"Thanks to the military, Fayetteville is full of people who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, said Chris Chambers, a retired civilian worker at the Veterans Administra- tion. "It makes for a culturally rich community."
Chambers and his wife Katie, both Buffalo, NY natives, claimed Fay- etteville as their home in 1978. The Chambers said they appreciate Fay- etteville's mild winters, its first-class library system, the Cape Fear Botani- cal Gardens with its newly built Wy- att Visitors Pavilion Complex, and the downtown revitalization. "Ulti- mately a community can only be as good as the people who live in it," said Katie.
Charles and Colleen Astrike, Fay- etteville residents since 1976, high- light the reciprocity civilians and the military have here. Charles retired from the military in 1976 and both Astrikes retired from Civil Service in 1995. Although Colleen did not like Fayetteville at first, the supportive residents and the city's myriad trans- formations turned her into one of the city's biggest cheerleaders and volun- teers. Both have served on city com- mittees.
The Astrikes said they enjoy Fayette- ville's central location, which places it just a couple of hours' drive from the mountains or the beach. Charles also emphasized that "A big plus is Fay- etteville likes retirees." The Astrikes appreciate how much Fayetteville has to offer with the Crown Coliseum, Crown Theater's community con- certs and those who serve this town.
Fayetteville has stepped up to the plate and hit a home run for many. As Charles Astrike said, "Man, if people don't see what this city has to offer, they may need a seeing eye dog."
THE FAYETTEVILLE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS (FYP) GROUP, UNDER THE FAYETTEVILLE-CUMBERLAND COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, IS A SOCIAL NETWORKING AND SKILL-ENHANCING GROUP OF PROFESSIONALS IN THEIR TWENTIES AND THIRTIES.
connection to...
Your Quick,
convenient and surprisingly affordable.
Fayetteville Regional Airport www.flyfay.com
www.FayettevilleNCChamber.org | 21
