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/762678
DECEMBER 14-20, 2016 UCW 19 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM DR. SHANESSA FENNER, Principal WT Brown Elementary School. Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. 910.484.6200. Paradise Acres Presents Christmas in Paradise by DR. SHANESSA FENNER Don't miss out on the magic of Christmas in Hope Mills. With so many holiday-themed displays and events to choose from, here's another great choice to add to the list. Paradise Acres presents its first annual "Christmas in Paradise" event on Friday and Saturday evenings from Nov. 25 – Dec. 17 and nightly from Dec. 21 – 23 from 5 – 9 p.m. "Christmas in Paradise is an event that we started thinking and praying about after seeing other Christmas displays around," said Kelly Taylor, co-owner of Paradise Acres. "We made the decision that we needed to do something like this for our community." Taylor added that they really wanted to have something like this in the area so families can come and be safe, enjoy good food and have some fun. The event includes Santa Claus, a train ride, marshmallow roasting, a holiday buffet, a live Nativity, local entertainment, a children's playground, Christmas lights and inflatables. "We have some school choruses and worship teams who will perform," said Taylor. "I also teach private voice lessons. So my students will be performing Christmas songs as well." Taylor added that Santa Claus' house will be outside and free pictures can be taken with Santa. Gray's Creek High School's drama team will portray a live Nativity. There will be a small patriotic tribute in the gazebo. "We will have a Bluegrass and Country style Christmas section where we will sell fried Moon pies, drinks and apple cider," said Taylor. "This is an option because maybe the person has already eaten and just wants a snack." A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Spina Bifida Association of the Carolinas. "My husband was born with spina bifida," said Taylor. "He always wanted to do something to be able to give back to the spina bifida organization." Taylor added she has a family member who was born with a more severe case of Spina Bifida and they want to have a great event so they can give a good amount to the organization. "We just want people to feel free to come out and enjoy our family friendly venue during the holiday season," said Taylor. Admission is free. The buffet is $14 for adults and $8 for kids 10 and under. The train ride is $2. Paradise Acres is located at 1965 John McMillan Road in Hope Mills. For more information call 424-2779. Enjoy a new Christmas activity this year at Paradise Acres./. FTCC's Paralegal Technology Program Offers Career Options by M. MARK GROBOSKY Nobel Laureate and songwriter Bob Dylan sang a song called "The Times They Are A-Changing." Nothing could be truer when it comes to the paralegal field; the times are surely changing. Would you like to have a part in those changes, or do you want to stand on the sidelines and let others tell you what to do and how to lead your life? As a paralegal, you can impact those changes. For many years, it was presumed that paralegals would be employed in a traditional legal setting, working in a law firm or a governmental agency. Not so anymore. Many businesses are recognizing the skill sets possessed by paralegals. As a result, there currently is and will continue to be, an increase in the demand for trained paralegals in such non-traditional legal areas as finance, insurance, consulting and healthcare. Although a paralegal cannot practice law, they do, as a trained professional, much of the behind-the-scenes work that ultimately influences the final product. Some of that work involves interviewing clients, drafting correspondence, drafting legal documents, assisting in trials, conducting legal research and investigating the facts of a case. As businesses continue to recognize the advantages of employing paralegals, the need for trained paralegals will rise. Now, the U.S. Department of Labor projects the need for Paralegals will increase at a minimum yearly rate of 8 percent through the year 2024. Likewise, it is anticipated that the current yearly median income of $48,350 for paralegals will increase at a similar rate. If you are ready to jump on the rising wave of paralegalism and ride it to the top, then Fayetteville Technical Community College is the place for you. FTCC offers two programs in paralegal studies: the associate of applied science degree program and the diploma program. Both programs are approved by the American Bar Association and the North Carolina State Bar Association. Either one "will get you to the place you want to go." Join us in the paralegal program at FTCC and start changing the world. Call 678-7379 with any questions or email groboskm@faytechcc.edu. You can also visit the FTCC website to learn more details about the paralegal programs of study or the many opportunities awaiting you at FTCC. Just visit www. faytechcc.edu, click on "Academics" at the top of the page, then click on "Business" and then Paralegal Technology to see a detailed program of study listing required courses for the associate degree or diploma programs. Registration for the 2017 Spring Semester is currently open through January 13 (for advisor-assisted registration) and through January 16 (for WebAdvisor). Start out the new year with the smart decision to become a part of FTCC; a place where dreams can come true and education is available to meet life's changing demands — education for life. M. MARK GROBOSKY,FTCC. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly.com. 910.484.6200 The FTCC paralegal program offers opportunities for rewarding careers