapel Hill on and off the court There was a charisma about him Every kid in the state with a basketball goal in his backyard wanted to be Larry Miller and emulate his basketball skills

“He was the big man on campus,” Hooper Hall said Franklin Street was his oyster .

In old Carmichael Auditorium, Miller averaged 20 9 points and 10 3 rebounds per game as a sophomore; 21 9 points and 9 .3 rebounds as a junior; and 22 . 4 points per game as a senior He led UNC to back-to-back ACC tournament titles in the 1966-67 and 1967-68 seasons, and he was the league’s most valuable player in the regular season and the ACC tournament

He earned the respect of fellow teammates and ACC foes and coaches alike, and the admiration of 1957 NCAA national champion of UNC legends to include the late Lennie Rosenbluth, Tommy Kearns, Pete Brennan and Joe Quigg .

“Larry Miller was one of the Carolina greats,” said Quigg, whose free throws in a third overtime led the Tar Heels to a 54-53 victory over the Kansas Jayhawks on March 23, 1957, for the national title and a 32-0 season under the late coach Frank McGuire “He was the money guy Anytime you needed two points, get the ball in his hands . He was so much fun to watch, because you could tell he was giving his all every time he played ”

Larry Miller saw his UNC basketball career come to a close in the NCAA finals against Lew Alcindor-led UCLA, where the Tar Heels lost 78-55 to the 29-1 Bruins, who were coached by the late coaching legend John Wooden . Miller was named to the Associated Press consensus All-America team, which included Elvin Hayes of Houston, Wes Unseld of Louisville, Pete Maravich of Louisiana State and Alcindor .

“It’s always a disappointment when you get that far,” Clark said “UCLA had the best basketball team in that era . They were mighty good at every position . One thing about sports, you learn how to lose It teaches you how to function in life You’re not going to win them all ”

Franklin Clark (No. 43). Photo courtesy of UNC Athletics

Photo courtesy of UNC Athletics

Larry Miller was every kid’s hero who cheered for UNC from 1966 to 1968 .

Clark would become a thoracic surgeon Miller would spend seven seasons in the American Basketball Association, once scoring a league record 67 points before the league eventually folded

Clark returned to Fayetteville, where he practiced medicine before retiring and becoming a real estate developer and now is doing his part for the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine

“For me, it truly was a game,” he said . “It was always a game for me It was a great time and a lot of fun People don’t say anything about my medical career, but they sure talk about basketball ”

Miller, after his professional basketball career, went into real estate construction in Raleigh and

Virginia Beach . He eventually returned to his hometown of Catasauqua, Pa , and lived out his life in his boyhood home, where his health declined in recent years

The passing of a UNC legend

Lawrence James Miller died on May 11 in Bethlehem, Pa

He was 79

Franklin Clark says the loss of his old teammate is something he sensed coming, and recalls being with Miller for basketball reunions and a celebration in Hillsborough, where Miller and others joined with author Stephen Demorest in celebration of Larry Miller Time: The Story of the Lost Legend Who Sparked the Tar Heel Dynasty.

“You could tell his health was

failing,” Clark said “He was ready for assisted living type level of care, and he refused that, just going back to Catasauqua to live in his old family house His life was not as glorious at the end as it had been, as is for so many of us I could kind of tell where Larry was in life ”

Hooper Hall was there and says as much

“It was the weekend he got inducted into the NCAA Hall of Fame,” Hall said “I’d say October 2022 Rusty was there, Dick Grubar and Joe Brown Some of his high school friends were there Larry was not the Larry Miller I knew He knew who I was He had that recollection But he was kind of subdued He wasn’t the vivacious person I knew ”

Larry Miller was every college basketball coach’s dream athlete Bill Currie, the late radio “Voice of the Tar Heels,” told us of his amazing athletic feats when games were on the line and Larry Miller was there to answer the Tar Heels’ basketball call for victory in the throes of defeat

He was there before Michael Jordan,

Story of the Lost Legend. Photo courtesy of UNC Athletics

Larry Miller. Photo courtesy of UNC Athletics

James Worthy, Phil Ford, Kenny Smith, Bobby Jones, Walter Davis, Eric Montross and those UNC legends of Tar Heels basketball lore

“He’s going to be remembered as much as anybody,” Hooper Hall said “He just kind of faded away, but Larry Miller is going to rank up there with them all . With 10 minutes to go in the game, it was “Miller Time ’”

A Tar Heel basketball athlete, Joe Quigg says, to forever remember .

“He was a once-in-a-lifetime player,” Quigg said “Not sure they still make them like that . ”

And from an old teammate who knew Larry Miller better than all of us

“He was the most competitive person I’ve ever met in my life,”

Franklin Clark said “He just wanted to win and would do anything to win . ”

Epilogue

Larry Miller was every kid’s hero who cheered for UNC from 1966 to 1968

He was the genesis of Dean Smith’s basketball dynasty

He was Houdini, and the swashbuckling athlete who always dared to defy the odds along Tobacco Road

“I just fell in love with Carolina’s spirit basically and the campus,” Miller told Stephen Demorest in a YouTube interview years ago, “I felt really at home there ”

He was Larry Miller with the St Christopher’s medal dangling around his neck and a UNC basketball legend, where there’s a teardrop falling this day from jersey No . 44 high above the rafters overlooking the Dean E Smith Center basketball court

Bill Kirby Jr. is a veteran journalist who spent 49 years as a newspaper editor, reporter and columnist He can be reached at billkirby49@ gmail com or 910-624-1961

THE TO-DO LIST

Here are just some of the things happening in and around Fayetteville this month. Scan the code with your phone for more events, additional information and to post your event on our website. Events are subject to change. Check before attending.

June 6

PWC Public Works Community

Art Exhibition Open Reception

The Arts Center

301 Hay St wearethearts .com

June 7

Digging in the Dirt

Hope Mills Community Library 3411 Golfview Road, Hope Mills cumberland librarycalendar com

June 7 & 8

C&E Gun Show

Crown Expo

Crown Complex

1960 Coliseum Drive crowncomplexnc .com

June 8

Kiwanis Family Fun Day

352 Devers St distinctlyfayettevillenc .com

June 10

Clark Park Nature Story Time

Clark Park Nature Center

631 Sherman Drive cumberland .librarycalendar .com

June 13 & 14

Festival of Quilts

Tarheel Quilters Guild

Freedom Christian Academy Sportsplex

3130 Gillespie St

tarheelquiltersguild .org

June 14

NC Reads: The Girls We Sent Away Headquarters Library

300 Maiden Lane

cumberland librarycalendar com

June 14

Juneteenth Jubilee: Sovereign

Festival Park

335 Ray St visitdowntownfayetteville com

June 14

Family Program: Night Hike and Campfire

Cape Fear Botanical Garden

536 N . Eastern Blvd . capefearbg org

June 14

Juneteenth Celebration 5K

301 N . Cool Spring St . runsignup com

June 15

Woodpeckers Baseball: Father’s Day

Segra Stadium

460 Hay St milb .com/fayetteville

June 20

Dance Through the Decades Prom Party

Cape Fear Botanical Garden

536 N . Eastern Blvd . capefearbg org

June 20

Youth and Basic Archery

J . Bayard Clark Park and Nature Center

631 Sherman Drive fayettevillenc .gov

June 20

Fayetteville After Five: Camel City Yacht Club

Presented by Fayetteville Dogwood Festival

Festival Park

345 Ray Ave distinctlyfayettevillenc .com

June 21

Fayetteville Pride Festival

Crown Expo Center

Crown Complex

1960 Coliseum Drive fayettevillepride org

June 21

BGBB Kid’s Red Carpet Book Tour and Literacy Festival

New Life Christian Academy 1420 Hoke Loop Road bgbblit org

June 26

Woodpeckers Baseball: Night OUT

Segra Stadium

460 Hay St milb com/fayetteville

June 27

4th Friday: Health and Wellness & The District Vibe

Cool Spring Downtown District Downtown Fayetteville visitdowntownfayetteville com

June 27

Woodpeckers Baseball: Margaritaville Night

Segra Stadium

460 Hay St milb .com/fayetteville

June 28

Red, White, and Boom Fest! Fort Bragg Family and MWR

Main Post Parade Field bragg armymwr com

Third Annual Cumberland County Culture Class Powwow on May 3, 2025.

Photo by Tony Wooten.

SEEN @ THE SCENE

Community Day with Josh Williams

Fayetteville native and Kansas City Chiefs’ Josh Williams held an event from 3-7 p .m . on Friday, May 16, at Friendship Resource Community Center

Photography by James Throssel

Want CityView at your event for Seen @ the Scene? Email us at cmalson@cityviewnc.com.

Josh Williams

Destin Cree and Ivory Atkinson, front, David Guy, back

Joseph Riddle, Adam Mccolll, Sparky (Forest Vollmer), Chance Steen and Aaron Owens

Kendrick Harris, Bryland Paige and Cleveland Davis

Christian Bethea and Izaiah Williams

Christopher Williams

M i k e n W i l l i a m s , W i l l i a m N e f f , N a t e H o r n e , R y a n

H e d g e c o e , C a d e n S t e e n , G a v i n B o w e n

C o a c h N i c k W i l l i a m s C o m m i t

C o n g r a t s ! ! ! !

A l l S t a t e : W i l l i a m N e f f , R y a n H e d g e c o e , N a t e

H o r n e & M i k e n W i l l i a m s

A l l C o n f e r e n c e : M i k e n W i l l i a m s , W i l l i a m N e f f ,

R y a n H e d g e c o e , N a t e H o r n e , D y l a n C l a r k , C a d e n

S t e e n , & G a v i n B o w e n

C o n f e r e n c e P l a y e r o f t h e Ye a r : W i l l i a m N e f f

C o a c h o f t h e Ye a r : C o a c h N i c k W i l l i a m s

W e a r e s o p r o u d o f o u r K N I G H T S ! ! !

F o r t h e f i r s t t i m e i n s c h o o l

h i s t o r y , t h e V C A B o y s V a r s i t y

G o l f Te a m c a p t u r e d t h e S t a t e

C h a m p i o n s h i p d o m i n a t i n g t h e

f i e l d w i t h a p o w e r f u l t e a m

p e r f o r m a n c e a n d a h i s t o r i c

i n d i v i d u a l v i c t o r y .

C o n g r a t s t o R y a n H e d g e c o e

w h o s h o t a t o u r n a m e n t - b e s t

r o u n d o f 6 8 a n d f i n i s h e d w i t h

a n e v e n - p a r 1 4 4 t o w i n t h e 2 A

I n d i v i d u a l S t a t e T i t l e t h e f i r s t

i n V C A b o y s h i s t o r y

w w w . v c a n c . c o m

Husband and wife, Andre and Karen, fought cancer alongside each other. Naturally, cancer was a challenge, but Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center made sure they had everything they needed along the way.

“Cancer changes you, but it’s not the end of your journey,” said Andre.

Today, both Andre and Karen are cancer free and back to doing the things they love, like cooking and singing at their church.

Cape Fear Valley believes you shouldn’t have to travel far for cancer care. With two locations in Cumberland County and one in Harnett County, you’ll have access to the care and the support you need close to home.

Each of our cancer centers offers both medical and radiation oncology services and meets high-quality standards. We also offer supportive cancer services, including nutrition counseling, social services, art therapy and more.

Hear their full story and learn more: capefearvalley.com/cancer

Cancer Survivors: Karen & Andre