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We wish you aealthy Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton and McAdenville ¢ H 75 & y Happ Volume 79 • Issue 53 • Wednesday, December 31, 2014 ! r a e Y New

Boiling Springs, NC

Matthews named Belmont Fireman of the Year

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Since childhood, all Leon Matthews, 33, ever really wanted to do was be a fireman. Now, he’s not only living out his vocational dream, he’s been named City of Belmont Fireman of the Year 2014.

Matthews grew up on Charlotte’s west side and recalled hanging out at his local fire department on Remount Road.

“I was in the Boy Scout’s Explorer program there,” Matthews said. “I saw

everything the firemen at Station 10 did.”

Time came and went, and Matthews held down jobs at Auto Bell and as a delivery driver. But he never lost sight of his ambition to get on a red truck.

His first firefighter job came in May, 2005 when he was hired by the City of Gastonia Fire Department.

From that point he has gone on to also work part time simultaneously at Belmont for the past eight years.

See FIREMAN, page 2

Leon Matthews was named Belmont’s 2014 Fireman of the Year. Matthews says he has wanted to be a firefighter since childhood.

Photo by Alan Hodge

2014 in Review...

Dawson Bridge opens Rev. Robinson honored

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Local July 4th celebrations in our area had everyone, including these two youngsters, in a patriotic mood.

Photo by Alan Hodge

The second third of 2014 saw an interesting mix of news in our area including the opening of the C. C. Dawson Bridge in Cramerton and Mount Holly’s Rev. Jeremiah Robinson being honored by the city.

The July 2 edition of the paper led off with an article on Father John Hoover, a Camaldolese monk, who had established a small monastery in his Mount Holly home. Another story touted a film produced and directed by 18-year-old East Gaston High grad John Kaskay. Yet another front page feature examined the history of local trolley service in the early part of the 20th century.

July 9 came in hot and a hot topic that led off that week’s paper was the use and regulation of drones by private citizens. Local drone pilot Wil Neumann demonstrated his machine for the BannerNews and explained some of the ins and outs of its proper use. Another July 9 article looked at a trip by Belmont businesswoman Elaine Lyerly to England where she met Prince Charles at a Red Cross shindig.

The July 16 BannerNews kicked off with a story announcing the grand opening of the new Dawson Bridge in Cramerton. The bridge had been under construction for way over a year. Another July 16 story recalled the 44th anniversary of the Love Valley Rock Festival that over 100,000 hippies, including several

Duke Energy coal ash controversy continues

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The controversy over storage and disposal of Duke Energy coal ash is back in the news- as if it ever left.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a rule giving coal ash a waste designation under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). However, Catawba Riverkeeper Sam Perkins feels the rule fails to implement provisions needed to protect people and waterways.

See COAL ASH, page 3

local folks, had attended in 1970.

July 23 blazed into view and the BannerNews front page featured a cool story and photo announcing the North Charlotte Rowing organization was moving its boats and headquarters to Belmont. The picture accompanying the article showed several folks rowing down the Catawba River. Less good news in the July 23rd paper told the fact that unemployment benefits for many local folks would soon be drying up.

July 30 came around and the BannerNews for that week homed in on how noise from Charlotte-Douglas airport was impacting local lives. Another front page story that week involved a visit to and report on the Mount Holly Farmers Market and how successful it was. On the inside, the July 23 paper chronicled the 2014 season of the Gaston Braves American Legion baseball team.

August rolled in hot and the BannerNews for the 6th featured interviews with several veterans of WWII on the 69th anniversary of that conflict’s end. Another article that week talked about the induction of Buddie Hodges and Larry Lawing into the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame.

The August 13 edition of the BannerNews was headlined with an article covering the official dedication of the C.C. Dawson bridge in Cramerton.

See 2014 REVIEW, page 3

2015 to bring exciting changes for Banner News

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

A number of new and exciting changes will be coming to the BannerNews starting in January.

To begin with, the paper will be available at more locations and will be free. People who want to continue to receive it at their home or office will still be able to subscribe as they have in the past.

There will be a new look to the BannerNews. It will be printed in a convenient tabloid format. There will be a new, updated masthead.

Editorially, the paper will continue to provide hometown news with an emphasis on the good things citizens and local governments are doing in Belmont, Mount Holly, Cramerton, McAdenville, Stanley, and Lowell.

School happenings have always been an important part of the BannerNews and that aspect of coverage will continue to expand.

See BANNER-NEWS, page 2

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Page 2

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

BANNER-NEWS Continued from page 1 Growth and development in our area is on the rise and the BannerNews will keep readers abreast of the latest developments in that regard.

The readers of the BannerNews are an important part of what makes it special.

As editor, my door, phone, and email address will always be open for your story ideas, press releases, and photos. Feel

perfectly free to submit anything and everything you think other folks would be interested in knowing about and I will see that it makes it into print.

I am excited about the future of Eastern Gaston County, and doubly excited about making the BannerNews the best source of news information, entertainment, and education in our area.

FIREMAN Continued from page 1 He also works as a part time fireman for the City of Salisbury. He received the Salisbury Fire Department’s part-time Firefighter of the year in 2011.

“I bounce from one station to the other,” Matthews said.

Belmont Fire Chief George Altice appreciates the dedication Matthews puts into his work.

“Leon is an outstanding individual who has distinguished himself in the fire service over his tour of duty,” Altice said. “He has been an active member of the Belmont Fire Department since June 2006 dedicating and sacrificing his time to ensure he stands ready to serve his department and the citizens of Belmont as a highly trained firefighter. He is a parttime member of our department where he serves as a Firefighter II/ Engineer.

Leon is very versatile in this capacity.

He holds certifications as a EMT, Driver Operator, Ariel Operator, Rescue Technician and Hazardous Material Technician.

Leon completed North Carolina Breathing Equipment School in 2008. During this year, Leon has attended 196.0 hours of firefighter and rescue training and responded to 152 emergency calls for assistance from our community. ”

Altice continued, “The Belmont Fire Department Firefighter of the Year Award is the highest honor a member can be awarded for his unselfish efforts during his time of duty,” he said. “This prestigious award reflects the feeling of the department. When people review the history of the Belmont Fire Department, they find that our department has been and will continue to be an aggressive leader in the fire service. The reason our department ranks with such high regard is due to employees like Engineer Matthews. Leon has surpassed our expectations of being a member of the department, as he continues to develop his fire rescue knowledge and skills through cognitive and practical training. There is no doubt he has a bright future in the fire/rescue field. I am very proud of Leon’s accomplishments and performance. He is an excellent example of the aggressive firefighters, which continue to make Belmont Fire Department an outstanding leader in the fire service.”

Now that’s he’s achieved Firefighter of the Year, Matthews intends to climb even higher up the career ladder and achieve his ultimate childhood dream.

“I want to drive a firetruck full time,” he said. “That’s my goal.”

The Tuesday Afternoon Book Club welcomed new member Edna Walker (center) during their recent lunch. Seen with Walker are Emily Smith, president (left) and Eva Ann Via. Contributed Photo

Tuesday Afternoon Book Club members recently held their December luncheon. Members who attended included: L – R Emily Smith, Edna Walker, Eva Ann Via, Genie Hayes, Agnes Horsley, Del Poovey, Beth Geddis, Clenda Lineberger, Lissa McMeeken, Kitty Wilson, and Gearl Dean Page.

Contributed Photo

Real Christmas Trees are 100% Recyclable After the holidays, don’t throw your real Christmas tree in the trash or set it on the curb. Real Christmas trees are biodegradable, which means they can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes. Here are some recycling options and tips on what to do with your tree after the holidays.

Curbside pick-up for recycling: Most areas will collect trees during their regular pickup schedules on the two weeks following Christmas. There are often requirements for size, removing ornaments, flocking, etc.

Take your tree to a drop off recycling center: Most counties have free drop-off locations throughout the county.

Yard waste: Cut the tree to fit loosely into your yard waste container.

Tree recycling/mulching programs: Tree recycling and mulching programs are a fast-growing trend in com-

munities throughout the nation. Check with your local department of public works for information. They chip and shred the trees, then make the mulch available for use in your garden. Your hauler will notify you of pick-up dates in your area. Be sure to check with your local hauler.

Other uses for recycled real Christmas trees include: Soil erosion barriers: Some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially for lake and river shoreline stabilization and river delta sedimentation management.

Fish feeders: Sunk into private fish ponds, trees make an excellent refuge and feeding area for fish.

Bird feeders: Place the Christmas tree in the garden or backyard and use it as a bird feeder and sanctuary. Fresh orange slices or strung popcorn will attract the birds and they can sit in the branches for shelter. Make sure all decorations, hooks, garland and tinsel strands are removed.

Eventually (within a year) the branches will become brittle and you can break the tree apart by hand or chip it in a chipper.

Mulch: A Christmas tree is biodegradable; its branches may be removed, chipped, and used as mulch in the garden. If you have a neighbor with a chipper, see if he will chip it for you.

Living, rooted trees: Of course, next year, you could get a rooted (ball and burlap or containerized) tree and then plant it in your yard after Christmas. It’s a good idea to pre-dig the hole in the late fall while the soil is still soft, then plant the tree into that hole immediately after Christmas. Living trees have a better survival rate in mild climates.

Important: Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove.

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Page 3

2014 REVIEW Continued from page 1 That paper also featured a profile of Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame inductee Tracy Black as well as a story and photo on the Goat Island Park Phase II groundbreaking.

August 20 brought news that the Stowe YMCA in Belmont would be getting a new playground from the KaBOOM! non-profit group. Also reported in the BannerNews for August 20 was a profile of Mount Holly’s new assistant police chief Brian Reagan. On the inside pages, the paper featured an article recognizing teen volunteers who spruced up the House of Mercy campus.

The August 27 BannerNews ran an article concerning a bicycle visit to Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden by Wounded Warrior members. Another story that week featured photos of folks who had been inducted into the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame at that organization’s annual banquet.

September 3 marked the calendar and the BannerNews for that week had a nice article on Rev. Jeremiah Robinson of Mount Holly who was recognized by the city for his many years of community work. Another article that week looked at the Mira Via home for single mothers on the campus of Belmont Abbey. The top photo for the September

3 issue showed MontCross Chamber president Ted Hall taking the ALS Challenge and getting drenched with a bucket of cold water.

The September 10 BannerNews applauded Gaston Schools students for bringing their state test grades up. That issue also recognized South Point High’s scholar athletes. A lovely photo in the September 10 issue showed a group of former Bank of Belmont employees who had gathered to celebrate the 91st birthday of colleague Harriet Armstrong.

A new Habitat for Humanity home in Mount Holly graced the front of the September 17 BannerNews. That issue also announced the planned construction of a new Harris Teeter grocery in Belmont. A third article in the September 17 issue profiled Greg Black of Mount Holly and his musical instrument business.

September 24 came along and the BannerNews had a story and photos recalling the 25th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo.

That edition also featured a profile of Belmont’s new planning department employee Shelly DeHart.

See Part 3 next week

Mount Holly got a new resident in July when Father John Hoover opened his New Creation Monastery on Madora St. Photo by Alan Hodge

The summer of 2014 saw great success for the Mount Holly Farmers Market. A community garden was also created in Belmont.

Photo by Alan Hodge

A nice-sized crowd of folks visited downtown Mount Holly for the recent Jolly Holly Days event. Shops, restaurants, and the Mount Holly Historical Society museum all had plenty of visitors during the MHCDF- sponsored evening.

Photo by John Jacob

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This shot shows the coal ash pond at Riverbend Steam Station near Mount Holly. Its listed as one of the four most “at risk” Duke Energy coal ash storage locations in North Carolina.

Contributed photo

COAL ASH Continued from page 1 “While the EPA is finally establishing a floor in terms of minimum federal coal ash regulations, the floor is much too low and has too many holes,” said Perkins.

“The rule leaves too much oversight to the utilities and the state, which for decades have demonstrated that with the onus on them, they cannot and will not do enough.”

Under RCRA, waste deemed hazardous is regulated under Subtitle C, while waste deemed non-hazardous – like household trash – is regulated under Subtitle D. However, coal ash had never been given any designation until environmental groups sued the EPA to force a designation, which had to be made by today, according to a court ruling.

Coal ash will be regulated like a Subtitle D waste.

“We have had disasters at Kingston, Tennessee, in 2008 and at Dan River, North Carolina, this year.

We have seen from countless seeps and from Duke Energy’s own monitoring wells that all 14 unlined sites in North Carolina are leaking high levels of toxic metals,” declared Perkins.

“Given the situation, we really hoped that the EPA would have realized that

coal ash cannot be left in place and cannot be used as unlined structural fill. We were let down.”

The Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation has lawsuits against Duke Energy for contamination at the three coal ash sites along a 29-mile span of the Catawba River around Charlotte.

Those sites are Marshall (Lake Norman), Riverbend near Mount Holly (Mountain Island Lake) and Allen near Belmont (Lake Wylie).

“Citizens have been left to fend for themselves, so we will continue to pursue litigation to get the protective measures that our governments and utility have failed to provide,” Perkins said.

Meanwhile, Duke Energy says it is acting quickly and meeting deadlines to comply with new North Carolina policy for the management of coal ash and the closure of ash basins including Riverbend where Mount Holly, Gastonia, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg all draw drinking water.

John Elnitsky, senior vice president of ash strategy, updated North Carolina legislators recently on the company’s progress to meet the requirements detailed in

state directives and the new Coal Ash Management Act (CAMA).

“We are continuing our strong commitment to the safety of the environment and the communities we serve,” Elnitsky said before the N.C. Environmental Review Commission.

“To give you a sense of the scope of this, our work will touch every facility, requiring system modifications at every facility, permit modifications at every facility” in order to implement CAMA. Duke declares it has met aggressive state deadlines to file groundwater assessment plans, updated permit applications for all 14 North Carolina facilities and submitted phase one excavation plans for four sites- including Riverbend- designated in the law for closure by 2019.

“We are meeting our requirements and are in a good posture…What I’m most excited about is that we’re ready to move forward at the four sites that are high priorities as soon as we have the necessary permits,” Elnitsky said.

The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources must approve the projects before work can begin.

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Page 4

Opinions...

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Yours, Ours, Others

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time” - Abraham Lincoln

Can’t we just all get along? I hope you got a broken The year 2014 is over and if it was a human being I would tell it to not let the door strike it in the rear upon exit.

This was a very trying year for me. My sister passed away. My mom had an accident and nearly did the same but she pulled through. Over the Thanksgiving holiday period I lost three long-time friends in less than one week. One was Jan Williams, a member of the Stanley town council and a fellow Civil War reenactor. Another was Tony Rollins of the Center of Knowledge (aka Rollins Service Station) in North Belmont. The last to pass away was George “Gorgeous George” Hall who was a 1960s R&B star that jokingly called me “his boy”.

On the national scene, 2014 was a year of chaos. Rioting and racial strife made TV headlines for months. The gridlock in Congress meant that little got done for the good of Alan Hodge the nation. Scandals by elected officials were rampant and Banner-News Editor even came to the Big City across the Catawba River when Charlotte’s mayor got nabbed for taking bribes.

On the world stage, it was war as usual all across the Middle East. It looks like after thousands of years, those folks would have learned to get along at least a little. Adding a new level of barbarism and savagery to the Middle East mix was the practice of beheading that was not only carried out, but posted on YouTube. Unreal.

A new year is coming up. What will it bring? At the rate things are going, I don’t see folks in the Middle East getting along any better than they have in the past. I hope the U.S. doesn’t get stuck there forever. In our own nation maybe there’s hope for a better, more harmonious year, but there’s a lot of built up anger that still hasn’t been totally dissipated. In Washington, Congress will still be divided into two camps, Republican and Democrat, with neither side willing to work with the other.

However ,there is a bit of sunshine in all this and we here in Eastern Gaston County can bask in it. In 2015 I think that there will be economic stability in our region and that folks will be better able to provide for themselves and their families. In our area folks of all races seem to get along pretty well.

There will be challenges. Issues with traffic and transportation will occupy a lot of local officials’ time, but folks are already working on solutions so we can avoid becoming totally traffic jammed. In the meantime, other folks are striving to keep our small town charm from being swept away by unrestrained growth.

I am a realist that was created over the years from an idealist. Life can be hard sometimes but the bottom line is a lot of people everywhere need to remove the chip they carry on their shoulder and do something constructive with all that negative energy they have stored up and maybe 2015 will be a turning point in our neighborhoods, nation, and world.

As Forrest Gump remarked- “That’s all I’m going to say about that.”

Etch A Sketch for Christmas

When I was a kid, we always went to my grandmother’s house after eating our Christmas day dinner. It was the perfect time to see what everyone had gotten for Christmas. I could never understand why my cousin Diane wanted clothes. How can you play with clothes? I mean, what do you do with that?

One toy my cousin had that I thought was so cool was an Etch A Sketch. We’ve all seen them (or owned one). You turn the vertical and the horizontal wheels to draw figures.

When you get real good, you turn both wheels simultaneously to create a circle. I remember my early circles. They looked more egg shaped than round.

Then there was my rebellious cousin Kathy who decided she would “erase” the entire screen so we could see inside.

While it would be “cool” to do that, the rest of us faced sheer Tony Marciano panic. We lived with the dreaded disease of “Italian guilt”. Contributing writer We believed if we did that, we would ruin that toy. Our parents would find out and we’d never get another toy for the rest of our lives. In fact, we’d be banished to live on the back porch regardless of how cold it was (how’s that for drama). But my cousin persevered. We saw the inside of this fabulous toy. After oohing and aahing, we faced more worry. Would she get the silvery powder back on the screen? It wasn’t our problem.

You’d never find our finger prints on those two white wheels.

The great part about an Etch A Sketch is that when you messed up, you simply turned it over, shook it and started all over again. You could start over as often as you wanted to. Each time you did that, it looked brand new just like it came out of the box.

Imagine if someone took an Etch A Sketch and used it to write down everything you did wrong and then showed it to you at the end of the day. My wife could fill the screen within an hour of my waking. I’m not that good. While my wife would tell me that she still loves me, if she constantly threw my short comings in my face, the discouragement would have a negative impact on our relationship and I would just “give up”.

I think we see God as having a “super” Etch A Sketch and He’s writing down all the ways we mess up. Then we see Him as wanting to “shove it in our face” as a constant reminder of how we mess things up.

Imagine God having an Etch A Sketch but His is broken. He puts His hands on those two white wheels to record our sins; they turn but nothing happens. It’s as if the gears are stripped. The stylus doesn’t move. There is no silvery powder removed from the screen. There is nothing to be seen but that famous “out of the box” silver screen. It’s as clean as the day you bought it.

The depth of God’s love is that he remembers our sin no more. They are vanished forever. He doesn’t bring them up against us. As a Christian, I believe the one who took our guilt and penalty for our sin was Jesus on the cross.

If you should happen to receive an Etch A Sketch this Christmas, enjoy it. It’s a classic toy that every kid should have. While your version draws fabulous pictures, remember, God’s Etch A Sketch is broken.

Letter to editor: Now It’s Time to Focus on Growing the Economy

By Lee H. Hamilton Recent economic news has been broadly reassuring.

Retail sales are strong, November saw the best job gains in three years, the federal deficit is shrinking, the stock market is robust, and the Fed is expressing enough faith in the economy that an interest rate bump next year is considered a certainty.

Yet the public remains unconvinced. This is partly because perceptions haven’t caught up to reality. For many middle- and lower-class families, economic circumstances have not changed very much.

Strong numbers do, however, offer one unambiguous piece of good news: The pressure on policy makers to focus on near-term or immediate problems has eased, which means they can now focus on the fundamental question of economic growth. As Princeton economist Alan Blinder, political strategist Al From and others have pointed out, now is the time for policy-makers to concentrate on creat-

ing the environment in the country for sustained, non-inflationary economic growth.

To begin with, we have a chance to get our fiscal house in order and pursue long-term deficit reduction. This means modernizing entitlement spending and shaping a tax-reform package that focuses on investments to boost productivity and help the economy to grow for everyone.

It also means eliminating public subsidies to individual enterprises—that money can better be spent on boosting the economic skills of ordinary Americans through education and training.

There are other steps government policy-makers can take to improve broad economic growth. We need to expand trade through open markets and simplify the regulatory structure so that it protects Americans without burdening companies beyond reason. And we must address our nation’s deferred infrastructure needs, which hinder the smooth functioning of every business that relies on trans-

porting its goods.

The same applies to reforming government itself. A government that does not work well — that wastes money, fails its regulatory responsibilities, and cannot make timely decisions — undermines economic growth. Finally, policy-makers need to remember that economic growth means providing a ladder out of poverty for the truly needy.

Free, competitive markets are the best way to deliver goods and services to Americans. Government must not get in the way of that system. Nor should it stand idle. The right response by government to our economic challenges is not to focus on the immediate economic problems of the day, but to invest in economic growth for all.

Lee Hamilton is Director of the Center on Congress at Indiana University. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years.

Sidewalk Survey Q: What is your New Yearʻs resolution

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

Debra Pressley I don’t really have one this year

Rachel Pritchard To worry less

Shim Jones To help have more peace everywhere

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Page 5

■ OBITUARIES Paul Fuller Jones Member First Baptist Church Mount Holly Paul Fuller Jones, 87, passed away on Thursday December 25, 2014. He was born July 24, 1927 in Gaston County, son of the late Allison Fuller Jones and Verna Leola Skidmore Jones. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Isaacs Jones and a son Paul Fuller Jones Jr. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Mount Holly and was a former coowner of Jones Brothers Supermarket.

He is survived by 3 children Virginia Jones Poole and husband Scott of Belmont, Edwin Lee Jones of San Diego, California, and Claudia Jones Henrickson and husband Tim of Mount Holly.

3 grandchildren Ashleigh Davis, Brenna Poole and Collier Poole.

A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Jones was held at 3:00pm Sunday December 28, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Mount Holly with Rev. Dr. Kendell Cameron officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Condolence messages may be sent to the family at www. woodlawnfuneral.org Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly, NC is serving the family.

retired from Belmont Hill School in Belmont, MA, and relocated to North Carolina in 2003. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, but especially loved his trips to Moosehead Lake in Maine in the spring with his son, his brother Ken and his dear friend Bill Ashe.

Mr. Waite served in the Army National Guard and was a 50 year member of the Masons and Shriners Aleppo Temple where he served in the Boston and Steele Creek NC Lodges.

Survivors include his children Bruce Waite (Pam), Tyngsboro, MA; Linda Waite Hamrick (David), Mt. Holly, NC; Diane Waite, Ft. Myers, FL; and Cheryl Waite Sharpe (Craig), Conroe, TX; Grandchildren Matthew Stover, Stephanie Waite Borges, Jessica Stover Mahool, James Sharpe Jr., Kelly Waite; and several great-grand kids. He is also survived by his brother Kenneth Waite (Sally) and several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks go out to all of his home health care aides and Hospice who took such good care of him these last few weeks. I am thankful to all of them and I know he was also.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 375 Woodlawn Avenue, Mount Holly, NC. The family will receive friends following the service.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Crippled Children, Burns Institute, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114. Condolence messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly is serving the family.

Winfred Waite U.S. Army National Guard Winfred Lawrence Waite, 82, formerly of Tyngsboro, Mass., passed a w a y December 25, 2014 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, with his daughter by his side. Mr. Waite was born on February 22, 1932 to the late Percy H. and Hazel Lawing Waite. He

Cindy Davis Member First Baptist Church Mount Holly Cynthia Kinard Davis, 55, left her place on earth to brighten her place in heaven on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia.

She was born in Mecklenburg County on Sept. 15, 1959, the daughter of the late James and Marjorie Bazzell Kinard.

Cindy had the gifts of

service and caring for others unselfishly. She was the loving and devoted wife of Larry Davis and mother of Alan. She will be missed by her sisters, Brenda Hoover and Donna McNeely, and brothers, Jimmy, Danny and Bobby Kinard and their spouses. She was an aunt to 16 and a great aunt to seven.

Friends who touched her life in special ways are Allen, Joann and Leland Buzhardt, Joel, Beth and Greyson Gentry, and Reid, Betty and James Black, and many “Lake Wylians.”

A private celebration of life will take place at a later date. Tributes in her memory may be sent to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 701 Seacrest Ave, Belmont, NC 28012.

McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the Davis family.

Share condolences by visiting www.mcleanfuneral. com and signing the guestbook.

McLean Funeral Home

Forever friends...

Contributed photo

Nancy Buckner Hyde and Lynda McGinty have been friends all their lives. Their mothers would walk the babies, Nancy in a carriage, Lynda in a stroller. She was a year older. They lived on the same street, were buddies, went to Camp Rotary for Girl Scouts, played high school basketball, and attended Greensboro College together. Lynda is Kent and Lee Hyde’s godmother.

Now, they join a group of “GC” friends every Labor Day week on Topsail Island for an annual get together. This September they visited Karen Beasley in Topsail. Karen loved the loggerhead turtles that made nests on the beach. She and her mother volunteered to help injured turtles. When Karen died, her family donated funds for a much needed turtle hospital and rehab center. It was named in memory of Karen. Her mother, Jean Beasley, is the director.

She spent time with the “Greensboro girls”- Nancy, Lynda, Betsy Newman of Harrisonburg, Va., Marion Pritchard of Oxford, and Dot Fender from Wilmington. Also, friends Ka Guinn of Harrisonburg and Jane Ashley who comes yearly from North Lincolnshire, Scunthorpe, England.

Pictured are, from left; Lynda Mcginty, Jean Beasley, and Nancy Hyde. The GC girls gave a special donation to the Karen Beasley Center. Friendship…one of life’s greatest gifts.

■ MEDITATIONS

Humble Beginnings I volunteer as a mentor in our local schools.

One morning we were engaging in ice breakers.

Three of us volunteered to bring in our hobbies.

The students had to guess which hobby belonged to a volunteer. I brought my pink boxing gloves, the other two volunteers brought in their paint set and golf clubs. I was the only female participating therefore, one would think “pink” gloves was a giveaway. Well, I guess it was not that obvious. Several of the students guessed the gloves belong to one of the men. A student said he would hold the heavy bag while I punched. I told him he may not want to stand too close. He did not heed my advice and after one hit he fell backwards. It was assumed as a petite female surely I could not be a boxer. “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him

in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 ESV. The Jews were waiting for the long expected Messiah. They had been under heavy oppression from Rome for many years and longed for freedom. They were expecting a mighty warrior to come and defeat the Roman Empire and restore Israel. They were not expecting a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths. The Messiah was born in the most humble of circumstances. How often do we miss the presence and power of God because we look for the grandiose appurtenances of luxurious living? We are taught, “To get ahead, you must sell yourself” and “The bigger the better.” This humble birth of Jesus teaches us that success is not in bigness. The most magnificent mighty person ever born came in a lowly manger, in a cave, in a feeding trough. Yet, with his birth

came the most powerful weapon of all that can break through any hard heart and tear down any dividing wall. What is this power? Love! Turn on the news and we see demonstrations of hate, division and malice. We stand in judgment at one another and cast blame.

Rev. Angela Pleasants The world has a heart problem. It is a heart First United Methodist Church, Mount Holly in need of restoration.

Jesus broke into this laid down his life for us, world to redeem a world and we ought to lay down torn apart and living in our lives for the brothers.” rebellion toward God. He I John 3:16 ESV did not come as a warrior, but as a humble child and died a criminal’s death in a world that needed a Savior.

Funeral Home We still live in a world & Cremation Service in need of a Savior. As Christians, we can conWe offer funeral tinue to carry the light and packages and we honor love of Christ into this existing pre-need funerals. world. We can show others there is a better way. It is 704-629-2255 the way of the cross which www.siskbutler.com is the message of love. “By Eddie Pigg, Funeral Director this we know love, that he

Sisk-Butler

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

East Belmont Baptist 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

Page 6

The Banner News | banner-news.com

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Hawks take 2014 Gaston Co Soccer Championship Mount Holly Middle School recently defeated Cramerton 2-0 to win the 2014 Gaston County Soccer Championship for the second year in a row. The game was played on Thursday, December 18, at Forestview. MHMS had a huge, spirited crowd to cheer the team on every step of the way. The team was 4th seed going into the playoffs and had beaten Holbrook in the first round.

Contributed Photo

Huss edges South Point in closing seconds 52-51

By John Wilson john.bannernews@gmail.com

You never want to see a game come down to a call made by a referee. But in the South Point boys basketball match up against Huss a pair of questionable calls in the closing minutes may have been the difference. In a game that proved to be exciting the Red Raiders lost to Huss 52-51.

Early on the refs had nothing to do with the pace of the game. South Point was sloppy. They had plenty of opportunities to hit shots but missed. In a slow 1st period Huss was leading 10-9.

In the 2nd period it looked like Huss was going to pull away from South Point. The Red Raiders went into the locker room trailing the Huskies 25-17.

Despite being behind South Point played tough defense against a very athletic Huss squad. South Point was very tough under the boards when Huss tried to follow up on missed shots. Brandon Reeves and Ryan Williams did a good job denying Huss the follow up points.

Int he 3rd period South Point started to nose their way back into the game. As the seconds rolled off at the end of the 3rd period the Red Raiders had closed the gap trailing Huss by 41-36.

The 4th period proved to be somewhat of a foul-fest with both squads going to the line often. Both teams were playing tough aggressive ball. To keep things under control the refs were calling the game tight. Very tight.

With 6:28 in the 4th period Brandon Reeves scored a layup and was fouled. Reeves sunk a free throw for South Point and the score was knotted at 43-43. Things were looking good for South Point.

A few moments later South Point took it’s first lead when JT Starr sunk a free throw putting the Red Raiders up 46-45.

South Point started to put some distance between them and the Huskies when Blake Zieske scored off a layup and South Point increased its lead to 50-45 with 3:10 on the clock.

In the final minute the game got cloudy. Both teams were playing hard. In a game like that refs will either be tough or

South Point basketball Coach Kubbs argues his case on a questionable call in the closing seconds of South Points 52-51 loss to Hunter Huss.

Photo by John Wilson will go by the let ‘em play philosophy. This officiating crew was tough.

With 51 seconds to go South Point was up 51-50. They were about to pull it off.

With 10 seconds to go a Huss player made a push for a basket. Bodies collided and South Point was charged with

a defensive foul. Huss was going to the line with the game in the balance. South Point thought the Huss player should have been called with “Charging” The referee didn’t see it that way.

Huss went to the line and walked away with a 52-51 lead.

With seconds winding down South Point put the ball in play. They quickly put the ball in Brandon Reeve’s hands.

That was a wise choice. Reeves had a team high 15 point on the night. He had been all over the court.

With less then 3 seconds on the clock Reeve’s went up in the air near the left side of the key in an attempt to score. He collided with a Huss player and the ball sailed out of bounds.

The play was similar to the one called against South Point moments before. The South Point fans erupted figuring Reeves was going to have a chance to go to the free throw line. That joy turned to despair when no foul was called.

South Point head coach Kody Kubbs came out and tried to make his case for a foul. His pleas went no where. The game ended with the Huskies winning 52-51.

Coach Kubbs was not pleased with the outcome but was pleased with how the Red Raiders played.

“I’m proud of how we played,” Kubbs said. “We played with discipline. We did everything we could to win against a really good basketball team.”

So was Reeves fouled? Huss players and fans says NO. The South Point faithful say YES. Kubbs stayed clear of commenting on the final foul calls.

We had some great opportunities,” Kubbs said. “But it slipped away.”

Of course no matter what anyone had to say it wouldn’t matter. The refs have the last word and they said Reeves wasn’t fouled. So the Red Raiders hit the locker room falling short on what had been up one heck of a come back.

BOX SCORE South Point Red Raiders 51 Hunter Hus Huskies 52 South Point Hunter Huss

1 2 3 4 FINAL 8 9 19 15 51 10 15 16 11 52

Huss out muscles Lady Raiders 52-39

By JohnWilson John.bannernews@gmail.com

Within the first few minutes of South Point’s recent matchup against Hunter Huss it was obvious it would be a long night for the Lady Raiders. Huss was all over South Point. The Lady Huskies were all over the court. They were intense and aggressive. In a Big South Conference match up the South Point girls basketball team fell to Huss 52-39.

Huss hit the court hard outscoring South Point 12-6 in the 1st period. Things weren’t much better in the 2nd period as Huss took a 25-11 lead into the locker room.

All game long Huss employed an assertive offense and defensive strategy. The Lady Huskies forced turnovers and attacked South Point producing turnovers and coming away with 14 steals on the night.

“We need to adjust,” South Point head coach Scott Tudor said. “Work on movement. We need to be patient.”

South Point did it’s best to fight back. In the 3rd period the Lady Raiders started to close get things together. they out scored Huss 10-9 in the 3rd. But no matter what South Point did Huss frustrated and overwhelmed the Lady Raiders at every turn.

“We need to maintain composure,” Tudor said. “Control our emotions.”

The Lady Raiders inability to move the ball was costly.

Every time they tried to dribble Huss went in for a steal.

“We need to work on catching the ball,” Tudor said.

“Facing the court and moving without the ball.”

In the 4th period both teams put up a flurry of points.

South Point dropped in 18. But as was the case all night Huss was one step ahead putting up 21 points of their own.

Alli Jackson was South Point’s top scorer with 10 points.

Asia Jackson played hard in the South Point effort. She was SP’s top rebounder with 10 boards. Asia finished the night with 9 points.

“Asia played very well.” Tudor added.

With the loss South Point dropped to 1-5. They resume Big South play on January 2nd 2015 at Ashbrook.

BOX SCORE South Point Lady Red Raiders 39 Hunter Huss Lady Huskies 55 South Point Hunter Huss

1 2 3 4 FINAL 6 5 10 18 39 12 13 9 21 55

Stanley Jr Pee Wees play at Disney Stanley Jr Pee Wee football won the mid-south regional championship game which allowed the team to advance to the national championship game at EPSN Wide World of Sports complex at Walt Disney World. The team was defeated by Red Hawks from Illinois but won the game against Kelso Highlanders from Washington State.

Contributed Photo

MH sports hall of fame news President Aaron Suttenfield of the Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame has announced that the annual charitable disbursements have been made to close out 2014 business.

A $500 donation went to the Community Relief Organization (CRO), with smaller amounts going to Mount Holly Middle School football, Ida Rankin Elementary safety patrol, Mount Holly Optimist’s Dixie League 10U all-star baseball team, and Stuart Cramer mens’ basketball. The MHSHOF is a charitable tax-exempt organization, and has inducted 51 individuals and teams in its 8 years of operations.

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

■ SCHOOL Gaston Christian School students visit Biltmore House in Asheville, NC

Students from Gaston Christian School recently took a trip to Asheville where they toured the Biltmore House. The students enjoyed the sights and learned Biltmore is the largest private residence in America.

Gaston Christian School photo

Gaston Christian School announces 2015 Senior Homecoming Court

Gaston Christian School has named its 2015 homecoming court. Kristina Bridges, Tiffany Cobb, Katie Cunningham, Mary Madison Goforth, Jena Loftin, Anna Long, Katelyn Smith.

Homecoming 2015 is Friday, January 16. Games with York Preparatory Academy begin at 6:30 (Girls) and 8:00 (Boys).

Gaston Christian School photo

Gaston County Schools

Good News...

Here is a look at “good news” from Gaston County Schools for December 2014: Gaston County Schools support personnel participated in a five-day training program from the National Council for Behavioral Health. The following employees earned national certification as Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainers: Katie Bass, Michelle Black, Jennifer Christy, Justine Davis, Joe Freeman, Millicent Heavener, Whitney Hill, Judy Leahy, Ashley Ligon, Barbara Martin, Sarah Martinez, Nohra Nunez, Ami Parker, Tina Peterson and Wanda Love Rauch.

Highland received three honorable mention awards in the What’s Super About Public Schools video contest sponsored by the North Carolina School Boards Association.

The following Highland students were nominated for the prestigious Governor’s School of North Carolina program: Garrett Buchanan, Matthew Noles, Elise Sweezy, Katherine Purello, George Dent, Collin Hill and Savannah Lutz.

To fulfill a pledge to make a difference in the community, Kiser Elementary students in Kristy Summey’s class picked up litter around the school and organized the school’s “lost and found” program. Amy Leophard’s class also conducted a litter cleanup. Lynn Ealey’s class sponsored a clothes drive for local charities, tended the

Summer Camp Expo at Gaston Day School January 22, 2015 What are you doing next summer? If you are still weighing your options and trying to decide, you may want to visit the Summer Camp Fair at Gaston Day School to meet various camp directors and camp staff to learn what different summer camps have to offer.

Summer Resident Camp, Summer Day Camp, and Specialty Camp representatives will be available from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia camps to answer questions and distribute information for summer 2015.

The Summer Camp Fair and Expo will be held at Gaston Day School in the Henry Center Upper Dining Hall on Thursday, Jan., 22 from 12:00-5:00pm. Come and see what programs are on the cutting edge in Sport Camps, Academic Camps, Drama Camps, Art Camps, Enrichment Camps, Resident Camps and Day Camps.

Page 7

It is a great opportunity for parents and children from preschool age through 18 to talk with camp folks and to get first hand information for campers and information on how to become a staff member.

The following camps are currently registered to participate: Camp Wayfarer, Camp Harrison, Camp Thunderbird, Camp Hanes, McCallie Sports Camp, Green River Preserve, Schiele Museum, Merri-mac & Timberlake, Camp Mondamin, Skyland Camp for Girls, Camp Rockmont, Jon Walker Stables, Camp Cherokee, Gastonia Grizzlies Baseball Camp, Gaston Dance Theater, Gaston County Art and History Museum, First in Flight, and South Hampton Swim and Tennis Camps.

The Camp Fair is free and open to the public. For additional information, please feel free to call Gaston Day at 704-864-7744.

school’s flower beds, and sent teddy bears and cards to patients at Levine Children’s Hospital. Additionally, all fourth grade classes visited residents at Stanley Total Living Center.

The Lingerfeldt student council held its annual canned food drive and collected 2,000 items for local food pantries. Student council officers McKynzie Mauney, president; Kayla Pressley, vice president; Tykel Smith, parliamentarian; Brody Ganey, secretary; Lacie Kimray, treasurer; Jyasia Foster, historian; and T’Aynia Williams, assistant secretary, organized the collection.

Lingerfeldt pre-kindergarten teacher Leslie Thomas was named the school’s Teacher of the Year.

The East Gaston High School marching band participated in the Southeastern Classic competition at Newton-Conover High School and received the First Place Class 1A Band distinction and a superior rating.

The band also won first-place awards in the drum major, color guard, percussion, and music categories.

East Gaston students Steven Griffin, Angel Bowers and Megan West received honorable mention awards in the recycled art contest sponsored by Keep Gastonia Beautiful.

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING The members of Belmont Federal Savings and Loan Association (you are a member by reason of having a savings account or loan with us) are hereby notified that the annual meeting of Belmont Federal Savings and Loan Association will be held on January 14, 2015 at 1:00 pm in the office of the Association.

Additional information and proxies are available from: Michael F. Anthony, President Robin Clanton, Assistant Secretary

Classified Ads Homes for Sale/Rent MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS MOUNTAIN-Prices starting at $100/week. Call 704-739-4417 or (evening) 704-739-1425. (tfn) Cute, small home for rent.

Close to downtown Cherryville. $425/month. No pets, no smoking. Deposit required.

Call (812) 613-3559 for more information. (12/31) 5 ROOM HOUSE FOR RENT- 2-3 BR’S, 1 BA, gas heat, NO PETS. 218 Lackey Street in KM. (Near North School) $450/mth. + Deposit. References required.

Call: 704-734-0951 after 4 pm.

(12/31/14)

Land for Sale/Lease LOTS IN GASTON, CLEVELAND, RUTHERFORD and CHEROKEE CO., some with water & septic.

Credit no problem, owner will finance with low DP. Call Bryant Realty at 704-567-9836 or www.bryantrealty.org. (12/31)

Building For Rent 1,600 SQ. FT. BUILDING for RENT. Heating & air condition.

Bath. 433 N Piedmont Ave. in K.M. Call: 704-739-2353 or 704418-3848. (12/24, 31/2014 & 1/07 & 14/2015.)

Legals STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 15th day of December, 2014 as Administratrix of the Estate of GINGER ELIZABETH MOSS, deceased, of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Rita S. Smith, Administratrix on or before the 24th day

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTONNOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the17th day of December, 2014 as Executrix of the Estate of DANIEL A. BAIN, aka; DANIEL ANDREW BAIN, deceased, of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned Rebecca B. Denton, Executrix

of March, 2015, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery.

All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 24th day of December, 2014.

Rita S. Smith, Administratrix Estate of: Ginger Elizabeth Moss 627 Secrest Ave Belmont, NC 28012 BN10587 (12/24 & 31/2014&1/07& 14/ 2015)

on or before the 24th day of March, 2015, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 31st day of December, 2014.

Rebecca B. Denton, Executrix Estate of: Daniel A. Bain, aka; Daniel A. Bain, 304 Ogden Dr. Belmont, NC 28056 627 Secrest Ave BN10588 (12/31/2014 & 1/07,14, 21/ 2015)

OFFICE CLOSED Our office will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2015 for New Year’s Day

704-825-0580

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Wednesday, December 31, 2014

South Point fall sports awards South Point High School presented its fall sports awards on Thursday, Dec. 11th at its annual fall sports banquet.

Awards were presented for volleyball, cross country, women’s golf, women’s tennis and men’s soccer.

Listed below are the awards winners.

Volleyball: Chelsea Houser - Varsity Most Valuable Player; Dorothy Carnes - Varsity Most Improved Player;

Kayla Karr - Varsity Coach’s Award; Caroline Hyde - JV Best Offense; Jenelle Wilcox - JV Best Defense.

Women’s Golf: Madison Monteith - Most Valuable Golfer; Parker Thorneburg - Coach’s Award.

Cross Country: Garrett Gibson - Male Co-Coach’s Award; Grace Russell - Female Co-Coach’s Award; Morgan Mahaffey - Female Co-Coach’s Award.

MEN’S SOCCER: Henry Keel - JV Best Offense; Ben Lineberger - Varsity Coach’s Award; Charlie Tran - JV Best Defense; Not Pictured - Carson Potter - Varsity Most Valuable Player; Sean Miller - Varsity - Most Improved; Nate Long - Varsity Best Offense

WOMEN’S TENNIS: Kayla Cho - Most Improved; Taylor Rash - Most Valuable Player; Not Pictured - Holly Withers - Coach’s Award

Women’s Tennis: Taylor Rash - Most Valuable Player; Kayla Cho - Most Improved, Holly Withers - Coach’s Award.

Men’s Soccer: Carson Potter - Varsity Most Valuable Player, Sean Miller - Varsity Most Improved; Nate Long - Varsity Best Defense; Ben Lineberger - Varsity Coach’s Award; Henry Keel - JV Best Offense; Charlie Tran - JV Best Defense.

VOLLEYBALL: Front Row - L-R Caroline Hyde - JV Best Offense; Chelsea Houser - Varsity Most Valuable Player. Back Row - L-R Dorothy Carnes - Varsity Most Improved; Kayla Karr - Varsity Coach’s Award; Jenelle Wilcox - JV Best Defense

WOMEN’S GOLF: Madison Monteith - Most Valuable Player; Parker Thorneburg - Coach’s Award

CROSS COUNTRY: Grace Russell - Coach’s Award; Garrett Gibson - Co-Coach’s Award; Not Pictured - Morgan Mahaffey - Co-Coach’s Award

Jimmy Wayne performs, shares inspirational life story Country music singer and songwriter Jimmy Wayne spent time recently sharing his life story with students at Cherryville High School and York Chester Middle School in Gastonia.

The assembly programs featured Wayne taking the stage to perform several of his popular songs and tell about how he overcame a childhood in poverty and the foster care system thanks to the love and support of teachers, counselors and an elderly couple who took him into their home.

His appearance at York Chester was a homecoming of sorts for Wayne, who attended the school 30 years ago when it was Clay Street Elementary and he lived not too far away on Vance Street.

Wayne recalls growing up in an environment of a broken family, neglect, abuse, and homelessness. And, he knows some children face the same obstacles, which is why he keeps coming back to share his message of hope with students and teachers in Gaston County Schools.

“These kids come up to me and talk to me about how their stories are the same as mine,” said Wayne. “They want to know how someone has gone through what they’re going through.”

Wayne has visited local schools several times this year in addition to other appearances in Gaston County.

“It’s my way of giving back to the community,” said Wayne, a 1992 graduate of Bessemer City High School. “If you’re in the system, the only way out is through education. That’s where I put my time and money and resources – making sure I go back and inspire the people who are raising our children.”

Wayne is best known for such hits as 2008’s No. 1 single “Do You Believe Me Now” and 2003’s “Stay Gone.” In October, he released his second book, a memoir titled “Walk to Beautiful: The Power of Love and a Homeless Kid Who Found the Way.” Wayne credits his teachers and counselors in Gaston County Schools with helping him find the way.

“The school teachers are so important.

My teacher Crystal Friday – I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it wasn’t for her. She saved my life,” said Wayne, who noted that he doesn’t charge a speaking fee to any of

the schools.

“I feel obligated because they helped me.

All these teachers – I would not be here if it weren’t for them. I know that for a fact. They were the ones who really Jimmy Wayne stands on stage in the York Chester Middle School auditorium after sharing his music and life story with listened.” students and staff.

Wayne Gaston Schools photo believes his story might help teachers understand the students who come from the same places he did.

“Teachers come to me now and say, ‘I have a new perspective. I can see that kid now.’ They handle them a little differently,” he said.

During his visit to Cherryville High 3 Tab Roofing Architect Laminate School on December 10, he encouraged Shingles Shingles the students to thank their teachers for what $44.96 Square - $14.99 Bundle $54.96 Square - $18.32 Bundle they do and took the opportunity to speak directly to the teachers in the audience.

“If I could go back and tell every teacher 5V Galvanized Metal ‘thank you’ – for driving me home, for tell8’ ..............................$15.49 14’ ............................$25.95 ing my mom that I needed a new pair of shoes, for listening to me,” he said. “There’s 10’ ............................$18.49 16’ ............................$28.95 so many students you guys will never hear 12’ ............................$22.49 10’ Ridge Cap ..........$18.95 that from, but I guarantee you, whether they are standing on stage at Madison Square Treated Decking, Cabinets, Garden or working in the operating room, they are thankful – to that teacher, that and Paneling Available! counselor, that principal who helped them.”

Despite finding fame in Nashville, • Don Lyles Jimmy Wayne returns often to Gaston DBS County to give back to the community (Dr. of Building 8x8................... $1349 8x12 ................. $1749 10x16 ............... $2195 where he grew up. In August 2014 Wayne Supplies) shared his story and music with more than 8x10 ................. $1549 10x12 ............... $1949 12x16 ............... $2495 3,000 employees at the Gaston County •Tracy SAVE $$$ on: Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Exterior Siding, Schools Back-To-School Convocation at Lyles Stuart W. Cramer High School in CramerAll Size Lumber; both treated & regular ton. Many people said Wayne was the most inspirational convocation speaker ever.

He encourages other schools to contact (across from Gaston College) him if they are interested in having him Open: Mon - Fri 8 - 5:30 • Sat 8 - 1 visit.

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WOODEN STORAGE BUILDINGS

Hwy. 321 Between Gastonia & Dallas