Auditions open this week for two Christmas plays at KMLT

By Loretta Cozart

Auditions for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and Three Wishes for Christmas are being held on Thursday Sept. 15, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Joy Theatre in Kings Mountain, and on Saturday Sept. 17 at 10 a.m. -12 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Kings Mountain. Auditions continue at the Joy Theater on Sunday, Sept. 18, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Ages 8 to 25 years old are invited to audition.
Performances are to be held in November on Friday 11 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday 12 and 19 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday 13 and 20 at 3:00 p.m.
School performances are scheduled for November 15 and 16 at 9:30 a.m.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a hilarious Christmas classic, with a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant and is faced with casting the Herdman kids, probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won't believe the mayhem - and the fun - when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!
Three Wishes for Christmas is a play by Meredith Bridges. In the play, Peter Pakowski is sure that this Christmas is going to be the most miserable one of his life. Money is tight, so he knows Old Saint Nick won’t be bringing him the gifts that he wants, and what’s more, he is going to have to spend Christmas with his crazy cousin, Bertram! So, when Peter’s little sister convinces him to make a wish on a special Christmas star, he doesn’t have high hopes. But when a star fairy that only he can see appears in his living room, things liven up quickly! With an invisible fairy guest and three wishes that he must use before Christmas is over, Peter’s holiday celebrations with his large family are looking to be much more interesting than he thought!
WHO can audition?
• Ages 8 - 25
WHAT to expect at auditions:
• friendly faces greeting you inside the door
• arrive early enough to fill out form; be prepared to write a short bio
• check the rehearsal/performance calendar for personal conflicts
• auditions will be in groups of 10-15
• only directors and group of auditionees in audition area
• each auditionee will read from segments of the scripts
• you may audition for 1 or both plays, please indicate on audition form
• you may leave as soon as your audition is over
WHAT the directors are looking for:
• good projection and articulation
• character development
• big facial expressions
• demonstrative body language
• voice characterization
• eye contact
Audition Sign Up link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b45afa72ea3fb6-auditions

Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame
to host
 Inaugural Induction Ceremony, September 17

The Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame will host their Inaugural Induction Ceremony, Saturday, September 17 at the Don Gibson Theatre in Shelby.
Along with the performers being inducted into the Hall, two songs performed by former Cleveland County residents Alicia Bridges and Patty Loveless will be inducted as well.
Released in 1978, Disco classic “I Love the Nightlife”, co-written and performed by Lawndale native Alicia Bridges, went to number two on the US Billboard National Disco Action Top 30 chart for two weeks. It became a crossover hit, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, and found worldwide success, reaching the top 10 in Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, and South Africa. A re-release in 1994 allowed the song to reach number four in New Zealand and number five in Iceland.
Released in May 1989 as a single from former Kings Mountain resident Patty Loveless’ third
studio album Honky Tonk Angel, “Timber, I’m Falling in Love” was Loveless’ first No. 1 record on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart. The song charted for 18 weeks on the Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart, reaching the top of the chart during the week of August 12, 1989.
Performing both songs during the induction ceremony is one of Cleveland County’s most popular bands Crimson Rose.
Tickets are still available for this special event. To purchase tickets, visit the Don Gibson Theatre box office or purchase online at www.dongibsontheatre.com.
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NEW GATOR FOR GATEWAY TRAIL

The Kings Mountain Gateway Trail committee announces their brand new four-seater John Deer Gator. Many trail sponsors helped with the purchase of this important vehicle, which will be used to monitor the 7 1/2 miles of trail.  

Photo by Shirley Brutko
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Local artist support grant recipients exhibit

The Cleveland County Arts Council is pleased to present an exceptional exhibit featuring artwork by recent Cleveland County Regional Artists Grant Recipients: Regina Bos, David Caldwell, Beth E. Coiner, Matthew Duffus, Darrin Griggs, Allegra Klett-Wilson, Doug Knotts, Ron Philbeck, and Chrys Riviere-Blalock.
The Artist Support Grant, funded by the N.C. Arts Council, provides the opportunity for regional consortia of local arts councils to award project grants to artists in their regions. These grants support professional artists in any discipline and at any stage in their careers to pursue projects that further their artistic and professional development.
Over the past 26 years Cleveland County has had 42 artists receive this grant, some of them multiple times. The artists who are part of this exhibit received the grant during the past 10 years. Join us to celebrate these artists and their accomplishments.
The exhibit will be up through Sept. 29. The Arts Council is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 – 400 and Saturday, 10:00 – 2:00 and is located at 111 S. Washington Street in Shelby.
   Darrin Griggs, 55, is a printmaker producing primarily woodcut but also lino prints. All his prints are from his own original drawings, mostly of his environment on the family farm in Grover, where he is at least the fifth generation to live on the same property in Cleveland County. Darrin moved back to NC in 2019 after 24 years in Oslo, Norway, where he worked as journalist for a global business newspaper, while traveling Europe, Asia, and the Mideast as a specialist in the sector for offshore oil and gas.
   A graduate of Shelby High School, Darrin began drawing well before grade school and has continued all his life. He originally started his studies at Western Carolina University as a drawing student for several years before focusing on creative writing. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in English, writing and editing, at WCU, graduating summa cum laude, Darrin went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing at UNC Greensboro. After 31 years as a journalist, he is now spending his time switching back and forth between his twin loves of writing and drawing, by working on a novel, drawing, and producing art prints.
   Matthew Duffus is the author of the novel “Swapping Purples” for Yellows, the collection Dunbar’s Folly and Other Stories, and the poetry chapbook Problems of the Soul and Otherwise. He was born in Pennsylvania and spent time living in Maryland, Indiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, and Tennessee, before finally settling in North Carolina, where he has lived for the past fifteen years. Along the way, he received graduate degrees in English and creative writing from the University of Mississippi and the University of Minnesota and worked as a graduate instructor and research assistant, apartment caretaker, bookseller, concessions supervisor, and residence hall director. Matthew taught at Gardner-Webb University, but has recently accepted a position at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana He can be found online at https://matthewduffus.com & on twitter https://twitter.com/duffusmatthew
   Beth E. Coiner is a modern dancer turned jeweler. She approaches each design much like a piece of choreography, drawing from the inherent movement found in natural and architectural landscapes. Her tiny sculpture designs are textured and intimate, creating wearable urban and rural vistas. She finds specimens in the natural world and transform them into wearable art. Her bespoke jewelry process refers back to an old style of jewelry making. It’s an intimate, tailor-made process of repurposing under-worn, or family heirloom jewelry into a re-imagined design for my clients. Each project has their own unique stories, little memories. Memories that remain after the sentimental materials have undergone their transformation into a new design.
   She likes to think there are similar parallels along the idea of intimacy with both her dances and jewelry for her collections and bespoke projects. When choreographing a solo or duet, instead of a large group, the dance is scaled down to focus on gestures and an unspoken narrative to tell a story. With her jewelry, the dance piece is present on a very macro scale. It reveals itself in the curvature of a tiny shell, or the repetition of shapes and textures, as well as how each piece relates to the body. In my creative process, the jewelry is the solo dancer, and the wearer is the stage. When Beth isn’t at her workbench making jewelry, she’s usually dancing.
   Born and raised in the suburbs of Vancouver, BC, Canada, Allegra Klett-Wilson made her way south via Seattle WA. She had been designing & crafting jewelry for over 20 years and officially established Allegra Nichole Designs in 2014 in Kings Mountain. In the fall of 2021, she moved her studio and home to Union Grove, N.C. where she is surrounded by 6 acres of woods. The area is rich in culture, history, and is so peaceful and inspiring. Allegra’s work embodies a unique and eclectic collection of jewelry combining silversmithing with natural stones. Self-taught and not liking to follow the rules, she creates intuitively, letting her materials do the talking. Having previously received a Regional Artists Project Grant, Allegra purchased a hydraulic press that changed how she creates her designs. She discovered the long-lost art of Die Struck Jewelry and is now able to create timeless and modern heirlooms to be passed on for generations. Her designs combine natural gemstones, pearls, Czech glass, and die struck impressions in sterling silver.
   Doug Knotts has been making pottery since 1972. When he was a sophomore in college, his major was English. “I decided to switch to an Art major after a couple of ceramic courses,” he said. After graduation, Knotts worked as a park potter in Alabama. It was production, but he was able to teach children that came through the park. He then worked at Toe River Arts Council in Mitchell County NC and after that he joined the NC Visiting Artist Association. He was placed at a Community College and worked at different schools in that area teaching and producing. Eventually he became known for his bird pots. He got the idea of birds from his grandfather. “He worked at a hospital, and he would carve birds out of wood and give them to the sick children in the hospital. I make bird pots because of those experiences; also, to continue to sell pots I needed something different.” Today, he is Associate Professor of Art at Gardner-Webb University.
   Studio Woodcarver and Sculptor since 1994, David Caldwell’s experience includes carving for the Shelby Carousel restoration, Cornel Zimmer Organ Builders, and Bob Trotman Studios. His work can be seen in churches from New York to San Francisco. He is a three-time recipient of the NC Regional Artist Grant. Exhibitions include: GreenHill (NC), Gardner-Webb University (NC), Tryon Fine Arts Center (NC), Lauren Rogers Museum Of Art (MS) Teaching: Penland School of Craft, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, Cleveland County Arts Council.
   Regina Bos is a graphic designer, painter, and small business owner. A graduate of Monmouth University, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts in Computer Graphics and Design. Regina has always been creative with exploring artistic mediums and began focusing her work within the Encaustic Medium in 2014. Mainly self-taught, she has also attended numerous workshops around the country. In 2018, the Encaustic Museum of Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico, added her art to their Permanent Collection. Regina was a featured artist at the Propeller Art Gallery in Toronto during the International Layers of Meaning Encaustic Exhibition and received an award in the Annual Visual Harvest Exhibition with the Gaston Art Guild in the Rauch Gallery at Gaston College. Most recently, Regina was a grant recipient from the North Carolina Art Council, Mecklenburg Arts & Science Council, and the Cleveland County Arts Council.
   Ron Philbeck is a potter specializing in wheel thrown, sodium vapor glazed pottery. The limited production and one-of-a-kind pots are created at his studio in Shelby, N.C. Ron believes that pots should be well made, pleasant to look at, and easy to use. His work can be found in collections and kitchens around the world.
   Painter Chrys Riviere-Blalock studied at Meredith College, Parsons The New School for Design, and Appalachian State University. She has taught studio and art history classes in colleges and universities for over 25 years, served as an exhibition juror and visiting artist at colleges in North and South Carolina, and led undergraduate art travel/study programs in France. She is a 2011 and 2014 recipient of the NC Regional Artist Project Grant from the NC Arts Council. Her work was selected for a solo exhibit on view 24/7 at the Hearst Tower Plaza during the 2012 Democratic National Convention and has been shown in NY at Artists Space and the Prince Street Gallery, in MS at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, in NC at GreenHill Center, the Bascom, the Hickory Museum of Art, & by the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission. Artist residencies include Mountain Gateway Museum and the Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts and Sciences, where she is a 2014 Hambidge Fellow.
   In 2020 she was invited by the US State Dept. to exhibit work at the US Embassy in Riga, Latvia as part of their “Art in Embassies” program. Her work is in both national & international public & private collections.
   For more information about the exhibit, call the Arts Council, 704-484-2787 or visit ccartscouncil.org.
   Artists who are interested in applying for the an Artist Support Grant can receive more information at:
https://artsandscience.org/artist-support-grants/ Artists representing visual, craft, performing, traditional, and interdisciplinary art forms are encouraged to apply. The Artist Support Grants will support projects occurring between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, but all funds should be expended by June 30, 2023. Artists may request up to $3,000. The deadline is Noon, September 12th.

Tickets still available for CC Music Hall
of Fame’s Inaugural Induction Ceremony

The Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame in partnership with the Don Gibson Theatre will host their inaugural induction ceremony Saturday, September 17.
Earl Scruggs and Don Gibson, both natives of Shelby, highlight the first class. Joining Scruggs and Gibson are legendary disc jockey Hugh Dover, who worked at local stations WOHS in Shelby and WKMT in Kings Mountain, Bobby Rogers, owner of Bobby’s Music Shop and Rogers Theatre, Kings Mountain native and renowned record producer, Ron Feemster, and JB and Kathleen Lewis as well as Herman and Jean Dawson, owners of J&K Records.
Performers included in this event include The Jacktown Ramblers, Carolina Quartet, Dale Brittain with Randy Saxon, and Randy Escobedo.
The Dancing Fleas, Chris Ferree and the Medicine Crow and Bobby Hicks will join the performers on stage with a full stage jam session at the end of the program.
Dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the ceremony at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are still on sale for this event at Don Gibson Theater’s website under upcoming events. Great food, great music and honoring our musical pioneers! You don’t want to miss this event.
Cindiwood
CINDI WOOD

Six-Week ladies
Bible study begins at

Pfeiffer Cafe & Confections, Sept. 7

A ladies county-wide Bible study will begin  at Pfeiffer Cafe & Confections, located at 116 E. Warren Street, Shelby on Wednesday, September 7 through October 12 from 9 AM-11AM.
Best selling author and local Cleveland County native Cindi Wood will be leading  the six-week study "Anonymous" .
Reserve your spot by texting your name and contact info to: 704-418-1199. Bible study books will be available for  $15 which includes registration.
Cindi recently began exploring the idea of doing a county-wide Bible study with her friends. Their goal was to reach out to women to share their intense love for Jesus and the joy that He infuses into their lives. They wanted the location to be centrally located in the county, so that people from all over could get there easily. It needed to be a fun place to meet where women could feel comfortable, have fun conversation and good food to eat.
Steve and Vicky Knapp, owners of Pfeiffer Cafe &
Confections welcomed the
opportunity to offer their restaurant as a place to meet before they open for lunch.
Cindi shared, "The main purpose for the study is to feed our souls. Never has there been a  time when so many are disheartened and discouraged and need hope.
We want this to be a time that those who are in relationship with Jesus would come and join in and be encouraged. We also welcome those who have never explored this relationship, to join the group and learn what having fellowship with Jesus does for you. He is the answer to everything you are going through. It will be a wonderful time of gathering.
The foundation of the 'Anonymous' study will be in scripture. We will take a look at the lives of four nameless women in the
Bible whose lives were radically changed when they came in contact with Jesus.
If you know Him, be there. If you don't know Him, come and find out about Him. God has great things in store. I can sense that God is ready to do a mighty work in those who turn to Him. There is still time to register.
If you have done the 'Anonymous' study before, please come anyway, as there will be fresh new teaching. If you are hesitant about being in a crowd of women you don't know, don't worry, God will make it ok."
Cindi is a sought after speaker and Bible teacher, guiding women to deal with daily stress by experiencing a practical and deep relationship with Jesus. To view Cindi's personal message about the "Anonymous" study  go to: https://www.facebook.com/CindiWoodMinistries/videos/414352487242063 or to view her latest book "Blood Clots" visit her website at: www.frazzledfemale.com.

Patrick Sr. Center
Yard Sale Sept. 16

The Patrick Senior Center in Kings Mountain will be hosting a Yard Sale/Bake Sale/Craft Sale Fundraiser on Friday, September 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event will be held inside and outside, rain or shine.
The public is welcome to come shop that day. Anyone age 55 and up who would like to rent a table to sell items can call Karen Grigg at the Patrick Center at 704-734-0447 (please reserve by September 9). The cost is $5 per table and proceeds will go to our SHOP Food Pantry (Seniors Helping Other People).
The Patrick Center will have a bake sale table at the event and will be accepting baked goods to sell at the table. If you would like to donate a baked good, please call the Patrick Center or bring it by on the morning of the sale. Come enjoy a morning of shopping while supporting our efforts to feed seniors in need in the Kings Mountain area! The Patrick Center is located at 909 E King Street in Kings Mountain.
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L to R – Patti McMurry, Vice President of Access; Pete Brunnick, HPCCR CEO; Myra McGinnis, HCC President; Pam Sharts, Marketing, PR, & Special Events Manager; Rachel Hill, Vice President of Homecare Services; Jenny Sharp, Vice President of Quality & Compliance.

Hospice Cleveland County receives Non-Profit of the Year Award

Hospice Cleveland County was recently named “Non-Profit of the Year” at the Cleveland County Chamber’s Annual Awards Banquet. The event was attended by Chamber members, board members, present and future officers, and ambassadors. All guests enjoyed a lively night of celebrating the local business community.
“Hospice Cleveland County is honored to win this prestigious award voted on by members of the Chamber,” said Myra McGinnis, Hospice Cleveland County President. “It is a privilege to provide end-of-life care for people in our community. This special recognition is a tribute to the exceptional services delivered by our dedicated staff members.” said McGinnis.
Pete Brunnick, Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region CEO, also attended the event, along with several Hospice Cleveland County staff members. Hospice Cleveland County merged with Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region in 2020 to prepare for significant changes in healthcare, including the spread of for-profit hospices.
“Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region has a strong presence in both Carolinas and frequently competes against private equity backed hospices. The private equity model puts a lot of pressure on the organization to produce a profit. Being a not-for-profit allows us to invest more in our organization and direct our efforts towards patient care. For us, the reward is providing great care and knowing that we have made a difference in our community, we have made a difference in the care of families and patients, and the community is a better place because we’re here.”
Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region serves thousands of patients in 27 counties across the Carolinas. It operates three hospice houses in Mecklenburg County and one in Laurens County, SC. Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region also operates multiple offices in nearby counties. It was North Carolina's first hospice.
Hospice Cleveland County serves individuals in Cleveland, Gaston, Rutherford, and Burke counties. Hospice care is provided to people at home, Wendover Hospice House in Shelby, Testa Family Hospice House in Kings Mountain, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities. More than 16,000 people have been served since its inception in 1985.
If you would like to know more about Hospice and Palliative Care Services, or advance care planning, please visit our website at www.HospiceCares.cc or contact us at 704-487-4677.    

Nuevo Pacto Wesleyan Church
to launch on  September 3

Nuevo Pacto Wesleyan Church will officially launch on Saturday, September 3rd at 2:00 PM in the Family Life Center of East Gold Street Wesleyan Church (701 East Gold Street, Kings Mountain, NC)!  East Gold is honored to host this developing congregation of Hispanic Christians!  In less than one year, they have established a core group of approximately 20 committed Kingdom building laborers.
YOU are invited to the launch service where those gathered will celebrate Jesus; celebrate this new church; enjoy great fellowship and eat great food!  Have you ever tried Cuban food?  It is fantastic!
Pastor Scott Whitney (East Gold Street Wesleyan Church) will formally welcome the new church and celebrate their partnership in ministry together in Kings Mountain. District Superintendent Reverend Jerry Lumston will be present to welcome the new church to the North Carolina West District of the Wesleyan Church and welcome Pastors Jose Rodriguez and Elizabeth Padron, as pastors of the new congregation. Mayor Scott Neisler will be present to welcome the new church to the City of Kings Mountain.
This will be an exciting time!  Please come join us!
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Ormand descendants gathered for the photo at the Old Furnace in Bessemer City on Saturday, July 30 for the 125th reunion. Due to the lens used, the distortion makes the furnace appear smaller and the people on the edges of the photo appear larger. (Photo provided)

125th Ormand Family Reunion held July 30

By Loretta Cozart

The first Ormand Old Furnace Family Reunion was held in 1897. One hundred twenty-five years later, the family still gathers at the Old Furnace in Bessemer City to celebrate their family and history.
The family gathered at the Old Furnace Picnic Grounds, 517 Long Creek Rd, Bessemer City on July 30 to celebrate and enjoy lunch together. Afterward, the family gathered in front of the Old Furnace as 70 family members posed for posterity.
James Ormand built his furnace as part of the Ormand Mining Company, which was part of Tryon County. The furnace was known for processing iron ore, and it is believed that iron processed here was used to make cannon balls for the American Revolution.
All Ormand/Ormond/Ormon/Orman families are included in this reunion each year. For more information or to be added to their list, contact reunion@Ormand.org.
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Jesse Hughes

Jesse Hughes interns
in Washington, DC

Jesse Hughes, a rising Junior at Liberty University, is interning for Jim Jordan with the Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C. as part of the University’s Washington Fellowship Program, designed to send students to Washington, D.C.
After graduating from Kings Mountain High School in 2020, he went to Liberty to pursue a double major in Law & Policy: Pre-Law and History, as well as a minor in Theology.
Hughes’ parents are Jeff and Kim Hughes of the Dixon Community.
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A FAMILY AFFAIR - Gene Roberts’ son, Kenneth, middle of photo, and his l6-yearold grandson, Craig, followed in his footsteps in the grocery business and like Mr. Roberts started to work at an early age. The senior Roberts reported to work for his son when Ken Roberts opened a new grocery store across from the Depot in 1979. (Photo provided)

Roberts’ Store was a
staple of life for many

Community and mill grocery stores were places folks in Kings Mountain shopped prior to bigger chain stores came to town. Even so, many of these stores thrived until the 1980s. The following article, written by Lib Stewart, is reprinted from a June 21, 1979, Kings Mountain Herald.
It was 1932 and the heart of the big depression that Gene Roberts joined his father in the operation of the family grocery business on North Piedmont Avenue.
That was 47 years ago when Roberts, now 70, was 28.
The familiar landmark will bow to changing times and the U.S. 74 Bypass of Kings Mountain. Roberts Grocery delivered the last load of groceries Friday.
Mr. Roberts, whose youthly appearance and wit, belie his age, speaks philosophically about leaving the site, only a block from his residence.
“I’ve always believed in accepting things as they are,” he laughed, recalling the good times he had experienced in the white frame store and the “good people” with whom he had been in contact.
The price of groceries does not compare, of course, with today’s prices but Roberts recalled how “times were hard” and it was just as difficult to have money in your pocket to buy pinto beans at five cents a pound, eggs at ten cents a dozen, fatback meat at five cents a pound, and gasoline at 17 cents a gallon.
Many of his first customers were credit customers who paid for groceries by the week or month. Some of the early purchases included cordwood, which sold for the unbelievable price of $5 per cord, and chickens and turkeys, your choice of live birds or dressed.
Many of his first customers were credit customers who paid for groceries by the week or month. Some of the early purchases Included cordwood, which sold for the unbelievable price of $6 per cord, and chickens and turkeys, your choice of live birds or dressed.
Ken Roberts, who started working in his father’s store at about the same age that Gene started work in the old Cora Mill store at 14, recalls taking live chickens and turkeys from penned-in “coops’ at the back of the store and dressing them while the customer waited.
Ken claims to have started working at age eight or nine, answering the phone for his father and making deliveries on his bicycle. He hopes to repay the favor in mid-July. Gene Roberts will be reporting to work for his son in a brand-new convenience store now under construction across from the KM Depot Center.
Bom on First Street in Kings Mountain, Roberts, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Ross Roberts and next to the oldest of four children, has lived only a short distance from his birthplace all his life. Roberts was away from Kings Mountain while attending Mars Hill College and worked in Charlotte for a food chain.
The stretch of North Piedmont Avenue which passes his store was a dirt road until 1936 when it was resurfaced by work crews from the Works Progress Administration of the state. Roberts recalled how the workmen used pick and shovel to clean out the ditches and were paid 12.50 per week, not with cash, but with food coupons. They came across the street to his store or went to other stores in the neighborhood to get their groceries. Roberts recalled that in the early days other grocers were Cora Mill Store, Lum Gantt’s, which is now Pauline Store on Waco Road, B.A. Smith’s where the In and Out Store is now on Cleveland Ave. (now Linwood Mart), and John and Doc Mauney’s store which was located across the street from Smith’s.
   For six days a week Gene Roberts opened every morning at 6 a.m. and closed on Fridays and Saturdays as late as midnight, on many occasions. Kenneth recalled that when he went to work full-time 16-years ago many folks preferred to do their shopping on Saturday, which was the only day they came to town.   Some customers took their families to the Saturday night movies and shopped for groceries afterwards.
   Gene and Louise Hambright Roberts were married April 12,1936. They are parents of five children, Kenneth, of Kings Mountain, David of Gastonia, Diane Roberts (Mrs. Sammy) Houston of Thomasville, Linda (Mrs. Ed) Talion of Columbia, S.C., and Glenn Roberts of Kings Mountain. There are seven grandchildren.
   The Robertses have long been active in Kings Mountain Baptist Church where Mr. Roberts is a deacon and teaches a Sunday School class.
   Over the years he has seen his business grow from a small beginning with very little stock into an expanded grocery store, both in size and in trade.
   If he had his life to live over, would he do anything different? Does he have any immediate plans for retirement?
   No, he enjoys the grocery business, whether its cutting meat, helping a customer, or sweeping the floor.  And he likes people, swaps stories with them about the “good ole days,” and never meets & stranger. His sense of humor keeps him young.
   Mr. Roberts, who walks to and from work every day, expects to get in a little more walking when he moves several blocks down the street to the new location. It will be a brand-new experience because for the first time in 47 years Roberts will be working for someone else. In fact, a new generation of Robertses will be working in the new store. Sixteen- year-old Craig Roberts is following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps.
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The 508th Headquarters-HQ Company, will present a WWII Living History encampment at Kings Mountain Historical Museum on July 30. Photo by KM Historical Museum

Museum to hold World War II Living History Day

Kings Mountain Historical Museum will hold a WWII Living History Day event on Saturday July 30, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission is free!
The Kings Mountain Historical Museum invites the public to come out and see a World War II timeline camp. Various living history displays, and reenactors will be present on the museum grounds to interact with the museum guests telling of the U.S. military involvement in the European Theater of Operations.
Focus will be on Airborne Operations (Parachute Infantry Regiment) during World War II. Presented by the 508th Headquarters-HQ Company, this is a living history event, with a focus on how a headquarters company operates (medical, demolition and communications). Author Steve R. Zaley will also be selling copies of his book They Are Only Gone If They Are Forgotten.
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Rylee Parker born July 1

David and Micki Parker, of Kings Mountain, proudly announce the birth of their daughter Rylee Parker on July 1 at Atrium Shelby. Rylee weighed 7 pounds and was 19-1/2 inches long. Rylee’s sister is Madison Mellon. Proud grandparents are Danny and Peggy Parker of Kings Mountain, and Chad and Brenda Carpenter of Grover.
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Broad River Genealogical Society helps folks learn local family history

Researching genealogy online is often fun and rewarding, until you realize the dates, ages and locations are not accurate, grandma could not have had a child at six or even eighty years of age. How do you resolve those issues? Through old-school, hands-on, genealogical research, and that’s exactly what the Broad River Genealogical Society Archives/Library offers.
There are one-of-a-kind histories available to assist the researcher with regional families going back before the Revolutionary War. There are private collections allowing rare glimpses into the fabric of area families as their threads extend westward.
There are stories and mysteries awaiting to be unearthed in many of the old records. Don’t miss this truly remarkable asset called the Broad River Genealogical Society Archives/Library located at 1145 County Home Road, Shelby NC 28152, open every Tuesday evening 6 to 8 pm; 2nd and 3rd Saturday’s 9 am to 1 pm; or by appointment.
Broad River Genealogical Society also offers membership for $25 dollars a year. With that membership, you get four booklets, one each quarter you. The booklets are about 60-pages filled with ancestry of the area and its history.
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Wyldwood Stringband

Wyldwood Stringband at
Earl Scruggs center stage
Thursday, July 14

By Loretta Cozart

This Thursday, July 14, Earl Scruggs Center Stage Concert Series features Wyldwood String Band from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Wyldwood Stringband is the collaboration of Caroline Tanner, Sarah Hollis, and Phil Lanier. Each of them separated by a decade, but with the same passion, the evolution of bluegrass and old-time folk music. Sarah’s father and Phil’s uncle played in a bluegrass band together “Bitter Creek” in the 70s, they are from right here where the music began in North Carolina.
Caroline in from western Canada and fell in love with bluegrass on Vancouver Island before moving the heartland of the music that stole her heart. Bringing their various backgrounds together Wyldwood Stringband strives to honor the traditions from which the music came, while pushing it forward and having a good time along the way.
All tickets are General Admission for $10 and a cash bar is available.
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Creativity, Community & Emergence: Book Artists finding hope in isolation

The Cleveland County Arts Council announced a new exhibit that includes work from more than 25 artists from North Carolina’s Triangle Book Arts created to communicate and express hope during the isolation of the Covid 19 pandemic.
These artists will share work shown last summer in a group exhibit at Duke Hospital, which was open only to caregivers, patients, and their families; art they sent to each other in the U.S. Mail (“Mail Art”); and works they have made more recently during this uncertain time of emergence. The artwork ranges from charming and playful to the serious, beautiful, disturbing, and thought provoking.
The exhibit is on display at Cleveland County Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Shelby. The exhibit will remain up through August 11.
   Accordion books, button books, collages, printmaking, retablo installation, books in boxes, postcards, and bookmarks are just some of the forms of art that members of North Carolina’s Triangle Book Arts (TBA) have created to communicate and express hope during the isolation of the pandemic. Accustomed to sharing their work and meeting to share skills, swap supplies, and show their latest work in community workshops, the group sought ways to communicate and share in new and challenging circumstances.
Book art embraces a surprising array of skills and approaches from letterpress printing to origami, collage, painting, and photography. TBA members define “book art” widely, from art that uses and plays with forms of the book as a medium of expression to any work that refers to the book as an idea or form of inspiration.
   The Arts Council is open Mon. – Friday, 9:00 – 4:00 and Saturday from 10:00 – 2:00. For more information, call 704-484-2787 or visit www.ccartscouncil.org or https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandCountyArtsCouncil.

July Library news

By Mari Slaughter

The Motley Tones
The region’s most popular pirate performing group entertaining families with their unique blend of classical and oft-times amusing sea shanties. They are well known for their interactive street shows that captivates the crowds. Wednesday, July 13, 11 am – NOON. Kings Mountain Patriots Park, 220 S. Railroad Ave. Family event

Pirate Workshop
Learn the pirate way of life with the Motley Tones while enjoying a free lunch. Patriots Park Amphitheater, courtesy of Mauney Memorial Library. Wednesday, July 13, 1-2 pm. TEENS ONLY – REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Light-Up Camping Buckets
Assemble a portable light-up camping seat, customized with vinyl from the library Cricut machine. Thursday, July 14, 1-2 pm, Library Community Room. ADULTS – REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Read Local Book Fair
Meet with local authors and hear about their books at the annual Read Local Book Fair! The seventeen authors will have books for sale. Patrick Senior Center, 909 East King Street. Monday, July 18, 10 – 1 pm. All Ages Welcome

InterACTive Theater of Jef Lambdin
Whether onstage or roving, Jef is a quiet kind of guy. He juggles and balances things. He gets confused at times. (Sometimes he even forgets what his hat is for!) He involves his audience members to help him when he’s confused and to play along with his mime, mask, and variety arts shenanigans. He even leads sing-a-longs!  
Jef studied mime with C.W. Metcalf and Tony Montanaro with brief instruction with Jacques Lecoq. For 17 years he performed as a member of TOUCH, North Carolina’s premier mime theater. He then created the mascot, Wool E. Bull, for the Durham Bulls Baseball Club and began performing with his juggling partner, Ken Kay, as Ken & Jef.  Since Ken retired, Jef has performed solo, captivating children and families throughout the South.
Wednesday, July 20, 10 – 11 am, Kings Mountain Patriots Park, 220 S. Railroad Ave.
Ages: 6 – 12

STEM Toy Saturdays
Enjoy a rotating selection of fun STEM (Science, Technology, Electronics, Mathematics) Toys. Saturday, July 30, 10 am – 12:30 pm. Harris Children’s Wing. Ages: 6 -12

Field Day
Have fun in the sun with bounce houses, water inflatables and a complimentary scoop of ice cream from Scoop! Inflatables provided by Mad Hatter Amusements. Tuesday, July 26, 10 am – NOON, Kings Mountain Patriots Park, 220 S. Railroad Ave. Ages: 6 – 12

Zoom Storytime with Miss Anne
Follow along with stories and songs from the comfort of your home. Register: www.mauneylibrary.org event calendar. Tuesdays, 10:30-11:00 am. Event URL will be sent via registration email. Ages: preschoolers

Library Storytime
in Person
Come to the library to enjoy a story and sing songs with Miss. Anne, then take home a fun craft! Register by going to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary event calendar,
Fridays 10:30-11:00 am, Mauney Library Community Room Ages: preschoolers
Drop-In
Computer Lab
Drop-In Computer Lab for personalized help with any technology questions you may have. Thursdays, July 7, 21, and 28, Noon – 4 pm, Carolina Room at Mauney Library.
This project is made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-250229-OLS-21).

Lego Club
Free build and participate in group projects, snacks provided. Third Thursday of every month. 3:30 – 4:30 pm, Library Community Room. Ages: 6-12 years old

Zoom Bedtime
Storytime
Join event by typing in URL: https://zoom.us/j/96659968320.
Fourth Tuesday of every month, 7:30 pm

A Company of Readers Book Club
Meet with other book club lovers to discuss what you have been reading for the month. This is a unique group. There is not a designated read. Monday, July 18, 5:00 – 6:00 pm,  Mauney Library Community Room Ages: Adults

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. 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.      
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Sheriff Alan Norman

Sheriff Norman’s tips for
a safe July 4th weekend

With the July 4m weekend approaching, Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman asks all citizens to join him in making this Fourth of July holiday happy, enjoyable, and safe for everyone.
Cleveland County citizens should remember that fireworks, as enjoyable as they are to watch, can be dangerous and should only be handled by professionals.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, there are nearly 13,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year. You can enjoy a safe Fourth of July by following these safety tips:
• Make yourself familiar with GS 14-414 for allowable fireworks (remember fireworks that detonate, explode, or propel themselves through the air are illegal)
• Never give fireworks to small children
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
Sheriff Norman also wants citizens to use caution when swimming at a pool or driving on busy streets and highways. Sheriff Norman said, “Sadly, most deaths from drowning occur within a few feet of safety.” The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. The Red Cross has swimming courses for people of any age and swimming ability. To find out where lessons are offered, or to enroll in a CPR/AED or first aid course, contact your local Red Cross chapter.
At a swimming pool, take the following precautions:
• If no lifeguard is on duty, do not let children swim unless they are accompanied by a responsible adult who knows lifesaving techniques and first aid.
• Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.
• Look around the pool area to be certain lifesaving devices are readily available for emergency use.
• Be sure covers are installed on all drains of a swimming pool or in a wading pool. The suction created by the pool’s circulating pumps can be dangerous unless it is reduced by covers.
• Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies water resistant sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and rests.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.
• To reduce the risk of eye, ear, nose or throat infection from contaminated water, swim only in pools in which water quality is properly maintained. The water should appear clear, be continuously circulated, and be maintained at a level that allows free overflow into the gutter or skimmer. There should not be a strong odor of ammonia or chlorine.
On the highways, follow these safety tips:
• Always shift your attention every few seconds, constantly scanning the road ahead and behind you. Never blankly stare ahead nor fix your gaze on one point on the road.
• When passing an automobile, always glance at the ground beside the front wheel of the car you intend to pass. You will know instantly if the car is about to veer - giving you extra seconds to respond.
• You should pull out into the opposite lane of traffic when passing while you are still well behind the car in front. This should give you some time and space to build up speed and will enable you to pull back into your own lane should the need arise. Never cut abruptly out of your lane into the opposite lane when passing.
• Always signal your intentions with your brake lights, turn signals, horn and/or headlights so that other drivers will see you well before you change course.
• Drivers should always “aim high” in steering. That is, you should glance frequently at points well ahead of you. Not only will this help your steering, but it will also help you check the position of vehicles in front of you as well as on-coming ones.
• Never follow too close. Remember that, as your speed increases, it takes you longer to stop. Also remember that it is good to have an extra cushion of space in front of you if you are being tail-gated, on a slippery road, or in low visibility conditions.
   “Lastly, I would remind all motorists to practice the Golden Rule when driving. Be courteous and tolerant of other drivers. Please don’t get angry with bad drivers or reckless ones - just get out of their way.”
   Sheriff Norman said in closing, “Following these precautions will help the children and citizens of Cleveland County stay safe and healthy this holiday weekend and throughout the summer.”

KM’s Brockman,
Melton selected to
NC Baseball Coaches’ All-State team

Kings Mountain High School pitcher-infielders Zane Brockman and Charlie Melton have been selected as pitchers on the 2022 North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association All-State team.
Brockman, a junior, compiled an 8-0 record for the Big South Conference champion Mountaineers. He registered 72 strikeouts in 42 innings pitched. He posted a 1.17 earned run average. When not on the mound, he played third base and shortstop and compiled a .356 batting average and drove in 17 runs.
Melton, a senior, posted a 5-1 pitching mark and a 1.20 ERA. He struck out 66 batters. When not on the mound he also played shortstop or third base and compiled a .256 batting average. 

“A FRESH LOOK” Art Competition and Exhibit

“A Fresh Look” art exhibit and competition opened last week at Southern Arts Society in Kings Mountain. Artists from around the region have submitted over seventy works of art to be judged for cash prizes. Artists were asked to show their most recent work taking a fresh look at the world around them. The theme for this show is very open, allowing for a wide variety of subject matter to be entered.
The artwork in the exhibit is bright and uplifting showing that the artists have chosen to see the beauty and color in the world around them. There are a lot of landscapes, wildlife, and scenes from beyond our region, perhaps showing a desire to travel again and see more of the outside world. Artists have entered work in a variety of media: oil, acrylic and pastel paintings, photography, mixed media, glass and collage.
Judging this year’s show is Myles Calvert, Associate Professor of Art at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. The public is invited to meet participating artists at a public reception on Saturday June 25th from 6-8 pm. Awards will be presented at 7 pm. This is a Free event and dress is casual. Winners will then be posted on Southern Arts Society’s website and Facebook page. The exhibit is on view through July 29. Artwork in the exhibit is available for sale.
Southern Arts Society (SASi) Gift Shop & Gallery is located at 301 N. Piedmont Ave. at the intersection of Piedmont and Battleground Avenues in the historic Southern Railway Depot. SASi offers a gift shop, ongoing art exhibits and competitions, programs, and classes in a variety of media for artists of all levels. Gallery Hours:  Tues through Sat, 10 am to 3 pm, and by Appointment. Admission is Free. For more information, please visit SouthernArtsSociety.org, or call 704.739.5585. Email southernartssociety@gmail.com.
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Patrick Senior Center
July Events

Upcoming Special Events:
• Medicare Scams and Frauds: Tuesday, July 5, 11-11:30 a.m. (also available via Zoom). Call to sign up.
• Gerd and Acid Reflux Presentation by Mountain Street Pharmacy: Thursday, July 7, 10-10:30 a.m. Call to sign up.
• Voter Registration: Friday, July 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Red Cross Blood Drive: Friday, July 15, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Please call Karen Grigg at the center to schedule an appointment.
• Local Authors’ Fair, hosted by the Mauney Library: Monday, July 18, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Ongoing Activities at the Patrick Center
• Ceramics: Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Facebook Chat: Mondays, 10-10:45 a.m. (online via Facebook)
• Color Me Calm: Mondays, 10-11 a.m.
• Seniors in Motion: Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Classes begin July 6. Suggested donation of $1 per class for non-YMCA members.
• Quilting: Mondays, 12:30-3 p.m.
• Beginner Quilting: Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.
• Intermediate Line Dance (Dance Floor Rockers): Mondays, 1-3 p.m.
• Intermediate Line Dance (Southern Class): Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. *(on hiatus until after Labor Day)
• Clogging: Mondays, 3:30-4:30 p.m. and Thursdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
• Knitting: Tuesdays, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
• Veterans Meeting: 1st Tuesday, 9-10 a.m.
• Dutch Lunch Bunch: 2nd Wednesday, July 13 – Red Lobster in Gastonia (Sign up required. Pay $1 transportation fee plus cost of your lunch)
• Tai Chi for Arthritis: Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m.
• Bible History: Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m.
• REFIT Dance Exercise: Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Monthly Birthday Celebration: 4th Tuesday, 10-11 a.m.
• Canasta: Tuesdays, 1-3 p.m.
• Chair Yoga: Wednesdays, 11:45-12:45 p.m. (fee required)
• Blood Pressure Clinic: 1st Wednesday, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Food Giveaway: 3rd Wednesday, 1-2:30 p.m. (registration required)
• Caregiver Support Group: 4th Wednesday, 1-2:30 p.m.
• Healthy Lifestyles Class: Thursdays, 8-9:30 a.m.
• Gentle Exercise: Thursdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m.
• Bingo: Thursdays, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
• Coffee & Conversation: Fridays, 8:30-10 a.m.
• Chorus: Fridays, 10-11 a.m.
• Friday Lunch: Fridays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (Call to sign up by Thursday at Noon. Cost is $3.)
• WII Bowling League: Fridays, 12-1 p.m.
• Chair Volleyball: Fridays, 12-2 p.m.
• Ping Pong/Corn Hole: Fridays, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
• Silver Strength by Lisa Medlin with Home Instead: Fridays, 3-4 p.m.
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.
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Anna Holder

Holder served as
Page in Raleigh

Anna Holder, a student at Kings Mountain High School, recently served as a Page for the North Carolina House of Representatives. She is the daughter of Grant Holder and Angela Holder and was sponsored by Speaker Tim Moore. Ms. Holder was appointed and introduced to the Members of the House during session on Monday night.
The North Carolina House Page Program offers a unique and firsthand experience to students from across the state. Each year, the program provides a captivating insight into government by connecting students with elected leaders of North Carolina.
Pages are given the opportunity to observe North Carolina lawmakers, lobbyists, staff, and constituents working together in the legislative process. The Pages witness and learn how a bill becomes a law, the structure of state government, and the legislative process. House Pages attend session and committee meetings each day. House Pages are also given the opportunity to provide office assistance to members and staff of the House of Representatives.
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ANDREW RUPPE

Ruppe, new
principal at
North Elementary

Andrew Ruppe will be North Elementary School’s new principal, after the retirement of Principal Allen. “I am extremely excited to be taking over as principal of North Elementary School for the 2022-2023 school year,” Ruppe said. “North has a long history of being an excellent school. I look forward to continuing that tradition into the future!”
Mr. Ruppe is a Cleveland County native and a current Kings Mountain resident. His entire career has been spent in the Kings Mountain Zone for Cleveland County Schools. “I was an 8th grade teacher for 6 1/2 years at Kings Mountain Middle School. I served as an assistant principal at KMMS for 3 1/2 years. For the past five years, I have served as the assistant principal of Bethware Elementary School.”
His wife, Nicole, is a teacher at Kings Mountain Intermediate School and they have one daughter that will be two in August.

W.A. Mauney House
renovation nears completion

By Loretta Cozart

Chris and David Stone have poured years of blood and sweat into restoring the second W.A. Mauney House at 106 N. Battleground Avenue in Kings Mountain. Soon, their work will be complete.
The home, a two-story vernacular Victorian, was built in 1877 by William Andrew Mauney, merchant, mill owner, and the city’s first mayor who also served in both the NC House and NC Senate.
So far, the electrical has been completely updated and the house is air conditioned. Renovations took the house from a two- to a four-bathroom home and the kitchen now has a breakfast nook. Some windows are being restored by Chris Stone at the family business, Foothills Historic Conservation.
“Things are moving along now, and I anticipate the house will be completed in four to six-weeks,” said David. “We have all the needed materials, and our crew is making substantial progress on the work. So, that timeframe is an accurate estimate.”
Take note as you pass the historic W.A. Mauney House in the next few weeks, as the porch renovation is completed. Most remaining work inside is cosmetic, involving paint and installing cabinetry and fixtures. Wallpaper in several rooms will harken back to the late 1800s, when W.A. Mauney built this home for his family to enjoy.
In ways, W.A. Mauney’s businesses and David Stone’s businesses are remarkably similar. Not because of the types of businesses they run, but because their family members are involved in many ways in their different endeavors.
David Stone’s family is involved in historic preservation and real estate locally. They own Foothills Historic Conservation, an historic restoration and general contracting business, and StoneWright Realty, both at 508 Canterbury Road in Kings Mountain. They also own The Imperial Mercantile and Lofts at 138 W. Mountain Street and the F.R. Summers house on North Piedmont Avenue in town. Currently, David Stone also serves as the president of the Historic Shelby Foundation.
What is meant by the description vernacular Victorian regarding the second W.A. Mauney home? R.W. Brunskill, author of Illustrated Handbook of Vernacular Architecture, says that in vernacular architecture, the function of the building would be the dominant factor, while aesthetic considerations, though present to some degree, take the backburner. Local materials are used as a matter of course, with other materials being chosen and imported only as needed.
W.A. Mauney built this home primarily for his family to enjoy and incorporated Victorian features, like a wraparound porch and gingerbread trim. The steep pitch of the roof is also a characteristic of such homes. Just three years prior to building his second house, W.A. Mauney and his family lived in their first home and store next door and in that year, Kings Mountain was incorporated.
This vernacular Victorian home speaks to W.A. Mauney’s stature in the community, and to the success of his business in a  brief time.
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Clean up after your dogs, it’s the law

The NC Pooper Scooper law requires that the person responsible for any dog must remove feces deposited by the dog from any private property unless the owner of the property has given permission allowing such use of the property. Removal of animal feces is not just a courtesy; it is an environmental necessity.
When animal feces are not removed as required by law, rainwater carries it into the storm drains. The City's Stormwater system is separate and does not treat water. This gravity-directed system merely carries Stormwater complete with litter, including animal feces, on its natural path to the creeks and streams that feed into the Catawba River and the Broad River. Both rivers are a source of drinking water for our neighbors in North and South Carolina.
The animal feces that you see going into that Stormwater drain will wind up in our creeks, streams, and Rivers. This pollution leads to the development of oxygen-robbing algae and other problem organism which can cause fish kills and human health threats.
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Liberty Mountain returns to the Joy Performance Center on Friday, June 24

Historians agree that the Battle of Kings Mountain in October 1780 turned the tide of the American Revolution and began the series of victories that led to the British surrender at Yorktown a year later. The rugged Patriot frontiersmen who defeated a larger, better-trained force of Loyalists at Kings Mountain secured for all of us the freedoms we enjoy today.
We will soon begin our seventh season of “Liberty Mountain,” the Revolutionary War Drama, at the Joy Performance Center in Kings Mountain, North Carolina. It’s a compelling story of the settling of the Carolinas by pilgrims from the Old World who came to our land to build new lives, raise good families, and worship as they pleased. Our production is an action-filled 90 minutes that intimately portrays the lives of these hardy men, women, and children. It is an immersive experience of special effects, sights, and sounds. Audiences in our previous seasons have come away entertained and inspired.
“Liberty Mountain” features a cast of more than 30 actors in a fast-moving, action-packed drama. Playwright Robert Inman says, “The talented cast and crew bring our audience a production that is true to history, highly entertaining, and inspiring. Every American should know the story of Kings Mountain and the crucial role it played in granting us the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Director Caleb Sigmon has been guiding “Liberty Mountain” since its premier in 2014. He says, “We use the entire auditorium to bring the story to life. We immerse the audience in the action. It’s great entertainment for the entire family.”  The play incorporates authentic weapons and costumes.
“Liberty Mountain” opens on Friday, June 24, with performances on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Sunday, July 17. Fridays and Saturdays have 7:30 p.m. performances. Matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays begin at 3:00 p.m. Monday, July 4 will have a matinee only at 3:00 p.m. The box office opens 1 hour before each performance. Tickets are available online, by phone, 704-730-9408, or at the box office for walk-ups.
Come 30-minutes early to attend our educational weapons display and other activities or stay after the show to “Meet the Cast” for autographs and photos. Adding to your “revolutionary” experience is a display of Revolutionary War historical portraits by renowned artist, Thomas Kelly Pauley.
Liberty Mountain is produced by Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc. with Gilbert and Jancy Patrick as the Presenting Sponsor and is also funded in part by a grant from the Kings Mountain Tourism Development Authority. Questions should be directed to jim@kmlt.org or call the box office at 704-730-9408.

No-cost dental and medical
clinic screening June 25

On June 25, the North Carolina Baptist Men and Elizabeth Baptist Church will be providing a no-cost dental and medical clinic screening. This service is to be conducted by application only and will be held at Elizabeth Baptist Church, 301 N. Post Rd. in Shelby.
There is limited availability, thus having an application does not guarantee an appointment. Applications must be submitted by 12 p.m. on June 17.
The link to the application may be found by visiting https://files.constantcontact.

Helping home births and assisting with baby formula shortage

Women representing the March of Dimes movement visited Sen. Ted Alexander’s office last week. “We had a long and thoughtful discussion regarding how the March of Dimes is helping to relieve stress on our hospitals and their staff through the promotion of doulas,” said Senator Alexander.
A doula acts as a mediator between patients and hospitals. They help conduct childbirth at home for low/middle risk pregnancies. These doulas will be certified and are trained in case of pregnancy complications. This allows doctors and medical staff to focus on high-risk pregnancies.
The March of Dimes is promoting community milk banks which may help to alleviate national baby formula shortages. Angela Malloy, third from left, runs the only community milk bank in our state, located in Cumberland County.

Tickets on sale now for Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame’s inaugural Induction Ceremony

Induction Ceremony to be held
Sept. 17, 2022 at the

Don Gibson Theatre

The Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame in partnership with the Don Gibson Theatre invite you to join them Saturday, September 17, as they induct their first class of musical pioneers into the Hall of Fame.
Tickets are now on sale for this event by visiting the box office at the Don Gibson Theatre, ordering by phone at 704.487.8114 or purchasing online at www.dongibsontheatre.com. The Don Gibson Theatre is located at 318 Washington Street, Shelby.
Earl Scruggs and Don Gibson, both natives of Shelby, highlight the first class. Joining Scruggs and Gibson are, legendary disc jockey Hugh Dover, who worked at both local stations WOHS in Shelby and WKMT in Kings Mountain, Bobby Rogers, owner of Bobby’s Records and Rogers Theatre, Kings Mountain native and renowned record producer Ron Feemster, and JB and Kathleen Lewis as well as Herman and Jean Dawson, owners of J&K Records.
Also, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, will be two hit records recorded by artists from Cleveland County. This year, the records will be “I Love the Nightlife” by Alicia Bridges and “Timber I’m Falling in Love” by Patty Loveless.
Musical guests will be on hand to honor the inductees. Dinner will begin at 6:00 pm followed by the ceremony at 7:30pm.
The Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame was established in 2019. The mission of the Hall of Fame is to honor the legacy of pioneers from Cleveland County whose talent has enriched the musical landscape of the area in which they live/lived while giving the tools needed to future generations of musicians to hone their craft. In 2021, Calvin and Teresa Hastings donated the WOHS studios on Hwy 74. In that building, the Hall of Fame plans to house a museum as well as recording studio and a learning center for students, who want to play an instrument.
For more information on the Cleveland County Music Hall of Fame and the induction ceremony itself, contact the Hall at 704-692-5246 or visit their website at www.ccmusichallofame.org You may also visit their Facebook page at @CCMUSICHALL.

Free tennis clinics
at KMHS courts

Veteran tennis coach Ed Guy will hold a summer tennis clinic for beginning and experienced players next week at the KMHS tennis courts. There is no charge but everyone is expected to take four cans of tennis balls.
Dates and times for beginners are Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m.-12 noon. For experienced players it will be 9-12 on Tuesday and Thursday.
For more information call Coach Guy at 704-473-3608 or email him at eguy@carolina.rr.com

KMHS track and field awards night

​​​​The Kings Mountain High School track and field teams held their awards program Wednesday night.  There were six All-Conference Lady Mountaineers and 11 men.
Pictured with their awards from left to right for the ladies team:  Carly Evans All Conference 4x800, Divinity Ervin All Conference 4x800, 1600, 3200 and MVP Track, Sindy Ulloa  All Conference 4x800, Janiya Hunt All Conference 100m dash and Coach's Award, Thalia Kushman  All Conference 4x800, and Rayna Brown All Conference Pole Vault. Not pictured Alexis Jackson MVP Field.
On the guys side, Max Thompson All Conference 4x800, 800m and Coach's Award, DJ Black All Conference 4x100, 200m, and MVP Track, D'Andrea Hoyle All Conference Long Jump, Triple Jump, and MVP Field, Andre Willis All Conference 110HH, 300 hurdles, and 4x100, Parker Key  All Conference 4x800, 1600, and 3200, and Hunter Cruise  All Conference 4x800.  Not pictured JJ Thurman All Conference 100m and 4x100, Nicholas Harrison All Conference Pole Vault, Alex Jackson  All Conference Shot Put, Zavian Smith  All Conference 4x100, and Isaiah Watts  All Conference 4x800.
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Neisler LEC addition nears completion

By April Shauff
Special To Community First Media


Over the past couple of years, the walls of an enlarged facility for adult daycare have slowly been taking shape on the Kings Mountain Boulevard. In just a few weeks, the construction will come to an end, and a dream that started six years ago will finally be a reality.
“It was in 2016 that our board decided to proceed with a 10,000-square-foot addition to our 14,000-square-foot facility,” says Life Enrichment Center (LEC) Executive Director Toni Camp.
In November of 2019 the Kings Mountain LEC broke ground. Things were going along quite well – for a while.
“Then Covid happened,” says Camp. “What were we to do?”
The need was too great to be ignored, says Camp, and families were struggling more than ever to find relief from the grind of in-home caregiving.
“So we continued with construction,” says Camp. That commitment proved difficult at times during the past two years, but the process is finally nearing completion.
With locations in Shelby and Kings Mountain, the LEC offers adult day care services to the aging population as well as younger adults with physical and developmental disabilities.
When it opened in 2004, the Kings Mountain location served six participants. By the time the renovation was approved, it was serving 65 participants a day with a growing waitlist.
“There were just so many families who needed our services,” says Camp.
The LEC got its start in 1980 in a Sunday school room at John Knox Presbyterian Church, and it grew from there.
The first center, located in Shelby, was built in 1995, and was eventually replaced by a new, 25,000-square-foot facility in 2011.
The new addition will allow the Kings Mountain facility to echo the Shelby location’s ability to serve younger and older adults in different areas of the same facility.
The calendar at both LECs keeps participants busy with activities like horticulture, talent shows, cooking and music therapy.
Sara Renner knows first-hand how amazingly helpful the LEC’s services can be. Her 22-year-old daughter, Mary, has been a participant at the Kings Mountain facility for more than two years.
“I just love the staff there – I can’t say enough wonderful things about them,” says Sara Renner. “They provide so many activities – it has allowed Mary to develop her skills and keeps her active and happy. Many times she doesn’t even want to come home!”
The enlarged Kings Mountain LEC is located at 222 Kings Mountain Boulevard, and the Shelby LEC is located at 110 Life Enrichment Center Boulevard. For more information about either of the LEC locations, visit the organization’s website at
www.LifeEnrichmentCenter.org.

City of Kings Mountain Memorial Day Observance

The City of Kings Mountain held their annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 30 at Mountain Rest Cemetery.


Photos by Gary Smart

KMHM Annual Reverse Raffle and Auctions Sept. 17

Be a part of the development of Kings Mountain Historical Museum! Please support the museum during this time to help us with our fundraising efforts! Proceeds go toward the everyday operations of the museum.
Kings Mountain Historical Museum is located in the heart of the historic City of Kings Mountain. They collect, preserve, and interpret original historical resources that help foster a deeper understanding of the unique history and cultural identity of Kings Mountain and the surrounding area.
Last year, over 2,000 local and out-of-town visitors benefited from the educational exhibits, programs, and services offered by the Museum at no cost to the public. As our visitation and museum collections continue to steadily increase, so do our funding needs. We would love for you to be a part of it!
Every September, Kings Mountain Historical Museum hosts a fundraiser to generate revenue necessary to support our programming. The Annual Reverse Raffle and Auctions has been acclaimed the “best event of the year in Kings Mountain” and this 19th annual fundraiser will be held in-person at the Joy Performance Center.
They hope you will join them for this event, held on September 17 and anticipate a sold-out event with 300 tickets bought by individuals throughout the region. They we offer a Grand Prize of $10,000.
With only 300 tickets, you have a 1 in 300 chance to win!!! Unique auction items and great raffle prizes are also offered!
Tickets can be purchased online and at the museum, or from board members after June 1st, Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., or you can call the museum at 704-739-1019 and purchase right over the phone.
Each ticket is $125 providing entry for two People, food, and drinks. It also includes a 1 in 300 chance of winning the $10,000 Raffle Prize, along with other raffle items.
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Amy Brooks

Pinnacle Classical Academy 
student named to State 
Superintendent's Advisory Council

Amy Brooks, a junior at Pinnacle Classical Academy, has been named to the North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction’s Student Advisory Council (SSAC).
The daughter of Derrick and Angela Brooks of Earl, Amy is Pinnacle Classical Academy's Student Government Association Communications Coordinator, a member of National Honor Society, and a member of Spiritual Soaring Ministries, a student Christian organization.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s future,” said North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt, “and if we are going to keep them at the center of every decision, we need to ensure they have an opportunity to directly share feedback, provide recommendations, and give perspective on our state’s education system. I am thrilled to have such an impressive group of students convened as members of the Student Advisory Council, and I look forward to seeing the proposals they put forth.”
The Department of Public Instruction said that the SSAC is a strong and diverse group composed of 12 high school students from across the state’s eight education regions, with eight juniors and four seniors. The two-year appointment to the SSAC provides student advisors the opportunity to meet twice per month to discuss education issues affecting students, advocate on behalf of their peers and ultimately advise decision makers in state public education.
During their service, Amy Brooks and the other student advisors will develop two proposals for the state Superintendent’s Office and the State Board of Education to address issues that the students would like to see changed, either through policy or legislation. SSAC advisors have the opportunity not only to share their perspectives as current students but also to provide invaluable insight to state leaders on how to make positive changes within North Carolina’s education system.
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KMPD Congratulates Lt. Lance Hamrick

Chief Proctor congratulates Lt. Lance Hamrick, left, for completion of the NC Justice Academy Leadership Certificate Program

Photo provided by KMPD
 
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Appreciation to Library

Davidson Association-Wise Committee presented the KM Memorial Library with an appreciation goodie basket. Members from left Jeannie Curry, Wenella Smith, Katherine Hardy Pendergrass, Geraldine Dye, and Valerie Boyd with Library Assistants - Briana Reed and Jonathan Chapman.

(Photo provided)
 

KMHS National Beta Club Induction Ceremony

Kings Mountain High School held their Beta Club Induction and Cord Ceremony on April 7.
Principal Dustin Morehead and Club Sponsor Jamey Croft welcomed those in attendance. Additional club sponsors are Shelby Myers and Nick Inman.
Jonah Patrick, Club President, shared the purpose and objectives of the Beta Club prior to sophomores being presented with their certificates.
Megan Carley, Club Vice-President presented certificates to Sophomores Manoah Allen, Mary Hogue, Jessie Ozmore, Anthony Anselmo, Corey Houser, Kendall Parker, NyAdria Beam-Phillips, Chloe Hudson, Addison Peeler, Branson Bouchard, Ja'Niya Hunt, Kenia Perez, Melissa Brooks, Olivia Hunt, James Petrilli, Coby Brown, Kaylee Jackson, Zachary Propst, Ellery Bryant, Zachary Johnson, Elijah Reynolds, Tucker Cash, Thalia Kushman, Matthew Rikard, Ally Cobb, Hailey Lawson, Jayden Smith, Reed Cooper, Sanaa Littlejohn, Meile Songaila, Adam Cox, Isabel Marten, Alberto Soto Uribe, Hunter Cruise, Alli Martin, Callie Stimpson, Paxton Davis, Colton Mayes, Mariana Thomasson, Bela Edmonson, Caleb McComas, Desirae Thombs, Rebecca Foy, Christina Merchant, Mason Weaver, Madden Green, Jaidyn Moses, Lisa Welborn, Chance Habel, Caroline Moss, Emani Williams, Elliot Habel, Grayson Murphy, Lindsey Wilson, Seanna Haynes, Melia Myers, and Parker Wilson.
    Sally Ozmore, Club Secretary, presented certificates to juniors. Those recipients included Logan Cook, Austyn Dixon, Layla Evans, Garrett Freeman, Kevin Garcia-Diaz, Ashley Gural, James Hetland, Nicholas Horn, Trace Phillips, Makalyn Rikard, Angela Sanchez, Taylor Smith, and Lawren Thomas.
Jonah Patrick presented certificates and honor cords to Seniors. Senior inductees included Trinity Pearson and Hannah Queen. Honor cords were given to Angel Aguado, Mariah Finger, Sally Ozmore, David Aleman, Peyton Fisher, Abigail Parsons, Mark Allen, Lily Gold, Jonah Patrick, Natalie Anthony, Jada Goode, Mark Petrilli, Mary Bearfield, Brittaney Hammett, Avery Philbeck, Michelle Bedoya, Nicholas Harrison, Danielle Pillado, Kofi Boakye, Cheyenne Huffman, Karissa Poteet, Kaylee Boatman, Ethan Humphries, Trinity Price, Baylee Briggs, Jacie Jarvis, Cooper Putnam, Evan Briggs, BreAnn Jenkins, Aydin Roper, Kalin Brooks, Kohen Johnson, Tyler Silaphet, Jathan Callahan, Parker Key, Tyler Smith, Carly Dechant, Emma Laughter, Rachel Whitaker, Macey Deering, Kendall Leonhardt, Saniya Wilson, Ryan Dixon. Caleb Martin, Ashlyn Wood, Aliza Edmonson, Charles Melton, Sage Wright, Kaemon Edmonson, Madeline Nolen, Shaniah Wright, Brooke Ferree, Joshua O'Dell, and Aleiyah Yarbro.
Evan Briggs, Club Treasurer, presented honor cords to senior members and Jamey Croft inducted National Beta Club members.
 
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Stephanie Hopper

Hopper named one of KMHS’ employees-of-the-month

 Kings Mountain High School Custodian, Stephanie Hopper was selected as one of KMHS’ March Employees of the Month for March. According to the schools’ Facebook page, “Stephanie is the person who puts everyone else before herself. She always has a smile on her face, she cares about what she does, and she is always working extremely hard.”
The post continues, “In addition to her hard work, she is constantly asking what she can do for you, and she is never upset or thrown off when something is needed quickly. She is an asset to our school because of her positive attitude, her strong work ethic, and her love for people. Congratulations, Mrs. Hopper.”
Hopper received a Walmart gift card, KMHS travel mug, commemorative certificate, and Papa John's coupons.
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April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Recognizing the importance of caring connections, supportive environments and positive experiences for all children and families, Governor Roy Cooper declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in North Carolina.
“Our children are precious and deserve to be nurtured and protected. It’s important that we build a strong foundation for them so that they can learn, play and grow,” said Governor Roy Cooper in a video message. “We’re doing more to wrap services around the whole family. When we work together to support our children and families in every corner of our state, we can build a strong future for all.”
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina recognize everyone has a stake in prioritizing equal opportunities for every child from each community in the state to build a more prosperous future for all during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
“April is a time for North Carolinians step up and help to build caring connections, supportive environments and positive experiences for all children and families,” said NCDHHS Sec. Kody Kinsley. “Child and family well-being is one of DHHS’ top priorities, to make sure every child in North Carolina grows up safe, healthy, and thriving in a nurturing and resilient community.”
April 2022 marks the third year CAP Month occurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. While metrics are improving, many North Carolina families continue to find themselves under great stress that can lead to significant increases in the risk of child maltreatment. COVID-19 has added stressors that can overload parents and caregivers, such as loss of employment, loss of income due to lack of paid leave, changing child care and schooling arrangements, and food insecurity.
While children and families are facing unprecedented stress during the pandemic, child maltreatment is preventable. There are programs,
strategies and policies proven to strengthen families so they can address their basic needs and better care for their children.
“Research shows that positive childhood experiences and caring connections grow thriving families and communities,” said Sharon Hirsch, PCANC President & CEO. “While every season is a new opportunity to build sturdy foundations for children, this Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to redefine how our policies, systems and communities propel children into becoming healthy, thriving members of their community, and reaching their full potential. Please join us in prioritizing safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for children, allowing families and entire communities to succeed — today and for generations to come.”
   For more information on Child Abuse Prevention Month, including a toolkit with customized resources for school counselors, faith communities and early care and education providers, please visit preventchildabusenc.org.
   Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina ensures that child maltreatment prevention is a priority for North Carolina and all communities have the knowledge, support, and resources to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through collaboration with partners across North Carolina, PCANC works with communities to build safe, stable, nurturing relationships for all children. PCANC is the North Carolina chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America. PCANC is a proud recipient of Charity Navigator’s prestigious 4-star rating and GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.

KMHS Ukraine Fundraiser 

By Sharon Lease
KMHS Current Events 
Teacher



When a teacher is tasked with teaching Current Events, that teacher is really able to decide  “how” to teach it.. Looking ahead from the fall semester, I was devising my plan on what was  coming up in the news: the Olympics would be starting in February, March Madness was coming  up, of course local news from within Kings Mountain and Cleveland County, and whatever else  may arise.  There was talk on the national news about Russia and Ukraine, but at the beginning  of the semester in January, no one really knew what would become of this “talk”.
Every day, every student is to speak a current event in class.  Many students were bringing the  conflict between Russia and Ukraine as their current event to share.  Then, it happened.  On  Thursday, February 24th, Russia invaded Ukraine.  My students literally were interrupting each  other trying to be the first one to tell the class what Russia had done.  It became a daily news  story ever since.
One day, the Freshman Academy Director, Liza Dellinger told me that there was a bulletin board  not being used in the main school building and asked if my current events class would like to use  it.  Everything escalated from there. As a class, my students decided that we should start a  fundraiser for the Ukrainian Refugees.  We started to really plan this out in class to get a good  idea of what this might look like.  I reached out to our school principal, Dr. Morehead, and he  gave my current events class permission to head this.  At the same time, other clubs had the same  idea.  The Math Club, and the SPO Club have been helping our current events class to get the  word out to the students.
 The current events class wrote a daily announcement, created posters, and created a bulletin  board promoting this fundraiser.  Every Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours during lunch, my  current events students sit in the cafeteria and collect the money.  We will be collecting this money through April 14th.  After the first week, we have raised $225, and our goal is to raise at  least $1000 by the 14th of April.
For more information about the KMHS fundraiser for Ukraine, contact Sharon Lease at sslease@clevelandcountyschools.org.
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Amish Wash Day by Dianne Garner

Southern Arts Society
April events in full swing

​​​By Jewel Reavis

Activities are in full swing at the Southern Arts Society. You do not have to be a member of SASi to visit or attend programs. All programs are free unless stated otherwise.
SASi First Tuesday Program: April’s meeting has already passed, but the first Tuesday of the month is always interesting. This month’s meeting was about the Verdaccio Technique with Portraits – Artist Carolyn Parrish demonstrated the evolution of underpainting a portrait using the Verdaccio technique.
The Verdaccio palette uses black, white, and oxide of chromium green. The goal is to achieve nine values comparative to the grayscale. The advantage to the Verdaccio vs grisaille is that the green tones enrich skin tone (green as a compliment to blood rich skin). Attendees will try their hand at mixing the nine values. Carolyn’s program is an introduction for a future workshop. Come meet Carolyn! Doors open at 6:30 p.m., demo begins at 7 p.m. This is a Free Program.
Shutter Light Photography Group: Apr 19 – NEW MEETING DATE. Beginning in March the photography group began meeting on the third Tuesday at 6:30 pm monthly; Time: 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for social and 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. for the meeting. Raymond Beck will lead Beginner’s Corner. New and old photographers will enjoy getting back to the basics of photography. All levels of experience are welcome.
Color Pencil Group Meeting: Apr 28 – Thursday – Anyone with a desire to learn more about color pencil is welcome to attend these meetings. All levels of artists are welcome, no prior experience necessary. Meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring something to work on, and feel free to share any product, resource or other info that may be beneficial to the group.
Thursday Morning Open Studio Sessions: Apr 7, 14, 21, 28 – Open Studio Sessions every Thursday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., or longer. Bring your current art project – painting, pastels, colored pencil, knit or crochet, etc., to work on. Fiber artists are welcome to join this group. No instruction — just time to create on your own and enjoy fellowship with other artists. Led by artist Darlene Godfrey. Feel free to stay all day!
Classes at SASi: 
•  Workshops require pre-registration and payment to reserve your seat. To register, call 704-739-5585. Visit SASi in person or see their website for a detailed class description and supply list.
•  Mixed Media 2 Day Workshop with Dianne Garner Saturday, April 23 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday, April 24 from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 pm. In this class Dianne will share collage techniques learned in a recent class taken at the John C. Campbell Folk School. You will learn to stitch through the canvas and use transfers onto packing tape and cloth to be stitched on. You will also use a Gelli Arts plate to print papers and make your own paste papers to add to your collage. Dianne will show you how to make transfers on packing tape.
•  Painting on Yupo 2 Day Workshop with Dianne Garner Saturday, May 21 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Sunday, May 22 from 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Dianne will teach techniques learned from a workshop taken with Fred Graff. In this class you will learn Composition, Positive/Negative, Impact, and Two types of under-glazing – abstract and controlled. Dianne will cover Tangent Lines, Happy Endings, Perspective, and Center of Interest. Dianne will share techniques demonstrated by Fred Graff as he paints on Yupo.
   Southern Arts Society (SASi) Gift Shop & Gallery is located at 301 N. Piedmont Ave. at the intersection of Piedmont and Battleground Avenues in the historic Southern Railway Depot. SASi offers a gift shop, ongoing art exhibitions and competitions, programs, and classes in a variety of media for artists of all levels. Gallery Hours:  Tues through Sat, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and by Appointment. Admission is Free. The public is asked to wear a mask when visiting. For more information visit their website at  http://southernartssociety.org/ or call 704.739.5585. Email southernartssociety@gmail.com.
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Way to go, Joe!

If you happen to see Mr. Joe Brown riding on the Gateway Trail, say “hello.” Mr. Brown had some serious heart issues and was scheduled to have heart surgery. His Dr. suggested that he get out and exercise. Not in a shape to run, he chose to purchase an eBike and has been consistently riding at the Gateway Trail. After several months, Mr. Brown's Dr. is amazed that his heart has started healing itself and he no longer needs surgery.

By Starr Dowell/ Photo by Shirley Brutko
 

Highway Patrol announces Operation Drive to Live

With many schools celebrating prom season, and in conjunction with national Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the State Highway Patrol is conducting Operation Drive to Live. This annual campaign is aimed at reducing collisions involving teen drivers on our roadways. Beginning Monday, April 4, and going through Friday, April 8, troopers will step up their enforcement efforts in and around school zones between 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, young drivers are significantly over-represented in fatal crashes. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in America and in North Carolina. Engaging in risky driving behaviors combined with inexperience are primary factors contributing to fatal crashes by young drivers, especially during the first six months of driving. Mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes than all other drivers. Two common errors accounting for nearly half of the crashes involving teen drivers are speeding and driving while distracted.
In 2021, the State Highway Patrol investigated over 32,915 motor vehicle collisions involving young drivers and passengers. Of those collisions, 8,498 injuries were reported and 124 resulted in one or more fatalities.
“Teen drivers face a great responsibility when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, we must be committed to ensuring they have the tools, resources and knowledge needed to stay safe on our roadways,” said Colonel Freddy Johnson, Jr., commander of the State Highway Patrol. “The choices they will face, along with the consequences of making a poor choice are important conversations we must have with young drivers as parents, educators and law enforcement professionals.”
During the week-long campaign troopers will focus on enforcement, but equally important they will conduct educational initiatives throughout schools, at community events and in driver education courses. Parents and caregivers will hopefully use the campaign as a catalyst to discuss safe driving with their young drivers especially as the forthcoming summer months are considered the deadliest time for collisions involving teens. 

East Gold St. Wesleyan Easter Egg Hunt April 16

East Gold Street Wesleyan Church will hold an Easter Egg Hunt on  Saturday, April 16, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Come and join them for a fun Easter-rific afternoon! There will be lots of fun for all ages. There will be a bouncy house, games, tattoos, face painting, a kid friendly Easter story and an Easter egg hunt for all kids up to 5th grade.
A bagged hot dog lunch will be served until they run out. Please come and join in the fun as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. The church is located at 701 E. Gold St., Kings Mountain.
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James Welsh made his school proud by bringing home the second-place trophy in the Spelling Bee.

North School student places second in county Spelling Bee

James Welsh, fourth grader in Mr. Hamrick's class, represented North Elementary School well in the County Spelling Bee.
He placed second on the competition. Students watched the live feed from their classrooms and cheered James on all the way.
James was greeted at North to a hallway full of staff and students clapping and cheering his name. “We are so proud of James,” said Teacher Assistant Anna Hughes.

Friends of Crowders Mtn. hike planned

By Loretta Cozart

On March 15, the Sunshine Protection Act passed the U.S. Senate, with amendment, by unanimous voice vote. The bill was then sent to the U.S. House of Representatives for their consideration.
If passed by both chambers of Congress, this bill makes daylight saving time the new, permanent standard time, effective November 5, 2023. The amendment added also provides that states with areas exempt from daylight saving time currently may choose the standard time for those areas.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi voiced her personal support of doing away with daylight saving time but added that that discussion would have to occur with their caucus and Congress.
Due to the war in Ukraine, it is uncertain how long it will take for such legislation to be brought before the U.S. House. Even if the Bill were passed, it would not go into practice until November 2023.
Daylight Savings Time was introduced in the United States in 1918, during WWI, when Germany used the technique to save energy during the war. The practice went into place again in the 1960s and has continued since in many states. During WWII, Daylight Savings Time was adopted year-round and was again in 1973 during the oil embargo. It was later repealed.
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Tiana Roberts

Girl Talk Ministry holds
prom dress program with CCS

By Loretta Cozart

Last Fall, Tiana Roberts started Girl Talk Ministry, a program that allows minority girls to discuss everyday life challenges and empower one another on ways to rise above adversities. The program allows adolescent girls to transform their mind and enhance a better life through Christ.
We caught up with Tiana last weekend to learn about a new event she is facilitating with Cleveland County Schools. Tiana told the Herald, “Whenever you follow His will for your life, He will make sure what you need will come to you, or that you are attracted to people you need in order to fulfill the calling He has for you.”
Recently, she became reacquainted with a person she had known years before, a woman who had her own organization. Due to COVID, that woman’s path changed. The two exchanged numbers and went on their way. Months later, the woman called saying she had 20 prom dresses she needed to give away.
Tiana thought, “What am I going to do with 20 prom dresses?” So, she reached out to counselors at Kings Mountain High School for suggestions. When she did not hear back, she reached out to counselors at Shelby High School who suggested she sponsor an event. She discussed the idea with the clinical supervisor for her licensure who suggested she use the event to broach other important topics like safety recommendations and etiquette. “By the grace of God, everyone was in my ear at that moment,” Tiana said.
But she did not stop with just 20 dresses. She posted a flyer on social media, and before she knew it, people started donating. Eventually she collected over 90 dresses. And Quickway Cleaners in Gastonia agreed to deep clean the dresses.
This year, four schools are involved in the program: Kings Mountain High School, Cleveland County Early College High School, Crest High School, and Shelby High School. Burns was already partnering with another group and plans to participate next year. Each school identifies the girls who participate in the program and the program for this year is full.
The first event will be held Saturday, March 26 at the Cleveland County Chamber, from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. for Crest and Shelby. The second event will be held on April 9 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at Vestibule A.M.E. Zion Church for Kings Mountain and Cleveland County Early College. The girls come in groups of six in half-hour intervals and get one-on-one attention in choosing their dresses.
The joy could be seen on Tiana’s face when she said, “It is every girl’s dream to go to prom and be cute and experience those memories. It is amazing just being able to let them shine for that moment and allow them to feel loved and be seen. I am excited to give back and bless someone who needs it and I give God all the glory!”

Shelby mayor speaks
at chamber luncheon

By Loretta Cozart

City of Shelby Mayor Stan Anthony brought members the State of the City address in his half-hour presentation to the Cleveland County Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, March 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby.
Executive Director of the Earl Scruggs Center Mary Beth Martin welcomed guests to the host venue, followed by remarks given by paying sponsor Damon Scott. Members gathered for networking until 12:15, when lunch was served.
The monthly chamber meeting affords members the opportunity to network, meet new members, and gain knowledge from speakers on current issues that are important to the business community.
Other chamber events throughout the month includes an Ambassador’s Meeting, a Membership Matters for new members, an Ambassador Mixer, Lunch and Learn on pertinent topics, and a Business After Hours event.
The first Friday of the month, in partnership with NC Works, the chamber also sponsors a Career Cafe. Chamber members receive a table for display, collateral for employment inquiries at no charge, and provides a private office for interviews.
For more information about chamber activities or membership, call 704-487-8521.