
Hello Tuesday, it's David.Today is October 7th, 2025.
It's finally fall...and that means outdoor festivals, mountain apples, raking leaves (ugh!) and more. Lot's going on- Ghost Tours, Mount Holly's Lantern Parade, and the Cotton Ginning Days in Dallas...all happening in Gaston County!
Today's weather: Humid with times of clouds and sun, high of 82.
Tonight: Warm and humid with increasing clouds, low of 67.
Alchemy 3 LRY and more coming to Loray MillOur friend Keanu Trujillo is in constant motion...he is getting ready to open the third Alchemy Co-Working space in Loray Mill.There will be private offices, conference rooms, open works spaces and desks in the new space. They are part of a larger plan to energize Loray Mill as they finish the second phase of apartments in the west wing of the building. Check it out here.Loray is also bringing in Arbor Coffee, the Fitness Refinery (formerly Loray Athletic Club), and are in the process of bringing in a high profile restaurant or brewery .

The Gaston Community Foundation hosted a memorable evening on Thursday, September 18, honoring the 35th Annual Allen H. Sims Award recipient and celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Next Generation Giving Circle. The event took place at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.
The Foundation’s accomplishments over the past year, include $19 million in gifts, over $11.5 million in grants, and the awarding of $345,000 in scholarships to 119 students: a year resulting in the Foundation managing over $150 million in assets.
the 2025 Allen H. Sims Award was presented to Bill Carstarphen, recognized for his visionary leadership, dedication to community, and commitment to conservation. Tim Belk, who presented the award, praised Carstarphen for his work in developing the Matthews-Belk South Fork Corridor—a 23-mile trail linking Spencer Mountain to Daniel Stowe Conservancy, creating a lasting legacy for the region.

Bill Carstarphen, Tim Belk

Fannie Cakes Bakery, moving, expandingStefannie Roundtre is moving Fannie Cakes Bakery from her take-out only location around the corner to a new space with a small dining area. The new location is 101 West Main in Gastonia, former location of Turkey Hustlerz.Roundtree is hoping to begin offering light lunch options and to expand her hours.

A lot of folks are sad to see Mile's Cafe in Gastonia being demolished. We are hearing that a five retail shops will take it's place.Mile's closed in 2021, and was the oldest restaurant in Gaston County, opening in 1900. Evidently the lemon tarts were legendary!

Planned retail space for the old Miles Restaurant location.

What's up with Piccolo Antique Mall in Belmont?
The owner of Piccolo, Delores LaVecchia passed away in July of this year. We are hearing that the building has been sold, but no news on what the new owners plan to do with the building. Evidently they have been closed since LaVecchia's death.



Cotton Ginning Days in Dallas this weekend
Exhibitors from all over the southeast will convene in Dallas, North Carolina on October 10 through 12, 2025 for the annual 'crank-up' of antique steam and gasoline engines and tractors. In addition to the engine show, many activities are planned including a kids county fair, heritage arts area, handmade craft vendors, food vendors, and music.

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.
Sake Express owners opening upscale restaurant in Charlotte

Lisa and Linda Nguyen, the owners of Sake Express, are opening a new venture, Yugenn, in South End, in Charlotte, focusing on modern Japanese dishes, omakase, and craft cocktails.
The restaurant opens October 15th, and will feature omakase dining,which means that the chef prepares each course of the meal, rather than the customer ordering from a menu.
Congrats Lisa and Linda!



Gastonia's Downtown Dog of the Week
Meet Jebediah, the English Setter who spends his days greeting folks along Main Avenue with his owner, Mike Sumner of the Sumner Group. At just over a year old, Jeb has already become a familiar face downtown — appearing in local commercials, joining Mike on daily walks through the heart of Gastonia, and winning hearts everywhere he goes.When he’s not strolling the sidewalks, Jeb serves as the official mascot of the Mattamuskeet Goose Club, a historic hunting and conservation club with deep Gaston County roots. Mike says he’s spoiled — and we believe it — but he’s also a reminder of what makes downtown special: community, connection, and plenty of wagging tails. If you see them downtown, stop and say hello.
Post courtesy of Positive News for Downtown Gastonia DTG Facebook page

Gaston County jobs
Family Medicine Physician-must be comfortable with infants, Dallas, $240k-$285k Director of Food & Beverage Two Kings Casino, $130k-$175k Water Resources Director, Belmont, $209k-$174k

The Mount Holly Lantern parade is Saturday Octotber 25th!
If you haven't been-it's fantastic! Great for kids too!
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!
New photography exhibit at the Gaston County Museum

The Gaston County Museum of Art & History, in collaboration with The Gaston County Department of Public Health, and Latinos Aventureros, is pleased to present “Somos Día a Día: Wellness Paths,” a community-based photography art exhibit highlighting the connection between nature, mental health, and physical well-being.
The exhibit is on display in the first-floor program room of the Museum through November 1, 2025.
Am I a cutie or what?

Animal ID 59546654 Species Dog Breed Chihuahua, Long Coat/Mix Age 8 years Gender Female Size Small Color White Declawed No Housetrained Unknown Site GCACE Location TEMP HOLDING - 1 Intake Date 10/5/2025 Stage New Arrival

