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INSIDE... Opinion ....................... 4A Obituaries ................... 5A Day Tripping ................ 6A Coal Ash ‘Risky’ .......... 7A Dixie Youth Tourney ..... 9A

Serving Belmont, Mount Holly, Stanley, Cramerton, and McAdenville | Volume 79 • Issue 27 • Wednesday, July 2, 2014

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At home in Mount Holly Monk says New Creation Monastery is a place ‘to be contemplative’ By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

BN File Photo

Fireworks, games, fun planned for July 3-6 Mount Holly events The City of Mount Holly will be holding a Red, White and Blue celebration. Included in the festivities will be their first fireworks display slated to take place July 3rd at Ida Rankin Elementary at dusk. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the show! The display should be visible to most of the Mount Holly area.

Belmont events The big Red, White,and Belmont event is coming to Stowe Park July 4-6. The schedule includes: July 4- 6:30-10:00pm Kids Inflatables in lower Stowe Park, $5 wristband includes these inflatables: 2 giant slides, bounce house, pitching machine for baseball, football, and soccer, basketball hoops game. 7:0010:00pm Friday Night Live concert on Main Street: Spontanes/Image: 6:00-10:00pm: Vendors: arts and crafts, merchandise, jewelry, home improvement, body care treatments, photography, and food: 10:00pm Fireworks show. July 5- 2:00-10:00pm Kids Inflatables in lower Stowe Park, $5 wristband includes these inflatables: 2 giant slides, bounce house, pitching machine for baseball, football, and soccer, basketball hoops game. DJ Buddy Love on the Stowe Park Gazebo Stage and the See FESTIVITIES, 7A

Gemini announces sale of Banner News Gemini Newspapers, Inc., Kings Mountain, parent company of the Belmont/ Mt. Holly Banner News, has announced the sale of the Banner News to Community First Media, Inc., of Shelby, effective June 27. Gemini acquired the Banner News along with The (Cherryville) Eagle and the Kings Mountain Herald in August 2008 from Republic Newspapers, Inc. of Knoxville, TN. Community First Media is the publisher of Shelby Shopper & Info and the Rutherford Weekly community newspapers. In announcing the sale, The Herald's co-owner,

Wendy Isbell said, "We have always believed that local newspapers should be locally-owned and are pleased to have continued that tradition here. I am confident the sale of the papers to another local owner will keep the quality of coverage up to the expectations of the community. These are very good newspapers staffed by people who care deeply about the communities and the people they cover." CF Media president Greg Ledford said, "We are excited to take on the challenge of preserving the unique charm and character of these newspapers while recognizing the need for complimentary growth. Our goal is to help our communities thrive and benefit through all our publications." Cribb, Greene & Associates of Charlottesville,Va. represented the company in the sale.

“I live in a church.” That's what Father John V. Hoover says about the bungalow he recently purchased on Madora St. in Mount Holly and it's pretty much the truth. After all, he calls it New Creation Monastery. Hoover, who is a Roman Catholic monk in the Camadolese Benedictine tradition and will turn 70-years-old in November, is a Charlotte native who has pastored churches in Newton, Clemmons, and Highlands for nearly two decades. He's moved to Mount Holly to enter a new phase in his life. “I have come here to be contemplative,” Hoover says. His new home is certainly a place for that. Beyond the cheery porch with its colorful potted flowers, the interior of Hoover's house is cool and relaxed. There is no widescreen TV or computer. Religious artwork abounds in the form of paintings, tapestries, carvings and other pieces he has collected over the years. The pieces are from all over the world including Mexico, Italy, England, Portugal, Japan, and Chile to name just a few locales. “Every piece has a story and is See MONK, 7A

Photo by Alan Hodge

Father John Hoover is seen on the porch of the house he recently purchased in Mount Holly. He is a monk in the Camaldolese tradition and spends his days in meditation and prayer.

A filmmaker in the making By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

There are some great filmmakers out there such as Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Spike Lee, and Billy Kaskay. What? Never heard of Kaskay? Well, given the fact that he has just produced and released his second indie film “Rae”, it's likely the 18-year-old, East Gaston High graduate from Stanley will one day make his own splash in Hollywood. Set to attend film, history, and English classes at Davidson College in the fall, Kaskay cut his filmmaking teeth while at East Gaston with the Civil War-based movie “A Nation Divided” that featured fellow students in the cast. From that venture, Kaskay's creative juices really began to flow and he set about producing “Rae”- once again featuring friends in the starring roles. The film centers around a girl with schizophrenia and her challenges. Kaskay says his work is a combination of Christian and horror genres. The leading role is acted out by Kaskay's friend, 17-year-old, rising East Gaston senior Claire Biggerstaff. Kaskay held a screening of Rae last week at Zoe's Coffee House in Gastonia, but intends to show it in other venues. “I plan to get in touch with churches and not only show the film but have discussions about it,” he said. “I am going to enter it in film festivals as well.” Another actress in the film, Katie James, described Rae and how it was to work with Kaskay as the director. “The movie upholds a lot of moral values,” she said. “As we made the film it was wonderful watching Billy create something over the course of a year.” In the coming months, Kaskay intends to release Rae on YouTube. A Nation Divided can already been seen on that outlet. So, what drives Kaskay to make movies? “It's a creative release,” he said. “I have a talent and it's important to touch people's lives with it.” Now that Rae has been released, what does Kaskay have in mind for his next flick? “I have a project in mind about two young souls traveling across the country,” he said. “It will be a very indie, hippie-type

History of trolleys in county dates back to 1912 By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

Contributed photo

This is the poster for Billy Kaskay's latest film “Rae”. Kaskay just graduated from East Gaston High and will be attending Davidson College in the fall. thing. One of the actresses that will work with me is my friend Savannah Benfield.” Looking down the road, Kaskay sees his days at Davidson College as an excellent place to grow creatively and as a person. “The filmmaking facilities there are great,” he says. James agrees. “Once Billy gets in the college atmosphere he will find himself,” she said. “He has the drive to make things happen. He will excel as a filmmaker and in ten years be surprised at what he has accomplished.” For Kaskay, it all comes down to a simple principle. “It's all about being creative,” he says.

News that an electric trolley that would run between downtown Belmont and Belmont Abbey College, as well as a report in a recent edition of the Banner News concerning restoration of another trolley rescued from the woods in Virginia by Nathan Wells, has raised interest in the subject of what was once a standard mode of transportation in our area. The history of electric powered passenger trains in eastern Gaston County goes back to the early part of the 20th century. The story begins with the Piedmont Traction Company that established a route between Charlotte and Gastonia in 1912. The track electrified to 1,500 volts DC with power supplied from mainly hydroelectric sources. Additionally both segments were built to steam road standards. In 1914 the name was changed to Piedmont and Northern Railway, also known as P&N. The P&N tracks between Gastonia and Charlotte stretched for 24 miles. There was a three mile spur line to Belmont that operated from 1916 to the early 1930s. Other stops on the P&N between Gastonia and Charlotte included Mount Holly, North Belmont, McAdenville, Lowell, and Ranlo. See TROLLEYS, 7A

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

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Step back in time with a new soda fountain cers got up with American Soda Fountain in Chicago who reworked the faucets to their former glory. “They went through every part of them,� Brandy said. “They are like new.� The Mercers have put a lot of effort into the building's interior. In addition to making space in the back for Andy's office, they've removed the drop ceiling that was there and installed new lighting. Old plaster was torn off the walls so that the original brickwork is exposed. The bricks are said to have been made from good ol' local red clay. The soda fountain countertop is made of polished marble and the backbar is mahogany with ebony stain. It has a huge mirror with the “Belmont Soda Fountain� logo etched in the center. Wood and steel swiveling stools await customers. Gleaming chrome and stainless steel refrigerators and sinks complete the scene. Once the Mercers get everything up and running, customers to the soda fountain will have a variety of treats to choose from. Tony's famed ice cream, hot dogs, sandwiches, and sodas will be on tap. Brandy has been researching what sort of treats would have been

By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

A new business with an old-fashioned twist is coming to one of downtown Belmont's most historic buildings. The Belmont Soda Fountain is currently under construction in the former Belmont Drug Co. at 31 N. Main St. The drugstore dates back to the early 1900s and was operated in those days by R.B. Suggs who sold not only prescriptions, but soda pop and ice cream as well. For a time the building was also an art gallery for owner Dot Groner. Now, things have come full circle with a lease/purchase deal from Groner by Andy and Brandy Mercer. The Mercer's original plan was to use the space as an office for Andy's business, Finial Homes. However, once they got to thinking about it, the idea of also having an old timey soda shop popped up. “We felt like Belmont needed something with a family atmosphere,� Brandy said. One thing that helped spur the decision along was the fact that vintage soda taps were already in place. To refurbish them, the Mer-

available in a soda shop during the 1920s and 1930s and plans to duplicate as many of them as she can. “We'll have things like cherry cokes, chocolate cokes, and egg creams,� Brandy said. “I've been talking to a network of folks from New York to Minnesota that know how to made sodas the old fashioned way.� A special treat will be orangeade made from a vintage recipe Groner had. Other nostalgic stuff planned for the shop will be a gumball machine and candies. Overall, in a few short weeks another element will be added to downtown when the Belmont Soda Fountain starts welcoming customers into its nostalgic and tasty world.

Photo by Alan Hodge

Brandy and Andy Mercer are seen with their kids Drew and Ava in the Belmont Soda Fountain they are restoring on Main St. The family plans to have the business up and running next month.

Goat Island Park Phase II contract awarded New number The Town of Cramerton’s Board of Commissioners recently awarded the contract for the construction of the 365 foot span bridge from the Town Center to Goat Island, an observation pier, and boardwalk beside the fire department, and loop trail on the island, to Blythe Construction Company in the amount of $1,339,905. Construction should begin late June or

early July and be completed in June 2015. The Phase II project also includes the addition of a dog park, cornhole boards, ping pong tables, and playground equipment for 2-5 year olds. This project is funded with $600,000 in various local and State grants and a USDA Rural Development low interest loan. More information can be found at www.cramerton.org.

In an effort to better service its routes, Waste Management has established a local customer service hub for Mount Holly. Contact them locally at 704853-7845 or 704-853-7852. Rollout containers will still be supplied and maintained by the City of Mount Holly.

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Knights donate van to Holy Angels Maintaining an adequate number of accessible vans is a major project at Holy Angels. Vans are always needed for field trips, doctor appointments, or heading down to Camp Hope for fun. The North Carolina Knights of Columbus councils recently gave Holy Angels the gift of transportation in a much needed, brand new accessible van. Each year, the Knights of Columbus across the state of North Carolina donate funds raised from their Operation LAMB campaign to fulfill a specific need of Holy Angels. The LAMB Foundation of NC is a public, nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to assisting people with intellectual disabilities throughout the state of North Carolina. All funds are raised by volunteers of the 123 Knights of Columbus councils across the state. As an entirely volunteer organization, 93 percent of funds raised go directly to charities. Visit LambNC.org for more details.

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Opinions...

“

Yours, Ours, Others

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.

Keep cool this summer! The fact that it is summer was driven home to me last week when, after several hours of toiling in my yard in the broiling sun, I suddenly began stumbling around and felt dizzy and commenced to swoon. After making my way to the house and taking a cool shower I flopped on the bed with the ceiling fan whirring and regained my composure. While I was recuperating, my mind drifted back to ways we stayed cool when I was a chap growing up in Belmont. The first thing that popped into my head was a place called Suttle's swimming pool. This place was located on Wilkinson Blvd. near the spot where you currently get on I-485. It is a trailer and RV park nowadays but back in the 1950s and 1960s it was a huge swimming pool and snack bar oasis where hundreds of folks would gather on hot days to cavort in the sparkling water. Every summer we would go there and at the start of Suttle season my mom would buy me a swim mask the inside of which smelled like a rubber boot and the yellow lens would give everything a golden color, even the snow white legs of the folks wading in the sparkling H2O. The cracks in the cement bottom of the pool were filled with tar and I would dive down and pick at it (don't know why) and by the end of a Suttle's excursion my fingernails would be black. Another angle on the Suttle's situation was the snack bar where they sold hamburgers, hotdogs, fries, and soda pop. My favorite treat was a grape Nehi and hot fries with lots of salt and ketchup. Man o man I can still taste that cold grape drink and the fries seemed to melt in my mouth. Another way we stayed cool was with a good ol' hosepipe. Kids and hosepipes go together in a simple yet stupendous way. One thing you learn quickly about hosepipes that have been out in the sun is the first douse of water is scalding hot so we would turn on the spigot and let the hose get the fire out of its system and start squirting all the while dancing gigues of glee. Oh and who can forget the Slip n Slide? Invented by Wham-o, the same folks that came up with the hula hoop, the Slip n Slide was simply a water soaked length of vinyl that you ran to and then flopped down on like an otter going down a riverbank. Woe was them who were not good floppers because bruises from hitting the slide at too steep of an angle was their lot.

On dry land and at home, we never had a house with central air for many many years. The method to stay somewhat cool was a device known as Alan Hodge a box fan placed in a window. For a Editor brief spell in the late 1950s we lived in a house across from Stirling Mill and it had a huge box fan in a window whose whirring blades moved a considerable amount of air. The only problem was the air was cooled but only slightly and for the most part added to the sultry atmosphere. I enjoyed putting my face close to the blades and talking or singing and the sound would be distorted by the propwash and come out wooooooooo weeeeeeee uhuuuuuuuu yeeeeeee etc. etc. Once I tried poking my finger through the fan grill to see how close I could get to the blades without suffering any unpleasant consequences (symbolic of many things I have done over the years), but once I stuck my pointy digit a fraction too far and the blade took the end of my fingernail off. By and by we moved next door to a house where the people had a real live central air conditioner. Given the technology of the times, this thing was about the size of a Volkswagen beetle and was situated at the back of the house and surrounded by a wooden fence. It made a sound like a waterfall combined with the roaring of a fan. But inside the house it was like the Arctic compared to every other house on the block and I looked for any and all excuses to go visit my pal Ricky Crump who lived there. These days folks many folks have swimming pools in their backyards and just about every dwelling is air conditioned. As far as public pools, the one in Cramerton is a gem and just about always full of splishing and splashing citizenry and for a few bucks anyone can join in. In Belmont there's Pinebrook pool and the closest one to Mount Holly is the YMCA- they both require membership. Anyway, if you are outdoors this summer remember all the safety tips about over exerting yourself because heat can really, really do you a job if you aren't careful and there might not be a pool, fan, or AC to save you before you collapse.

To the Editor,

Some of the recent public town meetings made me reflect on what I liked about Belmont. I could not pick out one or two Some of the things I like about Belmont ‌. the diversity: the way large and small houses are mixed in with libraries, gas stations, mills, fire stations, banks, apartments. ‌.. a beautifully renovated Craftsman house beside a gas station; the different styles of houses in a short distance – grand, small, charming, modest; the one with the Christmas scene on the porch long after Christmas; a formal house with bears carved from old trees; the park in the middle of the action; swings hanging from trees; the big white dog sitting by the fence watching the people go by; old mills that make you daydream of what you think a reuse could be; an old cemetery; the churches; gas stations and car repairs conveniently located; dentists, doctors and health care within minutes; the fire station close by with helpful messages; school buses; cars parking everywhere when there is a big game; lots of traffic and people downtown on the weekends; Central Avenue with its variety of cute houses, churches, businesses, gas stations and take-outs. ‌. walking to the dry cleaners, the park, bank, post office, library, city hall, park and rec, restaurants; walking to pick up your car after it has been repaired. Waiting for the train to pass; getting to help decorate the Christmas tree and then the lighting ceremony; angels at Cherubs singing “Happy Birthdayâ€? with lots of hugs; seeing local pastors around the town; the welcoming feeling of the old well- used park and rec building; seeing the firemen and police eating in local eateries; kids walking to and from school; watching with anticipation the coming of the newest restaurant, ‌.always someone in Stowe Park; always someone walking; the middle school kids pouring out into downtown after school; church bells; the Taylors who reveal and care about the part of Belmont not always visible; the active senior group; seeing the new soccer field being built; hearing the latest at the local hair salon; touring the beautiful Abbey and being allowed to eat at the cafeteria and coffee shop; the polite students; the house at the Historical Society bringing back memories. ‌. and, mostly, the interesting people – native and transplants – with a diversity of backgrounds and professions that benefit a city and make it interesting and vibrant.

Head to your local library for summer fun! Teens can explore the wonderful world of reading at their public libraries this summer when the Gaston County Public Library presents “Spark a Reaction�, a free

does July 4th and freedom mean to you?

Eddie Harrison Freedom of speech, religion, eat, walk, and shop.

Mary Abraham and Pierre Freedom of speech and to pick your place of worship and destiny.

Scooter Coleman We are lucky to live in a nation where people can go where they want to go.

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reading incentive program for youth entering grades six through twelve, at ten public library locations in Gaston County. Whether it’s getting engrossed in a great novel, learning more about a topic of personal interest, exploring new worlds, engaging in online or digital reading opportunities, enjoying teen movies, or participating in special interactive activities, Summer Reading has something for every teen. While Spark a Reaction highlights the fun aspect of reading and public library activities for teens, parents and educators appreciate that participation in Summer Reading helps strengthen reading skills, encourages lifelong learning habits, and fosters an appreciation of the wide variety of resources provided by public libraries in local communities. Summer Reading for youth has been a local public library tradition for nearly one hundred years and has served many generations of school-age readers with reading-focused activities promoting literacy. For more information visit your local Gaston County Public Library, call 704-868-2164 / Dial 3, or go to www.gastonlibrary.org.

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Wednesday, July 2, 2014

■ OBITUARIES Margaret Ramsey Had boundless generosity BELMONT- Margaret Ellen Ramsey, 87, went to be with her Lord Saturday morning, June 28, 2014. She was lifelong resident of Belmont, born April 24, 1927 to Ephraim Winslow Ramsey and Susan Parker Ramsey. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister-in-law, Athalee Ramsey, brothers-in-law, Frank O. Watson and Billy C. Caldwell. Margaret worked in data processing for Duke Power, where she retired after 20 years of faithful service. She was a dedicated lifelong member of East Belmont Baptist Church, where she served as a choir member, Sunday school teacher, nursery attendant and a member of the Women’s Missionary Union. She enjoyed cross stitching and loved to read. Margaret will be remembered for her sweet spirit, loving heart and boundless generosity. She is survived by her brother Carl Ramsey; her sisters, Juanita Watson and Ruby Caldwell; and several

■ MEDITATION

nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service was held 2pm, on Tuesday, at East Belmont Baptist Church with Reverend Jeff Taylor and Reverend Paul D Jagoe officiating. The family received friends from 1-2pm prior to the service. Interment followed at Gaston Memorial Park, Singing Tower section with the Releasing of the Doves. Pallbearers were David Robinson, Max Robinson, Tony Hodge, Newt Hicks, Ted Rumfelt and Leroy Young. Honorary Pallbearers were Richard Cherry’s Sunday School Class. Memorials may be made to East Belmont Baptist Church, 501 Catawba Street, Belmont, NC 28012 or Journey Hospice, 665 N. Academy Street, Greenville, SC 29601. Condolences may be made to www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Rd Gastonia, served the family.

Unity in the body of Christ Last week I took a walk with a friend around Lake Junaluska when suddenly we were surrounded by a flock of geese. This brought to mind a memory from my past. When I was a youth my sister and I were resting from a long walk at Battleground Park in Greensboro North Carolina. We were watching a mother and child feed a flock of geese. There was one goose with a deformed foot. Whenever the goose approached the mother she would stomp her foot and yell for it to go away. I had mixed emotions about this incident. I was angry at the mother for treating the deformed goose in a terrible manner and I was saddened at the young child mimicking his mother. At a young age he was learning to hate something that was perceived as different. What happens when we see this behavior among Christians? A friend, with tears in her eyes, shared a story about her father. While out

Cherryville Pageant

The Town Council of the Town of Stanley will conduct a Public Hearing on Monday, July 7, 2014 during its Regular Board Meeting at 6:00 pm in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall, 114 S. Main Street, for the purpose of amending the ordinance titled 96.01: Burning Trash within Town Limits, to discuss removing the statement “any items burned in the preparation of food will be exempt from 96.01 and 96.02”. All interested citizens are invited to attend and participate.

The Miss Gastonia Scholarship Association will host the Miss Fourth of July Pageant on Thursday, July 3 at 4:00 p.m. at the Cherryville Community Building, 106 South Jacob Street, Cherryville. Girls ages 0-19 years from Gaston, Cleveland, Lincoln and surrounding counties may enter the pageant. Contestants wear a casual patriotic sundress or outfit and everyone receives a tiara. Proceeds benefit the Miss Gastonia scholarship fund. For information and an application, call (704) 8277277 or visit www.missgastoniapageant.com.

Craig Memorial Baptist Church, Stanley, recently held its 76th annual homecoming event. These members were availing themselves of the buffet table under the shade of the trees.

The pageant is the kickoff event for Cherryville's Fourth of July celebration that begins at 6:00 p.m. with music by The Embers featuring Craig Woolard. The event includes a fireworks display and other activities.

At right: The Wells family, from left, Bethany, Elaine, Michaela, and Matthew, joined the rest of the congregation at the76th annual homecoming event that recently took place at Craig Memorial Baptist in Stanley.

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of town working he looked for a church to attend. He found a nearby church in walking distance and entered the Rev. Angela Pleasants sanctuary. First United Methodist Church, He was imMount Holly mediately met by the ushers who said, “Your kind cannot worship here.” When we as Christians continue to live divided what statement are we making to the world? Friedrich Nietzsche said, “I might believe in the Redeemer if his followers looked more redeemed.” We pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Let’s take a look at what heaven looks like: After these things I looked and behold a

great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice. Revelation 7:9-10a NKJV. God’s will is unity not division, but when we continue to separate we are living more like the world than the kingdom of God. How we think and our behavior may divide us, but our faith in Christ unites us. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” John 17:20-21 NKJV. Jesus prayed for our unity therefore, let’s honor His prayer. -Words which do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness. `Mother Teresa`

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home

Stanley public meeting

Sisk-Butler

Page 5A

The Banner News | banner-news.com

Eddie Pigg, Funeral Director

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 First Presbyterian Church 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

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


Page 6A

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

The Banner News | banner-news.com

Waterfalls, hiking, refreshment... only a day trip away By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

With summer temperatures soaring, wouldn't it be nice to go somewhere close by where the cooling splash of a waterfall could be seen and heard? Well, for folks that live in Gaston and Cleveland counties, that dream is no more than a day trip away. Let's go. One of the most spectacular waterfalls in North Carolina is located near the Cleveland/Burke County line at South Mountains State Park where High Shoals Falls on the Jacobs Fork River plunges 80feet. Making this falls even more accessible is a wooden a staircase that lets folks get up close to the action- and sometimes wet. To get to the falls, park at the ranger station and hike about a mile and a half through some pristine forest. To get to South Mountains State Park, take either NC226 or NC10 towards Morganton and follow the signs. Only about an hour west of Shelby, Hickory Nut Gorge Falls at Chimney Rock makes a 400-foot drop into the Rocky Broad River. This waterfall was featured in the movie, Last

of the Mohicans. The falls is located on NC State Park property and to get close a fee must be paid but it's still visible from the town of Chimney Rock on US74 below. Further west, Linville Falls is a popular tourist stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway that features a hiking trail to some spectacular cascades on the Linville River. The river's 150-foot drop is accomplished by a series of pools and rapids that roar and rush through what has been called one of the wildest gorges in America. Brevard is not only the home to a well-known music festival, it's also the site of Looking Glass Falls. Located on NC276 north of the town, Looking Glass Falls is 30-feet wide and drops 60-feet. It's located in the Pisgah National Forest on Looking Glass Creek. In warm weather, the falls and its slick rock formation is a popular spot where folks slide down into a cooling pool at the bottom. South of Brevard, Connestee Falls is actually two 110-foot cascades on Cason Creek and Batson Creek. Connestee Falls is part of a large gold and residential development that also features several lakes.

A full day trip from Gaston and Cleveland counties can be made with a jaunt to the Highlands area where there are many waterfalls including Cullasaja Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Quarry Falls, Crow Creek Falls, and Raven's Cliff to name a few. Cullasaja Falls takes its name from the Cherokee phrase “honey locust place�. It was a spot that astounded visitors as early as 1540 when Spaniard adventurer Hernando DeSoto first laid eyes on it. Last stop on a waterfall day trip excursion from Gaston or Cleveland counties is Soco Falls near Hwy. 19 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located in Soco Gap, this falls plunges 60-feet down Soco Creek. The falls are visible from the road, but a trail also goes to the bottom where a variety of wild flowers can be seen in season. For more information on waterfalls with easy access from Gaston and Cleveland counties, visit www.visitnc.com/water falls. The beautiful waterfalls at right are a part of the river system found at South Mountains State Park.

DSBG July classes

tails. Each walk is a unique experience. These walks are free with Garden admission.

Upcoming classes in July include:

Birding Walk, instructed by Garden volunteers – July 8, 9 – 10 a.m. Stroll through the gardens, Meadowood Walk and Persimmon Trail to scout for seasonal birds, observe nesting patterns and establish a basis for bird counts. Some previous walks have documented as many as 24 different species of bird! These walks are free with

Horticultural Highlight Walk, led by Garden staff – July 5 and 19, 1 p.m. Join professional horticulture staff as they take you on a custom tour of the Garden. Guides will highlight what’s in bloom, seasonally relevant gardening tips and behind-the-scenes de-

City of

Garden admission. Nutrition Series: Holistic Nutrition 101, instructed by Tracey W. Fox – July 17, 10:30 a.m. – noon. Learn how to properly fuel your body with whole foods and holistic nutrition principles. Optimize your health by living according to your biochemical individuality. This class is $15 for Garden members and $20 for nonmembers.

Organic Vegetable Gardening, instructed by Matt Kokenes, Microfarm Organic Gardens – July 17, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Learn how to make a garden in your yard that will provide you and your family with a wide variety of delicious and healthy vegetables. Join representatives from Microfarm Organic Gardens as they teach the best way to make organic gardening work for you. This class is $5 for Garden members and $15 for non-members.

Mount Holly

Cooking with Herbs, instructed by Tracey W. Fox – July 20, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Come learn about different herbs, their nutritive values, medicinal properties, and how to use them in everyday cooking. This class $15 for Garden members and $20 for non-members. For more information or to register for a class, please visit www.DSBG.org or call 704-8291252.

Wishing you a Safe and Happy 4th of July! from everyone at

William K. Gary Insurance Inc. Bill Gary Sr, CFP

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127 South Main St. Mount Holly 704-827-3355

chair and enjoy the show!

Open: Tue-Wed-Fri 10-6 Thurs 10-7 & Sat 10-5


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

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The Banner News | banner-news.com

Riverbend coal ash storage site ‘risky’ Must be cleaned up by 2019 By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com

The NC Senate gave unanimous approval last Wednesday to a plan to close Duke Energy's 33 coal ash ponds across the state. Duke's Riverbend Steam

Station on Mountain Island Lake near Mount Holly is one of the sites. Duke has 15 years to complete all the projects. One aspect of the bill, officially known as the Coal Ash Management Act of 2014, will place the cost of

coal ash spills on Duke shareholders. However, customers will likely foot the bill for closing the coal ash storage ponds. A nine person commission to be appointed by the General Assembly will oversee the coal ash situation including assigning a risk factor to each site. Riverbend is already

tagged as one of the four riskiest coal ash storage sites in North Carolina. Its location is right next to the water supply for nearly a million people. The storage ponds there must be taken care of by 2019. Several changes were made to a preliminary version of the bill, including laying out requirements for coal ash pond liner thickness. Another amendment looked at groundwater con-

tamination near the storage ponds. That tweak took into account the threshold at which level coal ash contamination violates state standards known as the compliance boundary. This line will not be limited to any Duke property line, the idea being to curb the utility from purchasing bordering land to avoid violations. Now that's it has passed the Senate, the bill will move to the NC House

where it will go before the environmental committee and if approved there, to the public utilities committee. Duke has balked at the 15-year timeline for dealing with its coal ash ponds. The utility has said it could take twice that long to clean out or line the sites. Another option for the byproduct of coal/steam generated power that has been discussed is use in construction materials such as concrete.

Gaston Braves off to fast start

Photo by Alan Hodge

This building in Mount Holly is currently the home for a couple of businesses but was once the station where folks would catch the P&N electric trolley that ran between Charlotte and Gastonia.

TROLLEYS: history in county dates back to 1912 From page 1A By Art Shoemaker The Piedmont and Northern Railroad was the brainchild of William States Lee, vice-president of Southern Power and Utilities Company. In 1909 he proposed to James B. Duke, president of Southern Power, that the company construct an "electrically powered interurban railway system linking the major cities of the Piedmont Carolinas." Duke supported the project because he believed it would stimulate the industrialization of the Piedmont. The railroad would create "a mill a mile," proclaimed its supporters. The trolley was an important means of transportation to work for mill employees, most of whom did not own a car or have access to a bus. Unlike similar interurban systems the P&N survived the Great Depression and was later absorbed into the Seaboard Coastline Railroad (CXS) in 1969. Once part of CXS, the Gaston County tracks are now owned by the NC Dept. of Transportation which awarded a contract in May 2010 to Patriot Rail Corporation to restore the tracks and operate trains

Contributed Photo

This is the actual trolley that will one day ply the former P&N spur line between downtown Belmont and Belmont Abbey College. along the 12 miles of line. The proposed Belmont trolley when it comes will operate on part of the original 1916 spur line. When more and more people began to drive cars, the trolley service ended. Some of the electric locomotives were shipped to South America, the rest were junked. Only four of the stations built for the P&N, designed by Charles Christian Hook, are still in existence today in North Carolina. The Thrift depot in the Paw Creek community in

Charlotte, NC is the only remaining P&N station in Mecklenburg County. In Gaston County three are still around. The depot in Mount Holly is currently used as a hair salon. The former P&N depot in Belmont has been restored and was a P&N museum until 2004, when the lease ran out and was not given extension by the owner. It is currently the home to South Main Cycles. The former P&N station in Gastonia burned down in 1995. Lastly, the small depot of McAdenville is still standing.

MONK: at home in Mount Holly From page 1A precious to me,� Hoover says. In addition to the art, Hoover has also amassed a small library of books on subjects as varied as church history and mysticism. In the kitchen the walls are adorned with religious icons. Hoover eats his meals at a simple wooden table. “Every meal is holy,� he says. “Even a baloney sandwich by yourself is precious and a time for reflection.� Hoover spends a great deal of each day in what he calls “silent meditation�. He also sings morning and evening prayer. “We can all do silent meditation,� he said. “Just sit still and enter the mystery of

the Bible. Try being still. God's presence is more powerful than words.� Even though he's a new resident to Mount Holly, Hoover has previous connections with Belmont Abbey. He had two uncles who went there in the late 1930s and early 1940s. One lost his life on the beach at Iwo Jima at just 19 years of age. “I loved coming to the Abbey,� Hoover said. Other area connections Hoover has includes having celebrated his first Mass in 1976 at the historic 1843 St. Joseph's church. So far, Hoover has fit right in his new neighborhood and is enjoying getting out of the Queen City where he previously lived.

“Belmont and Mount Holly are great and I like their smallness and simplicity compared to Charlotte,� he said. “I feel like this is my spiritual home now.� According to Hoover, he got a taste of down home, Mount Holly-style hospitality when he was first trying to move some heavy furniture and folks from Mount Holly Heating and Air Conditioning across the street pitched in to help. “There are some wonderful people around here,� he said. Hoover is open to meeting folks and perhaps giving talks on his lifestyle and spiritual path, but call first at 704-344-0934. “I don't do e-mail,� he said.

The 2014 American Legion baseball season is well underway. The Gaston Braves, came out of the gate clicking on all cylinders. As of June 25, the team currently sports a sparkling record of 12-0 in the Eastern Division of play. The Braves clinched the Eastern Division crown with a convincing 20-5 win last Tuesday at Raider Field over the Denver post. The overall record is 13-1, having split a two game series with Cherryville. The Braves are a combination of Belmont Post 144 and Stanley Post 266. The team has played very sound baseball under the leadership of head coach Mark King and assistants, Kenneth Paysour, Devin Lowery and Justin Williams. Coach King formally was the head coach at North Mecklenburg High School. Before his arrival at North Meck, the Vikings were just an average squad. He quickly turned the program around and annually the team became winners. He is working the same magic with the Braves. The pitching staff has been very solid with excellent outing by Alon Smith, Aaron Biggerstaff, Matt Grimmett and

Zack Hollar, along with the entire pitching staff. Logan Edgerton has turned out to be the closer and has been outstanding in this role. Run production is a must to be a champion on the diamond. Leading the way has been Mason Smith, Adam Andrews, Tyler Price, and Chase Hannifan. Top to bottom, the entire squad has been very consistent with the bat. Defensively, Aaron Mauldin and Derrick Perry have shown excellent skill with the glove. Game after game, Tanner Muse and Mitch Painter have made major league type catches in the outer garden to stop rallies by our opponents. The Braves will play all home games at South Point High during the playoffs. Fan attendance has been good, which creates much excitement at the park. Our hope is that this excellent attendance continues as the team has their sights set on being one of the teams playing for the American Legion State Championship. A baseball game, and a good ‘ole ballpark hotdog, is an American summertime tradition. Both are awaiting you at Raider Field, as the team continues on their path to a championship season.

FESTIVITIES: planned for July 3-6 From page 1A

works show finale.

Arts and Crafts and other vendors will be there all day too. July 6- 2:00-10:00pm: Kids Inflatables in lower Stowe Park, $5 wristband includes these inflatables: 2 giant slides, bounce house, pitching machine for baseball, football, and soccer, basketball hoops game. Arts and crafts and other vendors will be there from 2:00-10:00pm. 7:00pm-9:30pm: Dixie Still Concert in Stowe Park. 9:45pm: Fire-

Stanley events The Town of Stanley will have a huge fireworks display in conjuction with the opening ceremonies of the Dixie Youth Baseball AA State Tournament. The festivities will be held at Harper Park begining at 8 p.m. July 4.

Banner News


Page 8A

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

The Banner News | banner-news.com

â– LIFESTYLES

Two Gaston beauty queens win awards Goldsboro native takes Miss N.C. crown By TODD HAGANS Special to The Banner-News

Gaston County’s beauty queens were not among the finalists in the recent Miss North Carolina Scholarship Pageant, but they did win talent, academic and congeniality awards. The state pageant concluded Saturday, June 21 with a 20-year-old from Goldsboro winning the crown. More than 70 young women from across the state ventured to Raleigh for rehearsals, public appearances and preliminary competition that led up to the crowning of a new Miss North Carolina and Miss North Carolina's Outstanding Teen. Representing the Gaston region were Miss Mount Holly Jasmine Isaac, Miss Mount Holly's Outstanding Teen Kaelyn Embler, Miss Gaston County Rachel Abernathy, Miss Gaston County's Outstanding Teen Hannah Seagle, Miss Gastonia Lyndsey Stephens, and Miss Gastonia's Outstanding Teen Jordan Adcox. Among the award winners were Isaac and Seagle, who received the academic achievement recognition. Seagle earned the Miss Congeniality prize and Adcox captured a non-finalist talent award. Embler won preliminary talent and non-finalist talent awards for her crowdpleasing performance of an acro-jazz dance. At 17 years old, Stephens and Abernathy were the youngest contestants vying for the Miss North Carolina title. They graduated from South Point High School on Saturday morning, June 14 and reported to the state pageant that afternoon. Both said they enjoyed the state pageant and would consider entering again. “We had a great time, but it was a long week,� said Abernathy, who lives in Cramerton and will attend UNC-Charlotte. “We are ready for some time to relax

Miss Mount Holly Jasmine Isaac models during the Miss North Carolina evening gown competition. Photos by Todd Hagans

and enjoy the summer.� Stephens and Abernathy end their reign on Saturday, July 26 when the next Miss Gastonia and Miss Gaston County are crowned at Stuart W. Cramer High School. Anyone wishing to enter the pageant should call (704) 827-7277 for information. Beth Stovall, an opera singer and student at UNCWilmington, won the Miss North Carolina crown, a $12,500 scholarship and other prizes. She will take a year off from college to fulfill her pageant duties, which include going to Atlantic City in September for the Miss America competition. “My dream is to bring home the Miss America crown to North Carolina, and I will do everything I can to make that happen,� said Stovall, who competed in the pageant as Miss Greater Sampson County.

Miss Mount Holly's Outstanding Teen Kaelyn Embler (right) accepts the talent award from Miss North Carolina's Outstanding Teen Emili McPhail.

Only one North Carolinian has won the Miss America title – Maria Beale Fletcher of Asheville in 1962. In the Outstanding Teen division, Miss Greater Cape Fear Karson Fair was the winner and advances to the Miss America's Outstanding Teen contest in Orlando. She is a 17-year-old high school student from Benson who aspires to attend medical school and become a pediatrician. The competition featured the contestants in interview, talent, swimsuit/fitness, and evening wear categories. The pageant finale was televised on Time Warner Cable.

Starting early in the morning and finishing with a great lunch in an air-conditioned pavilion just off the 18th green is the perfect way to run a golf tournament in June. In addition to raising funds to support the Chamber, the tournament gave dozens of local businesses the opportunity to promote their products and services and provided networking opportunities for local business owners and community leaders. Taking home first-place trophies this year was the team from Chick-fil-A of Belmont, with players Benny Bowles, Gus Digregorio, Sammy Goodnight and Tom Polito. Tony Gilbert, who usually leads the Chick-fil-A team, was unable to play because of an injury. Coming in second was Linebergers • Linebergers

PEACHES Blackberries! Blueberries! Veggies!

Linebergers Hwy. 275 E., Dallas 704.922.8688 Hours: M-F 9-6:30 Sat 9-5 • Sun 1-4

Linebergers • Linebergers

Mon.-Fri. • 7:00AM-7:00PM Sat. • 8:00AM-4:00PM Sun. • 8:00AM-9:30AM

Mary Kathryn Sparrow and John Miles Hedrick were married on May 17, 2014, at half past five in the evening at the French Huguenot Church in Charleston, SC. The ceremony was officiated by The Reverend Dr. Thomas Guerry. A reception was hosted by the bride's parents at the Historic Rice Mill following the ceremony. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Bruce Sparrow of Belmont. She is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bruce Sparrow of Charlotte, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Bob Ray Miller of Mount Holly. A graduate of South Point High School, the bride received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from North Carolina State University where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. Katie is employed as a Communications Specialist at the City of Charlotte. The groom is the son of Ms. Kimberly Kay Hedrick of Mount Holly and Mr. Dennis Hans Raymond Paysour of Bessemer City. Miles is the grandson of Mrs. Frida Ann Margarete Paysour and the late Mr. Robert Franklin Paysour of Berlin, Germany, and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Lawrence Hedrick of Mount Holly. He is a graduate of East Gaston High School and North Carolina State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Miles is employed as a Project Manager at Horsepower Site Services, LLC in Charlotte. Katherine Rhyne Gillespie of Belmont served as Matron of Honor. Bridesmaids included Jessica Ann Branson and Lindsey Marie Cheney, both of Atlanta; Meredith Jenny Decker of Raleigh; Lauren Elizabeth Devine of Belmont; Paige Dixon Hunter of Matthews; Meghan Cate McSwain of Miami; Meagan Elizabeth O'Daniel of Washington, DC; and Courtney Elizabeth Skidmore of Charlotte.

Mrs. John Hedrick (Mary Kathryn Sparrow) Allen Burke Rafter of Belize and James Samuel Rhodes of Charlotte served as Best Men. Groomsmen included Philip David Carnes of Stanley; Jarod Ryan Cheney of Atlanta; Joshua Paul Moffitt and Stephen Wayne Honbaier II, both of Mount Holly; Joshua Allan Decker of Raleigh; and Matthew Lee Gillespie of Belmont. The flower girl was the bride’s niece, Morgan Nicole Groner, of Cornelius, and the ring bearer was A. Ely Hamrick of Charlotte. Guests were greeted by program attendant Casey Bowen Smith of West Jefferson, cousin of the bride. William Ellis Harris of Raleigh was the scripture reader. The ceremony music was provided by organist George Hiatt and trumpeter Susan Messersmith. The bride was escorted by her father and given in marriage by her parents.

Chick-fil-A team takes home the trophy

Linebergers • Linebergers

Meet Your Friends at Charlie’s

Sparrow, Hedrick wed in Charleston

Linebergers • Linebergers

She wore an Ines Di Santo Italian silk taffeta gown with a strapless sweetheart neckline and a voluminous bubble hem. The gown had rouching throughout and was accented with crystal beading and handmade flower embellishments. The waist was adorned with a hand beaded Swarovski crystal belt and the double tiered cathedral length veil was trimmed in Chantilly lace. She carried a bouquet of roses, peonies, orchids and sweet peas with her late paternal grandmother's brooch attached. On the day before the marriage, the bride's mother hosted a bridesmaids' luncheon at Poogan's Porch in Charleston. That evening, the groom and his family hosted a rehearsal dinner at Blu Restaurant in Folly Beach, SC. The newlyweds honeymooned in Italy and Germany. They will reside in Charlotte.

~ Birth ~ Lauren Carr and Tanner Smith announce the birth of a baby girl on June 19, 2014. Her name is Stella Elizabeth.

Smith named to Dean's list

Photo contributed by Montcross Chamber

Dallas Paddon, representing presenting sponsor CaroMont Health, congratulates first-place winners on the Chick-fil-A of Belmont team, from left, Sammy Goodnight, Benny Bowles and Gus Digregorio. Not pictured, Tom Polito. Gus Digregorio also again took home a trophy he wins every year as the "Most Experienced Player." He's 95. the team from Walmart of Belmont, with Robert Kendrick, David Clary, Tony Mauldin and Derek Wilson. And in third was the Choice USA team, with Chris Harrison, Ty Withers, Tony Owens and Bryan McGinnis. Jonathan Wu won the

putting contest, but could not sink a long putt for a $5000 cash prize. In the longest drive competition, Kim Johnson won for women and Mark Oblinsky for men. Closest to Pin winners were Steve Jones, Hunter Marett and Blake Bradshaw.

" " $# $! ! # ! " & # # !#$ $ & # ) & %$ 6513 W Wilkinson Blvd in Belmont ! % % ! !"" % # ! % (704) 825-6099

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Brittany Smith, a BioSci, Marine Biology major and resident of Stanley, was among the students from Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne who were named to the Dean's List for the fall 2013 semester. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must complete 12 or more graded credits in a semester with a semester grade point average of at least 3.4.

Sloan earns Skidmore honors Emily Sloan, a member of the class of 2015 at Skidmore College, earned term honors for the spring semester. She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Rankin of Mount Holly , and the late Dr. David Bryan Sloan III. Term honors are awarded for a quality point ratio of 3.650 from a possible 4.0, for students who have completed 14 credit hours.


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Saturday 7/5

Page 9A

The Banner News | banner-news.com

Sat/Sun

Sunday 7/6

Monday 7/7

Monday

Tuesday 7/8

Tuesday

The NC Dixie Youth Baseball AA State Tournament will be held at Harper Park in Stanley beginning with opening ceremonies, complete with fireworks, at 8 p.m. July 4. The top two teams from the tournament will advance to the World Series in Texarkana, Arkansas on July 17.

The Dental Business opens in Belmont The Dental Business celebrated its new location in downtown Belmont with a Montcross Area Chamber ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 17, 2014. The business consults with dental practices to help them become more efficient, productive and profitable. Owner and consultant Mary Fisher-Day is shown cutting the ribbon, with three members of her office team, Melanie Fleming, Ashley Parham and Todd Day, to her right. To her left, are Dental Business consultants Donna Jackson and Genise Kelley. The Dental Business recently moved into Suite

Wrestling event to benefit BCO

205 at The Stowe Building, 100 N. Main Street, Belmont. More information is available at 704-9045070, or online at www.thedentalbusiness.com. Others in the photo are, holding the ribbon, Chamber Board members

Jim Crisp (left) of Clearbrook Advisory Services and Robert Aldrich of Aldrich CFO Services. Also shown, from the left, are Jill Crisp of Clearbrook Advisory Services, Geanina Neal of CommunityOne Bank, Marc Burns of Techtheone

Global Solutions, Melissa Smith of Clear Brook Advisory Services, Dr. Joe Keith of Gaston College, Marcia Cates of Visiting Angels and Chamber President Ted Hall. (Montcross Area Chamber photo)

Scars and Stripes Wrestling is a local professional wrestling promotion, who donates 50% of their proceeds to local charities or non-profits. Composed of independent wrestlers from Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, Scars and Stripes Wrestling has donated money to local food banks and crisis outreach programs. On July 5th they will be holding their third show named "Day Of Reckoning" in support of the B.C.O. (Belmont Community Organization) at the Belmont Army National Guard Armory. Doors open at 7:30 pm, bell time 8:00 pm. Kids 4 and under free, 5-10 $5, 11 and older $10. Donations will be taken at the door for the BCO. This is a family friendly environment with no crude remarks or gestures.

Classified Ads Home for Sale or Rent MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS MOUNTAIN-Prices starting at $100/week. Call 704-739-4417 or (evening) 704-7391425. (tfn) SMALL KM HOUSE FOR RENT. 1 BR & 1 BA on Duke St. $320/mo + $320 deposit. Call: 828446-4985. (tfn) 2 BR, 1 BA Apartment, Sunset Rd., Cherryville. $350 rent; $350 deposit. Call (980) 241-4510. (6/25 & 7/02)

Commercial Space for Rent BUILDINGS FOR RENT – (1) = 600 sq. ft. and (1) = 1600 sq.ft. Both Heated & A/C with Bath. 435 N. Piedmont Ave., KM. Call 704-739-2353 or 704-418-3848. ( 6/25 & 7/02).

Land for Sale CREDIT NO PROBLEM, OWNER WILL FINANCE with LOW DOWN PAYMENT, LOTS IN GASTON, CLEVELAND, RUTHERFORD and CHEROKEE CO., some with water & septic. Call Bryant Realty at 704-5679836 or www.bryantrealty.o rg. (7/02,09,16 23 &30/14)

Public Sale NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE – Monday, July 14, 2014, at 2 p.m., at American legion

Storage Bldg., 215 N. Pink St., Cherryville, N.C., 28021: Gary J. Rogers, Unit #10; Allen Albert Lamacchia, Unit #24; and Tracy McGinnis, Unit #52.

Yard Sales - Ads due by 12pm Friday Advertise your yard sale here for only $10! All yard sale ads are due by 12pm Friday. GARAGE SALE at 850 Dixon School Road in KM. Sat., July 5th. 7 am – Until. Rain or Shine. Clothes, John Deere Lawn Mower Bagger and lots of other miscellaneous items. LARGE 3 FAMILIES YARD SALE – Sat.. July 5th. 311 Stowe Acres in KM. 8 am -1 pm. Cleaning out Building. Some of everything. Small pressure washer (used only once). Too much to list. MOVING/YARD SALE – Sat., July 5th, 7amuntil; 316 Amhurst Dr., KM. Furniture, household items, dishes, and much more!

Help Wanted DRIVERS: CDL-A FT, Immediate Work! Charlotte Area. 1+ Yrs Exp - Current Medical Good Work History. For Fastest Results Apply at: www.drive4innovative.com or leave msg: 1-855-2214904. (6/25, 7/02)

Legals STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 24th day of June as Executrix of the Estate of Edward P. Passailaigue AKA: Edward Perry Passailaigue , 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 Emma Passailaigue, Executrix, on or before the 2nd day of October, 2014, 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 2nd day of July, 2014. Emma Passailaigue, Executrix Estate of Edward P. Passailaigue AKA: Edward Perry Passailaigue 119 Moore Dr. Belmont, NC 28012 BN10578 (7/02, 09,16. & 23/14 )

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 23rd day of June as Executor of the Estate of Junior Lee Ashe, 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 Wesley Clifford Ashe. Executor, on or before the 2nd day of October, 2014, 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 2nd of July, 2014. Wesley Clifford, Executor Estate of Junior Lee Ashe 501-A Beaty Rd Belmont, NC 28012 BN10577 (7/02, 09,16, & 23/14)

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 11th day of June as Administratrix of the Estate of Dorothy Gwendolene Lyman, AKA: Gwendolene Sisk Lyman, 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 Sandra Long. Administratrix, on or before the 25th day of September, 2014, 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 25th day of June, 2014. Sandra Long, Administratrix Estate of Dorothy Gwendolene Lyman; aka: Gwendolene Sisk Lyman 2221 Acme Rd., Belmont, NC 28012 BN10575 (6/25, 7/02, 09,16/14 )

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 20th day of June as Administrator of the Estate of Joanna Kathlenna McCurry, 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 Billy Ray McCurry. Administrator, on or before the 25th day of September, 2014, 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 25th day of June, 2014. Billy Ray McCurry, Administrator Estate of Joanna Kathleena McCurry 115 Red Fox Ct., Mt. Holly, NC 28120 BN10576 (6/25, 7/02, 09,16/14

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 5th of June as Executor of the Estate of Geneva Abernathy, aka: Mamie Geneva Abernathy, 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 Herman E. Parnell, Executor, on or before the 18th day of September, 2014, 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 18th day of June, 2014. Herman E. Parnell, Executor Estate of: Geneva Abernathy, aka: Mamie Geneva Abernathy 102 Fairway Drive Belmont, NC 28012 BN10574 (6/18, 25/14 & 7/02, 09/14)

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified on the 3rd day of June as Executor of the Estate of Bernice Bramwell, aka: Bernice Beatty Bramwell, 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 Charles A. Bramwell. Executor, on or before the 11th day of September, 2014, 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 11th day of June, 2014. Charles A. Bramwell, Executor Estate of: Bernice Bramwell, aka: Bernice Beatty Bramwell 117 Colvard Drive, Gastonia, NC 28056 BN10573 (6/11,18,25& 7/02/14 )

Thanks for reading ‘your hometown newspaper’ The Herald!


Page 10A

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

The Banner News | banner-news.com

© 2014 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 30, No. 29

Gather some friends and try playing some of these games. They’re good exercise and a great way to beat the heat!

It’s fun to play in water whether at a pool, beach, lake, river or a water park but it is important to know your limits and stay safe. Remember, drowning can occur in less than two minutes.

Water Cup Relay Race

Swimming Pool Safety Rules

Two-player teams each have a full bucket and an empty bucket. Place the full bucket at the starting line, the empty bucket at the finish.

Put a check mark next to the rules that make swimming in a pool safer. Cross out rules that do not make pools safer. Never go in the water alone. Always be sure an adult who can swim is watching you.

Find these things hiding in this picture: a banana, a house, a crayon, a fish, a surfboard and a dinosaur.

Do not depend on inflatable toys or water wings to keep your head above water.

After finding the hidden pictures, sort each h object by the number of syllables.

Dive only from a diving board, not the side of the pool. Don’t crawl or walk on a pool cover.

Water Balloon Freeze Tag

ANSWER: Did you check them all? Great job!

Fill in the missing vowels.

Waves and currents are a danger at the beach. Waves can knock you down and pull you out to sea. If you do get caught in the current, swim parallel to the shore as shown below. This will help you escape the current so you can make it back to shore.

Look through thee newspaper to find: • A photo that shows a pool, lake or ocean. • Something that at helps you stay cool in the summer. • Something that at floats in the water. Standards Link: Research: Use the newspaper to locate information.

Use the Lifesaver Letter code to find out what you should always wear when on a boat at the beach or lake.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension; students follow simple written directions.

The team member pours the water from the cup into the finish line bucket and runs back to the start, handing the cup to his teammate, who repeats the process. The first team to move the most water from start to finish is the winner.

Stay in the shallow end of the pool if you are not a strong swimmer.

Safety at the Beach

The first team member scoops a plastic cup of water from the full bucket and must walk quickly to the finish line holding the full cup over their head.

INFLATABLE PARALLEL CURRENT SAFETY ESCAPE DANGER CRAYON STRONG CAUGHT WATER BEACH RIVER WAVES POOL TOYS

Find the words in the puzzle. Then look for each word in this week’s Kid Scoop stories and activities.

The person who is IT must protect a bucket filled with water balloons. If other players get soaked by a water balloon, even if one drop hits them, they must remain frozen until another player is able to snatch a water balloon from the bucket and unfreeze them by soaking them with it!

Sponge Volley String a rope between two trees. Hang a tarp so that players can’t see the other side of the court. Have full water buckets and big sponges on each side. Toss soaked sponges over to the other side to see if you can hit the other players. Standards Link: Physical Education: Understand the health benefits of physical exercise.

S G N O R T S C R L E L E E O A U R E N V S T Y S R H L V N A A S H R C L O I O

This week’s word:

W F O E A A A O R Y

The adjective parallel means traveling or lying in the same direction and the same distance apart.

W E N E R T O P S A W T B A D A N G E R I Y P M T H G U A C E L B A T A L F N I Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognized identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Clip and collect articles about creeks, rivers, lakes and all kinds of water. Make lists of people, agencies and places that appear in the articles. What are the main topics of discussion or issues about water in your newspaper?

PARALLEL

The footpath ran parallel to the river. Try to use the word parallel in a sentence today when talking with your friends and family members.

Make up a game that includes water. It could be played in water or with water. It might use a hose or a squirting device.

ANSWER: A dive-in theater!

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