Sabrina Brooks, who is vice president of the Cape Fear Valley Health Foundation, says the fifth “Step Up 4 Health & Wellness Expo” on March 28 at Methodist University drew more than 1,000 participants, many taking part in a 4K run and a 1-mile walk. “We are grateful for the generosity we receive from donors, who help make these initiatives come to life,” Brooks said in a foundation newsletter. The day included health checks, physical fitness assessments, and health care information. Presented by Cumulus Media, proceeds support multiple patient care areas for Cape Fear Valley Health to include the Blood Donor Center, cancer care, heart care, children’s services, and the Nursing Education Scholarship fund.
Colleagues at Cape Fear High School describe Tammy Cox as a teacher who “leads with heart” and consistently goes “above and beyond” in supporting students and staff. That is why Cumberland County Schools is celebrating Cox as the 2025-2026 Career and Technical Education Teacher of the Year. She teaches her students character and integrity, too. Whatever success we find along life’s way begins with good parents and our schoolteachers, and that’s just the gospel truth. Cox, according to a news release, will represent the school district and compete at the regional level this summer.
Mary DiRisio, dean of the Paul H. Thompson Library at Fayetteville Technical Community College, is beaming. The library’s Living Law Project received the 2025-26 Association of College and Research Libraries Community and Junior College Libraries Section Community College Library Program Award—the first program in North Carolina to earn the national distinction. “It’s a tremendous honor to receive this award,” DiRisio said in a news release. The award recognizes significant achievement in outreach or academic programs in community college libraries. FTCC President Mark Sorrells is beaming, too. “Under the exceptional leadership of Mary DiRisio, our library has become a model of innovation and support, as exemplified by the Living Law Project,” Sorrells said. “We are honored to see her outstanding work recognized by the Association of College and Research Libraries.”
Azaleas are such a colorful hue in the welcoming of the spring season. They just don’t last long enough to suit me.
When you take your wife or significant other to dinner, leave your baseball cap at home. And every other hat, too. It’s a matter of good manners. Just saying.
“We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Ricky Smith, a frequent and well-loved friend of the Agriculture Center,” Lisa Childers, director of the N.C. Cooperative Extension for Cumberland County, said this week. “Mr. Ricky always brought a smile to our faces, and he will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences go out to Ms. Shirley and the entire Smith family. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.” A lifelong farmer, James Richard “Ricky” Smith died at age 63 on April 10 at Wake Medical Center. A service was held Thursday at Beaver Dam Baptist Church in Roseboro.
“Bill, I believe you knew my father, Henry Holt,” Henry “Walter” Holt wrote in an email about my April 12 remembrance of the late Marshall Waren. “I’m Henry’s son and lifelong friend of Marshall Waren and member of his Bible study. I want to thank you for the article you wrote. I just finished it and thought it was a great tribute to Marshall’s life. As all of us who knew Marshall, you were right in repeating, he had his flaws; however, the love of his Lord and the love of this community far surpassed any of his shortcomings. I can remember from a little boy being at the YMCA and he and my father were always there, always trying to raise money for one thing or the other. Fayetteville has no idea of the asset they lost in Marshall’s passing. Again, thank you for the outstanding article.”
Knew your late father well, Mr. Holt, and know he spent a lot of time on the golf course with your father, and where Marshall Waren was an outstanding golfer, winning the Highland Country Club Men’s Championship in 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1982, and 1983. Marshall Hughes Waren died at age76 on April 6.
“Mr. Kirby, thank you for a heartwarming account of the life of Marshall Waren,” Dr. Y. Sammy Choi wrote in an email. “I never met him but have heard stories about him for years. I moved to Fayetteville in 1989, when the military assigned me to Womack (Medical Center). Since my retirement last fall, I have become involved with The CARE Clinic and the Manna Dream Center. Through these efforts, I have come to know Mr. Waren as I learn of his involvement with (Fayetteville Area Operation) Inasmuch, Salvation Army, the homeless and The CARE Clinic. What a remarkable man he was. Thank you for capturing his spirit.”
“Bill, I really loved your tribute to Marshall Waren,” former CityView Executive Editor Bill Horner writes about Marshall Waren, who in 2006 founded CityView Magazine. “I never met him, but after reading your column, felt like I had. Thank you for sharing.”
Kevin Lavertu, general manager at Gates Four Golf & Country Club, said the club looks forward to hosting the 2028 National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Women’s Golf Championship, which is scheduled for May 8–11, 2028. And folks at the Fayetteville N.C. Area Convention & Visitors Bureau said it’s good for the community.
“Hosting the 2028 NJCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship at Gates Four Golf & Country Club is a meaningful win for Fayetteville and Cumberland County,” Robert Cox, director of sales and sports commission for the bureau, said in a news release. “This event brings talented student-athletes, coaches and families to our community while also generating valuable overnight stays and visitor spending for local businesses. We look forward to welcoming teams and guests to Fayetteville and showcasing the hospitality, amenities and experience that make our destination a strong fit for championship events.” Gates Four is a good test of championship golf for sure.
Coming Sunday: “A beautiful day in the neighborhood.”
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.
