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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APRIL 9-15, 2014 UCW 13 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Every year in North Carolina, 1 in 8 babies are born premature. Prematurity is the leading cause of infant death in North Carolina with the highest rate in African-American and Native American infants, so that is why the March of Dimes sponsors the March for Babies on Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m., at Methodist University. "We have been walking since 1970 and have raised more than $2.3 billion for healthier babies," said Stephanie Benson, Cape Fear Region community director. "Our goal for the 2014 March for Babies campaign is to raise $150,000 through community involvement and mission connected families." Benson added that the organization is anticipating 700 to 1,000 families to participate this year. This year's 2014 March of Dimes national ambassador is Aidan. He was born 12 weeks early weighing just 3 pounds. He is described as an adventurous 6-year-old who loves soccer, baseball and gymnastics. To honor the nurses and doctors who saved his life, he visits the newborn intensive care unit on his birthday every year. Aidan and his parents will travel the country and help raise awareness of premature birth. "This year we wanted to reach out to the military and I am a military spouse who understands the stress that a military marriage endures," said Benson. "This family is amazing and they have a heartfelt story to share." March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit for pregnancy and baby health. For more than 75 years, the March of Dimes has worked to help babies get a healthy start in life. 76 percent of the money is used for research and programs that support solutions for babies that are born prematurely or have birth defects. Premature babies suffer lifelong consequences such as mental retardation, blindness, learning disabilities and cerebral palsy. The cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes birth defects in 8,000 babies each year. Moms can pass the virus on to their baby before or during birth. The March of Dimes is funding the development of a vaccine that can prevent the infection in women of childbearing age. The programs educate women on how to increase their chances of having a healthy baby. There is also a great push for newborn screening and health insurance for all women and babies. The walk is held in 900 communities across the United States and involves more than 7 million people. "Our walks are a family affair," said Benson. "Everyone is connected to our mission and there are many ways to support our mission." For more information, call Stephanie Benson at 910 778-5670. March for Babies at Methodist University by DR. SHANESSA FENNER DR. SHANESSA FENNER, Principal WT Brown Elementary School, Contributing Writer, COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. 910.484.6200. March of Dimes presents March for Babies on Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m., at Methodist University. The Civil War was one of the bloodiest wars in American history. The catalyst for domestic revolution, it marked the end of decades of slavery and consolidated the Union and Confederate states under one flag of the United States of America. President Abraham Lincoln famously said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand," meaning that if we were to continue as a nation, we would do so as either a united force or a fallen memory. Forever, it will be remembered as the war that pitted brother against brother. Here in Fayetteville, we are no stranger to military history. From honoring the Marquis de La Fayette, to the march of Gen. William Sherman, the All-American city will always be an important part of our nation's rich history. Come to Campbellton Landing the weekend of April 12-13 for the 2014 Civil War Living History Event. This entertaining, as well as educating, event focuses on the Civil War and the role that Fayetteville played fighting and falling to the Union Army. The men behind this event's 10th anniversary are those of the North Carolina 2nd Light Artillery. Also known as "Braddy's Battery," this recently founded group is comprised of some descendants from the original Company C that fought in the Civil War. Ronnie Goldman, cofounder and coordinator, feels that this event is important in preserving the memory of the Civil War and honoring those who fought. " We want people to come out and learn about Fayetteville's role," he said. Goldman added that he feels this war, as well as all others before World War II, will be forgotten by upcoming generations of Americans. Along with Goldman is Link Campbell, who also helped establish the 2nd Artillery's reincarnation. With the support of the other members and local groups, the two men hope to keep the candle of interest burning for years to come. This event will have a lot to offer. Beginning at 9 a.m., on Saturday, the Living History Event features replicas of cannons, various weapons and valuable souvenirs used in the Civil War. Actual artifacts including bullets, buckles and cannon balls are on exhibit. Along with the tangible remnants, the public will have the opportunity to speak with "soldiers" from the war and see how they lived. The reenactors plan to host demonstrations about artillery and infantry operations used during this time in history. The highlight of the event is the reenactment of the battle between Union and Confederate soldiers, which will feature cannons and other exciting weaponry to authenticate the moment. To end the evening, don't miss the artillery night fire that will light up the sky as it did in the Civil War. On Sunday, the event continues at 10 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Come out and be a part of the 10th Annual Civil War Living History Event at Campbellton Landing. Tickets are $5. For more information, call Goldman at 910.483.4469 or Campbell at 910.527.8501. The Civil War Returns to Campbellton Landing by EFRAIN COLON EFRAIN COLON, Contributing Writer, Up & Coming Weekly. COMMENTS? editor@upandcomingweekly.com. Come to Campbellton Landing the weekend of April 12-13 for the 2014 Civil War Living History Event.