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Thursday, December 31, 2015
Mount Holly City official
Jamie Guffey passes away unexpectedly By Alan Hodge
wry smile. However, when it came to city affairs, he was all buisness. This writer saw him A true tragedy struck at council meetings and every Mt. Holly on December 18 time someone had a question, when assistant city manager especially concerning the and financial director Jamie intricacies of city finances, Guffey, 46, died unexpectGuffey was always ready with edly at CaroMont Regional a quick and accurate answer. Medical Center from compliLike many who knew and cations of a previously diagworked with Guffey, Mt. nosed ailment. Holly city manager Danny Just days before, at the Jackson not only lost a profesDecember 14 city council sional colleague, but a friend meeting, Guffey had been as well. recognized for 15 loyal years “My relationship with of service to the city. Jamie Guffey was honored Jamie started with the very Guffey lost his father, by the City of Mt. Holly for 15 day he came for a job interCarl Bruce Guffey, Jr. at an years service just four days view in the year 2000,” Jackearly age. He is survived by before he passed away unex- son said. “I immediately saw his wife of 18 years Beth, pectedly. on his resume’ that he graduchildren Ruby and William, Photo by Alan Hodge ated from the same college as mother and stepfather Sue me (Appalachian State Uniand Sam Carpenter, and others. A service versity). I knew then we would have a confor Guffey was held last Tuesday at Cramer nection, which obviously lasted for fifteen Memorial United Methodist Church, where years. Jamie and I had a wonderful friendship he had just accepted a post as head of the and working relationship for all of the years church’s council, followed by a graveside we knew each other. A lot has already been service at Gaston Memorial Park. said about his kindness, intelligence, love for Guffey was a graduate of Appalachian family and sense of humor. I can attest to the State University and a member of Delta Chi fact that all of that is true. Fraterrnity. Guffey had a keen sense of humor and See GUFFEY page 2 alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Chronicle Mill project takes another step forward By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
The multi-year, multi-million dollar, multi-use Chronicle Mill repurposing project by real estate investor John Church at 96 E. Catawba St. in Belmont took another step forward when the Belmont city council recently approved rezoning the 6.01 acre site from Business Campus Development (BC-D) to Business Campus Development/Conditional Disctict (BC-D/CD) and also rezoning ten surrounding parcels totaling 1.14 acres where several mill houses were once located from General Residential (G-R) to BC-D/CD. Among the rezoning details, the former zoning had 30’ setbacks from the street, but
the new zoning will allow setbacks similar to that in “downtown” Belmont. “The rezoning will really help the city and us,” Church said. “It will especiallty help with the hotel we plan to put at the corner of Catawba and First streets.” In addtion to the boutique hotel, which is still in the early stages of design, other aspects of the Chronicle Mill project Church plans to implement could include retail space, a brewery, restaurant, shopping, amphitheater, green space, meeting space for civic events, office space, cafe, and an airy glass and steel lobby. The completed project is also seen as a link between historic downton Belmont and East Belmont. See CHRONICLE page 3
Southwest Region Teacher of the Year Bobbie Cavnar (center) is pictured (from left) with South Point High School principal Gary Ford, Gaston County Board of Education member Chris Howell, North Carolina Teacher of the Year Keana Triplett, Gaston County Schools Superintendent W. Jeffrey Booker, and Gaston County Board of Education member Catherine Roberts. Gaston Schools photo
South Point High teacher receives honor
Cavnar named Southwest Region Teacher of the Year For the fourth time in six years, Gaston County Schools has the Southwest Region Teacher of the Year. Bobbie Cavnar, an English teacher at South Point High School in Belmont, was named the 2015-2016 Regional Teacher of the Year during an announcement at the school this afternoon (December 17). He will compete against eight other regional winners for the North Carolina Teacher of the Year title. Cavnar has 16 years of experience in education, spending the past 12 years at South Point High School where he teaches English. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in English Educa-
tion, and he earned a master’s degree in English from UNC-Charlotte. He was named the Gaston County Teacher of the Year in May. “It is an honor and privilege to represent the Charlotte region as the Teacher of the Year,” stated Cavnar. “As the Regional Teacher of the Year, I want to continue to be a voice for students and teachers and do all that I can to promote our public schools. We have great schools in Gaston County and across the region, and I am so excited to represent all teachers in the Charlotte area. This is a wonderful opportunity, and I am so grateful.” See CAVNAR page 2
The Year In Review... Interesting people and patriotism provided plenty of news for the first half of 2015 By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Though local economic growth and development continued to be a theme in the first half of 2015, there were lots of other interesting news lines including the return home and burial with full military honors of a Vietnam War MIA from Belmont and the grand opening of Goat Island Park Phase II in Cramerton.
January: The year kicked off with the retirement of Belmont’s long-time Parks and Rec. director Sallie Stevenson who had been on the job for 28 years. Another hot story in the Jan. 8 BannerNews was the announcement that local musical composer Meredith Varn was set to have her work appear at the NC Museum of Art. See REVIEW pages 8, 9 & 10
As we celebrate the season, let’s remember to treat one another with kindness, love and understanding. We hope you’ll join us in the true spirit of the season with prayers of peace and goodwill toward all mankind.
From the BannerNews to our readers, go our best wishes for a blessed happy New Year 2016
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The auditorium at South Point High was buzzing with excitement at the announcement of teacher Bobby Cavnar’s recognition as Southwest Region Teacher of the Year.
CAVNAR From page 1 Students say they enjoy being in Cavnar’s class because he is “very engaging, asks our opinion on things, and values what we say and believe.” Another student said, “He makes you want to come to school; he teaches life lessons, not just English.” When asked what makes Cavnar’s class different from others, one student replied, “Every year, everyone looks forward to getting into his class and then when you are finally there, it exceeds your expectations.” Cavnar is the fourth Gaston County Schools teacher in the past six years to win the regional recognition. Thomas Plecnik, who taught at Rhyne Elementary School and is now an instructional specialist at Woodhill Elementary School, was the Regional Teacher of the Year in 2010-2011. Lenora Crabtree,
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Students hold a sign congratulating Cavnar as he was joined on stage by his family. Photos by Alan Hodge
who taught science at Forestview High School, won the award in 2011-2012, and Julian Wilson, the band director at York Chester Middle School, earned the recognition in 2012-2013. Superintendent of Schools W. Jeffrey Booker stated, “Having the Regional Teacher of the Year four times in six years shows the quality of teachers we have in Gaston County Schools. Our teachers are committed to the education profession and take pride in helping children to learn, grow and thrive. We have successful schools in Gaston County because of teachers like Bobbie Cavnar who give their all to our students.” Booker added, “We are extremely proud of Bobbie Cavnar. He is an energetic, impressive teacher who understands and values public school education. He is one of the most popular
teachers at South Point High School because of his incredible ability to connect with students and challenge and inspire them. Bobbie Cavnar is most deserving of the prestigious Regional Teacher of the Year honor because he is among the ‘best of the best’ in the teaching profession.” Keana Triplett of Ashe County Schools and the current North Carolina Teacher of the Year announced Cavnar as the Southwest Region Teacher of the Year during a surprise assembly program in the school’s auditorium. Cavnar was chosen as the Southwest Region Teacher of the Year from a group of school district level winners in a 10-county region: Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and Union.
GUFFEY From page 1 He and I worked together as assistant city managers for years before I became the city manager. When I became the city manager our relationship got even better because we worked more closely together. We were partners and could count on each other. He would become the shining example of being a good teammate, which is the philosophy that I put forth with those that I worked with on a daily basis. I am going to miss him simply walking by my office speaking to me every morning upon arrival to work. We spent so much time together it’s like losing a brother. I am selfishly saddened by the loss of Jamie. My selfishness is equalized by the fact that I grieve for his family and what they are going through. I hope that I can be strong enough to support Jamie’s family and by the Grace of God I believe that I will. I will miss him and loved him dearly.” Mayor Bryan Hough said this about Guffey. “Jamie Guffey has been described as invaluable, respected, honest, funny and a man of integrity,” he said. “Most of all, he was our friend. Jamie handled all of his duties with grace and the utmost integrity. He was always prepared to discuss all aspects of the city’s finances at any time. The city has lost a valuable person who will be missed for years to come. We are praying for his family has they cope with his passing.”
Wilbert Plastic Services participates in Toy Drive In its third year, the annual Toys for Tots drive at Belmontheadquartered Wilbert Plastic Services again achieved significant participation from employees, amassing a bountiful donation for the Gaston chapter of the United States Marines Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program. In the photo, Gaston County Toys for Tots coordinator Bill Starr shares a moment during his collection with Wilbert employees – from L to R, Ray Otstott (Internal Control Manager), Pam Wall (HR/Payroll & Benefits Coordinator) and Rajesh Shah (Director of Advanced Engineering). Founded in 1947, the Toys for Tots program annually collects millions of gifted toys across the United States for boys
and girls. Gaston County’s Toys for Tots drive moves into its fourth year this holiday season. Wilbert Plastic Services is proud to partner with this worthwhile organization and looks forward to many more Christmases working with this local charitable agency. Provided by the Lyerly Agency
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 1 , 201 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
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
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CHRONICLE From page 1 Church purchased the Chronicle Mill a couple of years ago and immediately set about assessing potential uses for the 150,000 sq. ft. of space available in the three-story, brick structure. “My original intent was to tear it down and recycle the materials,” Church said. “But once I began to peel back the layers and see the maple floors, yellow heart pine beams, and the original brickwork, I saw the beauty and potential of the building and changed my mind.” Church has brought on a team John and Jennifer Church of engineering, environmental, and construction consultants to evaluate the mill’s condition and possible uses. Over the past months, Church and his folks has been analyzing and stabilizing the structure, getting it ready for the repurposing project to move into its next phase. “We work there every day,” he said. “We always have a crew on site.” Marketing is also playing a big part in the Chronicle Mill project. “We are doing studies on economic feasabiltiy and marketing to projexct revenues from the project’ Church said. “This inludes estimating leasing rates and the final cost of building out the mill.” Church estimtes the completed project could cost as much as $20 million and take several more years to complete.
A recent rezoning approval by the Belmont city council will help move the Chronicle Mill project forward. One part of the repurposing will be a boutique hotel. Photo by Alan Hodge “It is the most challenging, dynamic thing I have ever done,” he said. The Chronicle Mill was built in 1901 by R.L. Stowe and other investors. Workers who laid the bricks for the imposing three-story structure earned $1.75 for every thousand they put down. Timber and other lumber used in the building cost $13 per thousand board feet delivered to the site. The mill’s name was chosen to honor a Revolutionary War
patriot from Gaston County, Major William Chronicle, who had lived near the mill site and was killed in the Battle of King’s Mountain in October 1780. The first bale of cotton was fed into the Chronicle Mill’s steam-powered machinery on Feb. 28, 1902. By 1908, the mill was powered by electricity, a move that doubled production. In time, countless cones of cotton thread would be spun at the Chronicle Mill until it finally shut down in 2010.
Mt. Holly Police Dept. & U.S. Marines give toys to tots
MHPD Deputy Chief Brian Reagan and a local child pose with Santa at the Toys for Tots event in Mt. Holly.
Members of The Mount Holly Police Department volunteered to team up again this year with the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. The department hosted a toy collection box, and registered families in need of assistance with toys for children this Christmas. A toy distribution event was held Saturday, December 19th from 11am until 2pm in the Grand Hall of the Municipal Complex in Mount Holly. Members of MHPD, and Sergeant William Starr of the Marine Corps Reserve (Ret.) distributed the toys with the help of a number of community volunteers. Refreshments were served, and visitors were able to take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Clause. Toys were distributed to
approximately 87 families, with close to 300 children. Many of these children were from the greater Mount Holly area. Assistance for the event was provided by the Mount Holly UAW, Mount Holly Soul Patrol, Queen City Dance Out, and a number of private citizens and city employees. Food Lion and McDonalds of Mount Holly helped to provide refreshments for the event. Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Kathy Santmire invited Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus to the event. “This event is a great way for MHPD employees to connect with our citizens, and help those that may be struggling this time of year. Police officers have a big heart when it comes to children, and it’s very rewarding to see so many citizens and organizations come together to help the USMC Reserve with this won- Guests at the Mt. Holly Muncipal Complex toy distribution derful program” MHPD Chief event are seen enjoying refreshments. Don Roper. Mount Holly Police Dept. photos
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Opinions...
Yours, Ours, Others
MY OPINION:
Russia’s president Vladimir Pootin’. On the other other hand, no presidential candidate I can ever recall had cotton candy hair like Trump. Don’t get me started on Mrs. William Jefferson Clinton. The world situation during 2015 got Alan Hodge worse and I think Banner-News Editor 2016 will be worse still. Terrorism is not just about radical religious fanatics shooting up restaurants and stores in places like Paris, it’s now come home to roost as the San Bernadino situation clearly pointed out. Some folks say that if you pass strict gun control laws all these shoot em’ ups will stop. Others say if every person goes around packing like in the Old West then it will deter the bad guys. Neither case is true in my opinion. Just like anything else such as moonshine, folks who want a gun will get one legally or illegally. As far as large numbers of folks toting a Roscoe, how many are trained and willing to use it correctly? We have a couple of firearms at home including my .577 caliber Enfield Civil War rifle musket for which I have rolled a ‘home defense load’ consisting of a handful of BBs in a torpedo-shaped piece of tin foil backed with 100 grains of black powder....bring it on! But seriously, I don’t have the answer for the gun situation. Just duck and cover as best you can. I hope 2016 is a better year. I was in a big box store a couple of weeks ago and Santa Claus was sitting in a chair texting and looked up as I went by and ask me what I wanted for Christmas. I said “peace and good health”. Well, the Jolly Old Elf seemed perfectly perplexed at this answer and a woman nearby with a cart laden down with “stuff” turned and looked equally puzzled seeing as we were surrounded by a mountain of material goods but honest to God that’s what I hope we can somehow all get a dose of in the coming 12 months- peace and good health. Happy New Year. Maybe.
A Very Tough Job By Lee H. Hamilton You know who I feel sorry for? Today’s politicians. You’ll laugh at this, but hear me out. This is a very tough time to be a politician — whether running for office or trying to lead while holding office. The people who’ve undertaken to represent us face circumstances that make campaigning and governing unusually challenging right now. For starters, our political discourse, from city councils to state legislatures to Congress, is less forgiving than it was a generation ago. Political opponents are no longer just people with whom we happen to disagree — they’re people who
- Benjamin Franklin
Here we go again...I have been slammed with mud from day one (with the exception of one letter) after my (apparently not so nice) op-ed to the editor that ran back in October. I merely made suggestions. That is all. Yet the feedback that soon followed accused me of criticizing and apparently mandating the forces that be to come in and bulldoze parts of Catawba Street. I do speak English and I also drive down this same street; not daily, but when I am visiting dear friends who live just a few blocks away, or to shop at the antique mall; the mall that has the unique water tower proudly displayed on its roof. I don’t have a license to operate a trolley, nor do I have any desire to start up a commercial paint business or begin to write grants. I am just a resident who has enjoyed witnessing the growth here since 1995. Rather than continuing to spew
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hurtful and unappreciated remarks, how about turning that energy into a positive element? The constant negative comments, along with anonymous letters arriving in mailboxes, seemingly seal my thoughts on why a molehill was turned into a mountain. The true spirit of so many will always outweigh any negativity spewed from proverbial tongues. It reminds me of the same diatribe that led me away from the Belmont Topix webpage several years ago. Trolls there overwhelmed the forums; nothing but (he said-we said, etc took over.) Be that has it may, I will continue to convey positive words to those who are thinking about shopping, visiting, or moving here. I love this town (all corners). Can’t we all just get along? Lisa Harper Belmont
I gave myself an early Christmas gift For eighteen years, my mother has lived with me. Just over three years ago she slipped getting out of bed. We took her to the hospital. Fortunately she didn’t break anything. There would be home recuperation. My mother has dementia. When she came home from the hospital, we set up her living quarters with a hospital bed to assist with her home recovery. It is up against the wall on one side and bed rails on the other. When she tried to slip out the bottom of the bed, we put up a big board to prevent that. She wasn’t going anywhere. In addition, we use a seat alarm for the times during the day when she sits in her chair. We have baby monitors in the house so we could hear her wherever we are. One is located downstairs and one upstairs in my bedroom. There is always someone home with her 24 hours a day. This worked well for the first two years. As my mother’s dementia worsened, she started calling for her mother. She told us her mother needed her home. We’ve assured her all is well; however, she still calls out for her in the middle of the night. Since the baby monitor was in my bedroom, I would sit up straight in bed. Getting back to sleep took some time. I found myself exhausted. Bone tired exhausted. Even though I faithfully used my C-Pap machine, I was exhausted during the
need to be shamed into silence. The extent to which politicians today genuinely distrust the other side is something new in our politics. It makes progress on the issues of the day extremely complicated. This is exacerbated by politicians’ awareness that voters have lost confidence in our traditional political leadership and are searching hard for alternatives. Why are Americans upset, and more willing than usual to rally to outlying candidates? I don’t think there’s any great mystery. For starters, we have a society that is deeply concerned about economic insecurity; as the Pew Research Center reported recently, the American middle class is in trouble and no longer in the majority. You can add to this the fear of terrorism and a deeply unsettled view of the major changes taking place in American society: the rise of big data and its attendant loss of privacy;
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“Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let ever new year find you a bet er man.”
Letter to the Editor...
The best of times the worst of times Well, 2015 has come and gone and like that line from the Charles Dickens novel “Oliver Twist”...no, wait, “Moby Dick”, no, wait... “For Whom the Bell Tolls”...no, wait..”A Tale of Two Cities”, yeah, that’s it, “A Tale of Two Cities”, ‘it was the best of times it was the worst of times’. For me, 2015 was an emotional roller coaster with highs and lows such as I had not experienced in a while. My mom died in March only about a year after my sister. I dream about one or the other or both of them every single night. Every single night. Also in March my doctor informed me I had a life altering disease- don’t worry, I will probably be around to irritate folks for quite a while as long as I lay off pie and cake and of course take a pill every day. Don’t forget, there is a pill for everything except stupid. Maybe I need some of those. A couple of months ago I got news that my uncle Ronald Lamar “Pineknot” Helton had cancer.....but he is fighting it just as hard as he played when he was on the 1953 Belmont High football team. On the flip side, Sharon and I took a couple of nice trips to the beach and during the September one we splurged and rented a helicopter for a ride up the coast that was fantastic. We walked the beach for hours and as usual she picked up shark teeth from the sand when no one else could see them. I also had some great rides on my vintage motorcycles up in the country past Stanley and one long one of around 100 miles to Fallston, Lawndale, Polkville, and points beyond. I also got another year under my belt with Our State magazine- 27 years now and counting- and assignments for 2016 so I am good to go in that regard. On the local scene, the improving economy is still chugging along and relatively cheap gasoline prices mean a few extra bucks in the budget each week. Folks are still moving to Gaston County in droves to avoid living in that big city across the river. On the national stage, the presidential election is shaping up to be uglier than a baboon drinking vinegar. The choices are scary. I fear for the future of our country. On the other hand, at least our leaders keep their clothes on and don’t go around topless like
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Alan Hodge - Editor
day. I was like a rechargeable battery that had limited shelf life and the battery didn’t hold a charge for long. I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until a day I was attending Rotary. The speaker began his presenRev. Tony Marciano tation and I fell Executive Director asleep. I would fall Charlotte Rescue asleep five times; Mission sound asleep. I was dreaming. I woke up and looked around. No one was staring at me. Good. I tried to stay awake but found myself sleeping and dreaming the second time. I woke up. I dodged that bullet. No one saw me. Smiled at the speaker, looked at the power point – again I was sleeping and dreaming a third time. I looked at the Rotarian next to me. She hadn’t elbowed me yet so she had no idea I was sleeping. Stay awake – again I was sleeping and dreaming a fourth time. I had 10 minutes left, I can make it, but once again I was sleeping and dreaming for the fifth time. See GIFT page 5
migration flows; tensions over diversity, gender and race; changing religious patterns; the decline of the traditional, objective media. America today is an uneasy place, and we see this reflected in voters’ frustration and pessimism. Voters are just now starting to hold candidates up to the standards of the offices they seek; as they do, the unsettled political environment in which we find ourselves will grow a bit less uncertain. But the long-term issues — the fears and uncertainty and the forces driving them – won’t have gone away. Which is why I feel great sympathy for politicians at the moment. The skills we need in our political leaders, like the ability to approach those with whom they disagree with a measure of good will and an openness to negotiation and compromise, are not held in high esteem by the voters or by the loudest voices in their own parties. Yet that is precisely what many politicians recognize our country needs. Published by
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Tri-County Animal Rescue Pets of the Week This week Tri-County Animal Rescue’s Pets of the Week are Harley (Dachshund mix), Rocket (Jack Russell Terrier mix), Peanut (Dachshund/Chihuahua mix) and Bella (Chihuahua). All of these pets are under twenty pounds and are wishing for a permanent family for the new year. These are great dogs and would make a great addition to your family. They are micro-chipped, current on vaccines, spayed/ neutered and come with 30 days of free pet insurance. If you are looking for a companion for you or your
family, come out and meet Tr-County’s available pets at the Gastonia PetSmart located at 3698 East Franklin Boulevard this Saturday noon to 6 pm. Tri-County Animal Rescue is a non-profit organization serving Lincoln, Gaston and other surrounding counties committed to ending pet homelessness in this area and we need your continued support. If you cannot adopt a pet, then support Tri-County in other ways. Volunteers and donations are needed to continue the mission of finding homes for these unwanted
animals. Help Tri-County Animal Rescue continue to save pets by adopting your next pet this weekend. The “needs” list includes: towels, Clorox, laundry detergent, paper towels, dry dog food and dry cat food. For more information, call 704.263.2444, send an email to TriCountyAnimalRescue@yahoo.com, visit the web at www.tcar. us or on FaceBook at TriCounty Animal Rescue. Donations can be sent to TriCounty Animal Rescue, PO Box 483, Alexis, NC 28006.
GIFT
straight up. I don’t remember doing that. I realized at that moment that I was like a couple with a new born baby; I wasn’t getting any sleep. I was exhausted. Knowing my mother was safe on all four sides in the hospital bed, I moved the baby monitor out of my bedroom to the bonus room
where my wife and daughter spend most of their time. I got a full night’s sleep. The same happened the next night and the next. Jesus reminds us to love our neighbor as ourself. If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t take care of my neighbor (or my mother). When I’m tired, I’m short with the people I love. I’m not myself. There were two gifts given in early December. I am getting a full night’s sleep and my mother got a well-rested son who is better prepared to take care of her.
From page 4 It wasn’t the speaker’s fault. Later that day my wife commented that when my mother called out in the middle of the night, I sat
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UrgentVet Pet Clinic opens with ribbon cutting ceremony Dr. Jim Dobies, owner of South Point Pet Hospital in Belmont for the past 10 years, is helping create a new type of pet care with the opening of UrgentVet Pet Clinic at 600-A Park Street in Belmont. Dr. Dobies told Chamber members attending the grand opening recently that his UrgentVet practice is the first of its type in the country - filling the void between traditional veterinary clinics and emergency pet hospitals. UrgentVet is designed to treat cats and dogs that are in pain or in need of care that is not an emergency at night and on weekends when most primary care clinics are closed. The slogan at UrgentVet is “Your Pet Can’t Wait To Feel Better.” UrgentVet is open from 5 p.m. until midnight on weekdays and from noon to 8 p.m. on weekends. For more on this new business and Chamber member, call 704.825.8868, or visit www.urgentvet. com.
In the photo, Dr. Jim Dobies cuts ribbon with members of his office team, his wife Judy and Chamber representatives Melia Lyerly of Lyerly Agency (holding ribbon at left), Geanina Neal of CommunityOne Bank in Mount Holly (right) and Chamber President Ted Hall. Montcross Chamber photo
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
Holidays at the Garden activities continue The Holidays at the Garden tradition continues through January 3 at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and will feature a New Year’s Eve celebration. The Garden’s annual holiday display brings together a contemporary, yet elegant lighting display that also includes: model train displays, carriage rides, family Holiday Crafts, holiday carols, a spectacular 16-foot-tall Orchid Tree featuring more than 300 orchids, a half-million Christmas lights, fire pits for making s’mores and more. In addition to Holidays at the Garden, New Year’s Eve will feature family-friendly activities from 6 to 9 p.m. with traditions from around the world. Families can enjoy activities, live accordion music, and a biodegradable luminary release at the end of the night for wishes in the New Year! Champagne tasting (5 half-glass pours) is available for an additional $20 per guest. Children‘s activities are included with admission. Registration is not required, but tickets for Holidays at the Garden (which includes admission to New Year’s Eve) can be purchased at the door or in advance online or at 704-829-1294. Guests are also invited to kick off the new year with a refreshing guided Garden hike on New Year’s Day at 11 a.m. The hike is free with daytime admission and three groups (short, moderate, and long walk) will be led by Executive Director Kara Newport, Director of Horticulture Peter Grimaldi, and Carolina Thread Trail’s Stewardship Associate Andy Kane. A specialty Bloody Mary bar will be available after beginning at noon (additional cost). Free admission for members. Holidays at the Garden is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day through Sunday, January 3. The lights will come on at 5 p.m. nightly. Regular admission applies during the daytime and beginning at 4 p.m. is $14.95/adult, $13.95/senior 60+, and $8.95/child 2-12. Members receive a 30% discount for themselves and up to four guests. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 15+. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.DSBG.org or call (704) 825-4490.
Torrential rain last Wednesday and Thursday brought scattered power outages and flooding to our area. The South Fork River at Cramerton overflowed its banks and was still high on Christmas Day. Photos by Alan Hodge
Fellowship & Faith
First United Methodist Church
Church Service Directory MT. HOLLY Bethel Baptist Church NC Highway 273 704-827-9846 Burge Memorial Methodist Church 312 W. Glendale Ave. 704-827-2726 Catawba Heights Church of God 122 Tomberlin Rd. 704-827-4225 CBC-Memorial Apostolic 230 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-0968 Chapel Baptist Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-5526 Community Christian Fellowship 2560 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-5881 Covenant United Methodist 110 Underwood Dr. 704-820-0603 Family Worship Center 1013 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-7656 First Baptist Church-Mt. Holly 300 S. Main St. 704-827-2481 First Free Will Baptist Church 841 Noles Dr. 704-827-7461 First Presbyterian Church 133 S. Main St. 704-827-0521 First United Methodist Church 140 N. Main St. 704-827-4855
Goshen Free Will Baptist Church 1300 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-3076
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church 339 S. Hawthorne St. 704-827-4320
Grace Baptist Church 300 Westland Farm Rd. 704-827-8600
New Covenant United Methodist 14514 Lucian Riverbend Hwy. 704-827-4468
Harvest Time Church of God 707 Westland Farm Rd. 704-822-8033
New Providence Baptist Church 1104 Old NC 27 Hwy. 704-827-0822
Hickory Grove Baptist Church 3717 Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-3939
North Main Baptist Church 1304 N. Main St. 704-827-6141
Jehovah’s Witnesses 1736 Kelly Rd. 704-263-0199
Restoration & Deliverance 804 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-820-0954
Lighthouse Full Gospel Church 530 N. Hawthorne St. 704-827-1442
Revival Tabernacle of Mt. Holly 826 W. Charlotte Ave. 704-827-2999
Living Witness Ministries 541 Costner St. 704-827-0004
Ridgeview Baptist Church 105 Pine Rd. 704-827-3856
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 110 S. Main St. 704-827-4751
Second Baptist Church 740 Rankin Ave. 704-827-5181
Macedonia Baptist Church 1951 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-9224
Mt. Holly Pentecostal Holiness 406 Scott St. 704-827-8201
Shiloh AME Zion Methodist 1117 Old NC Hwy 27 704-827-8826
Tuckaseegee Baptist Church 511 Tuckaseege Rd. 704-827-4301
Springfield Freewill Baptist 220 Park Terrace Dr. 704-820-0193
Way of the Cross Baptist Church 238 Lanier Ave. 704-827-8111
St. Anthony of Padua Traditional Catholic Church 108 Horseshoe Bend Beach Rd. 704-827-8676
Wesley Chapel Holiness Church 324 N. Lee St. 704-827-1993
St. Paul FHB Church 1529 Old Hwy 27 Rd. 704-827-5851
Westview Presbyterian Church 1020 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-2026
For information on getting your business listed here call 704-825-0580
Employees of
Mt. Holly Church of God 208 Rankin Ave. 704-827-8596 Mt. Holly Noles Baptist Church Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-2013
South Point Rd Belmont • NC
Containers/Trailers Sales & Storage Rental
704-867-2317
VICTORY CHEVROLET 717 Rhyne Rd Charlotte • NC
877-505-1204
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
Page 7
County Police seek suspect in Dollar General larceny On December 22, 2015 just before 12:30 pm the Gaston County Police Department responded to a larceny at the Dollar General located at 1801 Hickory Grove Rd., Gastonia, NC in the North Belmont community. The suspect, a white female possibly in her late 20’s to early 30’s, approximately 5’6”, with shoulder length blonde hair, wearing a multi colored coat (possibly camouflage), green shirt, and blue jeans took five perfume gifts sets from a display case and left the store without paying. The female left in a red Jeep Cherokee with no hub caps driven by a white male that was last seen traveling north on Hickory Grove Rd. toward Stanley. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Gaston County Police Department at 704866-3320 or Crime Stoppers at 704-861-8000. For further information contact Officer J.S. Gardner at 704-866-3320.
Leanna Cook and Ashley Flowers were recently voted the 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year and Teacher Assistant of the Year for Ida Rankin Elementary in Mt. Holly. Gaston Schools photo
IT'S TIME TO PLAY THE
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JACKPOT Last week's lottery numbers were drawn by Joy Clemmer at Neil Brock & Associates Nationwide Insurance located at 9 N. Main St. in Belmont, NC. The winning numbers were 14, 23 & 50. No ballot with the correct three numbers drawn was received. The jackpot will increase to $2,000. Make sure you have your entry in by the deadline at 9am on Monday for your chance to win!
THE BANNER NEWS LOTTERY Numbers will be drawn each Monday Morning. Look in next week's Banner-News for the 3 WINNING NUMBERS! Jackpot increases $50 each week until won, then a new jackpot will begin at $50.
PICK YOUR FAVORITE 3 NUMBERS
ENTER! The Ban ner News Lottery is this simple! Choose your favorite 3 numbers between 1 and 50 (not using the same number twice) and enter the numbers in the 3 circles below in any order.
In the photo, Mark and Jo Magda of Hogzilla NC BBQ cut the ribbon, with Chamber representatives from left Board Chair Melia Lyerly of Lyerly Agency, Board member Dick Cromlish of School Resources, Past Board Chair Brad Thomas of Creative Solutions Special Events, Treasurer Robert Aldrich of Aldrich CFO Services and Board member Jason Ramey of PSNC Energy. Montcross Chamber photo
Hogzilla NC BBQ has ribbon cutting Rain didn’t deter Chamber members and friends from turning out in large numbers for a BBQ feast when new member Hogzilla NC BBQ celebrated with a ribbon-cutting at the offices of the Chamber in the Stowe Building in Belmont last week. At least 75 guests enjoyed a menu that included pulled pork, ribs, beef brisket, 7-hour baked beans, collards, mac n’ cheese, Brunswick stew and pierogies. Mark and Jo Magda are
the owners of award-winning Hogzilla NC BBQ, which operates from their catering kitchen in southern Gaston County. Hogzilla offers a wide variety of menu items and caters events such as backyard gatherings, corporate celebrations, sporting events, church functions, weddings, fundraisers and many others. For more information, or to book an event, call Hogzilla at 704.691.9075, or visit www.hogzillancbbq.com.
Need to sell it in the Classifieds? Call Kathy Today!
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LOTTERY RULES Absolutely one entry per household each week! No photo copies will be allowed. Any lottery entries that have the same handwriting or appear to be in conjunction with any other entry will be disqualified. Entries must be complete with name, household address and phone number. No business address will be accepted. All entries must be brought by the Banner-News drop box at 128-C North Main St. in Belmont, NC or post-marked by Saturday prior to Monday's drawing. We are not responsible for entries lost or late by mail delivery. If more than one correct lottery entry is received, the jackpot will be split between the winners. The judge's decision is final. Must be at least 18 years old to enter. Employees and immediate family of CF Media not eligible.
Mail to: Lottery C/O Banner News P.O. Box 589, Belmont, NC 28012 Name ________________________________ Address ______________________________ City _________________________________ State___________________ Zip __________ Phone _______________________________
AMITY FINANCE, INC. PERSONAL LOANS 2477 E. Ozark Ave. • Gastonia, NC
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
The Year In Review... From page 1 January also saw a ribbon cutting at the new CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Mt. Holly. The 38,000 sq. ft facility is located on NC27 across from the Municipal Complex. Other Mt. Holly news for January 2015 included the City’s OK to buy two new fire trucks and the hiring of a consulting firm to research and report on local shopping trends. January 2015 wrapped up with Belmont’s annual Unity Day event honoring Martin Luther King Jr. The Humanitarian Award went to students Clay Julen and Chasity Mayfield. February: The Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce held its 55th annual banquet in February at the Mt. Holly Municipal Complex and that same month and place saw Mt. Holly Rotary put on its
for 50 years, receive the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Mt. Holly’s Black History Forum was held and the Jessie Mae Robinson Humanitarian Award went to Sarah Nichols. John Hope was given the Achievement Award. Rough weather made its appearance in February. Snow and record cold temps pounded our area for days at a time. Kids hit the hills at Stowe Park and other locations. March: Cold weather and snow continued in March with several snowstorms keeping kids out of school and traffic a mess. When weather permitted, March also saw progress made on Cramerton’s Goat Island Park Phase II project. Despite freezing daytime temperatures, workers built observations
Mount Holly mayor Bryan Hough and Caromont CEO Doug Luckett cut the ribbon in January at the new Regional Medical Center. The facility is located on NC27 across from the Mount Holly Municipal Center. a story in the BannerNews about Belmont’s Vietnam War MIA Pvt. Bunyan Price returned a POW bracelet
to Price’s sister. Price’s remains had recently been found in Cambodia. On the school news scene,
the Gaston County Board of Education approved a new middle school for Stanley. Continued to page 9
Mason Mitchell and Alyssa Hyde enjoyed some sled runs last February. The icy mix they were on wasn’t that deep but plenty slick. 19th annual Men Who Cook fundraiser. Both events had large turnouts. February saw Richard Harris, 68, who has served at Community Vol. Fire Dept. in North Belmont
decks and canoe ramps for the slated May opening. Mt. Holly folks looked towards spring by building a community garden on a vacant lot next to First United Method-
ist Church. The garden went on be a great success. A story emerged in March that would reverberate for several months when a local resident who had read
WBTV personality Steve Crump presented Clay Julen and Chasity Mayfield with the 24th Annual Belmont Unity Day Humanitarian Award last January.
Mt. Holly’s annual Rotary Club Men Who Cook fundraiser was a big hit. Photos by Alan Hodge
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
Page 9
The Year In Review...
Cramerton Middle School “Chefs” took top honors in March at the RoboGaston event.
This crew from Rowboat Dock and Dredge was working during March in Cramerton building an observation deck for Phase II of Goat Island Park.
Members of the 20th Brigade, Funeral Honor Team from Fort Bragg remove Sgt. Bunyan Price’s remains for burial in Belmont’s Greenwood Cemetery last April. Price was brought home from where he was killed in action in Cambodia 45 years ago.
From page 8 April: The spring of 2015 sprung and the BannerNews on April 5 featured a story and photos following the adventures of two Stanley guys, Brian and Joey Duckworth as they took part in a reenactment of the Civil War Battle of Bentonville. On the physical fitness front, the BannerNews featured a story about Stan Dover and his plans to take part in the upcoming Belmont Criterium bike race. Early April saw high school baseball season in full swing and Stuart Cramer High downing East Gaston 14-0. After months of waiting, and 45 years after his combat death in Cambodia, the identified remains of U.S. Army Sgt. Bunyan Price were returned to his family and buried with full military honors in Greenwood Cemetery. A
Sgt. Bunyan Price Photo furnished
huge crowd turned out to witness the event and pay their respects. In other April news, the 3rd annual Belmont Criterium bicycle race took place and cyclists from around the world whizzed through the downtown area. April continued with the swearing in of a new fire chief, Ryan Baker, in Mt. Holly. A human interest story in the April 23rd BannerNews focused on the recollections of local resident Festus Hawkins about the old Belmont airport. April came to a close with Delta Sanders being named Belmont’s 2014 Citizen of the Year. Stuart Cramer High was chosen as a national model in architectural design by the American School and University magazine. Continued on page 10
Mount Holly’s new fire chief, Ryan Baker, was seen having his badge pinned on by daughter Payton last April while wife Courtney and fellow firefighters looked on. Photos by Alan Hodge
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
The Year In Review... From page 9 May: May brought a merry time to Cramerton with the grand opening of Goat Island Park Phase II. A big celebration at the site saw hundreds of folks turn out to cross over the South Fork River on a new bridge that connects the park to downtown Cramerton. A business related story in early May featured a profile of Belmont’s first brewhaus- Rivermen Brewery. May saw a contingent of Mt. Holly Sole Patrol members rake in a serious number of medals at the Gaston Parks and Rec Senior Games. On the government scene, the Belmont city council approved the installation of wayfinding signs around town. A human interest article in May concerned long-time journalist Joe DePriest’s retirement after 50 years in the news business. DePriest, a native of Cleveland County and current Belmont resident, was recognized by both the Belmont and Mt. Holly city councils for his work covering the towns for the Charlotte Observer. Business news in May saw a piece on Ted Hall’s 10th anniversary at the Montcross Chamber of Commerce. June: June jumped in the news scene with an announcement that coal ash was finally being removed from Duke Energy’s Riverbend Steam Station near Mt. Holly and taken to a landfill in the eastern part of the state. In Belmont, two artists were busy restoring the decorative painted medallions in the
Cramerton commissioner Tammy Lawrence handled the scissors at last May’s official opening of Goat Island Park Phase II. foyer at Wells Fargo Bank, the former Bank of Belmont. Also, long-time Belmont Abbey teacher and soccer coach Stanley Dudko retired after 52 years. A native of Poland, as a child Dudko had been a slave laborer under the Nazis in WWII. Local high schools held their graduation ceremonies on June 13 and the day saw sunny weather and plenty of smiles. The BannerNews profiled top students from South Point and East Gas-
ton. In Mt. Holly, the police department began deploying body cameras in June. The camera budget was over $17k and they were partly paid for by a Governor’s Crime Commission grant. Also in Mt. Holly, the Community Garden was blooming and local resident Debbie Rick was working her plot despite having a rare form of dwarfism. Rick and her son Justin grew plenty of tasty veggies. June wound down with
the annual African-American Juneteenth event in Stowe Park celebrating the end of slavery. One of Belmont’s most pioneering, persevering, and personable people, the late civic activist and city council member Elsie Grier, was posthumously honored at the event. Part 2 of 2015 year in review will be in next week’s BannerNews.
Joe DePriest (left) is seen receiving a proclamation honoring his 50 years in journalism from Belmont mayor Charlie Martin at a May 2015 city council meeting.
Debbie Rick, 56, of Mt. Holly has some serious physical challenges but that didn’t stop her from tending her own Community Garden plot, with some help from son 28-year-old Justin. Photos by Alan Hodge
Stanley Dudko, 81, retired last June after 52 years teaching and coaching soccer at Belmont Abbey College.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
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Banner-News School Happenings
Students across Gaston County enjoy activities during Hour of Code The five- and six-year-olds in Angela Rimmer’s kindergarten class at Bessemer City Primary School may still be learning how to read, but they have already written their first line of code. Her students, along with more than 2,000 others across Gaston County Schools, had the opportunity last week to learn coding and be introduced to the field of computer science through Code.org and its third annual Hour of Code program. According to Code.org, the program included more than 190,000 registered “events” around the world in an effort to “demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics.” Rimmer’s kindergarteners proved this. Using a program designed for pre-readers, they created codes using left, right, up and down arrow buttons to guide “Angry Birds” characters through a maze. At other schools around Gaston County, older students fit together code “blocks” in programming games that featured characters from the “Star Wars” or “Frozen” movies. While the initiative introduces students to a possible career in computer science, Gaston County teachers said they chose to participate because it also teaches children important learning skills and supports fundamental elements of the curriculum. At Bessemer City Primary, Rimmer explained that the Hour of Code teaches vital skills for her kindergarten students. She
started them with simple puzzles, helping them learn how to use a mouse to “drag and drop” pieces on the screen. “This is the basics of coding -- fitting things together,” she explained. As students progressed to the “Angry Birds” game and other activities, Rimmer said they were developing other critical skills: “They are learning how to take a big problem and break it down into steps. This is teaching them that computational thinking.” In fact, Rimmer said the skills that come from coding are so important to her students that she plans to continue these activities during the rest of the school year. “If they start young and you build on those foundations, think about what’s possible for them as they grow up,” she said. That glimpse into the future is what computer lab teacher Kim Costner provided for her students at Pinewood Elementary. During Hour of Code week, Costner made sure that all 509 students were able to complete their first hour of coding during computer class. It inspired Mohammad Jaan, a fourth grader at Pinewood. He said his father was learning how to code, and he wanted to do the same: “I want to be a computer engineer. I like how you can tell the computer in its language what to do.” The chance to try coding can also provide a huge boost of confidence for students who need it, explained Deb Elmore, a Career and
Bessemer City Elementary kindergarten teacher Angela Rimmer is seen with students enjoying the Hour of Code. Gaston Schools photo Technical Education teacher at Belmont Middle School. She described one student who has struggled in the classroom this year, but turned out to be very good at coding. “It has transformed his learning skills and given him confidence,” she said. “Now he goes and helps others. He’s proud of himself. It’s amazing, the transformation.” Audra Robertson, an eighth grade language arts teacher at Holbrook Middle School, believes the benefits of coding are worth setting aside class time. She has had her students participate in Hour of Code every year. “It’s a chance for them to try something new. They get the opportunity to work through problems, to fail and try again, and direct their own learning,” Robertson said. “They take it and run. You’re just kind of stepping back and letting them explore.”
More Hour of Code highlights First, second and third graders at Robinson Elementary were introduced to coding thanks to computer lab teacher Janice Kahn: “It gives them a great opportunity to try something they’ve never tried before and maybe opens a door to a future they didn’t know they could have.” Mount Holly Middle School held a “Parents Who Code” event that allowed students to teach their parents how to code. Jodi Harte, whose twins are sixth graders, said she enjoyed the experience: “When I walked into the library and saw all these Chromebooks I was so impressed… and to see all the parents being able to participate. My kids taught me a lot, and it was fun. It was definitely worthwhile. I love to see the technology in the classroom.”
Gaston County Schools Good News for December 2015 Gaston Schools has announced the following “Good News” for December 2015. Ashbrook High School student Solomon Collins was selected for the Carolina Panthers “Community Captain” program. Only 10 students in North and South Carolina are chosen for the program, which honors individuals who exemplify excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Ashbrook senior Mara Branham received a scholarship to play softball at Erskine College. Bessemer City Central Elementary and Bessemer City Primary sponsored canned food drives for the Bessemer City Crisis Center. Bessemer City Central collected 1,098 items and Bessemer City Primary collected 800 cans of food. W. Blaine Beam Intermediate School students and staff collected more than $4,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The John Chavis Middle School October Students of the Month were Annika Huskey, Matthew Estep, Amelia Queen, Madison Smith, Kimberly Belman, Brian Ortega, Kirsten Goodman, Jovani Ortega and Wyatt Ford. Spanish teacher Kristen Clark was named the Teacher of the Month. The following John Chavis Middle students were winners in the Keep Gastonia Beautiful recycled art contest: Wyatt Ford, first place; Mallory England, third place; and Kirsten Goodman, honorable mention. Sarah Kistler’s seventh grade class at Cramerton Middle School was featured on Channel One, a news network for students and schools. The channel asked classes to post pictures of places they have been by using the hashtag #CH1geoweek, and the school’s submission was featured on the November 20 broadcast. East Gaston High School sophomore
Landon Maxwell won the U.S. Track and Field North Carolina Junior Olympics boys cross country championship in the 15-16 years age division. He was also the runner-up in the Big South Conference championship. The following East Gaston students earned awards in the Keep Gastonia Beautiful recycled art contest: Shawn Hedgecoe, first place; Cameron Tarte, second place; and Rachel McFarland, honorable mention. Woodhill Elementary received a special visit from Senator Kathy Harrington, who congratulated the school for its fundraising campaign for Heifer International. The Forest Heights Elementary October Bus Riders of the Month were Bailey Hughes, Jayden Case, Melanie Zavala, Elia Hamilton, Isabella Castano-Estrada, Madison Polk, Madison Purvey, Lyric Ames, Savanni Harris and Ruth Cano Pelallo. Forest Heights Elementary hosted Cardinal Unity Day as students showed they were united in the fight against bullying by wearing the school colors. Students also assisted in making public service announcement videos to support National Bullying Prevention Month efforts. The Forestview High School television broadcasting class earned second place in the N.C. School Board Association’s High School Video Contest. The students created a short video on the topic “What’s Super About Public Schools.” Cameron Kurtiak, Conrad Tolbert, Seth Denton, Erin Sanders, Jacob Lineberry, Jordan Pippins, and advisor Melissa Heilig were honored for their work at a ceremony in Greensboro. The W.C. Friday Middle November Students of the Month were Lindsay Hannah, Eric Brady, Austin McClure, Kagen Webb, Bryleigh Weigum, Hunter Thomas, Sarah Walters, Courtney Treadway, Hailey Frady,
Morgan Chupp, Traic Johnson and Maria Rivas. W.C. Friday Middle sponsored a “Pennies for Pasta” fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and raised $2,724.47. Betsy Sigmon’s sixth grade class raised the most money and enjoyed an Olive Garden luncheon. The eighth grade classes at W.C. Friday Middle sponsored a school-wide canned food drive and collected 1,835 cans for the Dallas Food Bank.
Members of the Ashbrook High School, Stuart W. Cramer High School and Highland School of Technology FBLA chapters attended the Future Business Leaders of America Regional Fall Leadership Conference. More than 200 students from across the region participated in various workshops and activities and heard a presentation by keynote speaker Sarah Cherne, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Charlotte. See GOOD NEWS Page 16
The Gaston County Board of Education recognized the Forestview TV Broadcasting class, which earned second place in the state in a video contest sponsored by the North Carolina School Board Association. The contest asked students to create a 30- to 45-second video on “What’s Super About Public Schools.” The Forestview students were honored at an awards ceremony Nov. 17 in Greensboro. Gaston Schools photo
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
Banner-News Obituaries
VIRGINIA HILL SMITH Gastonia- Virginia Hill Smith, 89, of Gastonia passed away December 22, 2015. She was born December 13, 1926 in Gaston County, daughter of the late Litton and Stella Hill. The family received friends from 1:30 - 2:45 pm, Sunday, December 27, at McLean Funeral Director’s, Belmont. A service celebrating Mrs. Smith’s life followed in the Bumgardner Chapel, at 3:00pm, with Rev. Max Pendleton officiating.
Burial was in Evergreen “A Quiet Place”. Virginia is survived her children, Ernie Smith and wife Wanda of Stanley, Alice Stamey and husband Rick of Kannapolis, Larry Smith and wife Amelia of Maiden, Linda Helms and husband Joe of Gastonia, brothers, J.B. Hill of GA, and David Hill of Gastonia, sisters, Maxine Cannon and husband Dean of FL, Darla Chaney of Belmont, and Shirley Ferguson of Belmont. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Baxter Smith, son, Jimmy Boyd Smith, brother, Troy Hill, sisters, Elsie Fisher, Peggy Moses, and Barbara Postell. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Ministries c/o Catawba Hills Baptist Church, 311 Belmont Ave. Belmont, NC 28012. Condolence messages may be sent online at www. McLeanFuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the Smith family.
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Funeral & Cremation SERVICE
101 Oak Grove St. • Mt. Holly, NC 28120
704-827-1801
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SISTER JEANNE MARIE KIENAST BELMONT, NC- Sister Jeanne Marie Kienast, a Sister of Mercy and a distinguished citizen, died on Wednesday, December 23, at CMC Pineville-Mercy Hospital after a very brief illness. Sister was born in Port Au Prince, Haiti, on April 2, 1927 to Charles and Sarah McGurk Kienast and was given the name Eileen Virginia. She received her elementary education in Bradenton, Florida and completed her high school at the former Sacred Heart Academy in Belmont, NC. As a student at Sacred Heart she was inspired by the compassion and understanding of the Sisters and their life style touched her deeply. As a result she was attracted to this way of life and upon graduation she became a Sister of Mercy and chose to be called Sister Jeanne Marie. Early in her religious life she became interested in education and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from Belmont Abbey College and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from UNC, Chapel Hill. Sister Jeanne Marie was a pioneer in Catholic education in North Carolina and her ministries were varied but always reflective of her ability to serve as teacher, administrator and innovator. Throughout her 70 years of ministry she fulfilled many roles. She served as an elementary school teacher and administrator in Catholic schools throughout North Carolina, Theology professor at Sacred Heart College, Director of Formation for
Because we
young Sisters, Dean of Student Affairs at Sacred Heart College and Charlotte Diocesan Director of Religious Education. In most of these ministries she revised and implemented programs to educate persons to meet their fullest potential. When the Sisters were asked to minister in postwar Guam Sister Jeanne Marie volunteered to go and she worked with the school system there for three years helping to upgrade the schools that had been damaged and retarded as a result of the Japanese occupation of the island. Sister Jeanne Marie served as the first principal of St. Gabriel School in Charlotte and under her supervision the school grew and flourished to become the fine institution it is today. While functioning in these various ministries Sister Jeanne Marie continued to be involved in larger ways by presenting spiritual workshops and retreats throughout the state. When she herself was not planning workshops she graciously responded to requests from groups to have her speak or be a part of their program. The Sisters of Mercy recognized Sister’s leadership ability and appointed her to a variety of administrative positions in the religious community. Along with her work with the Sisters of Mercy she was involved in the Cursillo Movement for many years. Sister was instrumental in the early formation of active Mercy Association and she served as Co-Director of this group which has grown decidedly under her leadership. After so many years of involvement in education and in keeping with her pioneer spirit, she responded to the pastor’s invitation to serve as the first Pastoral Associate at the new St Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte. In this role Sister Jeanne Marie was responsible for many areas of ministry. She became the Coordinator of Outreach Ministries to Those with Special Needs; a vocal and active advocate for senior citizen groups, particularly for those working to lower the cost of medicines for those on fixed incomes. In
an effort to address homelessness she co-partnered with the Salvation Army and the Charlotte Housing Authority to establish Supportive Housing Initiative Partnership a group working to provide independent living for homeless families. Her days were busy providing pastoral care training for volunteers, visits to the sick and home-bound, and just being a compassionate presence for those who needed assistance and a listening ear. Sister Served as a member of the National Catholic Educational Association and as Secretary of the National Diocesan Religious Education Directors. In 2015, based on her years of work providing housing for the homeless she was nominated as one of Charlotte’s most influential women. Sister Jeanne Marie was a consummate story teller and keeper of the early history of the Sisters of Mercy in the South. At the time of her death she was in the process of writing human interest stories about the Sisters of Mercy and their history for future generations. She was noted for her quick- wittedness and her inveterate use of puns. Sister Jeanne Marie left her footprints everywhere she served and is remembered as a devoted Sister of Mercy, an impeccable teacher and administrator and a spreader of joy. Sister Jeanne Marie is survived by the Sisters of Mercy, her dear friend Sister Therese Galligan, brother Charles Kienast of Kinston, NC and several nieces and nephews. Wake and visitation was 7:00 pm Tuesday December, 29th at Sacred Heart Convent, Belmont, NC. Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 am December, 30th at Sacred Heart Convent. Interment followed at Belmont Abbey Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Sisters of Mercy, 101 Mercy Drive, Belmont, NC 28012. Arrangements entrusted with McLean Funeral Directors, Belmont.
IMA LEE JOHNSON PENNINGTON Belmont- Mrs. Ima Lee Johnson Pennington, 79, of Belmont, passed away at home Saturday, December 26, 2015. She was born April 29, 1936 in Paris, TN, a daughter of the late Delmar and Rosie Connor Johnson. Ima Lee was a spinner with R.L. Stowe Mills Chronicle Plant, serving for 39 years. Survivors of Mrs. Pennington include children and spouses, Ronnie and Joyce Williams of Belmont; Debbie Murr and fiancé Tony Garrison; Carolyn and Tommy Croft, all of Gastonia; Joyce Welch of Ranlo; Eddie and Ann Williams of Belmont; nine grandchildren; 17 greatgrandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren; sister, Rose Davis; brother, HD Johnson; nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, George Williams and Ted Pennington. The family received friends Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015 from 12:00pm to 1:45pm, at McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont. A funeral service was held at 2:00pm, Wednesday, in the Bumgardner Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Jerry Pennington officiating. Interment followed the service at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gaston Hospice, PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054. Condolence messages and remembrances may be shared with the family at www. McLeanFuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the family of Mrs. Pennington.
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The Banner News / banner-news.com
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Page 13
Banner-News Sports
Ashley Nelson gives wrestling a ladies touch By John Wilson john.bannernews
If one would pass Ashley Nelson In the halls of Mt. Holly Middle School they would be left with the impression that this young lady is bubbly and witty girl. A little blond haired blue eyed pixie. Your typical teen in many ways. But if you dig deeper you will find that this little pixie is far from frail. Ashley Nelson may be small but she is far from fragile. This pixie is a member of the Mt Holly Middle School wrestling team. Ashley wasn’t exactly sure how she got into wrestling. It more then likely began with a conversation she had with Mr Kris Kirtley a business education teach at Mount Holly. Kirtley is also the Hawks wrestling coach. “I wanted to try something new,” Ashley said. “My took my wrestling coach Mr. KIrtley computer class. I talked to him about it. He said that he had girls on the team before and it was normal.” The coaches words of encouragement hit home. After Kirtley’s pep talk the blonde hair blue eyed 98 pounder decided to try her hand at a sport that has always been dominated by males. As she stepped on the mat for the first time a flood of thoughts ran through her mind. But her first thoughts were more in line with a teen girl. “I thought the mat would be softer,” Ashley laughed. “It was different.” In addition to a hard mat the young wrestler had to grapple with her new environment. Ashley had to come to terms with the fact that teens can be cruel. They make fun of what they do not like, or understand. To make it Ashley had to put away any fears she had of ridicule. She had to focus on learning to wrestle. “It took me awhile to adjust,” Ashley went on to say. “At first I didn’t like it. It scared me a little. I didn’t want people to make fun of me because I was a girl on the wrestling team.” Ashley was able to deal with her fears by looking at her new sport in a practical context. “People think it’s a guy’s sport,” Ashley said. “But it doesn’t say boy’s wrestling. Then I didn’t care what people thought. I was having fun.” On the mat Ashley had to deal with a new group of challenges. Earning the respect of her team mates. In all aspects of sport you have to prove yourself. In this case it didn’t matter if Ashley was a boy or a girl. She had to show she could wrestle. “One guy was really rude at first,” Ashley said. “But after he saw me wrestle this one kid he kind of respected me. He realized that I wasn’t fooling around.” According to Ashley the Mt. Holly program is very supportive of girls giving wrestling a shot. Miss Nelson wasn’t the only girl on the team. There were four girls total,” Ashley stated. “One got hurt and had to drop out.” Ashley’s first match was a tri-meet with Southwest and Belmont. The memory of the match was a positive experience
Ashley Nelson
Photo fusnished
for the 13 year old eighth grader. She learned a lot. “I was really nervous,” Ashley recalled. “I was thinking I can do this. I got pinned, but not before I scored points.” Ashley learned a lot from that match. She experienced her first taste of the dreaded “cradle” A cradle is a pinning move where one wrestler grabs the neck of his opponent with
one arm, and wraps the elbow of the other arm behind the knee of the opponent. Once locked in the wrestler in control can move his opponents shoulders to the mat for the pin. “He put me in a cradle,” Ashley recalled. “I was bummed I lost but after that I learned how to get out of that.” In an upcoming match the young grappler used the knowledge she had learned. “In another match someone tried to put me in a cradle and I got out.” As she learned more Ashley developed her own favorite move. The move, “The Half Nelson” even resulted in a nickname for the young wrestler. A Half Nelson is a basic move used to roll a opponent that is face down on the mat over to his back. It is done when one wrestler is on top of the other. the wrestler on top wedges his had under an opponents arm pit and cups his palm on the back of his opponents neck. The wrestler in control then uses body leverage to push the other on to his back. “I like the Half Nelson,” Ashley giggled. “My science teacher from last year calls me “Half”. That’s my last name and I like the Half Nelson.” When asked how her opponents feel wrestling a girl Ashley brushes the question off in a witty manner. “At first I don’t think they know I’m a girl,” Ashley added. “Not until I take my head gear off.” In her Mt. Holly wrestling career Ashley never won a match. But she proved that she could compete in a sport few would ever attempt. Ashley is not sure if she will wrestle again. Next year she will be freshman at Stuart Cramer High School. She understands that the level of competition is fierce at the high school level. She is going to take a wait and see attitude. “I would love to try to do it again,” Ashley said. “I’m not sure if I will when I go to high school.” Whether Ashley Nelson ever wrestles again doesn’t matter. She is already a winner. This young lady took a shot at doing something special and proved herself more than worthy!
EAST GASTON WARRIORS PLAYER
OF THE
WEEK
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Belmont Wrestling wraps up Allen Drug season with 10-0 record Proud Supporter of East Gaston Athletics
220 S. Main St., Stanley Beside the Woodshed
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm • Sat 9am-1pm
Belmont wrestling wrapped up the 2015 regular season as the first team in Gaston County history to ever finish with a 10-0 record. The Wildcats completed the perfect season by winning the school’s first ever Gaston County wrestling tournament championship. The Wildcats scored a total of 193.5 points, defeating second place W.C. Friday who finished with 174.0 team points. Belmont had a total of ten place winners including three individual county champions. De’angelo Bruton (145) and Andrew Warren (152) finished the season with undefeated records for the Wildcats. Photo courtesy Joshua Jones
Page 14
The Banner News / banner-news.com
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Banner-News Sports
Abbey women basketball defeat Mount Olive
A holiday food drive organized by Pinewood Elementary Girls on the Run collected 577 pounds of eats that were donated to the Mt. Holly Community Relief Organization. Gaston Schools photo
MICS football coach to lead bowl team The Bret Cooper Junior Academic All-American Bowl Game is the #1 bowl game in the nation. Players who are selected to participate in this bowl game demonstrate the ability to hit opponents as hard as they hit the books. These players also understand that academics and character are more important than just simply being an athlete. The term studentathlete means student first and athlete second. The Bret Cooper Junior AllAmerican Organization knows that “A” comes before “O” and there is no offer without the academics. This event is the youth partner of the Good Year Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff that matched #2 Alabama vs. #3 Michigan State in AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2015. The youth game matches the best players in 7th, 8th and 9th grade from the East vs. West in an individual grade by grade game. Mountain Island Charter football Head
Belmont Abbey freshman guard Alexius Hampton led four Crusaders in double figures with a career-high 18 points as the Belmont Abbey women’s basketball team shot a season-best 50 percent from the floor in a 70-63 win over the University of Mount Olive on Dec. 19. Belmont Abbey ened a two game losing streak as it improves to 4-5 overall and 3-1 in Conference Carolinas, while Mount Olive loses for the first time in league play, dropping to 5-5 overall and 3-1 in Conference Carolinas. The Crusaders made just over half of their shots (31-61) as they started the game with five consecutive baskets before a miss. The Abbey’s largest lead of the game came in the first quarter, as a Larisha Bishop jumper punctuated an 18-8 run to begin the game with 3:28 to go in the first. Mount Olive closed with a 10-2 run to trim the Crusaders lead to 20-18 after one. Mount Olive continued its hot play in the second quarter, as it outscored the Abbey 18-13 to carry a 36-33 lead into the break. Neither team attempted a free throw in the first half as only six fouls were called between the two teams. The second half, and especially the third quarter, was controlled by Belmont Abbey, as the Crusaders outscored the guests 17-11. After Mount Olive began the penultimate quarter on a 7-5 mini-run to extend its lead to 43-38, Belmont Abbey fired right back with a 10-2 run to take a lead it would never lose again. The advantage held at 50-47 after three quarters. Belmont Abbey opened the final period on a 15-7 run to move the lead up to ten points at 65-55 with 3:10 to play on a jumper from Alex Busch. The Crusaders saw that lead dwindle down to three at 66-63 with 20 seconds left as the Trojans embarked on an 8-1 run, but Grier knocked down two free throws
Alexis Hampton with 18 seconds left, followed by a Hampton layup with four seconds left after a Gabrielle Bethel steal to close out the seven point victory. Hampton, who one game prior handed out a career-high 10 assists, came off the bench to lead four Crusaders in double figures with 18 points on 7-9 shooting from the floor, including 3-4 from three point range. She added two steals and an assist. Grier netted 12 points, set a career-high with eight rebounds and handed out eight assists. Taylor Gittings netted 14 points, two assists and a steal. Busch added 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Bethel pulled down nine rebounds as the Crusaders finished with 40 on the afternoon. After no free throws in the first half by either team, the two teams combined for 21 in the second half, as the Crusaders finished 5-6 from the line, while Mount Olive was 7-15. The game was the final one before Christmas for the Crusaders, who return to the court New Years Eve at 2:00 when hosting UNC Pembroke. Provided by Belmont Abbey
Coach Robert Washington Coach Robert Washington has been picked as the 2016 East Team 9th Grade Head Coach. Coach Washington’s dedication to coaching both academic and athletic success has made him a well deserving recipient of this honor. Coach Washington will lead the East team vs. the West team on January 2nd 2016 in Dallas Texas. Under Washinton’s guidance, the Raptors finished the 2015 season 6-6 overall.
The Gaston County Board of Education recognized Stuart W. Cramer junior Ellie Porman for her outstanding season on the golf course. Porman placed second in the individual state 1A/2A girls’ golf championship, first in the western regional championship and helped Stuart W. Cramer win its first conference title in any sport. Her coaches include Terry Radford (back left) and Jim Dobran (left). Coach Dobran was also recognized as Conference Coach of the Year. Gaston Schools photo
Catawba Catfish Club tournament is January 9, 2016 The Catawba Catfish Club will be having its 3rd Tournament of 2015-2016 season on Saturday January 9, 2016 at Lake Wateree in Winnsboro, SC. This tournament will be out of the Lake Wateree State Park in Winnsboro, SC. Sign In will be from 5:00am – 6:45am; Tournament Hours will be from 7:00am 3:00pm. Weigh In will begin at 3:30pm. Entry Fee: $150 Per Boat (Up to 4 Anglers Per Boat excluding Kids Under 18). $100 to Total Pot (Top 3 Spots Paid). $30 to Points and Big Fish of Year Fund. $20 to Big Fish Of Tournament. Only 1 Big Fish Spot Paid Per Team. $400 off Top of money to Catawba Catfish Club Operation/Polygraph Fund. Each Team is allowed up to 4 members, at least 1 member of each team must be present at each tournament to earn points for said team. Only 1 team boat allowed during each tournament. If a Team splits up to fish a tournament, the second boat will have to fish under a different team name and will not be eligible to earn points for first team.
Catfish Weigh In: All catfish must be weighed in alive no exceptions. All teams are subject to Polygraph test and livewell/cooler checks at sign up. All Catawba Catfish Club tournaments are open to the public and all are invited to come out and join. The Catawba Catfish Club Tournament Trail is an affiliate Club of the Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Trail. The Top 3 Finishers from each Catawba Catfish Club tournament are qualified to fish the Cabela’s King Kat Northern and Southern Classics to be announced in the near future for 2016. Each team will still have to enter/ fish at least one Cabela’s King Kat Qualifying Event in the 2016 season in order to fish the Classic as well, you can find more info at www.kingkatusa.com/index.cfm or at www. catawbacatfishclub.com Visit www.catawbacatfishclub.com to view the Schedule,Rules and Contact numbers or email catawbacatfishclub@yahoo. com for any questions or to be added to our Mailing List. Also on Facebook at Catawba Catfish Club.
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
Local
Belmont Arby’s 700 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-4950 Beijing To Go 1420 Perfection Ave. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 827-5838 Belmont Food & Beverage 101 Kenwood St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 829-7788 Belmont Soda Shop 31 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 461-8580 Bojangles 6450 W. Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3562 Brenda’s Cake Gallery 11 S. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-2253 Buddy’s BBQ Inc. 5945 W. Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-8777 Cafe Internet 508 Beaty Rd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 820-8040 Captain’s Cap 670 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-4103 Caravan Coffee & Dessert Bar 11 S. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 829-7711 Catfish Cove 1401 Armstrong Ford Rd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3332 Cherubs Cafe 23 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-0414 Chick-Fil-A 801 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-8600 Chicken King 501 Woodlawn St. Belmont NC 28012 704-827-1552 Cowboys BS 1420 Perfection Ave. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 820-8653 Dairy Queen 7015 W. Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-5106 Demetrios Restaurant 6928 W. Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-0057
Page 15
DINING GUIDE
Dunkin’ Donuts 6751 E. Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 829-1090
Rita’s Family Restaurant 108 Beaty Rd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 820-2894
Georgios Restaurant 202 Market St. Cramerton, NC 28032 (704) 824-2220
North Star Seafood 2150 Dallas High Shoals Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-7715
Friends Sports Bar & Grill 16 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-1401
Sake Express 675 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 461-0400
Mayworth’s Public House 115 Center St. Cramerton, NC 28032
Peet’s Coffee & Tea 715 W. Trade St. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-6791
Glenway Premium Pub 55 Glenway St., Belmont, NC 29012 (704) 829-7717
Sammys Neighborhood Pub 25 S. Main St. Belmont NC 28012 (704) 825-4266
H&M Deli and Market 1019 Wilkerson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 820-8611 Hardee’s 611 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3272 Joe’s Touch of Italy 503 S. Central Ave. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-2805 Johnny B’s Pizza 106 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-8900 KFC 6813 W. Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-8817 McDonalds 505 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-9711 New China 6517 W. Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 829-1010 Old Stone Steak House 23 S. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-9995 Papa John’s Pizza 6511 W. Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-4339 Peace-N-Hominy Q Shack 403 E. Catawba St. • Ste 200 Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 464-7647 Peet’s Coffee & Tea 701 Hawley Ave. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-8885 Pizza Hut 685 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-7335 Queens’ Seafood 1401 Armstrong Ford Rd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3332 Reach Out of The Box 360 Glen Arbor St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3446
Simmonetti’s Pizza 6432 W. Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704)825-5555 Southpoint Grill 1901 S. Point Rd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 829-1043 String Bean The Fresh Market & Deli 106 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3636 Sub Corral Sandwich Shop 6831 W. Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-5466 Subway 610 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-7827 Taco Bell 6805 W Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704)825-9231 Taxco Mexican Grill 6418 W. Wilkinson Blvd. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-2108 The Grill 682 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-5179 Waffle House 603 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-2177 Wendy’s 660 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3286 White Restaurant 417 Catawba St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-3886 Wingstreet 685 Park St. Belmont, NC 28012 (704) 825-7335
Cramerton Asian Garden 202 Market St. Cramerton, NC 28032 (704) 824-8318
South Fork Deli 119-B Center St. Cramerton NC 28032
Dallas Arby’s 1009 Dallas Cherryville Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-8087 Bojangles 1017 Dallas Cherryville Hwy. Dallas,NC 28034 (704) 922-3526 Burger King 3100 Dallas/High Shoals Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-5053 Clemmer’s Country Kitchen 1313 Old Dallas Rd. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-8384 Dallas Fresh Seafood Market 3110 Dallas/High Shoals Hwy Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 923-8223 Dallas Fish Box 1031 Lower Dallas Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-8930 Dairy Queen 108 College View Dr. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-5051 Domino’s Pizza 3130 Dallas High Shoals Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-7665 Double Dragon Chinese Restaurant 3130 Dallas High Shoals Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 923-8030 Jack In The Box 102 College View Dr. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-9178 Just Cookin 1108 E. Main St. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-7031 KFC 1003 Dallas Cherryville Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 923-0901 Long Creek Fish Fry 1425 Lower Dallas Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-3998 McDonald’s 3117 Dallas High Shoals Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-8335
Subway 3129 Dallas High Shoals Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-1001 Tavern On The Square 602 Queens Dr. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-5425 Tommy’s Drive In 2708 Gastonia Dallas Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-9099 The Country Kitchen 116 E. Main St. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-9597 Waffle House 1100 Dallas Cherryville Hwy. Dallas, NC 28034 (704) 922-9648
Lowell Grits N Greens 125 N. Main St. Lowell NC 28098 704-879-4073 Hardee’s 716 McAdenville Rd Lowell NC 28098 704-824-0758 Hillbilly’s Barbeque & Steaks 720 McAdenville Rd. Lowell, NC 28098 (704) 824-8838
Christy’s Place 1015 W Catawba St Mt Holly NC 28120 704-827-2411 Sake Express Inc. of Mount Holly 349 W. Charlotte Ave. Mount Holly, NC 28120 (704) 827-4819 Side Trax Sports Bar & Food 121 W. Central Ave. Mt Holly NC 28012 704-827-3603 Vasileious Italian Kitchen 200 S. Main St. Mount Holly, NC 28120 (704) 820-8539
Stanley Bojangles 541 N. 27 W. Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-4532 Burger King 501 North 27 West Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-9050 China Garden 190 E. Dallas Rd. Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-8788 Friendly’s Of Stanley 119 N. Main St. Stanley NC 28164 704-263-7088 Gus’s Sir Beef Restaurant 106 Mariposa Rd. Stanley NC 28164 704-263-3988 Hunan To Go 509 S. Hwy 27 Stanley NC 28164 704-263-3988
McAdenville Little Village Restaurant 129 Main St. McAdenville, NC 28101 (704) 824-3624
Niko’s Grill 124 N. Main St. Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-1311
Mount Holly
Pizza Hut 511 N. 27 West Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-4999
Billys Barbeque Family Restaurant 1127 W. Charlotte Ave. Mount Holly, NC 28120 (704) 827-8747 Brite Star Drive In Grill 205 Madora St. Mt Holly NC 28120 704-827-0212 Chicken King 130 W. Charlotte Ave. Mt Holly NC 28120 704-812-8266 China Two Mt Holly 595 Highland St. Mount Holly, NC 28120 (704) 827-8090
Red Burrito 441 N. 27 West Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-1221 Subway 107 E. Dallas Rd. Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-7350 Wendy’s 414 N 27 West Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-2007 Woodshed Restaurant 212 S. Main St. Stanley, NC 28164 (704) 263-1030
Promote Your Restaurant In The Banner News Call at (704) 825-0580
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Page 16
GOOD NEWS From page 11 The Highland School of Technology HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) chapter participated in the District 6 Fall Leadership Training held in Huntersville. The program provided team building and leadership strategies for HOSA officers. Students Jenna Payne, Haley Abernathy, Sidney Roberts, Kelsey Best, Savannah Duncan and Austin Lowry attended the training with chapter advisor Waheebah al-Uqdah. The following Highland students received college scholarships: Zytavis Parks, Johnson and Wales University; Nick Stines, Western Carolina University; Tierra Brown, Johnson and Wales University; Corinthia Friday, Mars Hill University; Em’Pris Orr, Gardner-Webb University; Haley Roberts, Lenoir-Rhyne University and Mars Hill University; and Maria Araujo, Gardner-Webb University. Hunter Huss High School conducted a food truck fundraiser to support the culinary arts students in the International Baccalaureate program. Teachers Alisha Hester and Camille Jackson organized the event to raise funds for food supplies, equipment and field trips to visit culinary universities and restaurants. Lowell Elementary hosted a Community Partner Luncheon. Leaders from businesses, churches and organizations enjoyed a barbecue lunch while students shared a Google slide presentation featuring good news about the school. Guests also visited classrooms to observe the school’s Reading Workshop program. North Belmont Elementary raised $1,118 for the United Way of Gaston County. Students were able to buy raffle tickets to throw a pie in the face of principal Ryan Smith and teachers Todd Walker and Jennifer Cory. Students from North Gaston High School and Stuart W. Cramer High School earned awards for their performances at the N.C. Theatre Conference High School Play Festival, which is the largest high school theatre event in the Southeast. The Stuart W. Cramer students performed “Home - Portrait of a Family.� They received awards for Excellence in Scenic
Design, Excellence in Acting (Ava Smith), and Excellence in Design and Technical Production (Ambrea Campbell). The North Gaston students performed “Meeting Sam� and received the Excellence in Characterization Award and the Excellence in Stage Management Award (Kylie Jacobs). Sherwood Elementary observed National Homeless Youth Awareness Month by sponsoring a donation drive for the Women’s Shelter of Gaston County. Students and families collected diapers, toothpaste and toothbrushes. School social worker Angela Ferguson organized the collection. South Point High School received the Region 6 Field of the Year designation from the North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association. South Point High School had students to earn awards at the DECA Marketing Competitive Events Conference in Lincolnton. Jessica Helton, Riley Nichols and Jake Kauer
Thursday, December 31, 2015 received the highest exam scores in their categories and Jessica Helton and Jake Kauer were third place overall winners. The following students earned scores of “proficient� in their categories: Apparel and Accessories: Madison Canterberry, Kendall Thorneberg, Lauren Andrews, Mikayla Withers, Vallie Dulin, Arman Ali; Sports and Entertainment: Jessica Helton, Jacob Stinnett, Walker Featherston, Trevor Pace; Quick Serve Restaurant: Nolan Beaty, Isiah Carter, Rosy Huynh, Madison Rollins, Steven Schultz, Kaylee Thagard; and Principles of Marketing: Jake Kauer, Katelyn Shipman, Grace Campbell, Isabella Vargas, Sophie Hanafin, Riley Nichols, Hemail Patel, Ethan Lassiter, Braden Arnold, Clay Gotte, Ethan Jackson, Kaci Minshall. The DECA club advisor is Rhonda Van Pelt. Southwest Middle School seventh grader Sarah Williams won first place in the N.C. Association of Educators’ American Education Week essay contest and received a $50 savings bond.
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Congratulations to Mr. Ray Cloyd, who was recently selected by his colleagues as the 2015-2016 Teacher of the Year for Cramerton Middle School. Mr. Cloyd teaches Business Education in the Career & Technology Education department. He also coaches the boys’ soccer and baseball teams at CMS. Mr. Cloyd previously taught math at CMS and at Ashbrook High School. Mr. Cloyd is a graduate of Shelby High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from UNC-Charlotte. Gaston Schools photo A LA CARTE BACKORDERED BAR BACK BARTENDER BUSSING BYOB CASUAL CHEF DINING EARLY BIRD EGRESS EXPEDITER FRANCHISE FULL SERVICE GOODS GUEST HOSTESS
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Need to sell it in the Classifieds? Call Kathy Today!
704-739-7496
The Banner News / banner-news.com
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Page 17
Banner-News Funny Paper BALLOON & DAISY
By BOB RICH
THE DEEP END
By TYSON COLE
FUNDAY MORNING
By BRAD DILLER
The Gaston County Board of Education recognized W.A. Bess Elementary media specialist Julie Shatterly as the 2015 Kia Oustanding Educator Award Winner at its monthly meeting held Monday, December 7. Shatterly and four of her students (pictured left to right), Chris Tuttle, Trinity Roddey, Jessica Vazquez and Alex Villareal, opened the board meeting by leading all those in attendance with the Pledge of Allegiance. Gaston Schools photo
Sharing Hometown Recipes, Cooking Tips and Coupons By Janet Tharpe
Homemade Doughnuts Bring Luck for the New Year
“it says here, americans’ attention spans are getting shorter... every... oh, look! Coupons!�
BC
“These melt in your mouth!�
By MASTROIANNI & HART
O
n New Year’s Day, start the year with a bit of luck by snacking on Peggi Anne Tebben’s sweet and delicious Mom’s Raised Doughnuts. Folklore says round shape cakes are to be eaten to celebrate the year coming full circle and bring luck. You can make these extra special by doubling the glaze for added ooey, gooey sweetness. See step-by-step photos of Peggi Anne’s recipe plus thousands more from home cooks nationwide at: www.justapinch.com/doughnuts <RXÂśOO DOVR ÂżQG D PHDO SODQQHU FRXSRQV DQG Peggi Anne Tebben chances to win! Enjoy and remember, use “just a Granbury, TX pinchâ€?...
- Janet
(pop. 7,978)
AGAINST THE GRAIN
by RON THERIEN
Mom’s Raised Doughnuts
What You Need 1/2 c water, warm (not hot) 2 pkg active dry yeast 3/4 c milk, lukewarm 1/4 c plus 1 tsp sugar 1 tsp salt F DOO SXUSRVH Ă RXU VLIWHG 1/3 c shortening 2 eggs GLAZE 1 tbsp water, warm (may need more to thin, but thicker is better) 1/2 tsp vanilla F FRQIHFWLRQHUV VXJDU VLIWHG
CHUCKLE BROS
By BRIAN & RON BOYCHUK
PERCENTERS
by Bill Abbott
Make sure mixture m is warm, not hot. ‡ $GG F RI Ă RXU HJJV DQG \HDVW PL[WXUH Beat until smooth. ‡ $GG UHPDLQLQJ Ă RXU WR PDNH VRIW GRXJK :KHQ GRXJK OHDYHV VLGHV RI ERZO WXUQ RXW RQWR OLJKWO\ Ă RXUHG ERDUG • Knead until dough becomes smooth and elastic. Place in lightly greased bowl. *UHDVH WRS RI GRXJK DQG FRYHU ZLWK waxed paper. Allow to rise in warm place until doubled (1-1/2 hrs). • Roll out dough to 1/2 in thickness and cut with round cutters. • Let rise on the board until very light (40-60 min). ‡ 'URS LQWR GHHS KRW IDW ƒ ƒ DQG Directions turn when doughnuts are just barely • Soak yeast in 1/2 c warm (not brown. Turn once again when browned hot) water (5 min). Add 1 tsp VXIĂ€FLHQWO\ sugar to activate yeast. • Drain on absorbent paper. • Scald milk and melt shortening. • While still warm, drizzle with glaze. • Pour milk over sugar and salt • Can also dust with granulated or in a bowl. Stir until dissolved. FRQIHFWLRQHUV VXJDU Submitted by: Peggi Anne Tebben, Granbury, TX (pop 7,978)
www.justapinch.com/doughnuts Brought to you by American Hometown Media
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Page 18
Meditations
Highland receives Chromebooks
The Light of the world This morning, while sitting in my office, I gazed out the window. A heavy fog had settled due to the morning rain. It looked more like dusk than 10:30 in the morning. My mind left thoughts of the Christmas Eve sermon and entered into a daydream. I considered the dark, dreary day and those who have difficulty during this time. Some live with Seasonal Affective Disorder, winter depression. I was wondering how they were affected by this dark fog. Then I began to reflect on the spiritual darkness we sometimes enter. I thought about those moments when we feel distant from God. My mind drifted into the darkness we see in our world. The darkness of terrorist who kill innocent victims. The darkness of children who are hungry and neglected. The darkness of human trafficking that continues to grow in our society. I continued to gaze out into the dark fog, lost in my thoughts. In that moment of contemplation I noticed across the street, in an alcove, a single light switched on. It brought my mind back to the present. While gazing out into the fog, and lost in my dark thoughts, a light shone brightly, and the darkness could not penetrate it. Some might write this off as a coincidence. I call it a God wink with perfect timing. That light reminded me of our Savior. It was an ordinary day by others perspective. It was
light of life.” John 8:12 ESV. Jesus, the manifestation of God, comes into our world with the glorious message of salvation. When we say, yes to Christ, we have the assurance of salvation, and we too will reflect the light of Christ.
Rev. Angela Pleasants First United Methodist Church, Mount Holly
most likely a dreaded day because it was a time for the census to be taken possibly to register for paying taxes. Joseph traveled, to be counted in the census, to Bethlehem. Mary traveled with him and was close to giving birth. The circumstances of Jesus’ birth was without ceremony and celebration. It was in a stable or cave. In the midst of this mundane day, the extraordinary happens. The Light of the world enters into this dark moment. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5 ESV. The light is the manifestation of life. No matter what darkness or crisis surround us, we find God’s guiding light in our midst. When God is present, there is life. In this dark moment, Jesus has entered our world and our heart to bring eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
The Highland PTSO recently raised money to purchase 30 Chromebooks for the school. Pictured is Ms. McLean being presented a check by PTSO President Stephanie Lowery for the Chromebooks. Gaston Schools photo
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FOR NATIONAL RATES & PLACEMENT CALL 704-484-1047
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Thursday, December 31, 2015
Page 19
Need A Classified?
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Autos/Trucks
For Rent
For Sale
For Sale
For Sale
Motorcycles/ATVs
1999 BLACK FORD RANGER SPORT, 6 cyl., 140,500 miles, ext cab, rear window, excellent shape, $3950. 704-473-1311.
2BR HOME, IN KINGS MOUNTAIN, newly remodeled, central air, $600 month & one month deposit. 704-649-3491.
25 CF KITCHENAID SIDE BY SIDE REFRIGERATOR FOR SALE - Ice and Water. Clean. Good condition. $200.00. 704829-1020.
18” FORD BACKHOE BUCKET, $300. Sofa, $40. GE apartment washer, $50. Pickup cap, $75. Roller, $90. Recliner, $50. 828289-1817.
DISNEY SNOW GLOBES, some are over 20 years old, good condition, $25 and up. 828-2453954.
FOR SALE: 1986 HONDA GOLDWING 1200 w/Nelson Rigg cover. Fresh tuneup, new brakes, good tires, driver backrest, good radio. 82K miles. Kept inside until, Sept, $2500. 704466-8475.
2005 HONDA CIVIC EX, 4 door, automatic, timing belt, brakes, all maintenance done on time, every time. Sunroof, CD player, Alloy wheels. Everything works on it. Cold AC, Hot heat. Good tires, only two local owners. No accidents. Clean and very good gas mileage, asking $5200. Please call 704-482-4112. This is the owner’s car. 1994 HONDA ACCORD LX, auto, 4 cyl., all power, 304K miles, $700 obo. 704-466-9850. 1996 FORD TAURUS LX, all electric, with sunroof. Needs work on power steering lines. Driven daily. All options work. $1000 cash obo. 704-465-4304, 704-215-3493. 1976 JEEP J10 PICKUP, 4WD, Dana front/rear end, 360 engine, not running, parts only, no title, $1500. 828-247-6252. 2011 MUSTANG, V6, 3.7, 325 HP, 6 speed, 32k miles, fully loaded, $10,900. 828-287-3820. 1995 FORD F150 XLT, 4x4, runs and drives good, 5.0, V8 automatic, $2000. 828-657-9691.
Boats 2005 185BR BAYLINER, 18’ 2” fiberglass, 4.3L engine, trailer, skies, Slalom ski, included. Has pull up top, cover & tarp for storage. Trailer has brakes, $9500. 704-473-8478, Craig.
Business Services PROPERTY CLEAN-UP, light landscaping, gutter cleaning and more. Call for free estimate. 704470-7451.
For Sale
FIVE PLOTS PLUS HEAD10 FT WOODEN STEP LAD- STONE FOR SALE in Pineview DER, good condition, $50. Utility Cemetery in Mount Holly. Call: trailer, all metal, 4x8ft, 20” deep, 704-616-0009 or 704-689-9843. single axle, good tires, 2 tail lights MORGAN’S FIREWOOD SER& over load springs, like new, VICE; Fresh cut Oak already $700. 3 point hitch fertilizer dis- split, $60 delivered. 1/2 ton F150 tributor, good condition, $400. 42” load. Delivery available on Sunventilation fan, no motor, make day. 1-828-395-0758. offer. 704-482-2912. SWIMMING POOLS! 16x32 inFREE PIANO, FAIR TO GOOD ground, completely installed, 20 CONDITION. Good for beginner. years experience. Come & See! 704-678-4221, 704-313-3131. Retail, $20,900. Now $10,995. FIREWOOD FOR SALE. $75, Offer Limited. 828-657-5944. $125, $200 & $400 loads, availFLAGS & FLAG POLES in stock. able. 704-418-3083. J Johnson Sales, Inc. 828-245FOR SALE, 4X9 UTILITY TRAIL- 5895. ER, wooden floor, $200. 704TRAILERS, NEW 5x8, $499.99. 434-9375. J Johnson Sales, Inc. 828-245KIRBY VACUUM, ATTACH- 5895. MENTS, shampooer, brand new, BUY, SELL, $275. Marquis Diamond, gold TRAILERS: band, size 7, $475. 704-480- TRADE. Over 50 trailers in stock. Utility, Box, Dump, Gooseneck. 8373. Parts, service & repairs. 828-2458 FOOT ROLL UP GARAGE 5895. DOOR. New, $500. Call or text STORAGE BUILDINGS for sale. 704-297-0959. Buy or Rent to Own. Free delivery HOLIDAY SPECIALS: 1998 & set up. 828-245-5895. Dodge 4x4 truck, four Mustang SHEDS, CARwheels, Golf carts, John Deere STORAGE 160 Riding Lawnmower, Boy & PORTS, GARAGES. All sizes & girl 21 speed bicycles. Bagger colors. Installed FREE! J Johnfor Craftsman mower, DuraFlame son Sales, Inc. 828-245-5895. heater. 704-434-9416. BARGAIN WAREHOUSE NOW SEASONED FIREWOOD, Cher- OPEN, Hwy. 120, by Piedmont ry, oak, pine, poplar, all different Kartway. Like us on Facebook prices. Delivery or pickup. Call for (Bargain Warehouse 120). Tools, details. Guaranteed to keep you toys, comforters, many other warm. 704-297-1098. items. 864-491-2199. SVS PB12-PLUS/2 SUBWOOFER, $450. Oppo 3D BluRay player, $400. Outlaw 7125 amp, $400. Onkyo PR-SC5508 AV controller, $600, more. 704-600-7937
PAINTING SERVICES. Over 20 yrs exp. Interior/exterior, affordable prices. Professional results. References avail. Free estimates. 5X8 TRAILER ROUNDED UP 704-435-8062, Charles, leave LOAD of hardwood firewood, $100. 704-300-8684. message. WESTERN CAROLINA CHIM- MASSEY FERGUSON FARM NEY SWEEP. Cleaning, Repair, TRACTOR 135, 3 cylinder PerCaps, Pre-season specials, 21 kins Diesel engine w/3 point hitch, years experience. Ellenboro +75 high & low ratio gears, very strong miles. Neal Wallace, 828-223- tractor. Only $2900. 704-4667730. 2671 or 828-205-9188.
9N FORD WHEEL TRACTOR, Campers looks very nice. Comes w/3 point WANT TO BUY: Pop-Up Camp- hitch & 5’ bush hog. Only $1850. 704-466-2671 or 828-205-9188. ers. Call 828-429-3935. EZ GO, 1999 GOLF CART, top, windshield, all new batteries & all Farm & Garden new tires. Good condition, $1150. 704-418-3371. DEER CORN, 50 LB BAGS, $7. NEW SAMPSON STAINLESS Abruzzie Rye seed, $15 per bu. 3 DOOR REFRIGERATOR w/2 Call anytime. 704-482-6010. icemakers & adj. temps. Pd. $2300, asking $1500, nego. For Rent ONLY USED 6 MOS. 704-6002 & 3 BR. MOBILE HOMES. Nice 6229, 804-491-0625. & clean. Water furnished. Oak RED LION SUBMERGIBLE Grove Comm. 704-739-0259. WELL PUMP, $225. 704-477LIONS SENIOR VILLAGE has 0695. 1BR HUD subsidized apts for CHRISTMAS DISHES, SERVICE low income seniors. Taking ap- FOR 8, $40. Coffee table, oak plications. Age 62 or older. 211 wood, with glass top, $100. CeN. Morgan St., Shelby. 704-482ramic dolls, various prices. 7047723, Equal Housing Opportunity. 739-5855. MOBILE HOME FOR RENT in PLEASANT HEARTH FIREWaco area. No pets. 704-435PLACE with mantel. Can be 8103. propane or natural gas, 20,000 2&3 BR APARTMENTS available BTUs. Only used 4 times, $250 now! Stove & refrig furnished, firm. Call 704-214-0946, ask for W/D hookups. Rent based on John. income. EHO. Shelby. 704-487SAMSUNG 60” HD 1080 RES1114. OLUTION TV, perfect condition, 4BR 4BA HOME AT MOSS works today as the first day. Still LAKE, lease, deposit, 3,300 sq plugged in, come & see. Priced at ft home on 2.85ac, $30K in new $600. 704-418-6116. renovations, $1,100. Call 336504-3079. COZY 2BR 1.5BA CONDO FOR RENT, located in friendly neighborhood in Cherryville, NC. $550 month. Contact: 704-435-3311.
M & M USED APPLIANCES. Large selection, late models, 30 day warranty, in Ellenboro. 828305-0322 or 828-980-2477.
ONE WEEK
7
PLENTY OF RECORD ALHARMAR PROFILE MID WHEEL Drive Power Wheelchair BUMS and Stereo Equipment. Lift, fits 2” receiver, $500 neg. Call 828-245-9186. 828-223-2485. PREMIER CEMETERY PACKGAS LOG INSERT, excellent AGE; 2 plots, 2 vaults, 2 open/ condition, $285. 828-289-7783. close, 2 perpetual cares. Eternity (5) DISPLAY CASES for sale. Hills, Spindale. Call Donna, 828Used in retail stores. $75 each. 289-2895. Heavy Equipment 980-622-6294. CORNER GAS LOG FIREPLACE, Oak w/mantle, 36x36”, vent free, 25,000 BTU, made by Buckstove, excellent condition, $799. 828-286-4631, leave message. SET OF (4) 17x8J MAG WHEELS & Michelin Tires, “V”line, 5x4.5 lug pattern, like new, 215x55x17, $245. 828-286-8093.
MASSEY FERGUSON FARM TRACTOR 135, 3 cylinder. Perkins Diesel engine w/3 point hitch, high & low ratio gears, very strong tractor. Only $2900. 704466-2671 or 828-205-9188.
WASHER, DRYER, STOVE, 9N FORD WHEEL TRACTOR, Refrigerator & Freezer, asking looks very nice. Comes w/3 point $1200 or will sell separately. Dehitch & 5’ bush hog. Only $1300. livery available. 864-279-4207. 704-466-2671 or 828-205-9188. NEED CASH? BUY MOST ANYTHING THAT’S A BARGAIN. COUNTY LINE TIMBER IS CAR, TRUCK, RV CAMPER, BUYING Hardwood & Pine TimJEEP, 68 CAMARO, TRAILER ber, 8 acres+. Also Pine ThinCARGO, SUBURBAN. NO JUNK ning. Over 25 years experience. MUST HAVE TITLE. 4 WHEEL- 828-289-0742, 828-248-3659. ERS, GOLF CAR, TRACTOR, GUNS. DON’T CALL IF NOT A Motorcycles BARGAIN. 828-551-7176. ETERNAL HILLS, 2 spaces Good Shepherd Rose Lawn Me- FOR SALE: 1986 HONDA morial Gardens, $825 each & GOLDWING 1200 W/NELSON RIGG COVER. Fresh tune-up, deed transfer. 828-248-1226. 50-60 NEW BARBIE DOLLS, new brakes, good tires; driver never been opened, over 20 backrest, good radio. 82K miles. years old, $10 each. 828-245- Kept inside until Sept. $2500. 704-466-8475. 3954.
$ 50 y
Onl
35 MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTOR w/wood splitter, $4500. 704-300-8684.
FOR SALE: 2011 HARLEY TRIKE with under 3,000 miles, excellent condition. Has factory cruise control & numerous accessories. MUST SEE! This is a gorgeous trike that makes heads turn. Asking $29,500. Jim, cell, 828-448-2713 or 828-448-5648. 2008 YAMAHA TTR110ES, PURCHASED FOR son, new, rode about 3 hours, like new, must see to appreciate, for more info, 704-600-8326. 614-778-1363.
Musical Instruments
GUITARS - GUITARS - FENDER Acoustic, $75. Washburn Electric, $75. 864-761-7272, 864-489-2777.
Pets - Livestock LIVESTOCK FOR SALE Pure Breed, Angus Bulls and Heifers. Jacob Fork Ranch. Call 704-5381199 or 704-600-7847. AKC CHOCOLATE LAB PUPPIES, $400. Shots & wormed, dew claws removed, DOB, 09/30/15, 704-957-0990. BEAUTIFUL GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES. CKC Registered. Male & female available. Bred for family companionship & protection. Both parents on site. Call 704-300-0207.
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Page 20
The Banner News / banner-news.com
Thursday, December 31, 2015
The Gaston Christian School middle school chorus recently held a concert and performed a medley of holiday and other songs. Gaston Christian School photo
Elisabeth King, a Gaston Christian School Interact member, helped with Operation Christmas, an event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gastonia. This event took place at Sherwood Elementary. Ryan Doutt, Madux Price, Thomas Williford were also very active in helping. Strat Guy and Alex Mills were present as well. Gaston Christian School photo
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Belmont police gave out gifts at Catherine’s House last week.The funds were donate by citizens, business owners, community groups, and BPD employees. Belmont Police Department has provided Christmas for the Catherine’s children for many years. Interim Chief of Police Basil Marett said, “it’s a blessing and exciting to see Belmont Police employees work, so hard to make sure that the Catherine House Children have a Christmas that they will never forget”. Belmont PD photo
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Belmont Police Department spreads Christmas cheer
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