Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville
Volume 78 • Issue 19 • Wednesday, May 8, 2013
75¢
No hiking on the thread trail! Torrential rains flood River Park in Cramerton; more rain predicted.
McCormick, fellow crewmembers to be remembered ALAN HODGE alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Plans are in the works for a commemorative marker in South Dakota recognizing the four crewmembers of an NC Air National Guard C-130, including Maj. Joe McCormick, 36, of Belmont, who perished when the plane crashed while fighting wildfires. His wife Heather, and children Luke, Thomas, Henry, and Margaret, all of Belmont, survive McCormick. In addition to Maj. McCormick, the airmen who were killed included Lt. Col. Paul
Mikeal, of Mooresville, Maj. Ryan David of Boone, and Senior Master Sgt. Robert Cannon. Crewmen in the rear of the plane that were seriously injured included Sgt. Josh Marlowe of Boiling Springs and Chief Master Sgt. Andy Major Huneycutt. The plane went down Joe McCormick fighting what was called the White Draw Fire near Edgemont, South Dakota, as it was dropping fire retardant. The blaze consumed
See DOT, 6A
Bomb threats at Lowell schools By Alan Hodge Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Holbrook Middle School in Lowell was evacuated last Thursday when a student reported seeing a bomb threat written on the boy’s bathroom wall. The student reported the markings to the school resource officer. Students were immediately evacuated from the school while officers conducted a sweep. Two K-9 police dogs were also brought in to sniff out the school. The search took about half an hour. Neither officers nor dogs found any trace of a bomb and the students were sent home at the end of the day. For extra security, additional officers were on duty at the school on Friday. In addition to Lowell police, other departments that assisted in the incident included officers from Ranlo, Cramerton, Gaston County, and the Gaston County Sheriff’s Department. As if that weren’t enough, a bomb threat was made the very next day, Friday, at Lowell Elementary and the evacuation and search process was repeated all over again. Officers were in place at both schools on Monday. “Our first concern is for the safety of the children and staff not only at those schools but all schools in Gaston County,� said schools spokeswoman Bonnie Reidy. Anyone with knowledge of who might have made the threats can call the Lowell PD at 704-866-3300 or CrimeStoppers at 704861-8000.
around 2,000. Najacht is a retired colonel who served 31 years in the Army National Guard. He kicked off the campaign by running an editorial letter in his paper and also by putting in the first $100 towards the marker. “The six risked their lives trying to save lives and property by fighting White Draw Fire from the air,� Najacht’s letter stated. “The least we can do is recognize their valiant efforts and memorialize their names, lest we forget the high cost they paid. It just seems like the right thing to do. We urge everyone to consider donating what they can See McCORMICK, 6A
GARIBALDIFEST & MORE!
DOT to hold hearings on N.C. 273 The NC Department of Transportation will hold an informal public hearing on Tuesday, May 14, on proposed improvements to N.C. 273 (South Main Street) in Mount Holly. NCDOT is proposing to widen about 1.3 miles of N.C. 273 to a “superstreet� with four lanes divided by a median from Tuckaseege Road (at Beatty Drive) to Highland Street (at A&E Drive). A “superstreet� eliminates left turns from a side street onto the main street. This design requires a vehicle that would turn left to make a right turn and then a Uturn at a designated area. The project will improve traffic flow and allow more cars to travel along N.C. 273. Other proposed improvements include providing sidewalks on both sides of N.C. 273 and wider outside travel lanes to accommodate bicycles. The public hearing will take place from
9,000 acres. Later investigation of the crash cited weather as a factor. The plane was attached to the NCANG 145th MAW, at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. Following the accident, a somber memorial ceremony took place at the base that included a flyover by C130s. Maj. McCormick was interred on July 13 at Evergreen Cemetery in Belmont with full military honors. Now, folks in South Dakota are working to make sure the fliers are not forgotten there. A drive to have a marker erected in their honor was started by Charles Najacht, publisher of the Custer County Weekly Chronicle, a weekly newspaper with a circulation of
USA Crits pro bicycle racers took to the streets of Belmont Saturday. See more race and Garibaldifest photos on page 4A!
Crits race rounds out Garibaldifest By Alan Hodge Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Belmont had a blast last Saturday when thousands of folks streamed into the downtown area for the Garibaldifest as well as the first annual USA Crits pro bicycle race. Both events were held under cloudy, blustery and cool weather conditions but dodged a big rain bullet that saw torrents fall not long after the day came to a close.
Over 100 male and female bike riders stormed the half-mile course that ran through the middle of town reaching speeds of up to 40mph on the Glenway Street backstretch and only slightly slower velocities on the Main Street straightaway. Mobs of spectators lined the course and cheered on their favorite riders. The Belmont race was part of the USA Crits Speed Week and was put together in collaboration between Carolinas Health
Care, the City of Belmont, South Main Cycles, and the Belmont Merchants Association. The top three male finishers were Carlos Alzate, 30, of Asheville who is a member of the United Healthcare Pro Cycling Team, his teammate Bradley White, 31, from Holland, Michigan, and Jean Michel LeChance, 28, from Quebec, Canada who is a member of Team Predator Carbon See GARIBALDIFEST, 6A
New benches grace parks Boston fundraiser thanks to Austin Hansen rescheduled for May 19 By Alan Hodge
Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Photo by Alan Hodge
Austin Hansen is seen chillin’ in Stowe Park on one of the benches he built and installed there for his Eagle Scout project. Austin constructed six benches for Stowe Park and two more for Davis Park. ALAN HODGE alan.bannernews@gmail.com
A lot of people who visit Stowe and Davis parks in Belmont will get to rest easy and in style thanks to 17-year-old Austin Hansen and his Eagle Scout project.
The son of Jeff and Lynn Hansen, Austin is a senior at South Point High School who joined the Scouts when he was just seven years old but had high aspirations from the start. “I knew even then I wanted to See HANSEN, 8A
When 10-year-old Belmont Central Elementary fourth grader Bradley Haggai saw and heard about the bombings during the Boston Marathon, he was shocked, especially since one of the fatalities was eightyear-old Martin Richard. “I thought it was scary,� he said. “I didn’t know what else was going to happen. I was sad and wondered what it would be like if it had happened to one of my friends.� But his fear quickly turned into action when he learned that Martin’s mom and sister had also been injured by the blast. “I was lying in bed later and wondered what I could do to help the family,� Bradley said. “Then I came up with the idea of having a fundraiser walk and run event here in Belmont.� The fruit of Bradley’s brainstorm will take place May 19 at
Photo by Alan Hodge
Belmont Central Elementary student Bradley Haggai came up with the idea of a fundraising walk/run event to take place May 19 at the school to benefit the family of Martin Richard, 8, who was killed in the Boston Marathon blast. 3pm at Belmont Central when a 2.62-mile walk/run minimarathon will raise funds for See FUNDRAISER, 6A
Call us today at 704.263.4646 of Stanley
Open Monday - Friday • Located on Hwy 27 South in Stanley - across from Food Lion
Page 2A
The Banner News
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
â– OBITUARIES Ronnie Lee Abernathy U.S. Army veteran MOUNT HOLLY- Ronnie Lee Abernathy, 78, of 213 Rose Street, died on Sunday, April 28, 2013. He was preceded in death by his mother Marjorie L o i s Abernathy Arnold a n d stepfat h e r Frank Arnold. He was a US Army Veteran and was a retired printer-typesetter. He is survived by a cousin Robby Robinson of Robbinsville, NC; second cousin Karina Robinson; cousin Charles E. Abernathy of Charlotte; second cousins Deborah A. Dowdy of Char-
Donald J. Hartsell Loved woodworking STANLEY- Donald Jennings Hartsell, 63, 309 Willow Street, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2013. He w a s born in Mecklenburg County, son of the late William Jennings and Fannie Smith Hartsell. He retired from McGuire Nuclear Station after 35 years of service. He loved woodworking. Mr. Hartsell adored his son and loved spending time with him. They truly had a special bond. He is survived by his wife, Martha Nell Hartsell; one son, Kevin Hartsell of the home; one sister, Betty
Katherine McElveen
lotte and her husband Jonathan and son Nathan and Charles Scott Abernathy of Concord; third cousins Alan, Aleah, and Adam Abernathy all of Concord, NC. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Abernathy was held 2pm Friday, May 3, at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home. Burial followed at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery. The family received friends from 79pm Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Mount Holly VFW Post. Condolence messages may be left at www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly served the family.
Loving mother and grandmother BELMONT- Katherine Johnson McElveen, 93, died April 28, 2013 at her home. She was born in Pelzer, SC; daughter of the late Owen Cecil and Bessie Rainey Johnson and was preceded in death by a grandson Jeffrey Scott Parker, two brothers and a sister. Survivors include a daughter Barbara Lee Parker of Belmont; a grandson Rev.
Hewell Gene Murphy U.S. Air Force veteran
Bollinger and husband Johnny of Mount Holly; A special cousin, Jimmy Hicks of Stanley; a number of nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Hartsell will be held 12pm Thursday, May 9, at the Woodlawn Chapel of Woodlawn Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gaston Skills, 1301 Bessemer City Road, Gastonia NC 28052. Condolence messages may be left at www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly is serving the family.
MOUNT HOLLYHewell Gene Murphy, 78, of 903 Pierce Avenue, passed away on Wednesday, May 1, 2013. He was born in Gaston County, son of the late Willard G. and Cora Setzer Murphy. He was preceded in death by two brothers Joel and Don Murphy. M r . Murphy retired f r o m Sears in Charlotte. He was a US Air Force Veteran. He was an active lifelong member of North Belmont Church of God where he held the offices of Trustee, Elder and Sunday School Teacher among others. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Geraldine Rowland Murphy; two daughters Teresa M. McCarter and husband Rob of Belmont
Ernestine Pope A wonderful listener
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MOUNT HOLLYErnestine Riley Pope “Teenie�, 78, 301 Adrian Street, died Friday, May 3, 2013. She was born in Gaston County, daughter of the l a t e Ernest a n d Bertha Barber Riley. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, William Earl Pope; one brother, Paul Riley; four sisters, Virginia Riley, Margaret Bryant, Christine Barber, and Mabel Moss. She was a wonderful listener; a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister. She is survived by two sons, Earl Pope and wife Linda of Charlotte, and Scott Pope and wife Sheila of Mount Holly; one daughter, Stephanie Pope Helton and husband Randy of Mount Holly; one sister, Patricia Jenkins of Mount Holly; one brother, Jack Riley of Hickory Grove, SC; six grand-
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and Renae M. Auten and husband Kim of Mount Holly; one son Chris Murphy and wife Courtney of Mount Holly; three grandchildren Brian Anderson, Luke Auten and Jake Murphy; one great grandchild Braeden Anderson; three nephews Gary, Mike and Robbie Murphy. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Murphy was held 3pm Saturday, May 4, at the North Belmont Church of God with Pastor Carl Overton officiating. Burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery in Belmont with Reverend Dewey Murphy officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to the North Belmont Church of God, 2316 Acme Road, Belmont NC 28012. Condolence messages may be left at www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly served the family.
children, Heather Pope Counselman and husband Mike of Wilmington, NC, Jessica Helton Sikes and husband Justin of Stanley, Courtney Pope of Charlotte, Jeremy Pope of Little Rock, Arkansas, Justin Pope of Mount Holly, and Derek Helton and companion Chrystal Collins of Mount Holly; and four great-grandchildren, Ally Sikes, Sidney Sikes, Madi Sikes, and Rylie Counselman. A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Pope was held at 3pm Tuesday, May 7, at Grace Baptist Church, 300 Westland Farm Road, Mount Holly with Reverend Joe Mullins officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery. The family received friends from 6 until 9pm Monday at Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly. Memorials may be made to the Robin Johnson Hospice House, 5005 Shepherds Way Drive, Dallas, NC 28034. Woodlawn Funeral Home, Mount Holly is serving the family.
Ruth Norman Smith Retired teacher from Ida Rankin Elementary GASTONIA- Ruth Norman Blackwood Smith, 95, of Terrace Ridge Assisted Living, died on Sunday, April 28, 2013. She was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina, daughter of the late Ora White and Floyd Norman. She was preceded in death by two husbands Colonel Irvine Smith and Edward Woodston Blackwood and a son Ray Blackwood. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mount Holly. She was a graduate from Salem College and taught for over 30 years at Ida Rankin Elementary School. She is survived by two children Eddie Blackwood and wife Angela of Mount Holly and Ann Johnson and husband Sam of Raleigh; eight grandchildren Marty Blackwood and wife Michele of Matthews and children Ben, Lindsay and Matthew. John Blackwood and wife Jane of Mount Holly and children Drew and wife Hilary of Boston and
Amy Renee Bradley A student at Webb Street School MOUNT HOLLY- On April 29, 2013, Amy Renee Clevenger Bradley, age 17, began dancing and singing in the presence of Jesus. She was born in Gainesville, Texas, was a member of Catawba Heights Baptist Church, and was a student at Webb Street School in Gastonia. Survivors include her parents James and Ronda Bradley; brothers Sean and Scott; sisters Nikki, Kaitlyn, Makayla, and Serenity; her birth siblings Rebecca, Jeffrey, and Dillon; her birth parents Jeffrey and Kimberly Clevenger; several loving aunts, uncles and cousins;
Beatrice England
July 6, 1930 to the late Wesley S. England and Amanda Wells England. Services are being held privately by the family and handled by Benson Funeral & Cremation Services of Mt. Holly.
MOUNT HOLLY- Beatrice Irene England, 82, of Gastonia, died April 29, 2013 at Belaire Health Care in Gastonia. Ms. England was born in Gaston County
â– BELMONT April 30: Kimberly Ann Hall, resist, delay, obstruct, arrested by Officer P. Hunter, 817 Gaston Ave. Ext. April 30: Robin Wallace Rhyne Jr., probation violation, arrested by Officer P. Hunter, 817 Gaston Ave. May 1: Brandon Michael Craig-Aylward, drug violations, equipment paraphernalia, possessing concealing,
arrested by Officer R. Berry, 210 Park St. May 1: Hayley Leighann Eubanks, consuming under age of 21, open container, arrested by Officer R. Berry, 210 Park St. May 1: Reanna Meranna Rosetti, possess marijuana, arrested by Officer R. Berry, 210 Park St. See POLICE, 5A
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and her grandparents. The family received friends at Catawba Heights Baptist Church on Thursday May 2, starting at 5:30pm with a service to Celebrate Amy’s life to begin at 7pm with Pastor Raymond Johns officiating. Memorials may be made to Catawba Heights Baptist Church in memory of Amy for the “Pure Worship Gang�, 311 Belmont Road, Belmont, NC 28012. Condolence messages may be sent to the family at woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mount Holly was in charge of arrangements.
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Luke of Boone. Greg Blackwood and wife Jennifer of Mount Holly and children Connor, Gavin and Davis. Julia Upton and husband David of Belmont and children Jamey and daughter Emily and Jordan. Katie Parker and husband Graham of Wake Forest, NC and children Lilly Eric and Kyra. Abigail Johnson of Nashville, TN. Scott Blackwood and wife Erin of Mount Holly and children Gabriel, Natasha, Sebastian, Atraiyu and Phoenix and Justin Blackwood of Mount Holly. A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Smith was held at 4pm Wednesday, May 1, at the First United Methodist Church in Mount Holly with Reverend Mitch Murrow officiating. The family received friends from 2-4pm Wednesday at the church. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church “We Care Fund�, 140 North Main Street, Mount Holly, NC 28120. Condolence messages may be left at www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly is serving the family.
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Reginald Lee Parker Jr. and wife Gina of Oak Island, NC; two great grandsons Johnny and Christopher Parker; a great granddaughter Kayla Parker Colon; and 6 great great grandchildren. A graveside service conducted by Rev. Reginald Lee Parker, Jr. was held at 11am Wednesday May 1 at Greenwood Cemetery. Woodlawn Funeral Home of Mt Holly was in charge of arrangements.
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Wednesday, May 8, 2013
The Banner News
Page 3A
Riverbend Steam Station to be demolished ulators. Nonetheless, the ash basins have been a source of contention for many months between environmental groups such as the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation and the utility, especially regarding potential seepage of elements such as arsenic, cobalt, manganese, iron, barium, boron, strontium, and zinc into the lake. The debate over Duke Energy’s method of handling ash at Riverbend escalated last month with a notice from the Southern Environmental Law Center and Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation that they intended to sue the utility company over the matter. “Seepage is normal and necessary for an earthen dam’s structural integrity,� said Culbert. “We have routinely informed the state of the seepage occurring at the toe of our ash dams. The volume of seepage is extremely small and has no impact to the overall water quality in the lake. We monitor groundwater around the Riverbend ash basins and report that data to state regulators. We find elevated levels of iron, manganese and low pH, which pose no health risk. Arsenic levels in Mountain Island Lake are at the lowest amounts laboratory instruments can accurately measure just a short distance from the plant.� Duke is still looking at how the ash ponds will be handled. “We are evaluating multiple closure options to ensure we select methods that provide high long-term water quality protection,� Culbert said. According to Duke Energy, the ash basins provide an important stormwater management function for the site and will need to continue operating for a limited time after the plant retires. “The question is why Duke isn’t willing to clean up the coal ash ponds now before additional contamination seeps into the groundwater and Mountain Island Lake,� said Gaskins. After the ash basins are closed, Duke Energy says it will continue monitoring groundwater there for many years and will continue to manage and steward the site.
By Alan Hodge Alan.bannernews@gmail.com
The Riverbend Steam Station officially closed on April 1 and now the job has started of tearing it down. The coal-fired facility was built in 1929 and formed Mountain Island Lake. Once coal units retire, attention and planning turns to decommissioning. This is a comprehensive and methodical process that takes several years and involves engineering studies to determine the best site-specific decisions. According to Duke Energy, the firm’s long-term vision for retired units across its system is to safely return them to ground level. This includes salvaging what equipment that can be repurposed at other sites, conducting any environmental abatement needed, selling any scrap material, safely dismantling and removing the powerhouse, stack and any auxiliary structures no longer needed and then restoring the site. “This approach is best suited to ensure continued safety, security and environmental compliance at the site into the future, both for the company and the community,� said Duke Energy spokesperson Erin Culbert. “We are in the very early stages of decommissioning at Riverbend. This includes performing shutdown activities, such as draining oil and washing equipment.� Rick Gaskins, executive director at Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation, thinks the decommissioning could pose some environmental problems. “The decommissioning process has the potential to introduce an extraordinary amount of pollutants into the environment,� Gaskins said. “The coal ash waste ponds are not permitted to receive and should not receive wastes from the decommissioning process. Furthermore, the wastes from decommissioning should not be disposed of on-site.� Duke Energy says it plans to close the ash basins at Riverbend once they are no longer needed, in close coordination with state reg-
“We will continue our commitment to safety and protecting the environment
through and after site decommissioning,� said Culbert.
Cost drops for NC drivers For the first time in four years, North Carolina motorists will pay lower annual driving costs than the previous year, as improved fuel economy, falling gas prices and lower insurance costs benefit drivers. The owner of an average sedan in the state can expect to pay $9,362 in 2013 to drive, based on current prices, compared to $10,558 last year. The total costs include insurance, maintenance, gasoline, tires, taxes, registration, depreciation and finance charges, based on driving 15,000 miles a year. Prices at the pump are significantly less than last year. The current price of a gallon of regular unleaded is at $3.429 in North Carolina, versus $3.774 at the same time in 2012. Costs for a new vehicle were about flat compared to last year: $25,062 is the average for a sedan compared to $25,067 last year. Motorists can expect to pay an average of 62 cents per mile in 2013, an eight-cent drop compared to 2012, if gasoline prices remain steady. “The decrease in vehicle costs is great news for North
Photo by Alan Hodge
The cost of gasoline has been dropping steadily over the past several weeks. This photo of the Nichols store in Belmont shows a price that drivers have been enjoying. Carolina drivers,� said Dave Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas. “Driving costs had been rising steadily since 2009, and now motorists are finally seeing some relief.� Maintenance costs were up 11% compared to last year, while the cost of tires was flat to last year. Another bright spot for North Carolina motorists is the cost of insurance premiums for sedans, which fell from $647 annually in 2012 to $619 this year. Drivers of minivans will also see their costs drop this year, down nine cents from 76 cents per mile in 2012 to 67 cents per mile in 2013. Total costs for drivers of SUVs
also dropped from 86 cents per mile in 2012 to 79 cents per mile in 2013. Annual driving costs calculations use standardized criteria designed to model the average use of a vehicle for personal transportation over five years and 75,000 miles of ownership. Actual driving costs will vary based on individual driving habits, location, operating costs and other factors. A national pamphlet, “Your Driving Costs,� is available through AAA Carolinas by calling 704-5697883. The pamphlet provides detailed information on the costs associated with owning and operating a vehicle nationally.
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Page 4A
The Banner News
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Garibaldifest - Bicycles took over Belmont Saturday
Photos by:
Alan Hodge, Bill Ward, & Michael Powell
Wow - bicycles sure have changed!
Alan Hodge Editor
Sidewalk Survey Local residents were asked... What was your favorite part of the downtown Belmont festivities on May 4?
Clay Brendle – “The live music was my favorite”
Debbie Waldenville – “I enjoyed the food vendors”
Ashley Franks – “I liked seeing all the dogs people brought.”
BannerNews Periodicals postage at Belmont, NC 28012 USPS 049-700 by Gemini Newspapers, Inc. Postmaster, send address changes to: P. O. Box 769, Kings Mountain NC 28086 Phone (704) 825-0580 • Fax (704) 825-0894 Office:128-C N. Main St. • Belmont, NC 28012
BJ Ferguson – “I enjoyed the bicycle racing.”
Well, last Saturday’s Belmont Criterium bicycle race was something to behold and provided quite a spectacle the likes of which the ol’ town has never before witnessed. In addition to the screaming hordes of spectators, there was the sight of cyclists whizzing along at breakneck speeds with legs pumping like the pistons in a crotch rocket motorcycle engine doing about 10,000 rpm. Not only that, but you know the inventor of Spandex was somewhere smiling at the colorful kaleidoscope of clothing that product had been used for in the realm of bicycling. Then there were the cycles themselves that contestants propelled across the pave. Costing thousands of dollars, what marvels of technical tinkering they are with frames of carbon fiber and alloy wheels and every sort of weight saving doo-dad you can name but the seats which were about the size of a number 9 AAA pointed toe
shoe from Italy would no doubt rub the majority of folks the wrong way in short order if you get my drift. Anyway the whole situation got me to thinking about bicycling in the days of yore and what it was like on the local scene so saddle up and get ready for a ride. Once upon a time you could get a really nice bike for $29.95. I know this because the Western Auto store in Mount Holly was a prime place for buying a bike. Other places you could get bikes were Sears Roebuck and Roses. These bikes were full-sized jobs with frames made of heavy steel tubing and they had full fenders and on the front fender there was generally a battery powered headlight but too often the batteries leaked acid and the light went kaput and thus became the first thing to be stripped off the bike. The bikes also had a fake gas tank sandwiched between the top frame tubes and usually emblazoned with the brand name such as “Huffy” or “Columbia” or “J.C. Higgins” or “Schwinn” and they were nicely painted and pinstriped and streamlined in shape all to give an illusion of going 100 mph sitting still. However, the tanks would get dented quite See BICYCLES, 5A
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Wednesday, May 8, 2013
The Banner News
■ MEDITATION
■ BRIEFS
Jesus’ light will Purple Heart Convention never go out As a child I enjoyed the carnival with my sisters. My favorite part of the carnival was the fun house. There was a room we entered that was completely dark. In order to make it Rev. Angela Pleasants from the dark room into the First United Methodist Church, light my sisters and I would lock arms. I always felt safe holding Mount Holly onto my sister’s arm as she would guide me through the dark. Jesus spoke these words on the final day of the Feast of Tabernacles, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV). The Feast of Tabernacles contains a light ceremony. In the Court of Women four large stands were placed with four bowls for each stand. They filled the bowls with oil and a wick. The bowls were lit at night whereby all Jerusalem could see the light. This was a reminder how God guided Israel through the wilderness. It was under these bowls Jesus taught the people he is the light of the world. Jesus was affirming he is God’s presence in the world that protects, guide and saves us. The light from the ceremony would eventually extinguish. Jesus as light never goes out and it still shines brightly in the world today. We participate in bringing Jesus light into the world. His light is reflected through us. As we follow Jesus we too will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life ourselves. Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:13). Does your light shine brightly in the world? As Jesus was the light in the world so must we allow his light to shine through us in the world. The light produces good works from a life transformed by Jesus. In order for our light to shine in the world we must actually go out into the world. We let our light shine when we witness to the world the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We let our light shine when we can walk alongside each other and help carry each other’s burden. We let our light shine when we speak truth against injustice in our society. We let our light shine when we give hope to the hopeless, offer forgiveness, and extend love. We let our light shine that others may see and praise our Father in heaven.
POLICE From page 2A May 1: Shawn Eugene Hairston, possess marijuana, arrested by Officer R. Berry. 210 Park St. May 1: Anthony Euricus Hoey, driving while license revoked, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 800 Park St. May 2: Ronald Todd Doby, failure to appear, injury to personal property, arrested by Cpl. E. Mason, US 29/74. May 2: Amy Annett Whitten, possess marijuana, arrested by Officer F. Bollinger, 6650 Wilkinson Blvd. May 3: Terry Ray Wayne, fraud worthless checks, arrested by Sgt. J. Quinn, NC 273 Keener Blvd. May 3: Steven Wayne McManus, driving while license revoked, fictitious license
plate, vehicle not registered, arrested by Officer R. Cassel, US 29/74. May 3: Gustavo ReyesMartinez, no operator license, arrested by Officer C. Falls, 201 Chronicle St. May 4: Kevin Stephen Lowery, simple physical assault, arrested by Officer M. Stroupe, 11 Dillon Dr. May 4: Jason Paul Robinson, drunk and disruptive, arrested by Officer M. Elizondo, 200N. Main St. May 5: Carlos Manuel Pen Alberto, DWI, consuming while driving, license revoked, arrested by Officer P. Hunter, Belmont Mt Holly Rd. May 5: Sammy Bruce Davis, misdemeanor larceny, larceny of a firearm, obtain property by false pretense, arrested by Officer M. Elizondo, 2 Dillon Dr.
Page 5A
The Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 634 will be hosting its state convention and banquet at The Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 9 thru May 11.
Harley Gaston benefit fish fry First United Methodist Church of Belmont, 807 South Point Rd., will be having its 2nd annual Harley Gaston Mission Benefit fish and chicken event on Friday, Cost is $8 per plate drink and sides included. Eat in or take out.
For more information, call the church at 704-8252106 or visit www.fumcbelmont.org.
Little Miss Springfest The Little Miss Springfest 2013 pageant will be held at 10am Saturday, May 11, at the Entertainment Stage in front of Wells Fargo Bank on Main Street at Mt. Holly Springfest. Dress will be Sunday dresses or spring outfits. Pageant dresses not permitted. Deadline to enter is Thursday, May 9. To enter please email pageant director, Barbie Garrison at barbi-
edance1@hotmail.com for an entry form or call (704) 822-3618.
house. The area is not handicapped accessible. If there is inclement weather, the house will not be open.
Howser House South Point open May 11 Choral Car The Howser House at Kings Mountain National Wash Military Park will be open to the public for a free tour Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Howser House was built by Revolutionary War veteran and stonemason Henry Howser in 1803 and is located in a remote area of the National Military Park. Parking is available just off the entrance road to the National Park and wagon rides will take visitors to the
The South Point High School Choral Program will be holding a fundraising car wash event on Saturday, May 18 from 10am-2pm at the Auto Zone and Advance Auto Parts locations on Wilkinson Blvd. in Belmont. Donations to benefit the program will be gratefully accepted.
BICYCLES: sure have changed! From page 4A or the screws holding them on would strip out or break off and so sooner or later the tank would join its pal the headlight in a corner of the garage. The full fenders were nice but kinda heavy and if you rode in any type of mud they quickly packed up with the goo and the wheels would stop turning so the best thing to do was take them off and…you guessed it…put them in the garage. Some bikes came with a little dingalingaling bell that you worked with your thumb but that was for sissies and off it came to add its tinkle to the trash pile. Once the extras were removed from your cruiser bike something had unknowingly been created. A vehicle that in current day marketing parlance is known as a mountain bike. I guess this made us two-wheeled prophets of a sort. Mechanical experimentation was also part of the cycling scene in times gone by. In our neighborhood there lived a boy named Marty Edwards. His father was clever mechanically. Once, Mr. Edwards took two bike frames and welded them together one on top of the other. He joined two bike chains and ran the chain from the pedal sprocket
on the top bike to the rear sprocket on the bottom bike and so made a double decker bicycle. Marty had to get on a porch or something high to mount the thing but once on board he created a sensation riding it down the road. Mr. Edwards also took an old automobile steering wheel and used it in place of handlebars on another bike and that looked cool too. Crashes were part of the cycling scene back then as now. A person hasn’t experienced pain until they’ve had a big strawberry on a knee, palm, or elbow from falling off a bike. My oh my how pavement grinds bare flesh! We had a kid in our neighborhood, Terry Benson Casey, who also went by the monikers “Toe Moe” or “Kinky Tinky”. Well, one summer day he got going down our road at a very high rate of speed on his bike and the chain jumped the sprocket, which meant no
brakes, and he sideswiped a phone pole. Poor Toe Moe! He was clad only in shorts and a t-shirt and when he hit the pole the splinters made by the lineman’s spikes in it shredded away a considerable amount of hide. Another bad bike wreck I witnessed involved a car, a dog, and a boy (name unknown) from another neighborhood who was peddling down our street and the dog started chasing him and the guy across the way always parked his car on the curb and when the rapidly peddling kid looked back at the hound to kick at it he hit the back of the car and was immediately sent into orbit. I stood with mouth agape as he sailed through the air as if in slow motion and landed on the car hood. He wasn’t hurt badly but the bike’s front rim was squared off and he pushed it home in a rather lumpy way.
As for myself, my worst bike wreck came when I was riding one that was too big for me and my feet could barely touch the pedals. I was pedaling along at a fast clip when one of my feet slipped and I came down on the frame cross bar and my voice immediately went up four or five octaves and I fell off and lay in the fetal position in a neighbor’s yard until I was able to hobble home and put a cold rag where it hurt. Guys! You know what I mean! Anyway, by all accounts the Belmont Criterium was something that it is heartily hoped by everyone will make a return appearance next year. Who knows, before the pros go at it maybe some of us “veteran” riders could put on a demo provided there’s an EMS squad nearby to pick up the pieces.
Fellowship & Faith
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 Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 110 S. Main St. 704-827-4751 Macedonia Baptist Church 1951 Stanley Lucia Rd. 704-827-9224 Mt. Holly Church of God 208 Rankin Ave. 704-827-8596 Mt. Holly Noles Baptist Church Hickory Grove Rd. 704-827-2013 Mt. Holly Pentecostal Holiness 406 Scott St. 704-827-8201
Featured Church of the Week East Belmont Baptist Church Shiloh Ame Zion Methodist 1117 Old NC Hwy 27 704-827-8826
Tuckaseege 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
Ridgeview Baptist Church 105 Pine Rd. 704-827-3856
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
Second Baptist Church 740 Rankin Ave. 704-827-5181
St. Paul FHB Church 1529 Old Hwy 27 Rd. 704-827-5851
Westview Presbyterian Church 1020 W. Catawba Ave. 704-827-2026
Notice In order to accommodate the number of churches in our communities, we will print two alternating lists of churches each week. If you don’t see the church you’re looking for, be sure to check next weeks paper.
Page 6A
The Banner News
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
McCORMICK: fellow crewmembers to be remembered
GARIBALDIFEST: welcomed Crits racers
From page 1A
Repair. The female top three were Mellow Mushroom team member Laura Van Gilder, 49, from Ceresco, Pennsylvania, Theresa CliffRyan, 35, Fearless Femme Pure Energy Cycling team member from Philadelphia, and Christina Gokey-Smith, 40, Rouse/Oogie team member from Denton, Texas. In addition to the bike race, the lower part of Main Street and Stowe Park were also busy with the annual Garibaldi Fest happenings. As in years past, there was plenty for folks to see and do including shopping at vendor tents, eating snacks, and strolling around looking at the displays and other people. Topping off the day was live music including a performance by the band Rough Draft. Adrian Miller, Belmont assistant city manager, summed up what a lot of folks felt about the day. “The City of Belmont was thrilled with
to this most worthy cause. This aircrew came a long way to help us in our time of need and four of them gave their lives. A thank you seems hardly sufficient.” One response to the plea came from a retired Air Force captain, 72-year-old Hank Whitley of Arizona, who gets his Custer Chronicle delivered by mail. Whitley chipped in $2,300 towards the cost of the marker. The amount was nearly enough to finance its construction. The marker remembering the airmen will actually be one of two beside South Dakota Highway 18 near where the fire and crash took place. The markers will consist of two panels, each three by four feet, on posts. One will explain the scope of the wildfire and the other will have photos of the airmen and their story. The markers will be at a pull-off area that can accommodate five or six cars. It is about three miles from the crash site which visitors will be able to see by looking northwest. Lynn Kolund, a veteran of the U.S. Navy and Hell Canyon district ranger for the Black Hills National Forest, also gave $100 for the
marker project and will be overseeing it. According to Kolund, elements from the South Dakota National Guard and the US Forest Service will work together to create the markers and prepare the site. “They are interpretive signs that explain what happened here,” said Kolund. “The content was approved by the NCANG. The markers should be ready later this month and a dedication ceremony will take place on July 1, the anniversary of the accident. Everyone worked together and it has been a great partnership.” According to Kolund, representatives from the NCANG will likely attend the dedication ceremony and it’s hoped that members of the airmens’ families can be in attendance as well. Once the markers are installed, the Edgemont VFD will do maintenance of the signs and parking lot. Funds for maintenance are needed. For anyone interested in making a donation for the marker’s upkeep the address is: White Draw Memorial Fund, First Interstate Bank, 648 Mount Rushmore Road, Custer, South Dakota 57730.
the Richard family. The money will be turned over to Belmont’s First United Methodist Church who will in turn pass it on to the Richard Family Fund at St. Mark’s Area Main Street organization in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Bradley is pleased the event will come to pass. “I am happy it is going to take place,” he said. “At first I didn’t think it would happen but I became determined that it would.” The logistics of getting the event set up took a bit of coordination between Belmont’s assistant city manager Adrian Miller and Bradley’s parents Beth and Allan. Miller gave most of the credit to the Haggai family. “One of the great things about Belmont is that we
the Belmont Criterium presented by Carolinas HealthCare System on Saturday,” Miller said. “The racing was incredible, and to call it a bicycle race does not do it justice. The folks who came out saw an amazing event and had a great time! Sharon Decker, the NC Secretary of Commerce, who lived in Belmont for many years, could not believe that our little town could put on such a big event. She praised Belmont for bringing the race to town and is excited about coming back next year. I was so very proud of the city staff in the public works, police, and fire department for working so hard to make this possible. Cpl. Doug Huffstetler from the police department and Reba Edwards from parks and recreation did a phenomenal job organizing everything and making it all look easy. We appreciate the Belmont Merchants Association, South Main Cycles, and our sponsors and volunteers for the hard work in making the day possible. We just hope that the weather will cooperate better next year and we will fill up downtown Belmont again.”
DOT: to hold hearings on N.C. 273 From page 1A
FUNDRAISER: reset for May 19 From page 1A
From page 1A
have folks who want to help others and who are willing to volunteer their time and talents to making our town an even better place to live,” Miller said. “The City made suggestions for the 2.62 mile route so that it won’t cross busy streets and to check that there were sidewalks on as much of the route as possible in order to keep folks out of the streets. The Haggai family is organizing and promoting the event. It just shows what a strong sense of community we have in Belmont that we are able to work together to help others.” Empathy for others seems deeply rooted in Bradley’s character. “Bradley is sensitive and it didn’t surprise me he came up with the idea of a race to help the Richard family,” said Beth. Bradley’s fourth grade teacher Beverly Mellette
also recognized his efforts to help the Boston victims. “Bradley is a wonderful boy with a big heart,” she said. “He was very interested in the eight year old who lost his life. He would come back each day with facts he learned from the night before. Bradley is a testimony to the fact that one person can make a difference. I am very proud of Bradley.” It’s too bad that Bradley and other children had to witness the Boston Marathon tragedy and other horrors like it that seem all too frequent these days, but perhaps the world would be a better place if more folks took to heart what he thinks should happen to bring peace. “I think people should calm down,” Bradley said. “And whatever it is that’s making them mad forgive it and go on with their life.”
4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Mount Holly Citizens Center, located at 400 E. Central Ave. The public is invited to speak with NCDOT officials, review project plans and submit comments. There will not be a formal presentation. Additional right-of-way acquisition and the relocation of homes and businesses will be required for this project. Currently, right-of-way acquisition is scheduled to begin in November, with construction scheduled to begin in July 2015. A map showing the location and design of the project, as well as a copy of the approved environmental document, are available at the NCDOT Resident Engineer’s Office, 5110 East Dixon Blvd., Kings Mountain, and at the City Manager’s Office at Mount Holly City Hall at 400 E. Central Ave. The maps are available online at http://tinyurl.com/ct2w8cw.
Photo by Alan Hodge
This busy two-lane section of NC HWY 273 leading into Mount Holly is being considered for a four-lane widening project. A public hearing on the matter is set for May 14 at the Municipal Center starting at 4:30pm. Search for the project using “U-3633” and click on “Show More” in order to view. For more information, contact Jamille Robbins of the NCDOT Human Environment Section at 919-7076085, by fax: 919-212-5785, or by email at jarobbins@ncdot.gov. NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled
persons who want to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Robbins as early as possible so that arrangements can be made. Persons who speak Spanish and do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior to the meeting by calling 1800-481-6494.
Classified Ads FREE AD! FREE ADS! Have something to sell (under $100) or give away? Just fill out the form below & run your ad for FREE!
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Legals STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS OF HATTIE GASTON HOUSER Having qualified as Administratrix of the Estate of Hattie Gaston Houser, deceased, of Gaston County, North Carolina, this is to notify all persons, firms, and corporations having claims against the estate of said deceased to exhibit them to the undersigned on or before the 24th day of July, 2013, or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate will please make immediate payment to the undersigned. This the 24th day of April, 2013. Carolyn G. Means, Administratrix ESTATE of: Hattie Gaston Houser 320 N. Lee St, Mt. Holly, NC 28120 BN10533 (4/24, 5/01, 08 & 15/13)
3419. (tfn) DIABETIC SHOES for sale. New. Size - 8½. $40.00. Call: 704825-2309. (5/08)
Wanted to Buy CASH ON THE SPOT! Will buy tools or building full of merchandise, or pictures, or anything of value. (704)300 – 0827 or (704)300 – 7676. (5/08/13)
Pets FREE KITTTENS TO GOOD HOMES. 3 kittens available. 1long-haired & black, 1 – longhaired – like a Siamese and 1black with white feet. Also available is a 3 to 4 year old female tabby. Call: 704-750-4153 or 704-259-5360. (5/08/13)
Yard Sale - Ad Deadline Noon Friday HUGE MOVING SALE at 112 Churchhill Dr. in KM on Sat., May 11th. 8 am – 1
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FREEbies Name ___________________________________________ Address _________________________________________ City _________________________ State ____ Zip ________ Phone _____________________ • Giveaways or Items Priced Up to $100 Only • Price Must be Included in Ad • Ad(s) Must be Printed on Order Blank • No More Than 3 Free Ads Per Week
• Must Include Phone Number • Start Ad with Name of Item • Only Free Animals Accepted • One Item Only Per Ad • Maximum of 10 Words Per Ad • Not to be Used For Businesses
First Freebie
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Second Freebie
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COPY DEADLINE: Friday before the issue date at 2pm
Email resume and three professional references to: wendy.kmherald@gmail.com.
Mail copy to: Kings Mountain Herald • PO Box 769 • Kings Mountain NC 28086
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
The Banner News
Page 7A
South Point takes Big South 3A Championship By John Wilson John.bannernews@gmail.com
The South Point Red Raiders completed the 2013 regular season with another Big South 3A championship. Considering how good the Red Raiders have been under head coach Jason Lineberger another title is no surprise. Lineberger has been Big Reds skipper since 2006. During that time South Point has won 5 titles. What made the 2013 championship special is the way South Point put it all together. The dreaded injury bug decimated the Red Raiders this year. Pitcher Justin Pace and outfielder Mitch Painter had season ending Tommy John surgery. Other starters had injuries ranging from a broken hand to a broken thumb. On many teams losing that much talent would mean the end of the year, but not for South Point. The Red Raiders proved to be a deep team. Lineberger credits good teamwork with helping the Red Raiders overcome the obstacles of the injury riddled season. “We sell the team concept,” Lineberger said. “There are no stars. Our players have bought into that. We are a family. Everyone thing is a team effort.” Over the course of the season the team concept was
South Point High pitcher Garrett Davilla got a lot of credit for his team’s outstanding season that saw the Red raiders capture the Big South 3A championship.
South Point Red raider Derek Perry (left) was his team’s leading hitter this season. In this photo he’s giving a high five to team mate Adam Andrew.
tested. How the Red Raider players responded showed what teamwork is really all about. “Five of our nine starters were hurt,” Lineberger said. “But everyone practiced hard. Everyone played hard. When someone got hurt people were ready to step up.” Some of those people who stepped up proved they were ready when their num-
shout out. “Derek Perry was our top hitter,” Lineberger said. “Luke Beach and Gutkowski played well in the outfield. Ben Johnson played several positions for us this year. He even pitched some. Garrett Davila also pitched well this year. With so many players playing well Coach Lineberger feels that many
ber was called. One player in particular Michael Gutkowski was a good example of one of those players. “Mike hadn’t had a lot of opportunity before,” Lineberger said.” He played good defense. He was our most improved player.” Along with Gutkowski there were a lot of Red Raider players worthy of a
Photos by Bill Ward
are worthy of post-season honors. “It would be hard to choose an MVP right now.” But for now an MVP selection will have to wait. The Red Raiders are now gearing up for the NCHSAA 3A playoffs. With South Point’s 21-1 record the Red Raiders will be the playoffs first seed. A first seed slot has its perks.
“The playoffs start on May 10th,” Lineberger said. “We have home field advantage through out the playoffs.” The Red Raiders appear ready to go. If they continue to play solid team ball the sky is the limit. A deep run in the playoffs is a real possibility.
SPHS Cross Country team named NCHSAA State Scholar Athlete team
Members of the South Point High School men’s cross country team were recently named the North Carolina State ScholarAthlete Team for their sport. They had the highest grade point average of all the N.C. High School Athletic Association men’s cross country teams nominated for the AAA Scholar-Ath-
lete Team awards. The team recorded a 3.690 GPA during the fall semester to earn this team award. The members of the team are Quinn Barnette, Franklin Bogle, Andrew Cloninger, Garrett Gibson, Benjamin Hessler, Corey Hodges, Matthew Hodges, William Hoppe, Brandon
Gaston Christian softball The Gaston Christian girl’s varsity softball team was beaten by Metrolina 8-4 last week. Leading offense for Gaston Christrian was Sarah Adams two hits (double); Samantha Mecimore (RBI); Alanna Freeman two hits; Lauren Adams and Gabbi Wilson each had an RBI. Gaston Christian’s record is now 10-8
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Howard, Kendrik Icenhour, Thomas Will and David Wise. They are coached by Matthew Robertson. This is the seventh South Point team to be named the NCHSAA Scholar Athlete team in their sport. The other teams were Women’s Cross Country (20022003); Men’s Cross Country
(2005-2006); Men’s Swimming and Diving (2008-2009); Men’s Tennis (2010); Women’s Golf (2010 & 2012). Team members pictured: Row 1 – L-R Quinn Barnette, Franklin Bogle, Ben Hessler, Thomas Will, Corey Hodges, Garrett Gibson. Row 2 – L-R Coach Matthew Robertson, Matt Hodges, Bran-
East Gaston Warriors
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don Howard, Kit Cloninger, David Wise, William Hoppe, Kendrik Icenhour Corrections: In last week’s South Point High student athlete article the men’s swimming and diving team GPA of 3.68 was left out and Madison Carr’s last name was left off the women’s golf team list.
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Page 8A
The Banner News
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Belmont Historical Society to host ‘Old Timey Day’ When you come to the “Old Timey Day” at Belmont Historical Society on May 18, from 10am4pm, you will enjoy seeing many different activities that would have been commonplace in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The photo at right of the weaver from the Piedmont Textile Arts shows only one of the many activities that will be going on. They will also have spinners and several other things that we seldom see anymore. In addition to the Piedmont Textile Arts group, other attractions will include Bob Thornburg, local blacksmith; music by the Catawba River Bluegrass group; a real quilting bee with quilters from the African American Quilting Guild and others who wish to “try their hand” at the old way of quilting; and a display of quilts, old and new (more than 40). The “Quilted Thimble”, Belmont’s new quilting store, will be on hand to do some fabric manipulation (dying fabric, etc.); Dan Seufert’s display “Kitchen of Yesteryear” will help you see what our ancestor’s cooks had to use to produce a meal, and
needlework demonstrations will be shown by Eva Ann Via “How to make a Cathedral Windows Quilt” and Lucida Thornburg, who will be showing some of her beautiful handwork. As you wander among the many attractions, you will surely smell the aroma of delicious hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings that will be on sale. There will be homemade cookies to satisfy you sweet tooth. If you would like a delicious home - made cake to take home for the weekend you will surely want to participate in the old-fashioned cakewalk. RADA knives will be on sale and also the great handmade “scrubbies, dish cloths and potholders made by Betty Jean Armstrong will be available. Proceeds from these and all other sales will go to the Belmont Historical Society and to the BHS Kitchen Restoration Fund. Maybe you would like to take a ride in one of the antique cars that will be on display. You will be able to do that. Storytellers Catherine McKensie and Jack Page will be
sharing yarns as you have a chance to sit and rest “a spell”. Local authors Bob Brown and Joy Sparrow
will tell you about their books. There will be some activities for children, so bring the whole family
and come on to the Belmont Historical Society on May 18 from 10am-4pm and enjoy the day.
HANSEN: graces area parks with new benches From page 1A be an Eagle Scout some day,” he said. Austin is a member of Troop 56 based at Belmont First United Methodist Church where the Scoutmaster is Kirk Setzer. He’s set to attend UNC-Charlotte this coming fall where he will study civil engineering. It was that interest in part that led him to come up with a cool idea for his Eagle project–the construction of new benches at two of Belmont’s most popular parks. “Civil engineering involves designing and build-
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ing things like bridges,” Austin said. “But benches use a lot of the same principles.” With the blessing of Belmont city officials, Austin set to work on the eight benches he planned to make. Six were slated for Stowe Park and two more for Davis Park. The benches are made of 2x4 lumber and held together with galvanized deck screws. The benches are bolted to pieces of angle iron that are in turn bolted to new concrete pads that were prepared by city workers. Austin raised around $2,500 for the project and got
a nice break on the price of the materials from Lowes in Belmont. “My dad and I cut the boards at home then took them to my aunt’s house where we assembled them,” Austin said. “Then we took them back home where we sanded and stained them.” Austin says some of his fellow Scouts helped with the sanding and staining process and he was glad to get their assistance. “I did a lot of the work, but had help from friends and family that I really appreciate.” Once the benches were
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complete, it was time to put them in place. “After the benches were done, we rented a U-haul and took them to the parks to be installed by the city.” In addition to the benches, Austin is also planning to have a granite marker installed in Stowe Park with his name and an engraved explanation of how the benches were an Eagle Scout project. So, what was the spark that ignited the idea in Austin to tackle his project? “I have been coming to Stowe Park ever since I was younger,” he said. “I heard folks say there was no where
nice to sit at the park and that’s why I decided to build the benches. Belmont’s public works director David Isenhour says the city is appreciative of Austin’s work. “These benches were well received and much needed for our parks,” said Isenhour. “The old benches that were in place have been removed and will soon be refurbished by our public works crews and returned back to various parks for re-use. Austin did a fantastic job and we’re forever grateful for all his efforts.” Likewise, parks and recre-
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