Local News
Once Upon a Child turns two
Once Upon a Child in Southern Pines is celebrating two years in business this month, and store manager Katelyn Snuffer says it’s all thanks to the Sandhills families who have made the experience a great one.
“Watching the store grow has been incredible,” said Katelyn. “Running a small business is always a challenge, and the first few years are especially crucial in setting the stage for success. We’ve been fortunate to have such amazing support from the community, and I’m excited to see what the next few years bring.”
Though Once Upon a Child is part of a national brand, the Southern Pines location is locally owned and operated—something Katelyn says is fundamental to how they connect with area families.
“Every parent, the moment they find out they’re expecting, asks themselves the same question: ‘Am I ready?’ We wanted to be a resource to help make that transition easier,” said Katelyn. “While we can’t assist with the midnight diaper changes or the 2 a.m. playtime requests, we can offer a reliable place to buy and sell gently used children’s clothes, shoes, equipment, and toys.”
Like all Once Upon a Child stores, the Southern Pines shop offers cash on the spot or a trade-in option that allows customers to shop and save even more.
“Our mission is to create a supportive community for parents looking for quality items at affordable prices and a way to give gently used items a second life right here in our area,” she described.
Katelyn, a Vass native and mom of two, joined the Once Upon a Child team after years in the hospitality industry. She was looking for a role that combined her love of connecting with people with the realities of parenting, and found the perfect fit at Once Upon a Child.
“After having kids of my own, I was looking for a job that was not only kid-friendly but also offered the same sense of personal connection I experienced in hospitality,” she explained.
Katelyn said her favorite part of the job is seeing the pure excitement on children’s faces when they find something they love; but perhaps the most meaningful feedback comes from parents.
“Many parents face a lot of stress around finances, especially when it comes to raising kids,” she said. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that we can help ease some of that burden.”
That affordability and practicality have become a major draw for local families, especially those settling into the area from out of town. Katelyn remarked that the demographic in Moore County has shifted in recent years, with more families moving in and more babies on the way.
“It seems like everyone knows someone who’s expecting, has a newborn, a toddler, or a growing kid,” Katelyn said. Then, laughing, she added, “Once they’re here, they keep growing and needing more things, and they’re really good at creating a mess, too.”
The store carries items in all sizes and seasons year-round, and Katelyn observed that spring cleaning season has brought in an especially great selection lately.
“We want to see what you’ve got in your garage, hall closet, backyard shed—everything you’ve got if it’s for kids,” she explained. “Let us do the hard work of storing clothes. We buy all seasons, all year round.”
The staff works hard to maintain a clean, organized store that’s easy to shop. Katelyn explained that a common misconception about secondhand shopping is that it’s seen as dirty or disorganized, and that Once Upon a Child is working to shift that mindset.
With items often coming in new with tags, she added, shoppers can expect quality products at a fraction of retail prices while also reducing waste and supporting sustainability.
On April 18–19, Once Upon a Child will host its Take What You Need event, where customers can select up to 10 clearance items completely free of charge.
“We’re always looking for ways to give back,” Katelyn said. “Events like this are part of how we try to be there for the community that’s supported us so much.”
Looking ahead, Katelyn hopes the store will continue to grow alongside the families it serves. “We’re deeply committed to this area and don’t see ourselves leaving anytime soon—if ever,” she said.
As for what she wants the community to take away?
“Our goal is to show that we’re always evolving, learning from feedback, and striving to improve,” she said. “With new team members, updated policies, fresh inventory, and new perspectives, we’re excited to keep moving forward and offering the best we can.”
For more on upcoming sales and events, Katelyn encourages families to follow the store on Facebook.
Once Upon a Child is located at 180 Commerce Ave. in Southern Pines.
~Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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Gov. Josh Stein recently announced an investment of $48 million in Completing Access to Broadband (CAB) program projects to connect 14,514 households and businesses in Moore and 21 other counties to high-speed internet.
“Connecting all North Carolinians, especially in our rural areas, opens doors of opportunity,” said Gov. Josh Stein in a news advisory. “I am proud to continue to bring high-speed internet access to all corners of our state.”
“With reliable high-speed internet, North Carolinians can access online services necessary for remote work, virtual education, and telehealth, ensuring they can fully participate in the modern digital world,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione. “By creating a more connected state, we are investing in the future prosperity and resiliency of our communities.”
These projects will be funded by more than $33 million from the federal American Rescue Plan awarded by NCDIT and more than $14 million from selected broadband providers:
Alexander County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 125 homes and businesses (5.5% of the county’s 2,271 eligible locations after previous awards).
Bladen County: Star Telephone Membership Corp (Star Communications) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 88 homes and businesses (12.43% of the county’s 708 eligible locations).
Burke County: Foothills Broadband, LLC These awards will provide high-speed internet access to 113 homes and businesses (4.72% of the county’s 2,391 eligible locations after previous awards).
Chatham County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 1,006 homes and businesses (26.09% of the county’s 3,856 eligible locations).
Craven County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 1,790 homes and businesses (65.62% of the county’s 2,728 eligible locations).
Currituck County: Wilkes Telephone Membership Corporation (RiverStreet Networks) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 162 homes and businesses (62.54% of the county’s 259 eligible locations after previous awards).
Guilford County: Spectrum Southeast, LLC This award will provide high-speed internet access to 463 homes and businesses (21.43% of the county’s 2,161 eligible locations).
Halifax County: Roanoke Connect Holdings, LLC (Fybe) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 2,613 homes and businesses (93.42% of the county’s 2,797 eligible locations).
Harnett County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 1,019 homes and businesses (29.03% of the county’s 3,510 eligible locations after previous awards).
Hoke County: LREMC Technologies, LLC (RIVR Tech) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 716 homes and businesses (50.03% of the county’s 1,431 eligible locations).
Iredell County: Yadkin Valley Telephone Membership Corporation (Zirrus) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 517 homes and businesses (24.22% of the county’s 2,135 eligible locations).
Lee County: Windstream North Carolina, LLC This award will provide high-speed internet access to 617 homes and businesses (28.38% of the county’s 2174 eligible locations).
Mitchell County: Zito West Holding, LLC (Zito Media) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 84 homes and businesses (20.94% of the county’s 401 eligible locations after previous awards).
Moore County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 1,573 homes and businesses (38.31% of the county’s 4,106 eligible locations).
Pender County: Atlantic Telephone Membership Cooperative (FOCUS Broadband) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 224 homes and businesses (34.09% of the county’s 657 eligible locations).
Rowan County: Spectrum Southeast, LLC This award will provide high-speed internet access to 293 homes and businesses (14.15% of the county’s 2,389 eligible locations after previous awards).
Sampson County: Star Telephone Membership Corp (Star Communications) and StarVision Inc. (Star Communications) These awards will provide high-speed internet access to 114 homes and businesses (19.79% of the county’s 576 eligible locations after previous awards).
Stanly County: Windstream North Carolina, LLC This award will provide high-speed internet access to 935 homes and businesses (26.62% of the county’s 3,513 eligible locations).
Stokes County: Wilkes Telephone Membership Corporation (RiverStreet Networks) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 1,377 homes and businesses (62.56% of the county’s 2,201 eligible locations).
Surry County: Surry Telephone Membership Corporation (Surry Communications) These awards will provide high-speed internet access to 278 homes and businesses (34.11% of the county’s 815 eligible locations).
Wayne County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to 404 homes and businesses (15.61% of the county’s 2,588 eligible locations after previous awards).
Wilkes County: Connect Holding II, LLC (Brightspeed) This award will provide high-speed internet access to three homes and businesses (7.31% of the county’s 41 eligible locations after previous awards).
The CAB program’s procurement process creates a partnership between counties and NCDIT to identify areas that need access, solicit proposals from prequalified internet service providers, and quickly make awards. Awardees must agree to provide high-speed service that reliably meets or exceeds speeds of 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload.
“Gov. Stein is committed to closing the digital divide. Today’s awards add to the $596 million in Growing Rural Economies with Access to Technology (GREAT) grants and previous CAB projects that will connect more than 230,000 North Carolina households and businesses to high-speed internet,” said the advisory.
For more information about the NCDIT Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity, visit ncbroadband.gov.
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Contributed article.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Dora Anne Maness, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by her family.
She was born on a Moore County farm to the late James Lynn and Vallie Phillips Fields. Her husband William preceded her in death in 1997. Her son William, Jr. followed in January 2025. Also preceding in death were siblings, Leonard Fields (Imogene), Walter Fields (Pauline), D.A. Fields (Louvene) and Helen Frye (Bud).
Here to cherish her memory are daughters, Sharon Whitfield (Frank), Denise Williams (Ronnie), daughter-in-law, Ann; bonus daughters: Pat Corbin, Pat Jackson, Priscilla Riley; grandchildren, Johnathan Maness (Alexa), Ashley Althof (Eric); three great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, two-step-grandchildren, five step-great grandchildren; one sister, Lorraine Williams, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mom was a woman of incredible strength and grace, our rock in good times and bad, known for her creative talent and desire to teach others. She lived a life filled with faith, love, and service. Her home was always open to all. She faced her final days with a serene acceptance, knowing her race was run, she had fought the good fight and finished well. It was time to go home. Mom has left a positive impact on her family, friends, and sweet Carthage community. She has been the source of our inspiration and our guide for how to live life well.
It has taken a village to care for mom on this journey of life. We are forever grateful for the loving care provided by our “new” family, Bonnie Brown, Joann Douglas, Teco Douglas-McLean, Linda Short and Lisa Volk. Much love and appreciation to mom’s hospice nurse, LaWanda Tanner, who gave her all, to help mom live her best life. We are all now sisters of the heart; family connected by our love for mom.
“The presence of her absence is everywhere.” Emily Dickinson. Good night, Mom, we’ll see you in the morning.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Carthage United Methodist Church with Pastor Rhonda Campbell officiating. Burial will follow the service at Cross Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Foundation of FirstHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or Carthage United Methodist Church 401 McReynolds St., Carthage, NC 28327.
Condolences may be left at PinesFunerals.com
The care of Dora Anne has been entrusted to Fry and Prickett Funeral Home.
The Southern Pines Fire Department posthumously honored firefighter Carol Dowd with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award on May 14 at Fire Station No. 82.
North Carolina’s highest honor celebrates individuals’ outstanding service and achievements benefiting the state and their communities. Its creation in 1964 led to over 21,000 people receiving the award. To be nominated, individuals must have a minimum of 30 years of service to the state.
The fire department nominated Dowd months ago and may update their protocol to nominate service members as soon as they are eligible.
Joining the department as a volunteer in 1976, Dowd was the first female firefighter to serve in Moore County. She passed away in March at the age of 69.
“Carol worked for the best interest of the fire department and was the first to greet and train newcomers,” Southern Pines Fire Chief Mike Cameron said at the ceremony.
Cameron read several of Dowd’s colleagues’ recommendations for the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award and shared their most outstanding comments: “Decades as a pillar of strength…caring for the sick…unwavering support, embodies the full spirit of the fire department…inspiring leadership…commendable service.”
Assistant Chief Martin Dowd said his wife was a dedicated and inspirational leader, a steadfast member of the fire department, and a devoted person.
The couple attended high school together, and Martin said he didn’t know Carol then, but she said she knew him. They met again in 1978 when he joined the fire department.
Carol has one son, Bryon Smith, who is a retired North Carolina Highway patrolman.
Feature Photo: Martin Dowd accepts the Order of the Long Leaf Pine award on behalf of his late wife, Carol Dowd, at a ceremony at the Southern Pines Fire Station No. 82 on May 14.
~Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel journalist Stephanie M. Sellers. Stephanie is also an English instructor at Central Carolina Community College. She is the author of When the Yellow Slugs Sing, Sky’s River Stone, GUTTERSNIPE: Shakespearean English Stage Play with Translation, Amagi, Amagi Study Guide, and EZ Essay Study Guide for Holocaust: A History.
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