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Volume 78 • Issue 29 • Wednesday, July 17, 2013
INSIDE... Museum re-opens ........3A Opinions ........4A Harper Park hosts Dixie Youth tourney ..........9A
Drumm to be inducted into MH Sports Hall of Fame
Contributed Photo
This conceptual image shows the location in Stowe Park where the Spirit of the Fighting Yank statue would be placed if all the pieces for his move work out. The statute would be enhanced with a pavilion, American flag, and landscaping.
Fighting Yank moving? ALAN HODGE alan.bannernews@gmail.com
By Kathy Blake Special to the Banner News
If it’s Wednesday, Charlie “Poss� Drumm is at the Tuckaseegee Recreation Center in Charlotte, playing the game that is his passion. About two dozen men gather in the gymnasium, many in elastic knee or elbow braces, most with water jugs and towels stored on bleachers. There are heavy-set men and slender ones, quick shooters and fast talkers, bonded for the afternoon in the hot, stagnant air reasserting their reverence for basketball. Two requirements regulate play in this clique – be 50 or older, and love the game. At 80, Drumm is the eldest. He doesn’t wear a brace, doesn’t carry water, but his skills at this 4-on-4 ritual are compatible with the rest of these players who have been meeting at Tuckaseegee for more than a decade. “For him to be out there, running around like we do, and still come back for another day, that’s incredible,� said Tony Huntley, 58, a Wednesday regular since he became eligible. The men play for three hours, year-round, and compete in tournaments in May and December. Barbara Drumm, Charlie’s wife of 53 years, understands the grip basketball can have on a player. “His love of basketball is like how we love to breathe fresh air. It just comes natural for him,� she said. “I think it was natural for him since he was a young child.� * Drumm was born in Mount Holly and discovered sports early. “I was playing by the time I was 8 years old,� he said, “but it was just for fun.� He played competitively in junior high, then added four years of basketball, and three years of golf, football and baseball at Mount Holly High School. His best friend, Harold Helton, started calling him “little Poss,� after Drumm’s father’s nickname, and it stuck. Of all he did, the basketball of the 1948-49 and 1949-50 seasons was his favorite. Drumm, at 5-foot-10, played point guard, and led the 1950 MHHS team to the Little Eight conference tournament title. “That was the big one, when we won the championship,� he said. “We were tied, and we won by one point against Stanley High School.� Drumm played for Lees-McRae College in See DRUMM, 2A
The “Spirit of the Fighting Yank� WWII memorial statue in front of Belmont Middle School might have legs made of bronze, but he could be marching to a new location in Stowe Park. The statue depicts a World War II soldier in combat action, was erected in 1946 on the campus of what was then Belmont High, and is one of just five similar memorials created by famed sculptor Ernest Visquesney. The
other four Fighting Yanks are located in Chicago, Bloomington, Ind., Port Huron, Mich., and Oil City, Pa. Belmont’s Fighting Yank has been seriously vandalized at least twice. Several years ago, his Tommy gun was stolen. On July 24, 2011, youths pulled him from his stone base and threw his head in Dutchman’s Creek. The head and gun were eventually replaced, but given the fact that trees have grown near the statue and partially obscured it, he is vulnerable to attack again. Not only that, but the statue’s current location is removed from
downtown Belmont where thousands of folks work, visit, and play. Earlier this year, State Farm agent Art Shoemaker, a military veteran and long-time Auten Stowe American Legion Post 144 member, was walking by the statue when it dawned on him that a safer, more visible location for the Fighting Yank might not be a bad thing. Thus was born the idea of moving the statue to Stowe Park. “After the statue was vandalized again I got fired up and wanted to see if it could be See FIGHTING YANK, 5A
Duckworth brothers battle at Gettysburg ALAN HODGE alan.bannernews@gmail.com
When most guys go on vacation its usually to a place they can relax, work on a suntan, and maybe sip a brewski. For brothers Brian and Joey Duckworth of Stanley, their recent summer adventure involved putting on grey wool uniforms, taking up muskets, and following in the footsteps of their great-great grandfather, Richard Alexander McCorkle, to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania where he had fought in the Civil War battle there July 1-3, 1863 as a member of the 52nd NC Regiment, and where they took part in the 150th anniversary reenactment events commemorating that pivotal engagement. The Duckworths, members of the 28th Regiment North Carolina Troops, joined over 10,000 other reenactors portraying Confederate and Union soldiers, as well as 19th century civilians, who converged on Gettysburg from
every state and 16 foreign nations to relive history during the week of July17. The Gettysburg Visitors Bureau estimated 200,000 folks converged on the town during that same period to see and hear lectures, tours, and living history events associated with the 150th anniversary of the battle. “We have been planning for this event ever since we started reenacting,� Brian said. “I started in 2009 and Joey started in 2010 (after I dragged him along). I even let my beard get especially long and it turned red, possibly from my McCorkle genes.� Just as in 1863, the weather during See DUCKWORTH, 10A Photo by Kermit Myers
Brothers Joey and Brian Duckworth from Stanley followed in the footsteps of their great-great-grandfather who fought in the Battle of Gettysburg by taking part in the 150th anniversary reenactment events held in and around the town July 1-7.
Attending dedication was like dĂŠjĂĄ vu for Rankin ALAN HODGE alan.bannernews@gmail.com
When North Carolina Air National Guard MSgt. Tracie Rankin of Stanley went to South Dakota recently to take part in the dedication of markers paying tribute to the aircrew of a firefighting C130 that crashed there last year it was like dĂŠjĂĄ vu all over again. The crash killed four crew members, including Maj. Joe McCormick of Belmont, and injuring two others, including Sgt. Josh Marlowe of Cleveland County. A member of the NCANG 145th MAW based at CharlotteDouglas International Airport, Rankin was with the group that had originally gone to South
MSgt. Tracie Rankin Dakota on the firefighting mission. “One year ago, on June 30th, our unit was preparing to leave for Colorado Springs with two airplanes equipped for fighting forest fires and one airplane to
carry the support personnel from Maintenance, Operations and Logistics,� Rankin said. “I was going on the trip in a supply/logistics role, to support the Maintenance personnel with aircraft parts if needed. Once we arrived in Colorado Springs, we were told the next day we would move to Cheyenne, Wyoming because the fires were getting worse in that area. “On July 1, 2012 we moved to Cheyenne and MAFFS 7 and 8 were flying on some fires, on the evening of July 1st is when MAFFS 7 went down in South Dakota, killing four airmen. After receiving news of the crash, I was ask to become a FLO (Family Liaison Officer) for one of our survivors and his
family, so I moved to South Dakota on July 2nd and remained there until the survivor was able to be flown back to Charlotte.� The survivor and family that Rankin was assigned to is Josh Marlowe from Boiling Springs. Over the past year since the crash, an effort by Custer County Chronicle publisher Charles Najacht, as well as US Forest Service and National Guard folks, saw the construction of two informational and commemorative markers near the C130 crash site. They explain what happened and feature images of the crewmen who were killed. The markers were dedicated on July 1 with a See RANKIN, 5A
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DRUMM: to be inducted into MH Sports Hall of Fame
â– OBITUARIES Emma Jean Henderson Served at pianist for Tuckaseege Baptist Church CHARLOTTE- Emma Jean Henderson, 86, 8104 Rain Court, passed away on Thursd a y , July 11, 2013. She was born in Boiling Springs, N C , daughter of Rev. W.E. Abrams, former pastor of Tuckaseege Baptist Church and Daisy Stutts Abrams. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Marcelle White, and a brother Rev. Hoyt Abrams. She was a longtime member of Tuckaseege Baptist Church where she was the pianist for more than 30 years. She attended Mars Hill College and retired from Sandoz Chemical Company. She is survived by her children Melanie Dohm and husband Terry of Columbia, Jewell Mercer A member of Catawba Heights Baptist Church MOUNT HOLLY- Jewell Bernice Bruce Mercer, 71, 127 Greendale Drive, died Thursday, July 11, 2013. She w a s born in Baltimore, Maryland, daughter of A l e e Bronson and Bernice Huckabee Bruce. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Lola Talley and a brother Donald Bruce. She was a member of Catawba Heights Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband Jack Andrew Mercer; four children, Belinda Wyer and husband Michael of Alabama, Rodger Dale Kelly of Alabama, Ellen Kay Wilson and husband Darrell of Charlotte, and Guy Selvey Earley II of Charlotte; three stepchildren, Debra Ann Mercer of Mount Holly, Terri Lynn Mercer of Mount Holly, and Steve Mercer and
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SC, Bruce Henderson and wife Mona of West Virginia, and Kevin Henderson of Charlotte and numerous nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Henderson was held at 3pm Sunday, July 14, at Tuckaseege Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Marlowe, Rev. Mack Pressley, and Rev. Dr. Terry C. Dohm officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery in Mount Holly. The family received friends from 6-8pm Saturday at Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly. Memorials may be made to Tuckaseege Baptist Church, 511 Tuckaseege Road, Mount Holly, NC 28120. Condolence messages may be left at www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly served the family.
wife Cara of Mount Holly; two sisters, Vicky Phillips and husband Junior of Charlotte and her sister Cappi of Alabama; one brother, Jerry Bruce and wife Nancy of Alabama; five grandchildren; four great grandchildren; four step grandchildren; three step great grandchildren. A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Mercer was held 3pm Saturday, July 13, at Catawba Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Raymond Johns and Rev. Max Pendleton officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Gardens Cemetery. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be made to Catawba Heights Baptist Church, 311 Belmont Mount Holly Road, Belmont NC 28012. Condolence messages may be left at www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly served the family.
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Jay Pittman U.S. Army veteran MOUNT HOLLY- Jay Pittman, 83, 1009 North Main Street, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2013. He was born in Mitchell County, NC, son of Coleman and Rhoda Pittman. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter Judy Elizab e t h Winkler. He was a US Army veteran and a member of the Second Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife Doris Collis Pittman; one son, Jerry Pittman and wife Cheryl of Fayetteville, NC; one step daughter, Joan Stewart and husband Mike of Portsmouth, Virginia; one sister, Faye Howell and husband Pat of Spruce Pine,
NC; two brothers, James Pittman and wife Sandra of Charlotte and Joe Pittman and wife Thelma of Spruce Pine, NC; 14 grandchildren; two step grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Pittman will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the Second Baptist Church with Rev. Bruce Bradley officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery in Spruce Pine, NC. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Condolence messages may be left at www.woodlawnfuneral.org. Woodlawn Funeral Home in Mount Holly is serving the family.
House of Mercy news
Contributed Photo
Director of Nursing Shirley Stowe, CNA Geraldine White, Board Chair Maggie Baucom, and House of Mercy President Stan Patterson celebrate Geraldine’s award for exemplary service. House of Mercy Belmont residents enjoyed a recent lunch of Chinese takeout, followed by a surprise award for excellence given to caregiver Geraldine White, Certified Nurse Assistant and Shift Supervisor at House of Mercy for 11 years. House of Mercy Board Chair Maggie Baucom presented Geraldine gift cards to Belk and Charlie’s along with a framed certificate citing “exemplary service and caregiving in the spirit of mercy.� A duplicate certificate will hang in the House of Mercy residence. The icing on the cake was a homemade German chocolate cake for dessert, donated by caregiver Yasmin Redmond’s mom. Coordinator of Resident Recreation Cheri Strickland
drove residents to the Lazy 5 ranch to see a wide variety of animals. Residents stopped to pick up a fast food “picnic� to take to the park, ate lunch and then bought “lunch� appropriate for the animals. The animals are not shy and don’t mind helping themselves to whatever food they can reach through the car windows! Residents have made several trips to Rankin Park to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the lake. Residents love sitting at the picnic tables in the shade, chatting and watching other folks fish, ride bikes, and jog. Therapy dogs visit residents twice a month. They enjoy the special attention and belly rubs they receive See NEWS, 5A
From page 1A Banner Elk on scholarship and acquired a degree in Physical Education, before the Navy took him overseas during the Korean War. When he returned, Drumm reacquainted himself with his first love – sports – and found another love, Barbara, on a dance floor in Myrtle Beach. His affection for sports led to 20 years of competition in the Senior Games. “Sports is a hobby for most people. But for Charlie, it’s an obsession,â€? said Barbara who, with Charlie, has a son, grandson and two great-grandsons. “I learned from a very young age in our marriage, that if I was going to live with this man, I can’t come between him and his sports.â€? He said in all his years as an athlete, he only can recall one injury – a broken wrist, playing football in high school. When basketball season came, he played anyway. Barbara laughs a lot when she talks about Charlie, like they’re best friends. After Korea, Charlie and his buddies would go to Myrtle Beach, to the dance halls, where shag dancing and beach music ruled. Barbara and her friends did the same, and the two became dance partners. “We became friends before he became a boyfriend,â€? she said. “One night, I was dancing by and Charlie grabbed my arm and pulled me into his lap, and I told my girlfriend, ‘I think he likes me!’â€? They married in 1959. Charlie saw a mention in the newspaper about Senior Games, and signed up. It became the Drumms’ ticket to travel. “We’ve been to New Orleans and New York, New Jersey, St. Louis,â€? she said. “He was into all kinds of sports – basketball was just one of them. Up until a few years ago, we went all over the United States with the Senior Games.â€? “I played golf, basketball, snookers, went fishing‌,â€? Charlie said. “I guess I got about 40 medals and trophies.â€? At their home in Mount Holly, the Drumms have a room for the trophies, and recently took the medals, which hang from ribbons, from the Senior Games and sorted them on the dining room table. Some are intact, some have missing labels, some bring vivid memories. Among their finds: * 23 medals from the Senior Games * Mecklenburg County
Parks and Recreation 3-on3 basketball tournament championship trophy, 2004 * Age-group gold medal for golf, St. Louis, 1989. The back of the medal reads “Fitness and Excellence through Competition. U.S. National Senior Olympics� * Trophy for 2nd place team, March of Dimes golf tournament, 1989 * Age-group gold medal, Hoechst Celanese state golf tournament, 1986 * Lees-McRae alumni golf tournament, flight champion trophy, 1978 * Lees-McRae alumni golf tournament championship trophy, 1976 “There are just too many to display. We have a whole room where there’s just trophies,� Barbara said. Charlie said he still plays a little golf. Shoots in the 70s. He even has a golf trophy from the ocean, in the early 1970s. “We went on a cruise, and they had a recreation department on the ship and a thing that, when you hit a golf ball, it measures how far you hit it out in the water,� Barbara said. “He hit it farther than anyone.� How far? “Hit it 270 yards,� said Charlie, who also has recorded a hole-inone, on a par-3 at Green Meadows Golf Club in Mount Holly. Pete DeMao, 76, is a regular at Tuckaseegee on Wednesdays. He’s been shooting hoops with Charlie Drumm for 12 years, and was on the National Senior Games team with him in 2003 in Hampton Roads, Va. There were about 35 basketball teams competing that year, he said. “We won six in a row, and lost by two points to Pennsylvania, which was the silver medallist,� DeMao said. On a recent Wednesday, DeMao watched from the side as Drumm grabbed a rebound, saving the ball from going out of bounds and passed to a teammate, who sank a three-pointer. “Charlie, he’s a great guy, playing out here at 80 years old. He’s everybody’s objective,� DeMao said. “But he doesn’t have the record yet. Had two guys who played at 82. “But Charlie, he’ll pass that and be here at 83.� The seventh annual Mount Holly Sports Hall of Fame banquet will take place Saturday, August 17 at 6pm in the Mount Holly Municipal Complex. Tickets are $20 and available at Charlie’s Drugs or from committee members.
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Banner News welcomes Annie Jenkins to sales staff
Brevard Station Museum re-opens By Sarah Gibson Special to the Banner News
After closing temporarily for renovation, the Brevard Station Museum in Stanley celebrated its grand re-opening on Saturday, June 15. The museum, a receptacle for local history that has been open since 1991 and operating out of its current location since 2004, received a sizeable donation from Ron and Katherine Harper which allowed repairs to take place. The late Mr. Harper was a manufacturing mogul who, along with his wife, made numerous philanthropic contributions to educational institutions in Gaston and around the country. Their contribution allowed the Station Museum to renovate their interior of their location on Stanley’s main street into a more professional, user-friendly space. “When we moved into this building, we used whatever we could,� Museum administrator Joyce Handsel stated. “Museum artifacts were just lying on tables, gathering dust.� The Harper’s donation allowed numerous glass cases to be installed in the museum, ensuring that artifacts such as antique toys and law enforcement memorabilia can remain on display without being damaged. The administrators expressed gratitude towards Greg Farmer, who oversaw the construction of various cabinets and standing displays in accordance with the renovation committee’s wishes. In ad-
homes, use a variety of mediums to educate and entertain the museum’s patrons. The largest technological addition to the museum is a brand new SMARTboard in the local history and genealogy section. SMARTboards are touch-activated interactive whiteboards useful in group study, personal research, and other educational settings. Museum administrators are especially proud of this addition and excited to see what kind of ease it will lend to patrons interested in historical research. Photo by Sarah Gibson Despite new additions to Brevard Station Museum administrator Joyce the Brevard Station MuHandsel has a group of volunteers that helped seum’s appearance and conmake the facility’s recent renovation and artifact tent, many of the museum’s update a success. most popular attractions, dition to the new displays, the museum such as Andre Michaux’s personal letinstalled a front desk to separate office ters, a collection of WWI, WWII, and spaces from the body of the museum, Vietnam War military uniforms, and making the interior easier to navigate. Stanley High School relics, have been “Before the desk, it was very clut- refurbished and remain on display. Staff tered,� Ruth Wood, another museum is currently looking into bringing in administrator said. “Now it’s easier to new artifacts and incorporating rotating stay organized.� displays into the museum. The museum also purchased a wallThe Station Museum is located at mounted television which displays a 112 S Main Street in Stanley. Admisslideshow of some of Stanley’s more sion is free, although books and gift memorable historical figures and facts items are sold to maintain the premises, about their accomplishments. The tele- and the museum is open from 10 Am to vision and other interactive displays, 4 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and like a light-up map of Stanley’s historic Thursdays.
This bright, young face you see in town is Annie Jenkins, who has joined the sales staff at the Banner News. She has been in customer sales and service since 2008 and enjoys getting to know the people in the community she serves. Annie will be visiting Belmont and Gastonia businesses to assist with your advertising needs in the Banner News, and our sister papers the Kings Mountain Herald and Cherryville Eagle, and on our Web site: bannernews.com.
You may reach her by phone at the Banner News office at 704-825-0104 or by cell phone at 704-906-9607.
Boaters asked to slow down The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Duke Energy are asking boaters on the Catawba River lakes to slow down and use caution in light of the ongoing high-water levels of several lakes. In the past several weeks, lake levels have been higher than normal due to heavy rainfall and runoff into lakes. Duke Energy is moving water downstream to create storage space in Lake Norman and Lake Wylie to hold additional rain. This is a protective measure to help minimize more flooding in low-lying areas. The high water can create unsafe boating conditions with submerged and floating Debris. It also increases shoreline erosion and impacts shoreline property, such as docks and boathouses. Boaters are reminded that they are liable for wake damage and should be considerate of shoreline impacts. The impacts
Roaming Gnome Abigail Wucherer (left) and her sister Erin found the Belmont Library’s Gnome last week at Belmont General Store. The Gnome will be roaming in Belmont and the Union Road area next week Contributed Photo
are especially magnified in smaller and narrow lakes with coves, such as Mountain Island Lake. Flowing spillways at hydro dams can be beautiful to look at, but the water immediately above and below them is treacherous. Duke Energy reminds the public to heed warning signs posted near dangerous areas and avoid boating and swimming in these areas. Unusual swirling currents can pull boats and people toward the dam and under the water. People should watch for increased currents, wear life jackets and stay alert to changing weather conditions. The public can check realtime lake levels and special updates 24 hours a day at http://www.duke-energy.com /lakes/levels.asp and on Duke Energy’s lake information phone line at 800-829-5253.
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Belmont, Mount Holly utilities honored North Carolina officials recently announced that 49 water systems are being honored for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards. Among the recipients were the cities of Belmont and Mount Holly. “This award goes to water treatment facilities who wish to produce the absolute best water possible,� said James Friday with the City of Mount Holly. “ It starts with commitment from the Utility Director to the ORC to each individual operator to be focused in on the goal of full plant optimization. Once you make a
pledge and commit to earning the award everyone becomes vested in meeting the goals. Everyone at the Mount Holly Water Treatment Facility has made that commitment and their hard work and attention to detail has paid off.� The 49 systems received the N.C. Area Wide Optimization Award from the state N.C. Division of Water Resources’ Public Water Supply section. The awards are part of the N.C. Area Wide Optimization Program, which is an effort to enhance the performance of existing surface water treatment facilities.
Awards are given each year to water systems that demonstrate outstanding turbidity removal, a key test of drinking water quality. Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness or haziness of water caused by individual particles that can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Microbes occur naturally, but can potentially include harmful bacteria and viruses. While all drinking water systems have to meet strict state and federal drinking water standards, these systems met performance goals that are significantly more stringent.
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BCO annual meeting set for August 21 The Belmont Community Organization (BCO) will hold its annual meeting at noon on Wednesday, August 21 at the BCO, 91 East Catawba Street, Belmont. The public is invited to attend. Organization representatives will present
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the past year’s accomplishments and elect its Board of Directors. Lunch will be served. Reservations are requested no later than Monday, August 12. For more information or to make a reservation, contact the BCO at 704.825.4526.
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Opinions...
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Yours, Ours, Others
Quote of the week... You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. Valor, determination, grit...Gettysburg
Alan Hodge Editor I just got back from taking part in the 150th anniversary reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg. It was awesome, emotional, and eye-opening regarding the state of the nation in 1863 and today. You will have likely read the front page article in this week’s paper covering the adventures of two local Stanley brothers, Brian and Joey Duckworth, who also took part in the 150 anniversary battle scenarios with their unit the 28th NC Regiment, so I won’t repeat those details regarding numbers of participants and spectators and other tourists in this column. What I will do is try to convey some other aspects of the event that struck me. To begin with, my own ancestor Henry Conrad from Catawba County was in the ‘real’ Battle of Gettysburg with the ‘original’ 28th NC and so when I was invited to fight in the reenactment with Brian and Joey’s group it made it all the more special. During the Pickett’s Charge portion of the reenactment I even carried a copy of a photo of Henry in uniform taken circa 1863 when he was 18 years old. He survived Gettysburg only to be killed near Petersburg in 1864. On Saturday, it was announced that people from every state and 18 foreign nations were tasking part in the reenactment. I forget all the countries that were named, but I know for a fact that in the Confederate camp there were reenactors from Spain, Poland, England, and Canada all dressed in various shades of gray and butternut uniforms. It was as hot and muggy in Pennsylvania as it has been here and the reenactor camps were in the middle of a field and the sun beat down mercilessly. As you might imagine, wool uniforms add to the discomfort. As the hours ticked slowly by prior to Sunday’s grand finale Pickett’s Charge battle, I dragged myself over to a shady spot and plopped down on the ground. By and by a fellow reb came over and sat down beside me. He was one of the Polish guys and I asked him why in the world he and his friends had come from halfway around the world to take part in the reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg and why they chose to portray the Confederate side. His answer was intriguing. He told me that many people in Poland are interested in American history and how our nation was formed, divided, and reformed. As far as being rebels, he said that there’s something “romantic”, “dashing”, and devilmay-care about the original Confederate soldier and his legacy that makes it appealing. But the Pole also said something else. He told me that his own country had suffered many times under what they considered to be oppressive regimes and leaders and that he and his fellow Polerebs admired the South and how it had taken up arms to fight against what it considered to be
an overbearing Federal government. As the Pole told me this, he became emotional and admitted that when he and his pals had visited the actual Gettysburg battlefield earlier and looked across the portion where the Confederates had made the ill-fated Pickett’s Charge on July 3, 1863, that he had broken down in tears at the valor and loss of life that had taken place there 150 years ago. Besides the Pole, I also had an opportunity during the Gettysburg weekend to mingle with and talk to a wide variety of folks on subjects related or not related to the Civil War. On Saturday I had used my BannerNews business card and obtained a media pass that let Sharon and I view the cavalry battle (400 mounted troops) and other goings on from a special elevated platform where reporters and photographers from many different media outlets were perched. We also talked to some of the 50,000+ spectators. There were tents set up where seminars and speeches on “The War” were being held. Some of the presenters gave differing viewpoints on the causes of the 1861-1865 conflict to audiences sitting on haybales under the large tents (a lot no doubt to escape the sun). One spectator chap I talked to had come from Alaska to see the reenactment battles. Interestingly, out of the tens of thousands in attendance, I saw but a handful of AfricanAmericans and considering the fact that the Civil War freed them, thought that odd. Anyway, what hit me the most was the thought that here we all were gathered, an enormous mob of participants and viewers, on a huge farm a couple of miles from the actual Gettysburg battlefield, all Americans, everyone from all the states, everyone chatting and making new friends from places we had never been to before, and all this was taking place where 150 years ago, two armies of Americans with different ideals and dreams were trying desperately to kill each other with every musket and cannon that would fire. I came away from Gettysburg with a newfound appreciation of the valor, determination, willpower, and grit of our ancestors. I pondered what the fate of America would have been if the Confederates, including my ancestor Henry Conrad of the 28th NC, had won the battle, and the war, but recalled what one rebel general, John B. Gordon said afterwards: “God didn’t want us to win” and maybe it was for the best they didn’t. Therefore, there is a lesson in all this. Our country is divided in many ways today. How many important pieces of legislation are passed or shot down “along party lines”? People are arming themselves and stockpiling ammo against what they consider to be an oppressive federal government or social chaos. Sound familiar? Maybe we need to step back and try to get along better; politicians especially need to tone down their increasingly shrill partisan rhetoric. If you don’t believe me, go to Gettysburg and let the ghosts there tell you what can happen when people stop talking to and start talking at one another.
Letters to the Editor To the Editor – I recently learned that “The Spirit of the Fighting Yank” statue currently located at Belmont Middle School has the possibility of being moved to Stowe Park in the near future. I really believe this move will only be a positive for this community and for our country. We need to be reminded of our nation’s history and of the men and women that have given up their lives so that we have a better country to live in. The current location of the statue is hidden away under trees and is rarely even seen by the residents of this city. It is highly unlikely that someone will drive to the middle school to look at a statue that is barely even visible. New residents don’t even know the statue exists. Therefore, it is insignificant where it currently stands. I frequent the school for
To the Editor – “Belmont lost a great, supportive, community -minded Belmont employee in the person of Mr. Elson Baldwin who served for 17 years with our city as Planning Director. Elson gave so much to Belmont beyond his clocked in time of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I speak of his establishing a time in the evenings, or weekends, when it was convenient for residents in the community to meet as he shared the possibility of monies available for community improvement (i.e. added sidewalks, housing renovation, etc.) by way of possible grants being pursued. He would also give the communities “follow-Up” as to how things were progressing. Elson’s involvement with To the Editor – I remember very well when the bronze soldier in front of Belmont Jr. High was dedicated to the memory of WWII veterans. I think I was 13 years old. Since then I have spent four years in the US Airborne, served as commander of American Legion Post 144, Life Member of the VFW, 25 years as Boy Scout Master of Troop 58 at Park St. UMC, and many other volunteer endeavors for my church and hometown. I have always been proud of Belmont for honoring the vets with this beautiful
Letter to Editor – I have been hearing rumblings around town about moving the World War II memorial statue (The Spirit of the Fighting Yank) on the grounds of the current middle school (formerly Belmont High School) to a location somewhere in the (Stowe) park. Now why would one want to take the soldier who has been standing gallantly in the same place since 1946 and place him in an area where most passersby don’t have a clue as to its significance or from whence it came?
”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
athletic events quite often and yet have vaguely even seen the statue, much less have the time to walk up to it to find out what it is all about. Stowe Park being in the city’s central location, and a place where people have time to stop and look at it, is the ideal spot for such an important historical artifact. This statue should bring pride to the citizens of the community, especially being in a location that can allow it to be seen once again. With a paved walkway, an American flag flying high above it, and lights shining down on it, this symbol of freedom will once again bring tribute our veterans. It will also bring reminiscence to the citizens that were around when the statue was originally placed at the then Belmont High School. They should be ecstatic that their beloved memorial will be seen and enjoyed by more people
in a new location, to honor the family members and friends that they lost during World War II. I personally enjoy going to the parks throughout the country that have a piece of history that I can look at and learn about. It reminds me of all the ways we are blessed in this country and why. It allows me to learn about things that I may not already know about. It also helps children learn about an event that they are too young to remember. If we do not put this memorial in a visible location for people to enjoy then it is nothing more than a meaningless piece of metal sitting in an insignificant location. Let us honor our veterans by allowing citizens to have a great memorial to enjoy when visiting Stowe Park.
the Belmont Mass Choir, which wonderfully served this community, uniting persons of various races, religious denominations/or non-religious affiliations. When several of us, myself included, could no longer give our full support to the Mass Choir due to more pressing obligations, Elson was asked to assist. Elson offered his musical ability (pianist) to assist the choir in its transitioning stage. Not only did he accept, he invited some of the choir members of his church, St. Paul Baptist Church/Charlotte to help out. Elson encouraged the members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., to serve as monetary co-sponsors of the Juneteenth Celebration held in Belmont, with the fraternity presenting historical aspects encompass-
ing Juneteenth. This year (2013) marked the 2nd year of involvement as a fraternity. When I received word of Elson resigning I thought to myself…..WHAT A LOSS TO BELMONT! Elson’s great contributions to our city were spoken of by several persons at our recent Belmont City Council meeting held July 1. His professionalism, respect of others, and understanding manner were spoken of and will be missed! I’m sure many of us join together in wishing him well and thanking him for a job well done! I have asked Elson to, definitely, use me as a reference as to his terrific work ethic. Well done!”
monument. However, we have had problems. The gun was stolen and not long ago the statue was torn down. Many times it was desecrated with paint. When I was Legion commander, I got Charlotte Paint Co. to sandblast the statue and the Legion Memorial in Greenwood Cemetery. They did this free of charge. Now it can hardly be seen because of a tree that wasn’t even there when the monument was dedicated 66 years ago. Many of the vets and citizens of Belmont would like to see this monument moved to a
much more suitable place in Stowe Park. We have offers to move it free of charge. We want to put up a flag pole and lights and fly the flag 24 hours a day. Someone has volunteered to install a camera and recording equipment to prevent vandalism. Initially, the school was probably the best place for it, however, since Stowe Park is city property and is the most visible place in town, I personally think this is where it belongs.
This statue means a lot to me and to those of us who went to Belmont High School. Lots of memories were made around its base, and we knew why the memorial had been placed there. Many of our brothers, fathers and kin had been a part of the war that had just ended and many of them did not return. Even today whoever passes by can feel the pride of the sons and daughters who served, living now or not. Rationale for this move seems to evolve around “so it can be seen better”. Other than that, I’ve heard nothing
concrete or better to justify a move. The present location is certainly appropriate for the children of Belmont to learn part of the history of World War II, a visual that makes words come to life. Rather than a better location, why not leave it as it is, but put some nice lighting around it, not only to protect it, but also to give credence to its legacy. Some nice benches and landscaping to provide a quiet place for reflection or pause for resting would certainly enhance its image.
Elisha McConagle
(Rev.) Charles Wesley Reid Belmont
Ben W. Brown Belmont
See LETTERS, 6A (Buthe cont.)
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Page 5A
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FIGHTING YANK: moving to Stowe Park? From page 1A placed in a protected and more prominent location,� said Shoemaker. “It is a beautiful piece of art, once in a beautiful location, and in 1946 the school was the most appropriate place, but not any longer.� Belmont Historical Society member Bobby Brown bought into Shoemaker’s idea and the pair have been working on a vision of how the Fighting Yank will fit in Stowe Park. The plan is to have the statue placed in a prominent location in the park about six to eight yards from S. Main St. across from Caravan Coffee. The statue will be on a level pavilion of pavers and surrounded by flowers and other professional plantings. An American flag would be placed on a pole behind the statue and the area would be lit at night. Security cameras would keep an electronic eye on the Fighting Yank 24/7. “The statue would be a focal point for downtown Belmont,� said Shoemaker. “Thousands of people could
see and appreciate it.� As far as getting the statue physically moved from Belmont Middle to Stowe Park, Shoemaker says he has spoken to the NC National Guard and they can handle that part of the job. But there are still some legal, political, and social hoops that Shoemaker, Brown, and other supporters of the project have to jump through. One, approval from Gaston County Schools that technically owns the statue, has been cleared with permission having been granted by that entity for the move. The Belmont City Council will also have to approve the statue’s relocation. Funds will have to be raised – Shoemaker estimates it will cost between $10,00015,000 for the project. “It will take some time to raise the money,� he said. Right now, Shoemaker and Brown have been bending every ear they can think of to drum up support for the Fighting Yank’s move. So far, they’ve taken their case to the American Legion, Belmont civic leaders, Keep Belmont Beautiful, the
Photo Courtesy Millican Pictorial Museum
This photo shows the official unveiling and dedication of the Spirit of the Fighting Yank statue on the grounds of Belmont High School in 1947. Belmont Historical Society, the Belmont Parks and Recreation Board, and the Belmont Merchant’s Association. Shoemaker has also spoken with Robert Stowe, whose family donated Stowe Park to the City of Belmont.
According to Shoemaker and Brown, the idea has received positive remarks from nearly everyone who has heard it. However, some folks will likely want to see the statue left where he has stood since 1946.
“People will have different opinions on it,� Brown said. “But many more are supporting than opposing it.� If the project goes through, Shoemaker, Brown, and others favorable to the
statue’s move see a day in the near future when it is formally dedicated in Stowe Park with a ceremony attended by not only local, state, and national dignitaries, but hundreds of citizens as well.
RANKIN: attending dedication was like dĂŠjĂĄ vu From page 1A solemn ceremony. Rankin made the trip back to where she had been last year. “The last time I was in South Dakota were the days following the crash, spending several days at the Rapid City hospital where our two survivors were taken to recover to the point where they could be returned to North Carolina,â€? she said. “There were so many people who helped with anything we needed, from making hotel reservations, driving families around, food deliveries, and being there ‘just in case’, it was absolutely amazing. So going back to South Dakota a year later was an emotional trip, the visit to the crash site was a very somber experience, a few of the fami-
lies were there visiting the site as well, when we hiked the almost five miles round trip. A few Forest Service and military personnel were there to explain what they saw and experienced a year earlier, we were able to see the markers, trees and ravine where the plane came to rest. It was almost overwhelming at times. On 1 July the families of those able to attend and the group from Charlotte joined the South Dakota Forest Service, National Guard, Ellsworth AFB military personnel and local politicians to witness the unveiling of the roadside interpretive site that displays the MAFFS 7 mission and the pictures of those who were killed. The service at the Forest Service Interpretive Site was a wonderful tribute to the sacri-
fice of the men who were killed and to the survivors as well. The ceremony gave thanks and praise to both states for their role in the firefighting and the support to those in the aftermath.� Though the trip back to the tragic scene of a year ago was trying, Rankin is glad she did it. “I am thankful I was able to make the trip to South Dakota to visit the crash site and the roadside memorial service,� she said. “There is rarely a day that goes by that something doesn’t remind me of the tragedy one year ago, I do miss so much the friends I lost in the crash. I keep the families and friends of those affected by MAFFS 7 in my prayers and hope each passing day helps in their healing process.
Photo by MSgt. Tracie Rankin
This photo shows where the NCANG C130 aircraft that crashed last year in South Dakota fighting wildfires came to a stop. Rankin and others hiked five miles to the site to pay respects to the aircrew that were killed and injured in the accident. I am very thankful for our two survivors, prayers also go out to them as they continue to heal and recover from their injuries.�
NEWS: from the House of Mercy From page 2A from the residents. The last visit included a “Therapy Dog in Training� – an adorable little Sheltie. Rev. Kenneth Alexander from Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Belmont is offering a twice-monthly ministry at House of Mercy exploring Biblical passages as they relate to residents. He is always open to any discussion that residents want to have, as well as personal prayer if re-
quested. On July 1st and 2nd, seven youth and two counselors from Charlotte Heart Camp, a Catholic service camp, came from Tennessee, Georgia and Florida to work at House of Mercy. They washed windows and screens (inside and out), painted a picnic table, cleaned gutters, washed curtains and replaced blinds in the resident rooms, trimmed bushes and a tree, pulled weeds, cleaned front and back porch and patio, made other minor repairs and interacted
with House of Mercy residents. On Independence Day, residents enjoyed a cook out and sparklers. House of Mercy received recent grants from the Walmart Foundation, Carolinas Care Partnership, The Dover Foundation and The Leon Levine Foundation. We appreciate their confidence in our mission. House of Mercy is a nonprofit residence in Belmont, NC serving low-income persons living with AIDS.
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Notice
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Wednesday, July 17, 2013
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Letters to the Editor From page 4A Many of the people who appreciate seeing it and remembering its relevance are those who may never go to the park and perhaps would never see it again. All I can think is that it would become another climbing attraction for little ones and youngsters who don’t understand respect. I can’t imagine that moving it would be positive for stability particularly in view of the vandalism in 2011. Keeping it in its present locations would certainly be less costly and create a better effect than its being in a “Playground� environment. As evidenced in the slide show of the 2012 restoration project, moving it is a major undertaking of skill, manpower and money. To the Editor – As a member of the Belmont Gadabouts, I get a lot of comments from all over the area about the pictures you see in the newspaper of their latest trip. Did you ever wonder who these people are? Where are they from? How did they get together on the first place? Well they are retired city managers, city planners, nurses, teachers, book store owners, textile equipment salesmen, business owners, healthcare workers, bankers, IBM, Duke, Kodak, military, pharmacists, office assistants, mill executives, and proud mill workers. These people come with a lot of talent and a strong work ethic from this area and as far away as India, Philippines, Ireland, Bolivia, and the South Bronx. And we all came together due to the efforts and vision of Sallie Stevenson. One of the members likes to say, “Sallie was her first friend when she moved to Belmont�. My husband joined the Gadabouts about a year before I did. Because of Sallie and her positive support of Belmont, he became aware of local events, local history, local restaurants,
http://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/news/Pages /BelmontMiddleFightingYank.aspx Personally, I enjoy passing by or sitting at the red light, and remembering what our veterans have done for us. I was happy to see that someone had placed flags around the statue for July 4th. World War II was very much a part of my life, because I was growing up here during those years. I don’t want to forget about what “The Fighting Yank� means, because his sons, grandsons and great grandsons are still out there fighting for us as we speak. Let’s keep him and them in our focus! Eloise Armstrong Buthe Belmont, North Carolina
local businesses, local government and the many volunteer opportunities to expend all that training and strong work ethics energy that comes to a group like this. To paraphrase their mission statement., Belmont has certainly “provided recreation and leisure opportunities that have positively affected the lifestyle‌of all who live, work, and play in their communityâ€?. If you would like to be a part of the Gadabouts, we have a business meeting the third Wednesday of each month and a day trip the first, second, and fourth Wednesday. The costs would be the admission costs, etc., at our destination and the bus fee is based on the mileage to the destination. So, next time you see a Gadabouts picture, you will know you are looking at a group of people who have worked hard, contributed a lot and are still working hard and still contributing to our great nation and who are grateful to Belmont for having provided us with someone like Sallie. Sandy Winslow Belmont
■BRIEFS BHS to meet The Belmont Historical Society will meet on Thursday, July 18 at 7:00 PM at East Baptist Church, Belmont. The public, as well as members, are invited to come and hear Bobby Brown, speaker, for fun and laughter as he shares new Livin’, Laughin’ and Learnin’ stories.
Museum Day Camp The Gaston County Museum, 131 West Main, Dallas, will host its sixth Drop-in Day Camp of the year Thursday, July 25 at the museum. The theme of this year’s Drop-in Day Camp is “From Cotton Fields to Textile Mills.� Each week, campers will be introduced to a different aspect of Gaston County’s rich textile heritage. By the end of the summer, campers will have experienced the entire process of turning raw fibers into finished yarn and cloth. During the last Drop-In Day Camp session of the summer, campers will learn about Weaving. Campers will play historic textile-related games, learn about some of the weaving mills in
BelmontUnion Road Library Events Youth ages eleven to seventeen years are invited to
Everything you need
participate in an informal gathering to discuss and share books, movies, current affairs, and other topics in two special events focusing on ‘tween / teen interests coordinated by Gaston County Public Library staff. These gatherings will provide youth an opportunity to help library staff plan and present future library programs just for them. Getting to Know YOU will be a gathering time for ‘tweens and teens to discuss and share books, movies, music, current affairs, and other interests. Places and times for the events include: Thursday, August 8, at 3pm; Belmont Branch Library, 125 North Central Avenue, 704-825-5426. Friday, August 9, at 3pm; Union Road Branch Library, 5800 Union Road, Gastonia, 704-8524073. Free public events for youth ages eleven to seventeen years. No reservations required for individuals. Advance reservations required for organized groups to ensure seating. Pizza, cupcakes and soft drinks will be served.
Exhibit – The Evolution of Sound The Gaston County Museum of Art & History is currently seeking artifacts for an upcoming exhibit, The Evolution of Sound, which will explore the ways in which people have listened to music and how that has evolved over the years. The
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museum is looking for the following: Phonautograph (1850s), Record players (1940s – 1970s), Jukebox (1890s – 1950s), and Cassette Players (1960-70s). If you have any of these objects and would be willing to loan them to the museum, please contact Stephanie Elliott at 704-922-7681 x. 104, or stephanie.elliott@co.gaston.nc.us. The museum is also looking for records (78, 33 1/3, LP, or 45) that would be considered donations. These would not be returned.
Gaston College receives $1.5M grant Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) recently announced $1.5 million in a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to be used for the construction of a manufacturing center on the campus of Gaston College in the Tenth Congressional District. The grant will be used to construct the new Center for Advanced Manufacturing and to renovate the existing Pharr Trade and Industrial building on the campus of Gaston College in Dallas, NC. The college will use the facilities to train workers to expand the region’s clean energy industry, green technologies, and sustainable manufacturing initiatives. Students and workers who receive this training will be prepared for high-growth, high-wage occupations in these industries. The project is expected to create 160 new jobs and $50 million in new private investment District. The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is the lead federal economic development agency and works to promote competitiveness by preparing the nation’s regions for growth in the worldwide economy. Part of the Department of Commerce, the EDA awards grants through a competitive process based on the merit of applications received. The grant for Gaston College was part of $4.1 Million in EDA grants to support business growth and job creation in North Carolina.
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D I R E C T O R Y
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Page 7A
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Wednesday, July 17, 2013
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A sea story of a different kind By John Wilson John.bannernews@gmail.com
Belmont-Belmont police officer Edward “Deuce” Mason has lived a colorful life. Before being an officer, Mason spent 24 years in the United States Navy. He retired as a Chief Petty Officer. Mason served from 1983 till 2007. During his time in the navy Mason served on many different ship including the USS Tarawa and USS Kitty Hawk. He was stationed all over the world. While in the navy his travels took him to Japan, Sicily, and Greece to name but a few places. As anyone who has ever been around a sailor knows they all have a few good sea stories to tell. For those that don’t know, a sea story is a tall tale. A fib of sorts. The person telling the story will often take
a run of the mill event and turn it into a daring feat of bravery or wonder. Since the person hearing the story wasn’t there they don’t know if the story is real or not. But in Mason’s case one of his sea stories is without a doubt true. During his tenure in the navy Mason was not only a sailor but a professional wrestler. He got his wrestling start after he attended a match held at the Pensacola, Florida National Guard Armory. While there he met wrestling superstar Rodney “Yokozuna” Anoai. The pair hit it off and Mason soon became a family friend. Anoai was part of a wrestling family that include such acts as The Head Shrinkers, the Wild Samoans, The Tonga Kid, Rikishi and Umaga.. In the late 1980’s Mason started to train at Anoani’s Wild Samoan
Training Academy. The school was tough and brutal but Mason learned what it took to be a pro wrestler. His first matches were with a regional circuit known as the World Wrestling Family. The WWF was based in the panhandle of Florida. Before getting into the ring Mason needed one more thing. He needed a character. A character is a persona the wrestler takes on. An identity of sorts. The character allows the wrestler to transform himself into someone the audience can connect with. Some are good guys, some are bad guys. Mason took his first character’s name from a hit movie about a cocky naval pilot. “I was Top Gun Deuce Mason,” he said. “I was a good guy.” Mason explained that getting into wrestling was not only hard work but the pay wasn’t always good. Many wrestlers would do
what it took to get their shot. “Back then I made maybe 30 to 50 dollars a match,” he said. “ You had to pay your dues. Some wrestlers got nothing. They wrestled and helped set up the ring.” While with WWF Mason learned the trade wrestling in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. While wrestling in the Pensacola area he was part of a tag team duo with fellow sailor Carey Booth. The team formed up to become the Top Guns. While with the Top Guns, Mason and Booth were the Gulf Coast tag team champions. In the early 90’s Mason was stationed aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. While the Kitty Hawk was laid up in dry dock in the Philadelphia Naval Yard Mason got to wrestle again. This time Mason wrestled in
the Tri-State Wrestling Alliance. The TWA sent wrestlers to Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. While with Tri-State, Deuce Mason transformed into Irish wrestler, Shamus McTavish. “They put on a good show,” he said. “While playing McTavish I even wore a kilt.” While wrestling out of Pennsylvania he got to travel with some of the sport’s top wrestlers. Mason worked with legends such as Mick “Cactus Jack” Foley, Jerry Lawler and Terry Funk. In the mid 90’s Mason got called up by the US Navy to travel to Japan. While there he was stationed at Atsugi Naval Air Facility. NAF Atsugi was located 30 miles from Tokyo one of the biggest wrestling cities in the world. See MASON, 9A
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Homes For Rent/Sale MOBILE HOMES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN KINGS M O U N TA I N Prices starting at $100/week. Call 704-739-4417 or (evening) 704739-1425. (tfn) FOR RENT in CHERRYVILLE AREA: Two bedroom. one bath Duplex Apt.. Washer and dryer hookup; water, sewer, trash removal inc l u d e d . $500/month. Ref. required. (704) 813-2425. (7/17 & 24)
Cherokee Co., some with water & septic, owner will fin with low DP. Call Bryant Realty 704-5679836 or www.bryantrealty.org. (7/17) Misc. For Sale S H U F F L E B OA R D GAME – 8 Ft. Length, 2 Ft. Width and 30 inches Height. Excellent Condition. $100.00 Call: 704-7398329. (7/17) Public Auction H & D STORAGE, 314 East Gold Street, Kings Mountain will hold an auction on 7/19/2013 at 12:30 pm for 3+ units. Call: 704739-6334. (7/17)
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full of merchandise, or pictures, or anything of value. (704)300 – 0827 or (704)300 – 7676. (7/17) Yard Sale KM MOVING/YARD SALE at 711 Sandhurst Drive on Sat., July 20th. 7 am – 12 (noon). B o o k s , Records,Sofa, Pictures, Christmas items, Household items and much more. 3 FAMILY GARAGE /YARD SALE – 400 Downing Dr. in KM. Sat., July 20th. Something for everyone. Rain or Shine. 4 KM FAMILIES HUGE YARD SALE – 611 Hillside Drive, Sat., July 20th, 8:00 am. Lots of stuff! Depression era glass, antique table linens, toys, books,household items, clothes (chil-
dren’s, plus size men and woman), small appliance, rugs and picturrs. CHERRYVILLE YARD SALE – 807 E. Main Street on July 20th. 7 am – until. Baby clothes, Baby items, furniture, clothing, tools and etc. Help Wanted DRIVERS, CDL-B: Great Pay, Hometime! No-Forced Dispatch! Moving Freightliner Trucks out of Mt Holly/Cleveland, Tow vehicle A+. TruckMovers.co m, 1-877-6067083. (6/26, 7/03,10 &17) DRIVERS: Home Weekly, Pay up to $.40/mi. 70% D & H/90%, No Touch F r e i g h t , BCBS/Dental/Vision/401k, Class A CDL 6 Months Exp. 877-7043773. (7/10 &17)
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS The undersigned, having qualified as Co-Executors of the Estate of MARVIN JAMES POPE, aka: MARVIN JAMES POPE, SR., late of Gaston County, North Carolina, hereby notifies to all persons, firms and corporations having claims against said Estate to present them to the undersigned on or before October 7, 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 3th day of July, 2013. Marvenia P. York, Co-Executrix 1015 Wilkerson St., Belmont, NC 28012 and Marvin J. Pope, Jr., Co-Executor 2015 Rankin Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056 and Marie M. Anders, Atty. For Co-Executors 124 W. Catawba Ave. Mt. Holly, NC 28120 BN10540 (7/03, 10, 17 & 24/13)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of William Marshall Rumfelt, 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 10th day of October, 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 10th day of July, 2013. Kathy Rumfelt Bailey, Executrix ESTATE of: William Marshall Rumfelt 808 Martha’s View Dr. Huntersville, NC 28078 BN10541 (7/10, 17, 24 & 31/13)
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified as Co-Executrixes of the Estate of Rachel H. Jenkins, aka; Rachel Hardin Jenkins, 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 26th day of September, 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 26th day of June, 2013. Sybil J. Hicks, Co-Executrix ESTATE of: Rachel H. Jenkins, aka; Rachel Hardin Jenkins, 80 Jon Jeff Dr. Lilburn, GA. 30047 and Susan L. Black, Co-Executrix ESTATE of: Rachel H. Jenkins, aka; Rachel Hardin Jenkins, 1459 Angela Court Lincolnton, NC 28092 BN10538 (6/26, 7/03,10 & 17/13)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of William Rollen Felton, aka: William R. Felton, 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 3rd day of October, 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 3rd day of July, 2013. Jimmy A. Felton, Executor ESTATE of: William Rollen Felton, aka: William R. Felton 191 Smith Clemmer Rd. Mt. Holly, NC 28120 BN10539 (7/03,10 & 17 & 24/13)
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified as Executor of the Estate of Lizzie Jane Hayes, 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 10th day of October, 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 10th day of July, 2013. Elbert Moser Vassey, Executor ESTATE of: Lizzie Jane Hayes PO Box 125, Alexis, NC 28006 BN10542 (7/10, 17, 24 & 31/13)
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STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS Having qualified as Executrix of the Estate of Irvin Thomas Garrett, 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 10th day of October, 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 10th day of July, 2013. Alma T. Garrett, Executrix ESTATE of: Irvin Thomas Garrett 1924 Chesterfield Drive Belmont, NC 28012 BN10543 (7/10,17, 24 & 31/13)
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
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â– SPORTS
Baesball fever hits Stanley
David Thompson and Carley Kimbel
Levi Summey of Stanley singing the National Anthem Stanley’s new Harper Park is hosting the North Carolina State Tournament for AAA Dixie Youth Baseball this week. The tournament opening ceremony was last Friday at 8 p.m. NC State and NBA basketball legend David Thompson was the speaker. Fireworks
Savannah Baldwin of Stanley
concluded the ceremony. Sixteen teams are competing for the state championship, which will be decided on Saturday, June 20. Hundreds of hotel rooms are booked throughout Gaston County. Stanley Parks & Recreation Direc-
tor Tug Deason is credited with bringing the tournament for Stanley and generating major economic development opportunities for restaurants, retailers, hotels and motels and other businesses in the region. photos by Bill Ward
MASON: a different kind of sea story From page 8A from Tokyo, one of the biggest wrestling cities in the world. When Mason wasn’t doing his naval duties he was back in the ring. This time with one of Japan’s premier wrestling companies, The Social Pro Wrestling Federation. The SPWF was the big time. While wrestling in Tokyo Mason got to wrestle against some of the top wrestlers in Japan. He also got to wrestle at own of Japan’s top sporting venues, the Tokyo Dome. There he got to show his stuff in front of over 60,000 fans. For his stint in Japan, Mason picked up a new gimmick. “I was The Deuce.� Mason said. “This time I got to be the bad guy.� No matter where you are 99.9% of all wrestling matches outcome is predetermined. The level of precision can determine if a wrestler gets hurt for real. Mason recalled that in the US the wrestlers went with the moves. In Japan the style was stiffer. “In Japan the wrestling style was more physical,� he said. “But, the money was also better.� While wrestling in Japan Mason could expect garner anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for a single match. Another aspect of Japan-
#77 Jack McCall of Stanley
Belmont Parks and Recreation signups YOUTH BASESBALL Belmont Parks & Recreation Department is holding registration for Youth Baseball for ages 6-14 from Monday July 15 to Saturday July 27 on a first come first serve basis. The registration fee is $50 in city, $75 out of city. You can signup online at www.cityofbelmont.org or at the recreation dept. located at 37 East Woodrow Ave in Belmont. For more information please call 704-901-2070, email gaguirre@cityofbelmont.org, or visit baseball website at www.leaguelineup.com/belmontbaseball.
Contributed Photo
Edward “The Deuce� Mason eggs on a crowd at a wrestling event in Japan in the mid 90’s. Mason “played� a bad guy to the delight of the Japanese fans. ese wrestling focused on the Japanese custom of respect. In the US wrestlers would tear each other up before, during, and after a bout. In Japan the fans expected something a little different. “The culture is different,� he said. “After the match they wanted everyone to shake hands. In Japan is wasn’t uncommon to see people wearing a suit and tie to the matches,� Mason said. “The crowds were more subdued. They weren’t a violent crowd.� While in Japan, Mason enjoyed a respectable level
of success. He even had his own wrestling trading cards with his picture on it,and focused in numerous Japanese wrestling magazines. After his tour in Japan ended in 1995 Mason came back to the states. While stationed in California he wrestled briefly for California Championship Wrestling. After California, he went back to where it all began: Pensacola, Florida. There he ended his wrestling career. In all, Mason wrestled for 16 years. In that time he got to do what many American guys would only dream of
doing: wrestle in the square circle. Now Mason has traded in his naval uniform and wrestling tights for police blue. Cpl. Mason still tells a sea stories from time to time. Anyone listening will have to wonder if he is stretching the truth. But that’s to be expected since any other story he tells won’t be backed up by a trading card or articles in magazines written in Japanese.
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YOUTH SOCCER Belmont Parks & Recreation Department is holding registration for Youth Soccer for ages 3-15 (including a U10 all girls league) from Monday July 15 to Saturday August 10 on a first come first serve basis. The registration fee is $50 in city, $75 out of city. Signups will be taken online at www.cityofbelmont.org or at the recreation dept. located at 37 East Woodrow Ave in Belmont. For more information please call 704-901-2070, email gaguirre@cityofbelmont.org, or visit our soccer website at www.leaguelineup.com/belmontsoccer. YOUTH GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Belmont Parks & Recreation Department is holding registration for Youth Girls’ Volleyball for ages 9-15 from Monday July 15 to Saturday August 10 on a first come first serve basis. The registration fee is $50 in city, $75 out of city. Signups will be taken online at www.cityofbelmont.org or at the recreation dept. located at 37 East Woodrow Ave in Belmont. For more information please call 704-901-2070, email gaguirre@cityofbelmont.org, or visit our volleyball website at www.leaguelineup.com/belmontvolleyball. ADULT SOCCER Belmont Parks & Recreation Department is holding registration for Adult Soccer from Thursday August 1 to Friday August 30 on a first come first serve basis. The registration team fee is $325 out of city, $275 in city. The individual fee is $40 out of city, $35 in city. Signups will be taken at the recreation dept. located at 37 East Woodrow Ave in Belmont. For more information please call 704-901-2070, email gaguirre@cityofbelmont.org, or visit our soccer website at www.leaguelineup.com/belmontsoccer.
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Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Photo by Alan Hodge
Musket and cannon smoke filled the air during the Battle of Gettysburg reenactment grand finale fight on Sunday, July 7. Over 6,000 Union and Confederate reenactors took part in this fight recreating Pickett’s Charge.
DUCKWORTH: brothers battle at Gettysburg From page 1A the reenactment week was muggy with temperatures around 90 degrees and everyone felt it. “It was hot, but being used to good old North Carolina humidity we braved the heat as best we could in our wool uniforms,� Brian said. “The heat played heavy on many of the reenactors, but in a sense, I felt like I had lost some of my comrades in arms and this was my first feeling im-
mersed in this event.� During the battle reenactments, Brian received a special assignment. “Our Major informed us that the final battle on Sunday, Pickett’s Charge, called for a hand-picked company of 100 men,� he said. “These men would be the best from all of the Confederate ranks represented during the weekend and would portray General Lewis Armistead’s men who went over the wall at Gettysburg during the final charge on
July 3, 1863. Standing in silence they began to pick NCOs or officers from our group and my name was drawn to be a corporal of this company. Again, I fought back tears as I knew I had a very important assignment to carry out. What a great honor it was to be chosen from among my friends to represent these men who went before us in this great charge. The assignment weighed on me that night, but I was greeted to a beautiful sunrise the next morn-
Photo by Alan Hodge
Boys from Lincoln and Gaston County representing the 28th NC at Gettysburg. From leftAustin Taylor, Scott Bumgardner, Joey Duckworth, John Seagle, Brian Duckworth, Brian Hovis, David Harrill, John Hovis, and Gary Byrd.
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ng and knew I would do my best to make my great-great grandpa proud.� Brian described the realistic action of the Pickett’s Charge scenario that was played out in front of 50,000 spectators on Sunday, July 7. “The artillery barrage began and I gathered canteens and filled them up for my comrades for one last rest before we prepared for the assault,� he said. “Our company went forward behind the other units representing Pickett’s Virginians with Lewis Armistead as our general. We obliqued or marched at a left 45 degree angle several times. Joey was picked to carry the 28th NC battle flag and at one moment I looked up and shouted to the boys that, ‘My brother is carrying the colors forward up there!’ When we were within rifle range we fired one volley as our other Confederates were hitting the Emmittsburg road fence. ‘Casualties’ mounted heavily as we made our way to the fence. As a corporal I have to keep the battle line straight. I hollered for my company to keep dressed and they did so in almost perfect order. We made it to the Emmittsburg Road fence and got around it and the time for our casualties in our company to take hits began.
Photo by Alan Hodge
A section of the 140 or so cannons that were fired during the 150th anniversary Battle of Gettysburg reenactment engagements fires a barrage at Union troops on Sunday, July 7 leading up to the Pickett’s Charge scenario. We began to lose men as the Union musketry and artillery increased. At one point, a Confederate came running toward us screaming to go back. Immediately looked at my line and yelled at the others to not listen to him. Then, my time had come to take a hit and I went down with a wound in my left forearm just as my greatgreat-grandpa did in the real battle. I crawled away to avoid being captured, but looked up just in time to see General Armistead go over the wall with some of my comrades. I was within about 30 feet in front of the wall. I got up and began to stagger back and one of my comrades in the 28th NC saw me and ran to my aid. He grabbed my musket and helped me hobble towards Seminary Ridge.� Joey was also in the thick of the battle action. “For Sunday’s reenactment of Pickett’s Charge I was sent to the color guard to carry the reproduction flag of the 28th North Carolina into the battle,� he said. “A flag bearer in the Civil War was the rally man of the regiment and had to inspire the men in the ranks to keep moving forward even when they faced certain death. During our reenactment of Pickett’s Charge we made it to the fenceline marking Emmitsburg road where the Confederates came in rifle range of the Union forces at the stone wall. Here I climbed the fence and yelled ‘Come on boys!’ and spurred the guys near me to attempt to push the whole fence over. The Union reenactors were very
respectful towards us Confederates. One Yankee sergeant even moved the flag I was carrying out of the way on the field as they marched over me after I had went down during the battle.� No sooner had the recreated Pickett’s Charge been completed than the weather unleashed its own fury in a driving rainstorm. Spectators and reenactors alike were drenched, but everyone knew the day had been a memorable, and historic, one. “Marching back to camp, I felt the full sorrow of the Confederate loss here, much as my ancestor probably did,� said Brian. “The rain was eerily similar to the forecast back in 1863. But, with a little pride, I hoped I honored my ancestor as best I could and I take with me a memorable trip with my brother that we will probably never forget. It is this reason we keep our history and our heritage alive so that others will understand why we go to these great lengths to tell their (our ancestor’s) story.� Joey echoed Brian’s sentiments. “It is very special to honor our ancestors by bringing their stories to life and I hope to continue encouraging others to look up their ancestry and to realize that no one is here by coincidence,� he said. “It is also special in remembering that we became a better and reconciled nation because of our civil war.� Interested in joining the 28th? Visit the unit website at www.yadkinstars.org
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