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Volume 82 • Issue 22

Thursday, June 2, 2016

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• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley

Thursday, June 2, 2016

WWII cavalry veteran opens Memorial Day weekend horse show

BY AlanHodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

You might think that by the time World War II got going the cavalry would have been a thing of the past, but that’s the branch of the U.S. Army 91-year-old J.B. Seigfried signed up for and as Fate would have it his riding experience in that department came in handy recently.

Seigfried, a resident of Gastonia’s Terrace Ridge and the father and father in law of Mike and Teresa Seigfried, who both work in Belmont, got a chance to show off his saddle skills over the Memorial Day weekend by leading the mounted flag procession at the Dallas Summer Classic Horse Show held at Biggerstaff Park in Dallas.

The Dallas Summer Classic Horse Show is one of the oldest and most respected horse shows in our area.

Seigfried started his military service when he enlisted in the Army in 1943. He trained in the mounted cavalry at Fort Riley, Kansas. He parked his horse then took part in the D-Day invasion at Utah Beach with the 79th Infantry Division, 313th Infantry Regiment. He went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in December, 1944.

JB Siegfried, 91, led the flag procession from horseback at last weekend’s Memorial Day event at Biggerstaff Park in Dallas.

Siegfried joined the US Army cavalry in 1943.

Photo courtesy Teresa Seigfried See WWII CAVALRY page 4

Rivermen Brewery expanding operations, offerings

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Pat Brennan started his Rivermen Brewing Co. (the first one in Belmont) a few years ago in a corner of the empty Spectrum Dyed Yarns mill in East Belmont. Time went by and Brennan’s tasty beers gained a loyal following. Building on that success, he’s decided to take a leap of faith- and what a leap it is.

Brennan’s newest venture will be Belmont’s first combination brewery and restaurant. The upscale, upsized brewpub is located in the former WM Hall and Sons Mill at the end of Ervin St. behind the Belmont post office.

The mill dates to the 1940s and the part Brennan’s new place will occupy works out to around 10,000 sq. ft. A lot of work has gone into making the mill ready for Rivermen. In addition to refurbishing the hardwood floors, and even using some sections of wood to make dining tables out of, Brennan’s workers led by Alex Shoenthal have sandblasted old paint off interior brick walls and repaired many of the mill’s blue glass windows. An outdoor seating area will also be built so that folks can see the Belmont Trolley go by when it becomes operational.

Brennan’s plan is to brew large quantities of beer in huge 600 gallon tanks right on site. The tanks will be made of stain- Rivermen Brewery owner Pat Brennan (third from left) with his colleagues Jarvis Roberts, Alex Shoenthal, and Nathan Carothers in the new brewery/restaurant he’s developing on Ervin St. less steel and stand over ten feet tall. in Belmont.

See RIVERMEN page 4 Photo by Alan Hodge

LANIER MATERIAL SALES

Mt. Holly council sees plans for parks

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The Mt. Holly city council got a look at plans for two new parks at a recent meeting.

Parks and Recreation director Mark Jusko gave the council a Powerpoint show and particulars regarding the proposed parks.

The parks are currently identified as GlendaleHawthorne that would be located at the corner of those two streets and North Park that would be on Horseshoe Bend Beach Rd. Back in March, staff posted an online survey asking Mt. Holly residents their See COUNCIL page 4

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Opinions...

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My Opinion:

The snakes are upon us Elmer is back in town.

Well, the other day I was walking around the side of the house and saw where he had left his calling card. It was about halfway up the side of the chimney. It was a strip of skin about five feet long. It was Elmer’s britches he had shed as he climbed up looking for lunch.

OK so Elmer is a blacksnake.

Every year about this time the snakes come out and every year I see a really big black one I call Elmer. Maybe there’s more than one Elmer. Since blacksnakes all look pretty much alike I call all of them Elmer.

I have mixed feelings about Elmer. One year Sharon and I were sitting downstairs in front of the fireplace watching TV and on the mantle the old wind-up clock was going tick tock tick tock and then it went clunk. We looked up and Elmer was wrapping his long self around it. Needless to say we leapt to our feet and screamed in unison. Elmer proceeded to get down off the mantle and head for the underside of the sofa. I called 911.

“What is your emergency?”

“Elmer’s in the house!”

“How did he get in?”

“Well, he didn’t knock on the door!”

By and by an animal control man came and fished Elmer out from under the couch with tongs and threw him in the woods.

Thanks 911.

Sometimes Elmer gets on the front porch but when he sits on the rocking chair his feet won’t touch the porch boards so he goes away.

But Elmer is good too. He goes under the house and grabs field mice that come out of our woods. When the heat pump men come to tune it up and they have to crawl under the house I tell them to say hello to Elmer. They shine their flashlight and peer under there very intently after I tell them who Elmer is.

We have the occasional copperhead too. Once when we had chickens, the famed Lil’ Wilma and Big Fred, I was Alan Hodge feeding them and Banner-News Editor felt something brush the back of my ankle.

I looked and it was a copperhead sliding past.

I ran in the house and got my Civil War pistol and popped a cap in the copperhead’s torso and you should have seen Wilma and Fred jump a double back flip.

Another time I was in the yard and spotted a baby copperhead. They have a yellow tail. I got the hoe and beat that juvenile reptile so hard I broke the handle in two. When we lived on what was then Garrison St. in East Belmont when I was a a kid my grandmother Mozelle was walking home from work and spotted a snake in the road and we heard her screaming and by the time I got to the scene of combat she had already pulverized it with about half the rocks from our neighbor’s driveway.

I have seen a copperhead up close. They are beautiful in a very very sinister way. In dry leaves or pine needles they are invisible. I saw last week where a man was bitten by one while shopping at a home improvement store in Lincolnton. Also, a Yorkie was nailed by either a copperhead or rattler in Kings Mountain and died. Don’t think there aren’t any rattlers in our area. Once my sister Beth beat one to death with a shovel when she was living on our ancestral farm in Catawba Heights.

Anyway, the snakes are out and even though you are too big for them to eat- especially if you are wearing clothes and shoes, be careful where you put your hands and feet while they try to find their vittles.

Letter to the Editor...

Dear Editor: This is a critical time for our community and all North Carolinians. Decisions being made right now by lawmakers in Raleigh could have an impact on our communities, customers’ pocketbooks and the safe management of coal ash for years to come.

Fortunately, elected officials in the General Assembly are considering commonsense legislation that would strengthen the 2014 Coal Ash Management Act. Those revisions would help make sure decisions to close ash basins throughout the state – including those at Plant Allen – protect the environment, people’s water supply, our economy and household budgets.

There is broad, bipartisan support in the General Assembly, as well as from community leaders, neighbors, businesses and many environmental advocates. The proposed legislation would reestablish the Coal Ash Management Commission, which has a vital role in making sure closure decisions

are based on the full range of considerations, including sound science and engineering, potential impacts to customers’ bills and disruptive truck and train traffic.

Since 2014, Duke Energy has made significant progress, moving millions of tons of ash to safe, lined disposal sites. We have a lot more work ahead of us in the months and years ahead.

There is much at stake.

It is important that we get it right. We hope lawmakers and the governor will continue down a smart path for North Carolina when it comes to deciding how ash basins will be closed and how those plans affect our community and others throughout the state.

Tim Gause District Manager Duke Energy

WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS Send your Letter to the Editor to:

The Banner News PO BOX 589 • Belmont NC 28012

email: alan.banner.news@gmail.com *Letters to the Editor must be signed and include address and phone number. Letters are limited to 500 words or less and are subject to Editorial review. Thank you letters are required to be placed as paid personal notes.

Yours, Ours, Others

Thursday, June 2, 2016

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.

- Abraham Lincoln

Letter to the Editor...

Thoughts from a Confederate Descendant on Memorial Day We should all pause and take a moment to thank God for and remember the American soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Freedom. Let’s now ask ourselves what that really means anymore. As a child, I remember our school played patriotic music during this time of year.

Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” comes to mind. I remember that feeling of pride to be an American and what it meant to be free. My parents instilled in me a love of history and told me about my soldier ancestors. From then to today, I am thankful for the ones who came before me and fought so that I would be free. One example is my Great Great Great Grandfather who fought in the War for Southern Independence. Elkanah C Litton of Company I of the 49th North Carolina Infantry would not live to see North Carolina again. He would die of sickness at the Exchange Hotel hospital in Gordonsville, Virginia on December 7, 1862. William Day would remember him in his book and make mention his name. In 2012, Elkanah was remembered by his great great great grandsons. A Veterans Affairs Confederate marker was installed at Maplewood Cemetery to mark the approximate area where Elkanah’s earthly remains are interred.

The Federal Government does recognize Confederate soldiers as American soldiers. A section was set out for a mass burial site of Confederate dead and Elkanah was in that section. A friend of mine, Barry Isenhour, will place a Confederate Battle Flag on Elkanah’s grave for me each Memorial Day. He and others will go on and place hundreds of similar Confederate Battle Flags out for the hundreds of Confederate Soldiers buried there. In my own hometown, I will place Confederate and US Flags out for the veterans buried at local cemeteries this weekend. Why do we do this? We place flags to honor and remember the soldiers. Their stories, their trials and tribulations live on in books, diaries, and our memories. Their stories deserve to be told for what they sacrificed. A bill recently passed by the US House of Representatives this week includes an amendment that would ban the Confederate Battle Flag from flying on a pole over mass graves in Veterans Affairs cemeteries. Although the Confederate Battle Flags may be placed by the graves on special days such as Confederate Memorial Day and Memorial Day, this recently passed bill will begin a chain re-

action across the country to the eventual banning of the Confederate Flag at cemeteries altogether. What this bill does, if passed in the Senate, would be to make it a crime for someone to raise a Confederate Battle Flag over their own ancestors in respect to their fighting service. To me, this is a freedom lost and a complete travesty.

We in the Sons of Confederate Veterans and United Daughters of the Confederacy organizations have seen several atrocities happen since last year.

Our hearts and prayers were with our Christian brothers and sisters affected by the terrible shooting that happened in Charleston. The accused lunatic who performed these horrible murders should be tried and punished to the highest extent of the law. He is in no way a part of anything that we in these organizations stand for. He hijacked not only the Confederate Battle Flag, but also the United States Flag and used them for his own sick and twisted devices. Knee jerk reactions then took place all across the country as Confederate Flags and symbols of the Confederacy like monuments and even graves were removed and vandalized.

We in the Southern Heritage Organizations were heartbroken at all of these happenings, but remained resilient and as we began to stand up to keep the memory alive of the Confederate soldier, we took in more support from more and more people who were tired of seeing their ancestors being accused of treason and all other slants

toward Confederate soldiers.

America should not blame the Confederate soldiers for today’s problems. They are not here in the flesh to defend themselves 155 years later. Efforts are still being made today to get rid of anything Confederate. As summer gets closer we expect more efforts will be made to get rid of any and all Confederate history and that is why we stand ready to defend the Confederate soldier’s name. After all, they cannot defend themselves.

These soldiers are our history.

The detractors seeking their total annihilation will not stop.

They will start in small strokes where politicians will allow them. What I fear is that if they are allowed to do this and Confederate flags are permanently banned, will the United States flag be banned eventually as well? There are cases out there where flying the US flag has been banned. As Americans we need to stand against this clear loss of freedom. These American soldiers took a stand for our freedom and the smallest gesture of honoring these men and women by placing the flag for which they fought under is our way of showing how much we still care about our country and our freedom. As long as we draw breath, we will continue honoring these American soldiers.

Brian Duckworth, Stanley For more information on how to join the Sons of Confederate Veterans or the United Daughters of the Confederacy, please contact me at 704-9137278 or 28thNCT@gmail.com Phone 704-825-0580 Fax 704-825-0894 Office: 128-C N Main St. Belmont • NC

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Page 3

Local Home Care Agency growing The town of Stanley is home to a local home care agency that started very small, but continues to grow as many aging adults find themselves wanting to stay at home, but need assistance in order to make this happen.

Candi Wheat Lethcoe began the process to start this company in 2009 and it became licensed by the state of North Carolina on October 5, 2010.

The first office for Stress Free Home Care began in the home of the late Ron and Katherine Harper; with only two official clients.

Once their list of clients began to increase, Lethcoe moved the office to a small house in Stanley. Lethcoe has since purchased a building and turned it into the Kent Mason Training Facility for new employee orientation and for current geriatric care specialists to prac-

tice their skills as well. All of the durable medical equipment in the training facility was donated by Gloria Mason after her husband passed away in the fall. The Kent Mason Training Facility is already being put to good use for staff training & development.

Another expansion to the Stress Free Home Care office was enclosing the front porch, transforming it into a beautiful sunroom lobby. The original lobby is now an office for Marilyn Michael, Marketing Director and Nicole Barkley, Scheduling Coordinator. The new lobby has helped create much needed office space.

Lethcoe is thrilled with the growth of the company that all began as a dream and today is a reality. This company provides nonmedical in home care and accepts private pay, long

Left to right: Candi Wheat Lethcoe, owner and Erin Ingle, HR in front of Kent Mason Training Facility.

Photos provided term care insurance and veteran’s benefits.

Stress Free Home Care strives to give back to the community in many ways. They provide meals for women and children that reside at The Shelter of Gaston County, deliver Meals on Wheels in Stanley, raise money and create awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association and have created a Memory Café at Friendly’s of Stanley, a local restaurant. A Memory Café is a place where individuals can eat a meal and socialize and not be looked at as “different.”

Stress Free Home Care takes pride in hiring exceptional employees and taking care of them also. “I have never worked for a company that actually picked me up from a shift at

Memorial Day is the launch to a Summer of Fun

By Tony Marciano Growing up, I never realized that Memorial Day would become one of my top favorite holidays. My daughter loves Halloween while my wife loves Thanksgiving along with all the food she enjoys preparing.

The holiday I hold out for is that last Monday in May – Memorial Day. It began when I was eight years old. I was a cub scout and was invited to march in my town’s Memorial Day Parade. There wasn’t a lot of us as my town was one mile square and one third cemetery. I think our civic leaders were just glad that anyone would participate in the parade. I learned to turn corners while I marched. If I was on the outside, I walked faster than my fellow cub scout on the inside. I could see the girls just “swooning” over me in my sharp, crisp cub scouts uniform.

A few years later, I was playing trumpet in my high school marching band. Now I had to learn to walk and chew bubble gum at the same time. What I meant was I had to learn to play the trumpet while marching (not walking) in step while count-

feet) and I flipped the kayak the 1960’s. ing in my head “left, Let me challenge over. Last summer I tried a left, left right, left”, you to use this sum- tandem kayak with my wife flipping the pages mer as a time not and we did fine. It must have of the music, keep just for “recreation” been her “boating skills”. an eye on the perbut for “re-creation” We cruised around the lake. son to my left and I know it’s going to be hot of yourself. My right, and “looking mother often said and you want to be indoors. sharp” as my band that “all work and Don’t. Memorial Day is the instructor always no play make Jack a gateway to a summer filled demanded of us us. The girls didn’t Tony Marciano dull boy.” She was with fun and memories. Exright. The work will plore things you’ve never swoon over anyone in the always be there. My inbox tried before. Try things you band. would never do (my daughAt the same time, my will always have e mails.

What are my big plans for ter-in-law wants my wife father purchased a 25-foot to do “sliding rock.”) Stay cabin cruiser. It was wood. the summer of 2016?

I recently bought a boat. tuned for that report.

We spent the winter paintPretty soon I’ll be writing ing it. It was in the water by Ok, it’s not really a boat, it’s about Labor Day. That’s a a kayak.

Ok, it’s not a plasMemorial Day. He always let me drive the boat. Under tic kayak, it’s an inflatable sad time for me. The sumfull speed, I couldn’t see past kayak. My first experience mer is over.

In the words of the Mathe bow but he told me not to with a kayak wasn’t good. I rines, “Carpe Diem” or was twelve inches off shore worry. I think he was mak“Seize the moment.” In my (yes, you read that right, ing sure I didn’t hit anything.

A lot further down the twelve inches, not twelve words, “Seize the summer.” road, I was married with three children. We didn’t have a lot of money. We did have a 3-foot pool in the back yard. We thought we owned the world.

After moving to Charlotte, I discovered the excitement of Memorial Day weekend and the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor 2477 E. Ozark Ave. • Gastonia, NC Speedway. I’ve done family Phone: 704-867-3643 cook outs the day after, grilling rotisserie chicken on the Fax: 704-854-8333 same grill my father used in

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a client’s home and took me home after picking up and dropping off several others during the snow,” said Paulette Duncan.

This local home care agency is happy to be growing and thankful for their new Kent Mason Training Center and expanded office space. “It has been a wonderful journey from writing my own policy and procedures manual to caring for all our precious clients over the last five years, we couldn’t do it without all our top notch caregivers, “Lethcoe stated.

For any additional information on the Memory Café, job opportunities or becoming a client, check out www.stressfreehomecare. com or call 704-931-4997 today.

Congratulations to class of 2016

By Jeffrey Booker Superintendent, Gaston County Schools Graduation is a milestone in life – a rite of passage for high school seniors as they reflect on the past, celebrate their achievements, and anticipate the future.

We are extremely proud of our graduates in the Class of 2016. They are an outstanding group of young people who are ready for what’s ahead Jeffrey Booker beyond high school. Today, our seniors are our graduates who have excelled in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and the fine arts. Tomorrow, they are our working professionals, business executives, military commanders, and civic leaders, who will make our community a better place.

We often look at graduation as an end, and it is. It is the end of a student’s high school career, and it is a time for sadness, feelings of uncertainty, and goodbyes. But graduation is also the start of a new period in life. It is a time for transition from childhood to adulthood and a beginning for many new and exciting possibilities.

As graduation day approaches and we look forward to presenting diplomas to more than 2,000 seniors, we would like to extend our best wishes to all graduates. Whatever they choose to do in life – pursue a college degree, join the military, begin a career, and start a family, we know they will be a success.

The Board of Education joins me in congratulating the Class of 2016 and encouraging each student to cherish every moment that comes with high school graduation. This is your time in the spotlight and each graduate deserves to shine.

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B OB ’ S C AROLINA W EATHER June 2

High 88 Low 66

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Thursday, June 2, 2016

June 8

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High 84 High 81 High 83 High 83 Low 59 Low 63 Low 59 Low 65 Welcome to the Meteorological start to Summer! The heat and humidity have arrived about on time, and there’s a 30% chance of afternoon and evening storms for quite a while. Not every day will bring your backyard rain, but there will be scattered storms around until early Monday, when the next cold front pushes in some much drier and less humid air. All in all not a bad forecast...it could be much worse because four years ago, June began with a severe heatwave and daily highs over 100 degrees!

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farm to table cuisine,” said Brennan. “We will be open seven days a week and serve

Rivermen Brewing will open in late July. He’ll be looking to hire around a dozen full time and 20-40 part time employees.

“This is my vision and my baby,” Brennan said.

But the former River-

lunch and dinner including brunch on weekends.”

The kitchen will also be available for viewing by customers.

“It will be a sexy, open, kitchen,” said Brennan.

Brennan says the new

man site won’t be empty.

Brennan’s friend and fellow brewer Jarvis Roberts will be using the equipment in Brennan’s previous place to start his own York-Chester Brewing Co. The two met at a Gaston Grizzlies brewfest

WWII CAVALRY RIVERMEN From page 1

From page 1 Following the war, he was stationed at the White House during the Eisenhower administration. He also saw combat in Vietnam in 1968-69. He earned a Combat Infantryman Badge, two Bronze Stars and a Meritorious Service Medal.

Seigfried retired from military service at Fort Bragg in 1970, but while he was stationed there kept his equestrian skills sharp by often visiting the post’s stables and borrowing a steed.

Not one to sit still, after retirement, Seigfried took up skydiving and made 2,769 jumps. In 1998, he was made an Honorary Golden Knight.

He became a Yoga instructor in 2005 and taught until 2014. He also earned his private pilot’s license in August 2007 at the age of 83.

Through his grandson, Michael, Seigfried got in touch with director Dory Pell at Victory Farm, a nonprofit adaptive horsemanship and therapeutic riding center specializing in equestrian therapies for the special needs rider.

Incidentally, Michael, who volunteers at Victory

Farm, earned his Eagle Scout award with Troop 6 in Gastonia building a wheelchair mounting platform and ramp at the stable.

“Since JB had a lot of riding experience it was easy for him to get back into the hang of it,” said Pell.

Seeing JB on a horse again in the parade, erect and sharp in his uniform and with the American flag at his saddle just as he must have looked in the cavalry over seven decades ago, made everyone proud.

“His are some big shoes to fill,” said son Mike.

JB’s take on last weekend’s experience?

“I’m not galloping yet,” the former cavalry trooper said. “I want to gallop.”

Victory Farm seeks volunteers and no experience is necessary. Sponsors and donors also are welcome.

For more information, call 704-241-2270, email info@ victoryrides.org or visit victoryrides.org. The facebook page is “Victory Farm Inc” For interview and photo/ video opportunities, contact Victory Farm director Dory Pell at 704-241-2270.

The tanks and fermenters will be in a 50x27-foot glassed in area in the main dining room so customers can see the brewing process in person.

Brennan has hired Nathan Carothers to be his cellar man in charge of production and distribution. Eventually, tours of the beer distribution area as well as a test batch area where new brews will be created will be available so folks can see the entire brewing process from start to finish.

Food will be a big part of the new Rivermen Brewing experience. Brennan has hired Cassie Parsons from Harvest Moon Cafe’ in Lincolnton as his executive chef.

“We will specialize in

and their common interest in making great beer formed the basis for a friendship.

“I’m calling it York-Chester Brewing after the historic district in Gastonia where I live,” Roberts says.

Roberts, whose current day job has him working as a trauma nurse at Cleveland Regional Medical Center, has been brewing since 2011.

“It began as a relaxing hobby, then I became obsessed with it,” he said.

Roberts, who calls Brennan his mentor, plans to make his brewery not only a place to get beer, but a place where folks can spend time and unwind.

“I want to have outdoor seating as well as food trucks and music,” Roberts said. “I plan to open in late summer.”

Overall, with their new endeavors, Brennan and Roberts will be bring some great beers and eats to Belmont and beyond.

COUNCIL From page 1 opinion on the current state of the recreational situation in the city and what features they would like to see incorporated in new facilities. A public meeting was also held on the same subject and about 40 folks showed up to put in their two pennies-worth park wise.

In April staff met with park planner Mike Morris of McGill Associates and presented the public’s input. The Parks and Recreation Commission also saw the plans.

Based on that background, The proposed Glendale-Hawthorne park would feature a paved walking trail with adjacent fitness station, a community garden, educational signage signifying the historical significance of the site, an all-inclusive playground, a picnic shelter, restrooms, horseshoe pits, open space, and paved parking lot.

The North Park site would feature a ½ mile paved walking trail, all-inclusive playground, tree house with observation deck, shelter building with restrooms, open space, and a paved lot.

Montross Chamber members attend Morning Spark Business and breakfast mixed well as the Twin Rivers Network Connectors of BNI (Business Networking International) recently hosted Chamber members for Morning Spark networking in Lowell. The dining room at Grits n Greens restaurant was filled with more than 40 Chamber members and BNI members all eager to make connections and do business with each other. BNI is a national referral network made up of local chapters. Members help each other by sharing business referrals with colleagues within the group. BNI president Mike Claypool presided and spoke about how BNI referral groups work and how effective they are in generating business for members. Montcross Area Chamber Board Chair Walter Payne of ImageMark Business Services spoke on behalf of the Chamber along with President Ted Hall. For more information on Twin Rivers Connectors of BNI, call Mike Claypool at 704.689.1151.

Montcross Chamber photo

Thursday, June 2, 2016

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Page 5

Korean War Purple Heart recipient Cecil Duckworth got a hug and red poppy from Pat Chaparro at the Belmont Memorial Day event that was presented by American Legion Post 144.

The Gaston County Sheriff’s Dept. Honor Guard fired a volley at the Memorial Day ceremony in Belmont.

Scenes from Belmont Memorial Day observance Gastonia Outstanding Teen 2016, Ashlynn Glass, sang patriotic songs at the Memorial Day event in Belmont.

The South Point Junior ROTC Naval Color Squad presented the Memorial Day event flags in Belmont.

Photos by Alan Hodge

Guest speaker at Belmont’s Memorial Day gathering was Rev. Chad Collins, Pastor of Epic Church in Lowell.

Officer Smart played Taps at the Memorial Day gathering.

Belmont mayor Charlie Martin told the Memorial Day event crowd that everyone should “show respect and honor those veterans that didn’t make it back home”.

A nice-sized crowd attended the American Legion Post 144 Memorial Day ceremony in Greenwood Cemetery last Sunday.

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Page 6

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Meditations Live in faithfulness to Christ Jim Collins and Marty Dodson wrote, “Everybody wants to go to heaven, have a mansion high above the clouds. Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to go now.” The song speaks to an individual that desire to go to heaven, but not now. Instead, he desires to continue living in lasciviousness. He attends church, listen to the preaching and pay his tithes thinking that will ensure a good standing and his ticket to heaven. But, his life remains unchanged. If I were to tweak these words, I would say many wants a Savior, but not a Lord. We don’t mind saying Jesus is my Savior, but do we live as if he is our Lord.

Jesus said, “So, why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?” Luke 6:46 NLT. What does it mean to say Jesus is Lord? Lord means master, king or ruler. This person possesses power and full authority. When a believer acknowledges Jesus as Lord, we confess our abiding relationship with Christ. We no longer live to ourselves, but in complete faithfulness to Christ. “For we don’t live

faithful to Jesus as for ourselves or die for ourselves.

Lord and obedient If we live, it’s to to his word, we honor the Lord. deny him by the And if we die, way we live. We it’s to honor the Lord. So whether are not practicwe live or die, ing the truth. As a we belong to the result, we deceive Lord.” Romans ourselves. It’s not 14:7-8 NLT. To Rev. Angela Pleasants enough to say say, Jesus is Lord, is to honor him in First United Jesus is my Savall our living and Methodist Church, ior if we have not ultimately be ac- Mount Holly submitted to him countable to him.

So, it’s not enough to at- as Lord. “Jesus replied, ‘All tend Sunday services, pay our who love me will do what tithes and listen to the sermon I say. My Father will love yet walk away unchanged. them, and we will come and It’s not enough to study his word and not become a doer make our home with each of of his word. When we are not them.’” John 14:23 NLT.

Creating Memories With Dignity & Respect

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704-827-1801

Fellowship & Faith

Church Directory

First Baptist Church of Mount Holly S. Main St. • Mt. Holly • NC MT. HOLLY

The Dysart Family of seven from Macon MO will be the featured Southern Gospel artist June 11th 6:00PM at Lowesville Gospel Concerts/Living Word Ministries – 1062 South Hwy 16 – Lowesville(Stanley) NC. The church is located 1.8 miles south of intersection Hwy 73 & 16 business in Denver. No charge for the concert – a freewill offering will be received. Southern Gospel Music on every 2nd Saturday evening and Bluegrass Gospel on every 4th Saturday. Any questions call Carroll Cooke 704-618-9762 and check our schedule for the year at http://www. gospelgigs.com/lowesvilleconcerts.

Carroll Cooke photo

Covenant United Methodist 110 Underwood Dr. 704-820-0603

Living Witness Ministries 541 Costner St. 704-827-0004

Restoration & Deliverance 804 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-820-0954

Family Worship Center 1013 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-7656

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 110 S. Main St. 704-827-4751

Revival Tabernacle of Mt. Holly 826 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-2999

First Baptist Church-Mt. Holly 300 S. Main St. 704-827-2481

Macedonia Baptist Church 1951 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-9224

Ridgeview Baptist Church 105 Pine Rd. 704-827-3856

First Free Will Baptist Church 841 Noles Dr. 704-827-7461

Morningside Missionary Church 711 Morningside Dr. 704-822-9142

Second Baptist Church 740 Rankin Ave. 704-827-5181

First Presbyterian Church 133 S. Main St. 704-827-0521 First United Methodist Church 140 N. Main St. 704-827-4855 Goshen Free Will Baptist Church 1300 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-3076

Mt. Holly Church of God 208 Rankin Ave. 704-827-8596

Grace Baptist Church 300 Westland Farm Rd. 704-827-8600 Harvest Time Church of God 707 Westland Farm Rd. 704-822-8033

Bethel Baptist Church NC Highway 273 704-827-9846

CBC-Memorial Apostolic 230 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-0968

Burge Memorial Methodist Church 312 W. Glendale Ave. 704-827-2726

Chapel Baptist Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-5526

Jehovah’s Witnesses 1736 Kelly Rd. 704-263-0199

Community Christian Fellowship 2560 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-5881

Lighthouse Full Gospel Church 530 N. Hawthorne St. 704-827-1442

Catawba Heights Church of God 122 Tomberlin Rd. 704-827-4225

Hickory Grove Baptist Church 3717 Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-3939

Mt. Holly Noles Baptist Church Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-2013

Springfield Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-820-0193

Mt. Holly Pentecostal Holiness 406 Scott St. 704-827-8201

St. Anthony of Padua Traditional Catholic Church 108 Horseshoe Bend Beach Rd. 704-827-8676

Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 339 S. Hawthorne St. 704-827-4320

St. Paul FHB Church 1529 Old Hwy 27 Rd. 704-827-5851

New Covenant United Methodist 14514 Lucian Riverbend Hwy. 704-827-4468

Tuckaseegee Baptist Church 511 Tuckaseege Rd. 704-827-4301

New Providence Baptist Church 1104 Old NC 27 Hwy. 704-827-0822

Way of the Cross Baptist Church 238 Lanier Ave. 704-827-8111

New Saint Paul Holiness Church 1529 Old Hwy. 27 Rd. 704-827-5851

Wesley Chapel Holiness Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-1993

North Main Baptist Church 1304 N. Main St. 704-827-6141

Westview Presbyterian Church 1020 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-2026

Employees of

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Shiloh AME Zion Methodist 1117 Old NC Hwy 27 704-827-8826

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Local

Belmont Arby’s 700 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-4950 Beijing To Go 1420 Perfection Ave. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 827-5838 Belmont Food & Beverage 101 Kenwood St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 829-7788 Belmont Soda Shop 31 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 461-8580 Bojangles 6450 W. Wilkinson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3562 Brenda’s Cake Gallery 11 S. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-2253 Buddy’s BBQ Inc. 5945 W. Wilkinson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-8777 Cafe Internet 508 Beaty Rd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 820-8040 Captain’s Cap 670 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-4103 Caravan Coffee & Dessert Bar 11 S. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 829-7711 Catfish Cove 1401 Armstrong Ford Rd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3332 Cherubs Cafe 23 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-0414 Chick-Fil-A 801 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-8600 Chicken King 501 Woodlawn St. Belmont NC 28012 704-827-1552 Cowboys BS 1420 Perfection Ave. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 820-8653 Dairy Queen 7015 W. Wilkinson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-5106 Demetrios Restaurant 6928 W. Wilkinson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-0057

Page 7

DINING GUIDE

Dunkin’ Donuts 6751 E. Wilkinson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 829-1090

Rita’s Family Restaurant 108 Beaty Rd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 820-2894

Friends Sports Bar & Grill 16 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-1401

Sake Express 675 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 461-0400

Glenway Premium Pub 55 Glenway St., Belmont, NC 29012 (704) 829-7717

Sammys Neighborhood Pub 25 S. Main St. Belmont NC 28012 (704) 825-4266

H&M Deli and Market 1019 Wilkerson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 820-8611 Hardee’s 611 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3272 Joe’s Touch of Italy 503 S. Central Ave. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-2805 Johnny B’s Pizza 106 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-8900 KFC 6813 W. Wilkinson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-8817 McDonalds 505 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-9711 New China 6517 W. Wilkinson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 829-1010 Old Stone Steak House 23 S. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-9995 Papa John’s Pizza 6511 W. Wilkinson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-4339 Peace-N-Hominy Q Shack 403 E. Catawba St. • Ste 200 Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 464-7647 Peet’s Coffee & Tea 701 Hawley Ave. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-8885 Pizza Hut 685 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-7335 Queens’ Seafood 1401 Armstrong Ford Rd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3332 Reach Out of The Box 360 Glen Arbor St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3446

Simonetti’s Pizza 6432 W. Wilkinson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704)825-5555 Southpoint Grill 1901 S. Point Rd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 829-1043 String Bean The Fresh Market & Deli 106 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3636 Sub Corral Sandwich Shop 6831 W. Wilkinson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-5466 Subway 610 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-7827 Taxco Mexican Grill 6418 W. Wilkinson Blvd.

Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-2108 The Grill 682 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-5179 Waffle House 603 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-2177 Wendy’s 660 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3286 White Restaurant 417 Catawba St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3886 Wingstreet 685 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-7335

Cramerton Asian Garden 202 Market St. Cramerton, NC 28032 (704) 824-8318 Georgios Restaurant 202 Market St. Cramerton, NC 28032 (704) 824-2220

Mayworth’s Public House 115 Center St. Cramerton, NC 28032 South Fork Deli 119-B Center St. Cramerton NC 28032

Dallas Clemmer’s Country Kitchen 1313 Old Dallas Rd. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-8384 Dallas Fresh Seafood Market 3110 Dallas/High Shoals Hwy Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 923-8223 Dallas Fish Box 1031 Lower Dallas Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-8930 Dairy Queen 108 College View Dr. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-5051 Domino’s Pizza 3130 Dallas High Shoals Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-7665 Double Dragon Chinese Restaurant 3130 Dallas High Shoals Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 923-8030 Jack In The Box 102 College View Dr. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-9178 Just Cookin 1108 E. Main St. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-7031 Long Creek Fish Fry 1425 Lower Dallas Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-3998 North Star Seafood 2150 Dallas High Shoals Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-7715 Peet’s Coffee & Tea 715 W. Trade St. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-6791 Subway 3129 Dallas High Shoals Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-1001 Tavern On The Square 602 Queens Dr. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-5425 Tommy’s Drive In 2708 Gastonia Dallas Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-9099 The Country Kitchen 116 E. Main St. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-9597

Promote Your Restaurant In The Banner News Call at (704) 825-0580

Waffle House 1100 Dallas Cherryville Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-9648

Side Trax Sports Bar & Food 121 W. Central Ave. Mt Holly NC 28012 704-827-3603

Lowell

Vasileious Italian Kitchen 200 S. Main St. Mount Holly, NC 28120 (704) 820-8539

Grits N Greens 125 N. Main St. Lowell NC 28098 704-879-4073 Hillbilly’s Barbeque & Steaks 720 McAdenville Rd. Lowell, NC 28098 (704) 824-8838

McAdenville Little Village Restaurant 129 Main St. McAdenville, NC 28101 (704) 824-3624

Mount Holly Billys Barbeque Family Restaurant 1127 W. Charlotte Ave. Mount Holly, NC 28120 (704) 827-8747 Brite Star Drive In Grill 205 Madora St. Mt Holly NC 28120 704-827-0212 Chicken King 130 W. Charlotte Ave. Mt Holly NC 28120 704-812-8266 China Two Mt Holly 595 Highland St. Mount Holly, NC 28120 (704) 827-8090

Christy’s Place 1015 W Catawba St Mt Holly NC 28120 704-827-2411 Sake Express Inc. of Mount Holly 349 W. Charlotte Ave. Mount Holly, NC 28120 (704) 827-4819

Stanley Bojangles 541 N. 27 W. Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-4532 China Garden 190 E. Dallas Rd. Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-8788 Friendly’s Of Stanley 119 N. Main St. Stanley NC 28164 704-263-7088 Gus’s Sir Beef Restaurant 106 Mariposa Rd. Stanley NC 28164 704-263-3988 Hunan To Go 509 S. Hwy 27 Stanley NC 28164 704-263-3988 Niko’s Grill 124 N. Main St. Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-1311 Red Burrito 441 N. 27 West Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-1221 Subway 107 E. Dallas Rd. Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-7350 Woodshed Restaurant 212 S. Main St. Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-1030

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 8

The future Harris Teeter site on South Point Rd. is seeing some heavy equipment attention.

According to City of Belmont senior planner Alex Robinson- “We are reviewing construction documents for the shopping center (water, sewer, streets, etc.). Developer is preparing to grade the site for building pads. HT will not build until the site is ready (all infrastructure installed).” Stay tuned.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Firefighters receive certification The New Hope Fire Department would like to congratulate Jason Postorino

Christi Falls Photography celebrated a grand opening in downtown Belmont with members of the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce, clients and friends on Tuesday, May 24, 2016. Owner Christi Falls, a former newspaper photojournalist, specializes in wedding and portrait photography. Her new office and studio is at 27 Catawba Street. In the photo, Christi Falls is cutting the ribbon, with her husband Jay standing behind her and Chamber members and friends in the background. On the front row, are (from left) Chamber Secretary Carey Roberts of Carey Roberts Design, Chamber Board member Geanina Neal of CommunityOne Bank - Mount Holly, Belmont Mayor Charlie Martin, Gaston County Commission Chairman Tom Keigher, Gaston County Sheriff Alan Cloninger, Andy Haynes and Natalie Tindol of Tindol Ford Subaru, and Chamber Board Chair Walter Payne of ImageMark Business Services. For more information on Christi Falls Photography, call 980.522.2933, or visit www.christifalls.com.

Montcross Area Chamber photo

(right) and Dustin Kimbrell (left) for becoming qualified interior firefighters with the department.

On Tuesday May 24th both candidates had to extinguish a residential fire, cut a ventilation hole in the roof of a residence, and search a residence for possible victims to validate their abilities. The scenarios were conducted at Gaston College’s Regional Emergency Services Training Center.

Both candidates had prior experience before joining New Hope. Jason Postorino comes from New York State and was a certified firefighter there. He has been in North Carolina working as a para-

medic for 8 years. He recently completed the North Carolina Firefighter Certification. Dustin Kimbrell comes to New Hope from New Salem Fire Department in Union County. Dustin has been a certified North Carolina firefighter for 2 1/2 years. Both members can now drive and operate the department’s apparatus as well as perform interior tasks at a fire to better serve the New Hope and surrounding communities.

The newly promoted firefighters will now wear black fire helmets signifying their status as an interior firefighter.

New Hope Fire Dept. photo

Need A Classified?

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704-739-7496

Cramerton experiences rise in vehicle break-ins own driveway. Take time to remove valuables from your vehicle, or at least place them out of sight. Cell phones, GPS units, purses, wallets, and cash all make opening your unlocked car door worth the thief’s time.

Leaving your car unlocked at home provides the thief greater access to critical information. The thief can enter your vehicle and obtain identifying personal data about you and your family. Checkbooks, credit cards, vehicle registrations and personal papers all provide instant availability for the suspect to expand his criminal resume to include identity theft. Have you ever left your car unlocked in your driveway and your garage door opener exposed? This provides the thief with not only the contents of your car, but also the contents of your

garage and perhaps even your home, if you’re one of those who doesn’t lock the door from the garage into your house.

Help Cramerton PD help you to keep your property safe. Spend that extra few moments to lock-up your property and harden the target in order to repel the lazy thieves. Report all suspicious

activity when you see it occurring and work together with your neighbors by pointing out those easy targets to each other. Working together we can send a message to the criminal element that they’re the one group that we don’t want visiting our community.

Call 911 to report criminal or suspicious activity.

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Over the past couple of months eastern Gaston County has experienced a sharp increase in the occurrence of vehicle break-ins.

All of these reported crimes have been crimes of opportunity for the suspect(s), as the vehicles involved were left unlocked and many had exposed property of value.

Cramerton PD rarely investigates a vehicle break-in where damage was done to the vehicle to make entry. In fact, only three occurrences of that type of crime has occurred within the last five years in Cramerton.

Thieves are inherently lazy and look for easy targets. An unlocked car provides such a target. When parking, always take a moment to ensure your windows are rolled up and your car is locked before walking away, even if it is in your

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Nursing scholarships available for 2016-2017 Mended Hearts, Inc. is a national volunteer organization that offers peer support to cardiac patients and their families. The Gastonia Chapter of Mended Hearts will offer scholarships to Gaston County residents either currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a nursing curriculum for the 2016-2017 academic year.

The scholarship will cover a portion of the total semester cost of tuition and fees.

Applications may be obtained from Caromont Health, Gaston College, Central Piedmont Community College, or by contacting Mended Hearts at 379mhrts@att.net. Completed applications should be mailed to the address below by June 15, 2016.

Mended Hearts – Gary A Mims Scholarship , 2525 Court Drive , Gastonia, NC 28054 All applications will be reviewed by a committee of Mended Hearts volunteers, and follow-up interviews will be scheduled for applicants chosen for consideration.

Scholarship awards will be sent directly to the school in which the recipient is enrolled. If the recipient has already paid tuition or fees by the date awards are announced, the school will refund the award amount directly to the student.

Montcross Chamber hosts mayors Economic development in Charlotte and Gaston County was the topic as more than 100 members and friends of the Chamber attended a Chamber Business Buzz breakfast to hear Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts say the region will near the 3 million population mark in just four years. She called this a period of “transformative change.” Mayor Roberts specifically ad-

F3 workouts coming to Belmont Free, boot camp-type workouts open to all men will be coming to Stowe Park in Belmont starting Saturday, June 11 at 7am.

The workout will last an hour followed by some fellowship and coffee at a local venue.

The mission of F3 is to plant, grow and serve small workout groups for men for the invigoration of male community leadership. Our three Fs stand for Fitness, Fellowship and Faith.

F3 workouts are held outdoors, rain or shine, heat or cold and are led by men who participate in the workout in a rotating fashion, with no training or certification necessary. For more info f3nation.com.

Page 9

dressed major economic growth expected around the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and in the “River District” between the airport and the Catawba River, just across from Gaston County. Business Buzz breakfasts are sponsored by CaroMont Health and coordinated by the Chamber.

(Pictured Above) Montcross Area mayors attending a Chamber breakfast recently with Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts (center) are, from left, McAdenville Mayor Jim Robinette, Mount Holly Mayor Bryan Hough, Cramerton Mayor Ronnie Worley, Lowell Mayor Sandy Railey and Belmont Mayor Charlie Martin.

Left to right: Board Chair Walter Payne of ImageMark Business Services, Mayor Roberts, Chair-Elect Bill Ingram of Wells Fargo Bank and Past-Chair Melia Lyerly of Lyerly Agency.

Montcross Chamber photo

Paul Fuller Scholarship winner gives credit to his mentor Reggie Dawkins’ high school resume tells the story of a successful student with a promising future.

Starting with his award as “Rookie of the Year” for marching band, his career at South Point High School includes honors like captain of the color guard, all-district band, and a spot on the 2016 Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, a highly competitive national touring group.

Dawkins was recently selected to receive the 2016 Paul Fuller Scholarship. He will use it at Western Carolina University where he plans to study instrumental music education.

It might look like one more thing to add to his list of achievements, but his resume doesn’t tell the whole story. As Dawkins wrote in his scholarship application essay, the future didn’t always look so bright.

While in middle school, he recalled, “I was made fun of for many small things like my glasses, clothes, and the reason that I took my education seriously. That was a very rough time for me.”

His mother had moved to the area for a new job, and she was working hard to pay the bills while raising twins.

“I didn’t have it that easy like the other privileged kids did,” Dawkins said. “I began to lose faith and misunderstood my purpose.”

One day in sixth grade, the school counselor called Dawkins to the office and told him he was getting a mentor. Looking back, Dawkins says, that was the day things began to change.

“I don’t know where I would have been if he hadn’t come into my life,” Dawkins said of his mentor, Van Hawkins, who began meeting with him once a week at Belmont Middle School. He helped Dawkins find his purpose again.

“Van Hawkins inspired me to do my best,” Dawkins wrote

Photo provided in his scholarship essay. “He came to my band concerts, games, spent time with me during school much like a father figure, and even mailed me a birthday card and gift every year.”

For Hawkins, his time as a mentor was a matter of showing up and doing the best he could to encourage a young student.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” he said, recalling that he asked himself: “Will this make a difference?”

Hawkins said he watched his mentee mature through middle school.

“He was the youngest in his class, but he just grew so much physically, mentally, emotionally. By the time he was finished with eighth grade, he felt like he had control of his life,” he said.

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Their mentoring relationship ended as Dawkins moved on to high school. Although he missed having a mentor, Dawkins said their time together set the foundation for his success at South Point.

“Thank you for inspiring me to do the best I can,” he told Hawkins at the Paul Fuller Scholarship presentation.

For Hawkins, it was a chance to finally get the answer to that question from seven years ago about whether he will make a difference. “I’m so happy,” Hawkins said. “He had so much potential, and he’s showing that now.”

That investment in one student will pay dividends in many other lives, Dawkins said.

“Van Hawkins was an example for me and I believe through his leadership that inspired me. I am now an example for my generation. My mentor has truly made a huge impact on my life forever,” he said. “I would not be half the man I am today if it wasn’t for him.”

About the Paul Fuller Scholarship The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to one graduate who has been involved in the Gaston County Schools mentoring program. It is renewable for four years. The scholarship is given in memory of Paul Fuller, who was one of the first people to become actively involved in the mentoring program.

Make a difference -- Become a mentor!

Gaston County Schools are seeking school mentors for the 2016-2017 academic year. Mentors are asked to spend one hour a week with a student to provide encouragement and support. You may serve as a mentor at a school in your neighborhood. For more information about becoming a mentor, contact Valerie Yatko, director of business and community partnerships, (704) 866-6329.

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 10

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Springfield Elementary School Field Day The Springfield Elementary PTO hosted a field day where the students had lots of fun. One of the activities involved making a “sundae” using Principal Poag as the main ingredient.

Springfield photo

Congratulations to the Gaston Early College High School yearbook staff. The talented group of students earned the title of a National Yearbook of Excellence.

Gaston Schools photo

Gaston Day School students in Mrs. Williams’ Sixth Grade Literature class recently dressed in costumes representing story characters. Among othe special “visitors” were: Louisa May Alcott, Jules Verne, Anne Shirley of Anne of Green Gables fame, Soul Surfer Bethany Hamilton, Mafatu of Stout Heart. The characters from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, White Fang, even a scraggly bearded Robertson or two were also in attendance.

GCS photo

Gaston County Schools graduation schedule Favour Spear holds her NCISAA ALL-STATE TEAM recognition certificate with her proud father Kevin Spear.

GCS photo

Favour Spear receives award Favour Spear, a current 9th grader at Gaston Christian School and the daughter of Kevin and Sharon Spear of Gastonia, won NCISAA ALL-STATE TEAM recognition on May 21.

“Favour is a huge part of the Girls Varsity Soccer program,” said GCS Eagles’ Futbol coach, Justin Huitt. “She is a very versatile player. When we need her to shut down a

specific player defensively, that player tends to disappear. When we need her to press forward and create goal-scoring opportunities, she becomes a nightmare for the opponents back line. Her grit and toughness are fantastic. It’s a real pleasure to get to work with Favour. So thankful she has 3 more years at GCS,” added Coach Huitt.

Gaston County Schools have set the graduation schedule for the high school Class of 2016.

Ashbrook: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.

Bessemer City: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.

Cherryville: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.

Stuart W. Cramer: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.

East Gaston: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.

Forestview: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.

Gaston Early College: Held Thursday, May 19 Highland: Saturday, June 11, 11:00 a.m.

Hunter Huss: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.

North Gaston: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.

South Point: Saturday, June 11, 9:00 a.m.

Warlick Academy: Wednesday, June 8, 1:30 p.m.

Webb Street School: Wednesday, June 8, 12:00 p.m.

Keep a check on the Gaston County Schools website for more information about the Class of 2016, including senior profiles for each school and a list of the valedictorians and salutatorians.

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Page 11

IT'S TIME TO PLAY THE

3100 JACKPOT

$

PICK YOUR FAVORITE 3 NUMBERS

Last week's lottery numbers were drawn by Gracie Napier at Tastebuds Popcorn located at 208 N. Main St., Belmont, NC. The winning numbers were 38, 41 & 29. No ballot with the correct three numbers was received. The Jackpot will increase to $3,100. Make sure you have your entry in by deadline at 9am on Monday for your chance to win!

THE BANNER NEWS LOTTERY Numbers will be drawn each Monday Morning.

Look in next week's Banner-News for the 3 WINNING NUMBERS! Jackpot increases $50 each week until won, then a new jackpot will begin at $50.

ENTER! The Ban ner News Lottery is this simple!

Choose your favorite 3 numbers between 1 and 50 (not using the same number twice) and enter the numbers in the 3 circles below in any order.

LOTTERY RULES Absolutely one entry per household each week! No photo copies will be allowed. Any lottery entries that have the same handwriting or appear to be in conjunction with any other entry will be disqualiďŹ ed. Entries must be complete with name, household address and phone number.

No business address will be accepted. All entries must be brought by the Banner-News drop box at 128-C North Main St. in Belmont, NC or post-marked by Saturday prior to Monday's drawing. We are not responsible for entries lost or late by mail delivery. If more than one correct lottery entry is received, the jackpot will be split between the winners.

The judge's decision is ďŹ nal. Must be at least 18 years old to enter. Employees and immediate family of CF Media not eligible.

Mail to: Lottery C/O Banner News P.O. Box 589, Belmont, NC 28012 Name ________________________________ Address ______________________________ City _________________________________ State___________________ Zip __________ Phone _______________________________

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 12

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Gaston College Every Step Counts results are in Employees of Gaston College recently participated in the fourth annual inter-department walking challenge to promote physical activity, health and well-being, and awareness of the physical activity opportunities available at Gaston College and in Gaston County. The Every Step Counts challenge started on January 25, 2016, and ended on April 16, 2016.

Winners were announced on Friday, April 22.

Ten teams competed in the challenge. The teams comprised various divisions and departments throughout the College, including the Kimbrell and Lincoln campuses. Each of the 94 participants logged their steps and miles into a Walking Log form and submitted the form once a week to Jacob Surratt, Associate Dean of Health and Human Services and Health and Fitness Science Instructor.

Participants were encouraged to keep track of all their steps, from performing light activities like gardening, housework, or car washing, to vigorous activities such as spinning or step classes, basketball, or soccer. A conversion factor of 2,000 steps equaling one mile was used to determine the number of participants’ miles. Over the course of the challenge, the participants recorded a total of 54,913,651 steps, or 27,456.825 miles.

The following teams won “bragging rights” in three categories: Greatest number of participants: Finance and Facilities Team – 30 participants; Greatest number of recorded miles: Finance and Facilities Team – 18,264,624 steps = 9,132.321 miles; Greatest average number of miles per participant: Health and Human Services Team – 11 participants with an average of 1,201,286 steps (600.643 miles) per person.

Winning divisions also will receive banners to display, and participants in the winning divisions will be invited to a catered lunch.

Gaston Day School Class of 2016 Gaston Day School graduated its Class of 2016 on May 28. Thirty-six students received their diplomas.

Photo by Allen McLamb

2016 was a good year for the Lady Raiders

By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com

At the beginning of the season few thought the Lady Raiders would get as far as they did. The buzz around South Point high school indicated that the Lady Raider’s softball team was good. But no one knew how good. The Lady Raiders rolled through their 2016 opponents like a hot knife through butter. South Point churned out an impressive 18-1 regular season record. The Lady Raiders earned the top seed in the North Carolina High School Athletic Conference 3/A playoff’s western region. Once in the playoffs South Point advanced to the fourth round where they fell 3-0 to the defending 3/A champion Enka Sugar Jets.

The 2016 season began at Bessemer City on February 29th when South Point rolled past the Lady Yellow Jackets 7-0. That win started an undefeated run that would go on for 16 games.

The Lady Raiders were winning with outstanding pitching, mistake free defense and powerful batting.

South Point’s early dominance was reflective in the scores. South Point outscored opposing teams 58-1.

Head coach Leah Brooks assembled a squad that was determined to make its mark.

The 2016 Lady Raiders can best be described as an eclectic group. A combination of great athletes who believe in closeness, tradition and having fun.

The Lady Raiders mind set is hard to pin down. They are part Dr, Jekyll, and part Mr Hyde. If a casual observer were to look in the dugout or look on the field during pre-game workouts they would scratch their head. They would have to wonder what was going on.

They would see players joking and playing games. How can a team be that good and take

things so casually. The answer to the questions is simple. The answer is actually childish in nature. But childish in a calculated way.

The Lady Raiders have an assortment of odd pregame rituals. Some may look at the antics and think the team lacked discipline.

Anyone who thought that would be misguided. There is a method to the madness.

“I’ve been on teams where there is tension before a game,” Brooks said. “People wouldn’t talk. The tension would build.”

Pre-game tension can undermine a team.

Players can psych themselves out. Brooks and company look at the pre-game shenanigans as a way to eliminate that stress. To build on the closeness.

For example pitcher Jaelin Griffin insisted on lining up her team mates gloves on the first base foul line to name just one.

Another involves a series of children’s games played in the outfield just before a game.

“We are close,” Brooks said. “We play for each other. We are superstitious. We have fun in the dugout.”

Before every game the Lady Raiders waltz out to the outfield and frolic like kids.

“When the pitchers are warming up I go into the outfield with the rest of the players and we play games,” Brooks said. “We play games like Jello and Little Sally Walker.”

Brooks admits that when people see this they may think the team is a bunch of weirdos. But she looks on that in a good way. The games and traditions are a source of team pride. The games build on the team’s spirit.

The pre-game slap stick seems to have pay dividends. When South Point takes the field they morph into a hard charging group of players that are focused on getting the job done. When the game starts play time is over. The team is determined, but relaxed.

The fun loving Dr. Jekyll girls playing Little Sally Walker become softball Mr. Hydes so to speak.

But, all this can only work if you have something to work with. And South Point roster is filled with talent. Three players, Jaelin Griffin, outfielder Hana McKee and 3rd baseman Abby Henry all received All Big South Conference honors.

The impact of Jaelin Griffin can’t be stressed enough. She is a dominating pitcher and team leader.

The roster is peppered with other players who were oddly passed over for post season honors. But no matter. Their presence was felt in every game South Point played in.

One such player was Sierra Ghorley.

Ghorley is South Point’s starting catcher and top hitter. South Point head coach Leah Brooks believes that if the Lady Raider’s needed a strike Ghorley will provide it.

“She had a .514 batting average,” Brooks added. “Every time we needed a hit she got it.”

Ghorley teamed with Jaelin Griffin and senior Allison Moody to form the nucleus for what was a outstanding pitching corps.

“A good pitcher needs a good catcher,” Brooks stated. “They worked well together.

Another player who had a great year was 1st baseman Skylar Griffin. Some may look at her as Jaelin’s little sister. But the tough sophomore lives in no ones shadow. She is a player in her own right.

“People underestimate first base,” Brooks said. “Skylar made a lot of catches. In one game she made 10 outs. She had maybe, two errors all year.”

As South Point’s season played on there was talk of going undefeated in the regular season. South Point kept raking up wins. They

SUDOKU

clinched the Big South Conference and kept rolling.They continued to play tough mistake free softball.

When the team took the field against North Gaston in late April they were 16-0. But then reality hit.

The Lady Wildcats punched the South Point squad dead in the mouth with a 9-1 trouncing. The loss served as a wake up call that the Lady Raiders needed. It refocused them. it prepared them for the play offs.

In the playoffs South Point did very well.

They went further then any other South Point softball team had. The Lady Raiders beat Kings Mountain, West Rowan and Crest.

The season ended with the loss to Enka.

Losing to Enka was tough but needs to be but in perspective. The Sugar Jets are now playing in the state championship. Enka is considered one of the best 3/A softball teams in the nation. It’s a good measuring stick for the Lady Raiders to build on.

Looking ahead the future looks bright for the Lady Raiders. 2017 looks to be a great year for the Lady Raiders. South Point will be returning six starters including both Griffins, Ghorley and McKee. The roster is deep. The talent is there.

by MIA VONNE Fill in the blank squares so that each row, each column and each 3-by-3 block contain all of the digits 1 thru 9 using logic.

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Page 13

Jaelin Griffin, South Point’s den-mom and pitching ace

By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com

The South Point Lady Raiders had a great 2016 season. The Lady Raiders went 19-1 during the regular season. They won the Big South Conference. South Point earned the #1 seed in the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3/A playoffs. In the playoffs, Big Red went as far as the fourth round before falling to the defending 3/A state champion Enka Sugar Jets.

Softball is a team sport.

No one player can carry the load without help. But if there were one player that could be credited with making the biggest difference in 2016 for South Point it would be pitcher, Jaelin Griffin.

In 2016 Griffin ripped up rival batters with a combination of power and well placed pitches. She was the linchpin of a defense that smothered opposing offenses.

Griffin’s efforts earned her All Big South honors. She is one of the top pitchers in North Carolina softball.

But before we get to far into Griffin’s present we have to look at her past.

Jaelin Griffin grew up in the small Union County town of Marshville. Marshville is a small agricultural town best known as the home of country music singer Randy Travis and the annual Boll Weevil Jamboree.

Jalein was inspired to play by watching her older sister Blair Griffin play softball.

Jaelin’s first organized softball experience came in a T-ball league that was part of the Marshville recreational sports program. Ever since those early days Griffin

had a love for the game.

“My big sister Blair played,” Griffin said. “I followed in her footsteps and found out I was kind of good at it.”

As Griffin learned to play softball she found that one aspect of the game that peeked her interest. Pitching.

As time went on Jaelin excelled at pitching.

When asked why she likes to pitch Griffin responded in a matter of fact way.

“I like the sense of control over the game.” she said.

Being a pitcher in softball is the same as being a pitcher in baseball. There is no other position on the field that is more pressure packed.

Many times a pitchers performance can make, or break your team. That element of the game does not phase Griffin. In fact, it seems to be something she seeks out.

“I like the pressure,” Griffin said. “I think I perform well under pressure. It gives me that drive. It’s a motivating tool.”

Most players hate the pressure of the game. At best they tolerate it. It’s rare to see a player who not only seeks it out but enjoys making things happen when the chips are down. But that’s just how Jaelin is.

Griffin and her family moved to Gaston County while Jaelin was in middle school. Once in Gaston she continued to hone her skills as part of the Belmont Middle School softball team.

Once Jaelin moved to high school she earned a spot on the South Point varsity squad as freshman year. Griffin’s prior varsity experience helped prepare her and the other Lady Raiders for the

2016 campaign.

Over the last few years South Point softball has really come on strong. The Lady Raiders are one of the top teams in the Big South.

Under head coach Leah Brooks, South Point has established a reputation as a tough and competitive team.

But 2016 was something new. Something bigger.

South Point was not just winning. They were making a statement. Early on in the season Griffin and the Lady Raiders started to smash their way through the 2016 schedule. The softball program had created a buzz.

“It was exciting,” Jaelin said. “It was great the support we got. At first it wasn’t there. Then people came out and got behind us.”

One of Griffin’s best memories of the season came in a matchup against North Gaston.

“That was a dozzy,” Griffin laughed. “We started out low. We weren’t doing the things we normally do. Then we hit our tempo. We got on that train and game out on top.”

Griffin has a unique prospective of the game and her role on the team. She isn’t afraid to push everyone to strive for the next level. By her own admission she says the South Point softball team is a superstitious lot. Pregame team rituals and traditions are important to the Lady Raiders.

“I’m the most superstitious,” Griffin added.

“When we take our lap during warm ups I have to be the last out of the dugout.”

Another pre-game ritual has to do with her team mate’s gloves.

“I line everyone’s gloves on the first base foul line.”

Griffin is very matter of fact in describing how things work with the Lady Raiders. Jaelin has a unusual sense of humor. She is blunt and playful. She likes to have fun.

“This team is crazy,” Jaelin went on to say. “We are extremely loving toward each other.”

But even when she jests Griffin mixes humor with a sense of responsibility. Jaelin takes it upon herself to make sure things get done, and are done correctly.

In many ways Jaelin see herself as more then just a player. She is part denmother, part adviser.

“I feel like the Mom on the team,” Griffin said. “I have to take care of the babies.”

Griffin has a deep affection for her team mates. There is no doubt that she would do anything for them. Jaelin’s humorous description of her team mates comes from a sincere place in her heart. Her motherly attitude shows that she is very protective of her team mates.

She will take on all comers if it means looking out for her team mates.

That protectiveness is also a trait Griffin learned to tone back in 2016.

Griffin eluded to that when she was asked to describe what the toughest challenge she faced in 2016.

“It’s not a particular moment,” Griffin said.

“But trusting my team mates.

Not feeling the pressure to have to strike everyone out.

Trusting that they will all do their jobs.”

By learning to let go Jae-

OF THE

WEEK

NATHAN ROBINSON

lin helped her teammates and her team grow. No matter how good a player is in the end they are just one part of a bigger picture. Jaelin learned that in 2016.

Head coach Leah Brooks is proud of her pitcher. She sees her as a gifted player with a bright future.

“She is truly our biggest leader,” Brooks said. “On and off the field.”

Brooks said that players seek Jaelin out for when they need guidance. They rely on her insight.

“When players have questions they go to her,” Brooks added. Because she knows what she is talking about.”

Brooks believes that Griffin’s leadership talents may one day bring her back to the softball field long after she playing days are over.

“I can see her coach in the future.” Brooks said But that destiny is yet to

be determined. For now, Jaelin still has one more year in a South Point uniform. After that she is planning to head to South Carolina.

“I have a verbal commitment with North Greenville University,” Griffin said.

“An academic and softball scholarship.”

North Greenville is lucky to get her. Jaelin had Pfeiffer, UNC Wilmington, Belmont Abbey and UNC Charlotte all showing interest.

So why North Greenville?

“It’s not to close,” Jaelin said. “It’s not to far. It’s a good Christian school.”

Coach Brooks isn’t ready to see Jaelin ship out to college just yet. 2016 may be over. But 2017 already hopes promise.

There is little doubt Jaelin Griffin will be a big part of South Point’s plans for next year.

South Point Red Raiders

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Jaelin Griffin

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Page 14

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Thursday, June 2, 2016

Gastonia Civil Air Patrol Cadets experience flight Five cadets from the Gastonia Civil Air Patrol Squadron recently had the opportunity to experience flight as few people ever do.

Thanks to the NC Wing’s Glider Program, the cadets received flight time in a TG-10B Merlin (L-23 Super Blanik) two-place tandem glider, decommissioned from the U.S. Air Force Academy and assigned to the North Carolina Wing. This glider has a wing span of 53 feet and is pulled aloft by a powered tow plane.

Cadets and Senior Members arrived at the Triangle North Executive Airport in Louisburg, North Carolina. After a safety brief-

ing they were transported to the staging area to begin flights. At altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 feet, cadets were allowed to control the aircraft under the pilot’s instruction.

In addition to flight time, those cadets who completed the Wing Runner course assisted as ground crew for the glider. Participants from Gastonia were C/2dLt Thomas Beutler, C/SSgt A.J. Gluck, C/Airman Brandon Martin, C/Airman Ryan Cates and Cadet Madison Jones. NC Wing Commander, Col. David Crawford, served as one of the tow pilots for the group. “The glider is a key part of our cadet orientation flight and aerospace educa-

L to R – Cadet Gluck, Cadet Martin, Cadet Beutler, Cadet Jones, Cadet Cates, Lt. Jason Gluck pose with glider.

Civil Air Patrol photo tion missions,” said Col. Crawford. Despite a few initial nerves, every cadet came down with a big smile. According to a squadron Senior Member, this program is one of the many unique experiences available to teenagers as

Civil Air Patrol members.

For more information on Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program contact Major Frank Parker at fparker@ncwgcap.org.

Grizzlies #16 Zach Featherstone after safely sliding home looks at Savannah catcher #28 Dayne Sommer sitting on home plate. The Grizzlies won 13-0.

Carolina Panthers mascot Sir Purr visited recently visited several Gaston County elementary to help get the kids revved up for End of Grade tests.

Gaston Schools photo

Belmont Astronomy Club to meet Chizzle, Jake Brewer, Gaston Grizzlies owner Jesse Cole, GM David McDonald, and Paul were all having a great time at last week’s game against Savannah.

Gaston Grizzlies player Brooks Kennedy is seen socking a grounder in last Friday’s 13-0 trouncing of Savannah.

Photos by Bill Ward

Tom Field, a contributing editor at Sky & Telescope Magazine, will be speaking to the Belmont Astronomy Club 7 pm June 2 on how to do more science with our astrophotography. You can figure out all sorts of amazing things, such as a star’s temperature, physical properties, composition and move-

ment. You’ll find it easier than anything you’ve learned to do with your telescope.

Belmont Astronomy Club talks are free, family-friendly with free refreshments afterwards at Caravan Coffee in Belmont. https://www.facebook.com/ events/2040731972818481

At Gaston Day’s May 16 Athletic Awards Ceremony, the varsity girls’ soccer team was recognized as the Spartan Team of the Year. This award is given to a team that demonstrated sportsmanship, industriousness, enthusiasm, togetherness, and competitive greatness while promoting school spirit. Team members are (front row L to R) Annabelle Fulghum, Bizzi Grimm, Elizabeth Efird, Mackenzie Harris, McKaley Boston, Olivia Reiber, Eleanor Wilkerson (back row L to R) Evie Polen, Lindsey Pattinson, Cameron Harris, Ceci D’Amore, Kathryn Rhyne, Ashlen Rowe, Susan Wilkerson, Anna Claire Rhyne, and Luisa Schenk. Not pictured are Coaches Greg Lekavich and John Nussbaumer.

GDS photo

Thursday, June 2, 2016

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 15

Banner-News Sports

Lady Raider Brianna Powell tags an Enka player out.

Photos by Donna Moody

South Point senior Allison Moody is seen at bat in last week’s game against the Enka Sugar Jets. The Red Raiders lost 3-0.

Senior Rachael Gordon gets set to swing during the Enka contest.

Lady Red Raiders fall to Enka

Second base player Brittany Franks, a junior, makes a throw in the Enka game.

Belmont soccer tournament The Belmont Invitational Soccer Tournament will take place June 4th at Gantt Park, 500 Brook St, Belmont, starting at 9am; Final 11am-12noon.

The event will be a “friendly” small tournament bringing together some of the best soccer players of Gaston County in the U12 (under twelve) division. The coaches and players from the Belmont Recreation League voted on their top players and put them together to form a team, and, accepted the challenge of playing against a number of the area club soccer teams. The goal was to reward the players in the recreation league and promote/enhance the local soccer scene by facilitating more touches with stiffer competition. The goal is that the kids will continue playing competitively with and against each other, improving their overall level of play, while keeping it fun.

The event needs volunteers and is accepting donations to help facilitate jerseys, trophies and other associated fees.

Teams that will compete against Belmont Recreation League include: Stikers of Gaston County Soccer Assn.-Flames www.sgcsa.net; FC Sparta www.fcspartacharlotte. com; MHS Premiere www.mhspremiere.com; jphillips@minthillsoccer.com. Local Gaston County club.

These clubs have quality experienced coaching, providing US Club and/or NCYSA. Donors thus far: Cramer Mountain Club, Mike Tobin, Gina Bumgardner, Eric Smith, Michael/Hong Cunningham, Nicole Wills, Erin and Bruce Flitt.

Contact Richard Crill at rjcrill@yahoo.com or text at 313-333-8897 for information, email list and/or donations.

South Point pitcher Jaelin Griffin and catcher Sierra Ghorley have a conference in the Enka game.

Gaston Schools Sports Physical Day Mark your calendar for the Gaston County Schools Sports Physical Day. It’s Saturday, June 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at CaroMont Specialty Surgery in Gastonia. Student-athletes can take advantage of the opportunity to complete a physical for the upcoming fall sports season. The cost is $10. GCS would like to thank CaroMont Health for helping make this program possible.

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Page 16

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Troop 56 awarded its 101st Eagle Scout Vincent M. Turner was honored during an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held Sunday May 22nd at 2:00pm in the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Belmont, NC. A reception immediately followed in the church’s adjacent fellowship facility, Carpenter Hall. Vincent is a Senior at South Point High School and the son of Richard and Marie Turner of Belmont.

Vincent’s outstanding personal achievement is footnoted by the fact that he is the 101st Troop 56 Scout to earn the Eagle Scout Award.

“This is a huge achievement, especially when you consider that only 4-5% of boys who join Scouting achieve the rank of Eagle Scout,” said troop 56 Scoutmaster, Allan Haggai. “It is no easy task and a distinctive title; one

that is carried for a lifetime.

The entire troop is proud to see Vincent earn this honor.”

Troop 56 was first chartered in 1956 and has built a rich history of serving the Belmont community with hundreds of young boys filling its ranks for 60 years.

Today, the troop has 40 active youth members and 8 adult volunteer leaders. First United Methodist Church is located at 807 South Point Road in Belmont and is led

by Pastor George Ragsdale.

Scouting was introduced Vincent and his parents Marie Turner and Richard Turner. to the United States in 1910 Troop 56 photo based on a framework developed by visionary British thrive in the woods. Today, Troop 56 is part of the Two army officer and youth advocate, Baden Powell. He U.S. scouting membership Rivers District in the Piedbelieved that young boys is approx. 2.5 million strong, mont Council, Boy Scouts should learn principles of with its members provid- of America. The troop was good citizenship, an appre- ing an average of 17 million first chartered in 1956 to First ciation for the outdoors and hours of service each year in United Methodist Church in acquire the skills needed to communities large and small. Belmont.

Johnny Appleseed boosts literacy With balloons, snow cones, games, and plenty of books, kids and parents enjoyed reading and learning together at the Gaston County Schools annual family literacy event, held May 14 at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Gastonia.

More than 400 people attended the free event, which encouraged families to find ways to enjoy books together at home.

It also gave parents the chance to learn more about end-ofgrade testing and how to help their students succeed throughout the school year.

Titled “Book a Trip Around the World,” the travel-themed event encouraged visitors to pick up a “passport” and visit booths around the church gymnasium, earning stamps as they went. At the end of the trip, kids could select their own book to take home, choosing from titles such as Harry Potter, “Lego Man in Space,” or “The Hunger Games.” A total of 1,126 books were given away during the day. The giveaway was made possible thanks to Title I funding and the efforts of Stuart W. Cramer High School’s National Honor Society under the leadership of Suzanne Wallace Crafts and activities ranged from hands-on to high-tech.

Kids could make paper crowns or coffee-filter butterflies. At one booth, visitors could have their picture taken with the book character Beekle in a “photo booth” created with an iPad

and a green screen app. Another station let kids try a virtual reality experience with smartphones and special headsets.

At the “Harry Potter” themed table, kids could pose for a photo riding a broom over the treetops, as if in a game of Quidditch. Special guest “Johnny Appleseed” also drew a crowd as he read a book and shared his own story.

One highlight of the day was a Chromebook giveaway.

The computer, donated by the Piedmont Chapter of Links, went to Stefanny Gonzalez, a student at North Belmont Elementary School.

Local author and Gaston Christian School parent, Amalie Jahn, recently viosited the school and spoke to Mrs. Keiser’s English classes about writing and her publishing experiences.

GCS photo

Photo by Gearl Dean Page

Tuesday Afternoon Book Club meets The Tuesday Afternoon Book Club met on May 19, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church with Evan Ann Via, as hostess, substituting for Kitty Wilson who was unable to attend.

Members were happy to welcome back Genie Hayes, who had been unable to attend for a while due to illness. Refreshments were enjoyed as the members gathered.

Eva Ann Via presented an interesting program entitled “When Books Went to War”. A television show about this subject interested Eva Ann in learning more about it, so she did some additional research which she shared with the group.

The things she learned showed the tremendous influence that books have on people. Molly Mannings’ book, “When Books Went to War: The Stories That Helped Us Win World War II”, gives the account of the Germans in Berlin having a huge fire in which they burned many books, including classics and many well-known titles. This event was widely broadcast in an effort to show “Hitler’s new order”. The news of this horrendous happening was met with much disgust around the world. In London, to show their opposition to the destroying of all these important books, the English established a new library that included all of the books that the Nazis had so brutally burned.

When the United States began compulsory military training in 1940, forty-six new training camps were hurriedly established in all parts of the country. The draftees now had a completely new way of life that did not include many pleasures. Any amusements and recreation were just memories.

Officers realized the quality of life needed to be improved.

They decided that books to read might be helpful and in 1941, a National Defense Book Campaign, later renamed Victory Book Campaign, was begun with a goal of collecting 10 million books. It was a national effort and was backed by many actors, actresses, and other celebrities. A revolution in American Publishing companies took place because paper backs were more easily handled by the soldiers. Gen. D. D. Eisenhour loved to read westerns, and it is said that he distributed books to the soldiers right before D-Day. Some of the overall favorites of the soldiers were said to be “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” and “Chicken Every Sunday”. Books that went to war truly made a difference in the morale of our fighting men.

Pictured left to right: Edna Walker, Beth Geddis, Agnes Horsley, Genie Hayes (seated), Lissa McMeeken, Del Poovey, Wilma Vargas, and Eva Ann Via.

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera recently visited Gaston Christian School. “Riverboat Ron” attended the NCISAA 3A State championship softball game there. In this shot Rivera is seen with some GCS students and coaches.

GCS photo

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Thursday, June 2, 2016

Banner-News Funny Paper BC

By MASTROIANNI & HART

WIZARD OF ID

by PARKER, MASTROIANNI & HART

TUNDRA

FUNDAY MORNING

by CHAD CARPENTER

By BRAD DILLER

LOOSE PARTS

By DAVE BLAZEK

“i’m going to be frank with you, even though i’m ted.”

AGAINST THE GRAIN

by RON THERIEN

Page 17

State releases final coal ash risk classifications The controversy over coal ash storage at Duke Energy steam stations, including Plant Allen near Belmont, has flared up again.

On May 18 the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) released its final proposed risk classifications for the state’s coal ash ponds. In addition to the four sites classified as ‘High Risk’ under the 2014 Coal Ash Management Act (CAMA), the state classified the remaining 10 sites as ‘Intermediate Risk,’ which requires that they be cleaned up (excavated) by 2024.

However, DEQ also requested that the General Assembly re-evaluate classifications in 18 months. Sites around Charlotte include Allen (Lake Wylie on the Catawba River near Belmont), Marshall (Lake Norman on the Catawba River), Buck (Yadkin River) and Cliffside (recently renamed Rogers Energy Complex; Broad River).

“The listing of all sites as ‘High’ or ‘Intermediate Risk’ acknowledges that these sites are major threats to citizens and the environment,” said Catawba Riverkeeper Sam Perkins. “But even in the face of overwhelming public and scientific input demonstrating the needs for cleanups, DEQ has the audacity to essentially ask for a change to CAMA, which had required that plans for these sites be finalized by today so that we can begin to move on from this issue. The fact that Duke Energy has allowed these ponds to fall into such disrepair justifies the need to clean up these sites as opposed to leaving them for Duke to have to manage, which it has demonstrated it cannot sufficiently do.”

“This cannot continue to drag on. This issue is directly affecting hundreds of people around the state who have been living on bottled water for more than a year. Furthermore, leaving these ponds in place continues to threaten the drinking water supplies of millions. Engineers and PhDs have reviewed studies of the sites and determined the sites have too many problems to be left in place. Why can’t we get a simple commitment to a cleanup?”

Duke Energy fired back in a statement released just after the NCDEQ’s ruling.

“Today’s announcement is an important milestone in the development of long-term closure solutions for coal ash basins, which store non-hazardous material,” the company said in a statement. “However and equally important, it acknowledges that work is incomplete and changes to the Coal Ash Management Act (CAMA) are necessary in order to get to final recommendations.

If NCDEQ’s proposed recommendations are allowed to stand, without review and possible adjustments based on additional new information, the state will have chosen the most extreme closure option that will have a significant impact on customer costs and hinder economic development. In addition, it will cause decades of disruption to communities, all without additional, measurable environmental benefits. Given the scope of work, there is significant risk in meeting excavation deadlines by 2024.

We will seek to clarify CAMA within 60 days to help ensure the law is implemented in a way that makes North Carolina a thoughtful leader on this issue.

The data and assessments performed to date demonstrate that ash basins are operating safely and the environment is protected but, at NCDEQ’s request, the company is now conducting additional new research and completing facility improvement projects that we identified and pursued ourselves.

NCDEQ acknowledges that all basins except those already designated as “high” could be ranked “low” once that work is done and other steps are taken, including ensuring plant neighbors have the assurance of a high-quality water supply.

The facts, supported by the most robust scientific and engineering studies in North Carolina, demonstrate that ash basins are not impacting neighbor wells. We also recognize that for some, even that level of scientific rigor, may not provide sufficient assurance that their water is safe. We are exploring a range of options that give those neighbors peace of mind and will work with local communities and water utilities to begin addressing a myriad of questions on this issue. We believe all of our customers will benefit from this approach because it allows the company to pursue a range of closure options that are safe and cost effective.”

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Thursday, June 2, 2016

Gaston Christian announces Valedictorian, Salutatorian Gaston Christian School has named its Valedictorian of the Class of 2016. She is Rachel Olivia Putnam and the daughter of Robby and Melissa Putnam. Rachel will be attending UNC-Chapel Hill in the fall. The Salutatorian of the Class of 2016 is Casey Ann McNiff. Her parents are Tom and Shari McNiff and she will attend UNC-Chapel Hill next year.

GCS photos

Rachel Putnam

Casey McNiff

National Network Classified Ads Candice Ye is in 11th grade at Gaston Christian School and an international student from China. She will be attending a summer session open to high school students at the University of California—Berkeley. She has enrolled in a pre-collegiate program that will earn college credit. While enjoying the San Francisco Bay area, Candice will participate in cocurricular activities and workshops planned for this summer’s incoming students.

GCS photo

Gaston students selected for Governor’s School 2016 Fifteen high school students from Gaston County Schools were selected to attend the prestigious North Carolina Governor’s School.

Held annually at two sites, Governor’s School East is at Meredith College in Raleigh and Governor’s School West is at Salem College in Winston-Salem. The program runs June 19 through July 27.

Governor’s School is a residential summer enrichment program for 670 students. The experience provides an opportunity for outstanding students to explore the latest developments, problems, and theories in the various fields of the arts and science.

Nominations for Governor’s School are made by each local high school, reviewed by a local committee, and submitted to a state committee for final selections. The selection process is extremely competitive. Students are chosen based on academic standing or ability to perform in an area of concentration such as dance, art, music, and drama.

“We would like to congratulate our students who were chosen to participate in the North Carolina Governor’s School program,” stated Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker. “Being selected to attend Governor’s School is one of the most significant accomplishments a high school student can achieve. The students are to be commended for their outstanding academic records and for being among the brightest and most talented students in our state.”

A distinguished faculty chosen from public and private schools, colleges and universities, and private businesses and organizations serve as teachers in the program. Nationally recognized consultants also provide instruction.

The following students from Gaston County Schools were chosen to attend Governor’s School for 2016. The list includes their high school and area of study.

Governor’s School East: Eveland Davis, South Point High School – Art; Deja Duff, Forestview High School – Choral Music; Sarah Eagan, Highland School of Technology – Social Science; Caroline Eisenhuth, Forestview High School – Social Science; Victoria McAlister, South Point High School – Math; Hunter Smith, South Point High School – Natural Science.

Governor’s School West: Jacob Boyd, South Point High School – Math; Abigail Carroll, Bessemer City High School – Natural Science; Aaron Froehlich, Ashbrook High School – Natural Science; Kendall Garrison, Stuart W. Cramer High School – Math; Jesse Hambrick, Highland School of Technology – Natural Science; Bradley Parrish, Stuart W. Cramer High School – Natural Science; Stephen Sherman, Highland School of Technology – Art; Holly Shropshire, Stuart W. Cramer High School – Choral Music; Ryan Thurston, Highland School of Technology – Math.

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The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Page 19

Need A Classified?

CLASSIFIED ADS ANNOUNCEMENTS

BUSINESS SERVICES

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS If you want to drink that is your business, if you want to stop, we can help. For help or meeting info.

Call 704-865-1561 (24 hrs.).

PAINTING SERVICES. Over 20 yrs exp. Interior/exterior, affordable prices. Professional results.

References avail. Free estimates.

704-435-8062, Charles, leave message.

MYSTIQUE SMELL GOOD SHOP Memorial Day Specials Saturday: Body Oil, Shea Butter, Burning Oil Lamps, Incenses Lamps. Largest in the South East. Spartanburg Flea Market; 8010 Asheville Hwy., SC. 1-864978-4735.

REPAIR, REFINISH AND RESTORE Antiques and Furniture.

Also, cabinet updates and remakes by retiree with experience, references and reasonable rates.

704-860-2662.

CAMPERS

FOR RENT

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

NEW CORDLESS DEWALT DRILL, 20 volt, $100. (3) aluminum ladders, 6 ft & 10 ft, $25 each. 2 self-propelled lawn mowers, $100/both. New River float tube for fishing, $50. Dan, 704472-7927.

ABOVE GROUND SWIMMING POOL FOR SALE, with all accessories, excellent condition.

Call for info, 704-471-0804.

ANTIQUE SCHOOL DESK w/ ink well, $45. Leather jacket w/zip out liner, size 42 long, like new, $60. Tomato Vine Wire Cages, 5ft tall, $5 each. Utility Trailer, all metal, 4x8 ft, 20” deep, good tires, tail lights & overload springs, like GOOD CONDITION PIANO. new, $700. 3 point hitch, Fertilizer Empty nesters need space. In distributor, good condition, $300. tune, used dark wood piano, $150 704-482-2912. nego. 704-482-2072.

WHEEL CHAIR FOR QUADRIHUNTING SUPPLIES, tree PLEGIC, $4000 obo. Also Toyostands, ground blinds, turkey ta truck parts for sale. 704-538calls, coyote calls. Convertible top 9742. for 4-wheeler. Pickup tool box, air LARGE IN-GROUND POOL guns, torch kits & more. 704-484- SLIDE, commercial grade. Good 9443, leave message. for pool or around lake. Very good KINCAID LAURA ASHLEY Ar- cond. $375 firm. 704-473-1220.

TROY-BILT RIDING MOWER, EC. $475. John Deere GT275, Kawasaki 17HP, 48” deck, hydrostat. EC. $2300. 704-4727246.

MOBILE HOME FOR RENT in FURNITURE FOR SALE: 3 Waco area. No pets. 704-435- pc. Inlayed Dbl. Bdrm. Suite 8103. $125.00, Dbl. Recliner Couch, 2&3 BR APARTMENTS available $100.00; Maple Dinning Table now! Stove & refrig furnished, with 4 Chairs, $125.00. Call: 803W/D hookups. Rent based on 609-2352. income. EHO. Shelby. 704-487PICKUP CAP TONNEAU COV1114.

ER FOR SALE – 3 yrs. old, TriPROPERTY FOR RENT 5200 sq. fold - Length – 82 in. Width – 67 ft. in strip mall. Red Top Village in. and floor mats. Asking $350.00 beside Love’s Fish Box, Kings for both. Call: 704-910-4523.

Mtn. Call 864-936-7311 or 704692-2912 1970’S CABERET 7500 BY 2BR, 2BA MOBILE HOME with WURLITZER CABINET MODEL lots of light in Kings Mtn. near JUKEBOX w/45’s, $150 pickHwy 74 bypass, available 6/1. up. Call 704-689-6462. Upright Rent to Own for $435 mo! Pets Kohler-Campbell Piano: $50. ok. Spacious master bedroom 2 TALL GLASS & WOODEN Cuand newer heat pump! 980-939rio cabinets, love seat and living 6633 x4. room chair. Best offer. Call 704BEAUTIFUL 3BR, 2BA MOBILE 974-8440.

HOME near Moss Lake with large kitchen, $525 mo, central heat/ LEISURE BAY SPA - CELEBRIAC, newer heat pump! Pets ok. TY SERIES, 2 seats & 1 lounge, 59”x78”. Cover, steps & chemi980-939-6633 x4. cals included, $1500 or best offer.

COZY 2BR, 1BA APARTMENT 704-472-7620. for rent, located in friendly neighborhood in Cherryville, NC. $475 5X10 TRAILER, GOOD SHAPE. mo. 704-435-3311.

19x19 tarp, $550 for both. Anytime, 704-473-9371.

2013 31’ AUTUMN RIDGE CAMPER, carport, utility buildREAL ESTATE AUCTION: The ing, 2016 lot rent paid. At Linville Grafton Lodge Bed & Breakfast Rivers End Campground on Lake Live On-Site: Tuesday, June 7th, James, $28,000. 828-669-6046.

12PM. 122 Harris Road, Lake 2012 36’ SALEM CAMPER, Lure, NC: Bed & Breakfast, cur- carport, utility building, 2016 lot rently operating. The Grafton rent paid. At Linville Rivers End Lodge has successfully been in Campground on Lake James, business for over 15+ years. Cur- $22,000. 828-357-7542. rent owners retiring, creating this 2006 JAYCO 5TH WHEEL campexciting opportunity to own your er. Excellent condition. 1 slide very own B & B! Accepting makes large den area. $11,500.

Pre-Auction Offers • Broker Par- 704-860-2520. ticipation Offered! Randy Ligon, WANT TO BUY: Pop-Up CampCAI • 803-366-3535 Auction De- ers. Call 828-429-3935. tails: www.theligoncompany.com FOR SALE Lodge Details: www.graftonlodge. 2001 JAYCO EAGLE Hard Top Pop-up Camper with pull out, no CENTRAL BOILER certified com NCAL8951 • NCRL183864 A/C, excellent condition! Reduced E-Classic OUTDOOR WOOD price, $2400. 828-817-0232.

FURNACE. More heat. Less AUTOS/TRUCKS 2000 GULF STREAM 5TH wood and time required. Call to1999 HONDA ACCORD, auto WHEEL. King bed & sleeper sofa, day! Mill Spring Outdoor Furnactransmission, $1000 nego. Call all laminate floors. Good shape, es 828-245-0174. after 4pm for more details. 704- $10,000 OBO. 828-748-4074 or REFRIGERATORS, STOVES, 828-657-9840.

472-3070. washers, dryers & odd furniture.

2006 DODGE RAM HEMI, exc 1996 COLEMAN FLEETWOOD Call 704-481-0954. After 5pm, cond, good tires, $9200 obo. 828- Pop-up Camper with air & heat, call 704-482-0540. very good condition, $3500. 828305-1071.

PINE SHAVINGS and sawdust 247-6014, 704-473-6970.

18 yard dump load $185. size 2000 SATURN, 4 DR COUPE. 1976 APACHE POP-UP CAMPSome hail damage. Good tires, ER. Used very little. Solid-state. 14x7x5. Shavings pickup truck $20, trailers filled $9, yard bags runs good, auto trans. $1500. Very good tires & spare. Serious $5. 828-443-0534, 704-434704-616-8824. inquiries only, $1600. Call 828- 0607.

1994 MERCURY SABLE GS 748-8730 for time to see. $2500. 704-300-4377

AUCTION

moire, solid oak, can hold up to 40” TV, excellent cond., lots of storage, $275. Can submit pics by text or email. 704-730-0789, lv msg.

EMPLOYMENT

1997 SATURN, manual transmission. 309,000 miles, new tires, NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH good stereo, 33 mpg, runs wells, is receiving resumes for a fulltime Youth and Children’s Minis$800 OBO. 704-600-7716 ter through June 9, 2016. Send 1998 CHEV LUMINA for sale resumes to New Hope Baptist in Shelby. $1,500. Fully loaded Church, Attention Search Comexcept AC (needs a gauge-G & mittee: PO Box 116, Earl, NC brakes). Tanya 980-989-2209.

28038 or russandmo@aol.com 1999 HONDA ACCORD wrecked. Good engine/transmission. 230,000 miles. Drive before you buy. $750. Call/text 704-4734844.

EXPERIENCED AUTO BODY REPAIR PERSON. Prefer mature, dependable, local resident with valid drivers license, (good record), for FT permanent employment. M-F, 8am-5pm. Pay 1986 FORD F 700 2 ton truck, DOE. Contact 704-419-9595.

5sp trans. No bed just frame. Has hydro pump and PTO installed. WILL WORK FOR FOOD: Single mother who must occasionally Runs & drives. $800 obo. 704travel for children desperately 434-8924, lv msg. needs PT In/Out of Home Work.

TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE SeakingEmploymnet@Consul2014, leather, seats 7. Like new, tant.Com low mileage, 1 owner. 704-487- CHURCH SEEKING SOMEONE 1647. for part time Janitorial work, in 2002 LANDROVER FREELAND- Kings Mtn. Call Jeff 704-477ER SUV. V-6, 4WD, looks real 2488. nice, like new, only $3200. 704466-2671.

1976 CHEVY PICKUP, $1500. 828-245-7058.

runs,

BOATS 1999 CHAPARRAL 1830 SPORT with 4.3 Alpha One Mercruiser on Shoreland’r Trailer. Low hrs, good condition plus boat cover, bimini top, on-board battery charger, coast guard kit and anchor included. $8500. 704-692-4765.

FARM & GARDEN CUSTOM MADE PITMAN ARMS for Cycle Bar Mowers & Repairs.

704-484-9443, leave message.

SPRING CUT FESCUE ROUND BALES, 4x5 net wrapped, fertilized and weed free. 10 bale minimum, $50 a bale. 704-300-9042

WATER PUMP, LARGE 3 POINT HITCH for tractor. Large 4” diameter. Pump ideal for irrigation ponds etc. Only $475. 70416’ LARSON TRI HULL BOAT, 466-2671.

115 Evinrude motor, power trim, 1986 KUBOTA TRACTOR, Cox trailer. Boat cover top, front B9200 Diesel w/4’ Bush Hog, & back. Always under cover, very has HST, 4WD, 4 cylinder, $6700 good condition, $2500 obo. 704- OBO. 828-305-6264.

482-3768.

336 JOHN DEERE SQUARE BASS BOAT, 18’, excellent cond. BALER, extra good condition, 60 HP Mercury engine. $3500. $2500 firm. 828-429-3100.

704-466-3216, 704-473-0919.

Call Kathy today!

704.739.7496

FREE BRICK & BLOCK. YOU HAUL. 124 Bethel Ave. Boiling Springs, NC. Old West CleveLITTLE TYKES race car bed. land School. 704-418-3712.

Red, no mattress but uses regular twin mattress. $125. 704-300- CUT YOUR CABLE NOW. No more cable bills for life. Watch 4377. thousands of TV channels, movHESS TRUCKS LIKE NEW still ies, Pay for View, ESPN, NBA in box. Die cast metal cans still and more. Limited quantities. in box like new. Call for info 704$149. 704-962-9007.

974-7802.

2002 LANDROVER FREEFOR SALE 1966 FORD F-100 LANDER SUV. V-6, 4WD, looks truck door, fenders. Alder Kohler real nice, like new, only $3200.

14 HP and Tacomsee motors.

704-466-2671.

704-538-9184.

WATER PUMP, LARGE 3 SLEEP NUMBER BED only used POINT HITCH for tractor. Large a couple of times, sold new for over $2,000. Will sacrifice for 4” diameter. Pump ideal for ir$600 OBO. Have all paperwork, rigation ponds etc. Only $475.

704-466-2671. bought new. 704-739-1930.

FOUR FAIRLY NEW TIRES, driven 1800 miles, GoodYear Wranglers, off a 2016 Ram 1500, size: P275/60R20, like new, $400.

704-363-1994.

COUCH & LOVE SEAT, $400.

Kitchen table (4 chairs & leaf), $100. iRobot Roomba vacuum (like new) $200. 910-728-6370.

REAL ESTATE DO YOU NEED A REALTOR? Been wondering what your property is worth? Been thinking about selling your property?

Been thinking about buying your own home to avoid rising cost of rentals? If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, let an Experienced Real Estate Broker help you. Call Pat at 704-3618791, Carolina Homes and Land Realty, Inc.

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Amount Enclosed $_____________ Mail this form to: PO Box 769 • Kings Mountain • NC 28086 OR Call Kathy at 704-739-7496

Page 20

The Banner News / banner-news.com

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Officer Ron Robonson is seen with Stuart Cramer High students who took part in the Fatal Consequences program.

Gaston County Police SRO educates teens on dangers of drunk driving

This student is seen wearing goggles that simulate drunk driving.

Gaston County Police photos

On May 24, 2016 Gaston County Police Officer Ron Robinson, the School Resource Officer for Stuart Cramer High School, conducted the Fatal Consequences program for Mrs. Lawing’s Honors Forensics class.

Fatal Consequences is a program designed to reduce drunk driving by teenagers through changing attitudes and increasing awareness.

The program starts with a short lecture by the SRO. The classroom instruction discusses the hazards and penalties associated with teen drunk driving. The second part of this program gives students a practical

look at how impaired vision affects driving. This is accomplished with the use of Fatal Vision (DWI simulation) goggles and a golf cart.

While wearing the Fatal Vision goggles, students are asked to maneuver the golf cart through a course marked off with orange traffic cones.

This provides students with a very real, but safe experience of how impaired vision and bad driving are directly related.

Officer Robinson has been employed with the County Police since August of 1995 and has been assigned as the School Resource Officer at Stuart Cra-

mer High School since it opened in August 2013.

The Gaston County Police Department has full time school resource officers at all 10 county high schools, Warlick Academy and Piedmont Community Charter School. Each of them has been trained in the Fatal Consequences program and present it to students at their assigned schools as well as the Department’s summer youth academy.

For further information, contact Sergeant Josh Hamlin, Educational Services Unit, at 704-862-6332.