FayToday

Family Justice Center opens in Fayetteville, NC

FayToday_writer — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:06:03 +0000

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1qgB8F2RO0&w=500]

Supporting Organizations:

Fayetteville city police
Fayetteville city officials
Spring Lake police
Army Community Services and the Criminal Investigation Command
Cumberland County Department of Social Services
Cumberland County courts

making donations or volunteering ?
contact Lieutenant Bass-Caine (910) 433-1861

Fayetteville Family Justice Center

519 Ramsey St.
Fayetteville, NC 28311

VIEW ON MAP

View Larger Map Get Directions View Bird’s Eye

LEARN MORE:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMZlLYHhaxA&w=500]

MORE NEWS ON THIS:

Volunteers transform house into Fayetteville family justice center

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50 Inexpensive Valentines Ideas

FayToday_writer — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:37:17 +0000

50 Cheap Valentine’s Day Gifts For Your Sweetheart

by Sheryl Kurland

If you’re like most couples, you’re watching your pennies this year and looking for ways to romance your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank. This list will help:

1. Create an indoor picnic with available props, i.e., picnic tablecloth, paper goods.
Share finger foods and favorite treats along with a glass of wine. Spice up “dessert.” Enjoy your picnic on the living room floor or in bed. Play card games, board games, or make up your own.

2. Decorate a unique-looking jar or box with craft items. Write numerous love notes
on small pieces of paper and fill the jar with them. Present the jar to your sweetheart.

3. Make a framed group of photos that put your relationship in chronological order

of events, by months or years (depending on how long you’ve been together).

4. There are many local and national Valentine’s Day giveaway contests with great
prizes. Enter as many as you can and maybe you’ll get lucky.

5. Burn a CD with songs that make you think of your sweetheart, and give it to
him/her.

6. For couples with children, get them involved in an all-family fun Valentine’s Day
dinner at home. Mom can prepare a dessert for two and light the candles while dad puts the kids to bed.

7. Leave a note on your mate’s pillow expressing how special you think he/she is.

Place a couple of mints on the pillow, too (or a single rose)…all to be discovered at bedtime.

8. Create a favorite drink together. Try all kinds of ingredients. Enjoy taste-testing. Be
sure to record the ingredients, so you can make the “your” drink again on Valentine’s Day year after year.

9. Buy two champagne flutes for use on Valentine’s Day only to annually toast your
love. Keep them in a visible location as a year-round reminder of how special you are to each other.

10. Create an at-home spa day for your mate. Deliver the gift in a basket filled with
inexpensive candles, bubble bath, rose petals, facial mask and scrub. Then give your mate time to enjoy it. When he/she is done, heat up towels in the dryer for drying off.

11. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday, celebrate with a day full of low-cost
activities you both enjoy doing (depending upon your location and weather). Do something with your significant other that he/she rarely has time to do, but loves.

12. Take a trip together. Spend money on gas, but make sure you pack lunches or plan ahead for a low-cost, one-night getaway.

13. Gals…Make the entire day full of his favorites: the breakfast of his dreams, the
dinner of his dreams, TV that is his favorite, his music, etc. Don’t say anything about it, surprise him all day long.

14. Take the person you love to experience something spectacular in nature: a sunset, a sunrise, the calm of the beach, share an evening walk gazing at the moon.

15. Choose specialty foods, such as wine, cheese, fresh bread/dessert from a favorite
bakery. Enjoy in front of your warm, toasty fireplace.

16. Give each other long-lingering back rubs or head-to-toe body massages. Invest in
luxurious lotion or oils.

17. Watch an old movie at home together, with popcorn and soft drinks and candy –
movie-theater style.

18. Share a scrumptious dessert and latté at a local patisserie or bakery.

19. Pick a few household chores your Valentine usually does and surprise them by doing it before they get a chance, i.e., making the bed. It doesn’t sound romantic, but the thought will most certainly count.

20. Walk around a favorite part of town, stopping at a nice locale for a glass of wine
and appetizers.

21. On Valentine’s Day, place three pair of sexy undies on your bed and let your mate
pick out which one you should wear. It’s your secret!

22. Write a “Top 10 Reasons Why I Love You” list.

23. Since Valentine’s Day is on Saturday, if you’re a member of a wholesale club (like
Sam’s or Costco) have fun eating all the free samples! Then fill in any empty holes left in your stomach by going out to lunch. (That way you won’t spend a lot of money at a restaurant!)

24. What’s a new activity you’ve both wanted to try that’s low cost? Do it. Or, how
can you creatively modify it to make it low cost? Do it.

25. Guys…If you want to cook dinner, remember, she doesn’t care what you make.

There are many easy recipes on food web sites that look like you spent hours in the kitchen. Be imaginative and set the table special. Play romantic music softly while you dine. Leave the clean-up until morning!

26. Guys or Gals…When you make that special dinner…Just like when you go to a
fancy event and a “dinner menu” is put on each plate describing each food item, do something similar. For example, on your menu, write “Spaghetti & Meatballs, made with passion to be with YOU.” Don’t forget to give your “event” or “restaurant” a name at the top of the menu.

27. Make a simple dinner at home, then go out dancing or to listen to live music at a
jazz club.

28. Play a sport together that you haven’t played in awhile, or that you rarely get a chance to enjoy. Before you start, determine what the “winner” gets (making it something to do with caring, loving, etc.).

29. Leave a “racy” picture on your mate’s cell phone. Text a romantic message at a
time of day when you know things get hectic.

30. Present your Valentine IOU coupons: I will make dinner; I will do the laundry; I will
take care of the kids one day a month for the next year; I will clean the kitchen for a week; I will serve you breakfast in bed.

31. Together, go “shopping” at a sex-toy store without spending any money. It’ll give
you ideas and get you “in the mood.”

32. The tough economy has lured many upscale restaurants to have high-end early-
bird specials. Find out what’s available in your area.

33. Some volunteer fire departments use holiday fauna to create flower and rose
bouquets as a fund-raiser. Prices are reasonable; just get there early.

34. If she loves chocolate…Take her on a chocolates tour. Find your hometown
chocolate purveyor and ask for a behind-the-scenes tour. Next, go to a restaurant that serves her favorite chocolate dessert. Return home to snuggle with a cup of hot chocolate.

35. Use a bar of soap to draft a love note on your bathroom mirror. Or, if you shower
first, write a love note to your sweetheart in the steam on the mirror.

36. Write “I love you because….” notes and insert them into balloons. Blow up the
balloons, and spread the balloons throughout your bedroom for your Valentine to pop and capture each message.

37. Many drug stores with photo departments offer a variety of Valentine’s Day
specials to make gifts from photographs. Use a good picture of the two of you together.

38. Make homemade chocolate-covered strawberries: 1) Melt a package of
chocolate chips in a double boiler and add a small amount of oil; 2) Remove from heat and quickly dip the strawberries into the chocolate; 3) Place on wax paper and refrigerate for several hours until chocolate is firm.

39. Guys…If you want to order flowers for your gal, supermarket florists are generally
half the price of the stand-alone or on-line stores, but the trick to for seeing real savings is to order two weeks or more in advance and pay for the flowers up front………..Another trick to save money, get other guys who want to order flowers to join you and place your orders to the same florist all at once. The florist may give you a “bulk” discount. Again, important to plan ahead.

40. Plan a scavenger hunt. Write clues and place them in envelopes, and place the
envelopes around town. Make the final clue a doozey of a destination.

41. Get a small radio and take your partner dancing at a romantic hideaway, such as
the woods or riverfront or ocean.

42. Use fabric paint to decorate a Valentine’s Day pillowcase for your loved one.
Check arts-and-crafts web sites for other easy-to-make gifts.

43. What did you do on your very first date? Repeat it.

44. Create a year-long calendar with photos of just the two of you above (top page)

each month. Office supply stores will insert the spiral/binding for you.

45. Have a progressive dinner. If you’re single, appetizers at his place. Entrée at her
place. The middle course, dessert, after-dinner cordials…map it out a few days ahead. If you’re married, one course at home, one course at her office, his office, etc. Use your imagination to set locations!

46. Write new “updated” wedding vows, both serious and humorous, and share them
with each other over a glass of wine in a candlelit room.

47. In the morning, tuck a love note in his pocket or her pocketbook or other certain-
to-be-found spot. Jot down some meaningful words on a piece of paper – “Can’t wait to wrap my arms around you tonight!”; “What’s for ‘dessert’?”; “You make me happy every day!” – and tuck it in a conspicuous location to be easily discovered during the day.

48. Have a 15-minute kissing session and try some new ways and places to kiss. The
same old smoocheroo can get boring. Use your imagination…and perhaps a little whipped cream, chocolate syrup, etc.

49. If you don’t have a special sweetheart, focus on bringing a smile or laughter to
everyone you come in contact with on Valentine’s Day.

50. What are your mate’s quirks and habits that irk you? Don’t nag about any of them
the entire day. Then try to extend the no-nagging effort to every day of the year.

Remember, you’re never going to change the other person.

This list is brought to you by Sheryl Kurland, “Everlasting Matrimony: Pearls Of Wisdom From Couples Married 50 Years Or More.” Sign up for FREE, weekly email “Time-Tested Relationship Tips” at www.everlastingmatrim ony.com.

Low Income and Foreclosure Resources for Cumberland County, NC

FayToday_writer — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:36:17 +0000

What if I’m struggling or in a crisis?

Get the help you need from local resources from caring organizations. FayToday has included a lengthy lest of free assistance programs in the region. There is low-income assistance as well as Foreclosure programs. From utility bills, prevention of eviction, saving your home’s mortgage, health care, or finding a temporary shelter. Use this resource guide to help others that may not have online access. You can print or share with someone that does have email or social media. If you know of an organization not listed, please leave in comment box and we’ll add it! Thank you.

GET HELP WITH

RENT / UTILITY BILLS
HOMELESSNESS / EVICTION
FORECLOSURE
CREDIT COUNSELING
EMERGENCY SERVICES
HEALTH CARE

Emergency Services:

Department of Social Services
Government office address: 1225 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28302
Main number – 910-323-1540

Common Programs:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
also known as Work First
Medicaid for Infants and Children (MIC)
Provides medical coverage, grants, and help with health care bills for children under age 19 who need assistance.
North Carolina Home Protection Program and Loan Fund
Receive a zero percent interest loan of up to $24,000 for mortgage
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)
Food and Nutrition Services is a North Carolina entitlement program. It allows all eligible households and individuals to receive assistance with food and grocery bill

Economic Hardship

Cumberland Community Action Program, Inc
(910) 485-613
Learn about weatherization programs, grant programs, ways to get help with utility bills, and much more

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Fayetteville (CCCS)
Neighborhood Financial Care Center provides education in the wise use of credit cards, advice of preventing a foreclosure, and assistance with resolving debt problems (including medical and credit card) through counseling and debt management programs

Fayetteville Salvation Army
(910) 483-8119
* limited funds and access to grants that can be used to help people pay an electric bill, buy a prescription drug, or even money to prevent an eviction

Fayetteville Urban Ministry (FUM).
contact: (910) 483-5944

Four common programs, including:

Emergency Financial Assistance (Rent, Food and Clothing),
Nehemiah Project (Home Repairs and Improvements for Low to Moderate Income Home Owners).
Adult Literacy (The Gift of Reading and Employment Services)
Find-A-Friend (Youth Mentorship)

Health Care

CARE Clinic
910-485-0555
FREE, high quality health care to low income adults as well as eligible uninsured patients and individuals who live in Cumberland County NC

Better Health
(910) 483-7534
Services include improving both the access and availability of health care, medical, and dental services for the underserved, low-income resident in Fayetteville and Cumberland County NC

Foreclosure/ Rent / Homelessness

Fayetteville Community Development Department
Fayetteville, North Carolina, 28301
(910) 433-1933
Grants to pay rent may obtained from Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program.

Home Foreclosure Prevention Project (SHFPP)
Homeowners can gain access to free legal assistance organizations, HUD-approved housing counseling agencies, mortgage servicers, government mortgage programs, and community organizations

Homeless Coalition
Address – 509 ½ Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301
Phone: 910-323-4673
Offers shelter, and can try to help the homeless find a new home, and provide information on programs to pay security deposits and first month’s rent

Salvation Army
Branch address is 220 E. Russell Street
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301
Telephone number – 910-483-8119
The charity organization administers a number of programs, social services, and assistance programs for the low income and unemployed. They range from rent assistance, eviction prevention, and low income housing, up through energy help and food.

Cumberland County Social Services, Temporary Shelter
Fayetteville, NC 28302
Phone: 910-425-2232
Shelter for teenagers.

Catholic Social Ministries
2712 Ft. Bragg Road
Fayetteville, NC 28303
Phone number – 910-424-2020
Apply for rent assistance, eviction prevention, and other housing resources. Much of the advice is free.

Cumberland Inter-Faith, Hospitality Network
Phone: 910-826-2454 ext. 23
Works with local churches to distribute funds and grants for housing needs.

United Way
Address – 220 Maiden Lane
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Call – 910-483-1179
They partner with, and fund, other charities and non-profits in Cumberland County North Carolina.

Fayetteville Urban Ministry
701 Whitfield Street
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28304
A shelter is on site.

Fayetteville Metropolitan Housing Authority
Fayetteville, NC, 28301
(910)483-3648
Provides emergency rental assistance. Also apply for the federal government section 8 housing program here.

Alms House Outreach Ministry
Address: 5512 W. Patterson Street
Hope Mills, North Carolina 28348
Telephone number – 910-425-0902

Green’s Shelter for Women
Address – 333 Hawley Lane
Fayetteville, NC
Phone: 910-486-0690
Shelter for women and maybe children too.

North Carolina Indian Housing Authority
(910)483-5073
Fayetteville, North Carolina 28302-2345.
Aid is targeted at Native Americans in the region, as well as their families.

FayToday Participates in SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) Online Protest

FayToday_writer — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:40:53 +0000

Today marks an online protest against new legislature (House Bill 3261 on Oct. 26, 2011). FayToday usually holds firm on political issues, yet is growing to support ideas of fairness, openness, and freedom. We would stray from merely being opposition, but favor the inclusion of strategy, analytical thinking, and partisanship.

Today, market a historical moment in the web world as #SOPA floods Twitter and takes over site’s layout. Many web companies participated by darkening their site, adding censorship over their content, or banner ads describing their support. Most notably, Google, Yahoo, Wired News, Wikipedia, Craigslist, and even Facebook have come together to oppose this bill. Visit some of your favorite sites to view the January 17th stand: SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act). So, what is the bill an why is it important? Read further.

The House Bill 3261 is designed to help combat online piracy, such as sharing of music and media content. The worry is aimed around copyright infringement, which we agree is not great or could use more regulations to control. However, this bill has been rushed and various errors concern us. This new law would hold website owners responsible for users wrecklessness, which could result in court litigation, removal from search engines, barring from online advertising, and more. It doesn’t stop here. Streaming an event could be a crime. Internet service providers could be held responsible for heavy damages. It even makes small websites like ours susceptible to penalties and financial liability.

SIGN THE PETITION: click here (hosted by Google)

With this proposal, it would cause more censorship such as in China’s firewall. It would cause website owners to screen carefully every comment, posting, photo, or video. In return, real-time updates would not as likely and social media is threatened to exist as well. You may have noticed, FayToday enjoys social media and the power of a open web. As we grow into more media and news coverage of our community, we hope to keep our site free, without subscriptions, nor paid content. Many media and broadcast have moved to paid content, rather than adapt to new technology. These companies are large and risk alot, so downsizing to more online operations and evolving into web-based media is hard to do. Print media is now merely text on touchscreen devices. News is really posted via social media, from the source, us! FayToday hopes to adapt to these changes and grow more innovative info services for you.

To learn more about SOPA with details of the law, supporters of the bill, and current protest conditions, check the info below.

The Stop Online Piracy Act was introduced by Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) and was initially co-sponsored by:

Howard Berman (D-CA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), Steve Chabot (R-OH), John Conyers (D-MI), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Elton Gallegly (R-CA), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Timothy Griffin (R-AR), Dennis A. Ross (R-FL), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Lee Terry (R-NE). As of January 16, 2012, there were 31 sponsors.

Organizations who oppose the bill: (PDF)

AOL
eBay
Facebook
Google
Mozilla Foundation
NVIDIA
The Obama Administration
Twitter
Wikipedia
Craigslist

Over 25 companies have changed their view since initially supporting this bill: view here

QUICK INFOGRAPHIC: click to enlarge

Martin Luther King Jr Parade in Fayetteville NC

FayToday_writer — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:51:55 +0000

VIDEOS

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZIEadLlN3c&w=550]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELi5qyU35Eg&w=550]

PHOTO GALLERY

Martin Luther King Jr Events in Fayetteville, NC

FayToday_writer — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:35:01 +0000

As Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday nears, the Cumberland County area hosts events honoring the civic leader. View a listing of the local events this week below.

Candlelight Vigil
presented by the Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Committee

January 12, 2012
5:45 p.m.

Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Memorial Park,
739 Blue Street

The MLK March will start at 5:30 pm from Bronco Square on Murchison Road to the MLK statue at the park. Please bring a candle for the march. Line-up is at 5:15 pm.

Celebration Parade

January 14, 2012,

The Grand Marshall for the MLK celebration year of 2012 is Dr. Valerie Wynne-Hall, D.D.S., M.P.H., P.A.

Route will start at the Courthouse on Person Street and proceed down Hay Street.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELi5qyU35Eg]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZIEadLlN3c]

View FayToday’s other posting for MLK Parade 2012

19^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast
Presented by the Ministerial Council

January 16, 2012
7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m

Crown Exposition Center

For more information contact Bishop Larry O. Wright, Sr.
910 568-4276 | 910 494-8274.

The Hoke County Civic League MLK Banquet

January 16, 2012
6 p.m.
M. Rouse Jr., Community Resource Center
373 Pittman Grove Church Road
Raeford, NC 28376.

Scholarship fundraiser for recentHoke County High School graduates. Tickets are $25 each. For more information contact Ellen C. McNeill, Assistant Secretary
910-875-3237.

The Bicycle Man, Moses Mathis, set to Giveaway Hundreds of Bikes on Thursday

FayToday_writer — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:28:29 +0000

The Bicycle Man is set to distribute free bicycles to the public on Thursday. Many children across the region will visit the Bragg Boulevard warehouse for a chance at a new bike. Since parking is limited, local officials are asking to prepare for traffic issues and arrive early to make these arrangements.

Moses Mathis has held this operation for decades and continues to be a gracious community activist each year. As economic times are upon, this program helps many families find joy by providing a free gift during the holidays. Mr. Mathis has struggled to find a location or warehouse space over the years. Help has always seem to come at the right time to support the program.

If you would like to donate, please contact Mr. Moses Mathis at by website or phone from the info listed below. To receive a free bike from Moses Mathis, please review the event listing below.

Moses Mathes

Website: http://www.thebicycleman.com

Phone: 910 822 2034

BICYCLE GIVEAWAY EVENT

4428 Bragg Blvd
Fayetteville, NC

Map View: click here

Starts at 9 am

Limited Parking as large turnout is expected. Please visit early to make arrangements and avoid traffic delays.

View Cumberland County Unemployment Rate

FayToday_writer — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:11:05 +0000

Cumberland County, North Carolina

Info within these visualizations is public data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Data starts around the year 2000 up to the current and most released data. Revisit for updates or even more informative data.

President Obama and First Lady visit Fort Bragg, NC announcing the End of the Iraq War

FayToday_writer — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 02:40:28 +0000

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYtiXwSCsqo]

President Barack Obama visited Fort Bragg, NC to show appreciate and welcome home troops while delivering a national speech. Obama announced the end of the Iraq War to a crowd of soldiers and their loved ones. Along with the President, Michelle Obama joined him for the highly publicized news event. The First Lady has been an advocate for military and their families across the nation.

As you may remember, Michelle Obama has been to Fayetteville, NC earlier this year for the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition of woman’s veteran shelter of The Jubilee House. Today, Obama honored her for her commitment and latest feats in finding employment for military veterans. The President’s speech was in a room of over 4,000 troops, yet aired on live television on many media broadcast stations. (see our social media photos, click here)

Republican candidate Mitt Romney wrote an open letter addressing some of Barack Obama’s managing of the economy, as a disgrace. The letter was published by the Fayetteville Observer and aims to challenge Obama as seen in recent weeks from the parties. The letter blamed the President for economic woes and addressed slightly over 1% increase for returned veterans.

The campaign trail for 2012 Election is becoming more active as seen with more visits in last 5 years than prior. Obama has recently visit our state for a bus tour in mid-October to promote a new jobs bill and visited NC State University in mid-September. North Carolina is a battleground state which Obama narrowly won in last election. With economy and foreign policy a popular topic, this may not be the last visit from our 44th President.

As the news of the end of the Iraq war makes history, our community has seen many troops returning home. With an increased population, the local economy may benefit through small business, real estate, and other services. FayToday welcomes home all troops and wish them a very special holiday season with their families. Please view social media from the video above or from FayToday facebook pages below. We are active daily on Facebook to deliver community news and share social media, join us!

Facebook.com/FayToday - Online Local Community
Facebook.com/FayettevilleToday – Fayetteville News FanPage

Where to visit Santa Claus in Fayetteville, NC – View Locations

FayToday_writer — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:09:49 +0000

Merry Christmas or a Happy Holidays!

This year Santa makes his tour to Fayetteville, N.C. before spoiling us with gifts on December 25th. Cheerful Santa will be in various locations in the region, so check below to find a time and place that works for you.

Arnette Park

Santa and a 30 foot Christmas tree

December 7-21 from 6-9 pm

Costs: $2 Photos: $5

View Flyer: http://www.fcpr.us/files/documents/ChristmasInThePark.pdf

Food vendors, train rides, arts and crafts, a fire pit and entertainment each night

NO PETS

Cross Creek Mall

November 5 thru Christmas Eve

Santa Photo Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10am to 9pm (Break: 1pm to 2pm & 5pm to 6pm*)
Sunday: 12pm to 6pm (Break: 3pm to 4pm*)
Christmas Eve: 10am to 6pm (Break: 3pm to 4pm*)
*Breaks subject to change.

Airborne & Special Operations Museum

Pictures with Santa

Saturday, Dec 10

9:00 am to 11:00am

O’Charleys

December 17th

7:00am – 10:00am

Rotary Christmas Parade

Downtown Fayetteville, NC

December 10th at 11:00am

Host: Fred Flintstone

Other Holiday Events:

Fort Bragg’s Cleland Ice Rink
A Nutcracker Christmas Holiday Ice Show
December 11 from 2:30-5:30pm.

The show is open to the public and tickets are just $6.