INSIDE... Obituaries ................. 5 Police Report ............ 7 School News ............ 9 Classified Ads ........... 9 Sports ..................... 6
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Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton and McAdenville
Volume 79 • Issue 49 • Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Fond memories of winter and the holidays By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Louella Connor
Emma Hambrick
Cold weather is here and Christmas is just around the corner, but to many of the senior citizens who avail themselves of the Gaston County Adult Nutrition program at Burge Memorial UMC Church in Mount Holly, this time of year brings back fond memories of days gone by. Mount Holly resident Louella Connor may be 90 years old, but her eyes twinkle when she talks about winter and Christmas growing up on a farm near Lowesville. “When it got cold we heated the house with wood in the fireplace,” she said. “I chopped the wood and made a stack out of it on the porch. It didn’t seem too hard then, but it does now.” Connor’s bedroom was unheated. “I had a lot of covers on the bed,” she said. “I had to. The covers were quilts made by hand.” Cold weather meant that it was time to kill a hog. “After it was killed we put it in a big pot of boiling water to get the hair off,” she said. “We would clean him up and salt the meat. The ham was so good. We did this right before Christmas.” Connor recalled how her childhood Christmas mornings went. “We didn’t get any big presents,” she said. “We got a shoebox with peppermints or oranges and some raisins on a little twig. Once I got a little rag doll with a head made out of china.” Connor has fond memories of those days. “We didn’t have much money but we had everything we needed,” she said. “We enjoyed it. We were happy.” Emma Hambrick currently lives in Belmont and
celebrated her 83rd birthday on November 24. She was born in West Virginia but moved to Gaston County when she was a child. “I grew up in the Rex mill village in Ranlo,” she said .”We rented a mill house for 80 cents per room a week. It had a big gas heater in the middle of the floor and in the winter we would gather around it to stay warm. When it came time to go to bed, we piled on the quilts.” Even though she lived in a mill village, Hambrick says her stepfather carried out the traditional winter hog killing ritual. “We had a cow, too,” she said. Christmas for Hambrick and the other mill folk revolved around the company get together. “We always had a big party,” she said. “Fred Kirby would come and the mill owners would give us a ham.” Santa was not at the top of the list in Hambrick’s Christmas scheme of things. “We never did think too much about him,” she said. “We were glad to be warm and have enough to eat.” Rev. Alfred Woolbright will be 93 years old this coming January 9. He lives in Mount Holly but grew up near Abbeville, S.C. in a mill village. He and his dad both worked in the mill. “We had a big fireplace in the front of our house and a woodstove in the kitchen,” he said. “We finally got a kerosene heater. When winter came, I remember being comfortable.” Woolbright recalled one Christmas when his sister got a bike- that he later put to use. “I rode that bike 14 miles to Greenwood and rode it to town too,” he said. “One year I got a pair of boots.” Woolbright is currently writing his memoirs, and hopefully recalling winter and Christmas days decades and decades ago. See WINTER, page 2
Rev. Alfred Woolbright
Rev. Forney Spargo Photos by Alan Hodge
Two Belmont men share unique bond By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Tim Duncan - 1969 Tim Duncan - now
Cramerton town manager resigns By Alan Hodge
Sometimes life can take folks full circle, and in the case of Tim Duncan and David Teague of Belmont, their circle had incredible coincidence stamped all over it. Duncan and Teague, both 66 years old now, grew up in Belmont together during the 1960s. They attended South Point High. Then, in 1968, they were both drafted into the military and sent to Vietnam where they lost touch-each man enduring his own version of that conflict. Duncan was in the U.S. Army's 4th Div. where he served first as a machine gunner and then as a combat photographer. His home base and “beat” was Kon Tum Province in the central highlands of Vietnam. Duncan saw plenty of action, including saving a comrade from being crushed by a tank. "I would like guys to remember me as the one who got the tank to stop before it completely ran over SP4 Warren Garret, west of Polei Kleng,” Duncan said. “The tank driver and tank commander didn't see that Warren was laying in a prone position firing his M-60 when the tank started backing up. I was behind a nearby APC, bullets bouncing off the hull. I hollered to the tank commander, but he didn't hear me, so I took off running toward the front of the tank and accidentally smacked into another guy sprinting around the corner of the APC to find shelter from the small arms fire. It almost knocked See BOND, page 2
David Teague - 1969 David Teague - now
Christmas Town USA lights up
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After nearly a decade on the job, Cramerton’s town manager Michael Peoples has resigned to take a position with the City of Gastonia. He will be Gastonia’s new director of enterprise services and will be over several divisions including electric, solid waste, transit, fleet, garbage, and airport. Peoples will Michael Peoples replace Paul Jakubczak who took a job in Florida. Gastonia’s assistant city manager, Flip Bombadier, declared Peoples “creative, innovative, and efficient.” Peoples presented his resignation at a recent board of commissioners meeting. “The board of commissioners and I were saddened to hear of Michael’s resignation,” said Mayor Ronnie Worley. “Michael has been a tremendous asset to Cramerton over the past ten years. Michael will be sorely missed by me and our staff. His work ethic is unsurpassed. We wish him well on his future endeavors with Gastonia, our loss is truly their gain. This is a great opportunity for him and his family and we are glad he will remain a resident of Cramerton.” Peoples said he was sad to go, but looked back on his years in Cramerton with satisfaction. See TOWN MANAGER, page 2
These kids and hundreds of other folks were full of holiday cheer at McAdenville’s annual Christmas lights event Monday afternoon. See more photos on page 3A. Photo by Alan Hodge
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014
East Gaston High School students use vocational skills to help teacher Thanks to the kindness of two East Gaston High School students and the skills they have learned in their automotive service class, math teacher Marsha Michael was able to drive home from school instead of calling a tow truck. Seniors McKinley Puckett and Hunter Mitchem were walking through the parking lot at lunch time one day when they noticed Michael’s van had a flat tire. They decided they would try to fix it. Michael was teaching a class when Puckett and Mitchem knocked on the door, told her about the tire, and asked for her keys. irst, they got an air tank and tried to refill the tire, but found it had dry rot and the hole was too big to plug. So they went to the shop classroom, got a tire jack and replaced her tire with a spare. They returned Michael’s keys to her, and she was able to drive home safely that afternoon, without losing any class time. “I would have been in a bind,” Michael said. “It was a big blessing to me. They were very kind about it.” Puckett and Mitchem said they were just following through on what they learned in their automotive service class from teacher Shane Hawkins. “He tells us to help people,” Mitchem said, explaining that the auto service class frequently helps East Gaston students and staff by jumping dead batteries,
retrieving keys locked in cars or performing other minor repairs. “It helps us because it gives us something hands-on to do,” Puckett said. “We have a good auto tech program and a good teacher.” Mitchem agreed. “Using what we’ve learned to help others helps us learn more, too.” Hawkins, who teaches Puckett and Mitchem in the Automotive Service II course at East Gaston, said he is proud of the students. “They’re good students,” he said. “I promote community service as much as I can.” Hawkins teaches four levels of automotive service classes at East Gaston where he has been an instructor for three years in addition to teaching at Gaston College. Principal Cristi Bostic said, “The automotive service courses offered through our Career and Technical Education department are extremely popular with our students and are certainly an asset to our school. Mr. Hawkins does an excellent job of maintaining a high academic standard and preparing students to be competitive for positions in this career field post-graduation.” The automotive service classes at East Gaston High School are some of the many vocational courses offered through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, which has been part of the school since it opened in 1972. East Gaston cur-
GCS Photo
Marsha Michael, a math teacher at East Gaston High School, was able to drive home safely thanks to the help of two students in Shane Hawkins’ automotive service class. Seniors Hunter Mitchem (center left) and McKinley Puckett used the knowledge and skills learned in the school’s automotive program to fix a flat tire on Michael’s van. rently has 587 students enrolled in CTE classes, including 40 in automotive courses. Other CTE classes offer training in business, health services, early childhood education, interior design, electrical trades, drafting and marketing. There are 13 CTE teachers at East Gaston – all with private
BOND
Contributed photo
The fourth annual 5k Run/Walk to benefit the Belmont Community Organization (BCO) raised thousands of dollars that was donated directly to the relief agency. Over 400 folks took part in the Thanksgiving Day event. In four years the 5K has raised around $35,000 for the BCO. Folks in photo from left: Sarah Schweers, Julie Seligman, Adrian Miller, Chad Nelson, John Kines.
TOWN MANAGER “I have thoroughly enjoyed my almost ten years in Cramerton and have accomplished great things in this community and have been able to work with and for some extraordinary people,” he said. “The town has an extremely bright future and is well positioned to continue improving. While I leave sad-heartened, I do so with the knowledge that I have completed many different projects here, inherited or hired qualified department heads that sincerely care for the citizens of Cramerton, and left this organization financially sound.” Peoples cited several projects he was involved with in Cramerton that he was especially proud of including creation of Two Rivers Utilities which transferred utilities to the City of Gastonia and resulted in a cost savings for Cramerton utilities customers while addressing long term wastewater needs for the City of Gastonia; creation of the Cra-
merton Fire Department and the services agreement with the Town of McAdenville for fire services; a $100 million tax base growth, over 400% fund balance growth; over $3,000,000 in various grants; creation of Goat Island Park; Stuart W. Cramer High School construction; Town Hall and Police Department Renovation Project and upgrades to all other town owned facilities; $6,000,000 wastewater treatment plant upgrade project; successful $5,000,000 renovation and reuse of Mayworth School into 40 senior apartments while maintaining the historical characteristics of the building, including the auditorium; police services agreement with the Town of McAdenville; Town Center improvement project; building successful relationships with surrounding municipalities, Gaston County, Montcross and Gaston Chambers of Commerce, State, and Federal officials; planning ap-
Div. as a court reporter and did that job until the day he seriously sliced one of his fingers while doing kitchen duty. “After that they gave me an M-16 rifle and I spent most of my time guarding the perimeter of the base.” Teague recalled some of the action he saw. “We were attacked a bunch of times,” he said. “We took a lot of rocket and mortar fire.” After his time in Vietnam was up, Teague also came home to Belmont- on December 15, 1969. Amazingly, both Duncan and Teague were at Charlotte airport and came home the exact same day, but didn't see each other. “We must have been on separate planes,” said Duncan. Teague recalled the days following his discharge. “People didn't recognize Vietnam vets,” he said. “So I joined American Legion Post 144 right away. I felt like they accepted me.” Teague would go on to serve as Post 144 commander for several years.
Years passed and though the pair saw each other from time to time, it never occurred to either one just what had happened that fateful December day in 1969. That is, until the recent Veterans Day dedication of the Fighting Yank statue in Stowe Park. “After the ceremony, David and I went across the street to Sammy's and had lunch,” Duncan said. “We were talking and found out we had both come home the exact same day. It was an incredible coincidence.” Now that they've re-discovered their unique bond, both men plan to stay in closer touch. “He's a pretty good guy,” both Duncan and Teague said of the other. There are probably a lot of veterans in our area that could reconnect and the American Legion is a good place to do it. The current Post 144 commander is Larry Robinette. He can be reached at 704-231-0015. To see some of the photos Duncan took in action go to www.1-14th.com.
from page 1 proval and construction of the Villages of South Fork on Wilkinson Boulevard and The Villages of Cramerton Mills. Peoples was raised in Iredell and Alexander counties. He received a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Western Carolina University in 1998. He went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from Appalachian State University. Prior to coming to Cramerton, he was the administrator in Grifton. He is a credentialed member of the International City and County Management Association.
WINTER
Photo by Steve Rankin
Hundreds of runners took part in the 2nd annual Christmas Town 5K on Saturday night. The participants got a preview of the Christmas lights and proceeds benefited the Pharr Family YMCA and McAdenville Women’s Club.
from page 1
“I’m about seventy percent through with the book,” he said. Finally, Rev. Forney Spargo of Stanley, who will be 98 years old in February, took a look back at his long long life and how he fared as a child during
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cold weather and Christmas. “We had a coal stove and a fireplace,” he said. “I had to chop wood and make kindling. When it was cold my mom made me bundle up before I could go outside. We had a cow
and I had to milk it even in the winter.” Christmas was a time for small but greatly appreciated gifts in Spargo’s home. “We would get fruit, nuts, and candy,” Spargo said. “Sometimes I would get a new pair of socks. No big gifts like
today.” No matter if they grew up on a farm or in a mill village, Connor, Hambrick, Woolbright, and Spargo all agreed that the simple life they experienced as kids is something they recall with a smile.
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knocked me out. But I got up and ran over to the tank, beating on the hatch and waving into the prism until he saw me and brought the tank to a halt. Most of the guys never saw it happen. The battalion journal says he was bumped by a tank and it broke his back.” Another time, Duncan helped carry three soldiers down a mountain who had been killed. One of the men received the Medal of Honor posthumously. Duncan survived his Vietnam experience and came back home to Belmont on December 15, 1969- hold that date in your mind. “On the drive home from Charlotte airport it was strange to see people walking on the sidewalk without a personal weapon,” Duncan said. “They were not worried about anything. I had just spent a year in a state of hypervigilance and didn't think I would ever see Belmont again.” While Duncan was in the Army, Teague had opted to join the Marines. In Vietnam, he was posted in Quang Tri with the 3rd
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Scenes from McAdenville
Page 3
■WEDDING
Elizabeth and Andrew Welker
Welker-Richards married Oct. 11
Photos Alan Hodge
Visit Christmas Town USA More than 600,000 visitors will travel through McAdenville this holiday season for a glimpse of the town's iconic light display. To help traffic flow smoother around Christmas Town, USA, the N.C. Department of Transportation is setting up message boards directing travelers into and around the town on Interstate 85. The McAdenville light display begins Monday, Dec. 1 and continues through Friday, Dec. 26. The lights will shine Monday through Friday
from 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 5:30-11 p.m. Message boards will be placed on I-85 informing motorists of the following: Drivers coming from Charlotte should use U.S. 74 (Wilkinson Blvd) into McAdenville; an alternate route is from I-85 South to exit 27 (N.C. 273) to U.S. 74. Motorists driving north on I-85 should use exit 22 (Lowell) into McAdenville; and the ramp from I-85 North to Exit 23 (N.C. 7) will be closed nightly during events.
Because of the large number of vehicles expected in the area, motorists traveling through the area are advised to slow down and expect delays during the holiday season. Traffic volume is typically heavier on Friday and Saturday evenings. Motorists can keep tabs on this year’s travel conditions with real-time travel information at any time by calling 511, visiting the NCDOT traffic website or following NCDOT on Twitter.
Tips on caring for fresh cut Christmas trees Over the next few weeks, North Carolina families will visit choose-and-cut farms, tree lots, farmers markets and shopping centers in search of the perfect fresh Christmas tree for their holiday decorations. It’s important to know how to care for the tree once you get it home. “For many families,
choosing the perfect Christmas tree is the start of their holidays, and giving your tree proper care will ensure it stays fresh throughout the season,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offers the following tips to care for fresh
Christmas trees: If you can’t set up your tree immediately, put it in a bucket of water in a cool, shady place. Cut off a half inch from the base of the tree before placing it in a stand. Use a stand that will hold at least a gallon of water. Check the water levels often. A tree may take up to
a gallon of water in the first 24 hours, and a quart per day after that. Place tree away from heat sources, such as heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators and sunny windows. Check lights and cords for broken bulbs and frayed wiring. Do not overload electrical circuits. Turn off lights before leaving home or going to bed. Remove tree from your home promptly after Christmas and recycle it. North Carolina is the second-largest producer of Christmas trees in the nation. Plenty of rain and recent cold temperatures have helped the 2014 crop be one of the best in recent years. To make the search for the perfect tree easier, the department offers an online directory at www.ncfarmfresh.com. Visitors can search by location to find Christmas trees near their home or close to where they might travel over the holidays.
Elizabeth Lee Richards and Andrew Thomas Welker were united in marriage on October 11, 2014 at five o’clock in the evening at First Presbyterian Church in Belmont, North Carolina. The Reverend Samuel Putnam Warner officiated. The ceremony was followed by a reception at 10 Catawba in downtown Belmont hosted by the bride’s parents. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Allen Richards of Charlotte, North Carolina and Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Lynn Stewart of Belmont. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Mary Jo Deese and the late Norman Turner Deese of Forest City, North Carolina, the late Reverend and Mrs. Joe Richards also of Forest City, Mrs. Cerita Fox Love of Charlotte, and Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Dale Nelson of Prospect Hill, North Carolina. Beth is a graduate of South Point High School and Central Caldwell Community College where she received an Associate degree in Culinary Arts. She will complete her degree in Nursing at Central Piedmont Community College in May. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Vinson Welker of Indian Trail, North Carolina. Andrew is the grandson of Mrs. Rita Ohman and the late Mr. Walfred Ohman of Indian Trail. He is a graduate of Providence High School and Appalachian State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. He is employed by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. The bride was escorted by her father, and given in marriage by her parents. She wore an ivory embellished lace gown with scalloped edging at the hem and a sweetheart neckline. She complemented the gown with an ivory fingertip length lace edged veil. She wore her late paternal grandmother’s sapphire ring, and carried a bouquet of mixed fall flowers that contained a silver dollar that was a gift to her from her late maternal grandfather. Sister of the bride, Miss Andrea Delois Smith of Indian Trail, was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were sisters of the bride, Mrs. Ashley Stewart Blanton of Belmont, Mrs. Sara Jayne Warren of Asheboro, North Carolina, sisters-in-law of the groom, Mrs. Stephanie Lynn Welker of Ooltewah, Tennessee and Mrs. Jessica Ann Welker of Woodstock, Georgia. Niece of the bride, Miss Kennedy Grace Blanton served as flower girl and nieces of the groom, Miss Breanna Leigh Welker and Miss Riley Faith Welker were junior bridesmaids. The groom’s father, Mr. James Vinson Welker served as best man. Groomsmen were brothers of the groom, Mr. Bryan James Welker of Ooltewah, Tennessee and Mr. Erik Jon Welker of Woodstock, Georgia, Mr. Kyle Graham Warren of Asheboro, North Carolina, Mr. David Ryan McCandless of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Nephews of the groom, Mr. Conner Bryan Welker and Mr. Carson Michael Welker served as junior groomsmen. A bridal shower was hosted by aunts of the bride Mrs. Rachel Talent, Mrs. Donna Stewart, Mrs. Karen Burgess and cousin of the bride, Miss Rebecca Stewart at her home. A shower was hosted by friends of the bride Diane Bradley and Sandy Crump at Jimmie’s in Mint Hill, NC. Maid of honor and sisters of the bride, Miss Andrea Smith and Mrs. Sara Jayne Warren hosted a shower for the bride at Herb n Garden in Asheboro, North Carolina. Wedding festivities began on Friday, October 10 with a wedding rehearsal dinner hosted by the groom’s parents at the home of the bride’s parents in Belmont. A bridal luncheon was hosted by the bride’s mother the morning of the wedding at William Henry Salon in Belmont. The couple honeymooned at Oak Island, North Carolina and now resides in Belmont.
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Opinions...
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Yours, Ours, Others
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Quote of the week
“Speak when you are angry and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret” Laurence J. Peter
The text said, “I love you” and it wasn’t from my wife A friend of mine’s sister became very sick. The disease came over her very quickly. My friend drove six hours to be with her. Calls were made to inquire about her condition. I was deeply concerned. The reports from the doctor were not good. Finally she sent a group text informing us of what was happening. The text said her sister was staying in the hospital overnight. There were further details about medical procedures. She had planned to stay at the hospital overnight because her sister was too weak to endure the one hour ride. She signed her name. Next came a text was from her husband which said, “I love you. Sleep good.” You can imagine my surprise. I knew what happened. He forgot he was in a group broadcast and replied to his wife forgetting he was replying to all of us. I didn’t know what to do. So, I replied with: “Thanks George. I love you too.” Silence. There was no response. I called his wife the next day and we had a good laugh. Being stoic isn’t being Godly, it’s being stoic. I was at a conference when the thrust of one workshop was, “Take your work seriously, not yourself se-
riously.” I’ve come to realize why people get that backwards and live their life accordingly. One might think that the only time people take themselves seriously is when they get angry. When they are mad, they have everyone’s attention. What they don’t realize is that it’s not that people take them seriously; it’s that people are afraid of the aftershocks of their verbal tirade. Now they are going to listen to every word that is uttered to avoid another verbal assault. Parents of young children believe that the only way to get their kids to listen is to yell at them. A parent will tell their child; 1) Johnny, put away the truck; nothing happens. 2) JOHNNY, put away the truck; nothing happens. 3) JOHNNY, put away the TRUCK; nothing happens. 4) JOHNNY, PUT away the TRUCK; nothing happens. The fifth time is yelled in staccato – “JOHNNY, THIS IS THE FIFTH TIME I’VE TOLD YOU TO PUT AWAY THE TRUCK. DO IT NOW.” He picks up his truck and puts it away. The parent believes that the only way his/her child is going to obey is to yell. In the child’s mind, the parent was only willing to take action when they hit that certain “pitch”. Every child knows that pitch. Until that point is reached,
the parent is only m a k ing idle threats (blowing smoke). The other reason people take Tony Marciano their work contributing writer seriously is that they define themselves by what they do. Ask any man to tell you about himself and he will immediately begin to tell you about his career. But, what happens if we get laid off or retire? Do we cease to exist? A deeper level is to define ourselves by the relationships we have; husband, wife, father, mother, sister, brother, son, daughter. An even deeper level is to define ourselves not by what we do or who we are but “whose” we are. As a Christian, I believe I belong to God. There is a Scripture verse that tells me “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.” So the next time you get a group text, just reply with “I love you. Sleep well”. See if your phone begins to light up. And then remember to laugh. Don’t take yourself so seriously.
Gaston County holiday events Gaston County Parks and Recreation 1303 Dallas – Cherryville Highway, Dallas, will be showing the movie “Arthur Christmas” December 13, 5pm. Hot chocolate, cookies, popcorn, pizza and coffee will be served. There will also be a kid’s craft area. Cost is free. So bring a sleeping bag or blankets and enjoy the movie. For more information on the Christmas Family Movie Night showing of “Arthur Christmas” please contact Gaston County Parks & Recreation at 704-922-2160 or visit the County’s website at www.gastongov. com. The Gaston County Senior Center will also be hosting its monthly senior bingo night on December 8, at 6pm for folks 55 and over. There will be lots of bingo fun, hot soup, and prizes to be had at this great free night. Gaston County Parks and Recreation and the Gaston County Historical Preservation Commission present the 7th Annual 1890’s Heritage Village Christmas, a celebration of what Christmas was like for the majority of Gaston County residents at the turn of the 20th Century. This free Christmas celebration will be held in the 1890’s Heritage Village at Dallas Park (1303 Dallas – Cherryville Highway, Dallas) on Saturday, December 13, from 3 pm–5 p.m. Visitors can enjoy Christmas as it may have been during the 1890’s and early 1900’s here in Gaston County. At this event, visitors will discover what the blacksmith did during the winter, what kinds of mill songs were popular then, what a typical farm/mill house looked like during Christmas, and sing Christmas carols in the Chapel. Hot cider, hot chocolate and cookies will be served from the house kitchen. There will be a holiday craft for the kids, and it just might be a white Christmas at the Heritage Village. December 12, the Gaston County Senior Center will invite all Senior Adults aged 55 and over to the first annual “Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.” Marty Vanderlip will provide the entertainment. Games and refreshments will be provided, and the ugliest sweater will win a prize. Come join us for an afternoon of fun and excitement. December 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– Sing, play an instrument, act, comedy, etc.
Getting around
Is it just me or is the traffic situation getting worse and worse by the minute? A few weeks ago we went to the Christmas show in the Queen City and sat in a conga line of cars that stretched to the far horizon. It took us over an hour and a half to move one and a half miles. Rather than sit in line like most others, some drivers tried to rush ahead and then bully their way in. This pushes every red button in my being. One “person” in a white Japanese hotrod put the nose of his rig at a 45 degree angle to my car and revved the engine over and over. Needless to say, my response to this obvious atAlan Hodge tempt at line breaking intimidation included a curse word followed by “no”. Another place in our area where traffic has become a nightmare is I-85. Once a quick way to get through Gaston County, I-85 eastbound in the morning and westbound in the afternoon also takes on the appearance of a slow motion parking lot. The intersection of N. Main and Wilkinson Blvd. in Belmont is also a bottleneck with folks focused on biscuits and burgers try to get in and out of the fast food parking lots not to mention around 3pm when school lets out. It is not uncommon to sit through three cycles of lights at that location. Things were not always this way. Once, public transportation was a viable way to move yourself. When I was a kid my mom rode a bus from Belmont to Charlotte and her job at Ivey’s Department store. There were also taxicabs in Belmont and Mount Holly that would take you just about anywhere you wanted to go. I always enjoyed riding in those cabs. It was like riding in a limousine and being rich for about 20 minutes and they had a scent inside of cig smoke and body sweat and engine oil and gasoline that was earthy and real. Even before the bus line and the cabs, folks in Belmont and Mount Holly could hop on one of the P&N electric trains and ride to Gastonia or Charlotte. They rode the trains to work in the mills and to shop in the city. It was a win-win but automobiles came along and the train went away and the number of cars grew times squared and gridlock slowly but surely set in. “Officials” are looking hard at ways to “improve” the traffic situation in our area. One bright idea is to reduce Wilkinson Blvd. down to four lanes and put flower beds and bicycle paths on the outer two lanes. In my humble opinion bikes are OK for in town, but to ride one on Wilkinson Blvd. would be very risky- not to mention in the increased congestion from two lanes being closed. Another group wants an electric shuttle bus to run between downtown Belmont and Belmont Abbey and maybe beyond. This is a pretty good idea but I wonder if enough people would use it to make the thing practical. Yet another idea is to revive the trolley and use it on the tracks where it once ran. The tracks have been refreshed and this might work but getting a real, workhorse, trolley and running it day in and day out might be expensive and maintenance intensive. Then we have that mode of transportation known as walking. In days past, folks actually walked to school and work and the store and church and where ever they needed to go. I walked to school rain or shine as a child and it was OK except on the coldest days. He or she who has not smashed glistening frozen mud puddles has missed out on some fun. Along those lines, an idea that has gained legs is that of having a dedicated walking path alongside the tracks between the Abbey and downtown Belmont- the Rail Trail. This would make a safer and smoother trek but, being someone who prizes their privacy, I have to sympathize with the folks where it would run behind their homes. What’s the answer to our local traffic congestion? Fewer cars and people. But that’s not going to happen. I think it’s going to take a combination of everything I have mentioned to even make a dent in the automotive logjam. But how much personal freedom people will be willing to give up and how many tax dollars it will take to float those schemes I have mentioned is the real question for which answers are desperately being sought.
SIDEWALK SURVEY
Q: Are you going to buy less, the same, or more gifts this year for Christmas?
We welcome your comments Send your Letter to the Editor to:
The Banner News PO BOX 589 Belmont NC 28012 or email: alan.banner.news@gmail.com Charles Whitley I’ll buy about the same
Matthew Haskett I’ll just buy a couple of gifts this year
Katie Bradley I have a two year old so I’ll be buying more
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Latoya Gibson I’ll buy about the same amount
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014
■ OBITUARIES
James Wesley Frazier and Kate Ledford Frazier Mount Holly- James Wesley Frazier and Kate Ledford Frazier, 105 Ridge Drive, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2014. They were longtime members of Centerview Baptist Church in Belmont. Mrs. Frazier was born in Swain County, NC. She worked in accounting in the textile profession. Mr. Frazier was born in Gaston County. He worked as a supervisor in the textile profession and in his later years worked at Jones Brothers Supermarket in Mount Holly and Food Lion in Mount Holly. He was a US Marine veteran of WWII and a recipient of the Purple Heart. He also served as an instructor during the Korean conflict. They are survived by three sons, Ronald B. Frazier and wife Pat of Mount Holly, James Kaye Frazier
and wife Jennifer of Dade City, Florida, and Michael Wesley Frazier of Mount Holly; one daughter, Sally Michelle Frazier of Mount Holly; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Mrs. Frazier is also survived by two brothers Bill Ledford of Dallas, NC and Garland Ledford of High Point, NC. Mr. Frazier is also survived by one brother, William E. Frazier and wife Jenny of North Belmont. A service to celebrate the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Frazier was held at 11am Friday November 28, at Centerview Baptist Church with Reverend Robbie Moore officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial followed in Gaston Memorial Park in Gastonia. Memorials may be made to Centerview Baptist Church 2300 Acme Road, Belmont 28012. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www.woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC served the family.
Page 5
First ■ MEDITATIONS Baptist Those who are my inspiration....St. Francis of Belmont Assisi, Sojourner Truth, Dr. George Washington nativity Carver and Reverend Billy Graham First Baptist Church of Belmont's Outdoor Living Nativity will take place on Sat, Dec. 13 and Sun, Dec. 14, 7:00-8:15, each. night, Admission is free. The church is located at 23 N. Central Ave. For more information call 704-8253758.
Meals on Wheels seeking volunteers The Gaston County Meals on Wheel program is in need of volunteers to deliver hot lunches to elderly folks unable to get out and about. Burge Memorial UMC in Mount Holly is one of the Meals on Wheels distribution points especially in need of volunteers, but other locations across the county need help too. To volunteer or for more information, call 704-862-7825.
St. Francis of Assisi, Sojourner Truth, Dr. George Washington Carver and Reverend Billy Graham are people who have been my inspiration. Their lives inspire me to a deeper faith and trust in God as well as maturing as an individual. Take a moment and think of someone who has inspired you. Jotham became king of Judah after his father, king Uzziah, died. Jotham was faithful and obeyed the Lord his God. “He did what was right in the Lord’s sight as his father Uzziah had done. In addition, he didn’t enter the Lord’s sanctuary, but the people still behaved corruptly.” II Chronicles 27:2 HCSB. When I read this verse I wondered why the people behaved in a corrupt manner when they had such a faithful leader. Why were they not inspired by Jotham and his leadership? It was not until I studied Second Kings that I received my answer. “In the second year of Israel’s King Pekah son of Remaliah, Jotham son of Uzziah beRev. Angela Pleasants came king of Judah. He did what was right in the First United Methodist Church, Lord’s sight just as his father Uzziah had done. Yet Mount Holly the high places were not taken away; the people continued sacrificing and burning incense on the high places.” II Kings 15:32, 34-35 HCSB. The pagan cultures would exalt high places to worship their gods. When the Israelites moved into the new land they were to destroy the high places lest they became tempted to worship the idol gods. Jotham failed to destroy the high places. Do you have any high places in your life that need to be destroyed? We may not have statues of Baal in our homes, but often we put other things before our worship of God. In many instances, these high places stem from our self-reliance and self-confidence. As a result, these things hinder our relationship with God. “We demolish arguments and every high minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:4b-5 HCSB. Once we discover those high places the only way to defeat them is through the power of God. It is through prayer and the truth of the gospel, we can live victoriously.
Holy Angels earns SHARP certificate Cherie Berry, NC Labor Commissioner visited Holy Angels November 19, to present the SHARP Certificate a safety recognition program sponsored by OSHA, along with the SHARP flag - that designates Holy Angels as a safe and healthy business for their employees. Holy Angels President/CEO, Regina Moody, commented, “This is a wonderful testament to Holy Angels and the Safety Action committee for their commitment to safety and health for not only our staff but for our residents as well. It also places before us the continued challenge to live up to what this award represents and indicates to our community, our county and our state. It challenges us to exceed our own standards and to continue to Be Smart, Be Sure, Be Safe and Be Sanitary each and every day.” Commissioner Berry emphasized the importance of compassion as she quoted, “If you want to make people happy....practice compassion. If you want to be happy..... practice compassion.” She remarked to staff and visitors present that the staff at Holy Angels through their care of the residents, practices compassion daily. She noted Holy Angels is a happy place. She stressed the importance of a caregiver to learn to take care of themselves. A most important aspect of a company is a good Safety and Health program that takes care of the caregivers. Commissioner Berry remarked that Holy Angels has a good Safety and Health program and has achieved this honor in recognition as recipient of the SHARP recertification. The on-site consultation program’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes small business employers who operate an exemplary injury and illness prevention program. Acceptance of Holy An-
Contributed Photo
Holy Angels CEO Regina Moody, NC Labor Commissioner, Cherie Berry, and members of the Holy Angels Safety Committee show off the new SHARP safety flag. gels into SHARP from OSHA is an achievement of status that singles them out among area businesses as a model for worksite safety and health. There are approximately 150 businesses that are SHARP certified in North Carolina, with only four in Gaston County not including Holy Angels.
To achieve SHARP status, Holy Angels invited OSHA consultants to do a comprehensive site visit. Following the initial visit, the surveyors reviewed the corrections submitted by Holy Angels and recommended Holy Angels for this safety recognition.
Fellowship & Faith
Church Service Directory BELMONT Alexander Memorial Baptist Church 208 South Main Street 704-825-3216 Brotherhood/Sisterhood Wncc. 120 Park Street 704-825-1333 Catawba Heights Baptist Church 311 Belmont Avenue 704-827-8474 Catawba Heights Wesleyan Church 101 Beaty Rd., Belmont 704-827-8381 Centerview Baptist Church 2300 Acme Road 704-827-2061 East Belmont Baptist Church 501 Catawba Street 704-825-5780 East Belmont Church Of God 320 E. Catawba Street 704- 825-8845 East Belmont Free Will Baptist 909 Edgemont Ave 704-825-5346 East Belmont Presbyterian Church 901 Catawba Street 704-825-8822 Ebenezer United Methodist Church 120 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road 704-827-3366 First Baptist Church 23 N. Central Avenue 704-825-3758 First Foursquare Gospel Church 8 Elizabeth Street 704-825-5811 First Presbyterian Church 102 S. Central Ave 704-825-3357 First Presbyterian-Belmont 112 S. Central Ave 704-829-0668
First United Methodist Church of Belmont 807 South Point Road 704-825-2106 Forest Pointe Church Meets at Stowe Family YMCA Bldg. 704-825-1709 Fresh Anointing Church of God 71 McAdenville Road 704-825-7283 Friendship Baptist Church 5008 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-3276 Full Gospel Church 106 School St 704-827-9621 Gaston Christian Church 5339 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-8252 Goshen Presbyterian Church Roper Street 704-827-6280 Grace Korean Chr. Assembly-God 124 Georgia Belle Ave 704-829-1091 Grace Wesleyan Church 6014 S. New Hope Rd 704-825-7959 Henry’s Chapel Ame Zion Church 151 Henry Chapel Rd 704-825-0711 Holy Comforter Lutheran Church 216 N. Main St. 704-825-2483 Hood Memorial Ame Zion Church 455 Sacco St. 704-825-6007 Loves Chapel Presbyterian Church 204 Lincoln St. 704-825-8342 Message of Love Church 306 Pearl Beaty Dr. 704-827-6500
Mount Moriah Baptist Church 110 Lincoln St. 704-825-2046 Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist 212 South Street 704-825-7269 New Hope Presbyterian Church 4357 S. New Hope Rd., Gastonia 704-824-1697 New Life Baptist Church 201 Oak Trail 704-822-6195 New Mills Chapel Fire Baptised 104 Morning Glory Ave. 704-825-5457 North Belmont Church of God 2316 Acme Rd. 704-827-4092 O’Conner Grove Church Ame Zion 613 N. Main Street 704-825-5576 Park Street United Methodist 120 Park Street 704-825-8480 Power of the Spirit Church 118 School Street 704-827-7071 Queen Of The Apostles Catholic Church 503 N. Main Street 704-825-9600
Featured Church of the Week First Presbyterian
South Point Baptist Church 124 Horsley Ave. 704-825-9516
St. Marks United Methodist Church 701 Secrest Ave. 704-825-8175
South Point Freewill Baptist 297 Gaither Rd. 704-825-8045 South Point United Methodist 510 Southpoint Church Rd. 704-825-4019 Springwood Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-827-7801
Stowe Memorial Baptist Church 26 Kee Rd. 704-825-5987 Unity Baptist Church 1005 Catawba St. 704-825-8730 Upper Room United Pentecostal 1405 Armstrong Ford Rd. 704-825-0604 Will of God Church 513 Woodlawn Ave. 704-827-5185
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Page 6
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Red Raiders are still in the hunt By John Wilson
Point Dynasty is Over”. Coach Lineberger and the Red Raiders showed there was more than one way to High school football can be compli- skin a cat. South Point came into the playcated. Everyone is tugging at you to win. offs with the #6 seed in the 3A bracket. Bragging rights are on the line. To some With wins over Foard, Concord and East tradition and school pride must be pro- Rowan the Red Raiders have proved the naysayers wrong. So far the Red Raiders are holding fast. They are dealing with each game one at a time. They are still in the hunt. On Friday the Red Raiders and East Rowan Mustangs faced off. The Red Raiders faced an aerial onslaught. The Mustangs threw the ball more than any opponent Big Red had faced all year. South Point weathered the attack and came away with a 42-32 win. “We had a good game,” Coach Mickey Lineberger said. “It was a total team win. It was a dogfight.” The dogfight came from an explosive spread option attack employed by East Rowan. Lineberger admired the Mustangs talent. “We faced a fine spread quarterback,” Lineberger said. “The best we have seen all year.” The Mustangs proved to be an South Point’s ball boy Lane Lineberger got into the offensive nightmare. They amassed action during Friday’s game against East Rowan. 517 yards in total offense. Most of which came from the twin Wyrick tected at all costs. It’s easy to get swept brothers, Seth and Samuel. Seth threw for up in the hype and the drama. Some teams 388 yards and ran for 41. His brother Samexcel in the atmosphere. Some implode uel hauled in 190 yards in receiving yards. under the pressure. People associated with At halftime the Red Raiders were up the South Point program know that better 28-25. They needed to find a way to shut than most. the Wyricks down. Phil Tate’s defense Early in the year it looked like South did just that. Point wasn’t going to be making much of “Our defense made some halftime ada splash. After a few tough losses pundits justments,” Lineberger said. “After that and haters were quick to say, “The South they only scored once.” john.bannernews@gmail.com
Belmont Abbey’s Ray Chen shoots for the hoop in last week’s game against Lees-McRea. Despite Chen’s 13 points, the Crusaders lost by a score of 91-59. Photo by Bill Ward
South Point Red Raiders
Player of the Week
South Point’s Tanner Muse bulls ahead for another gain in the Raiders game against East Rowan. While the Mustangs were throwing the ball the Red Raiders were running it. The South Point offensive effort was inspiring. “Our offense played well,” Lineberger added,” We had over 500 yards in offense. We had four people score and we threw a touchdown.” Red Raider QB Jaquan Brooks did a good job managing the running attack. Tanner Muse was the top runner for Big Red. Muse had 157 yards off of 12 carries. He also had a TD. Fullback Ryland Etherton had more carries than any other back. He hit the line 29 times, had 138 yards and scored twice. Brooks had 101 yards. Jeffery Pearsall had 84 yards and a score. Ben Washam had 41 yards and a score as well. Brooks threw six times completing two of those passes. One 2nd quarter pass to Nolan Wilson made it into the end zone. “We moved the ball well,” Lineberger said. “They couldn’t stop the run. We played good special teams. We couldn’t stop the pass until we made adjustments. Then our defense played well in the second half.” Lineberger is now preparing his team for a showdown with #1 seed Crest. South Point lost to Crest in their season opener
35-13. Lineberger believes this South Point team is better than they were when the season started. “We played earlier in the year,” Lineberger stated,” But we are a different team now.” Lineberger knows that the pressure is on. The South Point coaching staff has found a simple way to put things in perspective. The Red Raiders are taking things 4 quarters at a time. “The bigger the challenge the bigger the reward,” Lineberger said. “Win this win we earned the right to play 4 more quarters. We will try to get another 4 quarters and get to the state championship. Every week we win we get another 4 quarters to play.” Lineberger is quietly confident in his squad. “They are the favorites,” Lineberger added. “But we have gotten better and better. We are playing our best right now.” BOX SCORE South Point Red Raiders 42 East Rowan Mustangs 32 East Rowan South Point
1 2 3 4 FINAL 7 18 7 0 32 14 14 7 7 42
South Point defenders made life hard for East Rowan runners in Friday’s game. Photos by Lydia Julen
East Gaston Warriors
Stuart Cramer Storm Player of the Week
Player of the Week
Alex Adams Football
Jaylen Rocquemore
Jacquan Brooks
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Page 7
Hand recognized as Sergeant Major of Color
First United Methodist Church in Mount Holly held a pumpkin sale and donated the $813.25 in proceeds to the Community Relief Organization. Seen with the check are, from left; FUMC Interim Pastor Bryan Hovey, CRO caseworker Peggy Putnam, CRO executive director Alice Bayne, and FUMC member Bob Miller. Photo by Alan Hodge
■ POLICE Nov. 21: Lauren Blythe Provost, DWI alcohol, arrested by Officer A. Anderson, Vesta St. Nov. 21: Emily Suzanne Letourneau, poss. sch. II, DWI alcohol, hit and run, aid and abet DWI, arrested by Officer A. Anderson, Vesta St. Nov. 22: Austin Chase Ray, drug violations poss. paraphernalia, simple poss. marijuana, arrested by Officer K. Seigler, 305 Sacco St. Nov. 22: William Lynn Price II, sell marijuana, deliver marijuana, manufacture marijuana, arrested by Officer M. Stroupe, 660 Childers St. Nov. 23: David Lynn Neal, larceny shoplifting, arrested by Officer J. Reagan, 701 Hawley Ave. Nov. 23: Amanda Nicole Neal, larceny shoplifting, arrested by Officer J. Reagan, 701 Hawley Ave. Nov. 24: Joshua Aaron Bailey, disorderly conduct, arrested by Officer K. Seigler, McAdenville Rd.
Nov. 25: Brian Andrew Baucom, financial card theft, arrested by Officer M. Pickert, 212 Nixon Rd. Nov. 25: Keymokus Odominic Armstrong, failure to appear, arrested y Officer F. Bollinger, I-85 exit 27. Nov. 26: Mandi Albert, simple physical assault, arrested by Officer M. Pickert, 39 Nixon Rd. Apt. 250. Nov. 26: Darren Alan Farris, fighting, arrested by Officer K. Seigler, 6751 Wilkinson Blvd. Nov. 26: Joseph Alan Pech, fighting, arrested by Officer K. Seigler, 6751 Wilkinson Blvd. Nov. 27: Edward Tyran Woods, poss. marijuana WISD, mfg, SCH VI, arrested by Officer K. Seigler, 1438 Perfection Ave. Nov. 30: Kylie Jamal Johnson, order for arrest, arrested by Officer A. Anderson, I-85 exit 27. Nov. 30: Savannah Storm Whitted, poss. less than ½ ox. marijuana, arrested by Officer A.Anderson, PVA Firestone.
BCO Angel Tree Pictured here are the Belmont Mayor Charlie Martin, BCO representative Marty Barnes, and Belmont GadAbouts Advisory Board member, Betty Payne. The Belmont Gad-Abouts senior adult group has donated $2,500 to the Belmont local relief agency. An Angel Tree is set up for the children that the BCO serves at the Belmont Parks and Recreation Dept. at 37 East Woodrow Avenue, Belmont. The tree was donated to the project by TRC Automotive. Come by and pick an angel that needs a Christmas present this year.
Oscar Depriest Hand of Belmont has been recognized as one of the “100 Sergeants Major of Color.” Hand enlisted in the U.S. Army and became one of the most renowned sergeants major of his time. He served honorably on active duty for eight years and upon receiving his honorable discharge he enlisted in the Finance Corps of the U.S. Army Reserve. In his rise from private to sergeant major he served in a variety of NCO leadership positions and assignments. He has served in a multitude of units that have spanned the world and has extensive experience at all echelons of service. His military and civilian schooling is indicative of a career professional soldier and he holds a Master of Arts degree. He has served as Sergeant Major for several different units during his more than two decades of service. In 1991 he retired leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to a grateful nation. However, his most notable contribution was co-authoring the book “Footprints on the Rough Side of the Mountain: African Americans’ Niche in the History of a
Southern Textile City.” His objective was to tell of a textile town named Belmont in North Carolina which was built by blacks, but of which little was Oscar Hand known. There are interviews with older residents, photos, some documents, and quotes about local customs. It is a story of hard working people trying to provide for their survival. Hand is also a life member of GlennReeves American Legion Post 180 in Belmont.
Town of Cramerton briefs The annual Christmastown USA Light Display began on December 1st and runs through December 26th. This annual event, held in McAdenville, draws thousands to the area during the holiday season. When the lights are on, you can expect increased traffic and backups on Market Street, Wilkinson Boulevard, Lakewood Road and I-85 around the McAdenville and Lowell exits. Please use extra caution in these areas. The light display can be seen Monday through Friday from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. The Cramerton Fire Department along with Santa Claus will be visiting Cramerton and McAdenville neighborhoods on Saturday, December 13th beginning at 8:30 a.m. Christmas Festival with arts and crafts to be held Dec. 4th from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Cramerton Town Center. Parade begins at
4 p.m. and starts at the Market Street Shopping Center and ends at Town Center. A tree lighting ceremony and caroling will be held at the Town Center after the parade. If interested in sponsoring a float, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 704-824-4231. Register to have Breakfast with Santa December 6th at 9 a.m. at the Cramerton Community Center. Limited to first 25 registered. Cost is $6/child and $4/parent. Call 704-824-4231. If anyone is interested in donating coats, jackets, cleats, or tennis shoes, please call the Parks and Recreation office at 704-8244231 to find out more details. No child in Cramerton should go without a coat or a pair of shoes if we all help. For parents that need help, please contact Cam Carpenter to schedule a meeting. Information is confidential.
Jolly Holly event Dec. 12
Contributed Photo
Mount Holly will be having a Jolly Holly event December 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Main Street. Fun includes: Santa Claus located at Time Flies Country Store; hayrides loading in front of Stowe Insurance and First United Methodist Church parking lot; Boy Scout Troop 59 will be hosting a marshmallow roast at First Methodist Church; Christmas tree lot provided by Buds Nursery and Garden Center where you will find fresh handmade wreaths, hand tied bows, crafted ornaments, and more; churches
decorated and open to the public with choir and hand bell performances; Mount Holly Historical Society decorated and open to the public; Entertainment provided by Karen Jacob on the organ; craft vendors along Main Street; Christmas carols sung by Jonathan Brackett; storefronts open extended hours with holiday specials; donation boxes located on Main Street for CRO donations. Please address any questions or concerns to Jessica Hall-Connell at jessicahall4844@aol.com.
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Page 8
■ BUSINESS
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
■ COMMUNITY
Bayada Gastonia employees include from L to R on front Carly Shirley, Linda Phelps, Tameki Mongo, Latisha Pappas, Sharon Turla, Tonya Steelman. Back row from L to R: Mary Carter, Shannon Muse, Allison Lipkaman, Shirena James, Doug Deussing, and Joshua Howard. Contributed Photo
Gastonia in-home care agency named top 100 in U.S. Gastonia’s BAYADA Home Health Care has been named a top agency of the 2014 HomeCare Elite™, a recognition of the top-performing Medicare-certified home health agencies in the United States. The HomeCare Elite identifies the top 25 percent of Medicare-certified agencies. Winners are ranked by an analysis of publicly available performance measures in quality outcomes, best practice (process measure) implementation, patient experience (Home Health CAHPS®), quality improvement and consistency, and financial performance. The award is sponsored by OCS HomeCare, National Research Corporation, and DecisionHealth. The BAYADA home health office in Gastonia provides in-home care so adults or seniors with chronic conditions or recovering from illness or injury can remain safe at home. Services include nursing, physical therapy, speech language pathology, occu-
pational therapy, assistive (personal) care, and medical social work. “Achieving this recognition once again illustrates our ability to provide our clients with the highest quality home health care services available, enabling them to remain safely at home with comfort, independence, and dignity,” said director Tonya Steelman. “I’m very proud of our entire team for their commitment to quality, and for providing care with compassion, excellence, and reliability.” “The 2014 HomeCare Elite winners demonstrate a commitment to providing high quality care in their home health communities and we recognize them for their remarkable achievements,” said Mary Oakes, Senior Vice President of Post-Acute at National Research. “We congratulate BAYADA Home Health Care on being recognized as one of the top 100 home care agencies in the country.”
Check presentation from left Elizabeth Patton, CF Grants/Scholarship Coordinator, Lynnelle Dobbins, CF Financial Coordinator, Donna Lockett Gaston Together Executive Director, Kerri Massey, 2014 Gaston Together Board Chair, Jan Jackson, CF Board Member and Janet Spencer, CF Development Coordinator. Contributed Photo
Gaston Together Receives Grant Gaston Together is pleased to announce it has received a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Gaston County. These funds will support the Regional Indicator Website which serves as Gaston County’s community dashboard. This website charts county progress and identifies community-wide challenges using web-based technology data from UNCC’s Urban Institute. The data will enable citizens to improve community efforts ranging from standard of living to economic development to leadership building/development. It is also valuable for strategic planning purposes for businesses, community groups, schools, etc. Gaston Together goal serves all res-
idents of Gaston County by bringing citizens and resources together to address unmet community needs. The Regional Indicator website furthers this mission by providing data resources across the full spectrum of community sectors. The idea for this website came to Gaston Together in the middle of a budget year. Community partners were engaged to invest in the two-year development phase of the website. Organizations that partnered with Gaston Together were Gaston Family Health Services, Gaston College and the United Way of Gaston County. The funding from the Community Foundation provides for the current maintenance and updating of statistical data on the site.
CaroMont Helping with ACA enrollment In preparation for year two of Open Enrollment for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act, CaroMont Health, in partnership with Gaston and Gaston Family Health Services (GFHS) and HealthNet (HNG), opened a health insurance and enrollment information storefront at Eastridge Mall, 246 North New Hope Road in Gastonia, on Saturday, Nov. 15. Gaston County has a large uninsured or underinsured population, many of whom may qualify for lower costs on premiums for private health insurance plans. Even with good health, having health insurance is important. Uninsured people receive less medical care and generally have less access to timely care, resulting in worse health outcomes. Moreover, not having health insurance can also lead to financial burdens for individuals and their families. Understanding the need to inform the community about a person’s rights and protections under the new law, CaroMont Health will re-launch My Health Care Reformed, a uniquely branded, multi-media awareness campaign that aims to engage Gaston County residents about the ACA. The program website, myhealthcarereformed.org, will function as the primary communication platform by providing information about enrollment assistance resources in Gaston County and health insurance basics. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that was passed by Congress in 2010, individuals will be able to enroll (or re-enroll) in a health plan that works for them through Health Insurance Marketplace. Under ACA, those
who don’t have qualifying health insurance or an exemption and don’t enroll by February 15, 2015 will be penalized. The 2015 penalty will be a fee of $95 per adult and $47.50 per child, or 1% of income (whichever is higher). The fee increases each year. In 2015, it’ll be $325 per person, or 2% of income (whichever is higher). Some people may qualify for an exemption from this fee. Individuals who desire to have coverage beginning January 1, 2015 must enroll by December 15, 2014. CaroMont Health’s partnership with GFHS and HNG, residents will have access to Certified Application Counselors throughout the local community who are trained and prepared to assist individuals enrolling for the first time or to re-enroll
for those who signed up during last Open Enrollment Period. Individuals who selected a plan last period (Oct. 1, 2013 – March 21, 2014) will automatically be enrolled in the same (or similar) plan in the second year, un-
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less they select a different plan. Because a plan may not be offered at the same cost or may not include all the same providers in 2015, individuals should examine coverage options again. The central enrollment
site at Eastridge Mall is located on the first floor next to JCPenney and will be open to the public during mall hours (Mon. – Thurs., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). No appointment
is necessary to speak with a Certified Application Counselor. To speak to an expert directly, please call 704.874.1918 or 1.855.733.3711 or visit www.myhealthcarereformed.org.
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Page 9
■ SCHOOL
Playground updates made Gaston Christian School updated their Early Childhood and Elementary School playground replacing mulch with turf. The teachers love that the students don’t bring bits of mulch in the building in their shoes. Gaston Christian School photo
Gaston Christian School students in Mrs. Weakley’s physical science class recently got a lesson in electricity and a jump on the holiday season by creating Christmas light circuit boards. Gaston Christian School photo
“Good News” from Gaston County Schools The following Gaston County Schools teachers were selected to present at the N.C. Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference: Diana Baxter, Lowell Elementary; Allison Wells, Gardner Park Elementary; Jennifer Crisp and Selina Bryne, Costner Elementary; Chris Smith and Sarah Crisp, Brookside Elementary; and curriculum facilitator Diane Price. Kirby Widener, a student at Gaston Early College High School, received a merit scholarship from Gardner-Webb University. The following students were chosen as the November Do the Right Thing award winners: Kevin Walters, Hawks Nest Intermediate; Dorianna Good, Holbrook Middle; and Dontavis Walker, East Gaston High School. The students were honored during a special luncheon at the Gaston Country Club. The Stuart W. Cramer High School wind ensemble was chosen to participate in the Appalachian State University concert band clinic. The Page Primary September Students of the Month were Gabriel Paredes-Azamar, William Monteith, Buxton Smith, Leighton Bizzell, Bryson Marler, Eliza Lefler, Avett Pippin, Jackie Pham, Ella Kimble, Tayler Culbertson, Lena Wells, Austin Kellogg, Ka’Leya Watson, Katherine Graham, Elizabeth Schweers and Andrew Brown. The following Highland School of Technology students received college merit scholarships: Cody Wallen, Lenoir-Rhyne and Gardner-Webb; Autumn Clemins, Wingate University; Noele Jones, Mars Hill College; Hannah Ramsey, Gardner-Webb; and Morgan Young, University of Tennessee. The Highland Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE) club received a grant from the National SAVE organization and the Allstate Foundation to support violence prevention, anti-bullying, and texting while driving awareness activities. Students Haley Abernathy, Sidney Roberts and Kelsey Best and SAVE adviser Ami Parker had an opportunity to attend the Teen Safe Driving Summit in Raleigh. Highland student Elise Sweezy was selected to serve as a Governor’s page and will spend a week in Raleigh working in the Governor’s Office. The program gives students an opportunity to learn about state government and the importance of public service. The Highland student council sponsors various activities in an effort to perform a
good deed each month. In September, the students created welcome cards for new teachers. In October, they sold spirit links and Homecoming t-shirts to donate $500 and give more than 50 Halloween costumes to the West Gastonia Boys and Girls Club. This month, they are collecting 5,000 cans of food for Crisis Assistance Ministries in Gastonia. The following Springfield Elementary students were recognized as the top fundraisers in the PTO’s fall catalog sale: Kahla Jefferies, Abigail White, Mandalen Darnell, Jayce Martin, Caroline Cox and Taylor Ann Nolan. Pinewood Elementary sponsored Halloween-themed events in the school library to promote reading. The students were challenged to decorate a pumpkin as a character from their favorite book. The school also held a “Boo, Books and Boogie” family event to support the library’s book fair. Kiser Elementary fourth graders participated in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program presented by “Rocket Ryan,” a scientist who visited the school. The “You Don’t Phase Me” program taught the children about the moon. Kiser Elementary fifth grade students in Lauren Calvert’s class pledged to make a difference in the community. To fulfill this pledge, each student selected a book to read aloud to a student in Jamie Gunter’s third grade class. Stanley Middle School students in Angela Erwin’s eighth grade science class created edible race cars. Lingerfeldt Elementary received a spirit rock from Lee Construction Company of the Carolinas in Pineville. The school is planning a fundraiser for cancer research and will allow students who donate to write their name on the new spirit rock. Stanley Middle math teacher Andru
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Lockridge was invited to present a session at the Association of Middle Level Education national conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The East Gaston High School marching band was named the Class 1A-2A Grand Champion at the Chase High School Trojan Tournament of Bands. The band earned first-place honors in the drum major, percussion, color guard and music categories and received the Trojan Pride Award for outstanding sportsmanship during the competition. East Gaston theater arts teacher Jeffrey Beech was selected to serve as a chaperone for the Broadway Experience program sponsored by the N.C. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. He will accompany high school students to New York City where they will attend Broadway shows and go behind-the-scenes to learn about theater production. The Springfield Elementary Septem-
ber Students of the Month were R.J. Love, Mason Merrill, Victoria Reep, Caleb Smith, Kameryn Stines, Kendra Anderson, Braeden Cook, Jayla Floyd, Raegan Lilja, Za’Mya Aiken, Hannah Massey, Jacob Featherstone, Erin Dove, Corey Simpson, Gavin Burton, Gavin Mattar, Katelyn Smith, Hunter Hurst, Matthew Gibson, Dakota Bridges, Savannah Brown, Neveah Shelton, Jayce McGinnis, Amelia Shirk, Allison Martinez, Lewis Davis, Kevin Escorcia-Puente, Maddie Walters, Jocelyn Hawkins, Andrew Caudill, Madison Hulett, Anna Rowland, Ashlyn Price, Holly Smith, Alyssa Harrison, Matilda McDaniel, Emma Myers, Devin Trite, Jackson Cope, Paiten Spencer, Makayla Deal, Silas King, Leeland Petty, Brady Gordon, Joseph Hawkins, Justin Garcia, Raymond Savage, Patrick Spake, Autumn Wicks, Ashley York, James Petty, Ethan Lougee, Jacob Rhyne, Kylie Thao, Hannah Jordan and Curtis Martin. The Springfield Elementary October Students of the Month were Lewis Davis, Amina Elliott, Hope Goss, Raelyn Hilton, Rylee Vann, Brayden Green, Ashleigh Fox, Lucy Christenbury, Luke Bryant, Reygan Stowe, Jackson Messer, Ashley Contreras, Lilli Canipe, Kaeden Hutchison, Dalton Rogers, Melody Seigle, Brianna Justice, Kirin Mobes, Zeke Tucker, Aiden Wood, Laila Murphy, Grace Ellen Carpenter, Caiden Seay, Kayla Carithers, Loren Dove, Justin English, Austin Carey, Ella Leophard, Faith Cunningham, Destry Ballard and Mahkiya Bickell.
Gaston Schools Points of Pride Gaston County Schools presents the following Points of Pride- Stanley Middle School math teacher Andru Lockridge was invited to present a session at the Association of Middle Level Education national conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The Stuart W. Cramer High School wind ensemble was chosen to participate in the Appalachian State University concert band clinic. Lingerfeldt Elementary received a spirit rock from Lee Construction Company of the Carolinas in Pineville. The school is planning a fundraiser for cancer research and will allow students who donate to write their name on the new spirit rock.
BCO has another great year helping others The Belmont Community Organization (BCO) relief group had a good 20132014 as its recent report shows. Donations to the BCO came from a variety of sources. Christmas from the Heart contributed 24 percent, Run for the Money 15 percent, individuals 25 percent, churches 15 percent, FEMA and Shared Energy Programs 10 percent, foundations, businesses, and clubs 11 percent. The BCO used its donations in a variety of ways. It helped 371 cases with electric, gas, fuel, and water bills. It helped 56 cases with medical assistance. It helped 38 cases with rent or mortgage payments. During 2013-2014, the BCO ensured that 191 children in 94 families received a Christmas gift through the Angel Tree program. A total of 1,391 families were given clothing, furniture, and household items. Over 132,000 pounds of food were given to 1,326 families- 3,717 individuals. At Thanksgiving, 36 elderly clients were treated to a fully cooked meal delivered to their homes. In December, those same clients received holiday gift baskets filled with seasonal treats and items they could use all year. To start the school year, the BCO provided 97 children in 59 families with brand new backpacks filled with supplies. “Thank you for your support throughout the year and for caring about your community,” said BCO president Marty Barnes. For more information on how to help the BCO help clients in the Belmont area, call 704-825-4526.
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Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Holiday cheer at Belmont Christmas tree lighting
Gaston County Police partners with US Marine Corps Reserve
Toys For Tots Program
Abbey Chorus holiday concert Abbey chorus, voice, instrumental and organ students will present the annual holiday concert Friday December 5, at 8:00 p.m. in the Abbey Basilica, Belmont. Music includes chant, songs from France, Germany, Wales and 20th c. American works. Music for audience participation accompanied by the basilica organ is a highlight of the concert. Karen Hite Jacob, directs the chorus and accompanies. Sam Stowe of Belmont is instrumental ensemble director. Admission is free. Donations are gladly accepted. For additional information: 704-461-6813, karenjacob@bac.edu or www.bac.edu. Contributed Photo
County police partners with U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots The Gaston County Police Department has continued its partnership with the Gaston County chapter of the United States Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program. The Gaston County Police Department headquarters at 420 West Franklin Blvd in Gastonia is a drop off point for toys for a third consecutive year. Last year the County Police donation boxes collected over 200 toys. Toys for Tots donation boxes are located in the front foyer of the police department. The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The program was founded in 1947 and has collected and delivered over 500 million toys. If you would like to make a donation to Toys for Tots, have your business become a toy drop off point, find a current toy drop off point or want more information about the Toys for Tots program, please visit the Toys for Tots web-site at http:// www.toysfortots.org/ or contact the Gaston County Toys for Tots Coordinator, Bill Starr, at bill@wfstarr.com. For further information, contact Sgt. Josh Hamlin, Educational Services Unit, at 704-862-6332.
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