Women's View Magazine July 2023

VOLUME 17 | ISSUE 7 JULY | 2023 Inspiring, educating, empowering and celebrating women in our community More inside: Have a Holly, Jolly July Build a Backyard Oasis Silhouettes Firearms Training, LLC The Summer Bucket List Burgers and Books Roller Derby Rocks and Rolls!

Close Letter from the Editor VOLUME 17 ISSUE 7 T he last day of school meant These times of entertainment were PUBLISHER special times to me as a child preceded, of course, by picking Bill Bowman, F & B Publications born and raised in the northern end and shelling peas and butterbeans, [email protected] of this county. It usually featured a putting up stock at my father’s fun outing with my big sister and country store and doing plenty of EDITOR brother or perhaps a friend or two. house chores. Bless my mama’s Crissy Neville My absolute top pick was a trip to heart, though, she was the kind to [email protected] the waterslide on Yadkin Road, the say, “Don’t wash the dishes; you’ll water feature I remember taking have to do that the rest of your life ART DIRECTOR the place of my beloved Lake Teresa when you’re grown.” Courtney Sapp-Scott after it closed. Another favorite She was right, of course. So, if you [email protected] pastime was playing Putt-Putt on can, don’t wash your dishes either, Bragg Boulevard — the nation’s not yet, anyway. Fill your summer GRAPHIC DESIGNER first and only copyrighted-and- up with some fun from our “Bucket Isaiah Jones branded miniature golf game. List” article, book recommendations While my memory is good, it is not and shopping tips. Or beat the heat [email protected] long — not quite long enough to (and holiday rush) and celebrate remember the 25¢ per round fee Christmas in July! What's more, OPERATIONS DIRECTOR the course charged when it opened there are sports to watch, burgers Paulette Naylor in 1954! We definitely paid more to grill and the summer season to than that during my childhood in savor as long as we can. [email protected] the 1970s-80s but not significantly more. I remember a few dollars MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE going a long way. Linda McAlister Other memories: trips to the river with black inner tubes, ice cream [email protected] cones from the Tasty Freeze, books courtesy of the bookmobile, SALES ASSISTANT Vacation Bible School and snail mail Sheila Barker sent back and forth to Fayetteville because once summer came, I [email protected] seldom left Linden. It was even long distance back then to call my school JULY CONTRIBUTORS friends on — gasp — a landline! The Ashley Shirley summer brought remote times to Alison Hurley my already rural existence, isolation interrupted by short jaunts to town Audrey Hasslocher for a movie on the big screen or a Lisa Blauser whiz around the skating rink and Cynthia Ross the annual one-day-a-summer trek Muriel Brooks to Carolina Beach with a stop at Alena Barosa White Lake on the way back home. Sherri Collins Are you interested in writing? Consider contributing an article or pitching a Dinah Goodman story idea to WVM. We want to elevate your voice. For more information, email Jenna May 2 | AU GwoUmSeTnsv2i0ew2@2 upandcomingweekly.com. Be sure to like us and leave comments on our Facebook page. WOMEN'S VIEW MAGAZINE 208 ROWAN ST. FAYETTEVILLE, NC, 2 | J U LY 2 0 2 3 28301 PHONE: 910-484-6200 FAX: 910-484-9218 Women’s View Magazine is for, by and about women in Cumberland County. Published by F&B Publications in conjunction with Media Marketing Management. ©2023 by F&B Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or advertisement without permission is strictly prohibited. Various vector sources credited to © Freepik and © Vecteezy. Association of Community Publishers

8 10 4 16 20 14 22 26 4 WOMAN’S SPOTLIGHT 16 SUMMER SIZZLES Cheery-dispositioned Nicole Nelson puts the “N” There’s no alcohol in these recipes, but the smell and in Noel every holiday season as the Operation sounds of a backyard burger cooking on the grill are Christmas Child area coordinator for Fayetteville. indeed intoxicating. Find out for yourself! 6 BOOKS FOR THE BEACH 20 “SLEIGHING” THE SEASON Media professional Alison Hurley’s book Venues in our hometown, across the state and recommendations will help you relax and enjoy especially in vacation spots are ready and able to help summer whether you are beach bound or not. you celebrate Christmas in July. 8 GETTING DOWN TO 22 CHRISTMAS IN A SHOEBOX BUSINESS We are often told to think outside the box, but we Silhouettes Firearms Training officially launched can make a difference in the world via this simple in May 2021 and opened in December 2021. Get to container and Operation Christmas Child. know this business, its owner and mission here. 25 FAITH-BASED 10 THE SUMMER BUCKET LIST Contributor Muriel Brooks shares many of the things There’s much to do in the Greater Fayetteville area, she loves about the different seasons but reminds us from sports and theater to ziplining and swimming. that God is not seasonal — He is always the same. Live your best summer life right here at home. 26 WOMEN ON WHEELS 14 A BACKYARD OASIS Entertainment and energy combine in the sport Contributor Cynthia Ross wanted a backyard water of roller derby. Track the teams and players of feature, so she made it happen. She details the DIY Fayetteville Roller Derby in this article by Dinah process to instruct others on how to do the same. Goodman. 28 MONEY MATTERS Jenna May delivers the third installment of her financial help series this month. And speaking of Christmas, this time, she shares tips on how to save. 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 3

Woman's Spotlight: Nicole Nelson By Ashley Shirley B etween July 1 and Christmas Day are 177 days. Nicole Nelson For some, that might be a bit early to start the holiday countdown. Unless, like Fayetteville's Nicole University, met my husband during training, and Nelson, you are involved with Operation Christmas afterward, we both came to Fort Bragg.\" Child, an official project since 1995 of the international Christian charitable organization Samaritan's Purse. As After leaving the service in 2012, Nelson and her OCC area coordinator, Nelson is already ticking away husband, Nicholas, began a government contracting the days. business established in 2013. Though the challenges of running a successful business while balancing the Through a global network of volunteers and staff, demands of home can be demanding, Nelson's love OCC sends thousands of shoe boxes filled with gifts to for helping others and a desire to serve led her to disadvantaged children worldwide each year. As the volunteer with OCC in 2014. Nine years later, she still organization prepares to send its 200 millionth box loves every minute. this year, the excitement Nelson feels for the project is contagious. As she speaks, she radiates the grins of As area coordinator, Nelson's service is a year-round happy children in far-off places. commitment. Overseeing area efforts, reaching out to the community, giving interviews and explaining \"I get so excited every year because we start with zero the mission of Samaritan's Purse and its importance shoe boxes,\" Nelson exclaimed. \"And then, we just set year after year all fall under her responsibility, but she about reaching our goal. It sounds like a lot of [work] wouldn't change it. until you realize how many kids have never heard the gospel of Jesus.\" \"It's a huge calling,\" Nelson admitted. \"But I feel absolutely called to do it. God calls us to speak the Nelson, who refers to herself as a \"professional Gospel from our homes all the way to the ends of the volunteer,\" is a woman of action and purpose whose earth. This ministry allows us to be the hands and feet love for Jesus can be seen in all she does. A certified of Jesus.\" \"boy mom\" to sons Connor, Nathan and Scott, Nelson also leads the praise team at her church, Village Baptist, and coaches basketball at Village Christian Academy. No stranger to duty and hard work, Nelson's journey to Fort Bragg began on one of the darkest days in American history. \"I grew up as a military kid,\" Nelson shared. \"9/11 OCC's origins harken to the United Kingdom when in happened my senior year, and I joined the military 1990, a local businessman in Wrexham named Dave right away. I contracted through ROTC out of Liberty Cooke and his wife Jill felt called to do something to Ashley Shirley is a Fayetteville writer originally from Auburn, Alabama, a military spouse and mama of two very cool kids. When she's not writing, she can be found reading, baking or both! 4 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

assist Romanian orphans. The project grew teeth Mostly, Nelson loves how the community comes when, in the summer of 1993, Dave called Samaritan's together for children they've never met. Seeing the Purse President Franklin Graham, son of world- collected efforts of churches, schools, and individuals renowned evangelist Bill Graham, asking if he'd be across Cumberland County and places beyond willing to fill shoeboxes with gifts for children in war- continues to move her. After all, there's just something torn Bosnia. The rest is history. about Christmas. The project was originally intended to bring school \"I love our volunteers. They're different ages and come and hygiene products to children in refugee camps. from all walks of life, but they come together every Over time, it has become an international Christmas year to make sure these children have a Christmas. juggernaut that hand-delivers shoe boxes of toys, People are most giving during the holiday. There's so clothing, school supplies and love to children in over much buy-in because our message resonates with 126 developing countries. Once they receive their people: one box, for one child, in one lifetime,\" she package, each child is invited to a 12-lesson program— said. The Greatest Journey—to learn about Christ and how to share him with others. Upon completion, that child The yuletide season, with its glad tidings and graduates with a copy of the Bible in their language. peppermint-scented cheer, is still over five months For Nelson, this particular element makes the year of away. But for Nelson, there's still so much to do. The hard work and effort all worth it. work, however, only enhances the magic Christmas brings and keeps Nelson and her family grounded in \"It's more than toys and gifts,\" Nelson explained. what can't be wrapped up or given away, Every box sent equals 10 new people who get to hear and know the story of Jesus. These boxes allow these \"Christmas is the birth of our savior,\" Nelson said. communities to become their own church planters. \"I love the traditions of Christmas. I love telling my We're changing lives here on earth and making an children about the journey to the manger, and it's an internal impact.\" excellent tie-in to what Operation Christmas Child is all about. It reminds us to be generous and thankful While spreading the Bible's message of love, hope and to reflect on the One who came to save us.\" and promise across the world is reward enough, Nelson also loves connecting with the community The Nelson family and the fellowship that inevitably comes with such an enormous undertaking. \"Every county in the nation has a team,\" said Nelson. \"I love the networking. There's always someone there for prayer, advice or camaraderie. Our network of area coordinators is phenomenal. Hearing other people's stories and getting new ideas has been wonderful. I love that we're able to draw from one another. I know if I need anything, they're just a click away.\" 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 5

Books Beach for the By Alison Hurley Have you ever read a book and immediately thought, “that would make an amazing movie”? That’s how I felt after reading this month’s recommended beach reads. These authors have the power to make you want to experience the stories even further, and each of them stayed with me long after I finished reading. Wherever your “beach” may be, I hope you enjoy these stories of family, love, and resilience. Malibu Rising by Taylor Malibu Rising immerses you into the lives of the Jenkins Reid Riva family — Nina, Jay, Hud and Kit. As children of the legendary singer, Mick Riva, the family is well In my opinion, Taylor known in the Malibu community; everyone wants Jenkins Reid is the an invitation to Nina Riva’s annual end-of-summer reigning queen of beach party. While the book’s central setting is the 24 hours reads. If you haven’t read leading up to and during the party, flashbacks tell us her books, maybe you’ve the story of the Riva family and how they came to be. heard of a little show Each sibling has his or her own personal life crises called Daisy Jones and related to their place and role in the Riva family and the Six, which is based to their bond with each other and their parents. on one of them. I’ve also Family is really at the heart of this story. As an only previously reviewed child, I loved reading about their relationships and The Seven Husbands of how they supported one another. You’ll want to keep Evelyn Hugo. reading to see how this party will ultimately end. Spoiler alert : it’s a wild ride! Alison Hurley has been an educator for over 18 years, serving as an information specialist, media coordinator, gifted education consultant and regular classroom teacher. A Fayetteville resident, she is married with two children. 6 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

This Is How It Always Is be happy, fulfilled members of society. Their family by Laurie Frankel dynamic is a little unconventional for some. Penn is a stay-at-home dad and writer while Rosie works You’ve had to have been long hours as an ER doctor. If you’re a parent, you living under a rock to know that raising children is hard work, and most of not hear of transgender us are honestly just doing the best we can. Rosie and individuals, or those who Penn’s youngest child, Claude, loves dressing as a girl feel they were born in the and until he goes to kindergarten, his parents quite wrong body. Whatever your honestly don’t see much harm in it. That’s just the thoughts on this topic, beginning of a period in their lives that is full of both have you ever considered joy and anguish. the parents and families Read this book if you’re curious or confused. Read of these individuals? I this book to gain some perspective and perhaps some encourage you to put aside empathy. If you’re a parent, read this book and know any biases you have about the topic and read this you are not alone in agonizing over what decisions you incredible book. As another reviewer said: “This should make for your children and in supporting them when be required reading to be a good human being.” they make their own. Rosie and Penn just want all their five children to The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer her son who relies As an avid reader, I’ve read more than my fair share of on the daily routines historical fiction surrounding WWII. When my book she provides to avoid club selected this book, I thought that the formula meltdowns, but in the would be predictable, but this book proved me wrong. end decides to honor her I’m a sucker for dual narrators, and this book goes grandmother’s wishes. between Alina, living in Nazi-occupied Poland, and How the two narrator’s Alice, a mother of two — one extremely gifted, the stories are connected other autistic. is both heartbreaking Communication is a central theme in this book. and magical. You will Alice’s grandmother, unable to speak due to a be emotionally invested stroke, asks Alice to visit Poland through her son’s in the journey. You’ll communication device. Side note: I work in a school probably shed a few tears with many autistic children who use these devices — or sob hysterically like — truly amazing inventions in the worlds that they me — and in the end be open. As you can imagine, Alice balks at leaving amazed at the devotion of family members and the determination of so many in the past to survive the greatest of obstacles. The Echo of Old Books she holds books in her hands. At first, I was put off by by Barbara Davis this, thinking that the book would take a supernatural turn. However, after researching psychometry, I was Of course, I had to intrigued, and I’m so glad I took a chance on this one. include a book about Ashlyn receives two books in a box of donated items. books. As a librarian, The only identifying information were the titles and I know the effect that inscriptions — Forgetting Belle by Hemi and Forever and books can have on a Other Lies by Belle. Both books detail a love affair from person. Books enable 1941 but from different perspectives. As Ashlyn reads us to visit times and the books, we read along, and become invested in this places, to meet different story and who these people might be. Where are they people and can invoke today? Why are their accounts of what happened to deep emotions. Ashlyn, their romance so very different? As Ashlyn lives in 1984, the main character in she has to rely on solving the mystery the old-fashioned this book, is a rare book way. While it is bittersweet, the message is clear: we dealer who has a gift. She have the power to rewrite our own stories. can “feel” the past emotions of previous owners when 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 7

Getting Down to greeters when needed. As Silhouettes expands, the Business potential for new hires widens. SILHOUETTES FIREARMS TRAINING, LLC AH: Where is Silhouettes located? What are your hours of operation and offerings? By Audrey Hasslocher | Photos by Isaiah Jones AW: Silhouettes is located in Spring Lake in the Southwind Shopping Plaza. Our current hours of S ilhouettes Firearms Training is going against the operation are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6:00 status quo and empowering women of all ages p.m. We teach classes and host community events to confidently handle firearms to protect, defend and throughout the day, during the week and on weekends. arm themselves smartly. Women’s View Magazine’s Audrey Hasslocher recently sat down with Silhouettes AH: What does Silhouettes offer women? Firearms Training Owner Dr. Andrea Williams to learn AW: A plethora of firearm training businesses exist. about her company’s mission and services and her Women have been the leading demographic for new journey into entrepreneurship. firearm owners. As a disabled veteran and a woman Audrey Hasslocher: Tell our readers about yourself, who acknowledges and fights through the worst of my your business and the role your family plays. physical ailments, I want to set the example that you Dr. Andrea Williams: My name is Andrea Williams. can still learn how to shoot and better defend yourself I was born and raised in New York but have lived in with proper training and accommodations. North Carolina off and on for over 20 years. I currently reside in Lillington. I am married with two children; AH: What is your background in this industry, and a 14-year-old son and an adult daughter. I also have a what was your pathway to your current position? son-in-law and three grandchildren. AW: For Silhouettes, my background and experiences I own and operate Silhouettes Firearms Training, LLC, add to the value and uniqueness of it. We offer an original, family-run business. I manage the day- individual and small group training, allowing for a to-day operations of Silhouettes. My husband, Chris, more personalized and tailored experience for our serves as my range safety officer. I also incorporate clients and students. the assistance of my son and nephew, who serve as As a lifetime learner, I have pursued my education at Central Texas College, Fayetteville Technical Community College, and Fayetteville State University. However, my richest lessons have come from serving others, being humble, and pursuing healing, mental wellness and happiness. I am a U.S. Army veteran with nearly 14 years of service. I began my military career in the military police and reclassed to become an information technology specialist. While preparing for my fifth deployment, I learned that I had lupus. Due to the debilitating effects of that illness, I had to medically retire from the military. Shortly after, I founded Blazing Beauties, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering adult and adolescent females. In recent years, I was an apprentice and worked for a Fortune 500 company that provided round-the-clock, worldwide technological Audrey Hasslocher is a Coast Guard veteran, Army wife, girl mom of three, MBA graduate and entrepreneur. Her business, Freebird Communications, www.freebirdcommunications.com, is a local digital marketing and branding agency that helps market and design brands to soar in a digital world. Connect with Audrey on IG @freebirdcommunications. 8 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

services. The highlight of my employment with that Dr. Andrea Williams company was earning my CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Certification. I began my journey to become a firearm instructor in 2020. Today, I am an NRA Certified Firearm Instructor, USCCA Certified Firearm Instructor, North Carolina Conceal Carry Instructor, SABRE — defense or pepper spray — Civilian Personal Safety Academy Instructor, Certified GLOCK Armorer, NRA Range Safety Officer and a USCCA Training Counselor — train the trainer. I obtained these through various training, studying, mentorship and personal experiences. AH: Why did you start this business? What are your goals or mission? AW: Silhouettes exists because I believe that representation matters. Historically, the firearms training industry didn’t have a lot of women or women who looked like me. However, representation goes beyond my race, gender or ethnicity. Representation includes but is not limited to the fact that I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, friend and colleague. My strong desire to create an environment where everyone who wanted to learn about gun safety, proper handling, and shooting fundamentals is welcome led me to launch my business. AH: What do you enjoy most about your job? AW: I enjoy teaching, coaching and developing my students and clients with holistic consideration. The highlight of my job is listening to other people’s stories. AH: Do you have events or specials? AW: Silhouettes is proud to offer free classes in support of the 6th Annual National Train A Teacher Day. Guns Plus, located in Spring Lake, will collaborate with us to provide quality, real-world training. All of our events can be found at https://www.silhouettesnc. com/. AH: Do you have plans to expand or offer new things in your business? What’s ahead? AW: I hope to grow the companies, Blazing Beauties and Silhouettes, in a way that will increase job opportunities while positively affecting the lives of many. The future for both brands is unlimited. Connect with Silhouettes Firearms Training at www.silhouettesnc.com or on Facebook and Instagram @silhouettesnc. 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 9

Summer Bucket List Photo credit: DistinctlyFayettevilleNC.com By Lisa Blauser Do you remember your childhood Road in nearby Raeford, Paraclete deck. For more information, visit summers? No school, beautiful offers a wind tunnel and tandem https://skydiveparacletexp.com/ or weather and lots of fun. We usually skydiving. While this may sound call 910-904-0000. went to the beach, spent days like an adult activity, did you know riding bikes, playing ball and indoor skydiving is family-friendly Root, root, root for the fishing; oh, what a great time in for all ages? Those not quite up home team! my life! Summer fun doesn’t have for these adventures can view the to end just because we grow up activities from an observation The Fayetteville Woodpeckers is and have jobs and responsibilities. a single-A baseball affiliate of the Here’s some bucket list and Houston Astros. The team plays at staycation ideas to help you enjoy the state-of-the-art Segra Stadium summer at home. located at 460 Hay St. In addition to enjoying a baseball game, Woodpeckers guests can take advantage of special promotions and giveaways, fireworks after some games, batting cages and other special events throughout the year. For more information, visit www.milb.com/fayetteville or call 910-339-1989. Get your adrenaline fix. Major adrenaline junkies will love ZipQuest. It’s a zip line and canopy tour at 533 Carvers Fall Rd. in Fayetteville. Visitors here enjoy nature and view a waterfall while zipping through the trees. I can attest from personal experience that this is VERY fun. For more information, call 910-488-8787 or visit www.zipquest.com. You can take it up another notch at Paraclete. Located at 143 Airport Lifelong Cumberland County resident Lisa Blauser is a recent retiree. She enjoys low-adrenaline adventures, traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends. 10 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

The Fayetteville Chutes is a summer collegiate baseball team in the Old North State League. The roster is filled with college baseball players who use the summer league to develop their skills further and showcase their abilities in front of scouts. The Chutes play at JP Riddle Stadium on Legion Road. Go on a “play” date. troupe that offers a unique twist Dairy Road. Mountasia has two on the plays of Shakespeare. The 18-hole courses, while Pirate Black Cape Fear Regional Theatre, group occasionally features other Light Golf is indoors and played, located at 1209 Hay St., provides productions, such as musicals and you guessed it, in black light. top-quality live theater concerts with shows in Fayetteville productions several times a year, and Raleigh. For tickets and more Relax under the stars. children’s theater, camps and information, visit acting classes. Community theater https://sweetteashakespeare.com/. Located on the corner of Rowan offers a place to come together to Street and Ray Avenue, Festival laugh harder, think deeper, share Play a round. Park hosts concerts, festivals our experiences and grow closer. and other events throughout For more information, visit www. Pinehurst gets all the glory, but the year. The Fayetteville cfrt.org/, email [email protected], or with the weather allowing for Symphony Orchestra will play call 910-323-4233. year-round golf, our community an Independence Day concert on The Gilbert Theater, founded in boasts many premier golf courses. July 4 at 8 p.m., with fireworks 1994, offers contemporary and In Fayetteville and the surrounding afterward. Even better, it’s free! classical theater productions in a area, link lovers enjoy Gates Four, more intimate setting. The theater Baywood, Kings Grant, Highland, 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 11 is located at 116 Green St. in the Cypress Lakes, Lakewood, Coharie, second floor of the Fascinate-U Timberlake and Vineyard Golf Children’s Museum Building. For Courses. Most courses also have more information, visit www. a Twilight league and a women’s gilberttheater.com or call league. Some courses are private 910-678-7186. and most require reservations, so Sweet Tea Shakespeare is an acting call ahead to reserve a tee time. If you’re more of a putter than a long-game golfer, Fayetteville also has several mini-golf locations. Putt-Putt, founded in Fayetteville, operates on Camden Road at the Putt Putt Fun Center and has two authentic Putt-Putt® Golf courses that are 36 holes of par 2 competition or just plain fun! Mountasia and Pirate Black Light Golf are at the Omni Family Amusement Center on Sycamore

Did you know we have a planetarium on the campus Sweet treats and cool confections of Fayetteville State University? Check it out for an adventure out of this world — and galaxy! Public Keep trying to satisfy the often-unsatiable sweet tooth viewings happen on Saturdays for a nominal fee, and at these spots. other special events throughout the year, such as Mad Hatters Ice Cream Shop at 1405 Hope Mills Rd. “Summer Skies over Fayetteville,\" “It IS Rocket Science\" offers a variety of ice cream flavors made in-house and for 2023, \"The Dark Side of the Moon\" audiovisual with natural fruits and pulps. Enjoy the stationary extravaganza to celebrate Pink Floyd's 50th anniversary flavor always on the menu, such as White Rabbit and of the iconic album. For more information, visit www. Cheshire Cat or one of the four flavors that rotate uncfsu.edu/community/planetarium. frequently. Enjoy a sweet treat and their cotton candy art in an environment of happiness, creativity and fun. Sunset Slush of Fayetteville recently relocated to 3712 Ramsey St. The new storefront sells various flavors of traditional Sunset Slush, an Italian ice treat. The slushies are described as “smooth, nutritious, thirst- quenching, dairy-free, low in calories, cholesterol- free, gluten-free and refreshing.” You can mix and match flavors; my favorite is Creamsicle and Cherry. Shop ‘til you drop. As a shopper, you have plenty of opportunities to support women-owned small businesses in the region. Varied options in Fayetteville exist for boutique home décor and clothing, including Fabulous Finds and Southern Alternative downtown, Vibra’s and Betty Kelly on Hay Street and Epiphany on Morganton Road. You can visit nearby gems if you and your girlfriends Cool Beans, a locally owned and operated coffee are up for a quick day trip. Stop by Sassy Chick and ice cream shop in Autryville and Fayetteville, Boutique at 129 W Broad St. in Elizabethtown. This specializes in hand-dipped ice cream treats, including shop sells unique and trendy handmade home items milkshakes, banana splits and more. The venue has such as wreaths, bows, door hangers, flags, mailbox an extensive menu for your favorite craft coffee covers and other home décor. Located just across drinks and frequently hosts trivia nights, music the hall is Sweeter Than Honey, which sells sweet bingo, karaoke and food trucks. Check the Cool Beans treats and home décor. And no visit to Elizabethtown Facebook page for updates. is complete without a hamburger from Melvin’s, a caffeine fix at Barefoot Brews or a glazed croissant at Fill your appetite; quench your thirst. Burney’s Sweet Treats. All stops are within walking distance of each other. You don’t have to drive to Raleigh or Charlotte for a In Roseboro, check out Courtney’s Boutique at 216 relaxing time in an elegant environment with a great W Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Blvd., and in Clinton, stop meal and extensive wine and bar menu. Fayetteville at Rebecca’s of Clinton, located at 113 Wall St. These has plenty of locally owned restaurants and breweries sites are one-stop shops for all kinds of wares we that are great for a night out, including Luigi’s Italian women love, from gifts and décor to apparel and Chophouse on McPherson Church Road, Chris’s Steak sweets. Balloons, custom gift packaging, women’s and House on Raeford Road and Elizabeth Pizza in children’s clothing, handcrafted home décor, snacks, Hope Mills. For a more laid-back time, Dirtbag drinks and ice cream await your visit. Ales Brewery and Taproom has it all. Found at 5435 12 | J U LY 2 0 2 3 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills, at Exit 41 off I-95,

Happy 4TH OF JULY !! Dirtbag Ales is a family- and pet-friendly place that has craft beer, local NC wine and cider on tap, non- alcoholic beverages, a playground, dog park and onsite restaurant, frequent food trucks and weekly events. Go jump in a lake. 28 DAYS FOR $67 FOR ALL NEW CLIENTS Hope Mills Lake, located at the intersection of Main Street and Hope Mills Lake Road, has a large beachfront CLASSES FOR SENIORS ALSO AVAILABLE !! area great for picnicking or eating food from the concessional areas, swimming from Memorial Day to FREE WEEK!!COMNEOTRSYTRUISNOGUSTAFTOTARCAHED!! Labor Day, boating, fishing and hosting different events. Review the website for rules and permit requirements, 6 - WEEK RED HOT and for more information, call 910-426-4109. Lake Rim, 1455 Hoke Loop Rd., Fayetteville, prohibits SUMMER SLIM DOWN CHALLENGE swimming but fishing, kayaking and canoeing are STARTS JULY 31ST!! encouraged. Kids love their public pool and splash pad. Playgrounds and a hiking trail are excellent additions. 3039 Boone Trail Ext. Suite 100 Fayetteville, NC 28304 Smith Lake is open only to Department of Defense ID 910-889-1155 cardholders and up to four of their guests. Located on Fort Bragg off I-295 and Smith Lake Road (Building https://boonetrailfitbodybootcamp.com/Fitness Q-2922), this lake is a great one. Enjoy the beach area, www.facebook.com/FitBodyBooneTrail/ aqua park with an inflatable in-water obstacle course, ski-rixen, kayaks, SUP boards and pedal boats. And don't forget about the Cape Fear River. Find boat access on Old NC 87, four miles south of US 301 and Old NC 87. If you check off — or even try to check off — all these fun ideas, you’ll have a very full summer. What better way to fill the proverbial bucket? 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 13

DIY I wanted a water feature in our backyard that Backyard included a waterfall, plants and fish. The sound of Water the waterfall to me is soothing and an attractive Feature element to sit and relax by. My husband knew I wanted one, but as husbands go, sometimes they can just keep By Cynthia Ross | Photography by Isaiah Jones putting a project on the back burner. A few years back, when we had a large pecan tree that met its demise and fell, I felt the setting would be a great place for a pond. So, one weekend when my husband was not home, I decided the time for the pond had come! Fortunately, the surface above and below the fallen tree left the soil pliable, and digging was not as hard as I thought, other than the roots that remained. By the time my husband got home, I had already dug a noticeable area; he knew I was serious. He jumped in to help, but the project still took three months of steady work during the week and on the weekends. Fast forward three years, my backyard pond is established and thriving with fish, aquatic plants and a resident frog. The birds bathe and drink, squirrels balance on the rocks to drink and dragonflies visit — and my husband and I view it all from two rocking chairs on the water’s edge. The round pond measures about 10 by 10, is about three feet deep in the center, holds some 1,500 gallons of water and has an additional shelf about one and a half feet deep. You can build your own pond and save substantial money if you are up for the challenge. Doing your research is the first step for planning, cost, and site. Allow me to walk you through the process. • Size matters Select your site and decide the approximate size and remember that the larger the water feature, the more it will cost. Our DIY backyard pond, including a waterfall, stone perimeter, filtration system and an aerator, cost roughly $3,000 three years ago. • Site selection Pick a somewhat level site that receives at least four to six hours of sun daily. Avoid overhanging trees because of falling debris. Observe the area during rain to see the direction that the site drains. • Site prep Outline the area with paint as a sketch of the finished size desired. I started digging our pond with a shovel and discarded the roots I encountered, but the main advantage of that area was removing a large pecan tree that left a pliable surface and an easy spot for digging. • Considerations One of the hardest parts was the initial removal of the grass. You may have to rent a Cynthia Ross is an ACE certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor at The Spa Fitness and Wellness Center in Fayetteville. She teaches senior fitness, barre, balance, strength and flexibility, with personal training concentrations in senior fitness and functional training. Visit her on Facebook @Ross Fitness. 14 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

small backhoe if you have hard ground. Before you middle. It benefits pond life and oxygenates the start, check for any existing pipes or underground pond for aquatic plants and fish. utilities. Digging off and on the site took several • Stones Creating swimming tunnels on the bottom months with weekend work. You will also have to gives fish places to play and hide. Because of find an area to pile the dirt, and you will use some buoyancy, all stones should be placed before filling of it while building your berm. the pond. Placing the rocks will take some time and • Depth Our pond is three feet in the center with a determines how the water will cascade. shelf that runs around it about one and a half feet • Lighting Illuminating features are available to deep from the edge. Dig your pond so that you accent the waterfall and the pond as a whole. have some flat shelves at various depths. These Our pond has a light-sensitive spotlight for the shelves will make it easier to clean your pond waterfall. and accommodate plants living in different water • Maintenance Ponds require monthly maintenance depths. A shallow area will also be a good place for and a full or partial water change several times birds to bathe. yearly. Maintenance also includes cleaning and • Leveling Level the pond in all directions for water changing features, keeping the waterfall clean, retention; you may find that you must build up discarding debris, balancing additives and keeping some areas first. We leveled with a string, ground the water level up. stakes and a leveler. This step takes time, but it is • Electricity Have a nearby outlet for connecting the necessary to keep the water in. pond, light or lights and aerator to electricity. We • Water pump The selection of a quality water pump purchased a faux rock that was hollow to hide the and filtration system is important for water flow electrical cords and aerator pump. and filtration. Select a pump appropriate for your I highly recommend that you research before beginning pond size and ensure it has a warranty. Placement a water feature project and purchase quality products of the water pump will require additional digging; for performance. A DIY project can be challenging and it must be across from the waterfall. It is also a rewarding; doing your homework helps avoid costly good idea aesthetically to place your waterfall in an mistakes and replacements. Buying quality products optimal viewing location. from reputable dealers with good customer service and • Liner A high-grade ml. liner is your best choice knowledge of the building process is imperative. for longevity and tear resistance — one larger Live, love life and DIY ponds! than your pond. We stretched the liner out in a large area and trimmed some off before placing 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 15 it, setting it while digging the additional hole for the pump. Before the liner goes in, add fine-grade sand to the bottom and side shelves and place old carpet squares or felt in the bottom and side shelves for the liner to rest on. I wish I had dug it deeper because the sand and carpet squares took up some of the depth. • Berm We recycled the dirt dug up from the leveling process to create a berm around the pond. After you build, pack down, level, and round the berm; the pipe placement is next. • Pipe The pipe is plastic accordion tubing that stretches and allows water circulation to the waterfall. After digging a trench to the waterfall just outside the berm, we layered the trench bottom with sand, filled it with the dug-out dirt and packed the surface. Place the waterfall across from the filtration system. • Waterfall Waterfalls come in different sizes and are beautiful additions to a backyard pond. Ensure the cascade is mounted higher than the surface so water will fall over the rocks and into the pond. • Aerator This tool is an accessory that creates more oxygen in the pond and rests on the bottom in the

Chill & Grill Summer sizzles but so do delicious burgers on the grill. the right fat content ratio, a grill, cover and cook for 7 minutes, Try these delicious recipes this crispy roll or bun, and fresh, cold flipping after about 4 minutes, July or anytime! toppings and condiments. That’s all for medium-done (150 degrees guaranteed and more in this recipe Fahrenheit, slightly pink). Add a A staff report for The Great American Hamburger minute per side for well-done (160 and Cheeseburger from Mastering degrees Fahrenheit). THE GREAT AMERICAN the Grill: The Owner’s Manual If you make cheeseburgers, put HAMBURGER AND for Outdoor Cooking (Chronicle two slices of cheese on each burger CHEESEBURGER Books) by Andrew Schloss & David one minute before the burgers are Joachim. done. Serves 6 To toast the buns, put the cut sides Directions: down directly over the fire for the 2 pounds ground beef last minute of cooking. chuck, 85% lean Heat the grill to 425 degrees If serving the burgers directly from 5 tablespoons ice-cold Fahrenheit for gas or achieve light the grill, serve on the buns. If the water ash for charcoal or wood. burgers sit, even for a few minutes, 1 teaspoon ketchup keep the buns and the burgers 1/2 teaspoon ground Using your hands, mix the beef, separate until just before eating. black pepper water, ketchup, and pepper in a The best garnishes for burgers Oil for coating the bowl until well blended; do not are the classics: a slice of ripe grill grate overmix. Using a light touch, form beefsteak tomato, a mound of 12 slices good-quality into six patties no more than one sautéed onions, a leaf of romaine inch thick. Refrigerate the burgers lettuce, a dollop of coleslaw or a American, provolone, until the grill is ready. few dill pickles. or cheddar cheese (optional) Brush the grill grate and coat it 6 hamburger buns, with oil. Put the burgers on the split J uicy, mouthwatering hamburgers are a warm- weather staple that tastes perfect right off the grill. Everyone can benefit from having a tried- and-true burger recipe when entertaining a backyard full of guests or enjoying a cozy weeknight meal with the family. Many things constitute a great burger, including flavorful meat, 16 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

MUSHROOM AND SWISS BURGERS WITH BACON AND AIOLI Serves 4 8 bacon slices 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 2 pounds ground beef 4 Swiss cheese slices 4 kaiser rolls, split 1/2 cup aioli (see below) T his recipe for Mushroom and In the last minute of cooking, top the The Best Burgers Swiss Burgers with Bacon and patties with the cheese to melt and in Town Aioli from The Essential Kamado place the rolls cut side down on the Grill Cookbook (Rockridge Press) grate to toast. When you’re done with by Will Budiaman is sure to make Spread the aioli on the buns and DIY and are ready to eat your Fourth of July festivities more assemble the burgers, dividing the out, here are some of flavorful. bacon and mushrooms. Fayetteville’s favorite places Prepare the grill for direct grilling for burgers, dogs and more. at 500 degrees Fahrenheit; then AIOLI preheat a 10-inch cast iron skillet on 1. R Burger food truck the grate with the lid closed. Makes 1 1/4 cups R Kitchen 1006 Person St Put the bacon in the skillet. Close 1 large egg the lid and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or 1 cup vegetable oil 2. Will’s Grill until browned and crispy around the 2 garlic cloves, peeled 4011 Sycamore Dairy Rd. edges. Transfer to a plate. 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Add the mushrooms to the skillet. Put the egg in the bowl of a small 3. Got Chew Grill Close the lid and cook, stirring once, food processor. Blend until beaten. 5463 Trade St, Hope Mills for 7 to 9 minutes or until browned. With the machine running, slowly Transfer to a plate. Season with salt stream in the oil through the feed 4. Archway Burgers, Dogs and pepper. tube until emulsified (the mixture and Beer Meanwhile, in a large bowl, season thickens). Blend in garlic and salt. 113 Person St. the beef with pepper and 4 teaspoons Transfer to an airtight container, of salt. Using your hands, mix until refrigerate and use within 5 days. 5. Bubba’s 33 just incorporated; form into four Troubleshooting: If the aioli is 500 Westwood 1-inch-thick patties with a slight not coming together, staying thin Shopping Ctr. dimple in the center. and runny instead of thickening, Put the burgers on the grate. Close you may be streaming in your oil too 6. Hot Diggidy Dog the lid and cook, flipping halfway quickly. Don’t throw out the batch; 106 Roxie Ave. and 1118 through, for 8 to 10 minutes total pour it into a small cup or bowl, Ramsey St. for medium, or until an instant- wash and dry the bowl and blade of read thermometer inserted into the food processor and start again 7. Robertson’s the center registers 160 degrees with a fresh egg. Use the first batch Sandwich Shop Fahrenheit for well done. as your oil. Eutaw Shopping Center 2712 Bragg Blvd. 8. The Habit Burger Grill 2050 Skibo Rd., Suite 100. 9. Napkins at Dirtbag Ales Brewery 5435 Corporation Dr., Hope Mills 10. American Cravings food truck 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 17

Take Your Fourth of July until hard, about 45 minutes. To serve, roll back the foil Burgers Up a Notch and cut into 1/2-inch slices. When slicing from frozen, warm the knife under hot water first. After slicing, A staff report always tightly rewrap the unused flavored butter roll in the foil before returning it to the refrigerator or Combine ground steak with salt and pepper. Divide freezer. into 4 equal-sized pieces and gently shape into 4 burgers about 1 inch thick. Grill burgers and warm Best Burger Variations buns according to the instructions below. Top burgers Herbed Burger: Add 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or with butter and serve hot in sesame buns. 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 crushed garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion to the ground steak. Outdoor cooking Spicy Burger: Add 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco, 1 tablespoon Grill over hot coals for 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to minutes per side for medium rare, or 5 minutes per the ground steak. side for well done. Place buns cut side down on the grill until warm and lightly golden, 1 minute. Think ahead: Shape burgers up to 1 day in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Cooks’ Note: Indoor cooking: Overhandling the meat when shaping will result in a tough, dry burger. To guarantee a juicy burger, handle Preheat a ridged cast-iron grill pan over high heat. the meat as little as possible. Cook for 3 minutes per side for rare, 4 minutes for medium rare, or 5 minutes for well done. Place buns cut side down on grill pan until warm and lightly golden, 1 minute. BLUE-CHEESE BUTTER Makes 15 servings 16 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 4 ounces (1 cup crumbled) blue cheese 2 teaspoons black pepper Place ingredients in a food processor or blender; pulse until well blended. Wrap in foil. Place in the freezer BEST BURGER WITH BLUE CHEESE BUTTER Serves 4 1 pound ground chuck steak 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 4 1/2-inch slices blue cheese butter (see above) 4 sesame hamburger buns, halved 18 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

Dessert Is as Easy as Apple Pie A staff report The phrase “as American as apple pie” may lead one to believe this classic dessert originated in the Americas. But this beloved dessert traces its origins to Europe. Apples aren’t even native to North America, according to experts. Apple pie is categorized alongside - Beat the egg and 2 teaspoons of GRANDMA’S baseball and Coca-Cola® as truly water or milk. Cut 4 to 5 slits in APPLE PIE American. Still, even though it the top crust to allow steam to was brought over to the colonies escape. Brush with egg mixture and Servings: 8 slices with settlers, it wasn’t until the sprinkle with sugar (optional). 20th century that the treat was - Place the pie plate on a baking pan Double Crust Pie Pastry established as a symbol of national lined with parchment paper. This (see note below) pride. By then, this apple-filled step is optional but will catch any 1 large egg, beaten pastry had been cemented in drips or spills. 6 to 7 cups apples, popular cuisine and has since been - Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce peeled and sliced, replicated and reimagined in more heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, and about 2 pounds ways than one might imagine. bake for 35 to 40 more minutes or 1 tablespoon lemon Most families have an apple pie until the crust is golden and the juice recipe that they love. This recipe apples are tender. 1/2 cup granulated for Grandma’s Apple Pie, courtesy - Cool for at least 30 minutes before sugar of the Vancouver-based food recipe serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice 3 tablespoons flour blog, Spend with Pennies by Holly cream and caramel sauce if desired. 1/2 teaspoon ground Nilsson, is one to add to your cinnamon culinary repertoire. 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg Directions: Note: You can use a premade mixture resembles the size of refrigerated pie crust for this pie or peas. - Preheat oven to 425 degrees try making a homemade pastry with 3. Add ice-cold water a tablespoon Fahrenheit. the recipe below. at a time to one area of the - Peel apples and cut them into dough and mix with a fork. quarters. Remove the core and slice FLAKY HOMEMADE PIE CRUST Move to one side of the bowl apples into 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch and continue adding water until thick. Makes a double pie crust the dough is moistened (you - Combine apples, lemon juice, 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 don’t want it to be sticky). sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg teaspoon salt 4. Once mixed, use your hands to in a large bowl. Toss well to 7 tablespoons cold butter, quickly and gently fold over the combine and set aside. cubed dough several times. Divide into - Roll half of the dough into a 12- 7 tablespoons shortening, two balls. inch circle. Line a 9-inch pie plate cubed 5. Roll each ball into a 12-inch with the pastry dough. Fill with 1/3 to 2/3 cups ice cold water circle on a lightly floured apple filling. 1. Combine flour and salt in a surface. Use as needed in your - Roll the remaining crust and recipe, or wrap and refrigerate gently place it over apple mixture. large bowl with a whisk. to use later. Seal the edges by gently pinching 2. Using a pastry cutter, cut the the top and bottom crusts together. 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 19 You can fold or decorate the edges butter and shortening until the by crimping or pressing with a fork. Remove any excess dough.

Just in Time for Summer — Christmas in July By Alena Barosa B enjamin Franklin Fresno, California, Reverie Goods and Gifts round Christmas Store once said, \"If you fail hosts a Christmas in and Stevies on Hay. for Olde World Christmas to plan, you are planning July 5K Run; the Dallas These merchants offer ornaments, tree toppers, to fail.\" Preparation is key Arboretum in Dallas unique, creative and Mark Roberts Santas, to successful delivery. The brings in Santa every July wonderful gifts for all Possible Dreams Santas, holidays are still half a and West Jefferson, North ages. Outside downtown, ornaments by local artists year away, but now is the Carolina and Chalfont, visit The Pilgrim Gifts & and more. time to start stocking up Pennsylvania, hold Antiques in Westwood on Christmas presents. Christmas in July festivals. Shopping Center, Betty Dip your toes in the Have you heard of Kelly’s Gift Shop, The ocean, enjoy the sunshine Christmas in July? Beyond Christmas, Character House or and find one-of-a-kind The unofficial observation Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Leclair's General Store treasures to hide away has its roots at Keystone Diwali, Yom Kippur in Haymount or the Cape until Christmas. Camp in Brevard — and New Year are other Fear Botanical Garden located in our home holidays celebrated Gift Shop east of town. state. In 1933, camp throughout the United organizers decided to States in the fall and To venture to other hold the first Christmas winter. Some of these wonderful corners of in July celebration at the holidays involve gift North Carolina, plenty of summer camp, complete exchanging, often choices exist. Christmas with cotton fake snow, preceded by rush visits shops, for example, are a decked-out tree, a gift to the malls, crafts popular in many Tarheel- exchange and the big fairs, stores, and local state towns. A Christmas guy himself, Santa. A few markets, as celebrators Shoppe in Wilmington years later, in 1940, the frantically search for the offers everything from movie Christmas in July perfect expression of love, masks to ornaments for brought its namesake gratitude or appreciation. Christmas connoisseurs. celebration to the Visit the Historic mainstream, and retailers Think local and small to Downtown's only year- rallied behind the concept channel the Christmas in soon afterward. July vibe for all upcoming But Christmas in July is holidays. Downtown about more than early Fayetteville has many shopping. Some cities choices for locally owned nationwide get in on the establishments and small action and hold special businesses, including events. For example, Cursive, The Promise, Turner Lane, A Bit of Carolina, PRESSED, Alena Barosa is a Ph.D. candidate, studying behavior analysis. She is the regional director of training at ABA of Fayetteville and has an 9-year-old son. Together they have two cats, one dog, five chickens and a few foster cats waiting for their forever home. 20 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

While the Northern shop looks and smells Put Southport on your location, allowing early end of the Outer Banks like Christmas. Enjoy list. It is located on the birds to shop for unique pleases beachgoers with the gorgeous sights of coast of Southeastern gifts, from puzzles incredible sights — the Biltmore and pick up a North Carolina, where with puppies to turtle grasses, dunes, grand few inimitable gifts for the Cape Fear River ornaments. Atlantic Ocean and the future. greets the Atlantic If you are planning a famous wild horses — it Ocean. The Christmas quick getaway for early is also the deck-the-halls St. Nick Nack's House in Southport, shopping, drop by The home of The Christmas Christmas Shop, known pictured above, offers a Holiday Light Store in our Mouse. With two to the locals as the lovely picture-perfect capital city. Like Raleigh, locations in Nags Head Callahan's of Calabash, which offers endless and another in the town is situated in a small entertainment options of Duck, this splendidly Brunswick County fishing to visitors, The Holiday decorated space offers town along the Carolina Light Store also provides an assortment of shores. It offers nautical year-round recreation over 30,000 different and shore décor, sweet and retail therapy. Check ornaments, collectibles fudge samples, fun out this Wake County and accessories to clothing and over 150 venue's animated outdoor fill any stocking. fully decorated Christmas holiday decorations and Nearby is another OBX trees heavily sprinkled Christmas lights. Christmas destination, with sample ornaments. Holidays do not have The Christmas Shop to be stressful. While in Manteo, pictured Checking out the you may be unable to left. Here, boutique lighthouses this summer? control all aspects of offerings of luxurious the holiday preparation, jewelry, nautical motives, you can decide when Christmas ornaments and shopping happens and décor, locally made candy, how much monthly luscious wines, gourmet money to dedicate to the foods and local art blend gifts. Embrace the idea well with the sights and of Christmas in July by sounds of the beach. grabbing your best friend for a quick trip, rerouting If crisp mountain the family vacation mornings are more your slightly to grab a few gifts thing, consider stopping or combining a beach trip by Olde World Christmas with the early shopping. Shoppe, pictured below, Merry Christmas in July! in Asheville. Located in the Historic Biltmore Village, this picturesque 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 21

Celebrate to teach their kids about giving has been packing shoebox gifts Christmas and caring about other people since 2012. \"Every box I pack in July (and they don't know. According is different,\" she said, \"But I to Fayetteville Regional always include a book, crayons, all year) with Coordinator Nicole Nelson, colored pencils and paper \"Everyone has a place in this because all my former students Operation ministry — packing the boxes, loved drawing and coloring. Christmas collecting the items, writing I've recently started including Child the letters can give anyone of a picture of me and my family any age a purpose within the because I heard the kids love to By Sherri Mingle Collins ministry! It's amazing how see the givers, too.\" Photo credit: Samaritan's Purse someone as young as two or The organization's website three can impact a life lists items that should not be While Christmas is still a few for eternity.\" included, such as toothpaste, months away, the season of Shoebox packers choose a food and breakable items. You giving is just around the corner. gender and age range for the will also find an option for Many people around our city, gifts in their box and label a shoebox to be completely state, country and even world it to show who the recipient packed and purchased online. know it's never too early to buy should be. OCC suggests that The scope small items for one particular the packages include personal Since 1993, OCC, the world's cause: Operation Christmas care items, clothing, crafts and largest Christmas project Child. OCC Shoebox packers activities, a personal note and of its kind, has collected often shop for deals throughout a WOW item, such as a deflated and delivered more than the year and take advantage of soccer ball and pump or a 209 million shoebox gifts to back-to-school sales. fun toy. children in more than 170 Retired Cumberland County countries and territories. Last A project of The Samaritan's school teacher Janice Southard year alone, they collected over Purse, OCC collects shoeboxes filled with fun toys, school and hygiene items — and delivers them to children in need worldwide. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received. National Collection Week is November 13-20. The project Anyone can pack a shoebox — individuals, families, churches and groups, young and old. Many parents use the project A year-round volunteer for OCC, Sheri Mingle Collins also volunteers for various other organizations around Fayetteville. She teaches water aerobics at The Spa & Fitness Center and is one half of \"The Glass Sisters,\" making hand-crafted stained glass items. 22 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

9.3 million shoeboxes across the United States and 1.3 million from partnering countries. Of that total, 31,786 shoebox gifts were donated by the generous, caring people in the greater Fayetteville region. This year, 2023, the organization is expected to collect an even larger number. The goal is to collect 11 million gifts worldwide, with one million coming from the Carolinas. The volunteers million in the Carolinas, we the large building. We inspect The operation relies on need volunteers to grow this the gifts and pray the children volunteers at all levels of project year-round. Volunteers who receive them understand the project. Over 540,000 to partner in the ministry to the love of God and accept Him volunteers worldwide collect, continuously grow — one box, as their Savior.\" ship and distribute OCC one child for eternity — it starts To find out how to get involved, shoebox gifts. In the Fayetteville with one volunteer.\" visit samaritanspurse.org/ region, the team comprises 12 Southard shared some of occ. You will find in-depth year-round volunteers and 277 her OCC experiences. \"I love descriptions of volunteer official project leaders. packing my boxes every year, positions and more information If you want to be a part of but I've also been privileged about the project there. Operation Christmas Child, and blessed to volunteer at the Provide your name and contact you can volunteer as a packer, processing center in Charlotte information, and someone from project leader, processing five times. On each occasion, I OCC will contact you. It's center volunteer or year-round was amazed by the number of that easy. volunteer, to name a few jobs, gifts and volunteers that filled so there is a spot for you. Nelson To learn how to pack a said, \"Each year, we start at zero shoebox and find the nearest boxes. To go from zero to one drop-off location, visit www. samaritanspurse.org/occ. There you can also find out about \"Follow Your Box,\" where the sender can discover the destination of their box(es). Participants can shop online shopping by browsing www. samaritanspurse.org/ buildonline to select gifts matched to a child's specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and a personal note. 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 23

Local women promote the program Collecting Churches and ready to carry them across (above) and pack boxes (below), annually. groups of all sizes collect boxes the globe. from their communities. Some \"Now more than ever, children churches also serve as drop-off Worldwide distribution When around the world need to know locations for shoeboxes every the shoebox gifts arrive in that God loves them, and there year during the third week of their destination country, is hope,\" said Franklin Graham, November. This year, about they are dispersed by various president of Samaritan's Purse. 5,000 drop-off locations will be transportation, including \"The staff at OCC hopes you will spread across the 50 states and trucks, boats, trains and even be a part of blessing children Puerto Rico. on the backs of camels, llamas around the world.\" and donkeys — whatever means All of these gifts are funneled necessary to reach the villages through the regional collection and the children. center — in Fayetteville, it's Famont Baptist Church, 3663 Long before the boxes arrive Cumberland Road. There, in more than 100 countries, boxes are counted and packed volunteer national leadership into large shipping cartons teams train community to be trucked to the nearest laypeople to host child-friendly processing center. outreach events and implement the follow-up discipleship Processing At eight major program. processing centers across the U.S., thousands of volunteers Outreach events Children are inspect and prepare shoeboxes invited to fun events where the for international shipping. shoebox gifts are disbursed. From Fayetteville, boxes In many places, volunteers are sent to Charlotte. Other also offer \"The Greatest Gift,\" a processing centers are Boone, Gospel story booklet developed North Carolina; Atlanta, for shoebox recipients and \"The Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Greatest Journey\" discipleship Washington D.C.; Dallas and program. After the long journey Fort Worth, Texas; Denver, of the shoeboxes, the smiles Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; and joy of the children are the and Fullerton, California. Next, final part of this endeavor — trucks transport the boxes to and the best! various ports where ships stand The Amazing Journey Packing: Each gift starts when an individual fills an empty shoebox with school supplies, hygiene items and fun toys, such as dolls or soccer balls. 24 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

Seasons of Change By Muriel Brooks G od is faithful, and the cycle of the seasons ourselves, others and life in general. Research tells signifies that God will preserve and redeem us that four personal seasons of life exist like the His created order. Genesis 8:22 reads, “While four we have in nature. Orchestrated by God for a the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and purpose, these periods develop our personalities cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and and lay the groundwork for the lives we will lead in night shall not cease.” (KJV) This verse is part of the the future. Moving through each spiritual season covenant or promise God made with Noah after the builds our faith and brings us closer to the Lord. flood and also a reminder to us of His faithfulness • Spring is the time in your life from birth to each day and every season in our lives. One definition of the word season tells us that it mid-twenties, a time of hope, new beginnings is the period of the year distinguished by special and opportunities. climate conditions that come, go and reoccur in a • Summer represents the transition from year. In the Gregorian calendar, the four seasons adolescence to adulthood. A time to celebrate are generally recognized in temperate and subpolar the meaning of life which brings growth. There regions. God, not science or scientists, divided the is a need for protection from the abundance of year into the cadence of spring, summer, autumn distractions that plague life during this time. and winter. • Fall is the time of your life when you slow down “To everything there is a season, and a time to every or retire. More time is available to mentor purpose under the heaven” states Ecclesiastes 3:1. others in this season. In eloquently penning this verse, King Solomon, • Winter can be a season of true wisdom or a the writer of the book of Ecclesiastes, expressed time of sadness and despair. commentary on the ebb and flow of human lives. Some of these seasons of humanity may last for His words spoke not only to the people of his time a lifetime or for a short season. Seek the Lord to but speak relevantly to our lives today. Continuing, know the season and the reason for your various he elaborated on the seasons we all face: There is “a relationships; when to start, when to continue and time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, when to let go. and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill God is not seasonal. Both Malachi 3:6 and Hebrew and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time 13:8 declare that God is the same always and never to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh.” ever changes. He is always good, always loving, (AMP) always all-powerful. No matter how this world Another meaning of the quoted scripture has to do changes around us, we can trust God who is always with the changing seasons of our lives. Each season consistent. “And let us not be weary in well doing or stage of life teaches us something new about for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9). Retired teacher, Muriel Brooks, is a member and adult Sunday school teacher at Bethel Christian Assembly. She is married and the mother of two sons, four grandchildren and one great-grandson. 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 25

Rock, Roll and Roller Derby By Dinah Goodman W hen picturing roller derby, images of According to a 2018 online report from athletically clad, muscular women with www.womenshistory.org, roller derby came back bad attitudes elbowing and pushing their in several revivals throughout the decades, with opponents off the floor in a whirlwind of skates the early 2000s seeing a huge resurgence and and speed may come to mind. Many of us grew boom of 135 U.S. leagues and over 2,000 leagues up watching roller derby, immersed in the pure worldwide. Though primarily female-dominated, entertainment and energy it brought. It was a roller derby has become an all-inclusive sport combination of athleticism, drama, speed and where any and all adults can participate and pure sass all rolled into one, coupled with moxie spread the derby spirit. and stone aggression. Fayetteville’s derby celebrities However, roller derby is much more than what Given the hardcore history of roller derby, one we ever thought it would be. It is a sport that might expect to encounter roughnecks and requires strategy, quick thinking, core strength, fighters when meeting players. It is all for sport teamwork, balance, sportsmanship and a strong and entertainment, though, and the Fayetteville desire to excel while providing entertainment Roller Derby team has some of the nicest people and action for fans. While tremendous work, the competing, coupled with the coolest name Fayetteville Roller Derby team runs like a well- handles to boot. oiled machine and puts on a game you won’t want Kristi Woodruff, known in the roller derby world to miss. as “She-Hulk,” is the president of the Fayetteville A history with some sass Roller Derby. A player since 2014, she found Who thought up a sport like roller derby, with all the derby when looking for a softball league but the swishing, sweating, sliding, spinning, attitude, instead saw an ad for this sport — one that “gives head locking and brass resilience? The human her empowerment and makes her feel stronger,” was promoter Leo Seltzer, the year 1935 and the she said. She-Hulk explained that real derby is place the Chicago Coliseum, though roller derby unlike that on TV: “Sure, there are hard hits once looked a lot different then than what we know it in a while, but it is way more strategic.” to be today. From the first transcontinental derby Woodruff elaborated on how derby is played. The in 1935 to the addition of violence in 1938 to bring game starts with four blockers and a jammer for in more crowds, the sport had its heyday in the each team. The jammers score points with their early to mid-1900s and decline in the 1970s when bodies when passing an opponent’s hips. Each rising oil prices resulted in less travel. Dinah Goodman is a fitness professional and the owner of Boone Trail Fit Body Boot Camp. She is a nutritionist, advanced personal trainer, group exercise instructor, former bodybuilder and powerlifter. 26 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

person is a point. The jammer must get past the Giving back, derby style blockers to become the lead jam. Jams last two As strong and tough as these ladies are, they have minutes. If the jammer gets past the blockers, she a soft side for helping others. Team members earns four points. volunteer with the Fayetteville Animal Protection Randi Durham, aka “Bella,” joined in 2012 — out Society, conduct roadside cleanup with Adopt- of peer pressure, she stated. However, she is glad A-Highway and give to food banks. The charities she did. “The game challenges me, giving me an the skaters support number nearly a dozen. Their hour to two hours where my brain only has to hearts are as big as their might. focus on derby. I get to have something that is Follow the team on Facebook or visit www. all my own”, said Durham, a cosmetologist at J. fayettevillerollerderby.com/league/ to see Co Salon & Blo’Dry Bar. “Roller Derby used to be schedules, view merchandise for sale or make fishnets and tutus. Now it is a real sport where we donations to this nonprofit organization. Yes, can allow our competitive side to come out,” she nonprofit. The skaters do not get paid to play continued, elaborating on the sport’s evolution. roller derby and must buy their own equipment, “People think it is always about fighting and gear and uniforms in addition to paying monthly beating people up. It is nothing like that; it is more dues to be a league member! Sponsorships offset about being on a team and working together to some costs, but Fayetteville Roller Derby is complete the goal of winning.” primarily a skater-owned-and-operated league. When asked how she decided on the handle, If any net profits are gained, Rogue uses the funds ‘Bella,’ she said she was given her name back to offset travel costs and to actively give back to when they had tag lines. Hers comes from the community through contributions and regular “Bella No Way,” which is a playoff of “Bella involvement with local charities. Notte.” Players normally name themselves with Stay tuned for the action; with a March through something that interests them or relates to their November schedule, the next Fayetteville home legal names, she said. game occurs in July. Despite their grueling A look at the team roster reveals other interesting timeline — the players train all year and break and intimidating handles, including Shotgun only in December — Fayetteville Roller Derby’s Betty, Defusing Danger, Claire Lee Psycho and mission statement shows it is about more than Corporal Killah. sport and skates: “Rogue is committed to growing Team divisions as a stable organization of inspiring, confident The Rogue Rollergirls are the all-star team for athletes and positive female role models.” See for Fayetteville Roller Derby, Fayetteville's premier yourself what Fayetteville Roller Derby is women's flat track roller derby league. These all about. skaters are the league’s top, competing in sanctioned interleague bouts both home and away. The Ritzy Rollers and the Wreckers are Fayetteville Roller Derby’s two home teams. They have a fierce rivalry as opposing teams with opposite personas. The Wreckers are a tough, wreck-it team, while the Ritzy Rollers are a more glitzy, glam, pinkies-up team — all for fun and entertainment. The Fayetteville teams belong to the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, the international governing body for the sport of women's flat track roller derby. 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 27

Saving will become Another way to save a habit faster when without thinking about it is to use the Acorn automated app, which rounds up your purchases to an even dollar amount and puts the change into an online brokerage that invests the funds to grow. This app has a small monthly fee, but it may be worth it if you save more with it than you would have otherwise. savings hacks Automating your savings is critical. According to the podcast Money with Katie, automating savings By Jenna May avoids the “monthly hemming and hawing.” If savings happens without your having to think Welcome back! Last month, we discussed setting about it, it is more likely to become a habit faster. financial goals. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how Set up that auto-draft today - you’ll thank me at to achieve those goals this month. In short, you will Christmastime. need to automate saving and cut your expenses. Now that we’ve covered how to save, let’s talk Automate Saving about specific areas where you can trim recurring First, put your savings on expenses in order to hit those savings goals. Automate Saving on Groceries The best way to save on groceries is to shop local autopilot. Think of all those savings and store’s sales, use coupons and plan meals. Back in the day, shopping sales and couponing involved expenses you know are trim expenses sitting around for hours clipping squares out of going to happen, like car store’s circulars gathered each week. It is sooo maintenance and Christmas much easier now! My favorite coupon app is Ibotta. presents. Instead of charging a credit card, create You just download the app, click offers, then shop a sinking fund to save up for them. Dave Ramsey at your favorite retailer online or in-store — just defines a sinking fund as “a strategic way to save snap a pic of your receipt. Once you accumulate money for a specific purchase by setting aside a little $20 in earnings, you can transfer funds to your bit each month.” I set up an auto-transfer for the day bank account. To get grocery store ads, sign up for after payday that goes into my online money market each store’s weekly email circular. Use the ads and account (MMA). MMAs are like savings accounts coupons to choose recipes using those ingredients. because they are FDIC-insured and have a limit on For meal planning help, take 30 minutes once a week monthly withdrawals but pay a higher interest rate. and make a plan for each meal; start with planning Compare rates and find the MMA that works for dinner only until you get a feel for it. If you are like you at Bankrate.com. It’s a lovely feeling to see your me, you may want some help coming up with ideas sinking fund earning compound interest all year. for quick, healthy meals. Meal-planning guides, like Emeals, are easily searchable online. See the To decide the amount to save in my sinking fund, I resources below for more info on a starting-point. divide the amount of the expense by the number of Finally, work your plan! Eating in is a huge money- months left until it is due. For example, I know the saver, and it doesn’t have to involve hours in the car will need new tires in two years. Four tires online kitchen. It can be as simple as a three-ingredient are about $800. Divide that by 24 months, and I need crockpot meal on a busy weeknight. about $105 monthly to have $800 in two years. You can analyze every future expense like this. Instead Saving on Shopping of paying interest to the credit card company, earn Of the many apps offering cash back to shoppers, my interest simply by planning ahead. Just think about all those prepaid presents come Christmastime! Jenna May is a milspouse who has lived in the Fayetteville area since 2019 with her husband and two teenagers. She discovered her love for numbers during the COVID lockdowns and earned an accounting degree from FTCC. 28 | J U LY 2 0 2 3

favorites are Rakuten and Fetch Rewards. Rakuten years old. The book The Millionaire Next Door: The must be opened before you shop and applies to Surprising Secrets of America’s Wealthy, praises this certain retailers only. Fetch accepts all receipts strategy. A certified used car will be reliable and a and simply wants a pic of your in-store receipts — much better value for your money. Let someone else every receipt regardless of retailer is worth at least take that depreciation hit. 25 points. You can link your email to the app to get To save money on gas, try downloading the Upside credit for online purchases also. Rakuten will pay app. You claim an offer at a local gas station, pay you via Paypal or check, while Fetch earnings can be with the card linked to the app, and get paid in a redeemed for giftcards. I usually choose Walmart couple of days. You can choose to redeem to your or Amazon. bank account or via a gift card. In Fayetteville, most Saving on Utilities Circle K’s offer cash back. Upside also works for One large monthly expense can be a family’s phone select restaurants and grocery stores. bill. Good news — this is an easy area to trim down! Many mobile carriers, such as Mint Mobile and Saving on Travel Cricket Wireless, are offering cell services for $15- A popular way to save on travel is to use credit card 30 month per line. It might be worth the switch if reward points to pay for expenses. Many cards offer you consider the yearly savings. If you have a land- reward points that can be redeemed for more travel line phone, consider switching to a VoIP service like credit than simply using the points to pay down Ooma, which runs your phone service through your your balance. I’m just beginning to learn about this internet and only charges monthly taxes and fees area, and I’ve found The Points Guy’s channel on for service, less than $10 per month, after you buy Youtube to be very helpful. A word of caution here the device. — if a card offers great rewards, it will often charge To save on your electric bill, avoid using energy- high interest on balances. Make sure to only use heavy appliances like dishwashers during peak this strategy if you can pay off the card in full each hours when rates are higher. Also, consider month. installing a smart thermostat. That involves spending money, I know, but sometimes you must Saving with Cash spend a little to save even more. To top it off, some That brings me to my next savings hack, which is to electric companies offer rebates on certain brands. pay with cash. When you have to physically pull bills Check with your utility company. from your wallet and hand them over to someone Saving on Insurance else, it triggers something psychologically that Research which nearby doctors, hospitals and makes you less eager to spend. Dave Ramsey’s cash urgent care centers are in-network with your envelope system is based on this idea. Also, many insurance. Keep this information handy in case area businesses have started charging an added fee needed in an emergency. Nothing is worse than for card purchases, which are avoided by paying getting a huge, unexpected bill a month after seeing cash. I always try to keep a little cash on hand to get your provider because your insurance carrier that 10% prepay discount at my drycleaner. deemed them “out of network.\" Think of the Lastly, ask yourself if Every six months, get one or two quotes from other hours it takes you really need the item. auto insurance companies. You may be surprised Whatever you do, DO NOT how much you can save just by switching to another to earn the use that Buy Now button! provider. It does not pay to be a loyal customer in money rather Sleep on it. If you still this industry. than the price. think it is a good purchase Saving on Cars in the morning, then go Never buy new. While you might get a cheaper ahead as long as it fits monthly payment, new cars are not a good within your budget. investment of your hard-earned money. According to Ramsey Solutions, a new car loses around 10% Think of the money you spend not in terms of the of its value the moment you drive it off the lot. Buy price but in terms of the hours it takes to earn those a certified, pre-owned vehicle that is two or three dollars. The best way to save money is to not spend it in the first place. Do you have a favorite way to save money? I’d love to hear about it! Email me at [email protected]. 2 0 2 3 J U LY | 29

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