Finding ‘sweet spot’ in new job
When she steps outside her office and onto the grounds of the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Shannon Bell instinctively sees beyond the beauty surrounding her. She sees possibility. Of course, she notices the garden’s abundant flora. She revels when a school bus pulls up to deliver students for a field trip, or when first-time visitors…
Finding warmth in the holiday season through restoration, tradition, and care
With this December CityView magazine, the year is almost to a close. I can’t help but pause and think, “Where has the time gone?” But before I start nostalgically reminiscing on the past year any further, the winter season’s holiday cheer has come knocking on our door. Our “Home for the Holidays” issue is here!…
What ‘Home for the Holidays’ means to me
The holidays are a wonderful and magical time of the year for most, but they can be a trying and difficult time for others, especially in the military community. Prior to my husband joining the U.S. Army, Christmas was a joyful yet chaotic time full of shopping, planning, and running all over the place, trying…
The best Christmas gifts are not always wrapped
When you think about all the Christmas gifts you have received in your lifetime, which ones mean the most to you? Do you have a piece of jewelry, a set of golf clubs, a family portrait, or a book that you cherish? Or do you cherish a different kind of gift? I was 6 years…
DIY or outsourced: What’s your holiday prep approach?
For the past few holiday seasons as I’ve driven all over town from here to there, I’ve noticed more and more immaculately illuminated houses that stand out from the rest. These homes are adorned with tasteful Christmas lights, hung perfectly along the entire perimeter of rooftops and even on the steepest of ridges. Strings of…
A Yuletide Feaste for the ages
As the holiday season nears in our community, downtown springs to life with festive wreaths and twinkly lights lining the streets. People begin their gift shopping, and the holiday spirit sparks in us all. Old traditions join with new ones, and some traditions rise from the ashes to start again. One of those traditions is…
‘Peace, love, and celebration’ on Hay Street
For 25 years, the Rotary Christmas Parade has dazzled thousands of residents and visitors downtown with Christmas-themed floats, decorated cars, dance troops, scouts, bands, and even the big man himself — Santa! The Rotary Christmas Parade will take place at 10 a.m. on Dec. 14, hosted by the Rotary Club of Fayetteville. The Rotary Club…
More December 2024 Coverage
Bringing comfort and peace
‘Tis the season for gathering with friends and family to share a meal and exchange gifts. But the holiday season also brings bittersweet memories for those who are reflecting on loved ones no longer collected around the table or opening presents under the Christmas tree. Everyone will be touched at one point by the death…
‘Get in and get involved’
Seven years after he moved away from Fayetteville, Scott Embry returned, in part, simply because he loves the city. “People tell me, ‘You know, I don’t hear a lot of people say that,’” he said. “‘Well, you just haven’t tried it. You haven’t tried to get in and get involved — because if that’s important…
Books: The gifts that keep on giving
Books can make wonderful last-minute gifts. You can find them at all kinds of stores, and your local bookstore is often open late during the holidays for last-minute shoppers. All the books released in the last few months of the year are just waiting to be given as gifts. They also make great first-choice gifts,…
The December 2024 To-Do List
Mark your calendars! Here are the top 21 events happening in Cumberland County this month. Events are subject to change. Check before attending.
Cumberland County Schools’ Exhibition Powwow
Cumberland County Schools (CCS) hosted its Exhibition Powwow, sponsored by CCS’s Office of Indian Education, celebrating Native American heritage from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 7 at the Crown Complex.