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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Liberty Ladies Honor Military Women and Spouses by STEPHANIE CRIDER Last year was the fi rst Fayetteville Liberty Ladies Night. It went well. So well in fact, that event organizer, DeAnna Franks, decided to do it again. So ladies, mark your calendars. On Thursday, April 26, the Fayetteville Liberty Ladies are rolling out the red carpet to honor military women, but also the women behind military men. Now that the word is out, Franks is excited about watching the event grow, and especially about lifting up the women who attend the event. With eight years of active-duty service, Franks, who now serves in the Air Force Reserve, has a heart for women who are affi liated with the military. Franks of her desire to support women in the military community. "We have a huge population here and a lot of times we get missed in the mix of it." When Franks realized she was not alone, that the community wanted something like this and that there are businesses eager to encourage not only the women who serve, but also the wives of those who serve, she knew she had to act. The result was a fun-fi lled evening of inspiring and motivating speakers, give-aways, activities and laughter. In the year and a half since the last event, Franks has focused on building a foundation that will be able to support the growth she anticipates for future events. "There is a website now, a Facebook page and a Twitter account," said "It is something inside of me," said Franks. "We have support from the community and ways to communicate about our message and events, so that makes a difference, too." Jenny Hartsock, an Army brat, U.S. Military Academy graduate, veteran and member of the N.C. National Guard, Army wife, military liaison for U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan and mom, is scheduled to speak at the event. Hartsock is upbeat, inspirational and entertaining. Hartsock sees the value in sharing experiences, encouraging one another, and connecting younger women with those who are in a position to mentor and befriend them. Also scheduled to speak is singer/speaker Autmn Letendre. When Letendre's husband was killed in action in 2006, "She took her poems and thoughts and feelings and turned them into songs," said Franks. "She was intrigued that it was just for military ladies and spouses, and wanted to be apart of it." Letendre will also speak about the Gold theme and has indeed joined forces — in many ways. Local businesses have donated items for door prizes and give-aways, the pastor of Epicenter Church and his wife have supported and encouraged Franks and volunteers have come forward offering their time and talents to support the cause. The event is free, and free childcare is provided. Franks encourages women associated with the military to come and experience an evening of fun. "Our community outreach event provides motivation, encouragement and inspiration for our military ladies in Fayetteville," said Franks. "Since Fayetteville is host to Fort Bragg and Pope Army Air Field, this event reaches across all services, the active duty, National Guard and reserve military members and families." Visit www.FayettevilleLibertyLadies. Star Foundation. Encouraged by the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces campaign, Franks has adopted the White House-sponsored com to fi nd out more about this event and the evening's activities. STEPHANIE CRIDER, Associate Editor. COMMENTS? Editor@ upandcomingweekly.com 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Tues. - Thur. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tues. - Sat. Dinner Lunch Sunday Brunch 10:30 a..m. - 2:30 p.m. Closed Monday Sit down and enjoy award winning cuisine in our elegant dining rooms set in a historic home built in 1908. Complement your entree with a selection from our extensive wine list. Fine Dining Surrounded by Timeless Elegance! Experience our higher standards and excellence with our catering services. 1240 Fort Bragg Road • Fayetteville, NC • 910.484.6699 www.hilltophousenc.com WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM APRIL 11-17, 2012 UCW 9 R