Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson

Talkback for Sunday, April 7 2024 – Preview of the Solar Eclipse, United Way’s ‘Over the Edge’ fundraising event and the multiple community events of Saturday April 20th PLUS Norman Zander, community activity coordinator of the Salvation Army of the Sandhills. Download

29:48 Download April 13th

Today is Sunday, April 7, the 98th day of the year- 272 left in our leap year of 2024..

Today’s Highlight in History:

On April 7, 1927, the image and voice of Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover were transmitted live from Washington to New York in the first successful long-distance demonstration of television.

Thoughts are with those for beginning  a long rebuilding process of the Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Baltimore Harbor.  Thoughts and prayers continue for all mourning loved ones and working there during the painfully long recovery process.

 This weekend marked to this point has marked the start of the Final Four for NCAA Men and Women’s Basketball Teams. Friday night saw the elimination of our NC State Lady Wolfpack at the hands and legs of the so far undefeated South Carolina Gamecock women.

        This afternoon’s Women’s Championship features the Iowa Hawkeyes (featuring Caitlyn Clark – she’ll also be the first to tell you it’s a team game) vs the #1 ranked in the nation South Carolina Gamecocks (coached by Dawn Staley – the 2024 Coach of the Year! 

Tomorrow is MONDAY APRIL 8th –     

the Solar Eclipse Monday Afternoon April 8th– it will be a total eclipse in the U.S. on a line drawn between Cincinnati and Dallas and extending on that line northeast and southwest.  Fayetteville is east of that line. For most of us, the sun will be covered about 80% by the moon.  REMEMBER….Staring directly at the sun can be harmful to your retinas – It’s never a good idea to risk permanent damage to these important parts of your eyes.  If you have eclipse glasses leftover from the eclipse of 2017 scientists says they’ll be ok.  Older eclipse glasses may have degraded in quality needed to protect your eyes.  Remember we can always all catch it secondhand on post-event TV coverage without risking our peepers.  Another safe idea is to make a personal “box pinwheel projector” (search “box pinwheel projector” on line) using a cereal or shoebox and some other items you can find around the house.  Be safe.  And enjoy the eclipse.  This will be America’s last for about 25 years!

Men’s NCAA Basketball Championship takes place tomorrow Monday Night featuring

Those Purdue Boilermakers (led by Man Mountain Center Zach Eady), continuing their mission against top-ranked returning champion UCONN (University of Conneticutt) Huskies coached by Danny Hurley (brother of former Duke Great Bobby Hurley)

Tuesday April 9th Opening Day for our Fayetteville Woodpeckers (Low A farm team of the contending  American League club Houston Astros.)  Having SEGRA Stadium anchoring Social presence in our Historic Downtown has made a major difference in Fayetteville Summertime Night Life.

Also Starting early this week, look for in-depth and live-coverage of scoring and news coverage  from the Masters Golf Tournament (one of golf’s 4 major championships) direct from Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.  There’ll be periodic live scoring updates by veteran Golf reporter John Patrick on select Beasley/Fayetteville outlets from Augusta, Georgia…including Sof’ Hits for Fayetteville Sunny 94.3 and Sunny9-4-3.com!

Another event of note this coming Saturday the 13th , the UNITED WAY’S SECOND ANNUAL Over the Edge public rappelling fundraiser for Cumberland County’s United Way takes place Saturday at Fayetteville’s Medical Arts Building downtown.  United Way Borad Member Carolyn Justice Hinson, who doubles in Real Life as Communications Officer and more for Fayetteville’s Public Works Commission explains just how safe and carefully thought out the process is…as evidenced by all the participation they had last year. ,               

(Interview – CJH)

On the third weekend of this month (Sat April 20th and Sunday  the 21st) look for so many  Local celebrations, starting with Fayetteville’s  Earth Day (still April 22nd on the US Calendar – but celebrated of the 20th here to coincide with the weekend for Family involvement). 

On Saturday April 20th – a day of convergence in Fayetteville. I simply ask you pick one activity out of the many to focus, on  do, and make Fayetteville and Cumberland County better for your input!

Earth Day at Festival Park starts with your participation in

Cumberland Clean – picking up unsightly trash for a couple hours with a group people you like and  can assemble for the purpose at a spot you can agree on between 8am and 12noon.  Cumberland County supplies the trash bags, a reusable bag you can keep to keep your areas tidy in the future, an event tee-shirt, water and hand-sanitizer.  Just Show up at Festival Park starting at 8 on Saturday, April 20th …or arrange to pick up your supplies at the Ann Street Solid Waste Headquarters calling (910) 321-6907…910-321-6907.  If you need to – leave a message for Tim Middleton!  Someone will get back to you.  And thanks for helping Cumberland get Clean!

Equipment pickup (litter bags, gloves, water and snacks) for Fayetteville Beautiful’s pickup of the City’s littered spots begins at 9am.

There is also an Electric Vehicle Show by dealers and owners..

A 5k and 10k run

A cornhole tournament

Community outreach

Environmental Education

And an ELECTRONIC WASTE and lithium Battery Drive.

See more at sustainablesandhills-dot-org!

Extension Master Gardeners Plant Sale 9a-1p – 301 E. Mountain Drive Ag Extension Auditorium (Indoors). Herbs Vegetables  native plants  Flowers and home gardening tips soil sample test kits & more!

Child Advocacy Center Fayetteville Lip Sync Showdown  features two performances – one at 12n (Teens) & the regular show at 7pm (Regular & All ages).  $500 first prizes at each show.  The Fayetteville Lip Sync Showdown is still accepting  accepting Lip Sync Entrants & selling Tix – crowncomplexnc-dot-Com) 

Follow the Spectrum 2024 – is an autism awareness event embracing professional autism support to discover and unlock your true potential– occurs 11a-5p at the Freedom Towne Center (Cliffdale and Skibo).  Food trucks, nearby restaurants and a plethora of family events including a super hero costume showcase, musical acts including virtuoso performances – even the Pine Forest Marching Band! Even a  Q &A session is planned. 

The East coast Step Show – a long-running favorite event in Fayetteville presents the Carolina Stomp (3:30pm Doors Open for 4 & 7pm shows).  The early show is for middle and high school age steppers.  The 7pm show is for East Coast Colleges and HBCU Fraternities and participating sorority’s to show off their steps is a polished environment…lots of energy and excitement in the Crown Theatre at the Crown Complex.  Proceeds benefit FSU through its participating fraternities! 

Sunday the 21st presents us with an open house for FTCC Trojan Baseball.  Free admission and open house versus Richard Bland CC (Virginia).

Pick Your event or events and enjoy with all the members of your family!

And if this isn’t enough, April is Volunteer month across North Carolina and the U.S.A.  one organization seeking volunteers (it’s easier than you imagine) is one of America and the World’s most helpful organizations!

(INTERVIEW – Norman Zanders – Salvation Army)

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