Welcome to CityView Today! In 2016, we wrote a story about local celebrities Robert Lints and Macy the Macaw. The duo is a mainstay in our community, known for strolling downtown Fayetteville, enjoying a meal at restaurants (yes, even Macy), and making new friends in the process.
For the 10-year anniversary of that story—and just in time for 2016’s comeback in pop culture—we met up with the pair to see how they’ve been since we last caught up with them. Find out in today’s lead story.
In today’s newsletter: Senior Columnist Bill Kirby Jr. remembers the late YMCA of the Sandhills Youth Director Jim Semple Sr., who is being posthumously inducted into the Fayetteville Sports Club Hall of Fame on February 17. Plus, in honor of Black History Month, columnist Diane Parfitt recommends eight books to read to learn more about Black history.
Thanks for reading,
Valeria Cloës
Magazine Editor & Lead Copy Editor
A Man and His Macaw: The Unlikely Duo Who Became Local Celebrities
Robert Lints brought Macy the Macaw home in 1991. Thirty-five years later, the colorful pair are mainstays in the Fayetteville community.
More from CityView
THE KIRBY FILE: Jim Semple Sr. Believed in Kids and All They Could Be, and The Kids Believed in ‘Sarge’
Walk a mile in the late Jim Semple’s shoes and you would know how much he came to treasure his years as youth director in the 1960s at the Fayetteville YMCA on old Fort Bragg Road.
Column: Here Are 8 Books to Read About Black History
Columnist Diane Parfitt recommends books to read about Black history through stories of resilience, inspiration, and triumph.
Events
BRUNCH AT BHAWK
- Where: BHAWK Distillery, 175 Yadkin Road, Southern Pines
- When: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. today
- What: Join us for brunch at BHAWK Distillery!
THE REVOLUTIONISTS AT GILBERT THEATER
- Where: Gilbert Theater, 116 Green St., Fayetteville
- When: 2 p.m. today
- What: This grand and dream-tweaked comedy is about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world.
USAF HERITAGE OF AMERICA BAND CONCERT
- Where: Methodist University, 5400 Ramsey St., Fayetteville
- When: 7–9 p.m. today
- What: Catch the USAF Heritage of America Band live at Methodist University for an epic concert experience!
Obituaries
Donald Ray Blankenship
Donald Ray Blankenship, 93, passed away Monday, February 2.
Linda Sue Gayle Hodgson
Linda Sue Hodgson, 73, passed away on Tuesday, February 3.
Zelaya Ann Adams
Zelaya Ann Adams passed away on Sunday, January 25.
Until tomorrow!
🛍️ Did you know you can already buy your tickets for our annual Ladies’ Night Out event? Join us from 4–8 p.m. on April 9 at The Carolina Barn in Spring Lake to enjoy a night of shopping, sampling food and drinks, and entertainment.
