Safe Kids Gaston County in coordination with the Gaston County Police, Gastonia City Police, and Gastonia City Fire Department is hosting a free Child Safety Fair, to celebrate kids and help families learn simple things they can do to keep kids safe. The event will take place April 30th, 2022 – 10AM to 2PM at 2557 W. Franklin Blvd. Gastonia (Parking Lot of Wow Supermarket).
The 6th Annual event is free to the public and will include a child safety seat inspection station, along with information in other areas of safety to include fire safety, bicycle safety, gun safety, medication safety and disposal, hyperthermia, water safety, animal safety, and much more.
Professionals will be on hand to discuss, answer questions, and provide free resources and materials on safety related topics.  The event will also include free hot dogs, and drinks.

Join in for the 50th Anniversary Gaston Parks and Rec. Just Plain dog Show on Saturday, May 7. Begin with check-in at 10am.
The Just Plain Dog Show is for all ages (6 years and older as long as they can control the dog) are eligible to participate, there will be two age groups for each event: 17 and under and 18+.
Rain date will be Sunday, May 8th.
There is no admission or entry fee.
All dogs must be tagged and have a current rabies vaccination.
Ribbons will be presented to the top two finishers in each class. All participants must arrive no later than 10:00am.
You can pick up and turn in your entry forms at the Gaston County Parks and Recreation Department or email to spencer.hall@gastongov.com.
For additional information please contact Gaston County Parks & Recreation at 704-922-2164 or visit the County’s website.
Gaston County strives to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to access its programs, services, and activities. If you require assistance to participate in a program, service or activity of Gaston County, contact Parks and Rec. at least 5 days before the event.

The MASTER GARDENER Group of Gaston County (MGGGC) will hold their annual plant sale on Saturday, May 7, 2022, 8:00 -10:30 am, at the Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Cherryville Hwy (NC 279), Dallas, NC.
You must come early for best selection. There is often a line at the door before the sale begins. It is helpful for those intending to buy several items to bring a wagon. Assistance is available to help carry purchases to the car. Quality plants from our own gardens will be available, including perennials, small trees, shrubs, annuals, house plants, herbs and vegetables.
There will be a silent auction for garden-themed items, several made by local artists. The silent auction will end at 10:00 am and the highest bidder will be announced and called if not present. The winner must be available to pick up and pay for their item by 11:30 am. Cash and credit card sales accepted. Please stop by to shop, visit, ask questions!
All the proceeds from this annual event are used to fund MGGGC educational programs. The planning committee has worked hard to make this event safe for all to attend. All activities will not be in the main area; members will be available to provide direction to provide consistent flow and to allow for social distancing.
The MASTER GARDENER GROUP of Gaston County has over 100 active volunteers serving the  community in various educational gardening activities. Any questions regarding the NC State Extension  Master Gardenersm Program may be directed to Area Extension Agent Julie Flowers, 704-922-2104 or  julie.flowers@gastongov.com.
Barbara Linster, publicity contact for the group, can be reached at 704-674- 0860 or balinster@yahoo.com.

Are you a writer, a singer, a poet, a musician, or someone who might like to be? Carolina Pro Musica invites you to attend a songwriting workshop on Saturday, April 30, 2022. 11:00 AM, ballroom of The Haid, Belmont Abbey College, 100 Belmont-Mt Holly Rd Belmont, NC 28012 (exit 26 on I-85). The workshop is free.
Members of Carolina Pro Musica assisted by Jocelyn Pharr Thompson will help in you in writing lyrics, composing a tune, or writing down something you’ve already created. The workshop will include a segment on musical illustrations of texts.
This workshop is part of the Carolina Pro Musica GEMS (Gaston Early Music Series) which is supported by the NC Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Gaston Arts Council, and the Gaston Community Foundation. Photos furnished

Story/photos by Shawn Flynn

Members of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity from UNC-Charlotte and High Point University united recently to build, clean and renovate structures at Camp Hope, a recreational facility for Holy Angels. The group calls itself The Ability Experience and has worked with Holy Angels for several decades.
Camp Hope is located on the South Fork of Lake Wylie in Belmont. The residents of Holy Angels have enjoyed this camp for more than quarter century, doing recreational activities like fishing, nature walks, campfires and boat rides. This facility is wrapping up a two-year renovation project and residents will return in the next couple of months to enjoy these nature activities once again.
“Camp Hope provides an excellent opportunity for our residents to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Holy Angels President & CEO Regina Moody. “They love the warm feeling of the sun on their faces and the cool breeze of the wind as they take a ride on the pontoon boat, named ‘Spirit of Maria’, after our first resident Maria Morrow.”
Ability Camps are national service projects that provide funding and manpower to build and renovate structures for camps and facilities serving the differently able. Members of the Ability Experience (then known as PUSH America) first came to Holy Angels in 1989 to help build a pavilion, called PUSH Place. The fraternity has returned several more times doing other projects at Camp Hope and the main campus, building multiple structures, trails, ponds and much more.
“We consider members of the Ability Experience our close friends,” said Moody. “Ever since our first experience with them in 1989, this organization has continued to support Holy Angels through their time, talent, and treasure. We have built life-long friendships with many members of this fraternity.”
The Ability Experience, headquartered in Charlotte, has raised more than $15 million to benefit people with disabilities and organizations dedicated to their service.
 “We are excited to make an impact at Camp Hope through our Ability Camp program,” said Andrew Matznick, Holy Angels Board Member and Assistant Executive Director of The Ability Experience. “Holy Angels has been an incredible partner for over 40 years, and we can’t wait to see Pi Kappa Phi’s from around the Carolinas roll up their sleeves and make an impact in the lives of our friends at Holy Angels.”
Moody also served on the Board of Directors for the Ability Experience for 18 years.
During the weekend’s Ability Camp, members rebuilt several bridges, fixed the nature trail, cleaned up lots of debris and tackled several other projects.
Holy Angels was founded in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy.  The private, nonprofit corporation located in Belmont, NC, provides residential services and innovative programs for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities with delicate medical conditions.
The CARF accredited programs include Holy Angels Morrow Center, the McAuley Residences (Fox Run ICF/MR group homes (three six-bed), Belhaven ICF/IDD group home (15-bed), Moody Place ICF/IDD group home (15-bed), four community group homes, Great Adventures, Camp Hope, and four business enterprises - Cherubs Café, Bliss Gallery and Cotton Candy Factory in downtown Belmont and Spruced Goose Station in McAdenville (providing meaningful job opportunities for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities) along with LifeChoices, an adult day activities and vocational training program offering living and learning opportunities.  To learn more about Holy Angels, join Holy Angels caring team or volunteer, please call 704.825.4161 or visit Holy Angels website at www.HolyAngelsNC.org.        
The Ability Experience is the philanthropic initiative of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity that remains, to this day, an unparalleled success in the Greek world. Founded in 1977, we strive to instill a passion for lifelong service in our fraternity members while helping to empower people living with disabilities.

The third annual Mt. Holly ChiliBrew event on March 26 drew a big crowd. Here are some results from the fun and food filled day.
1st Place:  Mount Holly Farmers Market Team
2nd Place:  Matthew Russell & Jeff Thomas
3rd Place:  Joshua Anders
Peoples’ Choice:  Mount Holly Farmers Market Team
Best Table:  Lee & Jenny Bolton
The judges for the event were:  Al Conklin from WBTV, Steve D’Avria from Gaston Business Association, Guin Bell from Traust Brewing. The chefs prepared their chili onsite from 10-2.  Chili was served from 2-6.  Domestic beer, water and soda, plus OMB (coming to Mt. Holly soon) was there to serve their beer too. Music was provided by the band Coddle Creek - really great! Emcee was Joey Haverty.
Host was the FROGS committee of the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation and proceeds will be used for greenway amenities.

The MASTER GARDENER Group of Gaston County invites the public Thursday, April 21, 2022, 10:00 – 11:00 am to the Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Dallas Cherryville Highway, Dallas, for a program to be presented by Jenks Farmer. His topic will be on “Updated Deep-Rooted Wisdom - Connecting your Backyard, Agriculture and the Environment.”
Jenks Farmer grew up on an eighteenth-century family farm, and as a child he learned that plants serve specific purposes. He holds a BS degree in Horticulture from Clemson University and a MS degree in Public Garden Management and Forestry from the University of Washington. Farmer is an author, garden designer, and nurseryman. For the last 20 years, he has led teams responsible for establishing two of South Carolina’s major botanical gardens. Farmer has been publishing essays, stories and books since 1990. His latest book, published in December of 2021, Crinum: Unearthing the History and Cultivation of the World’s Largest Bulb, will be available for sale. Jenks Farmer has been described as a person with a true talent and passion for inspiring people of all ages and walks of life to go outside and get their hands dirty. Please join us for this program which is open to the public free of charge.
There is no admission charge and reservations are not required. If you have any questions, please contact Barbara Linster at balinser@yahoo.com or 704-674-0860.

Congratulations to Paramedic Crew Chief Josha Crabtree on receiving her Associate Emergency Manager credential. The credential is conferred by the International Association of Emergency Managers. Requirements include three letters of recommendation, an essay graded by certified emergency managers, a proctored exam, at least 100 hours of training in all aspects of emergency management and contributions to the profession.
 

Let’s learn about Spring in the early 1900’s Saturday, April 2nd from 2-5pm at the Dallas Park Heritage Village! We will have period related crafts, snacks, education and activities with our event partners the Gaston County Museum and the Historic Preservation Commission.
Free admission.
The Spring Heritage Village is part of the “Spring in the Park” event series April 2nd at Dallas Park, which also includes the Spring Craft Sale from 8am until 5pm in the horse arena and the Hound Egg Hunt from 1-2pm in the dog park.

Keep Belmont Beautiful’s Flower Power volunteer team was named a Main Street Champion by the North Carolina Main Street and Rural Planning Center.  Each year this organization recognizes the efforts of dedicated individuals or groups who have contribute to the success of local programs across the state. Thirty-three new North Carolina Main Street Champions were recognized for their commitment to downtown revitalization and strong communities in 2021 during a virtual Recognition Ceremony on March 10, 2022, at 9:00 AM. Including this year’s group of honorees, 837 Main Street Champions have been recognized by the N.C. Department of Commerce since 2000.
“There are three common elements that are found in successful communities.  These elements are asset based economic development strategies, public and private partnerships, and local champions,” said Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development at the N.C. Department of Commerce.  “Main Street Champions are the key to success in downtown revitalization. They possess courage to move downtown forward; they fight for positive change and do that with creativity and innovation; and they actively get things done, while staying focused on the downtown’s economic development strategies,” said Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center at Commerce.
Belmont’s Flower Power Team was recognized for their efforts of keeping downtown Belmont looking beautiful for maintaining the flower beds.  The program, by Keep Belmont Beautiful, invites volunteers to sign up to help maintain more than 30 flower beds in the downtown area. The city handles the planting, mulching, and watering of the raised beds, while Flower Power teams help weed and tend to the flowers. Flower Power volunteers are assigned to specific raised beds to maintain each month. The volunteers work extremely hard year-round keeping Main Street looking fantastic. The Flower Power program was initiated and is managed by Keep Belmont Beautiful Board Chair, Susan Wall.  After receiving the award Susan Wall stated, “we feel honored and appreciative of being just one of the many threads that Keep Belmont Beautiful.”
“The well maintain flower beds and beautiful flowers were the first thing I noticed four years ago during my first time visiting downtown Belmont,” said Phil Boggan, who is now Belmont’s Downtown Director.  “Downtown Belmont has a charming downtown with its historic buildings, great restaurants, and retail businesses.  Having the beautiful flowers really completes the streetscape making downtown so magnificent.  Belmont is truly fortunate to have these amazing Flower Power volunteers,” Boggan added.
 When asked about this honor being presented to the Keep Belmont Beautiful’s Flower Power team by the North Carolina Main Street organization Mayor Charlie Martin was elated they were being recognized for their hard work.  “We couldn’t have such a beautiful, vibrant downtown without the hard work of Keep Belmont Beautiful’s Flower Power Team.  We are blessed to have such an amazing group of people that care so much about our community.”
Previous Main Street Champions from Belmont are Vince Hill and Neil Brock for starting Belmont’s Friday Night Live Concerts, Steve Pepitone for renovating the historic train depot, John and Jennifer Church for saving Chronicle Mill, Angela Street for her dedication to furthering the mission of the Main Street program and supporting downtown Belmont’s businesses, and Ron Foulk for spear heading the renovation of Stowe Park.

By Alan Hodge
Banner-News Editor

One of my favorite pieces of music is Knoxville: Summer of 1915. The music was composed by Samuel Barber in 1947 using words of a James Agee poem. It begins…
It has become that time of evening
When people sit on their porches
Rocking gently and talking gently
And watching the street
And the standing up into their sphere
Of possession of the trees,
Of birds’ hung havens, hangars.

 I am lucky enough to live in a dwelling place with a wide front porch. Years ago, it only had a bench and two rocking chairs. Now, it is inhabited by two red pigs, three red chairs, a chicken on a bike, numerous wind chimes, a surplus WWII aerial bomb, signs with sayings such as “Welcome, Now Piss Off” and “Lunatic Asylum Entrance”, a 150-year-old timber from a Canadian cow barn, and a retired mailbox among other doodads.
I sit on the porch as often as I can. In cold weather I put on my WWII RAF flying jacket and pull the fur collar up around my ears. In summer I wear my uniform of shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals. I used to sling a hammock on the porch and snooze, but the roar of jets overhead from Charlotte ruined that.
From the porch I can see woods and the cul-de-sac. I can see my bird feeders, a bluebird house, and Pooty the life-size, pink, metal pig we have at the end of the driveaway as a gate guardian. Last week I watched two bluebirds checking out the house, but they could not decide if it was suitable, and they flew off. I saw two redbirds frisking in the gumball tree. When they were done, Mr. Bird smoked a cig and Mrs. Bird straightened her clothes and arranged her hair.. figuratively  speaking of course. Spring is here after all, and the huge azalea bushes out front are trying to dodge the cold nights and bloom. When we planted them over 30 years ago, they were in one-gallon pots from Kmart and now they are as big as a pickup truck.  When the wind blows the porch chimes make a lovely noise. One is made from an artillery shell casing and it clangs loudly. Others are made from forks, knives, spoons, tin cups and that sort of thing and they clink and clank sweetly. There’s a large rubber bat hanging from the porch ceiling, and it sails and soars in the wind. There’s a hanging artwork Sharon made from frosted glass bottle stoppers and a Lexus car hubcap. The bottle stoppers look like huge raindrops and the sun catches the glass and squeezes it and rainbows come out.
Sometimes on the porch I think about nothing. Other times story ideas pop into my head and I keep a pad handy to jot them down. Lately I worry about the state of the nation and world. I try not to but can’t help it.  I ponder the fact that it’s been over 35 years since I first sat on that porch and all the talk and thought and observation that has gone on there over three decades.
Do you have a front porch? Consider yourself lucky. If not find a nice quiet haven and park yourself there and meditate on what you see, what you have seen, and what you will see there. Stand up, stand up, I say, in your own sphere of possession.

The N.C. Department of Labor (NCDOL) recertified four City of Mount Holly departments/divisions as NCDOL Public Sector SHARP (Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program) sites during the City Council Meeting at City of Mount Holly Municipal Complex on Monday, March 14. These departments/divisions include the City of Mount Holly’s Public Utilities Department, Street and Solid Waste, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants. Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson provided brief remarks and presented the departments with certificates and a new flag.
“If you don’t have a commitment to workforce safety, you can’t reach your potential as a city,” Labor Commissioner Josh Dobson said. “You are leading the way on that. You all are part of that. It’s a commitment from your mayor, your city council and your department leaders as well. From my perspective, as Commissioner of Labor, thank you for your commitment to workplace safety and health.”
SHARP is administered by the labor department’s Consultative Services Bureau under its Occupational Safety and Health Division. The program is designed for small to mid-size employers that have established, implemented and maintained exceptional workplace safety standards. The Public Sector SHARP recognizes certain categories of public sector employers. Existing categories include public works, sheriff and police, public utilities, fire, EMS, and parks and recreation.
“The day-to-day priorities that lead to receiving these SHARP awards are no small task and worth celebrating,” Mount Holly City Manager Miles Braswell said. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the NCDOL.”
The Public Utilities Department and the Street and Solid Waste Department were initially certified in 2013, while the Water Treatment Plant and the Wastewater Treatment Plant were originally certified in 2017. The City of Mount Holly has worked with the Consultative Services Bureau for many years to improve its safety program and work toward the SHARP designation. Several City of Mount Holly departments received awards at last year’s Gastonia Safety Awards Banquet including, Public Works, Public Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and Police.
“Receiving these awards, year after year, is a testament to our employees’ dedication to safety as well as providing the highest level of excellence to our community,” Mayor Bryan Hough said.

Gaston County Extension & Community Association (ECA) is one of Extension’s volunteer groups. From supporting both Extension and community projects, ECA volunteers also host hands-on workshops, such as quilting and sewing.  Interested in learning more - then check out these upcoming events:

Monthly Craft-Project Day
Sat., April 9th | 10:00am - 6:00pm
Lucile Tatum Center (959 Osceola St., Gastonia)
Do you have sewing or crafting projects that you’re working on...need more space? If so, and you want to join other crafters, this monthly event may be for you!
Bring your project and supplies and join ECA volunteers. Our large utility tables are perfect for sewing, quilting, paper crafting, etc. Plus, this is a casual way to connect with others while working on your project. No cost to participate. Stay for as little or long as you like!
More info:  Pam Bryson or  704.865.3291

Monthly Sup & Sew
Thurs., April 14th | 3:00 - 8:30pm
Lucile Tatum Center (959 Osceola St., Gastonia)
Do you have sewing or crafting projects that you’re working on...need more space? If so, and you want to join other crafters, this monthly event may be for you!
Bring your project and supplies and join ECA volunteers. Our large utility tables are perfect for sewing, quilting, paper crafting, etc. Plus, this is a casual way to connect with others while working on your project. No cost to participate. Stay for as little or long as you like!
More info:  Pam Bryson or  704.865.3291

Sewing Workshop:
Easter Ornaments
Tues., April 5th | 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Lucile Tatum Center (959 Osceola St., Gastonia)
Cost:  $7 - ECA members; $9 - non ECA members
Checks only, payable to: Gaston Co. ECA. Checks can be dropped off or mailed to: Gaston Co. ECA, 959 Osceola St., Gastonia, NC 28054
Register by April 1st:  Pam Bryson or 704.865.3291
Instructor:  Patti Wells   
Basic knowledge of sewing machine operation is needed to take this class.
Materials needed for class include: Easter egg: bright or pastel yellow, pink, green, purple, etc. (scrap cloth), Carrot: various shades of orange and one green scrap, Bunny: colorful fabric print like a large floral scraps, Flower: various reds, pinks, yellows, or orange for flower top, greens for leaves scraps, Bee: various yellow and black scraps, Pieces of felt as backing for ornaments in coordinating colors, Pencil, Small ruler, Scissors, thread snips, and pinking shears, Small cutting mat, rotary cutter, and small quilting ruler, Pins,
Seam roller, Pressing cloth, Glue stick.

Sewing Workshop:
Placemat Bag
Fri., April 22nd | 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Lucile Tatum Center (959 Osceola St., Gastonia)
Cost: $5 - ECA members; $7 - non ECA members
Checks only - payable to: Gaston Co. ECA. Can be dropped off or mailed to:
Gaston Co. ECA, 959 Osceola St., Gastonia, NC 28054
Register by April 1st:   Pam Bryson or  704.865.3291
Instructor: Patti Wells
Basic knowledge of sewing machine operation is needed to take this class.
Materials needed for class include: 1 decorative 14” x 19” placemat, 1 ¼ - 18” nylon zipper, 8”-10” matching ribbon for pulls, Sewing clips (optional)

Some sewing machines are available at the Lucile Tatum Center. For more info: Pam Bryson or  704.865.3291

Come to downtown Mt. Holly March 25th from 6-9 pm and see all that will be happening around town in local businesses and art galleries/studios.
The event will start at Awaken Gallery (107 W. Central Ave,) and artist/owner Emily Andress who will have new works on display and artists that occupy Studios107 upstairs above the gallery will show their work as well. It’s Awaken Gallery’s fourth anniversary. Pick up your map of the businesses and more information about Arts Mount Holly at awakengallerync and artsonthegreenway. There will be a reception at Arts on the Greenway (500 E. Central Ave.) from 6-9.

Diners in search of exceptional water views and a fantastic dining experience on Lake Wylie are applauding the announcement of a new restaurant being built near the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and adjacent to Morningstar Marina on the waterfront in the McLean development. Appropriately named to reflect its laid-back ambience, drift on Lake Wylie is described as a contemporary, chef-inspired chophouse overlooking the lake. Its covered upstairs and downstairs patios have stunning long-range water views.
Spanning about 15,000 square feet, drift’s contemporary barn design will reflect Gaston County’s grassroots farming heritage combined with a modern-day legacy of leisurely lake living. Accessible by boat, the new restaurant will feature fresh fish, seafood, steaks and pasta, plus craft beers and a 1000-plus bottle wine selection designed to rival any wine list in the region.
McLean is a community of new homes with more than 10 miles of trails connecting residents to its scenic landscape, the waterfront, and historic properties. The energy and activity around the McLean Marina, Ship Store and Event Lawn made the site the perfect backdrop for drift on Lake Wylie.
 Harry Schrader is architect and Balfour Beatty is the project’s contractor. The Jewell Agency of Charlotte is handling marketing and public relations. To make the entire experience consistently impeccable, drift will begin serving dinner only in Spring 2022, adding summer weekend lunches according to a seasonal schedule.

Members of the Mt. Holly Police Department K9 Unit recently met with twin brothers, Bobby and Steven Olsen (seen with deputy chief Brain Reagan and officer Cox). They are members of the Troop 70 Boy Scouts. The Olsen brothers completed their Eagle Scout projects by individually building training aids that concentrate on agility and narcotics/human locating for the K9 Unit. After building these training aids, they delivered them to the Mount Holly Police Department. The brothers did an outstanding job and the Mount Holly Police Department and the K9 Unit could not be more pleased by their generosity and thoughtfulness.
 

Belmont Rotarians were treated to a presentation that included beautiful local photos when GarlandBurks Marketing owners Heather and Walter Burks spoke at the club’s meeting on March 3, 2022. The couple owned a professional wedding photography business for several years before expanding in 2019 to provide clients a full range of marketing services.
GarlandBurks Marketing recently has contracted with Belmont Main Street and Belmont Tourism, and many of the photos shown at the Rotary Club meeting were of downtown Belmont scenes. The GarlandBurks photo on the screen in the photo here was made during the three-week Belmont “Moonlight on Main” event last fall and was awarded “Best Event Photo” by the N.C. Association of Festivals and Events.
Belmont Rotary President-elect Whitney Norton presided at the club meeting, which takes place each Wednesday at 12:30 at Home2 Suites by Hilton in Belmont. Rotary is an international service organization with 1.4 million members in 46,000 clubs. “Service Above Self” is the Rotary motto.

Gaston Schools photo/story

His teachers, family, and friends call him “Mr. Social.”  Now, they also can refer to him as a statewide award winner.
Timmy O’Shea is the recipient of the “Yes, I Can!” award that is presented by the North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children.  He is one of only five students chosen to receive the award for 2022-2023.  The other recipients are from Lincoln, Edgecombe, Wake, and Nash counties.
The recognition is intended to “honor children and youth who shine.”  O’Shea won the award in the independent living category.  Awards also are given in other categories such as self-advocacy, academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, community service, arts, employment, and technology.
“Timmy’s work, determination, and skills are amazing,” said Amber Radford, a special education teacher at Ashbrook High School.  While O’Shea is not one of Radford’s students during the regular school day, she has spent time working with him after school.  “The award is a great accomplishment, and we are very proud of Timmy.”
According to Radford, O’Shea has shown significant progress over the past several years.
“Timmy has grown so much with his independent life skills.  When I first began working with him, we concentrated on social greetings and how to use them appropriately in the community,” explained Radford.  “He has become a ‘social butterfly’ and uses the skills he has learned to greet people, and that is how he got his nickname, ‘Mr. Social.”
In addition to learning how to interact with others socially, O’Shea knows how to complete his chores at home with independence.  “He has gone from needing a visual schedule to check off his tasks to doing them now intrinsically and demonstrating responsibility,” said Radford.
O’Shea’s progress with his social and independence skills has resulted in him getting involved in volunteer opportunities with the Special Olympics, Gaston College, and the Ronald McDonald House.  One of his favorite opportunities is volunteering at a local ice cream and coffee shop where he enjoys interacting with people.
“He has worked hard on becoming independent with making his own schedule and being responsible for keeping up with his chores, tasks, and homework and needing only minimal prompting from his teachers and other adults,” said Radford.  “This is a great improvement from the shy and prompt-dependent student who I first met in 2015.  It is wonderful to see how he can go about his day with independence.”
Radford said she is most proud of how O’Shea put his life skills to use when his grandfather faced a medical emergency.  “He called a family member when he was home alone with his grandpa and realized his grandpa needed help.  This was a skill he had practiced, and he was able to use it to help his grandpa in a time of need.”
O’Shea graduated from Stuart W. Cramer High School in 2021 and is in Gaston Links, a dual enrollment program offered by Gaston College and Gaston County Schools.  Gaston Links is a three-year transitional program for students between the ages of 18-22.  It helps students with developmental challenges transition from the public school system to college and the workforce.
Gaston Links offers workforce development, continuing education, and certification courses that are taught by Gaston College instructors as well as career exploration and job preparation courses taught by exceptional children teachers in Gaston County Schools.  Over the three-year period, students receive training and support to gain permanent employment or volunteer positions in the community.  They also make friends with people of similar ages, work on communication, social, self-determination, and other skills, and develop interests in leisure and recreation activities.  Currently, there are 24 students from Gaston County Schools enrolled in Gaston Links.
The “Yes, I Can!” awards program began in 1981 as a way to celebrate the achievements of children and youth who have disabilities and encourage them to seek their highest potential.  The awards also are designed to increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of people with special needs.
O’Shea will be honored at an awards ceremony where he will receive a plaque and plenty of accolades.  He beams with pride when someone mentions the award and congratulates him on winning.
“I am happy to get this award because I have worked hard,” said O’Shea.  “I am excited to see my friends when I get the award, and I love my family and friends.”
O’Shea’s father is proud of his son and the growth he has experienced.  He is grateful for the efforts of Radford and other teachers who have had a positive influence on Timmy’s life.
“Timmy has grown from a shy little kid to an outgoing and social young man,” said Tim O’Shea.  “He always keeps an optimistic approach to the activities he does and brightens every room he is in.  Timmy’s optimism has enabled him to push through and continuously try until he succeeds at whatever the task.  I am very proud of the independent young man he has become and look forward to everything the future holds for him.”

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is growing in passenger volume at a pace that could bring it close to its record 2019 pre-pandemic level by the end of this year, CLT Director of Economic and Community Affairs Stuart Hair told the Belmont Rotary Club at its meeting on Feb. 23, 2022.
After serving more than 50 million passengers in 2019, the airport dropped to 27 million in 2021. Hair said the pandemic’s impact on air travel was so severe he avoids talking about the 2020 numbers. But the 2021 recovery was the greatest of any airport on the East Coast, and CLT ranks as the country’s 6th largest airport in passengers served.
Hair also reviewed for Rotarians highlights of CLT’s capital projects, including a massive terminal and lobby expansion the cost of which could top a billion dollars by completion in 2025, making it the largest project ever for the City of Charlotte. He noted the airport is completely self-funded and is not supported by city tax dollars.
Airport and aircraft noise also was discussed by CLT Noise Abatement Specialist Dan Gardon. In 2017, CLT established a 25-member Community Roundtable with representatives from all areas around the airport. Belmont Rotarian Sam Stowe is a member of the roundtable. CLT officials work with the FAA, which controls aircraft flight patterns, to mitigate noise issues.
Belmont Rotarians meet for lunch and a program each Wednesday at 12:30 at the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Belmont. Rotary is a 117-year-old international service organization with 1.4 million members in 46,000 clubs. “Service Above Self” is the Rotary slogan.

At its recent meeting, the Mt. Holly city council recognized Assistant Chief Eddie Summerlin, right for his 40-year career with Mount Holly Fire Department and the Mount Holly Life Saving Crew. Chief Summerlin started his volunteer career in 1982. Mayor Hough and Council presented Chief Summerlin with a Resolution honoring him for his service, and the department gave him a golden axe.  These are small thank yous compared to the sacrifice and service Summerlin has given to MHFD, the citizens of Mount Holly, and Gaston County. Thank you, Chief, and we are holding you to your promise of 10 more years!