The Greater Fayetteville Chamber Military Affairs Council is hosting Operation Patriot Pantry, which is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 20 at Highland Shopping Centre, 2800 Raeford Road in support of Fort Bragg soldiers and families. “Our mission is to support our military community, and right now, the most impactful way we can do that is by providing essential resources to those facing financial strain,” U.S. Army Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Ferd Irizarry, who is chair of the chamber’s Military Affairs Council, says in a news release. “While we look forward to future socials when conditions improve, our priority today is ensuring our soldiers and their families have the support they need. Our service members and their families support us every day of the year and preserve our country’s freedom.” Two Men and a Truck, according to the release, will be on site collecting non-perishable food items, i.e. canned meats, vegetables and fruits along with pasta, rice, peanut butter, cereal, baby food and formula, as well as toiletries and hygiene products, and the Military Affairs Council encourages the community to participate. Organizers will accept donations, they say, until the truck is full. “It’s our turn to return that favor,” Nat Robertson, chief executive officer and president of the chamber, says about our military on Fort Bragg, who defend our liberty every day. The event is supported by Blue Star Families, Highland Shopping Centre, George Breece, and CityView Media. Visit www.militaryaffairscouncil.com to learn more.
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City residents may register for the Fayetteville Beautiful fall cleanup, which is scheduled for Saturday throughout town and neighborhoods. Cleanup supplies may be picked up from 8 a.m-10 a.m. at 121 Lamon St., Fayetteville. To register, visit FayettevilleBeautiful.com.
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For more information, send email inquiries to JessicaHowell@FayettevilleNC.gov or call (910) 433-1391.
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No doubt we’re all turning our thoughts to Thanksgiving, but Lia Hasapis offers a reminder about The World’s Largest Spaghetti Dinner & Greek Pastry Sale, which is scheduled from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 614 Oakridge Ave., in Haymount. Plates, which are takeout only, are $10, including the secret tomato sauce of the late Pete Parrous and bread. And don’t forget the baked Greek pastries prepared by the ladies of the church, such as the baklava, koulourakia, and kourabiedes.
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When Mayor Mitch Colvin takes his oath for a fifth consecutive term on Dec. 1, he’ll find some help over the ensuing two years with input from Rylen Mack, a Seventy-First High School senior who is the city’s junior mayor. “Rylen is known for her strong leadership, professionalism and commitment to community service,” Tyshica Smith-Tucker, coordinator of Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation’s Youth Development & Cultural Arts Program, says in a news release. “Through her dedication, she has helped strengthen partnerships between youth and local government and continues to inspire her peers to become active community leaders.” Mack is chair of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Youth Council and the North Carolina State Youth Council.
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Kudos to Mine Hearp from Seventy-First High School as Cumberland County Schools 2025-26 Psychologist of the Year, according to a news release. With 26 years in education and 18 of those years serving the school system as a psychologist, the release says Hearp is making a difference with her unbridled dedication to students in their academic and emotional well-being.
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It has been a year to be proud of, says Bob Pinson, chief executive officer and president of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. “The 2024-25 season has been transformative, demonstrating once again that art has the power to heal, unite and strengthen our shared bonds,” Pinson says in a news release, noting that the nonprofit awarded $1,096,180 in grants to artists and arts organizations, generated $1.65 million in government revenue and welcomed 13,439 visitors for arts exhibits through grant funding. “Our vision is an arts community where creativity flourishes and everyone feels welcome to participate, create and connect.” Luis Collozo, the council’s board chair, echoes Pinson’s words. “The arts are fundamental to a vibrant society,” Collozo says. “They strengthen our economy, enhance educational opportunities and build bridges across diverse communities. We’ve established clear strategic priorities that align programming with community needs while maintaining financial stability and operational excellence.”
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“Cumberland County had a great Veterans Day, and we deserve it because our community is the front door welcome mat to freedom in America,” George Breece of Fayetteville says about Veterans Day celebrations throughout the community.
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Eli Cain is grateful for the Ella Smith Downing Charitable Scholarship and the Anne Barnes Sternlicht Memorial Scholarship from the Cumberland Community Foundation, and he’s making the most of the grants at Methodist University. “My mom is a single parent,” Cain says in the foundation newsletter. “She works hard but doesn’t have a lot of money left over after she pays the bills. My dad passed away over a year ago. He didn’t have any life insurance. I really didn’t think going to college would be possible for me. But because of two generous scholarships I received from Cumberland Community Foundation, I’m currently a freshman at Methodist University. I’m taking a lot of really cool classes. My professors are great. I’ve met a lot of nice people. I might try out for soccer next year. My mom is really happy, and I know my dad is proud.” Cain says he is excited to see what’s ahead for his future, thanks to the scholarships from the Cumberland Community Foundation.
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“This is a moment we get to recognize and honor individuals and organizations who are making a lasting impact in our community,” Yamile Nazar, director for the Fayetteville-Cumberland Human Relations, says in a news release about the 2026 Community Recognition Awards luncheon scheduled for 11 a.m. on Feb. 12 at Cape Fear Botanical Garden. “Oftentimes, our community heroes work quietly in the shadows. This is the community’s way of letting them know we see them, we value them and we appreciate the difference they’re making.” Nominations are being accepted until Dec. 11, according to the release, for the Youth Award, Humanitarian Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Individual Award, Industry/Business Award, Educator Award, Military Award, Religious Leader Award and Organization Award. Tickets for the luncheon are $35 and may be purchased at the Human Relations Office located at 225 Ray Ave, Suite 100, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., online at Fayetteville.idtplans.com/secure or by calling 910-433-1696. Funds raised from the Community Awards will support the Human Relations scholarships for high school seniors who aspire to attend higher education.
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You know Christmas is on the way, and volunteers for Operation Christmas Child are hoping you’ll be filling up a shoebox for the annual Samaritan’s Purse project (circa 1993) in support of children suffering war, poverty, health issues and disasters worldwide. Collection sites in the Cape Fear Region are from Nov. 17-24 at Faymont Baptist Church, 3663 Cumberland Road; Northwood Temple Church, 4250 Ramsey St.; Lebanon Baptist Church, 3329 Beard Road, Eastover; Stedman Baptist Church, 7750 Clinton Road, Stedman; Grove Park Baptist Church, 609 N.E. Boulevard, Clinton; Mintz Baptist Church, 3761 Old Mintz Hwy., Roseboro; and Union Grove Baptist Church, 395 Vander Road, Salemburg. Drop-off times vary, so give the churches a call about the hours to deliver your shoebox.
Coming Sunday: Longtime Spring Lake dentist is Veteran of the Year
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.
