Happy Tuesday Gaston County! It's David.Today is May 13th, 2025.

I hope all you mothers had a wonderful Mother's Day and mom  got waited on hand and foot. I took my wife and daughter for Indian food...

Sake coming back to  BelmontFor those of you that love getting your Sake fix in Belmont-rejoice! Sake will be located temporarily in the old Estia's location beginning June 1. They anticipate being there for a year while construction continues on their permanent location.609 North Main Street, Belmont

It's graduation time!

Graduation for Gaston County Schools is Friday, May 23, and ten high schools will conduct ceremonies that day to present diplomas to the Class of 2025.  This year, more than 2,000 seniors will graduate from Gaston County Schools.  

 

Ashbrook, Bessemer City, Cherryville, Stuart W. Cramer, East Gaston, Forestview, Highland, Hunter Huss, North Gaston, and South Point will hold graduation on Friday, May 23 at 6:00 p.m. The ceremonies will be held outdoors in the stadium with the exception of Highland – the Highland ceremony will be held in the school’s auditorium. In the event of inclement weather, the outdoor ceremonies will be held indoors.

We wanted to share an important update regarding our Big Splash Water Park Ribbon-Cutting Celebration at the Stowe Family YMCA. Due to recent weather delays, we must postpone the event to ensure the space is fully ready—and safe—for everyone to enjoy.

We’re just as excited as you are to celebrate this incredible community milestone, and we’ll be announcing a new date soon!

For the latest updates, please check our website:👉 gastonymca.org/bigsplash

Thank you for your patience and continued support—we can’t wait to make a splash with you soon!

With appreciation,The Gaston County Family YMCA Team

704 Run Club off to a great start!The 704 Run Club meets at the pavilion in Gastonia at 6:15 On Thursdays.You can run or walk, no sign-up needed.This is such a cool idea- they do this in Charlotte and it is a runaway success!More

My friend Keanu Trujillo is up to it again! They are redoing and reopening the bar at 2311 South Point Road in Belmont- the new  South Point Social! (Formerly Rudis and The Crow's Nest)The grand opening is Saturday May 17th at 4PM, ribbon cutting at 5PM

Big Lots in Gastonia has reopened...Belmont store reopening in 2 weeksAfter declaring bankruptcy, the Big Lots at 2587 West Franklin Blvd .in Gastonia  has  reopened. According to the manager in Gastonia the Big Lots in Belmont will reopen in approximately 2 weeks. He says they are currently restocking the Belmont store.

So if you believe the "everything is true interwebs", Whataburger in Gastonia is opening  May 29th at 9:30 AM

Gastonia in the running for project NexusRecently the Gastonia City Council approved incentives for Project Nexus. The project would bring a $268 million dollar investment and 701 jobs.It is being reported that the project is down to Gaston County and one other state.  "We are down to the wire of being in contention for this project," said Kathy Crisp, Gastonia's Director of Economic Development. "This would be a great project for the city of Gastonia.”

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.

Gaston County live music for MayFriday May 9th, 80z Nation, Mount Holly 6-10PMFriday May 9th, Julio & The Saltines (Party Band) Bessemer City 7 PMSaturday May 10th, On the Border (Eagles Tribute) Dallas,Friday May 16, 20 Ride (Zac Brown tribute) Belmont 6-10PMMay 29th, Gabriel Sanchez (The Prince Experience) Rotary Pavilion Gastonia, DJ @ 6:30, live music @ 7:30 PMFriday May 30th, Java Band (Jazz, Motown, R&B) Belmont 6-10 PM

Not in Gaston County, but most of you have been by, or been to, the Dairy Queen at 2832 Wilkinson Blvd. in West Charlotte. Owned by Lacy and Blenda Walters since 1974, the property recently sold for $1.1 million. (The Walters used to lease the Gastonia location) The new owners intend on operating the Dairy Queen after corporate training.Love the retro look!

Zawyer Sports has it going onThe Gastonia Ghost Peppers opened their season 2 weeks ago to a sold out crowd. Meanwhile Zawyer Sports, owner of the Ghost Peppers, announced that they plan on building a $30 million Practice center for the Charlotte Checkers, which they also own.Plans are also under way for a Charlotte Zawyer team in the UpShot League, a women's basketball league. The new league is expected to debut in 2026.

Low income energy assistance scam reportedThere is no low income energy assistance program in Gaston County for the summer. So if you get such an email, it is a scam. If you get this scam email, please contact Gaston County Communications at 704-866-3300.If you do need help with your summer cooling bills, call 704-862-7889, or go to epass.nc.gov, or go to the Department of Health and Human Services at 330 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Way in Gastonia.

Live music- River Jam at the Whitewater CenterThursday May 15th: South Hill BanksFriday May 16th: Josh DanielSaturday May 17th: AjevaMusic  starts at 7:00 PM. Admission is free, parking is

costs $12 per day.

Oversized vehicles are charged $25.

An annual parking pass is available for $40, valid from January 1 to December 31 each year

Rotary 4-Way Test Scholarship Challenge winners, L-R Honorable Mention: Helayna Myers, Mountain Island Charter School; 3rd Prize: Marielle Lavega Gorlach, Piedmont Community Charter School; 2nd Prize: Ann Sproul, Stuart W. Cramer H. S.; 1st Prize: Seth Hooks, Forestview H. S.Four Local H.S. Seniors Awarded Rotary Scholarships

The 14th annual Rotary 4-Way Test Scholarship Challenge was recently concluded and four Gaston students were awarded a total of $5,000 in post-secondary educational scholarships. The contest is sponsored by five Gaston County Rotary Clubs: Gastonia, Gastonia East, Gastonia-Evening, Belmont, and Mount Holly

If you haven't checked out Shelli's She Shed in Stanley- what are you waiting for!

Shelli's She Shed is a home decor boutique full of floral stems & arrangements and unique, vintage, antique, retro, farmhouse styles and the perfect gift items.New Hours: Fri & Sat 10am-4pm980-318-3816106 W Dallas Rd., Stanley, NC 28164Check us out!

Did you know?

The Gaston County Animal Shelter is offering $25 adoptions from May 1st through the 15th for dogs and cats, as part of the Bissel Pet Foundations Empty the Shelters Program.

I would name her Blue!

Yes, she has one brown eye and one blue eye!Animal ID     58275314Species     DogBreed     Siberian Husky/MixAge     1 year 7 months 2 daysGender     FemaleSize     MediumColor     White/BlackSpayed/Neutered      Declawed     NoHousetrained     UnknownSite     GCACELocation     Dog Holding 1 (ISO)Intake Date     4/9/2025Stage     AvailableInfo

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