(December 2, 2020 Issue)

Darin and Brooke Aldridge 2020 Christmas Concerts will be held on  December 12th at the Joy Performance Center, Kings Mountain, NC.
A matinee will be performed at 3:00 pm and evening concert at 7:00 pm; Limited Seating Available:  Two tickets: $56; four tickets: $112;  six tickets: $168.
Purchase tickets online at www.ticketsnc.com W
Covid safety protocols, including masks and social distancing, will be followed.

(December 2, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

Kings Mountain’s City Council publicly thanked members of the Building Maintenance staff for their hard work in refurbishing Grady and Katie Costner’s Christmas lights display for use in Patriots Park this holiday season.
“Mayor Neisler asked me to speak on behalf of council and mention all the positive comments we have received from the community regarding the Christmas lights,” said Councilman Keith Miller. “Their work to repair and update the lights to LEDs during the last year testifies to the hard work and dedication these employees give to their work. Special thanks goes to Darryl Dixon, Brian Horn, Rick Ford, David Morrow, and Mike Gaffney prior to his retirement.”
“After spending a year working on this project, this crew requested that they personally deliver the lights to Patriots Park this year. They used great care to make sure the displays arrived at the destination safely. The employees of City of Kings Mountain are hard-working and dedicated individuals, doing their best work for everyone who lives and works in the city,” Miller said.

(November 18, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 155 held a Chili Cook-off at the post on Saturday, November 14 from 6 pm until 8 pm. Thirteen entries were received. Each entrant submitted a $5 donation and those willing to judge gave a $10 tasting donation.  A good crowd of judges participated and by all accounts everyone had a good time. Winners were, 1st Place – Jeff Kelly, 2nd Place – Shondi Dellinger, and 3rd Place – Michael Clinton.

The Patrick Senior Center does not have a definite reopening date set just yet. They are waiting until the Governor lifts the Safer at Home recommendation for high-risk populations, keeping in mind the number of cases in our region and the onset of flu season as we determine a reopening date. Call the center for the latest updates.
“We will have an updated calendar available for pick-up at the center and posted on our Facebook page once a reopening date has been set, which will be announced on Facebook, CityofKM.com, and through our mass call system,” Director Tabitha Thomas said. “In the meantime, please check out the activities and services we are currently offering; there’s something for everyone.”
Upcoming Events include:
Weekly Wellness, Thursdays, 11 am - 11:30 am. Join in each Thursday morning on Facebook for an exercise routine, some deep breathing or stretching.
Medicare Part D Open Enrollment: Counselors will be meeting with folks over the phone to review Part D Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans during Part D Open Enrollment, October 15 - December 7.  Please call the center to  arrange a time to pick up a Plan Finder Form, or we can send it to you through the mail or email. Please return the form to our office so we can make you an appointment!. You may qualify for Extra Help with your drug costs.
Thanksgiving Dinner Drive-Thru: Sponsored by the Kings Mountain Rotary, Wednesday, November 25, 11 am to 1 pm, Call the Center to sign up for a meal.
Outdoor Walking Club: Monday-Friday, 9 am -4 pm. There is a sign-in sheet with participation guidelines at the front entrance of the building, as well as a few chairs to sit in if you need to rest. Please call the Center for more info.
Conference Call Programs: Bible History—Tuesdays, 10 am -11 am, Begins November 10.
Faith & Fellowship—Wednesdays, 9:30 am -10:30 am Began November 4
Coffee & Conversation—Fridays, 8:30 am -9:30 am, Begins November 6
Once you sign up, you will be given a phone number to call and a list of guidelines will be mailed to you or you can drive by the Senior Center to pick them up.  This is a chance to meet new friends and participate in a program over the phone!  Call the Center for more information.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s: (ONLINE OR BY PHONE through ZOOM) by Elizabeth Novak with the
Alzheimer’s Association, Wednesday, November 18, 11 am – 12 pm. Please call the Senior Center to sign up and get the link to participate.
Holiday Food Drive: Giveaway date: Wednesday, December 16, 9 am -12 pm. Sponsored by Walmart   Neighborhood Market for seniors age 55 and older who need assistance with emergency food.
Christmas Dinner Drive-Thru: Friday, December 18, 11 am – 1 pm, please bring a new baby item to     donate to the Pregnancy Crisis Center in Shelby. Call the Center to sign up by Thursday, December 10.
In partnership with Mauney Memorial Library, the senior center offers a Zoom Book Club. Books are available in various formats including book, audio, e-book, and e-audio. A Zoom meeting to discuss the chosen book will be held early each month. Call the Mauney Memorial  Library to sign up and get access to the book. Ask for Mari at 704-739-2371.
Current senior center services include:
Transportation: TACC can currently take you to your doctor appointments or bring you to the Senior  Center once we reopen. Call  Bonnie Hale to find out more about this service.
Telephone Reassurance: Designed to help homebound elderly to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Volunteers will provide reassuring telephone calls on  pre-arranged days. Please call Glenda for more information.
Phone Buddy Program: Want a buddy to talk to?  Give us a call and we will match you up with a Phone Buddy.
S.H.O.P. Food Pantry: Please call if you need of food, Depends, Boost, or a mask.  We will check our supply and arrange a time for you to come by!  (Delivery also available if needed).
Facebook Live: We now have our own Patrick Senior Center Facebook page! We do a LIVE show on Monday thru Thursday at 10 am and Friday at 11 am. Join in for conversation, updates, and riddles!
Mass Call System: We have a way to call all our participants and give them updates.  We have been sending out calls to    remind folks about the drive thru. If you have not been receiving calls and would like to get them, please call the center to be added to the list.
The Senior Center can connect you to various services including  Home Repairs, In Home and Respite Care, Job Placement/Job Skills, Hospice and Palliative Care, Reverse Mortgage Counseling, Medicaid/Social Security Benefits, Home Delivered Meals, Mental Health Services, Disaster Preparedness, Long-term care/Ombudsman, and Rehab Services. Call Glenda for more information.
The H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Life and Conference Center is a non-profit public organization that provides services to persons 55 years of age and older.
The Patrick Center offices will be closed on November 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving, and December 24 and 25 for the Christmas Holidays.
SENIOR CENTER HOURS:   MONDAY — FRIDAY HOURS OF OPERATION:  Staff available by phone 8am-5pm
Outdoor Walking Track open 9am-4pm (see details in newsletter)
RENTALS:  No rentals through 2020 (Call Bonnie Hale for later dates)

(November 11, 2020 Issue)

It is time for SASi members to bring work to sell for the SASi Holiday Boutique – paintings, pottery, jewelry, mixed media, photography, woodwork, note cards, wearable art (knit, crochet, dyed silk), etc.
Delivery and setup dates have already passed but other times can be scheduled by appointment. Table space is shared (depending on how many items you have) and is available first come, first serve. You may bring your own table and tablecloth if preferred. You are responsible for setting up your own table display.
You MUST be a current Member of SASi to participate. You may renew your membership at time of entry. There is no entry fee, but SASi retains 30% commission on all sales. All sales are made thru SASi.
Artists must clearly label items with: Your 3 initials and item number, Price, Title or Item Description, Medium, Your Name. Download form and inventory sheet from the SASi website.
Due to production delays in their 2021 Calendars, SASi’s annual Open House to kick off Calendar Sales will be the weekend following Thanksgiving on Saturday Nov 28, 10-4 and Sunday November 29, 1-4 pm.  This kicks off the sale of our 2021 silk screened Calendars Doors and Windows.  They will also be open on Fridays in December (Dec 4, 11, 18). Artists pick up their work after the event on Jan 12-16, 2021 from 10 am – 2 pm during gallery hours.
 SASi needs volunteer help during gallery hours. Everyone is asked to wear a mask and practice physical distancing.
Application forms are available at http://southernartssociety.org/exhibits/art-for-christmas-2020/ Call SASi at 704.739.5585 or call or text Jewel at 803-448-4578. Email: SouthernArtsSociety@gmail.com
SASi will be CLOSED Nov 26-27, Dec 24-28 and Dec 31-Jan 1.

(November 4, 2020 Issue)

Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Director Jim Champion, and Sponsor Ken and Liz Pflieger announce audition dates of November 9 and 10, from 7 pm until 8:30 pm at the Joy Performance Center, 202 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain. Rehearsals will begin in January 2021 with performance dates set for early March 2021. For further information contact us at jim@kmlt.org or 704-730-9408.
Parts are available for two men and four women.
In this side-splitting comic romp about marriage, career-driven Suzannah Hayden (ages 45-55) needs a lot more help on the home front than she’s getting from her husband, Gibby (ages 45-55). Lately, nurturing his marriage of twenty-seven years hasn’t been the highest priority for Gibby, but pretty soon he’ll wish it had been.
Enter Beth Bailey (ages 30-40), Suzannah’s newly-hired assistant, a gregarious, highly-motivated daughter of the South. To Suzannah’s delight, Beth explodes into the Hayden household and whips it into an organized, well-run machine. This couldn’t have happened at a better time for Suzannah, since her boss, Celia Carmichael (ages 60-70), the C.E.O. of Carmichael’s Chocolates, is flying in soon for an important make-or-break business dinner.
Gibby grows increasingly wary as Beth insinuates herself into more and more aspects of their lives. In no time, she exceeds her duties as a household assistant and interjects herself into Suzannah’s career. As Suzannah’s dependence on Beth grows and Gibby’s dislike of the woman deepens, Suzannah gives Beth carte blanche to change anything in the household that “will make it run more efficiently.” And the change Beth makes is convincing Suzannah that Gibby must go!
When he realizes it’s Suzannah’s career Beth is really after, a newly-determined Gibby sets out to save his marriage aided by Suzannah’s best friend, Margo (ages 40-55), a wisecracking and self-deprecating divorcee and her ex-husband, Hank (ages 40-55), who is in the midst of his own mid-life crisis. Their effort to stop Beth at any cost sets up the wildly funny climax in which things go uproariously awry just as Suzannah’s boss arrives for that all-important dinner.
Whether you’re married, single, rethinking your divorce or currently being controlled by someone up to no good, you’re sure to enjoy this family-friendly, laugh-out-loud Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten Comedy!
   Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc. is a volunteer based, 501c3 tax-exempt community theater. It owns and operates the Joy Performance Center and the Liberty Mountain Garden. It is a funded affiliate of the Cleveland County Arts Council and is supported in part by a Grassroots Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency.
 For more detailed information, please visit www.kmlt.org or the Kings Mountain Little Theatre facebook page.  We look forward to seeing lots of new faces and long-time friends!

(November 4, 2020 Issue)

East Gold Street Wesleyan Church is holding their Homecoming 2020 Service on Sunday, November 8th at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Worship Center (701 East Gold Street)!  Pastor Curtis Williams will be the guest speaker.  Pastor Curtis served as Youth Pastor at East Gold for 10 years (1993-2003).  During his pastorate, the youth group flourished as it significantly grew both in number and in spiritual depth.  When asked to describe his pastorate at East Gold, Pastor Curtis quickly replied, "building relationships."  His legacy here continues to be one of doing just that.
Pastor Curtis went on to serve as Lead Pastor in other churches and also served on the mission field in Papua New Guinea.  Currently, he serves as Lead Pastor at The Wesleyan Church in York, South Carolina.
We extend an invitation to the Kings Mountain community; especially, to former members of the church, as we welcome Pastor Curits and Michele Williams for Homecoming 2020!
There will be no fellowship meal after the service this year.

(October 21, 2020 Issue)

(Ed. Note: The recipes in today’s Cooking Corner are from “Monumental Recipes,’’ Volume II published by the Kings Mountain Woman’s Club as a fund-raising project.)

BBQ SLAW
Tom Tindall
2 med. cabbage heads
20 oz. bottle ketchup
1 cup vinegar
1 tsp. Texas Pete
½ tsp. pepper
1 T. salt
1 cup sugar, white or brown
Cut cabbage fine. Mix all ingredients together. Refrigerate overnight. Will keep 6 months or more.

EASY BAKED BEANS
Margaret McGinnis
16 oz. pork and beans
1 small onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 t. chili powder
3-4 T. molasses
Ketchup or tomato sauce to taste
2 slices bacon
Combine all ingredients except bacon. Place in greased 2 quart casserole and lay bacon slices on top. Bake uncovered at 360 degrees 30-40 minutes or until mixture has thickened and bacon thoroughly cooked.

CHILI
Lori Cruise
2 lbs. hamburger, 
  cooked and drained
1 can Rotel
1 can petite diced 
  tomatoes
1 cup half and half
1 lb. Velveeta cheese, cut 
  into chunks
2 (16 oz.) cans chili beans
Cook and drain meat. Add Rotel, tomatoes, half and half, and cheese; cook on low heat. Stir constantly until cheese is melted. Add chili beans and heat. Ready to eat. May be served over rice. A chopped onion may be added as meat is browned, if desired.

CUBE STEAK
Sandra Murphrey
4 pieces cube steak
Flour
Meat tenderizer
Oil
1 can Golden 
   mushroom soup
Flour and use meat tenderizer on steak. Fry in oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until brown and turn to brown other side. Place I n 6x10 inch baking dish. Spoon undiluted soup on top of steak. Fill can 2/3 full of water, pour into side of baking dish. Do not wash off any of thick soup from top of meat/ Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. Turn off, leave in oven 1 more hour. If any liquid remains in baking dish, lift out meat onto serving plate and serve. Serve over rice. Very good next day.

 

(October 21, 2020 Issue)

Mauney Memorial Library has several special presentations scheduled for November. These imaginative presentations will keep you and your family entertained.

Author Talk: 
Jennifer Estep
Monday, Nov. 9
Presented on Facebook
Join Mauney Memorial Library as bestselling author Jennifer Estep talks about her books and her writing. The interview will be available to view on Facebook beginning Monday, November 9th, and will be available through November. Be sure to register for a chance to win a selection of her books.
Jennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author who prowls the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer’s next book will be A Sense of Danger, out on Thursday, Nov. 12, from Audible Original.
 Jennifer is the author of the Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, Elemental Assassin, Bigtime, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories. She writes both adult and young adult urban fantasy fiction.
The Wizard Experience
Presented by Sigmon
Theatrical
Thursday Nov. 12 at 4 pm   
Presented on 
Facebook Live
Wingardium leviosa! Let your imaginations take flight with this fully interactive wizarding adventure. You’ll feel like you’ve enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as audience members help make objects appear, disappear, and transfigure. You’ll see a broom take flight, the magical talking sorting hat, and objects zoom across the room. Come take a magical journey into a world you’ve only dreamt of. ​This immersive theatrical program features live actors, magical illusions, musical sound effects, and lots of audience participation.

The Real Mae West
Presented by Martha Mathison
Monday, Nov. 16 at noon
Mae West shattered box office records and public sensibilities. She rocketed from Broadway to become the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. Her one-liners scandalized the censors yet made her an icon. She rescued studios from bankruptcy and created stars.
Without her, Cary Grant would have remained a nobody. Meet the woman behind the wit. Who was Mae West, really?
For questions, or to join our Friends of the Library, email info@mauneylibrary.org or call the library at (704) 739-2371. The Friends of the Mauney Memorial Library thank the community for its continued support.
Mauney Memorial Library is located at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
For the latest in library news and events, visit www.mauneylibrary.org.     

(October 21, 2020 Issue)

By Libby Putnam, Chapter Regent

   The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently celebrated the National DAR Day of Service on October 11. Each year the Day of Service honors the anniversary of the founding of the DAR on October 11, 1890 in Washington, D.C.
   Chapters and individuals are encouraged to engage in meaningful service projects in their communities each year at this time. This year the members of the Col. Frederick Hambright Chapter DAR donated bags of treats to the workers at Summit Place, White Oak Manor, and the Hospice House in honor of service to their residents.
   The Daughters of the American Revolution is a society founded on service and DAR members across the country have logged almost 2 million hours of Service to America hours this year.  

(October 21, 2020 Issue)

By Loretta Cozart

 Kings Mountain’s newest restaurant, 133 West, located on Mountain Street, held its ribbon cutting on Thursday, October 22, at 11 am.
Those in attendance included owner Iris Hubbard and Chef Evan Garr, Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce President Bill Watson, Mayor Neisler, John and Beth McGill, US Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, NC House Speaker Tim Moore, Kings Mountain City Council, Kings Mountain’s Planning and Zoning Department, as well as chamber ambassadors.
Watson welcomed Mayor Neisler, who addressed the crowd saying, “The City is so thrilled to be here this day to enjoy this opening. This is all because of the roots of a guy named John Knox McGill because he loves this town. He moved away but came back because he loves Kings Mountain. It’s a roots thing.”
“Just like all the people coming back downtown like David Stone, Rob Bolin, Bobby Horne and Jimbo Thompson who are coming back and investing in downtown Kings Mountain, making it a place for us to visit, have dinner and enjoy this community,” Neisler said.
“Iris and John, I just want to wish you the best of luck and hope you have success well beyond your expectations.” He added, “This was not easy to open a restaurant in the middle of a COVID virus.”
Hubbard thanked everyone, saying, “I am a little overwhelmed by the crowd, but I’ve been overwhelmed since the day we opened by the support of so many of the faces here. Not just the support of getting this place off the ground, there are many you who helped in the background. Since we’ve opened, there have been so many challenges. But without all of you guys and the support of the city, it would not be possible.” She thanked John and Beth McGill and the patrons who visit once a week or once a month for their continued support.
  Watson asked Hubbard for the restaurant hours. She responded by saying, “133 West is open Monday – Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for brunch. We will expand our hours once all this craziness is over. Our goal is to be open 7-days a week. That’s our goal, and we’ll keep pushing to get there.”

Submitted by Regina Arrowood 

A coat drive called “Keep Cleveland County Warm” is being held in memory of a Rutherford County woman, Pat Parker. Organizers are asking the community for donations to help keep people warm this winter. The donations will be distributed to schools, nonprofit organizations, and shelters in Cleveland County where they will then be given to children and families who need warm clothing.
The coat drive is being held by Parker’s family and citizens of Cleveland County in honor of her.  “We lost our mother a few years ago. She was always thinking about people in need and how she could help. We organized this event in memory of her, with the hope of helping families in need,” said Event Organizer Regina Arrowood. The coat drive has been a huge success in Rutherford County for the last four years.  Tim Early and Leigh Ann Self, local natives of Cleveland County, decided this year to expand the coat drive to include Cleveland County.
Now through December 4, 2020, donations of new and gently used coats and outerwear will be accepted at the following locations: Shelby Fire Dept (Grover Street), YMCA (Shelby), Shelby Police Dept, Cleveland County Library (Shelby), Cleveland Community College (Bailey Bldg. and Hunt Bldg.), Main Street Hardware (Lawndale), Casar Fire Dept, YMCA (Kings Mtn), Rose’s (Kings Mtn), Boiling Springs Fire Dept, and YMCA (Boiling Springs).   New and Gently Used:  Coats, Hoodies, Socks, Scarves, Gloves, Shoes, Jackets and Hats.
 Other local citizens involved:  Alison Steel, Debra Hoover, Molly Hoover, Beth Fox, Anne Harrelson, Abby Self, and Jake Self.
For more information, contact Regina Arrowood at 828-464-2489, Tim Early at 704-724- 4769 or Leigh Ann Self at 704-472-5295.

Muddy conditions kept folks at the Cleveland County Potato Project out of the Botts plot until Saturday. Twelve volunteers from Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church came to help with the work on Saturday and the family that owns the Botts site treated all workers to a pizza lunch.  Just a few weeks ago, this site was predicted to not bear many potatoes. However, it has produced 38,000 lbs. of really nice potatoes.  Only 10 rows remain in finishing this plot and the group hopes to have finished the field by Tuesday. For more info on the Potato Project, call Doug Sharp at 704-472-5128.                                                                                                                                    Photo provided
 

By Loretta Cozart

With temperatures dropping over the last few weeks, and significantly over the weekend, local shelters encourage those in need to utilize their services. While the shelters mentioned below are similar, they are not identical. Be sure to reach out to the shelter regarding availability to make sure space is available.
Cleveland County Rescue Mission in Shelby is a non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to providing shelter, recovery programs, and support services to the homeless by proclaiming the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ. The Executive Director is Pastor Micheal Woods.
The Rescue Mission incorporates a holistic approach to recovery, addressing the needs of the mind, body, and soul. By doing so we help our residents confront and overcome the problems that led to homelessness in the first place.
In addition to providing basic services such as housing and food, the program also integrates practical life skills such as vocational training and educational classes. Work therapy and individual therapy assist in the recovery of each client, and Bible study classes add to the men’s total transformation. Upon graduation, the goal is that all residents live both independently as part of society, but also depend on their relationships with Jesus Christ.
In the residential transition period that follows on site, the rescue mission remains available to assist their graduates in obtaining housing and employment, giving them their greatest chances for success in returning to the outside world as a contributing member of society. The shelter currently has 10 spaces available and plans to expand in January 2021. 704-751-1255 www.myccrm.org
Heart2Heart Place is the Women's Division of Cleveland County Rescue Mission in Shelby. The Executive Director is Pastor Micheal Woods. The rescue mission provides a women domestic violence shelter and services. It is an emergency shelter for women and women with children. Each woman is taught how to overcome barriers to success and independent living by providing access to needed services. Capacity is limited to 20 and space is available but filling quickly. (704) 751-1262 Website: http://myccrm.org/heart-to-heart-place/
Both Heart2Heart Place and Cleveland County Rescue Mission require a negative COVID-19 test before entering the program. An ID is required.
Crossroads Rescue Mission is a long term residential shelter. The Founder and Executive Director is Rocky Shelton. As Shelby, NC’s oldest and largest long term residential shelter, the Crossroads Rescue Mission currently serves up to 50 men, 365 days a year throughout the area providing safe shelter, addiction recovery programs and more. Currently they have seven openings.
As long as a client has no fever, they can be admitted. If a fever develops, they must be tested and receive a negative COVID-19 test.
The program is designed to meet the needs of the whole person: spiritual, educational, emotional, physical, social and vocational, so that those men who have hit rock bottom may become fully functioning members of society. (704) 484-8770 https://www.crossroadsrescuemission.org/
The Quiet Heart Women’s Rescue Mission is in Gaffney, SC. Executive Director Deborah Shelton. The Quiet Heart Women's Mission is a faith-based residential women's facility for ladies, 18 and upward, struggling with substance abuse, behavioral problems, and coming out of abusive homes.  Located in Gaffney, SC, we have been in operation since September of 2015.  They are the women's division of Crossroads Rescue Mission in Shelby, NC.
They offer services completely free of charge, so that anyone who wants help can get help. The Quiet Heart is an initial six month program which focuses on recovery and restoration.  During this "new beginning," each resident will receive sound Bible instruction and focus on life-skills to help them in the future. 704-473-4394 https://www.thequietheartwomensmission.org/
The Quiet Heart operates a thrift store, Handfuls of Purpose, at 112 Wilkinson Blvd. in Gaffney. Girls residing at The Quiet Heart work in the store to support the rescue mission. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9 am – 5 pm, Wednesday 9 am – 4 pm.
Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry doesn’t offer shelter services but helps in other ways. Director Lisa Harrison. 704-739-7256. The Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry is an emergency assistance agency sponsored by the Kings Mountain Ministerial Association and is ruled and governed by an eleven member board of directors consisting of interfaith ministers and community leaders. They are a non-profit organization and give hope to all in the name of Jesus Christ.
Kings Mountain Crisis Ministry provides temporary assistance to individuals and families in financial crisis. They facilitate the distribution of food and clothing and give financial assistance for rent, utilities, medicine, fuel and gasoline.

As October arrives, so do cooler temps and the beginning of production for the live, balsam veterans’ wreaths that sponsors purchase and place this December.
Why does Wreaths Across America only place live wreaths? The answer is simple, the wreaths are not used to decorate headstones. Through this program and the network of tens of thousands of dedicated volunteers across the country, Wreaths Across America honors all veterans and active military members by placing live wreaths.
Fresh evergreens have been used for centuries as a symbol recognizing honor and as a living tribute renewed annually. This tradition as a living memorial to veterans and their families.
 Ultimately, the sponsorship and placement of a veteran’s wreath means so much more. The veteran’s wreath serves as a catalyst to bring together communities, unite families, create opportunity for fundraising by other nonprofits and civic groups doing good locally, and teach children about the service and sacrifice that gives us our freedom in this country.
This December, Wreaths Across America, DAR, and local citizens will work together to ensure every name is spoken out loud and that every service member laid to rest is remembered.
December 19 is National Wreaths Across America Day. The Col. Frederick DAR Chapter, along with many volunteers, will honor veterans at noon and join a grateful nation in honoring all veterans and active military members. Through this work, they strive to Remember. Honor. Teach.
If you would like to purchase a wreath, or help in the laying of wreaths, contact Renee Bost via email at ncdaughter@gmail.com or by calling 980-406-6659. 

By Loretta Cozart

In March of 1951, Kings Mountain Hospital opened to much fanfare after years of hard work in bringing a medical facility to the city. Mauney Textile Interests purchased a full page ad in the Herald, sharing that “It was built primarily for use of Kings Mountain area citizens, and its facilities are the most modern available.”
In 1942, Miss Lottie Goforth bequeathed her entire $30,000 estate to “build and equip or help build an institution, clinic, or hospital, located within Kings Mountain, to give medical and surgical aid, free or at reduced cost, to the poor and helpless citizens of Kings Mountain.”
   Miss Goforth’s estate had been invested in US Bonds in 1944 and 1945 and would be worth considerably more upon their maturity, according to an article in the Kings Mountain Herald. However, the original 22-bed hospital facility was not built with those funds. Executor of her estate, Dr. O.P. Lewis, suggested Goforth’s money would be used to build an additional wing, or to establish an endowment fund and the revenue would be used to aid needy patients in obtaining hospital care.
   The facility was dedicated on March 30, 1951 and according to the Herald, “Kings Mountain’s Hospital has been a dream of many citizens since 1942. Then a period of disappointment began,” according to the article.
   In February 1943, the NC General Assembly considered establishing a Kings Mountain hospital commission similar to the one established in Shelby, but that went nowhere. Then, the Duke Endowment determined that Kings Mountain was too small to support a hospital.
In 1945, good things began to happen and the “General Assembly enacted legislation empowering  counties to go into the hospital business,” the paper reported. That year, citizens voted to borrow $400,00 to build two hospitals, one in Shelby and one in Kings Mountain. Of those funds, $160,000 was allotted to Kings Mountain Hospital. The county hospital board was established, and Kings Mountain’s members included C.E. Neisler, Wray A. Williams and L. Arnold Kiser. They soon realized they didn’t have enough money to go forward with their plans.
In 1947, the General Assembly adopted a medical care program where state funds could be used in a shared cost federal building program. Because some counties did not exercise their option for state-federal monies, more funds were available to those counties who applied. On July 27, 1949, the North Carolina Medical Care Commission approved the plans for Kings Mountain Hospital. Investments on the part of Cleveland County Citizens was estimated at $241,000. Senator Clyde R. Hoey and former state senator Lee B. Weathers participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
According to Martin Harmon, owner and editor of the Herald, “When the red-tape pinched tightest, when the penalize-the-wealthy building formulae of the federal and state government seemed to bar all doors to a Kings Mountain Hospital, when other interested citizens were ready to give up in disgust, Mr. (L. Arnold) Kiser continued to push.”
“He has worked diligently on the project, and many feel that he, more than any other one individual, is responsible for the fruition of this community need,” the Herald reported.
   In that 20-page edition of the Herald, several doctors were noted as planning to practice at the hospital. Those include: Dr. Craig Jones, surgeon; Dr. Paul Eugene Henricks, general practitioner; Dr. William Lee Ramseur, general practitioner; Dr. James Edward Anthony, general practitioner and Dr. Phillip Grover Padgett, surgeon.
Interestingly, under the county setup, neither Shelby or Kings Mountain had a resident surgeon or medical staff. All doctors in good standing in Cleveland County Medical Society were eligible to use the Kings Mountain Hospital, as well as all Cleveland County dentists who are members of the dental society.
On March 31, 1951, Kings Mountain Hospital was formally dedicated. It opened its door to patients the following Monday, April 2, 1951.
Kings Mountain citizens embraced the project and did their part, many offering their services. Landscaping for Kings Mountain Hospital was provided by Kings Mountain Garden Club. The club set out dogwood, redwood, pussy willow, oak and flowering trees.
Following the dedication, Mrs. Kiser, Mr. Mauney, and Hunter Neisler, Kings Mountain members of the hospital board, were hosts at a dinner to some 30 trustees and distinguished guests at Kings Mountain Country Club.
Within the first week, Kings Mountain Hospital admitted 13 patients. Mrs. Doris L. Styers of 209 E. Kings Street was admitted opening day and became the first mother at Kings Mountain hospital when she delivered Victoria Elizabeth Styers. Dr. Padgett was the attending physician. Patients three and four were Mrs. Eoline Keeter Hord and her baby daughter Barbara Spake Hord who transferred from Shelby.
The first boy born at the hospital was Barry Wray Bumgardner to Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bumgardner. The first man admitted was Bobby Earl Mabry. Others admitted in the first week were Mrs. Elizabeth Ebletoft of Shelby, Mrs. Jurica Monroe, Mrs. Billie B. Mauney, Mrs. Lydia Dover of Clover, SC, Mrs. Virginia Holye of Shelby, 13-month old Carolyn Falls and Mrs. Mary H. Gaffney.
At the time of the hospital’s opening, Dr. William Lee Ramseur was the second doctor in seniority and the only Kings Mountain native practicing medicine in town. Robert L. (Bob) Moser was the hospital’s first administrator.
Citizens like Miss Lottie Goforth and Mr. L. Arnold Kiser gave their all for a local hospital that served the medical needs of the people of our community. The community was behind the effort and businesses followed suit. Upon the announcement of the hospital, Harris Funeral home purchased the town’s first ambulance.
The 20-page March 30, 1951 special edition of the Herald featured ads large and small but Kings Mountain businesses, exemplifying their appreciation for a hospital in the community. Those running ads included: Mauney Textile Interests (Bonnie Cotton Mill, Kings Mountain Manufacturing, Mauney Hosiery Co., Mauney Mills Inc., Sadie Cotton Mills), City Auto and Home Supply, Neisler Mills, Inc. (Margrace Plant and Pauline Plant), Kings Mountain Drug Company, Carlisle Studios (over B&B Soda Shop), Baird Furniture, City Service Station, Community Implement and Supply, Dellinger’s Jewel Shop, G.W. King
Garage,  Kings  Mountain  Building and Loan Association, Kings Mountain Cotton Oil Company, Margrace Store, Marlowe’s Center Service, Sterchi’s, Ware & Sons, Wee Folk Shop, Western Auto Store, Home Building and Loan Association, Burlington Mills, Belk’s, Plonk’s, First National Bank of Kings Mountain, Superior Stone and Griffin Drug Company.
Atrium Health Kings Mountain will celebrate its 70th birthday on April 2, 2021.In its 69-year history, services have expanded to better serve the citizen of Kings Mountain. It is certain that the hospital will continue to carry out its new mission: to improve health, elevate hope and advance healing - for all.

 

By Loretta Cozart

Fall officially began on Tuesday, September 22. As if on cue, the change of season brought cooler temperatures and a break from the dog-days of summer. For many the change of season  prompts decorating their homes and offices with seasonal plantings, including mums. Winter veggies replace tomatoes and corn in the garden  and
pumpkins replace planters on porches, as quickly as long sleeved shirts and blue jeans return to one’s everyday wardrobe.
Cooler weather causes outdoor plants to wither as overnight temperatures drop. Mums and Pansies are a favorite alternative during the fall because they are hearty to about 20-degrees below zero, perfect for the areas’ normally moderate winters.
Pumpkins make great fall decorations because they are associated with both Halloween and Thanksgiving. They pull double duty across two beloved holidays.  
This is also the time to plant a fall garden. If you have plowed under your summer garden, this is a great time to  plant fall vegetables. Yes, some plants thrive in cold weather. According to NC Cooperative Extension, many favorite cool weather vegetables can be planted in September for harvest through fall and into winter. You might be a little behind, but local garden centers, like Bridges Hardware & Home Center True Value and Hometown Hardware and Garden Center still have a variety of plants in stock.
On the other hand, if you rather just enjoy the bounty of the season, visit Rhodesdale Farm on the Shelby Road and stock up with pumpkins, apple cider, jams, and butters. They also have a good variety of delicious organic apples available.
Whether you like the change of the season, you might as well resign yourself to the fact that cooler weather is coming. Embrace the season and take the time to enjoy the fall with your friends and family.

With the 2020-2021 school year here, many parents are dealing with changes to their children’s lunch routine. Many students may be returning to school for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began and others may be distance learning. Don’t let food-borne illness – commonly called food poisoning – keep your child from learning. Take the time to plan and prepare your children’s lunch meals safely. 
While children rely on teachers for daily lessons, the task of making safe lunches falls squarely on caregivers. Unlike cafeteria workers who take food safety trainings on a regular basis, most parents preparing lunch for their kids at home, or to take to school, haven’t received any formal food safety instruction. Nutrition counts, too.
The lunch you’re making not only satisfies hunger pangs of busy kids, it fuels their cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that proper nutrition improves students’ scores, memory capacities, motor skills, social skills, and language skills. Keep them well fed and safe with the four steps to steps to food safety – Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill.
Clean: The best way to prevent many forms of illness, including food-borne illness, is with proper hand washing. Children should always clean their hands before eating, and parents should do so before and during lunch preparation. It’s easy to get preoccupied by busy schedules and rush through the five steps of washing hands; however, hand-washing is vital to remove any germs that may be present. Hand washing should always include the following:
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel.
Separate: Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw meat and poultry away from ready-to-eat foods. When preparing perishable foods that require cutting (for example, raw bacon and raw chicken you plan to cook for salad), make sure you separate these items from fruits, vegetables, cheeses and other foods to avoid cross-contamination.
Cut up and prepare your raw ingredients ahead of time to avoid cross-contamination as you handle your ready-to-eat items for salads or other sides.
Different colored cutting boards are a great reminder to prevent cross-contamination (you can use a green cutting board for fresh produce and another color for meat and poultry).
Cook: Have a food thermometer easily accessible to ensure you’re cooking to recommended safe internal temperatures:
Cook whole cuts of meat, including beef and pork to 145 degrees Fahrenheit  and allow them to rest for at least 3 minutes before carving.
Cook ground meats, like burgers and sausages, to 160 degrees Fahrenheit .
Cook all chicken and turkey to 165 degrees Fahrenheit .
Chill: When preparing lunch ahead of time, remember perishable foods should not enter the Danger Zone – temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit  – where bacteria multiply quickly and can make food unsafe.
Make sure all perishable items are refrigerated within two hours of coming out of the oven or refrigerator.
Discard food that has been left out for more than two hours to prevent foodborne illness.
   If your child needs to carry their lunch themselves, never pack perishable foods in a brown paper bag because they will be unsafe by lunchtime. Use an insulated, soft-sided lunch bag and add a frozen gel pack and a frozen juice box or bottle of water with the lunch.
These four steps– Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill – give parents and caregivers steps they can use to protect their children from food poisoning. Now that we’ve covered all the basics, you’re ready for the big test – hungry students!
   For more information on food and food safety, visit  https://www.fsis.usda.gov/.

By Jewel Reavis

“Nature Reconsidered” art competition and “Trail” photography competition opened this week at Southern Arts Society in Kings Mountain. Both are judged shows with cash prizes.
“Nature Reconsidered” is an art exhibition and competition sponsored by Southern Arts Society that aims to explore the ever-changing relationship between humans and nature. Artists were asked to create work that references, investigates, challenges, and/or celebrates our relationship with the natural world. There is a wide variety of media featured in the show - painting (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel), drawing, glass, photography and mixed media.
Twenty-five artists from around the region entered 57 pieces of work for this year’s exhibit. Entries are down for this show, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the quality of the work is still impressive to see.
The “TRAIL” photography competition is sponsored by the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail and Southern Arts Society. This exhibit features photos taken on the Gateway Trail over the past two years. Photographers walked the trail in all types of weather to seek out flora and fauna to photograph for a chance to win a cash award.
There are 27 entries from 11 photographers in this show. The butterfly garden at the top of the Gateway Trail is a prime spot for great photos and is well represented in this show. Much of the trail is surrounded by trees which requires photographers to be patient and search out interesting wildlife to capture on film.
   Judging both shows is Myles Calvert, Assistant Professor in Fine Arts at Winthrop University, South Carolina. Mr. Calvert was born in Collingwood, Ontario. He attended the University of Guelph with a focus in printmaking, before travelling to London, UK where he completed his MA in Printmaking, at Camberwell College of Art (University for the Arts, London). Major bodies of work included installations of screen printed toast and the idolization of popular British celebrity culture.
During this time, he worked for the National Portrait Gallery before moving to Hastings in East Sussex, to teach printmaking at Sussex Coast College and become Duty Manager of the newly built Jerwood Gallery (Hastings Contemporary). Myles' toast-based work continued with a 43000 slice installation during the Queen’s ‘Diamond Jubilee’ with college students, drawing BBC media attention, and culminated in two solo exhibitions before making a return to the University of Guelph to teach. 2019 residencies included Art Print Residence (Barcelona, Spain) and Proyecto’ace (Buenos Aires, Argentina), as well as a lecture/workshop at PUCP (Pontificia Universidad Catòlica del Perú) in Lima.
Awards for both competitions will be announced virtually October 10th on the website and Facebook page of Southern Arts Society.
“Nature Reconsidered” and Trail” will be on display in the galleries of Southern Arts Society through November 6, 2020. Visitors are asked to please wear a mask and practice social distancing while visiting the gallery.
Southern Arts Society (SASi) Gift Shop & Gallery is located at 301 N. Piedmont Avenue in the historic Southern Railway Depot, at the intersection of Piedmont and Battleground. SASi offers a gift shop, ongoing exhibits, programs and classes in a variety of media for artists of all levels. Hours: Tues, Wed, Thurs and Sat, 10 am to 2 pm and by appointment. Admission is free. For more information please visit www.SouthernArtsSociety.org, or their Facebook page. Contact 704.739.5585 or email SouthernArtsSociety@gmail.com.

Since Kings Mountain National Military Park just commemorated the 240th anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, the Herald sought out a Revolutionary War artifact to feature in this week’s paper.
Kings Mountain Historical Museum Director and Curator January Costa shared the following about am Iron Sword donated to the Kings Mountain Historical Museum from the W.P. Wellmon Estate.
This iron sword in the collections at the Kings Mountain Historical Museum is mounted on a wooden plaque. The sword was found by Wilburn Palmer in the attic of his grandmother’s house circa 1950.
The wooden handle was previously in poor condition with rusted iron, so the handle has been replaced and the iron cleaned around 1985. The sword was owned and used by William Wellmon during the Revolutionary War.
As a young boy, William was born in Maryland and raised by his mother Katy Wellmon and stepfather George Riley in Virginia. At the age of 16-17 old, William and his family moved to Alabama. On the journey there, William met a farmer in what is now Waco, and chose to hire himself out to him and stay with him on the farm.
Shortly after, William Wellmon served as a private in Elias Longhorne’s Company, Colonel Locke’s NC regiment.  After the war, William married Rebecca Moss and started a plantation in Fallston, NC. He had five children with Rebecca, and then married a second time to Presley Williams, with whom he had four more children. He became extremely wealthy from the farming of 1600 acres of land using over 300 slaves for labor.
His Last Will and Testament is dated January 27, 1856. He was one of the last Revolutionary War soldiers remaining to pass away after the war. He is buried in the graveyard on the family plantation, and on September 31st, 1931, the Federal Government erected a marker at his grave honoring his service as a soldier in the Revolutionary War.

By Loretta Cozart

Angela Patterson Padgett was born into a family whose lives revolved around
NASCAR. Growing up, all she wanted in life was to follow in her family’s footsteps and work in that industry. Due to a series of fortunate events, she achieved that goal.
“My great-granddaddy was Glen “Pat” Patterson and the family lived off Putnam Lake Road, near Oak Grove Road. My dad’s whole side of my family lives out there,” Angela shared, “Pawpaw raced in the ‘60s driving a 1949 Ford Coup. I have a picture of me in his race car.”
“On the other side of the family is my mom’s brother, William Rayfield, who went to work for Henrick Motorsports in 1986 and I visited the shop when I was 13-years old.” Family member, Keith still races dirt track, William is retired but does radio and cousin Keitha handles social networking for Joe Gibbs.
“NASCAR has been a family business of ours, one way or another, since I was born,” Angela said.
Padgett went to college at Appalachian State and earned her degree in Radio and Television. While there, she and a friend produced a radio show called NASCAR Thunder at WASU that was patterned after NASCAR Country. “Bill Dollar was my hero.” Patterson said.
  In the summer of 1994, she accepted an internship with Doug Rice, president of Performance Racing Network. “My professor, Dr. Porterfield, said ASU didn’t offer internships in that area. But I convinced him. I told him it was for Fast Talk, so he made up a new category called Broadcasting in the Racing Industry. That’s where I met Benny Parsons.” Her internship required 120 hours and she completed it in just three weeks.
“During my senior year of college, my uncle William called to tell me that Hendrick Motorsports was adding a museum and they needed someone to run it for them. He knew I wanted a job in NASCAR, so he called and told me to get my resume in,” she said. “I knew the museum wouldn’t open for a year, but I really wanted that job.”
After college, Calvin Hastings offered her a part-time job with Performance Racing Network calling races at Lincoln County Speedway. “It was crazy out there. They didn’t have a sound booth, so we sat amongst the people while we called the races.”
Angela didn’t realize that Benny Parsons had once driven for Hendrick Motorsports when a driver was out. He called the shop on her behalf weekly asking Chuck Mack if he had hired Angela yet. “I was so disappointed when I learned they hired in house, but never knew Benny Parsons was working to help me,” Angela said.
“He kept calling and in August 1996, Chuck Mack offered me a job on a Friday to start work on the following Monday. I was also selling tickets at the Charlotte Motor Speedway and had taken a job as a receptionist for the City of Kings Mountain. By then, I was working in the Police Department, she said.
“Bob Hayes was my boss at the Police Department and understood I had a passion for NASCAR, that was all I ever talked about.” In fact, the folks at the city nicknamed her Lug Nut because of her love of the sport. “I spoke with Chief Hayes and he interviewed someone I knew who wanted to become a police officer. My job was filled right away, but I still worked a notice.”
“At the speedway, I knew someone who could help them immediately and they let me move on to the new job,” Angela said.
  “September 23, 1996 was the best day of my life, the day I started working at Hendrick Motorsports. I have always been sad that Papaw didn’t live to see me working at Hendrick Motorsports. He would have loved it.”
Daddy was away in the military at the time and when he called I told him, “Oh Daddy, you’re not going to believe it. I got a job at Hendrick Motorsports! He was excited for me even though he was a Dale Earnhardt fan. Daddy liked Earnhardt, because he was like us… he was born on a mill hill.
Angela Padgett worked for Hendrick Motorsports from 1996 to 2012, a time she considers the best years to work in NASCAR. That experience helped her get another job at the City of Kings Mountain. “The experience I gained at Hendrick Motorsports was invaluable. I helped manage events of 10,000 plus people and that was the experience the city was looking for in my current position with Kings Mountain Special Events. It’s funny how one thing just leads to another.”
Angela’s mother, Cathy Rayfield Taylor, worked as Executive Director for the Cleveland County Partnership
for Children and suggested she speak to Scott Neisler regarding doing a show on his network. At the time, I was working at Cleveland County Partnership for Children as a coordinator for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. That contact lead to her continuing NASCAR Thunder on WGNC.
“NASCAR Thunder is not your usual racing show. Yes, we recap the weekly races. However, the biggest part of our show is interviewing folks who worked behind the scenes in NASCAR. Folks like me who worked in Marketing/Public Relations, Accounting, in the Engine and Chassis shops, Museums and Events Departments,” Angela shared. “Everyone who worked in NASCAR has a story. I use my show to honor those that are not in the spotlight. Our show is made up of NASCAR news, stories and music.”
Join Angela Padgett each Monday Night at 6 pm for NASCAR Thunder on AM1450 WGNC and FM101.1. Listen online at www.WGNC.net.

Senator Ted Alexander shared information regarding the NC Teaching Fellows Program last week. Since being reauthorized by the General Assembly in 2017, the program has been a primary tool for recruiting the best and brightest in North Carolina to become teachers. “Teaching Fellows is a competitive, merit-based forgivable loans for service program that provides up to $4,125 a semester ($8,250 a year) for up to four years to highly-qualified students committed to teaching special education or a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) subject in a North Carolina public school,” said Senator Alexander.
The program is open to the following categories of applicants:
A North Carolina high school senior
• A student applying to transfer to an educator preparation program at one of the five Teaching Fellows partner institutions
• A student already enrolled at one of the five Teaching Fellows partner institutions who transitions into an educator preparation program
• An individual with a bachelor’s degree pursuing preparation for teacher licensure at one of the five Teaching Fellows partner institutions
Should you want additional information about this opportunity, including a detailed FAQ for prospective applicants, it is available at the NC Teaching Fellows website here: (www.ncteachingfellows.com).

(October 7, 2020 Issue)

(ED. NOTE: The recipes in today’s Cooking Corner come from a cookbook published by Central United Methodist Church.)

CRANBERRY SALAD
Edie Potter Brucker
1 (6 oz.) pkg.  strawberry 
   or cherry gelatin
1 cup hot water
1 (8 oz) container yogurt
1 (16 oz.) can whole cranberry sauce
½ cup chopped celery
½ cup chopped pecans
Dissolve gelatin with 1 cup boiling water. Set aside. In separate bowl, combine yogurt, cranberry sauce, celery and pecans. Mix well. Combine with gelatin. Mix thoroughly. Pour into mold and refrigerate until set.

HEART HEALTHY
CRISPY CHICKEN
Bessie Bumgardner
4 skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cornflake crumbs
1 cup skim milk
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse chicken breasts and dry. Season. Coat each piece with milk; shake to remove excess and roll in crumbs. Place chicken in oiled baking dish or dish sprayed with Pam. Do not crowd. Pieces should not tough. Bake for 45 minutes/ Yield: 4 servings.  Contains approximately 270 calories.

BREAKFAST
CASSEROLE
Jane Clemmer
8 eggs
2 cups milk
3 slices bread, broken 
   into small pieces
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. mustard
1 lb. sausage, browned and drained1
1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
Mix together beaten eggs, milk, salt and mustard. Add in remaining ingredients. Pour into greased   13x9 inches pan. Refrigerate overnight.  Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

SLOPPY JOES
Nell Gault
3 lbs. ground beef
1 med. Onion, chopped
1 c. chopped celery
1 (10 ¾ oz. can tomato soup
1 cup catsup
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Brown meat in large skillet. Add onion and celery. Cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
Add tomato soup, catsup, salt and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes. Spoon on warm bun halves and sprinkle with cheese. This freezes well for future use. Makes 16 servings.

(October 7, 2020 Issue)

Mauney Memorial Library hosts a virtual Read Local Book Fair from 9 am to 5 pm on October 12.  Local authors share in their own words about their works and the thought that went into their books. Links will be provided to support our local authors on the library’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary.
“This year's Read Local Book Fair was originally scheduled to be held at the Patrick Senior Center but was cancelled due to COVID. The library has successfully transitioned programming to virtual, so we decided to go online with this event, as well.  Many of our authors were willing to participate by recording short videos about themselves and their works,” said Library Assistant Terry Bivens.
Here  is the list of authors participating in this year's virtual book fair.

Myla Athitang
Bill Barnes & Charlotte Corbin Barnes
Misty Beller
Tonia Brown
Doris Cole
Audrey Frank
Paul Michael Garrison
Kathryn Hamrick
Robert Lamphier
Ardrue McMahan
Linda Osborne &
   John Osborne
David Poston
Doris Elaine Smarr
Matthew Tessnear
Sandra Warren
Rhonda Waterhouse

(October 7, 2020 Issue)

By Jim Champion

   An historical landmark is approaching as the Carolinas look forward to the 240th anniversary of the Revolutionary War Battle of Kings Mountain.  It was on October 7, 1780 that a fierce and determined band of Patriot fighters took on a larger, well-trained force of Loyalists on the mountain near the state line of the Carolinas and won what historians call the turning point of the American Revolution.
 The cast, crew and company of Liberty Mountain: The Revolutionary Drama are drawing attention to this year’s commemoration as they prepare for the stage drama based on the battle at the Joy Performance Center in Kings Mountain, next summer.  It will be the production’s 7th season after the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of the 2020 performances. 
“This is a story every American, young and old, must know,” says Robert Inman, the author of the play.  “If those sturdy Patriots hadn’t won that battle, we today might be singing, ‘God Save the Queen.’  We owe our freedoms as Americans to those brave men and the women who supported them and sent them off to battle.”
The Liberty Mountain company is appealing for strong public support for next year’s production, as they try to recover from the 2020 production being cancelled.
“On behalf of our company I want to thank our public, corporate, and private sponsors who have helped make the production successful,” says Jim Champion, the play’s Executive Director.  “For our 2021 season, one of the best ways to support “Liberty Mountain” is to join The Brigade of 87, our volunteer organization.  We need for businesses and individuals throughout the area to get involved and to help us prepare. We also encourage you to participate in all the virtual programs about our region’s unique Revolutionary War history, being kept alive by many great organizations.”
Liberty Mountain is a production of Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc., a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit. Gilbert and Jancy Patrick are the Presenting Sponsor. Further details about our drama can be found online at www.libertymountaindrama.com.  Requests for information about 2021 volunteer and sponsorship opportunities should be sent to jim@kmlt.org, KMLT/Liberty Mountain Drama, PO Box 1022, Kings Mountain, NC 28086, or you may call the Joy Performance Center at 704-730-9408.
The anniversary of the battle is traditionally marked with a large public gathering at Kings Mountain National Military Park, complete with members of the Sons of the American Revolution in authentic uniforms.  Like so much else, this year’s public celebration had to be cancelled.  But the military park and the SAR have arranged for a virtual commemoration at the monument. It can be viewed beginning at 10 am on Wednesday, October 7 by logging on to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81700673468. The men in their colorful uniforms will be there, along with the spirits of the Patriots who took up arms and helped secure the America we enjoy today.

(October 7, 2020 Issue)

By January Costa,
Director & Curator

Kings Mountain Historical Museum’s 17th Annual Raffle & Auctions took place virtually from September 18th to September 27th. The museum also held the raffle and drawing at the museum on Saturday, September 26th and had a total of 23 winners. The Museum Board Members and staff are proud of the success of the event and appreciate the support of the Kings Mountain community.
The event was themed around the museum’s rebranding this year, and it also being the museum’s 20th year anniversary in the Post Office. The proceeds from this annual event go to support the funding needed for the museum to provide educational exhibits, events, and outreach programs free of charge to the public.
The Museum owes special thanks to our event sponsors and in-kind donors for their generous contributions, and for the people who purchased tickets and auction items. With tremendous community support, we were able to have a successful fundraiser even through the pandemic, as well as give away a Grand Prize of $5,000, which went to Susan Geratz, daughter of Mary Ann Hendricks who is a KMHM Board Member.
The Kings Mountain Historical Museum looks forward to continuing to provide a home for the artifacts of Kings Mountain, interpreting our local history, and seeing you all soon for future exhibits and programs!

(Ed. Note: The recipes in today’s Cooking Corner are from ‘Monumental Recipes,’ a cookbook published by Kings Mountain Woman’s Club as its Centennial celebration collection.) 

CRANBERRY
CASSEROLE
Hilda Leonard
3 cups apples, chopped 
   and unpeeled
2 cups raw cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup quick-cooking oats 
   (uncooked)
½ cup brown sugar
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
½ cup butter/margarine 
   melted
In a 2 qt. casserole, combine apples, cranberries and granulated sugar; top with mixture of oats, brown sugar, pecans and melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour until bubbly or light brown. Serve warm. Compliments chicken and turkey dishes.
Serves 8.

BAKED CHICKEN
Marty Blanton, KMPD
1 fryer cut up or breast, thigh and legs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp. paprika
¼ tsp. pepper
1 cup uncooked rice
½ cup chopped onion
2 T. butter
3 cups chicken broth or 3 bouillon cubes
1 tsp. celery salt
Sprinkle chicken with paprika, salt and pepper. Brown rice and onion in butter. Spread rice mixture in a 13x9x2 inch buttered baking dish. Add broth and celery salt. Cover dish tightly with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Remove cover and bake 15 minutes longer or until meat is tender.

HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN
Ann Bennett
¼ cup melted margarine
½ cup honey
¼ cup prepared mustard
1 tsp. salt
6 to 8 chicken breasts
Combine margarine, honey, mustard and salt in a bowl. Mix well. Pour into 8x13 inch baking dish
Rinse chicken and pat dry. Add chicken, coat with honey mixture. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 1 ½ hours. Uncover baking dish and turn chicken. Bake for 15 minutes longer.

IMPOSSIBLE
COCONUT PIE
Linda Morrow
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups sugar 
½ cup self-rising flour
2 cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla
½ cup melted margarine
7 oz. flaked coconut
Mix eggs with sugar. Add milk gradually and blend. Add all remaining ingredients and pour into two eight- inch pie pans which have been greased and floured. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Crust forms as pie bakes.

Mauney Memorial Library offers its 6th Annual Somethin’ Pumpkin – Pumpkin Decorating and Photo Contest. Pumpkin pickup begins October 5 and the entry deadline is October 23.
CONTEST RULES;
The Mauney Memorial Library’s Pumpkin Decorating & Photo Contest is for all ages and is an extension of the 6th Annual Somethin’ Pumpkin Cooking Contest & Festival. Here’s how it works….
• Complete the registration form and either email it, or drop it off to the library when you pick up your pumpkin.
• Pick up your pumpkin at Mauney Memorial Library at 100 S. Piedmont Ave., beginning Monday, October 5, while supplies last. You are welcome to purchase your own pumpkin, but please keep the size of your pumpkin to under 8 lbs.
• Decorate your pumpkin to portray the characters or scenes from The Serafina Series books by Robert Beatty, or from the Biscuit series of books, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli. NO CARVING ALLOWED. Your pumpkin must be based on one of these children’s book/characters to be eligible to win.
• Photograph your pumpkin entry, and email the photo to info@mauneylibrary.org, no later than Friday, October 23. Be sure to include your name, phone number, and entry category in the email. In the spirit of fairness, please do not include your name or face in the photograph. All submissions will be entered into the Photo Contest.
• Contest winners will be announced on Monday, November 2 . There will be a winner in each of these categories: Best Photo Entry, and Mayor’s Choice Award for Grades K - 2, Grades 3 - 5, Family, and Teen/Adult
• In addition, library patrons will be able to vote virtually for the “People’s Choice” winner the week of October 26-31 via the Mauney Memorial Library Facebook page. The “People’s Choice” winner will be Pumpkins will be on display virtually. Just go to:
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/MAUNEYLIBRARY
   Entry Deadline: October 23 More Info: 704-739-2371
Visit www.mauneylibrary.org for more details. Current Library hours are Monday – Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Masks are required. Limited computer time.
Curbside is still available from 10 am to 4 pm for those who want that service. Use the email: info@mauneylibrary.org using the subject line "Curbside Pickup."

The September Employee of the Month for Kings Mountain Middle School is Christina Thompson, EC Compliance Manager for KMMS. This is her first year at KMMS.
Her peers agree she is deserving of this honor and shared these compliments. “Mrs. Thompson deserves this because she goes above and beyond to meet the needs of students and to help staff. She is willing to help in any way.” Another co-worker shared, “Christina has gone above and beyond in helping and supporting the EC teachers. She will meet in a group setting or individually to help guide EC teachers through the new Remote Learning Component that EC teachers are having to fill out for each student. She is an asset to the EC department at KMMS.”
“Christina has and is going above and beyond to help all of us EC teachers this year. We are all overwhelmed and she is helping us with scheduling, filling out paperwork/forms and doing meetings for us. Even though we are still very stressed and overwhelmed, she has taken on more work for herself in order to help us,” another educator said.

Tidying in a simple and effective way is the topic of Mauney Memorial Library’s Sept 25 webinar at 4 pm entitled Spark Joy: KonMari Method Tidying Webinar.
Have you wanted to clean up the clutter in your house, but don’t know where to start? Certified KonMari Method Consultant Shannon Huneycutt of Spark Joy Charlotte will teach you how to approach tidying in a simple and effective way on this online webinar.
 Enter the raffle before the webinar starts for a chance to win a two hour virtual tidying session! https://sparkjoycharlotte.com/mauneylibrary/
For questions, or to join our Friends of the Library, email info@mauneylibrary.org or call the library at (704) 739-2371. The Friends of the Mauney Memorial Library thank the community for its continued support.
Mauney Memorial Library is located at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
For the latest in library news and events, visit www.mauneylibrary.org.