Banner-News 10-24-19

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Gaston County’s

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Volume 85 • Issue 43

Thursday, October 24, 2019

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Thursday, October 24, 2019

Governor Roy Cooper tours TechWorks Gaston in Belmont by Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper made a trip to Belmont last week and toured the TechWorks facility located at 35 Ervin St. “I have heard how outstanding TechWorks is and wanted to come see it for myself,” Gov. Cooper said. “TechWorks is an amazing opportunity for Gaston County and people here are responding to it in an overwhelmingly positive way.” During his visit, Gov. Cooper got a look at TechWork’s innovative space, met with co-working clients, and learned about the Tech Academy offerings. He also watched as the Dream Center’s sixth to eighth grade students were instructed by Sealed Air mechanical engineer Morgan Stewart on how

to build a flashlight. Stewart is a volunteer coordinating the K-12 STEM programs for TechWorks and an MIT graduate In addition, Gov. Cooper observed instructor Deb Alzner, an Information Technology professional with 25 years of programming experience, as she led a class of sixteen fifth grade girls from New Hope Elementary learn how to program a maze game using the Scratch programming language. Students chose a character, designed a maze, programmed their character to move using arrow keys, and programmed what happened when their character accidentally bumped into the maze walls or safely reaches the end. “We were very pleased with Gov. Cooper’s visit to TechWorks,” said Terry Cox, executive director Gaston

Innovation Group. “It was uplifting and productive. Everyone was very appreciative of Gov. Cooper’s time and his genuine interest in their personal pursuits. It meant a great deal to all of the school kids, and I know it will be a memorable day for many of them.” Gov. Cooper also met with Belmont and Gaston County business and government officials during his time at TechWorks. “In the roundtable discussion, Gov. Cooper specifically mentioned our initial visit with him at the Capital in Raleigh, April 2017,” Cox said. “He said we were so enthusiastic and passionate that he knew we would do something impressive, even though he didn’t get what that was at the time! On Tuesday, NC Gov. Roy Cooper paid a visit last week to the TechWorks business/technology incubator in he was finally able to have Belmont. During his tour Gov. Cooper took a minute to talk with these New Hope Elementary See TECHWORKS, Page 2 students as they learned computer programming. Photo by Alan Hodge

Doug Brewer 91, is back at his barber chair by Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

South Point Volunteer Fire Dept. chief Barry Joye (right) receives the new truck's keys from delivery driver Ray Riddle. Photo contributed

South Point Volunteer Fire Dept. takes delivery of new truck by Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The South Point VFD has taken delivery of a new and much needed truck. The vehicle is a 2019 Ford F250 that is called a “QRV”, that is Quick Response Vehicle. It was purchased from

Asheville Ford for $50,000 and built by Global Public Safety based in Roebuck, S.C. The keys to the truck were handed over to the South Point Fire Dept. on Oct. 11. The truck replaces one that was damaged in an accident. Insurance paid the bill.

“The new truck will be used to assist in medical emergencies and to transport personnel,” said fire chief Barry Joye. “We are real happy to get it.” Equipment that will be kept on the truck includes medic bags, oxygen kit, backSee TRUCK, Page 3

After a “failed retirement”, 91-year-old Belmont barber Dough Brewer has taken up his scissors, comb, clippers and returned to what he loves best- cutting hair. About a year ago, Brewer left his space in the former Belmont General Store for the last time and went home, but even though some of his regular customers came to his house for a trim, he became bored. “Retirement got old real quick,” Brewer said. Meanwhile, beautician Christine Wallace, who was familiar with Brewer from his downtown Belmont days, opened up a shop named Belmont Beautique and Barbery in the Main Street Crossing See BREWER, Page 2

91-year-old Doug Brewer is back cutting hair after over seven decades on the job and a very brief retirement. Brewer's seen with customer Paul Solomon and Belmont Beautique and Barbery owner Christine Wallace. Photo by Alan Hodge

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