CityView Magazine

10 | October/November • 2009 Editor's Corner E ver since editors wielded red pens, reporters risk wrath when they break the golden rule: never, ever become the story. But with an issue dedicated to all things family, a walking, talking pregnant poster child like me just can't help it; yes, I broke my own rule. My protests that the idea was birthed far before conception have fallen on deaf ears, so I might as well come clean – this is one of my favorite editions of CityView. Every month we dispatch a team of writers to find out what makes Fayetteville tick, and this fall is all about celebrating family, those of the two- legged and four-legged variety. Turns out, our pets are living the life of Riley. Sure, some of them go to work (see Stephanie Brigman's story on page 46), but we also found pets relaxing in luxury resorts and frolicking on their very own sports team. Nathan Walls brings us the story of the Freedom Flyers, Fayetteville's one and only dog flyball team. If you thought fly balls had more to do with the SwampDogs than real dogs, Nathan has a treat in store. I was also fascinated by Mike Ryan's piece on acupuncture for animals. Our pets truly are members of our family – there's little that we wouldn't do for them. Or our children, for that matter. It's not often that we are witness to the small, intimate moments of family life, but Rebekah Sanderlin was there for tiny Addison Taylor's first haircut. A few snips and it was over but forever recorded in a baby book and a mother's memory. Likewise, a flurry of pink tutus takes us back to childhood recitals and stomach butterflies. Melissa Goslin Collins introduces us to two groups of women working to balance the joys – and hard work – of raising children. It's these glimpses that give a town its character. After all, isn't family, whether by blood or companionship, the engine that drives our work and play? Therefore, it seems appropriate to bring back our occasional series on local and renowned families. First, we brought you stories on the MacRae, Huske and Broadfoot families. Now, Eddie Dees introduces the Hodges family though it hardly needs one, especially for readers in southern Cumberland County. And finally, allow me to flaunt my own family, just for a moment. I am pictured here with my daughter, Sophia, and if you look very closely at my tummy, my son. By the time you read these words, I am home with them for a short while, getting used to my family of four. But I leave you in skilled and familiar hands. Sara VanderClute, the inaugural editor of CityView, returns during my absence. Sara will shepherd CityView's next two exciting issues – our annual special issue devoted to food and our winter issue. Please welcome her back to the fold! CV FAMILY MATTERS Allison Williams, Editor EXTRA! EXTRA! CityView would like to welcome into this world little Patrick Williams Spangler born September 13th. An enormous and joyous congratulations to Allison, her husband Jason and daughter Sophia.

• Cover