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.