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Thursday, May 14, 2015
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Volume 80 • Issue 19
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Serving Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
Sole Patrol seniors rake in the medals By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
A group of folks from the Mount Holly Parks and Rec. “Sole Patrol” recently took part in the Gaston Parks and Rec. Senior Games series and raked in a bushel basket of medals- and didn't let their combined 457 years of life on Earth slow them down one bit. Sole Patrol members who participated included John Chesser, 83; Don Huffstetler, 79; Ronnie Huffstetler, 66; Peggy Waites, 74; Bobby Brooks, 75; and David Hostetler, 80. The Gaston County Senior Games are one of 53 local games sanctioned by the NC Senior Games. The Senior Games are an exciting program for adults 50 years of age or better. There are a wide variety of activities designed for individuals at various fitness levels including softball, golf, corn hole, track, pickleball, tennis, bowling, and swimming. There are also special programs such as SilverStriders, the national award win-
These members of the Mt. Holly Parks and Rec Sole Patrol took part in the Senior Olympic games held in Gaston County and raked in the medals. From left: John Chesser, Don Huffstetler, Ronnie Huffstetler, Peggy Waites, Bobby Brooks, David Hostetler. Photo by Alan Hodge ning walking program, and SilverArts, the statewide arts program for senior artists.
The local games are where folks compete to take part in the State Finals in September.
The Gaston County games took place over a span of several weeks and in a variety
of locations including North Gaston High, AMF Bowling Lanes, Phillips Center, LinSee MEDALS page 2
Belmont city manager charged with second DWI Belmont City Manager Barry Webb will go to trial in June after he was charged last month with DWI. He has vowed to fight the accusation. The incident which led to the charge took place April 12 on Berryhill Rd. near Freedom Drive. Charlotte Police reports say Webb was driving north at around 10:30pm when he swerved to miss another car that had crossed the center line. Webb's vehicle collided with one being driven by Monica Clay of Charlotte. Clay was injured and taken to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. The report says Webb and Clay were “apparently healthy”. Both vehicles were damaged and had to be towed. Police say the officer who was on the scene cited alcohol use by Webb as having contributed to the situation. See DWI page 2
Belmont Historical Society holds annual banquet Belmont wayfinding signs By Alan Hodge
alan.bannernews@gmail.com
About 200 people with a passion for Belmont's past piled into the Park St. UMC fellowship hall last Thursday for the Belmont Historical Society's annual banquet and awards ceremony. The event not only recognized the BHS Citizen of the Year, it also paid tribute to the forward and backward looking gents who first formed the society in 2005. Delta Sanders was named 2014 Citizen of the Year. Sanders is well known for her volunteering verve and vitality. She was introduced by founding member David Robinson who, tongue in cheek, alluded to her penchant for pitching in where ever help is needed no matter what the task.
“Now, Delta, you are not to volunteer to fold chairs or help clean up after the dinner,” he said to chuckles from the crowd. Turning serious, Robinson remarked. “The very notion of her life is serving others,” he said. Sanders was moved by Robinson's kind words, but composed herself and, escorted by her pastor Jeff Taylor of East Belmont Baptist, took to the podium where she credited her strong faith and family as the backbone of her need and desire to give back to Belmont and its citizens. One of the examples she cited in this regard were her grandmothers. “They were ladies of modest means,” she said. “But were never at a loss to share The Belmont Historical Society named Delta Sanders 2014 Citizen of the Year last Thursday at its 10th annual banquet. In this with others.” Another aspect of the BHS photo Sanders is seen hugging David Robinson following the announcement. Photo by Alan Hodge See CITIZEN page 4
By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
At its regular monthly meeting last week the Belmont city council approved the design of something that could help visitors navigate their way around town and that something is wayfinding signs. City staff and the Main Street design committee have been working closely with Buzz Bizzell of Bizzell Designs on the wayfinding sign design. The approved wayfinding sign design consists of: A traditional style sign shape is used to represent Belmont with decorative posts to blend with existing light poles and street sign poles found within our Main Street District; The colors of the city seal, Belmont Abbey College, and South Point High School were blended to represent our community. The red is proposed to be used on the top and bottom of the sign creating a strong contrast to the destination message; A deconstructed city seal image is used in a “ghosted” format with swirls to mimic the thread in our city seal. The font used is prescribed by NCDOT. “These signs will range from general directional signs near See WAYFINDING page 2
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