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Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton and McAdenville
Volume 79 • Issue 51 • Wednesday, December 17, 2014
MH council approves River Park rezoning By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
After months of talks and tweaks between Mount Holly city staff and representatives from Walton Development, the city council approved a request last week by Walton that will see 143 acres in the original River Park subdivision rezoned to a Conditional Use District. This would allow for Residential uses as detached and attached Multi-Family duplex or townhome structures and associated uses. The approval carried the stipulation that properties along Nantz Avenue not be developed for residential construction. Last month, Walton representatives Andy Rathke and Tedd Duncan had appeared before the city council with the rezoning request but the council declined to act on it. Since then, more talks between Walton and city staff ironed out several sticking points in the development’s design. For instance, garages on new construction residences must have an architectural feature such as a front window. Vinyl siding will not be allowed, both sides of streets will have sidewalks, and street lights. Before they voted, council members and Mayor Hough peppered Rathke and Duncan with questions and comments about prices of the new homes that would be built, architectural features, and the possibility of Walton coming back for more rezoning at a later date. Councilman Jim Hope, who made the motion to vote on the rezoning and who voted yea for it, noneSee RIVER PARK page 2
Photo by Alan Hodge
Workers stand by as the new bridge from downtown Cramerton to Goat Island Park is gently lowered into place. The bride is part of Phase II of the park's development.
Cramerton bridge placement brings an audience By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
A spectacular and historic day came to Cramerton last Tuesday. The event was placement of the 165 foot long by 12 foot wide, 90,000 pound pedestrian bridge from downtown across the South Fork River to Goat Island Park. Blythe Construction and Superior Cranes performed the work with one of the largest cranes in the southeastern U.S. The monstrous machine towered over the town with a boom reach exceeding 160 feet. It is capable of lifting 800 tons and had 350,000 pounds of counterweights on board. The excitement started around 8am when workers began attaching lifting straps to the bridge as it sat on the ground behind the fire department. In the days leading up to the lift, crews had assembled the bridge there from three sections brought in on trucks. After the straps were put on, the crane poised a large bundle of cables over the bridge. These were in turn attached to the straps with massive hooks. On a signal, the crane operator revved the engine and began lifting. In a few minutes the straps grew taut and the entire structure slowly began to rise. As the bridge took to the air, workers holding guide ropes on each end swung it around. Once it was poised over the abutments on each shore, the operator gently lowered the huge steel and wooden span onto bolts. The
entire operation went without a hitch and spectacular as it was to watch, the crew made it look easy. A crowd had gathered to see, photograph, and video the event. Several parents let their children take a break from school to witness the spectacle. Cramerton Town Manager Michael Peoples had his son, eight-year-old Bryson who attends New Hope Elementary, by his side as the bridge swung in space. Bryson articulated what everyone present felt. “It's pretty cool,” he said. Cramerton mayor Ronnie Worley was there as well. “This is history,” Worley said. “Thirty or forty years from now these kids will remember when the bridge was placed.” Other work slated in the coming weeks for the bridge will include installing lights and completing the ramps onto it. The bridge will hold a total of 5 tons of weight. It and a greenway segment will serve as a major north to south section of the Carolina Thread Trail in Gaston County. It is part of Phase II of the Goat Island Park project that should be ready by March 2015. Other new Phase II amenities at Goat Island Park will include permanent cornhole boards and ping pong tables, a dog park, an observation platform, fitness station, and more playground equipment. See more BRIDGE photos, page 3
Lentz-Springs house named historic property By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Another piece of local real estate has been added to the roster of places officially recognized as links to our past. Last Monday, the Mount Holly city council held a public hearing and then approved a resolution designating the circa 1870 Lentz-Springs house, currently located at 16 Oak Grove St., as an historic property. The following evening, the Lentz-Springs house as well as the 1916 P&N railroa d depot in Belmont were given a similar seal of approval by the Gaston County Board of Commissioners. David and Wendy Hostetler of Belmont are deeply involved in local historic preservation and
the currently owners of the Lentz-Springs property, also known as the Holly House. "Wendy and I purchased the Lentz Springs house about a year ago due in large part to our personal history with the house,” David said. “We worked with a group of preservationists to save it from destruction 20 years ago, when it was moved from the path of the current Springs shopping center. We believe that historic preservation is important to the community as a whole and we are just trying to do our part. It's a great old house and we hope it will be around for generations to come." The historic property
designation comes with several stipulations. The building cannot be demolished, materially altered, remodeled, or removed until 365 days written notice of the owner's proposed action has been sent to the Gaston County Historic Preservation Commission. However, normal maintenance and repair of exterior architectural features is allowed so long as they are not changed. Owners of an historic property get certain tax breaks as well. The Lentz-Springs house has a long and interesting past. John Russell, chair of the Gaston County Historic
Photo by Alan Hodge
Last week the Mount Holly City Council and Gaston County Board of Commissioners both approved resolutions naming the circa 1870 Lentz-Springs House as an historic property. The structure, also known as Holly House is at 16 Oak Grove St. near downtown Mount Holly. Preservation Commission spoke to the Mount Holly council just prior to their vote.
“The house is significant in terms of the families associated with it,” he said. “It could have been built
as early as 1870. That's not documented but we have oral history history that says it.” See LENTZ-SPRINGS page 2
I-85 widening being considered Belmont Squeeze would be widened under new roads plan By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
The section of I-85 from the Belmont Abbey Exit to US321 known as the “Belmont Squeeze” could be widened from six to eight lanes under a plan an-
nounced recently by Gov. Pat McCrory. The 9.8 mile section of road in question narrows by two lanes as it passes through eastern Gaston County and causes major traffic backups during rush hour.
Cost of the project could be over $250 million. The project will also involve replacing the bridge over the South Fork River near McAdenville at a cost of $11 million. The work would not begin until 2024. Improvements to the
I-85/US321 intersection in Gastonia could start in 2017 at a cost of $22.1 million. McCrory's transportation plan laid out hundreds of road, aviation, public transportation, and walkway See I-85 page 2
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Wednesday, December 17, 2014
LENTZ-SPRINGS continued from page 1
Archival photo
This picture shows the Lentz-Springs house about 1980 when it was still at 617 S. Main, before being moved to its current location to make way for the Food Lion grocery. Two prominent Mount Holly businessmen lived in the house. From 1895 to 1903, hotel owner and mayor Paul Lentz called it home. From 1903 until 1926, another successful merchant, Junius Springs, lived there. Other folks who have owned the prop-
erty over the years include Historic Commission vicechair Lucy Penegar and her husband Richard, Richard Stepp, William and Evelyn Fisher, Eunice Brown, and Charles and Brenda Loftin. In the late 19th century, records show Abernethys, Dewstowes, and McLeans
having lived there. Architecturally, the Lentz-Springs house features a Tuscan columned porch and two over two sash facade windows. Its interior retains many original features including pine flooring. It currently houses several office suites.
Lance Kirkland awarded key to city The Mount Holly city council and Mayor Bryan Hough recently presented Ida Rankin kindergarten student six-year-old Lance Kirkland (center) with a key to the city and proclaimed Dec. 12 as “Lance Kirkland Day”. Lance has a medical issue but is known far and wide for his “lively and lovely” attitude and fondness for super heroes. Photo by Alan Hodge
Crescent Park upgrades By Alan Hodge
I-85
alan.bannernews@gmail.com
continued from page 1
Photo by Alan Hodge
This stretch of I-85 between Belmont and Gastonia, also known as the Belmont Squeeze, would be widened from six to eight lanes under Gov. Pat McCrory's recently announced statewide transportation plan. projects statewide at a cost of $15 billion. The much debated Garden Parkway toll road that would have connected central Gaston County with I-485 near Charlotte-Douglas Airport was not on the list.
Metropolitan Planning Organization Chairman Joe Carpenter expressed opposition to putting the I-85 widening job ahead of the Garden Parkway. Carpenter called it “not good judgement” to do so and said the
idea would harm the local economy. NC Transportation Secretary Tony Tata declared that statewide, the McCrory plan would create 300,000 jobs beyond the actual construction.
East Belmont's venerable Crescent Park will be getting some upgrades. At its recent monthly meeting, the Belmont city council gave the go-ahead for improvements to the park's basketball court situation. Currently, Crescent Park has just one basketball goal and a diminutive court. The plan will see it broken up and removed by city crews. The new set up will feature six goals on a much larger 50'x96' concrete slab. The new court will allow players to have games length-wise, or two games at once width-wise. The project will be handled by builder Doug McSpadden. Belmont resident James Secunda is the driving force behind the upgrades and the foundation he and his wife Deborah have will foot the biggest part of the bill. “I have a late in life passion for basketball and go by the park every day,” James said. “I noticed kids playing there and its less than adequate condition so I decided a nice park needed a nice court.” Secunda hopes to get the project going in a few months. The cost could be around $50,000. “We will not spare any expense,” he said. Aluminum bleachers are also planned for the new court. According to Secunda, local businessman Ray McKenny will help with the cost of one section, however, anyone wanting to contribute to help buy more sections can contact Sallie Stevenson at Belmont Parks and Recreation at 704-901-2068. In other Crescent Park news, the “Dwight Frady Field” sign that was there for several years has been taken down for repair. According to Stevenson, it will be remounted as soon as it is fixed. Crescent Park has a unique relationship with the City of Belmont and a long history as well. “The city leases Crescent Park from Belmont Land Investment,” said Stevenson. “The ball park has been used for softball for over 40 years, probably over 50 years, because the textile teams played there.”
RIVER PARK continued from page 1 theless expressed caution when it came to the city’s experiences with developers in the past. “Have you ever been snake bit?” he asked Rathke and Duncan. “We want to make sure we are right on this.”
Hough told the Walton duo, “We have to make sure we are doing our homework,to get the best development we can.” “We understand your concerns,” Rathke replied.
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History made as Cramerton bridge installed
photos by Alan Hodge
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Opinions...
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Yours, Ours, Others
“ Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together is progress; Working together is success.” - Henry Ford
letters to editor: Alan, I read your opinion piece on getting around the area and traffic woes. I feel that we have taken a few steps back with the lack of public transportation. I would love to see Gaston County get together with Mecklenburg to develop a light rail system from Gastonia to uptown via the airport. Straight down 74 would be easy enough with parking garages along the way. It would be a tremendous boon to Gastonia and Charlotte. Most cities of significance have rail transport to their airports. If Charlotte wants to be a serious contender for the Olympics in 2024 and global player in the realm of business, a better rail system is a must. Anyway that’s my two cents and paying $40 a week to park or to take a cab to the airport is not practical. Grant Gerlich Hi Alan, I read your piece in the December 3 issue of the Banner and I wanted to share a couple of thoughts. First the Christmas Show. There are two entrances to the parking lots from Independence. When I went, there was the “conga line of cars” for the first entrance. I went past them, through the Briar Creek overpass, and went in the second entrance next to the old coliseum. There were only a couple of cars in front of me. The second thing that caught my attention was “public transpiration was a viable way to move yourself. When I was a kid, my mom rode a bus from Belmont to Charlotte...” My friend, CATS has such a thing today, the Gastonia Express. It leaves the center of Gastonia, stops at Abbey Plaza, and takes us to uptown Charlotte. I’ve ridden it for ten years now. There are four runs in the morning and four in the afternoon. Unfortunately, none in between. CATS also has express buses to Concord and Rock Hill. John Vinal Christmas Reflections Recently I have been reminiscing on days gone by. Days from when I was a mere child ... growing up in a town very similar to the one I now live in, and have called home for 19 years. What stands out the most of each year we seem to be in a hurry. Not only during Christmas, but every single day of our lives. The rush of this season can certainly overwhelm us as we try and do too much too quickly. The adage “The older you get...the faster time goes” couldn’t be more accurate. With that being said, why do so many seem to want to “fast forward” through Christmas? It has come to my mind many times that with technology comes ease and wanting to get things done as fast as possible. Sadly now, both Thanksgiving and Christmas start earlier every year. Corporate America rings her bell in a different way. Not to celebrate being thankful or be reminded of our savior that came into this world, but to convince us that it’s all about spending money we do not have or trying to out do someone else in decorating. Precious memories surely surround us all, especially this time of year. I would like to see Christmas through a child’s eyes. Wouldn’t you? This Christmas, why not reach beyond your own family, outside your own comfortable world, to make things a little easier, a little brighter, a bit more joyous for someone. Opportunity abounds to represent the true spirit of CHRISTmas. Please…seek one out and brighten someone’s life. Do it for the sake of kindness. Do it in the name of humanity. Do it for yourself…because you’ll never feel more valuable or appreciated than when you help someone else. But more than all the other wonderful reasons to give a little more...do it to help keep CHRIST in Christmas. John 3:16, KJV For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Lisa Harper
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My opinion: home remedies I was talking to someone the other day about medicine and how some of the stuff coming out of the pharmaceutical labs and billed as the latest “wonder drug” just might be so full of chemicals that it could do more harm than good to certain folks. What with the cold and flu season upon us not to mention the gamut of other maladies making their rounds, I began pondering what sort of remedies people had available to themselves back in the “olden days”. I don't mean store bought things like Castoria, Syrup of Black Draught, Carters Liver Pills, Scott's Emulsion, or Gyro-Slim, I'm speaking of natural remedies for common ailments. To answer this question, I turned to one of my favorite sources of wisdom- the Foxfire series of books. These volumes were written over 40 years ago when a group of college students went up in the hills and interviewed granny women and grandpas and such, collected their wisdom, and went to press with it. Anyway, here are some of my favorite natural remedies with the disclaimer that even though they made entertaining reading I have never actually tried them myself. Dig? Lots of folks suffer from earache. To help alleviate this throbbing, save the oils that boil out of the end of a burning persimmon limb and pour it down your ear hole. You can also roast cabbage stalks and squeeze the juice in the aforementioned orifice. Yet another balm for earache can be made by warming a spoonful of urine and drizzling it in your ear but don't get any on your clothes. Headaches are aggravating and there are several options open for those who would like to try a homespun remedy. First, tie a flour sack over your head. You can also put bull tallow and turpentine on a rag and tie that around your noggin. Another “natural” headache cure is to smear your brow with crushed onions. Yet another involves saving your hair clippings in a bag and when a headaches comes on hiding the bag under a rock. No matter where you go lately it seems like folks are coughing. Perhaps they should parch some leaves of rat's vein, grind it up, and sniff it. Another cough cure, one that really works, is to put some moonshine in a jar, add rock candy or honey and lemon, and take a swig. Ground ginger and sugar mixed, then put on the tongue just before bed is another old time cough cure.
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The common cold is one of the most miserable feelings Alan Hodge known to man and this time of year especially prevalent. Old folks back in the hills probably didn't know what a germ was, but had plenty of ammo in the fight against colds. One of the most popular cold remedies called for smearing goose grease on the sufferer's chest. Another calls for eating a large onion roasted in the fireplace. Another advises mixing red pepper flakes with 'shine and taking a big “swaller”. Sore throats and colds go together like red eye gravy and grits. To get rid of a sore throat, hill folk advise making a poultice of kerosene, lard, and turpentine and smearing it on the neck. In a few minutes mix sugar and a few drops of kerosene and swallow that. A less extreme sore throat cure can be cured by tying a dirty sock around your neck. The sock should have been worn for at least a week without washing. A couple of quick cures for athletes foot calls for tying a wool string around your toe or stepping in fresh cow dung. Got a sore? Country folks say one way to heal it is by putting butter on the spot and letting a hound lick it. A salve for sores can be made by mixing mutton tallow, balm of Gilead buds and turpentine then putting it on the wound. Warts are not all that common but can spoil the appearance of an otherwise lovely hand. To nix a wart, rub it with a chicken gizzard and hide the gizzard under a rock. Another wart cure calls for stealing a washrag off your neighbor's clothesline, rubbing the wart with it, and then hiding the cloth in a box. Washing the wart with water from a rotten chestnut stump or lashing a piece of fatback to it is also said to be effective. Lastly, to cure tapeworms, old folks swear by eating tobacco seeds, eating a whole head of garlic every day for a week, or eating crushed egg shells mixed with molasses and butter. So there you go, natural cures or chemical ones, between the two there's bound to be something to fix what ails ye.
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Her wedding vows said to love, honor ■ MEDITATIONS cherish and always be a blonde Let’s Play Dress Up! In the late 50’s, early 60’s Clairol had a commercial for their hair dye. It said, “Is it true blonds have more fun?” I didn’t know. In fact, I don’t think I knew any blondes. My world was Italian. Everyone I knew was Italian and a brunette. All my girlfriends were brunettes. The idea that a blonde would want to date me wasn’t even on my radar screen. You can imagine when I started dating my wife, I thought I had died and gone to Heaven. Did I tell you she was (and still is) gorgeous? Did I tell you she is a blonde? Here was this geeky person who couldn’t dribble a basketball dating a beautiful blonde. Did life get better than this? At our wedding ceremony (and my wife will tell you she doesn’t remember this), I remember hearing her say at the altar that she pledged to, “Love, honor, cherish and always be a blond.” I was good to go. But, three kids and twenty five years later, that beautiful blonde hair was beginning to turn brown. I didn’t say anything because after all, I still saw her as a blonde. But as time progressed, there was more and more
brown and very little blonde. We needed to talk. I looked at her one day and said, “You know I love you. You know my love for you is unconditional. However, (which cancels out everything I just said), Dot – you’re turning into a brunette. I will always love you, but I married a blonde, not a brunette." She smiled and laughed and responded with, “Don’t worry; you’ll have your blonde wife back in no time”. A few days later I saw the most beautiful box I had ever seen. There was a picture of a blond woman on it. I knew within that box would be the “chemical” miracle that would return the gorgeous blond from days gone by. On the box was that wonderful word, “L’Oreal”. Why L’Oreal when Clairol did the commercials back in the late 50’s and early 60’s? While Clairol had a clever jingle that I can still sing today, L’Oreal has a better tag line. It simply says, “Because you’re worth it.” I think L’Oreal stole their slogan from the Christmas story. L’Oreal says, “Buy our product because you’re worth it.” While these words aren’t in the gospels of Mat-
thew, Mark and Luke, I think that God says the message of Christmas is that, “You’re worth it.” Each Christmas, I’m reminded that God left the purity of Tony Marciano contributing writer Heaven to become one of us. He would experience the heartache, the alienation, being misunderstood, abandoned and being betrayed. Knowing that, He says, (and it’s not in the Scriptures so please don’t write me a letter!), ‘I am coming because you’re worth it. I love you. I want to be in relationship with you. If it will take becoming one of you, I will do that – You’re worth it.’ If you ever see me with a beautiful blonde on my arm, that’s my wife. She will always be a blonde. Thank you, L’Oreal for making that possible – because “she’s worth it.”
Sandford named new president of the Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce Rick Houser, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Gaston Regional Chamber of Commerce, has announced that a new President/CEO of the Chamber has been selected. Jeff K. Sandford, IOM, began his duties on December 8. After a national search, which resulted in nearly 40 candidates and a comprehensive interview process, Sandford was selected by the Gaston Regional Chamber Search Committee, headed by Dr. Ann Hoscheit, chair-elect of the Gaston Regional Chamber. Stated Houser, “Jeff brings many years of experience and a wealth of
fresh ideas to better serve our members and the business community. This new appointment is a game changer for our membership, and together with the support of our Board of Directors, Jeff and his team will make an indelible mark on Gaston County and our surrounding region.” Sandford comes to Gastonia from Texarkana, where he served for the past eight years as the President/ CEO of the Texarkana USA Chamber of Commerce, serving the business community of Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas. During his tenure, Sandford was recognized by
the American Chamber of Commerce Executives for being in the top 10% for member retention. He also successfully created new revenue-generating programs and built a financially stable Chamber. Sandford has served (or is currently serving) on the Board of Directors of the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Center for Chamber of Commerce Excellence, the Association of Texas Leadership Programs, and the Texas Association of Business. He has been actively involved in Rotary International and is currently serving as president of the Wilbur Smith Rotary.
When I was a little girl I enjoyed Rev. Angela playing dress up. Nothing has changed Pleasants as an adult. I still enjoy dressing in First United skirts, blouses, new shoes and the latest Methodist Church, purse. There are always advertisements Mount Holly enticing us to buy the latest jewelry, dresses, suits, shoes and much more. We put great emphasis on what we look like on the outside. Do we put as much emphasis on our inner beauty? I am sure some of you have read the email circulating the net. A woman was behind another driver at a stop light. The driver did not notice the green light so the lady in the car began blowing her horn and yelling obscenities. A police officer pulled the lady over and asked to see her driver’s license and registration. He apologized and said, “Lady I thought the car was stolen.” The lady had Christian symbols on the back of her car but her outward behavior was not consistent with the symbols. “But let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” I Peter 3:4 NASB. Beauty flows from our inner self that has been transformed by the Spirit of God. We live in a corruptible world and things will fade over time. People have spent an insurmountable amount of money changing their outer appearance which eventually will continue to fall prey to the aging process. Peter stresses the inner heart is imperishable, gentle and quiet. As we grow our inner beauty we learn self-control and we dwell in peace. If you like playing dress up follow this dress code: “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:12-14 NASB.
Second Baptist golf tournament raises Christmas gift funds It was a cold and rainy day when dozens of golfers appeared to play a round of golf at the Green Meadows Golf Course in Mount Holly. These were not ordinary golfers. They had a mission. For eight years they or others like them had been coming on the first Friday in December to help The Second Baptist Church along with the generous support and cooperation of Benny Bowles, the owner of the golf course, raise money for a Christmas Party for the children of the community who were seeing difficult times financially. The church has been giving the children a party every Christmas for over twenty-five years. The children would come for breakfast; a story from the pastor about the gift of God and then their wish list would be fulfilled as they received large bags of toys, coats, dolls or bicycles. Eight years ago the Baptist Men’s Group made arrangements with Mr. Bowles to have a golf tournament to raise funds so more children could be helped at Christmas. It was a leap of faith having a tournament in December but the people of Mount Holly and all their friends who are golfers have never let those children down. There have been a couple of
years when the weather wasn’t very friendly but the people continued to come. The golf tournament has been so successful that last year 150 children received their Christmas at the party. Even when the economy wasn’t doing very well, they continued to come. December 5, with the temperature in the thirties and a slow drizzle at the start of the tournament, they came. With the support of individuals and companies who sponsored holes, a couple of weeks at a luxurious condo in Myrtle Beach to be auctioned off by a generous benefactor, and the support of the golfers, $23,535.00 was raised to purchase gifts for the children. This means that the church will be able to purchase gifts for as many as 200 children. The church only uses the funds to buy gifts. So to all the “frozen golfers”, cooks, supporters and the owner, Benny Bowles, Thank You and Merry Christmas to all from the children of Mount Holly. The party will be Saturday, December 20 at 10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall at Second Baptist, All golfers, supporters and contributors are invited to join us for this very special service.
Contributed Photo
Chris Black, Bobby Poteat, Jared Black and Rick Jones were bundled against the cold during the recent golf tournament that Mount Holly's Second Baptist Church held to raise funds for needy kids at Christmas.
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
Crossroads Church 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 17, 2014
Red Raiders beat BC 64-58 By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com
Last Tuesday the Bessemer City boys basketball team came to Belmont to scrap. In what turned out to be a good game the Yellow Jackets pushed the Red Raiders hard. But a tough Red Raider defense and some solid offense down the stretch worked out to be just enough to get South Point by. In a non-conference game Big Red got its first win of the year beating the Yellow Jackets 64-58. When the game started things looked like they would be going South Point’s way. The Red Raiders jumped out to a quick 16-5 first period lead. Bessemer City tried to stay in it but South Point kept its distance. At the half the Red Raiders were up 24-16. During the 3rd period things stayed the same. Anything Bessemer City did South Point countered. In a solid period of play the Red Raiders outscored the Jackets 17-12. In the 4th period things got rowdy. Bessemer City made a big push. It seemed that the BC Yellow Jackets were beginning to wear the South Point defense down. As the Jackets made the push South Point tried to keep up. The pace of the last 3 minutes was chaotic. Junior Brandon Reeves came out twice with leg cramps. As the trainer helped Reeves stretch, BC continued to push. The Yellow Jackets outscored South Point 30-23 in the 4th.
With 1:18 on the clock the score was 54-51 in South Point’s favor. With time winding down a Bessemer City defender stole the ball and to put the score at South Point 54, Bessemer City 53. When the Jackets scored the Bessemer City side of the gym went nuts. It was looking like the Yellow Jackets were going to pull it out. But South Point was having none of that. The Red Raiders defense hardened and the South Point offense hit critical shots when needed. Both teams tried hard to get the win, but as time wore down South Point had edged its lead to 64-58. The game ended with BC players attempting a flurry of shots that never hit their mark. South Point won in a thriller 64-58. Several Red Raider players had great games. In the scoring department Brandon Reeves lead all Red Raiders with 17 points. Reeves was followed by Ryan Williams with 16 and freshman Blake Ziekes with 10. Reeves proved to be the man under the boards as well. Reeves muscled away 10 rebounds. Many of those grabs came at critical times. With the win South Point went to 1-2 on the year. Bessemer City left with a 3-2 record.
South Point High player Ben Washam goes for a jump shot in last week’s game against Bessemer City. Photos by Lydia Julen
Lady Raiders fall to BC By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com
A slam dunk for Brandon Reeves in the South Point vs Bessemer City game.
Red Raider #33 Nick Muse defends against a Bessemer City player in last week’s game.
Abbey falls to N. Greenville 92-76 Belmont Abbey sophomore guard Ray Chen tied for the game-high with a career-best 24 points as the Crusaders men’s basketball team lost to the visiting North Greenville Crusaders by a score of 92-76 Saturday in a Conference Carolinas matchup. The Abbey falls to 0-9 overall and 0-4 in league play. Chen netted 24 points on 8-14 shooting while sinking all seven of his free throw attempts. Deion Lane scored 15 points and Markel Pollard added 13. Drexler Clark came off the bench to score 13 points. After North Greenville took an early 20-13 lead, Belmont Abbey replied with a 14-8 run. A jump shot from Chen closed the lead to 28-27, and
after a visitors turnover, Pollard converted a running layup with 5:49 to go that gave the Abbey a 28-27 edge. Pollard made it 31-28 on the next trip after a North Greenville turnover, but North Greenville ended the half on a 15-7 run to take the lead for good and carry a 43-38 lead into the break. North Greenville shot 53 percent from the field in the first half while the Abbey made half of its shots (13-26). The second half was all North Greenville, as it extended its lead to as high as 23 with nine minutes left in the game, as the visitors shot 74 percent from the field. Chen scored 17 of his 24 points in the final 20 minutes. Both teams scored 21 points off each other’s turnovers.
South Point Red Raiders
Stuart Cramer Storm
Player of the Week
Player of the Week
So close, yet so far. As the South Point High Lady Raiders went through their pre-game preparation for their match up against Bessemer City the determination was apparent. South Point was determined to notch their first victory of the year. They almost pulled it off. But in sports as in life almost doesn’t count. In a game that went down to the final buzzer South Point was edged out by Bessemer City 41-40. South Point fell to 0-3 after Tuesday’s game. Going into the 2-14 season South Point was going to go through some growing pains. The Lady Raiders were limited in experience. Over half of the varsity squad is made up of underclassmen. Coach Scott Tudor summed it up best,” We’re very young this year.” Despite their youth when the game started it looked like the Lady Raiders were in it to win it. South Point started the game off with a 1st period lead. But the Lady Jackets pushed South Point off in the 2nd period to go into the locker room with a 23-20 lead. Lead by senior Asia Jackson and junior Alli Jackson, South Point made up lost ground in the 3rd period. Asia Jackson ended the day with 15 points. She was also the top re-bounder for South Point. Alli Jackson had 12. Everything went down to the 4th period. Both sides went at it hard. The lead went back and forth. A costly foul with 30 seconds on the clock put a BC shooter on the line to sink the shots needed to seal the deal. In a great game the final score was Bessemer City 41, South Point 40. Coach Tudor hopes that with experience the Lady Raiders will grow, “We will try to get better every game.” Tudor said. After the game Alli Jackson was on the trainers table getting her knee iced down. The determination was still in her eyes. “We played good,” Jackson said. “But we also made some bad decisions.” When asked about how the game ended Jackson put things in perspective. In a nod to Tudor’s guidance- “It’s the whole game that counts. We will keep getting better.”
East Gaston Warriors Player of the Week
Kristian Herrington Basketball
Ryan Williams Basketball
Corey Stowe Basketball Sponsored by:
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Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Page 7
■ SCHOOL 2015 Gaston Christian senior homecoming court Gaston Christian School announces its 2015 Senior Homecoming Court. The homecoming event is planned for Fri., Jan. 16, 2015 Kristina Bridges
Anna Long
Jena Loftin
Kiser Elementary students share holiday cheer with senior adults A morning of crafts, games and carols brought holiday cheer to the residents at Stanley Total Living Center and the group of Kiser Elementary students who came to visit. The fourth-grade classes at Kiser enjoyed the spirit of the season with the residents as they worked on community service projects together. They decorated jars to give as thank-you gifts to others in the community and created bags of candy for Santa to hand out to children on his ride through town with the Stanley Fire Department. The students’ visit brightened the day for the residents, said activity director Jennifer Benton, as did the chance to work side-by-side with them. “They absolutely love to see the children,” Benton said. “At this time of year, our folks have a lot of depression. We try to do community service projects to give them purpose and a way to contribute to the community.” The students also had the opportunity to make holiday cards for the residents, which they handed out as they walked through the building singing carols. Kristy Summey, fourth-grade teacher at Kiser, helped to organize the visit and said she hoped the students had fun and also learned that “they can have a connection with someone not their age.” “I want them to come away from this experience know-
ing Christmas is not just about what they’re going to get, but what they can give to others,” Summey said. Benton said she appreciates the way Kiser and other schools have engaged with the residents at Stanley Total Living Center. She noted that some of the candy used in the crafts was donated by students at Stanley Middle School. “For several years, we’ve had good rapport with Kiser,” said Benton. “We look for ways to involve students with the residents here. It’s beneficial for both. I would encourage other schools to reach out to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities especially during the holidays.”
Belmont Middle robotics team purchases iTunes gift cards for Holy Angels residents Katelyn Smith
Katie Cunningham
Mary Madison Goforth
Tiffany Cobb
Meaning of Christmas By Bill Ward Silver bells and twinkling lights Candy canes and chilly nights Santa Claus and stockings filled Presents wrapped for morning thrills.. But don’t forget the meaning of Christmas. Carols sung and mistletoe Cider hot and hearts aglow Old friends’ calls and cards of cheer Building snowmen in the clear..
When a group of Belmont Middle School students took a field trip to Holy Angels, they did more than just learn. They also were inspired to help provide learning opportunities for others. Following their visit, the school’s “Beauty and the Bots” robotics team organized a fundraiser and collected more than $300 to purchase iTunes gift cards for learning apps and music for Holy Angels residents. Now, the students are challenging all Gaston County schools to join them in their “iCan for iTunes” community project to support the residents of Holy An- Members of the Belmont Middle School robotics team are sponsoring the gels, which serves children and adults “iCan for iTunes” project to collect money to purchase iTunes gift cards for with intellectual and developmental Holy Angels residents. From left to right are teacher and team coach Deb Elmore, Sarah Giang, Lexy Henson, Emma Lutmer, Kailee McAlister, Abigail disabilities. Belmont Middle teacher Deb El- Lefler and Mike Giang from Holy Angels. Not pictured are team member Shaymore said the students came up with lynn Adams and coach Carmin Adams. Gaston Schools photo the idea on their own after visiting Holy Angels to see how technology enjoy iPads for therapy, learning and communication, the helps the residents to learn. They met one young man who cannot speak on his own, but uses an “Beauty and the Bots” team will continue collecting donaiPad app to communicate by typing words into the program tions for iTunes gift cards at robotics competitions through that “talks” for him. He also enjoys listening to music on March. The students have developed a presentation about Holy Angels to give at team competitions, and Elmore is his iPad and saves his money to buy iTunes gift cards. “It just touched their hearts,” Elmore said. “When they helping to write a grant to purchase more iPads for the residents. left there, they decided to do something for him.” Want To Help? The robotics team members started collecting change Anyone interested in supporting the “iCan for iTunes” from classmates after lunch, and in two weeks, they tripled their original goal of $100. That success has encouraged project at Belmont Middle School may contact Deb Elmore by calling the school at (704) 825-9619 or e-mail the students to keep their fundraiser going. Since many of the Holy Angels residents use and dmelmore@gaston.k12.nc.us.
Bur don’t forget the meaning of Christmas. Turkey feast and pumpkin pie Yule tide log and Gramps’ winked eye Smiles a plenty gathered ‘round Savory sights and scents and sounds
Gaston County has 2nd positive rabies case
But don’t forget the meaning of Christmas. A wondrous star, a Baby born Some triumphant, others torn His Birth for us, as was His death Eternal Love, forever blessed.. This is the meaning of Christmas.
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, the Animal Control Division of Gaston County Police received a call from a citizen in the area of N. Main Street in Belmont reporting a raccoon found near their business that showed neurological signs of rabies. Animal Control specialists investigated and impounded the raccoon and processed it for rabies testing at the State Diagnostics Lab in Raleigh. Laboratory officials reported on Friday, Dec. 12, that the raccoon had tested positive for rabies. The Gaston County Department of Health and Human Services was notified and Animal Control Division special-
ists began canvassing the immediate area where the animal was located to advise residents of the incident and to verify pet rabies vaccinations. The Gaston County Police Department Animal Control Division stresses the importance of having a valid rabies vaccination for your animals for their health and safety as well as the health and safety of their owners. This represents the second positive rabies case in Gaston County this year. For further information contact Captain W.S. Melton, Jr. at 704-866-3320.
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HOLIDAY HOURS & DEADLINES So that our employees may celebrate the Christmas holiday with their families, the following office closings and early deadlines will be observed. for the issue date of December 31, 2014 Our office will close at noon, December 24 and closed December 25 & 26, 2014 and will re-open at 8 a.m. on December 29, 2014 ALL ADVERTISING (Classified & Display) • News Items & Social Notes • Letters to the Editor • Obituaries Will be due by 12 Noon on Wednesday, December 24, 2014 The Belmont Banner • 704-825-0580
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Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Letters To Santa PINEWOOD ELEMENTARY Mrs. Devereaux’s Class Dear Santa, This is wut i wot for chresmas. A XBox 360, WiiU, All the DS ixL Game, remot cemtrol hellocopter, I co move fastr weth my amr. foruwelr, for evorebate in the word a mare cremas incloding you and miss clos and the last tag i wot for cresmas is the game mr. mouth. Hope you have a good fly. Carter Goodling Dear Santa, This is what I woent for x-mas is a marimad tail that fits me. I want a computer. I want a fish a toy fish. A elsa doll and a elsa outfit. A Choclate doller. A bag of choclate coins. Justise close. A iPad case that has sparkes on it. And that is it. Love: Julia Salo, P.S. I belive in you! Dear Santa, If you can get me a computer and my brother a faster computer, that will be all I want for christmas. Can you please get my brother a faster computer so you can make him feel happy. Love, Justin Boyd Dear Santa, here’s what i want for Christmas, Josefina get up and go go puppy, phone, computer, galaxy tab 4, orbezz luxury spa, xbox live, Monster high 13 wishes for wii, elf on the shelf, mincraft, GTAV, money, wallet, coke, smore maker, popcorn maker, choclate box, flat screen “50” tv, pencil box, Dasher, Rudolph, Blitzen, Prancer, dancer, fourwheeler, Joebot, My secret Journel, Gardian angel, pool, trampoline, Bike, clothes, shovels, wiiu, sword, shield, puppy, shiney boots and i hope you bring me this stuff. hopefully, Alex Ferens Dear Santa, here is what i want. a Lap top, gta 5, new I phone 6, money, smart board, moicantrol car that goes 100 mp, flat screen tv that 50 inches, Lego, gine pig, Rodolf the Red noisd Raindeer, mini Razor, pool, trampolen, Bike, room, Mrs. Mouth, water bodle, stuff animal, puppy, nerf gun. Sinserly, Andrew Blake Toney Dear Santa, Here is what I want for christmas, banana signs, x-box, Iphone 6, simon swipe, Laptop, elf on the shelf, star wars the forced unleashed, Lego city sets, money, tablet, smart board, candy, soda, air hockey, t.v., Lego Star Wars death star, Hamster, Battleship, dirt bike, mip dog, pool, soccer ball, soccer field, bananas, soccer nets and a trampoline. Hopley, Alex Stephenson Dear Santa, I want a new bike because my old bike I had was small because when I pedaled my knees touched the handle. I also want a BarBie house and a Kinecet. I trust you every chrimas that me the gifts that I wanted and I will also trust you this year to. But I will alwas trust you from the Bottom of my heart. Love, Jiya Patel Dear Santa, You make it crismis evry yere you are magike santa you are my favrit you cannot wake up chilldrin you are my frst in my wintr line you are. i love you santa you will be loved by childrin i love you so much santa i love you santa my favrit and mrss. close. Love, Savannah Burke Dear Santa, I want a ps4 for chrismas and a football. I want a I pod and 100 dollars. and I want a 360 and a dirt bike. and I want a new bike and new shoes. Love, Tristian Smith Dear Santa, This is what I whant for christmas. I want an American girl her name is Saige, a Laptop, the movie Malefasent, a baby doll, a teddy bear, barbie dream house, sowing mashing, fabrick, neddles, thred, pink beats, IPad Air, notebook, art set, make a case, a box of tricks, magic set, a beam, Barbie car, Barbie kitchen, teacher set, snow board, a cart, perse, pink flats, neckless, cloths, a rain deer outfit, thats it. Love Layla Mace Dear Santa, What I want for Christmas is a elsa froezn dall and a anna
Gaston Christian High School students, in a show of both holiday and school spirit, displayed their Ugly Christmas Sweaters on Friday, December 5. The sweaters were proudly displayed at Friday’s varsity basketball games against Northside Christian Academy. Gaston Christian School photo doll and a olove dall. I want a Braide draem house. A new sowen mashine and faderdit with it too. I want an ipad and pink and white bets for christmas. I want a lad top with a pink and white heart on the back of it. And I want a large Briade car with sparele pink and shine weels. I want a pink deck and a white lithgt. Love, Christian Shippy Dear Santa, ps4. and these game please. call of duty advanced war fare. Destiny. Kill zone fallin. Madden 15. Call of duty ghost harded edtion. Minedcraft. Battlefilled 4. that will be all for games. a go cart. po go stick. oliey. That is all I want thanks for leting us have this chanse I hope it is good and I hope guys like it. Love, Dylan Howell
Dear Santa, I love Christmas. I want a elf on the shelf, Amarican girl doll stuff, a tablet, new cloths. I believe in you pease make my fly. Love, Madison Dear Santa, I want a elf for Christmas and loun doll to and a drt bike and thats all Love, Hannah Dear Santa, I want a manshin and hole life money that will make me rich. I want a new horse. I want a Raindeer. Love, Kennedy
Dear Santa Claus, here is I want for christmas a computer, lego hobbit set, call of duty advanced warfare, destiny, lego batman 3, stuffed shark, gloves, gaurdians of the galaxy. I got your letter. your friend, Sam Nichols
Dear Santa, I want for Christmas is…vido game, a big TV, monster truk, football stadium, a new house, a pet bear, pizza, a school, pet cat, shark tooth, food, grill. Love, Jason F.
Mrs. Nannini’s Class
Dear Santa, Christmas Time. I realy want you to get me a pincel sharpner and Isabela the amairacn girl doll of the year and my little brother a paw patrol play set and me a tsum tsum ploto and a gaint mike mouse. Love, MaKenlie N.
Dear Santa, hi Santa I want…an elf, jeep, my American girl, sutff animal. Thack you for the note you gave me, The awrard and the piuter of rodof and math book bey Sata! Love, Brianna Dear Santa, I want a tablet. I want 1000 dollars. I want the hole wold. I want a manchen. I want hot wing. I want WWE 2k15. I want the real terry. I want a big big the bigis tv. I want a book. I wist that i can fly Love, Antonio
My Wish List! What I want for chrstmous is a i-phone a doe dog a bike and a watergun and I can trust you t do this. see you later next year and have a happy new year santa claus. Love, Chloe C. See more letters to Santa on Page 9
Dear Santa, I want a RC Dusty, 3DS, a horse that can run, a easy Bake for my sister, Rudolph the red nose reinder, wings, magic, 1000$, puppy. Love, Dustin Dear Santa, I want for christmas is a easy bake, Monster High dolls jackalorra, franky, cleyowl. copuoter. smart bord, pupy, Barby house, 100 dollers, horse. Good bye Love, Asiah
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Wednesday, December 17, 2014
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Letters To Santa... PINEWOOD ELEMENTARY Mrs. Nannini’s Class Santa I whant gotcart and a race truck and a ipod laptop. I rilly whant a ipad! I whant diary of a wimpy kid. I whant a house. I whant a puppy. I what playstation. Love, Matthew Y. Dear Santa, I want a Surface Pro 3 (a real one). fourweeler. dirtbike game. money. thats all. Thank you for presents. Sorry my dad tryed to touch your raindeer they growled at him thanks for the tank. Merry Christmas! Love, Ethan J. Can you give me every thing? Christmas is the best. Hall do you halled every thing? I love you. Hall do you have a lot av elf? Can you give me a coludooty ghost. Can you give me a electric scooder. Can you give me a cik bow. Love, Ryan W.
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From Page 8
Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is a nut cracker/nuts, tablet case a picture of you Mrs. Claus and Commit he’s my favorite. I trust you Santa I always have and I always will and I want to know if Shmgle my Elf is still mad. Also I want you to have a safe trip and if you can tell your elfs they did a great job last year on the toys. Love your dear friend Ava (Also I love you)
SPRINGFIELD ELEMENTARY Mrs. Rowland’s Kindergarten Dear Santa, Thanc you for my dunadsr last yir. Can you ples bring the scooby doo honted manshon. I wud like the skare caraktrs and scooby doo caraktrs. I like egle talon casi. I will leve you some cookes. Love, Reed Osborne
Donation provides winter necessities for students Thanks to a generous contribution from the Hands N Feet Foundation of Charlotte, Gaston County school children will stay warm this winter. The Foundation provided Gaston County Schools with 792 pairs of socks, 720 pairs of gloves and 660 hats that will be given to children experiencing homelessness and poverty. Showing off the socks, gloves and hats are (left to right) Katrina Burris, school social worker intern at East Gaston High School, GCS lead social worker Betty Worthy, GCS director of health services Susan Neeley, and Chuck Harkey, school social worker at East Gaston High School. For more information about Hands N Feet Foundation, visit www.handsnfeetfoundation.org. Gaston Schools photo
South Point DECA
South Point DECA students take part in competition Congratulations to the following South Point High School DECA students who recently scored proficiency and/ or placed in their marketing Competitive events of Quick Serve Restaurant, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Apparel and Accessories Marketing, and Principles
of Marketing. Over 150 students competed in Lincolnton. South Point students included Dakota Bartish, Sean Chauthry, Max Neisler, Samy Abouseria-Test winner; Nicholas Ashe-Test winner, Overall finalist; Morgan Bryant-Performance winner;
Wishing everyone
Walker Featherston-Test winner, Overall finalist; Breanna Floyd; Taylor Foulk; Jessica Helton-Test Winner; Logan Hobson; Hannah Keel, Victoria McAlister, Addie McElveen, Zach Mosteller-Test winner, Overall finalist, 3rd place winner; Kaylee Thagard-Test Winner, Overall finalist; Parker Thorneburg-Performance winner, Kendall Thorneburg-Performance winner; Mikayla Withers-Performance winner, Overall finalist; Madison Canterberry-Test winner, Performance
South Point DECA winner, Overall finalist, 3rd place winner; Vallie Dulin; Ryan Furukawa; Rosy Huynh; Madison Rol-
Merry Christmas
from
and
Rollins Insurance Agency
Happy New Year from everyone at
Carson Potter-Test winner, Performance winner, Overall finalist; Clay Julen-Test winner, Performance winner; Trevor Pace-Test winner; Trevor Stryker-Test winner; Yale Loucks; Susannah Pennington; Sanval Ali.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! from
ARMY NAVY OUTLET 820-A S. Main St., Lowell armynavyoutlet@gmail.com
28 E. Woodrow Ave. Belmont, NC
704-825-4010
lins-Performance winner; Bailey Thomasson-Test winner, Performance winner, Overall finalist; Claire Turner; Kristen Whitson-Test winner; Jarrett Cooper-Test winner, Performance winner, Overall finalist, 2nd place winner;
Gastonia 1392 E. Franklin Blvd. Gastonia, NC 704.862.6022
Wishing you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season.
¡¢® ¡ £¤ £ဘ
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas from all of us to all of you... and Good Flooring too!
from the staff of
BRIGHTSTAR GRILL 205 Madora St., Mount Holly 704.827.0212
Allen Drug 704.263.4876 • 220 S. Main St., Stanley (beside The Woodshed)
914 Moose St., Gastonia
Monday-Friday • 8am-6pm and Saturday • 9am - 1pm
(Across from McKenney Chevrolet)
Serving your family at our other locations as well... Fallston Pharmacy in Fallston
Medical Center Pharmacy in Cherryville
Walkers Pharmacy in Newton
704-824-7577
The Banner News | banner-news.com
Page 10
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Stanley Christmas parade
Photos By Bill Ward
Belmont Sr. Debutante Ball returns Due to popular demand the senior adult dance known as the Sr. Debutante Ball has returned and will be held on February 14, presented by the Belmont Parks and Recreation Department. This dance is a dress up occasion with a fully catered meal and dance music by a live band. Catfish Cove will be catering the event with their delicious meat, vegetables, and dessert. The five-piece band is the ever popular 16th Avenue Band from Blacksburg, SC, and has a good following of admirers in Gaston County. The venue for this soirée is the hall at the Park Street United Methodist Church at 120 Park Street, Belmont. The church is very gracious to allow the City of Belmont to hold the dance at their nice facility. Doors open at 5:30pm for a first come, first served seating. Dinner is served 6:00-7:00pm with dancing to commence at 7:00 through 10:00pm. Please contact the Belmont Parks and Recreation Department at 704-825-8191 to purchase the $15 ticket.
Santa hitched a ride on a Community VFD fire truck last Friday and visited North Belmont Elementary School. Over 400 super excited kids greeted him in the bus parking lot and got candy canes from the merry man. Photo by Alan Hodge
■ COMMUNITY
Gaston PFLAG event A PFLAG Gaston Holiday Variety Show and Gift Bazaar will take place Dec. 18 at 7pm at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 258 W. Franklin Blvd. Gastonia. The event will showcase local talent in the theater and lobby. Come at 7 and purchase some almost last minute gifts from local vendor and crafter tables. There will also be a silent auction. Please bring an item for House of Mercy. A full wish list can be found on their website at http://www.thehouseofmercy.org/WishList.asp But some requested items are: movie gift cards (Gastonia), bottled drinks, individually wrapped snacks, laundry and household cleaning products.
from all of us at
Happy New Year
Merry Christmas
Meese Jewelry Co.
to all and to all, a great 2015!
www.Banner-News.com
William K. Gary Insurance Inc.
from
Bill Gary Sr, CFP
President’s Conference, Agency President William K Gary & Associates Inc Nationwide Insurance and Financial Services
On Your Side®
124 South Main Street Mount Holly, NC 28120
Tel 704-827-3151 • 888-627-3151 Fax 704-827-0717 • garyw1@nationwide.com
35 N. Main St, Belmont • 704.305.2048
125 W. Central Ave, Mt. Holly 704.827.2211
from everyone at
®
and
Charlie’s Drug
Wishing everyone a Safe & Merry Christmas
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas
My Brother’s Bottle & Hawkins Real Estate Group 113 W. Central Ave. Mt. Holly, NC 704-827-6126
from
THE UPS STORE 6428 Wilkinson Blvd. • Belmont, NC
704-829-1050