CityView October 2024 by CityView Magazine

Artist Mathew McDonald wears a vintage diving helmet he made for Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s 2023 production of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."

Irene Vasko, MD

12 From humble beginnings

Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County reminisces on its history as it celebrated its 50 th anniversary this year

18 Magical props

Theater props — and costumes — at local theatre companies spark imagination and transform productions through the efforts of its creators

30 Saved by poetry

How a retired soldier has amplified the slam poetry scene in Fayetteville one rhyme at a time

36 Early breast cancer detection

How Cape Fear Valley’s Breast Care Center, faith, and family got one local teacher through her breast cancer journey

Mathew McDonald shared his vision of installing LEDs inside the helmet he designed for the Sweet Tea Shakespeare Theater’s production of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” to help highlight an actor’s face when on stage.

COVER PHOTO BY TONY WOOTEN

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Publisher Kyle Villemain

Magazine Editor Valeria Cloës

Editorial Assistant Maydha Devarajan

Intern Trey Nemec

Director of Operation & Sales Talmadge Rogers

Administration & Operations Coordinator Caitlin Malson

Social Media Manager Raven Scott

Sales Team Leader

Dawn Denham

Sales Executive Arianna Bannerman

Photographers

Oriana Evans

Tony Wooten

Contributing

Writers

Jaylin Kremer

Gary Mangum

Jami McLaughlin

Claire Mullen

Diane Parfitt

Teri Saylor

Allison Underwood

Mary Zahran

Graphic Designer

Annette Winter

Distribution

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Behind the scenes of Fayetteville’s arts and culture community

BY VALERIA CLOËS

As a former choir kid with a college music minor, arts and culture has a special place in my heart And I feel particularly grateful to find myself in a place where it is the backbone of our community

Fayetteville is known for its prominent arts scene and distinct cultural fabric . In this “Arts & Culture” magazine edition, we bring to the forefront those who laid the foundation for local arts, who pioneered new traditions, and who continue to enhance local arts through magical craftsmanship

The Arts Council celebrated its 50th anniversary earlier this year; one of the features in this issue recounts the nonprofit’s history, paying homage to the individuals who started the organization and continue to carry out its legacy today

LeJuane Bowens and his Detour Slam Team have established a thriving slam poetry community We dive into what poetry means to LeJuane and how his — and other local poetry greats’ — efforts to pass along its influence resulted in the creation of the Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Festival, hosted right here in Fayetteville

Finally, for this magazine’s cover story, we put the spotlight on the often-untold stories of those who find themselves backstage during theater productions: prop makers and costume designers Alongside actors and the other elements of a production, the props and costumes worn by performers tie the shows together, helping suspend an audience’s disbelief We invite them center stage to give them their flowers and a standing ovation

This month is also Breast Cancer Awareness month, and Cape Fear Valley Health brings us a sponsored feature about the importance of regular screenings and early detection . One survivor shares her story of how early detection saved her life

Our columnists this month share their thoughts and experiences on arts and culture: the art of writing letters, the preference for a less spooky “spooky season,” the preparations and expectations about cultural shifts during PCS season, and the top seven poetry picks for this month .

Are you eager for this month’s selection of events? We’ve compiled a list of 19 fun-filled activities to enjoy in our To-Do List Of note, we have our annual signature Food, Wine & ART event, presented by Cape Fear Valley Health, on Oct . 10 at Cape Fear Botanical Garden Scan the QR code to buy tickets

We also attended the Symphony on Tap event last month . Did you? If so, you may be in this magazine issue . Flip to page 46 to find out!

As always, we hope you enjoy this issue and the beautiful visuals captured by Tony Wooten . And don’t hesitate to email me a story pitch if you have any suggestions for stories to include in our monthly magazine

Thank you for reading!

Valeria Cloës Magazine Editor vcloes@cityviewnc com

LeJuane Bowens hopes members of Detour Slam Team use it as a stepping stone to further their futures, while also growing emotionally and artistically. Photo by Tony Wooten

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SOMEDAY YOU’LL THANK ME

The lost art of letter writing

BY MARY ZAHRAN

I will always remember my 4th grade teacher, Mrs Privet, for two reasons: She introduced me to “Mr Popper’s Penguins,” which became one of my favorite children’s books, and she taught me the art of letter writing

I learned this skill long before emails and texts became the preferred method of communication . I already had enough difficulty learning how to put pen to paper to convey my feelings and didn’t need the added challenge of navigating the world of technology — that would come much later

Mrs Privet had very high standards and was a stickler for spelling and grammar . There was no spell check, so we had to consult the dictionary to make sure every word was spelled correctly Mrs Privet would stroll around the classroom, periodically stopping to read someone’s letter . Sometimes, I would look up from my paper to see a room full of children who seemed as nervous as I was about disappointing our teacher .

Mrs Privet taught us not only the grammatical aspects of letter writing but also the importance of diction and tone Unless you were sending a birthday greeting to someone you knew pretty well, you should never crack a joke or use sarcasm Letter writing was a serious business that required good manners .

It is a good thing Mrs Privet is no longer with us Just one glance at the informal, often disrespectful and vulgar exchanges that now pass as acceptable discourse, and Mrs Privet would keel over and have to be revived with smelling salts

I was in high school when I discovered the true value of knowing how to write letters When I graduated, I received several gifts from friends and family members After purchasing my first box of thank you notes, I sat down and began writing letters thanking people for their generosity and promising to stay in touch when I went off to college

If all of my letters sounded alike, there was a good reason One of my friends had been advised by her mother to create a template for thank you notes so she wouldn’t exhaust herself trying to come up with individualized messages for each person Since my friend’s mother had always seemed to be an extremely organized and efficient person, I followed her advice .

The template method I employed in high school served me well when I got married Instead of having to write a dozen or so thank you notes, I had to write more than a hundred While each card had the same expression of gratitude, I was careful to identify the specific gift each person had given me . Mrs . Privet would be proud of my attention to detail

The art of letter writing has been so important to me that it was one of the first things I taught my daughters . At an early age, they were both able to write thank you notes for birthday and Christmas presents, and learned how to write letters to Santa to share their wish list . For several years, I would find these lists underneath the Christmas tree and store them away I still look at them occasionally, grateful for the chance to read them and to hold a piece of their childhood in my hands

I also enjoy reading letters from my aunt, who suffered from arthritis in her later years Although she could no longer write with a pen or pencil because of her medical condition, she would type messages thanking me for gifts . It occurred to me one day after reading one of her letters that she had found a way to continue corresponding despite her infirmity I had always thought of letter writing as a pen-and-paper endeavor, but my aunt proved me wrong She was so determined to stay in touch that she redefined the whole process

I am not so averse to modern technology that I am blind to the benefits of communicating through emails and texts There are, however, times when the proper method of corresponding requires putting pen to paper . When you offer your condolences, your congratulations, or your wishes for a happy birthday in your own words, you are reminded of the true value of letter writing You will be glad you took the time to write a personal note, and your friend will be glad to be remembered in this way After all, it is what Mrs Privet would want you to do

Mary Zahran, who still misses her aunt, can be reached at maryzahran@gmail .com .

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Halloween for Hallo -weenies

BY CLAIRE MULLEN

Why anyone likes to be scared on purpose is beyond me This time of year, while many of you truly embrace “spooky season” with your haunted houses, horror movies, and terrifyingly realistic Freddy Krueger costumes, I am perfectly content to enjoy my happy little PG version of Halloween

I’ve had an overactive imagination for as long as I can remember, and if you’re like me and suffer from this same affliction, you know that we live life a little heavy on the fear .

When the still of the night is interrupted by the sounds of shards of glass hitting the hardwood as an ax murderer shatters our window, we are too busy springing up to wield the baseball bat that’s kept hidden under the bed for occasions like this to stop and realize that it might actually just be a few perfectly harmless cubes dropping from the icemaker into the empty bin

Or the innocuous robot vacuum, making its way across the living room, just as it has been programmed to do every evening, terrifying us nonetheless Things that go bump in the night send our anxious minds into overdrive, even if those things are household appliances .

We avoid anything that jumps at us unexpectedly like the plague Just imagine what a surprise encounter with a chainsaw-revving, Jason mask-clad employee stepping from behind tall corn, stalking into our path in pitch dark would do to us if the “cute” little green tree frogs that hide in our planters and leap forth with wild abandon at the exact moment we bend down to water it nearly send us into cardiac arrest “Path of Panic,” “Field of Fear,” “Trail of Terror” — call them what you will, those after-dark corn mazes are going to be a hard pass for us wimps

And as for you who adorn your homes with those straight-from-you-know-where, motion-activated Halloween decorations that pop up at unassuming trickor-treaters, please forgive me if I karate chop the spider that drops down from your crepe myrtle or ninja kick the witch that springs from behind your mums It’s reflexive and I simply cannot help it

And maybe it’s because I’m still working through childhood trauma induced by the flying monkeys from “The Wizard of Oz,” or the time that my mom let me watch “Cujo” (and spent the rest of the night carrying

our 9-week-old Jack Russell terrier around wearing oven mitts), but I’ll also be sparing myself from sleepless nights and skipping any movie scarier than “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown ”

I viewed “Jaws” enough times in my youth to forever steer clear of the ocean after dusk It took one time of watching “The Shining” to automatically hear Jack Nicholson’s voice in my head and get shivers down my spine anytime I encounter someone named Johnny

One screening of “The Exorcist” at a birthday party sleepover in middle school was enough to make me say a fervent prayer over my infant daughter every time she spit up . Heck, I’ve never even seen “It,” and still know to put a good football-field distance between myself and any sewer grate

It’s safe to say that every horror movie I’ve ever seen has scarred me for life Thus, I will be scrolling right past all the “Scream” movies on Netflix this Halloween and opting instead for something that’s right on my level of “scary .” It’ll be a tough call between “Casper the Friendly Ghost” and “Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween,” and I’ll still watch with all the lights on .

We should also address modern-day Halloween costumes What happened to the days when the scariest thing on the street on Oct . 31 was a kid draped in his mama’s white bed sheet with cutout holes for his eyes?

Eventgoer wears a Leatherface, Texas Chainsaw Massacre costume at the 2017 Zombie Walk on Hay Street. CityView photo by Matthew Wonderly

Nowadays, one trip to Spirit Halloween is enough to send someone like me to the grave that all the characters depicted on the costume packages apparently arose from For the sake of my own nerves, I’ve had to set firm costumeselection ground rules for my 7- and 10-year-olds: nothing that involves blood, monsters, ghouls, goblins (or anything otherwise undead), lethal weapons (real or fake), red glowing eyes, green glowing eyes, yellow glowing eyes, orange glowing eyes, red-headed dolls in overalls, killer clowns (or any clowns for that matter), and really anything that would generally qualify as scary whatsoever .

My kids whined that that just left costumes that are “cute,” and that they’re too old to be “cute,” and scoffed at my suggestions of perfectly great, coordinated get-ups I truly don’t understand why they would prefer “walking dead zombie cheerleader” and “demented grim reaper of doom” to Albert Einstein and Marie Curie or Gandhi and Mother Teresa After all, the only thing more frightening than the real, on-screen Ghostface, Chucky, Michael Myers, or any one of the infamous horror protagonists is dozens of miniature versions hyped up on sugar running amok through your typically peaceful neighborhood under the cover of darkness on the spookiest day of the year

I hope you brave (and maybe a little twisted) folks who delight in these sorts of things have a terrifyingly terrific time on All Hallows Eve I just have one request: please approach us Hallo-weenies with an abundance of caution We tend to scare a little easy

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From humble beginnings

Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County reminisces on its history as it celebrated its 50th anniversary this year.

BY GARY MANGUM | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY WOOTEN

TThe Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County had modest beginnings, starting with one employee: Marvin Weaver

In May of 1974, Marvin, the first executive director appointed by the state, and three volunteers put together the first Sunday on the Square as a way to raise funds to pay for Marvin’s salary and other necessities, according to the group’s website that showcases its 50th anniversary .

That first Sunday on the Square featured performances from 38 different groups Thousands attended and the Arts Council collected $3,592 . 47 in proceeds .

The Junior Service League of Fayetteville also provided a $3,000 grant to establish the Fayetteville Arts Council, Carolyn Cone Weaver said, who eventually became a staff member and served as the second executive director from 1977 to 1989

Fast forward to this summer, when the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County held its 50th anniversary celebration on June 6 According to its anniversary website, “now the Arts Council boasts over 30 board and staff members and gives away over $1 25 million in grants to artists, nonprofits, and municipalities ”

More than 200 guests attended the anniversary celebration

“I was absolutely amazed that the Arts Council is still there after 50 years,” said Carolyn, 87, who lives in Durham and is not related to Marvin Weaver . “It’s far, far beyond anything that we had ever envisioned ”

The Arts Council today

During that 50th anniversary celebration, Arts Council President and CEO Robert "Bob" Pinson announced “the founding of Arts XL, the Arts Council’s first Art Accelerator, and the addition of a secondary building,” according to the

website, that features “office and performing spaces for local arts organizations ” It will provide a space in the area for “organizations such as Sweet Tea Shakespeare and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra [to] have an affordable space to work, practice, and perform downtown . ”

Another goal for the organization as it looks to the next 50 years, Bob said, is to continue reaching out to the community with grant programs .

Bob, 73, has been with the Arts Council since 2011 He served as interim director beginning in May 2020 before becoming the full-time CEO in May 2023, and oversees a yearly budget of $2 9 million

“I love this job,” said Bob, the seventh executive director and CEO of the Arts Council . “What attracts me and what still attracts me is the things we do are making positive differences in the lives of the people in this community I can’t change the world, but I can change the world that I touch ”

Bob said the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County also serves four other counties — Hoke, Robeson, Scotland, and Sampson

One major program still going strong is the Artists in Schools initiative

The program, established in the 1970s, has been around for 48 years “Over the past year, the Arts Council has paid 488 artists to teach in Cumberland County Schools,” according to the anniversary website .

“That’s a program where we fund and put artists in the school system,” Bob said “The importance of that program is that studies show that if you engage students with art, they’re going to show up ”

Another big event for the Arts Council was September’s 46th annual International Folk Festival, the oldest festival in Fayetteville that the Arts Council took over in 2000

Robert Pinson, CEO of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County, shares the history of the vault used when the building was a post office.

The beginning and the move downtown Marvin Weaver is now 80 and retired in Granby, Massachusetts He is a former instructor of English and creative writing at UNC Greensboro

While Sunday on the Square no longer exists (it ran from 1974 to around 1994, Bob said), Marvin remembers it, and the Art Council’s beginnings, fondly

“I was a known commodity to [the North Carolina Arts Council] and I wasn’t interested in going back to teaching,” Marvin said . “So, I go in there and get this Sunday on the Square off the ground and it was one way to introduce the Arts Council to the community and to invite the community in My job was promotion, fundraising, and collaboration . ” Marvin said community leaders got behind the Arts

From left to right: Davira Taragin, Carolyn Carlson, Marvin Weaver, and Teresa Wyler pose for a photo in the 1970s.

Photo by Steve Aldridge for Spectra Magazine, contributed by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County

A crowd watched children participate in the May 1974 Sunday on the Square event. Photo by Steve Aldridge for Spectra Magazine, contributed by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County

Council Marvin also reached out to the military . He reached out to some owners of topless bars on Hay Street, too

“They were some of our biggest supporters,” he said

Marvin recalls an instance when longtime North Carolina Arts Council executive director Mary Regan was in Fayetteville to meet with Arts Council community members from around the state .

“I asked a local strip club owner, who contributed generously to Sunday on the Square, if she could give us a space to meet at her club, which wasn’t active earlier in the day,” said Marvin, who couldn’t recall the name of the owner or the establishment “The owner even had one of her performers dance briefly on our table Were they not part of the local art scene and economy? Mary loved it . ”

Marvin recalls being struck by the fact that the businesses were “great supporters of the arts” in their own way

“Not only do they take care with their funds but they actually volunteer to do stuff,” he said

During that first year, Marvin and his family “lived in the old parsonage for Hay Street [United] Methodist Church, and the pastor’s office was the Arts Council’s first home,” according to a report that Carolyn Cone Weaver wrote in 2007 about her tenure at the Arts Council from 1974 to 1989 .

“It was just me and some part-time assistants,” Marvin said

He developed a magazine called Spectra that was used to introduce each of the art institutions in town, Marvin said

Spectra Magazine was how Carolyn got on board

She read an article that ran in the local newspaper about Marvin being hired as executive director “of this new organization that nobody had ever heard of, and they were looking for volunteers to help,” she said “He needed somebody to write articles, stories, and [to] edit . So, I volunteered, not knowing what it would lead to It

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turned out to be one of the best articles I’ve ever read in my life It was a huge life changer for me ”

Carolyn said she was hired as the second staff person in 1975

The Arts Council later “moved to the lower level of the law offices of McCoy Weaver Wiggins Cleveland and Raper” law firm “on Maiden Lane,” according to Carolyn’s report L Stacy Weaver, one of the partners, served as the Arts Council’s first board president, according to the Fayetteville Observer

In 1976, the Arts Council moved to the restored Arsenal House on Myrover Street, Carolyn said in her report

“The Arsenal House had lots of charm but wasn’t very practical,” she wrote “We squeezed every ounce of use out of every square inch of space The tiny bathroom was used for its initial function, but in addition, the bathtub served as storage for supplies and files We were very creative ”

Marvin Weaver left the Arts Council after four years

“The leadership in the community really embraced us,” he said “They highlighted what we did well And what we were doing to make it a more welcoming place for the arts and artists . ”

He recommended Carolyn as his successor

“I worked very, very closely with Marvin and we were a real good solid team and we were learning together about what the Arts Council could be doing and should be doing,” she said “The board members and volunteers provided the guidance that we needed, and we provided the backbone . I followed up with a lot of the things that he started ”

Carolyn was in charge in 1985, the year that current director Bob Pinson said he considers as the organization’s turning point

“The Arts Council started getting a little bit larger,” Bob said “So, in the 1985-86 time frame, they started working on a plan because they said if we were ever going to really grow we need to be downtown We need to have a foothold in the downtown ”

Carolyn said in her paper, “the Arts Council then approached the city about adaptive reuse of the Hay Street Frances Brooks Stein [Memorial] Library building, which was being vacated in 1986, when a new library opened on Maiden Lane ”

“So, in 1985, they got together, convinced the city that the Arts Council would be the best fit for the building, and fundraised a million dollars to renovate this building,”

Bob said “That’s what has anchored us moving forward ”

The refurbished building had its opening in February 1988, Carolyn wrote .

Avoiding a crisis

The longest-serving leader of the Arts Council was Deborah Mintz, who served from 2000-2019 after joining the organization in 1994

Deborah, 69, was the associate director, and when her predecessor Libby Seymour left, she was appointed interim director

“I enjoyed what I was doing,” she said . “But then, as I was interim director just basically holding things in the

Individuals participate in the Sunday on the Square event in May 1974. Photo by Steve Aldridge for Spectra Magazine, contributed by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County

road, there were some real funding issues that came about ”

State funding for arts had changed, she said

“The City of Fayetteville was told by the city manager that we were not going to receive our fourth-quarter money and allocation and that the arts would be zeroed out on July 1, and this was, like, in March,” she said .

Deborah said the board came to her and said it needed to hire a full-time director to get them through the funding crisis .

“So, I told them I would do it for two years,” she said She called Fayetteville City Manager Roger Stancil, Deborah said, and asked him if he could talk to board members

“He and the City Council, county commissioners, the chamber of commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, we came together to find stable funding for arts and culture in Cumberland County,” Deborah said Deborah lasted as executive director/CEO far longer than two years

“I’m so glad for all the incredible people who worked so hard to make all of it work,” she said . “It was my privilege to be that pivot point, that place that would help to bring them together, to help move it forward, but they’re [the community leaders] really the ones who did it ”

A look ahead

Today’s director Bob Pinson said the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County has come full circle

“We started out as an organization ourselves that went looking for grant money to get going,” Bob said “We did not have money to pay for a director, so we were having to go out and fundraise because we wanted to be able to at least pay for somebody to come in every day and be able to answer the phones and be able to push the organization forward ”

He said the Junior League actually gave the Arts Council its first $3,000 grant “because they saw some potential of what we could do,” Bob said, “which is exactly where we are today ourselves, which is so ironic .

“That’s what we do We try to use our grant programs to go out and grow programs, grow individual artists ”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gary Mangum is a journalist who has worked professionally for 44 years He has been retired since 2021 and has been providing features for CityView Magazine since 2023

The Arts Council celebrated 50 years of serving the community with a tour of their current Hay Street location on Aug. 12, 2024.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Arts Council displays banners outside its building.

Magical props

Theater props — and costumes — at local theatre companies spark imagination and transform productions through the efforts of its creators.

BY TERI SAYLOR | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY WOOTEN

“I thought the actor used the helmet excellently Thanks to the lighting, you could see his face illuminated inside the helmet and it did exactly what it needed to do ”

– Mathew McDonald, prop designer

Prop designer Mathew McDonald sits outside Fayetteville State University's Butler Theater with the helmet he designed for the Sweet Tea Shakespeare Theater's production of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."

AA night at the theater has the power to conjure up a special kind of enchantment, changing adults into children and children into true believers

Using the right props and costumes, theater productions can send audiences on spellbinding journeys to new places in time or around the world

With its production of “Cinderella,” Cape Fear Regional Theatre brought its own brand of magic to the local stage last February “Cinderella” is a beloved tale of transformation, the story of an abused young girl who encounters a magical fairy godmother who transports her to a glamorous ball in a carriage made from a pumpkin

Backstage is David Louder, the costume shop manager and the genius behind Cape Fear Regional Theatre’s interpretation of the fairy godmother’s magic spell But instead of a wand, David wields a mighty sewing machine, and using snaps, Velcro, and magnets, he constructed an enchanting costume for Cinderella that transforms from a mundane pink house dress into a golden ball gown right on stage

“I basically combined two dresses into one, with a little pocket underneath to hide the ballgown,” he said

On a hot day last August, a mannequin was wearing the top half of Cinderella’s house dress in the Cape Fear Regional Theatre offices on Hay Street

David grew up in Maryland and was educated at the Savannah College of Art and Design

“My interest in costuming was sparked years ago in high school when a friend asked me to help him make a ‘Star Wars’ costume,” he said

With his mother’s help, he learned how to use a sewing machine and discovered a love for making fashion . Then came theater costumes

“My high school theater department tapped me at one point to help reimagine the show ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ and that’s when I knew I wanted to work in theater,” he said

Over the years, David has created thousands of costumes . Many of them hang on racks, organized according to periods in time for easy access

“There’s also a wall full of hats, and a wall full of shoes,”

Mary Kate said . “It’s really fascinating ”

On stage, miracles can happen at the intersection of props and costumes

Just ask Jeremy Fiebig, founder and director of mission for the Sweet Tea Shakespeare production company and professor of theater and directing at Fayetteville State University

Last year, Jeremy commissioned Mathew McDonald to craft a vintage diving helmet for Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s production of “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” with an

My high school theater department tapped me at one point to help reimagine the show ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ and that’s when I knew I wanted to work in theater .

– David Louder, costume shop manager at Cape Fear Regional Theatre

Artistic director Mary Kate Burke helped David demonstrate how a little stage magic goes a long way With Mary Kate anchoring the mannequin, David grabbed the bodice, gave it a tug, and opened it to unfurl Cinderella’s golden ball gown, its skirt cascading to the floor

On stage, Cinderella spins in a circle as she pulls open her bodice to release the gown, and from the audience’s point of view, the transformation is seamless

It’s not as easy as it looks It never is

“Making the magic happen involved a lot of research and trial and error,” Mary Kate said

To stage the show, the theater brought in Emily White, a New York City-based costume designer who worked closely with David to research how transformational costumes work, what to expect when constructing them, and how the actors incorporate them into crucial scenes

The pair created two gowns for the show .

“One of the first things I had to learn was how to hide the ball gown underneath the house dress so the audience wouldn’t see it,” David said . “At the same time, it couldn’t be too bulky because we didn’t want it to look like she was wearing a pool floaty underneath her dress ”

underwater scene featuring a spearfishing diver .

To transport his audience back to the 19th century when Jules Verne penned the classic tale, Jeremy needed convincing props and a perfect venue

“We selected the Fayetteville Pie Company (now Friends Table) as the setting,” Jeremy said “Its two-level structure and exposed metal and wrought iron decor provided the nautical look and old-ship ambiance that we needed ”

Jeremy founded Sweet Tea Shakespeare about 12 years ago

“We produce plays year-round, and they are usually small Shakespearean productions,” he said “We bounce around town, popping up in breweries and restaurants, church halls or outdoors in gardens, and other public spaces ”

In addition to Shakespeare, the company performs adaptations of classic works like “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ” Last month, the theater company staged Homer’s “The Odyssey . ”

Mathew, who works as an electrician, describes himself as an artist and a “maker,” a member of a culture devoted to creativity and innovation . He grew up in Fayetteville and recently moved to Franklin, North Carolina, to pursue his love of the outdoors

David Louder, the costume shop manager for Cape Fear Regional Theatre, stitches a costume for an upcoming show.

Opposite top, Mathew shares how he adds finishing touches to the props he designs for stage productions in his workshop on Aug. 23, 2024.

Opposite left, Actress Mary Mattison Vallery, playing Cinderella in Cape Fear Regional Theatre's production of "Cinderella" in February 2024, twirls in her carefully tailored costume to transform into a different dress. Photo by Ashley Nicholl Owen, contributed by Cape Fear Regional Theatre

Opposite right, David stitches a costume for an upcoming show.

He was excited about the chance to craft a vintage diving helmet for “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and studied photos of vintage underwater helmets and viewed other helmets in real life Two things stood out

“The helmets were shiny and so heavy, an actor wearing them would not have been able to move around easily and it would have been impossible to use,” he said

He crafted a realistic helmet using lightweight EVA foam, the kind of material that makes up floor mats in gyms He rigged the helmet with LED lighting on the inside and used a 3D printer to make a battery box and some of the trim and fixtures

He knew he would have to make it appear realistic and put his imagination to work

“This is a diving helmet that has been on a ship for a long time It’s been exposed to the effects of salt water, and somebody’s probably dropped it a time or two,” he said

He colored the helmet a dull shade of copper and painted the trim in brass and silver . He used various shades of green and brown paint to craft the appearance of oxidation

The crowning touch was the LED lighting he installed, giving the helmet an eerie glow from the inside and allowing the audience to see the actor’s face inside

Mathew was pleased with the result .

“I thought the actor used the helmet excellently,” he said “Thanks

See it. Deliver on it.

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LEGAL PROFESSIONAL PROFILES

to the lighting, you could see his face illuminated inside the helmet and it did exactly what it needed to do ”

Props are a way to tell a story quickly and clearly and spark the audience’s imagination and help advance a story, Jeremy said

“I don’t think we could have had an underwater scene without Mathew’s helmet,” Jeremy said “It illustrated instantly that we were staging an underwater scene ”

When considering props, Jeremy banks on simplicity and relies on the audience’s own vision to fill any gaps

“I ask myself if I can get this done with a piece of fabric, two pieces of wood, and a little paint,” he says “And if it can’t be simple, it can still be beautiful, magical and catch us off guard, surprise us, and take our breath away ”

Sometimes props are a part of the script, Jeremy said And sometimes they are implied or interpreted They spark imagination, draw the audience in, and make them aware of circumstances and context

“For example, Hamlet carries a skull, one of the most famous props in the world, and the script calls for him to pick it up and talks to it,” he said “Implied props might be candles and torches, not mentioned in the script, but when the actors talk about the darkness before suddenly being able to see one another, they’ve signaled that they’ve lit a torch . ”

For Randy Burkhead, imagination is a gateway to props that surprise and delight audiences

On a late summer evening, Randy is at the Gilbert Theatre attending rehearsals for the September production of “Heathers: The Musical,” a dark comedy about a clique of high school girls with murder on their minds

She has put together a pretend bomb made up of authentic-looking red sticks of dynamite bound together, complete with fuses and a detonator, all of which she made using a 3D printer

“You can see these dynamite sticks have some ink bleed on them, and that makes them look real,” Randy said “I mean, I don’t really know what dynamite looks like, but this is what I imagine it would look like ”

She has also crafted firearms and blood packets for the show and says figuring out how to use them has been both challenging and fun

“I had found a couple of ideas for the blood packets, like sandwich bags filled with fake blood,” she said “I’ve also considered rigging up bubble wrap filled with blood so when the actor gets shot and puts his hand up to the wound, he pops the bags, and his hand comes away bloody ”

Randy has a doctorate in information technology and

Ashley Nicholl Owen, marketing director at Cape Fear Regional Theatre, sorts through costumes in the ladies' wardrobe at the theatre.

works in cybersecurity She is from Fayetteville but spent some time exploring new places after earning her degree She says she fell in love with theater in Fayetteville while performing in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Gilbert Theater in her youth

Randy moved to Illinois in 2020 and was volunteering with a horse therapy program for special needs kids when she discovered props and prop-making

“I started showing up at the ranch as characters like Bo-Katan Kryze from ‘Star Wars’ and Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and bringing props I made,” she said . “At the end of the year, I made medals and prizes for the kids and items the program directors could auction off to raise money ”

When she moved back to Fayetteville in 2022, she returned to the Gilbert Theater and started making props using 3D printers One memorable piece was a realisticlooking severed head for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show ”

“They were just going to use a Styrofoam head, and I knew I could just scan the actor’s face and make a model and print it,” she said . “So, we did that and were able to use a replica of his severed head with his face on it . ”

She recently collaborated with Sweet Tea Shakespeare to make a bow for its September production of “The Odyssey,” which tells the story of the journey of Odysseus, a Greek mythological hero with enough strength to string his heavy bow and win a contest to win back his wife, Penelope .

“I made the bow out of PVC pipe and leather wrapped around it and did the bridging and everything,” she said “I think it’s one of the coolest things I’ve made yet ”

But even the cleverest props can fall flat if they don’t work or if the actors don’t use them correctly So Randy had to show the actor playing Odysseus how to string the bow she made so it would curve enough to

Corporate & Continuing Education

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• Provides financial assistance for NC resident students who enroll in noncredit, short-term workforce training programs

• Scholarship covers tuition, books or other (which varies by class) not to exceed $750

• For important eligibility requirements, please visit www.faytechcc.edu/corporate-continuing-education/ scholarships/ftccforward/.

build the pressure and tension it needed to fire an arrow

And in “Cinderella,” a malfunctioning ball gown might have ruined the whole show

“Nothing would be worse than having a transformational costume that would not transform,” David said

During every fitting, the actress playing Cinderella transformed the two gowns over and over to monitor how well they worked One day, she and David spent almost an hour setting and resetting the dresses and releasing them while looking for problems and ways to make them open perfectly

“It took many attempts to really get them working consistently,” David said

Cinderella became such a hit, its run was extended for a few days .

“It was so much fun,” David said “I get a sense of pride every time something I work really hard on gets a few cheers and laughs ”

Randy gets her joy from simply finishing the props she makes

“You put in a lot of work and effort to have something you hope people appreciate,” she said “Whether it’s in

theater or a display piece, or something you wear just to make kids happy ”

When props are done well, they blend into the scenery, simply adding to the storyline without stealing the show

Randy compares them to her cybersecurity practice

“When I’m doing my job right, nobody knows it, but when something goes wrong, everybody knows,” she said

In a production like “Heathers: The Musical,” for instance, the props don’t make the show, but they can certainly break it

“If an actor comes out with a piece of paper labeled ‘bomb,’ people are not going to suspend their disbelief for that,” Randy said, “but if a prop maker is doing their job right, their work is almost unnoticeable, and supports what’s happening on stage and makes the show work .”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Props are readied backstage for quick access during performances at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre.

Teri Saylor is a freelance writer based in Raleigh

sea divers know pressure... but can they handle a bidding war?

Join us in celebrating the 200th anniversary of

Lafayette’s Farewell Tour

November 3, 2024, 3:00-5:30pm (only $20, but FREE if registered for ball) Hay Street United Methodist Church

Farewell Tour Ball with Dancemaster Charles Steplively of Virginia

March 4, 2025, 6:00-9:00pm

Cape Fear Botanical Garden

Farewell Dinner Theatre

March 5, 2025, 6:00-9:00pm Cape Fear Botanical Garden

For more information on how you can participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event, visit www.lafayettesociety.org.

Dancemaster Charles Steplively (center), with historical music group Syllabub, will be at the ball.

As the last surviving Major General of the American Revolution and a symbol of Liberty, Justice, and Equality around the world, everyone wanted to see Lafayette during his Farewell Tour of 1824-25. It is estimated that 2 out of every 3 Americans did!

Now Lafayette is back for the 200th anniversary of the Farewell Tour! Like the original tour, the celebration will last 13 months, covering more than 6000 miles and 250 cities. One of the PREMIER sites for the Celebration is Fayetteville, North Carolina, where you are invited to Party like it’s 1825!

Tuesday afternoon, March 4 – Lafayette arrives in a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry – his bodyguard 200 years ago!

Tuesday evening, March 4 – Dance Master Charles Steplively of Virginia and the historical musical group Syllabub will help you polish your dance moves at an authentic Regency Period costume ball. A truly magical experience!

Wednesday, March 5 – Explore Fayetteville’s 250-year history! See Lafayette’s carriage, the Liberty Point

Real Estate

Buying a home is a momentous occasion, whether it’s for a starter home, a dream home or something in between. The men and women featured here have extensive knowledge of our local market and have proven experience in helping guide you through the often-complicated process of finding and closing on a property. Or if you are in the market to sell, they can help you find the right buyer. Whether you are looking to buy or sell for your family, for investment purposes or for commercial use, these are your go-to experts!

CityView will be profiling faith and nonprofit leaders in its November issue. Call us at 910-423-6500 or email sales@cityviewnc.com to reserve your spot in this special promotional section.

CityView

Robert Bunnell

TOWNSEND REAL ESTATE

Robert Bunnell, a Texan at heart, served honorably in the Army for two decades. His journey led him to North Carolina, where the welcoming community and scenic Sandhills captured his heart, making Fayetteville his cherished home. Dedicated to people, he works with a committed team helping fellow community members find their dream homes.

Embracing a TIPS philosophy, Robert’s mission is clear:

• Talk: He builds relationships through active listening, understanding clients’ desires.

• Inform: Robert keeps clients informed throughout transactions, valuing timely information.

• Predictable: He pledges punctual, courteous, professional service for every customer.

• Sensitive: Recognizing the emotional nature of property deals, he ensures a smooth, compassionate experience.

As your real estate professional, he brings tenacity, diligence, encouragement, and care to your journey.

915-861-6811 | rbunnell.townsendrealestate.com

Soula Bantsolas

JNB PROPERTIES — COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Soula Bantsolas grew up in a military family in Fayetteville, North Carolina, attended the Westover schools, and earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from UNC-Chapel Hill. Her passion for helping people began with a career in the nonprofit industry and has evolved into helping people achieve their real estate goals.

Soula earned her N.C. Real Estate Broker License in 2021 and recently joined the real estate firm started by her father in 1999, JNB Commercial Properties. At JNB, she enjoys helping people buy and sell homes and also provides commercial real estate services, including sales, leasing, and property management. Known for her attentive client care, tenacious work ethic, and exceptional communication, Soula is dedicated to providing reliable, professional service throughout every transaction.

910-583-4483

911 Bragg Blvd. Fayetteville, NC 28301

jnbcommercial.com

Judy Capps

TOWNSEND REAL ESTATE

With over 20 years of dedicated service at Townsend Real Estate, Judy Capps is a seasoned professional in the Fayetteville real estate market. Growing up in the Fayetteville area and having relocated multiple times herself, Judy brings a personal touch and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with moving to a new city. Her extensive experience in marketing and selling homes throughout Fayetteville and its surrounding communities has earned her a reputation for excellence. Whether you’re looking to sell your property or find your dream forever home, Judy’s expertise and local knowledge make her the ideal partner in navigating your real estate journey.

910-988-3967

judycapps.com judycappsrealtor@yahoo.com

Carla Bullard Council

TOWNSEND REAL ESTATE

Carla Council, a Fayetteville native, has built her career around an abundance of knowledge about Fayetteville and on principles instilled by her parents: hard work and exceptional customer service, Carla’s business is fueled by referrals from satisfied clients, friends, and family, a testament to her dedication and commitment. She joined Townsend Real Estate in 2007, leveraging her nearly 17 years of experience working with a real estate attorney’s office. Her comprehensive understanding of all facets of real estate transactions, coupled with Townsend’s training and support, empowers her to provide top-notch service to her clients consistently.

Fayetteville, NC 28305

Robert & Cheryl Thomas

ABOVE PAR REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, LLC

TOWNSEND REAL ESTATE

Meet Robert and Cheryl Thomas, a dedicated duo guiding clients through real estate journeys with compassion and expertise. Robert, a Fayetteville native and US Navy veteran, spent 30 years in the Fayetteville Fire Department. Cheryl, rooted in Cumberland County, boasts 18 years of real estate experience.

Robert, leveraging his military background, eases clients through military moves with reliability and integrity. Cheryl’s hometown knowledge helps match clients with ideal neighborhoods. As a wife of a Navy veteran, she understands long-distance moves, offering unwavering support.

Together, their commitment to service ensures a stress-free real estate experience in the community they proudly call home. Trust Robert and Cheryl as your dedicated Realtors.

910-977-0640 | realtorrob64@gmail.com 910-977-9641 | cherylthomasrealtor@gmail.com

Grant-Murray Real Estate

Established in January 2011 by brokers Patrick Murray and Neil Grant, Grant-Murray Real Estate LLC is a full-service commercial real estate firm serving the Fayetteville, North Carolina, Metropolitan Statistical Area and surrounding counties. GMRE offers services including brokerage for buyers and sellers, leasing, property management, tenant representation, and site selection. With a team of 12 agents in its commercial brokerage division, GMRE leads the market with the highest number of agents, listings, and closed transactions. The firm’s strong commercial property management division is led by James Sherrill, and in 2018, GMRE expanded to include a residential brokerage division, now overseen by Gary Futch.

910-829-1617

150 N. McPherson Church Road, Suite A Fayetteville, NC 28303 grantmurrayre.com

Patrick Murray, CCIM, SIOR, has completed over $100 million in transactions and is actively involved in industry organizations, including the International Council of Shopping Centers and the North Carolina Realtor Association. Neil, co-founder and principal broker, leverages his deep local market knowledge to manage investments, acquisitions, and commercial property sales. Gary, a Methodist University graduate, specializes in retail, land development, multifamily properties, and shopping centers, and owns a residential brokerage and a mortgage company. James leads GMRE’s property management division, focusing on protecting investments and maximizing returns. This team delivers comprehensive real estate services, making GMRE a trusted choice in Fayetteville.

Patrick Murray, Neil Grant, James Sherrill, and Gary Futch

Saved by poetry

How a retired soldier has amplified the slam poetry scene in Fayetteville one rhyme at a time

BY ALLISON UNDERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY WOOTEN

WWhen LeJuane Bowens entered a Fayetteville coffee shop for a poetry open mic night in 2007, he had no clue how his world would change

With the mission to promote his new poetry book, “So Many Things to Say: A Collection of Poems,” he stepped up to the mic and began to recite one of his pieces . But there was one issue: He hated the way that he sounded .

“To talk about love monotone does not work,” LeJuane explained From that moment forward, with determination in his heart, LeJuane swore never to let that happen again .

The art of slam

Growing up in the small town of Lima, Ohio, south of Toledo, LeJuane — affectionately known as El’Ja by those closest to him — channeled his energy into writing, music, and dance LeJuane said he was surrounded by a family of talent, learning the beauty and importance of art from an early age .

But LeJuane said it was the mentors in his life that encouraged him to allow art to consume him

The first of those mentors was Mrs . Steepleton, his 10th grade English teacher who assigned her class a poetry project Through this project, LeJuane’s interest in poetry sparked

“Poetry saved my life in some ways . It helped me become open with myself … I used to think, as a man, it shows weakness to express emotions, but poetry helped me get over that,” LeJuane explained

He also recalls his 9th grade choir teacher, Dr . O’Neal, who graciously allowed him to stay in choir after almost being kicked out for being a “class clown,” in his own words LeJuane said that was a huge turning point for him

“If I had been kicked out [of choir], I don’t know where I would be right now,” LeJuane said

Poetry saved my life in some ways It helped me become open with myself … I used to think, as a man, it shows weakness to express emotions, but poetry helped me get over that – LeJuane Bowens

LeJuane Bowens said it was the mentors in his life that encouraged him to allow art to consume him.

But it wasn’t until LeJuane enlisted in the U S Army in 2000 and was later encouraged by his Chief Warrant Officer 4, Keith Anderson, to publish a book that he started to take poetry seriously

“He saw some of my work on MySpace and he told me I should publish a book because he had published one,” LeJuane said

During his last deployment to Iraq in 2007, LeJuane wrote and published his first book, and found himself at that open mic night in 2007 in Fayetteville, ready to kickstart a career that would bring forth endless opportunities .

Bringing poetry to Fayetteville

At the time, written and spoken word poetry were all LeJuane knew until he attended a poetry slam in Greensboro with fellow poet, Anthony Harris It was at that moment that LeJuane had an epiphany .

“I realized that if they could do it, then I could do it,” LeJuane explained

While spoken word is the art of reciting a piece of poetry in front of an audience, slam poetry is the same but with a twist

“Spoken word is a combination of poetry and performance art,” LeJuane explained “Slam just takes

spoken word and places it into a competitive frame ”

Slam poetry was first introduced to the world in the 1980s when American poet, Marc Smith, developed the art form in Chicago, Illinois What was once meant to be nothing more than an innocent bar game has now led to a global form of competition featuring millions of poets and their original work

Neil Ray, Fayetteville native and creator of Java Expressions, a spoken word poetry event held at The Coffee Scene every Monday for over 20 years, is who LeJuane deems “The Godfather of Poetry” in Fayetteville LeJuane said through their joint passion, he and Neil wanted to put Fayetteville on the map in the world of poetry

“Neil, I, and a poet by the name of Cardiair Geezus put our heads together and started the Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Festival [SERNC],” LeJuane said

In 2012, LeJuane and his fellow poets created a weekendlong event consisting of themed open mic nights, writing workshops, and a big slam competition to round out the weekend After that first year, the event dwindled, but LeJuane saw the potential in it, revitalizing it in 2013 into a four-day festival occurring every September And LeJuane wanted to make it worth the while of the participating poets

J.B. Stone, an author and poet from Brooklyn, New York, headlines at the "Art Meets Life" open mic event Sept. 6 at The Sweet Palette.

Through sponsors such as PoetryN-Motion LLC, Bowens Counseling Services, and Inspired INK, a cash prize of $1,000 is gifted to the winner of the slam competition

Akia Smith, a local social worker, said it was LeJuane and the SERNC that introduced her to spoken word poetry and broadened her performance abilities beyond what she could imagine

Akia had been introduced to poetry at an early age, but when she attended one of the SERNC slam events held at Winterbloom Tea in downtown Fayetteville in 2022, she knew she was ready to perform

“I had some written poetry ready, and I was like, ‘I think I’m ready . I think I’m gonna do it,’” Akia said After that first performance, Akia said she felt accomplished and yearned to do more Little did she know that one of the co-founders of SERNC, LeJuane, would recruit her to his slam poetry team, Detour, one year later

The road to Detour Slam Team

Seventeen years after his journey began, LeJuane, now a professional poet and educator on the art, stands at the front of a large conference room, tucked away at the back of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/ Cumberland County .

On the first day of his Detour Slam Academy, a workshop focused on teaching others about the history, structure, and process of slam poetry, chatter fills the room as attendees anticipate the wisdom before them

LeJuane’s mission for the academy: teach others about slam poetry while also recruiting members for his slam poetry team, Detour The Detour Slam Team, created in 2019 by LeJuane, was never meant to be permanent He created Detour with the plan to compete just one time at the Southern Fried Poetry Slam since it was in Fayetteville that year

The Southern Fried Poetry Slam, an annual festival dedicated

The artist TheRoze ThatStays Redd recites poetry during the "Art Meets Life" open mic event at The Sweet Palette, which takes place every month on every first Friday.

to celebrating poetry, spoken word, and community outreach, made its debut in the southeastern region of the United States in 1993 .

The festival showcases poets traveling from around the nation to compete to become the best slam poetry team in the country . In 2019, the festival made its way to Fayetteville and LeJuane wanted to be a part of it

After the Detour Slam Team ranked 11th in the region during that first year at the Southern Fried Poetry Festival, LeJuane said he realized the team could be something special

Five years later, during the 2024 Southern Fried Poetry Festival, the Detour Slam Team ranked 6th in the nation And it was the work of one Detour member, Keith Sowell, that wowed the crowd the most

Akia Smith recalls the energy at Southern Fried Poetry Slam when the team presented Keith’s piece, “Black Arts Museum ”

“At first it was really quiet,” Akia said, remembering the nerves they felt, “but it went amazingly, and everyone was shouting to the judges, ‘10, 10, 10 ’”

Although Detour placed 6th overall, “Black Arts Museum” was voted unanimously the best poem at the festival

“It really boosted my confidence to see that I could perform poetry in front of all of these poets that I had

Above, Law Bullock performs poetry from his book "Abstract Intoxication: An Expanded Journey" during Sept. 6's "Art Meets Life" open mic event. Below, poet and photographer Silas Toney performs during the "Art Meets Life" event.

admired for so long,” Akia said

This is exactly what LeJuane hopes members gain through the Detour Slam Team; to use it as a stepping stone to further their futures, while also growing emotionally and intellectually

Keith said that LeJuane’s coaching goes beyond performance and poetry

“He makes the process feel like home He cares about us as a team because that’s crucial for the quality of our work,” Keith explained

LeJuane said his goal with poetry is simply to be honest and genuine

“I’ve been in it long enough that I’ve worn both the villain hat and the hero hat,” LeJuane said “I like it when I wear the hero hat ”

What’s to come

The Detour Slam Academy is still accepting applicants with a fee of $20 per class . Upcoming classes will occur Oct 26 and Nov 16, with a big slam finale featuring attendees putting all their hard work to the test on Dec 21

LeJuane asks that attendees come to at least two classes in order to participate in the December slam event, but all are welcome to observe, regardless

To keep up with LeJuane and the Fayetteville poetry scene, visit Poetry-N-Motion LLC and Poetry in Fayetteville on Facebook

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Allison Underwood is a Fayetteville native who graduated from East Carolina University in 2022 with a degree in journalism During her time at ECU, Allison was a writer and an editor for two university magazines and was featured in Countenance magazine

Early breast cancer detection

How Cape Fear Valley’s Breast Care Center, faith, and family got one local teacher through her breast cancer journey

BY JAMI MCLAUGHLIN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TONY WOOTEN

W

When Gina Autry was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2023, she was shocked — Gina, 41, didn’t have a family history

Though a surprise to Gina, her story is not unusual: According to research published in the American Journal of Public Health, 80 to 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease Gina’s case highlights the importance of regular screenings and early detection

Back in 2023, Gina had gone in for an annual mammogram that month because she just turned 40 and her gynecologist recommended she get one . According to the United States Preventive Services Task Force, patients with average risk should start receiving mammogram screenings starting at 40 .

The day after her mammogram, she received word from her doctor, Dr Anessa Lewis of Women’s Wellness Center on Village Drive in Fayetteville, that there was an abnormality and she needed further imaging, which revealed yet another abnormality She had biopsies taken of those two areas .

The call came one day when she was teaching 4th grade at Mintz Christian Academy in Roseboro, North Carolina She left the classroom to hear the words from her doctor: “invasive ductal carcinoma ”

On the phone, Dr Lewis explained that the biopsy results showed the cancer had spread outside of her milk ducts into her breast tissue Dr Lewis also told Gina that she had taken the liberty of getting her a referral to see Dr Elizabeth Sawyer, the medical director of Cape Fear Valley’s Breast Care Center

“She told me I would be in very good hands,” Gina said When she met with Dr . Sawyer, Gina said she received a fairly detailed treatment plan, which included undergoing chemotherapy first and surgery second She also had genetic testing done to see if there were any inherited genetic mutations

“I was still fairly young at age 40 to receive the breast cancer diagnosis and sure enough I tested positive for BRCA2, which gave me a higher risk of having breast cancer,” Gina said

Genetic mutations in the BRCA genes also cause individuals to be at higher risk for developing ovarian and breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Gina’s first chemo treatment was in May 2023, which she continued through October of that year Because of her genetic predisposition to further develop the disease, Gina decided to undergo a double mastectomy after chemotherapy despite the cancer being contained to her right breast

Dr Sawyer performed the surgery to remove all her breast tissue in October along with plastic surgeon Dr . Leif Nordberg of Cape Fear Valley Plastic Surgery, who paired the removal with an immediate reconstruction of her breasts . Dr . Sawyer removed Gina’s tissue and the sentinel lymph nodes towards her right arm where the cancer would have been most likely to spread and sent it to pathology .

“The next step was waiting for pathology to come back to see if I required radiation or any further treatment,” Gina said .

Gina said it was explained to her that the cancer was like a lake and the lymph nodes were like rivers to different branches, which is why the lymph nodes were also removed When the pathology came back, it was clear that she needed further treatment

“Dr . Sawyer said that chemo had worked to shrink the tumor, but it did not eradicate all of the cancer,” Gina said With the news that she had residual disease left, plus one lymph node that came back positive for cancer, she was referred to an oncology radiation specialist and scheduled radiation treatment at the Cape Fear Valley Cancer Center

In early 2024 after her radiation treatment was completed, Gina rang the bell for the second time She rang the bell for the third time on Aug 8 Ringing the bell is symbolic of finishing a treatment, marking it as a milestone and beginning anew as a cancer survivor, according to Penn Medicine

Her journey so far had included 30 rounds of chemotherapy, a double mastectomy surgery, and 28 rounds of radiation

Gina Autry poses for a photo on her family's land in Clinton.

Dr. Elizabeth Sawyer, the medical director of Cape Fear Valley’s Breast Care Center, poses for a portrait in an operating room at the Fayetteville Ambulatory Surgery Center.

“I am technically cancer-free,” Gina said, with the radiation and additional chemo treatment she underwent being “the icing on the cake ”

“It added a layer of protection to hopefully make sure all cancer cells were killed and decrease the chance of reoccurrence,” she explained

Dr Sawyer said that Gina’s story is not uncommon and that annual mammograms are not anything to put off

“Eighty percent of women do not have a family history,” Dr . Sawyer said . “The risks are not just related to family history Other types of cancer increase the risk of carrying a genetic mutation ”

Dr Sawyer said other factors include having dense breasts, starting your period early in life, or having a child late in life

She also said that if a patient has increased risks of developing breast cancer, the Cape Fear Valley Breast Cancer Care Center has enhanced surveillance to try to catch the disease early

“For average risk, women should start screening at age 40, do it every year, and not stop ever, according to the American College of Radiology,” Dr Sawyer said “But let’s say you have a family member like a mom, a sister or aunt who have had breast cancer — we will back up 10 years ”

She said if a family member was 45 when diagnosed, the provider would start a more intensive screening at age 35 . If a genetic mutation is discovered in a patient — which she said more and more women are being tested for early

— the doctors recommend screening at age 25 According to Dr Sawyer, the genetic mutation can be carried by men, who can also develop breast cancer, though the risk for men is far more rare than it is for women .

“I always say bad news does not get better with time,” Dr Sawyer said "We haven’t found a way to prevent breast cancer, but when we detect it early, there is a 96% survival rate in the first stage and possibly have less aggressive treatments if it hasn’t spread ”

She said her goal when she became the medical director of the Breast Care Center was to make it a program where women could feel confident that they were getting the best care .

“We’ve worked really hard to create a bubble for these women,” Dr Sawyer said “We work to make them feel protected and safe with the best treatment ”

To ensure that they create the best treatment plans, her team gets together twice a month to go over every single patient and have a multidisciplinary discussion regarding treatment

“We all get all of the doctors and support staff together to talk about the treatment plan including new clinical trials and medicines,” Dr Sawyer said

She added that it is important to “know your lemons” and have an acute breast self-awareness The “Know Your Lemons” campaign is a breast health education program that helps women recognize changes in their breasts such as hard lumps, dimples or anything else that may be a sign

of breast cancer .

“It’s important to recognize changes in your breasts and know your risk factors,” Dr Sawyer said Gina said she was lucky to catch her breast cancer early She was also grateful to have her family around and credits her faith

“It was my relationship with the Lord that got me through this journey,” Gina said

The beginning of Gina’s treatment was preceded by another major medical diagnosis within her own family . In the summer of 2022, her oldest son, Hollin, had a non-cancerous brain tumor removed at age 15 Gina was diagnosed with breast cancer that next April .

“He showed such strength and faith during that time,” Gina said “I knew I needed to do the same He set the example before me ”

She said she saw her Christian faith play out in every step of her journey

“I have seen His fingerprints in my medical team, in the peace He gave, and even when my husband shaved my head and I went out in public for the first time with a bald head,” Gina said

Her husband Max, son Hollin, and twins Lia and Cole along with her parents, extended family, and church friends kept her going

“They offered support beyond belief,” Gina said . “From feeding my family to sending care packages, I was never alone ”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jami McLaughlin can be reached at jmclaughlin@cityviewnc com or 910-391-4870

Gina Autry, her kids Lia, Hollins, and Cole, and husband Max pose for a photo on their family's land in Clinton.

Demure about difference

BY JAYLIN KREMER

Living in a military community, you quickly learn it has its own culture Service members embrace military culture and sets of particular values, such as honor . What I didn’t anticipate was the entire community having norms not commonly seen in civilian communities For example, the PCS (Permanent Change of Station) sale, in which you sell a great deal of your possessions, preparing to PCS This ritual offers many benefits to military families, some meaningful and others just to make life a little easier .

The PCS sale lightens the load by decluttering unwanted items and adds some cash to your account as it is costly to move and can cause a strain on families . A change in duty station often causes unforeseen circumstances, generating the norm to sell everything you can’t (that’s a thing!) or don’t want to take Relocating can also be a fresh start — new home, new belongings, new opportunities

Though we may not think about it, moving means more than leaving behind our family and friends . It means leaving behind some of our culture and adapting to new norms A tough adjustment, especially in OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) moves where the language, the food, and/or general surroundings are different than what you’re used to It’s necessary to stay true to who you are and where you come from as well as to remain open-minded when it comes to change Finding ways to incorporate your culture may help you connect with others who share some of your values, feeling more at home in your new surroundings

Vicenza, Italy, was almost our first duty station As we planned, I learned as much as I could about the rich culture we prepared to embrace Drinking amazing wine and tasting delicious fresh food were a few aspects I was well prepared to accept We were originally disappointed we wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Italy, but we were pleased to receive Fort Liberty

As all of the military community understands, lastminute changes are another tough reality you learn to accept, which was one of my first lessons as a military spouse Luckily, this change wasn’t all bad This meant reunification with my husband much sooner after 10 long months apart, my desired location (if not Hawaii), and being much closer to a beach than in Pittsburgh, where I was living at the time! I was also relieved there would not be too much of a cultural shock for our first military move . My attempts to learn about Fayetteville and Fort Liberty prior to our arrival left me worried we wouldn’t be happy here . Some said it was a great area to live in while others said it was a horrible post and an even worse area, referred to as “Fayettenam ” If you’ve ever read one of my columns, you’ll already know my perspective: Fayetteville and Fort Liberty are what you make them

There is no shortage of family activities, amazing places to eat, plenty of fun things to do, and something for everyone Fayetteville is a military town and there is no doubt about that: Driving on any major roadway outside of Fort Liberty, you’ll see tattoo, seamstress, and military surplus shops everywhere you look Fayetteville also recognizes this is home to people from all over the world, offering a wide range of opportunities to learn about and celebrate the town, its history, its progression, and culture while making room for others to share their own Fort Liberty offers a kind, caring, and loving community also ready to share its culture and embrace yours, no matter where you’re from

Jaylin Kremer, is a HomeFront columnist for CityView She can be reached at jaykremer95@ gmail com

Jaylin Kremer's family enjoys a trip to the park.

November heralds the season of thanks and giving. Our November issue is dedicated to those who give and will highlight worthy ways to make a difference

• CityView is teaming up with Cumberland Community Foundation to bring you the annual Guide to Giving , a keepsake registry of local charitable organizations and information on how your gifts of any size can make our community a better place.

• Our November issue will celebrate and uplift grassroots generosity and giving back as a community value.

• Dec. 3 is the date for GivingTuesday, a global day of giving. Join the GivingTuesday movement and reimagine a world built upon shared humanity and radical generosity. Cumberland Community Foundation will match $500,000 in gifts to local charitable organizations featured in the Guide to Giving. Read our November issue for more information about how to amplify your giving

Power Giving

Poetry – a marriage of art and culture

BY DIANE PARFITT

I have written about poetry before, during National Poetry Month in April, when we recognize the beauty and power of poetry In high school and college, I did not recognize the significance of poetry while trudging through the required readings . Shakespeare, Homer, and others — I just didn’t get it! Sure, they told a story, but why didn’t they just tell it in plain language?

Lately, I have been reading about the history of poetry — from the ancients to modern works It is one of the oldest forms of literary expression, being passed on orally centuries before it was ever written down . Many cultures used it to share messages of love, war, beauty, and introspection It reflects a desire by humans to communicate with each other on a deeper level

Over the years, I have come to enjoy the poems of Maya Angelou, Robert Frost, and Amanda Gorman When Bob Dylan won the 2016 Nobel Prize for Literature because, as the committee who awarded him the prize stated, he “created new poetic expressions with the great American song tradition,” as reported in a New York Times article, I realized I had been listening to poetry in music all along

While writing this column, poetry started popping up everywhere! First was Amanda Gorman’s poem, “This Sacred Scene,” at the 2024 Democratic Convention The following day, while tuned into an online seminar with my church conference, one of the presenters said he liked to read poetry to get into a rhythm while preparing his sermons (Of course, many of the chapters in the Bible are really poems ) That night, we were discussing the book “The Women” by Kristin Hannah at one of my book clubs In this novel about a nurse in the Vietnam War, she often refers to her favorite poem, “Desiderata” by Max Ehrmann I found a copy online and read a little to the group Everyone was so taken with it that I ended up reading the entire poem

“Desiderata,” published in 1927, was distributed later to soldiers and patients during World War II, according to a 1976 copyright lawsuit It was also printed in poster form and became popular for the “make peace, not war” movement of the 1960s The title, “Desiderata,” is Latin for “things to be desired ” The poem has also been used in devotional materials for Old St . Paul’s Episcopal Church in Baltimore for many years

Today, young poets everywhere are sharing their stories during poetry slams and open mic events Fayetteville has embraced poetry slams, a type of competitive art event where poets perform spoken word poetry in front of a live audience and judges The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County is sponsoring the Detour Slam Academy, organized by poet LeJuane Bowens . The Arts Council also held the 12th Annual Southeastern Regional NC Poetry Slam on Sept 28 You can find open mics around Fayetteville at least once a month where spoken word performers share their poems Fortunately, many have put their poems together in books for us to enjoy .

Here is a sampling .

Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought, and the thought has found words . — Robert Frost

1. Between Birdsong and Boulder: Poems on the Life of Gaia by Bob Ambrose Jr.

As the tagline of this book says, it is a testament to the awe and reverence for Mother Earth (Gaia in Greek) . As a scientist and poet, and a Fayetteville High School graduate, Bob uses his poetry to share the unfolding of the universe from Creation to the developments of today and our role in preserving what a gift we have

2. Love is by J. Anton Davis

Davis is a former magistrate who has performed thousands of civil weddings He uses poetry to share the many ways these ceremonies reflect the most important aspects of love, and all the emotions a couple may face as they launch their life together

3. Black Snowflakes Smothering A Torch: How to Talk to Your Veteran — A Primer by Ryan

Stovall

Returning veterans from war can have a difficult time re-integrating back home Ryan, a former Green Beret, found that using his poetry was a therapeutic outlet for his PTSD As readers, we can begin to understand a bit more about what he and others went through by reading these hard-hitting, award-winning poems .

4. Before: A Collection of Poems by LeJuane “El’Ja” Bowens

Award-winning poet LeJuane Bowens has competed in three major Grand Slam Finals in North Carolina, according to UNC Pembroke, and organizes the Slam Academy at the Arts Council His own poems are collected in this book for us to read, and you can read them aloud as if you are in a poetry slam yourself! In fact, many literary experts say reading a poem out loud enhances understanding Try it, you might like it

5. From The Heart of a Warrior: An Inspirational Chronicle of Poems for the Soul by Mendez Frith

U S Army Veteran Mendez Firth has found joy, peace, and healing during the process of writing these poems from the heart . The book is divided into six sections, each

introduced with a quote from famous authors, poets, and celebrities At the end of each section, Mendez has a page of “reflections,” a set of questions to ponder and explore their meaning for yourself

6. Deep Press On by Keith

Edward Sowell

As a 2020 Duke graduate, Keith was captain of the university’s slam team . Now a rising star in the Fayetteville poetry slam scene, he has used his journey through depression and anxiety to let us know that when you fall, “Deep Press On . ”

7. Abstract Intoxication: An Expanded Journey by Lawrence Law Bullock II

Another member of the Fayetteville poetry slam scene, Law Bullock lives by the mantra, “art has the ability to build connections between generations ” He is not only a poet, but he owns a business offering photography, publishing, motivational speaking, and video recording services One of his poems starts out:

“Kindergarten I learned that art is subjective, and that the artist will rarely find their work appreciated despite their best efforts.”

To all our poets in Fayetteville and the region, thank you for expressing the subjective beauty that lets us see what we need to see, and touches us in the way we need to be touched Thank you for sharing your vision so we can find ours

Now, do you think I’m ready to try to tackle Homer’s “Odyssey” again?

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

THE TO-DO LIST

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

Oct. 18

Kids’ Night Out at the Garden: Spooky, Science Fun

Cape Fear Botanical Garden 536 N Eastern Blvd capefearbg org

Oct. 19

Family Movie Night & Yard Games

Rick’s Place

5572 Shenandoah Drive rhfnow org

Oct. 19-20

Fayetteville Comic Con Fall 2024

Crown Expo Center

Crown Complex

1960 Coliseum Drive crowncomplexnc com

Oct. 24

Greater Carolina Rock n’ Boil Greater Fayetteville Chamber

Segra Stadium

460 Hay St . chamber faybiz com

Oct. 10

Cape Fear Valley Health presents CityView’s Food, Wine & ART

Cape Fear Botanical Garden 536 N Eastern Blvd cityviewnc .com

Oct. 12

Trojan Fit Color Run/Walk

FTCC Foundation

2225 Hull Road faytechcc edu

Oct. 12

Festival of Laughs

Crown Theatre

Crown Complex

1960 Coliseum Drive

crowncomplexnc com

Oct. 12

One People Reggae & Arts

Festival

Festival Park

345 Ray Ave

onepeoplereggaefestival com

Oct. 12

Pinwheel Masquerade Ball & Auction

Child Advocacy Center

The Carolina Barn

7765 McCormick Bridge Road Spring Lake cacfaync org

Oct. 12

Nosferatu

Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra

Dirtbag Ales

5435 Corporation Drive, Hope Mills fayettevillesymphony org

Oct. 17

USAF Band & Singing Sergeants in Concert

Methodist University

Huff Concert Hall methodist .edu

Oct. 24-27

Halloween in the BOOtanical Garden 2024

Cape Fear Botanical Garden 536 N . Eastern Blvd . capefearbg org

Oct. 25

4th Friday — Zombie Walk

Cool Spring Downtown District 222 Hay St visitdowntownfayetteville .com

Oct. 26

Homecoming Parade

Fayetteville State University

Starting on Murchison Road at the intersection of Burner and Moore streets uncfsu edu

Oct. 26

5K Run For a Cure

Puppy Creek Fire Department

210 Medical Pavilion Drive, Raeford runsignup com

Fayetteville Comic Con Spring 2024 at the Crown Expo Center. CityView photo by Tony Wooten

Symphony on Tap at Haymount Truck Stop

Symphony on Tap's String Quartet was held from 6:30-8:30 p .m . on Sunday, Sept . 8, at the Haymount Truck Stop Symphony on Tap is where music, beer, and community come together This series is hosted by the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and is free to the public . The next Symphony on Tap events will take place next year on March 4 at the Heckler and May 5 at the District House of Taps CityView photos by Oriana Evans 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 Kristin Stiteler

2 Lauren Wachtler and Carey Sleeman

3 Paul Kirkpatrick

4 Carey Sleeman

5 Dee Graves and Tim Mack

6 Rosa DePriest and Calvin DePriest

7 Paula Schronce and Michelle Self

8 Thomas Hill, Anna Meyer, and Stuart McLemore

9 Lucas Crossland and Sam Young

BILLY OCEAN

GRAMMY WINNER OVER 30 MILLION RECORDS SOLD 3 #1 SINGLES 6 TOP 10 HITS 2 TOP 10 ALBUMS

SUNDAY, OCT. 27, 7:30

CROWN THEATRE

CARIBBEAN QUEEN (NO MORE LOVE ON THE RUN) GET OUTTA MY DREAMS, GET INTO MY CAR THERE’LL BE SAD SONGS (TO MAKE YOU CRY) WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING LOVER BOY SUDDENLY

For more information, call 910-303-3996.

When

Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5-7

Friday, Dec. 1 from 5-7

Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10

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.

Fayetteville, NC Lennox Haymount

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.

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.

Discover timeless luxury at this brand new community of townhomes built by Floyd Properties; owned and operated by Lennox Townhomes, LLC. Lennox at Haymont showcases our executive townhomes with exquisite finishes and superior construction, redefining high standards. Centrally located in desirable Haymount, our 70 years of home-building expertise ensures a residence that stands the test of time. Welcome to a legacy of refined living.

Where

Scan for information and directions.

CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Where Your Children Come First

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

• Sick Child Visits

• Vaccine & Immunization Schedule

• 2023-2024 Guide to the Flu

• School, Sports, & Camp Physicals

Mon. to Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Vaccines & Immunizations

• ADHD Testing & Treatment

• Asthma Symptoms & Treatment

• Breastfeeding Support

• Urinalysis

• Strep and Mono Screen

• Vision and Hearing Tests

Jose Buenaseda, MD, FAAP

Leamor Buenaseda, MD, FAAP

Sreelekha Sashidhar, MD, FAAP

Christine Arnold, CPNP-PC

Melanie Pitts, DNP, NP-C

Beverly de La Rosa, CPNP-PC

Danielle Trigg, CPNP-PC

Cinthia Follrod, CPNP-PC

Rachelle Olson, FNPC

Ashley Monroe, PA-C

2694 NC 24-87

Cameron, NC 28326

Mon. to Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 910.500.KIDS (5437)

Brookstone office only 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturdays for sick/urgent appointments, established patients only.

Breast cancer wasn’t going to define me.

– Gina, Breast Cancer Survivor

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Gina became one of those women but refused to let it stop her from living fully.

As a busy mom of three, cancer was never on Gina’s radar. However, in April 2023, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Balancing motherhood and leading her church’s youth choir, Gina underwent chemotherapy and radiation. It was challenging, but with the support of a phenomenal team at Cape Fear Valley’s Breast Care Center, she’s now cancer-free.

From mammograms and biopsies to surgery and treatment, the breast care team is here to guide you through every step. Early detection is your best tool. Stay up-to-date with your yearly mammograms and contact your doctor if you notice any changes.

Learn more at capefearvalley.com/mammogram

Erin Champion & Jana Sell Breast Patient Navigators