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Season's greetings Crissy Raynor has been making Christmas cards since 2020 and her friend Ronda Martz brings Raynor’s story to the forefront.
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Hometown bucket list Having promoted Fayetteville for 20 years working with the local visitors bureau, Melody Foote knew where the community gems were.
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Holiday Harmony CityView asked staff and readers to share their matching holiday outfits.
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Angels sing Holiday music brightens December days with inspiration and cheer. On the cover: A Cognac blend that pays tribute to Fayetteville’s namesake inspires a community-focused competition that will toast history and innovation. La Fayette Cognac, which is now available in five Cumberland County liquor stores, is a toast to the nobleman who helped America gain its freedom. Eight local bars and restaurants will feature cocktails made with the Cognac in a “people’s choice” competition organized by Fayetteville-Cumberland County Economic Development Corp. Photo by Cindy Burnham.
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Attorney Professional Profiles
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Holiday recipes Dive into the magic of the holidays with a collection of simple holiday recipes.
COLUMNS Editor's Take: Bill Horner III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Someday You'll Thank Me: Mary Zahran . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Family Matters: Claire Mullen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Good Reads: Diane Parfitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 The To-Do List: Your go-to spot for local events . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Seen @ the Scene: A look at who was out and about . . . . . . 44
2 December 2023
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EDITOR’S TAKE
The Christmas code BY BILL HORNER III, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
E
very year, since our kids were old enough to read, the presents have gone under our Christmas tree without tags. Instead, my wife Lee Ann and I come up with a code to identify which gift belongs to which child. We’d write the code — either a letter or a number, or a combination — very lightly on one corner of the underside of each wrapped gift. The rationale was simple: if the kids snooped under the tree, they’d have no way of telling which gift belonged to whom. Times have changed, of course, since our kids have grown. At the age our three are now — Zach’s 31, Addison is 29 and Karis will soon be 27 — the volume of presents has significantly decreased. There’ll be lots for our 9-month-old granddaughter, Charlotte (and for our soon-to-be-born grandson), but as for our three, there are no more toys. The gifts we do give reflect their more adult needs and wants; as time has passed, we’re spending more money on experiences with our children as opposed to things. But we still talk about “the code,” and the presents we’ve wrapped and placed by our tree again this year bear no tags or names — just a barely legible notation in one corner. Coming up with the code was usually my job. It started off as something pretty simple — for instance, taking the third letter of their first name and writing that down (“c” for Zachary, “d” for Addison and “r” for Karis) faintly near a corner of the gift. As the children got older, the code got a bit more complex and usually involved substituting numbers which corresponded with letters in the alphabet (1 for a, 5 for e, etc.). We might take the last letter in each of their middle names, for example, go back five letters in the alphabet, and work the code from there. That would occasionally make for some interesting Christmas mornings at our house
when Lee Ann and I would have trouble remembering exactly what the code was. More than once, perplexed over the code we’d created weeks and weeks before, we had to identify one gift as belonging to a particular child, then find the faintly-written letter or number somewhere on the gift — and then work backward to extrapolate the code. One year, a long time ago, late on a Christmas Eve, after Zachary and Karis had gone to bed, Addison — our musician and mathematician, the kid who taught himself how to read at age 2 (unbelievable, except to the people who know Addison) — puzzled over the letters on the various gifts for a few minutes, then broke the code. When at last he figured it out, he was surprised the code was so easy. That year, if I recall, the code was a letter — the letter coming before the last letter of their name in the alphabet...X for Zachary (written so that it could be seen as an “X” or a “T”), M for Addison (written to that it could be seen as an “M” or a “W”) and an R for Karis. The code’s purpose was partially to confuse a wayward child, but ultimately it was to provide identification. It got me thinking about the puzzle that is the birth of Christ, which for us is what Christmas is about. Some people get so caught up in trying to figure out all the permutations of life’s code — a creation coming from a Creator, a divine path, the prophecies, a miraculous birth, a sacrificial death, a redemptive plan — they forget that the point of it all is a gift, the gift of God’s Son. It’s a personal gift. Each of us has been given a gift, a gift with our name written plainly on the tag. There’s a mystery, surely, but it starts with the gift — and at some point simply making the decision to accept the gift. This Christmas, I hope you do. Unwrap with joy. And Merry Christmas.
Since 2020, Crissy Raynor has sent hundreds of Christmas cards to residents of local nursing homes. Jen Cooke writes of her generous holiday spirit, page 16. • A headline in the November issue of CityView said that Stacey Buckner, one of four winners of out 2023 Power of Giving Community Impact Awards, is a veteran. While she is a hero to many for the support she provides to homeless veterans, she did not serve in the armed forces. We regret that error. • In this edition: “My heart’s always been with the elderly,” says Crissy Raynor. “People often forget about them, and we can learn a lot from them.” Since 2020, Raynor has sent hundreds of Christmas cards to residents of local nursing homes. Jen Cooke writes of her generous holiday spirit.
Bill
Bill Horner III is executive editor of CityView. Contact him at bhorner@cityviewnc.com.
CityViewNC.com | 5
SOMEDAY YOU'LL THANK ME
The irresistible allure of Christmas candy BY MARY ZAHRAN
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learned very early in my childhood not to expect any candy in my stocking other than a candy cane. As much as I loved chocolate, Santa would never leave me anything edible other than a tangerine and that blasted candy cane. Since he left me all the toys I’d requested when I visited him at Sears and Roebuck, I could never understand this obvious omission from my wish list. Perhaps Santa knew something that I didn’t know as a child, but eventually discovered as an adult: Christmas candy isn’t really candy at all. It is a magic potion that turns otherwise sensible people into pitiful, helpless creatures for a short time. How does this transformation occur? It usually begins as many things in life begin — with good intentions. Several years ago, I noticed that during the holiday season, red and green M&M’s were available in extralarge packages. I will never know why I had not noticed this before because I routinely stare at the candy section of the grocery store the way a cat stares at a mouse. I reached for the bag, confident that I could bring this irresistible treat into my home without any problems. By the time I pulled into my driveway, I had already decided which bowl I would use for these morsels and where this bowl would reside in
the weeks it would take us to consume this mountain of candy. What a fool I was. Only now, years later, am I ready to acknowledge the danger I was exposing my family to by making these decisions. Anyone with any sense knows you cannot leave a bowl of unwrapped M&M’s on a table that everyone in the house walks by at least 10 times a day. What was I thinking? I quickly learned three important lessons in the hours following my foolish behavior. The first lesson is that, no matter how big an extra-large bag of M&M’s may look in your grocery cart, that mountain of candy will not take weeks to consume; I think we polished off our bag in less than two days. The second lesson is that it really is physically impossible to walk by a bowl of candy without eating some. If this is not one of Isaac Newton’s Laws of Motion, it should be. The third lesson is that there really is such a thing as eating too much chocolate. As the world’s most ardent lover of chocolate, I never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but now they have. My tummy and I stand corrected. If you think I am unable to resist Christmas candy, allow me to tell the story of a family member with an even greater weakness than mine — our dog Tiger.
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Tiger was a mutt who wandered into our lives when I was in my early teens. When she wasn’t napping under a smelly blanket, she was stealing food. She had a particular fondness for sweets. At Christmas, my mother would put out candy that was a mix of non-chocolate confections that coalesced into something that looked and felt like the Rock of Gibraltar. One Christmas, my mother placed the bowl on a table next to a sofa, so Tiger had no trouble getting to it. Because the candy was all stuck together, Tiger consumed the entire contents of the bowl. To our surprise, she did not get sick, but she did drink a lot of water for the next two days. Several years later, my boyfriend at the time gave me a giant box of Whitman’s chocolates for Christmas. I placed the box under the tree, never thinking that Tiger would disturb it. We went out to dinner, and when we returned, Tiger greeted us at the door with an expression of shame that all dogs wear when they have misbehaved. She had consumed every piece of candy. Once again, she did not get sick, but she did drink a lot of water afterward. Tiger lived for many years after the Whitman’s episode. As far as I know, she never ate any more Christmas candy because we finally realized we needed to keep it out of her reach. If only I had family members to hide Christmas candy from me, I too might go for years without any M&M’s holiday moments, but I must rely on self-control instead. Wish me luck. Mary Zahran, who advises readers to stay away from large bags of M&M’s, may be reached at maryzahran@ gmail.com.
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FAMILY MATTERS
Even Santa makes mistakes
T
here are a lot of common misconceptions about Santa Claus. For starters, there’s the age-old idea that cookies and milk are his absolute favorite midnight snack. Although he’s faithfully polished off the plate of baked-a-week-ago-by-kids-wholick-their-fingers-during-flu-season ginger cookies and a mug of 2% milk that my two kiddos leave out for him each Christmas Eve, I would wager to guess that a nice glass of cabernet and an entire bag of white cheddar PopCorners might go over even better with Old Saint Nick. I also have serious ponderings about the whole “Santa’s elves’’ thing. The thought of tiny people making toys from scratch for the estimated 2 billion children of the world, all while remaining full of unwavering Christmas cheer, really causes me to raise an eyebrow, and that’s mainly because I’ve witnessed a full-grown man just about lose his religion over the assembly of one single prefabricated toddler play kitchen. I think I’m forgetting that it’s usually around 1 a.m., one hammer to the thumb, or page 28 of the assembly instructions when we humans tend to lose our very last trace of holly jolly, which is precisely when Santa and his helpers are able to put their magical powers into overdrive. I have also reasoned that it’s probably because of the elves’ extra-large ears with better listening capability that they are able to pull off the whole toy assembly thing way more efficiently than any human [husband] ever could. I think they actually hear Santa’s gentle and courteous week-before and daybefore-Christmas Eve “difficult assembly warning ahead” reminders. There’s also another matter I’d like to hash out on the subject of Kris Kringle. In fact, I’d like to change the subject from him altogether and give his spouse some of the attention that she surely deserves. Rarely do we ever hear about Mrs. Claus. If it’s true what they say, “behind every man is a great woman,” and most of us would agree that
8 December 2023
BY CLAIRE MULLEN
Santa has got to be one of the greatest guys of all time, his partner must be somethin’ pretty special herself. While I’m no expert on home life at the North Pole, I think it’s safe for me to say that Mrs. Claus probably has a lot going on during the holiday season. I wonder if the fact that Santa gets all the glory on Christmas Day has anything to do with the fact that Mrs. C. is so exhausted from decking the halls, executing the Claus family holiday card, making sure Santa’s suit is freshly laundered for his seemingly endless “pictures with Santa” and “breakfast with Santa” engagements, and feeding a fleet of reindeer, an army of elves, and the guy with the most famous paunch of all-time, that by Dec. 24, she has decided that accompanying her husband on a 31-hour, open-air wintertime sleigh ride is about the last thing she wants to do. Maybe she’s fine with her husband taking
all the credit if it means she can stay home in her robe and fuzzy slippers by a crackling fire and binge-watch Hallmark movies in blissful Christmas Eve solitude. And speaking of Santa’s sleigh, that’s something else that boggles my mind. Now, I've never seen the sleigh in person, but I figure it must be small enough that it, plus nine adult reindeer, can fit on the smallest of roofs. This begs the question: Where DOES Santa put all those presents? I don’t have a reasonable conjecture for this one. On Christmas Day, as I pack my extralarge SUV with not an inch to spare of gifts for our family exchange, I wonder how the Big Man crams it all in, and also if he’s ever considered trading in his reins and deer for a newfangled self-driving model, or even outsourcing his deliveries to the good folks at Amazon Prime. I’ve been mulling the many mysteries of Santa over since I was a young girl, and now that I have two maturing children with a few questions of their own, I’ve come to the conclusion that we just have to chalk it all up to the magic of the holiday season. And when my kids ask hard questions like, “Well, if Santa is so magical then how come he makes mistakes, like when he accidentally sent our Elf on the Shelf to that basket on the top shelf of your closet for us to accidentally find in August instead of December? And remember that time that he brought all our toys on Christmas Eve, hid the boxes they came in behind our tool shed, didn’t take them back to the North Pole, and we accidentally found those too? And how he sometimes forgets to bring batteries? And how come he never, ever brings us a puppy even though we always write it in our letters and use our manners every single year?” I simply remind them that no one is perfect, after all, not even Santa Claus himself. Claire Mullen can be reached at clairejlmullen @gmail.com.
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finds
HOT
New name, same fun. Embrace the whimsy at Cursive, a Downtown Fayetteville treasure since 2005. Find gifts that celebrate individuality — jewelry, mugs, totes, pillows, accessories, candles, and more. Elevate your gifting game and revel in the extraordinary! 910-482-0005, 223 Franklin St.
Bring calm and brightness home with Kindred Spirit Candle Company. Illuminate your space with reed diffusers, candles and room sprays. Enhance the holiday ambiance with our scents and stylish accessories. 910-302-7183, 707 Murchison Rd., Suite 11
Unwrap mistletoe magic with the perfect pout from Elan Med Spa. Transform your holiday look with our specialized fillers and let the season of smooches begin! 910-484-3526, 6415 Brookstone Lane #103, @elanmedspanc
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Santa’s checklist approved! Visit Reverie for gifts that sleigh. Naughty or nice, we’ve got you covered – from pink nightmares to Holly Dolly Joy. ‘Tis the season to shop thoughtfully and hilariously! 101 Hay St., reveriegoodsandgifts.com
10 December 2023
CASH
Nestled in the heart of downtown, Rude Awakening buzzes morning, noon and night with festive cheer. With the aromatic holiday brews and cozy ambiance, it's the perfect spot to savor warmth and joy. Grab a gift card today! 910-223-7833, 227 Hay St.
Spread Christmas cheer with some help from the elves at A Bit of Carolina! Choose from our festive pre-made gift baskets or craft your own, starting at just $20. Savor Southern favorites and share the joy of the season. 910-551-6537, 306 Hay St., abitofcarolina.com
Your very own Christmas Miracle. Our drop-off wash, dry, and fold service lets you focus on what really matters. Fast, reliable, and stress-free — that’s Legion Express Laundromat! Your new favorite holiday helper. 910-491-2888, 3530 Legion Rd.
Unite, grinches! Discover styles matching your vibe — whether it’s cozy warmth or show-stopping glamour. Embrace the festive season with chic, versatile outfits from our curated selection at My Cousin’s Closet. 1306 Ft. Bragg Road, www.my-cousins-closet.com
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Illuminate your home with joy! Q Co. Candle Company brings you festive fragrances through wax melts, warmers, candles, room sprays, and even carpet powder! Make your space merry and bright this season! qcocandle.com
Whether you’re looking for the newest Xbox console, diamond earrings or luxury bags, family-owned Parker Pawn & Jewelry has it all – at well under retail prices too! They also do collateral loans. Three locations. www.parkerpawn.com, f ! parkerpawnandjewelry
Surprise the girl in your life with tickets to the 2024 An Affair to Remember Runway Extravaganza & a Gift Certificate for the dress of her dreams. This Christmas, make it an affair she will always remember! www.aatrncfashionshow.com CityViewNC.com | 11
COVER STORY
Josh Choi calls his drink “Sidecar-esque,” a reference to the cocktail traditionally made with Cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice. Hence, the name: Sidekick.
Marquis magic
A Cognac blend that pays tribute to Fayetteville’s namesake inspires a community-focused competition that will toast history and innovation.
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BY BOBBY PARKER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CINDY BURNHAM
ayetteville’s French connection is hardly a secret. The city’s very name is the giveaway. Settled by Scottish immigrants in the mid-1700s, the area became known as Campbellton in 1762, according to the city’s website. But in 1783, the N.C. General Assembly approved a new name for the city in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, the French nobleman who fought with the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
12 December 2023
Dozens of cities across the country were named in Lafayette’s honor; you’ve no doubt heard of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Lafayette, Louisiana. But ours is the only one of them, history records, that the Marquis himself visited when he came by horsedrawn carriage in 1825. To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s “Farewell Tour” that brought him here in rock-star style, cities across America will be part of a re-creation that will begin in August 2024 in New York City. The celebration will follow the Marquis’ route, landing in our neighborhood on March 4-5, 2025. But local history buffs are not waiting until then to get the party started. That’s where Cognac becomes part of the story. La Fayette Cognac, which is now available in Cumberland County liquor stores, is a toast to the nobleman who helped America gain its freedom. And as a lead-up to the 200th anniversary celebration, eight local bars and restaurants will feature cocktails made with the Cognac in a “people’s choice” competition organized by Fayetteville-Cumberland County Economic Development Corp. Voting will be open through December on the corporation’s website, www.fcedc.com/ contest, according to Jennifer McFadyen Hammond, manager of marketing and community engagement for the agency. ‘Neat’ treat Cognac may not be an everyday libation in a nation that generally prefers vodka and Bud Lite. According to Food & Wine magazine, Cognac is a type of Brandy named after its region of production in France. Making it requires adherence to strict rules: It “must be made from Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, or Colombard grapes; distilled twice in a copper pot still; and aged in Limousin or Tronçais oak for at least two years,” Food & Wine reports. In other words, it doesn’t happen overnight. If you like bourbon, scotch or dark rum, you would probably enjoy savoring a sip or six of Cognac on a winter’s eve. Serving suggestions are “neat” — meaning with no ice and straight out of the bottle — on the rocks, or in a cocktail. CityViewNC.com | 13
“We still want tea to be a part of the show,” Choi says. Equal portions of La Fayette Cognac and Noces Royales, a French liqueur known as a proper accompaniment to pear, are combined with a splash of lemon juice. Choi calls his concoction “Sidecaresque,” a reference to the cocktail traditionally made with Cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice. Hence, the name: Sidekick. One sip puts you in front of a warm fireplace on a December night with the comfort of knowing you don’t have to go to
work in the morning. A block down Hay Street at Blue Moon Cafe, you can find Choi’s friend Nate Cuffee making a Lafayette Connection. That’s the cafe’s entry in the “people’s choice” contest. It’s a combination of La Fayette Cognac, amaretto, fresh lemon juice and black lemon bitters. Cuffee, who has been a co-owner of Blue Moon for about five years, says he likes to push the limits when conjuring up cocktails. The Lafayette Connection will be part of the cafe’s winter selections. “All Cognacs vary in taste, but you can
Eight local bars and restaurants will feature cocktails made with the Cognac in a “people’s choice” competition organized by Fayetteville-Cumberland County Economic Development Corp. Joshua Choi's approach to the Cognac cocktail contest, naturally, was to include fresh-brewed tea as a key ingredient.
The third option is where Fayetteville bars will come into play for the “people’s choice” competition. Joshua Choi is one of those neat guys who prefers to savor a drink without mixing it up or watering it down. The owner of Winterbloom Tea on Hay Street in downtown Fayetteville, who added a full bar to his business a few years ago, says customers of the “new generation” generally prefer a toned-down blend of flavors in a mixed drink over the “neat” approach. “The alcohol is masked, to a certain extent,” says Choi, whose warm persona and chill conversation are themselves as soothing as a cup of warm jasmine mint. His approach to the Cognac cocktail contest, naturally, was to include freshbrewed tea as a key ingredient. He chose a clove-infused blend that is pronounced in the final product but balanced with a subtle Cognac presence and the unexpected, yet welcome, essence of pears. The latter comes from the addition of pear and ginger bitters.
14 December 2023
expect warm notes of caramel or molasses, fruit, a hint of nuttiness, cinnamon, spice, and oak,” he says. ‘Make it playful’ Cuffee adds that La Fayette Cognac has “the lingering, playful flavor notes” you might enjoy in more expensive brands, but at an “accessible” price. “Many people usually see me with a glass of tequila, but as a growing mixologist, I truly appreciate the qualities of all liquors,” Cuffee says. “Whenever I’m looking to break my routine or even spice up a dinner, Cognac has always been a good choice.” When trying a new brand, he chooses to serve it neat to capture all the flavor notes. “If I like what I’m tasting, I’ll continue enjoying it on the rocks or mix it into one of my preferred cocktails,” he says. Cuffee enjoys other Cognac combos as well. “You can definitely win me over with a well-crafted Sidecar or Sazerac,” he says, the latter a New Orleans-born cocktail pairing Cognac and rye whiskey. Cuffee says La Fayette Cognac is a great way of celebrating Fayetteville’s history and helps build community identity. “That’s what makes this fun,” he says. “I like to push the limits. Just make it playful.” La Fayette Cognac is available at Cumberland County ABC stores in Westwood Shopping Center, Hope Mills, Ramsey Commons and on Raeford Road and Owen Drive. David Horne, CEO and general manager of the Cumberland County ABC Board, and Greg Stallings, director of products and pricing for the N.C. ABC Commission, led the effort to get it approved for local sales, according to the Economic Development Commission. Kris Johnson, a volunteer with the Fayetteville-Saint Avold Friendship Alliance, which promotes cooperation between Fayetteville and its French Sister City, was instrumental in making the connection with Hardy Cognac, a distillery in France founded in 1863 by British entrepreneur Anthony Hardy. For Choi, the Cognac challenge can be a unifying, communal experience. “Hopefully, this creates a bit of a buzz,” he says. “It’s been a fun experience to do all that with alcohol.”
Nate Cuffee, who has been a co-owner of Blue Moon for about five years, says he likes to push the limits when conjuring up cocktails. The Lafayette Connection will be part of the cafe’s winter selections.
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FEATURE
Crissy Raynor spends countless hours hand making over 3,000 Christmas cards since 2020, which she has delivered to residents of local retirement homes.
SEASON’S GREETINGS ‘Handmade with Love’: The story and face behind the anonymous Fayetteville nursing home resident card maker. Crissy Raynor has been making Christmas cards since 2020. Her friend Ronda Martz brings Raynor’s story to the forefront.
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BY JEN COOKE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA SUE GERRITS
hen more than 3,000 Cumberland County nursing home residents receive a written Christmas greeting this year, it will be thanks to one humble soul who expresses love through her ornate handmade cards. A sticker with the words “Handmade with Love” on each of her cards concealed
16 December 2023
the identity of formerly anonymous creator, Crissy Raynor, who’s been making droves of Christmas cards from her modest Fayetteville apartment since 2020. “My heart’s always been with the elderly,” she says, speaking through tears. “People often forget about them, and we can learn a lot from them. I started doing Christmas cards because it shows someone is thinking of them, they’re loved, and the
Lord loves them.” Raynor could have stayed anonymous, but Ronda Martz, a friend of Raynor for more than 10 years, felt it was time to share her friend’s story. “She is one of the most cheerful and thoughtful people I know,” Martz says. “ … Her life story of struggle and sickness and pain, and yet striving to encourage and be a blessing to others, touches me very much.”
‘I’ve been making crafts all my life’ As she sat in an easy chair in the living room of her apartment, the evidence of Raynor’s years of hard work were on display close by: In a corner of the living room was a shelf with thousands of cards neatly filed in boxes. But it was the Christmas cards displayed on her living room table that drew all the attention. Raynor, wearing a flowery black and white dress, explained how her cardmaking started. While growing up, her father would drive a church bus for senior citizens who couldn’t drive themselves. She would go with him. “I just enjoy older people,” she says, recalling the experience. “The biggest thing is listening to them. I know how much I enjoy going to the mailbox and getting a letter or card I wasn’t expecting, so why wouldn’t they.” Raynor once owned a florist shop, and there was an occasion where she had balloons leftover from a wedding. She suggested to the client that they be taken to a nursing home for residents there to enjoy. “They just loved them,” Raynor says. “I got into cards because they visually popped, but I’ve been making crafts all my life.” She also used to participate in a local holiday craft fair, making German ornaments so she could earn enough money to buy Christmas presents for loved ones. “Crissy’s always been talented with her hands,” Martz says. This year, Raynor is sending the 3,000 cards to about 20 nursing homes, focusing on smaller facilities. Churches tend to focus on the larger ones, she says, so she researches online and asks around every year to see whether new facilities have opened. “The Lord has given me the talent,” she says. “Since I’m homebound myself, this is something I can do.” ‘I have to do the best with what I’ve got’ Raynor’s year has been extremely tough. She was diagnosed with leukemia two days after Christmas last year. At the time, she thought she had pneumonia because just sitting up in bed exhausted her. During the same time frame she was diagnosed with cancer, she also had a hernia rupture and was life-flighted to Duke University Hospital, where she had emergency surgery and started chemotherapy right away.
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The Wonder of the Season Happy Holidays from PWC As you hang those decorations that bring such joy, please remember safety first. F If you have a live tree, keep it well watered. F If using incandescent lights, take extra care (they’re hot when handled or placed next to other objects), and limit the number of strands you string together. Better yet … use *LEDs – they’re safer (stay cool to the touch), you can string more together, and they last much longer. F Make sure all lights/electric decorations have the UL seal and outdoor lights are labeled for outdoor use. F Never use cords that are frayed or damaged. F Don’t run extension cords in traffic paths or overload sockets. F When using a ladder, be sure it’s sturdy, securely placed and away from power lines. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. F Unplug decorations before you leave home or go to bed. *Visit our website for more safety tips, as well as details on earning a bill credit for purchasing holiday LEDs.
Making Spirits Bright
PWC is proud to be part of cherished community traditions and festive events. For more than 67 years, we’ve been hanging holiday decorations downtown, and we support the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation’s “Christmas in the Park Powered by PWC” and “Holiday Lights in the Garden” at Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
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CityViewNC.com | 17
Raynor, who has had bouts of homelessness and a current remission of cancer, is photographed at her home in Fayetteville on Oct. 28, 2023.
This year, Crissy Raynor is sending 3,000 cards to about 20 nursing homes, focusing on smaller facilities. “I was in the hospital more this year than I wasn’t there,” Raynor says. During one hospital stint, she was there for 39 days, went home for two days, and then had to go right back. While hospitalized, Raynor says she looked for ways to serve God, chatting with and encouraging medical staff who helped her. A hospital occupational therapist o ffered to bring Raynor some supplies if she’d be willing to make some cards for Duke patients. With a new mission, Raynor made more than 400 birthday and “thank you” cards for the hospital to give to patients, even though she herself was sick. She said having a purpose helped get her mind off chemo and her pain since she couldn’t have typical pain medications during procedures. In fact, Raynor was in the hospital this year when she turned 50. “I have to do the best with what I’ve got,” she says. Even through chemo and diverting time and energy for her card project for Duke, Raynor beat last year’s total cards by more than 1,000, totaling 3,018 cards. She says she prayed for strength to do more than last year’s amount so she could encourage even more senior citizens this year. “This may be the last card they get or the last Christmas they get,” she says. “I want
18 December 2023
them to know the Lord loves them and has not forgotten them.” She added that many elderly are forgotten by family and friends, or may be the last living member of their family. “I can see the tears in your eyes as you said that,” Martz says from the loveseat of Raynor’s apartment. This year, owing to her medical expenses, Raynor used scraps, old Christmas cards and other supplies. Senior citizens from her aunt’s church even saved their cards from last year for her to take apart and repurpose.
‘I try to make something for everybody’ When Raynor was healthier and more mobile, she would go to sales after Christmas to get a jumpstart on supplies for the following year. She improvised a lot this year, but anyone seeing her beautiful handiwork wouldn’t have guessed it. In one card she created this year, she designed a modern-shaped Christmas tree from multiple scraps of wrapping paper with different sayings on it. Another card had eight layers of cardstock to make a red poinsettia flower. Raynor prays before putting the cards in envelopes, then prays the recipient will like the design. “I try to make something for everybody, and not everybody likes glitzy,” she says. Many recipients tell her they like Santa Claus cards. “I think Santa brings back memories because it lights their faces up as soon as they see a Santa,” she says. Since Raynor had such a lofty goal this year, she created a one-woman assembly line. She organized and assessed her scraps first, cut out all the pieces, and then her creativity took over and she created unique, threedimensional cards. Raynor previously had to hand-cut all of the card components, but she was gifted a die-cutting machine — w hich uses a metal blade to cut specific shapes out of card stock and various fabrics — by a friend of a friend who even paid to ship the heavy machine from out of state.
“I just want them to know that someone is thinking of them and praying for them,” says Raynor of the cards that she offered anonymously.
“If you’re doing things for God, He will always make a way,” she says. “You make an effort and He will open doors for you.” Raynor’s sister, Amy Button, has also been helping. When it’s time for distribution, Button and a group of ladies from her church deliver the cards to nursing homes all around the county. “You find out who your true friends are when you can’t get out and about anymore,” Martz says. Not only has she been a supportive friend to Raynor through her cancer, but Martz is battling cancer herself. She says Raynor is one of the most giving people she’s ever met. She then gently referenced Raynor’s previous time of homelessness, living in a van. “That shows the strength of character that she’s been through a lot, still smiles, and still thinks of other people,” Martz says. “It’s not fun to go through something like cancer, but the Lord got me through it,” says Raynor, who’s now cancer-free and trusting God with other major health issues. “No matter how bad this world can get, He gave us all a gift and we’re here to get His word of love out.” ‘It doesn’t cost a dime, just your time’ Raynor hopes her story will prompt other people to serve in the community. They don’t have to scale their involvement the way she has, nor do they have to spend much money, she says. “Everybody has something they can do; it’s the littlest things that can mean a lot,” she says. “Just call a local nursing home and ask how you can help.” She suggested youth groups could visit throughout all holidays of the year. “It doesn’t cost a dime, just your time,” she says. Button has started a GoFundMe account for Raynor to offset the costs of buying envelopes and printing a sentimental statement to glue inside each card. She makes all of her Christmas cards a standard size so they fit into size A2 envelopes, which she orders en masse. “She has a heart for reaching those in society often overlooked and in need of hope,” Button says on the site. To contribute, go to www.gofundme. com/f/crissys-cards-of-hope. She would also gratefully accept Amazon or craft store gift cards.
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FEATURE
ANGELS SING
Holiday music to brighten December days with inspiration and cheer BY BOBBY PARKER
People watch as the Fayetteville Rotary Christmas Parade makes its way through downtown Fayetteville. Photo by Sharilyn Wells
20 December 2023
I
t’s the most wonderful time of the year. There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow. Well, probably not snow in Fayetteville. But music still warms a December night. These days, you have streaming and cable channels and YouTube variations, but there’s nothing so soothing as the needle-scratching 45-rpm that has Andy Williams’ version of “O Holy Night” followed by Julie Andrews with a pure and simple deliverance of “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” and Diahann Carroll’s “Some Children See Him.” Music of the season. It fits; it’s right. Tune in. Every year brings lots of opportunities to share the sounds of the season. Here are some on tap for this holiday. • It will be a big “Hallelujah” when Berean Baptist Church presents music from George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” In partnership with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, singers are invited to become part of the choir for a performance at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the church, 517 Glensford Drive. No ticket is necessary. Join the “Hallelujah” chorus. • The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra will present “Holiday Pops” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University. The program will feature favorite holiday songs and masterpieces by composers such as Eric Whitacre, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and John Williams. For more information, visit fayettevillesymphony.org. • On a lighter note, Cape Fear Regional Theatre will deliver “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” on Dec. 2 to 17. It’s the story of a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant and casting kids who deliver mayhem and fun. Find tickets at cfrt. org/the-best-christmas-pageant-ever. • Highland Baptist Church will present three performances of the “Singing Christmas Tree.” Admission is free at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 to 10 for “All Is Well: A Christmas Musical” at 4456 Legion Road in Hope Mills. • And who doesn’t love a marching band? The annual Fayetteville Christmas Parade will move in lockstep beginning at 10 a.m. Dec. 9 downtown. Presented by the Fayetteville Rotary Club, the parade will feature more than 100 businesses and organizations and include a float competition, performances by local school groups, and characters such as the Grinch, Santa and Mrs. Claus. The parade will begin on Person Street and travels around the Market House to Hay Street.
Holiday concerts are planned by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra. Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.
Cape Fear Regional Theatre presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Regional Theatre.
Highland Baptist Church will present three performances of the “Singing Christmas Tree.” Photo courtesy of Highland Baptist Church. CityViewNC.com | 21
P R O FE S S I O N A L P R O FI L E S
Attorneys When you are in need of legal help, it is important to have someone who can help you cut through the complicated jargon and earn your trust and confidence. CityView is proud to profile these outstanding lawyers in our community to help you select a firm that will help you achieve the best possible results. The lawyers on these pages have a proven track record of excellence in a variety of often-complicated legal matters. CityView will be profiling insurance professionals in our January issue. Call us at 910-423-6500 or email sales@cityviewnc.com to reserve your spot in this special promotional section.
Tyler Chavonne Tyler Chavonne began her professional career as a speech-language pathologist working for seven years in the Cumberland County Schools. The collaborative atmosphere and her effective communication provided for a smooth transition to her journey as a law student. During her time at North Carolina Central University, Tyler developed a passion for real property and real estate law. She is inspired by the opportunity to help homebuyers and sellers in Cumberland and surrounding counties navigate their journey through the real estate transaction. In the process, Tyler has developed valuable relationships with local real estate agents and some of the area’s top homebuilders. She aims to continue fostering local ties while forging new relationships throughout the community.
CityView
910-222-4523 | tylerchavonnelaw.com 2919 Breezewood Ave. Ste. 300 Fayetteville, NC 28303
Beaver Courie, Attorneys at Law Beaver Courie, Attorneys at Law, stands as a distinguished North Carolina law firm with a national reputation for excellence. Founded by H. Gerald Beaver more than 40 years ago, the firm’s team of defense attorneys collectively bring more than 120 years of legal experience, embodying the expertise necessary for success in crucial legal matters. Dedicated to the highest standards of ethical behavior and competence, they willingly take on complex and challenging cases, earning recognition for unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for their clients. Their support extends to the local community, providing essential legal services for individuals, businesses, non-profits, and military personnel in the region. The unique Beaver Courie difference lies in their combination of being local attorneys with an in-depth understanding of the community alongside a statewide reputation for delivering results. Honored with an AV rating and prestigious titles including “The Best Lawyers in America” and “North Carolina Super Lawyers,” Beaver Courie’s attorneys actively engage in professional organizations, showcasing their commitment to legal excellence. When results matter, trust the team at Beaver Courie for comprehensive legal support grounded in experience, integrity, and community dedication.
910-323-4600 | 230 Green St, Fayetteville, NC 28301 | www.beavercourie.com
22 December 2023
S P EC I A L P R O M OT I O N A L S ECT I O N
P R O FE S S I O N A L P R O FI L E S
Joel S. Jenkins Jr. The Real Estate Law Firm offers legal services in residential and commercial real estate in and around Cumberland County. Joel S. Jenkins Jr., the principal attorney, has 43 years of experience. He brings knowledge to each transaction with an ethical commitment to the client’s best possible service. The firm’s services include, but are not limited to, residential and commercial real estate closings; deeds; leases; options to purchase; and restrictive covenants. The firm’s dedication to its clients is evidenced by its years of service and the many trusted professionals the firm works with daily.
The Real Estate Law Firm 2919 Breezewood Ave., Suite 300 Fayetteville, NC 28303 910-222-4000 | jjenkins@lawjenkins.com
Lakhiani Law, PLLC Ashish Lakhiani is a 2003 graduate of Terry Sanford High School who went on to study finance and entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He graduated from the Charleston School of Law in 2013 and began practicing real estate law in Raleigh. He founded Lakhiani Law in Fayetteville in 2015, focusing on residential real estate settlements. He and his wife, Nikki, are the parents of 4-year-old son named Arin and welcomed Ameera this year. The Lakhianis — including Bailey, their mini-goldendoodle — enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends. Lakhiani Law is ready to meet all your real estate needs with expertise and outstanding customer service.
910-222-4535 2919 Breezewood Ave., Suite 300 Fayetteville, NC 28303
Ray, O’Connor, Coleman & Halverson, PLLC Ray, O’Connor, Coleman & Halverson, PLLC, based in Fayetteville, is a distinguished law firm with a comprehensive focus on Estate Planning, Administration of Estates and Trusts, Business Law, and Litigation, as well as Commercial Real Estate. In the realm of Estate Planning, the firm excels in crafting holistic estate plans, encompassing wills, revocable trusts, and various other instruments to address clients’ unique needs. The firm’s expertise extends to charitable planning and gifting, estate and income tax planning, and the preparation of pre-marital and postmarital agreements. The attorneys at Ray, O’Connor, Coleman & Halverson, PLLC are also adept at handling the intricate processes of estate and trust administration, guiding clients through estate tax returns, probate court proceedings, and IRS representations.
910-483-2101 | 345 Hay St., Fayetteville, NC 28301 | www.raylawnc.com S P EC I A L P R O M OT I O N A L S ECT I O N
CityViewNC.com | 23
P R O FE S S I O N A L P R O FI L E S
Michael A. Simmons Meet Michael Simmons, a dedicated attorney and lifelong resident of Cumberland County. Balancing a fulfilling family life with a thriving legal career, Simmons is married with three children, underscoring his commitment to maintaining a harmonious work-life balance. Specializing in domestic and family law, Simmons focuses on crucial issues such as equitable distribution, divorce, domestic violence, child custody, and support. Having served as a former attorney for the Cumberland County Department of Social Services, Simmons possesses extensive experience in cases involving abuse, neglect, and dependency of children, as well as termination of parental rights. His dedication to education is evident through his honors graduation with an Associates of Applied Science in Paralegal Technologies from F.T.C.C. in 2010. Remaining actively engaged with his alma mater, Simmons serves on F.T.C.C.’s Paralegal Advisory Committee. Further advancing his education, Simmons earned a Bachelor of Art in Criminal Justice, Cum Laude, from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2013. In 2017, he graduated from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. Simmons is a proud member of various professional organizations, including the North Carolina State Bar, North Carolina Bar Association, 14th Judicial District Bar Association, Cumberland County Black Lawyers Association, and the NAACP, showcasing his commitment to legal excellence and community engagement.
910-779-2416 | 1015 Arsenal Ave., Fayetteville, NC 28305 | www.lawofficeofmasimmons.com
January
New year, new you
Insurance Professionals
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Heart & soul
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Home & garden
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Children & family
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Travel
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24 December 2023
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CityViewNC.com | 25
FEATURE
Hometown bucket list Having promoted Fayetteville for 20 years working with the local visitors bureau, Melody Foote knew where the community gems were. Her new book shares that knowledge of ‘100 Things to Do.’ BY GARY MANGUM PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA SUE GERRITS
Foote relaxes at Rude Awakening coffee house in downtown Fayetteville.
26 December 2023
F
or almost 21 years, Melody Foote showed travel writers what she considers the finer points of living in Fayetteville. Now she has written a book about those points herself. Foote, who was director of communications for the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau from 2001 to 2021, wrote “100 Things to Do in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Before You Die,” highlighting what she considers the best places and activities in the city. The book is one of 175 in the “100 Things to Do Before You Die” series published by Reedy Press of St. Louis, according to fellow author Amanda Doyle. Reedy Press publishes about a dozen similar series, most primarily in the guidebook model, Doyle says. Foote’s book is one of six written about North Carolina cities, according to Doyle. Others focus on Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington and Winston-Salem. Foote and her husband, Al, moved to Hope Mills from New York in 1994. Al works in social services. They have two daughters, Amanda and Erinn. This is the first book Foote, 54, has written. “I was working with travel writers. I got to know the community really well because I took them on tours of the community,” says Foote, who is now an information officer with the N.C. Dept. of Environmental Quality. When she left the tourism industry, a friend, Connie Nelson of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, was approached by a publisher who wanted a connection in Fayetteville. Foote was a good choice, Doyle says. “I work with some other people, and we were prospecting for authors in other places,” says Doyle, who has written eight books in the “100 Things” series. “She had just so much to say about what was great in Fayetteville and her explorations over the years. We knew she would do a great job at it.” ‘A natural fit’ For Foote, it was a matter of putting what she already knew about Fayetteville on paper. “It was really a natural fit because a lot of the places I kind of already knew about, and I did discover some new places,” she says. “I was able to look at the community from
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“100 Things to Do in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Before You Die,” by Melody Foote 142 pages Published by Reedy Press, based in St. Louis Retail price $18; available online or in bookstores, including City Center Gallery & Gifts in downtown Fayetteville Left, Melody Foote enjoys Big T's Snoballs in Hope Mills.
Melody Foote was given about a year to write the book, beginning in March 2022. It debuted in bookstores and online on Sept. 1. a couple of different angles because of the writers. They come in and we would do their itineraries based on their interests, so we would do home and gardens, or we could go to the theater or military sites.” Foote was given about a year to write the book, beginning in March 2022. It debuted in bookstores and online on Sept. 1. “I got a more well-rounded picture of the community because I really had to dig and find some things and try to be inclusive,” Foote says. “I dove into the history of the city a little bit more, and then there were sites that I talked to people who were real excited, eager and helpful.” The “100 Things” books are formatted as an easy read and full of practical information. The Fayetteville book is divided into categories: food and drink, featuring 21
28 December 2023
places; music and entertainment, 17 places; sports and recreation, 26; culture and history, 17; and shopping and fashion, 19. “It was fun because they were little 135word stories” for each entry, Foote says. The book is not actually limited to Fayetteville. It has 17 entries for Hope Mills sites; three for Spring Lake; and one for Fort Liberty — the popular July 4th celebration at the Main Post Parade Field. Doyle says Reedy Press has two goals for the “100 Things” books. “One is obviously for anybody who is visiting Fayetteville or thinking about visiting Fayetteville just to give them a good lay of the land,” she says. “But secondly, it’s really to give local people something to be proud of. There’s great stuff everywhere. It’s reminding people about what’s so great about the place you live.”
‘Hidden treasures’ As she did when she worked for the Visitors Bureau, now called DistiNCtly Fayetteville, Foote says her book stresses the positive about the city. “What’s not to like about that? There are negative things, but my focus was on the positive things. It’s interesting the writers that would come in; we have a negative perception of ourselves in a lot of ways, but they don’t. They’re coming into a new town to discover the hidden treasures.” Foote remembers how welcoming the community was when she and her husband moved here. “We didn’t feel like outsiders,” she says. “Everybody was from everywhere. It’s kind of a melting pot. I think the diversity, thanks to the military, makes the community stronger.” Asked to name her three favorite things or places in the book, she lists ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure, the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum, and the dog-friendly Dirtbag Ales Brewery. ZipQuest is “really fun,” she says. “I tend to be kind of a chicken, but you’re strapped in twice and they’re really conscious of safety. And by the end of it, I don’t know, you feel like you’ve climbed Mount Everest or something. … You’re in the air for two and a half hours.” She loves the stories told at the museum. “One thing that is near and dear to my heart at the airborne museum is ‘Constant Vigilance.’ That’s the world’s first (exhibit) for special operations dogs killed in action. I was there when it was dedicated, and there were these big, strapping soldiers talking about the dogs that saved their lives. It was very moving.” Dirtbag Ales Brewery is one of four sites in the book located on the same property;
others are Dirty Whiskey Cocktail Bar, Napkins Shops for Sunday brunch, and Dirtbag Ales Farmers Market. She also came upon some pleasant surprises along the way. “The one thing I’m telling everybody about is the planetarium at Fayetteville State University,” she says. “I couldn’t believe it when I went there. We went to a regular show, and I was blown away.” Clark Park and Nature Center was another golden nugget. “I was really surprised to learn that they have live animals in there,” she says. “For kids up to maybe 10 and their families, it’s a great way to go and get out of the heat and spend an afternoon.” She credits her husband, Al, for finding another “hidden treasure.” When one of the stores she was writing about closed, she thought, “Oh gosh, I’ve got to find something else.” He told her about Curate Essentials, a relatively new store in Haymount that sells pampering and alternative-health products. Future writing Foote hopes to continue writing when time allows, but she is not ready to quit her day job just yet. “It’s a place where I can use my skills and talents to really make a difference,” she says of working at the Department of Environmental Quality. She works mostly from home, driving to Raleigh two days a week. But she is already thinking about updating her book. “I’ve already found some new places that I wish I could have included,” she says. Those places might include Back-a-Round Records downtown; Miller’s Brew Coffee in Haymount; and Barbara Ann’s Southern Fried Chicken in Hope Mills. “The hardest part about writing this book was figuring out what to include in the book. Because I knew the community’s amenities well already, the challenge was figuring out what to include,” Foote says. “It took several revisions before I had my final list. And even then, as I was writing the book, it continued to evolve. “This would be a different challenge if I knew little about the community and had to start from scratch.” Luckily, for prospective readers, she knew her topic well.
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Season ’TIS THE
Looking for something to fill you with cheer? These holiday happenings at Fayettevillearea churches as well as concerts, plays and events are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit! Check out our website at cityviewnc.com/ calendar for these events and many others.
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12/10: Youth Party 12/23: Christmas Eve Services 906 S McPherson Church Road Fayetteville, NC 28303 910-678-7178
30 December 2023
12/24: Christmas Eve Services
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Holiday Gift Guide
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Military families are invited to come celebrate the holidays with CityView HomeFront! Enjoy free photos with Santa, sweet treats, and warm coffee and cocoa. Embrace the festive spirit with exciting giveaways, activities and surprises for the kids. Let's unite to show love, gratitude and support for our troops, especially those unable to be home for the holidays as they safeguard our Homefront. Capture timeless memories, share joy, and create a sense of togetherness during this special season with HomeFront. WHO Military Servicemembers and Dependents WHEN Saturday, Dec. 16, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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Gifts for Kids
WHERE Mercedes-Benz of Fayetteville 420 Glensford Drive Fayetteville, NC 28314 REGISTER cityviewnc.com/homefront/
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100 BRAGG BLVD., FAYETTEVILLE, NC | 910 - 643 - 2778 | FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL @ASOMF
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F ayetteville’s Best Spa
CHRISTMAS GIFT CERTIFICATE SPECIALS!
At The Day Spa Rejuvenation Center, you’ll experience exclusive therapies delivered by experienced professionals in a relaxing and nurturing spa atmosphere you’ve loved since 1997 with the attention to detail you deserve! Visit us for the following services and more!
F eaturing Massage Therapy Body Treatments Facial Therapies Waxing Full Service Hair and Nail Salon
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h c t a m t s fir
860 Elm Street, Fayetteville, NC 28303 P. 910.483.1126
Brighten your December with fayetteville fury
Albany aces
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 @ 6PM
Movie Nights:
Giveaway Nights:
Elf - December 10
Bunker Snow Globe - December 9
The Santa Claus - December 15
Ugly Sweater - December 21
CROWN COMPLEX
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Frozen - December 17
Promotional Nights: Mele Kalikimaka - December 14
Military - Every Monday
Holiday Market - December 15 - 17
Teachers - Every Tuesday
Fireworks - December 8 & 22
Waggin (Dogs) - Every Wednesday
Sat. Jan. 13 | 6 PM VS Albany Aces
Sun. Feb. 4 | 2 PM VS Magic City SC Fri. Feb. 9 | 7 PM VS Central Florida Crusaders
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December 8th - 23rd
fayettevillewoodpeckers.com | (910) 339-1989 | woodpeckers@astros.com
32 December 2023
Sun. Mar. 17 2 PM VS Foundry FC Sat. Apr. 20 | 6 PM VS Tampa Bay Strikers Wed. Apr 24 | 10 AM VS Albany Aces
Holiday Harmony CityView asked staff and readers to share their matching holiday outfits. Enjoy this collection of coordinated ensembles that capture the festive spirit and radiate seasonal cheer.
Claire and Paige Ackerson
Nicki Odom and Family
Steve, Jamie, Blake, Gavin and Wyatt Stanwick
Resa and JJ Cleveland
Ashlei Elise and Milo
Johanna and Benny "The Milk Dog" Brumm
Jami McLaughlin and Family CityViewNC.com | 33
GOOD READS
G
BY DIANE PARFITT
These are a few suggestions for those on your holiday gift list.
iving books for holiday gifts is both fun and smart. Every year I give books to almost everyone on my gift list. Especially the children. As a result, our children and grandchildren are voracious readers. I even delight in talking to my teenage granddaughter about the latest young adult books that she and her friends are reading. In fact, she and I often read the same books. You can pick books you think the recipient would like — histories, biographies, poetry or imaginative novels. There are genres for everyone, but you can also select books that you have read and loved and want to share with them. Many of these books are for the whole family to enjoy together during the holiday season.
‘Tis the season to read 1 2
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1. A NATURAL HISTORY OF MAGICAL BEASTS by Emily Hawkins (author), and Jessica Roux (illustrator) Following “A Natural History of Fairies,” “A Natural History of Magick” and “A Natural History of Mermaids,” all illustrated by Jessica Roux, this is a must-have book for children and adults. It shares tales of magical creatures, and challenges us to ponder if these stories are merely fairy tales, or if there is a hidden truth to the legends of unicorns and dragons, centaurs and griffins? Best of all, Jessica is from Fayetteville though she now lives in Nashville. We applaud the wonderful success of our hometown artist.
3. WHAT DO YOU CELEBRATE? HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD by Whitney Stewart (Author), and Christiane Engel (Illustrator) Holidays are fun and what better time to help children learn about other celebrations around the world? This illustrated book also offers projects for children ages 5 to 9 to use to see what children across the globe do during their special holidays. From Chinese New Year to France’s Bastille Day and our own 4th of July, even adults can learn how 14 special holiday traditions are passed down from generation to generation around the world.
2. THE WINGMEN: THE
by Betsy Richardson December is the time for Hanukkah and Christmas around the world. If you are Christian, do you know much about Hanukkah? Do our Jewish friends know about all the Christmas traditions? This book offers a wonderful look at how all these traditions developed. And we learn that although the events that led to these holidays are unrelated, they share similar origins. We also learn how they are uniquely celebrated in different cultures around the world.
UNLIKELY, UNUSUAL, UNBREAKABLE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN JOHN GLENN AND TED WILLIAMS by Adam Lazarus We all knew that John Glenn (1921-2016) was a pilot, shot down over Vietnam and held captive for years. But did you know that baseball great Ted Williams (1918-2002) was also a pilot? And that these two American heroes flew together in the Korean War and became lifelong friends? Although they led very different lives before they met while flying several missions together in Korea, they developed great respect for each other. We learn Glenn was a risk-taker who often attracted enemy fire. Williams was a solid flyer who survived several dangerous incidents. In the process, we learn more about two of our American heroes whose lives intersected and began an enduring friendship during the trials of war.
4. CHRISTMAS & HANUKKAH
5. THE NIGHT BEFORE
CHRISTMAS RECORDABLE EDITION: A RECORDABLE STORYBOOK by Clement Moore (Author), and Charles Santore (Illustrator) How many of us grew up hearing and reading “The Night Before Christmas”? Many of us even memorized parts of it. This edition allows you to record yourself narrating the book for your loved ones to hear! How exciting it would be to record
yourself and send it to your grandchildren to hear your voice reading this beloved story!
6. THE DEAL OF A LIFETIME
by Fredrik Backman If you read “A Man Called Ove” or “Beartown” by beloved author Fredrik Backman, you will want to share this collection of three of his stories. Backman is back with an array of mesmerizing stories about discovering and treasuring what truly is important in life. The first, “The Deal of A Lifetime,” is a profound and moving novella set on Christmas Eve. A man who has everything but lost his family while gaining his wealth meets a little girl who is fighting for her life. Can he change his legacy? The next, “And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer,” an elderly man reminisces with his son and grandson and recalls some of his most precious memories and regrets. As he does this, he realizes the best gift he can give them is to help them learn to say goodbye with no fear or regrets.
The last is Backman’s newest work, “Sebastian and the Troll” — a lovely story about a young boy struggling with depression who finds the courage to live the life he deserves.
Whether you buy any of these books for yourself or to give as gifts to friends, you can rest assured you are doing something special.
Backman’s stories remind us that life is a gift that we need to share with those we love the most.
Whether meant to be read alone during the hectic holiday season or read together with the family, these books can become family treasures, to be brought out every year to share with each other and become a family tradition.
7. THE VALANCOURT BOOK OF
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS GHOST STORIES by Arthur Conan Doyle (Author), Sir Walter Scott (Author), and Tara Moore (Editor) During the Christmas season in the Victorian era, newspapers and magazines printed ghost stories for families to read to each other by the fire during cold winter nights. This book brings together a collection of thirteen of these tales by an eclectic group of writers, many anonymous or forgotten. If you fondly remember Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” you will love this wide range of stories that will send a pleasing chill down your spine.
“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” — Garrison Keillor 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
Empower your journey. Elevate your future. Rated the No. 1 private Pre-K to 12 school in the area Partnership with UNCP for college level courses 3 state-of-the-art STEAM labs Generous assistance for qualified families
910.868.5131 3200 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303 Visit www.fayacademy.org for more information Fayetteville Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation in administration of its educational policies, admissions, financial aid, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
CityViewNC.com | 35
H O M E F O R T H E H O L I DAY S D I R E C TO RY
Whether you're looking to find your dream home, enhance your living space, or explore local activities to celebrate the season, our Home for the Holidays directory is your go-to guide for all things merry and bright.
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H O M E F O R T H E H O L I DAY S D I R E C TO RY
King O. Parks 910-366-4815 Latonia Parks 910-624-8077
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More time wrapping, less time folding We do laundry so you can focus on what’s important this holiday season!
WASH, DRY & FOLD SERVICES AVAILABLE!
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3530 LEGION ROAD, HOPE MILLS, NC 28348 910-491-2888 LEGIONEXPRESSLAUNDROMAT.COM
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H O M E F O R T H E H O L I DAY S D I R E C TO RY
GIFT YOURSELF A NEW HOME THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
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Contact us: 919-614-5773 1478 Draw Bridge Ln. Fayetteville, NC 28312
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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS Helping people buy, sell and rent their dream homes since 1983.
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Holiday Recipes ‘T
is the season to savor simplicity and joy in the kitchen. Dive into the magic of the holidays with a collection of simple holiday recipes that bring the festive spirit to your table without the stress. Cheers to creating moments of warmth and deliciousness with recipes that keep it simple and splendid!
HOMEMADE IRISH CREAM
www.tasteofhome.com
Ingredients: • 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk • 1 cup heavy whipping cream • 1/2 cup 2% milk • 1/4 cup sugar • 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup • 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract Each serving: • 1/2 cup brewed coffee • 1 ounce Irish whiskey, optional Directions: 1. In a blender, combine the first eight ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Store in the refrigerator. 2. For each serving, place coffee in a mug. Stir in 1/3 cup Irish cream and if desired, Irish whiskey. Heat mixture in a microwave if desired.
EASY CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
kitchencents.com
Ingredients: • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream • 1/4 cup cocoa powder (Dutch preferred), sifted, use 1/3 cup for dark chocolate flavor • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, use 1/4 cup for dark chocolate flavor • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, optional Directions: 1. In a chilled mixing bowl, begin whipping cream. Whip until frothy and slightly thicken. 2. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Carefully mix until soft peaks form. 3. Add almond extract if desired. Whip until stiff peaks form. 4. Spoon into plastic bag or piping bag with piping tip. Pipe into serving bowls or glasses. 5. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. CityViewNC.com | 39
ORANGE BAKED HAM
www.foodnetwork.com
Ingredients: • 1 (14 to 16-pound) fully cooked, spiral-cut smoked ham on the bone • 6 garlic cloves • 8 1/2 ounces orange marmalade • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed • 1 orange, zested • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the ham in a heavy roasting pan. 2. Mince the garlic in a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Add the marmalade, mustard, brown sugar, orange zest, and orange juice and process until smooth. Pour the glaze over the ham and bake for 1 hour, until the ham is fully heated and the glaze is well browned. Serve hot or at room temperature.
RED CABBAGE SALAD
www.wholesomerecipebox.com
Dressing: • 4 tablespoons olive oil • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar • 1 tablespoon apple juice OR more vinegar • 2 teaspoons whole grain Dijon mustard • 1 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard • 1 teaspoon honey • salt & pepper to taste Salad: • 6 cups shredded red cabbage • 1 large carrot peeled and coarsely grated • 1 large apple cored and diced • 1/3 cup pecans chopped Directions: 1. Combine dressing ingredients in a measuring jug and whisk until combined. 2. Place cabbage in large bowl and add dressing. Massage dressing into cabbage, then set aside for 10-15 minutes. 3. Once cabbage is ready, add carrot, apple and pecans. Check for seasoning and adjust olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
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PEPPERMINT RICE KRISPIES TREATS www.cookingclassy.com/ peppermint-rice-krispie-treats/
4. Remove from heat and stir in peppermint extract. 5. Gently fold in Rice Krispies cereal Ingredients: until mixture is evenly coated. • 1/4 cup salted butter 6. Pour mixture into buttered baking • 1 (10.5 ounces) package miniature dish, and with a greased spatula marshmallows evenly spread and gently press • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract mixture into pan, set aside. • 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal 7. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave • 1 3/4 cups white chocolate chips or safe bowl on 50% power in 30 milk chocolate chips second intervals until melted and • 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candy smooth, stirring after each interval. canes 8. Evenly spread melted chocolate Directions: over Peppermint Rice Krispies 1. Butter a 13" x 9" baking dish, set aside. Treats. Sprinkle with crushed candy 2. Melt butter over low heat in a large canes. non-stick saucepan. 9. Cover dish with plastic wrap and 3. Add marshmallows and stir allow chocolate to harden in constantly, until all of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before marshmallows have melted. cutting into squares.
COCONUT RUM BALLS
www.thewickednoodle.com
Ingredients: • 1 11-ounce box vanilla wafers (or chocolate cookie wafers) • 2 cups pecans • 3/4 cup powdered sugar • 1/4 cup high-quality cocoa • 1/2 cup dark coconut rum • 3 tablespoon light corn syrup • 1 cup flaked coconut, for rolling Directions: 1. Put the flaked coconut in a food processor and process until it's fine. Set the coconut aside in a shallow dish for rolling later. 2. Place the wafers and nuts in the food processor (no need to clean it out first). Process until they're the size of large crumbs. 3. Pour the wafer/nut mixture into a large bowl and add the powdered sugar and cocoa. Stir to combine. 4. Add the corn syrup and rum, stir to combine. You may have to get in there with your hands to make sure it's evenly combined. 5. Using your hands and a small cookie scoop, roll the mixture into balls (a tablespoon or so each, although you can make them any size you like). Roll each ball in the reserved coconut. 6. Store in an air-tight container and give them at least one day for the flavors to develop, preferably 2-3 days if possible. CityViewNC.com | 41
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!
DEC. 1-21
Holiday Lights in the Garden Cape Fear Botanical Garden 536 N. Eastern Blvd. capefearbg.org
DEC. 1-3
The Nutcracker Dance Theatre of Fayetteville Huff Concert Hall 5400 Ramsey St. dancetheatreoffayetteville.org
DEC. 2-17
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Cape Fear Regional Theatre 1209 Hay St. cfrt.org
DEC. 2
Christmas at Rick’s Place Rick’s Place 5572 Shenandoah Drive rhfnow.org
DEC. 3
Holiday Jubilee Concert at the 1897 Poe House Museum of the Cape Fear 801 Arsenal Ave. museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov
DEC. 3-7, 10-14, 17-21
Christmas in the Park Arnette Park 2165 Wilmington Highway fcpr.us
DEC. 9
Holiday Pops: A collaboration with Cumberland Choral Arts Seabrook Auditorium 1200 Murchison Rd. fayettevillesymphony.org
DEC. 9
Fayetteville Rotary Christmas Parade Downtown Fayetteville Hay Street rotarychristmasparade.com
42 December 2023
DEC. 9
ROOTed in Excellence Gala 651 Country Club Drive eventbrite.com
DEC. 9, 23
Latin Fusion Night The Church Entertainment Lounge 2606 Raeford Rd. paddysirishpub.com
DEC. 10
Holiday Wreath Making with Thistle and Moon The Village Wine Shop 108 N. Poplar St. Aberdeen, N.C. eventbrite.com
DEC. 13
Ornament Painting Class New Growth Cafe 346 H. M. Cagle Drive Cameron, N.C. eventbrite.com
DEC. 14, 28
Comedy and Cocktails The Church Entertainment Lounge 2606 Raeford Rd. paddysirishpub.com
DEC. 16
A HomeFront Holiday 420 Glensford Drive cityviewnc.com/homefront
DEC. 30
Fayetteville Marksmen vs. Knoxville Ice Bears Wizardry Night Crown Coliseum Complex 1960 Coliseum Drive crowncomplexnc.com
DEC. 31
Night Circus: A District New Year’s Eve Spectacular Festival Park visitdowntownfayetteville.com
FREE PHOTOS WITH SANTA!
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TURES FOR A E F 20 W 2 E
T h e G ri n c h
Sponsored By: Cape Fear Valley Health, Bobcat of Fayetteville, Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford & Fayetteville, PWC, LaFayette Ford, Caviness & Cates, Warren Insurance Co., DK Taylor Oil Company, Olde Fayetteville Insurance, Webb Carpet Co.
Pre-purchased tickets required. Buy at capefearbg.org or scan here. Cape Fear Botanical Garden 536 N. Eastern Blvd CityViewNC.com Fayetteville, NC | 43
SEEN @ THE SCENE
Power of Giving Awards PHOTOS BY TONY WOOTEN
CityView's Power of Giving Community Impact Awards Luncheon, presented by PWC, was held on Nov. 14 at Segra Stadium.
Stacy Buckner and Carl Pringle Jr.
Bill Horner III and Magda Bagget
Carl Pringle Jr.
44 December 2023
Scott Cameron
Bill Horner III and Stacey Buckner
>> FIND MORE EVENT PHOTOS AT CITYVIEWNC.COM
Kyle Villemain from The Assembly, a statewide outlet focused on in-depth reporting
Stacey Buckner, Carl Pringle Jr., Magda Baggett and Scott Cameron CityViewNC.com | 45
>> FIND MORE EVENT PHOTOS AT CITYVIEWNC.COM
SEEN @ THE SCENE
Red Apple Run PHOTOS BY SABREENA CZARNECKI
The 2023 Red Apple Run for Diabetes, supporting Better Health, was held on Nov. 18 at Carvers Creek State Park.
Jenna Kronick, Jeanne Mousseau, Heidi Peterson, Kendra Valadez, Tara Ford, Kellyn David, Catalina Orrego, Sanniya Nanda and Morgan Gentry
Chris, Chase and Micheila Cabrero
Ben Burt, Edward Samuelian, Jeff Baker, Vic Cannon and Edward Mercer Antwan Rogers and Fran Williams
Adina Kaharsu, Steve Perez, Jacquie Perez and Jennifer Horne
46 December 2023
Kananie Hickson, Matikia Russell and Kayla Jenkins
In Stock Now 3421 Murchison Rd. Ste. N, Fayetteville, NC 28311 910-488-3090
SEE YOURSELF IN CITYVIEW! coming soon!
Make your 2024 advertising plans now. CityView will be offering these valuable extras in the upcoming months: The 2024 Medical Directory will be distributed in January. The 2024-2025 Public, Private and Charter School Directory will be inserted in the January issue of CityView. Don’t miss your chance to lock in next year’s ads at this year’s rates!
For advertising information call 910-423-6500 or email sales@cityviewnc.com CityViewNC.com | 47
CHRISTMAS TOUR
Over 70 Years of Homebuilding Excellence
Two Neighborhoods, Ten Homes
FAIRFIELD FARMS 633 W. Summerchase Dr
home &
TURNBERRY
Across from the new Aquatic Center
When Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5-7 PM Friday, Dec. 1 from 5-7 PM Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 AM - 5 PM Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5-7 PM Friday, Dec. 8 from 5-7 PM Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 AM - 5 PM 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.
Where
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.
and directions.
Main Phone: 910-978-8086 48 December 2023
Scan for information
Main Email: DavidRayEvans@gmail.com
901 Arsenal Ave. Fayetteville, NC
Where Your Children Come First
www.kidsfirstpedsraeford.com Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford and Fayetteville has created a professional and caring medical environment for infants, children, adolescents and their families. We provide complete pediatric and adolescent care.
Pediatric Services We Provide
Check Ups, Sick Child Visits & More in Raeford and Fayetteville • Well Child Visits
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Breastfeeding Support
• Sick Child Visits
• Vaccines & Immunizations
• Urinalysis
• Vaccine & Immunization Schedule
• Cerebral Palsy Treatment
• Strep and Mono Screen
• 2020-2021 Guide to the Flu
• ADHD Testing & Treatment
• Vision and Hearing Tests
• School, Sports, & Camp Physicals
• Asthma Symptoms & Treatment
Jose Buenaseda, MD, FAAP Leamor Buenaseda, MD, FAAP Sreelekha Sashidhar, MD, FAAP Christine Arnold, CPNP-PC Amy Miller, PA-C Melanie Pitts, DNP, NP-C Danielle Trigg, CPNP-PC Cinthia Follrod, CPNP-PC Meaghan Hodges, CPNP-PC Rachelle Olson, FNPC
4005 Fayetteville Road Raeford, NC 28376 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2035 Valleygate Dr., Suite 101 Fayetteville, NC 28304 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6415 Brookstone Lane, Suite 101 Fayetteville, NC 28314 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
910.848.KIDS (5437)
910.677.0007
910.306.KIDS (5437)
Brookstone office only 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturdays for sick/urgent appointments, established patients only.
& living a new life! – Mara, Gastric Sleeve Patient
As a truck driver, life on the road took a toll on Mara. Sitting for long periods of time and being addicted to food had her needing to make some serious life changes. In August 2023, she underwent a vertical sleeve gastrectomy (or VSG), which limits the amount of food you can eat to help lose weight. Since the surgery, she has lost more than 50 pounds and continues to feel better each day. “My unhealthy habits were all that I knew. They ran deep!” Conyers said, “But I literally feel like I’m living a new life.” From gastric sleeve to bypass surgery and beyond, Cape Fear Valley’s bariatric team is here to walk you through your weight loss journey.
Your health, our specialty. Learn more: capefearvalley.com/bariatric (910) 615-BARI(2274)