Casper says "Happy Halloween!"Hello friends, it's David. Happy Halloween!
Today is October 31st, 2023.Did you like yesterday's weather? Today's won't be anything like it... a 30 degree drop in the high temperature from 85 to 55.Today there will be periods of rain in the morning, otherwise cloudy and cooler. The high will be 55, and will drop during the day.Tonight the temperature will approach the record low of 31 set in 1954 with clearing; freezing temperatures in the normally colder spots. The low will be 33.
Riverbend Preserve project moves forwardRecently the Gaston county Board of Commissioners approved an agreement between Gaston County and Riverbend Preserve LLC. Lincoln County had approved the same agreement earlier this month. The project has been in the works for years and includes 400 acres in Gaston County, and 262 acres in Lincoln County.Documents show that Riverbend Preserve will call for 2.5 million square feet of industrial space, and 725 homes, of which about 250 would be townhomes.
Gaston County may be in the running for Fortune 500 company projectLast week the Gaston County Commissioners were to consider Project Seattle, which is a code name for a new project here by an unnamed Fortune 500 company. County documents state that Project Seattle is considering Gaston County for an investment of $21 million and the creation of 107 jobs with an average hourly wage of $25.82, . If the project moves forward, the investment is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.The exact nature and location of the project are unclear as of this post.
Indian anyone?
Looks like Curry Indian Cuisine is finally open! They are located at 3758 E Franklin Blvd Unit 150, Gastonia, in the Franklin III shopping center.
Holy Angels opens Market on Main in Belmont
Holy Angels Life Choices has reopened in a brand new and vibrant location at 124 N. Main Street. The building is covered in beautiful and colorful art inviting the community to come and support the program. Along with Life Choices at this location, Holy Angels is launching Market on Main, a small shop that will sell products and goods mostly created by the hands of our crew members and participants. Market on Main will also sell small takeaway food items, like our signature Chicken-Pecan salad made down the street at Cherubs Café.
The Life Choices Program offers a comprehensive array of activities and experiences designed to support adaptive skill development and enhance social, emotional, pre-vocational, and personal independence. Their program includes:
Daily living skills, like cooking,
financial management and literacy,
Creative arts,
Healthy living and wellness,
Computer skills, and
Social skills including community integration.
The Life Choices program is designed to support and promote adaptive skill development, and strengthen social, emotional, pre-vocational, and personal independence to improve the quality of life for exceptional individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
We are hearing that Mount Holly is getting a book store! They will be located at 105 North Main Street, and open in early December. We love bookstores and wish them the best!
Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences will graduate first classMay 2024
The Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences opened in August 2021 with ninth-grade and tenth-grade students, thanks to a collaborative effort between Gaston County Schools, Gaston College, Belmont Abbey College, and CaroMont Health. The sophomores are now seniors, and they will be the school’s first graduating class in May 2024.
Located on the Gaston College campus in Dallas, the school is tailored for students with an interest in the medical field. Students have the unique opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree from Gaston College. They can choose among three distinct pathways: biotechnology, health and human services, and nursing. Beyond traditional high school and college-level coursework, students engage in enriching job-shadowing experiences and gain hands-on knowledge through CaroMont Health.
Senior Savion Leacock says he is really happy that he chose to attend the Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences. It’s a decision that put him on a great path toward a career in healthcare.
Leacock, who applied for admission after his freshman year at another high school, has a desire to work in the healthcare field. His inspiration stemmed from his grandmother’s battle with multiple sclerosis, which left her bedridden for most of his youth.
“It ignited something within me,” explained Leacock, who is currently enrolled in the biotechnology pathway with aspirations to contribute to the field of prosthetics. “I often wondered what it would be like if my grandmother could walk again.”
Leacock added, “I collaborated with the Army Education Outreach Program (AEOP) at UNC-Charlotte, and through this internship, I want to create cost-effective, solar-powered prosthetic devices. Currently, these devices are more expensive, and many lower-income households cannot afford them. My goal is to make them more affordable and efficient.”
For senior Amelia Matzke, her initial spark of interest in the healthcare field was ignited by the television drama, “Grey’s Anatomy.” However, it was the opportunity to job-shadow through the Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences that solidified her conviction that this is the career path she wants to pursue.
“At one point, I aspired to be a surgeon, but then I realized that the prospect of life and death frightened me. So, I began to explore other medical avenues such as the development of devices used in surgeries,” Matzke shared.
Matzke highlighted the importance of being a part of the CaroMont Health Career Club, which enables students to shadow professionals in the field. As a group, they get to present their findings and gain insights into the journey that professionals took to reach their current roles and what a typical day in the medical field involves.
Chandandeep Chahil shared that her interest in biology has always been a driving force, but it was her own experience of being in a coma with pneumonia as a young girl for a couple of months that propelled her to start asking profound questions about the healthcare field.
In contrast to Leacock and Matzke, Chahil’s aspiration is to become a surgeon. She recounted her eye-opening experience: “Through the CaroMont Health job-shadowing program, I had the privilege of witnessing surgeries, and it became abundantly clear to me that this is my true calling.”
Chahil also emphasized how her attendance at the Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences has equipped her with invaluable skills in time management and the ability to balance her commitments to family and social life, which she views as vital preparations for her future.
Paid political ad
K9 Zepher passesIt is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of retired Gaston County Police K9, Zepher. Zepher served the department with unwavering loyalty as a dual purpose partner from 2012 to 2018.
Zepher enjoyed 5 years of retirement with his former handler, Assistant Chief Holder and his family. Zepher's Mom, Minnie, said it best with her heartfelt words, 'Recently Zepher was diagnosed with intestinal cancer and has lived out his last days doing all the things he loved. I know his days in doggy heaven will be filled with squeaky toys and head scratches. He will be missed so very much!'
Rest easy Zepher. Thank you for your devotion to our department and service to the citizens of Gaston County.
Paid political ad
Now 2 local malls in troubleWe told you awhile back about troubles at Northlake Mall, and now Carolina Place owners Brookfield Properties is in default of a $149 million dollar loan.The mall's value has value has fallen by half since it was refinanced in 2013.It looks like the day of enclosed malls is over, except for the toniest malls, like South Park in Charlotte.No word on Eastridge's current vacancy rate as of press time.
A portion of Tunnel of Terror proceeds will benefit Holy Angels, Gaston County Backapck Program, and Catherine's House.
Welcome to Halloween Town!
Issac Vargas invites you to see his spectacular Halloween display!(no charge)113 Scaleybark Ct. Mount Holly, NCSome helpful rules;1) Do not block neighbors driveway2) Use caution if getting close to the props, as there are a lot of electrical cords, extension, cords, obstacles, and things that are not readily visible3) We live in a quiet neighborhood, so please be mindful of noise levels as to not bother neighbors.4) ENJOY YOURSELF AND TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES AND VIDEOS!
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.
Twisted Sugar in Belmont to closeTwisted Sugar in Belmont has announced that they are closing. Thanksgiving eve will be the last day to get treats or drinks. Their Lincolnton store will remain open.
Free meals or specials for veterans on Veterans Day November 11thThese restaurants offer free deals for veterans on Veterans Day, November 11th. Be sure to check with the restaurant to find out what their exact deal is: Chili's, Golden Corral, Hooters, Logan's Roadhouse, Red Lobster, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chuck E Cheese, Cici's Pizza, Cracker Barrel (free cake), Dunkin' Donuts (free donut), Hickory Tavern, IHOP, Krispy Kreme (free donut), Little Caesars (lunch combo), Shane's Rib Shack, Starbucks (free 12 oz hot or iced coffee), Texas Roadhouse, Wendy's (free breakfast combo)
Waterfront living in Reflection Pointe, $1,699,000
Welcome to your very own slice of paradise! This custom built waterfront home was designed to enjoy lake living & the outdoors boasting a level lot and stunning, long range, sunset views from nearly every room. Quality finishes abound including an open floor plan, 2 story dining room, great room w/ glorious views, beautiful spiral staircase, & wine cellar. Unleash your inner chef in the gourmet kitchen w/ ss appliances, granite counters, walk-in pantry, & butler pantry w/ wine refrigerator. Spacious main floor primary suite complete w/ 2 custom walk-in closets, spa like bath & glorious views. Upper level provides 3 spacious BRs & bonus room. Entertain on the huge covered porch w/ retractable screen, relax in the hot tub, cozy around the lakeside firepit, and enjoy boating & water sports from your covered dock w/ boat lift! Reflection Pointe is a gated community w/ pool, clubhouse, tennis, & recreation park. Located in beautiful Belmont, close to shopping, dining, I-85, & airport.Info...
Burgers at Chick-fil-A? Say it ain't so!Burgers at Chick-fil-A? Well not exactly...What about the cows and the billboards with poor spelling?Chick-fil-A has found a clever way around that. Chick-fil-A operates a virtual restaurant in College Park Maryland called Little Blue Menu. “Now available in the Chick-fil-A App and online, through Little Blue Menuguests can order Chick-fil-Afavorites alongside new, soon-to-be favorites like wings, burgers, and whatever we cook up next,” the chain shared on its website. “Beyond the Chick-fil-A menu, Little Blue Menu offers a variety of items, ranging from smoked bone-in wings to no-fuss burgers, complemented by a selection of sides such as golden-brown onion rings, sweet potato tots and crispy brussels sprouts.”Check out the menu here...No word on expansion plans.
Panthers 15, Texans 13It wasn't pretty, but the Panthers pulled one out, beating the Texans 15 to 13. Eddie Pineiro redeemed himself by kicking the game wining field goal with seconds left in the game.As usual the Panthers offense sputtered, with Bryce Young not getting much help from receivers or his offensive line. Young, however, remained poised, is getting better with his reads, and has a super quick ball release.Bryce Young's friend and competitor, CJ Stroud was kept pretty quiet at QB for the Texans. Stroud was 16 of 24 for a season low 140 yards.Panther's wide receiver Adam Thielen was a bright spot, with 72 yards on 8 catches.The Panthers play the Colts at home next Sunday.
Shelli's She Shed now open in Stanley!
The She Shed is a home decor boutique full of floral stems & arrangements and unique, vintage, antique, retro, farmhouse styles and the perfect gift items.Open on Thurs, Fri & Sat 10am-5pm980-318-3816106 W Dallas Rd., Stanley, NC 28164Info...
Hosting an event?Let us help you get the word out- purchase an event listing!
Gaston County JobsAdoption attorney $80k, Middle School Math teacher $6-$54k, Excavator operator $25-$30hr, P/T cashier/stocker Aldi $17 hr, Office admin $18-$25 hr , and more...
