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: https://www.epageflip.net/i/612945
DECEMBER 9-15, 2015 UCW 9 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM New Fire Station Delayed The Fayetteville Fire Department hoped to open a temporary Fire Station in East Fayetteville this past October. An abandoned EMS station on Cedar Creek Road is being retrofitted as Fire Station 16. Initial bids came in well over the city's $300,000 budget and were rejected. Now the facelift will happen in stages. Some of the interior has been renovated making it livable, said Deputy Fire Chief Mike Hill. But, the building is still without sleeping quarters for the firefighters. Instead of modifying the original ambulance bays to house the engine, they're being convert- ed into a dormitory, according to Hill. A standalone metal building will house the fire truck. That will save the city $70,000, Hill said. But now, it will be at least March before construction is completed. Until the sleeping quarters are built, the crew returns to Fire Station 1 overnight. Eventually, the city plans to build a permanent station in the area. Red Light Cameras Cumberland County Schools have taken in more than $118,000 in the first four months of Fayetteville's red light camera enforcement program. North Carolina law requires that the proceeds of traffic citations be turned over the local schools. An update from American Traffic Solutions says 1,687 citations of 4,216 issued since July were paid in full. The schools receive $70 of each $100 fine. The balance goes to ATS. The company says the majority of red light running violations occur on Fri- days. Cameras have captured an average of 30 violations per day. The intersection of Skibo and Morganton Roads has seen the highest number of red light runners. Holly Jolly Christmas It's that time of year and holiday shopping requires awareness. Christmas shopping means crowded stores, traffic jams and frayed nerves. But it also means happiness, family, good times and reflection. Law enforcement authorities caution the public to be careful, not careless. Be alert to your surroundings. City police Lt. David McLaurin has some suggestions: Go shopping during the day when possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member. Use a debit or credit card instead of cash. Be aware of your surroundings. Conceal purchases in the trunk or undercover in your SUV. When returning to your vehicle, have your car keys in hand. If you have a remote key fob, push the panic alarm a time or two to scare off anyone who may be lurking nearby. And always keep your doors locked while driving. New Chamber Board The Greater Fayetteville Chamber formally installed a new board of directors for the coming year. Brian Kent of K3 Enterprises is Chairman for 2016. "As a local business owner, I want to do my part to promote positive business advocacy for our City and County," Kent said. Johnny Wilson will serve as Vice Chairman. Others named or reappointed to the 14-member board are Kitti Jo Finch, Darsweil Rogers, George Breece, Charles Allen IV, Charles Broadwell, Sandy Cookman, Jim Grafstrom, Ralph Huff, Pam Jackson, Jan Johnson, Katy Lollis and Kim Scruton. Rodney An- derson was recently named CEO and president of the Chamber. The organization says its vision is to build a prosperous and resilient community through business leadership. White Flag Nights Again this winter, Fayetteville's Salvation Army and True Vine Ministries say they will open their shelters for individuals seeking to get out of the cold at night. White flags will be raised at the Salvation Army and throughout the city when overnight temperatures are expected to fall to 32 degrees or lower. People wishing to stay over during "White Flag" periods must have current warrant checks completed by the Sheriff's Office. They should report to the shelter between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Salvation Army facility is located at 245 Alexander Street, downtown. True Vine Ministries operates two shelters, one on its campus at 5315 Morganton Road. A shelter for women is new this winter, at 913 Person Street. News Digest by JEFF THOMPSON JEFF THOMPSON, Senior News Reporter. COMMENTS? news@upandcomingweekly. com. 910.484.6200. NEWS Fayetteville is a town steeped in tradition, especially during the holidays. From festivals to decorated outdoor spaces to shows and concerts, there is no short- age of things to do and ways to celebrate. The Cumberland Oratorio Singers has a special place in the community, especially during the Christmas season. The Hallelujah Chorus – Messiah Sing brings a sense of celebration and worship that, for many, is reserved for this special time of year. On Saturday, Dec. 12, join the Cumberland Oratorio Singers at Berean Baptist Church for this year's rendition of the Christmas classic. Dr. Michael Martin is the director of this choral group. This is an event that he looks forward to each year. "The concert will open with five pieces of the De- cember season, and then we will perform the first part of Messiah, along with 'Hallelujah!' from the second part," he said. "For the people who want to be en- tertained and not sing along, there is much to enjoy, along with four professional soloists: Anne Rogers and Brenda Vandervort (both from Fayetteville), Melvin Ezzel from Wilmington and Joshua Conyers, from Winston-Salem." The public often joins the performance of the "Hallelujah Chorus." To do so, the person must have their own copy of Messiah, and have it in a black cover or folder. Walk-ons the night of the performance can still participate. People who walk-in wanting to sing sit in a designated area. That way, they do not end up standing in front of people who wish to simply watch and listen, Martin noted. With so many activities to choose from, this event stands out for Martin as an important part of what makes Fayetteville such a great community. "I don't know about you, but the idea of community needs to be preserved. Fayetteville, for as large as it is, actually feels more like a small town settled in a very big area. Our choir is Fayetteville's community chorus and we want to preserve that as a basic premise of our mission," he said. "We also want to preserve that basic aspect of this event: the concert/community sing. However, this event is not unique to Fayetteville. It happens all over the country! Our version of this event is much less formal than other organizations. In some of those events, people arrive in period dress to sing the piece. We do not, so I guess that we are a bit more casual about it. It's fun and is a standard event throughout America." Even so, like everything else about this city, it is the eclectic mix of people that show up for the event that make it special. "I really enjoy getting to meet the so- loists and work with an orchestra. Don't get me wrong, I feel like I have the best seat in the house at every one of our concerts, but in this case, we probably uti- lize more people from every walk of life that want to be in the mix of our event. From professional singer/performer, to the new singer/performer, we have it all. I guess I will channel my Forrest Gump and refer to the box of chocolates; I never know what I'm going to get. But that's part of the fun," said Martin. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Berean Baptist Church is located at 517 Glensford Dr. in Fayetteville. Find out more at www.singwithcos.org The Hallelujah Chorus – Messiah Sing at Berean Baptist by STEPHANIE CRIDER STEPHANIE CRIDER, Staff Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910.484.6200. The Cumberland Oratorio Singers are set to perform at Berean Baptist Church on Dec. 12.