Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1480176
4 UCW SEPTEMBER 28, 2022 Best of Fayetteville C I TY l i fe Best Use of Local Tax Dollars Cumberland County Schools The Cumberland County School system's Cumberland Commitment: Strategic Plan 2024 continues to improve post COVID-19. Cumberland Commitment's vision is for every student to have access to engaging learning experiences that prepare them to be strong world characters, while maintain- ing a safe, positive and rigorous learning environment that tempers lifelong learners to the stresses of maximum potential. The Cumberland Commitment began in 2019, and 2022 / 2023 is Cumberland County's second in-person post pandemic school year. The Cumberland Commitment is glued together by a combina- tion of premier professionals, an exceptional environment and, of course, suc- cessful students. Its priority is to graduate every student with the confidence to lead competitive lives by implementing robust learning experiences, and defining, understanding and promoting educational equity. The Cumberland Commitment develops modern learning environments, creates tiers of services and establishes and aligns career pathways. The Cumberland County Board of Education is the official governing body of the Cumberland County School system. The board consists of nine locally- elected, non-partisan members, six of whom were elected by district. The remaining members are elected at large. The Cumberland County School system serves 50 elementary, 17 middle, 17 high and two virtual schools. With approximately 50,000 students, Cumberland County is the fifth largest school district in North Carolina. Next to the Armed Services, the Cumberland County School system is Cumberland County's second-largest employer, with roughly three thousand certified teachers, 1,300 student supporters and approximately 1,600 more employees. The Cumberland County School system strives to recruit and retain premier professionals to sustain a workforce that delivers and supports innovative classroom instruction, and it invests in district personnel by providing opportunities for professional growth and data-driven professional learning to strengthen classroom instruction. Best Local Landmark The Market House Downtown Fayetteville The Market House in Fayetteville's Downtown District was built in 1838 on the site of the old state house and Town Hall which burned down in 1831. At that time, Fayetteville was the capital of North Carolina. The Market House's con- struction was in line with the style of that time, and has an arcaded open ground level, and a meeting hall above in a standard market house format which originated in the British Isles and is also common in New England. It served both as a town hall and general market until the early 20th century and was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973. Over the past several years, the Market House has become a point of conten- tion within the community because of its ties to the slave trade. In the last year, the Department of Justice came to the city and talked with citizens about the best use of the historic site. The ad-hoc committee recom- mended to City Council to change the plaque at the Market House, provide information in different formats (i.e., QR codes, ADA-compliant methods, written, etc.), and use the four corners of Market Square to display rotating art exhibits by local artists. Best Little Known Attraction Sweet Valley Ranch Dinosaur World 2021 2990 Sunnyside School Road, Fayetteville 844-622-3276 or www.sweetvalleyranchnc.com If you've ever ventured out to the ranch, it will probably be hard for you to understand how people can't know about it, but surprisingly, some people still don't know. Sweet Valley Ranch is a farm that anyone can enjoy. The sum- mer Dinosaur World experience is just one reason to visit the ranch. If you need more, you might want to check out the Backwoods Terror Ranch in October and the Festival of Lights in December. The ranch has been described as a place where "Nature meets Adventure." It is home to more than 350 animals, including llamas, goats, highland cattle, a camel, a zebra, sheep, swans, peacocks, ducks and cranes. And, of course, there is a reptile house. You can go on a tour and have a chance to get up close and per- sonal with the farm animals. If you want to relax, you can spend some time fishing in the stocked ponds, ride on a two-mile go-kart trail, grab a bite to eat and check out the gift shop! With all it offers, Sweet Valley Ranch won't be unknown for long. Coolest Venue Downtown Segra Stadium 460 Hay Street 910-339-1989 or www.milb.com/fayetteville This baseball field has made a big impact on the community, both for sports fans and casual Downtown visitors. A Fayetteville Woodpeckers home game is an excep- tional experience for all ages. Families can enjoy catch-on-the-field and kids-run-the-bases before the first pitch on Sundays. Beverage dis- counts are offered on Thirsty Thursdays, and dog lovers can bring their pups for Paws & Claws night. If that wasn't enough, Segra Stadium off- season offers a variety of multi-function spaces for private or public events. Some of the many examples include chamber of commerce meetings, nonprofit fundraisers and military promotions.