Up & Coming Weekly

April 27, 2021

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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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM APRIL 28 - MAY 4, 2021 UCW 9 Many North Carolina children are suffering setbacks in their education because of the ongo- ing pandemic. "e quality of education in North Carolina has been affected," says State Rep. John Szoka (R-Cumberland). He said students across the state may be unable to advance to the next grade level. "Because of this, my colleagues and I chose to sponsor the Summer Learning Choice Bill." House Bill 82 was signed into law by Gov. Cooper on April 16. e bill, known as the Summer Learning Choice Bill for NC Families, creates a fully funded, six-weeks, in-person summer program with the goal of address- ing learning loss during the pandemic. School districts will identify students who are at risk and offer their parents the option to enroll them in the summer program. If space allows, students not considered at risk for failing could enroll in the pro- gram. According to the bill, the summer program will not meet for instruction on Saturdays, and meals will be provided to students. For more information on House Bill 82 visit www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2021/ H82 City to replace recycling carts, adjust pick-up schedule beginning May 1 On May 1, curbside recycling in the city of Fayetteville will occur every other week. e city will replace standard 35-gallon roll out carts with larger 96-gallon carts. Residents are asked to place their carts at the curb on their regularly scheduled recy- cling days for replacement. ere will be no cost to Fayetteville residents for the newer 96-gallon carts. Eighty percent of customers currently use the small trash bins. ey have to be turned in to receive the bigger ones. Customers who already have 96-gallon carts will also receive the newer carts if they like. City Council approved the purchase of 64,000 96-gal- lon carts at a cost of $3.3 million. e city expects to realize significant cost savings over time. In just five years following the transition, estimated savings are projected to be $775,000. Roadside litter cleanup efforts help tourism, environment As part of its litter removal efforts, the N.C. Department of Transportation crews, contractors and volunteers have collected more than 4 million pounds of litter from roadsides this year. "Already the Spring Litter Sweep has helped tremendously in keeping our roadways clean," said state Transporta- tion Secretary Eric Boyette. NCDOT's litter manage- ment programs are multifaceted. e department makes use of state-owned forces and contract services statewide. NCDOT partners with the more than 120,000 participants in its Adopt-A-Highway Program, where volunteers agree to clean sections of highways at least four times a year. Litter is unsightly, costs millions of dollars to clean up and can hurt the environment and tourism. Arts Council continues aid to nonprofits, artists during pandemic Since the onset of COVID-19, the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County has distributed $1.1 million in grant funds and allocations to local nonprofit organizations specializing in the arts and culture. e money was allocated by the state, by county government's hotel/motel occupancy tax, and the city of Fayetteville. Private contributions also bolstered the total amount. "Extensive efforts were made to distribute needed funds to existing organizations and to previously underserved indi- vidual artists and organizations," said Bob Pinson, Interim President and CEO of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. Each year, the Arts Council awards Project and Operating Support grants to local nonprofits which support theater, mu- sic, arts education and other cultural activities. Cumberland County Schools receive Purple Star recognition Cumberland County Schools have again been rec- ognized for their support of military-connected stu- dents and families. All schools in the district received the Purple Star Recognition from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. CCS was one of eight districts in North Carolina honored with the State Superintendent's award on April 14. Schools earn the Purple Star Recognition for completing ac- tivities aimed at ensuring strong support for students of military families. Purple Star schools have staff members as designated points of contact for military students and their families. ey are designated cen- tral administration staff members with professional development that addresses special considerations for military students and families. Second Chance Re-Entry event set for NC Works on April 30 e Fayetteville-Cumberland Re-Entry Council is partnering with Cumberland NCWorks Career Cen- ter to host "Changing Your Game," a re-entry event for individuals who have been involved in the justice system, on April 30 from 4–6 p.m. at the Cumberland County NC Works Career Center at 414 Ray Ave. e event will be held in person, but masks are required and social distancing protocol will be observed. Space is limited to 25 individuals. Registration is required and can be completed by texting to 910- 475-7765. e text should include full name, date of birth, phone number and email address. e event will feature guest speakers who will provide informa- tion to help educate and empower individuals who have been incarcerated about the resources available to them in the community that can help them con- tinue a path toward a career and self-sufficiency. For more information, call 910-486-1010. e NC Works Career Center services include job search and life skills classes, resume and cover letter preparation, skills assessment, career planning and development, occupational skills training and literacy skills. Visit NCWorks.gov for more information. House Bill 82 passes, offers summer program for at risk students by JEFF THOMPSON NEWS DIGEST JEFF THOMPSON, Reporter. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcom- ingweekly.com. 910-484-6200.

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