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.
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4 UCW SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 Best of Fayetteville C I TY l i fe Best Use of Local Tax Dollars Schools and Education www.ccs.k12.nc.us/ The primary objective of Cumberland County Schools is to create a secure, opti- mistic and demanding educational setting that equips students with the necessary skills for lifelong learning and enables them to achieve their utmost potential. With a total of 89 schools accommodating approximately 50,000 students, the institution places great emphasis on catering to the diverse learning requirements of its student body. The school system is fully accredited and boasts an eclectic mix of students hail- ing from over 75 countries and speaking as many as 82 different languages. It is noteworthy that more than 13,000 CCS students have military or federal affilia- tions. The Cumberland County Board of Education has given its approval to the baseline data and targets for Strategic Plan 2024. These important indicators will assist the district in assessing its advancement towards meeting the objec- tives outlined in The Cumberland Commitment: Strategic Plan 2024. Both internal and external stakeholders have provided input on these targets, while Hanover Research firm has offered valuable insights on best practices for their development and improvement. The criteria used for establishing these target metrics involved a concentrated focus on a select number of goals and out- comes, with specific milestones set annually throughout the five-year duration of the Strategic Plan. The AdvancED Accreditation Commission has granted the Cumberland County School system the AdvancED School System Accreditation. This pres- tigious accreditation seal is conferred by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. It signifies that not only is the CCS system accredited, but all of its schools as well. The recogni- tion received by Cumberland County Schools extends nationwide, cementing its reputation as a high-quality educational institution. Best Historic Building 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 capi- tal of North Carolina. The Market House's construction has an arcaded open ground level and a meeting hall above in a standard mar- ket house design common at the time. The design originated in the British Isles and is also common in historical buildings in New England. The Market House served as both a town hall and general market until the early 20th century; it 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 recent years, 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, and use the four corners of Market Square to display rotating art exhibits by local artists. Best Little Known Attraction Fayetteville Area Transportation & Local History Museum 325 Franklin Street 910-433-1457 or www.fcpr.us/facilities/museums/fayetteville- area-transportation-and-local-history-museum Located in Downtown Fayetteville, the Fayetteville History Museum serves as a central hub for those interested in history. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for some family fun, this place has some- thing to offer everyone. The museum is operated by the Historic Properties division, which also oversees the museum annex and other city-owned historic sites such as the Market House and North Carolina Veterans Park. Situated within the meticulously renovated 1890 Cape Fear and Yadkin Valley Railroad Depot, this museum presents a captivating collection of exhibits span- ning two floors. Delve into the compelling narrative of our region's history, start- ing from prehistoric times all the way to the early 1900s. Among the highlights are an interactive display showcasing a steamboat experience and a faithfully recreated Station Agent's Office. The museum takes pride in regularly refreshing its exhibits, ensuring there is always something new to discover. Situated conveniently adjacent to the museum, the annex carries on Fayetteville's narrative with supplementary exhibits. Visitors can enjoy view- ing vintage automobiles, a meticulously recreated 1920s gas station, and the remarkable Silsby Steam Pump Engine from Fayetteville's 1880s era. Other fasci- nating topics covered in the exhibits include plank roads, the history of the fire department, and life on local farms. The Fayetteville History Museum serves as an invaluable educational asset for the city of Fayetteville. Alongside the option for self-guided exploration, guided tours are available to schools, home school groups, scouts, churches, civic orga- nizations, military units and various other entities. These tours are provided free of charge and can be customized to accommodate individuals of different ages and educational goals. Coolest Venue in Fayettville Segra Stadium 460 Hay Street 910-339-1989 or www.milb.com/fayetteville Segra Stadium and the Woodpeckers have made a big impact on the commu- nity, both for sports fans and casual Downtown visitors. A Fayetteville Woodpeckers home game is an exceptional experi- ence for all ages. Ball games have become a regular event for hardcore fans and an entertaining time-out for visitors to Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Families, couples, friends and even groups come together to enjoy sports and a variety of events that Segra hosts during the year. The facility offers a variety of multi-function spaces for private or public events. Some of the many examples include cham- ber of commerce events, nonprofit fundraisers and promotions.