Cherryville Eagle 12-21-22

Ministerial group unveils, dedicates Prayer Box on December 13

Prayer box located across the street from Cherryville Distributing, beside Brunner Automotive

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

A group of Cherryville ministers, laypersons, and interested individuals met last Tuesday morning, Dec. 13, to unveil and dedicate a

prayer box they hope (and pray, of course!) will be a great help to folks in this little town who are need of assistance from above, and maybe elsewhere as well.

David Whitesides, St. John’s Lutheran Church of Cherryville’s Youth and Family Director, who works with the Cherryville Ministerial Association, said the Prayer Box Unveiling Ceremony finally came to fruition after many decisions and location changes.

See PRAYER, Page 2

Former Chief Jenks recognized at Dec. 12 Council meeting

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

C herryville’s City Council regular session of last Monday, Dec. 12, had a number of items to vote on and discuss, which began after they approved the previous agenda and the previous agenda minutes and closed session minutes from November.

In Mayor Beam’s comme nts, he noted how the city’s staff and employees have all been very busy since See JENKS, Page 2

International company Piedmont Lithium opens Cherryville office

New Sheriff Chad Hawkins sworn in at Dec. 5 Commissioner’s meeting

Brown,

Board

5, organizational meeting of the Gaston County Commissioners. Looking on were his family and outgoing Gaston County Sheriff Alan Cloninger.

Also at its annual organizational meeting, the Gaston County Board of Commissioners selected Riverbend Township Commissioner Chad Brown to serve as the board Chairman for 2023.

See MEETING, Page 6

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

On Monday, Dec. 12, Piedmont Lithium opened a branch office in Cherryville in the newly redone Belk Building, located on Main Street.

Piedmont, listed as “…a leading global developer of lithium resources critical to the U.S. electric vehicle supply chain,” announced the opening of a new office at 116 E Main St., Suite 100, adding in a media release, “The space will serve as a hub for community engagement related to our proposed

Carolina Lithium project as well as the headquarters for the Piedmont Lithium Foundation: Power for Life.” They will still maintain their office in Belmont, N.C., as well, said Chief Administrative Officer, Krishna “Kris” Y. McVey.

The event – a ribbon-cutting ceremony – was hosted by the Cherryville Chamber of Commerce and attended by chamber officials, elected officials of Cherryville, and other key members of the community. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of a facsimile check for $10,000 to the Cherryville High School Education Foundation, received by its representative, Ms. Nan Davis.

The special gift/donation, noted Ms. McVey and Ms. Davis, provides “…support (for) the group’s 2023 operating budget.” Ms. Davis also noted that CHSEF has,

Welcoming PL to the historical Cherryville downtown location was Mayor H.L. Beam, III, who said, “Thank you for choosing us

Chamber Board President Pete

also welcomed

company to Cherryville’s Main Street. He introduced Downtown Director David Day, who See LITHIUM, Page 4

Regular session work also wraps up four zoning issues before holiday season

Cherryville High School Education Foundation receives check for $10,000 from lithium company

since CHSEF’s inception in 2010, awarded “close to $400,000” to help and support the high school’s teachers.

and being willing to answer all our questions about the planned project.”

Craft

the mining

City Manager Brian Dalton and the Council recognize former CPD Chief Cam Jenks with a plaque at the Dec. 12 regular session. With former Chief Jenks are his family; wife, Ashley and son, Aiden. (photo by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

St. John’s Lutheran’s Youth and Family Director, David Whitesides, takes a “selfie” of him and the other pastors and laypersons who came out on Tuesday morning, Dec. 13 to pray over and bless the new Prayer Box, located on Main St reet. (photo provided)

The Monday, Dec. 12 ribbon cutting at the new Piedmont Lithium Cherryville branch office at 116 E. Main Street. CAO Kris McVey cuts the ceremonial ribbon. COO Patrick Brindle (in green shirt) stands to Ms. McVey’s right, as a host of Cherryville

Hovis to again lead 2023

of Commissioners

Former Cherryville and Belmont Police Chief Chad Hawkins was sworn in and pinned at the Monday, Dec.

New Gaston County Sheriff Chad Hawkins is pinned at the Monday, Dec. 5 Commissioner’s meeting as his family members look on. (photo provided)

Piedmont Lithium’s COO Patrick Brindle (right) speaks at the ribbon cutting on Monday, Dec. 12 of the company’s new office location on Main Street, in downtown Cherryville. With him are Cherryville Mayor H.L. Beam, III (left) and Chamber Board Chairman Pete Craft (center).

OBITUARIES

with her daughters by her side. She was born Dec. 17, 1945, in Wise County, Virginia, to the late Dewey and Pearl Sturgill.

Rose was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She always made time for everyone, providing support and love.

Rose Mary Navey

Rose Mary Sturgill Swindall Navey, 76, of

JENKS

From Page 1

the November meeting.

“I want to thank (Downtown Director) David Day and (Chamber Director) Mary Beth Tackett as well as all those who worked on finishing the lighting and getting that up for the holidays,” Mr. Beam said. “Also, a sincere and well-deserved thanks to Mr. Gary Dellinger as well for all of his hard work.”

Mayor Beam talked about his attending the ribbon cutting last week for the CaroMont Urgent Care Center and how the huge crowd on hand were treated to a guided tour of the new facility.

“We wish them success in the future here in Cherryville and I thanked them for choosing Cherryville as the new home for their urgent care center,” he said.

Mayor Beam said he felt Who-Ville and the Christmas Parade had some of the largest crowds the town has seen in a while, with perhaps as many as 5,000 in attendance for Who-Ville.

“Of course, the main attraction for everyone for the Christmas Parade was Old Saint Nick,” said Mayor Beam, who closed his comments section by saying, “On behalf of the City Council and our City staff, we wish all of our citizens a

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, John Swindall and Charles Navey; granddaughter, Cortney Dover; six sisters, and three brothers.

Rose is survived by her daughters, Lisa Swindall

grandchildren, Greyson John Dover, Ashlyn Rose Presson, Matthew David Greene, and Joshua Ryan Greene; three brothers; one sister; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

For those whose lives Rose touched, you are invited to her Celebration of Life on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at 2 p.m., at Carpenter – Porter Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Make a Wish Foundation.

Condolences may be made to www.carpenterporter.com.

Carpenter – Porter Funeral and Cremation service served the family of Mrs.

■ POLICE

ARRESTS

12-09: Joshua Cody Ayers, 22, 1052 QMYS End Trail, Cherryville; misdemeanor trespass, 2nd degree and RDO. No bond type/amt. listed.

12-12: Amanda Ruth Brewington, 32, 105 Black Ave., Cherryville; felony B&E & larceny from a motor vehicle, and misdemeanor conspiracy. $5,000 secured bond.

INCIDENTS

12-9: Cherryville laundry reports 2nd degree trespass; RDO by listed suspect who trespassed on property. Closed/ cleared by arrest.

12-10: Cherryville fast food restaurant employee reports CFS/barring notice on unnamed subject who was not wanted on their property. Closed/cleared by other means.

12-11: Cherryville woman reports call for service because her residence burned. No injuries reported. Case is active.

12-11: CPD officer reports possession of methamphetamine; possession of drug paraphernalia; and CFS/safekeeping by listed suspect who possessed illegal narcotics. Seized: 0.01 gram/methamphetamine; 30

grams/fentanyl; and 4 dosage units of an unknown type drug. Also seized: one silicone container; two digital scales; and one firearm (Stevens 320). Est. value of all seized items: $203. Case is active and under further investigation.

12-11: Shelby woman reports larceny of a motor vehicle; B&E/motor vehicle; and conspiracy by listed suspect. Subject’s vehicle was stolen from Walmart parking lot. Est. value of stolen item: $1,400. Case is active and under further investigation.

12-14: Lincolnton woman reports obtaining of property by false pretenses by listed subject who sold an iPhone that was not hers. Est. value of iPhone (13 Pro Max): $1,300. Case is active and under further investigation.

WRECKS

CORRECTED 11-30: A vehicle driven by Phebe Black Beam, 68, 1104 N. Mountain St., Cherryville, and a vehi-

light. The Jackson vehicle then struck the Beam vehicle in the side and spun it around. The Beam vehicle then struck the pole. No injuries reported. Est. damages to the Beam vehicle: $5,000; to the Jackson vehicle: $2,000. The Jackson vehicle was towed by KT Towing to KT Towing.

12-7: A vehicle driven by Kelly McRae, Jr., 55, 109 Embert Ln. Mobile Park, #26, Shelby, told the responding officer he dozed off at the wheel while driving, which is when he collided with a vehicle driven by Chris Allen King, 44, 1207 Boyd Rd., Gastonia, that had stopped for a red light. No injuries reported. Mr. McRae was cited for having no OL. The McRae vehicle was towed by McDaniel’s Towing to McDaniel’s Towing.

12-14: A vehicle driven by JaNarius DeShawn Hopper, 18, 200 Black Rock School Rd., Cherryville, and a vehicle

to be heard that night, so Mayor Beam moved on the recognition of former Cherryville Chief of Police, R. Cameron “Cam” Jenks and his family’ wife, Ashely and son, Aiden.

Jenks, who left the CPD to take a position with the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office last week, came up and accepted his plaque from City Manager Brian Dalton and thanked the City, the Council, and all the City staff with whom he worked for the last 20-plus years.

“I also want to say a word of thanks to all my fellow officers and staff at the City PD for being the greatest group of folks to work with ever,” said Jenks.

“They are a great group of professionals who give their all in what they do, every day.”

Afterwards, Council heard from City Planning and Zoning Director Alex Blackburn about four issues concerning a special use permit for property at 230 Dick Beam Road (allowing a granite counter top business to open); a rezoning of property located on the corner of S. Mountain St., and S. Pink St., from general manufacturing and commercial (GMC) to residential (R-9); consideration of setting a public hearing for the Jan. 9, 2023 Council regular session (a proposed text amendment for the consideration of permitting food trucks to be included in the zoning ordinance;

ing for a zoning text amendment for clarification of the special use process. Council members heard from Mr. Blackburn on all these P&Z issues and approved setting the public hearings for two of the items for the Jan. 9 regular session. Regarding the rezoning of the property on the corner of S. Mountain and S. Pink St., Council approved the rezoning of the property.

City Clerk Paige Green spoke to Council about a considered amendment to the City’s cemetery fees. Council voted to approve the amendment.

Council also voted to approve the resolution accepting $300,000 of the American Rescue Plan Grant as read and talked about by City Manager Brian Dalton until the next work session.

After some discussion about the updated information on the National League of Cities Water Line Warranty, Council voted to table deciding about accepting the National League of cities Water Line Warranty until the next work session. There was some discussion about how citizens might perceive or understand what is being offered to them regarding the proposed program.

In other business Council voted to cancel the Dec. 22 work session.

In closing, Mayor Beam and the Council said they and the City staff wanted to wish everyone in Cherryville a very merry Christ-

PRAYER

From Page 1

Whitesides noted that with all the construction downtown, the final date and spot for the box have been, as he termed it, “…a moving target.” He was very glad when he and a small group of likeminded folks came together on Main Street that morning to say a prayer, offer some education and history, sing a song, and bless the Prayer Box.

Noting this is the same Community Prayer Box the Eagle did a story on in the past he said he thought it best to wait until after that Main Street project was complete before putting it up.

Said Whitesides, “My initial idea for the Community Prayer Box was not for it to be located on any one church property for concerns of being accessible by only the members of that church. The idea is to have The Prayer Box accessible to all – any and every one, including visitors – that have a prayer, words of thanksgiving, concerns for health and wellbeing for others and their community, and/or world, with their being totally anonymous if they choose. Also, to have real, local pastors and their congregations and community members pray over their words. Simply put, if you believe in the power of prayer then use the box! There is a saying on

the box, ‘Worry about nothing and pray for everything!’ I love that saying; it is such a powerful and yet simple thing to do.”

David said he didn’t all the work on the box, adding he only had an idea and spoke about it.

“Then it happened, with help from some wonderful members of our community,” he noted, adding, “I owe a great amount of gratitude to all that helped me with this project. Cherryville’s Community Ministerial Association gave their blessings and helped with the installation ceremony. Glenn Clark of Clark’s Wood Working supplied the cedar wood, the construction of the cross and an old mailbox.”

He continued, “Ferguson ACE Hardware helped me obtain primer, paint, and knowledge that I used to repurpose the old mailbox. Chelsea Anness did the artwork on the Prayer Box. Brunner Automotive donated concrete and assistance. Damian of Cochrane Construction helped with the secure placement of the Prayer Box structure. Heath Jackson of Jackson’s Plumbing helped. Mr. Phil Camp donated the plot of land we used. Most importantly, our community members here in Cherryville, inspired me to do this project.

Great people live here!”

Whitesides said the Dec. 13, ceremony included several local pastors and commu-

nity members singing songs, sending prayers, blessing the prayer box and location, and showing how to use the prayer box.

David said permission was granted to put the box up where it is now by Mr. Phil Camp, who gave permission to place the prayer box on his property across the street from Cherryville Distributing and right beside Brunner Automotive, close to the intersection of Pink and Main Streets.

David said he feels the current location has the best views of any of the other proposed locations on Main Street.

“Other locals have approached me with ideas of putting up some park benches behind the prayer box for a good place to rest and enjoy our beautifully renovated downtown area,” he said.

As for who will see the prayer requests and who will pray over them, David noted, “This is not a project that had that much prior working knowledge or that needs it. As of now the prayer box will be monitored (and) the amount of its use will be used to build a standard of guidelines that we will go by. Trial by fire, so to speak. But once the prayers are collected one pastor, or a group of pastors, from the Cherryville Ministerial Association will pray over them.”

Meeting schedule for Cherryville New Year’s Shooters

Rusty Wise, Secretary, Cherryville New Year’s Shooters Inc., said that the group’s 2022-23 meeting/ events schedule for the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters is: (last meeting before shoot) Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 6 p.m., at the Cherryville American Le-

gion Post 100 building, 215 N. Pink St., Cherryville.

On Friday, Dec. 30, at 6 p.m., at the Pythians Lodge, 125 Fish Camp Rd., Cherryville, they will have drawings for the Musket Raffle, food etc.).

On Monday, Jan. 2,

2023, at 12 a.m., Sunday night, at Black’s Grill, they shoot in the New Year 2023!

On Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, at 6 p.m., will be the 2023 Annual Host Dinner, at Cherryville American Legion Post 100.

Former CPD Chief Cam Jenks shows off his plaque of appreciation at last Monday night’s (Dec. 12) City Council regular session. With him are his wife, Ashley and their son, Aiden. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

Former CPD Chief Cam Jenks speaks to and thanks the Cherryville City Council for his appreciation award, given to him Monday, Dec. 12, at the City Council’s regular session. With him are wife, Ashley, and son, Aiden.

Newell Brands announces

investment at Gateway 85 in Gaston County

The Gaston County Economic Development Commission is pleased to announce that Newell Brands recently signed a lease at Gateway 85 Business Park in Gaston County. Newell will occupy 1.5 million square feet for warehouse and product distribution for several of the company’s businesses including brands like Rubbermaid, Mr. Coffee, Oster, Calphalon, and Sunbeam. The company, along with NorthPoint Development, is making a total investment of $135 million.

“Newell Brands is looking forward to joining the Gaston County community and we look forward to the opening of our new facility in spring 2023,” said Andrew Maze, Vice President, Distribution & Transportation at Newell Brands.

“This is a significant investment for Gaston County, the city of Lowell and the city of Gastonia. We are pleased to welcome a fortune 500 company to Gaston County,” Chad Brown, Chairman, Gaston County

Board of Commissioners said. “We welcome Newell Brands and are proud they have chosen Gaston County as the location of choice for their investment.”

Brown went on to say that bringing in companies like Newell Brands is a win for the community because their high standards for their workforce meshes perfectly with quality of employee Gaston County can provide. He was particularly impressed with Newell Brands’ long history of success and believes their decision to come to Gaston County will only continue to further that success.

“I am proud to welcome Newell Brands to the City of Lowell,” said Sandy Railey, Mayor of Lowell. This investment in our city is a great asset to the community and our tax base. I have preached the need for a diversified tax base in Lowell, and with the departure of the textile industry, this is a much-needed relief to our City because it provides the support of shouldering the tax burden

from our citizens, onto our corporate partners. This allows the City Council to perform our fiscal responsibility while maintaining a low tax rate. I want to thank the Lowell City Council for believing in Lowell and making this project become a reality. I also want to acknowledge the important efforts of the City of Gastonia City Council, Gaston County Board of Commissioners, and the Gaston County Economic

Development Commission. This team made Gateway 85 a reality.”

“The City of Gastonia is fast becoming an optimal location for warehousing and distribution facilities that complement the City’s rich industrial history,” said Mayor Walker Reid. “We are excited to welcome Newell Brands and thank the company for choosing Gateway 85. The City looks forward to partnering with them and

bringing jobs and investment to Gastonia.”

“As Chairman of the Gaston County Economic Development Commission, I want to welcome Newell Brands to our community. I am grateful for their investment which will create quality jobs for the residents of Gaston County,” said Mrs. Julie Roper, Chair of the Gaston County Economic Development Commission.

The Gaston County Eco-

nomic Development Commission would like to thank our partners in the successful location of Newell Brands – the Gaston County Board of Commissioners, the City Council of Lowell, the City Council of Gastonia, NorthPoint Development, and JLL.

Additional information about Newell Brands are available on the company’s website, www.newellbrands. com.

that is made in America

As a global, multi-asset lithium business headquartered in Gaston County, we are proud to call North Carolina home

Looking back on 2022, we are grateful for many achievements, but none are more important than the relationships we have built in this community

We are thankful for the support of friends and the good work of community partners, and we look forward to all that we can achieve together in 2023

To learn more about Piedmont Lithium, visit: piedmontlithium.com

Rain AM Showers/WindMostly Sunny Sunny Partly Cloudy

Piedmont Lithium is working hard toward supplying the U.S. electric vehicle industry with lithium

From our family to yours, Piedmont Lithium sends you the warmest winter wishes for a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Newell Brands recently signed a lease at Gateway 85 Business Park in Gaston County. (Photo provided)

State board certifies 2022 election results

by DONNA KING Carolina Journal

The State Board of Elections recently unanimously certified the results of the 2022 general election in North Carolina. The certification means that the board members are confident that the votes cast on Nov. 8 have been counted and tabulated correctly.

The final canvass report from the state board shows that more than 3.79 million votes were cast with a 51 percent voter turnout. For 2022, there were nearly twice as many absentee-by-mail ballots cast as there were in 2018; 187,600 this year compared to 97,500 four years ago.

Of the total ballots cast, 2 million were cast during one-stop early voting from Oct. 20 to Nov. 5.

According to a press release from the NCSBE, each of the state’s 100 county boards of elections certified results at the county level and after a series of post-election audits by election officials verified the counts.

“After extremely hard work by county elections offices across North Carolina, today we made sure that the votes of 3.8 million North Carolinians counted in 2022,” said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections.

In six close races across

the state, county boards of elections conducted machine recounts. The board reported that there were differences in some counts but no changes in winners. Three of those recounted races were for Watauga County board of commissioners, where all three Republicans prevailed, but one by just seven (7) votes.

In the race for Superior Court judge in Mecklenburg County, Republican Matt Osman led Democrat incumbent Kimberly Best by just 77 votes. In addition to the machine recount, a partial hand-eye count of that contest confirmed the winner with no change in results. Over the summer, Best was involved in a news-making altercation in the parking lot of the county courthouse.

State law requires that, ahead of certifying results, each county elections board is required to hold public meetings where they audit results from two randomly selected groups.

In 158 precincts officials hand counted Election Day results of the U.S. Senate race and 28 early voting sites. Fourteen counties conducted a hand count of all absentee-by-mail ballots they accepted.

Of the 200 audited races, 181 showed that the hand and machine counts were identical. According to the NCSBE, 19 audits showed discrepancies by an aver-

age difference of 2.3 votes. The state board reports that most differences could be attributed to human errors during the hand-eye audit itself, or to voters who did not fill in the bubbles completely.

“These audits and recounts once again showed that voters can trust the certified and tested voting equipment to accurately count ballots in North Carolina elections,” Brinson Bell said.

The NCSBE will issue certificates of election to the prevailing candidates in six days, unless an election protest is pending.

There is also a protest underway in Forsyth County, where county Republicans say it was improper that poll workers were unable to shut down voting machines on the evening of Nov. 8. Across the county, all 108 precincts' machines were set up to require a code to shut them down and tabulate the votes. Workers did not have the code for about an hour after the polls closed.

Forsyth County GOP chair Kenneth Raymond filed the protest, saying that it was a security breach and results could have been tampered with during that hour.

Still ahead, there is a run-off for the Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education District 8 seat on Dec. 6.

LITHIUM

From Page 1 spoke briefly, saying, “We are excited to have you here, and glad to have you all as another one of the 15 to 16 new businesses now located on Main Street.”

Next up was Piedmont Chief Operating Officer Patrick Brindle, who welcomed everyone for coming out. He said the Company is pleased to open office space near its proposed Carolina Lithium project.

“Although we have our headquarters in Belmont,

N.C., it’s important for us have to a strong presence in Cherryville as we invest in the region and progress in our plans for Carolina Lithium. We are excited about this new home for our community engagement and philanthropic activities,” he said.

Brindle noted also Piedmont plans to invest nearly $1 billion to build the proposed Carolina Lithium project as a fully integrated operation within the renowned Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt. That project is expected, as was noted in the company’s media release, “…to be one of the most sustainable lith-

ium hydroxide operations in the world. Carolina Lithium is being designed to produce 30,000 metric tons of lithium hydroxide per year when fully operational while providing more than 420 direct jobs to the region.”

Piedmont – founded in 2016, said Brindle, – has as its goal “…to obtain primary construction and operating permits as well as necessary approvals for Carolina Lithium in 2023, commence construction in 2024, and begin production of spodumene concentrate and lithium hydroxide in 2026.”

Traditional New Year’s Shooter’s Meeting dates

The Cherryville High School Education Foundation’s representative Ms. Nan Davis accepts the facsimile check for $10,000 from Piedmont Lithium’s CAO Kris McVey.

Some spodumene core samples and other items relative to the lithium mining process were displayed on a table in the new Piedmont Lithium office during the Monday, Dec. 12 ribbon cutting.

The inside of the new Piedmont Lithium office in downtown Cherryville, located at 116 E. Main St., in the newly redone Belk Building. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

The Traditional New Year’s Shooters group will have their meetings at Hugh’s Pond Volunteer Fire Depart-

ment on the following date: Dec. 27. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Dues will be collected and powder and caps sold at

that time. If questions, please visit their Facebook page at Cherryville Traditional New Year’s Shooters.

NCSBE Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell swearing in NCBSE Chairman Damon Circosta in August, 2019. Source: NCSBE Facebook) (photo provided)

John 9:4-6 – “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man

with the clay. Our lives are busy and often our chaotic schedules, especially during this time of year, cause us to overlook those around us. As followers of Jesus, we are placed where we can recognize brokenness and to do something about it. We must slow down because people cannot and should not be ignored.

One day Jesus saw a man who was born blind. At that time, people believed that if someone had a physical ailment,

Shining Lights

O how beautiful the lights are during the Christmas season. My family and I enjoy driving down neighborhoods looking for the best light displays. We often notice that some people are very extravagant and creative with their decorations. In fact, I often wonder how many hours it took them to hang up all those lights, and how much money their electric bill will be after the season is over. Not only are my family and I out and about, but I’ve seen many people taking their children or their spouses to see the light displays. It’s funny how we are drawn to light. I believe God wired us that way, because God is light. I John 1:5 (AMP) “This is the message [of God’s promised revelation] which we have heard from Him and now announce to you, that God is Light [He is holy, His message is truthful, He is perfect in righteousness], and in Him there is no darkness at all [no sin, no wickedness, no imperfection].”

Light Bearers

Although people spend a lot of time decorating their house for others to admire, how much time should we spend allowing our personal lives to shine the light of Christ to others? Revealing a radiant smile, mentoring a child, or paying for a stranger’s groceries are all ways to shine the light. This dark world is in need of light bearers. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT) “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

The Brightest Light Jesus is the light of the world, and he is the brightest light that has ever been shown. In fact, when Jesus was transfigured in front of his disciples, I can only imagine how bright and glorious he became, pure light shining through his body. Matthew 17:1-2 (NLT) states, “Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.” Now that was a spectacular light show!

PRAY THIS PRAYER: “ Lord, you are the Father of Lights, full of glory. I praise you for who you are to me. Forgive me when I have allowed darkness to invade my space, instead of pushing back the darkness. As I observe the light displays, please remind me that I am a light display for your kingdom, and that people are watching me . May I spend enough time soaking in your Presence until I am shining brightly with your love. Help me to represent you well In Jesus’ name - Amen.”

the person’s parents must have committed some sin to bring forth such a punishment for their child. Yet Jesus stated that neither the man nor his parents had done anything to deserve blindness. Jesus then healed the man of this malady that had afflicted him since birth.

In this instance, Jesus revealed His heart for people. In the midst of His busy day, Jesus stopped to care for the blind man.

Jesus showed His disciples what it looks like to be the light. He saw a need and He stepped up to help. What does it look like for Christians today to do the

same?

As Christians we may not be able to heal blinded eyes, but we can share the good news of the One Who can. We can also share the light of Jesus by simply meeting a small need or lending an ear to someone that is hurting or taking the time to pray with someone who is down.

May we ask God to give us the heart of Jesus, to care for people even in the midst of our busy schedules, so that people can be drawn to the light of Jesus wherever we go.

Connect with faith this season

Reading scripture can be an integral part of participating in one’s religion and bringing a faithful community together. Scripture is an essential component of weekly faith services, but the Bible can be embraced any day of the week.

Many may be surprised to discover that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt first declared the week of Thanksgiving as National Bible Week in 1941. National Bible Week encourages people to read the Bible or listen to its verses. The event is sponsored by the National Bible Association and the US Catholic Council of Bishops. National Bible Week 2019 marks the 78th commemoration of the event.

The timing of National Bible Week was perhaps intentional. The end of November marks the beginning of the season of thanks, faith and family. It’s a time of year full of community- and family-centric holidays. Incorporating faith into the mix can make the celebrations even more complete.

Even though National Bible Week may have a decidedly

Cherryville Area Places of Worship

Christian slant, people of all religions can choose to rekindle or fully embrace their respective faiths and make them a priority this time of year. The following are just a few ways to be more faithful in honor of this event.

• Pair youth with older adults and encourage them to read religious passages together.

• Attend a religious service one or more times during National Bible Week and throughout the holiday season.

• Choose a favorite piece of scripture and share with others why it is so meaningful to you.

• Get a head start on the Christmas season by rediscovering Biblical passages that refer to the birth of Jesus Christ.

• Visit services with a member of a different religion and learn about their texts and traditions.

• Share God’s word in social media or exemplify it by being more patient, loving and supportive of people in your community.

Anthony Grove Baptist Church 100 Anthony Grove Road Crouse, NC 704-435-6001

Bess Chapel United Methodist Church 6073 Flay Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-7969

Bethlehem United Methodist Church 6753 NC 182 Highway Cherryville, NC 704-435-1608

Blessed Hope Baptist Church 3357 Fallston-Waco Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-8530

Body of Christ Fellowship Center 405 S. Cherokee Street Cherryville, NC www.bodyofchrist7.com

Calvary Way Holiness Church 1017 Second Street Cherryville, NC Pastor Clifton Morgan Cherryville Church of God 810 East Main Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-2275

Cherryville Missionary Methodist Church 318 W. Ballard Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6934

Emmanuel Baptist Church 1155 Marys Grove Church Rd Cherryville, NC 704-435-5764

Fairview Baptist Church 415 South Mountain Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-4299

First Baptist Church 301 East 1st Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-3796

First Church of the Nazarene 301 North Elm Street Cherryville, NC 828-838-2428

First Presbyterian Church 107 West Academy Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6064

First United Methodist Church 601 N. Pink St. Cherryville, NC 704-435-6732

First Wesleyan Church 800 North Pink Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-6069

Free Saints Chapel Church 813 Self Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-0949

Gospel Way Baptist Church 3904 Tryon Courthouse Rd. Cherryville, NC 866-356-3219

Legacy Church 805 Self Street Cherryville, NC 704-457-9615

Living Word Ministries 306 East Academy Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-3213

Marys Grove United Methodist Church 1223 Marys Grove Church Rd Cherryville, NC 704-435-5544

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church 235 A.W. Black Street Waco, NC 704-435-8842

Mt. Zion Baptist Church 112 Mt. Zion Church Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-9636

North Brook Baptist Church 7421 Flay Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-4471

Oak Grove AME Zion Church 542 Flint Hill Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3687

Oak Grove Baptist Church 219 Tot Dellinger Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3053

Revival Tabernacle 1104 Delview Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-4073

Rudisill Chapel AME Zion Church 417 South Mountain Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-5621

Second Baptist Church 201 Houser Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-9657

Shady Grove Baptist Church 3240 Tryon Courthouse Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-9605

St. John’s Lutheran Church 310 West Church Street Cherryville, NC 704-435-9264

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 1203 St. Mark’s Church Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-5941

Victory Life Assembly of God 1655 Shelby Highway Cherryville, NC 704-435-5539

Waco Baptist Church 262 N. Main Street Waco, NC 704-435-9311

Washington Missionary Baptist Church 1920 Stony Point Road Waco, NC 704-435-3138

Word of Faith Ministry 306 Doc Wehunt Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-5560

Zion Hill Baptist Church 3460 Zion Hill Road Cherryville, NC 704-435-3355

Stamey-Cherryville

Funeral Home & Cremation Service 405 North Dixie Street, Cherryville, NC 704-445-8144 www.stameycherryvillefuneralhome.com

Grove Baptist Church Cherryville

First Church of the Nazarene

North Elm Street, Cherryville, NC

DANYALE PATTERSON

LEGAL NOTICE

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GASTON

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 23rd day of May, 2022 as Administrator of the Estate of JAMES REGINALD CLOUD, 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, Bruce A. Cloud, Administrator, on or before the 7th of March, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 7th day of December, 2022.

Bruce A. Cloud, Administrator Estate of: James Reginald Cloud Counsel for the Estate: McINTYRE ELDER LAW 233 E. Graham Street Shelby, NC 28150

CE (12/07, 14, 21 & 28/2022)

LEGAL NOTICE

OF

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS

Having qualified on 22nd day of November, 2022 as Administrator of the Estate of BETTY JEAN BURNS, 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, Gregory S. McIntyre, Administrator, on or before the 14th of March, 2023 or this notice will be pleaded in bar of their recovery. All persons, firms, and corporations indebted to the said estate to please make immediate payment to the undersigned.

This the 12th day of December, 2022.

Gregory S. McIntyre, Administrator

Estate of: Betty Jean Burns McINTYRE ELDER LAW 112 S. Tryon St. STE 700 Charlotte, NC 28284

CE (12/14, 21, 28/2022 & 1/04/2023)

MEETING

From Page 1 Brown is beginning his fourth term on the commission, and was selected chairman for the fourth time. He also previously served as mayor for the Town of Stanley.

Commissioner Bob Hovis, representing the Crowders Mountain Township, was selected as Vice Chairman. Hovis, who previously served as the mayor of Bessemer City, is in the middle of his second term on the board.

Also at Monday’s meeting, new Dallas Township Commissioner Cathy Cloninger, along with Sheriff Hawkins, took her oath of office. Cloninger replaced Tracy Philbeck, who did not run for reelection, and Hawkins replaced longtime Sheriff Alan Cloninger, who also chose not to seek reelection to his position. Brown and Gastonia Township Commissioner Tom Keigher, both of whom were unopposed, were

Also at Monday’s meeting, the five new and reelected members of the Gaston County School Board (Josh Crisp, Lee Dedmon, A.M. Stephens, III, Tod Kinlaw and Dot Cherry), Clerk of Court Roxann Rankin, and Soil and Water Conservation Supervisors Bill Ward and Dan Brandon took their respective oaths of office.

Brown and Hovis served in these roles in 2022, and were selected again in unanimous votes.

also sworn in to new terms. Keigher is the longest active serving member of the board, now beginning his 7th term. Keigher was first elected to the Board of Commissioners in 1998.

Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory provided the charge to the elected officials, while Superior Court Judge David Phillips and District Court Judge Pennie Thrower, along with Brown, conducted the ceremony. The newly elected state judicial officials – Superior Court Judge Justin Davis, District Attorney Travis Page and District Court judges Craig Collins and William “Gus” Anthony, III – will be formally sworn in to their roles in January.

Incoming Gaston County Sheriff Chad Hawkins is welcomed to the job by outgoing longtime Sheriff Alan Cloninger. (photos provided)

New Dallas Township Commissioner Cathy Cloninger, takes her oath of office as her husband, the outgoing Gaston County Sheriff, Alan Cloninger, and her family members look on. Mrs. Cloninger replaced Tracy Philbeck.

Gastonia Township Commissioner Tom Keigher was sworn in to new terms. Keigher is the longest active serving member of the board and was first elected to the Board of Commissioners in 1998.

Former North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory provided the charge to the elected officials.

Varsity Ironmen currently 4-4 overall; 0-1 in SPC 1A/2A play

Black/Tate Holiday Classic scheduled for

by MICHAEL E. POWELL Editor michael@cfmedia.info

The CHS Ironmen varsity basketball men are currently 4-4 overall and 0-1 in SPC 1A/2A play at roughly the mid-point in their 20222023 hoops season, with the bulk of their conference games looming ahead of them.

Against Stuart Cramer

Last week they took on the Storm of Stuart Cramer in a non-conference matchup which saw the Lady Storm hand the Lady Ironmen a 55-13 loss. The Lady Storm held the CHS ladies’ leading scorer –Gabbie McCorkle – to just five points in the game. However, Emily Allen came through for Coach Carrie Dalton and scored 7 points in the game. The remaining point scored for the ladies in this one was from Krista Davis.

The varsity men’s game went to overtime as the CHS men battled the larger school, fighting hard and forcing the game into overtime at 61-all at the end of fourth quarter play. The final score in the Tuesday, Dec. 13 game was 74-68 in

favor of the visiting Storm.

Landon Hahn was the leading scorer for Coach Scott Harrill’s men in this one with 20 points, followed by Numarius Good and Darrien Floyd, who each score 15 points. Carson Kelly scored 14 points; 12 of which were shot from threepoint land. Ethan Honeyman scored four points for the Ironmen.

The CHS JV squad lost to the JV Storm team by a score of 46-43.

Against Shelby

The Shelby HS Golden Lions roared into town last Friday night, Dec. 16, and clobbered the CHS varsity teams. The only win any CHS team got that night was JV squad’s 47-38 win over the JV Golden Lions before the varsity teams took to the Bud Black Court at Nixon Gym.

The Lady Golden Lions defeated the hard-fighting, CHS ladies by a score of 7118, giving the Lady Ironmen their fourth consecutive loss of the season.

The highest scorers for the ladies in this one were Gabbie McCorkle, with 7 points, one of which was a three-pointer; and Laila Davis, with 5 points. Other shooters for the ladies were Kate Bookout and Krista Davis, with 2 points apiece, and Regan Hovis and Emily Allen with one point apiece.

In the men’s game, the varsity Ironmen lost a hard-fought game against the Golden Lions visitors by a score of 69-46, giving Coach Harrill’s group of shooters their third loss in a row this season.

Only two Ironmen made into double digits in this matchup – senior Numarius Good, with 21 points, and Darrien Floyd, with 11 points. Other scorers for the Ironmen varsity men were: Carson Kelly (6 points); Chance Hunt (4 points); Rayshawn Sewell (3 points); and Ethan Honeyman, with one point.

The Ironmen played the Burns Bulldogs on Tuesday, Dec. 20 before playing in the Bud Black/Dennis Tate Holiday Classic, which is held Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 27 and 28, after the Christmas holiday.

The New Year, 2023, will see the Ironmen teams playing on Wednesday, Jan, 4, 2023 at East Gaston, then they will play their first home game of the New Year on Friday, Jan. 6, against rival Bessemer City. Both of these games continue the CHS teams’ conference matchup schedule, which ends on Feb. 10 against Thomas Jefferson’ Gryphons at TJCA.

information/

(Additional

stats by Susan L. Powell)

Laila Davis (#12), of the CHS Lady Ironmen, in action against the visiting Lady Storm of Stuart Cramer.

CHS varsity women’s hoops player Emily Allen has a shot blocked by the Shelby Lady Golden Lions defender.

Lady Ironman Emily Allen shooting a foul shot in last Tuesday’s action against the Lady Golden Lions of Shelby High.

Ironmen shooter Darrien Floyd goes around the Stuart Cramer Storm defender in order to make a basket. See more photos on page 9.

CHS senior Numarius Good only has eyes for the basket as he zones on his shot against a host of Golden Lions defenders.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BUSINESS SERVICES

YARD BUDDY. Outdoor work such as trimming bushes, small trees, spraying weeds, gutter cleaning. General property clean-up. No grass cutting or leaves. Serving Shelby & Cleveland County. (980) 2950750

JAMES BALLARD PAINTING SERVICE. Paint Kitchen Cabinets only. Pre-estimated price. References available. 828-4297511 or 828-429-3743. Ask for James.

CONCRETE SPECIALTIES. Driveways, patios, slabs, sidewalks, Bobcat work. Kelvin Carter 864-590-8054.

PRESSURE CLEANING NEEDED. Must provide own electric and water, 14x70 ft. mobile home near Ellenboro. 828435-5746.

HOMEOWNERS, CONTRACTORS, REAL ESTATE AGENTS, need a little work? Jackson Corbin Property Services, LLC. Specializing in small jobs/punch list. Carpentry, painting, plumbing, tile, etc. Need a hand for a day or two? Give me a call. Professional quality work, affordable prices. 828-980-1823 or email jacksoncorbin71@gmail.com

J DOUGLAS TREE SERVICE LLC. Tree removal, trimming, 24 hour emergency service, 20% discount to Seniors, First Responders, Police Officers. 704-276-1114.

RETAINING WALLS, PAVERS, GRADING, DEMOLITION, site cleanup, ponds, fencing, maintenance, irrigation, landscaping, pruning, planting, excavator work. 828-453-8113.

CAROLINA BARN AND SHED PICKER! Do you have a Barn, Garage, or Shed full of antiques or lost trea-

FOR SALE

DOG KENNELS $449.99 NOW $399.99 til Dec. 23rd, 2022. Dog House was $150.00 NOW $100.00 til Dec. 23rd. “Delivery & Setup is Available!” J Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 US Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC. Ph. 828-551-7176

PURE RAW LOCAL HONEY. $20 quart, $12 pint. Produced in Rutherford County. Comb honey $24 quart. Call/text Jackson Corbin 828-980-1823.

FIREWOOD. SEASONED 95% OAK ., 1/4 cord load - $70, $85 - delivered. Bundles - $5 each. 704-435-3970 or 704-4583081.

LOTS OF TOYS AND NICE stuff for sale. Call 704-2408023

STRONGWAY GARDEN CART. The tires are flat. $25.00. 704-692-0085.

TRACTORS, EQUIPMENT, RIDING MOWERS, GARDEN TILLERS, GO-KARTS. Ready to mow. All in excellent condition. Can deliver, 30+ years experience in repair work. 828980-0853, 704-476-9383.

SEASONED SMALL STOVE WOOD. Cut, split and delivered. All seasoned or mixed with green oak. $75. 828-395-0758.

STORAGE BUILDING FOR SALE. 10x16 Barn Style Roof and Door, 2 Lofts, 2 Windows, Metal roof. $4,000 or OBO. 704-718-1035.

FOR SALE

INVENTORY

J Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 US Hwy. 221 South, Forest City 828-245-5895

ITEMS FOR SALE. Stiel Power Auger with 2 attachments-$175, Electric Pole Chainsaw-$95, Draft Beer Refrigerator-5 Kegs and 3 Beer Gas Bottles and many accessories-$185, Weight Bench w/bar & weights-$125. 828-286-8093.

TRAILERS, LAWNMOWER TRAILERS, Flatbed Trailers, Enclosed Trailers, Horse and Cattle Trailers, Saddlery. Check our prices and quality before you buy. Bridges Riding Equipment. Boiling Springs, NC. 704-434-6389, (704) 473-0867

FOR SALE

ALL GOOSENECKS

Johnson Sales, inc. 2690 US Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC. Ph. 828-245-5895

1 LOT WITH 4 ADJOINING PLOTS. $3900. Located in Rose Hill Cemetery in Fallston, NC. (704) 472-5682

USED CAMPER TOPS: BUY/ SALE/TRADE. Various sizes and styles. 828-980-0788.

DEER CORN, 50 POUND BAG. $11. Callahan Farms. Cletus: 704-300-5341; Steve: 704-472-8865; Todd: 704-6921627

FIREWOOD FOR SALE. Truck and Trailer Loads. $50 - $75. Can Deliver. 704-466-7623.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS with Scratch Pads! Press Room Printing. 704-482-2243. (704) 538-5788

WANT TO BUY

PETS & LIVESTOCK

ANTIQUES

PART TIME CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. The hours are 8:30 AM—2:30 PM (Can be flexible) The pay is $18 per hour. This is considered a part time position. Resumes can be sent to bgkale1@gmail. com or faxed to 704-4346438 704-434-6431 pleasant.ridge@att.net

PART TIME BOX TRUCK DRIVER and part time CDL Class A driver. Off weekends. Apply at Hardin’s Rental; 365 Oak Street Extension, Forest City or call 828-286-7871 ext. 4.

COMPLETE CARE INC. Is seeking CNAs / In Home Aides for Cleveland and Gaston Counties. Apply M-F, 8am-4pm at 404 W. Warren St, Shelby, NC 28150 or call (704) 4809340

WARREN

CLEVELAND COUNTY GARAGE DOORS.

up Special, $69.95.

check all your equipment lube, make sure it’s working correctly. We repair broken doors. Also offering new installations. 704477-9119 or 704-472-9367.

TRIPLE D PAINTING, LLC. All your painting needs. Free estimates. Over 25 yrs experience! Facial board replacement available!!! Many local references available !! (704) 418-5736 childresstracy1@gmail.com

6996 (980) 295-5568

(704) 4723860

DOZENS ENCLOSED TRAILERS 10% OFF. CASH or CREDIT CARD. “We also Rent to Own” No Credit Check! J Johnson Sales 828-245-5895. Located at 2690 US Hwy. 221 South, Forest City, NC. HORSE QUALITY HAY. Square and round bales. Call (704) 487-6855

ALL ENCLOSED TRAILERS 10% OFF! 8.5’ x 36’ Enclosed Auto Carrier (Three 7k Axels) with Heat & A/C was $47,900 Repo Price $31,000 til Dec. 23rd. J Johnson Sales, Forest City, NC. Ph. 828-245-5895

NEW BEE KEEPING PROTECTIVE GEAR. Helmet with vail-$15, Gloves-$10/pair, Suit with vail-$65. Limited sizes and quanity available. 828-9801823.

FREE MILITARY GRADE TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT Free! Military Grade Tactical Flashlight with self-defense features, 3 brightness levels, window breakage aspect - NC4Ever@ usa.com

GREAT FOR GIFTS OR COLLECTING SILVER, GOLD & COINS! SILVER Bars & Rounds 1 Oz., 5 Oz., 10 Oz., 32 Oz., 50 Oz. and 2022 Silver Eagles. GOLD 1 Gram, 2.5 Grams, 5 Grams, 10 Grams, 1/10 Oz., 1/4 Oz., 1/2 Oz. & 1 Oz. “We Buy, Sell & Trade”! Jake’s Knives Coins, Collectibles & Antiques located at 1008 S. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC. Call 704-600-6996 or (980) 295-5568

48” SAW MILL BLADE (RUSTY) $200, Toro Wheel Horse (15.5hp - 44” Cut) $400. Totes $75-$100, Burning Barrels $15, Feed Barrels $20, Solid Top Barrels (Plastic & Metal) $10. Hickory, NC. Call Jeff before 6 pm (828) 327-4782 BRAND NEW 16’ ALUMNUM Walk Board, $200. (1) 1000 watt generator, new, $100. Call 704-530-7576

WANT TO BUY: STANDING WALNUT logs or white oak logs. Call for info: 828-2890742.

CASH FOR YOUR CAR. Running or not, title or no title. Call Charles Dellinger at Red Road Towing. 704-6926767, (704) 487-0228

I PAY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS. Up to $10 per 100ct. Must be Unused, Unexpired. I’m local and pay fast. (828) 577-4197

WANT TO BUY. Low mileage Buick, Toyota, Honda or reasonable priced vehicle. Can receive voicemail but NO TEXTS. (980) 745-5396

WANT TO BUY CARS, TRUCKS. Trailers, Tractors, Farm Equipment. Must have ID and proof of ownership. Callahan’s Towing. (704) 692-1006

WANTED: OLD AND NEW AMMO. Reloading supplies. Call 828-245-6756 or cell # 828-289-1488.

WANT TO BUY. ATV’s, PopUp Campers and Small Travel Trailers. Call 828-429-3935.

PETS & LIVESTOCK

GOLDADOR

AKC STANDARD POODLE Born 9/20/2022, fully AKC registrable. Apricot 6 males and 1 female available. Vet checked and shots UTD. Raised in home with Dam & Sire. Very smart, alert loving pups. Ready for their forever home. $1200 (252) 670-2659 Merceraudrey@ yahoo.com

MINIATURE SCHNAUZER. AVAILABLE FOR CHRISTMAS. Beautiful min Schaunzers. White chocolate (M), white (M). Brown (F), Black (F), & Pepper Parti (M) all available for Christmas pickup. Also one rare Sable (M) that will be available the week of New Years. These babies are raised in my home and handled daily. They will be vet checked, UTD on shots and have their first grooming. Prices range from $1250 to $2400. Now accepting visitors and non refundable deposit that will hold your baby till Christmas. No better gift than a life long buddy. (704) 534-4368 lpastore3@yahoo.com

GOLDENDOODLE PUPPIES. F1B GoldenDoodle Puppies looking for their forever homes. Located in Shelby, NC. They were born on October 21, 2022 to an F1 GoldenDoodle and a Standard Poodle. Both parents are on sight. We currently have 4 sweet girls (Chocolate, Tan, Black & Champaign) and 5 handsome boys (Tan, 2 Chocolate, 2 Pardi). These are very sweet and intelligent dogs. We are asking for a $1000 rehoming fee. They will be the perfect Christmas gift for your loved ones! (704) 473-7057 office. shelby@gmail.com

LARGE MIRRORED BACK GLASS CURIO $400. Mirrored back, 4 glass shelves and light. Sides are glass as well. Cabinet stands 80” tall, 16” deep and 45” wide. Has two sliding front doors. Paid $800 about 10 years ago. Comes from a non-smoking home.

2022 Holiday Classic scheduled for Dec. 27 and 28, 2022

The 2022 Bud Black/ Dennis Tate Holiday Classic will continue to provide some of the top basketball competition for small high schools during the two days of Dec. 27 and 28, 2022.

This is the 12th year which the sponsors of the tournament have named it to honor the many years Bud Black and Dennis Tate have coached at Cherryville High School.

The teams involved in this year’s tournament will include: Highland School

of Technology Girls, Gastonia; Burns High School, Lawndale; Piedmont Community Charter, Boys and Girls, Gastonia; Pinnacle Classical Academy, Boys and Girls, Shelby; and Cherryville High School, Boys and Girls, Cherryville.

The competition will be held in the CHS Nixon Gymnasium on the Bud Black Court during Dec. 27 and 28, 2022.

The girls’ games are scheduled on Tuesday, Dec. 27, at 3 and at 6 p.m. The

boys’ games are scheduled on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. The consolation games for the teams losing on the first day of the tournament will be for the girls on Wednesday (Dec. 28) at 3 p.m., and for the boys at 4:30 p.m. The girl’s championship game will be at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022. The championship for the boys will be at 7:30 p.m., also on Dec. 28, 2022.

The list of schools which have participated in the

tournament since its beginning in 1981 include the following: Ashbrook High School, Gastonia; Ashe Central High School, West Jefferson; Australia HSE, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia; Australia HSE, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Avery County High School, Newland; Bessemer City High School, Bessemer City; Blacksburg High School, Blacksburg, S.C.; Castlewood High School, Castlewood, VA; Charlotte Catholic High School, Char-

lotte; CHASE High School, Forest City; Cherryville High School, Cherryville; Cloudland High School, Roan Mountain, TN; Crossroads Charter High School, Charlotte; Crest High School, Shelby; Durham School of Arts, Durham; Elk Garden High School, Elk Garden, WV; First Assembly Christian School, Concord; Fort LeBoeuf High School, Waterford, PA; Gaston Day School, Gastonia; George Wythe High School, Wytheville,

VA; Hampton High School, Hampton, TN; Haysi High School, Haysi, VA; Hibriten High School, Lenoir; Hickory Grove Christian High School, Charlotte; Hickory Ridge High School, Harrisburg; Highland School of Technology, Gastonia; Hope Charter School, Philadelphia, PA; Hunter Huss High School, Gastonia; Jack Hay Ward High School, Freeport, Bahamas; Jonesville High School, Jonesville, S.C.; Kennedy

See CLASSIC, Page 10

$400 each obo. Up to date on shots and dewormed, parents full-blooded. 1 1/2 year old male. $250. 828-2893905.

CARS & TRUCKS

Ironmen senior player Landon Hahn gets airborne as he tries to get his shot in for two points in last week’s action against the visiting Storm of Stuart Cramer. (photos by MEP/The Eagle/CF Media)

Senior Numarius Good goes up for a shot against the SCHS Storm in last week’s Tuesday, Dec. 13 matchup at Nixon Gym.

CHS Ironman Chance Hunt dribbles around a determined Shelby Golden Lions defender in last Friday’s court action.

After getting fouled, Ironman senior Landon Hahn takes his shot.

PEANUT BUTTER

KISS COOKIES

1-14

3/4

2

1

1/4

1

Beat condensed milk and peanut butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add baking mix and vanilla, beating at low speed just until blended.

Shape dough into 1 inch balls; roll in sugar. Place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350º for 11 minutes.

Remove from oven, and immediately

CLASSIC

From Page 9

Charter High School, Charlotte; Keysborough Cougars, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Lake Norman Charter High School, Huntersville; Madison County High School, Marshall; North Carolina School of Science and Math, Durham; North Carolina Tech, Charlotte; North Stokes High School, Danbury; Piedmont Community Charter, Gastonia; Pickering High School, Ajax, Ontario, Canada; Pinnacle Classical Academy, Shelby;

place a chocolate kiss in center of each cookie. Remove cookies to wire racks to cool. Yield: 3 doz.

RUSSIAN TEA CAKES

(BUTTERBALLS)

1 cup butter

1/2 cup sifted confectioners sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 2-1/4 cups flour

1/4 tsp. salt

3/4 cup chopped nuts Mix butter, sugar and vanilla. Stir in flour and salt. Stir in nuts. Chill one hour. Roll into 1 inch balls. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Do not let them brown. Roll cooled cookies in powdered sugar.

Polk County High School, Columbus (NC); Ripley Central High School, Ripley, NY; Rocky Mount Academy, Rocky Mount; Rosman High School, Rosman; St. Mary Catholic Secondary, Pickering, Ontario, Canada; South Point High School, Belmont; Swansboro High School, Swansboro; Tar Heel High School, Tar Heel; Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy, Mooresboro; Unaka High School, Elizabethton, TN; West Bladen High School, Bladenboro; West Caldwell High School, Lenoir; West

Lincoln High School, Lincolnton; West Stokes High School, King; Whitefield Academy, Atlanta, GA; and Woodson Charter School, Winston-Salem.

Press passes and information are available by contacting Dr. Bud Black, Tournament Director and Assistant Basketball Coach, 511 Tot Dellinger Rd., Cherryville, North Carolina 28021. The phone numbers are (704) 898-5208 (cell) and (704) 435-2542 (home) or via Coach Black’s email address at Ironmenbasketbl@ aol.com.

As we celebrate this holy season, let’s remember to treat one another with kindness, love and understanding. We hope you’ll join us in the true spirit of the season with prayers of peace and goodwill toward all mankind. From our flock to yours, go our best wishes for a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.

By JIM MILLER Editor

Tips for Being a Long-Distance Caregiver

Dear Savvy Senior, What tips do you recommend for long-distance caregivers? I help take care of my stubborn 86-year-old mother who still lives at home about 150 miles from me.

Need Advice

Dear Need, Providing care and support for an aging parent who lives far away can present a variety challenges that can make the job difficult and stressful. Here are some tips and resources that may help you.

Long-Distance Caregiving

When it comes to monitoring and caring for an aging parent from afar, you have a couple of options. You can hire a professional to oversee your mom’s needs, or you can manage things yourself by building a support system, tapping into available resources, and utilizing technology devices that can help you keep tabs on her.

If your mom needs a lot of help, you should consider hiring a geriatric care manager who will give her a thorough assessment to identify her needs and will set up and manage all aspects of her care. But geriatric care managers are

expensive typically charging between $100 and $250 per hour after an initial assessment of $150 to $750 and are not covered by Medicare.

To find a geriatric care manager in your mom’s area, visit AgingLifeCare.org or contact the nearest Area Agency on Aging (call 800-677-1116) to see if they have a list of providers.

If, however, your mom only needs occasional help, or if you can’t afford to use a care manager, here are some things you can do yourself to help her.

Create a care team: Put together a network of people (nearby friends or family, neighbors, clergy, etc.) who can check on your mom regularly, and who you can call on from time to time for occasional help. Also put together a list of reliable services you can call for household needs like lawn care, handyman services, plumber, etc.

Tap local resources: Most communities offer a range of free or subsidized services that can help seniors with basic needs such as home delivered meals, transportation, senior companion services and more. Contact the nearby Area

Aging Agency to find out what’s available.

Use financial tools: If your mom needs help with her financial chores, arrange for direct deposit for her income sources, and set up automatic payments for her utilities and other routine bills. You can also set up her online banking service, so you can pay bills and monitor her account anytime. Or, if you need help, hire a daily money manager (AADMM.com) to do it for you. They charge between $25 and $100 per hour.

Check essential documents: This is also a good time to make sure your mom has the following essential legal documents: a will; a living will and healthcare proxy, which allows you to make medical decisions on her behalf if she became incapacitated; and a durable power of attorney, which gives you similar legal authority for financial decisions, if needed.

If she doesn’t have these documents prepared, now is the time to make them. And if they are prepared, make sure they’re updated and know where they are located.

Hire in-home help: Depending on your mom’s needs, you may need to hire a part-time home-care aide that can help with things like preparing meals, housekeeping or personal care. Costs can run anywhere from $12 up to $25 per hour. To find someone, try websites like Care. com or CareLinx.com.

Utilize technology: To help you keep tabs on your mom from afar, there are various technologies that can help. For example, there are medical alert systems, video camera monitors, wearable activity trackers, and electronic pill boxes that can notify you if she has taken her medications. And to help you coordinate her care with members of her care team there are websites like LotsAHelpingHands.com.

For more tips, call the National Institute on Aging at 800-222-2225 and order their free booklet “Long-Distance Caregiving: Twenty Questions and Answers.”

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

FIRST MEDIA INC FIRST MEDIA, INC “Creating Business For

EEKLY R U T H E R F O R D RUTHERFORD

proud publisher of

This beautiful Christmas scene can be seen at Hemy Gonzales home on Lennox Dr., off Lewis Farm Road. Photo by Susan L Powell.