GLMag_Jan_Feb_2026

January/February 2026

Between Memory and Abstraction The Art of Juan Logan

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

January/February 2026 www.gastonlifestyles.com

Volume 15 - Issue 1

3 P ublisher’s Note 4 C over Story

Between Memory and Abstraction

8 B usiness Center

GBA’S Annual Celebration

10 A ctive Living

New Year, New Spaces

12 P eople on the Move Gaston Together

President/Publisher/Editor Deborah Ally dally@gastonlifestyles.com Advertising admin@gastonlifestyles.com Art Director Michele Warren Digital Media admin@gastonlifestyles.com Contributing Writers Megan Zelaski • Sarah Shriver • Leslie Lee Felicia Bittle • Caitlin Conner • Tony Miros Sharon Heinrich • Michael McQuitter Ryan Schrift • Robin Loupus • Melissa Latin Photographers Cover Photo Mitchell Kearney Photography Gaston Business Association • Gaston County Family YMCA • Gaston Together • Felicia Bittle Daniel Stowe Conservancy • NBCU Photo Bank Rotary Club of Gastonia • Michael McQuitter Robin Loupus • Charlotte Fashion Plate Published By P.O. Box 550666 • Gastonia, NC 28055-0666 2 www.gastonlifestyles.com

14 F ashion

New Year Style, Made Effortless

16 D aniel Stowe

Conservancy

2026 Winter Forecast

18 P hoto Gallery 20 H ollywood Obsessed Catching Up With Anne-Marie Johnson

22 D id You Know

Gaston County Rotarians

24 Technology

The Top Tech Trends of 2025

26 F inance

The Danger of Being Certain

27 T hose Who Serve

Introduction to Gastonia Firefighters Foundation

28 E ats & Treats

Lentil Salad with Lemon Maple Vinaigrette

Gaston Lifestyles is distributed at these major outlets Harris Teeter 3350 Robinwood Rd. Gastonia, NC 28056 Harris Teeter 905 S. Point Rd. Belmont, NC 28012 Covenant Village 1351 Robinwood Rd. Gastonia, NC 28054 Warlick YMCA 2221 Robinwood Rd. Gastonia, NC 28054 Cherryville YMCA 215 North Mountain St. Cherryville, NC 28021

The Stowe Family YMCA 196 YMCA Dr. Belmont, NC 28120 Gastonia Conference Center 145 Dr. M.L.K. Way Gastonia, NC. 28052 $3.09 Cleaners 703 Union Rd. #1 Gastonia, NC 28054 Gaston Business Association 601 Franklin Blvd.

Gastonia, NC 28056 Gaston County Public Library Main Branch 1555 E Garrison Blvd.

Gastonia, NC 28054 All Featured Advertisers

All contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Gaston Lifestyles Magazine, all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.

Publisher’s Note Celebrating the Past and Ringing in the New

By Deborah Ally, Publisher, Gaston Lifestyles magazine

L

et me start out by saying thank you to all our readers and advertisers who have been with us through the years, what a journey! For those of you that are new to Gaston Lifestyles Magazine, welcome to the beginning of our 15th year. We hope you stay with us and join the ride of exploring what’s good and true in Gaston County. If you missed an issue, we feature all the 2025 covers in the Photo Gallery as a Year In Review and you can read the complete issues on our website at www. gastonlifestyles. com. You can see photos of GLM on the move throughout the year in places near and far.

Our cover profile in this issue features local artist, Juan Logan, whose studio is located right here in our midst in Belmont, NC (see photo below). Our writer, Megan Baksh, gives you an inside glimpse of his artistic accomplishments including a wonderful display of his work. We also have lots of articles celebrating happenings and tech trends in 2025 and how to start the new year in style, getting in shape and managing your money.

Happy reading!

Deborah Ally

Juan Logan’s studio, Belmont, NC

January/February 2026 3

Please Save This

Elegy 108, 2021, Acrylic paint on 300lb Waterford hot press paper, 30” x 40”

Elegy 195, 2025, Acrylic paint on canvas, 48” x 60” 4 www.gastonlifestyles.com

Cover Story Between Memory and Abstraction: The Art of Juan Logan

By Megan Baksh Photographs by Juan Logan

F

rom his spacious, welcoming studio in Belmont, contemporary artist Juan Logan draws inspiration from his community and the world at large.

Spanning decades, his work reflects both his personal experiences and broader social histories.

His bird’s-eye viewpoint honors the ebbs and flows of time, the nuances of family relationships and the formative experiences that continue to influence his work.

“I think a lot about where I come from and how that shapes the work I do,” Logan reflects.

Logan was born in Nashville, Tennessee, but grew up in Belmont, North Carolina. As a child, he enjoyed the company of older generations and considered his grandparents his contemporaries. Their storytelling captured his imagination and fueled his initial work. The memories of those early years shaped the creative lens through which Logan would later interpret his surroundings. His family’s stories offered insight into the realities taking place around him, instilling an acute awareness of society and personal identity.

“Those stories were extremely important and shaped

how I felt about what was happening around us socially and economically,” he recalls.

They helped him forge a practice that blends introspective thought with social observation by providing context and contrast. Although his work often sheds light on social stratification, Logan resists provoking an emotional response.

He prefers to view his art as a space for examination rather than resolution. “I’m not trying to answer anyone’s questions,” Logan explains. “I’m trying to answer my own.” To him, the true value of art lies in its ability to motivate viewers to reach their own conclusions about what they feel and why.

He believes that in order to deepen one’s investigation, it is imperative to ask better questions, and he has spent a lifetime doing so, regardless of what he chooses to explore artistically.

That philosophy also informs Logan’s move toward abstraction. After his years in the military, realism no longer seemed sufficient as a means of expression. He respected the tradition and technical aspects of realism, but in his practice, he found it limiting because it had been exhausted and offered little room for personal growth and discovery.

Elegy 186, 2024, Acrylic paint on canvas, 6 ½’ x 16’ January/February 2026 5

Cover Story With abstraction, however, Logan felt there was nothing but room. Fascinated by the evolution of abstract expression, he studied artists such as Willem de Kooning, whose early works were chaotic and visceral but later took on softer, more contemplative forms. Logan notes that this shift did not represent a loss of intensity but rather a deeper understanding of form and color. Today, he works deliberately in the space between representation and abstraction, using that tension as a language to address current events, lived experience and the people and histories that matter most to him. This way of seeing is shaped by close observation, pattern and movement — habits he has long practiced through birdwatching in North Carolina and along major migration routes. “Things seldom pass us because we’re so observant,” Logan says. “We look at the details of things — the textures, the color.”

Currently, Logan is engaged in an extensive body of work titled Elegies — an ongoing series of more than 250 paintings that centers on the idea of elegy. “Rather than serving as poems for the dead, these paintings are a serious reflection on memory: the loss of, the fragmentation of, the absence of,” Logan explains. Through Elegies, he examines both personal and collective memories, observing the influence of public policy, monuments and institutions on what societies choose to preserve or eradicate. He focuses on the impact cultural erasure and shifting laws can have on the collective consciousness, often invisibly at first but with lasting repercussions.

One recent painting depicts the fragmentary top of a monumental column, evoking the ruins of ancient Greek and Roman architecture after destruction. The intertwined figures in the fractured composition suggest the breakdown of established institutions and the toll it takes on humanity. For Elegy 19, 2018, Acrylic paint on canvas, 48” x 60”

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Elegy 70, 2020, Acrylic paint on shaped canvas, 68” x 82 ½”

Logan, the work speaks to contemporary issues — from the weakening of public institutions to the worldwide effects of removing support systems that once aided countless people.

“I’m trying to create elegies — not just responding to events happening around us now, though of course those matter — through a series of paintings that serve as elegies for the next generation. The idea is to leave something to look back on, because with so much continually being erased, there won’t be much to remember if we’re not careful.”

Memory and grief are equally central to Logan’s practice.

He creates works honoring people he has lost in various ways, from sculptures representing his mother and her sisters with buttons to drawings of heads symbolizing deceased family members. Personal objects and colors carry meaning in his art. “My mom’s favorite color was pink. She had a pink nightcap, a pink shower cap, a pink housecoat. I made pieces about her — in pink,” he recalls. One large painting in progress, likely six by eight or eight by ten feet, will be completely covered with divining rods, continuing Logan’s practice of remembrance.

A notable work, Finding My Way Home, explores the idea of home as a connection rather than a place. “The thing about it is that my mother’s house was never my home. Home was always where my mother was,” Logan says. The piece uses a divining rod, a traditional tool for locating water, as a metaphor for finding his way back to that sense of home.

Other works, such as Please Save This, are rooted in family history and heirlooms passed through generations. Logan inherited a small jar containing a piece of bread from his greatgrandmother, preserved by his grandfather in 1916, with a letter bearing the message, “Please save this. This is the last

piece of bread my mother made before she died.” The jar had been handed down to his aunt and eventually to him. “I carved a breadboard for that to rest in,” he explains. His mother also created keepsake boxes for each of her children, filled with meaningful objects such as Logan’s christening gown and wallpaper from the house she grew up in — the same house Logan lives in now. “When you think of ways that people get remembered, it’s those kinds of things. I passed that down to my son and he’ll hold onto it. It will always stay in the family. It will never be sold. That’s how we remember and connect. We allow what we remember to make a difference in our lives.”

Even when creating art through grief, Logan does not feel an emotional release. “I don’t,” he says. “It’s something that runs really, really deep, and it’s not something I’m trying to get away from. We learn to carry it. We learn to live with it.

And that’s perfectly all right.”

Logan’s work has been widely exhibited both nationally and internationally, with numerous solo shows and a range of private and public commissions. His pieces are in private, corporate and public collections, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Gibbes Museum of Art, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Memphis Brooks Museum, the Zimmerli Museum of Art and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. His work, Some Clouds Are Darker, is part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

For additional information on Juan Logan’s work, follow him on Instagram @juan.logan.

Current / Upcoming Exhibition • Juan Logan: Without Stopping — Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile, Alabama (May 9, 2025–Feb. 14, 2026) • Major solo exhibition featuring selections from Logan’s

Elegy 4, 2017, Acrylic paint and glitter on canvas, 48” x 60”

Elegies series (more than 200 works) exploring memory, identity, race, place and social mobility.

• Includes the public debut of a monumental commissioned painting (6½-by-16 feet) created for the museum’s permanent collection.

• Presented in collaboration with Clotilda: The Exhibition at the Africatown Heritage House, including related events, community programs and a new publication featuring essays by Dr. Tiffany Barber and Dr. Kern Jackson.

Recent / Related Projects • Juan Logan: Fragments and Other Considerations — Scott Miller Projects, Birmingham, Alabama (2025) • Solo exhibition showcasing Logan’s recent paintings and works on paper, emphasizing memory, abstraction and collective histories.

Elegy 183, 2023, Acrylic paint on canvas, 48” x 60”

Elegy 192, 2024, Acrylic paint on canvas, 30” x 40” January/February 2026 7

Business Center GBA’S Annual Celebration A Year Defined by Growth

By Megan Zelaski Photographs Courtesy of Gaston Business Association

On

December 5, the Gaston Business Association gathered over 200 leaders, partners, and community champions at its Annual Celebration, presented by CaroMont Health—an afternoon that blended reflection, connection, and a forward-looking vision for Gaston County’s business community.

More than a year-end event, the Annual Celebration served as a moment to pause and take stock of a year defined by growth, engagement, and meaningful impact. Attendees connected with peers from across the county while reflecting on how collaboration continues to strengthen Gaston County’s economy, workforce, and sense of place.

By the numbers, the year was one of remarkable growth.

GBA delivered more than 100 programs, welcomed 90 new investors into its network, and expanded educational offerings to address timely topics such as housing, real estate trends, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in business. The return of the beloved GBA Ambassador Program further strengthened connections among members and reinforced the organization’s community-first approach.

Jen Thomas & Sarah McLean Levy

Jen Thomas & Mary Frances Forrester

The Gaston Business Association is building on a strong foundation while looking ahead with purpose.

Throughout the program, GBA leadership highlighted key accomplishments from the past year. Advocacy efforts remained front and center, particularly ongoing work surrounding major transportation projects, strengthened relationships with elected officials, and new ways of engaging the public in the democratic process. One of the year’s most notable milestones was the launch of the GBA Election Hub, designed to make local candidates more accessible to voters and encourage informed civic participation.

The GBA also celebrated significant progress in placemaking, including expanded downtown programming in Gastonia and continued momentum behind the Gastonia ReImagined initiative—both aimed at creating vibrant, welcoming spaces that support local businesses and quality of life.

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Kirlin Family

While the event focused on the collective impact of the business community, the Celebration also included moments of recognition. The Duke Energy Citizenship & Service Award was presented to the Kirlin Family, the Aurora Leadership Award to Sarah McLean Levy, and the Athena Leadership Award to Mary Frances Forrester—honoring individuals and families whose leadership and service reflect the values of Gaston County.

The program also marked a transition in GBA leadership.

The Association expressed heartfelt appreciation to outgoing board members Brad Drury of Pinnix General Contractors Inc. and Moses Newman of NB Technology for their years of dedicated service, while welcoming new board members Susie

Lewis of BEAM Construction and Matt Miller of Standard Distributors to help guide the organization into its next chapter. They also acknowledged the stepping down of 2025 Board Chair Rusty Harris and welcomed Jim Morasso as the new chair for 2026.

Pat Mumford & Moses Nueman

Pat Mumford & Brad Drury

As the event concluded, the message was clear: the Gaston Business Association is building on a strong foundation while looking ahead with purpose. The Annual Celebration was not only a reflection on where the community has been, but a reaffirmation of where it is going—together.

Del Murphy January/February 2026 9

Active Living New Year, New Spaces How the YMCA’s Growth Is Shaping Gaston County’s Future

By Sarah Shriver, VP of Marketing and Financial Development, Gaston County Family YMCA Photographs Courtesy of Gaston County Family YMCA

As

Gaston County steps into a new year, there’s a sense of momentum in the air. Families are settling back into routine, gyms and community spaces are filling with renewed energy, and residents across the county are setting goals for a healthier, more fulfilling 2026.

At the center of that energy sits the YMCA — not just as a gathering place, but as an evolving part of the community landscape. With major improvements underway and more on the horizon, the YMCA’s growth is shaping the way people of all ages connect, learn, and thrive.

Investing in Spaces Where Community Happens The 2024–2025 season marked one of the most transformative periods in the history of the Gaston County Family YMCA. With the launch and groundbreaking of the Stowe Family YMCA’s expansion and renovation campaign, we stepped into a new chapter of growth and possibility.

Throughout 2025, our branches operated amid active construction, and our members showed incredible patience and flexibility as we navigated adjusted hours, modified access points, and shared spaces. Their support allowed our

Campers share a smile during a break from basketball — friendships and fun in action.

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Campfire, s’mores, and simple togetherness bring families closer at Family Camp.

construction team to bring our vision to life, one milestone at a time. From updated wellness areas to expanded program spaces, these changes reflect an ongoing commitment to making sure families, adults, and youth have places they can count on. With the opening of the new Outdoor Water Park in June, a major milestone was complete and the community celebrated what is shaping up to be a landmark in Gaston County recreation.

While Stowe moved into its next chapter, exciting progress was happening across the association as well. The Cherryville Family YMCA successfully launched 24-hour access, giving members the flexibility to enjoy the Y on their own schedule and strengthening its role as a dependable resource for the community. At the same time, our Warlick Family YMCA began looking ahead, exploring what future growth and expanded facilities could mean for meeting the needs of a rapidly evolving community. Together, these steps reflect a forward-focused vision for how all our branches can continue to expand to serve the growing needs of the community. From refreshed facilities to improved member experience flow, the updates will make the Y an even more welcoming hub for connection, play, and healthy living. A true investment in the everyday rhythms of life for thousands of local residents.

intentional seating, more flexible multipurpose areas, and more opportunities for people to gather in meaningful ways.

The YMCA is committed to being the place where Gaston County comes together — not just to move, but to connect, recharge, and feel at home.

A joyful group of seniors heads out for another day of exploring and friendship.

A Welcoming “Third Space” for Gaston County Across the country, people are losing something that once played an important role in everyday life — a reliable “Third Space.” A place that isn’t home and isn’t work, but still feels like yours. A place where you can connect, unwind, meet friends, or simply be part of something bigger than your own routine.

The YMCA is leaning intentionally into that role.

As Gaston County grows, we are focusing on creating environments that function as modern Third Spaces for people at every age and stage of life. Kids and teens find rooms to explore interests, build friendships, and gain confidence. Young adults and working professionals discover flexible corners to answer emails or meet someone for a quick brainstorming session. Parents can catch their breath between schedules. Older adults find community and energy in the rhythms of their day.

Our branches are becoming gathering hubs — warm, welcoming spaces designed for more than workouts or programs. Think remote-work nooks, lobbies that spark conversation, community rooms for casual meetups, and inviting spaces where coworkers can collaborate or friends can reconnect before class. Places where you can linger, talk, think, laugh, or simply reset.

Whether you’re a college student spreading out textbooks, a parent catching up on work during swim practice, or a group of friends meeting before a walk around the lake, the Y is becoming that missing Third Space — a comfortable, familiar spot that fits naturally into daily life.

Every update we make is rooted in this vision: more

Designed With the Future in Mind Each updated space reflects the voices of our members, families, and community partners. From more flexible gathering areas to better program flow and thoughtful features for families, every detail was shaped by the people who walk through our doors each day.

And as we prepare to re-open the Stowe Family YMCA in just a few short months, that vision becomes even more meaningful. These enhancements represent far more than refreshed walls or new layouts. They open the door to new ways for neighbors to connect, more opportunities for children to build life skills, and more welcoming places for adults to find support and stay well throughout the year.

With a new year approaching, the YMCA is stepping forward with optimism and purpose. These improvements are not just milestones — they are signs of what’s ahead: a community growing stronger through shared spaces, shared experiences, and shared commitment to one another.

For updates on project progress and the upcoming Stowe reopening, visit your local YMCA branch or follow along on social media. The best is truly yet to come for Gaston County..

Teen Leaders gather by Robinwood Lake, building friendships and leadership skills together.

January/February 2026 11

People on the Move Gaston Together

Bringing Together Clergy, Citizens and Law Enforcement

By Leslie Lee, Executive Director Photographs Courtesy of Gaston Together

We

will hold the MLK unity Awards Celebration on Monday, January, 19th at 10:30 am, in conjunction with the African American Museum of History and Culture at Loray Mills. The names of the MLK awards winners are now on display in the museum along with a kiosk that offers information about each winner.

We will present the award to the 2026 MLK Unity Award recipient along with the MLK Essay Contest scholarship winner. The MLK Essay Contest was introduced last year for Gaston County high school students. The winner will receive a $500 scholarship and the opportunity to read their essay at the MLK Unity Awards.

Gaston Clergy & Citizens Coalition (GC3) The Gaston Clergy and Citizens Coalition (GC3) was founded in 1999 under the auspices of Gaston Together to provide a forum for clergy and community members to

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GC3 carries out its mission through a countywide effort that brings together clergy, citizens, and law enforcement work collaboratively toward positive change through faith, education, and community empowerment. GC3 carries out its mission through a countywide effort that brings together clergy, citizens, and law enforcement representatives to address community concerns as they arise and to build lasting bridges of unity across Gaston County. Current focus areas include the MLK Unity Award Celebration, Faith and Blue Weekend, and the GC3 Law Enforcement Covenant.

More information is available on our website Faith Based Leadership — Gaston Together.

People on the Move

January/February 2026 13

Fashion New Year Style, Made Effortless

A Stylist’s Guide to Starting the Year Polished & Confident

By Felicia Bittle, Certified Image & Style Consultant, FABstyles, LLC Photographs Courtesy of Felicia Bittle

T

he start of a new year brings fresh energy, renewed goals, and a desire to show up as the best version of ourselves. Yet, even with a closet full of clothes, many women still find themselves asking the same familiar question:

“What am I going to wear?”

As a stylist, I remind my clients that elevating your style in the new year doesn’t require starting from scratch. It’s about refining what you already own, styling with intention, and choosing looks that align with who you are becoming.

Effortless polish is always in season — here’s how to step into the year feeling confident, comfortable, and undeniably stylish.

Luxe Textures That Do the Heavy Lifting Winter style begins with texture — the quiet luxury of velvet, the soft shine of satin, the subtle interest of sequins, and the cozy elegance of faux fur. These fabrics instantly elevate an outfit with minimal effort.

“The magic lies in mixing textures — soft with bold, matte with shine.”

Try pairing a velvet blazer over a simple top, a satin skirt with a chunky knit, or layering a faux-fur accent over a tailored look.

Texture adds depth, dimension, and instant sophistication to your winter wardrobe.

As you step into the new year, give yourself permission to show up intentionally — in textures that feel luxurious, colors that energize you.

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Felicia Bittle

Let Your Coat Set the Tone During colder months, your coat often becomes the centerpiece of your look. It’s the first impression — and an opportunity to make a statement.

“Your coat becomes the outfit. Let it make a statement.”

Consider: • A camel wrap coat for timeless elegance • D eep emerald or burgundy wool for richness and warmth • A cropped faux-fur jacket for a touch of modern drama Stylist Tip: Belt your coat to define your waist and instantly elevate even the simplest outfit underneath.

Metallic Accessories: Understated Shine, Maximum Impact Metallic accessories aren’t just for special occasions — they’re perfect for adding polish to everyday winter looks. Subtle shine brings dimension without overpowering your outfit.

“Metallics are your secret weapon for effortless glow.”

Gold hoops, a metallic clutch, champagne-toned heels, or a jeweled belt transition seamlessly from workdays to evenings out, making them smart, versatile investments for the season.

Reimagine What’s Already in Your Closet One of the most valuable skills I teach clients is how to see their wardrobe differently. You don’t need more clothes — you need a fresh perspective.

“Small changes. Big impact. That’s the power of repurposing your wardrobe.”

Layer a summer slip dress over a fitted turtleneck. Style a blazer as a top for a chic evening look. Turn a maxi dress into a long duster layered over tailored pants. Creativity unlocks new possibilities without new purchases.

Elevated Comfort for Winter Days at Home Winter often brings quieter moments — casual gatherings, workfrom-home days, and cozy evenings in. Comfort and style can coexist beautifully.

“Comfort can still be polished — even at home.”

Think winter-white knit sets, wideleg lounge pants paired with a satin cami, or elevated slippers with faux-fur details. Getting dressed with intention — even casually — changes how you move through your day.

A Color Palette That Carries You Through the Season Winter hues are rich, warm, and incredibly flattering. Shades like pomegranate, forest green, mulberry, winter white, midnight navy, and gold pair beautifully with neutrals and create visual interest without effort.

“Rich hues tell a story without saying a word.”

Whether bold or understated, choose colors that energize you and reflect your personal style.

The One Thing That Never Goes Out of Style: Confidence No trend or outfit matters more than how you feel wearing it. Confidence is the foundation of great style — and the key to making any look unforgettable.

“When you feel good, you glow — and that glow never goes out of style.”

Choose pieces that help you stand taller, move with ease, and walk into every room fully yourself.

Final Thought As you step into the new year, give yourself permission to show up intentionally — in textures that feel luxurious, colors that energize you, and outfits that reflect your evolution.

Whether you’re dressing for work, social moments, or everyday life, let your style support the woman you’re becoming.

New year. Refined style. Same FABulous you.

January/February 2026 15

Daniel Stowe Conservancy 2026 Winter Forecast

Dazzling Ice to Tropical Temperatures at Stowe

By Caitlin Conner, Marketing + Communications Manager Photographs Courtesy of Daniel Stowe Conservancy

T

he new year has arrived, and with it are several new and exciting events, exhibits and workshops at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.

This is your first sneak peek to everything we have in store so you can chase away the winter blues and embrace the beauty of nature in all its seasons!

NEW! Featured Event: Ice Sculptures at Stowe January 16 + 17 | 5-9 p.m.

Stowe has never been cooler! Step into a magical, frozen world as Daniel Stowe Conservancy transforms into a wondrous winter wonderland! We’ve teamed up with Ice Trade Sculptures and Ice Mill to display 20+ breathtaking, nature-themed ice sculptures across The Gardens at Stowe.

Plus, Ice Sculptures will be your last chance to catch the twinkling lights of Holidays at the Garden, as portions of The Gardens will still be lit with thousands of lights...including our Prairie Castle Playground so the kids can play after dark!

Tickets are on sale now - get yours today before it sells out!

Purchase tickets online at danielstoweconservancy.org.

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NEW! Sprouts at Stowe Series We’re thrilled to welcome toddlers ages 2-5 and their parents/guardians to Sprouts at Stowe, a monthly series inside the Gardens focused on songs, stories and crafts!

Engage your child with nature and art at a young age and watch their creativity bloom!

Themes for January and February 2026 include: • S nowmen and Snowflakes – January 9 • I ce is Nice! – January 23 • F ebruary 6 – Feelings and Emotions • S nowmen and Snowflakes – January 20 Learn more about Sprouts at Stowe and register at danielstoweconservancy.org.

Plus, with five highly acclaimed CDs, a #1 Billboard single and multiple Billboard charting songs over thirty years, New York guitarist JJ Sansaverino has reached millions touring the world with his “Benson meets Santana” musical style. An innovative and extraordinary composer and performer, JJ’s performance style takes no prisoners, bringing his blend of smooth jazz, blues, R&B and reggae to the stage.

Bars will be open for cash and credit sales with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, as well as graband-go food options from our Big Leaf Café! Outside food and alcohol is not permitted at the Garden.

Tickets available online now at danielstoweconservancy.org.

Jazz at the Garden: Inside the Great Hall!

Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 6 – 8:30 p.m.

STARRING: Renowned saxophonist and Billboard charting artist Art Sherrod, Jr. featuring Special Guest Guitarist JJ Sansaverino!

On Stage Concerts is delighted to present another Jazz at the Garden performance – beat the winter chill inside the Great Hall as we kick off the new year in style! Join us on January 31 at 6 PM for an unforgettable evening with renowned saxophonist and Billboard-charting national artist Art Sherrod, Jr. and special guest guitarist JJ Sansaverino!

An innovative and extraordinary composer and performer, JJ’s performance style takes no prisoners, bringing his blend of smooth jazz, blues, R&B and reggae to the stage.

For more than two decades, Art has been a standout in the jazz world, known for his dynamic energy and expressive sound across Smooth Jazz, Gospel Jazz and more. He has performed and recorded with an impressive roster of celebrated artists, and his newest release, Feels So Good, follows six acclaimed previous projects. Experience his live performance and you’ll understand immediately why the album is so perfectly named: because the music of Art Sherrod, Jr. truly feels so good!

Save the Date! Trip to the Tropics February 16-March 1 | Times vary; see website for details Just when we’ve had enough of winter in the Carolinas, the tropical plants in the Williamson Conservancy at Stowe are at their peak! From February 16-March 1, we’ll be encouraging guests to stroll through our warm, glass house filled with blooming tropical plants. We’ll have special workshops like Orchid 101, guided tours and tropical cocktails throughout the Trip to the Tropics.

Learn more and register for events online at danielstoweconservancy.org.

From families with small children to couples looking for date night, Stowe has something to offer everyone this year!

The cold isn’t slowing us down; enjoy the beauty of nature all year long at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.

January/February 2026 17

Photo Gallery GLM — Our Covers From 2025

January/February 2025

March/April 2025

May/June 2025

Outdoor Adventure Awaits at Whitewater Center

Breaking Barriers

Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams

Julia Watson

Maya Feemster-Jones

July/August 2025

September/October 2025

Million-Dollar Living in Gaston County

New Standard for Boating on Lake Wylie

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November/December 2025

Did You Know - Gaston County Rotarians Serving Others For Thanksgiving & Christmas (see story on page 22)

January/February 2026 19

Hollywood Obsessed Catching Up With Anne-Marie Johnson And Her Addiction of Hope

By Tony Miros Photographs Courtesy of NBCU Photo Bank and Getty Images

If

you’re a proud TV junkie (and trust me, I say that with love), chances are Anne-Marie Johnson has been part of your life for years— whether you realized it or not. From classic sitcoms like “What’s Happening Now!!,” “Double Trouble,” and “In Living Color” to cult-favorite comedies like “Hollywood Shuffle” and “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” she’s been delivering laughs, heart, and unforgettable moments from the very beginning.

Of course, for many of us, Anne-Marie will forever be etched in our memories as Althea Tibbs on the powerful drama “In the Heat of the Night”—the groundbreaking series based on the acclaimed book and Oscar-winning film that dominated television in the late ’80s. Her performance wasn’t just memorable; it was essential.

Anne-Marie’s career kicked off on the revolutionary NBC drama “Hill Street Blues,” and she’s been making history ever since. In 2008, she became the first African American woman elected national vice president of the Screen Actors Guild— because being iconic on screen clearly wasn’t enough. A quick glance at her IMDb reads like a master class in versatility: razor-sharp comedy one minute, emotional knockout punches the next. She’s a true chameleon who’s been woven into our collective TV and movie memories for decades.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of welcoming AnneMarie onto the Hollywood Obsessed Podcast, where we dove into her extraordinary career and her powerful new film, “The Addiction of Hope”—which she boldly (and confidently) calls the best work of her career. What followed was a conversation that was funny, honest, inspiring, and deeply moving. Here are some highlights from our unforgettable chat.

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Tony Miros

About Her Idols Growing Up Tony Miros: As a fan, I’ve always wondered—do stars idolize other stars? Were you ever a fan yourself? Did you have idols growing up, especially once you decided you wanted to be an actor?

Anne-Marie Johnson: Oh, absolutely. Carol Burnett was a huge idol of mine, and I was fortunate enough to meet her twice. Of course, Lucille Ball as well. As a kid, I watched black-and-white films obsessively—and honestly, I still do.

Turner Classic Movies is a go-to channel in my house. But Carol Burnett was the one. That was the career I wanted.

TM: Wow. I don’t immediately think of you as a comedian.

AJ: I know—it’s funny, because some of my most recognizable work is comedy: “In Living Color,” “What’s Happening Now!!,” “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka,” “Hollywood Shuffle.” I’m known for comedy, but I’ve really thrived in drama as well. I’ve been very fortunate to do both.

TM: And by the way, you’re very funny when you’re funny.

AJ: I love comedy. I really do.

TM: I could tell—I watched “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” the other night and thought, “This is too much.”

AJ: (Laughs) Yeah, that’ll probably be one of those things actors are remembered for—the kind of thing that ends up in your obituary. That one, I know, will be in mine.

About Her First Appearance on Hill Street Blues Tony Miros: Was your father impressed that you were on Hill Street? I mean, that was a big cop show.

Anne-Marie Johnson: Oh, absolutely. Before “Hill Street Blues,” I had already done a few police shows. I did an episode of “Hunter”—do you remember “Hunter”? Oh gosh.

Anyway, I’d done some cop shows, but “Hill Street Blues” was a big deal.

There’s a funny story. “Hill Street Blues” was the go-to show for actors. It was the actor’s show—kind of like how today, if you landed something like “The Pitt” or a similar prestige series, you knew it meant something. It was so well done.

So I get this recurring role, and I’m so excited that I throw a party—at my parents’ house. I invite all my friends over to

watch the first episode featuring my character.

And the night of the party? Breaking news. Baby Jessica and the baboon heart transplant. Every single show was preempted. All anyone was watching in my house was the news.

TM: Ohhhhh no. That sucks!

AJ: I learned a big lesson that night: never throw a party, never celebrate ahead of time. You can get edited out, there could be breaking news, there could be an earthquake—anything can happen. People were just sitting in my living room watching news coverage.

So I never did that again. But “Hill Street Blues”—that was incredible. It was a great opportunity, and it really led to a lot of work.

About Filming In the Heat of the Night in the Deep South Anne-Marie Johnson: I loved working with Howard Rollins.

I truly loved him.

He was an extraordinary actor—just incredible. And at that time, as it still can be today—but especially back then—we’re talking about 1988—being out as a gay man in the deep South was no joke. It was incredibly difficult for Howard.

In many ways, we (L-R) Howard Rollins Jr, became his family. He was Anne-Marie Johnson and a very private man, but our Carroll O’Conner set was a safe place for him.

Still, it was hard—really hard. I can’t speak for Howard directly, but I know that entire experience weighed heavily on him.

Tony Miros: I can imagine. It’s hard even now for some people, despite how far we’ve come.

AJ: Exactly. And especially in Hollywood—back then, being a woman was hard enough. Forget being a gay man.

Howard wasn’t publicly out. The community knew, but the wider world didn’t. And being a gay Black man in the deep, deep South? That was a whole other level of danger.

Even for me, it was intense. I actually attended a KKK rally.

TM: You did?

AJ: I did. I wanted to be educated. Being African American is difficult anywhere, but the South is different— and I didn’t want to be ignorant of that reality. So I immersed myself in the Southern Black community. I went to a Baptist

church every Sunday. I wanted to understand, respect, and appreciate where I was and the history of the place.

At that time, KKK rallies were open to the public.

TM: That’s terrifying.

AJ: It really was. By then, we were no longer in Louisiana—we shot the pilot there—but the series itself was filmed in Covington and Conyers, Georgia.

That’s where the rally was happening.

I informed my employers that I was going to attend.

They told me they couldn’t protect me. Sony and MGM didn’t want me to go. But I said, “I’m going.”

There was a news crew there, and I was interviewed.

Afterward, there were death threats. But I wasn’t willing to ignore what was happening around us. Our cast, background performers, and crew were very integrated—locals alongside the Hollywood crew—and I couldn’t look away from the reality we were all living in.

TM: That was incredibly brave. You could have easily said, “I don’t want to know.”

AJ: I could have—but then I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself. And strangely enough, after that terrible experience, things shifted. Some of the locals felt more comfortable around me. We were able to have real conversations about race.

About Her New Project, The Addiction of Hope Anne-Marie Johnson: The best work I’ve ever done to date is my current project, “The Addiction of Hope.” Without question, it’s the best work of my career. Unfortunately, it’s not out yet, but I’m incredibly proud of it.

And no—I’m not saying that because my husband is the screenwriter and director. I’m saying it because it truly is the best work I’ve ever done. This is also the first full-length feature film I’ve produced. I’ve produced before, but this is a full feature, and I couldn’t be happier with it.

To listen to the rest of my fascinating conversation with the fabulous Anne-Marie Johnson (Episodes 145 & 146), visit my podcast website: https://www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com Enjoy!

January/February 2026 21

Did You Know?

Gaston County Rotarians “Unite for Good” to Serve our Community

By Sharon Heinrich, Rotary Club of Gastonia Photographs Courtesy of Gaston County Rotary Clubs

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id you know… Rotary clubs have been making a difference in Gaston County for 105 years?!

This year’s international Rotary message, “Unite for Good”, rings true all year long, especially during the holiday season. In this issue, we spotlight our 6 area Rotary clubs and recent projects as they partnered with other clubs and organizations to do good and change lives. Each Rotary club is unique, part of a network of 45,000 clubs and 1.2 million Rotarians around the world.

A child’s smile. A parent’s joy in receiving gifts for children.

A student kept warm with a coat. Neighbors sharing a meal. A community connecting and celebrating together. What do all of these images have in common? They were made possible by a Rotary club this holiday season!

All Rotary clubs welcome new members to join in service, fellowship, and address community issues.

Gastonia - Operation Christmas Students at HH Beam Elementary in Gastonia received an early holiday gift as The Rotary Club of Gastonia prepared 650 goodie bags for their partner school. As part of “Operation Christmas,” members sponsored gifts for 22 children, representing 10 families who shared in a holiday party complete with a Santa visit, hot dogs, and games. “Giving for children has been a signature project of our club for decades”, notes Patti Black. Members of Gastonia and Gastonia East clubs enjoyed a combined holiday social, with members donating school supplies for HH Beam.

Gastonia East - Senior Thanksgiving Lunch Gastonia East Rotary sponsored a Thanksgiving meal for about 350 seniors on a Saturday at the Adult Recreation Center in Gastonia. The annual community event brings together neighbors to enjoy a meal and create a sense of belonging.

Rotarians and Mayor’s Youth Council volunteers served food by the Gastonia Conference Center, pies donated by American & Efird/Elevate Textiles, and tea donated by New Hope Baptist Church. Food transport Cambros were loaned by Catfish Cove.

The Good Time band played, conversation filled the room, and prizes were given. The club also provides a meal four times a year for 3 Boys’ and Girls’ clubs in Gaston County.

Gastonia Rotary Club members prepare holiday goodie bags for every student at HH Beam Elementary as part of their partnership to help support the school.

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Gastonia Evening - Coats & Birthday Bags for Webb Street School Gastonia Evening Rotary provided 40 coats for students at Webb Street School in November, assuring students would be warm for the winter. The club meets at Durty Bull Brewery,

which put out a collection box and promoted the project.

Through the year, the club provides each Webb Street student with a personalized Birthday Bag. Mount Holly – Christmas Party Mount Holly Rotary hosted their 43rd annual Christmas party for kids in December, serving 29 children from Ida Rankin and Catawba Heights. Each child enjoyed dinner, treats, a new coat, gloves, hat and presents from Santa.

Belmont Rotary Club - 100 years, Christmas parade Grand Marshall A year-long celebration of Belmont Rotary Club’s 100th anniversary culminated in December when the club’s longest-serving member, Richard S. (Dick) Cromlish, Jr., was named Grand Marshall of the Belmont Christmas Parade in recognition of the club’s centennial. Cromlish has been a club member for 56 years. Highlights of the anniversary celebration included a special reception with Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce members and friends, and a dinner for club members, families and guests.

A display of historical club artifacts, including photos of all 19 charter members, was featured. The club published a club history booklet titled “A Century of Service Above Self 19252025.” Belmont Rotary club delivers Meals on Wheels, offers student scholarships, and will hold its 3rd annual Opioid Forum at Belmont Abbey in January.

Cherryville Cherryville Rotary sponsors Boy Scout Troop 323, regularly supports the community food pantry and partners with all 4 schools in Cherryville.

Connect with Rotary These stories show the spirit of Rotary clubs in our area, and a heartfelt commitment to service. In 2026, Rotarians will continue to “unite for good” and make a meaningful difference in others’ lives every day, inspiring hope, and fostering connections that strengthen our communities.

All Rotary clubs welcome new members to join in service, fellowship, and address community issues. “People join Rotary for many reasons. Some expect to serve or connect with community leaders. They often discover their own lives are changed for good as they grow personally and professionally make friends,” notes Sharon Heinrich, member of The Rotary Club of Gastonia.

To learn more or connect with a Rotary club, visit Rotary.org, Rotary7680.org, or clubs’ social media, or email Rotaryclubofgastonianc@gmail.com.

For Additional Photos See Photo Gallery - page 19 January/February 2026 23

Technology The Top Tech Trends of 2025 Making Technology Feel More Natural

By Michael “Donovan” McQuitter, CC, IT and Cybersecurity Photographs Courtesy of Michael McQuitter

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Michael McQuitter

echnology is moving quickly, but this year marks a period where several once-futuristic ideas are finally becoming everyday tools. Three trends in particular, Spatial VR, Edge Computing with the Internet of Things (IoT), and Agentic AI, are evolving in our work, stores and even our homes. While the names may sound technical, the impact is easy to understand: these technologies are augmenting our digital experiences more than ever before. Let’s dive into the most interesting and impactful technologies of 2025.

An Enhanced Virtual World Around Us Virtual Reality (VR) has been around for years now, but Spatial VR is the next evolution. Instead of simply viewing a digital world through a headset, Spatial VR places digital objects into physical space in a way that feels surprisingly natural. Imagine wearing lightweight glasses and seeing a life-sized fitness coach standing in your living room, or reviewing a kitchen remodel by walking through a full 3-D model before a single hammer swings. In 2025, Spatial VR is becoming far more accessible because devices are getting smaller, displays are clearer, and apps are easier to use. The biggest shift is that Spatial VR blends the real and digital worlds together instead of replacing one with the other. This opens practical and enjoyable uses from virtual travel experiences to interactive learning, remote medical consultations, and helping families stay connected when they live far apart.

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Your Smart Devices No Longer “Phone Home” Most smart devices in the past worked by sending information to distant servers (aka ‘the cloud’), waiting for instructions, and then performing some action. That could be slow, and it sometimes raised concerns about privacy.

Edge computing changes that by allowing devices to process information right where it’s created “on the edge,” or close to home. In simple terms, instead of your smart thermostat sending data across the Internet to adjust your temperature, it can make the decision instantly on its own. In 2025, this shift is making smart homes safer, faster, and more reliable.

It also reduces Internet congestion and keeps more personal data within the home rather than constantly transmitting it elsewhere. For everyday life, this means security cameras that respond faster, appliances that manage their own energy use, and home health devices that can alert caregivers sooner.

For businesses, edge computing helps factories, farms, and hospitals run with greater precision and fewer interruptions.

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We create designs that elevate your brand and make a lasting impression. Let us help you stand out with designs that captivate and communicate effectively.

Agentic AI: The Helper That Actually Helps Over the past few years, many people have grown used to AI chatbots that answer questions or generate text. Agentic AI takes this several steps further. Instead of just responding, these AI systems can take action, make decisions, and manage tasks on your behalf. Think of it like having a digital assistant that doesn’t just remind you to schedule a doctor’s appointment, it actually finds the appointment slot, fills out the paperwork, and follows up with reminders. In 2025, Agentic AI is becoming more common in personal organization, customer service, shopping, and professional work. It reduces mental load, saves time, and quietly manages routine tasks in the background. Whether it’s organizing budgets, sorting digital photos, coordinating travel plans, or monitoring health routines. Importantly, these agents are also becoming more transparent, giving users more control over what they do and what information they use.

As these tools become more intuitive, they won’t require technical expertise but a willingness to explore.

While Spatial VR, Edge Computing, and Agentic AI may sound like complex concepts, their purpose is straightforward: to make technology feel more natural, more personal, and more dependable. 2025 is the first year where these three trends are beginning to work together in meaningful ways. Picture a future where a Spatial VR meeting places you in the same “room” as distant coworkers, your smart home automatically protects your time and energy, and an AI assistant handles routine tasks so you can focus on what truly matters. For many, this isn’t science fiction anymore.

Instead, it’s the direction everyday technology is heading.

As these tools become more intuitive, they won’t require technical expertise but a willingness to explore.

www.gastonlifestyles.com

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January/February 2026 25

Finance The Danger of Being Certain

A New Year’s Lesson from Psychology

By Ryan Schrift, Managing Director of R.J. Schrift Private Asset Management

As

we turn the calendar to a new year, many of us feel a renewed sense of confidence.

Fresh goals. Fresh plans. Fresh predictions about what lies ahead. Confidence, of course, is not a bad thing. However, misplaced confidence can be costly, especially when it comes to financial matters.

To illustrate that point, let me take you back about thirty years to Pittsburgh.

One afternoon, a man named MacArthur Wheeler walked into a bank at 2:00 p.m. He wore no mask and carried no weapon. Calmly and confidently, he handed the teller a note demanding cash. An hour later, he repeated the process at a second bank. He did not attempt to avoid security cameras and walked away whistling, seemingly without a care in the world.

By that evening, Wheeler’s face was on the nightly news.

He was arrested before midnight.

The story caught the attention of David Dunning, a psychology professor at Cornell, and his graduate student, Justin Kruger. At the time, bank robberies were not unusual; the FBI reported more than 9,000 in 1995 alone. But this one stood out.

Wheeler had no criminal record and no history of mental illness. He was unemployed and desperate, but otherwise ordinary. In preparing for the robbery, he had done “research.”

He learned that lemon juice was a key ingredient in invisible ink. From there, he reasoned that lemon juice might also make his face invisible to security cameras.

To test his theory, Wheeler covered his face with lemon juice and took a Polaroid photo of himself. During development, a drop of juice or a stray lemon seed blurred the center of the image, right where his face should have been.

To him, this was proof. When police arrested him later that night, he reportedly said, stunned, “But I wore the juice!”

That moment became the foundation for what we now call the Dunning–Kruger Effect: a cognitive bias where people with limited knowledge dramatically overestimate their competence. Simply put, when we don’t know much, we often don’t know how much we don’t know.

Once you learn about this effect, you start to see it 26 www.gastonlifestyles.com

Ryan Schrift

everywhere, perhaps even in yourself. I certainly do.

Financial markets are a perfect breeding ground for misplaced certainty. We’re flooded with data: economic reports, earnings calls, political headlines, social-media sound bites, and confident predictions delivered in 30-second clips.

Too much information can overwhelm us. Too little or poorly understood information can mislead us.

Each week, I receive articles, videos, and links asking, “Is this something we should be paying attention to?” That’s not a complaint; it’s part of the process. Our role as advisors is to filter the noise, test assumptions, and turn uncertainty into disciplined, purposeful action.

Whenever I catch myself thinking, “This can’t miss,” “This time is different,” or “I’m certain I know what’s coming next,” that’s my cue to pause. I may not need more conviction; I probably need more information.

As we start the new year, humility may be one of the most valuable financial tools we have. After all, confidence without understanding can make anyone believe they’re invisible until the cameras prove otherwise.

Ryan Schrift is the Managing Director of R.J. Schrift Private Asset Management, a Belmont based Financial Planning and Investment Advisory Firm. Securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. R.J. Schrift Private Asset Management is an other business name of Independent Advisor Alliance, LLC. All investment advice is offered through Independent Advisor Alliance, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Independent Advisor Alliance, LLC is a separate entity from LPL Financial.

Those Who Serve Introduction to Gastonia Firefighters Foundation

Everyday Heroes and the Resources They Need

By Robin Loupus, Loupus Financial LLC Photographs Courtesy Robin Loupus

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he Gastonia Firefighters Foundation is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to supporting the brave men and women of the Gastonia Fire Department, their families, and the broader Gastonia community. Established with a mission to enhance the well-being, safety, and professional development of local firefighters, the Foundation serves as a vital resource for those who risk their lives to protect others.

campaigns to promote safety and preparedness.

• P rofessional Development: Funding advanced training, equipment upgrades, and continuing education to ensure Gastonia’s firefighters remain at the forefront of their profession.

• Support the Gastonia Fire Museum: Preserving the history of the Gastonia Fire Department. Helping to curate a collection of memorabilia to honor our rich history in the community.

Our Mission The Gastonia Firefighters Foundation strives to provide financial assistance, educational opportunities, and community outreach programs that benefit Gastonia’s firefighters and their loved ones. We believe in fostering a strong, resilient fire service and building lasting connections between first responders and the citizens they serve.

Why It Matters Firefighters are the backbone of our community’s safety.

By supporting the Gastonia Firefighters Foundation, you help ensure that these everyday heroes have the resources they need— on and off the job. Your involvement strengthens our city, uplifts families, and honors the sacrifices made by those who serve.

What We Do • Support for Firefighters: Offering emergency financial aid, wellness programs, and resources for firefighters facing hardship or injury.

• Family Assistance: Providing scholarships, counseling, and support services for the families of Gastonia firefighters.

• Community Engagement: Hosting fire safety education events, youth outreach programs, and public awareness

Get Involved Whether you’re interested in volunteering, donating, or partnering with us for community events, the Gastonia Firefighters Foundation welcomes your support. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our firefighters and the entire Gastonia community. For more information visit us at www.gastoniaff.com.

Gastonia Firefighters Foundation Board

Christmas parade January/February 2026 27

Eats & Treats Lentil Salad with Lemon Maple Vinaigrette

By Melissa Latin, Charlotte Fashion Plate Photo by Melissa Latin, Charlotte Fashion Plate

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Melissa Latin

tart the New Year off right! Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavors, this Easy Lentil Salad is not only delicious, but also incredibly nutritious. The lemon maple vinaigrette is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that elevates the taste of the lentil salad to a new level.

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1 bay leaf • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock • 2 cups water • 3/4 cup diced cherry tomatoes • 1/2 cup diced cucumbers • 1/4 cup minced red onion • 1/4 orange bell pepper • 1/4 yellow bell pepper • 1/3 – 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese • 2 tablespoons pepitas, optional

Ingredients • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish • 4 mint leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish For the Lemon Maple Vinaigrette: • juice of two lemons • 4 –ounces olive oil • 1 garlic clove, minced • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar • 2 tablespoons maple syrup • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard • 1 /4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Preparation 1. Rinse the lentils in a mesh strainer. Pick out and discard any unusual looking lentils.

2. Add to a pot with the salt, bay leaf, chicken stock and water. Mix. 3. Bring to just under a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer.

4. Cover. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender (not mushy or overcooked).

5. While the lentils are cooking, prep the remaining ingredients.

6. In a large mason jar, combine all of the ingredients for the lemon maple dressing.

Using an immersion blender, or shake vigorously, until emulsified.

7. Once the lentils are cooked, transfer to a mesh strainer to drain the liquid. Allow to cool.

8. In a large bowl, combine all of the salad ingredients, including the lentils.

9. Dress the salad to your preference. Toss to coat.

10. Taste for salt.

11. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, fresh chopped parsley and mint.

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