Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville
Volume 79 • Issue 36 • Wednesday, September 3, 2014
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‘A blessing to us all’
Fall Sports
Rev. Robinson honored for years of service By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Preview Beginning on 1B
‘MiraVia’ Helping young families on their miraculous way by Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
“It has become a home.” That's what executive director Jeannie Wray had to say last week about the MiraVia facility for single mothers on the campus of Belmont Abbey College. The reason Wray put it like that is because just two years ago the 10,000 sq. ft. facility was still under construction and the rooms empty. Now, the place has five residents, four children, a staff of six, and rooms that were once bare walls and floors showing unmistakable signs of lively and loving times. First called Room at the
Inn, MiraVia is located on four acres of land donated by the Benedictine monks at the Abbey. It's situated behind dorm buildings at the end of a quiet little lane. “We could not have built this place if it wasn't for the land donation,” she said. Cost to construct the building was over $2 million. Donations from individuals and organizations such as Knights of Columbus picked up the lion's share of the tab. Mothers and their children are not charged to stay there. The whole idea behind MiraVia is to provide single mothers with help getting a
“A true blessing and inspiration to us all.” That statement appeared on the program of a special event held August 23 honoring 90-yearold Rev. Jeremiah Robinson of Mount Holly, and pretty much sums up his life as well as what it has meant to everyone he has come into contact with over the decades. The celebration of his August 24, 1924 birthday took place at Reeder Memorial Baptist Church on Beatties Ford Rd. and saw hundreds of folks in attendance. The program included testimonials and music, plenty of music. A proclamation from the City of Mount Holly expressing thanks to Robinson was presented to him by Mayor Bryan Hough. The proclamation noted some of the local organizations such as the Mount Holly Ministerial Association, the Old Rollins Elementary PTA, and the Mount Holly Black History Forum that Robinson had given his time and talents to. It also mentioned his many Photo by Alan Hodge educational attainments including a Bachelor of Theology Degree, a Bachelor of Divinity Degree, Rev. Jeremiah Robinson of Mount Holly recently celebrated his 90th birthday and a celebration was held in his honor. He's seen here with and other certificates of learning. “Rev. Robinson has dedicated his life toward his favorite hymnal and bible. improving everyone’s life he comes in contact “Reverend Robinson has truly been an inspiration to me with in our community,” Hough said. “I have been blessed for quite a long time,” Jackson said. “Let’s start with the fact and enriched by having known him over the past 17 years.” that the man has lived for 90 years and is still in relatively Mount Holly city manager Danny Jackson has been a good health. That in itself is a blessing, especially in this day friend of Robinson's for quite a while and has seen the work See ROBINSON, 9A he has done.
Hall doused for ALS challenge
See ‘MIRA VIA’, 9A
President’s visit garners mixed reviews By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
The American Legion held its national convention in Charlotte last week and representatives from Belmont were there. Auten-Stowe Post 144 sent Commander Ron Self and Larry Robinette to the event. Glenn-Reeves Post 180 was represented by past Commander and current District Commander Charles
Isles and Gene Witten. The convention drew thousands of legionnaires from across the nation. The biggest buzz took place last Wednesday when President Obama showed up. Obama got off Air Force One at the NC Air National Guard ramp at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and was whisked to the Convention Center in uptown Charlotte. See OBAMA, 9A
INSIDE... Obituaries ......................... 2A Stanley Sewer Project ........ 3A Sports ............................... 7A PIGSKIN PICKS! ................ 8A Fall Sports Preview! .......... 1B
Montcross Chamber president Ted Hall accepted the ALS Foundation ice bucket challenge from Chamber Board member Walter Payne of ImageMark Business Services and this was the result. Hall was drenched with icy water by Chamber staffers Teresa Rankin and Elizabeth Atterberry. The soaking was broadcast live on the Chamber's webcam. Hall dedicated the dousing to two close friends who are living with ALS- Aileen Roberts Ballenger and David Wilson. Hall and his wife Freda made a contribution to the ALS Foundation. For more information on how to donate go to www.alsa.org. Photo by Alan Hodge
Fighting Yank dedication set for October 4 The date and time for rededicating the Spirit of the Fighting Yank statue in Stowe Park has been set for Oct. 4 at 11am. The event will feature guest speakers, American Legion leaders, the South Point High Band and Chorus performing patriotic music and airs, Boy Scouts from across Gaston County leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and a large turnout of veterans. Everyone is invited to this historic event in Downtown Belmont.
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