Gaston alive HOME | GARDEN | STYLE | FUN | FOOD | HAPPENINGS
A New Painting...
Christmas Eve In Christmastown p6
A Christmas Truce & A Recipe
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Meet Bil Jones, Luthier
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From the Publisher It’s the holiday season, which means that some of my favorite Christmas shows are on again. Shows like Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer (the island of misfit toys), A Christmas Story (He looks like a pink nightmare!), and from 1965 the oldest and best of all, A Charlie Brown Christmas, with the classy Vince Guaraldi soundtrack. From these we learn that it’s okay to be different, that BB guns really will shoot your eye out, that the real meaning of Christmas is found in the gospel…and that good hearted Charlie Brown isn’t such a blockhead after all! Here’s wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season, and may your Christmas story be full of love, light and wonderful memories. Peace, David
Last Minute Gift Ideas
Blythe Gallery
“Hear No Evil, See No Evil...” Nutcrackers Hooked Pillow, $54.95
Antiques, Fine Furnishings, Accessories and Gifts Glass Pearl Necklace with Large Silver/Gold Plated Coin $69.95
“Clara” Glass Ornament, $9.95
Holiday Handbag with Tartan Bow & Tree Medallion, $119.95
Red Boatneck Poncho $44.95
Cashmere Burberry Style Scarf, $24.00
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on the cover Gaston alive HOME | GARDEN | STYLE | FUN | FOOD | HAPPENINGS
All We Want For Christmas ELECTRIC GUITAR
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A New Painting...
Christmas Eve In Christmastown
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A Christmas Truce & A Recipe p13
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Pictured on our December cover is a closeup of a new painting entitled “Christmas Eve in Christmastown� by Abraham Hunter. It is a representation of the peace and charm of our very own Christmastown, McAdenville. You can meet the artist Saturday, December 17 between 12-8 p.m. at the Christmastown Thomas Kinkade Gallery. See more on page 6. Cover graphic design by David James.
our staff PUBLISHER DAVID HAMRICK CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS RICK HAITHCOX SALES DAVID HAMRICK DESIGN DAVID JAMES CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DAVID HAMRICK INTERN OPPORTUNITIES PLEASE CONTACT US BY EMAIL AT INFO@GASTONALIVE.COM EVENTS CONTACT US ABOUT PARTNERING WITH US FOR YOUR EVENT AT DHAMRICK@GASTONALIVE.COM
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To be part of our team, or to submit art, photo or story ideas, please email us at: info@gastonalive.com 128 Birchwood Court Mt. Holly NC 28120 www.gastonalive.com 704.650.8330
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Gaston Alive Magazine is published monthly in the Gaston County, NC area by Art FX Media. All editorial contained within is the property of the publisher and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. The publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the writers or advertisers. Š2016 Art FX Media.
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The Christmastown Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery &'. &$' BV^c HigZZi BX6YZck^aaZ! C8! '-&%& E]/ ,%)"-'("&**% lll#X]g^hibVhidlc\VaaZgn#Xdb
Christmas Eve In Christmastown by Abraham Hunter.
GA: Jay – congrats on the new gallery-it’s beautiful! Jay: Thanks. This gallery is finally designed to be a gallery space. We are able to display almost double what we did in our last gallery. So we are really excited.
GA: How exciting to have the new Abraham Hunter painting- tell us about that? Jay: It is such a still peaceful reminder of the beauty of Christmas in such a hustle and bustle time of year. This new painting is visual relaxation by letting you breathe and enjoy this special season.
GA: How did the new painting come about? Jay: Abraham is not only an amazing talent but a great guy. He was here last year and saw the lights and really wanted to paint something in town. We tossed around a couple of ideas before he decided on the one we have.
GA: What other artist do you feature now in addition to Thomas Kinkade? Jay: We now feature three other artists in addition to Thomas Kinkade. They are: Robert Finale, Mark Keathley and Abraham Hunter.
GA: What has been the reception of the new artists? Jay: We chose these three artists in particular after hearing from other galleries across the country of not only how well they complemented Kinkade’s work, but of the excitement and emotion these new works can evoke.
GA: How would someone get started collecting paintings? Jay: It is as simple as coming into the gallery and see which painting speaks to you. We have a wider selection to view and choose from in the new gallery.
GA: What are some of your favorites and what has been really popular? Jay: On of my favorites is Abraham’s painting called “Never Forsaken”. It reminds us all that no matter how difficult life can be, Jesus never forsakes us. We have been told be many people how this painting has helped them through some very rough times. Owner, Jay Mccosh unveiling the new painting by Abraham Hunter at a Chamber event entitled “Christmas Eve In Christmastown”.
GA: What price range item and art do you have available, say for holiday gifts? Jay: We have postcards starting at .75 all the way up to a few thousand with many price points in between. Some of the limited edition art is less than $500 and right now through Christmas if you spend more than $400 on Thomas Kinkade art, you get a free $89 Gallery wrap. Also, we are expanding our hours for December. We will be open Monday – Saturday noon-8pm.
You’re Invited!
Meet
AbrahamHunter
Abraham Hunter said that he first began to realize that God had given him a talent at 12 years old. At 14, he began to hone his skills and pursue his artistic talent as a career. Abraham works in oil, acrylic and occasionally watercolor and strives for extreme photorealism most of the time because he feels it properly honors God’s handiwork by showing all the intricate details. He often portrays somewhat “utopia” like scenes because he likes to imagine what it would have been like in the Garden of Eden and wants his viewers to have an encounter with a world lacking of death and turmoil.
Meet Abraham Hunter!
Abraham will be here in the gallery Saturday, December 17 between 12 p.m.-8 p.m. for a sketching event. If you buy one of his canvas paintings, he will sketch on the back of it for you free of charge while you watch. The original image of “Christmas Eve in Christmastown” will be on display in the gallery during the event but only 25 copies will be available and will be sold first come first serve. Gallery Note: We are now taking deposits and reservations for the prints. Call 704-823-1550 to reserve yours today!
Meet
MarkKeathley
Mark Keathley (born 1963) grew up on the family cattle farm in East Texas and loved romping through the woods and across open fields. In the early 1990’s, he entered a couple of paintings in the Cheyenne, Wyoming “Old West Museum Show” and won a couple of awards for his work. He also attended the “Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Art Show” in Waco Texas and twice won the “Popular Vote Award” for a couple of his pieces two years in a row. Everywhere he has gone, he has found great acceptance for his work, and his paintings hang in many homes around the world. In April 2010, “Quiet Encounter” was selected for the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) 2011 core art program. The art program helps to further NWTF’s mission to conserve the wild turkey and preserve the heritage of hunting. Keathley’s prints will raise funds via auctions held at more than 2200 banquets throughout North America.
Meet
RobertFinale
Robert has been painting about 13 years and has received no formal training. He says he started painting when he and his wife visited a Thomas Kinkade Gallery, and his wife fell in love with a Kinkade painting-but they just couldn’t afford it. Robert, who had been sketching and drawing his whole life, told his daughter “I will just paint her one!” And so he did, and a career was born!
Building Is A Labor Of Love
Shelli and Greg Dimmer
GA: If I have a remodel project in mind, what are some things to consider when hiring a contractor?
Greg: I hear a lot of horror stories about homeowners who hired a contractor and ended up not happy in the end. I have had to go into projects and fix the problems that homeowners have to deal with after they thought they had hired a qualified contractor and ends up costing them more money. There are many ways for homeowners looking to do a project to ensure that they get a qualified General Contractor such as: 1. Ask are you a licensed General Contractor (make them show you their certificate) any project over $30,000.00 requires a licensed general contractor 2. Ask will you be acquiring a zoning and building permit for my project (if not, why) most remodel projects require zoning and building permits 3. Give me 3 previous clients that I can call and speak with about their project and experience with you. (if they can provide odds are they have a good reputation) 4. How long have you been in business, (is your business registered with your home state) This means they should be a legit business 5. Do you have General Liability & Workers Compensation insurance (request a copy of their current certificate) This is very important! This means if they damage something in your home or someone is hurt working on your home the Contractor has a means to take care of and not leave the homeowner left to worry about. 6. I have a quote on my business card that says: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is gone” There are four things I require of a contractor I hire: 1. Experience-a complete understanding of the job and the ability to supervise the specialized workers needed to do a quality job. 2. Attention to detail-focusing on prcies measurements and a correct fit, no sloppiness. 3. Availability-answering all of my questions, listening to my wants, responding to my phone calls, texts, and emails in a timely manner. 4. Integrity- being trustworthy to handle all business and financial matters honestly, and to be courteous, respectful, and helpful. I have found all of these in Greg, besides a good sense of humor. He and his workers did a great job, and I would recommend him to anybody. – Marlene P.
Marlene P.
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glenn
Basil Gorgonzola Purses
THE FRENCH 75
Trêve de Noël
In 1914 the world was at war. Germany had advance across Belgium and into France. The Allies pushed the ‘Boche’ back, battle lines stalled and became brutal trench warfare. It was the first time since Napoleon there had been a conflict of this scale. On December 7th the Pope called for an official truce but was ignored by all the countries involved but on Christmas Eve an odd thing happened, soldiers on both sides spontaneously declared a truce. Throughout the evening and on through Christmas day enemies were seen arm in arm singing carols and exchanging gifts. Think of the power Christmas has to bring to a halt a bitter conflict extending across an entire continent. Now one might ask, how do you connect WWI with food? Well I love the pairing of a very festive cocktail called the French 75. It originated in WWI with the Lafayette Escadrille battalion who invented this delicious cocktail when they were on leave in Paris away from the trenches. They named it ‘Soixante Quinze’ after the 75mm artillery pieces the soldiers used because it really packed a punch. During the holiday season I often have friends simply drop in. I love catching up and often it’s over some appetizers as we don’t have time for a full meal. One appetizer is always a perennial favorite, Basil Gorgonzola purses. They can take a bit to make but spending some advance time they keep very well in the refrigerator and can be warmed up in 10 minutes with spectacular results.
INGREDIENTS: t1 t t t
cup of Gorgonzola or other blue cheese crumbled 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese, grated 1 large egg, beaten 2 TBS fresh basil, chiffonade
The French 75mm was the first modern artillery piece, it could fire up to 30 rounds a minute accurately without being reset or re-positioned. It serves as the design foundation to today’s artillery. The French 75 drink was created by soldiers of the Lafayette Escadrille battalion who originally mixed cognac with champagne. My version is a bit
t½ t½ t½ t1 t1
tsp white pepper cup Walnuts, finely ground cup Parmesan cheese, grated package of filo dough, thawed stick of butter
Method: Mix together the first five ingredients, combine the nuts and parmesan in another bowl. Melt the butter. Unwrap the filo but keep a towel or plastic over the sheets as they dry very quickly. Working with individual sheets, lay one on a flat surface, lightly butter with a pastry brush, sprinkle with the Parmesan/nut mixture. Repeat for four sheets, cut the prepared sheets in thirds lengthwise and quarters crosswise to create 2 ½ inch squares. Fill each square with a scant teaspoon of the Basil/ Gorgonzola mixture then bring the corners, and edges up to enclose giving it a slight squeeze to seal place finished purses on a flat baking sheet, paint with a bit more butter and sprinkle with a bit more of the Parmesan/nut mixture. These can now be kept in the refrigerator, when ready to serve bake in a 375 degree oven for 10 minutes, serve warm.
lighter. A squeeze of lemon 1 tsp orange juice 1 oz of gin 1 tsp of simple syrup Top with champagne Shake the first three ingredients with ice to chill well, strain into a champagne flute and top with champagne.
Other Variations: The French 95 – Replace Gin with Bourbon The French 125 – Cognac and Sweet & Sour with Champagne
Today we live in turbulent times again, violence seems to be everywhere around the world even though we are The French 76 – Replace Gin with Vodka not at war. Perhaps we need to absorb the power of Christmas and let it wash some of this anger from our souls to restore concern for our fellow man. Perhaps if we simply held a bit of the joy this season brings to children in our hearts as adults we might improve one another’s life if even for a short time. Follow me on Facebook to continue the culinary adventure. This is my Christmas Wish for us all. Till next time make Peace, Joy and Love your own! Merry Christmas, Glenn
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Creekwood Riding Academy Would Like To Congratulate Their 2016 National Academy Team!
Top L-R Mary Carter, Krista Howell, Christin Crumbley, Hollis Young, Emma Scott Livingston, Sydney Wertz. Bottom L-R Lauren Cox, Autumn Greene, Darby Shaw Nigbor, Lauren Ghantt, Sarah Stiles. Not Pictured: Catherine O’Dell
Twelve of our riders competed in a three round elimination competition held in Murfreesboro, TN on October, 28-30. All 12 riders competed in the preliminary round and made it to the semi finals. In the semi final round some of the wins included two first place finishes in championship classes, two reserve championships and two third place finishes as well as many other placings. 10 riders made it to the Final round on Sunday and all of our riders received top 10 finishes with other wins including: Darby Shaw Nigbor taking the top honors in both the 7-8 walk and trot National Final in both pleasure and equitation divisions! Christin Crumbley earned a top 3 finish in the Jr. walk and trot equitation final. This team of girls ages 8-adult practiced for months preparing for this show and we are so proud of all of you! Congrats! A special THANK YOU to Hannah Burton and Matt Mauldin for working behind the scenes! We couldn’t have done it with out you!
Hollis Young, 13-14 Walk Trot Canter Champion
Darby Shaw Nigbor, 7-8 Walk trot Final Champion
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BIL JONES,
LUTHIER By David Hamrick
GA: Bil, first of all - what exactly is a luthier?
Bil: A luthier is a person who designs, builds and repairs stringed musical instruments – those closest to me would say it’s a person who is obsessed with them…lol.
GA: How did you get interested in music and guitars?
Bil: I’d have to credit my ‘Memaw’ who sparked my interest in music and rounded up my first guitar for me when I was very young. She would sing and play the auto harp and encouraged me to sing and play as well. That early exposure instilled a love for music and sent me down the path that I’m still passionate about to this day.
GA: What is the most commonly misunderstood part of being a luthier?
Bil: I believe the most misunderstood part is all of the years of experience and training that goes in to becoming a competent luthier. I became frustrated in the early nineties by the lack of skilled luthiers locally and was determined to learn how to build and repair guitars. This led to an apprenticeship under a master luthier originally from Europe who I still work closely with to this day.
GA: You also buy, sell, and collect vintage guitars and amps, right?
Bil: Right. After all these years I still get excited about vintage pieces and the history behind them…not only their design, development and construction but the stories of the owners and their travels and experiences with those guitars and amps. I’ve been very fortunate to have made friends all over the world due to my interest and involvement with vintage instruments.
GA: Do you work on instruments other than guitars?
Bil: Yes…while guitars are the primary focus I work on basses, mandolins, banjos and violins as well.
GA: What is the most unusual request you have experienced?
Bil: Unusual requests are not at all uncommon when dealing with musicians so I’d be hard pressed to think of just one! I’ve learned to keep an open mind to the more ‘out there’ request I receive and think of ways to make them happen within reason. If a customer’s request is not practical or cost effective I will offer up alternatives or refer them to a luthier who may be a better fit for their ideas or vision.
GA: People are often sentimental about their guitars…
Bil: Which is understandable when you consider how interactive they are and the music that can be created and enjoyed with them. Guitars are also inherited from family and friends which further adds to the connection many feel towards their instrument. I have a few guitars of my own that would be tough to part with for sentimental reasons.
GA: Do you often “save” a vintage guitar that is in trouble?
Bil: Yes, quite often actually. Over the years guitars can take a real beating for a number of reasons; modifications, improper storage, abuse or sometimes just honest wear and tear. I feel that if a guitar is not playable then it’s not of much value no matter how collectible it may be. I sometimes purchase instruments that folks are not able to invest the money into their proper restoration but would like to see go to a good home.
GA: You are also in a popular band - Stepside Deluxe
Bil: Stepside Deluxe was a project that I had in the back of my mind for years which I was able to finally kick off in 2011. Roots, Rockabilly and Country are at the core of the music we write and perform. Jim Potter and Tony Rogers are close friends and extremely talented musicians who are key in making it happen with me. We play a mix of festivals, corporate functions, public and private events along with our favorite….the honky-tonks. Really anywhere folks enjoy rich and creative music!
Fretgarage | 940 East Franklin Blvd. Gastonia, North Carolina 28054 ,%)#-+&#&%(, ,%)#(+&#*)*( | [gZi\VgV\Z5\bV^a#Xdb hiZeh^YZYZajmZ5\bV^a#Xdb gastonalive.com | facebook.com/gastonalive 13
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Happy Holidays From
Gaston alive HOME | GARDEN | STYLE | FUN | FOOD | HAPPENINGS
Thank you to all our customers for making 2016 a wonderful year!
It’s Party Time At
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Hours Mon.-Thur.: 11a-10p Fri.-Sat.: 11a-10:30p Sun.: 11a-9p
106 N. Main St. Belmont, NC 28012
704-825-8900
704-866-7744 ÎäÇäÊ >ÃÌÊ À> ÊUÊ-Õ ÌiÊ ÓÊUÊ >ÃÌ >Ê , } ÌÊ i ÜÊ iÃÌÊ ÕÞ®
facebook.com/Johnny B’s Pizza Pad & Watering Hole
LUNCH SPECIAL!
TWO 10” SPECIALS FOR
WWW.JBSPIZZAPAD.COM
MANAGER’S SPECIAL!
$11.99 $5.00 OFF!
INCLUDES SODA OR TEA! One coupon per customer please. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 1.15.17
ANY PURCHASE OVER $25 One coupon per customer please. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 1.15.17
BUY ONE ENTRÉE GET ONE
SANTA’S SPECIAL!
Purchase any large sPecialty Pizza get a MediuM chesse FOr
399
$
One coupon per customer please. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 1.15.17
*
1/2 OFF!
*
WITH PURCHASE OF 2 BEVERAGES, 2ND ENTRÉE MUST BE OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE One coupon per customer please. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 1.15.17
Owner Ben Dorantes & Staff
$5.00 OFF!
ANY PURCHASE OF $25.00 OR MORE One coupon per customer please. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 1.15.17
gastonalive.com | facebook.com/gastonalive 15
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GA|12|16
Retirement isn’t just about leaving the workforce - it’s a major life event you should cherish, like getting married or having children. This time should be spent living life, surrounded by your friends, children and grandchildren - and honoring your legacy. Every day at Belmont Capital Advisors, we work hand in hand with our clients to make this a reality. We’ll help you determine your best options, so you can spend more time doing what really matters. Call today to schedule your free consultation. Learn more at Belmont-Capital.com. Private Wealth Management for Select Individuals.
Securities offered through Kalos Capital, Inc., and Investment Advisory Services offered through Kalos Management, Inc., both at 11525 Park Woods Circle, Alpharetta, GA 30005, (678) 356-1100. Belmont Capital Advisors is not an affiliate or subsidiary of Kalos Capital, Inc., or Kalos Management, Inc.
Joseph Roop, Founder & Chief Investment Strategist
704.825.1560 | 217 Glenway Street, Belmont, NC