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News from a neighbor!
Volume 83 • Issue 44
Thursday, November 2, 2017
• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
100-year-old Jessie Rhyne says “keep moving” By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
“Don't eat junk, love people, listen to your body, keep moving, and it's always five o'clock somewhere.” Those are just a few of the witticisms from Jessie Rhyne of Mt. Holly that not only helped her reach her 100th birthday on October 30, but to do it in spry style. Rhyne has lived in Mt. Holly for nearly 70 years and these days comes to the Stowe Family YMCA several times a week to take part in the Silver Sneakers exercise class for seniors. When she's on the exercise floor, Rhyne is a picture of concentration. “I think people should be as active as pos-
sible,” Rhyne said. “Don't just sit around.” According to Silver Sneakers instructor Lynn Baldwin, Rhyne is an important part of the 50 or so folks that show up for each session. About a dozen of the Silver Sneakers crowd is over 80 years old and over half top 70 years. Baldwin is 81. “She is always smiling and is a real inspiration to the others,” Baldwin said. “They say if she can do it, so can they.” When she's not at the Y, Rhyne stays busy at home. She still keeps house and loves to cook. “I like talking to my friends and playing bridge,” Rhyne said. “I keep my mind and body active.” See 100 YEAR page 3
John Browning carrying on Piedmont pottery tradition By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
People have been hand making pottery in the Piedmont region of North Carolina for ages and John Browning of Cramerton is immersed in that art form where simple clay is transformed into something beautiful. Browning was exposed to ceramics as a youngster living in Orangeburg, S.C. “My mother and her parents owned a ceramic shop,” Browning said. “I grew up seeing it made as a child.” Browning's mom passed away when he was ten years old and the family came to Gaston County four years later. As a student at Holbrook Junior High in Lowell, he had his first chance at a potters wheel in art class.
After a vigorous exercise class, Jessie Rhyne of Mt. Holly was treated to a 100th birthday party at Stowe Family YMCA last Thursday. Holding the cake for Rhyne is YMCA advancement director Molly D'Avria. Photo by Alan Hodge
New Harris-Teeter grocery holds grand opening By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
After a long, long, spell of planning and construction, the new Harris-Teeter grocery in the Belmont Town Center development at the corner of South Point and R.L. Stowe roads held its grand opening last Tuesday afternoon. “Harris Teeter is thrilled to be joining the Belmont community,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter.
“We are looking forward to getting to know our new neighbors, and we cannot wait for shoppers to see their brand new Harris Teeter store and Fuel Center.” The store will employ around 130 full and part time associates. Numerous dignitaries and lots of eager shoppers showed up for the event- a lot of dignitaries and shoppers. See HARRIS-TEETER page 3
Belmont Veterans Day event John Browning of Cramerton is making a name for himself with his face jugs ansd other pottery he creates in a shed at his home. Photo by Alan Hodge “I loved art class,” he said. I kept thinking I would like to Time marched on and get back in it. I looked around Browning drifted away from and called Blue Gill Pottery and pottery, but the urge to make they sent me to JS Pottery in things out of clay never died. Stanley. Jack Sexton and Grace “It was just laying dormant Carr there thought I had a little in me,” he said. “Last January bit of talent. can't speakpage highly See IBROWNING 3
DAY R U SAT
! Y L ON
Belmont will hold its annual Veterans’ Day Ceremony November 11, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. In Stowe Park. The event is sponsored by American Legion Post 144 and American Legion Post 180. The Call to Order will be 11 rings of a bell. The POW-MIA Ceremony will be performed by Larry Norwood, Post 144 Member (Retired U.S. Army). The Welcome will be delivered by Charlie Martin, Mayor of Belmont NC (U.S. Navy Veteran). Presentation of Colors by South Point High School Junior R.O.T.C.
Navy Color Guard. Pledge of Allegiance by Fred S. Dixon, Post 144 Member (Retired U.S. Air Force). The National Anthem will be a recording of U.S. Marine Corps Band. Welcome Remarks delivered by Ron Self, Post 144 Commander (U.S. Marines Veteran) and Charles Isles, Post 180 Member (Retired U.S. Army). Guest Speaker will be SMSGT Michael Curtin, (Retired U.S. Air Force), Russian Linguist. The Closing Prayer by Charlie Martin.
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