President Jim got us started on this Friday the 13^th with some eerie sound effects to set the mood. Later in the meeting we would hear about ghosts residing in downtown Fayetteville. More on that later. Camilo Estremadoiro introduced new member, Corey Crogaert, and we welcomed guests Joanie Gutterson and Ray Johnson.  Membership Chair, Cheryl Gleason, reports that we have 9 new members so far this year and we are on the hunt for more!

 

The third annual Kiwanis Family Fun Day is in the books, and it was another rousing success.  Storms moved the event indoors, but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of over 300 kids who came to enjoy all the free festivities.  Kent Risk, our popcorn czar, reported that one 5-year-old celebrating his birthday that day told him it was “the best day of my life”.  That pretty much sums up why we do what we do.  Making a difference in the lives of children, one child at a time. Thanks to Felicia Smith and all the vendors and volunteers for another great event.

 

Cheryl announced our next social will be June 19 at Bahama Breeze. Invitations to follow.

 

President-Elect Stephen Wheeler announced that the board approved the Terrific Kid Committee as Committee of the month. Diane Parfitt reports that 35 Kiwanians attended year-end awards assemblies across our school system to deliver Terrific Kid of the Year awards.  After many years heading up this great committee, Diane is turning over the reins to Russ Jones starting next school year.  Thanks for all you have done, Diane!

 

Heritage Square Historical Society, formerly known as The Women’s Club of Fayetteville, is the group responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of a cluster of Fayetteville’s most historic properties. Located on Dick Street the complex includes the Sandford House, The Oval Ballroom and the Baker-Haigh-Nimocks House.  Cassandra McMillan brought us an interesting program on the history of these storied properties.  The Sandford House was built in 1787 and survived the Civil War owing to the fact that Union General Sherman used the home as his headquarters when he came to town and torched the Arsenal and many fine ante-bellum homes. Cassandra reports there is still a musket ball lodged in the home’s fireplace mantle.  The home passed through several different owners before coming under the protection of the Heritage Square Society.  The Sandford House served as the first federal bank during the period that Fayetteville was the capital of North Carolina.  Later the house served as the city’s first public library and the YWCA boasting Fayetteville’s first indoor plumbing.

Ms. McMillan says local lore has the house haunted by four ghosts; the meticulous Mrs. Sandford, the Lady in Black mourning her lover lost in the Civil War, the mystery of the rocking cradle and a young damsel who allegedly poisoned her much older husband in the house.  A jury found her not guilty in that murder, but she went on to poison two subsequent husbands after her acquittal.  I can confirm here that one of those husbands was NOT the head football coach at UNC.  Happy Friday the 13^th everybody!

 

Musings on exercise, old age, Starbucks and some of life’s other mysteries…

John Holmes 910-988-8040

jholmestarheel@gmail.com