By Loretta Cozart

At the conclusion of City of Kings Mountain council meeting on June 8, Mayor Neisler honored the city’s Director of Cultural Enrichment Christina Martin, for procuring a $46,000 grant from North Carolina to place a library kiosk at Moss Lake.
Martin said in an interview with the Herald, “Rick Duncan, our wonderful Moss Lake Director, gave us permission to put this kiosk on the permit office porch. It will hold up to 500 physical library items and dispense them like a vending machine. It will run off Wi-Fi and will also be a hotspot for library e-materials. A library card holder can just scan their card, select their item, and it will dispense to them,” she explained. There will also be a book return on site so people can return their borrowed items.
   Martin hopes this will allow Moss Lake residents the ease of returning library materials, even those that may have been checked out at a physical library building, at this location. The hope is that an arrangement can be made to accept library materials from either Mauney Memorial Library or Cleveland County Library.

Liberty Mountain, by Playwright Robert Inman, depicts the dramatic events leading to the October 7, 1780, Battle of Kings Mountain. It brings to life the story of these Carolina Backcountry patriots, who with their victory helped secure our nation’s liberty. The indoor drama features full theater action, music, epic battles, and  special effects.
Performances are each weekend beginning September 15, at the Joy Performance Center, 202 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
This year’s performances are scheduled for:
• Friday, September 15,  at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, September 16,  at 3:00 PM
• Saturday, September 16,  at 7:30 PM
• Sunday, September 17,  at 3:00 PM
• Friday, September 22,  at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, September 23,  at 3:00 PM
• Saturday, September 23,  at 7:30 PM
• Sunday, September 24,  at 3:00 PM
• Friday, September 29,  at 7:30 PM
• Saturday, September 30,  at 3:00 PM
• Saturday, September 30,  at 7:30 PM
• Sunday, October 1,  at 3:00 PM
• Friday, October 6,  at 7:30 PM
• Sunday, October 8,  at 3:00 PM
Group discounts and VIP packages are available.
Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit, produces the play. Gilbert and Jancy Patrick are the Founding Sponsor. Albemarle is the Presenting Sponsor. Kings Mountain Tourism Development Authority is a Major Sponsor. Sigmon Theatrical, LLC, Artistic Director Caleb Sigmon, and Bob Inman are the creative team.
For more information, visit KMLT.org or LibertyMountainDrama.com, tickets@kmlt.org, or call 704-730-9408.

Pinnacle Classical Academy (PCA) hosted its fourth commencement ceremony on June 3.The 38 seniors of the class of 2023 have been offered a combined $7.2 million in four-year academic merit and athletic scholarships -- an average of $190,000 per student. Two-thirds of seniors have also received an associate's degree or certificate from Cleveland Community College.
Recipients of scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition, room, and board for four years include David Briceno, who received a QuestBridge Match Scholarship to Tufts University, and Amy Brooks, who received a Lifeshape Scholarship to North Greenville University. In addition, Campbellsville University awarded Colin Miller an archery scholarship, as well as an academic merit scholarship.
The seniors selected James "Chip" Beam, one of the school's high school English teachers, to be their senior speaker at the senior sunset dinner. John Hood, president of the John William Pope Foundation, will address the seniors at the commencement ceremony.
Hood, who has also served as president and chairman of the board at the John Locke Foundation, writes a syndicated column on politics and public policy for North Carolina newspapers. Hood is a frequent commentator for radio, television stations, and national media outlets and teaches at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy.
"We are so proud of our graduating seniors, who persevered through COVID-related lockdowns as well as the normal challenges of school life and growing up," said Dr. Shelly Shope, the school's headmaster. "These seniors truly embody our school motto: dare to soar."
Founded in 2013, Pinnacle Classical Academy is a tuition-free public charter school that attracts 1,137 students from five counties.

By Jewel Reavis

Jeffrey Bowers painted the opening day of Kings Mountain Farmer’s Market in downtown Kings Mountain on Saturday.
Southern Arts Society sponsored Jeff to do this painting that he created during this inaugural event.
The market is open every Saturday from 8 am to noon for the summer. You can find more of Jeffrey’s paintings in Southern Arts Society, Inc.’s  Gift Shop at 301 N. Piedmont Ave. in Kings Mountain, open Tues - Sat from 10 am to 3 pm.

By Loretta Cozart

Railey Madison Bolt, daughter of Jonathan and Katie Bolt, was selected as Col. Frederick Hambright DAR Chapter’s Kings Mountain High School DAR Good Citizen of the year. Railey read her essay to the members on June 3, just hours after graduating from Kings Mountain High School. In addition to the DAR Good Citizen pin, Railey also received a $500 scholarship from the chapter. The scholarship is funded through activities like Wreaths Across America held annually by the DAR chapter.
The DAR Good Citizens Award and Scholarship Contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. This award recognizes and rewards individuals who possess good citizenship qualities of dependability, service, leadership and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are selected by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.
Students participating in the essay contest were given a prompt and had two hours to complete their essays. The focus question for this year’s contest was “How will the essential actions of a good citizen (dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism) meet the challenges that America faces in this decade?”
Railey will attend East Tennessee State University, where she plans to earn a degree in public health through the Global Citizens Honors College.

By Loretta Cozart

A partnership between Mt. Zion and Mt. Olive Baptist Churches, called All Youth Movement  (AYM) has collaborated to help youth transition into the best versions of themselves spiritually, interpersonally, and physically as they approach young adult life with complete confidence and understanding of who they are in Christ Jesus.
The AYM program is for youth ages 12- to 17-years-old. The churches kicked-off on March 18, and more children are welcome to participate by attending a group meeting.
AYM meets twice a month on the second and fourth Saturday, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The second Saturday of the month, they meet at Mt. Olive Baptist Church at 146 Dixon School Rd. The fourth Saturday of the month, they meet at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 220 N. Watterson Street.
If you or your organization would like more information about AYM, call Henry Gilmore III at 980-404-1185, or 980-277-1293. Currently the churches need assistance in providing book bags for middle and high school students.

More than 300 community college leaders from across the state gathered last week in Raleigh to advocate for the NC Community College System’s legislative priorities.
From Cleveland Community College, President Dr. Jason Hurst, Trustees Chair Bill Turpish, Vice Chair Allen Langley, and Trustees Wayne King, Kenneth Ledford, Larry Hamrick, and Dennis Bailey participated in the day’s events, which highlighted the importance of community colleges in our state.
Among the Community College Day event speakers were NC Senate Pro Tem Phil Berger, NC House Speaker Tim Moore and chairs of powerful education and appropriations committees. All legislators emphasized the critical mission of the community colleges to train and retrain the state’s workforce.
   “Businesses know what they need from their workers, and community colleges know how to build a workforce,” Berger said.
Legislators also commended the community college leaders’ work at all 58 campuses. “Community colleges are 58 strong in North Carolina and are truly the lifeblood of workforce development and education improvement in our state,” Moore said.
The NC Community Colleges System is advocating for a legislative agenda focused on students and employees as community colleges work to support the businesses in their communities. The legislature is currently holding its long session when budget matters are decided for a two-year biennium. 
“Our legislators are incredibly busy,” said Dr. Hurst. “We appreciate having this opportunity to spend time with them and talk about the positive impact community colleges have on our individual communities and the entire state.” said Dr. Hurst. 

By Loretta Cozart

On Friday, March 31, GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman's Club planted a blue pinwheel garden with assistance from KMPD at the police department to draw attention to child abuse prevention month. Members of the Woman’s Club, along with members of KMPD placed the garden at the intersection of S. Piedmont Avenue and Mountain Street.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. According to the Center for Disease Control, child abuse and neglect are serious public health problems that can have long-term impact on current and future health, opportunity, and wellbeing. Prevent Child Abuse America is a national organization dedicated to child abuse prevention.
Prevent Child Abuse America recognizes that all community members have a role in ensuring children have positive experiences and families have the resources they need when they need them, well before they are in crisis. The theme of this year’s awareness and impact campaign that we lead in partnership with our national network of state chapters, is “Building Together: Prevention in Partnership.”
Child abuse and neglect are preventable, and all communities benefit when children and families are well supported.

Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce will hold their April Members Luncheon at Patriots Park in Kings Mountain on Wednesday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. This event is sponsored by City of Kings Mountain.
The featured speaker is Kings Mountain  Mayor Scott Neisler. Chamber members and guests can network, meet new members, and gain knowledge on issues that impact them during this event.
The Earl Scruggs Center is at 103 S. Lafayette Street in Shelby. RSVP to Kathryn@clevelandchamber.org

The Patrick Center is a SHIIP site and can help with Medicare questions and check to see if you qualify for Extra Help with your drug costs. We can also assist with transportation, loan equipment, incontinence supplies, nutritional supplements, and other services. Please call the center at 704-734-0447 for more information or to sign up for programs. Programs are open to people ages 55 and up unless otherwise noted.
Upcoming April Special Events:
• Women’s Health Series: Tuesday, April 4, 12-1pm.  A Certified Nurse Midwife will be here to discuss Menopause. Please call the center to pre-register.
Easter Bingo Party: Thursday, April 6, 10-10:30am.
• Craft Class with Claudia: Tuesday, April 11, 1-3pm. Also available via Facebook Live. Cost is $2. Please come by the Center to sign up.
• Red Cross Blood Drive: Friday April 14, 10-2:30pm. Please call the center to schedule an ap-pointment.
• National Healthcare Decisions Day Presentation: Monday, April 17, 11am-12pm. Learn about Power of Attorney and Healthcare Medical Power of Attorney. Call to sign up.
• Trip to Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens: Wednesday, April 26, 9:30am-3pm. Admission and bus fee are $13.00. Please come by the center to prepay and register.
• Art Night with Janie: Thursday, April 27, 5:15-7:15pm. Sign up and pay the $15 fee at the Front Desk before April 20. Open to all ages. Seating is limited.
• Ladies Pool Tournament: Friday, April 28, 10am-until. Playing “Eight Ball” singles. Sign-up in the Pool Room.
Ongoing Activities at the Patrick Center
• Ceramics: Mondays, 9:30-10:30am.
• Technology by Trey Ross with Mauney Memorial Library: 2nd Mondays, 10-11am. Learn about important concepts for your smart phone and devices.
• Facebook Chat: Mondays, 10-10:45am. (Online via Facebook) No FB Chat on April 10.
• Seniors in Motion: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, 10:30am-11:30am. Suggested donation of $1 per class for non-YMCA members.
• Quilting: Mondays, 12:30-3pm.
• Beginner Quilting: Thursdays, 1-3pm.
• Intermediate Line Dance (Dance Floor Rockers): Mondays, 1-3pm.
• Intermediate Line Dance (Southern Class): Thursdays, 10-11:30am.
• Beginner Line Dancing: Mondays, 11:30-12:30pm.
• Clogging: Mondays, 3:30-4:30pm & Thursdays, 12:30-1:30pm.
• Knitting: Tuesdays, 8:30-10:30am.
• Veterans Meeting: 1st Tuesdays, 9-10am.
• Bible History: Tuesdays, 10-11am.
• REFIT Dance Exercise: Tuesdays, 11am-12pm.
• Monthly Birthday Celebration: 4th Tuesdays, 10-11am.
• Chair Volleyball: Tuesdays, 1-3pm and Fridays, 12-2pm.
• Dutch Lunch Bunch: 2nd Wednesdays. April 12-Verona Italian & Greek, 11am. Please sign up at the Front Desk and pay $1 bus fee.
• Jewelry Class I: Wednesdays, 10-11am.
• Jewelry Class II: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 1-2pm.
• Canasta: Tuesdays, 1-3pm.
• Chair Yoga: Wednesdays, 11:45-12:45pm. (Fee required)
• Blood Pressure Clinic: 1st Wednesdays, 10-11:30am.
• Food Giveaway: 3rd Wednesdays, 1-2:30pm. Please call to sign up each month.
• Online Book Club: 4th Wednesdays, 4pm via Zoom. Please call Mauney Memorial Library to join.
• Leaving a Legacy: 1st Thursdays, 11am-1:30pm.
• Bridge: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 1-4pm.
• Healthy Lifestyles Class: Thursdays, 8-9:30am.
• Gentle Exercise: Thursdays, 9:30-10:15am.
• Bingo: Thursdays, 10:30-11:15am.
• Coffee & Conversation: Fridays, 8:30-10am.
• Chorus: Fridays, 10-11am.
• Friday Lunch: Fridays, 11am-12pm. Call to sign up by Thursday at Noon. Cost is $3.
• WII Bowling League: Fridays, 12-1pm.
• Ping Pong/Corn Hole: Fridays, 1:30-2:30pm.
• Shred Truck: Bring your items to be shredded at any time the center is open and put them in the locked bin in the lobby.

North Elementary’s Kaydence Dayton received the Dr. Ruth Pace Award at the Cleveland County Battle of the Books  competition. The Dr. Pace Award is being given in honor of Dr. Ruth Pace to the student on each team who is considered, by peers, to be most knowledgeable regarding all the books.
Dr. Ruth Pace has been working with Battle of the Books in Cleveland County since it began at the Middle School level in 1992. She has helped coach teams, moderated numerous local and regional competitions, and written hundreds of practice questions for every book on the middle and elementary school list each year.

Kings Mountain City Council Member David Alen successfully completed the Advanced Leadership Corps (ALC) training offered annually to select local elected officials by the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
ALC is an intensive leadership development program designed by the School’s Center for Public Leadership and Governance. The weeklong residential program is a dynamic experience that helps participants learn about their own leadership styles, inspire others to work toward a shared vision, and gain insights into how to work together to build better relationships and achieve far-reaching results. More than 185 local elected leaders from across North Carolina have completed this selective program since its inception.
Councilman Allen shared his thoughts on the ALC training, “The opportunity gained through this Academy not only grew my leadership skills, but also allowed me to connect with leaders from all over the state. This network will afford me a connection with the knowledge of many great leaders to help Kings Mountain.”
Generous financial support from North Carolina Association of County Commissioners allows elected officials from across the state to attend with only modest cost to the local unit of government.

By Loretta Cozart

Jack Dee, a freshman at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, was named to the Fall 2022 Dean’s List. Dean’s List students are those who have achieved a 3.7, or higher, grade point average over the semester. This is a significant accomplishment at Denison, where academics are rigorous and faculty members place a priority on close interaction with students, interactive learning, and partnerships with students in original research. Jack is the son of Phil and Sandie Dee of Kings Mountain

On Friday, January 27, Bethware Elementary School’s Robotics Team, the Wizard Warriors, participated in their second Challenge Day. The team worked on their teamwork skills, robot runs, and got more information on their project for this season.
Students worked together to build a cup pyramid without touching the cups with their hands, and then they had to carry a golf ball from one area to another using only string and a metal ring.

By Loretta Cozart

Actor Leon Rippy dropped by Kings Mountain National Military Park on January 20. The park posted on their Facebook page, “You never know who's going to walk in the door. Today we got a visit from Leon Rippy, who played John Billings in The Patriot. Of course, we had to ask him and his party for a picture with our patriot, Colonel William Campbell.”
Rippy has appeared in numerous films and television roles including Earl the Angel on the series Saving Grace, saloon owner Tom Nuttall on the series Deadwood, and militiaman John Billings in The Patriot.
According to his biography on IMDb, Rippy was born in Rock Hill, SC in October 1949.

By Loretta Cozart

Cleveland County Chamber announces their inaugural Women’s Professional Luncheon event “Women on Fire” at Cleveland Country Club on February 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“The Chamber is proud to be hosting the first annual Professional Women’ Luncheon sponsored by Greenbrook Design and venue sponsor Cleveland Country Club. This event was created for women to hear inspirational stories from phenomenal women on managing it all – work, family, and health,” Chamber Executive Director Christine Crib shared with the Herald.
The chamber has three phenomenal women speakers for this event: Stacey Walker, self-described mother, business owner, and interior designer with Greenbrook Design, and Jennifer Thomas with Truist, who describes herself as a wife and mother, business leader, community servant, and fitness instructor who will be telling their inspiring stories. Lori Keaton, of Lori Keaton Law is the Keynote Speaker.
Lori is an award-winning attorney who has been named one of the Lop 50 female lawyers in North Carolina, one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Mecklenburg County and a “Leader in the Law’’ by the Mecklenburg County Times. She left big law to open her own practice in February 2017, and has never looked back. Lori Keeton Law was created to advocate for all types of municipal employees with a particular focus on serving and protecting those who serve and protect.
Though she has faced numerous battles in the courtroom in her twenty plus years as a lawyer, Lori’s toughest- and most rewarding- victory to date has been overcoming cancer. She will share how God showed up and showed out throughout her illness and recovery. Her testimony will leave your faith strengthened and your heart full.
All professional women of the community are invited to register on the Cleveland County Chamber website. The event cost is $35.

By Linda Quinlan

Martha Bridges, Commander of American Legion Post 82, announced the establishment of the Post 82 Foundation, a Charitable Trust for Post 82. The IRS and the NC Secretary of State have approved the trust.
The Foundation was created because of the growing activities and programs sponsored by Post 82. Commander Bridges explained that ten years ago, Post 82 had 140 members between the Post and Auxiliary. Today we have over 400 American Legion Family members (since we added the Sons of The American Legion and Legion Riders).
They have increased the number of youth programs from a single oratorical contest to additional programs involving over 100 students. The number of youth programs now includes not only the oratorical contest, but baseball and softball teams, Junior shooting sports (air rifle team), Student Trooper, Tarheel Boys and Girls State, and a sponsored Boys Scout troop.
The Foundation is permitted to receive corporate and United Way contributions. The creation of a Foundation will enable individuals or corporations to contribute to the local post’s many programs, which benefit veterans and youth in our community. As a 501c3, donors can now deduct their contribution.
The Foundation’s Mission Statement is to improve the lives of veterans, youth, and citizens of Cleveland County by supporting the four pillars on which The American Legion was founded. Those four pillars are National Defense, Americanism, Children & Youth, and Veterans Rehabilitation.
At the initial meeting on January 10, Post 82 Foundation Board officers were elected: Ric Francis, President; Martha Bridges, Treasurer; and Zach Parker, Secretary. Two additional Board members were elected: Jim Quinlan and Victor Darville. The Board has approved their bylaws and mission statement.
Foundation Board members recently met with Kelli Steele, Home Trust Bank Branch Manager, to finalize financial requirements. As the Foundation grows, Shelby’s American Legion Post 82 and Unit 82 plan to be more visible in the community and eventually to be able to provide financial assistance adhering to its mission statement and guiding principles.
   For more information, please address correspondence to Post 82 Foundation -  Ric Francis, President, PO Box 82, Shelby, NC 28151, or email  Post82foundation@gmail.com.

Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain will be hosting a Black History Month Celebration on Tuesday, February 14, from 9:30 to 11 a.m.  The theme is "The Strength Behind Us, The Strength Within Us and The Greatness Ahead."
Dr. Lamont Littlejohn, Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Shelby, NC will be the Guest Speaker and a light lunch will be served. Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 7, by calling the Patrick Center at 704-734-0447.

By Loretta Cozart

While most middle schoolers spend their summers watching television, spending time at the pool with friends, or chatting on social media, Kalashja Womick spent last summer writing her first book, “To The Mountains We Go!”.
Kalashja is a ninth grader at Kings Mountain Middle School and was inspired by her aunt Cynthia Stitt to write her first book. “My aunt inspired me to write this book and with the encouragement from my parents, Barbara, and Trent Dillard , I finished it in three months.  My aunt is an author, and she knows the process of publishing through Amazon. Once I finished writing and illustrating the book, she took it from there.”
“To The Mountains We Go!” is a story written for children between 5-years and 10-years-old. The main character, Lay is an adventurous little girl. She is excited about her trip to the mountains. She spends time there fishing, hiking, and camping. While there, she gets sad. According to Kalashja, the moral behind this story is, “Your destination stops when you do.” The book asks readers, “Would you like to see the amazing things to do in the beautiful mountains? If so, let's take a trip to the mountains with Lay, ‘Here we go!’"
   “I didn’t find the publishing side of the book too hard. It took three months to write and illustrate the book and two months to get it published. The book went on sale Amazon on August 7, 2022. So far, I’ve sold about 250 books. I am grateful for the support of my family throughout this process.”
“I want to tell others not to let your age get in the way of things you want to do. Once you set your mind to do something, you can do anything,” Kalashja said. She has begun work on her second book in this series titled, “To The Beach We Go!” Who knows what adventures Lay might find there?

The State Highway Patrol welcomed 36 new troopers on Friday, January 20, at a graduation ceremony held for the 157th Basic Highway Patrol School. The ceremony commemorates 27 weeks of extensive training to prepare the graduates for a rewarding career in law enforcement.
Three of the state troopers will serve the local area. They are Brian Hawkins, serving Cleveland County; Cody Childress, serving Gaston County; and Jason Marshall, serving Gaston County.
The ceremony was held at the Shepherd’s Church in Cary at 10:00 a.m. Department of Public Safety Secretary Eddie M. Buffaloe, Jr. served as guest speaker and provided congratulatory remarks to the graduates.
The oath of office was administered by Judge Jeffrey K. Carpenter of the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Colonel Freddy L. Johnson Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol, provided remarks to the newest sworn members of the State Highway Patrol.
“As new state troopers, we feel you are ready to fulfill this role and be ambassadors who represent the State Highway Patrol,” said Johnson. “My charge to you is to be a leader in your community by your actions, your character and your important role as a law enforcement officer.”
These new state troopers will report to their respective duty stations on Wednesday, Feb. 15, to begin a demanding field training program.

Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc., and corporate sponsor Edward Jones – Jack and Pam Buchanan, announce that Nunsense is returning to the Joy Performance Theater with “Nunsense, The Mega-Musical, by Dan Goggin. The musical includes all the fun of the original Nunsense but it has been super-sized!
Mega-Nunsense, starring the original five nuns features five new male and female characters, including the never-before-seen infamous convent cook, Sister Julia, Child of God.
Nunsense, the winner of four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical, was called “A hail of fun and frolic” by The New York Times. And now it’s bigger and better than ever! It would be a sin to pass up the opportunity to see it!
Performances are scheduled for Friday, March 17 and 24, and Saturday March 18 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are scheduled for Sunday, March 19 and 26 at 3 p.m.
Director Jim Champion and Music Director Libby Putnam urge everyone interested to come join the fun of participating in the production of this musical comedy.

The Big Chill returns to the Cleveland County Arts Council this year with lots of fun and the chance to win big!
The Arts Council is starting the New Year off by giving you a chance to win $5,000 or $2,500 or $1,000 plus other exciting items during the first Big Chill Reverse Raffle and Party.  Only 250 tickets will be sold so the chances are good that you could win.
Folks have two ticket options to purchase. Reverse Raffle only tickets are $100, and you don’t have to be present to win.
Reverse Raffle and VIP Party tickets are $150. This ticket is a raffle ticket (chance to win) but also allows two people to join us at the party which Includes an evening of BIG fun – a huge Charcuterie table, Chili Bar, Silent Auction & BIG dessert finale and of course the reverse raffle. The silent auction will include great items and experiences such as beach trips, pottery, paintings, jewelry, photography sessions, and so much more. The silent auction will go live the week before the event so that anyone can log on and make their bids. The online auction will continue through the evening.
“We’re excited to put a new twist on a favorite community event,” said Shearra Miller, Executive Director of the Arts Council. “The Big Chill has been taking place for years but this year we thought it would be fun to try something different. This is one of the largest fund-raising events that we hold each year; it is a fun way for us to raise the much-needed funds that allow us to offer enriching cultural arts programs for the community.
The VIP party and reverse drawing will take place Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Arts Council, beginning at 6:00 pm.
Reverse Raffle tickets are available now at the Arts Council or from any of the members of the Board of Directors. Call 704-484-2787 for more information or to purchase tickets.

By Loretta Cozart

The application for the Golden LEAF Scholarship is now open. Each year, the Golden LEAF Foundation awards 215 scholarships to high school seniors and community college transfer students who reside in a qualifying rural and economically distressed or tobacco-dependent North Carolina county, including Cleveland County, and are planning to enroll full-time in a participating public or private college or university located in North Carolina.
High school seniors entering college as freshmen are eligible for a scholarship totaling up to $14,000 ($3,500 a year for up to four years). Community college transfer students are eligible for $3,500 a year for up to 3 years).
To apply, visit CFNC.org and fill out the Golden LEAF Scholarship application form.
The deadline for applications is March 1, for application, transcript, and FAFSA. Awards will be announced in late April..
Students awarded the Golden LEAF Scholarship to attend North Carolina Colleges and Universities are also eligible to participate in additional leadership and internship opportunities. These engagements allow scholars to gain experience in future career fields/areas of passion and build key communication and leadership skills. Opportunities include:
• Lead 4 Excellence (L4E) Experience: This two-year experience provides Golden LEAF Scholars with leadership training through the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), one of the nation’s leading leadership development organizations. The opportunity offers flexible online leadership training courses, personalized support from a highly trained executive coach, and collaborative learning partnerships with other scholars in the cohort.
• Rural Internship Initiative: Golden LEAF offers a paid internship opportunity for students to gain experience at an eligible business, non-profit, or government entity located in a rural North Carolina community. Visit our website at scholars.goldenleaf.org to learn more.
Participating NC colleges and universities include: Appalachian State University, Meredith College, Barton College, Methodist University, Belmont Abbey College, Mid-Atlantic Christian University, Bennett College, Montreat College, Brevard College ,North Carolina A&T State University, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Campbell University, North Carolina State University, Carolinas College of Health Sciences, North Carolina State Univ. - Agricultural Institute, Catawba College, North Carolina Wesleyan College, Chowan University, Pfeiffer University College at Southeastern, Queens University of Charlotte, Davidson College, St. Andrews University, Duke University, St. Augustine’s University,  East  Carolina
 University, Salem College, Elizabeth City State University, Shaw University, Elon University, University of Mount Olive, Fayetteville State University, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Gardner-Webb University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Greensboro College, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Guilford College University of North Carolina at Greensboro, High Point University, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Johnson C. Smith University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Johnson & Wales University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Lees-McRae College, Wake Forest University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Warren Wilson College, Livingstone College, Western Carolina University, Louisburg College, William Peace University, Mars Hill University, Wingate University, Mercy School of Nursing, and Winston-Salem State University.

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
Editor
michael@cfmedia.info

The Cherryville Little Theatre has an upcoming play scheduled to be performed Feb. 3 and 4, at 7 p.m., according to play producer, Lutricia Bennett. The theater is located at 301 W. Academy St., Cherryville.
“The play will also be performed Feb. 5 at 3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10, and 11, at 7 p.m., and Feb. 12, at 3 p.m.,” said Mrs. Bennett, adding, “The show is ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’, and instead of it being set in the 1890’s in England, the director is taking liberties and changing the setting to America in the 1960’s.”
For those who may not know about the play Bennett said, “‘The Importance of Being Earnest’, is a ‘Trivial Comedy for Serious People’. It is a comedy where two friends use the same pseudonym (Earnest) for their on-the-sly activities.”
Bennett noted Erika Shelton is directing this comedy, originally set – as was noted – in the 1890’s.
“However, as I noted earlier, Erika is changing the setting to 1960’s America. This show has brilliant acting and promises to be an entertaining show full of punch-lines,” said Mrs. Bennett.
Essentially, and to firm up more about what the gist of the play’s story arc is, Bennett said, “It’s the story of two bachelors, John ‘Jack’ Worthing and Algernon ‘Algy’ Moncrieff, who create alter egos. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men called Ernest. Jack and Algy struggle to maintain their deceptions and as the
plot thickens, become entangled in lies, disguises and misadventures.”
The cast is comprised of the following actors, with their roles in parentheses): Chris Stone (John Worthing); Terrell Barnes (Algernon Moncreiff); Angie Dolan (Lady Bracknell); Laurie Ricardo (Cecily Cardew); Madison Avery (Gwendolyn Fairfax); Mary Bolton (Ms. Prism); Charlie Reep (Dr. Chasuble); Noah Bolton (Lane manservant); and Joseph Bolton (Merriman Butler). Lucas Dolan is the assistant stage manager and Matt Walega and Ryan Richards are the backstage techs.
For more information, call (704) 435-1742.

An exciting new made for television movie is filming in Asheville, NC this January. Casting Office, Inc. is now seeking Asheville area North Carolina locals as Background Performers for a new Hallmark movie being filmed at Biltmore Estate.
“A Biltmore Christmas” will be filmed entirely on location at the Estate in Asheville, NC, and stars Bethany Joy Lenz and Kristoffer Polaha.
Extras help make film atmospheres look and feel realistic, are seen in non-speaking roles, and are the fabulous people hired to fill a scene on a tv/film set, like a crowd in an arena, diners in a restaurant, pedestrians walking in a park, etc.
No experience is needed to be an extra and you should be prepared for long 12–14-hour workdays. Extras must arrive as early as needed, and stay as late, or long as needed. All communication and information will be sent via email, so you must be available to respond to emails sent to qualify. All ages, ethnicities, and genders are needed for this film.
Anyone interested in being an extra for one of next year’s Countdown to Christmas movies should apply online at the company’s website.

Cherryville New Year’s Shooters, Inc. will hold their annual event on Monday, January 2, at Blacks Grill at midnight and concluding at Rudisill Football Stadium on E. First Street in Cherryville at 6:30 p.m. In the interim, they will make 49 more stops to perform their New Year’s ritual.
The history of the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters goes back thousands of years, according to their website. The "Chant" and producing loud noise is a ritual that has been in existence since the 1300's. Celebrating the "New Year" on January 1 can be linked back to the Romans in 45 BC during the reign of Julius Caesar. The act of celebrating the New Year goes back at least 4,000 years to the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians.
The pioneer immigrants that settled in the Cherryville NC area can be linked back to the area of the Rhine River in Germany. In that area of the world many Old-World customs were formed from the Bohemian, German, Scottish, Irish, and English.
In the 1750's German Immigrants settled in the Indian Creek and Howard's Creek area north of the current Cherryville. Along with the German immigrants were the Scotch-Irish, Swiss, Dutch and French. It is believed that the actual tradition is a cultural mix of all these immigrants. The last 250 years of the tradition parallels the history of the Cherryville area.
Land grants from the King of England began in the mid 1700's for the area known as Anson and later Tryon County. The area along the Indian Creek began to grow from a few pioneer families to many. Names which appear on early land grants and records include Black, Wise, Stroup, Beam, Horse (Huss), Houser, Baker, Whitesides, Homesley, Sullivan, Roberts, Eaker, Carpenter, Brown, Anthony, Havner (Heafner), Reynolds, and Cyzer (Kiser).
In the 1800's the area became known as White Pines. After the railroad was built, the name was changed to Cherryville in 1865 due to the many cherry trees that were planted.
Most of the early settlers came through Pennsylvania where the Cherryville tradition can be traced. The Philadelphia Mummers were a group who shot in the New Year going house-to-house, singing songs, shooting guns, performing dances and all were rewarded with food and drink. The early Mummers appointed a leader or speech director who recited such rhymes like this:
"Here we stand before your door,
As we stood the year before;
Give us whiskey; give us gin,
Open the door and let us in."
The first president, George Washington, welcomed the tradition and was entertained by the Mummers in Philadelphia, the first capital of the United States.
The early Cherryville area pioneers walked house-to-house which could be very far apart and perform a version of the Mummers' New Year's Celebration. The "Chant" would be said or "cried" to the welcoming household. Then the firing of the current day weapons which were black powder muskets and pistols.
After firing the loud blasts, the shooting party would be given food and drink for their due diligence of performing the act. And what was the purpose of this affair? With the Old-World customs came superstition and folklore tales of witches and spirits. It was believed that the loud noises would drive out demons, witches, and other non-desirable entities on the property and bless the land for the upcoming year. Since most of the pioneers were farmers and depended heavily on their crops, not "shooting in the New Year" could be detrimental to their future success.
The event today takes on the same form as it did hundreds of years ago. The shooters will go house-to-house, the family will be "called out", the speech crier will recite the "Chant" and the shooters will fire their muskets, loaded with black powder only-without bullets, until all have fired. The muskets used today are originals and reproduction models from the 1800's. After the shooting, the guests are treated with refreshments or gifts. The refreshments may be a full meal or just a treat such as a cigar or apple. Cherryville NC is the only place on earth that the event still takes place. The Philadelphia Mummers continues today with a New Year's Day parade but without the "Chant" or musket blasts.
The tradition centers around the "Chant". The origin of the "Chant" is unknown, but part of the current version can be found in a circa 1777 hymn-prayer by British writer John Newton called "Time by moments steals away".  The version that is cried today is of older English style grammar. Hearing the mysterious "Chant" is a must to get the full intent of its sayings. It is part sermon, song, poem, and speech with religious and spiritual under tones in its three-minute version. A lady's version is also available but is rarely cried.
Today the Cherryville New Year’s Shooters group consists of 450 members and travels to approximately 50 locations in the Cherryville area. The group starts at Midnight on January 1st of each year and shoots for 18 straight hours ending at the Rudisill Football Stadium in Cherryville.
Some of the families and homes are the same ancestors of 250 years ago. Shooting still takes place along the Indian Creek, Howard's Creek, and Bethpage area as it did some 250 years ago. Many of today's shooters are of the same bloodline as the early pioneer shooters.