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Thursday, January 15, 2015

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Your Source for LOCAL NEWS! Since 1935 Volume 80 • Issue 2

Serving Belmont • Crame Cramerton t • LLowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Officers attend funeral service of fallen peer in New York

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Mount Holly police Sergeant Jeff Skidmore and Corporal Ronnie Parsons attended the funeral for NYPD Officer Rafael “Ralph” Ramos on December 27, 2014 and were moved by what they saw.

Ramos and his fellow officer Wenjian Liu were shot and killed on December 20. It is believed the killings were in retaliation for unrelated shootings by law enforcement of two unarmed African America men in Missouri and New York.

Both officers were on scheduled vacation and decided to take advantage of

JetBlue’s generosity in providing law enforcement free flights to attend the funerals.

Skidmore and Parsons have attended several funerals throughout North Carolina for fallen officers, but felt the need to show their support in these trying times for law enforcement.

“Some of the things that stood out was the sheer amount of officers from across the country in attendance,” said Parson. “No matter which direction you looked, all you saw were officers. It was literally a sea of blue. Even the citizens they encountered were extremely apologetic and kept saying thank you for your service.

Some of the store even of-

Mount Holly police Cpl. Ronnie Parsons is seen with an NYPD car during the trip he and Sgt. Jeff Skidmore took to attend the funeral of slain officer Rafael Ramos.

Contributed Photo

fered us free coffee and drinks.”

The NYPD was more accommodating than Parsons and Skidmore expected. The 113th precinct picked the officers up at their hotel, provided them transportation to and from the funeral, had

pizza and other snacks when they returned, provided a tour of the precinct, and took them back to the hotel.

“I was amazed that no matter the size of the department they are basically the same within,” Parsons said.

“NYPD precinct and the

Mount Holly PD had many of the same similarities. It was pretty much like being at a bigger Mount Holly PD.” Mount Holly police chief Don Roper appreciated what Parsons and Skidmore did.

“I was glad to hear that these Officers were interested

taking advantage of the offer by the airline to fly members of our department to NY for the funeral,” Roper said. “As a long-time officer myself, and coming from a police family, I consider law See POLICEMEN page 2

Caromont holds ribbon cutting

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Mount Holly mayor Bryan Hough and Caromont CEO Doug Luckett cut the ribbon last week at the new Regional Medical Center. The facility is located on NC27 across from the Mount Holly Municipal Center.

Photo by Alan Hodge

A serious chill in the air last Tuesday morning did nothing to cool the ardor of a large contingent that witnessed the official ribbon cutting at the new CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Mount Holly.

Medical, civic, and political dignitaries by the dozens got together to see the red ribbon being scissored by CaroMont CEO Doug Luckett and Mount Holly mayor Bryan Hough.

“The eastern part of Gaston County is growing and this facility will fill that medical need,” said Luckett.

“We are excited about Caromont choosing Mount Holly for their new Emergency Department facility,” Hough said. “This facility will provide important medical services to eastern Gaston County.”

Several members of the Mount Holly city

council were on hand and expressed delight at the hospital and what it would bring to the town.

“It’s fabulous and really just the beginning of great things in this area,” said David Moore.

Councilman Jerry Bishop agreed.

“Oh man, it’s a showpiece,” he said. “It improves the image of the city and Gaston County.”

Jim Hope also gave the new hospital kudos.

“It doesn’t get any better than this,” Hope said. “Mount Holly has been rewarded for all the hard work that went into the project.”

CaroMont director of emergency services Sharon Summer also praised Mount Holly’s contribution to making the dream a reality.

“It would not have been possible without the support of the city of Mount Holly,” she said.

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Thursday, January 15, 2015

Belmont firemen dive into training at Gaston College

Members of City of Belmont Fire Department recently conducted in-service training at the Regional Emergency Services Training Center located on 17 acres at the Gaston College campus in Dallas.

Belmont Fire Chief George Altice commented “Our management team use these train-

ing sessions to evaluate each member’s ability to make sound decisions in a controlled environment, which appear to be hostile environment”.

The focal point of the facility is a five story, 21,000 square foot burn building, which is currently the largest of its type in the United States.

This structure contains three

live burn floors, and 14 interior "burn areas". Burn rooms range in size from 12’x14’ to 20’x20’ to 40’x20’ to 90’x30’.

There is also an interior area that was designed and engineered for combustible liquid fire training. The large mass of the structure allows multiple evolutions to be conducted simultaneously.

This is one of three practical skill exercises the department conducts annually at this facility. The objectives for these training sessions are to practice advance strategy and tactics. The topic for this session was: selection of hose line and nozzle for fire confinement, coordination of multiple companies and rescue operations in large commercial buildings.

Alex Hardee is an eight year veteran of the Belmont Fire Department and took part in the training exercise.

“Any time we can use that facility it's awesome,” Hardee said. “Also, the quality of instruction is phenomenal. The instructors make us more confident and that keeps the love These members of the City of Belmont Fire Department recently took part in a training exercise of firefighting alive in us.” at Gaston College.

Belmont Fire Department photos

MLK event set for January 19 Belmont will celebrate MLK Unity day at First Foursquare Church, 8 Elizabeth St. Belmont at 7pm on Monday, January 19.

This is the 24th year Belmont has held this great event.

More than ever our nation and communities need unity to continue the efforts of many people to have respect towards one another. This year there will be participants from the youth in the local schools so that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his “I Had a Dream” ideals can be understood by those who experienced that era in history but

POLICEMEN enforcement a brotherhood.

I am always touched when I hear of an officer losing their life in the line of duty, and believe that we as officers should show our respect and honor their sacrifice whenever we can. All of the other officers of the Mount Holly

From page 1

Police Department joined in recognizing the sacrifice of our NYPD brothers by wearing a black band around our badge during the week until the two men were laid to rest.”

Both officers arrived back in Charlotte with a bigger

appreciation for the NYPD and a new perspective on how close law enforcement is as a family and how they can come together in a time of need.

Liu’s funeral was held on January 3.

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also the younger generation which can continue to live the idea of getting along with one another.

The Mt. Pleasant Men’s Choir, along with youth choirs from Hood Memorial AME Zion, First Foursquare, and South Point High will provide the music.

Students to be honored as recipients of the MLK Humanitarian Award are Chasity Mayfield and Clay Julen for

their qualities of sharing and caring. Both are students at South Point High and exemplify the ideals of Dr. King.

They have Aptitude, Attitude, and Ability.

Several speakers such as Amari Andrews and Bianca Hanafin will deliver the message of Dr. King and share the meaning of getting along with one another.

South Point students lighting the Unity Candle will

be Yaneli Banuelos, Reggie Dawkins, Zain Lakhany, Rosie Tran, and Nathan Wilson.

SOCKS will be the recipient of the offering.

Other local churches will also have representatives at the event.

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This is my “How I spent my Christmas vacation” essay Day 1 – December 26 – My son Ed announces he needs to rent a truck to get away and wants to go to the local Ford dealer to do that. We don’t go to the one that is 3 miles away; instead, we drive to the dealer that’s 35 miles away. Why in the world would you call the cell number of the Ford owner when you can drive all that distance to find out Tony Marciano they don’t rent trucks?

Contributing writer Ed is convinced he wants an F-250 diesel dual wheeled truck. Does he own a boat? No. An RV? No. A golf cart with trailer? No. Does he have any kind of trailer? No. He just likes the torque of a diesel. His eyes dance when he says “diesel”.

For $10k, Ford will happily help your empty your wallet so your eyes can sparkle with all the diesel torque you want.

His sister, Maria convinces her brother that the F-250 ride was too rough. He agreed, no F-250; he even gives up on the diesel and settles on an F-150 Eco boost. The dealership loans him a truck and off he goes for two days.

Day 2 - Ed returns with the borrowed truck. We drive another 35 miles to the dealer and thank them for allowing us to use it. Then, they show him another truck and haggle over price. His Mustang is in their body shop. It isn’t ready so we leave to go to another Ford dealership.

The salesman is busy so we go out to lunch. Ed announces, “I’ll pay, I don’t want you to pay for everything.” I’m thinking, “Who is paying for the gas?” They return to dealer #2 but the price is higher so we go home.

Mileage to date – 140.

Day 3 – We return to the dealer to pick up the Mustang. There are more negotiations on price for the F-150 and now they are close. But, there’s one problem. What color do you want – the red on the lot or the blue that has to be brought over from another dealership? I started humming the Jeopardy song while Ed considered the color options in front of him. In fact, I hummed 3 verses and added a chorus using finger puppets. Still no color selection. Being a wonderful father who’s trying to empower his children to be adults, I yell “Buy the red one. I like red.”

But, it’s New Year’s Eve and the dealership closed 30 minutes before.

Mileage to date – 210.

Day 4 – It’s New Year’s Day. We decide CarMax will give us a better trade-in on the Mustang than the dealership so we drive there. Yes, another 35 miles. CarMax says, “You pay us and we’ll take it off your hands.” It’s that bad. We return back to the Ford dealer, sheepishly smiling and saying, “We’ll take the red truck.” Are we at the end of the story – no (but you knew that). Mileage to date – 245. Gas expenses – don’t ask.

You’re thinking Ed bought a nice F-150 pickup truck like your grandfather had. That would make sense. No, this is the Marciano family.

They can create drama just from buying a vehicle. This may be an F-150, but it’s a crew cab. Yes, the four door pickup truck crew cab. Do you know who buys four-door crew cab pickup trucks? People with three or more kids. How many kids does Ed have? None. He has no kids, no dog, and no wife. It’s just him. But wait, there’s more. It has the “off road package”. His idea of “off-roading” is the dirt driveway where he lives.

Total miles to purchase the truck – 280. Who did pay for that gas? The same one who paid for Ed’s college.

Am I complaining – not on your life. It was one of the best Christmases I have ever had. As a parent, it’s what we do.

I’ll be back in two weeks. Until then, live well my friend.

PUBLIC NOTICE Branch Towers, LLC proposes the construction of a 195-ft AGL (199-ft w/ appurt.)

Monopine Communications Tower, located at 308 Nixon Road, southwest of the City of Belmont in southeastern Gaston County, North Carolina (Gaston County PIN # 3584824808). Please submit any written comments by February 14, 2015 regarding the potential effects that the proposed tower may have on Historic Properties that are listed or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places to: Tower Engineering Professionals, Inc. (Attn: George Swearingen) 326 Tryon Road, Raleigh, NC 27603 Telephone: (919) 661-6351 Fax: (919) 661-6350

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Opinions...

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Yours, Ours, Others

"People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care."

- John C. Maxwell

My opinion... Colds and Flu It’s official. The cold and flu season is upon us.

No matter where you go lately there’s a sound ringing in the air. It’s the noise of people coughing. This cacophony is inescapable. I was in a local department store recently and a person next to me started coughing. Then, way across the store another person began hacking. Hark! In the far corner amongst the housewares came forth the sound of yet another human voice barking.

As I stood there listening to this coughing chorus I could not help but be reminded of monkeys in a tropical jungle calling to one another.

Some folks do not care if they spread germs. When coughing they make no attempt to stifle the outburst. Viewed in stop action, they can be seen with eyes bulging, tongue extended to full length, jaw slack, and lips forming an “O” through which the germs are expelled at a high rate of speed.

Other folks make at least a wee attempt to protect others from their cold germs. When they feel a cough coming on they clap a hand over their mouth. Sometimes the fingers of the hand are curled in a shape like a horn and the germs blow

right though. Others slap their flu or a cold. Yes, the sensalips but the gaps between their tion feels as if someone took fingers allow the bad stuff to all the grease out of your joints spew invisibly outward into the and they are rubbing dry bone atmosphere. to bone. The other aches are Lastly, we have the cough- deep within the muscles as they in-elbow technique whereby cry out for relief from their torthe sickee quickly hoists the ment. A person I know who just crook of their arm got over the flu said up and they cough she felt as if the very therein. A comhairs on her head mon followup to were throbbing in this action is to run misery. the nose and mouth Perhaps the down the length of worst part of the flu the sleeve to the are its gastrointestiawaiting hand. nal uproars. There Fever and chills you are feeling are also part and pretty bad already parcel of the flu and when all at once colds season. There Alan Hodge it is as if someone you are, sick as a Banner-News Editor has jabbed you in dog and lying on the sofa try- the bowels with a sharp stick. ing to be entertained by daytime After you undouble yourself, TV. One minute you are shak- you suddenly feel as if liquid ing like a leaf with chills. Heaps lard has been poured into your of covers do little to abate the esophagus- queasy is the word. icy tremblings. The next minute What happens next is not for you are roasting like a Christ- the slow of foot but generally mas goose and can’t fling the makes the eyes water and the quilt off of your fiery body fast face turn bright red during and enough. Perhaps you are lucky after the event. enough to fall asleep, but even Having the cold or flu saps that is a dicey thing in flu-land your energy like nothing short because sure enough when you of chopping a cord of wood or wake up you are soaked in a picking an acre of cotton in the clammy perspiration. broiling sun or running a boot Aches often accompany the camp obstacle course wearing

full combat gear. Just trying to make it from the sofa or bed to the kitchen to open a can of soup rends the sick person so tired they can barely turn the crank on the can opener. Just pressing the buttons on the TV remote control is exhausting.

Even texting is a chore. Yes, folks text when they are too sick to do anything else.

But sooner or later, the rising sun of recovery begins to appear. The “broad, sunlit uplands” as Churchill called them.

Food which had once tasted like paper or mud regains its savoriness. Energy returns to once flaccid muscles. One last waking up in a cold sweat signals the departure of the germs that had caused so much misery. The sunken eyes sparkle.

The running nose is stopped in its tracks. The rampant stomach settles down and is placid. You go back to work if you were lucky enough to have sick days in the first place. All is well in the world.

But really, there’s a lot a person can do to ward off the cold or flu. Wash your hands.

Keep your hands off of your face and out of its orifices. Get a flu shot. Hide in a stainless steel underground bunker until spring. Pray.

SIDEWALK SURVEY Q: What is the coldest youʻve ever been?

■ MEDITATIONS

Set your priorities In 1999, I received my first pastoral appointment as a United Methodist minister. My district superintendent spoke these words to our eager group of young clergy, “Remember proper time management and set your priorities. Always remember this order of priorities; God, family and church.”

Somewhere along the way the order was misplaced. Church life replaced family life, and others expectation of me moved into first place.

When this happened time management became elusive and busyness controlled my schedule. “I am busy” became my mantra and burnout my constant companion. Life has become a sprint to filling our day with a multitude of activities, crash for a few hours of sleep only to start over with our frenzied schedules. How can we recapture efficient Rev. Angela Pleasants time management? “Look care- First United fully then how you walk, not as unwise Methodist Church, but as wise, making the best use of Mount Holly the time, because the days are evil.

Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV. The focus in this verse is wise living by discovering God’s will for your life. When I began living to please people, I allowed others to fill my schedules with task, meetings and ministries they felt I should be doing. To make the most of your time discover what YOU are called to do. Jesus knew his mission, and he would not allow others to pull him from his mission. Many wanted to draw Jesus on their time schedule and into their plan for his life, but he remained constant in the use of his time. “Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.”

John 6:15 ESV. The disciples tried to pull Jesus on their time schedule. They asked him to visit Judea to show his works openly. Jesus responded, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here.” John 6:6 ESV. The beginning of proper time management is setting appropriate priorities; keep God first, walk in wisdom daily and know your mission.

Always remember we cannot do it all. I thought I had to be at every meeting, seminar, and daily function until I realized this stemmed from a prideful place. If I am not there the walls will not collapse. Learn to delegate when possible and trust others in fulfilling their purpose. Scripture says our life is a handbreadth, a mist that appears for a while then vanishes, therefore, use your time well.

We welcome your comments Send your Letter to the Editor to:

The Banner News PO BOX 589 • Belmont NC 28012

JOE MOSES

TREVOR DRUMM

As a POW in WWII at Stalag 4B in Germany.

Snowboarding when my clothes got wet.

JEROD REID When I was in the Army in Korea.

JAY MOORE Putting siding on a house in snow and sleet.

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Thursday, January 15, 2015

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CAROMONT From page 1

Wendy Foster with the Mount Holly Community Development Foundation was also on hand.

“The new hospital will spur more development around it,” Foster said.

Ted Hall, president of the Montcross Chamber was shaking hands and taking photos at the ribbon cutting.

“CaroMont’s new emergency hospital in Mount Holly is a huge economic development boost for eastern Gaston County reaching far beyond the millions invested in construction,” Hall said. “For decades to come, employees earning a living there will be buying cars and homes and investing in the local economy in hundreds of other ways. The hospital also contributes to improving the quality of life and making this area even more attractive for other economic investment. Still, the most important benefit of the new facility will be measured in the lives it saves by providing emergency care close by for a rapidly growing population in this area.“ Dr. Tom Ashar is the site’s emergency department medical director.

“This is the most beautiful ER I have ever seen,” he said.

The 38,000 square foot hospital will feature board certified emergency medicine physicians, six rapid medical evaluation rooms, ten treatment rooms, two resuscitation rooms, a results lounge with two private consultation rooms, a lab, an imagining suite with CAT scan, x-ray and ultrasound, and registered nurses certified in advanced cardiac life support and pediatric advanced life support.

The service area will include eastern Gaston, southern Lincoln, and western Mecklenburg counties. Critical care patients in need of service such as surgery or hospitalization will be stabilized then taken to the main CaroMont campus in Gastonia.

The new hospital officially began accepting patients on January 13. As many as 12,500 folks are expected the first year of operation.

CaroMont CEO Doug Luckett (center) was chatting with Mount Holly city council members David Moore and Carolyn Breyare at last week's Regional Medical Center ribbon cutting.

These ready responders were on hand at the CaroMont Regional Medical Center ribbon cutting.

From left; GEMS employees Clyde Cantrell, Mark Lamphiear, Lisa Gunn, Jamie McConnell, Mount Holly Fire Captain David Stevens.

Photos by Alan Hodge Montcross Chamber president Ted Hall (left) and Mount Holly mayor Bryan Hough joined the large crowd that attended last week's CaroMont Regional Medical Center ribbon cutting.

A shower of confetti went up and came down on everyone including Belmont assistant city manager Adrian Miller (center) at the CaroMont Regional Medical Center ribbon cutting last week in Mount Holly.

Photos by Alan Hodge

Duke Energy offers cold weather tips With temperatures that dipped to near zero in our region last week week, Duke Energy encourages its customers to take steps to stay warm and save money.

Electric heating and cooling can account for as much as half of a home’s energy bill, so controlling the home thermostat is one of the best ways to manage energy usage and cost.

Set the thermostat back to the lowest setting that is comfortable. It’s possible to save around 10 percent a year on heating and cooling bills by simply turning the thermostat back 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours a day. As an alternative, there are programmable thermostats that enable customers to automatically set specific temperatures at different times of the day.

Additional steps customers can take to manage their energy demand and reduce energy bills: Set ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down into rooms; If the sun is out, open drapes and blinds to allow the sun to warm rooms during the day. Close them at night; Change heatingsystem air filters. Dirty air filters make heating systems work harder, which uses more energy.

Find this and other tips at: www.duke-energy.com. Just click on the “save energy and money” link.

Duke Energy also reminds customers to be prepared in the event of a power outage. Low temperatures put higher stress on the equipment used to generate and deliver electricity.

To be prepared, customers should consider the following tips: Check supplies of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, non-perishable foods, medicines, etc; Ensure a portable, battery-operated radio, TV or NOAA weather radio is on hand; Do not attempt to heat with a gas grill or by bringing a generator inside; Only operate such equipment outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Follow manufacturer instructions; Check on family members, friends and neighbors who have special medical needs or who are elderly to ensure they have necessary emergency supplies. Encourage them to determine now what action they would take in the event of an extended power outage.

Customers who experience an outage should call Duke Energy’s automated outage-reporting system at 1-800-343-3525.

Customers may also report an outage or view current outages online at www.duke-energy.com/ storms.

During an outage, turn off as many appliances and electronics as possible. This will help with restoration efforts as it will reduce the immediate demand on the power lines when power is restored.

Once power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning your equipment back on.

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Page 6

■ OBITUARIES John Jennings Jr. 1938-2015

James Steven “Steve” Mathis

“Heaven has gained the Best Junk Man in the world” Mount HollyJohn Jennings Jr., 75, passed away at his home in Mount Holly on Thursday morning January 8, 2015.

John was born on June 4, 1938 in Habersham County, Georgia, son of the late John and Lela Mae Jennings. He was a hard working man who loved his family.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Rose Jennings. He is also survived by his sons Rickey, Tony, Johnny and William Jennings, 13 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at Second Baptist Church in Mount Holly on Sunday January 11 from 2:00-4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Gaston County.

Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www. woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC served the family.

Belmont, NC- James Steven “Steve” Mathis, age 66, passed a w a y while surrounded by his family on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Robin Johnson Hospice House, Dallas.

Steve was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and worked for 41 years at Siemens/Westinghouse. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Shawn and Melissa Mathis of Mt. Holly, NC, James Steven Mathis, Jr. and wife Peggy of Lincolnton, Michael and Melissa Mathis of Gastonia; sister, Lynn Mathis of Sylva; grandchildren, Wesley, Taylor, Alex and Lexi.

The family received friends from 7-9 pm, Friday at McLean Funeral Directors, Belmont. A service by the graveside was held at 1:00pm, Saturday at Evergreen –“A Quiet Place”, with Rev. Lewis Smith officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gaston Hospice, c/o Robin Johnson Hospice House, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.

McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the Mathis family.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Russell Hester

Buren Edward McSwain

Mount Holly- Russell Hester, 76, passed away on Monday January 12, 2015. He was born in Gaston County, son of the late Clarence and Minnie Campbell Hester. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was of the Free Will Baptist faith.

He is survived by his son Butch Hester and wife Barbara of Mount Holly; two daughters Tina McRee and husband Scott of Dallas and Sarah Mikels of Oxford, NC; one brother Roy Hester of Gastonia.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr. Hester was held 4:00pm Wednesday January 14, at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly with Rev. James Messer officiating.

The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Catawba Free Will Baptist Church.

Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www. woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC served the family.

Stanley- Buren Edward McSwain, 82, passed away on Thursday January 8, 2015.

He was born in Cleveland County, son of the late Willard and Millie McSwain.

He was preceded in death by a sister Lela Bell Washburn. He was a US Navy Veteran and retired from Duke Energy.

Mr. McSwain was a member of Lucia Baptist Church and was affectionately known as Mr. B. After retirement, Buren continued to utilize his electrical and carpentry skills as a means to serve and minister to others.

He is survived by his wife Minerva Redd McSwain; two sons Mark Eugene McSwain and wife Angie of Mount Holly and Philip Buren McSwain and wife Carrie of Lincolnton; two daughters June Angela Abernathy of Stanley and Lydia Rebekah Snodgrass and husband David of Stanley; one sister Ruth Whisnant of Indiana; six grandchildren Amanda, Matt, Dakota, Marisa, Philip Thomas and Savannah; two great grandchildren Christian and Abigail.

A service to celebrate the life of Mr. McSwain was held 3:00pm Sunday January 11, at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly with Rev. Mike Davis officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery. The family re-

ceived friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www. woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC served the family.

Sisk-Butler Funeral Home & Cremation Service We offer funeral packages and we honor existing pre-need funerals.

704-629-2255 www.siskbutler.com Eddie Pigg, Funeral Director

Mark's Gospel Live at First Presbyterian On January 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm, First Presbyterian Church, 102 South Central Ave., Belmont will present “Mark’s Gospel Live: A First Century Story of Love and Healing” by ordained priest, Reverend Joseph Morris. Not a reading or a talk, Reverend Morris uses dramatic storytelling and the actual words of the Gospel of Mark in a moving and powerful solo performance that brings us into the life of Jesus as the earliest Christians knew him. “Mark’s Gospel Live” has enjoyed over 400 performances in the US, Canada and Great Britain. This event is free and the public is invited to come to this very special performance. Parents are advised that “Mark’s Gospel Live” may be too intense for children younger than middle school.

More Information, 704-825-3357.

New Creation Monastery 24 hour retreat Father John Hoover at new Creation Monastery, 100 Madora St., Mount Holly, is inviting folks for 24-hour retreats with silent meditation and spiritual counseling. Where is God in my life? Do I know Jesus? Does the Bible speak to my heart? What happens when I pray?

All people of good will are welcome. Limit 20 participants so call 704-344-0934.

Father Hoover also offers Sunday Mass at 4pm.

Fellowship & Faith

Church Service Directory BELMONT Alexander Memorial Baptist Church 208 South Main Street 704-825-3216 Brotherhood/Sisterhood Wncc.

120 Park Street 704-825-1333 Catawba Heights Baptist Church 311 Belmont Avenue 704-827-8474 Catawba Heights Wesleyan Church 101 Beaty Rd., Belmont 704-827-8381 Centerview Baptist Church 2300 Acme Road 704-827-2061 East Belmont Baptist Church 501 Catawba Street 704-825-5780 East Belmont Church Of God 320 E. Catawba Street 704- 825-8845 East Belmont Free Will Baptist 909 Edgemont Ave 704-825-5346 East Belmont Presbyterian Church 901 Catawba Street 704-825-8822 Ebenezer United Methodist Church 120 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road 704-827-3366 First Baptist Church 23 N. Central Avenue 704-825-3758 First Foursquare Gospel Church 8 Elizabeth Street 704-825-5811 First Presbyterian Church 102 S. Central Ave 704-825-3357 First Presbyterian-Belmont 112 S. Central Ave 704-829-0668

First United Methodist Church of Belmont 807 South Point Road 704-825-2106 Forest Pointe Church Meets at Stowe Family YMCA Bldg.

704-825-1709 Fresh Anointing Church of God 71 McAdenville Road 704-825-7283 Friendship Baptist Church 5008 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-3276 Full Gospel Church 106 School St 704-827-9621 Gaston Christian Church 5339 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-8252 Goshen Presbyterian Church Roper Street 704-827-6280 Grace Korean Chr. Assembly-God 124 Georgia Belle Ave 704-829-1091 Grace Wesleyan Church 6014 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-7959 Henry’s Chapel Ame Zion Church 151 Henry Chapel Rd 704-825-0711 Holy Comforter Lutheran Church 216 N. Main St. 704-825-2483 Hood Memorial Ame Zion Church 455 Sacco St. 704-825-6007 Loves Chapel Presbyterian Church 204 Lincoln St. 704-825-8342 Message of Love Church 306 Pearl Beaty Dr. 704-827-6500

Mount Moriah Baptist Church 110 Lincoln St. 704-825-2046 Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist 212 South Street 704-825-7269 New Hope Presbyterian Church 4357 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia 704-824-1697 New Life Baptist Church 201 Oak Trail 704-822-6195 New Mills Chapel Fire Baptised 104 Morning Glory Ave. 704-825-5457 North Belmont Church of God 2316 Acme Rd. 704-827-4092 O’Conner Grove Church Ame Zion 613 N. Main Street 704-825-5576 Park Street United Methodist 120 Park Street 704-825-8480 Power of the Spirit Church 118 School Street 704-827-7071 Queen Of The Apostles Catholic Church 503 N. Main Street 704-825-9600

Featured Church of the Week

East Belmont Presbyterian 901 Catawba St • Belmont, North Carolina South Point Baptist Church 124 Horsley Ave. 704-825-9516

St. Marks United Methodist Church 701 Secrest Ave. 704-825-8175

South Point Freewill Baptist 297 Gaither Rd. 704-825-8045 South Point United Methodist 510 Southpoint Church Rd. 704-825-4019 Springwood Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-827-7801

Stowe Memorial Baptist Church 26 Kee Rd. 704-825-5987 Unity Baptist Church 1005 Catawba St. 704-825-8730 Upper Room United Pentecostal 1405 Armstrong Ford Rd. 704-825-0604 Will of God Church 513 Woodlawn Ave. 704-827-5185

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Thursday, January 15, 2015

■ LETTER TO THE EDITOR A New Year A New Beginning A Gift of Time The New Year, like a new born child, is placed in our hands as the old year passes away. The days and weeks to come are God's gift; they carry God's blessing. As a blessing we welcome them.

Our hope for the year ending is that all that was good in it remain with us an all that was harmful be left behind.

Though even thinking on the subject of time may prove discomforting, it is not a bad idea—especially at the beginning of a New Year.

As we look ahead for 2015 we look at a block of time. We see 12 months, 52 weeks, 365 days, 8,760 hours, 525,600 minutes, 31,536,000 seconds. And all is a gift from God. We have done nothing to deserve it, earn it, or purchase it. Like the air we breathe, time comes to us as a part of life.

The gift of time is not ours alone. It is given equally to each person. Rich and poor, educated and ignorant, strong and weak—every man, woman and child has the same twenty-four hours every day.

Another important thing about time is that you cannot stop it.

There is no way to slow it down, turn it off, or adjust it. Time marches on.

And you cannot bring back time. Once it is gone, it is gone.

Yesterday is lost forever. If yesterday is lost, tomorrow is uncertain.

We may look ahead at a full year’s block of time, but we really have no guarantee that we will experience any of it.

I never did understand all the fuss about New Year's Eve and New Year resolutions. Every single one of us is a different person just a day before. We are all survivors of yesterdays. Yet, at the same time, there are also things within us that is just so resistant to change. It's our inner core and the facets of this inner core, both the good and the bad, are unlikely to change just because we make a New Year resolution to change it. It's a new year, but it's always the same past. The same old fears and the same old anxieties that will return to plague us once the euphoria of the new year wears away and we know that this year is just another year in a long list of 'new years'. We struggle to make it to the next 'new year' where we make noble promises only to break them again and again, repeatedly.

Maybe this desire for 'new years' is just a reflection of our desire to feel alive once again instead of trudging through life. Or perhaps it's something even more basic. It's the desire for hope that something will be different this time around, that this time around; our dreams can actually come true. Who amongst us have not secretly hoped for the silver lining or the 'happily-ever-after' in our hearts?

Yet, there is really no reason to place all our hopes in a New Year and resort to a sort of 'magical thinking'. How we live our days is how we live our lives. The true power that can change a person can only come from deep within the person. New Year is just a date on the calendar; a record keeping based on the rotation of the Earth about the Sun. The light within a person's soul can be lit anew every moment, every instance. It doesn't require any dates, any appointments or any advanced planning. It's just a matter of having that spark of something intangible, unnamable; the ability to see the world fresh once again. To use experience as a guide rather than having experience be something that makes us lose wonder in our world. Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci and many other prominent figures all understood the raw beauty and wonder in living and in life. It's not that they have special abilities that the rest of us do not possess. Rather, it is we who have lose the natural desire to marvel at the miracles in the world. We have become immune to miracles simply because it is all around us.

Older technology is scoffed at as newer ones replace them. A small raise angers many of us when we should be grateful for it.

The spark of love is slowly smothered by the mundane married life when it should be blazing ever brighter. Then, when the New Year comes, we get along for a while to pretend that everything is going to be alright and immediately after, resume our old habits. The celebrations, loud cheering and ridiculous expenses are just an excuse to feel good for a moment…the candy sugar rush that leaves one feeling as tired as ever later on.

Obviously, time is one of our most precious possessions. We can waste it. We can worry over it. We can spend it on ourselves.

Or, as good stewards, we can invest it in the kingdom of God. The New Year is full of time. As the seconds tick away, will you be tossing time out the window, or will you make every minute count? "This is a time for reflection as well as celebration. As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life; Remember each experience for the good that has come of it as well as for the knowledge you have gained. Remember the love you have shared and the happiness you have brought. Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears. And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one that lies ahead.

Because what matters most is that this is a time of new beginnings and the celebration of Life.

Just remember it should not be about New Years…but rather be all about renewed faith and renewed peoples. God’s guidance in the past gives courage for the future.

Happy New Year...

Lisa Harper, Belmont

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 7

Gearing up for cold weather

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

With memories of last winter's cold, snow, and ice still vivid, local municipalities are gearing up for the coming season of chills and slippery spills.

Employees of the City of Belmont Public Works Department must often face challenging weather conditions, but are adaptable.

“We take precautions with our employees when the weather gets down into the single digits,” said director David Isenhour. “We do a lot of indoor vehicle maintenance here at the shop which allows them to stay indoors and perform general maintenance when possible. Unfortunately when weather gets sub-freezing our water lines have a tendency to expand and contract as a result of the frozen temps. This Belmont Public Works employee Brandon Mosteller is seen with one of the two causes them to crack and break and the plow trucks the city purchased from the DOT. The extra equipment will allow water-sewer department has to respond to Mosteller and his colleagues to cover a larger area in case of snow or ice storms these disruptions and fix the broken pipes. this winter.

They are a tough bunch of guys and are acsafe for citizens,” Braswell said. “From the rough winter custom to this type of work when it comes last year, we carried over some sand for streets and in Noabout.”

Belmont is also ready for bad weather in the equipment vember, we ordered more sand to complete our stock. This sand inventory will get us through this winter, if this winter department.

“We have four spreader and plow trucks now where in is similar to last winter. For our equipment, we have two the past we only had two for the entire city,” said Isenhour. trucks that can be equipped with plows and spreaders. This “We were able to purchase two additional used units from equipment has been tested and we are prepared to begin DOT last year thanks to city manager Barry Webb setting snow/ice removal as soon as it is required. We also have aside some emergency funding to cover some used vehicle one motor grader and two backhoes for streets and one skidsteer for City owned facilities. For sidewalks, salt has been purchases.”

The equipment is parked at the Public Works garage and purchased and is in inventory. Of course, the City is responsible for City streets and NCDOT has State road responsibilset to spring into action at a moment's notice.

“These trucks are already loaded in our warehouse with ity. We do communicate with the State when these inclement salt and slag and we’re ready to cover all sections of town weather events are taking place. Hopefully this year will be (north, south, east and west) with these trucks when fro- mild, but if conditions worsen, we are prepared to provide snow/ice removal from our streets. zen water or sleet and ice come our way,” Isenhour remarked. “It’s going to be an added plus having these four trucks for the city’s Public Works Department. If heavy snow comes this winter we’ll be able to at least get the main roads plowed within each neighborhood from North Belmont all the way to the further points south towards lower Armstrong Rd. One truck will be assigned to each quadrant grid within the city.

During last February's Valentines Day 8-inch snowfall, City of Belmont workers spread over 30 tons of salt and slag on roads in and around town.

The City of Mount Holly is also ready for winter. Streets and Solid Waste director Miles Braswell had this to say in that regard.

“Thankfully, we have not had any inclement weather other than cold temperatures at this point, but A&B Trenching employees Dale Harper, David Kuykendahl, and Eric Salavar were if we do have any precipitation, we braving below freezing temps last week as they repaired a portion of East Catawba St. are well prepared to make our streets Photos by Alan Hodge

Wofford students study abroad during Interim 2015 Wofford’s Interim is a time for exploration and experiential learning away from the rigors of traditional academic courses for students and faculty alike. Students may choose from a variety of on-campus courses, professional internships and research projects, study abroad opportunities or their own independent study project, approved and guided by a faculty advisor. More than 200 students chose to study abroad during Interim 2015.

Mary Katherine Keiser, a member of the class of 2015, is studying in Greece. Keiser is from Gastonia, Garrett Heath, a member of the class of 2017, is studying in South Africa. Heath is also from Gastonia.

Wofford College, established in 1854, is an independent liberal arts college of 1,650 students in Spartanburg, S.C. Wofford ranks 4th nationally in the percentage of undergraduates receiving credit for study abroad.

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Page 8

Caring for pets in cold weather Last week's cold spell is just a portent of things to come this winter. Not only people, but pets as well need to take precautions to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.

Here’s a checklist of things to remember to do to keep pets –indoor or outdoor pets– safe during the frigid weather: Although some pets are conditioned to cold weather, veterinary experts agree that you should bring outdoor pets indoors if the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Puppies, kittens, and short-haired pets should Happy Dog Cafe' employees Mindy Roberts, Josh Rhodes, and Anice Ingle come inside bundled their four-legged friends up in warm, snazzy jackets for a walk during anytime the last week's cold snap. temperature Photo by Alan Hodge goes below 40 degrees. They should also be protected when they go outdoors. Consider getting your pet a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck. They should be covered from the base of the tail to the belly. If your puppy is sensitive to the cold consider using indoor training pads. If your dog is sensitive due to age, illness or breed type, take your pet outdoors only to relieve himself. If it’s too cold outside for you, it probably is too cold for the pet to stay out as well.

For pets with long hair, proper grooming is essential to help them maintain a layer of warming air within their coat. Pets who are heavily matted cannot keep themselves as warm.

If your pet must stay outdoors, be sure to provide adequate shelter for your pet. An acceptable house will have three enclosed sides, elevated off the ground, and contain generous amounts of bedding such as straw or hay.

In cold weather, bigger is not always better. A house just big enough for your pet will warm up faster and retain heat better than something that is too big.

Animals need access to fresh water. Use heated water bowls so that their water does not freeze, and replenish them frequently. Lack of enough water can cause dehydration which can lead to kidney failure.

Antifreeze is a common and deadly pet poison during colder months. It has a sweet taste to pets, so they will readily lap up any spilled material. If you spill antifreeze, dilute the area well with water and sweep excess water into a rocky or sandy area. Cover area with soil to keep pets from licking at the rocks. If you suspect your pet has consumed any antifreeze at all, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Always wipe the paws of your pets if they have been exposed to areas with ice melts. This can cause blistering on their paws and contains chemicals which are dangerous for pets to ingest. Keep an eye out for limping, excessive licking of their feet and redness to the skin areas between pads.

Cats should be kept inside in extreme cold. Also, feral cats love to warm up underneath car hoods. If your car is kept outdoors, or if cats have access to your garage, be sure to pound on the hood of the car prior to starting it. Many cats are killed or severely injured by fan belts and moving engine parts.

Animals suffer from frostbite and hypothermia just like humans. Consider keeping dogs on a leash when they go outside and make sure they are wearing ID tags. Curious dogs off leash may explore frozen retention ponds, lakes or streams, and fall through the ice into frigid water.

Older pets may suffer more from arthritis during these months. Outdoor exposure should be limited during extreme weather.

Monitor all pets around wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, electric blankets and space heaters.

These can cause severe burns.

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Thursday, January 15, 2015

Biggers, Caldwell to be Honored with 2015 Gaston County MLK Unity Award

Judge Jesse B. Caldwell III

The Gaston Clergy & Citiz e n s Coalit i o n (GC3), an initiative of Gaston To-

gether, will present the 2015 Gaston County MLK Unity Awards to James Converse Biggers, Jr. and Judge Jesse B. Caldwell III on Monday, January 19th at 10:30 am at the MLK Plaza. The Plaza is located on the corner of Marietta St. and Long Ave. in downt o w n Gastonia.

The Gaston County M L K Unity Award James Converse w a s estabBiggers, Jr. lished in 2004 by the GC3. The award recognizes current or former Gaston County citizens who have performed exemplary community service to help build bridges of unity across lines of race, class, gender, faith and/or municipalities within our county. Names of the honorees are engraved on the MLK Monument located at the Plaza. Some of the past winners include: Senator Marshall Rauch, the late N. A. Smith, Rev. Houston Matthews, the late Mrs. Peggie Ferguson and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Penegar.

Familiar to many as a native of Gaston County, James

Biggers is a respected educator and visual artist. His art work reflects his African heritage and includes such works as the mural North Carolina Belongs to Children, in the North Carolina Legislative Building; the mural Celebrations, in the Charlotte Convention Center, and featured works in museums and art centers throughout the country. In 1977, he received a Fulbright-Hayes Grant to tour Japan as part of the North Carolina Art Teachers’ Japan Seminar at Duke University.

He has worked closely with the Kennedy Center (Washington, DC) on several projects.

Mr. Biggers has held teaching positions in public schools, colleges and a museum within the state of North Carolina. Now retired, Mr. Biggers taught in the Gaston County Schools for 30 years.

He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Gaston College. Through his years as an educator and his thematic artwork, he has quietly sought to develop a better understanding of different cultures for the betterment of all citizens.

Jesse Caldwell also grew up in Gaston County, graduated from Hunter Huss High School, UNC Chapel Hill and UNC Law School. He has practiced law for more than twenty years including service with the Public Defenders Office, and has been a North Carolina Superior Court Judge since 1993. He is a recent President of the North Carolina Conference of Superior Court Judges. Judge Caldwell is a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Gastonia where he has been active as a Sunday School teacher, a certified lay

speaker and as a member of numerous and varied outreach and ministry programs.

Upon learning of this honor, Judge Caldwell said, “I am deeply humbled and honored to join James Biggers as one of the recipients of this distinguished recognition created in tribute to Dr. King, whose own dream was America's dream of treating everyone as equals, just like our Creator.

My family, teachers, and public leaders inspired in me an appreciation that true equality best comes when we cultivate and celebrate our common humanity. All I have tried to do is imitate the many people of this community who every day build bridges of unity, both large and small, wherever God has placed them.”

The presentation of the awards will be part of an annual event designed by the GC3 to recognize the dream of Dr. King for all races. It is a dream very much alive in Gaston County. Please join the celebration as we honor those in our midst who have worked to build bridges of unity in our county.

The GC3 is a county-wide, non-denominational ministerial association formed in the late 1990’s by Gaston Together. The GC3 meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:00am at CaroMont Regional Hospital. For more information, please call Gaston Together (704-867-9869.)

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Page 9

■ BUSINESS

Holly Maurer, Karen Hite Jacob, Rebecca Miller Saunders and Edward Ferrell.

Photo Contributed

Carolina Pro Musica coming to Belmont Abbey Carolina Pro Musica continues its 37th season at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Charlotte, on February 7, with a program entitled So longs the Soul. This concert will also be offered February 9, at 8:00 PM at Belmont Abbey College.

Through vocal and instrumental selections the ensemble explores the desire of the human soul to touch the eternal. Featured will be Joseph-Hector Fiocco’s Lamentations - a setting of verses from The Lamentations of

the Prophet Jeremiah, arias by J.S. Bach and instrumental works by Marcello, and Veracini. The ensemble features period instruments traverso (18th. c. flute), recorder, viola da gamba, chamber organ and voice. Tickets are $16 regular admission, $8.00 for students and seniors.

Tickets are available in advance through www.carolinapromusica.org. Reservations may be made online or at 704-334-3468.

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Carothers Funeral Home officials along with representatives of Dignity Memorial Services, members of the Montcross Area and Gaston Regional Chambers of Commerce and other guests celebrated the opening of a beautiful new 10,500-square-foot building recently. The new funeral home and chapel is at 2205 Williamsburg Drive, off South New Hope Road, in Gastonia at Gaston Memorial Park. Tours were conducted and refreshments served before the ribboncutting ceremony. In the photo, Bill Rhinehart is cutting the ribbon. With him are, from the left, Katie Hancock, Gastonia Mayor John Bridgeman, Sue Hunter, Linda Rhinehart, Ron Watts, Lisa Campbell, Teresa Rankin of the Montcross Area Chamber, Carothers General Manager Cheryl Godbout, Bob Carrigan, Diane Martin, Andrea Schrift of the Gaston Regional Chamber, Mike Picard, Elaine Dimeo of George W. Stowe Insurance, Tammy Moore and Karen Allen.

Montcross Chamber photo

Soup on Sunday to benefit hospice The 15th annual Soup on Sunday benefit for Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region will take place on Sunday, January 25th from 11am – 2pm.

This event is hosted by Central Piedmont Community College, in the Philip L. Van Every Culinary Arts Center located at 425 North Kings Drive, Charlotte. (Corner of Kings Drive and Seventh Street.)

Participants will be able to enjoy soups from the Charlotte area’s finest restaurants, purchase pottery made especially for Soup on Sunday by local potters, take pleasure in the talents of culinary art students from Central

Piedmont Community College, Johnson & Wales, and The Art Institute.

Prices include: Soup Lover’s Special: $40 (includes food, beverages, and a handmade pottery bowl); General Admissionis $30 (includes food and beverages); Children, ages 7-12: $10 (ages 6 and under, free).

Visit souponsunday.org to view a list of participating restaurants. You may order your tickets online or by phone at 704.335.4312.

You may also purchase tickets at the door the morning of the event.

For more information email Nancy Cole at: colen@hpccr.org

Driver dies in I-85 accident near Belmont The Belmont Police Department is investigating a single car traffic accident that occurred on Sunday morning, January 11. The accident resulted in the death of the driver.

The driver, Margaret Lee Lumsden, 69, of Charlotte was driving on I-85 South through Belmont at around 9:38am.

Preliminary findings indicate that Lumsden lost control of her car on I-85 South near Mile Marker 25.

According to police, when the vehicle left the highway in went airborne and struck a tree. Police say the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed upon impact.

Lumsden was pronounced dead at the scene. Medical issues appear to be contributing factors.

The NC Highway Patrol is assisting in the investigation.

Page 10

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, January 15, 2015

■ SPORTS

South Point Lady Raiders in rebuilding mode

By John Wilson john.bannwernews@gmail.com

In sports a winning team never lasts forever. Eventually players move on. In the pros players quit, retire or sign with other teams.

In the end even the greatest teams have to rebuild. In high school the rebuilding process is a little less dramatic. Players graduate and move on with their lives. But it’s tough all the same. Rebuilding a team can be a long and tough process. It means starting over with younger and less experienced players. It requires patience and determination. The South point High Lady Red Raiders are in rebuilding mode. After losing a significant part of their roster to graduation South Point is trying to put things together.

South Point’s head coach Scott Tudor is trying to guide the Lady Raiders through this tough time. Right now South Point is 1-8.

“We are young,” Tudor said. “We had a lot of turnover. We lost some good players.”

Seasoned players can sometime run on auto pilot. All a coach needs to do is point the player in the right direction and experience guides them on what needs to be done. Tudor knows that working with the younger players will require patience and a focus on the basics.

“We are getting better,” Tudor said. “It takes time to develop younger players. Right now we are focusing on the fundamentals.”

The fundamentals are the building blocks all players rely on to grow. This season has been tough, but there have been glimmers.

In the Lady Raiders 42-41 win over East Gaston they put it all together. In two tight games against Bessemer City the outcome was in doubt to the end.

“Right now we are working on mental prep,” Tudor added.

“Game situations. Really focusing on developing good habits.”

In the games were the Lady Raiders struggled the lack of mental focus was obvious. But progress is being made.

In the coaches view the team is making an effort. Several young players are pushing themselves up and down the court in an effort to get better.

“Haley Stockton, Abbey Henry and Myiah Nueman are really coming along,” Tudor said. “They want to do better.”

Tudor thinks that if the younger players can develop and learn from the more experienced players South Point will have something to work with.

South Point’s two most experienced players are the Jackson’s, Asia and Alli. Though not related they play like sisters. Both have been selected as team captains. Coach Tudor expects a lot from his captains.

The team captains are required to motivate their team mates.

They are the glue that keeps everyone together. In some sports being a team captain is no big deal. It’s more ceremonial then significant. Not under Tudor.

“I want captains to be good leaders,” Tudor said. “They need to be good communicators.”

The Jackson’s are getting it done. They get the girls out to the court for practice. They fire up their team mates. They are another bridge between the coach and the players.

“They are showing why they were picked,” Tudor added.

“They are leading by example. Their leadership is coming up.”

Time will tell if their are more wins in South Point future. But one thing is certain. this group hasn’t quit on themselves or each other.

Belmont Middle PTO 5k run set Belmont Middle School PTO will be hosting it’s first annual 5k and family one mile fun run on March7, 2015. The 5K will start at 9 am and the family fun run will start at 9:15am. The 5k will be a timed race. The family fun run participates will each win a prize.

The race will start and end on Myrtle Street beside Belmont Middle School. Awards will be given to the winner of each age group. All proceeds from the race will be used to buy classroom literacy books and technology for the school.

The PTO is currently taken sponsorships for the race.

You may call the school for sponsorship information.

Online registration is available at Queen City Timing.

Race registration forms can be found at the Walk /Run store, Surprise Me, and Belmont Middle School in Belmont. Race packets can be picked up on Thursday March 5 and Friday March 6 from 12:30-5:30 at the Walk/Run store in Belmont.

Call Belmont Middle School @ 704-825-9619 with any questions.

Stuart Cramer High player Isaiah Foust goes for a score in last week’s game against North Gaston. Stuart Cramer pulled out a squeaker and won by 51-49.

Photo by Bill Ward

Stuart Cramer player Haley Bourhill is seen moving down the court during last week’s North Gaston game. The final score was 58-50 in favor of North Gaston.

Photo by Bill Ward

Abbey falls 77-67 to Limestone The Belmont Abbey men’s basketball team lost to Limestone College last week by a score of 77-67 inside the Wheeler Center.

Limestone improves to 4-11 overall and 4-3 in Conference Carolinas, while the Abbey slips to 1-13 overall and 1-6 in league play.

After shooting just 30 percent from the field in the first half, the Crusaders found their rhythm in the final 20 minutes, shooting 54 percent from the field as they turned a 50-34 deficit into a 55-53 lead in a span of just over five minutes.

Freshman Markel Pollard fueled the run with back-to-back three pointers, the last of which brought down the Limestone lead to 53-45.

After a Saints turnover, a Deion Lane Belmont Abbey player Ray Chen goes for a shot in last week’s game against layup shrunk the gap to 53-47, and after yet Limestone. Chen ended up with 12 points in the 77-67 loss. another Limestone miscue, Ray Chen scored Belmont Abbey photo the next four Abbey points, which pulled the Abbey to within two at 53-51 with 9:09 to ing technical charged to the Limestone bench. He swished play. all three, which gave Belmont Abbey a 55-53 lead with 8:26 Chen gave the Abbey its first lead of the game as he sank to go. three free throws after a Saints personal foul and an ensuThe Saints came back with a 10-3 spurt to retake the lead 63-58 with 5:47 to go.

Belmont Abbey scored seven of the game’s next eight points to climb back in front 65-64, capped by Pollard’s three pointer and layup after a Saints turnover.

Limestone scored on its next possession to retake the lead for good, which started a quick 7-0 spurt to extend the lead to 71-65 with 1:17 to play.

From there, the Crusaders could only get as close as six points as Limestone sank four of six free throws in the final 44 seconds to earn a ten point victory.

Pollard led three Crusaders in double figures with 17 points, all in the second half, as he converted 6-9 from the field, including 5-7 from three point range. Nick Hough added 15 and Chen netted 12.

The Crusaders shot 43 percent from the Belmont Abbey women’s basketball came up just short 68-63 in their game field and 47 percent from three point range. against Limestone College last week. Morgan Midkiff hit 21 points.

Belmont Abbey photo

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Page 11

■ SPORTS

Red Raider Ryan Williams goes for another score in the recent South Point vs Forestview contest. South Point won 6454.

South Point’s Ben Washam flies high in the game against Forestview.

J.T. Starr of the Red Raiders reaches for the basket in last week’s exciting game against Forestview.

Photos by Lydia Julen

Red Raiders top Jags 64-54

By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com

Every year during the Christmas holiday break South Point coach Kody Kubbs takes his basketball team on the road. The Red Raiders go to various winter classic tournaments.The trips are designed for two things. One, it gives the players a chance to go out of town and have fun. Secondly, it provides the players with a chance to learn from each other and work together.

This year in winter tournament play the Red Raiders were 1-1. They beat Southern Wayne 63-52, then lost a tough one to a very good Spring Creek team 64-57.

Coach Kubbs believes the trips are a good way to shake things up.

“We go out of town for Christmas,” Kubbs said. “It im-

East Gaston Warriors

proves our play. We get to come together.”

When Big Red got back into town they stacked up against Ashbrook and Forestview in a Big South games. The Ashbrook contest didn’t go over well with South Point losing 6429. Things were different against the Jaguars.

“We played well as a team.” Kubbs said.

South Point put it all together and blanketed Forestview coming away with a 64-54 win.

Team work proved to be the factor in getting the victory.

Offensively and defensively we were unselfish,” Kubbs said. “Offensively we didn’t force the issue. We took what they gave us. It was a big improvement over our prior game.

Defensively we played great team defense.”

Against Forestview the Red Raiders dominated the back boards. South Point out-muscled the Jags hauling down a game high 44 rebounds. Not all of the boards were defensive

though. there was solid effort on the offensive as well..

“We were solid on the glass,” coach Kubbs said. “That was a big part of the win.”

One of the players hauling down boards was Brandon Reeves. Reeves played well offensively and defensively.

“This was by far (Reeves) best game,” Kubbs said. “He had 18 points and 17 rebounds.”

Reeves was joined by other Red Raiders who had good outings.

“JT Starr had 10 points and 10 rebounds, “ Kubbs said.

Coach Kubbs had special praise for one player.

“Ryan Williams had 17 points and 7 rebounds,” Kubbs said. “ He is doing what he can to help the team. He has been playing out of position. He is is unselfish. He is normally a wing. He has been playing point guard.”

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, January 15, 2015

■ SCHOOL NEWS

Hugo the Hornet recently visited Brookside Elementary School where, among other things, he spoke to students about how vital it is to read.

Gaston Schools cutline

Hugo visits, reads to students

Page Primary School announces students of the month for December Students of the Month from Page Primary School for December 2014 - Character Trait Kindness. Front row left to right: J. Miller, S. Shelton, L. Glenn, S. Watson, J. Towe, E. McKee, W. Spargo, J. Jenkins. Back row left to right: K. Summerville, I. Denton, E. Green, I. King, C. Beach, O. Wilcox Not pictured: E. Sherrill and M. Lovelace.

Contributed photo

Hugo the Hornet also visited page Primary School in Belmont where spread the word about the importance of reading.

Contributed Photo

High school Summer Ventures program set Gaston County high school students are invited to take part in Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics. This is a state-supported summer program of the University of North Carolina system for talented rising juniors and seniors. The students live and study at one of the four university campuses, cost free, for four weeks. Program details and link to the online application at: http://www.summerventures.org. The application must be completed online and submitted by January 31st. The counselor and teacher portions are due by February 15, 2015.

Gaston Board of Education January meeting schedule The Gaston County Board of Education’s annual retreat will be held Friday evening, January 23 and Saturday, January 24 at the Rader Staff Development Center in Cramerton. The Board’s regular meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, January 20 has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 24 at 9:00 a.m. to coincide with the retreat. All meetings are open to the public.

Gaston County Schools receives contribution Larry Bumgardner, Sallie Hendrick, and Rustin Sherrill of FMC Lithium Corporation (left) present a $40,000 contribution to Gaston County Schools to support the Gaston Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Accepting the check are Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker, science curriculum facilitator Tammy Mims, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction Bill Cook, and Brent Boone, executive director of high school education.

Gaston Schools photo

Thursday, January 15, 2015

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Page 13

Mercy Heritage Center Civil War Sisters Exhibit

These geese did some ice skating last week on the Christmastown USA lake in McAdenville which froze over when temperatures fell to 8F. Photo by Steve Rankin

Mercy Heritage Center is hosting its first ever exhibit opening Civil War Sisters: “Sisters of Mercy Healing the Wounds of the Nation”. This exhibit explores an underrepresented topic of American history, the role women religious played in the medical treatment of the wounded and sick during the Civil War. The Sisters operated several hospitals and treated both Union and Confederate soldiers. The surgeon from the 13th North Carolina, Rex Hovey, will be on hand to discuss surgical practices of the war. He will have a variety of medical equipment on display including the surgical kit used by his great-uncle during his service in the Civil War. Other members of the 13th will engage visitors with weapons and equipment. Sister Paula Diann Marlin will portray Sister Mary Augustine McKenna who served as a nurse in hospitals in Beaufort and New Bern North Carolina in 1862. This is a great opportunity for Civil War enthusiasts and those interested in US history to discover something new.

Mercy Heritage Center is located on the Sisters of Mercy Campus in Historic Downtown Belmont; 720 Heritage Center Place, Belmont 28012 Saturday January 31, 2015 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, this event is free and open to the public.

Established in 2011, Mercy Heritage Center serves as the national archives of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. As a research and educational resource for the general public, it endeavors to illustrate the vibrant and relevant impact of the Sisters of Mercy on society, and inspire visitors to make personal commitments to similar values.

Tips for reading aloud Need a great way to warm up this winter?

Snuggle up with your children and with a great book. Cuddle up close for some tips to make the experience a good one for your child and you!

Number one tip: choose a book you love.

Your love of reading will be infectious to your child. This will often include pre-reading the title to be sure you like it.

Tip two: Use expression to give “life” to the books. You don’t have to do voices for each of the characters, but lowering your voice and slowing the reading can create mystery and suspense that will thrill your child. What’s the Time Grandma Wolf? by Ken Brown and Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds create anticipation without being scary.

Don’t forget chapter books – those classics that you loved as a child can be enjoyed again through new eyes. I love reading Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck and The Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder and new classics like Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling and The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart out loud. These titles can be shared over several days, even weeks, creating something to look forward to all day.

Tip three: Have the child look at the cover of the book for clues on what will happen in the story. Let your child predict what will happen next in the story to keep them engaged in the reading. If you have little ones that won’t keep still there is always the option of having them act out the story or do the actions of the characters such as in the books by Doreen Cronin, Stretch and Wiggle.

But when they are done sitting still, they are “done!” and forcing them to sit with you will usually result in bad moods for all.

Tip four: Ask questions about the story. Follow up your reading with questions like “who was your favorite character?” and for visual learners, “what is your favorite picture?”

These questions will extend the story and often go beyond the who’s, what’s and why’s

of the story to the “what if-s” and “how comes”.

Tip five: Slow down when you read aloud.

This gives time for the child to imagine the scene.

A chapter Sara Miller book that Youth Services Manager of gives plenty Gaston County Public Library to imagine and dream about is Roald Dahl’s Matilda. All the Water in the World by George Ella Lyon is a poetic informational book about water.

Tip six: Visit your local library! The reason for having weekly storytime programs is to model reading out loud to children and inspire the love of books and reading. Come by to see what librarians do to keep children interested in books, reading and learning and then try some of the techniques at home with your own child. A wonderful source for those new to reading out loud is The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease. A copy of this book sits on my desk to inspire and refresh my hoarse voice.

Now cuddle up for a good read with these titles: Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett and Kevin Cornell; Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen; Kitty’s Cuddles by Jane Cabrera; Mitchell Goes Bowling by Hallie Durand; Bark, George by Jules Feiffer; Tap Tap Bang Bang by Emma Garcia; GoodNight, Owl by Pat Hutchins; The Snowy Day

by Ezra Jack Keats; This is not my Hat by Jon Klassen; Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin; Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein; A Hat for Minerva Louise by Janet Morgan Stoeke; Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas; Polar Bear Night by Lauren Thompson; Press Here by Herve Tullet; Duck Soup by Jackie Urbanovic; Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems; King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood.

It was bitter cold last Thursday morning but that didn’t stop Rick Warlick from going crappie fishing on Lake Wylie.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Heroes and Hard Times at Main Library The Gaston County Pubharmonica, old-time banjo, lic Library 1555 East Garrispoons, and bones. son Boulevard will present a Sparky & Rhonda’s prespecial program Heroes and sentation weaves music into Hard Times: American Hiscaptivating stories that the tory Through Story and Song history books don’t always – American music from three tell. You may hear how slave centuries of history, from owners banned the drum since slavery through the Civil the slaves could use it to comRights period with Sparky and municate, and then go on to Rhonda Rucker on Saturday, show how the slaves used their January 31, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. own bodies as a substitute for in the Auditorium. the drum when they played the This is a free public event “hambone.” appropriate for all ages. No Stories will highlight the reservations required for indiAfrican origin of the banjo or viduals and families. Advance explain that the Yellow Rose Sparky & Rhonda Rucker reservations suggested for orof Texas was really a lightganized groups to ensure seating. skinned female slave who learned of General This program takes you on a journey that Santa Anna’s plans for the Battle of San Jacinto spans over three centuries of American history, and passed this information to Sam Houston. including slavery, the Underground Railroad, The Gaston County Public Library strives the Civil War, the birth of blues music, and the to make its programs, services, and activities civil rights movement. Each era is interspersed available to all. with stories and popular songs from the time peFor special accommodation, please call 704riod. The Ruckers accompany themselves with 868-2164 / Dial 4 at least five days before event. finger picking and bottleneck blues guitar, blues

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Page 14

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Art and Orchids Come Together at the Garden

Cramerton’s Goat Island Park Phase II took another step towards completion last week when workers braved the cold and lowered four 80-foot-long sections of concrete weighing a total of 50,000 pounds into position. The pieces connect the new 165-foot-long bridge to town center behind the fire department.

Photos courtesy Town of Cramerton

This year, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has paired the best of its collection of thousands of colorful orchids with 24 works of Lost Hollow Designer W. Gary Smith to create a unique artistic display focusing on the ideas and methods used to create the four-acre children’s garden during Art & Orchids, Jan. 17 to March 18.

The fantasy drawings of W. Gary Smith and the world’s most compelling flower – the orchid – come together this winter at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in an exclusive exhibition that features the best from our collection of 5,000 orchids and the best of Smith’s imagination. Learn how Smith’s art became Lost Hollow, the new children’s garden, and discover the magical beauty of orchids in The Orchid Conservatory. Explore your own creativity with hands-on events and classes that engage the imagination and bring joy to your life.

The works of art by Smith draws inspiration from culture, imagination and childhood, which through design and collaboration, were then translated into the landscape and features of Lost Hollow.

In this exhibition produced exclusively for the Garden, guests can view Smith’s original art on display, learn what inspired these pieces, and see how they inspired the design of Lost Hollow. The exhibit will explore not only what inspired the art, but also how the

art inspired the designs and how Lost Hollow emerged from a cycle of inspiration, creation and collaboration from a team that included Smith, blacksmith Lynda Metcalf and Executive Director Kara Newport.

The exhibition will be set against the backdrop of the Garden’s collection of orchids, which offer some of the most dramatic and unusual shapes, forms and colors found in nature. These characteristics are the spectacular result of some of each plants unique survival tactic, or one might say, of a remarkable design process in nature.

Also part of Art & Orchids, the Garden will offer the Art, Orchid and Wine Tour Opening Reception on Sunday, January 18, from 3 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, and reservations can be made online at www. dsbg.org or by calling 704-829-1294. During the opening weekend, January 17 and 18, the Garden will have an orchid sale featuring Woodland Orchids, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. In addition, Children’s Art Weekend will offer special crafts designed to foster and celebrate the creativity of children, will be held Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 14 and 15, and is free with admission.

For more information about this and other events at the Garden visit http://www.dsbg. org/events/garden-events/public-gardenevents

Classified Ads Homes for Sale/Rent MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS MOUNTAIN-Prices starting at $100/week. Call 704-739-4417 or (evening) 704-739-1425. (tfn) 5 ROOM HOUSE for RENT near North School on Lackey Street in KM. NO PETS. Gas heat. 2/3 BR, 1 BA. $450/mth + deposit.

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At least 3 years’ experience required in maintenance related activities such as robotics, hydraulics, PLC programming and/or mechanical repairs.

ONLY QUALIFIED PERSONS NEED APPLY. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. PLEASE MAIL OR EMAIL RESUME TO: Ply Gem Siding Group HR, 100 Cellwood Place, Gaffney, SC 29340. Email: Barbara.allison@ plygem.com (1/14 & 21/15)

Misc. for Sale 2 CEMETERY PLOTS FOR SALE on Jenkin’s Circle in Mountain Rest Cemetery located in Kings Mountain. $800.00 for both plots. Call: 704-460-2214. ( 1/07 & 14/15) 2 TRUCKS FOR SALE – 1987 Chev. Silverado, Longbed, 350 Auto., $1,800.00 or O.B.O. and a 1985 Chev., shortbed custom 10, 350 Auto. $2000.00 or O.B.O. Call: 704-300-2849. (1/14, 21, 28 & 2/04 )

BELMONT HOUSING AUTHORITY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BELMONT PHA PLAN FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING APRIL 1, 2015 This notice published on January 15, 2015 The Belmont Housing Authority will hold a Public Hearing on February 23, 2015 at 10:00AM to receive comments on its PHA PLAN for fiscal year beginning April 1, 2015.

This plan outlines Belmont Housing Authority’s operations plan for the period beginning April 1, 2015 and ending on March 31, 2016.

Interested parties can submit written com-

ments to the plan until March 2, 2015 to the following: Gary Foster, Executive Director 51 Flowers Court Belmont, NC 28012 The PHA Plan will be available for review at the following location: Belmont Housing Authority Administrative Offices 51 Flowers Court Belmont, NC 28012 BN10589 (1/14/15)

Legals STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 15th day of December, 2014 as Administratrix of the Estate of GINGER ELIZABETH MOSS, deceased, of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Rita S. Smith, Administratrix

on or before the 24th day of March, 2015, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 24th day of December, 2014.

Rita S. Smith, Administratrix Estate of: Ginger Elizabeth Moss 627 Secrest Ave Belmont, NC 28012 BN10587 (12/24 & 31/2014&1/07& 14/ 2015)

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTONNOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the17th day of December, 2014 as Executrix of the Estate of DANIEL A. BAIN, aka; DANIEL ANDREW BAIN, deceased, of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Rebecca B. Denton, Executrix

on or before the 24th day of March, 2015, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 31st day of December, 2014.

Rebecca B. Denton, Executrix Estate of: Daniel A. Bain, aka; Daniel A. Bain, 304 Ogden Dr. Belmont, NC 28056 627 Secrest Ave BN10588 (12/31/2014 & 1/07,14, 21/ 2015)

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Thursday, January 15, 2015

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