Above: the Mount Holly Farmer's Market
Hello Gaston County-it's Tuesday
. Today is June 21, 2022.
We are now about 6 1/2 weeks into our summer drive about. We spent part of last week near Bryce Canyon, Utah. There was a rodeo just outside the Park.
Gaston County Weather for today
Today will be partly sunny and warmer. The high will be a lovely 92...welcome to the South. At least it's not 102.
Tonight will be mainly clear, with a low of 62.
Removal of photo causes furorGaston County Manager Kim Eagle has had a photo removed from an exhibit entitled "Into The Darkroom: Photography as History and Artform" at the Gaston County Museum. The photo was taken by Charlotte freelance journalistGrant Baldwin, and depicts two males kissing. The occasion was the 2019 Charlotte Pride Festival and Parade, moments after a gay couple had just gotten engaged. They have since married.According to Gaston County Government, County Manager Kim Eagle asked the photographer to submit an alternate picture “that would be more considerate of differing viewpoints in the community.” In a county statement, Eagle said: “The museum is government-funded, and as such, it is important for the items it shares to be informational without championing political issues. As a public administrator, there is a delicate balance between the effort to foster an inclusive workplace and community, while avoiding political advocacy.”The move was condemned by Charlotte Pride, The Gaston County Democratic Party, and others. The incident was also publicized on all Charlotte Metro television stations, The New York Daily News and Yahoo News. Same sex marriage has been legal in North Carolina since 2014.Editorial note: The photo has gotten far more exposure after the County's move, than it ever would have otherwise.
Air Conditioning anyone? AC's Gaston County roots...With the summer heat we are experiencing, it's seems unthinkable that folks not so long ago had to do without air conditioning.In 1901 William Carrier built what is considered the first electric air conditioner. It was installed in a printing company to control both the temperature and humidity. This ensured consistent paper dimensions and ink delivery.Later, in 1906 Stuart Cramer was looking for a way to add moisture to the air in his textile mills. Dry air caused the threads to break more easily. Cramer filed for a patent for what he called "water conditioning", which he also called air conditioning. Willis Carrier adopted the term and incorporated it into his company name.As you may know, Stuart Warren Cramer was an American engineer, inventor, and contractor, who gained prominence after designing and building nearly 150 cotton mills in the southern United States. He was the founder of Cramerton, and became involved in the nascent air conditioning industry, as well as being a founding partner in Duke Power.So does that make Cramerton the "coolest" place in the US?
River Hawkins Top 5 for Courage Award
At just 18 years old, East Gaston's River Hawkins was the youngest coach ever hired by Gaston County. Fast forward three years, and he has turned around the boys and girls soccer teams, with the lady Warriors having a record year. He also placed in the Top 5 Saturday night in Raleigh for the Stuart Scott Courage Award.Hawkins accomplished this while fighting his own battle. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2021, just before soccer tryouts. He has since had surgery, and is now cancer free.The Stuart Scott Courage Award recognizes people in high school sports who have demonstrated courage this school year.
River is the son of local realtor Roger Hawkins.
Stowe Family YMCA is hosting a Community Job Fair on June 23rd from 10 AM – 1 PM. Come out and meet local companies seeking promising professionals like yourself for available positions.
Come see local companies including: Holy Angels Belmont, NC Catawba Riverkeeper, FleetNet, Parkdale Mills, RHA Health Services, Chick-Fil-A Belmont, Food Lion, Clariant, Firestone, Goodwill, Daimler Truck, Gastonia Police
Gaston County home prices up sharply
According to a survey by Realtor.com, the average price of a Gaston County home is up 6.2%, from just a month earlier. The average price of a home listed in Gaston County is now $317,500. Prices are up approximately 12% from a year ago.Local realtors say the demand for houses is greater than the supply. Also, the growth from Metro Charlotte, and investor money pouring into the market are having an impact.
At Oak Ridge Dental Arts, we are dedicated to caring for your family as we care for our own families. With years of experience and state-of-the-art dental technology we help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. We ensure the best possible dental experience with friendly, personalized care in a comfortable environment. If you haven’t been to the dentist in the past six months or you are interested in enhancing your smile, give us a call. With one visit you’ll see why so many families in your neighborhood trust Oak Ridge Dental Arts with all their dental needs.
Gastonia's Linberger pool closed due to lifeguard shortageOn a hot summer day, there are normally 300 kids and seven lifeguards at the Lineberger pool in Gastonia. Unfortunately, the pool remains locked due to a lifeguard shortage. There are splashpads open, but it's not the same.
“I’m optimistic people will step up to the plate and mark this summer a home run by becoming lifeguards and hopefully in a few weeks– we’ll see hundreds of kids enjoying the park and pool.” said Gastonia Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Andy Stahr.
According to the American Lifeguarding Association, there’s about a 30 percent deficit in lifeguards across the country right now.Interested in becoming a lifeguard? Click here...Pretty sure being a lifeguard is the coolest summer job ever...
Bojangles closing?
The Bojangles at 400 East Garrison is being demolished, we are told. Their Facebook page says "Permanently closed". But a reader tells us that the crew has been transferred to the new Bojangles on East Franklin, and they are rebuilding the Bojangles at East Garrison. Supposedly it will be completed in 6 months.
Fun in Ranlo!June 25, 2022, 5 PM1624 Spencer Mtn. Road, Gastonia
Renovated 1940's home in Belmont for sale $349,900
BEAUTIFULLY renovated (down to the studs) 1 story home in the rapidly growing Belmont area! New appliances, refinished hardwood flooring, fresh paint inside and out, and too many updates to list! Come see for yourself! just 8 minutes from down town Belmont, this home has it all - Location, price, and fully renovated home!
Accentuate Med Spa has a new location in Mount HollyAccentuate Med Spa has a new location at 305 West Catawba (near Mount Holly Middle), in Mount Holly. Christina Nicholas Pawlish is the owner. More info here...
Gaston County Flu and COVID numbers
River Jam music at the Whitewater Center
Music begins at 7 PM, no charge, parking $6.Thursday June 23: John Stickley TrioFriday June 24: Chamomile & WhiskeySaturday June 25: Pretty Little GoatInfo here
The Gastonia Honey Hunters host the Charleston Dirty Birds beginning tonight through Thursday at home..6:15 PMCaromont Health ParkToday is Twofer Tuesday-Bullpen and General /admission tickets are BOGO (up to 8 tix)Tickets
Want to help Ukrainians?
Here are 12 charities you can check out, including one based in Gastonia.Here...
Hosting an event?Let us help you get the word out- purchase an event listing!
COVID BOOSTER DOSES ARE IN!!!Gaston County is now offering all vaccines including boosters and pediatric doses.Walk-in hours for adults (12+) are 8-11:30am & 12:30-4:15pmFor under 12 yrs old, hours are 12:30-4:15pmVaccine and booster info...
Gaston County JobsCall center reps $20 hr, Financial services rep $37-$47k, front desk dentistry $18-$22 hr, Production Supervisor, $85k-$100k, and more.
