INSIDE... Obituaries ................. 4 Police Report ............ 5 School News ............ 7 Classified Ads ........... 7 Sports ..................... 3
Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton and McAdenville
Volume 79 • Issue 48 • Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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Mercy Heritage Center honors Civil War nurses By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Medical care for sick or wounded soldiers in the Civil War centered around misery, dirt, and blood – that is until the Sisters of Mercy nurses arrived on the scene. Now, an exciting exhibit to those brave and hard-working Catholic women is getting set to open at the Mercy Heritage Center on the Sisters of Mercy campus in Belmont. The exhibit chronicles the role the nuns played in hospitals on and off the battlefield tending to Confederate and Union soldiers. The main attraction in the exhibit features a Civil War-type tent and “wounded soldier” lying inside. Another mannikin dressed in an 1860s Sister of Mercy habit stands near the tent holding a bible, ready to succor the injured man. Other items displayed in Photo by Alan Hodge the exhibit are on eight large This photo and quote by Abe Lincoln is panels and in- part of the Mercy Heritage Center’s exclude Civil War hibit on the Sisters of Mercy nurses in the photos show- Civil War. ing Sisters of Mercy nurses, dead and wounded troops, explanations of the role the Sisters of Mercy played in the conflict, quotes by folks like Abe Lincoln and Jeff Davis expressing their admiration for the work, art, and more. See MERCY, page 2
Photo by Alan Hodge
Sister Paula Diann is seen with the hospital tent that’s part of the Mercy Heritage Center exhibit illustrating the work the Sisters of Mercy did in the Civil War.
Duke Energy files plan for Riverbend Steam Station coal ash By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Duke Energy has filed a plan to remove around three million tons of coal ash to Eastern North Carolina where it will be placed in clay mines formerly used by brick makers. About one million tons of the ash will come from the decommissioned Riverbend Steam Station on Mountain Island Lake near Mount Holly. The lake provides drinking water for Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Gastonia, and Mount Holly. The mines are located in Lee and Chatham counties. The ash will be placed in lined pits and the clay beneath will also keep it from getting into groundwater. The plans detail the proposed amount of ash being moved in the first phase, its destination, how it will be transported, safety and environmental protection measures and permits required. The plans also outline work to identify solutions for the remaining ash at each location and will be updated and submitted to NC DENR annually or earlier as required by subsequent phases. The coal ash stored at Riverbend is in lagoons and has been called one of the four “riskiest” Duke Energy ash storage sites in North Carolina. Over five million tons of coal ash are stored at Riverbend. Removal of the ash at Riverbend could start in March 2015. The majority of it is slated to be taken to a clay pit in Moncure, a town southwest of Raleigh. A secondary site would be a mine near Sanford. See COAL ASH, page 2
Chronicle Mill owner John Church (right) and consultant Demetri Baches with Metrocology are seen at the mill site they plan to transform into a civic, community, and retail complex.
Chronicle Mill project update By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
The recent installation of shiny new metal downspouts on what was Belmont's oldest cotton mill, the circa 1901 Chronicle on E. Catawba, means progress is being made on transforming the red brick edifice of the once thriving textile industry into a retail, commercial, and civic centerpiece. Last year, John Church, CEO of Waterstone Asset Management and Chyrch Realty, bought the abandoned mill but wasn't exactly sure what to do with it. Since that time, his plans for the 150,000 sq. ft. complex have started jelling. “I thought about tearing it down,” Church said. “But after peeling back the layers of brick, decided to save it.” The mill has an interesting past, intertwined with that of Belmont as a whole. Chronicle Mill was built in 1901 by R.L. Stowe and other investors. Workers who laid the bricks for the imposing three-story structure earned $1.75 for every thousand they put down. Timber and other lumber used in the building cost $13 per thousand board feet delivered to the site. The mill’s name was chosen to honor a Revolutionary War patriot from Gaston County, Major William Chronicle, who had lived near where the mill would be built and was killed in the Battle of King’s Mountain in October 1780. The first bale of cotton was fed into the Chronicle Mill’s steam-powered machinery on Feb. 28, 1902. By 1908, the mill was powered by electricity, a
move that doubled production. In time, countless cones of cotton thread would be spun at the Chronicle Mill until it finally shut down several years ago. Following its closing, the mill machinery was sold and the Photos by Alan Hodge building sat vacant- until Church Chronicle Mill owner John Church looks at and his dream came along. Last autumn saw workers some of the structure's original yellow pine begin the first phase of rejuvenat- beams that came from trees that could have ing the building. Bricks that had been 400 years old when they were cut blocked windows were knocked around 1901. out and light shone on the mill's maple floors for the first time in a hotel and more including two pentlong time. Church also brought in folks houses. to look at and fix leaks in the roof. A “In the next few weeks we will fence was put around the property for finalize the concept for the building safety and security. A humongous and spaces,” Baches said. “Then we will ancient air conditioning system was create a marketing brochure. The rest torn off and taken to the scrap heap. “We tidied the place up,” Church will be driven by tenant demand.” The project will not be cheap or a said. quick “flip”, but Church is in it for the More recently, Church hired consultant Demetri Baches, founder and prin- long haul. “It could take five or six years and cipal of Metrocology, to advise him on the mill's future and to lay out a plan ten to twenty million dollars to comof action. Structurally, a special win- plete,” he said. dow screen system is currently being Interest in the Chronicle Mill projinstalled to let air in and keep rain out. ect is out there. The mill has over 100 windows. “I've given over 100 tours of the Now that the mill is ready for its mill,” Church said. next phase, what visions do Church One of the tourists was U.S. Conand Baches have for it? gressman Patrick McHenry. The possibilities are exciting. Ideas Church sees the completed project include retail and office space, a twoas a way to bring jobs and revenue to story glass atrium, a large meeting Belmont, but more than that. space Church has already dubbed “This is a big chance to create a “Chronicle Hall”, a park-like setting for the 6 ½ acre property, a brewery, unique community gathering place,” he distillery, restaurant, amphitheater, said. “It could be the hub of Belmont.”
Unusual vehicles are Ray Vanni’s passion By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
“Everybody needs a hobby.” That's what 88-year-old Ray Vanni of Mount Holly says and in his case that statement has led him to own, restore, and replicate a variety of unusual military and civilian vehicles. Vanni, a Buffalo, N.Y. native who served in the military from 1944 to 1986, and who moved to Mount Holly with his wife Marian about 18 months ago to live with his stepdaughter Maj. Sherri Ortiz, admits his interest in modes of transportation began early. “Since I was seven years old I've been fascinated by airplanes and vehicles,” he said. Photo by Alan Hodge Vanni joined the Air Force in 1944 and did a va- Ray Vanni is seen on Main St. in Mount Holly with his interpretation riety of jobs including serving as a flight engineer of a 1990s Cold War Military Police car- complete with a row of on the B-32 bomber. (inert) hand grenades on the dashboard. Vanni missed combat but also worked as a mechanic at the military airfield at Greensboro where Once, Vanni gave a “tour” of the inside of a tank to film he picked up many of the skills he would later use to restar Elizabeth Taylor who he called a “living dream”- but store his own vehicles. In addition, he was part of a military that's another story. recon unit and became familiar with everything from tanks While in the military, Vanni began “flipping” cars- figto jeeps. uratively not literally. “They were wild vehicles and used wildly,” Vanni said. See VANNI, page 2
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MERCY From page 1
Photo by Alan Hodge
This photo shows Sister Mary O’Connor (in habit) at Douglas Hospital in Washington, D.C. during the Civil War. She worked until her dying day helping sick and wounded soldiers.
COAL ASH From page 1 A small amount, about 10 percent of the ash from Riverbend will be taken to Troutville, Va. where it will be used to make cement. Trucks, about 130 loads a day, will carry the Riverbend ash to its new locations. Eventually, rail facilities will be built and it will be carried that way. The project will take about one year. The question of what will become of the remaining Riverbend coal ash is still up in the air- including an idea to truck it down Highway 16 to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport for use as fill dirt. By state law passed this year, Duke must close all its coal ash pits by 2029. But how all that ash will be disposed of, where it will go, and who will pay the bill is still being ironed out.
Counting Riverbend and the other three high risk NC sites, Duke has 15 million tons of ash in storage. Statewide, that figure is 152 million tons. Duke has hired a firm with previous coal ash handling experience, Charah Inc., to move and store the ash. “We think these excavation plans go beyond the specific information requested by the state, demonstrating our commitment to closing ash basins in a way that continues to protect the environment, minimizes the impact to neighboring communities and complies with North Carolina’s new coal ash management policies,” explained John Elnitsky, Duke Energy’s senior vice president of ash basin strategy. “We are prepared to proceed as soon as we have the necessary approvals from the state.”
One of the photos shows Sister Mary O’Connor surrounded by Union soldiers on the steps of Douglas Hospital in Washington, D.C. O’Connor worked herself literally to death helping wounded and sick troops. She died on July 16, 1864 and was given a posthumous honorary promotion to the rank of Major. The exhibit is still a work in progress and is expected to open to the public in January at a date to be announced. It will be in place for six months to a year. In a sense, and as the exhibit shows, the Sisters of Mercy brought modern medical techniques such as attention to cleanliness to Civil War battlefields where practices had not advanced much from the Middle Ages. “They were trained medical professionals,” said Mercy Heritage Center archivist Grant Gerlich. “People don’t realize the role they played.”
Wednesday, November 26, 2014 Sister Paula Diann is one of the Mercy Heritage Center staff that helped create the exhibit. When it opens she plans to dress as a Civil War era Sister of Mercy, take her place near the tent, and portray one of the Sisters that came to North Carolina from New York and served in the military hospitals in New Bern and Beaufort. “The Sisters of Mercy served in a wide variety of places in the Civil War,” Diann said. “In Arkansas they watched the Battle of Pea Ridge and after it was over went to the field to help. After the Battle of Shiloh, they got on steamboats and went down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to that place as well.” It’s estimated that of the 600 or so Catholic nuns that served as nurses during the Civil War, 100 were Sisters of Mercy, an order that was formed in Ireland in 1831 by Sister Catherine McAuley. In addition to the upcoming Civil War exhibit, the Mercy Heritage Center is an
informational headquarters for any and all things related to the Sisters of Mercy. “The Heritage Center is the central repository for the collections of the Sisters of Mercy of the America’s from throughout the country,” Gerlich said. “It is a museum that chronicles the history of the Sisters of Mercy in the United States from 1843 to present.” Sisters of Mercy materials being collected in the Heritage Center are an eclectic blend. Items date back to the mid-19th century up to more modern times and include books, meeting minutes, photos, artwork, furniture, manuscripts, lectures, and much more. One of the more interesting items in the collection are the original 1863 hand written notes of a Sister of Mercy penned serving as a nurse during the Civil War siege of Vicksburg. For more information on the Mercy Heritage Center or to set up a tour, call Gerlich at 704-755-2085.
“Holidays Without Hunger” This holiday season, Food Lion is partnering with customers in its more than 1,100 stores, Nov. 19 – Dec. 23, to help solve hunger through its Food Lion Feeds "Holidays Without Hunger" campaign. Stores in Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, and Cramerton will be participating.
VANNI From page 1 “I would pick them up cheap and sell them,” he said. The favorite of his 55 vehicle collection was an ultra rare 1941 Graham Hollywood. By and by, Vanni got the urge to build a military vehicle replica and decided on an armored staff car. He gathered surplus and salvage parts, and made much of the body himself out of 1/4-inch metal plate. “It took me three months to build,” Vanni said. “I didn't even mow the lawn.” Vanni went all out and Photo by Alan Hodge equipped the car with all the This military vehicle was built by Ray Vanni using parts he salvaged and stuff it would have had on board in a war zone including others he made by hand. Vanni equipped it exactly as it would have been guns, grenades, rations, and used in the field. more. More recently, Vanni has created his impression of “That's something people never see,” he said. a 1990s Cold War Military Police tactical sedan using a Another interesting military vehicle Vanni once owned 2004 Chevy Impala as a base. Painted in military green, was a Volkswagen pickup truck built for American and this unique ride is equipped with a rifle and dashboard rack British forces at the German VW plant at the end of WWII. holding a half dozen or so inert hand grenades. “They only made about 50 of them,” he said. “Mine was “It gets plenty of attention,” Vanni said. the last one in the world. When I decided to sell it I put it Right now, Vanni is in the process of building another on Western New York Craigslist and within 20 minutes a military vehicle, but the completion of that project is still millionaire in the Caribbean bought it.” several months off. Stay tuned for details when its done.
Through the campaign, customers can purchase and donate a specially-marked "Holidays Without Hunger" food box for $5, while supplies last, or make a cash donation at checkout. One hundred percent of cash donations benefit Feeding America®, the largest domestic hunger relief charity, and its network of local food banks. Through Food Lion Feeds, Food Lion is working to create a better tomorrow by uniting with customers
and partners to help eliminate the difficult choices many families are forced to make when they are struggling with hunger. Food Lion Feeds has already donated approximately 40 million meals* through in-store campaigns, like "Holidays Without Hunger," its food donation program and local donations and volunteerism. To learn more about Food Lion Feeds or the "Holidays Without Hunger" campaign, please visit www.foodlion. com/feeds.
Photo by Alan Hodge
Nichols Store #1 at the corner of S. Main and Central Ave. in Belmont has an angel tree, donation jar, and food receptacle for the Belmont Community Organization that will be up until the second week in December. Manager Karla Laws (pictured) says the collection jar has already sent $272 to the BCO. Folks can also bring in an unwrapped gift that will be forwarded to the BCO.
Belmont tree lighting Thanksgiving Run is 4th annual run for BCO Belmont will have its official Christmas tree lighting on Monday, Dec. 1, at 5:30 p.m. in front of City Hall. Mayor Charlie Martin will light the official City of Belmont tree following a short program. The Chamber Choir from Lutheran Church of the Holy Comforter in Belmont will sing, and Elizabeth Atterberry will provide a devotional. Keep Belmont Beautiful will provide refreshments. The Montcross Chamber coordinates the short ceremony for the City of Belmont. “The tree lighting is a Belmont tradition and a very special way to begin the Christmas celebration,” said Chamber President Ted Hall. “The opportunity for neighbors to stand together and sing carols around a Christmas tree on a brisk December evening is why people love living in a small town like Belmont. I hope lots of residents will come out for the program this year.”
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The 4th annual “Run for the BCO” starts at 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27 at Walk and Run Belmont. This annual event raises money for the Belmont Community Organization relief agency. The BCO is a local non profit organization that helps the community with food, clothing, household goods, and if funds are available, with bills. It is supported by donations from individuals and local business. “This super day is open to any and all,” said organizer Chad Nelson. “Please bring your kids, your family, your dogs, etc. This invitation is also open on Facebook, so please forward the invite to your friends and family.
"This year, Plan.It.Design/Kine's Family has graciously donated medals for Children and 'first time finishers.' This year as always, we're planning some fun drawings, raffles, etc with our sponsors for some really exciting stuff.” There is no up front registration. Donations and waivers are available at Walk and Run in advance or on Facebook page and will be handled
Thursday morning. Your registration is a donation in any amount you choose. Checks strongly preferred. Over 500 attended last year. Walkers start at 8:15am, Runners start at 8:30am. Participants will follow the "Girls On The Run" course same as last year. Start/Finish at Walk and Run Belmont. “In three years the event has raised nearly $20,000 all going directly to the BCO,” said Nelson. For sponsorship or volunteer opportunities call 704-591-4020 or email CHADNELSON25@HOTMAIL.com or stop by Walk and Run Belmont.
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South Point upends undefeated Concord By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com
The last time the Red Raiders and Concord Spiders lined up against each other it was a tough game. A highly touted South Point team traveled to Concord with high hopes. They were sent home with a stinging 21-13 loss. Fast forward a year and South Point returned the favor. This time around the undefeated Spiders were sent packing by a Red Raider squad that has found new life. In a physical match up, South Point beat Concord 37-21. This game may go down as one of the best performances a Red Raider football team has ever put together. Once the dust settled head coach Mickey Lineberger liked the results. “This was by far the best game we played all year,” Lineberger said. “We played well on offense, defense and the kicking game.” To get ready to face the Spiders, the Red Raider coaching staff had to get the players focused on a daunting task. The Red Raiders needed to take down the undefeated Spiders on their home field. It would not be an easy challenge. The results showed the players took the coaches words to prep to heart. “Our coaches did a good job prepping the team,” Lineberger added. “Our players were physical. We played with more intensity and effort than any game this year.” Things pretty much went South Point’s way right from the start. The Red Raiders had jumped out to a 14-0 lead before Concord got on the board. Against the Spiders, the South Point offense did what they did best. They ran the
ball. The Red Raiders generated 428 yards with a pound the ball mentality. Senior QB Jaquan Brooks slashed Concord for 256 yards on 13 carries. He also had three trips to the end zone. Fullback Ryland Etherton did the inside pounding for the Red Raiders. He had 112 yards and a touchdown. Tanner Muse had 40 yards and a score to round out South Point’s top performers. Without a doubt the Concord game was a shining moment for Big Red’s defense. The defense picked off one pass and scooped up a fumble. In a play that summed up the defenses performance freshman Phillip Davis nailed Concord superstar running back, Rocky Reid in the Spider’s end zone for a safety. South Point’s top tackler was Mike Hayes. The junior linebacker had ten stops. Tanner Muse was not far behind Hayes. Muse ended the game with eight tackles. Coach Lineberger had a lot to be grateful for but he also has a lot of respect for the Spiders. “Concord is a fine team,” Lineberger said. “It took our best effort.” With the win against Concord South Point gets to come home to face East Rowan. Coach Lineberger is already getting big red ready for this one. “Our best is yet to come.” Lineberger added. BOX SCORE South Point Red Raiders 37 Concord Spiders 21 1 2 3 4 FINAL South Point 7 14 14 2 — 37 Concord 0 7 7 7 — 21
Gaston College Fall Adult GED 2014 grads
The Miss Mount Holly Scholarship Pageant is being held on Saturday, January 24 at 7pm at Stuart Cramer High School. The reigning Miss Mount Holly is Jasmine Isaac, Miss Mount Holly's Outstanding Teen is Kaelyn Embler. Mount Holly's Outstanding Teen Pageant will be held January 24 at 2pm at Stuart Cramer High School. This pageant is open to girls 0 years to 13 years of age. Contributed Photo
Gaston College has announced that over 120 students received an adult high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED®) certificate during commencement ceremonies in the Myers Center Multipurpose Auditorium, Dallas Campus. Adult High School Diploma Cramerton– Amanda Dawn Chittum; Lowell– Tammy Darlene Eller-Hale, Mt. Holly– Dustin Tyler Frasure, Megan Nicole Threatt. General Education Development (GED®) Belmont– Robert A. Harris, Crista Marie Kang, Amy Loftin; Cramerton– Elizabeth P. Rick; Lowell– Christopher Shane Pickelsimer; McAdenville– Elizabeth Harley Bumgardner; Mt. Holly– Amber N. Burris, Whitney Danielle Hyde, Matthew Lane Jernigan, Shawnna Lea Robinson. Stanley– Connie Holder Beatty, Alicia Borjas, Sierra Michelle Bradley, Christy Leann Carver, Timothy Matthew Davis, Justin Lee Haney, Trista Biddle Ritchie, Crystal Elaine Treadaway, Jessica Lynn Walker.
BannerNews Published every Wednesday Periodicals postage at Belmont, NC 28012 USPS 049-700 by CF Media Postmaster, send address changes to: P. O. Box 769, Kings Mountain NC 28086 Phone (704) 825-0580 • Fax (704) 825-0894 Office:128-C N. Main St. • Belmont, NC 28012
South Point players pull down a Concord runner during Friday’s playoff game.
South Point quarterback Jaquan Brooks carries the ball for another gain in the game against Concord. Photos by Lydia Julen
Concord defenders are seen chasing South Point quarterback Jaquan Brooks during Friday’s game.
Gaston County Parks and Recreation holiday events The Gaston County Parks and Recreation Department has scheduled a number of holiday happenings. For more information these events contact Gaston County Parks & Recreation at 704-922-2160 or visit the County’s website at www. gastongov.com. If you will require an accommodation it is requested that you contact the office at least 5 days before the event. Gaston County Parks and Recreation will be showing the movie “Arthur Christmas” at the Citizen’s Resource Center on Dec. 13, 5pm. Hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn, pizza and coffee will be served. There will also be having a kid’s craft area. Cost is free. Bring a sleeping bag or blankets and enjoy the movie. Dec. 19 from 6pm -9pm the Gaston County Senior Center will be hosting its monthly Open Mic Night, so come and share whatever you can do on the mic with your Santa hat and Christmas attire.
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Sing, play an instrument, act, comedy, etc. The Gaston County Senior Center will be hosting its monthly senior bingo night on Dec. 8. There will be lots of bingo fun, hot soup, and prizes to be had at this great free night. The Gaston County Se-
nior Center will be hosting its monthly senior dance (age 55 and up) on Dec. 12, at 7pm. The Country Bucks will be providing the musical entertainment. The cost is $4.00 per person, there will be no couple’s discount.
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■ MEDITATIONS Have you heard a person say, “I am trying to find myself” and wonder what does that mean and where are they looking? I believe when we are “trying to find ourselves” what we are really searching for is meaning and purpose in our life. Where do we find this meaning and purpose? Often in their search the person will go through various jobs, relationships, entertainment and pleasure in a pursuit to discover their true self. In many cases after their intense searching they only discover there is still a void in their quest for meaning. So, where do we find our purpose and meaning in life? In order to find ourselves we must first lose ourselves. “He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39 NASB. We feel this void because we were created to be in relationship, but relationships are not authentic until we are restored in relationship with our Creator through Jesus Christ. Finding ourselves begin with submitting to Christ and following Him as a disciple. I discovered when I tried to hang on to my own will and desires I was never fully content and whole. It was not until I let loose of my self-centered desires and accepted God’s will for my life I soon discovered life and total fulfillment. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creature; the old things
■ OBITUARIES passed away; behold, new things have come.” II Corinthians 5:17 NASB. Paul writes that we are a “new creation.” God does not make us over with stale and used parts. God always does a new thing, fresh and unique. Rev. Angela Pleasants The part of us First United Methodist that relied upon Church, Mount Holly our own self-will has passed away and the new has come. We live and see things differently because we now live in Christ and see through His heart of love. As a result we are driven by His purpose for our lives. If you are searching for meaning and purpose in life it is no further than fully submitting to Jesus. As a result He will guide you into your divine purpose. “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 138:8 ESV.
Letter to Editor: I’m thankful for my many blessings By Lisa Harper
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good!” - Psalm 100:4 As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, when people focus on food, football, eating and shopping (especially shopping), when the news is full of articles about Black Friday and all the marvelous sales going on, when many people plan on getting up at 3 a.m. to (cough) stampede the mall, I’d like to offer my gratitude to God for the blessings in my life. I won’t have another opportunity before Thanksgiving Day to publicly state my appreciation, so here’s my list: I'm thankful for my Savior. I’m thankful for my parents, whose excellent parenting skills gave me the security I needed to make good choices in life. The short- and long-term repercussions of good choices cannot be overemphasized. It affects nearly every aspect of life: spouse, health, happiness, attitude, you name it. My husband and I are passing that legacy of good choices on to our son. And so it goes. I’m thankful for our son Cameron. He is mature, levelheaded, funny and full of common sense. I can look forward to his teen years (now that they are here). He also reminds me of yet another blessing...becoming a Mother at 35...he truly was a gift from above. I’m thankful for my health, and that of my family; really thankful. I’m thankful to live in an era of modern medicine. If I had lived a hundred years ago, I would be orphaned, widowed and bereft of one child by now. I am grateful for the availability of many entities that have come together over the last few years during my unemployment. I have been able to keep the important
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
medical exams current. I’m thankful for the job I have; even though it is stressful given the hours, it is a job that brings a bi-weekly paycheck.. and for that I am eternally grateful ... considering the times I have remained out of work. Given that, I have not gone without food or shelter during bleak times. I’m thankful for my church and especially our pastor, who has encouraged our spiritual growth in endless ways. Could I imagine life without the saving grace of my faith? Not a chance. I’m thankful for the abundance of resources in this country. Flick a switch, lights come on. Push a handle, I get clean running water. Along the same lines, I’m thankful for modern conveniences. Computers, cars, electricity, telephones, the Internet … remember what life was like without these things? I’m thankful to live in this country. Yes, we have problems, big ones. But because we have a legacy of liberty and freedom unprecedented in the annals of history, we’ll keep fighting to keep that freedom. I’m thankful for the soldiers as well as ordinary Americans who are fighting too. I’m thankful for all the hardworking blue-collar workers who constitute the backbone of this nation, and whose combined efforts make our lives a zillion times easier. I’m thankful for our wonderful friends and neighbors, who share our beliefs in independence, Second Amendment rights, self-sufficiency and distrust of government. I’m thankful for our pets. We’ve had our ups and downs this year with our furry friends, but I can’t imagine life without something four-legged in the house. And overall, pets bring such sunshine and joy to life,
don’t they? They also lower blood pressure. I’m thankful that our home was a cheap fixer-upper. When we bought it 19 years ago, we were careful to stay within a tight budget because we knew we couldn’t afford a massive mortgage. I’m doubly thankful we had the foresight to be stingy… what was going to be a ‘starter home’ has probably turned into a ‘nest egg’ for where we’ll grow old and gray. I’m thankful we’re not rich. I know that sounds strange, but it’s true. Our lean years have taught us unbelievable thrift. We don’t have to adjust to the dire economy – we already have. Our harsh years of frugality have allowed us the skills to hunker down and prepare for what I think will be a massive financial storm ahead. I’m thankful that people are starting to awaken from the apathy that has seized our country for the last few decades. We’re beginning to realize the government is not our friend, and maybe it’s better to look to ourselves to solve problems instead of expecting the government to do it for us. I’m thankful for the many friends I have…and there are lots of them…too many to list…but they know who they are. There is always one of them just a phone call away when I need a shoulder to lean on. Last and by no means least, I’m thankful for my husband. This man has stood by me through thick and thin, failure and success, good times and bad. How things have changed since we said “I Do’ to each another… but I wouldn’t change any of it even if I could…Life lessons come to all of us and it is up to us individually to make choices and decisions so that we can ultimately weave our way down a brighter path to the next day. This Thanksgiving I will count my many blessings because they are indeed bountiful.
Evelyn Collette Deal Blackburn Shepherd Charlotte- Evelyn Collette Deal Blackburn Shepherd of Charlotte, NC , passed a w a y peacefully on November 18, 2014 at White O a k Manor. She was born on July 3, 1931 in Belmont, NC to Catherine Gossett and Oscar Deal. Collette was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eli Shepherd; daughter, Kathy Abernathy; brothers, Don and Pete Deal; and sister, Lois Swinson. Collette was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She will forever be in our hearts. She was passionate about all things Elvis, including a room in her home enshrined with 50 years of Elvis mementos. She loved going to see her favorite Elvis impersonator, Rick Alviti, who lovingly referred to her as “Wild Woman”. Collette is survived by her daughters, Vicky Maynor and husband, Randall and Dusty McCorkle and husband, Homer; grandchildren, Candy Thomas (Ed), Shea Turman, Amber Carpenter (Scott), Brian Abernathy (Mandy), Stacey Richardson (Randal); seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. The family received friends at McEwen Funeral Services, 5716
Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, November 22, from 11:30-1:00. A funeral service followed in the chapel at 1:00 p.m. with interment in Sharon Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s, Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte region. The family would like to express sincere gratitude and thanks to Hospice and the staff at White Oak Manor. Condolences may be left at www. mcewenfs.com.
McEwen
Funeral Services Betty Cavender Robinson Belmont – Betty Cavender Robinson, 80, passed a w a y peacefully on November 22, 2014. S h e was born in Lowell, North Carolina on January 6, 1934 to the late Loy J. and Pearl Weathers Cavender. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter; Kim Andrea Griggs; sister, Margaret C. Helms and special nephew, Tony Helms Betty was a born again Christian, and member of South Point Baptist Church, Belmont. She was also a member of the Belmont Historical Society. Betty was A Prayer Warrior…A faithful wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family and friends dearly. She worked at Ivey’s,
Dillard’s and Belk Department Stores in Charlotte and Greenville, SC as an Elizabeth Arden Consultant, but most of all she was a loving homemaker and a devoted military wife and mother. Survivors include her husband David A. Robinson, son, David Robinson II and granddaughter, Madison “Maddie” Robinson of Myrtle Beach, SC; Sister, Patsy C. Ward and husband David of Gastonia; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and wonderful friends and prayer partners. A Service of Victory in Jesus was held at 2:00pm, Tuesday, November 25th at South Point Baptist Church with Dr. Jimmy Hilton and Reverend Flay Allen officiating. The family received friends from 12:30 until 1:45pm Tuesday at the church prior to the service. Interment followed at Greenwood Cemetery, Belmont, North Carolina In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to South Point Baptist Church, 124 Horsley Avenue, Belmont, NC 28012 or Belmont Historical Society, 40 Catawba Street, Belmont, NC 28012 Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com. Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Rd Gastonia, 704-8645144 is serving the Family.
Withers~Whisnant Funeral Home and Creamation Service
These members of the Gaston County Senior Adult Nutrition program at Burge Memorial Church in Mount Holly recently took time from their other fun activities to put together this jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle contains 2,000 pieces. From left; Carol Ingram, program director Jennifer Stowe, Mildred Seay, Donald Huffstetler, Robert Brooks, Joyce Loftin, Nancy Sawyer. Photo by Alan Hodge
Fellowship & Faith
Church Service Directory MT. HOLLY Bethel Baptist Church NC Highway 273 704-827-9846 Burge Memorial Methodist Church 312 W. Glendale Ave. 704-827-2726 Catawba Heights Church of God 122 Tomberlin Rd. 704-827-4225 Cbc-Memorial Apostolic 230 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-0968 Chapel Baptist Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-5526
Goshen Free Will Baptist Church 1300 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-3076 Grace Baptist Church 300 Westland Farm Rd. 704-827-8600 Harvest Time Church of God 707 Westland Farm Rd. 704-822-8033 Hickory Grove Baptist Church 3717 Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-3939 Jehovah’s Witnesses 1736 Kelly Rd. 704-263-0199
Community Christian Fellow-
Lighthouse Full Gospel Church 530 N. Hawthorne St. 704-827-1442
ship 2560 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-5881
Living Witness Ministries 541 Costner St. 704-827-0004
Covenant United Methodist 110 Underwood Dr. 704-820-0603
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 110 S. Main St. 704-827-4751
Family Worship Center 1013 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-7656 First Baptist Church-Mt. Holly 300 S. Main St. 704-827-2481 First Free Will Baptist Church 841 Noles Dr. 704-827-7461 First Presbyterian Church 133 S. Main St. 704-827-0521 First United Methodist Church 140 N. Main St. 704-827-4855
Macedonia Baptist Church 1951 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-9224 Mt. Holly Church of God 208 Rankin Ave. 704-827-8596 Mt. Holly Noles Baptist Church Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-2013 Mt. Holly Pentecostal Holiness 406 Scott St. 704-827-8201
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 339 S. Hawthorne St. 704-827-4320 New Covenant United Methodist 14514 Lucian Riverbend Hwy. 704-827-4468 New Providence Baptist Church 1104 Old NC 27 Hwy. 704-827-0822
Featured Church of the Week
North Main Baptist Church 1304 N. Main St. 704-827-6141
St. Anthony of Padua
Restoration & Deliverance 804 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-820-0954
Shiloh Ame Zion Methodist 1117 Old NC Hwy 27 704-827-8826
Tuckaseegee Baptist Church 511 Tuckaseege Rd. 704-827-4301
Revival Tabernacle of Mt. Holly 826 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-2999
Springfield Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-820-0193
Way of the Cross Baptist
Ridgeview Baptist Church 105 Pine Rd. 704-827-3856
St. Anthony of Padua Tradi-
Second Baptist Church 740 Rankin Ave. 704-827-5181
Church 238 Lanier Ave. 704-827-8111
tional Catholic Church 108 Horseshoe Bend Beach Rd. 704-827-8676
Wesley Chapel Holiness Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-1993
St. Paul FHB Church 1529 Old Hwy 27 Rd. 704-827-5851
Westview Presbyterian Church 1020 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-2026
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Page 5
Gaston College Offers New Healthcare Business Informatics Program Gaston College is now offering a program in Healthcare Business Informatics to prepare students for employment as specialists in installation, data management, data archiving/retrieval, system design and support, and computer training for medical information systems. Michelle Byrd, Dean of Business and information Technology, says, “An informatics professional must combine technical knowledge of an industry with knowledge of information systems. For example, in our particular program, Healthcare Business Informatics, not only will the student understand computer information systems and technology, but will also
be able to advise health care organizations how to best manage patient data.” Healthcare informatics techniques use information technology to organize and analyze health records in ways that lead to improved healthcare outcomes. Through the program at Gaston College, students will learn about the field through multidisciplinary coursework that includes the study of terminology related to informatics, systems analysis, networking technology, computer/network security, data warehousing, archiving and retrieval of information, and healthcare computer infrastructure support.
Graduates of the 70-credit hour program should qualify for employment as database/data warehouse analysts, technical support professionals, informatics technology professionals, systems analysts, networking and security technicians, and computer maintenance professionals in the healthcare industry. Register now for the spring 2015 semester online at www.gaston.edu or in-person at the Dallas, Lincoln or Kimbrell campuses. For more information on the Healthcare Business Informatics Program, contact Michelle Byrd at 704.922.6262 or byrd. michelle@gaston.edu.
■ POLICE
Two people arrested Drug arrest in vehicle break-in, theft of credit card Two people from Stanley were arrested last week in connection with a vehicle break-in and using a stolen credit from the break-in. Sheriff’s Detective Greg Hager charged Jordan Alexander Steele, 23, 6913 Rolling Hills Lane, and Nicholas Ryan Callahan, 24, 6865 Rolling Hills Lane with breaking into a vehicle on November 6 in the 7900 block of Woodhill Cove Lane, Denver, NC. The men are accused of stealing STEELE a wallet containing credit cards and US currency, a radar detector, and I-Phone charging cable belonging to J.D. Polinsky. The victim was notified by his bank that the cards had been used at several locations in the area including Walmart, Murphy’s and Wilco-Hess in Denver. An X-Box and games were purchased at Walmart while various purchases were made CALLAHAN at the two convenience stores. On November 13, Detective Hager was leaving the manager’s office at Murphy’s Express and noticed one of the two suspects that had made the fraudulent purchases at the counter. He called assistance from a patrol unit for the other suspect near the gas pumps. Both were taken into custody. Steele is charged with three felony counts of Obtaining Property by False Pretenses and one felony count of Possession of Stolen Goods. He is in the Lincoln County Detention Center under a $15,000 secured bond. Callahan is charged with one felony count each of Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle, Obtaining Property by False Pretenses, Possession of Stolen Goods, and Fraudulent Financial Card Transaction. He was released on a $25,000 secured bond.
On Monday, November 17, Triesa Jane White, 15420 Lucia River Bend Highway Stanley, was arrested by Officer Tyler Hart of the Lincolnton Police Department on warrants for allegedly Trafficking Opiate, Conspire to Traffick Opiate, PWIMSD Schedule III (hydrocodone) Controlled Substance, and Obtain Controlled Substance by Fraud or Forgery. White was given a $25,000 secured bond and placed in the Lincoln County Jail. White also has pending cases of PWIMSD Morphine and Sell / Deliver Morphine from charges filed in 2013. White has posted bond on all charges. The arrest was the result of a 9-month investigation into a group of several suspects making, forging, and passing fraudulent prescriptions for themselves and having them filled. The group would get trafficking amounts of opiate based prescription medication, such as hydrocodone. Several arrests have already been made in this investigation. These prior arrests include Ashley Nicole Hunt, Armod Rashad Hunt, and Barbara Jean Teague, who were arrested in September 2014. White is the latest suspect arrested in this case. The investigation is ongoing and it has yielded information on several other suspects. Further arrests are expected in this case. Area doctors’ offices and pharmacies have assisted and cooperated with the Lincolnton Police Department in this investigation. The investigation covered the counties of Lincoln, Gaston, and Catawba. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration has also assisted in the investigation. The case is being investigated by Sgt. Dennis Harris of the Lincolnton Police Department. If anyone has any information concerning this specific case or any other narcotics or criminal case, please contact the Lincolnton Police Department at 704-736-8900 or contact Lincolnton-Lincoln County CrimeStoppers at 704-736-8909. A call made to CrimeStoppers can be made anonymously and can be eligible for up to $1,000.00 award if the tip leads to an arrest in the case.
Students Ms. Geneia McCorkle (standing) and Ms. Sarah Schieicher (sitting) work on installing data management storage learning state-of-the-art skills in the new Healthcare Business Informatics program at Gaston College. The program combines healthcare and information technology to support the medical field. Contributed photo
Belmont Wells Fargo robbed The Belmont Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred Monday afternoon at the Wells Fargo located at 635 Park St. Belmont. At 4:34 PM, Belmont officers responded to a report of a robbery after receiving a “Hold up Alarm” notification from the Wells Fargo Alarm Company. After receiving the notification BPD communicators dispatched officers to the scene and made contact with the bank. Upon arrival at Wells Fargo, Belmont officers set up a security perimeter. Soon after setting up the perimeter officers made contact with the bank employees. Officers were able to confirm that a robbery had indeed occurred. No injuries were reported. No weapon was seen. Employees and bank customers detailed the following description of the robber: Black Male; 6’4” and bearded; Black Shirt; Black Pants; Black Glasses. Witnesses said that the suspect left the bank and got into a white mini-van. It was reported that the van “may” have had South Carolina tags on it. The van left the Wells Fargo parking lot and proceeded toward I-85. Belmont PD is working the with Gaston County Police Department’s crime scene unit. Anyone with information about this robbery is urged to call the Belmont Police Department at 704-825-3792.
Traffic accident with fatality The Mount Holly Police Department responded to a onecar motor vehicle accident at approximately 1:53pm Monday near the 800 Block of W. Charlotte Ave. According to police, the vehicle had been traveling East on Charlotte Ave. when it left the right side of the roadway and went down an embankment, landing in a creek. Both occupants of the vehicle involved in the accident have died.They have been identified as: James Wesley Frazier, 94, Kate Ledford Frazier, 94. James Frazier was the driver of the vehicle. Mr. and Mrs. Frazier were married and lived in Mount Holly. Mount Holly Fire and Rescue and Community Volunteer Fire Department responded to the accident. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
Here’s My Card A handy reference for Belmont & Mount Holly area residents Why Should You Advertise in the Newspaper?
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Reach – Newspapers offer the broadest reach of any mass medium. • An average issue of a community newspaper reaches more adults than an average half-hour of prime-time television. • You can hit every household with direct mail, but is anyone paying attention? Research indicates anywhere from half to three-quarters of all direct mail goes straight to the trash, unopened and unread. But newspaper ads and circulars are sought out by consumers. Affordability – Newspaper advertising costs less per thousand readers than TV, direct mail and radio advertising. • Newspaper campaigns require no out-of-pocket costs for creative materials. We’ll even build your ad for free. • Newspaper campaigns can be tailored to any budget. Newspaper offers a variety of ad sizes to fit
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Flexibility & timeliness – Newspapers offer enormous flexibility in content, design, placement and frequency. • Plus, newspapers are a “rapid response” medium – you can refine your message or change your whole campaign as needed. • With newspaper advertising, you can easily schedule a campaign around your key selling cycle. Impact and effectiveness – Readers look for and forward to ads in newspapers, whereas they often resent advertising in other media. • Readers rely on newspapers for shopping information more than other media. • Regular weekly sections offer opportunities to target like-minded readers in an environment that supports your message. Occasional special publications reach even more like-minded readers.
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The Banner News is not responsible for errors in an advertisement if not corrected by the first week after the ad appears.
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Page 6
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Gaston Christian School students participate in mission project As a mission project, the Gaston Christian School high school costuming class made “pillowcase” dresses. Donations were collected at the fall drama production and the class toured Mary Jo’s to purchase fabric and supplies. Later this month the dresses will be delivered to an orphanage in Uganda. Gaston Christian School Photo
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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Page 7
■ SCHOOL
Kiser Elementary School media specialist Laura Long works with students to create a video book report. Long is using technology in the library to boost students’ interest in reading. GCS photo Mountain Island Lacrosse hosted their first Turkey Shoot Out Lacrosse tournament at Martha Rivers Park on Saturday, November 15. Belmont Middle School boys, WIll Jurchak, Kendall Karr, and Collin Owensby all scored goals in the tournament. Photo by Anne Jurchak
Belmont Christmas parade Belmont’s Christmas parade, Dec. 2 at 4pm, is shaping up to be another big one. According to Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce president Ted Hall more than a dozen professional floats already have been reserved by sponsors, and that more than 125 units are expected for this year’s parade. It will follow the traditional parade route along Main Street and Catawba Street. Those who are not able to be in Belmont on parade day, can get a good view of the parade as it turns from Main onto Catawba by watching the Chamber’s live webcam at www.MontcrossAreaChamber.com. The Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce coordinates the parade for the City of Belmont. Those wishing to enter units in the parade should do so by Nov. 21. Entry forms are available at the Chamber office in the Stowe Building at 100 N. Main Street, and online at www.MontcrossAreaChamber.com. The town’s official Christmas tree lighting event will be in front of City Hall on Dec. 1 at 5:30pm.
Belmont Abbey rolls out Success Hub Belmont Abbey College a private, non-profit, Catholic college, has recently announced the opening of the new Crusader Success Hub, an integrated student services center. The Hub’s cross-trained staff will serve class registration, financial aid, student accounts and Adult Degree Program needs through improved processes and technology from a new centralized location. In addition the admissions office will also relocate to the hub to serve prospective traditional and continuing education enrollment. The Hub is one of the key initiatives in realizing the college’s Affordable Private College Model. In April, Belmont Abbey announced their Affordable Private College Model as another bold step in a series to make private education more student-centered, affordable and accessible. The first step, a 33% tuition reduction in 2013, made Belmont Abbey College one of the most reasonably-priced private colleges in the country. The new model has the goal of operating the College on existing tuition revenues while focusing fundraising efforts on improving the student experience. Executive Director Julia Gunter will oversee all operations of the Hub in order to ensure that the administrative needs of our students are met. “The Hub is focused on caring for and serving our students,” said Gunter. “We’re looking forward to making our students happy with a more efficient and personal level of service. The Hub puts our service to students on par with the quality academics our students already receive.” The physical location has an online counterpart — TheHub.BAC.edu. The online Hub acts as a student portal and answers more than 200 frequently asked questions. In addition to the website, the Hub also operates a central phone number and email address all managed by the cross-trained staff. For more information, visit www.belmontabbeycollege. edu.
Gaston Christian School News...
Information Technology in a Global Society is a Gaston Christian School course where students can learn about real world applications. On November 12, Mr. Walls, ITGS instructor, and his students took a short trip to the flagpole in order to study a drone. Drones are used in several exciting ways, including taking videos and pictures from high altitudes. Brandon Farris, a student in ITGS, brought the drone to school and showed how it works. Wi-Fi was used to connect the drone to an iPad. Once Brandon Farris had a solid feel for the drone and its controller he showed others in the class how to operate this device including Trey Ballard. Gaston Christian School photo
FMC Lithium Corporation has given $40,000 to Gaston County Schools in support of the Gaston Regional Science and Engineering Fair. FMC representatives Larry Bumgardner, Sallie Hendrick and Rustin Sherrill presented the check to Superintendent W. Jeffrey Booker last week. Pictured with Mr. Booker are science curriculum facilitator Tammy Mims, assistant superintendent Bill Cook and Brent Boone, executive director of high school education. This year’s Gaston Regional Science and Engineering Fair is scheduled for Saturday, January 10 at the Schiele Museum. GCS Photo
Kiser Elementary School uses technology to boost interest in books When media specialist Laura Long arrived at Kiser Elementary School in Stanley last year, the library had only three computers. Today, it has 31 Chromebooks, which makes it possible for each student to use a laptop whenever a class visits the library. While the Chromebooks are very popular and take a central spot in the library, Long isn’t using them as a replacement for books. Instead, she’s using technology to inspire reading. Since last spring, Long has encourage the third-, fourthand fifth-grade students to write and produce “book commercials,” which are short video book reports recorded on iPad or iPhone and posted to the library blog for students and parents to view. The students love it, and so do their parents and teachers. Fourth grade teacher Tracie Jenkins said she received an email from a parent whose child was reading a book in order to make a video. “She had never seen her child this excited about school,” Jenkins said. “This project makes the students want to read and write. To see the ways it inspires them is very positive.” Long also has seen the difference. “The more the children are getting excited about making the videos, the circulation of books is up. The children are not only reading and talking about the books, but they are writing about them,” she said. The video-making process develops students’ literacy, writing, critical thinking, and computer skills – and even their public speaking ability – as they present their commercials in front of the camera. On the library website, Long created a Google form as an application to create a book commercial. Using the Chromebooks, the students type their own script for a 30-second commercial, which must include information about the main characters, setting and conflict of the story or describe the subject if it is a nonfiction book. After a student submits the application, Long works with them to edit the script and record the video. This year, the videos are getting an additional twist as Long is shooting them with the green screen app for iPad. This allows students to pick a virtual background related to their book. They record their video in front of a green curtain in the library, and the app makes it appear as though they are standing at the beach or in front of the New York City skyline. The process makes children think through concepts like a book’s plot and setting, and it is simply fun. “It has sparked their imagination and creativity. Plus, it’s sneaking in some literary elements,” Long said. Kiser principal James Ramere appreciates Long’s efforts in the library. “She’s wonderful and has brought a whole different instructional dynamic to the school,” said Ramere. “Education has to evolve to what society demands. Technologically literate students – that’s what we’re trying to create here.” School counselor Deana Ohman said the videos make a difference for children who may not otherwise participate in class. “You can see where the students just really shine. Once they are in front of a camera, we see another side of them,” she said. “Anything that gets them to read more, we support it 100 percent.”
Classified Ads Homes for Sale/Rent MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS MOUNTAIN-Prices starting at $100/week. Call 704-739-4417 or (evening) 704-739-1425. (tfn)
Land for Sale LOT FOR SALE - 2.75 acres at 110 Ezra Road in Kings Mountain. Reduced price $26,500 negotiable. Call 828-734-5321 or 828-550-1072. (11/19 & 26) LOTS IN GASTON, CLEVELAND, RUTHERFORD and CHEROKEE CO., some with water & septic. Credit no problem, owner will finance with low DP. Call Bryant Realty at 704-567-9836 or www.bryantrealty.org. (11/05,12,19 & 26)
Land for Sale NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE -- At the American Legion Storage Building, 215 N. Pink St., Cherryville, NC, 28021: Debra Wells,
Unit #26, Nov. 28, at 1 p.m. (11/19 & 26)
Wanted to Buy CASH ON THE SPOT! Will buy tools, riding lawn mowers or building full of merchandise, pictures or anything of value. Will also buy musical instruments. Call: 704-300-0827 or 704-300-7676. (11/26)
Holiday Classified Ad Deadline 12 PM Monday Dedicated Operation. Swing Transport seeks Drivers at Harrisburg & Salisbury facilities. No-Touch, Great Weekly Pay, BeneÀts! CDL-A, 2yrs Exp.: 855-979-4621
Legal EXECUTOR’S NOTICE Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Velsa Louise Morris West, AKA Velsa Morris West, deceased, late of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased, to exhibit them to the undersigned at 120 Midwood Lane, Belmont, NC 28012, on or before the 5th day of February, 2015, or this Notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons indebted to the Estate will please make immediate payment. This the 5th at day of November. Barry Dalton West, Executor of the ESTATE of Velsa Louise Morris West, AKA Velsa Morris West 120 Midwood Lane, Belmont, NC 28012 BN10586 (11/05,12,19&26, 2014)
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So thatThanksgiving our employees may celebrate theholiday Thanksgiving holiday with their families, the following office closings with their families, and early deadlines will be observed:
our office will be closed on FORThursday THE ISSUE DATE OF 3, 2014 &December Friday, Our office will be closed on November 27 & 28, 2014 November 27 & 28, 2014 and will re-open at 8am on December 1, 2014. and will re-open at 8• News a.m. ALL ADVERTISING (Classified & Display) Items & on Social Notes • Letters to the Editor Obituaries December 1, •2014
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Page 8
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Scenes from the McAdenville Christmas Parade 2014
Photos By Alan Hodge
Thanksgiving Meal
Upcoming We R Forgiven events
Prayer and discussion with Father John Hoover
Queen of Apostles Church, 503 N. Main St., Belmont, will be offering a Thanksgiving Day meal with all the trimmings on Thursday, Nov. 27 to anyone who finds themselves in need. The lunch will start at noon. Call the church office at 704-825-9600 for more information.
Local gospel group We R Forgiven will be performing at the following times and locations: Sunday November 30, 11am, Open Arms Ministries 1299 W Franklin, Gastonia free; Tuesday December 9, "A Country Kitchen Christmas", 112 E Main St Dallas free. Friday December 12, 5pm, Stanley Senior citizens Christmas dinner, 113 E College Street in Stanley free but SR residents must contact city hall for details 704.263.4779.
Father John Hoover, Catholic priest for 38 years and monk for 21 years, is inviting high school juniors and seniors and college students to meet with him on Sunday afternoons from 3-5 pm at his New Creation Monastery, 100 Madora St. Mount Holly, for discussions on life, morality, government, church, prayer, who we are as humans, and what we want to become. Hoover, moved to Mount Holly last June. He is a contemplative who prays in silent
meditation and reflects on life constantly. “I want you to ask hard questions as long as they are honest and sincere,” he said. “I ask you to listen respectively to what every other participant has to say. Look for the truth in it. I will respect you and am eager to meet you. I will not try to make you Catholic or anything else. Call Father John at 704-344-0934 for more information.
g n i v i g s k n a Happy Th from
210 Park Street Belmont, NC 28012
Happy Thanksgiving from the staff at BENSON Funeral & Cremation SERVICE
Black Friday Sale
Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at
C&C Scrap Iron & Metal, Inc. 1538 Bethlehem Rd. Kings Mountain, NC
Happy Thanksgiving! from Demetrio’s Pizzeria Restaurant
Through Saturday, November 29
from
Thanksgiving! from
914 G Moose St., Gastonia 704-824-7577 6928 Wilkinson Blvd., Bemont 704.825.0057
Happy Happy Thanksgiving Thanksgi ving from the Staff at
My Brother’s Bottle
until December 31, 2014
*
Happy Thanksgiving from
The Vintage Nest Home Décor & Gifts
& Hawkins Real Estate Group
113 W. Central Ave. Mt. Holly, NC 704-827-6126
Happy
Enjoy a 5% Discount*
Clippard’s Furniture
Happy Thanksgiving
125 W. Central Ave. Mt. Holly, NC
Gaston Floor Co.
Lowest Prices of the Year!
914 N. Main St. Stanley
Happy Thanksgiving from the staff of
www.the-vintage-nest.com
302 Catawba Street Belmont, NC
127 South Main St. Mount Holly 704-827-3355