How to avoid a
dangerous situation

This fall thousands of students will leave their families and friends to attend college. For many, it will be their first time away from home and their first experience with total independence. It’s an exciting time and a dangerous one. Concerned with this safety issue, Sheriff Alan Norman of Cleveland County urges college students to exercise caution when living on campus.
   Across the United States college campuses are increasing security measures by installing emergency call box systems designed to immediately contact a 911 operator. They are usually located in frequently traveled areas such as parking lots and main routes used to and from class.  Another popular security measure involves campus escorts. This program recruits qualified volunteers to walk students to and from class after dark. Security cameras and bright lighting are also being used to heighten campus safety.
   “College campuses are extremely vulnerable to crime because of their openness,” said Sheriff Norman. “It’s difficult to keep buildings and dorm rooms locked because people are constantly coming and going. Another contributing factor is that students tend to develop a false sense of security because of the seemingly peaceful surroundings.”
Campus crimes can take many forms – theft, date rape, and drugs to name just a few. It’s impossible to avoid all dangers. However, Sheriff Norman has some suggestions on how college students can better protect and educate themselves through campus safety education.
• Never post information as to your whereabouts on your dorm room door, or on social media.  If an intruder knows that you are away – it’s an open invitation for them to break in.
• Even if leaving your room for only a few minutes – lock your door.
• When studying in out-of-the way places, inform campus security as to your whereabouts.
• When meeting a study partner for the first time, arrange to meet in a public place.
• Encourage campus security to establish a photo identification program to deter outsiders from entering school buildings.
• Work with your local law enforcement to organize a safety education program to teach incoming students the dos and don’ts of campus safety.
• Familiarize yourself with emergency call box locations and save the telephone number for campus safety in your cellphone for easy access.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t let cellphones become a distraction by walking while texting or looking down at your cellphone.
• Learn to trust your instincts.  If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, get out of it.  Don’t allow anyone to violate your comfort zone.

Everyday millions of students use school buses as transportation to and from school. Although school buses represent the safest form of highway transportation, there are a many safety factors of which both student and drivers should be aware. Hoping to ensure school bus safety, Sheriff Alan Norman encourages caution whenever school buses are present.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in recent years there were an average of 128 fatalities in school transportation-related traffic crashes each year and more school-aged pedestrians have been killed during the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. than any other time of day.
“Children are often eager to get off the school bus because they are excited to tell their parents about all of the fun, they had at school that day,” said Sheriff Norman.
“It is crucial that parents re-enforce the school bus safety rules children learn at school.”
Sheriff Norman also suggests that parents drive their child’s bus route with them to practice the proper safety precautions they can take to help ensure their child enjoys a safe ride to and from school.
Sheriff Norman encourages all parents to discuss the following safety measures with their children:
   Students
• Always arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early.
• While the bus is approaching make sure to stand at least three giant steps away from the curb, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door opens, and the bus driver says that it’s OK to board.
• Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus.  Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure he or she sees you.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• If you are walking beside the bus, walk at least three giant steps away.
• Use the handrail when entering and exiting the bus. Take extra precautions to make sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags do not get caught in the handrail or door.
• Never stop to pick something up that you have dropped when a bus is stopped.  Tell the bus driver or wait until the bus has driven off to avoid not being seen by the driver.
   Motorists
• Remember that children are unpredictable in their actions. Take extreme caution when traveling in a school zone.
• If there are no sidewalks, drive cautiously. Be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road.
• Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.
• Never pass a school bus when there are flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended.  This is a sign that children are getting on or off the bus. Motorists must wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.
• Learn and obey the school bus laws in North Carolina.

On Saturday, August 7, Wrigley Benfield of China Grove, was chosen as Grand Majestic of the Little Miss ALWS Competition in Shelby. Her grandmother, Martha Corriher, is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary unit in Landis.
Each Little Miss is assigned to a Region and were introduced on the field during the ALWS opening ceremonies Thursday night. Some of the little girls take an opportunity to visit with their team and even provide them with treats

By January Costa
Director and Curator

   Every September, Kings Mountain Historical Museum hosts a fundraiser to generate revenue necessary to support our programming. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions on the museum this year, and the need to social distance for safety measures, we are continuing the reverse raffle and auction this year in an online format. The museum will not have an in-person event as we have in prior years.
This year the 18th Annual Reverse Raffle and Auction will be back to the tradition again of the reverse raffle for prizes with a ticket drawing to be posted online on September 18, through our social media. Tickets are on sale for $100 to be entered into the drawing for door prizes and the chance to win $5,000!!!
Please support the museum during this time to help us with our fundraising efforts! Proceeds go toward the everyday operations of the museum.
The online auction will start on September 10 and run until September 19 and is open to all bidders. You can find the auction link at: https://www.32auctions.com/KMHMfundraiser2021
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased from Board Members, calling the museum, emailing the museum at  kmhmdirector@outlook.com or by mailing a check to Kings Mountain Historical Museum, P.O. Box 552, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
Each ticket is $100. It also includes a 1 in 300 chance of winning the $5,000 Raffle Prize, along with other raffle items!
This event is a great opportunity for local business owners to showcase their business while investing in the community. Kings Mountain Historical Museum is currently welcoming event sponsors as well as in-kind donations for auction items. The Museum is recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax-exempt organization; donations are tax deductible as permissible by law. To find out more about sponsorship and donation opportunities, please call 704-739-1019 or email kmhmdirector@outlook.com.
For more information, please visit our event page:
https://www.kingsmountainmuseum.org/annual-fundraiser You can also call (704) 739-1019 or follow us on Facebook & Instagram.

“Reflections”
 Sharing Group
“Reflections” is a support group offered by Hospice
Cleveland County.  Through the use of group dynamics and personal reflections, we come to a better understanding of why we feel the way we feel and what may help us cope better.
The next Reflections Groups will be  Zoom Online Support Groups:
Thursdays: August 5, 12, 19, 26 from 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Thursdays: September 2, 9, 16, 23 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm
If interested, please call:
Susan Bowling 980-295-8595 or Lynn Thomas at 980-295-8596.
We will then provide the participant with instructions and information for joining this online group.
Grief-Walk Group with Steps to Healing After Loss
“We can’t escape or walk away from grief; we walk through it. And walking-not running, not crawling-is the proper pace to be traveling.” Linus Mundy In sharing time walking together we will experience nature, physical movement, and the memories and  spiritual interpretations that assist this period of grieving.
Wednesday, August 11 & 25, 2021, 3:00pm , Court Square in Uptown Shelby, corner of Washington and Warren Streets .    
Call Susan Bowling 980-295-8595 or Lynn Thomas 980-295-8596 for more information.

by MICHAEL E. POWELL
michael@cfmedia.info

David Caldwell and many like him are heroes for our N.C. environment.
Caldwell, 57, is the  Broad Riverkeeper and, by definition, is the primary protector and spokesperson for the rivers and streams of the Broad River watershed in the Western and Piedmont regions of N.C.
Caldwell, who loves being outdoors, is with MountainTrue, an environmental conservation group based in Asheville.
“We have 23 full-time employees including four River-keepers,” he said. “We have programs for Clean Waters, Resilient Forests, Healthy Communities, Green Energy, and a Creation Care Alliance. We all work within and across our programs to support each other. We also rely heavily on volunteers who get involved in our efforts.”
They also, noted Caldwell, “…work with communities and citizens to monitor water quality and advocate for best management practices that will improve our waters for drinking, swimming, and fishing.” His jurisdiction starts in the headwaters along the Blue Ridge Escarpment and in the South Mountains and goes downstream to the S.C. state line.
Caldwell said he has been fishing, swimming, paddling, and exploring the Broad River and its tributaries for over 30 years. Additionally, he started the Broad River Paddle Club (a Facebook group page) in 2011, began doing river cleanups in 2012, started Broad River Alliance, a Water-keeper Alliance Affiliate program in 2015, worked part time and mostly on a volunteer basis for 3.5 years, and in 2019 became a fully licensed Riverkeeper.
He said no particular training is required to become a Riverkeeper, but added, “A good understanding of science and ecology is helpful. Mostly, one needs to be passionate about the work of protecting our waters, diligent in the pursuit of science, truth, and environmental justice, and willing to stand up and speak out for the communities who depend on these resources.”
For Caldwell, a memorable moment occurred when he and others helped bring about Duke Power’s coal ash re-moval from the banks of the Broad River in 2020.
His advice on keeping the rivers and forests clean and clear?
“Don’t pollute and don’t accept pollution as a normal part of our world. Simple things like ‘pack it in, pack it out’, or joining a stream-side or roadside litter cleanup make a difference. If you see pollution, report it. NCDEQ has a great website with plenty of opportunities for citizens to get involved. Get in touch with me if you have concerns about pollution or water quality in our streams and rivers,” he said.
For those interested in keeping up with or donating to MountainTrue, Caldwell said to visit https://mountaintrue.org/.
“Any donation you can make would be greatly appreciated  and help to fund the work that I do,” he said.
Follow his work at Broad Riverkeeper on Facebook and Instagram.
If you are interested in this type of work, he said to find out what programs/organizations are already doing work in your area, and start volunteering.
For more information on what Mr. Caldwell does, email him at david@mountaintrue.org, or call (704) 284-9002.

Julia DeSerio,
the reigning
Miss Gastonia,
finishes in the
top 10

by TODD HAGANS
Special to Community First Media

Julia DeSerio, the chorus and piano teacher at Crest Middle School in Shelby and reigning Miss Gastonia, was a top 10 finalist in the recent 2021 Miss North Carolina competition.
Through her participation in the Miss Gastonia and Miss North Carolina programs, DeSerio, 24, has won more than $10,000 in scholarship money. Earning the scholarships moves her closer to being debt free after receiving a music education degree in 2018 from Gardner – Webb University.
“I want to thank the people who have invested their time, love, advice, resources, wisdom, and encouragement so I could represent my community in a successful way,” said DeSerio.  “Being involved in the Miss Gastonia and Miss North Carolina organizations has made me into a version of Julia that I never knew I could be.”
DeSerio said serving as Miss Gastonia has given her the chance to become a local celebrity, make connections in the community, and promote the importance of the fine arts. Young women like DeSerio, who live in Cleveland County, are eligible to compete in the Miss Gastonia/Gaston County/Mount Holly competition, which serves as the area’s qualifying program for Miss North Carolina.
“Being able to represent the Gastonia community has been so special,” said DeSerio, who sang “Memory” in Italian for the talent competition. “In addition to winning scholarship money, being in the spotlight, and having the opportunity to compete for Miss North Carolina, I have grown as a person and gained so much through this experience. It really has changed my life.”
As Miss Gastonia, DeSerio has promoted her “Art: The Highest Form of Hope” program that emphasizes the importance of music and the fine arts. In addition to being an advocate for the arts and speaking about how music influenced her life, she organized music programs for children and youth, conducted virtual talent shows to showcase the artistic abilities of others, and awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a student planning to pursue a music/arts degree in college.  
The Miss North Carolina pageant provided plenty of suspense for the area’s representatives. In addition to DeSerio reaching the competition finals, Miss Mount Holly Anne Marie Hagerty and Miss Gastonia’s Outstanding Teen Keelie Jones were among the top 10 with Jones finishing as the third runner-up in the Outstanding Teen division and Hagerty being named the first runner-up to Miss North Carolina.
Carli Batson, a 21-year-old ballerina from Wilmington, edged out Hagerty for the state crown and the opportunity to advance to the Miss America pageant in December. In the teen competition, 17-year-old Harley Tilque of Charlotte emerged as the winner and gained the opportunity to advance to Miss America’s Outstanding Teen in Orlando.
Other contestants with connections to the Gaston area include Miss Gaston County Mariana Linares; Miss Gaston County’s Outstanding Teen Lexi Foy; Sophia Kellstrom of Kings Mountain, a former Miss Gastonia who competed this year as Miss Mecklenburg County; and Belmont’s Maddy Wilson, who competed as Miss Charlotte.
Collectively, Gaston County’s titleholders earned more than $30,000 in scholarships by participating in the local and state programs.
Sixty-seven young women from across the state competed in the pageant, which was held June 24-26 at the High Point Theatre in downtown High Point. It marked the first time in more than 40 years that the event was held outside of the state capital.  Raleigh Memorial Auditorium had been the pageant’s home before the move to High Point.
Gaston’s five pageant winners have had an extended reign because of the pandemic. DeSerio, Jones, Linares, and Foy won their crown in November 2019, and Hagerty was crowned Miss Mount Holly in February 2020. When last year’s state pageant was postponed and later canceled, the young women agreed to keep their title for another year. Although competing at Miss North Carolina technically marked the end of their reign, they have the option to continue making public appearances until their successor is crowned.
“We are extremely proud of the five young women who represented our local organization at the state competition,” said Delores Cox, executive director for the Miss Gastonia Scholarship Association. “To have your titleholders win awards and scholarships is wonderful. You beam with pride when they get recognition in front of a statewide audience because the positive attention is good for our program and the community.”
Cox said organizers of the annual Miss Gastonia/Miss Gaston County/Miss Mount Holly competition are focusing now on the next pageant, which will likely be held in January 2022. Young women ages 13-25 who live, work, or attend college in Gaston and surrounding counties may enter.
Contestant recruitment begins in September, and information will be posted on the Miss Gastonia website and Facebook page.

By Loretta Cozart

During the July 27 City Council meeting, Mayor Scott Neisler apologized for his personal use of a city vehicle earlier in the month. In the Mayor’s comments and remarks portion of the agenda, Mayor Neisler said, “I have got to humble myself and apologize for something that I've done. I want to start out by saying I had five fireworks shows this past 4th of July, so I stayed busy. I purchased some fireworks for our 4th of July fireworks and (put it) in our magazine. I had fireworks for the Gastonia Honey Hunters in the same magazine. And so, when I went to go get the fireworks, I loaded all the fireworks in a city cargo truck, the Honey Hunters’ and mine from Kings Mountain.  Of course, I shot the Kings Mountain show, and the Honey Hunters’ fireworks were still on there. Well, as David (Allen) can attest, when you get done with Kings Mountain’s show, you're dead tired, I mean, dead tired.” Councilman Allen once helped the mayor with his fireworks show, but he does not assist anymore. “We had put all our racks on the truck that I own, and there really wasn't hardly any room for anything. The next day I just got up I said, ‘I'm just going to drive the city truck to Gastonia and shoot the Honey Hunters’ show.’ So, I want to apologize for doing that.”
The Mayor went on to say, “But there was an officer, Joseph Tally, that saw me doing that, and there's a little bit of misinformation out there because he said, ‘Well you're not driving the correct vehicle, it should be armored, it’s dangerous to be there, and you had to have it placarded.’
“I was only shooting the Honey Hunters’ show because they have such a small venue down there and it was a real small area. I was just shooting Class C fireworks, 1.4, which is consumer grade fireworks that you can buy over the counter. Nobody was in any kind of danger or any unsafe situation by it being in that truck. But it was unforgivable for me to be so lazy. I mean, I should have unloaded my truck, put the fireworks on my truck, and then go to Gastonia and shoot that show. But I just got lazy, and I apologize, and if there's anything that I can do to compensate the city by mileage, or whatever, for using the truck, I’ll be happy to do that. Okay?”
Councilman David Allen responded, saying, “Mr. Mayor, I appreciate the fact that you would step up and say that. I know people have seen things and heard things. I appreciate that you would step up and take ownership of them, because I think public trust is by far the most important aspect of our positions. And that's that whole thing about transparency and the idea that we are good stewards of everything. And I appreciate you for stepping up and owning that and making the offer to compensate city (for use of the truck).”
The Mayor replied, “Again, I really do apologize but it didn't want the misinformation of something being a dangerous situation to still be out there, because it really wasn't in that situation.”
 Councilman Tommy Hawkins also commented saying, “This Mayor here shoots the City of Kings Mountain’s fireworks for nothing. He shoots about $40,000 worth of fireworks for $20,000. This Mayor right here. He does that, and year after year he has done that. He charges the city nothing, so I just want to bring that to everyone's attention. He's apologized, and we accept your apology. He has a passion for our city, and I know that better than anybody. So, I want to bring that to the table and let everybody know this man goes the extra mile.” The Mayor thanked Councilman Hawkins and said, “Again, I apologize.”
Councilman Jimmy West was the last to speak saying, “I am not trying to beat up on anybody when I say this, and I think it's going look that way and I promise that's not my intent. But I think it's sad that we get notified by somebody with a different agency when something goes on here that we should have been notified, as a council, and every one of us should have been notified before we started getting information from somebody in Gastonia. And I don't think that speaks a lot for us. I think we dropped the ball when it comes to that.” The Mayor said he waited to apologize when the city council was all together. “That’s on me and I apologize, and it will not happen again, I promise,” he assured city council.

​​​​​​The first day of school is Monday, August 23, so be sure to register your child for kindergarten now. You can easily enroll online by visiting https://www.clevelandcountyschools.org. Online registration is available in both English and Spanish.
The online enrollment process asks you for a scan or photo of the following items. You can enroll without providing them immediately, but you'll need to drop these by your school of enrollment.
• Student's Birth Certificate
• Three Proofs of Residence (Ex: Most current utility bills, lease agreement, rental receipt, home ownership proof, etc.)
• Immunization Records
You can also learn more about the school your child will attend by visiting the website or school.
Cleveland County Schools advises parents in ways to get their children ready for kindergarten in advance of the first day of school. Ways to do that include a variety of activities to make sure your child is ready to face the challenges ahead. A 14-minute video is available for parents online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guE1X_c08a8 Items discussed include the following things you can do with your child to make the transition to kindergarten easier.
New Places & Faces
Visit the school and meet the staff.
1. Attend “Orientation Day” that is scheduled the week before school starts. During your visit you will get to:
• Meet the teacher, assistant, classmates & other staff members
• Show your child how to get to his classroom and tour the school
•  If you miss orientation, schedule a time to meet the teacher before school starts
2. Set up a conference with the teacher early in the year to: • Share specific information about your child and your family
• Ask specific questions
• Learn how you can help your child, the teacher or even volunteer
3. Take a picture of your child with the teacher, assistant & other staff.
• Before the first day of school, spend time looking at the picture(s) to help your child recognize and remember their names.
• Talk about things you remember about each staff member, what their classroom looked like and what your child will learn with them.
• If there is not enough time for a quick photo, use the school’s website to help your child start putting a face with a name.
New Friends
Assist your child with new opportunities to make friends.
1. Arrange a playdate with new classmates.
• Park
• Library
• Chick-Fil-A or McDonalds
• Ice cream shops
2. Role play how to work and play with classmates:
• Ask someone to play
• Decide what to play
• Share toys and school supplies
• Take turns
• Read a book together
• Clean up toys or workstations
• Bowling alley • Roller Rink
• Indoor fun centers
New Rules & Procedures
Read and discuss the following with your child:
1. The school’s student handbook
• Schoolwide rules for behavior
• Dress code
• Attendance and tardy policies
• Drop-off/pick-up locations & routines
2. The teacher’s classroom rules & procedures
• Classroom rules • Rewards & consequences
• Daily classroom routines
New Learning Experiences
Create a home learning plan.
1. Check your child’s take-home folder nightly.
• Schoolwide flyers
• Classroom newsletters
• Invitations to Family Events
• Homework & Graded Work
• Notes from the teacher
2. Chose a specific time and to place work on homework.
3. Create a workstation at home and keep homework supplies readily available in a basket or drawer.
4. Review homework guidelines and make sure your child understands what is expected before beginning.
5. If there is more than one page of work, allow your child to take short breaks to:
• Eat a snack
• Play basketball
• Kick a soccer ball
• Jump rope or on trampoline
• Draw or color
• Play with a pet
• Ride a bike
6. Set a timer to complete each assignment and one for each break.
New Family Routines
Help your child feel secure & keep the lines of communication open.
1. Create a goodbye routine to help your child feel more secure.
• After while...crocodile
• Bye bye...butterfly
• Chop, chop...lollipop
• Give a hug...ladybug
• Out the door...dinosaur
• On the bus...octopus
2. Get your child talking about the school day with creative conversation starters like:
• Tell me one high, one low and one buffalo
• Tell me something that made you laugh today.
• Where is the coolest place at the school?
• How did you help somebody today?
• When were you the happiest today?
• What was your favorite part of lunch?
•  Who did you sit with today?
• If you could choose, who would you like to sit by in class?
• If you could be the teacher tomorrow, what would you do?
• Is there anyone in your class who needs a time-out?
1. Help your child strengthen or develop social-emotional skills by:
• Discussing the difference between right and wrong and explaining the consequence for wrong behaviors
• Teaching your child words to describe and express feelings for themselves, how to manage strong feelings, and ways to understand the feelings of others
• Encouraging independent decision making (what to play, picking out clothes, choosing what to eat, etc.)
2. Encourage the development of self-help skills such as:
• Getting dressed
• Taking off/putting on coat
• Using the bathroom alone
• Washing hands without reminders
• Putting on and tying shoes
• Serving himself at mealtime
• Wiping his face after lunch
• Blowing his nose

H. Lawrence Patrick Senior Life and Conference Center activities for the month of August:
MONDAY, AUGUST 2:  Ceramics 9:30 - 11:30 am; Computer Basics Class: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Facebook Chat CANCELLED; Seniors in Motion 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Quilting 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.; Intermediate Line Dance 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3: Knitting 8:30 – 10:30 am; VETERAN’S MEETING 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Sponsored by Peak Resources; Bible History 10 - 11 am; Color Me Calm 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; REFIT 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4: Faith and Fellowship (via conference call) 9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.; COMPUTER BASICS CLASS 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; Jewelry class I 10 - 11 a.m.; Blood Pressure Clinic Sponsored by Kindred at Home: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; Seniors in Motion 10:30 - 11:30 am; Chair Yoga $ 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.; Jewelry Class II from 1 - 2 p.m.; Duplicate Bridge: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
THRUSDAY, AUGUST 5: Healthy Lifestyle class 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.; Gentle Exercise 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.; Intermediate Line Dance 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Bingo $ 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m., Beginner Quilting 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; GAME DAY 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; REFIT 5:15 pm – 6:15 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6: Coffee and Conversation 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.; Chorus 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.; Seniors in Motion $ 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Friday Lunch $ 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon; Wii Bowling League: 12 noon – 1 p.m.; Chair Volleyball 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.
MONDAY, AUGUST 9: Ceramics 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.; Facebook Chat 10 – 10:45 a.m.; Seniors in Motion 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Quilting 12:30 - 3 p.m.; Intermediate Line Dance 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST  10: Knitting 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.; Bible History 10 - 11 a.m.; Color Me Calm 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.; REFIT 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Art Class $ 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11: Faith and Fellowship (via conference call) 9:30 - 11 am; Jewelry class I 10 - 11 am; Seniors in Motion 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.; Chair Yoga $ 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.; Jewelry Class II from 1 - 2 p.m.; Dutch Lunch Longhorn Steakhouse in Gastonia: 11:00 a.m.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12: Healthy Lifestyle class 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.; Gentle Exercise 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.; Intermediate Line Dance 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Voter Registration 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Bingo $ 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.; Grocery Shopping 12:00 pm – 2:00 p.m.; Beginner Quilting 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; GAME DAY 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; REFIT 5:15 pm – 6:15 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13: Coffee and Conversation 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.; Chorus 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.; Seniors in Motion $ 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Friday Lunch $ 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon; Wii Bowling League: 12 noon – 1 p.m.; Chair Volleyball 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.
MONDAY, AUGUST 16: Ceramics 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.; Facebook Chat 10 – 10:45 a.m.; Seniors in Motion 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Quilting 12:30 - 3 p.m.; Intermediate Line Dance 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17: Knitting 8:30 – 10:30 am; Bible History 10 - 11 am; Color Me Calm CANCELLED; REFIT - CANCELLED; VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION EVENT AT THE SENIOR CENTER (BY INVITATION ONLY) 11:00-1:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18: Faith and Fellowship (via conference call) 9:30 - 11 a.m.; Jewelry class I 10 - 11 am; Seniors in Motion 10:30 - 11:30 am; Chair Yoga $ 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.; Jewelry Class II from 1 - 2 p.m.; Duplicate Bridge: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Drive-Thru Food Give-A-Way – 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19: Healthy Lifestyle class 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.; Gentle Exercise 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.; RIVERBOAT CRUISE ON LAKE NORMAN $ 9:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m.; Intermediate Line Dance 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Bingo $ 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.; Grocery Shopping 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Beginner Quilting 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; GAME DAY 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; REFIT 5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20: Coffee and Conversation 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.; Chorus 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.; PURSES FOR A PURPOSE (In the Craft Room) 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.; Seniors in Motion $ 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Friday Lunch $ 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon; Wii Bowling League: 12 noon – 1 p.m.; Chair Volleyball 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.; SENIOR CITIZEN’S DAY!
MONDAY, AUGUST 23: Ceramics 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.; Computer Basics Class: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.; Facebook Chat 10 – 10:45 a.m.; Seniors in Motion 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Quilting 12:30 - 3 p.m.; Intermediate Line Dance 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 24: Knitting 8:30 – 10:30 am; Monthly Birthday Celebration Sponsored by Food Lion 9:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; Bible History 10 - 11 a.m.; Color Me Calm 11 am – 12 pm; REFIT 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Advisory Board Meeting 12:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25: Faith and Fellowship (via conference call) 9:30 - 11 a.m.; Jewelry class I 10 - 11 a.m.; Seniors in Motion 10:30 - 11:30 am; Chair Yoga $ 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.; Jewelry Class II from 1 - 2 p.m.; Blood Pressure Clinic Sponsored by Kindred at Home: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; Duplicate Bridge: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 26: Healthy Lifestyle class 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.; Gentle Exercise 9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.; Intermediate Line Dance 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Voter Registration 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Bingo $ 10:00 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.; Grocery Shopping 12:00 pm – 2:00 p.m.; Beginner Quilting 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; GAME DAY 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; REFIT 5:15 pm – 6:15 p.m.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 27: Coffee and Conversation 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.; Chorus 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.; Seniors in Motion $ 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Friday Lunch $ 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon; Wii Bowling League: 12 noon – 1 p.m.; Chair Volleyball 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.
MONDAY, AUGUST 30: Ceramics 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.; Facebook Chat 10 – 10:45 a.m.; Seniors in Motion 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.; Quilting 12:30 - 3 p.m.; Intermediate Line Dance 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 Knitting 8:30 – 10:30 am; Bible History 10 - 11 am; Color Me Calm 11 am – 12 pm; REFIT 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; CRAFT CLASS WITH CLAUDIA 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. (In the Craft Room or via Zoom).
SHIIP Counseling is by appointment only.

Zoom Storytime with Miss Anne August 3, 5, and 6, at 11 to 10:30 am. Visit www.mauneylibrary.org event calendar to register. Go to mauneylibrary.org. Scroll down to calendar date and click on link for the event.
Salsa Challenge: August 4 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, Test your cooking skills with friends and family in our Salsa Challenge! Fifteen teams will create their best salsa using the ingredients and equipment provided. This program will take place at Liberty Falls Amphitheatre in Patriots Park. Registration required, one registration per team.
For questions, or to join our Friends of the Library, email info@mauneylibrary.org or call the library at (704) 739-2371. The Friends of the Mauney Memorial Library thank the community for its continued support. 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.        

By Loretta Cozart

If your business received a PPP Loan this year, time is fast approaching to apply for loan forgiveness. Borrowers use local lenders to manage their loans, so the application for loan forgiveness must be submitted through those lenders.
To complete the correct forms, borrowers should contact your PPP lender to complete the correct form. Your lender can provide you with either the SBA Form 3508, SBA Form 3508EZ, SBA Form 3508S, or a lender equivalent.
The 3508EZ and the 3508S are shortened versions of the application for borrowers who meet specific requirements. Your lender can provide further guidance on how to submit the application.
Next, you need to compile your documentation which is comprised of payroll expenses and non-payroll expenses. You need bank statements, tax forms, and payment receipts to support your forgiveness application. Check with your lender for the exact documents they require. This task takes the most time to gather, so give yourself plenty of time to pull that documentation together.
Complete your loan forgiveness application and submit it to your lender with the required supporting documents and follow up with your lender to submit additional documentation as requested. Consult your lender for additional guidance and provide requested documentation in a timely manner.
Continue to communicate with your lender throughout the process. If SBA undertakes a review of your loan, your lender will notify you of the review and the SBA loan review decision. You have the right to appeal certain SBA loan review decisions. Your lender is responsible for notifying you of the forgiveness amount paid by SBA and the date on which your first payment will be due, if applicable.

By Doug Sharp

The Cleveland County Potato Project is asking for help from the community. Dry weather conditions have prevented the growth of tender young sweet potato slips. A three-acre plot has been plowed up and replanted. This site has totally missed all the rain that most of the county has enjoyed. Re-planting  is an extra expense for the project, and they are asking for financial donations to offset this cost.
Approximately $3,000 is needed for this purpose. We have been asked, “why bother?”  The reason is simple; this is our most productive plot. For the past three years this one plot has produced over 40,000 pounds per year. When you consider that this will give you 120,000 servings, the cost is much cheaper than buying potatoes. Keep in mind, sweet potatoes are one of the most nutritional foods from the garden.
When people ask if the senior citizens who lead this project are crazy, most would answer, “Of course.” But they may be motivated by the story a lady told as she was picking up a box of sweet potatoes. Seems she had been caring for three small grandchildren for a period of time and the only food they had was our sweet potatoes.
“Over the course of the past 12 years you hear numerous stories like that, and it makes you thankful for having good food available at all times. So, growing potatoes and giving them away is a small way of expressing appreciation”, a quote from Bill McMurrey, a long-time volunteer. 
Anyone or any group wishing to contribute may do so by saying a prayer, volunteering, or donating. Donation may be made by sending a check to CCPP, 107 Quail Hollow Dr., Kings Mtn., NC, 28087. If you see a Potato Project volunteers working in a field, be sure to blow your vehicle’s horn as you pass: it  gives workers a bit of cheer from your support.

By Loretta Cozart

Events at the Library this week include lots of fun for the whole family!
Casey’s Laugh and Learn, Wednesday June 16. Casey Nees presents two exciting science programs that will have you laughing along at home! 10 am - Kids Program • 1 pm - Teens Program
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.
Mr. Chicken’s Barnyard Review, June 18, Friday at 1 pm. You’ll be busting at the seams with this all-new musical comedy adventure full of puppetry, magic tricks, stories, and hysterical antics.
Join Mr. Chicken and his wild collection of hilarious animals, including Russell the Crow, Elrod the Chicken, and many other animal friends as they embark (and cluck) on a barnyard adventure for the entire family. Come back each week for a new adventure!
This program will be presented virtually, with a special guest appearance by Mr. Chicken during Field Day on Wednesday, July 28 at 10 am at Patriots Park.
Week One: Mr. Chicken’s Barnyard Revue
Week Two: Mr. Chicken Goes to the Zoo
Week Three: Mr. Chicken Goes to Circus
Week Four: Mr. Chicken Goes to the Wild West
Week Five: Mr. Chicken Goes to the Aquarium
Week Six: Mr. Chicken Goes Camping
Presented by Sigmon Theatrical
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.
Garden Party at the Gazebo, Tuesday, June 22 at 10 am.  Please join us for an old fashioned Garden Party at the Gazebo. We will have:
*Master Gardener demonstrations
*Seeds to check out from the Mauney Seed Library
*Delightful food and some much needed socialization
The Rainbow Bridge & Other Tales, Wednesday, June 23. Puppeteer Hobey Ford presents classic tales using his Golden Rod Puppets.
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.
Big Bang Boom!, Wednesday, June 30 at 10 am. Kindie rock band Big Bang Boom! performs parent-friendly kids music.
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.

By Jewel Reavis

The public is invited to meet participating artists at a public reception for A Fresh Look art exhibit and competition this Saturday, June 19, 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 June 9th through July 30. Artwork in the exhibit is available for sale.
A Fresh Look art exhibit and competition opened last Wednesday at Southern Arts Society in Kings Mountain. Artists from around the region have submitted over sixty 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.
Even after a year being on lockdown due to the global pandemic, the artwork in the exhibit is bright and uplifting showing that the participating artists have chosen to see the beauty and color in the world around them. There are a lot of landscapes and wildlife reflected in this show, perhaps looking to a more comforting view of the world outside of the confinements of home. Artists entered work in a variety of media: oil, acrylic and pastel paintings, photography, mixed media, and collage.
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 2 pm, and by Appointment. Admission is Free. For more information please visit SouthernArtsSociety.org or call 704.739.5585. Email southernartssociety@gmail.com.

There are lots of activities at Mauney Memorial Library this week. Three programs aimed toward those who enjoy gardening, traveling, and science are scheduled.
For those gardeners who enjoy gardening with heirloom variety seeds, the Seed Library is now available! Come into Mauney Library and see what we offer: true-to-type seeds, Heirloom seeds, and advice on planting. Take seeds or contribute some of your own to share with others. Summer Reading line up of events are listed on our calendar at www.mauneylibrary.org.
Architectural Tour of the World, Monday, June 14 at noon. Buckle your seat belts and get ready for a tour of the world right from home! The international traveler, Jasmine Blaze (as played by educational entertainer Martina Mathisen), takes you around the globe to discover the fantastic super structures that have stunned the world and will leave you in awe.
Of the one hundred super structures that stand on our planet today, the first fifty took eighty years in total to build. The second fifty have taken five years! See for yourself the unparalleled advances in architecture today.
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.
Casey’s Laugh and Learn, Wednesday June 16. Casey Nees presents two exciting science programs that will have you laughing along at home! 10 am - Kids Program • 1 pm - Teens Program
Go to URL: https://www.facebook.com/mauneylibrary for this virtual event.

GFWC NC Kings Mountain Woman's Club announces its annual Indoor Yard Sale at the clubhouse on June 19 from 7 am until noon.  All proceeds go directly into our Sallie Southall Cotten Scholarship Fund.
The Woman's Club gives a $1,000 scholarship each year to a senior boy or girl attending a 4 year university in North Carolina.
Huge variety of items from household, craft, home decor, toys, and clothing. Come early so you do not miss out on the best selections.
Kings Mountain Woman’s Club is located at 108 East Mountain Street.

The Little Miss ALWS Pageant has become increasingly popular since its inception as part of the 7th Inning Stretch Festival in 2015. Girls from infants through 12 years old compete for nine positions as queens, each one assigned to a regional team as a goodwill ambassador.
The 2020 Little Miss ALWS Pageant was cancelled because of coronavirus concerns, as were all other events associated with the 7th Inning Stretch Festival. Though the local ALWS committee felt it necessary to cancel the Festival for the second consecutive year because of virus concerns, the members decided that two smaller Festival-related events — the pageant and the ALWS 5K — could be revived for 2021 without creating health or safety issues.
The American Legion gave the local committee approval for the 2021 ALWS in April and plans for the 15-game national tournament Aug. 12-17 are proceeding.
Registration for the Little Miss ALWS Pageant opens June 1 with a deadline of 5 pm Monday, July 26. For information on age divisions and registration, visit
www.7thInningStretch.cc. Applications and payments will be accepted online. Mailed applications should be posted by Thursday, July 22; pageant organizers will confirm receipt of these applications via email. No applications will be accepted at check-in or on pageant day, Saturday, Aug. 7.
Parents and applicants need to remember that “first in is last out”: The first applicant will be the last contestant on stage in the applicant’s respective category.
The pageant will feature again a People’s Choice Award based on the highest dollars raised by applicants. This year’s recipient of the money raised has been determined and will be announced by the end of July.
“The pageant gives a segment of the community that may not otherwise be engaged in ALWS activities a way to participate in this national event,” said local committee Chairman Eddie Holbrook. “The girls enjoy being adopted by the teams and invited to events held by the team hosts. We believe bringing the pageant back is one more step toward normalcy for the ALWS and its fans.”
For information about sponsoring the Little Miss ALWS Pageant, contact Kim Davis of Dragonfly Marketing at 704-600-6599.

The second Illuminated Market, comprised of local artisans and vendors, will be held on June 26, from 5 to 9 pm. “Our inaugural Illuminated Event was a huge success! With over 20 vendors, music and giveaways, the attendees and vendors were a happy bunch!,” said Cobb Lahti, owner of Uncommon Artisans.
“We're planning our second one for June 26, from 5-9 pm, co-sponsored by the Main Street Program of the City of Kings Mountain. Our event is held in downtown Kings Mountain on West Mountain Street. The second event will include food trucks, music, and face painting. The event is free to attend and kid and dog friendly.”
“The downtown Kings Mountain area will be hopping that night, with a fundraiser concert for local venue, The Rooster, happening at the Joy Theatre down the street from the Illuminated Market. The concert will feature local musical groups as it raises money for the completion of a live music venue planned for downtown Gastonia, NC,” Lahti said.
While walking between events, local restaurant 133 West will feature music on the patio on West Mountain Street, and locally owned Scoops Ice Cream will be serving their freshly made ice creams, sorbets, and handmade shakes on Railroad Avenue. Revolution Brewhouse will serve adult-beverages and live music at their venue on Battleground Avenue.
For more information about our events or to become a vendor, contact events@uncommonartisans.net or call 704-271-9661.

The City of Kings Mountain Main Street Program  has been designated as an accredited Main Street™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
“We are proud to recognize this year’s 889 nationally accredited Main Street programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During an incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to drive impressive local recovery efforts, champion small businesses, and foster vibrant downtown districts. I am inspired by their hard work and confident that these accredited communities will continue to help their downtowns flourish in the next stages of recovery.”
In 2020, Main Street America programs generated $4.14 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 4,356 net new businesses, generated 14,988 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,488 historic buildings, and clocked 983,702 volunteer hours.
The City of Kings Mountain Main Street Program’s performance is annually evaluated by the North Carolina Main Street Program which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet 10 national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings.
Following the guidelines of the State and National Main Street Programs, The City of Kings Mountain Main Street Program has helped keep downtown businesses open and helped six new businesses open.  The program has worked with city staff to help bring the concept of a new streetscape to reality. The second phase will be complete in late 2021. The future of the downtown and our small entrepreneurial businesses is bright, and the City of Kings Mountain Main Street Program will be here to help the business owners in every way possible.

Mauney Memorial Library in collaboration with The Gateway Trail will present Storywalk® beginning Wednesday June 16, 2021. Stories will be change out weekly.
   For questions, or to join our Friends of the Library, email info@mauneylibrary.org or call the library at (704) 739-2371. The Friends of the Mauney Memorial Library thank the community for its continued support.
Mauney Memorial Library is located at 100 S. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.
For the latest in library news and events, visit www.mauneylibrary.org.        

Governor Roy Cooper today issued an Executive Order directing the Department of Commerce to encourage and help people who are receiving unemployment benefits transition back into employment.
“Unemployment benefits have provided a critical lifeline for many North Carolinians living on the edge due to the pandemic. As our state emerges from the pandemic, we want to help people safely return to work as soon as possible. Reinstating the work search guidelines will help connect claimants with employers, resources and tools to help them return to the workforce,” said Governor Cooper.
Under Executive Order 216, all existing claimants of unemployment benefits will be required to fulfill work search requirements beginning June 6, 2021. All existing claimants will be required over the next several weeks to register with a jobseeker account on NCWorks.gov.
The Order also directs the N.C. Department of Commerce to explore opportunities, consistent with federal law and through the use of certain federal funds, to establish a reemployment incentive program for jobless workers who find and maintain employment.  
Today’s action expands upon Governor Cooper’s Executive Order 200, which reinstated work search requirements for new claimants after March 14, 2021. As North Carolina makes progress on its key COVID-19 metrics, the work search requirements will now apply to everyone currently filing for unemployment benefits.
Under the Order:
• Claimants must contact at least three different employers each week and keep a record of their work search, as is required by state law. One of the three weekly job contacts can be satisfied by attending an approved reemployment activity offered by a NCWorks Career Center or a partnering agency.
• To continue receiving benefits, all unemployment claimants will be required to register with a jobseeker account on NCWorks.gov, North Carolina’s online portal for employment and training services. Jobseekers can use NCWorks.gov to search and apply for jobs, access labor market information, and find opportunities for workforce training. Over the next several weeks, existing claimants will receive notifications about registering for NCWorks.
Since the start of the pandemic, North Carolina has distributed more than $11.7 billion in unemployment benefits across multiple state and federal programs. Approximately 245,000 North Carolinians are currently receiving benefit payments each week.
For work search assistance in North Carolina, jobseekers can contact NCWorks at NCWorks.gov or 1-855-NCWorks. Information about unemployment benefits can be found at des.nc.gov.

Last Friday NC House of Representatives passed the 2021 COVID-19 Response and Relief bill with overwhelming bipartisan support.
The COVID-19 Response and Relief bill is focused on getting federal dollars where they are most needed in our state. Of the $6.4 billion total appropriated, $556,611,000 has been designated for rental assistance and $805,767,400 toward child care stabilization grants.
A total of $3,224,272,535 is designated for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, plus $21,500,000 allotted to charter and residential schools.
 Local governments will receive a total of $705.4 million. Cleveland County has been allocated $19,025,057 and Gaston County was allocated $43,612,126.
“As North Carolina and the rest of the country move forward and rebuild in the wake of a global pandemic, these are needed funds that will get businesses back on track and the economy moving in the right direction. The passage of S172 will ensure that these federal dollars get to those North Carolina businesses and citizens who need it,” commented Speaker of the House Tim Moore.
Senate Bill 172 was signed into law by Gov. Cooper. on Monday.

By Shearra Miller

Like a painter, a gardener experiments with colors. Should a plant with bright orange blossoms go behind a dark purple bush?
Like a sculptor, a gardener will look for plants with interesting shapes.
Like a photographer, a gardener considers the changing light during the day.
Join us on Saturday, June 5, 10 am – 5 pm, for our first, self-guided tour of seven lovely outdoor living spaces and see the “artistry” created outside.
   Tickets ($20) may be purchased from the Arts Council, 111 S. Washington St., Shelby, Mon. – Fri.  9am – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 2pm and on our website www.ccartscouncil.org. You can also purchase them at the individual homes the day of the event (cash/check only).
The Arts Council is partnering with the NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association to hold their Annual Plant Sale in the Arts Council parking area from 9am until 2pm, the same day. Master Gardener volunteers will help you choose just the right plant for the right place! No ticket is required for the plant sale. For more information on the plant sale, please contact Julie Flowers at 704-482-4365.
Also that day Paradise Garden Center, a sponsor of the event, invites you to stop in to see their selection of indoor, outdoor, annual, and perennial plants, many grown on site. While there, enjoy a slice of wood fired pizza in their outdoor kitchen from 11am – 2pm. Paradise Garden Center is located at 460 Cherryville Rd Shelby, 704-480-1012 and is open 9am – 3pm.
The homes on the tour include:
Jim and Pat Parr 
1322 Vista Drive
   Twelve years ago we moved from the Shawangunk Mountains in New York to Shelby. While we loved our new home in this wonderful southern climate, there were a number of issues that needed attention on our property—invasive plants, water flooding, too much lawn, lack of plant diversity, not enough birds and insects and a lack of knowledge on our part, to name a few.  For the first two years we studied NC fauna and flora. Then for the past 10 years we have worked to create a sustainable native habitat.  We are pleased that our property is now a Certified Native Plant Habitat.
   To make the property more self-sustainable we added trees, shrubs, a butterfly pollinator garden, vegetable and herb garden, shade garden and perennial flower beds throughout the property. While it has taken 12 years to create a diverse landscape around our home, it continues to be a joyful work-in-progress.
The Burrow
849 West Marion Street
Wes Westmoreland
Ettie and A.V. Hamrick, Sr. built The Burrow in 1928 on his father, Leander Hamrick’s wooded property on West Marion that was for many years known as Lover’s Lane. The backyard at The Burrow reflects the Italian Renaissance-revival architecture of the house and was designed by the owner. The gardens are recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, a Certified Butterfly Garden, and a Monarch Waystation.
Parking will be limited, please park on the street to the West, or at the County Library a block to the East. Enter down the drive, and enjoy a glass of Baker Buffalo Creek wine, sponsored by Westmoreland Printers.
Jim and Mary Esther Toole
514 W. Marion St.
   Jim and Mary Esther have spent over 40 years developing this one-acre plot for one of Shelby’s two oldest wooden homes (circa 1852) which was passed down from Jim’s Great Grandfather. This traditional Southern Garden contains hundreds of plants including Azalea, Camellia, Sasanqua, Tea Olive, Gardenia, Japanese Maple, Peony, Daylily, Iris. It also contains Jim’s extensive Hosta collection along with a very rare Camellia “Mount Hoku”.
Bill and Beth Cameron
3016 Bettis Rd., Grover
   Forty years have passed since we built our home in our patch of the woods. Situated one-mile south of Earl near the SC line, our land is former cotton fields now forested over. Digging up daffodils, day-lilies, shrubs, and trees over the years helped transform this red-clay land into gardens suited to our NC Foothills. You can hike to our creek cabin or ride a golf cart around as you explore our gardens.
Bobbie Gibson
138 Columns Circle, Shelby
   Amazing what can happen in small areas.  Originally, the condominium’s side yard was steep and muddy, and the courtyard brick was falling apart.  With the help of a landscaper we increased the courtyard space, added a raised bed planter and a small water feature.  The back area is now accessible with rock stairs and pavers descending from the courtyard. We enjoy the outdoors on the refurbished deck and screened underdeck.  Accent lights make the once dark yard beautiful at night.
Fred and Nancy Blackley
505 South Washington Street, Shelby
   The Blackley garden spreads across three adjoining in-town properties and is the setting for the Blackley House ( 1927 ), Bostic House ( 1900 ) and Beam House ( 1895 ).  Seven accessory buildings, a special willow oak, chicken coop, vegetable garden, tiny frog pond, propagation nursery, tree house, unusual plants, quirky objects, and a relaxed approach combine to define this 1.4-acre place.
   For more information on this event call 704-484-2787 or visit ccartscouncil.org or https://www.facebook.com/events/286085626511205/.

Musicians are invited to bring their instruments for a weekly acoustic bluegrass jam session returning to the Earl Scruggs Center in Shelby May 29 from 1 pm to 3 pm. All ages and playing levels welcome. Jam session may take place indoors in the Great Hall or outdoors on the court square. Visitors are welcome to join in or sit and listen.
Pickin’ on the Square returns on June 12 from 5 pm to 8 pm for the 7th Annual Pickin’ on the Square Series presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners. Pickers are invited to jam informally around The Earl Scruggs Center grounds.
Secure instrument check is available. Not a picker?  Bring your family and friends and sit back and enjoy as The Earl Scruggs Center celebrates the tradition of bluegrass music. The center’s Gift Shop will be open during the event for guests to purchase refreshments and souvenirs. In case of inclement weather, Pickin’ on the Square will be moved to the Great Hall inside the Earl Scruggs Center. Additional dates for this event are July 10 and August 14.
The jam session takes place each Saturday at 1 pm, except for the days when Pickin’ on the Square is scheduled in June, July, and August, or if the Earl Scruggs Center is closed for a holiday.

The Cleveland County Partnership for Children (CCPFC) has established a search committee for an executive director to succeed current CCPFC Executive Director Rosie Allen.
Rosie Allen, Executive Director of CCPFC, announced her retirement effective July 1. Rosie has contributed over 40 years of leadership to North Carolina's statewide and local non-profits, public education, and volunteerism.
 "Ms. Allen was hired in 2018 with the Board's expectations to elevate community awareness of the Partnership, ensure the continuation of the Early Head Start program, recruit new volunteers, and direct program implementation and accountability. She has accomplished these goals with a wealth of knowledge and experience while enthusiastically advancing the mission of CCPFC: to ensure all children enter kindergarten healthy and ready for success in school," said Betty Crow-Kennedy, Board Chair.
Commenting on her retirement, Ms. Allen said, "To end this season of my career in such a wonderful community is truly a privilege. The opportunity to work with many dedicated citizens for child well-being has been an honor. Leading the organization through COVID, we completely transitioned how we delivered services. This speaks to the resiliency and the determination of CCPFC to adjust to the most challenging circumstances while doing such important work. With dedicated Board leaders, a strong team of staff, and committed community partners, the Partnership is positioned for even greater success. COVID has also caused many to reflect on personal priorities. I am very blessed to retire soon, marry my best friend, relocate to Florida, and spend time with family and friends."
Ms. Crow-Kennedy stated, "On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and recipients of the various programs and services of CCPFC, we want to express our gratitude to Rosie for the outstanding leadership she has provided during her tenure. Rosie Allen is leaving an everlasting footprint in the legacy of our organization."

John and April Blaine of Kings Mountain, N.C. are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter Laura Nicole Blaine to Jack Edward Zyble, son of Jim and Lisa Zyble of Shelby, N.C.
Laura is a 2017 graduate of Kings Mountain High School. Jack graduated from KMHS in 2014.
Both are recent graduates of Appalachian State University where Laura majored in Recreation and Parks Management and Jack earned a degree in Geology with a concentration in quantitative geoscience, as well as a minor in math. A wedding in Asheville, N.C. is planned for July 30, 2021.