(April 8, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Back in 2011 Sheryl Dorsey had a dream of starting a residential ministry in Stanley providing counseling, education, and daily life skills to women 18-30 and their children who may be homeless, battered, self-harming or recovering from substance abuse. Since that time the idea has not only survived, it has blossomed and grown.
“It’s been challenging and very rewarding,” Dorsey said of the journey. “God has been amazing in changing and healing the lives of the families that come here.”
The King’s Daughters offers a variety of services for its residents. Services are free of charge. These include- Provide a safe and loving residential environment which includes food, clothing and shelter. Foster emotional support and healing through professional counselors and peer advocates.  Proclaim the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ as foundation for all healing. Provide spiritual and personal growth through biblical teaching, partnerships with spiritual and educational experts, and through lay leader mentoring.
The King’s Daughters headquarters are currently located at its Center for Counseling & Education at 112 N. Main Street in Stanley.  The facility is home to the administrative office, counseling rooms, a kitchen and dining area, space for tots to play, and a study room where classes on subjects such as budgeting, parenting, and resume’ writing take place.
“We try to use all of our space to meet the needs of our residents,” said Dorsey’s assistant Dawn Smith.
The King’s Daughters residents actually live in its Stanley area home called Emerald House. The house is a spacious and clean environment. Up to six women and children can live there. The residents take turns grocery shopping, cooking, and doing household chores.
“They can stay as little as one day or as long as two years,” Dorsey said. “The house is supervised 24/7.”
According to Dorsey, potential residents must complete an interview process.
“They come from all over,” she said. “Most are from Gaston County, but as far away as Asheville.”
Where does the funding for The Kings Daughters come from? Nearly half (47%) comes from the organization’s bargain store the Penny Thrift Shop at 530 Hwy. 27 in Stanley. The store features a wide variety of clothes, household furnishings, and other items at bargain prices. Volunteers keep the store organized and operating efficiently. All store proceeds go directly back to the ministry.
“It’s a wonderful cause,” said volunteer Cindy Hammond. “I volunteer because I wanted to give back to the community.”
Other funding comes from donations (40%), fundraisers (10%), and grants and reimbursements (4%),
Overall, The King’s Daughters Ministry is stepping up to provide a helping hand for folks caught in difficult circumstances and a way to rise above therm.
“God is already at work in the lives of our residents,” said Dorsey. “He just invites us to participate.”
If your group would like to find out more about this amazing opportunity to rescue young women at risk  contact the ministry office for more information at 704-263-4204 or visit www.kdmonline.org The Kings Daughters Ministry is a 501 C3 non-denominational ministry.

(April 8, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Because of COVID concerns, last year’s Gaston County high school graduation ceremonies were a socially distant departure from the usual  festivities. This year, the Class of 2021 event will look more like the traditional deal- but with a twist on the time frame.
Ergo, Gaston County Schools plans to hold in-person ceremonies for high school graduations and the ceremonies will be held outdoors in cohorts.
The graduations were  originally scheduled for Saturday, May 29, but Gaston Schools leaders approved a plan at the March 15 meeting that will break graduation up into  groups and times to allow for current COVID-19 protocols. Graduation for most Gaston County high schools will be held the night of Friday, May 28.
Traditionally, graduations were held on Saturday mornings.
Each school would hold two graduation ceremonies on May 28, with the Cohort A family starting at 5:30 p.m. and Cohort B family starting at 8 p.m.:  These schools include: Ashbrook, Bessemer City, Cherryville, East Gaston, Forestview,  Highland Hunter Huss,  North Gaston, South Point, Stuart W. Cramer.
The following schools will hold graduation ceremonies on the following days: Gaston Early College - May 20, Gaston Virtual Academy - May 26, Warlick - May 26, Webb - May 26.
Of course, COVID and other safety practices will be in place at the events. These will include- health screening, temperature checks,  metal detecting, masks required, social distancing.
Graduation seniors will be required to stay for both ceremonies and the entire class will march into and out of the stadium together.
In the event of inclement weather, a second attempt to hold the ceremonies would be on Saturday, May 29 at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Gaston Schools also plans to offer a minimum of four tickets per graduate, and a pre-recorded video showing each graduate will be available for those unable to attend the ceremonies.

​​​​​Faster opening of Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort will accelerate job creation for region 

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. – The Catawba Nation today announced it will fast-track the opening of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort project in Kings Mountain by opening a “pre-launch” facility this summer with 500 slot machines.
The pre-launch facility, which will be constructed using prefabricated modular structures, will provide an initial opportunity for patrons to game with limited food & beverage and other guest amenities.
“With the completion of our compact with the State of North Carolina, the Catawba Nation is eager to open the casino as quickly as possible to begin bringing economic benefits and jobs to the state and region,” Catawba Chief Bill Harris said. “We’re working with Delaware North, our consultant on the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort project, as well as our developer, Skyboat Gaming, to make that happen by opening what we are calling a ‘pre-launch’ facility this summer.”
An introductory phase of the full casino is still planned and will feature an additional 1,300 slot machines. It will be a permanent structure that will become part of the full casino. Its construction is expected to take about a year.
“It makes sense to have the temporary pre-launch facility to start, and it will continue to operate during the construction of the introductory phase and possibly subsequent phases,” said Brian Hansberry, president of Delaware North’s gaming business. “It gives us a place to teach incoming staff and accommodates people in the region who are anxious to start gaming this summer.”
The 17-acre casino site off Dixon School Road in Kings Mountain, Cleveland County, is near Interstate 85 and about 35 miles west of Charlotte. The total $273 million casino resort project is expected to create 2,600 permanent jobs at full buildout and thousands of construction jobs in the region.
“This project will prove to be a long-lasting and sustainable economic engine for the residents of Cleveland County, we are excited about the expedited timeline” said Cleveland County Commissioner Johnny Hutchins.
“Chief Harris and the members of The Catawba Indian Nation are great partners. Our team looks forward to continuing to work side by side as the project develops” said Cleveland County Manager Brian Epley.
The Catawba Nation and the State of North Carolina in January signed a compact that allows the state to share in revenues generated by the new casino, which will be operated by the Catawba. In March 2020, the U.S. Department of the Interior, following a thorough, years-long review, took the 17 acres of land into trust for the Catawba Nation. The action recognized the Catawba Nation’s historical and ancestral ties to its aboriginal lands throughout North Carolina, as evidenced by names such as Catawba County and Catawba College, as well as in the six counties, including Cleveland County, specifically identified by Congress as part of the Catawba’s service area. The state compact acknowledges this connection to North Carolina as well.
In addition to creating revenue for the State of North Carolina, the casino will help support an education fund that will benefit environmental conservation, provide educational support for members of federal and state-recognized tribes, support local communities on economic development initiatives and foster employment opportunities on or near Catawba lands.
# # #

(March 25, 2021 Issue)

While many activities have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19, middle school and high school students in Gaston County are still actively engaged in developing their critical thinking skills through science and engineering.
The county science fair also featured two brothers winning top prizes.  Luigi and Nikki Bortolussi have enjoyed being involved in the annual competition since 2017. Nikki attends Mt. Holly Middle School and Luigi attends Forestview High.
With projects focusing on using salt to get more power out of the soil, determining which helmet protects your head the best, and deciding whether music increases student productivity, Gaston County Schools students demonstrated their experiments and shared their findings during the Gaston Regional Science and
Engineering Fair, which was conducted virtually this year.
“In light of the current pandemic restrictions, the North Carolina Science Fair Foundation made the decision to hold all science fair competitions virtually this year,” explained Bianca Yavelak, who coordinates the local program.  “Although participation was expectedly lower than usual, we were excited to still have more than 40 students put in the time and work to submit their independent research.”
Students were asked to submit a research paper along with a two-minute video presentation and written “interview” in lieu of the usual display board and interview session with judges.  Community members volunteered their time to evaluate the projects.
Most of the students earning awards are enrolled in the Collegiate Prep Academy at Forestview High School.
One of the prerequisites for the Collegiate Prep Academy at Forestview is for ninth grade students to complete Honors Research Methods.  The class is part of the Academy program that is designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond.
Integrating the science fair experience into Honors Research Methods prompts students to participate in research, exploration, and discovery on a topic that piques their interest.

(March 18, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

“Are you kidding me?!”
Those were the first words out of Mt. Holly resident Judy Keller’s mouth when she was informed Monday morning that she had won the long-running BannerNews $10,000 cash lottery.
After the initial shock wore off, Keller became emotional when the reality sunk in.
“I was smiling all day long,” she said.
Keller moved to Mt. Holly from Florida back in June at the urging of a long time friend. She’s been playing the numbers every week since she got here.
“I just picked whatever numbers pop into my head,” she said. “I picked a different set every week.”
Keller says she enjoys the BannerNews for its content as well.
“It’s a really informative paper,” she said.
Keller works at CaroMont family Medicine on New Hope Rd. and says she enjoys our area.
“Everyone is so nice and friendly,” she said. “I feel like I’ve found a home.”
So, what does she plan on doing with her winnings?
“I am going to give $500 to St. Judes and go visit my grandchildren in Colorado,” she said. “I’m also going to pay off part of my car.”
BannerNews publisher and Community First Media CEO Greg Ledford had this to say.
“Congratulations to Judy for being our winner and thanks to everyone who has played the lottery and who reads the BannerNews.

(March 18, 2021 Issue)

Gaston County Board of Education member Dot Guthrie is the recipient of the prestigious Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement that is presented by the American Library Association (ALA).
A veteran educator with more than 40 years of dedicated service as a teacher, school librarian, central office administrator, and Board of Education member, Guthrie is “the epitome of an educational leader who goes beyond the call of duty to do what is best for children,” according to Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker, who wrote a recommendation letter in support of Guthrie’s award nomination.
Long before becoming the Gastonia Township representative on the Board of Education, Guthrie worked for Gaston County Schools for more than 30 years.  She served as the district’s library/media services director and was named the Media Coordinator of the Year for three consecutive years.  After retiring from Gaston County, she served as a librarian in the neighboring Clover, South Carolina school district.
Well-known and respected in the community, Guthrie wrote the book, “Integrating African-American Literature in the Library and Classroom,” and coordinated the first Gaston County Diversity Book Fair.  She has served as a leader, conference presenter, and contributor for the ALA, and two years ago, she was instrumental in founding the first African-American history and culture museum in Gaston County.  Additionally, she is active in Tabernacle Baptist Church in Gastonia, serving as an associate minister.
In 2019-2020, the North Carolina School Boards Association acknowledged Guthrie’s many contributions by presenting the School Board Member Leadership Award to her. 
Perhaps most of all, Guthrie is known for her love of books, reading, and libraries.
“It is appropriate to say that one of Mrs. Guthrie’s callings in life is to promote the importance of reading by making sure that the necessary resources are available to engage children in reading,” wrote Dr. Booker.  “She wholeheartedly believes that a child’s academic success is dependent on a child’s strong foundation in reading.”
 As chairperson of the Board of Education’s curriculum and instruction committee, Guthrie has worked with the committee members to make a commitment to ensuring that classroom libraries and school media centers are the best they can be.
“She has provided guidance and leadership on two important projects in Gaston County Schools:  our efforts to update classroom library collections and our efforts to renovate school media centers,” said Dr. Booker.  “The progress we have made in this area is largely because of Mrs. Guthrie’s oversight, her regular reminders about how crucial our school libraries are to the overall instructional program, and her unique ability to rally support and consensus from her fellow Board members.”
The Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement is named for author and civil rights leader Coretta Scott King and award-winning children’s author Virginia Hamilton, who wrote more than 35 books during her career and received the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1975.
The award is presented (in even years) to African-American authors and illustrators for their successful efforts to produce and publish quality literature for children and young adults.  In odd years, the award is given to practitioners who use African-American literature to engage youth in reading and related activities.  Further, all recipients have a proven record of making a significant and lasting literary contribution.
As the 2021 practitioner winner, Guthrie was recognized during the ALA’s Youth Media Awards virtual presentation on January 25.  She received a medal and $1,500 check.

(March 11, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

An abundance of energy and passion for his career are just two of the reasons the Belmont Fire Department has named Bradley Martin its Firefighter of the Year.
“Since joining the Belmont Fire Department as a full-time career firefighter, Firefighter\EMT Bradley Martin has carried the Belmont Fire Department patch with pride and honor,” said. Division Captain Craig Austin. “Rookie firefighters are a challenging breed in the fire service to tame. From day one, Martin wanted nothing but to soak up all the knowledge from his instructors, fire officers, and senior firefighters. He continues in his endeavors and shows the rest of the fire service what it looks like to be an eager and willing servant of his community.  Priding himself in stellar customer service and continual sharpening of his training, we are proud to boast him as part of the Belmont Fire Department family.”
Martin, 25, lives just across the Catawba River in Charlotte. He had an idea of what he wanted to do for a job early on.
“When I was growing up, a friend and I often talked about entering the fire service,” Martin said. “He didn’t make it but I did.”
After graduating from Charlotte Catholic High, Martin went to East Carolina University for a spell.
“I didn’t take any particular course of study but a variety of classes,” he said.
After that, Martin homed in on his goal of becoming a firefighter. He joined the Cook’s Community VFD on Mt. Holly/Huntersville Rd. part time while working at an auto parts store across the street.
“I would get off work at the parts place and go to the fire station,” Martin said.
Martin was at Cook’s for six years.
By and by, he came to the Belmont Fire Department full time in January, 2019. In addition to being a firefighter, Martin is also an EMT, a certification he earned at CPCC in Charlotte.
“Getting my EMT was a challenge,” he said.
Martin says his favorite part of being a firefighter is the variety of action he gets to take part in.
“I enjoy using my skill sets to do things such as vehicle accident extractions, water rescues, emergency medical events, and fighting fires,” he said.
Martin aims to grow as a firefighter.
“I want to keep working on getting more certifications,” he said. “I want to get better at all of them. I am going to work hard and retain all that I am taught.”
It seems Martin has found a home at the Belmont Fire Department and is going to build a future there.
“I have no plans to leave,” he said.

(March 4, 2021 Issue)


By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The venerable Mt. Holly branch of the Gaston County Public Library system has just reopened after a year-long major overhaul that has totally transformed the building’s look and feel. Cost of the project was $584,158.
A branch public library has been located in Mt. Holly at 245 W. Catawba Ave. since around 1960. The building was refurbished in 1980 but little other than routine maintenance has taken place since then. In short, the place needed a serious face lift- and it has one now.
The curb appeal of the building has been raised to a high level. Tan colored field stone veneer on the front has been combined with brown wood trim to give a Craftsman-type of architectural appeal. The parking lot has been widened and more spaces added. Landscaping is being carried out with new grass and plantings. Overall, the building has been taken from shabby to chic. The library’s interior has also undergone major remodeling. The list of improvements is long and includes carpet, furniture, a new circulation desk, new family-sized and configured restrooms, lighting, ceiling tiles, shelves, paint, and more. The color combinations of bright green and other vibrant colors gives the inside a bright and airy ambiance.
Every part of the branch inside and out is ADA compliant. That includes things such as the width between book shelves, parking lot ramps, and restrooms.
On the technological side, the branch has received three new computers bringing the total public computer access number to eight. A really neat addition to the branch is a WI-Fi transmitter that’s located on the outside of the building. That means folks can access the internet in the parking lot or on the grounds. The WI-Fi access was funded in part by a grant from Band NC.
The Mt. Holly branch has always offered patrons a wide variety of material to peruse or check out and now there’s even more available. Currently, the branch has 14,493 items available including 13,467 books and 1,026 audio-visuals.
Staffing is strong at the Mt. Holly branch and everyone is  keen on serving patrons in the best possible way. Debra Trogdon-Livingston is branch manager. Full time staffers include Geordin Christopher and Chelse Harris. They are all thrilled with the way the remodeling turned out.
“It will be easier for people to use our space,” said Trogdon-Livingston. “I am most excited about everything being ADA accessible.”
“The new design gives the branch a more open atmosphere,” said Harris.
“It’s beautiful and bright and the community is really going to enjoy it,” said Christopher.
Patrons are also being awed by the remodel job. Former library employee Delores Blanton stopped by to check things out. Her reaction was priceless and pretty much sums it up.
“Wow!” she said. “Wow and wow again!”
Currently the Mt. Holly branch is open Monday-Thursday 10am to 6pm and Friday and Saturday 10am to 2pm. Visit the branch Facebook page for more information and a virtual tour.
 

(March 4, 2021 Issue)

By TODD HAGANS
Gaston County Schools

There’s a new high school coming to Gaston County, and it will provide a quality education for students who are interested in the medical and healthcare fields.
The Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences (GECMS) will open in August 2021 on the Gaston College campus in Dallas.  It is an innovative, healthcare-focused high school that is designed especially for students interested in careers in the medical/healthcare industry.
The new high school is a collaborative effort among Gaston County Schools, Gaston College, Belmont Abbey College, and CaroMont Health, and it is intended to develop a future workforce to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals in Gaston County.
“This is an outstanding opportunity for students in our community,” said Denise McLean, executive director of student support services for Gaston County Schools.  “The medical and healthcare industry in Gaston County is growing and expanding, and we realize that CaroMont Health and other agencies will need a trained workforce that is ready to meet the demand.”
McLean added, “This new school will provide students with a pathway to obtain the education, knowledge, hands-on experience, and connections necessary for a successful career in healthcare right here at home.” 
The new high school will open with enough space for 80 ninth graders and 80 tenth graders.  Students need to submit an application, and a lottery selection process similar to the one for the Highland School of Technology will be used to choose the students who will attend.
The school is open to students in Gaston County, including students who currently attend Gaston County Schools as well as students enrolled in a private school, charter school, virtual school, or homeschool program.  Applications are accepted online at www.gaston.k12.nc.us/schoolchoice, and the submission deadline is February 28.
According to McLean, students will be able to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree from Gaston College in preparation for a career in the medical field.  The academic pathways include nursing, health information technology, human services technology, and pre-medicine/biotechnology sciences.  In addition to high school and college-level coursework, students will participate in job shadowing experiences and gain hands-on learning in real-world settings through CaroMont Health, conduct undergraduate research, and prepare themselves for post-secondary education and/or going directly into the workforce.
Further, students will take advantage of many resources available through Gaston College that will enhance their academic experience and engage them in the college campus setting.  Students may decide to transfer to Belmont Abbey College where they can obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry, psychology, social work, and related areas.
The Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences is the second Early College program for Gaston County Schools.  It will be housed in the Comer Engineering Technologies building on the Gaston College campus in Dallas and operate separate from the Gaston Early College High School, which opened in 2012 and is housed in the Lena Sue Beam Building.
GECMS is one of the 21 choice/magnet school programs offered by Gaston County Schools for the upcoming school year.  Another program – the Health Sciences Academy at East Gaston High School – also provides opportunities for students who are interested in healthcare.
While both programs have similar concentrations, McLean says there are differences.  At East Gaston, the coursework focuses on nurse aide, pharmacy technician, animal medicine, health and fitness science, medical assisting, and foundations of healthcare.   Also, students at East Gaston benefit from being in the comprehensive high school setting with opportunities to take elective courses such as ones in the fine arts and participate in athletics.
The Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences will follow the “cooperative innovative high school” model.  Such a program must be housed on a community college or university campus.  There are 132 cooperative innovative high schools in the state.
“Typically, a cooperative innovative high school is a smaller school that targets first-generation college students as well as students who would benefit from accelerated learning in a college environment,” said McLean.  “It is a different experience from the traditional high school setting where students often enjoy activities like band, chorus, and sports.”
McLean encourages students and families to explore all of the school choice options being offered by Gaston County Schools.  “We have quality programs in a variety of academic- and career-focused areas at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.  There really is something for everyone when it comes to our school choice and magnet school programs.  We invite parents to take some time to discover all of the excellent options we have available for their children.”
An overview of the school district’s choice programs is available online at www.gaston.k12.nc.us/schoolchoice.  Parents with questions may e-mail schoolchoice@gaston.k12.nc.us or call the Student Assignment Office, (704) 810-7284.
 

(March 4, 2021 Issue)

A favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts, the Spencer Mountain River Access Canoe and Kayak Launch in Spencer Mountain, N.C. will soon get a facelift thanks to a grant provided by The Gaston Community Foundation.
The grant of $15,000 was awarded to the Catawba Lands Conservancy, which owns and maintains the kayak launch, located along the South Fork River. It is one of the most popular of the nine “put-ins” for paddlers along the river, which is also a designated blueway within the Carolina Thread Trail network. Users who access the river from the Spencer Mountain River Access will paddle through some of the most ecologically diverse lands in our region, many of which are permanently protected by the Conservancy.
Since the launch opened 12 years ago, Gaston County has increasingly come to be a premier destination for paddle sports, one of the fastest growing segments of the outdoor recreation industry, according to the Outdoor Industry Association. However, the wooden launch has sustained damage from frequent flooding and is in need of an upgrade. The funding from The Gaston Community Foundation will be used to replace the current launch with a more sustainable and safe metal launch.
“The South Fork River is a wonderful outdoor recreation spot, right in Gaston County residents’ backyard. We are very grateful to The Gaston Community Foundation for helping us improve the launch so it can better serve residents and provide access to the river,” said Bart Landess, Executive Director of Catawba Lands Conservancy.
The Conservancy hopes to have the launch upgrades completed and open for use in the fall of 2021. The current launch will remain open for use during the 2021 season up until construction begins.
*Special note: The Spencer Mountain access is by permit only. Permits are free and can be requested by contacting the Catawba Lands Conservancy. Please allow up to five business days to process your request.
 

(February 25, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

For many, many, of our local citizens in need of nutritional or financial assistance, the Mt. Holly Community Relief Organization (CRO) has been there to help since 1952.
The CRO was created by the Ministerial Association of Mount Holly, It is the largest provider of emergency assistance in Mount Holly, providing over $1 million in assistance to over 5,000 residents a year.
The CRO’s stated mission is to “Assist neighbors in crisis in a compassionate and respectful manner while engaging them in a series of actions that will empower them to move beyond crisis.”
Since July 2020 when the CRO’s current fiscal year began, it has given out 123,975 pounds of food and helped 3,087 people. That includes 1,026 families and 908 children.
The CRO’s food comes from four sources- the USDA, purchases from Second Harvest Food Bank, donations from Food Lion, and private, church, or corporate donations.
Food distributed by the CRO runs the gamut from meat, to vegetables, non-perishables, bread, canned goods, you name it and the CRO has it.
As you might expect, the pandemic has impacted the CRO, but the demand for food from clients has been a roller coaster sort of thing.
“Demand has depended a lot on the stimulus checks,” said CRO volunteer coordinator Sherry Ridlon. “When people get the checks our demand actually goes down because they spend the money on food. Now, demand is going up again. If people need food we always have it and they can spend stimulus money on things like power bills.”
Another impact that Covid has had on the CRO is the fact that classes being held there to teach folks about better ways to manage their budgets have not been held since last March.
“The classroom is vacant now,” Ridlon said. “The classes were a great benefit and a lot of folks want to know when they will start back up. I will be so glad when Covid goes away.”
Yet another Covid impact that the CRO has been feeling is cancellation of food drives.
“The Post Office food drive this year had to be called off,” said Ridlon. “That would have been eight thousand pounds of food.”
However, the food drive scene is going to improve soon. According to Ridlon, the Stowe Family YMCA will hold a drive the first week in March. Donations can be dropped off there or at the CRO itself.
Donations are the lifeblood of the CRO. Not only food, but cash is welcome. Cash donations can be tagged for food or utility bills. The CRO also needs more refrigeration equipment and cash can help in that area as well.
“My big dream is a walk in cooler or freezer,” said Ridlon.
Overall, the CRO is driven by giving hearts and hard work with an eye on both the present and the coming years.
“We are always looking to grow in the future,” said Ridlon.
Here are some CRO particulars- Location- 2120 Spring St. the CRO is nestled between Food Lion and the ABC store. Phone- 704-827-0450. Website cro-mtholly.org. Hours- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 9-12:30  closed Tuesday.
Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Clients must be signed in by 11:45 a.m. due to the time it takes to conduct an interview. Registration could end earlier depending on the number of people who come for services that day.

(February 25, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Black History Month is wrapping up and and what better way to commemorate it than with a look at one of Belmont’s most famous and unique African-America citizens- the late Jethro “Bicycle Man” Mann who passed away on Nov. 11, 2013 at the age of 96.
Mann was a long-time resident of the Reid community in Belmont where his garage was filled with bicycles he rebuilt and loaned or gave to local children.
Mann’s “Bicycle Lending Library” was featured on Charles Kuralt’s “On the Road” TV series. He was also featured in “Our State Magazine”, “Reader’s Digest”, and on the CBS Evening News. Mann received the Good Samaritan Award from “National Enquirer” for his work with needy kids. A German TV film crew also visited Mann for five days and filmed a documentary on his life and lore.
Here are a few of the other awards Mann received during his decades of service to others – Belmont Citizen of the Year, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Citizen of the Year, Special Volunteer for the State of North Carolina, the Good Neighbor Award from the National Council of Christians and Jews, City of Belmont Outstanding Community Service Award. Also, the N.C. Department of Labor Certificate of Appreciation Award, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Good Samaritan Award and Charlotte District A.M.E. Zion Outstanding Service to Youth Award.
A native of Curryville, Georgia, Mann was one of 12 children born to Jesse and Ida Mann. Early days at the public schools in Curryville gave Mann a thirst for knowledge that led him to an eclectic blend of institutions of higher learning. Just a few of the places Mann has cracked the books include the Palmer Memorial Institute, Lincoln Academy, West Virginia State College, Institute of West Virginia, International Correspondence School in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University.
A true patriot, Mann served two years in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and during that time he received the Company Honor Man Award.
Mann’s working career was long and productive. He was the first African-American in North Carolina to receive a general contractor license. In 1972, Mann became the first African-American Apprentice Representative to the N.C. State Department of Labor, passing on his expertise in the building trade, Mann taught related subjects at schools in Cleveland, Gaston, and Lincoln counties. He taught construction and building at Central Piedmont Community College. Mann built many of the houses and even a movie theater in the Reid area. What made Mann all the more remarkable was the fact that he suffered from a crippling form of arthritis in his hands.
His love of sharing bikes with kids extended beyond the Belmont city limits. Mann once gave 65 bikes to the Boys and Girls Home at Lake Waccamaw.
In addition to his bike and building work, Mann also served as a minister at Hood Memorial AME Zion Church.
The last couple of years before his passing saw Mann move from Belmont to Lakeland, Florida where he stayed near his daughters in an assisted living facility. He took his love of bikes with him and according to daughter Peggy Robinson had a couple of them in his room.
Mann’s legacy remains one of caring for his community and working tirelessly to help others.

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Since February is officially known as Black History Month, it seems fitting to recognize a chapter in Mount Holly’s African-American heritage that is too often forgotten and whose only tangible evidence of having ever existed at all is a stone monument near the Rollins Apartments on South Hawthorne Street.
What the stone marks is the location where the A.M. Rollins School stood from 1930-1969. The school was unique in that it was where all of Mount Holly’s African-American children in grades one through eight were educated before public schools were integrated in the late 1960s.
The Rollins School was originally called the Mount Holly Colored School, but was later named after its first principal, A.M. Rollins. There was also another school for African-American kids in the Lucia community, with just one teacher for all grades. This school eventually was merged with the Rollins School, meaning all African-American children in the area made the trek to S. Hawthorne St.
Teachers at the Rollins School who needed a place to live and who had trouble finding transportation often stayed at the nearby home of Mrs. Roceda Bailey. With the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, schools began to integrate and in 1969, Rollins School was closed. For a short time, the school building was used as a community center, but like the Reid High School in Belmont about the same time, Rollins was relegated to the wrecking ball.
But the memory and spirit of the Rollins School would not die. In the mid-1990s a group known as the Black History Committee and led by the late John Hope in Mount Holly began working on a project to commemorate the school and the work that had gone on there. Other folks involved in the project Danny Jackson, and Stanley resident Caroline Reid.
Through fund-raisers, corporate and private sponsorships, and the sale of brick pavers engraved with the names of donors, an eight-foot granite monument and “Memory Walk” sidewalk in honor of the Rollins School was constructed where the school had once stood.
The granite monument is engraved with a likeness of the school as well as the names of principals Rollins and Willie McDuffie. In front of the monument are three granite pavers bearing the names of notable Mount Holly African-Americans from the Mt. Holly area. The culmination of the project came on Sept. 12, 2009 with an unveiling of the monument and speeches by Mount Holly civic leaders.
In addition to her work on the monument project, Reid also had the distinction of having been a Rollins student from 1965-1969. She recalled her days there.
“I have many fond memories of the Rollins School,” Reid said. “When I meet former classmates we talk about how much we enjoyed ourselves. It was a community school. It was a school where a black child never felt part of being racially divided.”
Reid praised the teachers at Rollins.
“I felt love there and the teachers were like family,” she said. “If there was a problem with a child, the teacher went to the home and spoke with the parents.”
Reid recalled how much she and her classmates looked forward to lunch.
“We had a little cafeteria and the ladies who worked in it made home style food,” she said. “It was great.”
Another fond memory Reid had of Rollins was the May Day event.
“We took long ribbons and wound them around a May Pole,” she said. “Parents came to the school and also took part in the celebration of spring.”
But there were less jovial times too.
“My friends and I had to walk over a mile to school and back every day,” she said. “Sometimes we would hear racial slurs but we were taught to ignore them.”
The assignation of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 4, 1968 impacted Reid and her Rollins classmates.
“I remember they brought a television set into the classroom and we watched his funeral on it,” she said. “We were all crying.”
Reid summed up the Rollins School legacy.
“We had great teachers and we were a community that looked after each other,” she said. “We had love and peace. It’s been said it takes a village to raise a child, and Rollins fulfilled that.”
Today, Ida Rankin Elementary is where students, black and white, in the Hawthorne St. area of Mount Holly attend classes, but the memory of the Rollins School that was located just a couple of hundred yards down the road, lives on.

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County has announced it will be building a community of 28 homes to be known as Dixon Village on Lee Rd. off Hickory Grove Rd. in North Belmont. The project will occupy 7.5 acres.
The Belmont city council approved the project at its February 1 meeting.
The project will provide homes for Habitat families and entry-level market-rate buyers in a community that is an innovative approach to providing affordable housing.
According to Habitat, the housing will be a mix of single story 3-bedroom houses and two story 4-bedroom houses. The architectural design of the houses will be in the style of a Craftsman bungalow. Design elements such as shingles and material accents will be used to add variation, visual interest, and color to the exteriors. The neighborhood will feature
community building amenities such as front porches, sidewalks, and a park-like green space with a playground, picnic tables, and a walking path.
Habitat Gaston executive director Kay Peninger, and the Habitat Gaston board of directors, are leading the development of Dixon Village as part of their strategic goals to serve more families in Gaston County due to the overwhelming need for affordable housing and for the transformative effects of homeownership.
“Homeownership is the foundation of healthy families and communities,” Peninger said.  “We are excited to be able to provide affordable housing – housing that families can afford based on their income – in Belmont.  When families have a safe and stable home it provides many benefits such as a stable home life, their children do better in school, and they have improved health.  Homeownership also contributes to breaking the cycle of poverty as families have the opportunity to build equity in their home. Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County is committed to accomplishing this project and serving more families.  We have a strong project team in place that will result in a charming and attractive neighborhood.”
The Dixon Village project team is composed of experienced real estate and construction professionals, along with Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County’s Executive Director and Board of Directors who are committed to successful execution of this project.
Tom Ras, owner of Thomas Construction and Renovation, is a successful builder with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry on projects that range from commercial projects to custom million-dollar homes.
Cathy Young, with Allen Tate Realty, is a successful Realtor/Broker and a former elected official with extensive knowledge regarding the real estate market and the zoning process.
Jeff Howe, owner of Custom Building Systems, a third-generation construction company that is a leading construction and paving firm in the Charlotte region.
Brent Cowan, with The Isaacs Group, is the project engineer who is designing the site plan, storm water design, roadway design, and construction documents.
Habitat for Humanity of Gaston County is seeking to raise $1,575,000 to begin development of the Dixon Village neighborhood.  The initial work will consist of clearing, grading, installing water and sewer utilities and paving. Habitat will also install sidewalks, a mailbox kiosk, and an entrance sign with accompanying landscaping.
Habitat hopes to begin the site preparation work in June 2021.
“It will take a couple of months to receive construction document approvals and all the permits required,” said Peninger.  “Then after that we begin clearing, grading, water and sewer infrastructure installation, etc.”
“We are still working to raise the money,” said Peninger.  “We have about $500,000 either in hand or committed. Due to the timing of the awarding of grant funding, there may be some cash flow gaps. We are exploring bridge loans for horizontal construction.”
Horizontal construction is the clearing, grading, water and sewer infrastructure installation at the site. Vertical construction is the houses.
 

(February 18, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The annual Black History Forum and Rotary Club Men Who Cook  events usually held in Mt. Holly around this time of year have been put on hold due to the pandemic. Both events traditionally pack the Grand Hall of the Municipal Complex with attendees but organizers are leaning on the side of Covid caution this year.
The Black History Forum was the brainchild of the late Mt. Holly African-American leader John Hope and a handful of other folks including Danny Jackson and Caroline Reid who were determined to preserve and perpetuate the history and heritage of their people past and present. Each year since its inaugural event 18 years ago, the Black History Forum has presented in music, word, and deed the legacy and lore of local African-America excellence.
As usual, last year’s event offered a spectacular array of presentations. The event kicked off with a welcome by Jackson who correctly declared “There are so many beautiful people here.”
Several speakers addressed the crowd with remarks outlining the trials and triumphs of the African-American experience. Kings Mtn. High standout student Kennedy Barnes gave an impassioned oration using quotes from Maya Angelou and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to illustrate the pride and power she feels from her heritage. Special guest speaker Valerie Melton traced her own journey from the blue collar Mt. Holly neighborhood she grew up in to her current position as an advocate for black college students. Melton focused many of her remarks on the importance and impact that the Historically Black Colleges and Universities program has had and continues to have on African-American students.
“Education is the great equalizer,” Melton said.
As it traditionally has, the Black History Forum also featured plenty of soul stirring music. Groups including the Wesley Chapel Choir, the Mt. Calvary Men’s Choir, and the 3M Production singers belted out a number of lively tunes that had the crowd up on their feet and clapping their hands.
The event concluded with an interesting and thought provoking skit that depicted an interaction in the Montgomery, Alabama jail where Dr. Martin Luther King was being held back in the early 1960s. The scenario acted out the thought provoking and dramatic interplay between Dr. King (played by Johnnie Walker), a white jailer (played by Richard Meier), and a white minister played by Bill Reilly). The skit was written by Harry McDowell.
Men Who Cook is the Mt. Holly Rotary Club’s main fundraiser. All funds raised are used to provide scholarships to deserving seniors at East Gaston High School and Stuart Cramer High School.
“We have canceled Men Who Cook due to Covid,” said organizer Brooke Elting. “We are currently thinking about other ways to raise money for the scholarships but have not put anything in place. I am not certain if we will hold it later in the year or not. Right now there are no postponement plans.”
The fun and food filled Men Who Cook event featured annually some of the finest male “chefs” in Gaston County. Elected officials, Rotarians, restaurateurs and members of the community who simply enjoy cooking, many of whom are men and few women, all came together and offered samples of vegetables, meats, soups, and desserts.
Men Who Cook has an interesting background. In 1981 the Mt. Holly Rotary Club  started awarding scholarships to deserving East Gaston High School seniors to further their education after high school. The scholarships have ranged in amounts from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the success of  the fundraisers and the generosity of local donors. The students awarded the one time scholarship must show that they are active in their community, demonstrate a need, and provide proof of good academic standing.
For two decades, people gathered annually to sample the food offerings presented at Men Who Cook. The first Men Who Cook event was held at Ida Rankin Elementary. In the years since then it has grown in attendance and has moved locations to accommodate ithat growth. It has been held at the Mount Holly Middle School cafeteria, the East Gaston cafeteria and most recently relocated to the Grand Hall of the Mount Holly Municipal Complex to more comfortably accommodate the numerous “chefs” and diners.

(February 11, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1951 was a fateful day in the lives of Belmont residents Jack Page and Gearl Dean Russell. That’s because it was their first date- an event that eventually led to their marriage on August 19, 1953 and a lifetime together.
“I first saw her in ninth grade science class and though what a good looking girl,” Jack says. “When I found out she was first in her class I figured I wasn’t in her league.”
Nonetheless, Cupid’s arrow struck.
“Our first date was the Valentine’s Day sweetheart dance at First Baptist Church,” Gearl Dean said.
The Belmont High couple was soon going steady- but college loomed. Jack went to Appalachian State and Gearl Dean to UNC-Greensboro.
“We stayed true to each other while we were in college,” Gearl Dean said.
When the Korean War came along, Jack enlisted in the Army, and the couple decided to tie the knot soon after he put on a uniform.
“We got married when I was home on leave from basic training at Fort Jackson,” said Jack.
After college, they both became educators. Gearl Dean taught elementary school for 31 years. Jack earned a Masters degree in counseling and was the first school counselor in Gaston County.
Along the way, the couple had three kids- Forrest (a Morehead Scholar), Martha (graduated from App. State in just three years), and Dan (a member of the NCSU Electrical and Computer Engineers Hall of Fame). They also have six grandkids and five great-grandkids.
Both Jack and Gearl Dean have what might be called “inquiring minds” and this quality has formed the basis for many of the activities they have enjoyed together over a span of seven decades. Together, they’ve traveled extensively over Europe and America.
“We’ve been to every state except a few in the Great Lakes area,” Gearl Dean said.
Jack is a Renaissance man of sorts and his interests run the gamut from local Native American archaeology, to beekeeping, to being a founding member of the Belmont Historical Society. For her part, Gearl Dean is an accomplished quilter and seamstress. Other activities the pair have enjoyed includes visiting shut-ins and volunteering for the Meals on Wheels program.
These days are challenging for everyone, and for retirees like the Pages who spend a lot of time together at home, they are especially “interesting”. Nonetheless, both folks have easy going personality and with such a long number of years together are managing quite well.
“We exercise every day,” said Jack. “I paint and she works on quilts. We keep in touch with people on the phone.”
So, you are probably wondering by now, what’s the Page’s secret to a long, a very long, and successful marriage?
“We took an oath til death do us part,” said Gearl Dean.
“I still admire her as much today as I did in 1951,” said Jack.
Oh, one other thing- “We don’t hold grudges,” they said “We have good forgetters.”

(February 3, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Students in Gaston County have several options for lunch during the weekday, including school cafeterias, delivery to homes and apartment complexes via bus runs by the YMCA and school system itself, and drive by pickup at schools, but kids need nutrition on weekends too and, frankly, some find it hard to come by.
That’s where the BackPack Weekend Food program has been stepping in by providing good eats to students who might otherwise not get the food they need on Saturday and Sunday at home.
BackPack Weekend Food was founded in 2011  by Carolyn Niemeyer, former nurse and community advocate, and was intended to serve as a temporary service to help feed students on the weekends during the school year. However, nearly 10 years later, the program is still viable and serves nearly 1,000 students in grades k-12 every school year.
The administrative portion of the program started out of the Niemeyer’s home; their daughter’s bedroom, in fact. Mrs. Niemeyer and her husband, Dr. Charles Niemeyer, hovered over a computer and two twin beds many nights sorting through stacks of paperwork and organizing tickets for food orders. Food items were stored at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Gastonia,  where board member Rev. Brack East serves as Senior Pastor. For five years, the BWFP operated out of the church basement with volunteers unloading the food truck, filling food orders and distributing food to partners each month.
The BWFP started with nineteen partners and 387 students in elementary schools. The following school year, the program added five middle and two high schools.
In March 2015, the BWFP received 501c(3) status.
The program continued to grow and eventually out-grew the church basement and the Niemeyer’s home. In 2016, the Board of Directors determined it was time for the program to get its own office space and warehouse.
Current Gaston County statistics show the program has 1.6+ million meals distributed since 2011,  has over 500 volunteers,  works with 43 schools, has 45 program partners (places that pay for the lunches), had 2,755,824 pounds of food distributed in 2019-20, 138,588 meals served in 2019-20 (through school closing in mid-March), 911 students in grades k-12 received meals.
Partners in the BannerNews circulation area include Ebenezer United Methodist, First Baptist Cramerton, First Presbyterian Belmont, First United Methodist Belmont, First United Methodist Mt. Holly, McAdenville Wesleyan, Mt. Sinai Baptist Mt. Holly, Park Street Methodist, Queen of the Apostles, South Point Baptist, Steel Specialty Inc., St. Mark’s United Methodist Belmont, The Pointe Church Belmont.
The food that the program provides ranges from Ramen noodles to chicken noodle soup. Just a few of the other foods that goes out includes juice, cheerios, green beans, spaghetti-os, pudding, milk, and vegetables. The food comes from US Foods. CaroMont Health allows the program to purchase the food wholesale through CaroMont’s Premier purchase agreement with U.S. Foods..
At Queen of Apostles, site partner coordinator Julie Russo explained how the food gets from the delivery truck into the hands of students at North Belmont Elementary.
“We receive the food and it is placed in bags for the individual students,” she said. “Volunteers take it to the school and, because of COVID,  leave it outside for the school social worker to take in. Then, the kids go to the social worker’s office and pick it up. It’s brilliant. People come from all over to see how our program works.”
Russo says there are about thirty volunteers at Queen of Apostles who do inventory, pack bags, or delivery.
“I’ll find a job for everyone if they want to volunteer,” she said.
Volunteer Jean Panzica explained why she’s involved with the program.
“It’s an important thing to feed these kids,” she said “If not for the program, they would be hungry.”
Liked other partners, Queen of Apostles pays for the food it delivers. If the demand exceeds that amount of money, BackPack Weekend picks up the slack. Donations are appreciated.
“One hundred percent of the donations go for food,” Russo said.
Interested in donating to or volunteering with BackPack Weekend Food Program- including information on upcoming fundraisers? Visit  www.bwfpgc.com to find out more.
 

(February 3, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Work to have the circa 1925 Baltimore School in Cramerton preserved for future generations is moving forward.
Last year, the Town of Cramerton Commissioners passed a resolution giving the school a local historic designation.  The historical significance of school has also received approval from the North Carolina Dept. of Archives and History. The Baltimore School has also officially been designated as a Historic Site in Gaston County.  It’s the first Gaston County Historical Preservation Site in Cramerton. Owner Fred Glenn is in the process of finalizing wording that will go on a plaque to be erected at the school at a later date.
Also, the Cramerton Community Committee is planning a volunteer work day at the school on April 17th, to clean up the yard and do other odd jobs that Glenn needs completed.
Where and what is the Baltimore section of Cramerton and what purpose did the school serve?
Baltimore is a tiny corner of Cramerton wedged between the base of Cramer Mtn. and the South Fork River. It is where the town’s African-America citizens mostly lived. Baltimore St. is not much over 100 yards long and with a couple of even shorter side streets branch off and dead end. There are just a couple dozen small homes on the narrow pavement, most of which were built during the 1920s by Stuart Cramer. These days, a flock of free range chickens forms a cackling and crowing welcoming committee as you drive along.
The Baltimore School served African-American children first through eighth grades. From there, the kids went to Reid High in Belmont. The school continued to operate until until integration came along. Once that happened, the African-American students from Baltimore were transferred to schools in Belmont and Cramerton.
The school was nothing fancy. A potbellied stove provided heat. Students sat at wooden desks. There were no steps. Kids had to jump off the porch and get pulled back up by classmates. Books were second hand ones from white schools.
Today, the Baltimore School is an abandoned wooden building with basically one large room. There’s a porch on the front corner. Inside, there are several original benches, one desk, and a couple of old washing machines. The windows are blacked and there’s soot on the ceiling. On the bright side, the original clapboards and foundation are in good shape. The roof was replaced several years ago. In other words, a solid core is there for a restoration project.
The building is owned by 75 year old Fred Glenn, a Vietnam vet. He was born at 555 Patterson Street in Baltimore and currently lives in Charlotte. He comes back to Baltimore and tends a garden there.
Glenn’s deep love of Baltimore led him to buy the school building from Burlington in 2003 and is currently driving his desire to see it preserved.
“There are a lot of memories here,” Glenn said. “My mom Mary Lucinda Adams and aunt Helen Falls Holmes went to school here. When I was growing up in the 1950s, we used to come see movies on Tuesdays at the school and sit on the benches that are still inside. Fred Kirby (WBTV singing cowboy star) would come and put on shows for us. He would park his horse trailer at the end of the street and ride Calico to the neighborhood. We also had fish fries.”
Glenn has a dream for the future of the Baltimore School.
“If you think about it, the school was our community center,” he said. “I would like to see it preserved.”
That’s going to take money. Glenn says that fundraisng has been slowed by COVID.
“The plague has me hunkered down,” he said. “I want to see the school preserved possibly as a museum for  current and future generations in memory of those who attended it.”

(January 28, 2021 Issue)

Gaston County’s Recycling Center Convenience Site located at the Gastonia Farmers Market, 410 E. Long Ave., has temporarily changed its operating hours while the Gastonia Farmers Market is being used as a COVID-19 vaccination site. All other Recycling Center Convenience Site hours will not be affected.
The new hours at the Farmers Market location are:
Monday 7:30am – 5:30pm
Tuesday 7:30am – 2pm
Wednesday – CLOSED
Thursday 7:30am – 2pm
Friday – CLOSED
Saturday – 7:30am – 5:30pm
This change is in preparation for the county to add a second day of vaccination clinics on Wednesdays so as to provide the second shot in the dose for those who previously received the first shot.
For more information on Recycling Centers in the County, visit https://www.gastongov.com/government/departments/solid_waste/recycling_centers.php

(January 28, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Luncheon is served (with a smile).
That’s the credo of the Gaston County Meals on Wheels program that delivers a hot and hearty lunch every weekday to its senior citizen clients who are unable to get out and about and who might otherwise go hungry.
The Gaston Meals on Wheels program is a branch of Meals on Wheels America. That umbrella group has more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity.
Gaston Meals on Wheels is one of the programs under the Adult & Aging Services Division which is under the Gaston County Department of Health & Human Services.
Gaston Meals on Wheels has seven locations in Gaston County, there is representation in each township.  It has over 850 volunteers, with approximately 500 that are active.  Gaston Meals on Wheels serves approximately 300 meals daily (both hot and frozen meal delivery). 
The South Point meal site operates out of Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Belmont and runs four routes-  two routes in Belmont, one in Cramerton and one in Lowell. It has about 95 volunteers.
Jasha Hunter is the site monitor in Belmont and explained a bit more about who Meals on Wheels serves and how the logistics work.
“Most of our clients are 60 years or older,” said Hunter. “There is no income limit so not all live in poverty but they must not be able to drive. We have thirty six clients on our roll who get a lunch every weekday. There are fourteen more who have five frozen meals delivered on Mondays. The ACCESS van delivers the frozen meals.”
The lunches are balanced and nutritious. They are prepared by Trio Catering in Charlotte.
“The meals are planned with the elderly in mind,” said Maren Brown, Adult Nutrition Specialist. “They are designed to meet state nutritional requirements.”
The menu changes daily. Just a few of the tasty items on it include pinto beans, Spanish chicken and rice, pizza casserole, western baked beef, glazed carrots, chocolate chip cookies, milk, Italian vegetable blend, and much, much, more.
The meals are packaged and loaded into insulated bags that keep them warm for delivery.
The COVID situation has changed the way the meals get in the hands of clients.
“Because of COVID our volunteers try not to go in the client’s house,” Hunter said. “They meet the client at their door or have the lunch in a bag and leave it at the door to maintain social distancing.”
Speaking of volunteers, they are the backbone of Meals on Wheels. Charles Sellers volunteers at Belmont.
“I’ve been a volunteer for four of five years,” Sellers said. “I am retired and have time and wanted to help where I could in the community.
Cadi Putnam is another volunteer. She works from home and has a flexible schedule that lets her deliver in Belmont, Lowell, and Cramerton.
“I look forward to helping people who are so isolated,” Putnam said.
One of Putnam’s favorite deliveries are the ones she makes to Elvira “Duckie” Huffstetler who lives in Belmont’s Myrtle Terrace apartments. Huffstetler is a lovely and lively lady who beams when Putnam shows up. PS she was also an editorial contributor to the Belmont Banner years ago.
“I’ve been on the Meals on Wheels program for about eight years now,” she said. “It’s really great. I highly recommend it.”
Overall, Meals on Wheels provides a much needed service to its clients that keeps them healthy, happy, and on the path of a good quality lifestyle.
Interested in Meals on Wheels?
People interested in volunteering can call Meals on Wheels staff: Amanda Dawson at 704-862-7825 or Maren Brown at 704-862-7676.
People interested in receiving services can call the Adult & Aging Services Intake staff at 704-862-7540.

(January 28, 2021 Issue)

By Delta Sanders

In a production that was a true display of unity itself, four organizations united with the City of Belmont for the 30th Annual Belmont Unity Day. Belmont Coalition of Concerned Citizens, Race Matters Community Conversation Group, Gaston County NAACP, and Gaston County Organization for Community Concerns, Inc. collaborated for the completely virtual program. City of Belmont Information Technology Specialist Seth Norkett wove their respective pieces into a single masterpiece that premiered to over 140 viewers.
“Working on the 30th MLK Unity Service has been very therapeutic for me.” said Kathleen Boyce of Race Matters Community Conversation Group. “It’s been great to focus on something positive in the midst of all the negativity. And it’s been fun to work closely with both old and new friends, several of whom I have never met in person.”
While there was no Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award presented this year, the unity candle ceremony continued with a powerful “Pass The Light” montage. Appropriately, one of the youngest light bearers,  Princeton Ballen, son of Dominique Isles,  wore a shirt with the caption “INSPIRE.” Mt. Pleasant Men’s Choir’s iconic version of “God Bless America” followed. The Charles Jesse Bynum Reid Foundation was beneficiary of the Unity Day offering.
“It’s been very uplifting to see all these parts come together,” Boyce added. “I admit I was very stressed about the Unity Candle, but folks stepped forward to assume leadership for every part of the service - speaking, setting up Givelify accounts, planning music, creating strong messaging, and editing. It was exciting to hear a strong message from Belmont-born Fred Davie delivered with the skyline of New York City in the background. Another pandemic blessing is that we may well have reached more people than we have in the past. Certainly more people were involved in putting together the service. I am grateful.”
Rev. Frederick Davie’s message reflected on numerous quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He emphasized that  “we are woven into the same garment of destiny.” In closing, he recited Mathew 25 and urged us to “...move beyond hopelessness and despair, into the bright hope of tomorrow...where all dwell in that beloved community of mutuality and respect.”  Pastor Kevin Ford gave the parting benediction.
Patricia Franks from Belmont Coalition of Concerned Citizens had the pleasure of introducing Rev. Davie. Of his message, she said “Rev. Davie shared a timely word. The question is are we listening?”
The service remains available for viewing at www.cityofbelmont.org/MLKUnity. The link can be found on the City of Belmont website.

(January 28, 2021 Issue)

Each year, the Gaston County Family YMCA honors an individual dedicated to serving the community. In 2020 this award is being given to Hans and Megan Kanal from H&M Catering, located in Mt. Holly, for their tireless work combating hunger during the COVID shutdown.
One in five children in North Carolina struggle with food insecurity which can be an anxiety-provoking for kids who struggle with hunger and don’t have access to free and reduced lunch at school. In addition to children, the COVID impacted seniors, many of which were on waiting lists to receive home deliveries. H&M Catering worked alongside YMCA staff and volunteers to safely make and deliver nearly 4,000 meals to children and seniors across Gaston County from March 18 until May 28, 2020.
“What you have done for the Y this year, for the kids and the seniors, was phenomenal. We could not have done it without you.” said Sharon Padgett, Gaston County Family YMCA CEO. “We are thrilled to award you the 2020 Volunteer of the Year.”
“What a great honor,” said Hans adding, “When everything was going down, it gave us purpose.”
“We feed people, that’s what we do,” added Meagan as she was being presented the etched glass award by Mary Moffitt, Stowe Family YMCA, Executive Director.
 “Our reach would never have been as large without you. You were the backbone and we were able to take the bus and go out and see the smiling faces of kids and seniors as they were waiting on their porches for us,” said Moffitt.
This award it typically presented at the YMCA Annual Meeting, which was not held due to COVID this year.
Padgett explained why it is important to recognize volunteers.
 “Whether it is the Board volunteer, youth sports coach or a greeter at the door, our volunteers are the foundation on which the Y was built. They give of their time, talent and treasure because they believe in our mission,” said Padgett.

(January 21, 2021 Issue)

Other Parks and Rec. projects also moving forward 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

One of Belmont’s most popular recreational areas, Rocky Branch Park, is current closed. However, it’s all for a good cause- that being major upgrades to make it a more walkable and a family friendly oasis of outdoor area just a couple of blocks from the heart of downtown.
Rocky Branch Park has primarily been a mountain biking/hiking trail park. It first opened for use in July 2013 with a couple miles of biking and hiking trails.  It was carved out of the woods at the bend in the road where Sacco St. and Woodrow Ave. meet. The initial construction was done mainly with volunteer labor and free land making it one of the city’s best park deals ever.
The current upgrades project got started a couple of weeks ago and are expected to be done by mid-March weather permitting. A company based in Chapel Hill called Nature Trails is doing the job. According to Belmont Parks and Rec. director Zip Stowe, the cost of Phase I of the project will be $94,650.
“The City funds amount to $46,000,” Stowe said. “The remaining funds come from the Trailblazer’s by way of grants and donations.”
So, what will the project entail?
“The trail will be widened to give it multi-purpose use,” said Stowe. “Several of the old bridges will be taken out and replaced with seven new ones. There will also be a new split rail fence.”
Improved drainage and erosion control will also be included in the work.
“It will be a lot better for walking,” said Stowe. “It will be a lot more family friendly.”
Just around the corner from Rocky Branch Park, Reid Park is also set for an upgrade that will happen in a few weeks.
“We will be installing a picnic shelter with four tables,” said Stowe. “There wasn’t much shade there.”
Stowe also said that Davis Park is slated for a picnic shelter.
Other Belmont Parks and Recreation action in the works includes upcoming talks about a dog park.
“A lot of people want a dog park,” said Stowe.
The new Parks and Recreation facility that will be built in front on the CityWorks complex is also moving forward.
“We are in the design phase,” said Stowe.
The planned new building will be two stories high and have 45,000 sq. ft. of space. The first floor will feature three basketball courts, a media room for gaming, an exercise studio, a kitchen, a kids play area, and a large lobby. The second floor will feature a walking track, an exercise room, a catering kitchen, a lounge, and more play space. The second floor will also feature a balcony with sweeping views of the Catawba River and Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park.
Just a few of the activities the new center can host includes pickle ball, gymnastics, cheerleading, karate, movies, ping pong, dance, badminton, classes of various types and many, many more. Folks will be able to rent space in the building for meetings, weddings, birthday parties, and that sort of thing.
Stowe sees the new parks and rec. center not only as a boon to the local activities scene, but as an economic driver as well.
“The center will be a place we can hold events such as basketball tournaments and invite as many as fifty teams,” he said. ‘This will bring people to Belmont who will shop, stay in local hotels, and eat in local restaurants. It will be a big boost economically.”
 “If everything is approved we could start construction in May 2021,” said Stowe. “It will take about 14 months to build.”
Stowe says the idea is to use local builders for the project, further helping the area economy. Cost of the project is estimated to be $9-10 million.

(January 21, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

At its January 11 meeting, the Mt. Holly city council honored MHPD officers the late Tyler Herndon as well as Sgt. Todd Calhoun who retired after 30 years on the job.
Herndon was posthumously awarded the prestigious Commander’s Coin for his actions during a Dec. 11, 2020 event where he was fatally wounded in action. The MHPD Commanders Coin award recognizes employees who have distinguished themselves by acts of special accopliusjmnen tor other acts of service above and beyond those normally expected by members of the department. It is the highest award given to members of the department.
MHPD chief Don Roper wrote the following memorandum for the award.
“While on duty on this date (Dec. 11), Officer Herndon responded in the early morning hours, along with other officers, to the report of a breaking and entering in progress in the 300 block of Beatty Dr. Upon arrival, Officer Herndon and the other officers encountered a felony suspect attempting to flee the scene on foot. Officer Herndon took quick action in an attempt to apprehend the suspect. Officer Herndon’s actions were executed with courage and dedication as he sought to bring the incident to a conclusion. During the confrontation, Officer Herndon was assaulted and sustained fatal injuries. The felony suspect was ultimately taken into custody.
Officer Herndon performed his duty with valor, skill, and dedication to service.
These actions were taken in keeping with the highest standards and tradition of service of the Mount Holly Police Department and reflect credit upon the city of Mount Holly. A copy of the memorandum will be maintained in Officer Herndon’s official file.
The Commanders Coin was presented to Officer Herndon in a private ceremony on December 14, 2020 and he carries this coin with him now.”
Sgt. Todd Calhoun was also recognized by the city on his retirement after 30 ½ years on the job. Calhoun is only the second Mount Holly officer to serve his entire career as an officer in the Mount Holly Police Department.
He was presented with a key to the city as well as a proclamation that spelled out his many accolades and accomplishments just a few of which include- he was the first full time school resource officer in Mt. Holly; he was also the City’s first bike officer; he also worked in the area of community outreach including assisting and establishing various community watch organizations; he had the nearly perfect demeanor for being a police officer, being a natural born leader who served by example and never shirked or complained about any task assigned to him; he was supported throughout his years as an officer by his wife, Robin, his sons, Roland and Chandler, and his stepdaughter, Taylor, who understood that when duty called his family endeavors would be put on hold and he would put the Department first; he was easily identified for his physical fitness and his rather enormous arms from working out, and he was often referred to by people not knowing his name as, “you know, the cop with the big arms;” he is a humble and respectful gentleman who has a knack for sizing up a situation and taking the appropriate action without undue harm or stress to anyone; he is a major contributor to the establishment of the fine reputation that the police department enjoys, and has helped to establish the “Mount Holly way of policing” which means so much to the department.
 

(January 14, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The former Massey Building at 500 E. Central Ave. in Mt. Holly is a small, industrial type of structure  that might not look like much on the outside, but inside its concrete walls  is a cornucopia of beautiful and creative artworks done by members of the Arts on the Greenway group.
Arts on the Greenway moved into the Massey Building  a couple of years ago and transformed it from its previous role as a storage space for the City of Mt.  Holly into a series of studios for Arts on the Greenway members, a retail space where members’ artworks are sold, art class space, and more. Overall the transformation has been nothing short of miraculous.
“It’s a happy place,” said Arts on the Greenway member Sandy Collier.
Right  now, there are around a dozen Arts on the Greenway members working in the building. Each member has a studio space where they let their creative juices flow in acrylics, pottery, watercolors, textile arts, jewelry making, and just about anything else they can think of.
There’s also a retail space up front where pieces are offered for sale.
“The gallery and retail pace is open Saturdays from 11am to 4pm,” said artist Dottie Scher. “Masks are required and the area is wiped down with sanitizer every thirty to forty five minutes.”
Arts on the Greenway also has an online Besides making nice things, Arts on the Greenway members are also working with Mt. Holly business owners to display their work.
“We call it the Share the Art program,” Scher said. “The artwork hangs in a business for three months then is swapped out. Right now artist Carlos Alvarez Cotera has a piece in Jack Beagle restaurant and Stephanie McLaughlin has a piece in Catawba Coffee.”
Another recent Arts on the Greenway involvement saw the creation of a large “Christmas gift” box made of crochet panels that was displayed at the Municipal Center. The box was made and placed there to honor first responders of all types. Now, sections of the work are being cut into smaller pieces for adaptive reuse.
‘We are going to make blankets out of the panels for local homeless shelters, battered women shelters and other similar locations,” Scher said.
Arts on the Greenway currently leases the Massey Building from the City of Mt. Holly and intends to stay a while. Future plans include a glass blowing studio, pottery kiln, and a pergola out back with picnic tables for festivals and outdoor classes.
“One step at a time,” said Scher.
Arts on the Greenway is also interested in accepting volunteers.
Arts on the Greenway is an oasis of artistic talent, creative collaboration, and cultural celebration  that not only has a bright future but firmly places Mt. Holly on the regional arts scene.
 

(January 14, 2021 Issue)

By Allison Drennan
Gaston County Schools

Students should do what makes them happy, and they should love what they do.
That is the attitude that Stuart W. Cramer High School teacher Rebecca Hill has as she teaches Spaorts Entertainment Marketing to her students every day.  Hill is a part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) faculty at Stuart W. Cramer, a job and a curriculum pathway that she truly enjoys.
Recently, it was announced that Gaston County Schools ranks first in the state for the number of CTE credentials earned by students and first in the state for the percentage of students earning more than one credential in a particular CTE area.  This is the only time since the state began tallying credentials data that the same county has captured both rankings.
Four Gaston County high schools are in the top 15 statewide for the number of credentials earned by students during the 2019-2020 year: Hunter Huss ranks second in the state with 2,976 credentials; Ashbrook ranks fifth with 2,297 credentials; Forestview ranks 13th with 1,721 credentials; and
Stuart W. Cramer ranks 14th with 1,706 credentials.
For Hill, she is proud to be associated with a Career and  Technical Education program that is among the best in the state.  She knows that the knowledge, skills, and credentials earned by students will benefit them in the workforce.  Earning a CTE credential is important, she believes, because it can set a student apart from others when applying for a job.
The CTE teachers at Hunter Huss are beaming with pride knowing that their school ranks second in North Carolina (out of more than 1,000 high schools) in the number of credentials earned by students.  Hunter Huss is home to the district’s Career Academy for high school students.  Now in its fifth year, the Career Academy offers courses in more than a dozen career pathways, everything from health science, nursing, construction, and advanced manufacturing to firefighting, EMT, business, and culinary arts.
“The credentials make our students job-ready upon graduation,” said Sam Bishop, CTE instructional management coordinator at Hunter Huss.  “It also puts them ahead if they plan to go on to college to further their education.”
CTE educators across the county say they’ve seen a difference in their students when incorporating the vocational courses into their education.  Career and Technical Education promotes training students for the workforce, something that some teachers can speak to personally.
Chuck Austin, who teaches masonry at Forestview, knows how important it is to gain real-life experience to help set yourself apart in a particular industry.  Austin, who owned a masonry business for a number of years, said he has seen his students get excited about what they are learning, and that’s exciting for him as a teacher.
“Students love these classes because they get to put their hands on things and physically work and learn,” Austin said. “It’s not sitting at a desk all day, listening to lectures and taking notes. You’re really getting the hands-on experience right here in the shop.”
Ashbrook High School teacher Kristen Poarch said her business education classes have helped her students to see that there are careers available to them that they may not have considered as an option.
“CTE gives students an opportunity to consider alternatives in their career path,” Poarch said. “I have several students who are creative and have designed some outstanding work, but prior to taking my class, they had never considered a career in graphic design.  Now, they are.”
The number of students interested in CTE continues to grow.  For example, public safety classes used to have fewer than 10 students.  Now, because of interest, enrollment in the classes has to be capped at 25.
Hill, who is a 2014 graduate of Gaston County Schools, said she’s seen a huge difference just in the time since she was a student at South Point High School.
“I started high school in 2010, and the amount of growth I’ve seen since then, both in career pathway options and the number of students wanting to take these classes, is amazing,” she said. “They’re no longer just ‘maybe’ options or something you do for a hobby.  Students are competing to get into classes with limited enrollment.  We have come so far.”
Bishop spoke to the same sentiment at Hunter Huss.  He says having to find more teachers to meet students’ demand for CTE classes is a good problem to have.  “Students are getting more and more interested in these careers, and we just keep developing more pathways.  It’s a win-win situation,” said Bishop.
The future of Career and Technical Education is soaring, which is understandable since Poarch believes the courses really complement a student’s education.
“CTE classes are like the bow on a package,” she said. “It really brings education together and gives students opportunities to use what they have learned in other courses and apply their knowledge and skills to the real world.”
And interest in CTE will only continue to grow.
“There’s always going to be a need for people in the trades,” Austin points out. “Somebody has to build the house – computers can’t do that, at least not yet.”

(January 14, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

These days most financial and business transactions involve the use of a computer or plastic card, but a recently discovered treasure trove of Belmont area documents from the 19th and early 20th centuries tells a story of deals made on a handshake, written on paper in flowing script, and signatures done with a flourish.
The papers are mostly related to the Smith family that in the early 19th century owned most of Catawba Heights and North Belmont. However, other prominent names and signatures appear on the documents including Stowe, Abernathy, Lineberger, and Bishop Leo Haid of Belmont Abbey.
The deeds, bills, and checks going back 177 years were once kept in a metal box in a cabinet in the Smith family farmhouse in Catawba Heights. When Sinclair Smith died in 1971, his sister Louise Surratt took the box to her home in Jackson Hill, N.C. When she died her son Julian found the box but it was many years before he forwarded the contents to cousin Rhonda Hambright in Georgia. She in turn gave the pack to her mother Emily Smith Helton who organized it chronologically and placed it in an acid-proof album.
Helton grew up in the farmhouse and remembered the box of ancestral documents.
“We weren’t allowed to touch it,” she said.
The earliest document is dated January 23, 1837 and involves a land deal between Robert Smith and John Hayes. Smith bought 500 acres in what is now North Belmont and Catawba Heights from Hayes for $1,000. The deal is written in cursive longhand and uses a measurement called a “pole” to lay out the linear boundaries. A pole, or rod, is 16.5 feet. Corner boundaries were marked by terms such as “black oak stump”, “large stone”, and “spring near a post oak”.
Another land deed dated February 25, 1881 is between Robert Smith and his son, John B. Smith. This deed was for $237.50 and describes a property next to that of a “Louis Lineberger”. A hickory tree, an oak, a spring, and a graveyard wall are used as points of reference. The graveyard mentioned is Old Goshen Cemetery on Woodlawn Ave. in North Belmont.
Yet another original deed in the archival material dated March 8, 1889 is between G.W. and Susan Abernethy and John B. Smith. This 31 acre plot adjoined property owned by Jasper Robinson and stretched from North Belmont to the South Fork River. The cost was $200.
Belmont Abbey Bishop Leo Haid was also a player in local land deals. A deed bearing his signature and dated February 8, 1905 reveals that Haid (likely acting on behalf of the Abbey) transferred five acres to Andrew Jackson Goforth and his wife Catherine for the sum of $150.00.
Modern property lines are marked by satellite such as the Gaston County GIS system, but hand drawn maps were once the norm. A map dated March 25, 1895 in the materials shows property lines and ownership in the area between McAdenville, Belmont Abbey, and North Belmont. Roads are drawn in red pencil. A stone boundary rock is highlighted with the illustration of a hand and pointing finger. Reference is made to an old graveyard.
In addition to land deeds, another original bill of sale in the materials dated December 18, 1895 describes a transaction between R.H. Hanks and John Benny Smith. The bill is for a horse valued at $75.00 but Hanks worked out the following bargain.
“I hereby convey to him (Smith) these articles of personal property to wit: Two-thirds of my entire crop of cotton and corn, one bay horse seven years old. I vouch this special trust that if I (Hanks) fail to pay said debt before the first day of December 1896 then he may seize said property or so much thereof as may be needed by public auction for cash.”
Hanks signed the bargain with an X.
Another handwritten bill dated February 3, 1906 is the conveyance of a “black horse mule” worth $200 to Walter V. Smith from his mother Sarah A. Smith. The bill also lists a “double pair of wagon harness and one wagon” as part of the transaction.
Several wills are also in the materials. The earliest ones are handwritten on lined paper. One dated December 22, 1898 by John B. Smith is typewritten on parchment-like paper and in it he conveys his property to his wife Sarah and children John Sidney, Ida, Benjamin Franklin, and Walter Valentine. He also bequeathed $25 each to his grandsons Lawrence, Robert, and Lloyd Suggs. John Benny died in 1903.
Once there was a Bank of Belmont and a number of items in the materials are from its early days. Several checks date from its founding in 1925 and are signed W.V. Smith. One check from 1932 is for $26.80 property tax on land known as the 112-acre “Shipp Place” in Riverbend Township.
Original WWII war rations books for W.V. Smith and his wife Ella Eugenia are also in the materials. Tabs are torn out of them for things such as sugar they could not grow on their Catawba Heights farm.
A final Bank of Belmont check dated Jan 1, 1945 to Fite Funeral Home for $850.00 paid for W.V. Smith’s burial.
Looking through business papers from long ago not only gives us an appreciation of how folks got along with one another, they are also a window into the lives of those who worked to build our area out of the wilderness.

(January 7, 2021 Issue)

The Belmont Coalition of Concerned Citizens and Race Matters Community Conversation group will present the 30th Annual Belmont Unity Day Service on January 18, 2021 at 7pm.   The virtual program will feature Rev. Frederick A. Davie as the keynote speaker.
Complete details and viewing information are forthcoming.
Rev. Frederick A. Davie is in his tenth year as Executive Vice President of Union Theological Seminary. In this role he works with the President of the seminary on management and administration, strategic planning, new program development, resource development, community life, and faith and policy in the public square.
Prior to coming to Union, Rev. Davie was the Interim Executive Director of the Arcus Foundation; President and CEO of Public/Private Ventures; a Program Officer at The Ford Foundation; Deputy Borough President of Manhattan; a chief of staff in the Dinkins NYC mayoral administration; and Deputy Executive Director of the NYC Mission Society.
Rev. Davie also holds several public positions. He is Chairman of the NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB), the nation’s largest independent police oversight agency of the nation’s largest police department; a Commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, a bi-partisan federal entity that advises the White House, Congress and Secretary of State on issues of global religious freedom; and a founder and Chairman of Faith 2020, a broad coalition of people of faith promoting hope over fear in politics and public policy.
Rev. Davie serves on the board of directors of several organizations, including a Trustee of his alma mater Greensboro College, the Interfaith Youth Core, the Interfaith Center of New York, the Interfaith Assembly for Homelessness and Housing, and the Stax Museum and Soulsville Foundation in Memphis. He is also on the advisory board of the Interfaith Assembly for Homelessness and Housing.
He also served on the inaugural White House Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, appointed by President Barack Obama. He also served on the Policy Committee of the Biden-Harris Presidential Campaign.
Rev. Davie is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church USA.  He earned a Master of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School, where he was the President of Yale Black Seminarian and a Benjamin Elijah Mays Fellow of The Fund for Theological Education; and a BA from Greensboro College graduating on the Dean’s List and recipient of the Harold H. Hutson Award.  He is also a 1974 graduate of South Point High School in Belmont, NC.
 

(January 7, 2021 Issue)

The Basic Law Enforcement Training program at Gaston College equips students with essential skills for beginning a career as an officer at the state, county, and municipal level. Some of the program’s students, however, choose to enter law enforcement after having established other careers. One such student is Samuel Lee Dunlap, Jr.
Dunlap, who enrolled in the BLET program in July 2020, already had a bachelor’s degree in business management from Belmont Abbey College and had worked at Planet Fitness since 2011. In March 2020 he moved to Alabama to become a Regional Manager with the company, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the franchise owner from expanding in that area and Dunlap’s position was eliminated. He and his wife returned to North Carolina in June.
“A friend encouraged me to consider a career in law enforcement shortly after I moved back home,” said Dunlap. “Through my belief in prayer and faith, my wife and I discussed the idea and considered my previous experience. I have three years in the military, almost nine years of servant leadership with Planet Fitness that included working as a General Manager, my college degree, being a husband, step-father, foster parent, leader at my church and in the local Masonic Lodge, and Gaston County Schools Mentor. All of that – and my passion to serve others – brought us to the conclusion that law enforcement would be an ideal career change.”
“At 42 years of age, Mr. Dunlap is a little older than our average student,” said Dennis Crosby, Director of the Gaston College Criminal Justice Academy and the BLET program. “His maturity, life experiences and business background are beneficial when seeking a career in law enforcement. He also came prepared, he’s in excellent physical condition, and he always projects a positive attitude.”
Crosby tells students that the program is part of the selection process for law enforcement agencies. The program has approximately 60 to 70 instructors, and most of them are full-time law enforcement officers who teach part-time at the College. Many of them are unofficial recruiters for their agencies and they often make hiring recommendations based upon students’ performance in the BLET classes. Dunlap’s qualifications and suitability for a law enforcement career made him an attractive candidate.
The Belmont Police Department sponsored Dunlap in his pursuit of this new direction. He was accepted into the Gaston College BLET program in July and the Belmont Police Department hired him in September. Dunlap completed the program on November 30 and on December 3 he took the NC BLET State Exam. He successfully passed the exam and will become state-certified and can be sworn in to work. “I look forward to a career of 20 to 25 years serving in law enforcement with an opportunity to attend as many trainings as available, to earn ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, and Captain, and to be an instructor in the NC Criminal Justice Academy and teach a BLET course at Gaston College.”
Dunlap’s family and friends are excited that he is embarking on this new career, and they are confident that he will do well. He is grateful for their support and for the education and encouragement he received at Gaston College. “Director Dennis Crosby, assistant director Shane Caughey, and facilitator Melanie Hoyle, along with first class administration, my phenomenal classmates and instructors throughout the course, have made my experience with the BLET program nothing less than exceptional,” he said.
“Mr. Dunlap epitomizes what we look for in BLET candidates,” said Crosby. “He came into the program well prepared and gave 100 percent every day. He has a great public service attitude. There are numerous job opportunities for people interested in a career in law enforcement these days. Mr. Dunlap is an example that you can get hired even before the class is completed if you work hard and have a great attitude. I think he will be very successful in his newly chosen field.”
The BLET program at Gaston College prepares students for challenging and rewarding careers in law enforcement. “If anyone is considering law enforcement as a career in Gaston County, no matter your age,” said Dunlap, “don’t look any further than Gaston College to receive the best instruction, guidance, and opportunity to succeed.”
Samuel’s BLET classmates graduated and completed the state certification exam at a 96% pass rate! Ten of the eleven students passed the exam on their first attempt.
For more information about the Basic Law Enforcement Training program at Gaston College, contact Melanie Hoyle at hoyle.melanie@gaston.edu or 704-922-6531.

(January 7, 2021 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

History records some great partnerships- Lennon and McCartney, Lee and Jackson, Laurel and Hardy. Last week saw a similar winning combination- Public Works Director David Isenhour and Utilities Director Chuck Flowers- retire from the City of Belmont after decades of loyal service.
Isenhour and Flowers put in a lot of years with the city. In Isenhour’s case it would have been 24 next month. Flowers racked up 32 years.
“I came to Belmont as a part time code enforcement employee,” said Isenhour.  “Then I became utility director, then public works director in 1998.”
Isenhour recalled his early days with the city.
“My career began in the old public works building on Mill Street,” he said. “That was torn down and is now a parking lot. We had one backhoe, a tractor, and a few dump and trash trucks. It was bare bones.”
Time moved along, and Isenhour witnessed and participated in helping Belmont evolve into the beautiful small city it is today.
“I feel like my greatest accomplishment is the part I played in the beautification program in the downtown area,” he said. “That includes things like the new retaining wall and gazebo in Stowe Park as well as enhancing the water fountain.”
Another highlight of Isenhour’s career was seeing the stunning Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park become a reality.
“In the beginning it was just woods, vines, trash, and two old houses there,” Isenhour said. “Developing the boat landing was another great project. It is one of the best on the river.”
Flowers outlined his career with the city.
“I was working at the water plant for Belmont Converting Co. when the city bought it on August 1, 1988,” he said. “I was an operator and also did maintenance work. In 1997 I became superintendent at the water plant and in 2006 David asked me to be utilities director and I said yes.”
Flowers has been in charge of all the city’s water plants and underground infrastructure. Right now that includes 121 miles of water main, and 110 miles of sewer main.
“When I started we had 3,000 customers,” he said. “Now, that number is 7,146 customers.”
Flowers has seen big changes in how the utilities situation in Belmont is handled.
“We used to have meter readers,” he said. “Now, it’s done by the automated MI.Net system. We also have a customer portal called Watersmart.”
Flowers has also overseen a refurbishment of the water plant with upgrades to the testing lab and a break area for employees.
But neither Isenhour nor Flowers take all the credit for their accomplishments.
“We are proud of our relationships with our employees,” they both said. “They made us successful and we are going to miss them.”
The pair have also formed a bond over the years, not only as professional colleagues but friends as well.
“Chuck and I have had a remarkable relationship,” said Isenhour.
Now that they are retired, what will the two do with all that free time?
“I think I will try to find my golf game again,” Isenhour said.
“I am going to spoil my grandkids and hunt and fish, Flowers said.
Good luck to two great guys.
 

(December 30, 2020 Issue)

A memorial fund has been set up in honor  of Mt. Holly police officer Officer Herndon who lost his life in the line of duty on December 11, 2020. “The Tyler Herndon Memorial Fund” has been created at  SouthState Bank. Cash or check donations can be dropped off at any Gaston county location (Mount Holly, Belmont, Gastonia, Dallas, Stanley). All monies collected will be given to the Herndon family in honor of their son.

(December 31, 2020 Issue)

See more photos of the year on pages 6 and 7 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The second half of 2020 brought more social and economic challenges to folks everywhere, yet through it all, people found creative ways to cope with the difficulties and to look forward to better days ahead.
The July 9 issue of the BannerNews kicked off with a story highlighting the incredible career of First United Methodist Belmont Child Development Center teach Susan Clements who had been on the job for 39 years. That issue of the paper also looked at the outstanding athletic accomplishments of local senior citizen David Hostetler who once again raked in plenty of medals at the Senior Games. On the inside, the July 9 paper ran a series on the retirement of Montcross Chamber president Ted Hall.
The July 16 Banner News profiled First Baptist Belmont’s new pastor Andrew Renfroe. Major upgrades at Stowe Park was also a front-page piece. Improvements at the park included a nice new pavilion for outdoor concerts and other events. The paper also ran a story that week recalling the 50th anniversary of the Love Valley Rock Festival - NC’s version of Woodstock.
The July 23rd BannerNews visited the Mt. Holly Community Garden for a story on all the good things growing and going on there.  COVID related news that week was the fact that both the Cleveland County and NC Mountain State fairs were called off. In Belmont, a drive by farewell to retiring Queen of Apostles Catholic Church pastor Father Frank Cancro was held and lots of photos from it made the pages.
July 30 came along and the BannerNews for that week spotlighted the lunch truck program named Our Daily Bread that saw Karen Leatherman drive through neighborhoods giving out lunches to kids and sharing Bible stories as well. Local history got a mention that week with a piece on Jack Page who had accumulated a large collection of Native American artifacts on his rambles years ago on the South Point peninsula.
The month of August started out with BannerNews dated the 6th and a front page piece on Piedmont Homestead organic farm near Stanley. The farm is the brainchild and dream of Mike and Kristina Lore and raises all kinds of crops without chemicals. Another piece that week featured a page of pictures from a cool custom car show that was held at Community Pentecostal Center in Stanley.  The rides ran the gamut from  old timey to fast and modern. On the schoolhouse front, the paper that week also ran a series of photos highlighting East Gaston High and the makeover to its front entrance.
The August 13 BannerNews made a visit to the Cramerton Historical Society Museum to get a look at the work underway there. Another story that week visited First Baptist Mt. Holly to get an update on the nearly complete restoration project following the fire from several years back. On the COVID side, NC Gov. Cooper extended his Phase 2 rules.
August 20 would have normally been the start of new school year, but as the BannerNews reported, it did not happen as usual due to COVID restrictions and precautions. On the bright side, Cramerton Girl Scout Kathryn Cupp built a mini-food pantry and stocked it with canned goods. The cupboard is at Cramerton City Hall. The paper that week also announced a big new development coming to North Belmont on the site of the former Acme mill.
August 27 wrapped up that month in the paper and it was topped by a story on the incredible WWII adventures of Polish-born Stanley Dudko and his wife Jasia. Both of them escaped the Nazis and came to Belmont where he was a teacher at Belmont Abbey and she was a businesswoman. That same paper also spotlighted the Millican Pictorial Museum and the 20,000+ archival photos Allen Millican had gathered from all over the region. School news that week looked at the new Grab and Go lunch program where folks could drive by their school and get a bagged lunch for the kids.
September came along and the Banner News issue dated the 3rd looked at plans for the third annual Mt. Holly Lantern Parade. The event had drawn large crowds to downtown Mt. Holly the previous two years but plans for 2020 were altered a bit to cope with COVID. On the schools front, another article spotlighted renovation work at a number of local schools. Bond money from 2018 was being used to fund the work.
The September 10 BannerNews had a great story on Gertrude Harris who had just turned 100 years old. She had lived in East Belmont most of her life and still kept house there.  On the municipal front, the City of Belmont’s CityWorks building project was nearly complete. The project converted a 40 year old former mill into a modern facility for city staff and cost $34.8 million.
The September 17 BannerNews looked at plans for the City of Belmont’s new Parks and Rec. facility that is also slated to be built in front of the CityWorks structure. The 45,000 sq. ft. building will house a gym, offices, workout rooms and more. Good news for the September 17 Banner News included the information that Gaston Schools had achieved an 88 percent grad rate. Over in Mt. Holly, the fire department held a special COVID mask giveaway event.
The month of September came to an end with the BannerNews edition for the 24th. That issue visited the new St. Joseph College Seminary in North Belmont and its incredible main building and campus. Another outing that week went to Shining Hope Farms near Stanley where veterans were receiving care via hippotherapy- therapeutic horse riding.  In Belmont, the fire department took delivery of a new $600,000 fire engine that was sorely needed.
Autumn and October rolled along and the BannerNews issue for the first of that month saw an article asking if Abe Lincoln’s mom Nancy Hanks had lived in Belmont for a while. To this day a stone marker in the Pinstowe subdivision marks the spot where her uncle Dickie’s cabin once stood and she is said to have spent a spell there before Abe was born. Another article that week looked at our area’s hurricane history including Hugo and Irma. A big void in the October papers was the lack of football game photos due to COVID.
The October 8 BannerNews took a look at the new mural that had been created on the side of the Cramerton fire department. The mural featured the town’s logo and a goat in a canoe. In Belmont, Muddy River Distillery was recognized for having earned a national award for the quality of its rum. Owners and founder Caroline and Robbie Delaney started their business on a shoestring and have built it up to a huge success.
October 15 came around and the BannerNews that week featured a piece on the Brevard Station Museum in Stanley and the treasure trove of historical items there. Another article looked at the CJB Reid House in Belmont where Professor Charles Jesse Reid had lived around 1920. The house is next door to where Reid High used to be. Another article that week explained how the 2020 Christmas Town 5K race would have to be a virtual event due to COVID concerns.
October 22 had several upbeat stories including an update on the Cramerton Historical Society’s artifact collection efforts. Another piece that week had an artistic flair and covered the outdoor painting event in Mt. Holly called “Plein Air Paint Out”. The event featured works by local artists who had created them outdoors and then put them up for display and sale at the Mt. Holly Farmer’s market pavilion.
October 2020 wrapped up with the BannerNews dated the 29th. That issue focused on Mt. Holly city manager Danny Jackson who had announced his retirement after being with the city since 1987. The third annual Mt. Holly Lantern Parade took place and BannerNews was there taking photos of the incredible and artistic lanterns that been created with a circus theme. On a different note - NC Gov. Roy Cooper issued another order continuing Phase 3 COVID restrictions for at least three more weeks.
The November 12 BannerNews looked at the recent election and its results. Local results were tabulated quickly, but the presidential election not so quickly and as you know is till being wrangled over. In Stanley, a story there looked at the naming of the new Blacksnake Road bridge for USMC Cpl. Nic O’Brien who lost his life in Afghanistan in 2011. In Belmont, the Parks and Rec. Dept. got a new and much needed activity bus for a cool $98,000.
Moving along, the November 18th BannerNews featured artist Irisol Gonzalez and the great mural she was creating in the CityWorks building. The mural traces Belmont’s history from its early days to the present time in a wide variety of images and colors. That same issue saw coverage of the Cramerton Veterans Day event. Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient Larry Rick was the main speaker.
The November 25 BannerNews ran a good story taking a look at the installation of stained glass windows at First Baptist Mt. Holly. The beautiful windows are one of the last phases of the church’s post-fire reconstruction. In Belmont, an article profiled work being done at VFW Post 144 by Boy Scout Troop 56 member Jesse Whaley to beautify the place for his Eagle project. On the inside pages, a photo spread featured the Lowell River Sweep cleanup where volunteers picked up a lot of trash along the South Fork River.
December 3 came along and the BannerNews that week featured a story on local beauty queens and the fact that they had won some valuable scholarship funds. Another article that week took a ride with Gaston Schools lunch truck that was delivering lunches to kids in several local apartment complexes. An inside article passed on the word from Gov. Cooper that folks needed to wear their COVID masks at all times. Good news that week came in the form of three GEMS employees getting awards for resuscitating a heart attack patient.
December 10 rolled up and the lead story that week was the announcement that Kevin Krouse had been named as the City of Belmont assistant manager. That same issue also saw photos from the reverse Christmas parade in Belmont. It was the parade that wasn’t a parade but was a parade. Also that week, as in years past, the BannerNews was on the scene at the annual Toy Run for Kids that started in Ranlo. Hundreds of motorcyclists gave out toys to kids and a great time was had by all.
The December 17 BannerNews covered two somber stories - the death of Mt. Holly police officer Tyler Herndon who was killed in the line of duty on December 11, and Rev. Charles Reid who had recently passed away from health issues. The bright spot that week was a profile of the Keep Belmont Beautiful organization.
December drew to a close and the issue dated the 23rd ran a story on Sharon Hodge and her upcoming retirement after serving banking customers in Belmont for 48 years. The inside pages of that paper also ran some photos from Lowell’s reverse Christmas parade which did  a lot to lift the spirits of folks after a year that had been a trying year at best.

(December 31, 2020 Issue)

The Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the hiring of its new president, Marc Jordan. Jordan began work on Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Jordan has more than thirty years of experience consulting and working as a leader for numerous local, regional and metropolitan chambers of commerce. He was previously recognized by his peers as Chamber Executive of the Year in both North Carolina and South Carolina. Jordan also served as president of state chamber associations in North Carolina and Tennessee.
“We are excited to have Marc Jordan lead the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce as our president,” said Heath Jenkins, board chair.
“His experience, passion, collaborative spirit and leadership abilities make him the perfect fit for our organization.”
Most recently, Jordan served as president and CEO of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and CVB where he grew the membership base and raised $5 million for a capital campaign and other programs. While there, he earned a five-star Chamber/CVB accreditation.
“I am honored, appreciative and excited to have been selected to join the leadership team of the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce as the new president,” Jordan said. “I was immediately drawn to the dedication and commitment of the volunteer leadership and staff. I’m anxious to begin my new duties and get to know our members and the unique communities we serve in Gaston County.”
A search committee consisting of numerous past board chairs and led by Shannon and Brad Thomas of Creative Solutions interviewed candidates. Shannon Thomas remarked, “Marc’s resume with his impressive credentials quickly rose to the top of our stack. Once we interviewed him, we knew he was the person with the skills and attitude to lead us forward.”
 

(December 31, 2020 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The Belmont Police Department recently did an in-depth study of traffic speeds in the stretch of N. Main St. between Woodrow and E. Catawba streets.
The study was done over the period Dec. 1 through Dec. 5. The device used to monitor traffic condition was a “Stealth Stat” camera that used radar to both count and clock vehicles. The camera recorded taffic in both directions. The camera was mounted on a light pole in front of the BannerNews office.
Belmont officers Mike Harris and Cody Willett compiled and analyzed the data.
“It was a very good study,” said Willett.
Statistics gathered from the study produced some interesting results. To begin with, a total of 16,700, that’s right, 16,700, vehicles passed down the N. Main/downtown “slot” during the study period.
The speed limit on the stretch in question is 20mph. The study showed that the average speed folks were travelling was 19.89mph. Half of the vehicles were going 20mph or slower. Eighty five percent of the vehicles were going 26mph or slower.
The fastest vehicle clocked was going 43mph.
“That could have been an emergency vehicle,” said Willett.
The study isn’t a one-time done and forget it deal.
“We will do a follow up study just to see if there are any changes,” Willett said.
Another traffic issue on that same stretch of N. Main that Willett will be looking into is the current lack of a sign in the crosswalk informing motorists that they must stop for pedestrians. Signs have been placed there before, only to be knocked down. Similar signs are in place on E. Catawba and the portion of N. Main in the center of downtown.
Now that vehicle speed on the N. Main portion of downtown Belmont has been studied, Belmont PD plans to continue monitoring vehicle speeds in other parts of town.
“We will be out there,” said Willett.
 

(December 17, 2020 Issue)

(See photos of Candlelight Vigil in  honor of Officer Herndon in this issue of Banner-News)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Deep tragedy struck last Friday morning when Mt. Holly police officer Tyler Herndon lost his life performing his duty.
Herndon, 25, was killed in an exchange of gunfire after responding to a report of a breaking and entering at Mt. Holly Car Wash and Arcade near Beatty Drive on NC273 just north of I-85. The incident took place around 3:30am.
Herndon and several other officers engaged a suspect later identified as Joshua Tyler Funk, 24, of Mt. Holly. Shots were exchanged and Herndon was hit. He was taken to CaroMont Main in Charlotte where he passed away.
Funk received a minor injury and was taken to CaroMont Medical Center in Gastonia. He was released and taken first to Gaston County Jail then to Cleveland County Jail. He is being held on charges of first degree murder. Highway 273 was closed for several hours while the investigation took place.
Herndon had been with the Mt. Holly Police Department for less than two years. He was a native of Kings Mtn. where his family had lived for generations.
Mount Holly Police Chief Don Roper honored Herndon during a news conference later Friday afternoon.
“We are hurting, our department is hurting, our family is hurting,” Roper said. “Tyler Herndon is a great man,” Roper said. “He is a hero, he served his community well. Our community is less because our community has lost him. He was a selfless man, wanted to do what he could to serve his community.”
In 2019, Herndon was recognized for his effort to build better relationships between officers and civilians. Herndon would introduce himself to citizens throughout Mount Holly, and would sometimes buy gas and food for people in need.
Roper recalled Herndon fondly, calling him a “fine young man, quiet, with a sense of humor”.
“You could tell he was raised well,” Roper said. “He had great potential.”
Roper said this is the first time one of their officers was killed in the line of duty.
The scene Saturday at the Mt. Holly Municipal Complex was a somber one. In the police department headquarters, officers and staff stood together and talked quietly. Outside, a police car was covered over with flower bouquets and memorials. Officers, firefighters, and a steady stream of citizens stood nearby.
A candlelight vigil was held in Herndon’s honor Sunday evening. It would have been his 26th birthday. His funeral was Tuesday, December 15 at 2:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, with Rev. Dr. Steve Taylor and Rev. Dr. John Sloan officiating. Burial followed at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, Kings Mountain.
Governor Roy Cooper has ordered all North Carolina flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Herndon. The flags will be at half-staff 12 until sunset on Monday, Dec. 14.
 

(December 17, 2020 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Even though Rev. Charles Wesley Reid passed away on Nov. 9 at age 68, his legacy in Belmont and beyond will continue on.
Reid’s motto and life philosophy was the acronym “B.E.L.I.E.V. E.” That stands for Brother, Exceptional, Loving, Inspirational, Energizing, Visionary, and Enthusiastic. He not only embraced those ideals, he lived them each and every day.
Reid had several siblings. They included brothers Oscar, Abriel, Forrest, and sisters Broncher and Vera.
Vera characterized Charles with these reflections.
“Charles was well known in Belmont as someone who stood up for what was right,” she said. “It did not matter what your skin complexion. He was there for everyone.”
Reid was founder of the Belmont Mass Choir.
“He wanted every race to be part of the choir, Vera said.
Reid was a familiar sight sitting on the porch of his grandparent’s home on Sacco St.
“On any nice and sunny day you would find him in one of the rocking chairs,” said Vera.
“He loved for people to stop by and sit on the porch and rock with him. On Sundays after church you could find the front porch and yard full of family and friends.”
Even the pandemic failed to dampen Reid’s hospitable spirit.
“Charles would say we had to practice social distancing,” Vera said. “He always kept bottled water, sodas, and chips for the guests to enjoy. Whenever the family or someone in the community needed some advice Charles would always try to give them words of encouragement or even offer to pray with them.”
Oscar Reid remembered Charles in the form of another acronym..L.O.V.E. That one stands for Leadership, Obedience, Virtue, and Empathy.
“He showed love for all,” Oscar said. “He showed leadership to everybody in his community, ministry, and love of music. He showed obedience in showing his practical acceptance of the authority and will of God. He showed virtue in his daily life by honoring God and being willing to help out people. He showed empathy in his compassion for his family, community, and all mankind.”
Reid valued education.  He graduated from Belmont High School in 1969. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University, a master’s in education from UNC Charlotte, and a master’s in divinity from Hood Theological Seminary.
Reid’s faith was also a driving force in his life starting with Hood Memorial AME Zion Church in Belmont. He went on to become a pastor at several AME Zion churches including Big Pineville, Steele Creek, and Clinton Chapel in Charlotte, as well as Mount Zion in Gastonia.
Oscar recalled one of his brother’s favorite preaching habits.
“He always laid out the theme of his sermons in seven words,” Oscar said.
Reid also had a successful career as a counselor at Family Housing Services of Charlotte. He was also a personnel analyst for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and director of Student Support Services at Johnson C. Smith University. He worked as a career development specialist for Goodwill Industries in Charlotte where he retired in 2019.
One of Reid’s greatest accomplishments was his leadership role with the Charles Jesse Bynum Reid Foundation.
The foundation is named after Reid’s grandfather, Professor Charles Jesse Bynum Reid and his wife, Maude Herndon Reid for whom Reid School for African-American students was named. Today, Reid Park in Belmont is named in the Reid’s honor.

(December 17, 2020 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

There are many unsung heroes in our area and the volunteers with Keep Belmont Beautiful (KBB) are among them.
KBB is dedicated to doing what its name says. On any day you might see volunteers on their hands and knees pulling weeds at the flowerbed at the point of N. Main St. and Central Avenue, or picking up litter along the roadside or riverbank, or tidying up planters in downtown Belmont. If it helps keep the city neat and lovely, KBB is on the job.
“We appreciate all of the hard work that Keep Belmont Beautiful and its volunteers provide to keep our streets clear of litter and our downtown flower beds clear of weeds,” said Belmont city manager Adrian Miller. “They do a great job assisting our public works staff to keep our town looking great!”
Judy Closson helped start KBB about 20 years ago.
Closson had moved from Fort Worth, Texas, where she had been a member of the Fort Worth Clean City and was interested in joining such an organization in Belmont.  She inquired at City Hall and was put in contact with councilman Dick Cromlish.  Dick and Sandra Cromlish had organized a city wide clean up with their son, Stan Cromlish, as a Boy Scout project.  After meeting with Dick and a group of four other Belmont residents; Dick and Sandra Cromlish, Carol Dixon Strange, and Harold Fite, a committee was formed.  Each person contributed $50.00 seed money and Keep Belmont Beautiful began.
Once this committee began meeting regularly, they inquired how to form and become an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful with Jernnie Stultz, who at that time was executive director of Keep Gastonia Beautiful and a trainer with Keep America Beautiful.  Stultz helped KBB organize and train its board, complete by-laws, become incorporated, obtain office space, telephone, etc.  Once all of the requirements were met KBB was certified on April 21, 2001, with Keep America Beautiful.
“Our first office was in the basement of historic City Hall,” Closson said.  “As we grew we were given a small closet at School Specialities by Dick Cromlish.  KBB planned two clean ups (fall and spring) where we would have 100 plus volunteers attend to clean up the city.  David Isnehour, director of public works, played a huge part working with KBB to make these clean ups successful.  Our volunteers are from many groups – Boy and Girl Scouts, church groups, sport teams, Belmont Middle School, South Point High School, school clubs, ROTC, as well as. many regular citizens.  KBB quickly learned the value of a volunteer always remembering ‘a volunteer does not have to be there’.  Mini clean ups were organized by learning that ‘litter breeds more litter’.  Also, some volunteers adopted areas to clean up on a regular basis.”
Later, KBB moved to space provided by City of Belmont in the public works building.  Several years passed and the group moved into the portable building when construction began on the new CityWorks building.
“KBB branched out with several contests, one being the naming of our ‘mascot’ Cleaning Beauty,” said Closson.  “This mascot was designed with a trash can and we won $200.00 at the first Run for the Money sponsored by the Community Foundation of Gaston County.  This Run continues today each spring with matching funds given to nonprofits by donors in the surrounding communities.  Once we had secured funds we were able to begin giving grants to the five Belmont schools each year for a school beautification project on their campus. The Clean Campus project began with judging of the outside grant projects.”
KBB volunteers went into the schools for educating students on ways to help with the drought, growing gardens and recycling.  KBB was instrumental in helping North  Belmont Elementary plan and build an outdoor reading garden.
“We received a grant from KAB to promote a recycling program of plastic bottles,” Closson said.  “They were collected and counted daily.  The classes that collected the most were treated to ice cream parties at the schools.  We were awarded first prize in the area and received 1,000 blue fleece jackets which were made from plastic bottles and were given to the students.”
Over the years KBB added Yard of the Month which is held during the summer months.  Each month four Belmont resident yards and one business are chosen to display the Yard of the Month sign for that month.
Last year under the direction of Board Member, Susan Wall, the Flower Power program began with volunteers maintaining the flower beds on Main Street and in the River District.
“We have purchased pansies for Main Street and mulch for the point of Main and Central Avenue,” said Closson.  “KBB helped get graffiti removed from a building downtown. We have participated in the Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Parade and decorated City Hall for Christmas.”
In addition, KBB holds a plant sale in the spring, held a telephone book recycling  contest along with all county schools and won, put markers on drains for storm water, has held shred days, planted an Angel Tree at Holy Angels in 2014, donated waste containers, a Stowe Park bench, and received a grant from KAB for cigarette waste containers that have been put around the city.
Most recently KBB partnered with the Montcross Chamber giving away 900 free redbud seedlings provided by Dominion Energy to residents.
“We have continued to grow and obtained office space in the new CityWorks building,” Closson says.  “In 2018 the City hired a part time executive director, Beryl Campbell.  Until that time KBB was the only affiliate in NC that was run by a total volunteer staff.”
KBB currently has fifteen board members. The officers are:  Judy Closson, Chairperson, Elizabeth Atterberry, Vice Chairperson, Claudina Ghianni, Secretary and Marcia Abernathy, CPA-Treasurer.
Anyone interested in volunteering call KBB at 705-825-8587.

(December 3, 2020 Issue) 

The Main Street Advisory Board and Downtown Belmont Development Association (DBDA) have recently unveiled eight newly wrapped traffic signal boxes in Downtown Belmont that finally brings a nearly two-year effort to a close. The group’s Design Committee developed the idea to cover the large, silver boxes with artwork selected by the community that would encourage and spur discussion and education about our history by its interpretation through public art, while beautifying these otherwise common looking fixtures. The committee created and selected themes to represent each of the downtown districts in a meaningful way.
A call to artists was published in April of 2019 asking for artwork for the boxes in each of the three themes. For the Historic Downtown District, the committee selected the “Rail” inspiration to feature the inherent mode of transportation in the City’s history. For the Chronicle District the “Innovation” inspiration was chosen to showcase the visionary mill entrepreneurs of the past and the technology-driven innovation of today. In the River District, “Water” was picked as the inspiration to highlight the City’s location surrounded by two bodies of water.
After the call to artists closed in June 2019, the group sought public input through a Facebook survey and through in-person voting at the annual Red, White, and Belmont Festival on July 4th that year.  It was from the top vote getters that the group determined the winners based on suitability of their look at the desired locations, as well as suitability of the art file submitted to be replicated by the printer.  The selected art was also submitted to the NCDOT for its approval and suitability, as it related to public safety.
The artists of the winning pieces were notified of their selection, were provided with honorariums, and formalized final permissions to have their artwork replicated. The featured artists are Michael Clapp, Torian Parker, Lisa Livengood, Holt Harris, and a team representing Holy Angels. Main Street and DBDA Board Chair, Angela Street, stated that among these artists are teachers, an architect, and a group of differently abled individuals.  “It’s inspiring that the anonymous judging process undertaken by the community and the committee resulted in selection of artworks from a diverse group of artists, aptly reinforcing the adage that art knows no boundaries.”
These first installations of Belmont’s Box Art Wrap initiative can be found downtown on Main Street and Catawba Avenue in Belmont.  If you are interested in learning more about the wining Artists and/or the winning Artworks, or if you are an artist wishing to participate in future installations, more information is available on the DBDA website (downtownbelmont.org) under the Box Art Wraps tab.  A public art tour is also in development on the Belmont Go app where more in depth information regarding the history and the artists will be available.  The Belmont Go app is available for free download at the App Store or Google Play and features tours and activities pertaining to Belmont NC.
The organization would like to give recognition of thanks to all participants who worked diligently to bring these installations to fruition, including Angela Street, DBDA Chair;  Emilie Rudisill, Design Committee Chair; Katie Miller, Box Art Wrap sub-committee lead; the team at Gaston Printing and Signs, and special thanks to former committee members Ron Foulk, Ryann Fairweather, and James Dobies for their efforts on bringing public art to Belmont; as well as to the Belmont’s Downtown Director and City Council for helping this initiative navigate and resolve all NC DOT requirements.
 

(December 3, 2020 Issue) 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Back in the 1960s the musical group The Who had a hit tune “The Magic Bus”. Now, Gaston County Schools has a bus that may not be magic but still brings smiles when it pulls up.
The bus is the vehicle that brings ‘Grab and Go’ meals  to students who are engaged in remote learning.
Students who are at school two days a week for in-person instruction have breakfast and lunch meals served to them in their classrooms.  But, what about when students are engaged in remote learning at home?
To ensure that breakfast and lunch are available to all students, Gaston County Schools is continuing its “grab and go” meal program. The program dates back to March when schools closed due to the pandemic.
Now, students involved in remote learning can pick up a breakfast/snack meal and a lunch meal at one of 41 school locations.  Pickup times are weekdays from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. 
However, buses are used to deliver “grab and go” meals on weekdays to neighborhood locations across the county. Locations in our area includes Rollins Apartments, Holly Hills Apartments, Kendrick Apartments, Stanley Square Apartments, Reid Park, Flowers Court, Hickory Village Mobile Home Park, McKee Mobile Home Park, Thornwood Community, and Temple of Truth.
The meals are free for children ages 1-18 years, and children are not required to be present to receive a meal.  Students/parents may pick up a meal at the location.
Recently, the grab and go buses delivered Thanksgiving lunches. The menu included turkey or chicken,  dressing, milk, stewed apples, green beans, and a roll.
The bus that visited Holly Hills Apartments in Mt. Holly was driven by Mary Hemphill with Renee Underwood riding along. The bus also visits several other locations and hands out around 130 lunches per day. The route is run five days a week. On Friday, double lunches are given- one for that day and one for Saturday.
Underwood explained how vital the lunch bus- indeed, the entire grab and go program is to students who might not otherwise have their nutritional needs met.
“If the kids don’t have a good meal their mind won’t function,” she said. “We’ve got to fill their bellies.”
For more information about the “grab and go” program, call (704) 836-9110.
 

(November 19, 2020 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

When the new Belmont CityWorks building at 1401 E. Catawba St. opens to the public, folks who step out of the elevator onto the second floor to conduct business such as paying a water bill will be agog at what they see painted on the walls there.
The special and spectacular feature is a mural created by artist Irisol Gonzalez that traces the story of Belmont from its earliest days to the present time and even into the future.
But first, a bit about the artist. Gonzales is a native of Costa Rica who has lived in the U.S. for 20 years. She studied political science and psychology at Appalachian State. She is a self-taught and very talented artist who delves deep into whatever subject she is illustrating. Just a few of her credits include doing a large mural in Charlotte on climate change and a floor mural in the Elizabeth neighborhood on COVID.
Her Belmont project involved plenty of research.
“I used books such as ‘Between Two Rivers’ to learn about Belmont’s history and to see photos from its past,” Gonzales said.
The concept that Gonzales employed to tell Belmont’s story is unique and interesting. First of all, the images she chose from Belmont’s earlier days includes things like trains, the Great Flood of 1916, textile mills, and people such as Professor CJB Reid. These are done in dream-like shades of blue and grey. The 1916 flood waters are painted in a shimmering, Impressionistic style.
Moving on to more modern times, Gonzales shifted her palette to a full spectrum of colors. Once again, trains and textiles are represented as well as iconic images of the city such as Stowe Park and the famed Belmont High letter girls marching in a parade.
“I really love the letter girls,” Gonzalez said.
The mural also looks into Belmont’s future with images of folks riding bikes and enjoying the high quality of life the city offers now and will continue to provide its citizens and visitors for many years to come.
The project took about a month to do and was just finished last week.
“I put a lot of love and work into this project,” Gonzales said.
Overall, the mural is a great example not only of an individual piece of public art but also the desire of city leaders to make the CityWorks structure a place where Belmont’s rich heritage and its progressive present can blend seamlessly together.
To find out more about Gonzales and her work go to irisolgonzales.com. She also has an Instagram site at irisolgonzalezart and is on facebook.
 

(November 19, 2020 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Both Cramerton and Belmont held Veterans Day ceremonies last week.
Cramerton’s outdoor event took place Saturday at the Veterans Memorial plaza downtown. A nice sized crowd showed up under sunny skies. Several Crameron civic groups were involved in planning the event including the Cramerton Historical Society.
The colors were presented by the Marine Corps League. The National Anthem was sung by Sgt. John Cates, USMC. The prayer was led by Capt. Scott Kincaid, U.S. Army. Rhett Cozart, CWO-4 U.S. Navy was Master of Ceremonies. Cramerton commissioner Richard Atkinson made remarks. Cpl. Glenn Perkins, USMC played Taps.
Guest speaker was Sgt. Larry Rick, a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient.
“This Veterans Day, I urge all Americans to pause and give thanks that you reside in the only nation in the world where you truly live free, enjoy the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” Rick said. “When you pass a man or woman wearing a hat that says ‘veteran’, take a moment to shake their hand and thank them for their service and sacrifice.”
 Belmont’s Veterans Day service was held last Wednesday at American Legion Auten-Stowe Post 144.
Post members and special guests attended the ceremony that honored and remembered veterans past and present.
Post Commander Barry Smith had these opening remarks.
“Let there be no doubt that veterans have a common bond in their willingness to die for our nation,” Smith said. “We are here today to show our support for the men and women who serve our country. There is no such thing as an insignificant military service.”
As is the Post 144 tradition, veterans in attendance at the ceremony were invited to share their thoughts.
Veteran and new Post 144 member Scott Carty told about how he enlisted right after high school.
“I always wanted to be a soldier,” he said. “I signed up in October 1985 and served in Germany. I was stationed near mine fields. It was an adventure.”
Carty became emotional as he wrapped up his remarks.
“The main thing is, you always think about the guys,” he said.
Veteran Tom Klem told about how joining the military turned his life around .
I went to boot camp in July 1981 and it woke me up,” he said.
Klem also spoke about how several of his family members were veterans including his grandmother who was in the WACS in WWII and his father who served in the Navy, also in WWII.
“I was in the National Guard in peacetime and I pray to live up to their honor,” he said.
About Veterans Day
Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. Veterans Day commemorates veterans of all wars. Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World War I and World War II on or near November 11th: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). In Europe, Great Britain and the Commonwealth countries it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11. Every Veterans Day and Memorial Day, Arlington National Cemetery holds an annual memorial service. The cemetery is home to the graves of over 400,000 people, most of whom served in the military.

(November 12, 2020 Issue)

Last week the City of Belmont received a magnificent, handmade, table for the conference room in the new City Hall.
The 14x5 ½ foot table was made from wood re-purposed from the 100-year-old  Chronicle Mill project owned by John and Jennifer Church. The centuries old yellow heart pine wood was part of the mill’s second story supports. Construction of the table was done by Brian Hackett and Christopher Stone. Iron Giant crafted the wrought iron base.
“We want to make an effort to bring the history of Belmont to the new City Hall building through furniture and art that honors our heritage,” said city spokesperson Jamie Campbell.

(November 12, 2020 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The 2020 General Election last week is one that will go down in history. 
The local voting scene was pretty much wrapped up quickly. The national Presidential scenario not so much.
Early voting was the name of the game across the board. In Gaston County alone, 63.24 percent (95,449) of the 150,704 registered voters cast their ballots before the Nov. 3 election day came along.
Visits to local polling places confirmed that fact. This reporter visited polling locations in Mt. Holly, Belmont, Cramerton, and Catawba Heights and the long lines of voters that some folks had feared were not in evidence.
Neil Chastain had arrived early at the Belmont Central Elementary polling place and had this to say.
“I was here at 6:30 am and there were about fifty people in line but the line dwindled quickly,” he said.
At the Mt. Holly polling place, poll chief Tina Sagasi gave this report.
“After early voting was over, there were only about 1,600 voters in this precinct who had not voted,” she said.
Poll chief Jonathan Baines at Cramerton gave his observation.
“It has been steady, but slow,” he said.
Catawba Heights poll chief Jeremy McCarey called the turnout “steady”.
At press time, here are the numbers.
North Carolina governor Roy Cooper (DEM) defeated challenger Dan Forest (REP) 2,803,782 (51.48%) to 2,563,258 (47.06%)
In the contest for U.S. Senator, incumbent Thom Tillis (REP) beat challenger Cal Cunningham (DEM) 2,640,381 (48.73%) to 2,543,693 (46.94%).
The U.S. House of Representative District 5 race witnessed Virginia Foxx (REP) beat David Brown (DEM) 255,767 (67.02%) to 118,444 (31.04%).
Closer to home, the NC Senate District 43 race between Kathy Harrington (REP) and William Young (DEM) saw incumbent Harrington come out ahead 68,545, (65.55%) to 36,031 (34.45%).  The District 44 contest saw Ted Alexander (REP) win over David Lee Lattimore (DEM) 3,837 (69.57% to 1,678 (30.43%).
The local NC House of Representatives District 108 race witnessed incumbent John Torbett (REP) come out ahead of David Caudill (DEM) 24,656 (63.38% to 14,302 (36.71%). District 109 had Dana Bumgardner (REP) win over Susan Maxton (DEM) 28.715 (62.16%) to 17,477 (37.84%). In District 110, Kathy Hastings (REP) ran unopposed and got 19,612 votes.
The NC District  Court Judge District 27A Seat 03 contest witnessed Donald Rice (REP) top Richard Abernethy (DEM) 68,401 (62.40% to 41,209 (37.60).
The Gaston County Board of Education had several contests going. At Large member Jeff Ramsey won with 39,987 votes (43.74%). The Cherryville Township race was won by Beverly Lovelace with 43,231 votes (51.50%). Crowders Mtn. Township was won by Brent Moore with 55.412 votes (65.33%). Gastonia Township Dot Guthrie with 42,532 (45.62%).
The Gaston County Board of Commissioners South Point Township race was won by Ronnie Worley (REP) who ran unopposed and got 75,246 votes.
And now for the Presidential election.  This year there was no election night winner. In fact, it was not until last Saturday (Nov. 7), that Joe Biden was said to be the victor. However, as this week’s edition of the BannerNews went to press on Nov. 10, questions of alleged improprieties regarding voters/vote counting were still being aired and Donald Trump had not officially conceded.
* Complete and more detailed election results from Gaston County can be seen at the Gaston County Board of Elections website. Updated statewide votes are on the NC Board of Elections website.
 

(November 12, 2020 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The City of Belmont Parks and Rec. Dept. has just received a much needed brand new activity bus. The  bus, a Starcraft brand, was bought from Carpenter Bus Sales out of  Franklin, Tenn. and cost $98,000. “It was a good deal,” said Parks and Rec. director Zip Stowe. “It was mostly paid for with money from the sale of some land in North Belmont. The rest came from the general fund.”
The bus can carry 25 passengers along with two wheelchairs. Colorful graphics with the new City of Belmont logo were done by Gaston Printing and Signs.
Stowe says the city should get at least ten to fifteen years of use out of the bus. Parks and Rec. already has an older bus that was very well used with over 60,000 miles on the odometer..
Stowe explained how the new bus will enhance the Parks and Rec. transportation situation.
“We will use it for senior citizen outings as well as trips by the city council to other cities and counties,” he said. “It will really help with our summer youth and adult programs and trips to ball games.”
All that planned travel and action is of course is dependent on the Covid-19 situation.
Rocky Branch Park update
Stowe also talked about the situation at Rocky Branch Park.
The park is located at the end of Woodrow St. and was originally built for mountain biking. In response to requests by citizens for more hiking trails, it will be receiving some updates and changes.
“We will be changing 3,200 feet of trail to make it better suited for multi-purpose activities such as walking,” Stowe said. “It will be more diverse and  part of the Carolina Thread Trail.”
Seven new bridges will be built on the trail at a cost of $94,600. The city will pay $4-6 thousand with the rest being picked up by a  Carolina Thread Trail grant.
According to Stowe, work on the project should start in December and take three to six months to complete depending on  the weather.
The upcoming project is just the first of several planned for the trail and while that’s going on folks will still be able to use it while the work is underway.
 

(November 12, 2020 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The Town of Stanley recently honored the late U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nicholas O’Brien by naming the new Blacksnake Rd. bridge in his honor.
O’Brien, 21, of Stanley, North Carolina died June 9, 2011 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.  O’Brien was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine  Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California.
He was born May 23, 1990 in Charlotte, NC and was a graduate of East Gaston High School.
Over a thousand people showed up for O’Brien’s memorial service at the First Assembly of God Church on Myrtle Street in Gastonia.
He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on June 28th, 2011.
At the Oct. 22 Stanley town council meeting, N.C. Rep. John Torbett presented Nic’s parents Richard and Tammy O’Brien with a replica of the sign that is now on the bridge as well as with a NC state flag and certificate of honor.
Other dignitaries at the presentation included Stanley mayor Steven Denton, Gaston County commissioner Chad Brown, police chief Derek Summey, recreation director Tug Deason, councilman Bud Pate, and Vidia Torbett.
A monument to O’Brien also stands in Harper Park on Blacksnake Rd.
 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The City of Mt. Holly has named Miles Braswell as its new city manager. Braswell had served as assistant city manager since April 2016. He was officially named to his new post by the city council on October 26 and his first day in the office  as city manager was November 2.
Braswell’s predecessor Danny Jackson recently retired after ten years as city manager and was instrumental in preparing him for his new post.
“I  had the pleasure of hiring Miles as the City’s Streets & Solid Waste Director in 2014,” Jackson said. “Miles performed really well at the position. I was then able to promote Miles to assistant city manager, all due to his effectiveness and efficiency in the workplace. Miles and I embarked upon succession planning which has now culminated in him being appointed by the city council as the new city manager in Mount Holly. I am extremely proud of Miles for his hard and dedicated work as a city employee and my partner. Miles possesses the kind of skills that it takes to be successful in his new position. He is prepared to lead the City of Mount Holly into the next chapter of its future.”
Braswell thanked Jackson for his support and guidance.
“I learned so much from Danny,” Braswell said. “He’s been a mentor since day one.

He’s really a great person in general as well as a friend.”
Braswell brings energy, youth, enthusiasm, and experience to the job.  He is a Gaston County native and a graduate of NC State University with a BS in Natural Resources- Soil and Water Systems. He also attended the University of North Carolina School of Government  where he was a Leading for Results Fellow and also earned a Municipal and County Administration Certificate.
Before joining the City of Mt. Holly, he worked for the City of Charlotte as  a project manager and Gaston County Schools as a bond project manager and transportation director.
Just a few of his myriad accomplishments  and involvements with Mt. Holly include the Hwy. 273 widening project, N. Main St. parking lot improvement, downtown and parks WI-FI project, recycling truck art wrap project, revise trash and recycling route collections, gateway signage, new public works and fire station projects, website redesign, ADA transition, assisting with annual city budgets, and many, many, more.
Braswell plans on taking a listen and learn approach to his new position.
“I have been evaluating things,” he said “I will meet with the city council, staff, as well as business, and civic leaders to hear their advice. I am fortunate to know the city staff and the team that Danny assembled and it is a great one.”
Braswell feels fortunate to be where he is.
“I’m, so excited and blessed to take this step with the City of Mt. Holly,” he said. “It will be an honor to serve the council and citizens. Mt. Holly is a great place to live and work. It is a vibrant community with a proud history and a bright future.”
Braswell and his wife of  20 years Erin have three children, Mason, Reese and Riley.

(October 29, 2020 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

After many years of exemplary and heartfelt service, Mt. Holly city manager Danny Jackson has announced his retirement. His last official day as city manager will be Nov. 1.
However, after a 30 day period as stipulated by the NC Local Government Employee Retirement System, he will return in December as a consultant to the city council working on special projects.
A strong faith and fierce love of his town have been two of the driving forces behind Danny Jackson’s three decades working for the City of Mt. Holly.
Jackson has held the post of city manager since 2010, but started his career back in 1987 with the parks and recreation department.
“I was working in the private sector at the time and one day was playing basketball with a friend who worked for the City of Mt. Holly,” Jackson said. “It wasn’t planned, but I heard about a job opportunity in parks and recreation and I grabbed it.”
Jackson, who is an Appalachian State grad with a degree in Business Management,  worked that position for three years, then in 1990 he transferred to the planning department as a code enforcement officer. In 1995 he was promoted to planning director. In 2003 he became assistant city manager and in 2010 the city council named him city manager.
Throughout his career, Jackson has been a person that people could trust. He looked back on his beginnings as a coach at parks and rec. as the foundation and essence for that feeling.
“When I was coaching kids I tried to built a relationship with them,” he said. “Now, those kids are adults with their own families. I hope my legacy is one of trust.”
Jackson’s desire to guide and mentor youth will also be a big part of his retirement. He plans to achieve that goal with the non-profit Danny Jackson Leadership Institute.
“I want to teach the principles of leadership to young people in middle and high school,” he said.
In addition to his city duties, Jackson has managed to find time for other civic involvements including the United Way, serving on the Mt. Holly Community Relief Organization Board, the Gaston County Land Use Planning Committee, and the Gaston Outside Image Campaign Committee. He’s also a founding member of the Mt. Holly Black History Committee and has served as president of the Mt. Holly Rotary Club. He was Mt. Holly’s Man of the Year in 2016.
Over the years, he has received numerous awards including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Award, the Kay Jackson Living Legend Award, the Jessie Mae Robinson  Humanitarian  Award, and being named Mt. Holly Man of the Year 2016 to name a few..
Jackson’s biggest accolade was presented to him at the Oct. 12 city council meeting- the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. That prestigious award is the highest that the State of North Carolina gives to people who have made significant contributions to their communities, in their profession, and to the state.
“Receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine was a great honor and totally unexpected,” Jackson said. “I am thankful to everyone who brought it about.”
Other retirement good wishes also have also come Jackson’s way from the offices of Congressman Patrick McHenry and NC Rep. John Torbett.
Another trait that Jackson and all great leaders have is to give a tip of the hat to others for their support.
“I appreciate the Banner and the good things it has done for me and the City of Mt. Holly,” he said. “Dwight Frady, Jim Heffner,  and Sarah Nixon were all kind to me. “Alan is the last stop.”
Of course, retirement will give Jackson some “down time” as well. He plans to spend it with his wife Kay, their four children, and his grandchildren.
Overall, Jackson has been and will continue to be a beacon of light  in Mt. Holly.
“I have always wanted to be a good representative of Mt. Holly,” he said. “I have always wanted to do what was best for the city. I am so grateful for the opportunity the city has given me and I hope it has been an even exchange.”

(October 29, 2020)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Even with many special events of other types canceled due to the COVID19 situation, the much-anticipated third annual Mt. Holly lantern parade took place on October 24 starting at 7pm in Tuckaseege Park and as expected provided a spectacular show.
The event was a “parade in reverse”. That is, the hand crafted paper, wire, and lights lanterns were placed at stations in the park, and folks who attended strolled past them. About 1,400 people pre-registered to come see the dozens and dozens of lanterns glowing in the dark.
Social distancing guidelines were observed and everyone wore masks.
The previous two lantern parades were artistic spectacles that saw lanterns in
an amazing array of shapes and sizes marched down Mt. Holly’s Main St. Lantern designs and constructed in those events ran the gamut from sea creatures to birds, mermaids, a huge beer bottle, and even a vintage carriage with a (real) fairy princess child inside.
This year’s parade was just as great. The theme was “The Circus is Coming to Town” and many of the lanterns resembled circus animals and other big top scenes including acrobats, tents, clowns, and more. A balmy autumn evening provide the perfect backdrop to see the parade. As in previous years, the third annual parade had plenty of participation by local schools and students. Schools that took part included Ida Rankin Elementary, East Gaston High, Mt. Holly Middle, Kiser Elementary, Springfield Elementary, Beam Elementary, Cramerton Middle, and Pinewood Elementary.
Ida Rankin art teacher Abigail McLaurin talked about the importance of having students take part.
“We really need things like this,” she said. “It gives the kids a sense of pride in their community and school.”
This year’s parade was a collaboration between organizer  and Awaken Gallery owner Emily Andress, the Mt. Holly Community Development Foundation, and the City of Mt. Holly.
“Cheri Love with the city did so much to help us get this done,” Andress said. “She was invaluable.”
The lantern parades were the brainchild of Andress who in previous years had brought in lantern making talent from as far away as Ireland to help teach parade participants how to craft their creations with hands-on workshops.
The lanterns this year were arguably the best ever in terms of craftsmanship and artistic vision.
“The people who made lanterns really stretched themselves,” Andress said. “If someone had to have a pandemic project, this is possibly the most exciting thing ever!”
 

Arts Mount Holly, part of the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation, has completed a very successful second annual Plein Air Paint Out titled “Fall Palette”!
For three full days - Thursday, September 24th through Saturday, September 26th - local artists and students from the Mount Holly, Gaston County, and greater Charlotte metro areas were out and around the city of Mount Holly, painting in “plein air” (outdoors). It was rainy much of the first two days of the event, but that didn’t stop the artists who huddled under vehicle hatch doors, awnings, or umbrellas!
Twenty adults and more than thirty students submitted artwork that was judged by artist Kate Worm for awards totalling more than $1,000. The winning student artist also received a sketch box worth $200 donated by Hallman Design.
The public was able to preview the work of artists and students at the Mount Holly Farmer’s Market at 226 S. Main Street and listen as awards were announced before having a chance to purchase and take home the fresh-off-the-easel paintings. All proceeds from the sales, excluding taxes and transaction fees, went directly to the artists.
For more information about Arts Mount Holly and future events, please visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artsmountholly.
So, what is Plein Air art?
It’s a manner or style of painting developed chiefly in France in the mid-19th century, characterized by the representation of the luminous effects of natural light and atmosphere as contrasted with the artificial light and absence of the sense of air or atmosphere associated with paintings produced in the studio. It’s a painting executed out of doors and representing a direct response to the scene or subject in front of the artist having the qualities of air and natural light.
 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

There’s so much positive energy flowing in Cramerton these days  the air crackles.
Just a couple of weeks ago, the town got a striking new mural applied to the fire department building. Now,  the  Cramerton Historical Society (CHS) is officially open for the beginning of their artifact collecting and donations campaign.
The Cramerton Historical Society’s physical location is at the Cramerton Community Center’s first (bottom) floor at 1 Julian Street. A CHS representative will be available from 10am-12noon every Thursday and Friday in October and going into November.
If you think you have special artifacts that are important to Cramerton’s rich history, please feel free to come by.
All public health protocols must be followed when entering the Community Center such as wearing a mask and appropriate social distancing.
The CHS’s first president, Jeff Ramsey explained how the society and museum museum ideas were hatched.
“In 2015 we had very successful Cramerton Centennial Celebration.  Everyone enjoyed the 100 year time display from 1915-2015,” he said.  “It portrayed Cramerton’s rich history and artifacts during the celebration . We decided to create a non-profit organization, Cramerton’s Historical Society, in 2015 to share our history with surrounding communities, since we did not have a place for a museum.  Our focus was celebrating the 100 year landmarks in Cramerton with fundraiser events by presenting them with historical markers, such as Maymont’s mansion from 1917 to 2017 and Mayworth / Cramerton’s School from 1919 to 2019.  Multiple events were held at local elementary schools to share the history of Cramerton. We were able to help spearhead the Cramerton Veteran memorial in 2018 with the Town of Cramerton to honor all the Veterans of Cramerton.  Cramerton is very excited to have a museum enabling us to provide events and display our rich history and artifacts of Cramerton. We want to thank the Town of Cramerton for all their support and for providing us a place for the museum.”   
The museum will be strong on visuals including plenty of vintage photos from Cramerton’s past. A good example of this is the huge, black and white aerial photo of Cramer Mills that covers one entire wall of the museum’s main space.
“Allen Millican provided the photo and Ken Parrott of Bedgood Advertising made the mural,” museum chairman Richard Atkinson said.
Another feature of the museum will be large, foldable panels that will have photos and graphics attached. There will be six double panels measuring 80x30 inches. Subject matter on the panels will be changed periodically.
One big item on the museum’s to do list is turning a small room into a replica of Stuart Cramer’s office when he ran the mills. His imposing desk is currently in the Cramerton Town Hall.
“We need items that would have been in an office circa 1920s to 1930s,” Atkinson  said.
Other items planned for display will naturally include a tribute to Cramerton’s famous khaki cloth that was used to make countless WWII uniforms.
Another, larger room on the Community Center’s lower level is currently used by senior citizens as a fellowship hall for their weekly lunch gatherings. One wall of that space has already been covered with large, framed, archival photos showing things such as the hotel and rail depot that were once in Cramerton. The photos were previously in the recreation center gym across the street.
“We plan to use the fellowship hall for special events,” said Atkinson.
Speaking of special events, the museum plans several fundraisers as soon as things return to “normal”.
“We plan to have a fish fry this fall,” Atkinson said.
The Cramerton Historical Society is actively seeking young folks to join its ranks. Stuart Cramer High student Tanner Stroman, 16,  is a member and is helping with the audio-visual and technical side of things.
“It’s important for everyone to know about their past,” he said. “It’s important to know about where you live.”
Please note that the Cramerton Historical Society is an independent 501c3 non-profit organization. If you have any questions, please contact the Chairman of the Museum Committee, Richard Atkinson at ratkinsonno1@yahoo.com.
For future announcements regarding the Cramerton Historical Society’s artifact collecting and other news, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CramertonHistoricalSociety.

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Now that cool fall days are here and Halloween upon us, it’s a perfect time to get some outdoor exercise and learn about our local lore by strolling through old graveyards.
The oldest graveyard in the BannerNews region is Goshen Cemetery on Woodlawn St. in North Belmont. This plot dates back to the early part of the 19th century and was the burying ground for Goshen Presbyterian Church that was founded in 1764. It is said to be the oldest graveyard west of the Catawba River.
The ground where Goshen Cemetery is located was originally owned by Robert Smith. It was part of a 650 acre piece of property that Smith had bought from two Catawba Indians that encompassed what is now most of Catawba Heights and North Belmont. In 1839 Smith sold 17-acres to the Goshen Church Trustees for eighty-five dollars. Smith and many of his relatives are buried in Goshen Cemetery.
Joining Smith in the graveyard are about a dozen men who fought in the American Revolution. A plaque naming them was at one time affixed to the cemetery gate, but it is now gone. Most of the old tombstones in Goshen Cemetery have survived, including some going back nearly 200 years, but vandals have also desecrated several others.
Other graves in the older portion of Goshen Cemetery hold members of Belmont area pioneers including names such as Armstrong, Abernethy, Fite, and Rhyne.
Local legend has it that there were once Indian burial mounds and a village near where Goshen Cemetery is located.
The Abernethy clan itself also has a small and very old cemetery at the end of Turner Rd. off Hickory Grove Rd. not far from Goshen Cemetery.
The Smith name also appears on an old graveyard on Belwood Dr. off South Point Rd. This Smith graveyard has dozens of graves going back to the early 19th century. For many years it was neglected and had fallen prey to vandals, nature, and time. However, an effort led by Leigh Ford of Charlotte a couple of years ago saw most of the broken tombstones repaired. Ford and other volunteers also cleaned up the overgrown grounds and formed an organization dedicated to preserving the site.
In East Belmont there’s a tiny old graveyard on Old NC7 near the Catawba River known as the Abee Cemetery. The cemetery is surrounded by a stone wall. Names that appear on some of the tombstones go back to the early 1800s and include Fite, Smith, Abee, Ewing, and Wells.
Machpelah Presbyterian Church’s rock-walled cemetery off Old Plank Rd. near Stanley was established in 1801 as a family graveyard located halfway between Joseph Graham’s Vesuvius Furnace and Alexander Brevard’s Mt. Tirzah Forge. In 1848, the quaint church was built beside the cemetery. The first pastor of the church was Dr. Robert Hall Morrison, president of Davidson College and father-in-law of Confederate general “Stonewall” Jackson. The small Greek Revival Church contains pews and a slave gallery that are thought to be original. Members of the Graham, Brevard, and Morrison families are buried in the cemetery.
Flat Rock Cemetery on Flat Rock Rd. near Mount Holly holds the graves of several Civil War veterans. This graveyard is maintained by the Flat Rock Cemetery Association and Confederate History and Monument Preservation Society. Among the markers is one dedicated to seven Confederate soldiers who drowned in the Catawba River as they were returning home after the end of the Civil War. The men had hitched a ride on a fishing boat that capsized as they were crossing the swollen river on April 25, 1865.
An old graveyard in the backyard of a school might seem an odd mix, but that’s the case with the Pinhook Cemetery and Lowell Elementary. The graveyard is on a gravel path in the woods behind the school and has an association with the 19th century Pinhook textile mill that once stood nearby on the banks of the South Fork River. Among the graves is Nathan Ford who died in 1824. Other graves are marked Harris and Huffstetler. Each year, the kids from Lowell Elementary as well as other volunteers tidy the little graveyard up.
Old graveyards are not only interesting to visit during Halloween, they are a reminder of our area’s  past and the people who lived here in decades gone by.

The Lowell Police Department recently gave out 202 goodie bags  at their National Night Out event. It was great to see so many smiling faces and our officers are really appreciative of all the kind words, gestures, and handwritten notes from the kids. Special thanks to Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont Troop #20023 Leaders Sandi Heavener, Rosemary Grant, and Melanie York for volunteering at our event this evening and thanks to our sponsors McKenney Chevrolet and DICK’S Sporting Goods.
City of  Lowell photos
 

Tucked away in the Charlotte suburbs, Belmont, N.C. has grown to become a delightful destination for escaping the hustle and bustle, steeping oneself in the blossoming environment and connecting with the beauty and benefits of nature.
As COVID-19 effects continue in North Carolina, there’s no better time to experience the peaceful excitement of recreation in this quaint city.
Whether it’s “quarantine fatigue” or a simple desire to reconnect with the great outdoors, Belmont shares its many recreational opportunities with families, friends, passersby and individuals needing a nature-filled break. Cooler temperatures in the southern United States usher in perfect moments for fresh air, family activities and necessary exercise –and Belmont is a superb suburb for doing just that.
From casual walks through the historic downtown to adventures along the Catawba River or Carolina Thread Trail, Belmont  extends ample beauty alongside movement and play as well as occasions for improving mental health.
Places to explore in Belmont include: Daniel Stowe BotanicalGarden. Find 300 acres of lush land featuring seasonal blooms and colorful walkways.The Garden recently reopened to the public with extended hours open to members. This destination also boasts its Persimmon Trail, a half-mile short trail that is part of the Seven Oaks Preserve Trail (this trail is available without Garden admission). Seven Oaks Preserve Trail–at 2.8 miles with moderate difficulty, hike or bike down this longest continuous trail along Lake Wylie. Its pathways are part of the Carolina Thread Trail and connect to trails at the Garden. Rocky Branch Park–In the heart of Belmont, Rocky Branch boasts 40 acres, which includes a four-mile trail for hikers and cyclists. Anchored Soul–This Belmont-based business offers standup paddle boarding rentals and lessons to Lake Wylie watergoers of all skill levels. South Fork River Blueway–This 8.4-mile segment of the South Fork River welcomes kayaking and slow-moving paddles among other activities. There are numerous launches across Gaston County, including one at South Fork Village in Belmont.
The renowned Mayo Clinic shared ways to cope with anxiety, worry and social distancing during the ongoing pandemic. Regular physical activity was recommended in addition to “relax and recharge” techniques. Nature is an ideal medicine for just this; according to Harvard Men’s Health Watch, numerous researched studies indicate a positive relationship between mood improvement and escaping outside. Notes published research from the university, “It appears that interacting with natural spaces offers other therapeutic benefits. For instance, calming nature sounds and even outdoor silence can lower blood pressure and levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which calms the body’s fight-or-flight response.”
As October begins, our recreational opportunities remain openat this time, welcoming adventurers from near and far for improved mental health, increased activity and abundant sightseeing.
“We’ve shared al fresco dining and noticed more and more people discovering our local parks,” said Jim Hoffman, chairman of the Belmont Tourism Development Authority. “We look forward to cooler weeks, changing leaves and the brisk air that brings locals and visitors to our city’s trails, parks and sidewalks.”Contact:Melinda Skutnick|Lyerly Agencymskutnick@lyerly.com
From aquatic adventures to land-based leisure, Belmont has a little something for everyone. Find picnic tables and water views at Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park, the Belmont GO History Walk on the brick-lined streets of downtown and the vibrant autumnal blossoms across our city “where southern charm blossoms.” It’s a season of adventure in Belmont, N.C., and we’ll see you outside soon!

At the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, advocates are available to assist victims of domestic violence by filling out applications for emergency restraining orders and/or warrants they may need against an alleged abuser, as well as assist someone in getting resources or answers to general questions surrounding restraining orders. Domestic Violence Advocates available inside the Sheriff’s Office for victims Monday through Friday, from 8:00am-2:00am; as well as Saturdays, Sundays & holidays, from 1:00pm-2:00am.
Advocates are also riding with Deputies daily to assist other agencies responding to Domestic Violence calls in the county in order to reach out to victims for first hand support and with applicable resources.
Domestic Violence is not just physical violence. If you or someone you know needs to speak to an advocate please call (704) 869-6843.

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

One of Belmont’s most historically significant structures has been hiding in plain sight at 301 Sacco St. for 100 years.
The Professor Charles Jesse Bynum Reid House dates to 1920 and was his residence during his time as a professor and principal at Reid High School which was located right next door. The property  where the school was is now occupied by a City of Belmont park.
On September 20, Reid relatives, friends, and Reid community citizenry gathered at the house for a special program recognizing its significance not only to the local African-American neighborhood, but to the region as well.
The event included music, remarks by keynote speakers, and prayer. A raffle was also held and the prize went to Gianni Rodriguez, a charter member of the Reid Junior Rams group.
The Reid Junior Rams has about ten members at the current time. Members range in age from five to eighteen years old.
Charles Jesse Bynum Reid Foundation, Inc. president/CEO Charles Reid described the group’s mission.
“We want to teach them the heritage and legacy of Reid High,” he said. “We want to inspire them to excel in whatever they want to do.”
Tours of the house were also part of the day.
According to Abriel Reid, the house looks pretty much like it did when Professor Reid and his brother Craig built it.
“He was living in Lowell at the time and rode a bicycle here every day to work on it,” Abriel said.
Inside, the house is a treasure trove of Reid family and school memorabilia including yearbooks, photos, awards, a letter from Barack Obama, and the original keys to the school. There’s also an original school desk. Upstairs, bedrooms are furnished in old time style and dedicated to civil rights leaders Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Frederick Douglas. A large poster also pays tribute to the Tuckaseegee Airmen, WWII pilots.
Charles Reid recalled how the house and grounds looked when he was growing up.
“I remember the chicken coop and a big cherry tree,” he said. “There was a fig tree too.”
Charles says a cow was once a resident and an antique butter churn found under the house backs that legend up.
The house today is kept in good repair and it’s obviously loved by everyone on Sacco St. and the surrounding neighborhood. Charles Reid stays there sometimes and keeps an eye on things. The lawn is tidy and the front porch has several inviting rocking chairs. It’s easy to imagine the days when Professor Reid might have sat on the porch and thought deep thoughts.
The Charles Jesse Bynum Reid Foundation, Inc. is a 501C3  non-profit organization. Grants are going to be applied for to improve the house and make it more museum-like. For now, anyone interested in taking a tour of this fascinating and informative Reid community icon or taking part in the Junior Reid program can contact Charles Reid at 704-825-4017 and make arrangements. Online at www.cjbreidfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/cjbrfoundation.

About CJB Reid 1879-1940
He was a 1908 graduate of Knoxville College and the founding principal of the “colored school of Belmont” (later Reid High) in 1918. His wife, Maude Henderson Reid, was a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University and taught at several Gaston County schools.
In addition to being an educator, Professor Reid was also a civic activist. His involvements included Gaston Schoolmasters Club, Gaston Welfare Board, Governor’s Interracial Commission, State Teachers’ Association, Trustee for the Gastonia Colored Hospital, Masonic member, he and his wife were among the co-founding  members of Hood Memorial AME Zion Church in Belmont, and many more.
 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Looking for something interesting to do on a Saturday? Try the Brevard Station Museum in Stanley.
Wait. Why is it called Brevard Station Museum instead of Stanley Museum? That’s because Stanley was originally known as Brevard Station. In the town’s infancy back in the 1800s it was a railroad stop. During the Civil War, soldiers who signed up for the Confederate Army at the old courthouse in Dallas would march down the road to Brevard Station and board the train for the trip to boot camp in Raleigh.
But that was then and this is now. The Brevard Station Museum is located right in the heart of downtown Stanley. It started around 1990 in the old railroad depot building on the other side of the tracks and moved to its current location at 112 S. Main several years ago.
One of the museum’s most popular features is its extensive genealogical collection. The volumes include notebooks on local families such as Carpenter, Clemmer, Abernathy, and Forney.
“We had some women come in and spend four hours looking at their family history,” said Pat Smith, the museum’s secretary.
The same area of the museum where the volumes are located is also a meeting space where programs are held. Right now, the programs on hold thanks to COVID, but they are scheduled t return as soon as restrictions ease.
Local military lore gets plenty of space in the museum. Exhibits include uniforms and equipment going back to the Civil War. Medals, hats, flags, helmets, and more that were donated by local folks fill several display cases.
“We are proud to be a place where people can donate items so their loved ones can be remembered,” said Smith.
The museum also pays homage to the Stanley area’s textile heritage. This includes archival photos of mill workers and other related items. Vintage clothing is also on display as well as items that folks in Stanley once used in their homes in days gone by.
The Stanley area has always been a sports hotspot and the museum features cases with trophies, sports uniforms, cheerleader uniforms and an autographed football from the 1950s.
Another section of the museum is a tribute to Ralph Handsel who was Stanley’s police chief for 50 years. A sculpted bust and a painting of Handsel as well as news clips trace his career as Stanley’s legendary and beloved lawman.
One item at the museum that gets a lot of attention a replica of Stanley’s African-America Springfield Baptist Church. The model was made by legally blind craftsman Everett Brown and features a removable roof that lets folks peer inside and see the church interior.
No visit to the museum would be complete without a look at the full size replica of a Big Leaf Magnolia bloom that was donated by the Schiele Museum in Gastonia. The display is a tribute to French botanist Andre Michaux who prowled the Stanley area back in the early 1800s and discovered the Big Leaf Magnolia growing there. Stanley and its environs are one of the few places on earth where the species is found.
Overall, the Brevard Station Museum is a fascinating place to visit and find out how Stanley grew from a sleepy railroad stop to the vibrant town it is today.
For more information visit Brevardstation.com or call Barry Smith at 704-813-5015 to arrange a Saturday tour.

 

(October 8, 2020 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Public art is alive and well in Cramerton.
Last year, the Town of Cramerton installed a spectacular mural of a WWII P51 fighter plane on the side of a building downtown. Last week saw an equally impressive mural put up on the side of the fire department building as well as a smaller one placed on an older structure on Mayflower St.
The fire station mural was installed by Charlotte-based 310 Signs. The way it was installed was similar to the P51 project. The mural came in sectional vinyl rolls which were stuck to the side of the building, Next, a heat gun was applied to the vinyl sections which bonded them to the bricks.
“The vinyl is good for around seven to ten years,” said Cramerton mayor Will Cauthen. “If any section of it fades or is damaged it can be removed and replaced with a new one.”
The new mural is a play on Cramerton’s “goat in a boat” town logo and shows a billy goat riding in a canoe. Goat Island Park is just across  the South Fork from the fire station. The image was created by artist Julie Masluk who has lived in Cramerton most of her life. She’s a 23-year-old, 2019 graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design and hopes to build a career as a freelance artist. She has a website sterlingwhyart.com.
“Since I often do animal based portraits I was excited to do this project,” she said. “The idea of the goat represents a steady, calm, leadership with the goat the captain of the boat and the guardian of the town.”
Masluk explained how the image went from her mind to the side of the fire station wall.
“I created it digitally using the Clip Studio Paint Program,” she said. “It took about five or six hours to do. The nice part of doing it digitally is the fact that the image can be modified easily. After I finished, the image was sent to 310 Signs and they transferred it to the vinyl.”
In addition to the fire station goat mural, a smaller mural was installed that same morning on the former salt house on Mayflower St. The 60-year-old  building was a storage place for salt that was used in the town water treatment plant many years ago. That mural is a colorful diamond shape with ”Cramerton” spelled out on it.
Mayor Cauthen is excited about the future of public art in Cramerton.
“The Cramerton Merchants Association and several families funded the new mural,” he said. “We have good support for the public arts program.”
 The P51 mural has gotten a lot of looks since it went up last year.
The image is on the side of the Design Tech (former BB&T) building at 109 Center St. and depicts a North American P-51 fighter plane in the background, a Women Air Force Service pilot (WASP) walking away from it after landing, and a pilot telling another one a  flying story with his hands.
All three figures are dressed in uniforms of khaki cloth, made in Cramerton of course. Rounding out the mural scene are several crates marked with the Crameron cloth logo as well as a quote by Maj. Gen. Edmund Gregory from a speech he gave on Sept. 18, 1942 when Cramerton Mills was awarded the Army-Navy E Production Award for the quality and quantity of khaki cloth it had churned out.
Cramerton Army Cloth, an 8.2 ounce twill fabric, was developed by Major Stuart W. Cramer, Jr. following his retirement from the U.S. Army in 1922. Cramerton Mills was awarded the first contract to manufacture the fabric in 1929. Due to its durability and comfort, Cramerton Army Cloth became the standard uniform cloth for the military during WWII and for many decades following. In 1942, Cramerton Mills received the Army-Navy “E” Award for Excellence recognizing the company’s achievement in production of the fabric. Veterans returning home continued to wear their khaki trousers as an everyday garment of civilian life.
 

(October 8, 2020 Issue)

Progress is being made on the facade project at East Gaston High School with a few changes.
Engineers have updated the initial design to coincide better with the school’s colors, and construction crews are working now to put the various components in place, according to principal Jennifer Reep, who says “the new front entrance will make all of us very proud.”
“The revamped facade design features all of the background panels in a navy blue color,” explained Reep.  “Originally, the panels were a mix of navy blue, light blue, and white, but the panels have been repainted after it was determined that the color scheme did not reflect our school colors accurately.”
Reep describes the facade project as “amazing.”  The right end of the facade includes a large screen panel in a red color that features “EG” in white lettering with a navy background.  On the left end of the facade is the name of the school in raised lettering that will be illuminated from behind at night.  Also, lights will shine on the entire facade at night.  Reep mentioned that landscapers were at the school last week planting shrubs near the front entrance.
“Looking at the rendering, you immediately notice that the color scheme correlates better with our school colors, and the facade complements the new entranceway awning that has already been installed,” said Reep.  “It is important to note that the old concrete walkway covering was showing signs of deterioration and needed to be replaced for safety reasons.  We also are very pleased with our new front doors that enhance safety and security.”
The construction project at East Gaston is made possible by the school bonds that were approved by voters in May 2018.  The $250 million school bond referendum provides funds for new school construction, additions to schools, and critical renovations and repairs.  The first allocation of school bond funds – $60 million – is being used to build a new middle school in Belmont and conduct various renovation and repair projects at schools across the county.
Reep added, “Without a doubt, the project gives East Gaston a contemporary facade that dramatically improves the ‘curb appeal’ of our school.  Our school building is almost 50 years old, and I think everyone will agree that when finished, the facade project will give our school a modern, inviting appearance.  After all, we want to make sure that our school looks its very best while ensuring a safe environment for our students, employees, parents, and visitors.”
This summer, facade projects also were completed at South Point and Ashbrook high schools.  At Ashbrook, the concrete sidewalk canopy (similar to the one at East Gaston) was showing its age and was replaced.  The work at South Point included a renovated front entrance with a restructured lobby/vestibule area that controls visitor access to the building and repaving the front parking lot.
The spring and summer months were busy for school projects, including roof replacement at seven schools: Highland, East Gaston, Page, Brookside, Beam Intermediate, North Gaston, and Mount Holly Middle.  The gymnasium at Holbrook Middle School was painted and a new floor, windows, bleachers, and lockers were installed.  Paving projects were completed at Cherryville High, Mount Holly, and Carr Elementary, and the tennis courts at North Gaston were revamped.
Additional projects completed over the summer include gymnasium locker updates at Hunter Huss, elevator upgrade and drainage work at North Gaston, fencing/railing work at Highland and Chapel Grove, elevator upgrade at East Gaston, and a new freezer and dry storage facility at the School Nutrition office in Lowell.
There are a number of school bond construction projects that are planned for the months ahead.  They include the following:
Ashbrook High School: painting and lighting upgrade.
Bessemer City High School: food lab renovation.
Carr Elementary School: life safety improvements (intercom, camera, security, and door upgrades).
East Gaston High School: lighting upgrade and cafeteria update.
Forestview High School: drainage work.
Hunter Huss High School: parking lot paving and cafeteria update.
Mount Holly Middle School: media center update.
New Hope Elementary School: life safety improvements (intercom, camera, security, and door upgrades).
South Point High School: painting and media center update.
Southwest Middle School: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) improvements.
Additionally, work is continuing on the new campus for Belmont Middle School, which will replace the historic school building on Central Avenue that is more than 80 years old.  The new school is expected to be ready for students and teachers to move in for the 2021-2022 year.
 

(October 8, 2020 Issue)

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Robbie and Caroline Delaney’s Muddy River Distillery in East Belmont is living proof that the combination of a dream and lots of hard work can pay off.
Last week it was announced that Muddy River was ranked second among all craft rum distilleries in America  by USA Today’s Ten Best Readers’ Choice Awards contest. A panel of spirits experts selected 20 nominees, and the winners were determined by popular vote. This was the first year that Muddy River was nominated and they surprised a lot of folks in the rum industry.
Actually, it should not have come as such a shock, because Robbie and Caroline have poured their heart and soul into every drop of their rum since the first went into business in 2011.
“It was awesome to get the recognition,” Caroline said. “We were excited just to be on the list. There were some national brands on it and to get  second was huge.”
The idea to start a rum distillery- the first in North Carolina- came to Robbie about a decade ago when he spotted a magazine article on the subject while flying back to Charlotte from a construction job in Texas. Work in the construction industry was drying up and he was casting about, looking for another career. Not only that, but the constant travel was making spending time with Caroline logistically problematic.
“I got excited when I read the magazine article,” Robbie said. “I started doing research on what it would take to build a still and to begin distilling.”
 According to Robbie, a chat with friend Scott Huff, a rum connoisseur, led to the decision to make rum rather than bourbon or some other type of libation. Once the decision to distill legal rum was made, the Delaney’s found a space at the former Piedmont Processing plant.  Robbie used his construction skills to build the his first still. In 2017 he added a 450 gallon whopper called “Independence”.
“It is a mix of art and science,” said Robbie. “The science comes in the design of the still and the art in getting the flavor profile just the way you want it.”
Right now, the Delaney’s are making about 2,400 bottles of rum a week.   Muddy River produces Carolina Rum in four flavors, Silver, Spiced, Coconut, and Basil.  They also produce the premium Queen’s Charlotte Reserve Carolina Rum and Queen’s Charlotte Reserve Single Barrel 4 Year Carolina Rum. The rum is sold in about 200 NC ABC stores as well as in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and South Carolina.. Muddy River also makes a hand sanitzer.
As for the future, Caroline says she and Robbie would like to buy a building to call their own and also have  a bar on site.
The distillery is a fascinating operation. The Delaneys offer tours of the place on Saturdays at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm, Tour-takers need to wear a mask. The physical address is 1500 River Dr, Suite 100. Muddy River also offers sales of its rum, shirts, coozies, and other items.
For more information Muddy River’s inspirational  past and preset, visit http://www.muddyriverdistillery.com/.

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

As recent weather reports and events prove, including the recent drenching we got from Hurricane Sally, this time of year is hurricane and tropical storm season. Even though our coast generally bears the brunt of this foul weather, some of their power has been felt right here in our region.
In mid-September 2018,  Hurricane Florence brought Belmont and the surrounding towns torrents of rain and frisky winds, but thankfully no widespread destruction like the storm left elsewhere.
As usual, before the storm even got here, folks rushed to stores and stripped the bottled water and other drink supplies shelves as cleanly as a piranha fish removes flesh from bone. Gas stations also reported super brisk sales.
Local municipalities braced for the blow and made contingency arrangements early in the week.
All week prior to Florence’s arrival, weather forecasters scratched their heads trying to figure out where the storm was headed and what would happen when it got there.
For us, the answer came  with winds starting to pick up on September 14. The rain held off but dark clouds scurried by overhead as folks craned their necks looking skyward in nervous fashion. A second wave of folks hit the stores and gas stations. TV broadcasters ramped up their rhetoric.
The Saturday morning of September 15 brought showers and blustery winds. This pattern continued all day long and through the night. A quick trip to the South Fork River in Cramerton on Saturday showed no flooding as of late in the afternoon. Goat Island Park was closed.
Sunday saw more rain and winds of over 40mph. Trees were stripped of their leaves. By Sunday afternoon, the South Fork at McAdenville and Cramerton was rising. Water roared over the McAdenville dam.  Weather broadcasters were going wild.
It was not until Monday that things began to settle down and folks could take stock of what had hit our area from the sky.
A year earlier, on September 11, 2017, Hurricane Irma’s “backlash” came to our end of Gaston County.
Irma brought local winds at a steady 20-25mph with overnight gusts to 40mph. Sheets of rain fell throughout the period. Parts of Belmont were without power, phone, or internet service. Besides Belmont, power outage areas also included Mt. Holly, Ranlo, and Stanley.
In Belmont two large trees fell. On Todd St. a tree split in half and blocked the roadway as well as pulling down power lines. On Central Avenue, a massive oak on the grounds of Stowe Manor also knocked down several other large trees on its way to the ground. The root ball was over six feet in diameter.
The effect of Florence and Irma contrasted strongly with what took place in our region back on September 22, 1989 when Hurricane Hugo came calling. Hugo’s smash was the worst natural disaster to hit us since the Great Flood of 1916.
The first images of Hugo’s wrath that folks saw on the front page of the Belmont Banner  showed downed power lines, the screen of the Belmont Drive In Theater lying in a twisted heap, homes with shingles torn away, the water tower at Parkdale Mills with its top missing, and the ticket booth at South Point High sans its roof.
Hugo caused students at Belmont Abbey to be sent home. The roof of the Haid was torn off. The cross at the top of the Abbey bell tower was blown askew.
Belmont’s city manager at the time, Ken York, talked about the mess Hugo left.
“Due to the large mass of tree debris on the sides of the streets, it will take a massive effort to achieve total cleanup.”
In McAdenville, Police Chief James Swanson had a near miss Hugo-style when a tree hit his patrol car as he was driving through town.
“I was coming down Main Street at Mockingbird Lane when the rear end of the car was struck,” Swanson said at the time. “It just pushed the car on across the street.”
Swanson and others worked to clear limbs and debris from the roads in McAdenville, where the damage estimate from Hugo was $1.7 million. That included 300 homes with minor to heavy damage, the roof of the town hall being blown off, and the police department being flooded. An estimated 2,000 trees were down in McAdenville.
In Mount Holly, Mayor Charles Black spoke after Hugo had departed.
“We can survive,” he said. “We’ve had people offering to help in any way they can.”
To house those whose homes were damaged by Hugo, the Mount Holly Jr. High gym was opened as an emergency shelter. Members of the Catawba Heights VFD went to work helping clear streets and yards of limbs and trees. Mount Holly police Sgt. Bob Johnson reported there were no injuries due to the storm. However, cars were damaged.
“We did have some trees striking moving vehicles,” he said.
In Stanley, the town’s civil defense siren tower was broken and trees were devastated.
“It’s something I have never seen before and don’t want to see again,” said Police Chief Donnie Davis.
Stanley police worked 16-18 hour shifts after the storm. Stanley Mayor Ned Cannon praised the town’s citizens.
“I’m proud of the people of Stanley,” he said. “We came through the storm well.”
Also in the aftermath of Hugo, the Red Cross set up mobile kitchens in the Belmont/ Mount Holly area that served Hugo victims sandwiches, soup, and drinks. The kitchens were located at places such as Mount Holly Jr. High, Belmont First Presbyterian, and Stanley Rescue Squad. A photo in the Mount Holly News showed Red Cross volunteers from Michigan handing out vittles to folks.
To get the electricity flowing again to the thousands of area homes that were without it, crews from Alabama Power and Light came up to help Duke Power workers. In appreciation, Allen Foreman in North Belmont hung an old quilt with the words “Thank You Alabama Power and Light” painted on it from his front porch.
People pulled together to help one another after Hugo. One person that the Banner profiled in this regard was Ann Auten of Catawba Heights who was helping her disabled neighbor, Shirley Robinson, cope with being without electricity by cooking meals for her on a camp stove. Another story talked about how Stanley postmaster Frank Guida and his colleagues at the post office were loaned a generator so they would have lights to sort the mail.

By ALLISON DRENNAN
Gaston County Schools

Jennifer Bumgarner is well on her way to experiencing a full lifetime of learning.
The W.C. Friday Middle School English teacher has a passion for education that has encouraged her to pursue professional learning opportunities outside of the classroom.  Her zeal for teaching and experiencing new opportunities led Bumgarner to apply for the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program.
Bumgarner is one of 71 individuals chosen to participate in the program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.  Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected based on academic and professional achievement as well as a record of service and demonstrated leadership potential.
Spending 26 years as a teacher in Gaston County, the Florida native, who now lives in Lowell, was selected to attend the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching’s “Teaching the Holocaust: Resources and Reflections” program at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.  She says the immersive, life-changing experience in 2017 started her on the path to participate in more opportunities like it.
Bumgarner spent the following days and weeks doing research, trying to find other programs like the one she had attended.  A new quest for knowledge had been sparked in D.C., and she was determined to find other professional development opportunities.  This resulted in her being named one of 32 educators (and the only North Carolina-based teacher) to participate in the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Native Knowledge 360 Teacher Institute in Washington D.C.  She also was one of 36 teachers from around the country to participate in a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute in the Adirondack Mountains.
Bumgarner says it is because of these opportunities that she was able to learn about and apply for the Fulbright program.
“These experiences have introduced me to an extensive professional network of like-minded educators,” she said. “It is because of that network that I learned about the Fulbright program. Not only will this opportunity mark the greatest professional achievement of my career to date, but it will also be my first experience traveling abroad.”
Next summer, Bumgarner will be able to cross ‘traveling abroad’ off her to-do list.  Though her destination is currently unknown, she is excited to see where the program takes her, quite literally, as Fulbright is active in more than 160 countries worldwide.  Once she is assigned a destination in January, she will travel with a small group of Fulbright educators to foster lasting connections between the United States and other countries.
Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright program has given more than 390,000 passionate students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds the opportunity to study, teach, exchange ideas, and contribute solutions to important international issues.
A graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne College, Bumgarner hopes that her experience will help encourage others to apply for programs that interest them.
“Teachers possess an inherent conviction that education is a vehicle for opportunity, achievement, and adventure,” she said. “And, we’re right!  There are so many opportunities for educators, and they are available at all levels.”
And if you don’t get an opportunity you apply for?  That’s OK, too, says Bumgarner.  She has applied for other high-ranking professional development experiences and was not selected.  But from those rejections, she was able to improve her application and learn from her mistakes.
“I am incredibly honored to represent my school and my community in this venture, and I am looking forward to bringing back insights that will inspire my students, colleagues, and neighbors,” she said.  “I would encourage anyone to look into opportunities that spark your passion.”
 

One of American history’s most controversial mysteries- who  the biological father of Abraham Lincoln actually was- has roots in a Belmont neighborhood.
In the early part of the 19th century, Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks, as well as her mother Mandy and sister Lucy, are said to have not only spent time in what would eventually become Belmont, but according to some folks conceive Abe while she was in this part of Gaston County- with someone other than Tom Lincoln, Abe’s “legal” daddy.
As a girl in the early 19th century, Nancy and the other girls supposedly visited her uncle Dicky Hanks who lived on land off what is now South Point Rd. To commemorate that time, there’s a stone and bronze marker on the site where Uncle Dicky’s log cabin is said to have stood.
The monument is at the very end of Hanks Creek Lane off Dorie Drive in the Pinsto development near South Point High School.
The marker was put up in 1923 by descendants of C. T. Stowe, namely Samuel Pinckney Stowe, who at that time owned the land where the cabin was situated, and features the bas relief of a cabin and rail fence. Words inscribed on the plaque read, “This stone marks the site of the log cabin home of Dicky Hanks, an uncle of Nancy Hanks, mother of Abraham Lincoln. Nancy spent much  of her girlhood with her uncle.”
The rock that forms the base of the monument was supposedly dragged to the spot by mules and, according to author and historian the late Minnie Stowe Puett, was placed where the chimney to Uncle Dicky’s cabin was located.
Hanks Creek runs near the monument and prompted Puett to describe the pastoral scene.
“At the foot of the hill, under the spreading beeches, still bubbles the family spring where Nancy often quenched her thirst,” Puett wrote.
Uncle Dicky was said to often quench his thirst too, but not with water, and is referred to in some texts as a “shiftless sort of fellow.”
The tale of Nancy’s activities in our area is as tangled as the whiskers in her son’s beard and the fate of the cabin likewise.
As far as the cabin goes, in his book “Between Two Rivers”, author Ross Yockey quotes Puett as saying the cabin was bought by a man named Sam Ewing who used the logs to construct a granary. In turn, the granary was torn down and the logs recycled by C.T. Stowe for a cotton shed.
Legette Blythe’s book “Robert Lee Stowe: Pioneer in Textiles” declares that the cabin was moved from its original spot on “Uncle Sammy” Stowe’s to land at another Stowe home where it sat for years before eventually being sheltered by a shed. An undated, black and white photo of what is purported to be the cabin appears in Blythe’s book.
Then there’s Nancy’s Belmont area love life.
As far as Nancy and the possibility that she became pregnant with Abe during her Gaston County days, that tale too has taken on folkloric proportions. One theory is that Adam Springs of McAdenville is the father of Abe. Folks that follow that line of thinking point out that Springs and Abe bear a striking resemblance to one another and that Nancy had often visited Springs to do chores- and whatever else the days might have brought.
Billy Miller’s book “McAdenville, Spun From the Wilderness” declares, “The story goes on that she was forced to leave the area because of her relationship with Adam, and was taken in by Abraham Enloe of Rutherfordton, NC. When it became evident that she would bear a child, the wife of Abraham Enloe insisted she leave.”
Miller’s book contains photos of Adam Springs and Lincoln and readers can draw their own conclusions.
Local author and historian Jack Page, one of the founders of the Belmont Historical Society and co-author of “Images of America: Belmont” is familiar with the Hanks tale.
“I used to camp near the stone monument long before there was a housing development there,” Page said. “I even tried gold panning in Hanks Creek and found a few flakes.”
But Page has done research on the Hanks story and says he believes it is not as iron clad as some folks think.
“My reading uncovered the fact that in the time period that Dicky lived in the cabin that there were about a dozen girls named Nancy Hanks between Gaston and Rutherford counties,” Page said. “I don’t want to offend anyone but there is a lot of evidence to the contrary that the Belmont Nancy Hanks might not have been the one that was Lincoln’s mother.”
Nonetheless, the story of a girl named Nancy Hanks and her Belmont days is an intriguing one.  For those  interested in digging deeper, and coming to one’s own conclusions, a trip to the Main Gaston County Library’s NC history room will provide plenty of food for thought on the subject, and a trip to actually see the Hanks monument, the icing on the cake.

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

After many months of planning and building, the Belmont Fire Department has taken delivery of a much needed new fire truck. The 2020 Smeal brand machine was custom built for Belmont in Nebraska. It arrived in Belmont last week and will be assigned either to the Keener Blvd. or the  station on South Point Rd.
Belmont FD division captain Craig Austin led the committee that determined how the truck would be configured and equipped. Cost of the truck was around $600,000. It took a year to build.
“It should be ready for use in a couple of weeks,” Austin said. “We still have some more equipment that’s coming for installation.”
The truck weighs 44,000 pounds and is just over 32 feet long. It replaces a truck that dates to 2008 That truck will be kept at the Keener Blvd. Station as a spare.
The new truck has an amazing array of safety and firefighting devices. LED spotlights all around the truck can light up a night time scene bright as day. The cab has airbags for firefighter safety. It also has air conditioning.
The new truck has small “blind spot” cameras on the outside that show the driver what’s near the truck.
“It’s part of an advanced protection system,” Belmont FD public information officer Matthew Hodge said. When it comes to fire and rescue equipment, the new truck is trick.
The front bumper has a storage compartment for rescue tools such as the “Jaws of Life”. The new truck can carry more ladders. The truck can carry 750 gallons of water. It has inflatable air bags that can be placed under heavy objects like a wrecked car to lift it off  a victim. The truck has 1,100 feet of large diameter hose to get water from hydrants and 1,200 feet of hose for squirting on fires. Other features include an automatic oil dry dispenser and a portable electrical outlet box and generator.
The new truck is designed to carry the Belmont FD into the near future and better cope with houses that have more setback from the road as many of the ones currently being built do.
Overall, the new truck is a good example of Belmont’s city government working with the needs of its first responders and citizens.
 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Tuesday, September 15 saw the official opening of the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte’s St. Joseph College Seminary near Mt. Holly. Bishop Peter J. Jugis cut the ribbon for the 30,000 sq. ft. facility which is located on 86 acres just off Perfection Ave.
The school will be home to 40 young men who are exploring a vocation to the Catholic priesthood while also pursuing their undergraduate degrees at Belmont Abbey College less than two miles away.
“Priesthood is a special calling that requires a certain intellectual, human and spiritual formation,” Bishop Jugis said. “Though we’ve been blessed with many good and holy priests, we need more to meet the needs of our rapidly growing flock. So it is essential that we make every effort to help form young men to be ready to serve in our parishes when the time comes.”
St. Joseph is the only college seminary program between Washington, D.C., and Miami. It has proven so popular since it began in temporary quarters just four years ago that enrollment has tripled, construction had to be accelerated, and donors have already contributed more than $15.5 million toward the $20 million project.
With Gothic architecture and brickwork inspired by Belmont Abbey, where in 1876 Benedictine monks planted the roots of Catholicism in western North Carolina, St. Joseph College Seminary includes 40 dorm rooms, a chapel, classroom and library, faculty offices, a dining hall, and a picturesque cloister walk where students go to meditate and pray.
“We broke ground on St. Joseph in the middle of a tropical storm two years ago and are opening the doors in the middle of a pandemic – because the work of the Church goes on amid any challenges,” said Father Matthew Kauth, who serves as St. Joseph’s rector. “This is an enduring structure that is both traditional and modern, with beauty and function, that we hope will inspire future generations of Catholics in western North Carolina to continue our mission to share the Gospel.”
With a Catholic population that has grown by double digits in the past decade, the diocese launched the college seminary program in 2016 with eight students and now has 27 in residence, with young men from communities across the diocese including Arden, Boone, Charlotte, Forest City, Gastonia, Huntersville, Lenoir and Salisbury.
The college seminary program provides an opportunity for young men to study and discern a possible vocation to the priesthood close to their home. Upon graduation, most will go on to major seminaries elsewhere to pursue graduate degrees in theology and receive more specific training before returning to be ordained as priests for the Charlotte diocese.
At Tuesday’s opening ceremony, more than two dozen college seminarians standing at attention six feet apart punctuated their bishop’s remarks by singing the seminary’s Latin fight song, the hymn “Salve Pater,” which salutes St. Joseph as the college’s patron.
One of the seminarians, Clement Akerblom, explained what led him to St. Joseph.
“Since I was young, I had a desire to give myself to something,” Akerblom said. “I responded to the call and asked God where I should go. He led my family from Sweden to Charlotte. I understood seminary was where I needed to be to get to know Jesus and myself. I think it’s important for young people to understand that life is an adventure and to trust God.”
Since his episcopal ordination in 2003, Bishop Jugis has prioritized efforts to nurture potential priests from within the diocese, starting their training locally to help prepare them to serve the growing Catholic population. While the number of priests has grown 76 percent since the diocese was founded in 1972, the number of Catholics has grown by 900 percent – which means large parishes and a reliance on priests from elsewhere to help serve local  spiritual needs.
Overall, the diocese has a total of 41 men in various stages of formation for the priesthood, between the college seminary and major seminaries, up from 16 four years ago.
Learn more about St. Joseph College Seminary: www.stjosephcollegeseminary.org.
About the Diocese of Charlotte
The Diocese of Charlotte encompasses 92 parishes and missions and 19 schools in the 46 counties of western North Carolina, with a growing Catholic population estimated at more than 400,000. The diocesan website is www.charlottediocese.org.



 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

When U.S. Navy veteran Michael Frazier, 51, climbs on Lewis the horse at Shining Hope Farms near Stanley, he’s all smiles and his worries fade away.
That’s because Frazier is one of a group of veterans taking part in Shining Hope Farm’s new “Saddles and Salutes” therapeutic riding program.
“I was looking for therapy to manage my stress and anxiety,” Frazier said. “I learned about Shining Hope Farms through my church, Stonebridge Church Community.”
Frazier has been coming to Shining Hope Farms each week since the start of the year.
“It’s something I look forward to,” he said. “It really calms me down.”
On his most recent therapy session, Frazier and Lewis were in the capable hands of riding instructors Rachel Evans from Brevard and Verena Stock who hails from Germany.
“The people at Shining Hope Farms are really nice and the instructors are very knowledgeable,” Frazier said. “Everyone is super kind and supportive.”
So, how did Saddle and Salutes get going?
The name of the program was chosen by the current veterans being served. Shining Hope Farms won a grant from PATH, Intl. to be able to start the program offering scholarships to eight participants.
Retired Program Director, Debbie Cloy, who still works for Shining Hope Farms as a PATH Intl. Instructor and her husband, Michael Cloy, who is a Colonel, USA Retired, MS, MA, MSST, EdS, Regional Coordinator, ABCCM-Veterans Services, are helping Shining Hope Farms by providing oversight for the program.
Both of these individuals have spent their entire careers, which spans over four decades, working in and with the military. Kim Deal, program director at the Shining Hope Farms Conover facility, along with Debbie, initiated the start-up program there. The staff also includes a licensed Psychologist, three PATH Intl. Registered Instructors, three PATH Intl. Equine Specialists, and a Dr. of Occupational Therapy, (American Hippotherapy Association therapist).
The grant funds are providing much needed Equine Assisted Activities and therapies to the local veteran population. Shining Hope Farms is the only service provider that is a PATH Intl. Accredited Center and has the appropriately credentialed staff to provide high quality, professional services. Through its programs, Shining Hope Farms clients build strength, life skills, and independence resulting in them becoming more productive citizens in the community. This benefits their families and neighborhoods and contributes to a stronger healthier community overall. Shining Hope Farms has received international recognition due to the positive measurable outcomes of its program participants.
“We have been wanting to do the Saddles and Salutes program for a long time,” said Shining Hope Farms executive director and founder Milinda Kirkpatrick. “There really was a need for it.  We had been getting calls from veterans and welcome more of them to participate.”
About Shining Hope Farms
Shining Hope Farms is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to enable children and adults to reach their full potential through the use of equine assisted activities and therapies. Programs provided include physical, occupational, and speech therapy utilizing equine movement as a treatment strategy called Hippotherapy. Shining Hope Farms is the only facility offering this treatment strategy in the counties that they operate in. Therapeutic Riding, a Veteran’s Program, and Mental Health Counseling is also offered to children and adults. Shining Hope Farms serves over 200 individuals weekly. They are a Premier Accredited Center of PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International) and members of the American Hippotherapy Association, and currently operate sites in Gaston, Mecklenburg, and Catawba Counties. There are 30 horses and 41 staff members consisting of occupational and physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, PATH Intl. certified riding instructors, and administrative staff, plus many wonderful volunteers which make a well-rounded program. Shining Hope Farms is also a GuideStar Exchange Gold participant, a leading symbol of transparency and accountability among nonprofits. For more information, please visit shininghopefarms.org or call 704-827-3788.

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The dream of a new parks and rec. facility for Belmont is slowly but surely coming closer to being a reality.
Belmont is the only town in our area without its own parks and rec. building where things like basketball games can be held. What currently serves the city as a parks and rec. place is the decades old J. Paul Ford Center on Woodrow Ave., but the city’s needs have far outgrown that one medium sized building.
On September1, Belmont’s Parks and Rec. director Zip Stowe gave a presentation outlining the plans for a new and grand building to be located on Catawba Street between Kevin Lofitn Rocvwerfoprmt Park and the soon to be opened new City Hall are located.
“The response to the presentation was great,” Stowe said.
The planned new building will be two stories high and have 45,000 sq. ft. of space. The first floor will feature three basketball courts, a media room for gaming, an exercise studio, a kitchen, a kids play area, and a large lobby. The second floor will feature a walking track, an exercise room, a catering kitchen, a lounge, and more play space. The second floor will also feature a balcony with sweeping views of the Catawba River and Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park.
Just a few of the activities the new center can host includes pickle ball, gymnastics, cheerleading, karate, movies, ping pong, dance, badminton, classes of various types and many, many more. Folks will be able to rent space in the building for meetings, weddings, birthday parties, and that sort of thing.
Stowe sees the new parks and rec. center not only as a boon to the local activities scene, but as an economic driver as well.
“The center will be a place we can hold events such as basketball tournaments and invite as many as fifty teams,” he said. ‘This will bring people to Belmont who will shop, stay in local hotels,  and eat in local restaurants. It will be a big boost economically.”
The next step in making the new center a reality will be a zoning hearing on September 17. The plans will be presented to the Belmont city council on October 5.
“If everything is approved we could start construction in May 2021,” said Stowe. “It will take about 14 months to build.”
Stowe says the idea is to use use local builders for the project, further helping the area economy. Cost of the project is estimated to be $9-10 million.
“A new parks and rec. facility has been part of our capital improvement plan for twelve years,” said Stowe. “It’s exciting that it’s going to happen.”
Want to see the September 1 presentation on the new facility? Visit the City of Belmont website, click on Quick Links, then click on Live Meetings, the click on Community Rec Center video.
 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

One of Belmont’s most interesting individuals,  Reg “Moon” Huffstetler aka the “Catawba Catfish”, passed away on Sept. 6.  Huffstetler  left a legacy of incredible aquatic accomplishments.
 Huffstetler’s  list of swimming records are  as long as Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps’ arms.
Huffstetler got his swimming start in local water holes.
“When I was a kid I used to dam up creeks and that plus Suttle’s swimming pool on Wilkinson Blvd. is where I learned to swim.” Huffstetler once said.
Huffstetler grew up on Central Avenue near where the old Belmont city swimming pool was located. It was there as a 14-year-old that the urge to swim competitively first entered his mind. The story goes that he could beat two college age swimmers that also used the pool
The Belmont pool is also where Huffstetler got the idea to engage in long distance swimming. He honed that skill by swimming the length of the pool up to 50 times without stopping. He would swim at the pool all day and half the night.
Huffstetler’s first “official” long distance swim was in the Catawba River when he was 21-years-old. For that event he jumped in the river at the Buster Boyd Bridge and stroked upstream to the bridge at Wilkinson Blvd. In Belmont- a distance of 15 miles.
It took him just over nineteen hours to make the swim. A man in a rowboat with a
flashlight guided him in the dark. When he got to the Wilkinson bridge a thousand people were waiting.
That first marathon swim in the Catawba was just the start of Huffstetler’s swimming career. He has been listed in the Guinness Book of World Records many times for his stamina treading water.
When I was treading water I went into another dimension,” he once said. “It was like going into outer space.”
Some of the water treading stints went for 100 hours, including one staged at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 1991 when a special pool was constructed at turn four near the racetrack.
After Huffstetler hit the 100-hour mark, track owner Humpy Wheeler gave him a big trophy, a check for $1,000, and he got to ride in a car with a model on the parade lap.
Huffstetler’s swimming took him to places such as Canada, Holland, England, and France. In 1970 he tried to swim the English Channel from Cape Griz, France to Dover, England and was on a record-setting pace until a squall made the water too rough. In 1989, Huffstetler received an award for swimming the length and breadth of Lake Norman. He’s also a member of the Belmont Sports Hall of Fame.
 

By Allison Drennan
Gaston County Schools

Gaston County Schools teacher Brian Johnson knows that things don’t always go the way you might originally plan.
The East Gaston High School biology teacher, who says he is “on loan” to the Gaston Virtual Academy this year, is the recipient of the 2020 DENny Award, which recognizes his efforts in community work.
The Discovery Education Network presents the DENny Award to educators who actively involve students in activities that contribute to the growth of community through effective teaching and learning.  The recognition came after Johnson, who has served as the student council adviser at East Gaston, had to find a new way to organize the school’s Spring for Charity Fun Run.
The student council had been organizing and participating in the community-based run for four years.  Every year, the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes select a nonprofit to represent, raising funds for that charity with the run.
Consistently, they had been able to donate $1,500 to charities each year.
But, Johnson and his students had to find a new plan for the 2020 run.  The event could no longer be held the way it had in previous years because of social distancing requirements to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“We are so grateful for the support the community gives to our school that we wanted to be able to say ‘thank you’ and give back,” Johnson said of the motivation for organizing the run. “But this past year, we had to do something a little different.”
Teaming up with a racing company in Charlotte, the students were able to organize a virtual event to celebrate the fun run.  Because it was held virtually, community members were able participate, which was something that was not possible at previous on-campus runs.  Participants conducted their own run or walk, logged it on the computer, and asked for sponsors.  While those involved could not gather in person, they were able to communicate with each other through the online race platform.
“We just had a really good group of students,” he said. “They were great at organizing things, and they were very active in staying positive,” said Johnson.  “They were just happy the run was happening in some way.”
The students’ efforts resulted in being able to give to local food banks in Stanley and Mount Holly.  It was a worthy and timely cause especially as people in need are feeling the economic effects of the pandemic.
Receiving the DENny recognition was so unexpected that Johnson almost deleted the email, thinking it wasn’t real.  Shortly after that, he got a text from a friend, asking if he had received anything from Discovery Education.  That is how he found out he had been nominated for the award by another teacher at East Gaston, which he says is the best honor of all.
“The biggest reason that it meant so much to me was that I didn’t know I had been nominated,” he said.  “A colleague saw something I did and was appreciative enough that he took the time and effort to nominate me.  I didn’t even know I was getting the award.”
Johnson is originally from Ohio, but loves calling North Carolina home.  He started teaching in Gaston County at Mount Holly Middle School in 1999.  Two years later, he moved to East Gaston.  He graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College and earned a master’s degree in 2013 from UNC-Charlotte.  This past spring, he was chosen as the 2020 Star Teacher for East Gaston.
Johnson teaches honors biology, research methods, and Advanced Placement (AP) biology.  He especially enjoys the research aspect of his classes and encourages his students to engage in exploration, critical thinking, discussion, and discovery.  This approach helps him to connect with his students and the students to connect with science and their peers.
He credits working with great people – students and staff alike – for his love of teaching, which was not his original career path.  Now, he feels like teaching is what he was called to do.
“I work as hard as I can, and I love being a teacher,” he said.  “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

There have been a lot of changes in East Belmont over the decades and Gertrude Harris has seen them all which is not surprising given the fact she will be 100 years old on September 10.
Gertrude’s parents were Claude and Martha Robinson. Like a lot of other folks in our area, her dad worked in the mills while her mom kept house. Gertrude was one of eight kids. She has a sister, Sarah Shinn, who is in her mid-90s and lives in Charlotte.
Gertrude attended East Belmont Elementary School and then went to Belmont High. She left to work at Acme Mill in North Belmont and retired for there at age 62.
Gertrude’s grandfather W.T. Robinson had a movie theater in East Belmont back in the 1920s.  It was located on Catawba St.  next to where Headhunters hair salon is now.
“My sister and I went to the movies a lot,” Gertrude said. “We had a lot of fun. We would throw peanut hulls in the fan and scare the adults with the noise.”
Gertrude grew into a stunningly beautiful young lady. Folks called her “Blackie “ due to her coal black hair. When she was 25 years old she married her husband John Harris in 1945.  They had two kids, a boy and a girl. He also worked in the textile industry and passed away in 1984.
“We traveled quite a bit,” Gertrude said. “We went to Florida, Virginia, and the mountains every chance we got. We loved going to Chimney Rock.”
Gertrude never got a driving license, but recalled when her husband bought a car.
“He walked to the Chevy dealer in Belmont and drove the car home,” she said,
The new car was such a game-changer that Gertrude said once John drove the car to a store, forgot about it, and walked home.
Gertrude has lived on Volk St. in East Belmont for around 60 years. It’s a little lane on the river. The Aberfoyle Mill once stood right behind it. Now, new apartments and townhouses occupy the mill site.
Gertrude recalled life on the river back in the day.
“My husband and father loved to fish,” she said. “There were boat shows and water skiing on the river. I remember when the airplane pilot Manson Arrowood would fly low over the river.  Back then, the river looked different than it does today. It was not as wide. I used to play on the sandy shore.”
Gertrude’s faith has always been strong. She is a charter member of Unity Baptist Church.
“I love Unity Baptist,” she says.
Another thing Gertrude loves is gardening and growing things. Until recently, she grew a vegetable garden every year. She still likes to plant flowers.
“I scoot around in the garden,” she says. “I can still wash and hang my clothes on the line. I still do my own housework. I run my house inside and outside.”
Gertrude gazes out her window and considers the way Belmont is now compared to how it used to be.
“Everything has changed,” she says. “It will never be the same.”
Gertude’s 100th birthday will be one of celebration to a life and lady that has stood the test of time in a graceful and energetic manner. What’s the big plan for the special day?
“A party at Catfish Cove!” she said. “My favorite hangout!”
Happy Birthday Blackie!

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The major remodeling project on the City of Belmont Public Works building at 1401 Catawba St. is entering its final phase.
The 1980s era building, which has formerly occupied by Woodlawn Mills and Beltex Corp.  has been used by Belmont as its public works headquarters for the past several years and a major remodeling project has transformed it from a huge concrete cavern into a modern, state of the art, efficient, spacious, and comfortable complex for the city’s business and its administrative staff.
The building has a lot of space including 55K sq. ft. that will retain its use as a warehouse for city equipment, supplies, and vehicles, as well  as a 21K sq. ft., three level portion that will serve as the administrative office complex side of things.
As of last week, the majority of work has been done on the interior. Offices have been painted in soothing tones of green, gray, and blue with matching carpeting. Other flooring is done in grey-toned hardwood laminate. The colors compliment the view that employees will enjoy of sky, water, and trees  as they look out the windows towards Kevin Loftin Riverfront Park across the road.
The project included building a three story glass and steel elevator and staircase tower on the outside of the front of the building. The tower will feature  a large City of Belmont logo.
The upper two levels of the building will be occupied by the city’s administrative departments such as city clerk, city manager, planning and zoning, billing, and customer service. The offices will get new furniture and equipment. The furniture is expected to arrive in October. There will be a nice lunch room for employees as well as a kitchen and lockers.
For now, the lower level will be home to the Parks and Rec. Department. The lower level will be a also be a temporary  location for city council meetings. There will be room for about 300 seats unlike the current situation where council meetings at city hall are generally standing room only.
Parking will be plentiful at the renovated complex with 85 spaces.
The remodeling job also included LED lights throughout. The LEDs are automatic. When a person goes into a  room, they come on automatically. A few minutes after the room is empty, they go off. Another energy saving feature of the new building is tinted glass for the windows.
Cost of the renovation  work is estimated at $4.8 million. The city bought the building and 30 acres ten years ago for $2.5 million.
“To get this much land and have a new building for that amount of money is a no-brainer,” public works director David Isenhour said. “It is a great deal for the city.”
 

Gaston County Schools has announced its “Of the Year” award recipients for the 2020-2021 academic year.
The Zoom video conferencing platform was used to inform the finalists of the winner in each “Of the Year” category:  Teacher, New Teacher, Teacher Assistant, Principal, Assistant Principal, and Central Office Administrator.
 Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year
Peter Jones, a biology, forensics, and physical science teacher at North Gaston High School, was chosen as the Gaston County Teacher of the Year, and Crystal Houser of Forestview High School was named the Gaston County Principal of the Year.  Jones and Houser will represent Gaston County in the Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year regional competitions.
As the winners of the school district’s most prestigious awards for educators, Jones and Houser will receive the Wells Fargo Bank Educator Apple trophy and $1,250 from Wells Fargo to use for professional development.
Jones joined Gaston County Schools in 2015.  He is a graduate of Lee University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.  He says his secret to success in education is focusing on building relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.  
Houser joined Gaston County Schools in 1997, and before being appointed principal at Forestview, she served as the W.C. FridayMiddle School principal.  She obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology, a teaching certificate in comprehensive science, and a master’s degree in school administration and curriculum and instruction, all from UNC-Charlotte.
The finalists for Teacher of the Year were Sharon Beckford, exceptional children teacher at Carr Elementary School; Steven Austin, chorus teacher at Forestview High School; and Jennifer Gallagher, business and marketing teacher at Highland School of Technology.  The finalists for Principal of the Year were Chad Hovis, Brookside Elementary School; Audrey Devine, Stuart W. Cramer High School; and Amy Holbrook, York Chester Middle School.
The Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year finalists will receive $250 from Wells Fargo to use for professional development.
Here’s a look at the additional “Of the Year” award winners:
New Teacher of the Year
The 2020-2021 New Teacher of the Year is Trevor Dunlap of Pleasant Ridge Elementary School.
Dunlap teaches fourth grade and serves as the School Improvement Team chairperson.  He received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Western Carolina University and a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Hartford.    
The finalist for New Teacher of the Year were Mica Cline, Bessemer City Middle School; Hannah Fore, W.A. Bess Elementary School; and James Tatum, Mount Holly Middle School.
Teacher Assistant
of the Year
The 2020-2021 Teacher Assistant of the Year is Maggie Jo Hess of Webb Street School.
Hess has worked for Gaston County Schools for four years.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy from East Carolina University and aspires to become a physical education teacher.  Hess also serves as the cross country coach at Ashbrook High School.
The finalists for Teacher Assistant of the Year were Kathaleen Heath, Pinewood Elementary School; Karen Hendricks, Chapel Grove Elementary School; Bridget Means, Carr Elementary School; and Shirley Trobaugh, Springfield Elementary School.
Assistant Principal
of the Year
The 2020-2021 Assistant Principal of the Year is Tom Potter of Bessemer City High School.
Potter graduated from N.C. State University with a bachelor’s degree in textile management.  He earned a master’s degree in secondary mathematics education and a doctorate degree in education leadership from UNC-Charlotte.  Before becoming an assistant principal, he taught math at Forestview High School.
The finalists for Assistant Principal of the Year were Connie Greene, Cherryville Elementary School; Deana Ohman, Bessemer City Primary School; and Patrick Watson, Bessemer City Central Elementary School.
Central Office
Administrator of the Year
The 2020-2021 Central Office Administrator of the Year is Tamara Houchard, the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) facilitator and PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) coordinator for the school district.
A National Board Certified Teacher, Houchard joined Gaston County Schools in 2016, but began her career in education in 1999.  She obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Appalachian State University and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Western Carolina University.
The finalists for Central Office Administrator of the Year were Brett Buchanan, director of Career and Technical Education; and Shannon Hullett, director of elementary instruction.
“We would like to congratulate all of our award winners, finalists, and nominees for their outstanding work and dedication to the education profession,” stated W. Jeffery Booker, Superintendent of Schools.  “The educators being recognized represent more than 3,800 employees who go beyond expectations every day to support our students and inspire success.”
Dr. Booker continued, “The Board of Education joins me in commending each of our award recipients for the 2020-2021 academic year and expressing our sincere appreciation to all employees for their steadfast commitment to Gaston County Schools.”
The teacher, principal, assistant principal, and central office administrator winners are usually announced during Teacher Appreciation Week in May at the Evening of Excellence ceremony while the new teacher and teacher assistant winners are honored during a reception at the Schiele Museum.  Unfortunately, the events were not held this year because of concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Gaston County Schools Communications Department is producing a video to recognize the winners and finalists in each category.  The “Excellence in Education Awards Presentation” will air on Spectrum Cable Channel 21 the week of September 21 and be available on the district’s YouTube channel.
 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Even with many special events of other types canceled due to the COVID19 situation, the third annual Mt. Holly lantern parade is still planned to take place on October 24 starting at 7pm in Tuckaseege Park.
The event will be a “parade in reverse”. That is, the lanterns will be placed at stations in the park, and folks who attend will walk past them.
“We will be following social distancing guidelines and everyone will be wearing masks,” says lantern parade founder and organizer Emily Andress of Awaken Gallery.
The previous two lantern parades were artistic spectacles that saw dozens of illuminated, handcrafted, paper and wire lanterns in an amazing array of shapes and sizes marched down Mt. Holly’s Main St. Lantern designs and constructed ran the gamut from sea creatures to birds, mermaids, a huge beer bottle, and even a vintage carriage with a (real) fairy princess child inside.
This year’s parade will be just as great. The theme will be “The Circus is Coming to Town” and many of the lanterns will resemble circus animals. Another spectacle at the parade will be the images of artist Nick Napoletano and Birdie Tucker projected into the trees and greeting everyone.
“It will be like the image of Oz in the Wizard of Oz movie,” said Andress. Also, lanterns will be placed on kayaks and floated down the river past the park.
As in previous lantern parades, Andress expects a a large turnout of participants and spectators.
This year’s parade is a collaboration between Andress, the Mt. Holly Community Development Foundation, and the City of Mt. Holly.
“Cheri Love with the city has done so much to help us get this done,” Andress said. “She has been invaluable.”
The lantern parades were the brainchild of Andress who in previous years has brought in lantern making talent from as far away as Ireland to help teach lantern parade participants how to craft their creations with hands-on workshops.
As in previous years, the third annual parade will have plenty of participation by local schools and students. Last year, schools that took part included Ida Rankin Elementary, East Gaston High, Mt. Holly Middle, Kiser Elementar, Springfield Elementary, Beam Elementary, Cramerton Middle, and Pinewood Elementary.
Andress has brought in Alex Brooks from the Gaston County Museum of Art and History’s educational outreach program to assist the schools with their lanterns.
“He will be working with the teachers,” Andress said. “He’s amazing and wonderful to work with.”
For more information on the parade visit info@awakengallery.com.
 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

In last week’s edition of the BannerNews, readers learned the story of Belmont resident and Polish native Stanley Dudko, 86, and how he survived WWII. This week, marvel at his wife Jasia’s own miraculous and dramatic experiences during that time.
Jasia was born into a middle class family in Poland in 1936, just three years before Germany invaded her homeland. Her mother Romualda Guryn was a dentist that spoke seven languages, but that didn’t spare her from twice being jailed for her anti-Nazi activities.
“They smuggled packages to Jews and helped some hide from the Germans,” Jasia said.
According to Jasia, a worse fate than jail could have awaited her mother had it not been for her dental practice.
“A high ranking German officer came to her with a toothache that she fixed,” Jasia said. “Later, she was due to be shot by firing squad but he intervened at the last moment and she was spared.”
The fighting in Poland saw Jasia and her family moving from place to place. In 1944, she and her parents were on the refugee trail traveling by a horse drawn cart in an attempt to get away from the Russians. They had no money or food so her mother literally traded the coat off her back for a loaf of bread.
“The next morning we got up and started looking for the bread,” Jasia said. “Then we saw the crumbs that were left. The horse had eaten the whole loaf.”
According to Jasia, her mother maintained a low profile by dressing as a peasant in a long dress and a scarf on her head. However, the family’s ace in the hole was the jewelry stitched in the dress hem.
“I still wear one of the bracelets that was hidden in the dress,” Jasia said.
There was danger everywhere. Jasia and her fellow refugees often had to dive for cover from strafing fighter planes.
“A lot of people were killed,” Jasia said. “I asked God to have mercy on us and he did.”
That same trek saw Romualda give birth to a girl that she named Marysia. However, due to the fact that the Romualda was ill from having been exposed to polluted water, the child was sickly. Salvation in that situation came from an unlikely source.
“We were standing on the roadside when a German Army doctor stopped and put us on a truck to Germany,” Jasia said. “He said he had a baby with blue eyes like Marysia.”
The family made it to Germany where Romualda worked as an interpreter in a hospital. However, Marysia’s health grew worse.
“At the hospital they were sure my sister would die so they put her in a trashcan,” Jasia said.  “A nurse came along and heard a sound in the can and thought it was a cat or something and she opened the lid. She saved my sister’s life.”
Marysia not only lived, she grew up and eventually married Julian Hall of Mount Holly.
After the war, the family entered a Displaced Persons camp. They came to the United States in 1949 with the help of the National Catholic Welfare Association. In 1954, they became U.S. citizens. For a time they lived in Southern Pines, then came to Belmont where Jasia and Romualda attended and graduated from Sacred Heart College.
While she was at Sacred Heart, Jasia met her future husband Stanley, himself a native of Poland and a victim of the Nazis. They were married in 1962. The Dudkos have a son Michael who lives in Charlotte, a daughter Roma Grogan who lives in New Rochelle, New York, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Even though it was nearly eight decades ago that Jasia lived through harrowing times, the lessons learned then still stay with her today.
“Back then we lived by the grace of God,” she says. “Today in this country we live like kings and have never had to experience misery like so many others have.”
To top if off, several years ago Jasia took her daughter to Westerplatte, Poland, near where the Germans invaded on September 1, 1939. A large monument is located there dedicated to the Polish soldiers who fought in the battle. Jasia recalled how she felt.
“I was in awe thinking of all the people who got killed,” she said.

By TODD HAGANS
Gaston County Schools

If you have driven by one of Gaston County Schools’ campuses over the past several months, you likely noticed construction work going on.
Some of the most visible work has taken place this summer at East Gaston, South Point, and Ashbrook where the front entrance area of each high school has gotten a facelift.  The concrete canopy and sidewalk at Ashbrook and East Gaston have been replaced; they were nearly 50 years old and showing signs of deterioration. At South Point, the front entrance and offices have been reconfigured to include a secure vestibule to welcome visitors.
What the principals are saying
“The construction work has given us a front entrance that is prominent, welcoming, and secure,” said Gary Ford, principal at South Point.  “Because of the way our front office and lobby are configured, we really had two ways to enter the building, and this often confused visitors.  Now, with the renovations, visitors will know what entrance to use.  When they come into the building, they will be in a secure vestibule area that makes it possible for them to interact with our office staff without having the ability to easily access the adjoining hallways.”
“I encourage everyone who loves East Gaston to drive by our school to see the improvements to our front entrance area,” said principal Jennifer Reep.  “The concrete sidewalk canopy has been replaced as well as the front doors and windows.  The metal siding on the front of the building is being replaced, and the area will have new landscaping.  I cannot wait to see what our school looks like when all of the work is complete.  We really appreciate this investment in East Gaston.”
“We are very proud of the transformation that has taken place,” said Dr. Rebecca Wilson, principal at Ashbrook.  “It was time to replace the sidewalk canopy because of safety concerns.  The new canopy and sidewalk, the new windows, and the large panels on the front of the building have given us an updated, modern look, and we especially love the large green A that is over the front entrance.  The students and staff were amazed to see what improvements had been made.  It certainly contributes to our strong Green Wave pride.”
Other work going on 
In addition to the facade work at East Gaston, South Point, and Ashbrook, other projects are taking place.
Roof replacement is in progress at seven schools:  Highland, East Gaston, Page, Brookside, Beam Intermediate, North Gaston, and Mount Holly.  Paving projects have been completed or are near completion at Cherryville High, Mount Holly, Carr, and Bessemer City Central.
The gymnasium at Holbrook Middle School has been painted and a new floor, windows, bleachers, and lockers have been installed.  The tennis courts at North Gaston have been revamped, and work is expected to begin soon on the tennis courts at South Point.
Additional projects completed over the summer include: Gymnasium lockers at Hunter Huss.
Elevator upgrade and drainage work at North Gaston, Fencing/railing at Highland and Chapel Grove, Elevator upgrade at East Gaston, Freezer and dry storage facility at School Nutrition.
Upcoming projects: So, which projects are next?  Here’s a look. Ashbrook High School: painting and lighting upgrade, Bessemer City High School: food lab renovation, Carr Elementary School: life safety improvements (intercom, camera, security, and door upgrades), East Gaston High School: lighting upgrade and cafeteria update, Forestview High School: drainage work, Hunter Huss High School: parking lot paving and cafeteria update, Mount Holly Middle School: media center update,  New Hope Elementary School: life safety improvements (intercom, camera, security, and door upgrades), South Point High School: painting, front parking lot paving, and media center update, Southwest Middle School: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) improvements.
How much does all of this cost?
Most of the renovation and repair projects are being paid for by the school bonds that were approved by voters in May 2018.  In the first allocation, the county approved $60 million of the $250 million in school bonds.  Approximately $40 million is for the new Belmont Middle School campus, which is under construction now.  The remaining $20 million is for renovations and repairs.
The current roofing projects cost $3.1 million, and the parking lot paving projects have a $650,000 price tag.  The work at Ashbrook, East Gaston, and South Point totals $2.1 million.  The other projects total about $1 million.  Funds (not part of the school bonds) were approved by the county to renovate the North Gaston tennis courts, and grant funding is being secured to repair the South Point tennis courts.
The superintendent says- “We are extremely pleased with the progress that has been made on critical repairs, renovations, and improvements at more than 25 schools since the school bonds were approved two years ago,” said W. Jeffrey Booker, Ed.D.  “Without question, the school bonds are an important investment in our schools, our community, and our future, and we are very appreciative of the overwhelming support for the bonds.”
Keep up with the progress- Visit the school bonds page on the Gaston County Schools website to keep up with the progress: www.gaston.k12.nc.us/schoolbonds2018.
 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

This is the first of a two-part series about the World War II experiences of Polish natives Stanley Dudko and his wife Jasia who now live in Belmont. 

Next week, September 1,  marks the official beginning of WWII in Europe in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland. It’s a fact that many men and women from Belmont, Mount Holly, and the rest of Gaston County have recollections of those days. However, probably no one from our area had quite the experiences that befell Polish natives Stanley Dudko and his wife Jasia who now call Belmont home.
A native of Rowno, Poland, Stanley was just five-years-old when Nazi troops invaded his homeland and the farm where he and his family lived.
“The Germans made us give them food and wire,” Dudko recalled. “They used the wire to build fortifications.”
After several years of being under Nazi rule, Stanley and his folks were liberated, so to speak, by the Russians in 1942, but as the fortunes of war see-sawed back and forth, the Germans regained the upper hand in 1943 and showed up once again at the Dudko digs.
“We had to leave the farm with nothing but a suitcase and a horse wagon,” Dudko said.
The family eventually found itself loaded into cattle cars and sent by railroad to a labor camp at Plauen, Germany, near Dresden. It was the first time young Dudko had seen a train.
“When we got to Plauen they separated the men and women and put us in barracks at the camp,” Dudko said.
Even though he was only a child at the time, Dudko was put to work in a factory building tanks for the German army. The factory was over two miles long and held over 10,000 workers. Dudko was too small to do any heavy lifting so he was given the job of crawling into newly built tanks and sweeping them clean. One day, Dudko found himself cleaning a tank, and being a curious lad, began fiddling with the starter. Sure enough, the engine roared to life, Dudko slipped the transmission into gear, and the tank took off towards the Elbe River.
“I managed to stop the tank before it went in the river,” he said.
Certain death by firing squad would have been Dudko’s fate except for the fact that he was liked by the “meister” who just laughed about Stanley’s short-lived career as a tank commander.
 “I can truly say I drove a tank before I could drive a car,” he said.
 However, as Dudko recalled, other aspects of the war were anything but humorous for a kid. Things he witnessed included seeing Jews forced to dig their own graves then being shot down into them. Bombs also rained down on Dudko’s head. As the war in Europe wound down, American and British bombers raided the tank factory day and night.
“You could put your ear to the ground and hear the vibrations from the bomber engines when they were still 200 miles away,” Dudko said. “When the bombs fell the ground was shaking and I was praying. On one raid the roof collapsed and I injured my back.”
To get out of the line of fire, Dudko and his fellow laborers would often leave the factory and head for the woods. The blazes set by the bombing were enormous. The nearby city of Dresden was reduced to ashes.
 “The fires lit up the night sky so brightly you could see the pine needles on the forest floor,” Dudko said.
The worse the bombing became, the more time Dudko and his peers spent in the woods.
“We had just a little food to eat,” he said. “Once we were cooking some potatoes and a group of prisoners came by and took them, pan and all.”
In the absence of the spuds, Dudko and the others ate roots and berries. In May 1945, American soldiers came on the scene, Dudko was freed, and sent to a Displaced Persons camp. From there, he and his family made their way in 1949 to Greenville, S.C. where he worked on a farm. Dudko then came to Belmont Abbey College in 1954 to attend college, a significant feat considering he didn’t learn to read and write until he was 11-years-old. After having lived through a nightmarish childhood, Dudko went on to great accomplishments in education and athletics as a teacher and soccer coach at the Abbey, but he still recalls those harrowing years under the Nazi boot heel and how many times he literally dodged a bullet. “I should have been killed many times,” he said. “But by the grace of God, I lived.”
 Next week, Jasia’s own hair raising WWII experiences.
 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

If a picture is worth a thousand words then the over 21,000 images housed in the Millican Pictorial History Museum in Belmont speak volumes.
Created by Allen Millican, and located at 35 E. Catawba in the Abram Stowe House, which is the oldest house in Belmont, the free museum is the third most popular tourist stop in the Belmont area according to TripAdvisor.
“People come from all over to see the photo collection,” Millican says. “I’ve had people from as far away as Paris, France and Puerto Rico stop by.”
What’s the attraction? An incredible array of old photos that Millican has restored and reproduced.
The main body of work consists of pictures taken in and around the Belmont area. Most of these span the years from the 1920s to the 1960s. Scenes the pictures reveal include textile mill villages and workers, schools, amusements such as Stowe Park, churches, sports teams and players, and local celebrities and civic leaders. More recently, Millican has expanded his photo collection to include early scenes from Charlotte and Gastonia. He has also built up a large number of photos showing movie stars from the golden age of films.
Many of the photos are donated by folks who don’t want to see them thrown in the trash, but rather, preserved with the Millican magic. A good example are the dozens of photos donated by Yates Abernethy showing a variety of scenes and people from North Belmont.
The photos are just part of the museum’s allure. Millican knows the history behind nearly every one of the pictures and can tell the stories to anyone interested in hearing them.
“There are so many stories it’s unbelievable,” he says.
In addition to the pictures, Millican also has a large number of historical, local city directories and high school annuals.
The museum is an outgrowth of Millican’s interest in photography. After a career in the auto parts industry, he found himself ready for a change and challenge. He opened a studio in Belmont back in 2003 and things grew from there.
“The Lord designed this job for me,” he says.
Now that Millican’s collection has grown to epic proportions, he’s simply run out of space to put things. Not only that, but at age 74 he wonders what will happen to everything when the day comes he can no longer “run the shop”. Nonetheless, he has faith that things will work out.
Maybe something will come along,” he says.
To learn more about the Millican Pictorial Museum, visit the website millicanpictorialhistorymuseum.com or email Millican at allenmillican45@gmail.com or call 704-825-5391.

A number of Millican photos are also available at these sites.
Lowell NC Memories & Photos https://www.facebook.com/groups/1439166806127857/
Smyre & Ranlo NC Memories & Photos https://www.facebook.com/groups/245998282508885/
Belmont NC Memories & Photos  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1745847432399778/
Spencer Mountain NC Memories & Photos https://www.facebook.com/groups/267780770305549/
Mt Holly NC Memories & Photos https://www.facebook.com/groups/805140393024576/members/
Gastonia NC Memories & Photos https://www.facebook.com/groups/1001872389917791/
Cramerton NC Memories & Photos https://www.facebook.com/groups/1422142747809894/members/

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

The Belmont Community Organization (BCO) helped a large number of clients during its 2019-2020 fiscal year that ended June 30. The BCO lends a hand when people need assistance getting food, clothes, utility bill funds, Christmas gifts for kids, furniture, appliances, rent money, and more.
BCO statistics for 2019-2020 reveal the numerical extent of the helping hand. At Christmas, the BCO “adopted” 85 families with 193 children. The BCO kept the water on in 40 homes. A total of 729 families received clothing. A whopping 800 houses (2,020 individuals) received nutritious food orders totaling 67,881 pounds of food. Over 500 families received furniture, appliances, and household items. Sixteen families benefitted from fans and heaters.
The BCO purchased gasoline for four vehicles. Five families received kerosene for winter heating. Medical assistance was provided for 24 families. Gas was kept on in 12 homes. The BCO helped 117 households keep the lights on. A dozen families avoided homelessness when the BCO helped pay the rent.
School got started with the BCO helping 88 kids in 42 families with supplies, backpacks, and shoes. Thirty clients had a great Thanksgiving meal and holiday gift baskets delivered by BCO volunteers. The BCO also provided 43 instances of help that included everything from charges at Roses for things the BCO didn’t have on hand, gift cards, diapers, dental bills, household repairs, and more.
But the BCO is more than numbers. It’s also about the caring hearts and tirelessly working hands of its volunteers. Last week saw the BCO have its annual lunch for volunteers, with a “drive by” barbecue. The food was provided by Ranucci’s Big Butt BBQ and the 46 lunches were handed out as volunteers pulled up in their cars. BCO executive director Paula Wilkerson and vols Pat Ford, Karen Valentine, and Betty Moore braved the broiling sun to give out the much deserved ‘cue.
Wilkerson had this to say about the meal and the folks that keep the BCO going strong.
“The annual meeting is our way of saying thanks to all of our volunteers who make the BCO such an outstanding success,” she said.
The BCO is located at 91 Catawba St., Belmont. The phone is 704-825-4526.

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Some people might think that Girl Scouts sell cookies once a year and sit around a campfire eating s’mores. Wrong! And in the case of Kathryn Cupp of Cramerton it’s very, very, wrong.
Cupp, 16, is a Stuart Cramer High senior who is a member of Scout Troop 20416 based at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Gastonia. She’s been in scouting since childhood and risen in the ranks from Daisy to her current status as an Ambassador.
Over the years, Cupp has done service projects that earned her a Bronze and Silver Award. When the time came to go for her Gold Award, she gave it some deep thought and came up with the concept of “Caring Cupboards” which are freestanding boxes filled with food and toiletries that folks can avail themselves of for free.
Cupp explained how she formulated the plan and carried it out.
“The pandemic led me to the idea  of building coverings for nonperishable foods and other items people need,” she said. “I had a bake sale fundraiser and raised $1,400. I baked for twelve hours. Things like brownies and rice crispy treats and cookies. I advertised them on Instagram and Facebook and spent eight hours delivering them. It was a lot of hard work.”
Cupp took the money to local home improvement stores and bought the wood and other materials to build three Caring Cupboards. She did a lot of the sawing and hammering herself- with a bit of help.
“My dad has a background in carpentry and he helped,” she said. “I also had some help from my team mates Conner Griffin and Ronan Morano.”
After the cupboards were built, she put them up in three locations- Town Hall in Cramerton, First Presbyterian in Gastonia, and St. Mark’s Episcopal in Gastonia.
Next, Cupp stocked the cupboards.
“I took the money that was left over from buying the materials and bought things to fill them,” she said.
A peek inside the Cramerton cupboard revealed soup, ravioli, personal care  items, bottled water, macaroni, and Vienna sausages.
People are welcome to give and receive via the cupboards.
“It’s take what you need and give what you can,” Cupp said.
The Caring Cupboards are proving to be a hit.
“The ones in Gastonia have been up for two weeks and have had to be filled twice a day,”she said.
The Cramerton one is new and should get plenty of action too.
“It’s gratifying to see the cupboards being utilized,” Cupp said.
Cupp’s mom, Leah, had this to say about the project.
“I’ve very impressed,” she said. “The pandemic took some things away that she enjoyed doing, but it  also allowed her time to help people in the community.”
Cupp says he’s gotten a lot out of  her Girl Scout years and says it’s a great thing to be a part of.
“I would encourage girls to get involved and get started on their own service projects,” she said.
 

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

After many months of planning, construction began last week on a major development in North Belmont.  The project will be a business park at Woodlawn and Cason streets. The development will be known as River West Business Park. The rezoning applicant was Belmont Industrial, LLC represented by Scott Bortzk. The rezoning was approved at the Nov. 11, 2019 meeting of the Belmont city council.
Plans are for two warehouse and office structures to be built with a total area of 60,000 sq. ft. The property where the project will take place is owned by Alliance Real Estate III. When completed, it is estimated the project could generate 250 to 350 new jobs. The project will likely require road improvements one of which would eliminate the blind intersection at Acme Rd. and Woodlawn and also shut a section of Centerview St.
 The 40 acre site where the development is slated has a long and interesting history going back to the 19th century when it was part of a 600 acre plot that Robert Smith purchased from Catawba Indians in 1830 for $1,000.
Later, the land was the site of Acme Spinning Mill. That textile facility opened around 1920 and operated not one, but two mills. It also had a village of company houses as well as a baseball field for workers and their families. In 1986, “the Acme” as it was known, was sold to Parkdale Mills who kept it going until 2002. In 2005 the mill and many of its houses was torn down. Since

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

It won’t be long now.
That’s a good way to succinctly put the current state  of construction regarding the repair and rebuild of Mt. Holly’s First Baptist Church.
July 21, 2020  marked the fourth anniversary of a fire that destroyed the sanctuary of First Baptist  and damaged its Education Building. The fire was one of the biggest in Mt. Holly history and took 150 firefighters from 16 different departments several hours to control. The fire was eventually blamed on a propane torch used by a crew repairing the roof.
The sanctuary building was gutted but the exterior walls stood firm. Work took place last year to clear the twisted rubble from the sanctuary interior and allow structural engineers to assess the building’s integrity. The cleanup took six months.
After the fire, the First Baptist congregation overwhelmingly voted to use, to the extent possible, the remaining walls of the structure in the rebuilding process. The architect chosen by the church, WKWW Architects of Charlotte, created a design that blended the old and the new. Beam Construction was picked to do the actual work.
The rebuild has included several important upgrades. One is the roof structure that’s now made of heavy duty steel beams. The other is a band of concrete around the uppermost rows of bricks. The concrete will tie the walls together for extra strength.
But those are just technical details. What’s actually happened in the time from when the twisted and charred rubble inside the church was hauled off and the rebuild began is amazing.
A look inside the church sanctuary last week revealed a stunning, beautiful, awe inspiring and reverential feeling at what workers have accomplished.
“We’ve come a long way,”  First Baptist pastor Dr. Kendell Cameron said in a huge understatement.
Blackened wood and plaster has been replaced by beautiful cream-colored walls accented by rich hardwood trim. The sanctuary ceiling is the crowning touch and is shaped like a Greek cross. Recessed lighting gives the sanctuary ceiling a celestial look and feel.
New windows currently have clear glass, but new stained glass ones will be placed on the inside of them. The new windows will be similar to the original 1928 ones and are being made by Statesville Stained Glass.
“Having the stained glass windows on the inside will also help with energy efficiency,” Cameron said.
The church organ was destroyed in the fire and  Schantz Organ Co. based in Orrville, Ohio has started creating a bigger and better one. However, because of COVID, the company had to shut down for a spell. Nonetheless, the instrument will still be coming soon.
“It will be here in a couple of months,” Cameron said.
New pews for the sanctuary are slated for delivery any day now. Several of the church’s original chandeliers were saved and have been installed in the sanctuary.
Other spaces in the church have received rebuilds as well. New restrooms, classrooms, flooring, and hallways are nearly complete.
Building committee chair Reeves McGlohon estimates the bill for the rebuild will be $5-5.5 million.
So, when exactly will First Baptist be ready? That’s a good question and the answer still depends on what happens regarding the COVID impact.
“Beam has been here every day,” McGlohon said. “However, their suppliers have been impacted by COVID. We still hope to be ready by early fall.”
Having First Baptist rise from the ashes has always been more than restoring a building. It’s always been about faith.
“We are deeply excited to have a future here,” Cameron said. “COVID put a damper on the near future but we plan  on  long future.”
 

Gaston County EMS, along with Lincoln County EMS and Stanley Rescue, deployed twelve personnel to Clayton, NC, to provide support for the effects of tropical storm Isaias. They will form an ambulance strike team consisting of three advanced life support ambulances, two basic life support ambulances, an AST logistics trailer, and an ambulance strike team leader. Gaston County EMS personnel: Deputy Chief Jamie McConnell, Crew Chief Josha Crabtree, Paramedic Dwayne Shipton, Paramedic Ashley Pierce, EMT Mark Hines, EMT Cameron Woods, EMT Shelby Speas, EMT Darrell Williams. Lincoln County EMS personnel: Paramedic Jonathan Thomas, Paramedic Steven Bridges. Stanley Rescue personnel: EMT Madison Meadows, EMT Lindsay Nelson.

 

Officers of the Mt. Holly Police Department have started a school supply drive called “Books & Badges”. This school supply drive will be for the four schools within Mount Holly jurisdiction. A  box is  located in the MHPD lobby for donations of any new school supplies you would like to give. Pens, pencils, colored pencils, 3 subject notebooks, 3 ring binders, loose-leaf paper, crayons, hand sanitizers, tissues, and disinfectant spray are needed. When school restarts, MHPD separate the school supplies and distribute them to Mount Holly Middle, Ida Rankin, Catawba Heights, and Pinewood. Your donations are greatly appreciated!!

by MICHAEL E. POWELL

Recently representatives from the Catawba Indian Nation, located in Rock Hill, S.C., and the City of Kings Mountain, and from Cleveland County, met to break ground for the Catawba’s Casino Resort Project.
The group of individuals met at 10:30 a.m., at the Catawba’s 16-acres of land set aside for the casino, just off Exit 5 on I-85, the actual address being 260 Dixon School Rd., Kings Mountain.
In a Monday, July 20, media release from Tribal Administrator Elizabeth Harris, there was limited space available due to COVID-19 restrictions, and the expected mask and social distancing guidelines and rules were in place.
Catawba Chief William “Bill” Harris, after brief introductions of all those who were invited to speak and take part in the auspicious occasion, said, “We are privileged to work with the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners and the City of Kings Mountain. We are also pleased to be working with Delaware North as well as Sky Boat Development.”
Chief Harris spoke about the history of the Catawba Nation and the tribe’s close historical ties with first the English during the French and Indian War, then with the Colonial Americans, when they later took up arms against the British in the Battle of Kings Mountain.
He spoke of the Catawba’s great King Hagler, who in the 1750s spoke about living in peace, love and friendship with all nations. King Hagler, or Nopkehee, was born about 1700, and died in 1763. He became Chief of the Catawba in 1754.
“We, the Catawba Nation, were there to read the signs and warn the colonists of British attacks,” Chief Harris said, as he continued on the history of the Catawba Nation.
Chief Harris referenced how their nation has developed many partnerships over the many years, bringing it home by referring to the coming casino and its many job opportunities by saying, “Today, we celebrate the thousands of jobs that will be created; we celebrate the economic growth that will come about.”
Regarding that economic growth: it is estimated that a total of $428.1 million will be realized as far as an annual economic impact is concerned. The breakdown is as follows: $308 million (once operational, in per year of direct economic activity and employment of an estimated 2,600 workers); $77.3 million (an additional per year in indirect impact through local purchases from local business); and another $42.8 million per year in induced impact from employer expenditures, according to information provided by London & Associates (February 2020). This same study projects that construction activity alone will generate $311 million, with a “total employment of 2,347 from direct, indirect, and induced effect”, as per that same media release.
Harris continued, “Today the Catawba Nation wants to express it gratitude to Kings Mountain, Delaware North, Cleveland County, and Sky Boat, as well as others as this project unfolds.” Some of those others he talked about include U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham, Richard Burr, Tom Tillis, and Sen. Scott for their 2019 support that encouraged the request to accept the 16 acres of land into trust for the Catawbas. That decision is still being contested by the Cherokee Tribe but the casino continues to move forward, noted Chief Harris, in a March 2020 article in the Eagle.
According to the Project History & Timeline handed out at the groundbreaking, the projected Introductory Phase, complete with 1,300 operational gaming devices is possibly summer of 2021.
Kings Mountain Mayor Scott Neisler, who was one of the project leads, along with Cleveland County Commissioner Johnny Hutchins, was quoted on the handout as saying, “Finally, the Catawbas have the opportunity to perpetuate their culture as a meaningful elevation of their place in North American history.
“Before today, this eight-mile stretch of I-85 had little to offer to locals and tourists. With this project we will become the premier destination between Atlanta and Washington, DC, for entertainment.”
Neisler said at the groundbreaking, “Today, we are standing on official Catawba Nation lands! This is historical Catawba land! We are all Americans, and we are in lockstep with them, and wish them well in the furthering of their culture. I want to thank Chief Harris and others of this Catawba Nation for having us as guests on their land.”
Commissioner Hutchins was quoted on the handout as saying, “Our steadfast partnership with the Catawba Indian Nation has brought us to this moment in time to celebrate their culture and their desire to improve the future of tribe members and those in Cleveland County and the region through jobs, tourism, and economic potential.”
He added at the groundbreaking, “This (casino and its jobs) is going to be beneficial to us all.”
In addition to Hutchins being there for the Cleveland County Commissioners, Chairperson Susan Allen was present as well, as was Delaware North’s Gaming President E. Brian Hansberry, and a host of dignitaries and others. Sheriff Alan Norman and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department provided security and direction for the event.
Hansberry noted that Delaware North wants “to create a world-class operation here,” and that they were “glad to be working on this.”
In closing, Chief Harris, said, just before inviting everyone to the actual groundbreaking area, “This project will have a huge economic impact on this area!”
Providing tribal music and prayers for the event, along with ceremonial drumming were Jason and Ronnie Beck.
For those desiring more information on the Catawba Nation Casino or the tribe, contact Elizabeth Harris, Tribal Administrator at elizabeth.harris@catawbaindian.net, or call (803) 366-4792, ext. 225.

We are stardust, we are golden. We are billion year old carbon, And we got to get ourselves back to the garden.
– Woodstock ~ Joni Mitchell

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Mike and Kristina Lore’s Piedmont Homestead market garden and farm near Alexis is a miniature Garden of Eden.

Several years ago the couple decided to plant a garden on their six acre piece of land located on Alexis-High Shoals Rd. and the banks of Sailors Branch. Now, those few rows have grown in scope to the point where they are able to have plenty of vegetables for themselves and enough to carry each weekend to the Mt. Holly Farmers Market for sale.
“Two or three years ago I started learning about food and the more I got into it I decided to share that knowledge and the produce we grow,” Mike said.
Right now, the garden has about a fifth of an acre under cultivation out in the open and another large space under a high shelter similar to a greenhouse. Goodies the Lores are growing includes melons, kale, carrots, lettuce, beets, sweet potatoes, heirloom tomatoes, peppers, cukes, and several types of herbs just to name a few things.
Like most uncultivated places in our area, the soil the Lores started out with was red dirt with plenty of weeds. Mike shared his tips on how he took that situation and turned it around so that vegetables and flowers can really get going.
“You need plenty of compost,” he said. “We don’t till the soil which stirs up weed seeds. We put sheets of plastic on top of the weeds to kill them then take it up and put lots of compost down. Wood chips go between the rows. We turn the compost over with a broad fork.”
The Lores get their compost by the yard from Earth Farms in Dallas. A big heap is stockpiled behind their house ready for spreading.
“Clean compost also helps keep the weeds down,” Mike said.
Water is also a vital element for gardening and Mike offers this advice.
“The first step in gardening is planning the location so you have good light and water,” he said. “That’s very important.”
To keep the critters from eating up everything in the outside garden, Mike took black locust poles and plenty of wire to build a high fence. They have a flock of Golden Comet chickens and an electric fence keeps varmints out. Their friendly red dog does his part by patrolling the grounds.
When crops are picked Mike and Kristina take them to a room out back of their garage for washing, packaging, and transport to the Mt. Holly Farmers Market. Some of the crop they donate to Mt. Holly’s Community Relief Organization.
Right now, the garden is a supplemental form of income, but there are plans in that regard.
“Hopefully, in a couple of years we will be able to farm full time,” Mike said. “That’s the goal.”
For Mike and Kristina, having the garden is a lot more than about making money, it’s a rich, healthy way of life and a boon to body and soul.
“There is a lot of meaning in having your hands in the soil,” Mike said. “It’s a lot of work, but well worth it.”
To find out more about Piedmont Homestead, visit the website at thepiedmonthomestead.com.

Progress continues with the new housing facility at Belmont Abbey College. The five-story residence hall will be the Belmont Abbey College home for 136 upperclassmen – 34 students on each of floors two through five with classrooms and faculty offices on the first floor.
Unfortunately, due to numerous weather delays during the initial stages, the Abbey is anticipating an October completion for the most significant housing project in the history of the College. To support safety during the pandemic and rather than providing an option to triple its residents, the College will be providing a modular unit option, at a significantly reduced rate—$2,300 rather than $3,700 for fall 2020.
The modular units will offer the same amenities as  existing housing options. The single occupancy 10’ x 10’ rooms will include a shared bathroom with one other resident—the same assigned roommate for the new hall. Each room has a single bed, desk, vanity, and television with shared laundry facilities located within. The units will be temporarily located in the parking lot adjacent to the baseball field, dining hall, and the Saints residence halls.
To accommodate the temporary loss of parking during this growth phase, the College is permanently expanding the parking lot adjacent to the Alumni House and Science building, which will add approximately 90 additional parking spots. The Abbey is currently developing a more detailed parking plan for fall 2020, particularly for residents of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica.
The modular units, while temporary, will still provide a safe, high-quality, living experience until the construction of the new hall concludes in October. With its integrated location, the new units provide an ample opportunity for new community building with its easy access to the residential side of campus, the Crusader Success Hub, the dining hall, athletic facilities, and the quad.

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info
Belmont resident Deborah Baxa lives on a stunning 30+-acre piece of land right on Lake Wylie near the Hot Hole. She could sell some of it to developers for yet another subdivision, or keep it all to herself. But Baxa has what she believes is a higher and better use for the property- a new event venue she’s calling Camelot Meadows.

Deborah’s husband, Lt. Col. Dr. Mark Baxa, passed away just a few years ago from brain cancer at the age of 59. He was an incredibly accomplished man who among other things was a U.S. Navy and Air Force Reserves veteran, and medical director at what is now CaroMont Health. He was also passionate about working on and beautifying the property he and Deborah shared.
Deborah says the concept for Camelot Meadows came to her as a way of honoring and remembering Mark’s love of their land and a desire to share its splendor with others.
“I feel it’s important to share it with the community,” she said. “There are so many hidden gems on this property that most people are not even aware of.”
A tour of the acres turned up one really interesting feature- an enchanted bamboo forest. The bamboo growing there towers over 20 feet tall. Walking or riding through it on a trail Mark carved out is a unique and magical experience. Deborah is also sharing the bamboo for a good cause.
“Once a year Bhutanese refugees come over from Charlotte and harvest the shoots,” she says. “Last year they harvested five hundred pounds which fed one hundred fifty people.”
Another way that Baxa wants to help the Belmont area community is by having people with physical challenges come use her horses for equine riding therapy.
Another cool feature of the Baxa land is a creek with large boulders. The creek runs down to the lake and the view from the adjacent field is stunning.
It’s in that very field that Baxa wants to build  Camelot Meadows’  huge, 7,560 sq. ft. barn. Actually, the barn is built, but about 1,500 miles away.
“It’s in Nebraska waiting to be brought here,” she said.
The type of events that Baxa envisions for Camelot Meadows could include weddings, corporate events, arts and craft fairs, photo shoots, concerts, holiday parties, private parties of all types, etc.
In addition to the event structure, Baxa also has plans for cabin to be built on a knoll beside the rocky creek overlooking the lake.
So far Baxa has gotten letters of support for the project from the Gaston Regional Chamber, Belmont Mayor Charles Martin, the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce, Gaston County Travel and Tourism, to name a few.
So, when will the project move from the planning stage to a physical reality? Seems there’s a bump in the road. Or lack of a road. The property is landlocked in a sense and Baxa needs road access to it from South Point Rd.
“There are access issues I am still working on,” she said.
In the meantime, Baxa is holding a series of concerts on the lake with the money benefiting local nonprofits. The next one is set for August 9 for Girls on the Run, then September 13 for Holy Angels, and October 11 for Belmont Memorial Skate Park. The music starts at 6pm and winds down at 8pm. The address is 156 Lake Mist Dr., Belmont (Baxa’s house). For boaters it’s the Hot Hole area.
As Baxa says- “This land is meant to be shared and appreciated by others and will always be a part of Mark’s legacy.”
For more information visit www.camelotmeadowsevent.com.

The Gaston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, July 28, but  did not vote on a possible relocation of the Confederate monument outside the Gaston County courthouse.
The meeting took place at 6 p.m. at the Harley B. Gaston Public Forum at the Gaston County Courthouse, 325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, in Gastonia. The meeting was livestreamed on the County’s website, GastonGov.com, as well as broadcasted on the Gaston County Government Access Channel, which is available to Spectrum and AT&T U-Verse subscribers.
Last month, the Board of Commissioners tasked a 12-member citizen panel dubbed the “Council of Understanding” to debate the future of that Confederate Monument.
The Board plans to receive a report on the Council of Understanding’s 7-5 vote to recommend relocating the statue from Commissioner Tom Keigher, who chaired that citizen council. The board may provide direction to County staff as to allowing citizens to vote on a referendum, asking state officials to lobby for a change in the 2015 law concerning objects of remembrance, or to pursue other options.

The Gaston County Family YMCA responds to community needs amidst Gaston County Schools recent school reopening decision by providing both full day and Afterschool options to support working families.
 “With school reopening we know it is more important than ever to ensure working parents have safe and reliable childcare as well as support as they learn remotely,” said Sharon Padgett, CEO. “The Y has been a long time partner of Gaston County Schools. It is only natural to work together.”
The Y Enrichment Program will offer options for students in cohort A, cohort B, as well as virtual only students at four locations serving children from kindergarten through 8th grade. This program will provide a safe and enriching environment that is fully outfitted for remote learning as well as traditional YMCA programming such as themed weeks, small group games, physical activities, arts and crafts, and more.
The program will take special precautions outlined by the CDC to ensure the health and safety of staff and participants, including limited group sizes, assigning students to one group for an entire week and modifying adult to student ratios.
“We are hard at working preparing for students,” said Padgett, “We know this school year will look and feel different than ever before and want to help all kids have the opportunity to thrive.” The Y is working hard to serve children throughout Gaston County for the 2020/2021 school year. Reservations are now available at gastonymca.org for the 2020 School Year to allow parents to secure your spot. Please note, we are taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of all participants during the COVID19 crisis, therefore, spaces are limited.

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Long before, centuries before, the South Point peninsula began its transformation into a clogged two lane road and a sea of subdivisions, the area was a wilderness home to Native Americans and early European settlers.
Few, if any, folks know that better than lifelong Belmont resident and historian Jack Page who spent many, many days exploring abandoned South Point farmsteads and the banks of the South Fork River looking for whatever historical treasures the soil held. Page’s finds included an impressive collection of arrowheads, spear points, pottery, musket balls, and colonial era utensils a considerable amount of which is on display at the Belmont Historical Museum.
Page recalled finding his first Native American artifact on the South Point peninsula.
“The area had been logged fairly recently,” he said. “The trucks had left some deep ruts. My eyes fell upon a perfect spear point. I later discovered it was over 10,000 years old.”
Page was bitten by the amateur archaeology bug.
“At one time there was a lot of abandoned farm land on the South Point peninsula. I could park my vehicle beside the road with full confidence that no would mind if I walked those fields. I never dug. I was a surface hunter. I loved to hunt artifacts that emerged when the ground had been plowed or disturbed in some mammer.”
Page described some of the places he found artifacts.
“Any old home site was a prime area,” he said. “Also, where Indian camp sites had been situated near water such as the South Fork River.
Usually I began by looking for rock chips from arrowhead making. Then I began looking in such  an area in earnest.”
What did he find?
“Local tools and points in our area are made from quart and rhyolite,” Page said. “Each culture in our area had distinct projectile types. As time moved on, the introduction of agriculture began a cultural revolution that needed tools for clothes making, food preparation, and containers for storage.”
Europeans appeared on the South Point peninsula in the early 1700s. At one time there was a small fort built there. Early settlers were named Leeper, Kuykendall, Stowe, Armstrong, and Smith. Among the artifacts that Page found that might be attributed to these and other pioneer folks were musket balls and table knives.
Page commented on the changes that have taken place on the South Point peninsula.
“The demise of farming on South Point and the building boom has limited or destroyed evidence of Native American having lived here for thousands of years,” said Page. “The Catawba tribe was a late coming group that had been predated by numerous earlier cultures. If you are lucky you might still stumble upon a projectile point or a pottery shard. These artifact are overlooked unless you educate yourself by studying those like the ones in the Belmont Historical Society.”

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Last week the Gaston County Board of Education voted 8-1 to adopt the state’s “Plan B” for the reopening of schools on August 17. Board member Dot Guthrie cast the “no” vote
Superintendent Jeff Booker recommended the  plan after studying reports by school officials. Other plans that were under consideration included reopening under plan B, at 50-percent capacity, and plan C, totally remote learning.
Plan A/B will use a combo of learning options for student “cohorts”. Cohort A will go to school classrooms and see teachers on Mondays and Tuesdays. Cohort B students will go on Thursdays and Fridays.
On the days when students aren’t actually in a classroom, they will avail themselves of remote learning. Wednesdays will see all students doing the remote learning thing and classrooms will get a good cleaning.
To get to their remote learning lessons, kids in grades K-5 will dial up the Schoology program while their older classmates in 6-12 will use Canvas.
Another learning option will be the school system’s Gaston Virtual Academy.
Health and safety are at the heart of the back to school plans. Students either exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19 won’t be allowed in school even if they don’t show symptoms. Students who have been exposed but don’t show symptoms will have to stay home for 14 days. If they test positive but don’t have symptoms the wait is ten days. At least one symptom means no school. A negative test means the student must not have a fever or any other symptoms for 24 hours before going back to school.
School nutrition has been factored into the plan as well. Each day will see breakfast and lunch brought to the classrooms. On the days that students aren’t actually in class, the highly successful “Grab and Go” food delivery program will be used to make sure the kids are fed.
Gaston Schools will also develop other COVID-19 safety plans including how to handle the situation if an outbreak happens not only in classrooms but buses as well. The state currently requires only one student per bus seat. Students must also wear a mask while riding the bus. Gaston County Schools buses will be cleaned electrostatically after each trip.

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

During the summer, the sound of music coming from  a truck rolling down a neighborhood street usually means the ice cream man has arrived. However, this summer, a similar sight and sound has a very different meaning for kids in several local neighborhoods. That’s because Candace Nichols has created  a unique and uplifting variation to that scenario.

A former HR executive, Nichols felt an itching dissatisfaction with her career and felt that there had to be a higher calling out there  so she came up with a unique concept- why not deliver free lunches to kids and while the chaps chow down, share a Bible story and sing a little hymn together. You might call it a Vacation Bible School on wheels.
Nichols named her brainstorm Today’s Daily Bread and set about making it a reality.
“I was astonished to learn about the hunger need in Gaston County,” she says.  “My heart has been broken with the knowledge that over sixty percent of school-age children are accustomed to receiving a free or reduced-price lunch during the school year, but during the summer, the story is quite different. While some of these children have ways to receive a free lunch during the summer via the Summer Feeding Program hosted by Gaston County Schools, a large gap exists among the population of children, that are unable to get to where these meals are served.  The gap of hunger included all ages of children, from elementary to high school. As I walked through doors and met people that God ordained along this path, I learned of neighborhoods being served in this county and in my town, but I also learned that the need for a mobile food delivery truck would complement the great and commendable efforts that are in place today via organizations and churches in my community to fill the hunger gap. The mobile food truck idea could indeed fill a unique need in our county and yes even in my town of Belmont. God took me on the fact-finding mission by using people such as Brad Rivers, Dallas Butler, Sue Johnson, Ann Hixson, Cliff Calvert, the late Reverend Alexander, and others to open my eye that even in my town of Belmont, where the main street flourishes with restaurants, coffee shops, shopping. In my town, just past the mix of new homes and old mansions, are neighborhoods that have children that are hungry when school is out of session.  God had confirmed this, His purposefully planted idea, of having a mobile food delivery truck was not a perceived need. There was/is a real need for this in my community.”
With the help of numerous sponsors, Nichols acquired a delivery type truck and outfitted it. She put a sound system in it that belts out hymns as the vehicle rolls along. Food is supplied by the Gaston County Schools nutrition department. Nichols picks it up at North Belmont Elementary School and with the help of a volunteer, heads out into neighborhoods where the lunches are distributed to children waiting in yards and curbside.
Currently, Nichols is delivering around 170 lunches per day. The food is good. A typical meal might have chicken nuggets, a couple of types of vegetables, and a cookie. Oh, by the way, ice cream is on the menu on Fridays.
Nichols summed up her mission plan succinctly.
“Our objective is to provide a healthy free lunch to any child 18 years and younger that falls within this hunger gap during the summer while school is out of session and ensure they know that Jesus loves them,”  she said.
Hall Park is one of the neighborhoods that Nichols delivers to. Karen Leatherman lives there on Peachtree St. and her lawn is where her twin granddaughters and several other kids gather under a big tree for a shady lunch and Bible lesson.
“Today’s Daily Bread is the most refreshing thing to come  in a long time,” Leatherman said. “It really gives the kids something to look forward to. It’s been a blessing. The kids enjoy the lunch and learn a lot too.”
Even though she’s the muscle and brains behind Todays’ daily Bread, Nichols is only taking a sliver of the credit for herself.
“This is God’s thing,” she said. “He allows me to do it.”
Today’s Daily Bread is a non-profit and donations are its lifeblood. To find out more go to www.Today’sDB.org.

Dear Parents and Employees:
Last week, Governor Roy Cooper made an announcement about the reopening of schools for the 2020-2021 academic year.
School districts across North Carolina, including Gaston County, will be able to implement a blended model of instruction (referred to as Plan B by the state) that allows for students to attend school in-person on a part-time basis and engage in remote learning at home.
While “Plan B” makes it possible for students to attend school in-person for the first time since March, it challenges school districts to develop a comprehensive plan that outlines how schools will operate when the new year begins on Monday, August 17.  Our operational plan must take into consideration a number of health and safety guidelines such as social distancing, wearing face coverings, hand washing recommendations and other cleanliness precautions, etc. as they relate to scheduling, classroom setup, delivery of instruction, bus transportation, school nutrition, arrival and dismissal procedures, and many other logistics.
It goes without saying that the upcoming school year will be like none that we have ever experienced before.  The coronavirus pandemic has changed almost everything about how we live, and it has brought about a “new normal” for our society.  Without question, school will be very different for the unforeseeable future.
We know that you have many questions about what school will be like for 2020-2021.  You will be receiving more information  and your school will be sharing information with you very soon.  Additionally, we want to thank those of you who have shared your comments with us, sent an e-mail, completed our parent and staff surveys, and/or participated in our Parent Advisory Council meeting and our meeting with teacher representatives from the N.C. Association of Educators (NCAE) local chapter.  Your feedback is important to us as we develop our operational plan and the Board of Education considers the plan.
In the weeks and months ahead, we will need everyone associated with Gaston County Schools to be flexible, patient, open to change, understanding, and willing to do whatever is necessary to provide quality instruction for children while adhering to the highest health and safety standards.  Make no mistake about it, the time ahead of us will be difficult, but our school family is very capable of turning challenges into opportunities.
Thank you for your support and commitment to Gaston County Schools.  Working together, I am confident that we will continue to inspire success and a lifetime of learning even during an unprecedented pandemic.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Booker, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

The Mt. Holly Police Dept. was recently honored and humbled to have Pastor Mike Johnson (pictured), Pastor Jesse Fields, his wife Annie Fields, Pastor Shannon Williams, MHPD Chaplain Reverend Angela Pleasants, and members of the community coordinate a prayer vigil. Pastor Johnson presented Chief Roper with a beautiful plaque and it is now displayed inside the department headquarters. He also presented “Tool Kits” for every Officer and they were very much appreciated. The level of support MHPD receives from everyone is truly appreciated and they are honored to serve such an outstanding Community.

Photo provided
 

On Tuesday, July 14, CaroMont Health  added another location to its growing clinical network with the opening of CaroMont Urgent Care in Belmont.
Located at 1223 Spruce Street, the new office will offer expert care for urgent medical issues seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. With online reservations available and walk-ins welcome, the new office will offer convenient access for neighborhoods and businesses in this growing area.
“In a family-oriented community like Belmont, urgent care is important to ensure patients have access to flexible care options,” said Costa Andreou, MD, Executive Vice President at CaroMont Health. “CaroMont Urgent Care is located a short distance from CaroMont Pediatric Partners, CaroMont Women’s Health and South Point Family Practice, to name a few, so the location should be very convenient for both existing and new patients to CaroMont Health.”
The 4,950 square-foot-facility includes onsite x-ray and laboratory testing, and healthcare providers will offer care and treatment for minor illness and injuries, like colds, ear infections and sprained ankles.
As in all CaroMont Health facilities, additional COVID-19 safety protocols, such as social distancing, enhanced cleaning measures and required face covers, are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all patients.
“It’s great to see CaroMont Health growing and expanding here in Belmont,” said Charlie Martin, Mayor for the City of Belmont. “We are looking forward to the new hospital, and the addition of this urgent care facility is going to be a big help to our residents.”
CaroMont Urgent Care is the first of many projects CaroMont Health will undertake in the Belmont area. In addition to the announcement of a new hospital planned to open in 2023, the health system is also working on several medical office projects in the area, including the renovation of CaroMont Pediatrics Partners-Belmont.
“The Belmont area plays a critical role in our medical network, and we are fortunate to be part of a community that has supported our efforts to expand healthcare services,” explained Dr. Andreou. “These projects are a reflection of our steadfast commitment to the thousands of patients who trust us to care for them and their families.”
Patients may reserve their spot online by visiting www.caromonthealth.org/checkin.
Patients who have concerns of COVID-19 should call the practice to discuss their symptoms prior to scheduling online or arriving at the practice.

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info
The Mt. Holly Community Garden is in its sixth season and bigger and better than ever.
Located at 126  N. Main St next to First United Methodist Church,  the garden has become a mecca not only for the folks who have garden plots there, but also for people just wanting to sit on a bench and take in all the flowering and vegetable wonderfulness.
Right now, the garden has 52 beds brimming with a bounty of fantastic flowers and an astounding variety of vegetables ranging from ten-foot-tall Russian Mammoth sunflowers to tons of tomatoes, many pounds of peppers, artichokes that won’t choke Arty, cornucopias of corn, etc. etc.
“We had a great growing season,” said garden VP Erin Denison. “It was perfect for all kinds of produce and flowers.”
As it has before, the garden is giving a part of the harvest to the Mt. Holly Community Relief Organization.
“This year we have the produce from ten beds dedicated for donation to the CRO,” said Denison. “So far, that’s one thousand pounds. We’re hoping for two thousand pounds.”
Wait, there’s more. A beautiful new mural on the side of the tool storage shed is nearly complete. The artwork  

By TODD HAGANS
Gaston County Schools

It is every musician’s dream to win a Grammy Award.  One band director in Gaston County Schools is a step closer to making that dream come true.

Kameron Radford of Stuart W. Cramer High School is one of 216 quarterfinalists from across the United States to be nominated for the Grammy Music Educator Award.  It’s a recognition that honors K-12 and collegiate music educators who have made a significant contribution to the field of music education and advocate for maintaining music education in schools.

The winner will be chosen from 10 finalists and attend the 63rd annual Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles.  The finalists will receive $1,000 as well as $1,000 for their school’s music program.  Fifteen semifinalists will receive $500 prizes.

“For me, being nominated is especially humbling because it was a student who secretly submitted the initial application,” said Radford.  “I was extremely surprised to receive the e-mail informing me that I was chosen as a quarterfinalist.”

Selected from more than 2,000 applicants, Radford takes his place as one of the top music educators in the country.  It is a well-deserved acknowledgement for Radford, who always knew that he wanted a career in music.

Radford is “homegrown” in Gaston County Schools.  He graduated from Hunter Huss High School in 2004 and Appalachian State University in 2008.  After earning his degree, he returned to his high school alma mater as the band director.

When Stuart W. Cramer opened in August 2013, he jumped at the opportunity to become the school’s first band director, a job he has thoroughly enjoyed for seven years.

“As a band director, I have the opportunity to work with the most amazing students, and everyone in the Stuart W. Cramer community is so supportive,” said Radford, who has high expectations of his students and wants them to strive for the best not just in band, but in everything they do.

“The best part of my job is teaching students the skills needed to reach the highest level of excellence,” said Radford.  “Many of the skills learned in band like responsibility, commitment, perseverance, and teamwork are the same skills needed to be successful in life.”

Radford’s interest in music began at a young age.  He recalls listening and dancing to music at his grandmother’s house when he was just three years old – his favorite song at the time was “Elvira” by the Oak Ridge Boys.  He enjoyed learning songs while in elementary school at H.H. Beam and began developing his musical talent in middle school.

“I feel like my passion for music took off in the Southwest Middle School band room where learning to play the trumpet was the best thing for me,” said Radford.  “Once I got to high school, I realized that being a part of the band was so important.  It’s where I found a friend group of like-minded people who all supported each other as we worked toward a common goal.”

While in high school and college, he emerged as a band leader, serving in the prestigious role of drum major.

“My experience in high school taught me the skills necessary and gave me the confidence to audition for drum major my freshman year at Appalachian,” said Radford.  “As the drum major at Appalachian, I got the opportunity to travel to three Division 1-AA national championship games, march in the New Year’s Day parade in London, and have a sideline view for our historic upset of the Michigan Wolverines in 2007.”

Radford credits his band and music experiences over the years as well as his high school and college band directors, Andy Washburn and Dr. Scott Tobias, for shaping him into a successful band director who is worthy of the Grammy Music Educator Award.

“Being involved in band during a formative time in my life is what ultimately solidified for me that education would be my life’s work,” explained Radford.  “I will cherish my memories of band for the rest of my life, and they are part of the reason why I strive so hard to give my students similar experiences.”

Radford added, “Through music education, it is my hope that I can give my students the same thing my teachers provided for me – a sense of purpose and a place to feel safe and valued.”

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

First Baptist Church in Belmont has a new preacher.

Pastor Andrew Renfroe, 32, preached his first message there on July 28 standing at a podium made from wood that had been part of the original 1874 sanctuary.

That connection between past, present, and future is at the heart of this story.

First, a quick look back at the founding of First Baptist.

Back in 1874 a group of about a dozen folks living in and near what was then called Garibaldi Station decided to form a church. At first they met under a brush arbor- basically tree limbs on a frame. Soon the desire for a sanctuary was hatched.  Two of the attendees, John Benny Smith and his wife Sara Abernethy Smith sprang into action. Sara donated the plot of land where the current First Baptist Church sits. John had wood sawed and stacked at the ancestral Smith farm in what is now Catawba Heights. The lumber was intended to upgrade the log cabin where they lived. Instead of using it for that purpose, it was taken to the little plot of land and the very first sanctuary, Friendship Baptist, was built with it. Over the years, the original building was replaced with larger and larger ones as the church membership grew. The main sanctuary now is an imposing and grand structure that sits on the original plot- the highest point in the city of Belmont.

Now, let’s meet Renfroe.

A native of Shelby, he’s married to wife Jayda who is a teacher at Gaston Christian School. They have two children, five-year-old Elliott and eight-year old Amelia. They currently live in South Gastonia. Renfro graduated from Crest High in 2006 and from North Greenville University in 2011.

Growing up, Renfroe attended Second Baptist in Shelby. His first church job out of high  school was at Hope Community Church in Cleveland County. He went from there to New Hope Baptist in Earl where he was associate student and children pastor. Next, he went to Second Baptist in Mt. Holly where he was an associate children pastor for two and a half years and interim pastor for a ear and a half. The First Baptist folks voted him in as their pastor in May and, as previously mentioned, he preached his first message on June 28. It had been four years since First Baptist had a senior pastor.

Refroe is a history buff and has spending hours in the First Baptist archives room learning about the church’s rich history and the place it has held in Belmont for nearly a century and a half. He’s well aware that attendance has dwindled from around three or four hundred twenty years ago to the fifty of so folks that show up on Sunday mornings now.

He’s determined to reverse that trend through new programs and philosophies designed to raise the First Baptist profile and recapture the spirit that led to its formation in the first place.

Renfroe says one of his main goals will be to increase awareness that First Baptist is eager to become more involved in community events.

“The church members have a heart for community outreach,” he said.”They love each other and they love the community. They are happy to serve and meet people where they are.”

Just from talking to Renfroe, it’s obvious his energy and enthusiasm for First Baptist is genuine and deep.

“My family and I are very excited to start the next chapter not only in our ministry but also in the life of First Baptist Church, Belmont,” he said.  “If you are looking for a church where you will be treated like family and welcomed in with open arms, look no further. First Baptist Church, Belmont is the church that exists in the community, for the community. Be on the lookout for exciting things to be going on at FBC, Belmont!”

Above all, Renfroe wants folks to know one thing.

“The brightest thing First Baptist has is its future,” he said. “God has plans for this church!”

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

At the end of this month, when First United Methodist Church Belmont Child Development Center assistant director Susan Clements retires, she will leave behind a 39 year legacy of love and learning.

Clements grew up in a military family and says she’s from “all over the place”, but landed in Gaston County in 1972.

“I graduated from Ashbrook High in 1974,” she said.

She married her husband Ronnie and held jobs at John’s Hobby Shop, Akers Motor Lines, and the kindergarten at Belmont Central.

Fate had other career plans for Clements.

“One of the teachers at FUMC left and I got the job,” Clements said. “I taught the two year olds for six years. My son was in my first class.”

Clements had found her niche.

“That’s when I knew I loved working with the younger kids,” she says. “They have been my calling.”

Clements explained what her favorite part of working at FUMC has been.

“I love how eager the kids are to learn and how happy they are when they figure something out,” she said. “They also love for me to tell them stories- any kind of story. They also love to dance. We have a part of class called Spotlight Dance and they get up one by one and dance to music.”

Getting the kids ready for the day when they enter the school system is also a big part of their FUMC day.

“One joy for me is the fact that at the beginning of the year they can’t spell their name but by the end of the year they can,” Clements said. “I tried to teach them a letter of the alphabet each week so they know how to write it.”

Clements has also stressed the importance of a well-rounded day for her kids.

“They get outdoor recess at least a couple of times a day,” she said. “They hear a Bible story on Tuesday and a music teacher comes on Friday.”

Clements says she has had good fortune to have worked with her boss, Linda Smith, who is FUMC’s Childhood Development director.

“We have worked together well, we are like sisters,” she said. “Linda is the reason this place is so successful.”

Smith returned the compliment.

“I would like to thank Susan Clements for giving 39 years of service to First United Methodist Church Child Development Center,” she said.  “What a legacy of love and care she has given to our church and the Belmont community. Susan has enriched the lives of so many children over the years. She is an institution in our CDC program. She’s a joy to work with and I will always treasure our work relationship that we have shared for 39 years. Many fond memories!! This community has been blessed by her leadership and her compassion for children. Susan has been a delightful co-worker and a great friend to everyone and yes, Thelma, you will be sorely missed by me, Louise. Happy retirement! Much love goes with you from all of our staff. May God bless you, Susan.”

July 1 marked 39 years since Clements first arrived at FUMC, so what does she plan to do in her retirement?

“We have a little cabin in Rutherford County,” she said. “My goal is to travel and camp.”

As far as advice to the FUMC CDC teachers now and in the future, Clements offers this.

“Keep it simple,” she said. “Love the children like they are your own and they will love you right back. They will always remember your smile and that you made them happy.”

By Delta Sanders

It was a Belmont Juneteenth Celebration like none before. There was no gathering in Stowe Park. There was no drum circle, no face painter, no tie dye T-shirt station, and no cultural food vendor.
However, there was an unprecedented acknowledgment and recognition of Juneteenth, as many celebrated it for the very first time.
In recent weeks, several people have learned that Juneteenth is the celebration of the abolishment of slavery in the United States, specifically the June 19, 1865 reading of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas.
Elements of Empowerment, Inc. worked with the City of Belmont to convert their traditional cultural festival to a virtual format.
The Belmont Juneteenth Celebration Parade was a central piece of the virtual event.
Main Street, Belmont was the center stage for the parade, complete with Belmont Police and Fire Department escorts.
The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Charlotte led Elements of Empowerment, Inc., sponsors, partners, vendors, and other participants in a regal procession that ended just after crossing Wilkinson Boulevard.
Along the way, the downtown crowd and Belmont residents expressed excitement and pleasure as the caravan passed by.
“I was very impressed and at the same time humbled by the pouring out of support shown today during our parade,” said Vince Hill, co-founder of Elements of Empowerment, Inc.  “Many thanks to all who participated and those who waved from the street.”
Keisha Byrd, who drove in the parade,  echoed his sentiment. “I was in awe of the business owners who came out to the sidewalk as we passed by and the residents who waved and greeted us from their porches and driveways,”  said Byrd.
Duane Patterson, who also drove in the parade, took notice of the many vehicle spectators who happily paused to honor the motorcade.
The moment that police and fire vehicles blocked Wilkinson Boulevard, historic reality became apparent to those participating in the parade.
Six-lanes of traffic were halted while the Juneteenth Celebration Parade crossed to the other side.
Gene Sanders got caught up in that moment. “I didn’t want it to end,” he said.
Throughout the planning and execution of the revamped event, Elements of Empowerment, Inc. received significant support from their “nearest” and dearest sponsoring partners.
 “The City of Belmont truly contributed on all levels,” Delta Sanders said. “I enjoyed working with Cassidy Lackey on the fine details.”
She added- “Belmont Abbey College Athletic Department had a large presence in the parade.  The Abbey Players joined the parade lineup after producing a Juneteenth video that features Director Simon Donoghue.”
 “The Abbey Players were honored to take part in the 2020 Belmont Juneteenth Celebration,” Margaret Petry Smith commented. “From the car parade to all of the creative and fun online components, it was truly a meaningful way to commemorate this important anniversary.  We were especially moved to be asked to film a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, highlighting and reaffirming its historical significance.”
Looking forward, Vince Hill remarked- “I am so proud of our relationship with the City of Belmont and Belmont Abbey College and The Abbey Players. We can only anticipate the success we will experience with our 2021 Juneteenth event,  jazz concert, and our reading series.”
The history of Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day, is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.  Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19th that the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston , Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. These days, Juneteenth  celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures.  
Belmont has a tradition of recognizing Juneteenth. The Juneteenth idea was introduced by former Belmont city councilwoman Anna Young. From there city council recruited a group of volunteers to help develop the event. The first Belmont Juneteenth celebration was in 2012.

By Mary Smith

Each year the Rotary Club of Mount Holly honors our local police department through a special luncheon during their weekly meeting. At this event, the Officer of the Year is announced by the Chief of Police.
Due to COVID-19, festivities were planned a bit differently than in the past. This past week Rotary Club ordered lunch for each of the Mount Holly Police Department staff members. The meals were purchased from local eatery JackBeagle’s, located in downtown Mount Holly.
It was clear as soon as Officer Ray Mathis walked into the room that this special recognition was a true surprise. He was joined by his loved ones and the other officers on his team who were scheduled to work later that day.
Officer Mathis has worked with the City of Mount Holly for two and a half years, hired while attending BLET (Basic Law Enforcement Training) at Gaston College. He is a member of the county’s Mobile Field Force Leadership and also serves in the National Guard.
During his remarks, Chief of Police Don Roper highlighted Mathis’ work ethic and warrior mentality. Last month, he and fellow officers assisted in the delivery of a baby on the side of a Mount Holly road.
The result of his hard work is still paying off dividends. Officer Mathis noticed a possible print on a small piece of glass from a bathroom window that was broken during a break-in last winter. He dusted and lifted the fingerprint and the department received the results back last week.  The print he lifted resulted in a 100% positive match for the suspect, and charges are forthcoming.
Officer Mathis has also taken it upon himself to share information with the Department by creating a “Leads List” containing information about possible leads regarding possible crime in the area.
The true definition of a public service, Mathis has a heart for serving the community. He recently decided to create a back-to-school program called “Books and Badges” in which he will be accepting donations of school supplies for the upcoming school year for each school in Mount Holly.
“Officer Mathis has proven himself to be a great fit for our community during his time at MHPD. His caring attitude and work ethic highlights his contribution to our team. Mount Holly is fortunate to have Ray as an officer, and I am proud to have him representing our department,” remarked Chief of Police, Don Roper.

By Alan Hodge
alan@cfmedia.info

Progress continues to be made on the beautiful new Belmont Middle School under construction on South Point Rd.
Ground was broken in late March 2019 for the project and despite a few weather related hiccups has continued at a steady pace ever since.
Gaston Schools employee and project manager Paul Nault had this to say.
“We hope to be finished by the end of January, depending on the weather,” he said. “We are under the roof and getting a lot of work done inside. We are not stagnant. We are moving forward.”
Inside work currently underway includes installing terrazzo tile flooring, ceilings, wiring, and painting, and  other odds and ends. The terrazzo will be polished to a glass-like sheen, adding even more beauty to an already stunning  school.
“The terrazzo floors will be here as long as the building,” said Nault.
One nice feature of the inside are the skylights that let natural light flood in. In this respect, Belmont Middle is similar to the new Stanley Middle School where skylights are an important architectural feature. Indeed, Belmont Middle’s  floor plan is similar to Stanley, but as Nault calls it “stretched” to accommodate more students.
Sports are an important part of Belmont Middle and the new school will have superb facilities for them. Out back, a nice brick concession stand and press box overlooks the football field and a paved running track. Bleachers will be ADA accessible.
“This is a nice setup,” Nault said. “It is being done right.”
Other outdoor work that still needs doing includes installing more sidewalks, curbing, paving, finishing the athletic fields, and landscaping.
What’s Nault’s overall feeling about the project?
“Belmont loves South Point and Belmont Middle,” he said. “They were well due for a new school and this is one they can be proud of.”
Here are some more Belmont Middle School construction facts:
The new school will replace the current Belmont Middle School located on Central Avenue. That structure  is nearly 80 years old and was formerly Belmont High.
Beam Construction Company of Cherryville is building the new school, and LS3P Associates is the architect.  LS3P also designed the new Stanley Middle School, which opened in March 2018.  The new Belmont Middle School is similar in design to Stanley Middle School.  Beam Construction also built the new Pleasant Ridge Elementary School in Gastonia, which opened in August 2017.
The cost to build the school is an estimated $33.54 million, and construction will take about two years.  It is expected to open for the 2021-2022 academic year.
The new two-story school will feature more than 155,000 square feet of space and be able to accommodate 1,000 students.  The core areas of the school such as the cafeteria and gymnasium will be built to accommodate 1,200 students to plan for future growth.
A modern library and media center, which will serve as the heart of the school and be located near the main entrance;  a spacious cafeteria with stage area and large gymnasium to allow for a variety of uses; grades separated by wings, with the sixth grade on the main floor and seventh and eighth grades on the second floor as well as administration areas on each floor; separate bus and vehicle entrances with more than 200 parking spaces and a pick-up lane that is able to accommodate 100 cars; maximum use of natural light and energy efficiency throughout the school; and new athletic facilities including a multipurpose football field with a six-lane track, baseball and softball fields, bleachers, a field house, and equipment storage facility.

Paramedic Trevor Gosselin receives his recognition for Outstanding Rescue Preparedness from Acting Captain Melanie Massagee.

May 17-23, was the 46th anniversary of National Emergency Management Services or EMS Week. As the coronavirus health crisis continues to unfold, our country and the world are bearing witness to the remarkable dedication, commitment to service and courage of EMS practitioners.
The theme for EMS Week 2020 was “Ready Today, Preparing for Tomorrow.”  Although this theme was selected well before the current pandemic, it is particularly relevant to how your local EMS professionals have stepped up to the many challenges presented to them in these trying times. Everyone owes a great debt of gratitude to all of the Paramedics and EMTs who are serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 response while still responding to and meeting the needs of everyday emergencies that arise.
Because of the impact of COVID-19, Gaston County EMS was unable recognize its men and women with the usual EMS Week festivities. However, Gaston Coumty EMS did recognize the efforts and contributions that specific team members have made to the agency throughout the last year. Employees are selected for these particular recognitions through a peer-nomination process. GEMS presented the following employees with recognition.
Outstanding part-time employees – Lynn Drum and Saraina Hurley
Outstanding rookie – Rebecca Shaffer, Madison Ballard and Christopher McLaughlin
Outstanding Paramedic –Courtney Johnson, Justin Greer, and Caleb Robinson
Outstanding EMT – EMT Andrew Molby, Bridgett Wilkinson, Allison Langley, Bridget Robinson
Outstanding Customer Service – Mark Hines, Kristina Monk, Steven Wall
Outstanding Clinical Preparedness – Robert Paul, and Andrew Adams
Outstanding Rescue Preparedness – Trevor Gosselin
Outstanding Public Educator – Tia Slone and Lanny Bivens
Outstanding Training and Staff Development – Chris Marlowe
Outstanding Mentor – Hannah Orr
Outstanding Field Training Officer – Kelly Marlowe
Outstanding Mentor – Brendon Axe

North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance Mike Causey visited the Mt. Holly Fire Dept. headquarters last week ans shared some exciting news. In March, MHFD was inspected by the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal. The North Carolina Response Rating (ISO) inspection looks at many different aspects of our department and city. The City of Mount Holly classification improved from a Class 5 to a Class 2. The new rating will be effective September 1, 2020 and could help to lower insurance premiums.
Commercial, industrial and manufacturing businesses are more likely to be in line for these reductions. Homeowners and businesses should contact their insurance companies. This possible premium reduction will depend on the insurance carrier.
This visit included a delivery of smoke detectors for the MHFD neighborhood canvas program. 
“I am proud to be the fire chief of this top-notch organization,” said Chief Ryan Baker  “Each member of our department played a vital role in this achievement and it shows in the final result of the inspection.  At the time of the results, the data given showed that there were only 38 “Class 2” fire departments in the state of North Carolina, and this is out of 1,520 fire departments.  Nationwide there are only 1,673 “Class 2” fire departments out of 40,355.  This puts us in the top two percent in the state among fire departments and in the top four percent in the nation.  We give our very best every day and we will keep striving to be even better for our next inspection.” 

Stuart W. Cramer High School principal Audrey Devine is pleased to announce that Mike Patton, a respected and long-time middle school and high school coach in Gaston County, will become the school’s new athletic director.
Patton replaces Terry Radford, who is retiring at the end of the 2019-2020 school year after 38 years of dedicated service to Gaston County Schools.
A 22-year employee of Gaston County Schools, Patton has taught and coached at Stanley Middle School, Belmont Middle School, South Point High School, and North Gaston High School.  For the past nine years, he has served as the head football coach at North Gaston, and he has been the school’s athletic director since 2016.
“We are extremely proud to have Mr. Patton coming to Stuart W. Cramer High School to serve as our next athletic director,” stated Devine.  “He possesses a wealth of experience, knowledge, leadership, and enthusiasm in the areas of teaching, coaching, and managing athletic programs.”
Devine continued, “Mr. Patton has a positive vision for high school sports, and we look forward to what he will bring to our school.  I am confident that everything he will do at Stuart W. Cramer will benefit our students, coaches, and everyone associated with our athletics program.”
A 1990 graduate of North Gaston High School, Patton attended N.C. State University and was a member of the Wolfpack varsity football team during the 1990 and 1991 seasons.  His coaching career includes serving as the head football coach at Stanley Middle School, assistant football coach at Belmont Middle School, and assistant football and baseball coach at South Point High School.  He became the head football coach at North Gaston High School in 2011.
“While I will miss being a part of the Wildcat family at North Gaston, I appreciate the opportunity to become the athletic director at Stuart W. Cramer, and I am excited about what’s ahead,” said Patton.  “Coach Terry Radford, who has served as the athletic director since the school opened, established an outstanding sports program at Stuart W. Cramer, and I look forward to building on his great foundation.”
Patton added, “The student-athletes at Stuart W. Cramer are incredibly talented.  I want them to experience victories on the field and court, but more important, I want them to be winners – and leaders – in life.  Sports are about learning discipline, building confidence, developing character, and instilling pride.  I know the coaches, teachers, parents, and administrators that I will be working with will support all of the student-athletes at Stuart W. Cramer to ensure they continue to experience success and represent the Storm school community in a way that makes all of us proud.”