Valley Pavilion at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center along Owen Drive is aglow in red throughout February in recognition of American Heart Month. “By lighting our building red, we’re helping start conversations about heart health and reminding our community that small steps can make a big difference,” Michelle Keasling, RN, corporate cardiac service line director for the medical center, says in a news release. “American Heart Month is an opportunity for people to learn their risk factors, schedule preventive care, and take charge of their heart health.” Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the release, and Cape Fear Valley Health is encouraging all of us to practice heart-healthy habits by staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and keeping up with regular checkups.
***
“Congratulations to Mike Nagowski on this next chapter,” Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin says in a news release about Nagowski, 60, who will retire July 1 after 18 years as chief executive officer of Cape Fear Valley Health. “As CEO of the Cape Fear Valley Health System, Mike has been more than a leader to our community—he’s been a true partner and friend. His steady leadership and genuine heart for improving health care have made a real difference in people’s lives here in Fayetteville and across the region. I’m personally grateful for the partnership we’ve built and the dedication he’s brought to his work every day. Mike, thank you for everything you’ve given to our community. You’ve left us better than you found us, and I wish you nothing but the best ahead.”
***
“I met Mike Nagowski for the first time during his interview process to become the CEO of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center,” says Dr. Sanjay Shah, a Fayetteville nephrologist and former trustee for Cape Fear Valley Health. “Under his leadership since 2008, CFV managed and acquired several area hospitals with the goal to consistently provide optimal care to our patient population, and he eventually turned those into a health system. With a prolific residency and now developing fellowship programs in place, Fayetteville will soon have a medical school [Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine] admitting future physicians. Mike has shown the ability to work with both the board and physicians alike to implement best medical options for the community. His dynamic leadership and friendly and receptive demeanor will be missed. I wish him and his wife, Kim, best wishes in their future endeavors.”
***
When the Fayetteville City Council Policies Review Committee, headed by Mayor Pro Tem Derrick Thompson, is scheduled to meet at 11 a.m. on February 19 at City Hall, Thompson, D.J. Haire, and Stephon Ferguson may wish to consider how to limit the excessive time the Council spends on recognitions and photo ops before getting on with the business of governance. Nothing wrong with recognizing city residents and organizations for their good works in the community. Just tamp it down a touch.
***
Marilyn Layton Ellerbe is beside herself wondering just where the gold-plated Christian cross is, a gift in the early 2000s from the late Martha Duell, who was born in Bruebach, France, and founded the Fayetteville-Saint-Avold Sister City program. “Last Wednesday, January 28, she was running errands,” daughter Frances Ellerbe says about her 89-year-old mother, who later discovered the cross was missing from her neck. “It was from a convent in France and means a great deal to her.” She says her mother wore the cross every day. “Please reach out to us if you found it in or around the following places: Harris Teeter, Raeford Road; Cape Fear Discount Drugs, Raeford Road; the Hope Medical Clinic, 3609 Cape Center Drive; Lowe’s on Skibo Road; Truist Bank at Westwood Shopping Center; the Fort Bragg Visitors Center on the All-American Expressway; and MaryBill’s Cafe, Eutaw Shopping Center. “Thank you if you can publish this information,” Frances Ellerbe says. Well, some folks say I can find anything, from the cupola at old Alexander Graham Junior High School, the Liberty Bell replica at Eutaw Shopping Center, the old 1976 photos of Elvis performing at the Crown Arena, lost cats and dogs. Finding Marilyn Ellerbe’s Christian cross is a tall order. But should you find it, send along an email or give me a call, and I’ll see that it is returned to Mrs. Ellerbe.
***
Executive Director Kaylynn Suarez is scheduled to unveil plans for the 44th annual Fayetteville Dogwood Festival at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bound & Vine downtown. “We’re grateful to celebrate with such incredible partners and look forward to sharing what’s ahead for the 2026 festival season,” Suarez says in an email. The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is scheduled for April 24–26 at Festival Park.
***
Aritia Smalls has been appointed as chair of the North Carolina Governor’s School Board of Directors, according to a news release. Governor’s School brings together selected students each summer for an intensive four-week residential learning experience designed to foster academic excellence, creativity, and leadership. Smalls is the coordinator of the Advanced Learning & Gifted program for Cumberland County Schools.
***
Sweet Tea Shakespeare has been awarded a $30,000 Project Support grant from the Arts Council of Fayetteville-Cumberland County, according to a news release, in support of the nonprofit’s 2026 season. The grant also will be used to assist Green Tea, which is the Youth Shakespeare Company for students ages 8–18.
***
Sammy Bradford was the gifted senior second baseman for the 1965 Fayetteville High School baseball team, and Fayetteville always was a part of his heart. “Sam had a zest for life and developed lasting friendships with a great many people, who to this day continue to ask his family in Fayetteville about him,” brother Tommy Bradford says. “He had many friends throughout his life and is remembered fondly by all who knew him.” A U.S. Army veteran, Sammy Bradford served in Vietnam with the Second Brigade of the 101st “Screaming Eagles Division” and earned a Purple Heart. He later worked for 33 years as an air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control Center in Hilliard, Florida. “Sam had such a sweet smile that it would brighten your day,” Tommy Bradford says about his brother. Samuel Markham Bradford, 78, died in Savannah, Georgia, on February 2.
***
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, remains a mystery. “Our mom is our heart and our home,” Savannah Guthrie, her sister, and brother made an emotional and heart-wrenching video plea Thursday for the safe return of their mother, who has been missing from her Tucson, Arizona, home since early Sunday morning. “ … Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again.” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, according to published reports, and investigators to include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted for financial ransom. You simply do not take a woman with health issues from her home in the wee hours in the dark of night. Savannah Guthrie and her family say they will not rest. Nor will law enforcement, you can be assured. Someone knows what happened to Nancy Guthrie, and someone has a date of reckoning.
***
Coming Sunday: He loved the kids who played the games. They called him “Sarge.”
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
We’re nearing our fourth year of CityView Today, and so many of you have been with us from day one in our efforts to bring the news of the city, county, community, and Cape Fear region each day. We’re here with a purpose—to deliver the news that matters to you.