Gaston County’s
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The Banner News / banner-news.com
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
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We are thankful for our readers! Volume 87 • Issue 47
• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Internationally known artist (and Belmont resident) Juan Logan visits school kids By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
It’s not every day that an internationally known artist visits school kids, but that’s just what happened last week when Juan Logan stopped by Belmont Central Elementary where he chatted with fifth grade students in Anna Smith’s art class. “It’s wonderful to involve youth in the process of art,”
he said. “It is incumbent on us to find ways to share it.” Logan, who was born in Nashville and has lived for many years in Belmont, shared his passion for art and as an added thrill, gave the students autographed paper fans. Smith connected with Logan after she found out one of her students, Alex Echevarria, was his grand-
son. “I thought it would be cool to have him come talk to the students in my art class,” Smith said. Logan’s appearance had the kids in a tizzy. He brought a few examples of his abstract paintings and shared thoughts on his style and art in general. “Art is sometimes difficult,” he told the kids. “It
takes time but it’s worth doing.” Logan also touched on another aspect of art. “Art lets us learn about our past because in it we can see how people used to live and dress,” he said. The children were all ears during Logan’s presentation. “It’s amazing,” said one fifth grader named Jack. Another student, Sophie had this to say. “I like drawing so it’s exciting to meet him.” See LOGAN, Page 6
Artist Juan Logan and his grandson Alex Echevarria who is a fifth grade student at Belmont Central.
The 1944 Chevy fire truck’s body in Bob McRorie’s yard. Photo Courtesy Steve Rankin
Christmas lights back to normal in McAdenville Last year’s Christmas Lights in McAdenville were reduced in scope but this year things are back to “normal”. The lights will be on December 1st through the 26th. Planning to visit McAdenville – Christmas Town? If possible visit on Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday or Thursday nights. A tremendous increase in Traffic occurs on Friday – Saturday and Sunday nights. The times ….Please... Note.... New Time Each night Monday thru Sunday
5:30 until 10:00 PM Lights will go off regardless of the number of cars in line. All Christmas Lights in the common areas of town are on timers, which turn the lights on and off at pre-set times. Walking thru... Please stay on the sidewalks Walking is a great way to see the Christmas lights, the decorated homes and to hear the sounds of the church chimes. See LIGHTS, Page 4
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Mt. Holly fire dept. hoping for return of an old friend By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
Many of you may recall the story “Lassie Come Home” about a dog that was lost then after quite a period of time and much tribulation finally got back to where it once belonged. Well, a similar scenario is in the mix at the Mt. Holly fire dept. except instead of a dog, the wanderer is a 1944
Chevrolet fire engine that was once a part of the fleet there. Over the years there have been many twists and turns of fate and chance in the firetruck’s saga, but here’s the semi-abbreviated version. The truck was bought new after WWII and served Mt. Holly until 2002 when it was sold as surplus to vintage car collector Harold Russell. He kept it a while and passed
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it on to a gent named Bob McRorie who resides off Mt. Holly Huntersville Rd. McRorie had planned on restoring it. In 2016, MHFD chief Ryan Baker just happened to see the truck in a Facebook photo at a child’s birthday party. Baker knew McRorie and asked about getting the truck. McRorie said thanks but no thanks. See MHFD, Page 9