Pablo Picasso said every child is an artist. Help the children in your life tap into their creative side at Cape Fear Botanical Garden during the third annual Pondamania – A Children’s Art Explosion presented by Ray and Daphne Manning as we celebrate nature. The event is free for children under 12.

The final mainstage show of the Gilbert Theater's 2021-22 season, “Fairview,’’ opens Friday, May 27. What starts out as a sitcom about a family soon turns into a brilliant look at race in America. “Fairview’’ runs through Sunday, June 12, with shows on Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at gilberttheater.com.

The nation’s most frequent disaster is one that rarely makes national headlines — home fires. Yet these represent most of the disasters that the American Red Cross responds to every eight minutes in the U.S. In Cumberland County alone, Red Cross volunteers responded to 139 of these devastating crises in 2021.

Enjoy a glass of wine while viewing Gaweda’s beautiful, serene oil paintings featuring landscapes, seascapes, creeks and tides. Gaweda’s work will be on display at Lisa’s Custom Framing on Thursday, May 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. In addition to its renowned framing services, Lisa’s Custom Framing - which opened in 1982 - supports local artists and welcomes all to visit, meet the artist and enjoy an evening immersed in artwork.

June 6, 2022, marks 78 years since the deadly battle of Normandy took place. For many, seeing Utah Beach on the anniversary of D-Day is a bucket list item. If you can’t make it to France this year, come and experience the next best thing at the U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum. The interactive “D-Day: Freedom from Above” exhibit allows visitors to experience the Normandy invasion through the eyes of 82nd and 101st Airborne Division soldiers by using “HistoPad,” a tablet with innovative software technology.

Mr. and Mrs. Shane Taylor of Gray’s Creek are delighted to announce the engagement of their daughter, Lynnsey Marie Taylor, to Henry Culbreath Tyson, son of the honorable and Mrs. John M. Tyson of Fayetteville. The couple is getting married on Saturday, May 14, at 5 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Fayetteville, with a reception to follow at Paradise Acres of Gray’s Creek. The reception location is owned and operated by the bride’s family and is also where the couple met for the first time.

Pet Fest of the Sandhills is scheduled for Sunday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hope Mills Park, 5770 Rockfish Road. The family-friendly event includes a 5K pet walk at noon, vendors, demonstrations and activities. Grab some lunch and stroll through the park. The event is free, and all pets are welcome. For more information, contact Kelly West at 910-401-9825.

Gardenmania, presented by Cape Fear Valley Health System, is one of the premiere events held at Cape Fear Botanical Garden each year. Rain or shine, Gardenmania will be held this Saturday, May 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is open to the public. All proceeds go to the garden's educational programs and therapeutic horticulture programs. The event is free to garden members and included in daily admission for non-members. All tickets can be purchased via eventbrite.

In 2014, the Lopes family faced the unimaginable when Justin Lopes, who was just 21, unexpectedly passed away. To honor his memory and carry on that spirit of “togetherness,” the Lopes family, along with close friends David and Andrea Phillips, decided to put together a community fundraiser event. The Derby Run is a fun event for runners and walkers but also for families. All proceeds from The Derby Run go to charities that benefit children, including the Child Advocacy Center and Cy’s World Foundation and two scholarships set up in Justin’s memory.

Dr. and Mrs. Myron Strickland of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Mr. and Mrs. Duane DeGaetano of Wilmington, North Carolina are delighted to announce the engagement of their daughter Abby DeGaetano to Ethan Powell, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Powell of Burlington, North Carolina.

FTCC Foundation is hosting the 2nd annual Trojan Fit 5K Color Run/Walk on Saturday, April 30, 2022, on the Fayetteville campus of Fayetteville Technical Community College. This event is presented by Mercedes-Benz of Fayetteville and Cape Fear Eye Associates.

Stacey Buckner was nominated for Volunteer of the Year through United Way of Cumberland County. United Way selected ServiceSource’s submission to apply for the Governor’s Medallion Award. Stacey was selected as a winner.

Jessie Thompson’s newest novel, “Escaping the Broken Pieces,’’ draws us into the life of a 7-year-old, the son of a prostitute and the grandson of a drug addict.

In her young adult, coming-of-age debut novel, “Orchestra Friends: Squeals, Groans, Off-Beat Rhythms,’’ Fatrice Currie tells the story of how bullying and bad choices could determine the outcome of Pearson High School’s extravaganza concert.

Fayetteville Technical Community College, North Carolina’s third-largest community college, is an important part of Cumberland County’s workforce and economic development team. The college provides instruction to about 25,000 students annually and has been led for the last 15 years by its president, Dr. J. Larry Keen. Dr. Keen recently announced his plans to retire at the end of the calendar year, and the college Board of Trustees is beginning the important work of finding the college’s next president. FTTC invites your participation through the completion of an online survey or through your attendance at one of the upcoming community forums the college will hold in late April.

The Basketball League has awarded its newest expansion team to the city of Fayetteville. This announcement comes 16 years after the departure of the Fayetteville Patriots, former D-League team.

Ron Gunter’s entire career has been one of service and hard work. In 2019, Ron was recruited to join the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity affiliate as the chief operating officer, pulling him and his wife out of retirement. Shortly after his arrival, he moved into the role of chief executive officer. At the end of June 2022, Ron will officially retire (again).

The Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County (Arts Council) presents a multidisciplinary compilation of awe-inspiring contemporary artistry with its “4th Annual 10:10:10 Exhibit – 10 NC Artists, 10 Linear Feet, 10 Self-Curated Exhibitions” on display now through Saturday, May 21, 2022, at The Arts Center, 301 Hay Street in Historic Downtown Fayetteville.

The Gilbert Theater announced its 2022-2023 Season. It is The Gilbert Theater's goal to continue to bring to life interesting, joyful and engaging theater.

Author Monroe, or Kim, as many people know him, unveils the darkness within the human heart that destroys what is left in one’s sanity. “‘Monster Eyes’ will take the reader on an unbelievable journey of betrayal and murder and into the mind of a cold-blooded, sexual deviant killer.

Pinehurst Medical Clinic is honored to be recognized by UnitedHealthcare as a United Hero, a distinction granted to providers who exemplify excellence in their care delivery. The United Hero achievement acknowledges the outstanding efforts of Pinehurst Medical Clinic's providers.

Laurie is a broker with Townsend Real Estate who has been serving Fayetteville and the surrounding areas since 1991. She can explain the significance of current market conditions to help navigate a buyer through their first or 10th home purchase.

Acknowledging the extraordinary talents and artistic vision of women of color, the Arts Council of Fayetteville|Cumberland County (Arts Council) presents two mini-exhibitions in celebration of Women’s History Month. The “Raised By Angels” and the “Experiences of Black Women of Cumberland County” mini-exhibits are open now through Saturday, March 19, 2022, at The Arts Center, 301 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC. Both mini-exhibits are free and open for public viewing.

On Pointe Dance Center offers dance classes of all kinds, from ballet and tap, to jazz and lyrical, acro, contemporary, musical theatre, hip hop, pom, clogging, pre-school creative movement, competition teams and more. On Pointe Dance Center is currently registering for the summer with fall registration soon to follow.

Lisa Geddie is known as a guiding force at the CBA office in Fayetteville, which has been named the No. 1 Coldwell Banker office in North America for five years. In her role as General Manager, Senior Vice President, she leads with a strong work ethic, entrepreneurial spirit and passion for helping others.