Gaston County’s
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The Banner News / banner-news.com
Thursday, November 9, 2017
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Volume 83 • Issue 45
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! News from a neighbor! FREE• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
Thursday, November 9, 2017
Let Me Run turns boys into great men By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
There's a great after school program in Gaston County that builds healthy minds, bodies, and spirits in boys. Known as “Let Me Run”, the program combines running with camaraderie and character development. Currently, there are eleven schools in Gaston where Let Me Run is held. These include Belmont Central Elementary, Catawba Heights Elementary, Mt Holly Middle, New Hope Elementary, PCCS Primary, PCCS Secondary, Pinewood Elementary, WA Bess, Woodhill Elementary, Hawks Nest (STEAM), and York Chester Middle School. Over 140 boys take part in the Let Me Run program. Danielle Smallwood is the coach for the Belmont Central team. “The program includes all boys not just athletes,” Smallwood said. “It lets them be physically active, set goals- not just fitness goals but life goals as well- and holistically makes them better boys and men.” The Let Me Run program is inclusive. “It helps boys realize they don't have to fit stereotypes and can share things about themselves.” Smallwood said. “One student said he also enjoyed making pottery.” Belmont Central fifth grader Logan Farnham loves the Let Me Run program. These Gaston County Schools Let Me Run students were having a great time at a recent running event. Over 140 boys across See LET ME RUN page 2 Gaston participate in Let Me Run. Brittany Carey photo
New Mt. Holly fire station going up fast By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Work on the new Mt. Holly Fire Dept. North Station has been moving along at an astonishing rate. Just a couple of months
ago the building site on Lucia-Riverbend Highway was just a graded-off patch of red dirt. As of last week, the concrete building foundation and parking pad has been poured and the steel framework for the 6,300 sq. ft. structure
erected. Workers have also “roughed in” plumbing and electrical fixtures, interior walls are going up, the roof is being sealed against bad weather, a rear entrance to the lot is being graded and graveled, and more.
Construction on the new Mt. Holly Fire Dept. North Station has proceeded at an astonishing pace. Site supervisor Fred Lampman (right) was seen last week talking to some workers busily laying blocks. Photo by Alan Hodge
Miles-McClellan Construction is doing the build. Site foreman Fred Lampman had this to say. “The goal is to have the project done by mid-January,” he said. “We go fast when we can.” A good example is how quickly the frame went up. “We got the frame put together in just over two weeks after it arrived,” Lampman said. Miles-McClellan is also building the new Mt. Holly public works building and has done a 911 center in Greensboro. MHFD deputy chief Craig Spry is pleased with how the new station is coming along and praised Miles-McClellan. 'They've done a tremendous job,” he said. The station will house an engine, water rescue equipment, and in the future perhaps another truck. Engine 35, a pumper with a 750 gallon capacity, will be assigned to the new station. The station will
Belmont branch library getting major makeover By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
The Belmont branch of the Gaston County Public Library is getting some much needed freshening up. The project is being funded at least in part by proceeds from the Friends of the Gaston County Library (FGCPL). Interior work will include new computer chairs, a lowered circulation desk, a new space for teens with lounge chairs and tables, interior paint, major bathroom renovations including fixtures and tile, and reconfiguration to Americans With Disabilities Act standards for the entrances. Cost of the paint and furniture will be in the neighborhood of $15,000 with the tab being picked up by FGCPL. The County will pay for the bathroom and entrance work but the See BELMONT LIBRARY page 5
See FIRE STATION page 4
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The current Belmont branch library building was dedicated in 1960. Photo by Alan Hodge
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