September/October 2026
Fall on the Farm
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
September/October 2026 www.gastonlifestyles.com
Volume 15 - Issue 5
3 P ublisher’s Note
4 C over Story Fall on the Farm
14 P hoto Gallery 16 F ashion
White Doesn’t Expire
18 D aniel Stowe 8 B usiness Center
Something Is Happening on Main Street
10 A ctive Living Sweater Weather, Stronger Together
12 F inance
School is Back in Session President/Publisher/Editor Deborah Ally dally@gastonlifestyles.com Advertising admin@gastonlifestyles.com Art Director Michele Warren Digital Media admin@gastonlifestyles.com
Contributing Writers Megan Baksh • Madison Boles • Mary Moffitt Ryan Schrift • Felicia Bittle • Caitlin Conner Tony Miros • Jenna Jourdet • Michael McQuitter Humanity of the Charlotte Region Gary Neely • Melissa Latin Photographers Cover Story Photos, Lineberger’s Farm and Falls Family Farms Go Gaston NC • Felicia Bittle • Christina Elmore Paul Redmond • Columbia Pictures (Sony Pictures) Warner Bros Television • Daniel Stowe Conservancy Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region McGill Family YMCA • Mt Holly Sports Hall of Fame Michael McQuitter • Charlotte Fashion Plate Rotary Clubs in Gaston County Published By P.O. Box 550666 • Gastonia, NC 28055-0666 2 www.gastonlifestyles.com
Conservancy Scarecrow Hollow
19 T hose Who Serve 2026 Inductees
20 H ollywood Obsessed Christopher Atkins Unfiltered
22 D id You Know
Building a Lasting Legacy
24 Technology
Getting Started With AI - The Easy Way
26 P eople on the Move
Together we Build a Stronger Gaston
27 P eople on the Move Gaston County Schools
28 E ats & Treats Slow Cooker Beef Roast
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Publisher’s Note The Many Unheard Voices Exhibit Gaston County Museum of Art & History By Pat Rudisill
Deborah Ally
“The African American Communities of Gaston County, 1870s to 1970s,” exhibit opened July 18 at the Gaston County Museum of Art & History, 131 W. Main St. in Dallas, NC. “There are three things that really make this exhibit stand out,” says Museum Curator Alicyn Wiedrich, who produced the exhibit. “First, unlike other exhibits at our Museum, this one was developed, from concept to completion, with input from community members: Oscar Reid of Belmont, Delores McNair and Shirlene Hoke of Dallas, and committee chair Ina Biggers of Gastonia.
“This exhibit will feature four pieces of artwork from our collection of works by Dr. John T. Biggers, the first to be displayed since the conservation process began last fall.” “Second, through extensive research, including oral histories, the committee came to the understanding that unlike other African American communities – post-Civil War and pre-integration - the African American communities in Gaston County were very much centered around their schools, rather than their churches,” Ms. Wiedrich says. “This second feature of the exhibit really drives the narrative, especially as we uncovered the impact of Rosenwald Schools in the county.” During the late 1800s and early 1900s, more than 5,000 Rosenwald schools were built across the American South, including 18 schools and one teacherage in Gaston County. Funded through assisting grants from Sears Roebuck’s Julius Rosenwald, the schools offered top-tier education for African American students. Rosenwald schools in Gaston County included Reid High School, Bessemer City School, South Point School, and Dallas Elementary, among others. “While there are only three of these school buildings
remaining in Gaston County today, the impact on the lives of the students who attended those 18 schools cannot be overstated,” Ms. Wiedrich says. “From those schools grew communities that sustained generations of African Americans in Gaston County.” And finally, Ms. Wiedrich says, “this exhibit will feature four pieces of artwork from our collection of works by Dr. John T. Biggers, the first to be displayed since the conservation process began last fall.” “We’re excited to finally be able to share some of the restored Biggers collection with the community,” says Alexandrea Pizza, the Museum’s director. “Dr. Biggers and his nephew and fellow artist, James Biggers, were important figures in our community and the art world at large, and we’re honored to include their work in this feature exhibit.” In addition to the artifacts and information on display, the exhibit includes an interactive art area for children and adults alike, based on the lives and art of John and James Biggers; a reading and reflection space featuring oral histories and reading materials; and a space for visitors to leave their reflections based on the exhibit. The exhibit opened to the public Saturday, July 18 and runs through December 2027, and is made possible by a grant from North Carolina Humanities, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Admission to the Museum is free. Museum hours are TuesdayFriday, 10:00am-5:00pm and Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm. For more information, visit www.gastoncountymuseum.org.
Photos See Photo Gallery - page 15 July/August 2026 3
Falls Family Farms pummpkin house at night 4 www.gastonlifestyles.com
Cover Story Fall on the Farm
Family, Tradition and the Magic of Harvest Season in Gaston County By Megan Baksh Photographs Courtesy of Lineberger’s Farm and Falls Family Farms
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the leaves begin to change and the fields take on the enchanting golden hues of autumn, Gaston County comes alive with the spirit of the season. Its family farms have transformed harvest time into something more than a tradition—it’s become an invitation for loved ones to slow down and gather together to experience the splendor of the land. We had the pleasure of speaking with two local farms to learn how their families are welcoming guests and celebrating the season this year.
family operation,” Lineberger says. “My brother-in-law, Aaron Hines, works here full-time. My husband’s aunt, Leanne, my mother-in-law and father-in-law work here as well. So, we have the whole family working here.” When autumn arrives, Lineberger’s Farm becomes a colorful celebration of the season, with a vast variety of pumpkins, along with fall squash and gourds filling the fields and farm store. “We grow over 100 different kinds of pumpkins, fall squash, and gourds,” Lineberger says. “We grow all different colors—blue pumpkins, orange pumpkins, white pumpkins, pretty much anything under the sun.” The selection also includes Lineberger’s Farm pumpkins heirloom assortments in unexpected colors, adding to the seasonal display. “There are some heirloom pumpkins that come in some really unique colors,” she says. “So,
Lineberger’s Farm: A Legacy in the Land Located in Dallas, North Carolina, Lineberger’s Farm is a fourthgeneration family operation, but its story began almost a century ago. The farm has been in the Lineberger family since 1928, when Ethan Lineberger’s greatgrandfather purchased the land just before the Great Depression. “My husband’s great-grandfather bought the land right before the Great Depression,” says Frankie Lineberger. “During the Great Depression, he had two jobs to pay off the mortgage, and his wife, Sarah, was really doing the farm work to grow the food for the family.” The farm’s history also includes a memorable family story. “My husband’s grandfather planted the first strawberry field that he sold the strawberries from,” Lineberger recalls. “He used the money that he made from those strawberries to buy a ring to propose to his wife.” That connection to the land continues across generations. “Nowadays it’s really a
Lineberger’s Farm
July/August 2026 5
Cover Story it’s really fun to see all the different kinds of colors coming into our store and in our fields.” Lineberger’s Farm giant Pumpkins The farm’s longstanding hayride remains one of its signature fall attractions, offering visitors a tour through the property while sharing its history. “Our main attraction then and now is the hayride, which is kind of like a tour of the farm,” Lineberger explains. “It goes over the history of the farm. It has some fun music. It goes all around the farm so that people can see all of our fields where we grow the pumpkins and our barns and our tractors.” Families can also explore the playground, wooden maze and educational exhibits, while the farm store offers seasonal favorites including jams, jellies, pumpkin butter, apple butter, North Carolina mountain apples, sweet potatoes and muscadines. Family-made treats include pumpkin bread, banana bread, pumpkin ice cream and pumpkin suckers. For Lineberger, however, fall is about more than pumpkins and activities. It is a season to venture outside, appreciate the changing landscape, and reconnect with nature. “The fall is really a fun time for everybody, I think, because we get to celebrate the weather cooling down,” she says. “We get to enjoy getting outside again. Nature is also just so
The Falls’ family home decorated for Halloween
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beautiful in the fall. We get to enjoy the leaves turning, and it always feels to me like the colors of the pumpkins kind of match the leaves, which is fun.” That connection to the land is especially important for the children who visit the farm. Through field trips and educational programs, Lineberger’s introduces young visitors to agriculture and how food is grown. “We often do educational programs for children to try to help connect them to the land and where their food comes from, which is a really unique opportunity today because there are so few farms left in Gaston County,” Lineberger says. “It’s really a chance to help ground everybody back into the natural cycles of nature.” For some families, a visit becomes a tradition of its own. Lineberger has watched children who once visited the farm on field trips return years later as parents themselves. “A few customers have come as chaperones for field trips, and they had been here for field trips when they were little,” she recalls. “So, they were now bringing their kids back for a field trip.” That sense of continuity shows up in the smallest moments, too. “I think for a lot of parents, the parents expect their kids to go for the biggest pumpkin in the store, but a lot of times they actually go for the smallest pumpkin in the store, which is cute,” she says. The farm has also become a place for families to mark milestones from the very beginning. Some of its youngest visitors have arrived for their first family outing just days after being born. “We have a lot of families that
come from great-grandmas all the way down to babies,” Lineberger says. “We’ve actually had our farm babies’ first outing straight from the hospital with their hospital bands still on.” For Lineberger, those moments capture what makes the farm special: a place where generations can spend time together, create memories and feel connected to the land. “If a family is looking for a day to make a lot of memories outdoors, to connect across multiple generations, this is a really good opportunity,” she says. “One of the special things about this place is that there’s really something for everybody.”
Depending on the timing of the season, visitors may also find dahlias and sunflowers available for picking or arranged into bouquets. For those looking to bring a little of that greenery home, the farm’s greenhouse offers another kind of treasure: a collection of rare and hard-to-find tropical houseplants. Falls seeks out varieties that customers are unlikely to find, from aglaonemas and philodendrons to begonias, rare ferns and other unusual flora. “I try to carry whatever you can’t find in the big-box stores,” she says. “I like to find the little oddball plants that you won’t find somewhere else.” Outside the greenhouse, a visit offers plenty of opportunities to encounter the farm’s animals. Sheep wander the property, while goats and cows provide a soundtrack of their own. Because the farm does not use pesticides and intentionally plants for pollinators, butterflies can often be spotted among the flowers. “There’s some joy and wonder when you go out there, and you find butterflies flittering among the flowers,” Falls says. “The kids really love meeting the sheep, too.” As the mature oak, pecan and maple trees surrounding the property turn stunning shades of crimson and amber, Falls hopes visitors will resist the urge to rush through the season. “I hope that they leave a little bit slower,” she says. “I think that coming to a farm or any kind of green space can help you reconnect with yourself, with your kids and with nature.” For Falls, that may be the best part of an autumn tradition: taking a breath, looking around and letting children experience the season at their own pace.
Falls Family Farms: Where Autumn Comes to Life For Christi Falls, the season has always been about making the holidays feel magical—a tradition she began with her own children and now shares with families who visit the farm, which is located in Gastonia, North Carolina. “We’ve just always been a big holiday family,” Falls says. “Ever since the kids were little, I always like to make all the holidays magical.” That spirit is especially evident around Halloween, when the farm’s front entrance transforms with elaborate decorations. Giant skeletons, a pumpkin-headed man, a scarecrow and a 12-foot crow join webs, lights and other larger-than-life touches. One year, the display even included a 25-foot-tall Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Falls says she initially decorated simply because she and her children loved it. She was surprised to discover how much the community had come to anticipate the display. “People have told me, ‘My kids watch your house, waiting for the decorations to go up!’” she exclaims. Inside the farm’s pumpkin house, autumn takes another colorful form. Falls typically grows six to eight varieties of pumpkins, from traditional orange and white varieties to the unusual varieties she particularly enjoys. “I do love to grow pumpkins,” she says. “I like the oddballs—the warty ones, the green ones.” The pumpkins are part of a larger seasonal landscape that includes vibrant Falls’ family animals enjoying pumpkins mums, outdoor plants and flowers.
July/August 2026 7
Business Center Something is Happening on Main Street
Gaston County’s Downtowns Are Having a Moment By Madison Boles, Vice President, Marketing & Communications Photographs Courtesy of Go Gaston NC
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here is a particular kind of energy you can feel when a downtown is on the rise. It shows up in ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings, in coffee shops that stay busy past the morning rush, in old buildings finding new life. Right now, that energy is evident throughout Gaston County, and the Gaston Business Association is proud to be in the middle of it, partnering with three communities, Gastonia, Dallas, and Cramerton, as their downtowns write exciting new chapters.
Gastonia: A Renaissance in Full Swing Downtown Gastonia is booming, plain and simple. It has even earned a nickname: the DTG. It is unofficial, but say it around town and locals know exactly where you mean, which might be the surest sign a downtown has arrived. The last few years have brought a ballpark and the surrounding FUSE District, a downtown social district along Main Avenue, the six story Center City Crossings apartments, and the transformation of the historic Trenton Mill into artistic lofts. This June, GBA had the joy of hosting a groundbreaking at the historic Citizens National Bank building, which is being reborn as The Fed, an upscale downtown eatery bringing fresh energy and dining to Main Avenue. Moments like that one capture what makes this era so special: history and momentum meeting in the same block. GBA is honored to serve as the City’s official partner for the Center City Municipal Service District, walking alongside downtown business and property owners every month, 8 www.gastonlifestyles.com
championing the redevelopment strategy, and helping tell Gastonia’s story to the businesses, visitors, and investors who are discovering it in growing numbers.
Dallas: History with Momentum Dallas has something no one else in the county can claim: the original county seat, with a courthouse square listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The old Gaston County Courthouse and historic jail serve as event spaces, and the Hoffman Hotel houses the Gaston County Museum. It is one of the most beautifully preserved small downtowns in the region, and it is buzzing again. Since signing on as the Town’s partner this spring, GBA has loved bringing its Caffeine and Conversation gatherings to Dallas, connecting business leaders and Town officials over coffee every other month and celebrating the entrepreneurs who are choosing the square. The mix of preserved history and new business energy makes Dallas one of the county’s best kept secrets, though not for much longer. Cramerton: Small but Mighty, and Just Getting Started Cramerton may be the county’s most charming success story in the making. It also holds one of its best pieces of trivia: Cramerton proudly claims the shortest Main Street in America, a distinction dating back to the mill village era, when the town’s historical society records a Main Street of just 100 linear feet that somehow packed in a grocery store, a bank, a barbershop, and even a theatre. Today the town’s riverfront downtown along Center Street has
become a genuine destination, anchored by beloved local spots and energized by the Center Street Social District, which lets visitors stroll the district with a drink in hand. Between the South Fork River, the walkable mill village character, and districts along South New Hope, Center Street, and Market Street, Cramerton has all the ingredients for a thriving community That is why GBA is so excited about its newest partnership with Cramerton, which kicked off August 1. GBA will bring its Caffeine and Conversation series to rotating locations around town, support the business community with marketing and a monthly newsletter, and help the Town build out its business district buildings database using Main Street USA’s BOOMS Tracker platform. Cramerton is just getting started, and the momentum is already unmistakable. A County Wide Movement The GBA models its downtown work after the Main Street America approach, the nationally recognized framework for revitalizing historic commercial districts through preservation based economic development. Gaston County’s downtown story extends well beyond these three partnerships. Belmont, Bessemer City, and Cherryville each participate directly in the Main Street America program as designated North Carolina Main Street communities, and their downtowns show it. Belmont’s Main Street Program has helped make its historic downtown a premier destination in the Charlotte region, Bessemer City’s downtown development volunteers are driving redevelopment on Virginia Avenue, and Cherryville’s Main Street Program is cultivating a vibrant historic district full of unique local businesses. Their great work raises the bar for everyone. Add it all up and you get something rare: an entire county of downtowns moving in the same direction at the same time. From the courthouse square in Dallas to the riverfront in Cramerton to the ballpark lights in Gastonia, Main Street is alive and well in Gaston County. GBA is excited to support the communities making it happen, and the best part is that this story is still in its early chapters. July/August 2026 9
Active Living Sweater Weather, Stronger Together
Fall at the Gaston Family YMCA is About Showing up for Each Other By Mary Moffitt, Executive Director of the McGill Family YMCA Photographs Courtesy of McGill Family YMCA
ou know fall has arrived in Gaston County when the school buses are back on their routes, the mornings finally have a little bite to them, and somebody in your office has already brought in a batch of cinnamon rolls “because it’s basically October now.” It’s a season that asks us to slow down just a little and gather a little more. Around here, that gathering tends to happen at the Y. Fall has always been one of our favorite stretches of the year. Kids trade pool days for practice fields. Families start planning their weekends around Friday night lights and Saturday morning games. And for a few weeks in October, our branches turn into the kind of community hubs that remind you why you moved to, or stayed in, Gaston County in the first place. This year, that feeling has an extra reason behind it. The McGill Family YMCA just reopened its doors after a major expansion, and if you haven’t been inside yet, it’s worth the trip. Two full floors of wellness space now, new cardio and strength equipment, a mind and body studio, a cycle studio, a personal training studio, and a steam room and infrared sauna that make the post-workout stretch feel a lot less optional. There’s also a new Family Locker Room, with more upgrades still on the way. It’s the kind of project that takes patience from a whole community to pull off, and we’re grateful to everyone who stuck with us through it. Here’s what fall looks like this season, and a few ways you can be part of it.
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knowing their child is safe, busy, and having fun instead of watching the clock until pickup. It’s a small thing on paper, a few hours of supervised time. But talk to any parent who relies on it and you’ll hear something bigger: it’s one less thing to worry about in a season that’s already packed with schedules, sign-ups, and school projects due tomorrow night.
Back to School, Back to the Y For a lot of parents, the first week of school brings a familiar question: what happens between the final bell and the end of the workday? Our Afterschool program is built for exactly that gap. Kids get homework help, active play, and time with adults who genuinely care whether their day was good or hard. Parents get the peace of mind that comes from
Costumes, Candy, and a Cause October brings two of our biggest events of the year, back to back. On Saturday, October 24, the Warlick Family YMCA is hosting Trick or Trail, a costume-friendly 5K through the kind of scenery that makes you forget you’re exercising. Come in costume, walk it with the kids, or actually race it if that’s more your speed. Either way, it’s proof that a workout can also be a party.
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Cleats, Cones, and Cool Evenings Fall sports season is where a lot of our members really come alive. Soccer and flag football kick off this fall, and if you’ve never stood on the sideline of a Y league game, you’re missing one of the best free shows in the county. Six-year-olds discovering they can actually kick a ball straight. Ten-yearolds learning what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. Parents cheering loud enough to embarrass their kids, which is exactly the point. These leagues aren’t about building the next state champions. They’re about teaching kids to try, to lose sometimes, to high-five the other team, and to look forward to practice on a Tuesday night. That’s a life skill dressed up as a sport, and it’s one of the reasons families keep coming back season after season.
Then on October 30, the McGill Family YMCA is throwing Fall Fest, our answer to a county fair scaled down to backyard size. Think games, treats, costumes, and the kind of chaos that only a few hundred excited kids can create. If you’re looking for a low-stress way to spend Halloween weekend with your family, this is it.
Cherryville YMCA Aim for Impact Clay Shoot Not every fall event involves a costume. On the more grownup end of the calendar, we’re hosting the Aim for Impact Clay Shoot on October 9, a day on the range that directly benefits the Cherryville Family YMCA. It’s a chance for local businesses, sponsors, and clay shooting enthusiasts to spend a morning outside while supporting programs that keep membership, childcare, and youth activities accessible to families who need them most. Learn more at gastonymca.org/aim-for-impact.
A Season Built for Belonging There’s something about fall that makes people want to be around each other. Maybe it’s the cooler air, maybe it’s the natural rhythm of a new school year, or maybe it’s just an excuse to wear a flannel and drink something with cinnamon in it. Whatever the reason, we see it every year in our YMCAs. More families at practice. More neighbors at events. More reasons to walk through our doors and run into someone you know. Add a newly expanded McGill Family YMCA into that mix, and this fall feels like the start of a new chapter as much as a new season. More room to work out, more space for classes, and more of the kind of small everyday moments that turn a building into a community. If you haven’t been to the Y in a while, fall is a good time to change that. Come watch a soccer game at the Warlick Family YMCA, run a trail in costume, check out the new space at the McGill Family YMCA, catch the action at the Cherryville Family YMCA, or just stop by and see what’s happening this season. You’ll probably know somebody there. That’s kind of the point.
July/August 2026 11
Finance School is Back in Session
Could You Pass a High School Senior Economics Quiz? By Ryan Schrift, Managing Director of R.J. Schrift Private Asset Management
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Question 3 A popular sneaker company makes only 1,000 pairs of a limited-edition shoe, but 10,000 people want to buy them. What is most likely to happen? A. The price goes up B. The price automatically falls C. Demand disappears D. The shoes have no economic value
Question 1 You have $100 to spend this weekend. You can either buy concert tickets or go out to dinner with friends. If you choose the concert, what is the opportunity cost? A. The price of the concert ticket B. The dinner with friends you gave up C. $100 D. There is no opportunity cost
Question 5 Which of these is a need rather than a want? A. The newest smartphone B. A streaming subscription C. Basic food and shelter D. Concert tickets
chool is back in full swing. The buses are back on the road, Friday night football is around the corner, and somehow summer flew by again. For high school seniors, this is a big year. In less than 12 months, many will be heading off to college, starting a job, or getting their first real taste of making financial decisions on their own. So, with everyone heading back to school, I thought we’d have a little fun. Could you pass a high school senior economics quiz today? Don’t worry. No questions about stocks, bonds, portfolios, or retirement accounts. Just some basic economics that a high school senior should probably know and the rest of us probably used to know. Grab your imaginary No. 2 pencil. No calculator. No Google. And no looking at your spouse’s paper.
Question 2 If the overall price of goods and services rises while your income stays the same, what happens to your purchasing power? A. It increases B. It stays the same C. It decreases D. It doubles
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Ryan Schrift
Question 4 You earn $20 per hour and work 10 hours. Before taxes and other deductions, what is your gross pay? A. $20 B. $100 C. $180 D. $200
Question 6 A restaurant raises the price of its hamburgers, and customers start buying fewer of them. What basic economic idea does this illustrate? A. Supply and demand B. Compound interest C. Gross domestic product D. International trade Question 7 You borrow $1,000 and eventually have to repay $1,100. What is the additional $100 called? A. Inflation B. Interest C. Income D. Equity
8 correct: You still have it. 6–7 correct: Nicely done. 4–5 correct: You passed. 0–3 correct: We may need to schedule a parent-teacher conference. While most of us haven’t been in an economics classroom in a long time, we do use economics every single day. We decide if something is worth the price. We notice when groceries cost more. We borrow money, pay taxes, make career decisions, and decide how to spend something we never seem to have enough of: our time. That’s why I think basic financial and economic education
is so important for young people. They may forget some of the definitions they memorize for a test, but hopefully the lessons stick with them. And maybe back-to-school season is a good reminder that the rest of us can always keep learning too. 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.
Answer Key: 1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-D, 5-C, 6-A, 7-B, 8-A
Question 8 Why do governments collect taxes? A. To help pay for public services and government operations B. To guarantee everyone the same income C. To eliminate private businesses D. To prevent people from earning money
July/August 2026 13
Photo Gallery Community Math Academy — 2026 Gaston County Session
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Photographs by Christina Elmore (see story on page 3)
Gaston County Museum of Art & History — The Many Unheard Voices Exhibit
Stacy Malker Thomas, Cathy Cloninger, Reesie Stroud and Kim Norwood
Josie Brooks Wilson and Charles Wilson
Les Bratton
Mary Robin Bel
Callie Neely, Linda Clark Brown, Shirlene Hoke, Tosha Byers and Deirdre Byers Davis
Geraldine Dye, Alexander Brooks, Pam Overcash and Nancy Kuney
Museum Guide Kent Hester, Angela Onafowora, Laura Onafowora
Ina Biggers, Geraldine Dye and Michelle Mack July/August 2026 15
Fashion White Doesn’t Expire How to Wear It Beyond Labor Day Felicia Bittle, Executive Image Consultant, CEO & Founder, FABstyles Photographs Courtesy of Felicia Bittle
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or generations, Labor Day came with an unofficial fashion deadline: pack away the white and don’t bring it back until spring. But style has evolved—and thankfully, so have the rules. White no longer has an expiration date. In fact, when styled intentionally, white can be one of the most sophisticated colors in your wardrobe throughout fall and well into winter. The secret isn’t deciding whether you can wear white after Labor Day. It’s understanding how to wear it as the season changes. The difference between a white outfit that feels summery and one that looks perfectly at home in October often has very little to do with the color itself. Fabric, texture, proportion, layering and accessories tell the seasonal story. Let the Fabric Signal the Season A white linen dress and a winter-white cashmere sweater may belong to the same color family, but they communicate two very different seasons. As temperatures cool, transition away from lightweight fabrics such as linen, eyelet and gauzy cotton and introduce materials with more weight and texture. Think denim, wool, cashmere, leather, suede, tweed and structured knits. Your favorite white trousers don’t necessarily have to disappear either. Pair them with a fine-gauge knit, tailored blazer or textured jacket, and suddenly they feel less like summer vacation and more like polished fall dressing. This is where many people get the “no white after Labor Day” rule wrong. The problem was never really the white. Often, it’s the fabric.
“The problem was never really the white. Often, it’s the fabric.” 16 www.gastonlifestyles.com
Felicia Bittle
“Color and seasonality are not the same thing.” Explore More Than One Shade of White White isn’t one color. Cream, ivory, bone, ecru and winter white can bring warmth and depth to a fall wardrobe. These softer variations also pair beautifully with the richer shades we naturally gravitate toward as the seasons change. Try ivory trousers with a chocolate-brown sweater. Layer a camel coat over a cream knit dress. Pair winter-white denim with burgundy, olive or navy. Even crisp white can remain in rotation when balanced with deeper colors and heavier textures. Instead of thinking about “putting away your whites,” think about expanding your white palette. Use Texture to Create Interest One of the most elegant ways to wear white during cooler months is through tonal dressing. But here’s the key: an all-white or cream outfit needs dimension. Rather than trying to match every shade perfectly, mix them. A cream cashmere sweater, ivory trouser and bonecolored coat can work beautifully together because the subtle differences in color and texture create visual interest. Mixing knit, wool, leather, denim and other tactile fabrics keeps a monochromatic look from appearing flat. The result is sophisticated, elevated and surprisingly easy to wear.
Let Your Accessories Do Some of the Work Sometimes the difference between a summer outfit and a fall outfit is simply what surrounds it. Imagine a white dress styled with strappy sandals and a woven handbag. Now imagine that same dress with a structured jacket, closed-toe shoe and leather bag. The dress didn’t change. The message did. Cognac leather, chocolate suede, black accessories, animal prints and rich metallics can immediately give white more visual weight. Shoes are particularly important. Loafers, boots, pumps and sleek sneakers can help transition white pieces that might otherwise read as warm-weather staples. Yes, You Can Keep the White Jeans White denim may be one of the easiest pieces to carry beyond Labor Day. The styling shift can be as simple as exchanging your summer top and sandals for a button-down, blazer and loafer. Later in the season, add a sweater and ankle boot. For a more contemporary approach, try white or ecru denim with camel, gray, navy, olive or chocolate brown. The contrast feels intentional without trying too hard. And that’s the point: seasonal dressing should look considered, not complicated. But Not Every White Piece Needs to Make the Transition Breaking an outdated fashion rule doesn’t mean ignoring the season altogether. That breezy white eyelet sundress may still belong in your summer wardrobe. So might the linen pants you lived in during July. Wearing white yearround isn’t about forcing every warm-weather garment to work in November. It’s about recognizing that color and seasonality are not the same thing.
A well-developed wardrobe considers fabric, function, climate, occasion and the overall visual message. Knowing when something feels seasonally disconnected is far more useful than following an arbitrary rule based on a date on the calendar. Style Has Changed. Your Rules Can, Too. Some fashion rules were created for a different time, and personal style becomes much more interesting when we understand the principles behind the rules instead of simply following them. So when Labor Day passes, don’t rush to the closet and banish everything white. Keep the white button-down. Wear the white jeans. Invest in the winter-white coat. Mix ivory with camel. Pair cream with chocolate. Experiment with texture. Layer with intention. Because great style isn’t about asking, “Am I allowed to wear this?” It’s about understanding what your clothing communicates—and making sure the message is intentional. White doesn’t expire. Your styling simply evolves with the season.
GLM Design Services At Gaston Lifestyles Magazine, we’re more than just a publication – we’re your go-to source for professional design services. 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.
www.gastonlifestyles.com July/August 2026 17
Daniel Stowe Conservancy Scarecrow Hollow
One of Stowe’s Largest Annual Exhibits is the Scarecrow Hollow By Caitlin Conner, Marketing and Communications Manager Photographs Courtesy of Daniel Stowe Conservancy
In
autumn, our Lost Hollow Children’s Garden transforms to Scarecrow Hollow, a delightful collection of creatively designed scarecrows crafted by our community. These scarecrows will be silly, spooky or anything in between. All community members have been invited to showcase themselves as either individuals, families, schools, nonprofits or businesses to fashion into the most creative scarecrow they could think of.
The Scarecrow Hollow Fun! It’s a chance for them to show off their creativity, unique ideas and enthusiasm for the autumn season. This is a fun exhibit so NO scary, religious or political scarecrows will be on display. There will be fantastic opportunities for schools, nonprofits and businesses to shout out their organization next to their scarecrow to the thousands of visitors who will attend the exhibit. One will be crowned “Best in Crow” and there will be second and third place winners too! Know that every entry fee paid by the contestants will go back into protecting and preserving the Gardens, trails and unforgettable outdoor spaces. About Scarecrow Hollow Dates: The exhibit runs Saturday, September 26, 2026 to Sunday, November 1, 2026 Contest: In-person and online visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite scarecrows in each category to determine the winners. Voting runs from Saturday, September 26, 2026 to Sunday, October 25, 2026, with the winners being announced the following week. The “Best in Crow” winners will be highlighted on Stowe’s social media accounts throughout October with over 36k followers.
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Those Who Serve 2026 Inductees
Mt Holly Sports Hall of Fame By Gary Neely Photographs Courtesy of Mt Holly Sports Hall of Fame
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he following athletes comprise the 2026 MHSHOF class inducted on July 18, 2026 at the Mt Holly Municipal Complex. Tareyton “Zip” Stowe is the Community Service Award winner after dedicating his career to ensure that kids have a place to play. He led recreation departments in Mt Holly and in other communities around the area. Zip was an all-star basketball player at East Gaston and played at Western Carolina. Gary Neely was a 3-sport star at Mt Holy, where he won 10 varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. He was the first basketball player to score 1,000 points at Mt Holly. His teams are represented in the Hall of Fame for winning championships in all 3 sports. Brent Grice played basketball and baseball at East Gaston. He was a scholarship baseball player at Belmont Abbey, where he was a 4-year starter, a 3-time captain and MVP, and 2-time all-conference. Brent won many tennis titles as a youth. Eria Hullander was an outstanding athlete at East Gaston,
Tareyton ‘Zip’ Stowe
Joe Pacheco
Jared ‘Boo’ Hogan
where she played tennis, soccer, basketball and golf. She competed at the state level in tennis and golf. Erika attended Belmont Abbey on a soccer scholarship and also played tennis. The 2002 East Gaston wrestling team was Class 3A state champion. A small squad with 11 wrestlers in 13 weight classes, 5 of their wrestlers finished their careers in the top 100 in wins in the state. They had 3 state champions and one runner-up on that team. Joe Pacheco was one of those state champions, wrestling in the 189-pound class. His career record was 189-34 with 134 pins, and 2 state championships. Joe competed professionally in MMA, with a 7-2 record. He has coached various levels of wrestlers for 19 years. Jared “Boo” Hogan won the state championship in the 152-pound class. He was awarded a scholarship to UNC after winning over 150 matches at East Gaston. He returned to serve as assistant coach at Stanley Middle School. Jared’s life was cut short at age 19 following a vehicle accident. East Gaston has a Jared Hogan Memorial Scholarship in his honor.
Gary Neely
Brent Grice
Erika Hullander
2002 East Gaston Wrestling Team
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Hollywood Obsessed Christopher Atkins Unfiltered The Fame, The Fans & The Naked Truth
By Tony Miros Photographs Courtesy of Paul Redmond, Columbia Pictures (Sony Pictures) and Warner Bros Television
If
Tony Miros
you grew up in the 1980s, sudden fame meant needing security simply to chances are you remember live a normal life. actor Christopher Atkins—the It’s a fascinating, funny, and sometimes eyeblonde, curly-haired heartthrob opening trip down memory lane with one of with the killer smile who the most recognizable faces of the 1980s. became a worldwide sensation Here’s a sneak peek at our conversation. To after running around a deserted beach in a hear the complete two-part interview, tune in makeshift loincloth alongside Brooke Shields to Episodes 183 & 184 of Hollywood Obsessed in the blockbuster “The Blue Lagoon.” He was Podcast. You won’t want to miss this one! everywhere: on television, gracing magazine Christopher covers, and plastered across the bedroom walls How He Got Cast In The Blue Lagoon Atkins of countless teenage fans. Atkins wasn’t just a Tony Miros: I heard somewhere that a movie star—he was an ’80s teen idol. friend suggested you audition for The Blue I recently had the incredible pleasure of sitting down with Lagoon, right? Christopher for an hour to talk about his remarkable 40-plusChristopher Atkins: Claudia [Black] sent me. All I did year career, and he had plenty of stories to tell. He takes us was think, “Oh, this will be kind of fun. I’ll audition for this behind the scenes of spending months filming “The Blue movie, and when it comes out I can tell all my friends, ‘Oh, I Lagoon” on a remote island in Fiji with Brooke Shields and auditioned for that movie.’” Those were the same lines I read director Randal Kleiser, and reveals what it was really like in the audition. when the film catapulted him to international fame. I thought that was all it was going to be. I never, in a But “The Blue Lagoon” was only the beginning. Christopher million years, thought I would actually get it. They auditioned also shares hilarious stories from the set of “The Pirate over 4,000 people for that movie. Movie,” including the story behind his Gold Record for “How TM: I read that. That’s amazing. How did you find out? Did Can I Live Without Her” and his memorable appearance on they just call you and say, “You’re the new star of the film”? “Solid Gold.” He dishes on “A Night in Heaven” with Leslie CA: Basically, yeah. They did these auditions, I think in Ann Warren, looks back at his time on “Dallas” opposite December or sometime during the winter, and then I never Linda Gray’s iconic Sue heard from them. I kept calling back, but nothing happened. Ellen Ewing, and pulls Then, about three months later….They wanted to see me back the curtain on again, so I went back and auditioned. VH1’s “Confessions of That was on a Monday. On Tuesday, I shot a jean a Teen Idol.” commercial, which I thought was very cool. I thought, “Now And then there’s the I’m going to be on a TV commercial!” side of teen-idol fame Then, Wednesday, they called me back and said, “We want to that fans rarely got to see you again. Can you come in and bring a blonde, curly wig?” see. Christopher opens I’m thinking to myself, “Yeah, I have a whole bunch of up about obsessed fans, those in my closet!” (Laughs.) What are you talking about? frightening encounters, My mom had something in her closet—a skunk-pieceChristopher Atkins disturbing letters, and looking thing—and I brought that in. They had some hair “The Blue Lagoon” the moment when his people curl it all up. 20 www.gastonlifestyles.com
Randall Kleiser, the director, always saw the character as a Greek Adonis—a guy with curly hair and the whole thing. I did that audition with Julie Warner, who later starred in Doc Hollywood. She would have gotten Christopher Atkins & the part if Brooke Brooke Shields [Shields] hadn’t done it. Then, I think it was Thursday or Friday, they called me right back and said, “Hey, you got the part.” I was late for a softball game with Ford [Modeling Agency], so I said, “Listen, I can’t talk to you right now. I’ve got to catch a train.” They said, “No, no, no, no. You don’t understand. You got the movie!” And I said, “I don’t want to do the movie. I don’t know anything about movies.” They said, “No, you got the movie.” They told me, “Look, we wouldn’t have cast you if we didn’t think you were right for the part.” So then I had to have this conversation with my mom. I was heading off to Denison University in Ohio for college, so we sat down and talked about it. The way they made it sound, I was going to be back in time for college, which I ended up not being. It was four and a half months on literally a deserted island. My mom said, “Look, if you don’t like it, you don’t ever have to do it again.” Then, of course, there was the nudity aspect and everything that came with the picture. Back then, in the ’70s, there was a lot of nudity and sexual content in movies. It was very gratuitous, if you remember. So this was a big deal for this movie. Was it going to be one of those gratuitous things? But it wasn’t. Mostly, it was females. So we talked everything out. And me? I didn’t give two craps about it. I mean, I hate wearing clothes, period. After the movie, I got kicked off of every beach because I kept taking my shorts off. To hear the rest of my spectacular conversation with the amazing Christopher Atkins, listen to Episodes 183 and 184 of Hollywood Obsessed. Visit the podcast website at www.hollywoodobsessedthepodcast.com and enjoy! July/August 2026 21
Did You Know? Building a Lasting Legacy
Celebrating Community Life and Rotary Landmarks By Jenna Jourdet, Gastonia East Rotary (Assistant Governor, Rotary District 7680) Photographs Courtesy of Rotary Clubs in Gaston County
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cross Gaston County, Rotary’s legacy is woven into the places where people gather, children play, gardens grow, and neighbors connect. Gaston County Rotarians have created lasting places and projects in response to community needs. From east to west, our legacy shows up in parks, gardens, playgrounds, and gathering spaces. Each project tells its own story, but together they reveal partnerships with local governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, and neighbors who share a desire to make their communities stronger.
Belmont — Stowe Park Public Restrooms, 24 S. Main St. Belmont Rotary Club launched the community’s “Potty in the Park” project in 2005, inspired by the Rotary International centennial that year. The building with restrooms and concession area was dedicated in 2007 and renovated by the city in 2023. It serves visitors at Stowe Park, making downtown more welcoming and accessible.
These landmarks are our legacy, creating places that educate, inspire, honor, and connect. 22 www.gastonlifestyles.com
Belmont — North Belmont Elementary Playground, 210 School St. Playground improvements by Gastonia East Rotary Club in 2019-2020 provided children a safe space for children to move, imagine, grow, and engage in creative play. Rotary helps ensure young people have a place to connect and thrive. Cherryville — Rotary Park, 800 E. Academy St. Rotary Park provides Cherryville a lasting place for connections and offers space for recreation and fellowship. Its name keeps Rotary’s commitment to community visible for generations. Gastonia — Rotary Pavilion, Restrooms, & Peace Pole, 107 N. South St. Rotary Clubs in Gaston County joined together to build the pavilion in honor of Rotary’s centennial in 2005. The Rotary Club of Gastonia led the effort to add a public restroom building in 2020 as the club celebrated its 100th anniversary. The Rotary Pavilion serves as a welcoming centerpiece where people come together and for concerts, special events, and community life.
A Peace Pole, dedicated in 2024 by Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick, proclaims “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in eight languages: Catawba, English, Spanish, German, Haitian Creole, Slovak, Arabic and Hebrew. The landmark in the heart of Gastonia honors our commitment to peace and unity. Gastonia — Rotary Community Garden & Veterans Tribute, 406 E. Franklin Blvd. The Rotary Community Garden began as a simple idea to plant vegetables in a once-vacant lot to grow food for neighbors in need. Flagpoles and a veterans marker added in 2014-15 honor Gaston County service members. The garden received its own independent status in 2014.
Gastonia — Greenway Drinking Fountain Along the greenway near Lineberger Park, an ADA-accessible water fountain installed in 2016-17 by the Rotary Club of Gastonia provides drinking water, a bottle filler and a dog bowl – a reflection of Rotary’s commitment to clean water and health.
Mount Holly — Community & Pollinator Gardens, 126 N. Main St. & 165 Broome St. The Rotary Club of Mt Holly added an educational workshop and pergola to the Community Garden in 201516, provides raised beds and teaching spaces that support local families through food access and education. In 2018, they contributed pollinator beds to The Pollinator Garden at Tuckaseegee Park, creating habitat and encouraging environmental and stewardship. These landmarks are our legacy, creating places that educate, inspire, honor, and connect. Each one puts Service Above Self into action and tells a story of Rotarians who see needs and work with partners to meet them. As families and future generations enjoy these spaces, they experience the enduring impact of Rotary’s commitment to stronger, healthier, more vibrant communities across Gaston County. If you have a heart for service, we invite you to join us in Rotary!
Rotary Clubs in Gaston County area Gastonia – Thursday, 12:30 (except 5th), Gastonia Conference Center, https://rotaryclubofgastonia.com, Facebook Gastonia East – Monday 12:00-1:30, Gastonia Conference Center, https://gastoniaeastrotary.org, Facebook Gastonia Evening – Tuesday (2nd & 4th), 5:30, Durty Bull Brewery, Facebook Belmont – Wednesday 12:30, First Presbyterian Church - Belmont, https://belmontrotaryclub.com, Facebook Cherryville – Wednesday (1st & 3rd), 12:00 , Cherryville Community Building; Facebook Mt Holly – Thursday 12:15 Mount Holly Municipal Complex; Facebook Kings Mountain – Thursday 12-1:30, Patrick Senior Center; Facebook “TOGETHER, we see a world where PEOPLE UNITE and TAKE ACTION to create LASTING CHANGE - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.” (Rotary International vision statement) - Visit www.Rotary.org July/August 2026 23
Technology Getting Started With AI The Easy Way
A Quick Sart Guide to Large Language Models By Michael “Donovan” McQuitter, CC, IT and Specialist Photographs Courtesy of Michael McQuitter
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ou’ve heard a lot about artificial intelligence. Maybe you’ve seen people using it to write emails, plan trips, answer questions, or create pictures. And if you’ve ever thought, “This all sounds a little overwhelming,” you’re not alone. The good news is that you don’t need to be technical to start using AI. You just need to know how to start a conversation. What AI Actually Is At its simplest, artificial intelligence (AI) is technology that can recognize patterns. Researchers use models, advanced math equations, to make these patterns repeatable. The popular model of today is a Large Language Model (LLM), capable of understanding what you’re asking and generating a response based on what it has learned.
Michael McQuitter
ChatGPT is one example of an LLM. Think of it as a conversational assistant. You type what you want, and it responds. You can ask a question, give it more information, ask it to make a change, or ask it to create something for you. The most important thing to remember is this: you don’t need the perfect prompt. Using AI is more like having a conversation than entering a bunch of keywords like in a Google search. So head on over to chatgpt.com and let’s get started. Intro to Prompting Step 1: Start the Conversation with an Ask With fall season upon us, let’s look into a local event and get some details. We’ll ask ChatGPT about the upcoming Gastonia Fall Festival. Context matters so I’ll be prompting from my perspective, a father planning the event for his family. Prompt: “Give me details on the Gastonia Fall Festival. I need to know the location, dates and times, cost, and fun things for kids to do.” Lesson: Seeing my results, I got everything I asked for. I used plain English and just told ChatGPT what you wanted. Your context may be different and you may care more about if food will be provided. Add that in! The beauty of this tool is you can make it work specifically for you. Step 2: Follow Up on the Conversation Now let’s build on the response. The first thing my family always does is check the weather. While we’re a couple
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months away, I’m still expecting the weather to be in the same ballpark and can dress accordingly. Prompt: “What is the weather supposed to be like and what should we wear?” Lesson: I provided no dates, times, places, or any other details. Instead, AI has the ability to build the conversation as if you were messaging someone. That’s the power of ‘context’ when referring to an LLM. It even called out that I should “check the forecast again around October 10–12”. Step 3: Create Something for You Time for the grand finale. AI can create things for you as well. This is the “generative” part of generative AI. I want extended family to come and I’m sure they’d find this info useful. I’ll have ChatGPT build a text message for me. I’ll make sure to add some additional context on what I want it to include. Prompt: “Write a text message inviting family members to a festival. Include the festival name, date, times, and expected weather. For the location, put it in a separate paragraph so it automatically opens correctly on whatever map app they are using. Keep the message concise, exciting, and ready to send.” Lesson: With ChatGPT alone and no sign up, we researched an event and drafted a text. In this final prompt specifying formatting and tone ChatGPT was able to give me a ready-to-go text. You’re Ready to Try It You just completed a walkthrough of the fundamentals for using an LLM! Pat yourself on the back. Now we are ready to mark our calendars for the Gastonia Fall Festival! Next time something feels like “too much,” planning a family outing then give AI a shot. All it takes is a conversation, you just have to be willing to start it.
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People on the Move Together we Build a Stronger Gaston
Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region By Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region Photographs Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
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cross Gaston County, change connection to neighbors. When that foundation is strong, families can isn’t just something you hear about—it’s something you can thrive. And when families thrive, see. Walls are rising in new communities do too. homes. Crews are working to None of this happens in isolation. repair aging roofs. Volunteers Our impact is made possible by are lending their time and talents alongside people across the community— neighbors. It’s visible, tangible progress volunteers who show up ready to happening every day. lend a hand, donors who believe But what’s happening here is about in the mission, and partners who more than construction. It’s about creating share a commitment to building a opportunity, strengthening stability, and stronger Gaston. helping families build and maintain a place That collective effort is what they’re proud to call home. turns construction sites into Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte neighborhoods and repair projects Region is rooted in this community, working to into renewed hope. It’s what address housing needs in multiple ways. That transforms individual homes includes building new homes for families who into something bigger: a more Stud signing for a new home in are ready to invest in their future, as well as connected, resilient community. Bessemer City repairing existing homes so longtime residents Whether you’re picking up a can remain in the neighborhoods they love. hammer, contributing financially, Together, these efforts help ensure that growth or simply learning more about the doesn’t come at the expense of community—but instead work being done, there is a place for you in this effort. strengthens it. Because the progress happening in Gaston County and For many families, safe and stable housing is the foundation across the Charlotte Region isn’t just something to see—it’s for everything else—health, education, financial security, and something to be part of.
Welcoming Home a family in Bessemer City 26 www.gastonlifestyles.com
Critical Home Repair homeowner, Tarba outside of her home
People on the Move Gaston County Schools It’s Back to School Tme
By Todd Hagans, Chief Communications Officer
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t’s back-to-school time in Gaston County! On Wednesday, August 12, approximately 30,000 students (pre-kindergarten through high school) and 1,650 teachers returned to class in Gaston County Schools. Students, parents, and school employees are looking ahead to the new school year with enthusiasm and optimism. It is the goal of all teachers and employees to provide quality learning and enrichment opportunities for students at the district’s 56 schools.
Increase in school meal prices for non-CEP schools School breakfast and lunch meal prices are increasing by 25 cents for the schools not involved in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) federal program that makes meals available to students free-of-charge. The breakfast meal price increases to $1.65 for students. The lunch meal price at elementary schools increases to $3.15 for students, and the lunch meal price at middle schools and high schools increases to $3.25 for students.
Back-To-School Highlights Here are a few back-to-school highlights for Gaston County Schools.
Two schools added to Innovation Schools initiative Bessemer City Middle School and Bessemer City High School are being added to Gaston County Schools’ Innovation Schools initiative, which is an intensive academic program that focuses on improving student achievement. Now, the program involves 12 schools. At an Innovation School, all stakeholders (administrators, teachers, staff, parents, etc.) are challenged to embrace change and think with strategy, act with intent, and work with enthusiasm to reach a common goal of improving student achievement. Priorities at an Innovation School involve working collaboratively on strengthening instructional practices, elevating the school setting, and achieving higher student performance and academic growth. Gaston Lifestyles wishes all students, parents and school employees as successful school year.
First school year for new strategic plan 2026-2027 is the first full school year for Gaston County Schools operating under its new strategic plan. Adopted by the Board of Education in February, the strategic plan serves as the school district’s “road map” for the next five years. It includes the school district’s vision, mission, core values, priorities, and goals. The strategic plan focuses on six priority areas: Academics that Build Pathways to Student Success, Sustainable Financial Stewardship, Efficient and Responsive Operations and Technology, Comprehensive Student Support, Talent and Workforce Development, and Effective Communication and Partnerships. The strategic plan is available online; it is designed to guide the school district’s focus, work, and decision-making through 2030. Improvement in student performance and academic growth Test results for the 2025-2026 school year will be released by the N.C. State Board of Education on September 2nd. Gaston County Schools anticipates overall increases in student performance in reading, math, science, and academic growth when compared to the previous year (specific information is embargoed until the results are officially announced by the state).
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Eats & Treats Slow Cooker Beef Roast By Melissa Latin, Charlotte Fashion Plate Photo by Melissa Latin, Charlotte Fashion Plate
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Melissa Latin
his Slow Cooker Beef Roast is tender, flavorful and incredibly easy to prepare. A simple sear adds extra flavor before the roast cooks low and slow with onions, carrots and a savory beef broth. Serve with mashed potatoes and spoon the flavorful pan juices over top for a comforting meal. Ingredients • 1 (3 to 3 1/2-pound) chuck roast or sirloin tip roast • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 /2 teaspoon black pepper • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small white onion, large diced • 1 packet Lipton Beefy Onion Soup Mix • 5 to 6 carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces • 1 (32-ounce) carton beef stock • 1 to 2 cups water
Preparation 1. If possible, allow the roast to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Season all sides with the salt, black pepper and garlic powder. 2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the roast on all sides and edges until browned. Transfer to the slow cooker. 3. Deglaze the pan with about 1/2 cup of the beef stock, scraping up the browned bits. Pour over the roast. 4. Add the onion and Beefy Onion Soup Mix. Pour in the remaining beef stock and enough water to just cover the roast. 5. Cook on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours or LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender. Add the carrots during the final hour of cooking. 6. Serve with mashed potatoes and spoon the cooking juices over the beef, or use the juices to make a gravy.
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