CityView April 2024

Join us as Cape Fear Valley Health presents CityView Media’s fourth annual Ladies Night Out April 18 at the Carolina Barn at McCormick Farms. You and your besties are invited for a fun evening of food, wine and entertainment. We’ll have vendors for shopping, music for dancing, a fashion show, a silent auction and demonstrations. YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:

• Entry into the event

• Food samplings from local eateries

• Two drink tickets

• One raffle ticket into our prize drawing

CityView

APRIL 2024

On the cover:

Melody Smith is one of five outstanding students who embody the excellence and distinction of Cumberland County students From founding nonprofits to dazzling on stage and spiking their way to success, Rachel, Jalia, Landon, Journey, and Melody showcase resilience, leadership, and passion Their stories inspire and illuminate the promise of the next generation Get to know these extraordinary young leaders shaping the future Photography by Tony Wooten

20 Supporting families with newborns

Family Connects North Carolina offers assistance that changes lives, nurturing new beginnings

32

City of Dogwoods

The 2024 festival brings entertainment, activities the entire family will enjoy, astonishing food, and classic community favorites to downtown Fayetteville.

26 Finding child care for military kids April is the Month of the Military Child, and finding high-quality and affordable child care is a critical component of many military family support systems

34

Fayetteville Orthopedic Care

When bones break, healing is around the corner at Fayetteville Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

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Making the most of an ‘I’m sorry’

BY BILL HORNER III, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Parenting is a difficult job, an enterprise made tougher when the chemistry of multiple blood-related kidlets interacting within the same four walls turns combustible.

I’ve seen it happen a lot. My wife and I raised three children to adulthood. So many things about that experience were remarkable, but two things in particular never failed to astonish us:

1. Babysitters who cared for the kids at our house, or at their own, always, always marveled to us about how well-behaved our children were. We always, always were incredulous at that bit of news. As parents who couldn’t possibly fathom our children being nice to each other, we’d wonder aloud … who made off with our brood and replaced them with courteous, polite, and mannerly replicas?

Which made No. 2 all the more vexing.

2. Put all three of our kids in the same room (or car, particularly) and let enough time go by, and chaos (and inevitably tears) often occurred. Drop that number to two, though — any two, the combination didn’t matter — and they paired off as best friends.

The math was vexing: 3 = turbulence; 2 = tranquility.

Thankfully, today, our three — now ages 31, 29, and 27 — are close. No more fighting, name-calling, hitting or pestering, of course. Rather, they’re mutually supportive, loving, and gracious, and go out of their way when a brother (or sister) is in need. They demonstrate love and grace, just like — as the coaches like to say — we drew it up in practice.

What was our secret?

Danged if I know.

But one practice we insisted upon, I think, may have played a role: We taught our children how to apologize, and to do it the right way.

Apologies weren’t a matter of facing each other, uttering a grunted “SORRY!” under duress, and then making up with a stiff side-hug. They weren’t forced. Figuring that unreasonable behavior was a problem of the heart, we focused there. Doing so gave the offender room (space and time) to look inward to think about the cause of the conflict and their role in escalation.

We knew we’d taught and trained them well. Therefore, reflection on the matter at hand should, given the love we poured into them and a little time for an emotional reset, result in enough selfreflection that awareness (and regret) would occur. The nurtured heart would come alive.

Here’s the kicker: Next, after that space, the offender would be given the responsibility of writing a letter of apology. We didn’t dictate the terms, but we insisted on two simple things: say WHAT you’re sorry for (specifics, please) and WHY you’re sorry. In writing. And done with sincerity.

Once delivered to the hurt party, then the offended child would have a chance to practice the art of forgiveness.

This process wasn’t always smooth. It happened with enough regularity, though, that my wife Lee Ann kept many of those little hand-scribbled notes of apology — including a few our children wrote to us for infractions we weren’t even aware of until said note was placed in our hands by a contrite child.

An ancillary benefit, of course, is that the principle was reinforced as we parents practiced what we preached. Not being a perfect dad, I’ve had a number of occasions (including one on a family trip a couple of years ago) to sit with Zachary or Addison or Karis and simply say: “I blew it. That was wrong of me. I’m so sorry. Can you please find it in your heart to forgive me?”

They always did.

We nurtured our kids’ hearts. Now they nurture each other’s. I couldn’t be more thankful to see their hearts flourishing still.

SOMEDAY YOU’LL THANK ME

A bedtime story

BY MARY ZAHRAN

My earliest memory of holding a book was when I was about 2 years old. Every afternoon, we had “quiet time,” an hour when we had to stay in our beds and not make any noise. My mother, who had four daughters under the age of 7 (my brother would arrive three years later), probably created this rule to save her sanity.

While my mother was cultivating a refuge for herself with solitude, her youngest daughter was discovering a sanctuary of her own with books. I do not know the name of the book I held while sitting in my crib, but I remember the pages were filled with colorful images. I also recall that I loved how my hands felt as I touched and then turned the pages. It was as if I had some magical power to make images appear and disappear by simply moving my hands.

At the tender age of 2, I couldn’t possibly envision what this discovery would lead to, not only for me, but for my daughters.

I graduated from looking at colorful illustrations in my “quiet time” book to checking out books from our public library. My mother, an avid reader, recognized in me a kindred spirit and took me with her when she went to the library. The children’s librarian, a woman named Patty, introduced me to many books that would help shape my life and reinforce my love of reading. “The Secret Garden,” “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” and “Little Women” are just a few of the many books I now cherish.

Years later, I had the privilege of introducing my daughters to the world of books. Since I believe this introduction cannot happen too soon in a child’s life, I began very early — the day we came home from the hospital. A friend of mine had given me “The Real Mother Goose” and “Goodnight Moon,” assuring me they were the perfect literature for newborns.

The rest is literary history. Both of my girls loved story time. I believe those hours spent with my children sitting in my lap and listening as I read to them helped them learn to speak and read and to understand the beauty and power of language.

However, my desire to teach my children the power of language backfired on me more than once. Sometimes I would read books to

them I had never read or had not read in a long time, turning an adventure into a fiasco when an unforeseen plot twist changed everything.

My first experience occurred when I was reading “The Clown of God” to my older daughter. It is the story of Giovanni, an elderly juggler, who sees a statue of Mary and Jesus in a church, notices that Jesus looks sad, and decides to juggle for him. After much exertion, Giovanni drops to the floor, dead. On the last page, we see a smiling Jesus, clutching a golden ball that belonged to Giovanni.

My daughter was very upset that Giovanni died and refused to read the book again for a long time. Ironically, she now gives this book to friends and family members who are having babies to encourage them to read to their children.

My younger daughter had her own bedtime story trauma when we read “Meet Kirsten,” one of the American Girl books. Kirsten’s best friend died of scarlet fever while they were sailing from Sweden to America. Unlike the Giovanni fiasco, the Kirsten tragedy had a different outcome — not only did we finish the book, but we also went on to read many other books in this series.

Several years later, I had my own story time trauma when my older daughter asked me to read “The Catcher in the Rye” with her. I had read it many years before and had forgotten how much profanity is in it. While I did my best to read the book aloud without blushing, I could not help but remember the good old days when I read nursery rhymes to her.

After all, jumping from Mother Goose to Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of “The Catcher in the Rye,” is quite a leap.

Decades later, we are still avid readers. While we differ in our choice of authors and books, we recognize the importance of reading and how it enriches our lives. And to think it all began with a picture book in a crib.

Mary Zahran, who thinks you cannot own too many books, may be reached at maryzahran@gmail.com.

Life, un-curated

BY CLAIRE MULLEN

Iwill never forget the exact moment that I realized that we social mediaera parents are headed down a slippery slope.

It was several years ago at an outdoor fall festival as my daughter and I waited in the petting zoo line for our turn to get up close and personal with a potbelly pig. When we were finally next in line, I watched as the young mother in front of us corralled her three young children, pushed each of them toward the snoozing pig, opened the camera on her iPhone, and began enthusiastically shouting out instructions: “Yay! OK, kids! Good job! Hurry up! Get closer! Closer! Awww! Great! Pet the pig! Make sure you’re all touching the pig! So cute! No, don’t look at the pig, look at me! Look here! Smile! Cuuuute! GOT IT! Great job, guys!”

No sooner had she finished snapping away on her camera and doing a quick scroll through the series of photos she’d just taken, than her megawatt smile twisted into a disgusted grimace. Her cheery, sing-song tone changed to one of militant order-barking.

“Blech, ew! OK, kids. Now get away from that thing! Gross. Don’t touch it anymore! Hands off! I said HANDS OFF! Everyone, come over here right NOW and get some hand sanitizer. No more pig,” she barked

It dawned on me that for that mom, in that moment, the petting zoo was not about her children, nor was it about the pig. It wasn’t about getting the cool opportunity to interact with a creature that I imagine they don’t encounter much in their everyday lives. It wasn’t about her engaging and experiencing it with them, or about learning something new.

It was about a photo-op — a

chance to score a picture that I imagine ended up on her Instagram page with a caption like, “So cool for the kids to get to meet this adorable little piggy! We loved her!” She wasn’t happy that her three little people were petting a pig — she was happy that she was capturing a photo of it.

And for as much as I can ashamedly admit that I judged that woman that day at the petting zoo, I know that I’ve been guilty of the same thing lots of times since then and probably many times before.

In fact, just recently, as I scrolled through the on-this-day “memories” that faithfully populate on my Facebook feed each day, one post, made by me two years prior, gave me pause.

It was a picture I’d snapped of my then7-year-old daughter just as she was about to leave for school. In the photo, she is smiling

and flashing double “peace signs.” She looks adorable in her braided pigtails, school uniform skirt, and mismatched knee-high socks. I had given the photo a merry caption: “Kicking off Read Across America Week with Silly Sock Day!”

To anyone of my 1,300 Facebook “friends,” this would surely seem to be a picture taken by a patient, doting mother of a happy, compliant child, proudly donning her silly socks.

Not so.

As I zoomed in on that photo memory, I noticed that although my daughter is grinning in the picture, her eyes are puffy. Puffy because only ten minutes before, her frustrated mother had “or else’d” her into putting on her mismatched socks and posing for that photo in an all-out battle of the wills over those very socks. My daughter hadn’t wanted to wear them because they bunched up in her shoes and were “too babyish” for her liking.

I’d insisted that she WOULD wear the socks I’d selected and purchased for this special occasion. She’d sobbed and wailed and I’d stomped my foot and raised my voice. She’d gone to school with a tearstreaked face and miserably uncomfortable socks, but hey, at least I’d gotten my happy photo, and no one who saw it on my Facebook page would know any different.

But I do. When I look at that picture now, I know different, and it bothers me. It seems as though a lot of folks, myself absolutely included, have become increasingly focused on curating our lives in the way that we want them to be viewed: through the social media lens by hundreds of mere acquaintances rather than

truly experiencing organic moments with the few people who really matter the most to us.

It’s easy to forget, as we all mindlessly scroll social media pages, that what we are seeing is merely a contrived highlight reel, not a complete, unfiltered representation of our “friends’” lives.

My social media feeds are chock-full of photos of families in color-coordinated, freshly laundered outfits worn while posing sweetly in front of sand dunes; well-balanced homemade meals ready to be eaten around beautifully set dining room tables; smiling, tanned couples enjoying tropical getaways; friends stopping mid-workout to flex in the gym mirror; flawlessly decorated, spotless homes; and happy children coloring, baking, or reading without a screen in sight. And yes, those are surely moments worth documenting. Life happenings of which we should be proud and want to share.

But, I think that we are so inundated with all of this curated perfection that it leaves many of us feeling like the imperfect things are not good enough. The mismatched, grass-stained hand-me-downs; the suppers eaten out of a paper bag in the car between piano and soccer; the mundane weekends spent shuttling kids to birthday parties and caulking the bathtub; the overflowing laundry hampers in the dusty corners of every room; and the children glued to iPads on rainy afternoons. The seemingly not “post worthy” parts of life that make us feel like we are falling short in some imaginary quest for social media perfection if our pages aren’t updated with something fabulous and interesting often enough.

I try to remind myself every day to scroll less and engage more. To remember that perfection is not real and things are not always as they seem. I hope that my daughter will remember all the times we were too busy having fun to stop to take a bunch of photos instead of the one time I made her genuinely miserable because I wanted so badly for her to seem happy on social media.

I hope we never lose touch with the fact that real life centers around kindness, faith, and joy — not “likes,” hashtags, and filters.

Claire Mullen can be reached at clairejlmullen @gmail.com.

If you have a green PWC transformer box on your property, we’re asking you, please, DO NOT PLANT anything within 9 feet from the front of the box, and 3 feet from each side.

We understand that a transformer may not be the prettiest addition to your yard. But having power is a beautiful thing. Power outage … not so much! If trees, shrubs and even flowers are too close to the transformer box, it impedes our linemen’s ability to make repairs and restore your power. If they don’t have room to work, they have to take the time to remove landscaping that’s in the way, delaying power restoration for you and your neighbors down the line. Proper clearance also allows heat to dissipate, which prevents equipment malfunctions from overheating.

grasses, such as Centipede or Bermuda.

Call NC811 Before You Dig

The utility companies serving your property will come and mark the location of underground lines, so you can dig carefully around them.

Don’t Crowd Our Transformers!

Have a green PWC transformer box on your property? DO NOT PLANT anything within 9 ft. from the front and 3 ft. from each side.

Remember Easement/Right-of-Way

Check to see if you have an easement/right-of-way on your property, and be sure to keep those areas clear of fences, sheds, or other permanent structures. Visit our website for more details, as well as warm-weather tips to conserve water and power.

Outstanding student spotlight

Meet five of Cumberland County’s brightest students

BY ZACHARY HORNER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY WOOTEN

Sometimes, the cliche most accurately paints the picture. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of outstanding is “marked by eminence and distinction.” It also means “standing out from a group.” These words find their embodiment in students in Cumberland County.

Just as the definitions indicate, five of Cumberland County’s brightest have stood out this month among their peers and are making a difference in their schools and in the world. Read on to meet Rachel, Jalia, Landon, Journey, and Melody, and be inspired by the next generation. Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Rachel Bradford

12th Grade, Pine Forest High School, Fayetteville

Why she’s exceptional: Rachel is the founder of OneFayetteville, a nonprofit that supports people experiencing homelessness in Fayetteville. She will attend the Florida Institute of Technology in the fall to study forensic psychology.

On why she started OneFayetteville: If someone doesn’t start it, then who will? That was my thought behind it. When I started, it was the middle of Covid. The homeless downtown, they were all stuck with no help. I had always loved helping whenever I could, so I thought, “Why not just do it more often?”

On why she loves crime shows: It’s definitely [understanding] what makes the person do what they do. I love going into their brains and finding out why they did that. It gets my brain ticking.

On what she learned from seven years of competitive cheerleading before an injury ended her cheerleading career: You’ll always need your team, and don’t take the little things for granted. We went to so many places because of cheer. The competitions were always fun as well. You always got to meet new people.

On her favorite school experience: I’ll always look back on FFA [Future Farmers of America] and all my agriculture classes. I got a whole new family from them. It’s always super nice to be around them, and you get to learn so many new things. You get to go on trips to conferences and random places like Mount Olive, where we [the club] tried pickles. It’s not a super big thing at our school, but once people try it out, they love it.

On one thing she wished she could have done while in school: After I quit cheer, I wanted to do another sport: tennis. I didn’t have the time. I started lessons about a month ago. I haven’t been too consistent with it, but it’s something I’ve enjoyed getting into.

Rachel Bradford, a 12th grader at Pine Forest High School, poses for a portrait at Stevies on Hay on March 14 for being recognized for her outstanding work with her nonprofit, OneFayetteville Stevies on Hay is one of many places that has benefitted from her community service

Jalia Branch

8th Grade, Spring Lake Middle School, Spring Lake

Why she’s exceptional: Jalia is headed into high school with a breadth of academic and extracurricular experiences behind her — playing volleyball and soccer, participating in numerous clubs, and high academic achievement. Capricia Smalls, a social worker at John Griffin Middle School, called Jalia “an excellent representation of Spring Lake Middle School.”

On what motivates her in academics: I really want to do something big for myself. It motivates me to do better. I want to do the best for myself.

On whether she prefers volleyball or soccer: Volleyball is just my sport. When I go to a practice, my head is just clear and I can get in that zone.

On her favorite clubs in school: The ones I prefer the most are InfluenceHer and SGA [Student Government Association]. Those are two of my clubs that are focused on talking to other students and people around me. I’ve talked to a lot of people that I would have never talked to.

On InfluenceHER: It’s a girl mentoring group, and we’re focused on building not just the morale of kids in the club, but other girls around the school, to reach out to other students and show other people what can be done.

On moving to an early college program next year: I’m still nervous, going somewhere else that a lot of people [her friends, schoolmates, and teachers] aren’t going to. I did apply to early colleges, and I did get into the one that I wanted to go to, Cross Creek [Early College High School in Fayetteville].

Jalia Branch, an 8th grader at Spring Lake Middle School, is being recognized as an outstanding student in Cumberland County with achievements in academics, volleyball, and soccer She poses for a portrait outside the North Regional Public Library on March 14

Landon Witherspoon

8th Grade, John Griffin Middle School, Fayetteville

Why he’s exceptional: John Griffin Middle School Principal Latreicia Allen said Landon “demonstrates the pillars of scholarship, leadership and service” at the school. As a participant in Student Government Association [SGA], band, and other extracurricular activities, he has done many things but plans to focus on pursuing a career in acting in the future.

On his favorite school subject, social studies: It gives me a deeper understanding of the world. Social studies for me is a sign of culture, world history, and much more. This subject is special to me because I am interested in our global connections.

On his experience in SGA, in which he serves as 8th grade representative: I choose to be involved in SGA because I see SGA as a way to help my peers, my school, and my community. I enjoy representing my classmates as an SGA representative and I like working with them to improve our school.

On playing trumpet in the school band: I chose a trumpet because my brother and father played the trumpet as well. The person who inspired me the most to play the trumpet was my father. I enjoy playing in the band because I get to play in concerts and events hosted by the band and I also enjoy being able to audition for All-District and All-County [Bands].

On going to high school next year: I’m both nervous and excited about going to high school next year. I am excited because I get to attend school with my brother. I am nervous to face the challenges that may come my way during the four-year journey of high school, but I know my brother will help me navigate those challenges.

On why he wants to be an actor: I have always had a passion for acting but have actually never taken any acting classes. I am the family comedian and I enjoy laughing with my family and friends. Another reason I would like to become an actor is to showcase my talent and make people laugh.

Landon Witherspoon, an 8th grader at John Griffin Middle School, poses for a portrait in downtown Fayetteville on March 13 Landon demonstrates “the pillars of scholarship, leadership and service,” according to the school’s principal Latreicia Allen He plays trumpet in the school band and enjoys playing in concerts

Journey DeWalt

7th Grade, Douglas Byrd Middle School, Fayetteville

Why she’s exceptional: Like the other students featured here, Journey is an overachiever in the best sense of the word, playing sports, participating in clubs, and excelling academically.

Douglas Byrd Principal Christina DiGaudio said Journey “helps to shine a positive light on our school community.”

On her favorite subject in school: My favorite subject in school is science because it is entertaining and my teacher makes it fun and engaging.

On what she likes most about playing volleyball: What I like most about volleyball is being on a team and increasing your athletic ability. I do plan to play in high school because that could bring scholarship opportunities.

On what she does as a member of the school forensics team: What I do as a member of the forensics team is I remember a speech and I recite it. I decided to join because I enjoy doing extracurriculars, and this just happened to spark my interest.

On what it means for her principal to call her a “model student”: It means that I have done a good job of separating myself from others.

On what she wants to do for a career: I have a career goal to go to an early college as a part of getting a degree in sports medicine.

Journey DeWalt, a 7th grader at Douglas Byrd Middle School being recognized for excelling academically and athletically, poses for a portrait at Fayetteville Rose Garden on Fayetteville Technical Community College’s campus on March 11 Journey plans on playing volleyball in high school

Registration open for a wide variety of short classes for rising 1st-12th graders. Classes start each week from June through early August. Classes include but not limited to the following:

• Animation

• Billiards

• Culinary Arts

• Drawing & Painting

• Gardening & Outdoor Fun

• Intro to HVAC Systems

• Math

• Music & Drama

• Needlecraft & Sewing

• Piano

• Pickleball

• Reading

• Recreation

• Self-Enrichment

• Technology

Melody Smith

4th Grade, William H. Owen Elementary School, Fayetteville

Why she’s exceptional: It’s fitting that Melody is featured on the stage at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, where she has participated in multiple productions. This youngster has a “dynamic personality” and displays “impressive academic performance,” according to William H. Owen Elementary Principal Rachel Andress. Melody also recently represented the school in the district’s spelling bee.

On her favorite subject in school: I really like ELA [English Language Arts] because I like reading new stories and comprehension is important.

On her participation in the district spelling bee: I thought the spelling bee was exciting. There were a lot of great spellers and it was nice.

On what she likes most about performing at Cape Fear Regional Theatre: You get to entertain the community and it is always fun to work with such good people. I also love the creativity.

On her favorite things to do outside of school: I usually just put on music, watch “Dance Moms,” and dance when I’m bored. It’s really fun.

On what she wants to be when she grows up: I wanna be an actress or comedienne, but I always thought about being a doctor. Who knows? There is so much to do in the world.

Melody Smith, a 4th grader at William H Owen Elementary School, poses for a photo backstage at Cape Fear Regional Theatre on March 12 She appeared in recent showings of ‘Cinderella’ and ‘The Addams Family Musical’ at the theatre

FAMILY ASSISTANCE

Supporting families with newborns

Family Connects North Carolina offers assistance that changes lives, nurturing new beginnings

BY TERI SAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHARILYN WELLS

For Salena Williams of Eastover, welcoming the birth of her new baby girl on Sept. 6, 2022, after a difficult pregnancy was both happy and heartbreaking. Her husband had recently died after an illness, leaving her to care for her blended family of eight children and her newborn, Lyric.

Family Connects North Carolina was a godsend.

“I had to have a C-section, and was under a lot of stress and strain,” Salena said. “Family Connects provided a nurse to help me with my baby, and that literally saved me.”

Her nurse, Katie Fincher, was the only support Salena had during that low point in her life less than two years ago.

“It’s always been just me and my husband and the kids, and that’s how it was for years,” Salena said. “There’s nothing new today, except now I do it without him.”

The local support program for new mothers is part of Family Connects International, “established in 2008 through a partnership with the Duke University Center for Child and Family Policy, the Center for Child & Family Health, and the Durham County Health Department,” according to

Family Connects’ website. In 2022, “FCI launched as an independent nonprofit,” and today, it has a presence in 19 states.

In southeastern North Carolina, the regional organization was established as a pilot program in 2021, using federal funding through a preschool development grant. It covers three counties: Cumberland, Hoke, and Robeson. Administered through the child and family service nonprofit Partnership for Children of Cumberland County, Family Connects is a community in-home nurse visitation endeavor available to families with newborns.

Nurse Katie Fincher and Salena Williams help Salena's daughter, Lyric, into a swing at a park in Eastover

Jermonee Captain and daughter, Serenity, play at Mazarick Park.

Participating families receive up to 12 weeks of support, including in-home visits and telehealth calls by specially trained registered nurses provided through a partnership with Carolina Collaborative Community Care (4C).

Partnership for Children of Cumberland County began as a pioneer program under Smart Start, which the North Carolina legislature and former Gov. James B. Hunt established as a public-private initiative in 1993. It has matured into a respected organization with a successful track record of services that put children on a solid educational footing before they enter kindergarten. Its programs serve both families and childcare providers.

“Here in Cumberland County, we have a large per capita population of young families with children under 5,” said Sharon Moyer, community engagement administrator. “Those first five years are critical to both

their mental and physical development — when babies learn to sit up, crawl, walk, run, and speak.”

In addition to Smart Start funding, the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County leverages other funding sources to support three focus areas: advancing children’s well-being, supporting early childhood care and education, and empowering families to both lift themselves up and find the support they need.

Family Connects partners with Cape Fear Valley Health System to identify new moms who may benefit from the services and assign nurses to visit them in their homes three weeks after they give birth. Services are offered to families at no cost and eligibility requires that mothers give birth at Cape Fear Valley Hospital and live in the program’s service area, according to Sharon.

“We have a high acceptance rate, consistently over 90%,” she said.

Jermonee Captain was a first-time mother in 2022 after giving birth to her daughter Serenity. She calls her Family Connects nurse “a dream.”

“She came to my house and made sure my baby was OK, and then she focused on me and asked if I was OK,” Jermonee said. “She made sure Serenity’s weight was where it should be and that she was latching and eating.”

Jermonee, who lives in Fayetteville, learned about the program while she was in the hospital and had heard it was helpful for anyone vulnerable to postpartum depression. While Family Connects doesn’t provide mental health counseling, it does help connect mothers to those services.

“Depression runs in my family, and I wanted to make sure I got off to the right start before getting too deep into motherhood,” she said.

Jermonee, who works the night shift

Nurse Katie and Salena were introduced through Family Connects North Carolina after the birth of Salena's daughter, Lyric

stocking shelves at Walmart, also relies on her own mother for help. She said her nurse counseled her about how to cope when her baby cries, seemingly nonstop.

“My nurse gave me permission to be human and she explained crying is normal behavior for babies, and that’s how they communicate,” Jermonee said. “She reminded me that I was a new mom, and she encouraged me to treat myself with kindness.”

Jermonee is paying it forward, telling other new moms about her experiences whenever she gets a chance.

“Today, I am much more confident, and I believe I am a fantastic mom,” she said. “My baby is healthy, walking, talking, and thriving.”

That is music to Mary Sonnenberg’s ears. Mary is president of the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County and has made it her life’s work to get kids off to a good start in life.

“Family Connects is important because it touches families from the very beginning,” she said. “In addition to providing direct services, we offer resources to help families with many needs. I call that our secret sauce.”

According to data from randomized control trials conducted by Family Connects, the program has a profound impact. In particular, the program points to between a 37% and 50% “reduction in infants visiting the emergency room for medical care and overnight hospital stays” during the first two years of their lives, and “a 39% reduction in child abuse and maltreatment investigations” in the first five years of their lives.

Today, the Partnership for Children of Cumberland County is in fundraising mode for its Family Connects program. The program was implemented through local, state, and federal funding starting in 2020, though the federal preschool development grant, awarded in 2021, will expire in June 2024.

Mary said the organization is seeking funding from “local, regional, and state funders,” and local government appropriations to keep it going as is.

“We put some Smart Start money into the program, and we have enough to run it through June 30, [2024],” she said. “We have a pretty big funding gap, and we are taking a hard look at what parts of it we can sustain.”

She views it as one of the most impactful programs Partnership for Children of

Serenity

Jermonee and daughter,

Nurse Katie with Salena and her daughter, Lyric

Cumberland County offers.

“We have the potential to change the trajectory for children for the rest of their lives and their families’ lives, and in that way, we make a positive impact on the communities we serve,” she said.

For Katie — the nurse who assisted Salena after she gave birth — serving as a Family Connects home health care professional is a dream job.

“Just to talk to new moms about their experiences and make a connection with them is so rewarding, whether it is helping them get their postpartum obstetric appointments scheduled, setting them up with a pediatrician, or connecting them to other services they need,” she said.

Salena doesn’t shy away from talking about the dire situation in which she found herself when she met Katie and calls her “an angel on earth.”

“Ms. Katie played a big role in my life and had a positive impact on my entire family,” Salena said. “We were going through one of the roughest times in our lives, and she came across as a caring aunt who did so much for us, and my kids always looked forward to her visits.”

For Katie, it was all in a day’s work.

“I would say we are nurses with heart,” she said. “Whether our patients are new or experienced moms, each birth is different, and we are there to support them.”

Today, Salena and her family are pushing forward with their lives and progressing in various ways. As a small business owner who runs a cleaning service, she has since moved into a new home. In addition to her children, who range in age from 18 months to 23 years, she cares for two grandchildren who are toddlers. She said Lyric is thriving and developing an outsized personality.

“Lyric is little and petite, but she packs a personality like you would not believe,” Salena said. “She is just a bright shiny star, and I don’t know how we would have gotten over my husband’s death without her.”

Salena would encourage other new moms to tap into available support services like Family Connects.

“A lot of times women are scared to ask for help because it makes us seem weak or that we can’t parent correctly,” she said. “But the best thing you can do for yourself, and your family, is to let people in and tell them about your story.”

Family Connects North Carolina; Southeastern Region is a communitywide in-home nurse visiting program available to families with newborns in Cumberland, Hoke, or Robeson Counties

Eligible families who sign up will receive up to 12 weeks of support, including an in-home or virtual visit by a specially trained registered nurse from our nurse partners at Carolina Collaborative Community Care (4C) The nurse visit happens around 3 weeks after birth After the nurse visits, you will receive post-visit follow-up and support until your baby is 12 weeks old What happens during a home visit?

FOR BIRTHING PARENT

✔ Health check for the birthing parent

✔ Breastfeeding support

✔ Family planning advice

✔ Postpartum depression screening FOR BABY

✔ Baby weight check

✔ Safe sleep information

✔ Infant feeding and fussiness

✔ Help with bathing, diapering and swaddling FOR FAMILY

✔ Schedule doctor’s appointments

✔ Understanding childcare options

✔ Early literacy information

✔ Community resources and connections Visit ccpfc.org/families/family-connects for more information or scan this code

Finding child care for military kids

BY ARIA SPEARS

Fort Liberty Army spouse Holly Crenshaw’s search for child care began weeks before accepting an offer of employment.

She got her two children on waitlists and patched together temporary solutions to the standard of care she desired for them.

“I needed to find a place where I knew the kids would be safe, and I knew they would be taken care of,” Holly said. “My main priority was safety.”

April is the Month of the Military Child, and finding high-quality and affordable child care is a critical component of many military family support systems. Amid the challenge of reestablishing care at each station, service members and spouses continue to persevere in securing care to help their children thrive.

Beginning the search for child care Kayla Corbitt, executive director of The Operation Child Care Project and military spouse, works with Fort Liberty and other military families to help manage gaps in their child care journeys.

When Kayla works with families, she walks them through a few key steps: What they can afford and what subsidies are available to them; what care their kids need; what unique factors might require additional support; what the family’s non-negotiables are; and what local backup options are available. Military families often need non-traditional child care hours in addition to regular daytime hours, such as early mornings or overnights.

“We can’t plan for everything, but we can make an A, B, and C plan,” Kayla said. She

recommended families search for military resources and state government-run child care initiatives as well, such as Smart Start and Think Babies™ NC Alliance in North Carolina. She said staying informed can aid your family’s search.

Kayla emphasized that due to high turnover rates at most centers, it is very important to consider the culture and safety created by the director and administrative staff. She said the director and administrative staff will likely have a greater impact on your ability to address issues that arise with your child than the teacher alone. After safety, the staff should be a key factor in your care location decision.

“[When finding a care location], rather than focusing on whether you like a particular teacher, focus your energy on the

administrative staff and director,” Kayla said. “If you need to bring up an issue or problem, the staff being on your side is pivotal.”

Amid the search for long-term care options, Holly’s family created patchwork solutions after her son lost his spot at a center and after her job began.

“My mom came down from Virginia, and we got my son in [occupational therapy],” she said. “ … This was his first time in school because I worked remotely for five years and also watched the kids.”

While her mother stayed with the family, Holly’s sibling also required child care help in Virginia — child care became a full family effort. Holly and her parents would drive to Virginia every other weekend.

“We really tried to work together to make everything happen that needed to happen,” Holly said.

Engaging in children’s well-being

Even when a family secures amazing, trusted care, parents can experience mixed emotions.

“The parent generally has this mixed bag of feelings: anxiety, guilt, but also an overwhelming sense of relief, like a weight has been lifted,” Kayla said.

Kayla observed in The Operation Child Care Project collected data that care helps families in practical ways. When children get learning opportunities, social play, and healthy food every day, parents in turn get the support they need, Kayla said.

“Everybody wins in these situations,” she said. “There’s a deepening bond between parents and children.”

Once a military family secures trusted care, there are ways to help manage children’s expectations for those caregiving relationships.

“Communicating to them who the different caregivers are, and how long they anticipate them being in their life [can help],” said Lauren Wells, chief executive officer of TCK Training, a North Carolinabased organization working with children living global lifestyles, including military kids. She said this helps children gauge how attached they should become to a caregiver.

And once the children feel more settled, staying engaged with the center staff can help promote mutual cooperation between parents and teachers, Kayla said.

WHAT MILITARY KIDS WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT BEING A MILITARY KID

“It makes me sad when people can see family all the time but I can see my grandma a couple times. But I also have friends in other places and that’s kinda cool.” — Grace, 9

“I wish more people knew how proud we are of our parents. When my Dad wears his dress uniform, I get to see all of his badges and it makes me really proud of him for his service. You also get to see a lot of military things: Tanks, helicopters, airplanes. You usually don’t get to see military stuff flying over your head, but when you live close to a base you do. It’s really cool.” — Braxton, 10

Lauren Wells is chief executive officer of TCK Training, a North Carolina-based organization working with children living global lifestyles, including military kids

“It was a roller coaster of emotions,” said Holly Crenshaw, Fort Liberty Army spouse, in reference to her family’s pursuit of quality child care.

“Even if you don’t fully participate in the activities, these are an olive branch [the directors] are reaching out to engage their own staff and parents,” she said.

Preparing for the next move

When a family anticipates a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) — when a military family moves to a different installation, typically every one to four years — Kayla recommends starting the child care search immediately. Locating both military and civilian waitlists can help you determine the kind of support you can anticipate upon arrival.

“If you are a military family and you are using any form of fee assistance, as soon as you think you might be moving, jump on

the waitlists and prepare yourself financially for center deposits,” Kayla said.

After sorting logistical tasks, parents can then aid children with the transition mentally and emotionally.

Moving can present both challenges and opportunities from a child’s perspective. “The best part of being a military kid is probably meeting people from all around the world!” said Ella, a 15-year-old Fort Liberty military kid. “It’s always fun to see where people are from or where they have PCSed to!”

Military children are often called “resilient” in light of frequent moves, but Lauren emphasized that resilience only happens with parental guidance. She said, “Resilience is not a child’s default setting, it is

cultivated with intentional support and care.”

For younger children, Lauren emphasizes the importance of validating their feelings before, during, and after a move: “You might say, ‘It is really hard that we have to leave these people, and it makes sense that you feel really angry about that.’ You’re giving them words and language.”

For older children, one strategy Lauren recommends to parents is preventing abrupt disconnection from friends after a move. She adds that this can look like “finding ways to stay in touch, talking about people [they knew]. We want to see in-person relationships increase as long-distance relationships decrease. This creates a natural progression.”

Child-free adults can support military children, too

Not every military individual or family can or wants to raise children, but whether raising children or not, there are many opportunities to impact military kids in positive ways.

Kayla Corbitt, executive director of The Operation Child Care Project and military spouse, works with Fort Liberty and other military families to help manage gaps in their child care journeys

“We know that supportive, non-parent relationships with all children, not just military kids, is a critical piece of resilience building, especially during hardships,” Lauren said. She went on to say that supportive adults who help children feel seen, heard, and valued can serve as an extra protective buffer against the impact of hardships, such as the loss of moving.

“I have friends everywhere,” said Savannah, a 12-year-old Fort Liberty military kid. “Like, seriously, I still talk to them all the time. I’ve lived in a lot of places no one else gets to live, and learned a lot of languages, and it makes me love the world even more.”

Helping maintain both these friendships and healthy non-parent relationships can make a big difference.

Lauren said, “We are huge advocates for people who aren’t the parents investing in these military kids because when they’re doing that, they are adding that protective layer the parents can’t provide. The parents need external support, too.”

So the youth workers, coaches, “aunties” and “uncles,” and other adults in a child’s life can make a difference by helping the children know they are seen, safe, and valued.

Persevere and ask for help along the way

In her search for child care, Holly reached out to Kayla at The Operation Child Care Project for help, as she worked hard to utilize every available resource. And after 10 months of searching, tours, waitlists, family care, and more, the Crenshaw family finally found a safe, accessible, long-term solution.

Both of her children were accepted to a nearby private school with the right support her children needed.

“I felt like I could breathe,” Holly said.

Holly offers this encouragement: “The day you get a positive pregnancy test, start the process for child care. Keep reaching out and doing what you can … Keep going and make a way.”

When it comes to finding safe, highquality child care, Fort Liberty military families persevere in finding the best care possible. And no matter how long it takes, the well-being of military children is worth every minute.

GOOD READS Reading is better together

BY DIANE PARFITT

Reading to your children is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. It can begin as soon as they are born, or even while mom is pregnant. They get to sit in your lap and cuddle while you read a story to them. As they get older, they still love to sit in your lap and read stories over and over again while looking at the colorful pictures. And who has not experienced the joy of the first time your child comes home from school and wants to read a story to you? You can continue that special bedtime reading with them even when they are fully able to read the book themselves. When they become teenagers, it’s a great time to read books side by side. How many of us as adults fell in love with “Harry Potter” when our children started reading these books? My adult daughter and I exchange book titles, and now I share books with my teenage granddaughter! What a joy to pass on a love for reading to the next generations.

There are so many wonderful books out there, it’s often hard to narrow down the choices. Here are a few to get you started.

1. My First Book of Nursery Rhymes by Little Hippo Books (Editor), Sanja Rescek (Illustrator)

This beautifully illustrated, padded board book is a great way to start your little one on their journey of reading. It includes many of our favorite nursery rhymes like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “This Little Piggy” that you can read and sing over and over as your child joins in. Their little hands will learn to hold it themselves as you continue to repeat these favorites.

2. The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes (Author, Illustrator)

Right before summer vacation ends, Billy Miller falls and bumps his head. With a big goose egg on his head, he has to start 2nd grade! He eventually learns how to navigate elementary school and even appreciates his little sister. Along the way, he becomes more grown-up and able to help more around the house. But not without lots of drama about homework assignments gone array, a poetry slam, and missed slumber parties. The kids will love this story and you will get a laugh out of reading it to them. Soon they will want to read it back to you and you will love it even more.

3. Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends by Kaz Windness (Author, Illustrator)

This delightful book celebrates the joy of true friendship. The Worm and the Caterpillar are best friends. They

love how they are so much alike, but Caterpillar suspects that things are about to change. When he leaves for a while, only to come back as a Butterfly, will they still be friends? This is a terrific book for beginning readers with its graphic novel format and heartwarming story.

4. Children Who Dance in the Rain by Susan Justice (Author), Lena Bardy (Illustrator)

Young Sophie has about everything she needs and wants — loving parents, a nice, safe home and environment, and an iPad that consumes most of her time. When she travels with her family to India, her world changes forever. She meets children in a spartan mud colony, who despite their lack of worldly possessions, have a greater sense of joy and happiness than she can imagine. Seeing their gratitude for life’s small treasures, Sophie begins to appreciate all she has and finds herself thrust onto a path of self-discovery and wanting to make a difference in the world.

5. The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers (Author), Shawn Harris (Illustrator)

This Newbery Medal Winner story, told from the perspective of Johannes, an incredibly special dog, is perfect for middle-grade readers. Johannes lives in a park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes of the park and report back to the park’s elders, who are three ancient Bison. His Assistant Eyes — a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican — are his friends, too. They all work together to observe the humans and other animals who share the

park and contribute to the Equilibrium for all. But changes are upsetting this balance as new buildings are being constructed and more humans and Trouble Travelers are invading their territory. And then comes a boatload of goats that threaten Johannes’s view of the world.

6. The Inheritance Games (Book 1)

by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I struggled to find just the right book to read with a teenager. In the end, I found it in the first book of a mystery and suspense series that promises to engage teenagers and parents alike, and have you eagerly coming back for the next one in the series. Avery Grambs has set her sights on winning a scholarship and getting out of her working-class background. Things suddenly change when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves everything to Avery. She has no idea why and doesn’t even know who Tobias Hawthorne was. One of the stipulations to receive the fortune requires Avery to move into Tobias’s huge estate: Hawthorne House. Adding to the mystery is the fact that Tobias Hawthorne’s family still lives there. The four Hawthorne grandsons expected to inherit the billions that Avery now possesses and are convinced she is a con woman. Oh, let the games begin.

Our children are never too young or too old for us to read to them or with them. When they grow up and move away, you can still bond through this shared experience. You will know that you have started them on a lifetime of reading and that they can pass this passion on to your grandchildren!

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” – Walt Disney

Diane Parfitt is a retired pediatric nurse and former assistant professor of nursing education. She owns City Center Gallery & Books in downtown Fayetteville. She can be reached at citycentergallerybooks@gmail.com.

PRECINCT WORKERS NEEDED

The Cumberland County, North Carolina Board of Elections is recruiting workers for 2023-2025. Individuals are needed to serve as precinct officials for the following dates: October 10, 2023; November 7, 2023; March 5, 2024; April 23, 2024; May 14, 2024 and November 5, 2024 Earn up to $190.00 for each election worked.

To apply or request information visit ElectionReady.net or call 910-678-7733

EVENTS

City of Dogwoods

Fayetteville Dogwood Festival blooms again for its 42nd annual spring celebration

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival will celebrate spring in historic downtown Fayetteville with arts-and-craft vendors, amusement park rides, live performances by dancers, aerialists and others, and food vendors for its 42nd year.

This year brings a performance from the All-American Rock Band of the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Band and Chorus, also known as Riser Burn, on the evening of Friday, April 26.

The festival is set for April 26 to 28 at Festival Park on Ray Avenue and along Hay Street and Maiden Avenue in the heart of downtown.

For more information visit thedogwoodfestival.com.

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Hudson (left), Olive, Lockett, Locke and Carol Ann Tally with their cat Otto and dog Bodie

HEALTH

Fayetteville Orthopedic Care

When bones break, healing is around the corner

BY JAMI MCLAUGHLIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY WOOTEN

After a lifetime of riding horses and no broken bones, Carol Ann Tally can now say she’s had her fair share of emergency room visits — with her children.

“The joke is that when the Tally kids do anything, they do it all the way,” she said. Carol Ann’s first trip to the Cape Fear Valley Health’s Pediatric Emergency Department was in October 2022.

She was watching her boys play in the backyard when her oldest son Locke, then 5, fell from a piece of playground equipment.

“He was just playing on the side and it wasn’t even four feet, but he came down right on his ankle, it started swelling immediately,” Carol Ann said.

She started the protocol of elevating, icing, and giving him Tylenol while also texting one of her closest friends, Nisha Patel, a local physician assistant at Cape Fear

Valley Health with emergency department experience and three children of her own.

“Nisha came right over and said from the way it was swollen, that I needed to get him to the hospital,” Carol Ann recalls. “My husband Lockett was out of the country so she stayed with my other children while I took him over.”

At age 38, she found herself going into the ER for the first time carrying her son on her shoulders piggyback-style through the

Brothers Locke (left) and Hudson Tally display the casts they wore following surgeries performed by Dr Dan McBrayer to repair Locke's broken ankle and Hudson's broken elbow

metal detectors.

“The staff confirmed the break and also said because it was across a growth plate, he would need surgery,” Carol Ann said.

Sometimes children who have growth plate fractures heal with no complications, but other factors — such as age, and severity and location of the injury — can “increase the risk of crooked, accelerated or stunted bone growth,” requiring surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic.

That was when she was first introduced to Dr. Dan McBrayer, an orthopedic surgeon with Fayetteville Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.

Dr. McBrayer, who currently also serves as the chief of orthopedics at Cape Fear Valley Health, said that children are amazing with how they heal, especially with common fractures.

“Kids … heal entirely differently than adults,” Dr. McBrayer said, adding that children do not always need physical therapy and heal faster because they are often smaller and more flexible.

Dr. McBrayer joined Fayetteville Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in 2008 after a sports medicine and arthroscopy fellowship at Hughston Orthopaedic Clinic in Columbus, Georgia, and his residency at Duke University. He has worked with all ages of athletes throughout his years, particularly at the high school and collegiate levels.

“Most of the time when we see injuries, it’s non-operative and we can get a patient better with physical therapy and maybe medication,” Dr. McBrayer said. “But when the situation arises where they need surgical intervention, that’s what we do.”

She said it was Dr. McBrayer’s reassurance and professionalism that gave her complete peace of mind as Locke prepared for surgery the following morning.

“I really can’t say enough about every doctor and our experience with Cape Fear Valley,” Carol Ann Tally said. “I was impressed with how kind and thorough everyone was across the board. I wasn’t just a mom bringing in a kid with a little hurt ankle. They gave us every bit of concern and respect while giving us the best care.”

“One of my favorite things about Dr. McBrayer is how he turned to me and said, ‘If this was my child, I would do this,’ and told me what was needed,” Carol Ann said. “As a parent, that was all I wanted to hear.”

“He assured me that it was going to be OK,” she said.

Locke came out of surgery needing a cast and a wheelchair, which he got both in the color orange for October and Halloween. She said the staff at Alma Easom Elementary School, where Locke attended, worked to accommodate his wheelchair,

Dr. Dan McBrayer is an orthopedic surgeon with Fayetteville Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, who currently also serves as the chief of orthopedics at Cape Fear Valley Health.

doing everything they could to make him comfortable.

“Our house was under renovation, too, during this time so we just made it all work,” Carol Ann said. “After the cast came off in November and the wheelchair was not needed later that month, he had weekly physical therapy until January.”

She said his ankle had healed but his confidence level was not there yet, making him apprehensive about taking those first few steps.

“He refused to walk,” Carol Ann laughed. “He just said he wasn’t going to walk again and that was it. It was all very dramatic for Locke at age 5.”

Dr. McBrayer agreed with a chuckle that Locke was “thoughtful” and needed extra time to recover, so he prescribed physical therapy for a couple of months to help get him back on his feet. The extra time helped him process his recovery.

Last May, Dr. McBrayer removed a screw from Locke’s ankle, and Carol Ann breathed easy until, once again, October played a trick on the family.

In 2023, exactly 364 days after Locke broke his ankle, the family’s second child, Hudson, had his own turn.

“He was at school, the day after his 5th birthday and fell going down the slide,” Carol Ann said. “I got the call and knew as soon as I saw the swelling that he needed to be looked at more seriously.”

Sure enough, Hudson broke his left elbow across his growth plate, necessitating surgery.

Dr. McBrayer’s office set it in a splint that same day and told her to wait the weekend to see whether it would shift.

When it did not shift back into place naturally, Dr. McBrayer operated on Oct. 20 and set his arm in a first cast six days later. Afterward on Nov. 16, Dr. McBrayer removed pins, which had been placed to help set the growth plate, then set in another cast. Hudson was finally given the all-clear on Jan. 4 this year.

“He was playing tennis two weeks later and has been playing every week since,” Carol Ann said.

Today, Locke and Hudson barely, and incorrectly, recall their young childhood memories: Locke, now 7, thought he injured his arm, while Hudson, 5, believed he hurt his hand.

As a mom with active children in sports,

Carol Ann remembers everything; she said she might invest in bubble wrap in the near future.

Of course, Carol Ann knows where she can find help when she needs it with Dr. McBrayer and his team at Fayetteville Orthopaedics.

Fayetteville Orthopaedics has been providing quality care to the members of the Fayetteville community for more than 50 years and joined Cape Fear Valley Health in the spring of 2023. W. Dickson Schaefer, MD; Christopher J. Barnes, MD; Deren Bagsby, MD; Michael Dilello, PA; and Jeb Cleveland, PA, work with Dr. McBrayer daily to provide orthopedic services, joint replacement surgeries and treatment for sports-related injuries.

“I really can’t say enough about every doctor and our experience with Cape Fear Valley,” Carol Ann said. “I was impressed with how kind and thorough everyone was across the board. I wasn’t just a mom bringing in a kid with a little hurt ankle. They gave us every bit of concern and respect while giving us the best care.”

Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

is another clinic in the Cape Fear Valley System, and one that Fayetteville Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine works closely with since both clinics have similar specialties.

“We are essentially one group with two locations and we work well together,” Dr. McBrayer said. “I’ll refer to Dr. [Benjamin] Levine for wrist and hand issues, and, likewise, he will do the same for me with shoulders, knees, and hip surgeries.”

Fayetteville Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, including the physical therapy suite, is located at 1991 Fordham Drive, Fayetteville. They are open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays. They can be reached at 910-484-3114.

Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.) Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon Fridays, and is located at 1219 Walter Reed Road, Fayetteville. Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine can be reached at 910-615-3350.

For more information on both offices, visit capefearvalley.com/ortho/.

Brothers Hudson (left) and Locke Tally play on their playset following past surgeries Dr Dan McBrayer performed to repair Locke's broken ankle and Hudson's elbow

THE TO-DO LIST

Here are just some of the things happening in and around Fayetteville this month. For more events and additional information, visit www.cityviewnc.com/calendar. Email cityview@cityviewnc.com to share your event with us!

APRIL 4-7

2nd FSU International Music Festival

J.W. Seabrook Auditorium 1200 Murchison Road etix.com

APRIL 6

Kevin Hart Crown Complex 1960 Crown Coliseum Drive ticketmaster.com

APRIL 12-14

The Tattoo Convention The Crown Complex Expo Center 131 E. Mountain Drive allamericantattoo convention.com

APRIL 20

Earth Day is Every Day Festival Park 335 Ray Ave. sustainablesandhills.org

APRIL 20

Fort Liberty Mud Run Fort Liberty 1500 Howell St. liberty.armymwr.com

APRIL 20

East Coast Step Show Middle & High School Step Team Championship Crown Complex 1960 Coliseum Drive crowncomplexnc.com

APRIL 20

APRIL 13

Prima Elements 10th Anniversary Block Party and Grand Opening

Prima Elements Holistic Wellness Center 124 Anderson St. eventbrite.com

APRIL 13

Spring Gala 2024 Cape Fear Valley Health 1638 Owen Drive sweetkidswithdiabetes.com

APRIL 13

Dog Day in the Garden Cape Fear Botanical Garden 536 N. Eastern Blvd. facebook.com

APRIL 18

Ladies Night Out

The Carolina Barn 7765 McCormick Bridge Road eventbrite.com

Ultimate Lip Sync Showdown 2024 Crown Complex 1960 Coliseum Drive crowncomplexnc.com

APRIL 20

Cumberland Clean Litter Pick-Up 117 Dick St. allevents.in

APRIL 26

4th Friday

Downtown Fayetteville 222 Hay St. visitdowntownfayetteville.com

APRIL 27

5th Annual Bundle of Joy Community Baby Shower Kiwanis Recreation Center and Honeycutt Park 352 Devers St. eventbrite.com

APRIL 27

Walk For Autism Cape Fear River Trail eventbrite.com

PRINTED Art Show

PHOTOS BY MALGORZATA DITTMARNISHIMURA

PRINTED was an art show by Saundra Smith Rubiera and Raul R. Rubiera, both recipients of Artist Grants from the Arts Council of Fayetteville. The show ran from March 8 to 24.

Kids’ artwork gallery

Guests in linocut section

"Maniac" by Trinity D.

Saundra Rubiera

Ellaine Rithamel

Raul Rubiera

Paintings

Kids’ art section

Join us as Cape Fear Valley Health presents CityView Media’s fourth annual Ladies Night Out April 18 at the Carolina Barn at McCormick Farms. You and your besties are invited for a fun evening of food, wine and entertainment. We’ll have vendors for shopping, music for dancing, a fashion show, a silent auction and demonstrations. YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:

• Entry into the event

• Food samplings from local eateries

• Two drink tickets

• One raffle ticket into our prize drawing

Proceeds from raffle ticket sales, drink sales, and a silent auction benefit CityView News Fund.

Mommy and Son Dance

PHOTOS BY SABREENA CZARNECKI

Principal warriors social club presented its 1st Annual Mommy and Son dance March 9 at the Fayetteville Chapter 82nd Airborne Division Association.

Back row-Austin Kelly, Wandas Cups, Wanda Stevenson, Ricardo Green, Ivory Lee, Deon Lee, Front row - Majesty and Lisa McNair, Mateo and Christine Harrison, Kratos Boglioli and Rebecca Nugent, Joshua Calhoun, and Nakia Parker, Dion Parker, Isaac and Kindra Lee, Brittani and Daniel Knight, and Alexis Bruner and Demetrius Williams

Lisa and Majesty McNair

Daniel and Brittani Knight

Joshua Calhoun and Nakia Parker

Isaac and Kindra Lee

Alexis Bruner and Demetrius Williams

Mateo and Christine Harrison

Morgan Stanley is proud to congratulate

Cardinal Point East Group

Named one of Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams

Being named to the Forbes’ 2024 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list is a testament to their experience, focus, and dedication to their clients.

Locations:

WILMINGTON, NC 1111 Military Cutoff Road 910-509-1102

FAYETTEVILLE, NC

Fordham Drive, Suite 200 910-481-8592

CHAPEL HILL, NC 6340 Quadrangle Drive, Suite 300 910-481-8573

Cardinal Point East Group at Morgan Stanley L-R: AleashaConroy, Registered Associate; TiffanyBarlow, Financial Advisor; Nathan Smith, Financial Advisor; CraigCollie, Wealth Management Associate; PattyCollie, Financial Advisor; David Price, Financial Advisor; ChristinaTaylor, Director of Business Strategy; KellyRenegar, Senior Client Service Associate andLouisBurney, Financial Advisor

Source: Forbes.com (Jan 2024) 2024 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2024. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 3/31/22–3/31/23. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each Financial Advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes For more information, see www.SHOOKresearch.com. ©

SEEN @ THE SCENE

North Carolina Home Expo

PHOTOS BY SABREENA CZARNECKI

The North Carolina Home Show hosted local and national home remodeling vendors at its March 15 to 17 North Carolina Home Expo at the Crown Complex in Fayetteville, offering exclusive deals and discounts.

Jamie Tollce, Jame Merritt, Chelsea Baker, Emily Merritt, and Briahnna Raynar

Reginald Cromatie and Elizabeth Taylor

David Jacobs and Stephanie Minervino

Tiffany Cobb, Karis McCann, Shamika Allston, and Jessica Jaimes

Victoire and Evelyn Malveau-Sanders

Adiel Velez, Lainey Rodriguez, Steve Parker, Elizabeth Guerrero, and Christopher Deno

Ashley Locklear, Donja Locklear, Judith Brown, Jeremiah Brown, and Jason Brown

Sarah and Glenn Smith Jonathan and Abbey Marble

Marilyn and Jesus Torres

Friday,

Discover your dream home in our collection, where luxury meets comfort and functionality. Our homes, set in vibrant communities, are designed to cater to your every need, offering a blend of elegance and practical living. Find the perfect space to call home, grow, and make lasting memories. Your ideal lifestyle awaits.

Our Christmas Home Tour is in two of our neighborhoods, the first two weekends in December on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

We are offering interest buydowns starting as low as 4.5% buydown for the 10 move-in ready models during this Christmas Parade of Homes Tour.

• Luxury Amenities

• Intricate Details

• Fully Customized

• Chef Kitchens

• Spa Bathrooms

You are invited to celebrate the season with the Floyd Christmas Open House. Come see the exquisitely, decorated homes and all of our latest features.  Pick up your gift from under our tree and enjoy a glass of eggnog while sharing holiday food, fun, and cheer with us.

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Leamor

Sreelekha

Christine

Melanie

Beverly

Danielle

Cinthia

Meaghan

Rachelle

Cape Fear Valley Health's orthopedic program offers a comprehensive range of services, from general orthopedics and sports medicine to trauma surgery and total joint replacement of the hip, knee and shoulder. With convenient locations in Cumberland and Harnett County, we are ready to treat everything from arthritis to breaks and sprains.

Our expanding orthopedic services Include:

• Orthopedic Surgery

• Joint Replacement

• Joint Pain Relief

• Rotator cuff tear

• Shoulder instability

• Shoulder Replacement

• Fracture Care

• Hip and Knee replacement revision

• ACL Tears/ Meniscus Tears

• Arthroscopic Procedures

• Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and Ultrasound Guided Injections, Hydro-dissection and other procedures

• Steroid and Gel injections

• Sports injuries

• Overuse injuries

• Osteoarthritis

• Injections for joint and soft tissue conditions

Fayetteville Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

1991 Fordham Drive • Fayetteville (910) 484-3114

Harnett Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

700 Tilghman Drive • Dunn (910) 984-3755

Harnett

716 South 10th Street • Lillington (910) 893-4041

Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

1219 Walter Reed Road • Fayetteville (910) 609-5000

capefearvalley.com/ortho