Gaston Today Magazine Jun/July 2012

complimentary Jun/Jul 2012

Covering the Southern Lifestyle of Gaston County

can the

Survive?Catawba

River

In this Issue: Natural Running | Summer of Shag | 4th of July Celebrations

Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology is proud to haveDr. William Fangman as one of our board certifieddermatologists with specialized training in Mohs skincancer surgery.Dr. Fangman is a board certified dermatologist withparticular interest and expertise in skin cancer prevention,diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Fangman is also boardcertified in dermatopathology, the field dedicated to thestudy of cutaneous disease at a microscopic level. He hasalso completed fellowship training in Mohs MicrographicSurgery, the most advanced technique for removal of skincancers and the reconstruction of the resulting surgicalwound.Prior to joining Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology,Dr. Fangman was an associate professor of dermatologyand pathology at Duke University Medical Center. William L. Fangman, M.D.

DERMATOLOGIST & MOHS SURGEON

704.866.7576 • www.ppsd.com959 Cox Rd. • Gastonia, NC 28054

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jun/jul 2012 | good things in gaston county 2

IT’S SUMMER-TIME! The kid’s are out of school,

vacations are in full swing, and Gaston County is full of

sun, fun, and festivities. There’s so much to do around

Gaston County. From renting bikes at Rankin Lake,

hiking at Crowders Mountain, or spending the day at

the U. S.Whitewater Center,we are blessed with so

many fun things to see and do.

For me,my most special memories include spending time on the Catawba River.

My parents had a small place beside near Henry’s Chapel Road in Belmont.

Wonderful neighbors like Emmitt and Nettie Neagle,Dr. Suggs, and the

Ellington’s made my summers a special time. We spent our summer, fishing,

swimming, and skiing from dam to dam on LakeWylie. In the evenings,we

would clean and cook a mess of catfish, eat watermelon, and take an evening

boat-ride down to Seven-Oaks Bridge for some more night fishing. I can still

taste those sweet little channel cats….

Sadly, the Catawba River is now too polluted to safely eat fish from it. Mercury

levels have reached dangerous proportions, and our community leaders are

struggling with how to fix the problem. We have devoted a great deal of this

issue to outlining the many issues facing the Catawba River Basin. Our hope is

that we canALL take a part in making this river clean and safe again. Special

thanks to our friends at Catawba River Keepers for their work in bringing these

issues to light.

We also are proud to announce the kick-off of SUMMER OF SHAG 2012 in

Belmont. It is one of the largest beach music festivals in the U. S.! From theTams

to the Chairmen of the Board,Belmont is nowTHE place for Carolina Beach

music. Thanks to all the volunteers who make this event possible.

This summer, take the time to enjoy our local greenways,

parks, and local trails. It’s free, fun, and healthy. Enjoy time

with your family and friends and have a safe and memorable

summer. Thanks for picking up this issue of GastonToday

Magazine.

MAGAZINE

publisher’s letter

Be Good!!!Darryl

Volume 2 • Issue 3_____________________________________

Co-Publisher/EditorDarryl Warren

[email protected]

Co-Publisher/Creative Directoridesign2inc

Kerrie & Jason [email protected]

Sales ExecutivesDarryl Warren704.685.7011

[email protected]

PhotographerShannon Irish

Contributing WritersDarryl WarrenAmy WadsworthJacob HoyleMike Burns

_____________________________________

All content is copyrighted by the respective

owners and DJK Media.No part of this

publication may be reproduced or

transmitted in any form or by any means

without written permission from the publisher.

Information subject to change without notice.

DJK Media • 8309 Heathcrest Ct.

Charlotte.NC 28269

704-685-7011

www.gastontoday.com

_____________________________________

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3 good things in gaston county | jun/jul 2012

MAGAZINEcontents

GT Mag Facebook® poll results!“What is your favorite Vet Clinic in Gaston County?”

05

10152025303540

LinebergerVeterinarian Hospital

South Point Pet Hospital

Gaston Low Cost Spay/neuter Clinic

GastonVeterinary Hospital PA

WINNER!!!Total BondVeterinarian Hospital

spotlightFitness: Bare Feet................................9Summer workout

Clean Water ......................................19Catawba River’s water quality faceschallenges from local coal ash ponds

History: The Catawba-Wateree River....20Home of the Catawba IndianTribe

Catch the Facts ................................21Guidelines to eating local fish

Safety: Beat the Heat ........................23Summer recommendations

Good Things Business Listings ............27

local flavorTony’s Ice Cream ..................................5A Gaston County tradition

Gaston Scene ....................................24Photos from local events

Theatre, Art, Music, Festivals ............27Featuring local talent

featuresBarefoot Running ..............................11Guidelines for minimalist runningand shoes

Catawba River ..................................15The historic river is one of the mostendangered places in the Southeast

Beach Soul and Dance Music ..............25Belmont’s Friday Night Live kicks off


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Micro Brews CruiseWhat: Sunset paddle along the Catawba River followed by a firesidedinner with craft beer tastings.

2012 Schedule:June 13 – Four Friends Brewing (Charlotte, NC)June 27 – Highland Brewing Company (Asheville, NC)July 11 – Heist Brewery (Charlotte, NC)July 25 – LoneRider Brewing Company (Raleigh, NC)

Participant Schedule:Check-in at Kayak Center: 6 p.m.Flatwater paddle on the Catawba River: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.Campfire lit dinner and beer tasting on Hawk Island: 8 – 10 p.m.

Cost: $55 per person

Brew Stash BashWhat: A Carolina craft beer tasting with performances by FarewellDrifters, Brown Bird and Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons

When: Saturday, June 16

Schedule:Beer Sampling: Begins at 1 p.m.Live Music: Begins at 2 p.m.

Cost: Event: free and open to the publicBeer Tasting: $5 for 4 tickets

Zip-Line & DineWhat: Zip-line excursion from the south ridge of our facility to theCatawba River followed by a fireside dinner with craft beer and wine.

Cost: $75 per person.

Schedule:Wednesday, June 6 • Wednesday, July 18


hat began in the 1920’s as a push cartbusiness,owned and operated by CarmineColetta,has stood the test of time andremains one of the landmarks of GastonCounty. In search of a better life for his

family,Carmine came toAmerica in 1911 from Glasgow,Scotland.He made and sold ice cream from carts and horse-drawn wagons.One of the wagon’s has been restored and islocated in the Gaston County Museum ofArt and History inDallas.

Ice cream was produced at two locations,Tony’s Ice Cream onWillow Street and City Ice Cream on Morehead.Tony’s wasrun byAntonia Janetta, the husband of Maria Coletta.Theywould take horse-drawn wagons to mill villages,ball games,carnivals and camp meetings.Their presence became a part ofeveryday life in Gaston.

In the early 1930’s, trucks replaced wagons and in 1947Antonia Janetta built the present location on East FranklinBoulevard and another one onWest Franklin.Anthony Coletta,orTony as he is known,was the youngest son of Carmine

Coletta.He managed the twolocations until the death ofAntoniaJanetta and his wife Maria in 1971.Tony passed away in 1976,andownership passed to his two sons,Robert and Louis.

So the desire has passed from generation togeneration and always with the same dedication to serviceand quality.Louis Coletta can still hear his father,Tony say,“Your customers will understand that you will have to changeyour price.They will never understand if you compromiseyour quality for the sake of price.”

Tony’s Ice Cream is located at 604 E.Franklin Blvd. in Gastoniaand is presently run by Louis and Robert Coletta, thirdgeneration owners.Tony’s Ice Cream offers a wide variety oftraditional and new flavors.

Spotlight | Business

Tony’s Ice CreamA Gaston County Tradition

US National Whitewater Center Events

W604 East Franklin BoulevardGastonia, NC 28054www.tonysicecream.com

5000 Whitewater Center PkwyCharlotte, NC704-391-3900www.usnwc.org


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he North Carolina CounselingAssociation(NCCA) namedAmi Parker,Highland School ofTechnology guidance counselor, recipient of thecoveted 2012 Ella Stephens Barrett LeadershipAward.

The Barrett LeadershipAward is the highest honor a schoolcounselor can receive in North Carolina. Parker was awardedthe honor at the NCCA conference held on Feb.16-17.

Superintendent L.Reeves McGlohon said,“Ami Parker is anoutstanding school counselor and we are very pleased andproud of her for receiving the revered state recognition – itis one of the most esteemed honors a school counselor canreceive in North Carolina.”

The Ella Stephens Barrett Award recognizes individuals whodisplay outstanding leadership in the improvement andenhancement of the counseling profession over a longperiod of time.

As recipient of the LeadershipAward, Parker received abeautiful inscribed plaque at the NCCA annual conference.In addition, to commemorate this honor, a plaque inscribed

with her name willbe placed in theState Departmentof PublicInstructionbuilding.

A veteran schoolcounselor, Parkerhas 17 years oftenure with thedistrict. Shejoined theHighland staffwhen the schoolopened in 2000.Parker received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees fromUNC-Chapel Hill and her doctorate from UNC-Charlotte.

Highland Principal Lee Dedmon said,“Ami Parker is adedicated school counselor who goes the extra mile toensure our students are successful,whether it’s throughwriting a college recommendation or assisting with ascholarship application.”

GCS counselorwins coveted state leadership award

Spotlight | Education

Compliments ofGaston County Schools

Highland counselor Ami Parker2012 Ella Stephens BarrettLeadership Award recipient

T


aston County’s sports complex would provide anew world class home to“13-over”baseball,soccer, and softball tournament play.

The Greater Gaston County area is home to many regional attractions and destinations yetlacks a competitive tournament host site for 13-over baseball, soccer, and softball. In fact, thereis a major need for a facility of this kind in the South. East Cobb,Georgia 13-under youth sportscenter offers a ten field complex featuring sub-surface drainage, electronic scoreboards,Muscolighting,VIP seating, and an on-site gift shop. For over ten years, this sports complex hasearned Cobb County millions of dollars in tax revenue by hosting baseball tournaments foryoung athletes from as far away as Maine,Arkansas, andTexas. In addition, East Cobb’s sportscomplex generates more revenue thru corporate sponsorships, fees, concession leases, andother fundraising events. This complex has been largely self-sufficient since its developmentby Cobb County.

The only comparable 13-over park in the Southeast is Snowden Grove Park in South Haven,Mississippi. Snowden Grove Park, built in the late ‘90’s, is a 17-field baseball-only facility, only7 of which are geared for adult play, and possesses many features only previously found atprofessional stadiums. Because of this, tournaments held at this field routinely bring infamilies from Ohio toTexas. Gaston County would offer a much more desirable destinationpoint because of its proximity to major area attractions, only minutes from the Charlotteairport, and offers ample local hotel accommodations. For years, Snowden Park offered theonly comparable facility in the south other than those found in the sweltering heat ofFlorida. Gaston County could become the Mecca for these highly profitable tournamentsand events.

Athletics

Should Gaston County Build aWorld Class Sports Complex?

By: Darryl Warren

G

8jun/jul 2012 | good things in gaston county

Because of the huge potential economic returns,GastonCounty will be looking to our local hotels and restaurants toshare in the economic windfall by supporting thesethousands of tournament travelers.

A POSITIVE ECONOMIC IMPACTGaston County’s ongoing feasibility study provides strongearly data to support the theory that a sports complex inthe Piedmont area will provide a huge positive return on itsinitial investment. The land purchase and development ofthe proposed complex during our current economicdownturn will be at the lower end of true value, and canpotentially be a boom to Gaston’s small but growingtourism trade. In addition, the proposed sports complex willoffer technological upgrades to older fields such as E.Cobb,Georgia and Snowden Grove,MS. In addition, by offeringlower hotel rates, the lower out-of pocket cost for familieswill be a great advantage in securing tournaments. At anaverage stay of 4 days, tournament attendees would alsovisit our many other area attractions, dine out, and purchasegoods and services, thus providing a potential windfall thrulocal tax revenue. Gaston County’s business model relies onhotel and restaurants to help entice these tournaments thruspecials and promotions.

Baseball, soccer, and softball play pack the area’s parksnearly year-round,but when it comes time for tournaments,the large-scale events are often held out of town. If GastonCounty had facilities to accommodate these events, newmoney could be funneled into the local economy. With the60-90 fields, larger and deeper out-fields,Gaston could alsohost 10-12 weeks of soccer and lacrosse field sports,effectively keeping the park in use nearly year round.

SPORTS CLINICS ANDCORPORATE SPONSORSHIPAnother potential economic windfall a 13-over sportscomplex could provide Gaston County is hosting baseballcamps and clinics. Sports related companies such asReebok,Nike, Easton, and Rawlings currently sponsorcamps throughout the country, drawing professionalplayers, scouts, and college players and coaches to teachproper baseball skills. These corporate sponsors, along withlocal players and coaches from Belmont Abbey College andthe Gastonia Grizzlies,would provide a wealth of expertiseto the baseball stars of tomorrow.

INVESTING IN AMATEUR SPORTSIS AN INVESTMENT IN OURCOMMUNITYQuick facts about the Proposed Gaston Sports Complex...• Multi-million dollar sports complex designed to hostregional and national baseball, softball, soccer, andlacrosse tournaments and sports clinics.

• State of the art design offering upgrades from any othersports complex in the south.

• Could generate as many as 50-60,000 additional hotelrooms per year.

• Geographically, gaston county is positioned to attractplay from mid-northern states who prefer driving due tothe cost savings over flying.

So, is the proposed sports complexa “Good Thing?”There are lots of valid arguments both for and againstpublic funding for projects such as the Gaston SportsComplex. Many feel that it should be privately funded andleased to the county. Others feel that Gaston County hasbigger problems to fix before we start an undertaking thisbig. However, if we are ever to move forward, to break outof the shadow of Mecklenburg County,we believe GastonCounty must make creative and tough economic decisionsin order to compete and grow.

The facts are simple. We can build a state-of-the art facilityin Gaston County and compete for millions of dollars in theathletic tourism industry, or we can continue our currentpolicy of debate, debate, and more debate. The time is nowto move on the Gaston County Sports Complex. Landprices are attractive and we have ample hotel rooms andrestaurants that are ready to offer deals to help us market acomplex like this. For that,GT Mag says the proposedGaston Sports Complex is “GoodThing.”

“We could make Gaston County a destinationsite for 13-over baseball, soccer, and softball

tournament play.”Walter Israel. Director Visit Gaston{ }

ummertime is finally here.The local swim clubshave opened.Families and friends gather at the lakeand plan trips to their favorite destinations….Hereis a thought,how convenient would it be to be ableto stay in shape without the hassle of loading fitness

equipment with your luggage or looking for a fitness centerthat allows a day pass for guests while on vacation?All youneed is a little motivation and your bare feet!

How often have you been on your annual beach trip andlooked out of your hotel balcony to see that one guy whowas up way to early and running on the beach..Chances arehe isn’t crazy and he has figured out the benefits of runningbarefoot on an uneven surface and a new way tocompletely makeover his workout routine.

Studies show that running on an uneven surface such assand or grass increases the number of calories you burnduring exercise.This is because your core muscles areworking harder to adapt and keep you balanced.

Here are a few benefits you will reap from running barefootin sand:Running on sand burns more calories.This is awesome news for those of you who are wanting toshed off some unwanted pounds this season.Running on sand is much easier on your jointsThis will give them a rest from the hard ground or asphaltin which you probably usually perform your cardiovascularactivity because sand is so much more absorbent than thehard surfaces it will produce less strain on the body.You’ll become more coordinated and develop bettercore strength.Not only does running on sand challenge your lower bodybut subconsciously you are struggling to keep your balanceand this will engage your abdominals, back, arms andshoulders as well.SceneryWether you are running up and down the beach to catch amagnificent sunrise or an awesome orange sunset cascadingover theAtlantic, you just can’t get this view from thetrack or a treadmill.You’ll develop more strength in your legs.When sand shifts beneath you as you run, your ankles,

calves, quads and hamstrings are all engaged andthrough repetition will become stronger.

Again with any workout regiment please seekproper guidance from a healthcare professional orphysician . I highly suggest that anyone who hasdiabetes or has a compromised immune system

(rheumatoid arthritis. ECT) not run barefoot due toincreased risk of infection.There are other ways to enjoythe outdoors and get a great workout in such as cyclingor swimming!

There you have it! Next time you are at the beachor lake HITTHE SAND and enjoy getting healthy!

Jacob R. Hoyle- Owner/FitnessTrainer of Fitview PersonalTraining & Wellness Serviceslocated at Ultimate Fitness1609 Westover St. Gastonia NC


Spotlight | Fitness

Get Fit WithYour Bare Feet...

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11

Going barefoot has, of course,been around since thebeginning of time.Running andhiking shoes, on the other hand,are a much more recentphenomenon.More specifically,when shoe companies decidedpeople needed different shoesfor every type of exercise.Today, the shoe industry makesbillions from people lookingfor the perfect pair of shoes towalk, hike, and run. I make aliving selling shoes, so I’mall for them.

Feature | by DarrylWarren

Barefoot Shoes:The cave-men hadit all figured out.

good things in gaston county | jun/jul 2012

Photography by Shannon Irish

However, I sometimes wonder, did Mother Nature mess upwhen it came to our feet? Are the shoe companies here toprotect us from ourselves or are they just out to make abuck? Cavemen seemed to have pretty healthy feet fromwhat I can tell. I’ve never heard of cavemen complainingabout falling arches, hammer toes, or sore knees. Goggle itand see for yourself.

Being one who usually only runs when I’m being chased,much like a caveman, I decided to try out a pair of the new“barefoot” shoes on the market. They claim to help youwalk more naturally. So, I bought a pair of Merrell “TrailGloves” from REI and began my trek through the jungles ofCrowders Mountain. I usually walk, but I am prepared torun if a bear ever popped out from behind a tree.

Never one to shy away from complaining, the first few dayhikes in my“barefoot shoes,”were pretty rough. I thought Iwas gonna pass out from the pain. No support? Feelingevery pebble and root with every step?What kind of crazytalk is a pair of barefoot shoes? No wonder cavemen areextinct.

But let’s examine the evidence behind the barefoot shoecraze.

Why Go Minimalist?Running-specific shoes didn't really appear in the U.S. untilthe mid-1960s.That’s when a company called Blue RibbonSports began importing“Tiger Shoes” from Japan.BlueRibbon Sports—which in 1978 became Nike—eventuallycreated a new running-shoe industry by beefing upcushioning, giving more stability and adding pronationcontrol.

But after decades of wearing increasingly high-tech shoes,some runners began questioning their purpose andeffectiveness.Their answer:Go back to basics and runbarefoot, or use a minimalist shoe to imitate barefootrunning but with a bit of protection.

EXPERT TIP:

Start gradually.Do it in small doses, justas if you were beginning to run or walk.Muscles in your feet, calves andhamstrings–as well as your plantar fasciaand Achilles tendons–are not used to thismethod.You can injure yourself if you dotoo much too soon.GO SLOW!!




So what led to this conclusion?The Harvard Study and Nature MagazineIn January 2010,Nature magazine published an article abouta Harvard University study that focused on foot-strikepatterns and the impact of running barefoot versus runningwith shoes.TheWall Street Journal,The NewYorkTimes,Runner'sWorld and many others followed with articles onthe study, and the "barefoot phenomenon" took off.Some misinterpreted the Harvard study to mean barefootrunners were less likely to have injuries and could runfaster. But the study merely showed that people "were ableto land comfortably and safely when barefoot or in minimalfootwear by landing with a flat foot (midfoot strike) or bylanding on the ball of the foot before bringing down theheel (forefoot strike)."

Running shoes, on the other hand, feature cushioning,elevated heels and extra weight.These factors cause mostrunners to“heel strike”heel hitting first.

Dr.Daniel Lieberman, one of the leaders of the Harvardstudy, states that “midfoot and forefoot striking does notcause the sudden, large impacts that occur when you heelstrike.” The study deduced that barefoot runners can run onhard surfaces without discomfort from the landing.When runner Christopher McDougall started asking, "Whydoes my foot hurt?" he ended up answering the question inthe bestseller Born to Run:A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes,and the Greatest Race theWorld Has Never Seen.Availableat: http://www.chrismcdougall.com

The book examinesrunning mechanics byfocusing on the little-knownTarahumaraIndians of Mexico.Tarahumaras young andold can run 100 or moremiles a day throughrugged Copper Canyon inthe state of Chihuahua,Mexico wearing only thin-soled sandals made out ofold tires and leather. Yes,old tires.

Now, all that sounds great,except for one thing, thoseTarahumara Indians are a lottougher than me. Butgradually,my tender-babyfeet began to toughen up and walking through the woodsbecame fun again. I suddenly remembered a great piece ofadvice a wise old Cherokee Chief once told me. He said,“If

it starts to hurt, you’re doing it too much.” So I cut back abit on my distance and SHAZAM,my feet, knees, and backstopped hurting!

That Cherokee Chief also told me to pay attention to whereI step, and try not to fall down so much. That seems to helpa lot too.

So, barefoot shoes may not be for everyone, but everyoneshould go barefoot every now and then. Like the Cavemen.Just make sure you can outrun a bear.

Source data:Born to Run:A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and theGreatest Race theWorld Has Never Seen. ChristopherMcDougalwww.rei.com,www.vibrams.com,www.merrell.com

Minimalist Shoes TOP“BAREFOOT”

TRAILSIN GASTON COUNTY:

14

CATAWBA CREEK GREENWAYGASTONIA, NCThe 1.8 mile long Catawba Creek Greenway section of theCarolinaThreadTrail begins east at Robinwood Road justnorth of the Catawba Creek Bridge and runs west alongCatawba Creek with lovely views of the creek and a largegrassy area for picnicking.

CATAWBA RIVER GREENWAY ATTUCKASEEGE PARKMOUNT HOLLY, NCThe 1.0 mile long,Catawba River Greenway trail is locatedalong the Catawba River and is made up of a 10-foot widepaved asphalt surface. It connects to a concrete trail loopthat runs along Fites Creek, and past a newly constructeddog park and skate boarding park.

HIGHLAND RAILTRAILGASTONIA, NCThe 1.5 mile long Highland Rail Trail is constructed alongthe historic Carolina and Northwestern Railway.Runningnorth, the Highland Rail Trail begins downtown at LongAvenue near Broad Street and currently ends at RankinLake Road, north of I-85. It’s an urban trail meanderingthrough residential neighborhoods and industrial areas,with access to Marietta Street,Davidson Street and RankinLake Road.The rail-trail is part of a planned system that willconnect Downtown Gastonia to Rankin Lake Park.

RIVERSIDE GREENWAYCRAMERTON NCThis 1.2 mile loop of the Riverside Greenway winds alongthe bank of the South Fork River, land that was donated byBurlington Industries in 1993.Running north, the RiversideGreenway begins at the intersection of Riverside Drive andCramer Mountain Road in one of the oldest sections ofCramerton Locals refer to this area as“OldTown.”

SPENCERMOUNTAIN –R.Y.MCADEN BLUEWAYSituated along the South Fork River, the 52-acre SpencerMountain River Access hosts Catawba Lands Conservancy'sfirst canoe/kayak launch on the South Fork Catawba River.This project initiates a plan of connecting, by river,conserved lands that will provide scenic views along theriver for the enjoyment of all.

For more information on trails visit:

www.carolinathreadtrail.org

The latest Vibram“Five-Finger” shoesKomodo Sport available at:www.rei.com

Merrell Trail Glove available at www.rei.com

Brooks PureConnect Road-Running Shoesavailable at www.rei.com

jun/jul 2012 | good things in gaston county

The Catawba-Wateree River is a beautiful river, but is threatened by the effects of growth, including stormwater,

sewage, coal ash ponds, and other side effects of increasing population and population density, as well as more

traditional sources of pollution such as industrial sources, timber harvesting and agriculture. In 2008, the

Catawba-Wateree River was designated as the“most endangered river” in the United States byAmerican Rivers, a

river advocacy group.More recently, the EPA issued a report indicating that four of the top 44 high hazard ash

ponds in the United States are located on the Catawba River. In 2010 and 2012, the Southern Environmental

Law Center identified the Catawba River as one of the ten most endangered places in the Southeast. The

following issues highlight the issues facing our community today.


The CatawbaRiverkeepers arewatching out for you

Is theCatawba River

Safe?


Editors note: The following information was provided by the CatawbaRiverkeeper Advocacy Group.www.catawbariverkeeper.org


Energy-Water CollisionThe Catawba River is one of the most intensely utilized riversin the United States for energy production. This use has anumber of different impacts on the River including use of alarge amount of water, discharges from coal ash ponds, andother wastewater discharges. In addition, the flow of theCatawba River is, for the most part, controlled by releases fromdams operated by Duke Power,which is the current subject ofa relicensing process.

Power-plants are the largest single user of water on theCatawba River, accounting for approximately 48% of wateruse in the basin. These large withdrawals of water, combinedwith the discharge of warm water, place heavy stresses on theRiver and it is projected that by 2040 there will not be enoughwater in the River to meet all of the water demands.

Coal-fired powerplants present a threat to the waters ofCatawba-Wateree basin through multiple routes including coalash,mercury contamination from air emissions that precipitateinto the water, and evaporation as a result of use as coolingwater. Burning fossil fuels also threatens the basin bycontributing to global warming. According to the U.S.Environmental ProtectionAgency, 4 of the top 44 highesthazard coal ash ponds in the United States are located on theCatawba River. Two of EPA’s High Hazard Coal AshImpoundments are located on Mountain Island Lake upstreamfrom the primary water intakes for the Charlotte,Gastonia,Mt.Holly and Belmont,which supplies water to approximately860,000 people in Charlotte,Gastonia,Mt.Holly, Pineville,Mint

Hill and Matthews. If any of the coal ash ponds were to fail, ashappened inTennessee in December 2008, it would have apotentially catastrophic impact on the drinking water suppliesfor communities that depend upon water from the CatawbaRiver for their drinking water.

Mercury in the emissions from coal-fired powerplants alsoimpacts the Catawba River. The North Carolina Dept of Healthand Human Services recently estimated that“at least 13,677children per year”are born in North Carolina with bloodmercury levels that place them at risk for lifelong learningdisabilities, fine motor and attention deficits,and lowered IQ.Mercury levels in fish have already resulted in statewide fishadvisories in North Carolina and South Carolina.Coal-fired powerplants are the largest source of mercury emissions in theCarolinas. In addition,mining for coal has buried or polluted1,200 miles of pristine headwater streams in theAppalachians.

Nuclear PowerThere are two nuclear stations (with two units per station) onthe banks of the Catawba River - Catawba Nuclear Station onLakeWylie and McGuire Nuclear Station on Lake Norman.Bothof these facilities are located on drinking water reservoirswithin 20 miles of downtown Charlotte. These units are thelargest water users on the River and if there was a seriousaccident, they have the potential to have a tremendous impacton both the River and surrounding population.

Interbasin Transfer Issues (IBT)A proposed dam project in VanWyck, SC proposed by theCatawba RiverWater Supply Project will drown land, burystreams and inundate wetlands. The proposed dam wouldcreate a 92 acre reservoir with a capacity of over 1 billiongallons.Water pumped from the Catawba River would be usedto fill this reservoir, and then it would be sent to watercustomers in Lancaster and Union Counties in and out of the

The Catawba River Places 3rdin the Top 10 Endangered Placesin the Southeastern U.S.

1. Alabama’s Coast2. Dawson Forest, Georgia3. Catawba—Wateree River Basin,

North Carolina and South Carolina4. North Carolina Piedmont5. Savannah River, South Carolina & Georgia6. Chilhowee Mountain, Tennessee7. Virginia and Tennessee Mountains8. Charlottesville, Virginia9. Chesapeake Bay, Virginia10. Southside, Virginia

by Southern Environmental Law Center

Catawba River basin.Yes, that’s right - IN and OUT of theCatawba River Basin. If permitted, thisproject undoubtedly would allow morewater to be lost permanently from theCatawba River through an interbasintransfer to theYadkin-Pee Dee River.

That’s why Catawba Riverkeeper andAmerican Riverssubmitted joint comments in opposition to this project and insupport of increased water efficiency (see below for more onwater efficiency). U.S. EPA also raised concerns in itscomments regarding this project, and the NC-SC CatawbaWateree Bi-State Advisory Commission decided to hold aspecial meeting on Oct. 7, 2011 in Rock Hill, SC to learn moreabout this proposed dam when Catawba Riverkeeper alertedthem to this project at their meeting onAugust 12, 2011.

Garden ParkwayThe North CarolinaTurnpike Authority is planning to build anew highway that will go from I-485 near the Charlotte Airport,across LakeWylie and the South Fork of the Catawba River,into southern Gaston County.This project will have a majorimpact on the Catawba River in the form of construction run-off, ongoing stormwater and the increased development.

Sewage Issues and Sewage TreatmentRaw sewage doesn’t just stink, it has many detrimental effectson water quality and health.Human health is affected by thebacteria that enter the water and reproduce there.The increasein nutrients can cause algal blooms which decrease the oxygenin the river.Many fish and other creatures cannot survive inthese conditions. The Catawba-Wateree River basin has someof the highest density of septic tanks of any basin in theCarolinas and many of these septic tanks do not function

properly, resulting in the discharge of untreated waste in ourwater. Moreover,many new developments in areas not servedby municipal treatment plants install package treatment plantswhich are supposed to work automatically, but often fail towork properly resulting in the discharge of untreated wasteinto our rivers and streams. Large municipal wastewatertreatment plants work well when kept up to date and operatedproperly, but in some cases municipal treatment plants in thebasin are using outdated technologies or are not beingoperated properly. Furthermore, there are hundreds ofoverflows of raw sewage into rivers and streams each year as aresult of pump failures and pipe blockages. In many cases, theproblems are caused because the systems are underfunded.All of these sources of waste contribute to the nutrient andfecal coliform problems in the basin.

Sedimentation and MuddyWater WatchLoose sediment on new developments will easily run off intothe waterways.During big rains,massive amounts of sedimentwill wash into the river.This sediment can directly suffocatefish and bury their habitats.The sediment can also block lightfrom reaching aquatic plants.MuddyWaterWatch training is astatewide effort to reduce the amount of runoff fromconstruction sites. Catawba Riverkeeper has trained morecitizens than any other group in any other basin.


Feature

Teach your children that the earth is our mother.Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth.We are part of the earth, and the earth is a part of us.The rivers are our brothers; they quench our thirst.The perfumed flowers are our sisters.The air is precious, for all of us share the same breath.

—From an oration of Chief Seattle,Native American, U.S.A., 19th Century

©Nataliya|www.stockfreeimages.com


WhatYou Can DoTo Help?Protecting the water in the Catawba-Wateree basin will nothappen without citizen participation.The following is apartial list of ways in which ordinary people can helpprotect the water in the basin.• Understand the issues. Get educated about issuesaffecting the Catawba andWateree Rivers.

• Understand that individual actions matter.• Fertilize less.• Use less water.• Use less electricity (each kilowatt hour of electricityrequires 25 gallons of water to generate)

• Reduce impervious area (for example, instead of aconcrete walkway, use gravel or pavers in sand).

• Landscape with native plants that need less water.• Install rain barrels and use water from rain barrels foroutdoor watering.

• Create rain gardens to catch storm water. For moreinformation about rain gardens, click here.

• Maintain natural areas as buffer zones around all creeks,lakes and other water bodies.

• Report violations of environmental laws to the appropriateofficials and/or the Riverkeeper.

• Insist that public officials protect the River.• Support the CleanWater RestorationAct. Join CRF orsupport CRF financially.

• Donate an old boat, office equipment to the Catawba RiverKeepers.

• Volunteer to help the Catawba Riverkeeper protect,educate and advocate

• Become a Covekeeper,Covewatcher, Islandkeeper,Creekkeeper, orWaterwatcher

• Participate in the MuddyWaterWatch program.• Join the Catawba Riverkeeper speaker bureau.• Participate in stream, river and lake cleanup days.• Volunteer other skills.

Stormwater IssuesStormwater is probably the number one source of pollutionof the Catawba River. Stormwater runoff includes runoff fromindustrial sites (which may carry hazardous pollutants), runofffrom parking lots and roads (which typically carries oil, greaseand other pollutants), lawns, agricultural properties and golfcourses (which often has nutrients from fertilizers, pesticidesand urbicides), logging activities (which often has largeamounts of sediment) and construction projects (discussedabove under "Sedimentation"), Both the quantity and qualityof stormwater runoff is a problem.

Upper Catawba Basin IssuesThe upper Catawba basin is spectacular and contains manyseemingly pristine waters. However, there are serious threatsto the beauty of the upper basin,many of which are unique tothe upper basin. Lake Rhodhiss and many of its tributaries arelisted as impaired waters by the United States EPA and theState of North Carolina because of excessive nutrients. Somenearly pristine headwaters are impaired because of low pH(acidity). Some trout waters are threatened by poordevelopment practices including a state policy that allowstrout streams to be buried in pipes as part of the constructionof a golf course fairway. Some issues, such as sedimentationare more acute and more difficult to control on the steepslopes of the upper basin.

Water Use & Efficiency IssuesWater efficiency and good water management are the bestsource of affordable water and must be the backbone of watersupply planning. Unfortunately,millions of gallons of water arewasted every day in the basin. The Catawba Riverkeeper isworking with state and local governments, as well asbusinesses and private citizens to improve water efficiencyand the management of our precious water resources.

The FutureThe water quality in the Catawba-Wateree basin and theecosystems that depend on the water in the basin are likely tocontinue to decline without improved development policiesand better stewardship of the Catawba River. This will requiremore efficient use of water, smarter growth practices andbetter management of the water resources in the basin. Thesilver lining in this dark cloud is that it should be relativelyeasy to make significant improvements.

Pending litigation between North Carolina and South Carolinaover the water in the Catawba-River, the Bi-State Catawba-Wateree Commission and proposed legislation in thelegislatures of both states has the potential to result insubstantial improvements in the management of water in thebasin and the health of the River. Recent water shortages andincreased public awareness of threats to the Catawba are alsobeginning to change public behavior.

It is not too late to fix address and fix these issues. The future,though muddy as the Catawba River,will reveal if we have thewisdom to take action.

www.catawbariverkeeper.org421 Minuet Ln Ste 205Charlotte, NC 28217-2784Phone: 704.679.9494


ater is the foundation of life and is anundeniable resource of necessity thatsupports and sustains all living things aswe know it. Everyday water is taken forgranted,whether it is for bathing,washing

dishes,making tea, or watering the lawn. With everypassing day,water is becoming scarcer, especially clean,usable fresh water. Gaston County is no exception. Overthe last 6 years,most of the Piedmont region has beenunder drought conditions and the presence of poor waterquality has been looming over the Catawba River and thevarious lakes that the river passes through. In 2008, theAmerican River Association named the Catawba River themost endangered river in America and concerns continue torise over the influence of polluted water being released intothe river from various industries along the banks, especiallyfrom energy production facilities.

One of the greatest concerns regarding the current andfuture health of the Catawba River is the presence of coalash ponds along the banks of the river and what impactthey might be having on the water system. Coal ash pondsare surface impoundments that house all the remainingwaste left over after coal is burned to produce energy atenergy production facilities. The coal waste contains highlyhazardous chemicals such as mercury, lead, arsenic, andmany other dangerous pollutants that can cause numeroushealth problems. The idea is to prevent this coal waste frombecoming airborne by putting it in ponds and allowing thewaste to settle to the bottom. The problem is that mostponds built before the 1990s do not have any lining toprevent seepage into groundwater or filtration systems toprevent the chemicals from entering surface water systemslike the Catawba River.

The Catawba River is home to 4 of the top 44 highesthazard coal ash ponds in the United States. Two of thesecoal ash ponds are located in Gaston County at theRiverbend Steam Station adjacent to Mountain Island Lake.That makes Gaston County home to more than 200,000tons of coal waste! Both of the ponds are unlined and arelocated upstream from the primary drinking water intakesfor Charlotte,Gastonia,Mt.Holly and Belmont. About 1million people receive their drinking water from MountainIsland Lake. Not to be alarmed,water released for publicconsumption goes through a rigorous process of filtrationand treatment. In fact,Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities wonthe EPA’s Safe DrinkingWater ExcellenceAward last yearand drinking water is regularly tested.

The concern lies with the unknowns. Public officials assurethat the coal ash ponds at the Riverbend facility have passedregular dam safety inspections, yet the potential forcatastrophic failure looms heavily on the densely populatedarea. History has provided a back drop for the disastrousconsequences associated with past coal ash impoundmentfailures. This is the main reason the two ponds have beengiven a high hazard rating by the U.S. EPA, for the potentialloss of human life if the impoundments were to fail. Theother unknowns are the extent to which these coal ashponds are contaminating the local environment and theother potential pollutants that might be entering theMountain Island Lake and the Catawba River.

Clean Waterfor our Children:The opportunityof a lifetime.

WbyMike Burns

Duke Power’s Riverbend Steam Station


Mike Burns is a recent graduate ofQueens University of Charlotte withan Environmental Studies degreewith a minor in Political Science.He's been involved with localenvironmental organizations includingthe Stop Cliffside Coalition,Greenpeace, Sierra Club, CatawbaRiverkeepers, and various otherenvironmental advocacy groups.

The Catawba River and theWateree Rivers are essentiallyone river that begins in the Blue Ridge Mountains of westernNorth Carolina and flows through the Charlottemetropolitan area into LakeWateree in South Carolina.Thename of the river changes to theWateree River in LakeWateree and eventually joins with the Congaree River inLake Marion.

The Catawba-Wateree River was originally home to theCatawba IndianTribe, self-identified“people of the river”andtheWatereeTribe,whose name comes from a Catawbanword meaning“to float on the water.” Today the Catawba-Wateree basin is the home of approximately 2 millionpeople.

The Catawba-Wateree River flows for 300 miles from itsheadwaters in the North Carolina mountains to theconfluence with the Congaree River in Lake Marion.Theheadwaters of the Catawba River extend from the slopes ofGrandfather Mountain, near Blowing Rock, to the mountainsnear Ridgecrest,North Carolina.The basin includesapproximately 5000 miles of waterways and it includesportions of 24 counties in two states (North Carolina andSouth Carolina).

Most of the Catawba River is dammed. There are elevenmajor lakes in the basin and numerous smaller lakes. Thedams that form these lakes have a major impact on the flowof the river.

The largest “freeflowing”section ofthe Catawba Riveris a 30-milesection of theriver below LakeWylie,whichwas recentlydesignated as aSouth CarolinaScenic River. Thissection of theriver includes thelargest grove ofSpider Lilies in theworld (approximately 160acres), as well as an historical canal. It ends above GreatFalls, South Carolina, shortly before theWateree River joinsthe Catawba River in LakeWateree. TheWateree River feedsLakeWateree and then meanders for approximately 80 milesto Lake Marion.

The best solution to Gaston County’s coal ash problems is toremove the ponds completely and move the coal waste to anarea that does not pose such a high risk to the population. TheRiverbend facility is already planned to be decommissioned bythe owner,Duke Energy, by 2015, according to their pressrelease last year. What is not clear is the future of the coal ashponds at this location. There are no evident plans to removethe estimated 200,000 tons of coal waste. To ensure the safetyand health of Gaston County and the surrounding area forgenerations to come, the coal ash ponds must be removed.The best way to ensure this will happen is to pressure publicofficials and Duke Energy by sending e-mails, letters,makingphone calls, and increasing awareness of the dangers in GastonCounty’s backyard. This is a potential disaster that can easy beremedied by simply making your voice heard and comingtogether as a community to address a serious concern.

The Catawba-Wateree River

“To have some parts flowing free again...

with deer grazing on its banks...

ducks and geese raising their young inthe backwaters...

eddies and twists and turns forcanoeists...

and fishing opportunities such as Lewisand Clark enjoyed...

would be the finest possible tributeto the men of the Expedition,

and a priceless gift for our children.”

— Stephen Ambrose, Undaunted Courage

Spotlight | History


Catch The FactsBefore Consuming Any Locally Caught Fish

Many folks enjoy fishing from the creeks, ponds and lakes in Mecklenburg County. Some also enjoy eating their catch, but Statehealth officials from North and South Carolina advise not eating certain types of fish due to potential exposure to contaminants.

*A meal is defined as 6 ounces of uncooked fish for adults or 2 ounces of uncooked for children under 15.

For more information visit: stormwater.charmeck.org and click on Creeks, Lakes & Ponds, then Fish consumption advisories.

Location Fish Type Directions

All surface waters inMecklenburg &Gaston Counties,

including all streams,lakes and ponds

Largemouth Bassexcept Mountain Island Lake

and LakeWylie

Largemouth Bass

Women of childbearing age (15 to 44 years), pregnantwomen,nursing mothers, and children under age 15

should NOT EAT these fish.

All other people shouldNOT EAT MORE THAN ONE MEAL* PER WEEK.



All other people shouldNOT EAT MORE THAN TWO MEALS* PER MONTH.

All surface waters inMecklenburg Countysouth and east of I-85,including all streams,lakes and ponds

Bluegill SunfishFarm Raised Catfish

Farm Raised & Wild TroutFarm Raised Crayfish

Blackfish (Bowfin)Catfish

WarmouthYellow Perch


should NOT EAT MORE THAN TWO MEALS*PER WEEK OF THESE FISH.

All other people SHOULD NOT EAT MORETHAN FOUR MEALS* PER WEEK.



All other people shouldNOT EAT MORE ONE MEAL* PER WEEK.

Mountain Island Lake

Catfish All people should NOT EAT these fish.


Mercury Contaminationin the CatawbaNorth Carolina and South Carolina have advised againstconsuming certain types of fish in the Catawba due to mercurycontamination.Most of the mercury is coming from coal-firedpowerplants.

Here’s what happens. Largemouth bass eat smaller fish;mercury builds up in the fish’s tissue.Mercury is a neurotoxin,especially harmful to pregnant women and infants, attackingthe developing brains and contributing to learning disabilities.

One source of that mercury is coal-fired power plants. Threeof them line the lakes on the Catawba River around Charlotte:

• The massive Marshall Steam Station on N.C.Highway 150,west of Lake Norman.

• TheAllen Station in Belmont, along LakeWylie.• The Riverbend Station on Mountain Island Lake, theoldest, smallest and dirtiest of the three.

“About 12,667 children have lifelonglearning disabilities as the result ofmercury exposure in North Carolina,”said Rick Gaskins, of the Catawba Riverkeepers, quoting thestate’s epidemiologist.

Duke Energy has set a tentative date to close the Riverbendplant in by 2015.Until then,“catch and release” is the bestthing to do when fishing from the Catawba River. Let’s hopefuture generations will figure out a way to clean up our mess.

FISH ADVISORIESFish advisories have been issued throughout the Catawba-Wateree River basin for various types of fish.Many of these fishadvisories are the result of testing initiated by CatawbaRiverkeeper and confirmed by state and local officials. Formore information about the fish advisories, go towww.catawbariverkeeper.org


his is an important saying for caregivers/parents whohave children in the back seat of a vehicle.Did you know in 2011 there were 33 childrennationwide that died in cars as a result ofhyperthermia?

Angela Ross,Trauma Program Coordinator with CaroMont HealthTrauma Services in Gastonia knows first-hand the effects ofleaving children unattended in vehicles.

“It’s a tragic fact that 8 out of 10 deaths are because parentsforgot their child was in the vehicle,”Ross said.“I don’t want tosee anyone live with that kind of guilt.”

On an 80 degree day, temperatures can exceed 100 degrees inless than 10 minutes,which can be fatal.“Cracking”a window haslittle to no effect on soaring temperatures.

Children’s temperature regulation systems are less efficient,which means their body temperatures warm 3 to 5 times fasterthan adults.

Ross said vehicles in the heat are like a convection oven.Thewindows amplify the heat and trap it inside,she said.Never leave your child alone in the vehicle!

Here are some safety tips to remember (According to Safe KidsUSA):

• Leave your purse,wallet,or briefcase on the floor board of theback seat to remind yourself that your child is in the car.Mostdeaths are unintentional resulting from forgetting there is achild in the car.

• Put a sticker with a baby picture on the rearview mirror.• Keep a stuffed animal in the car seat.When placing the child inthe car seat,put the stuffed animal up front with the driver.

• Set your cell phone reminder to be sure you dropped yourchild off at their childcare center.

• Dial 911 immediately if you see a child unattended in a car.• Lock all vehicle doors and the trunk after everyone is out ofthe car.Keep keys out of children’s reach.

• Check the car and trunks first if a child goes missing.

Want to learn more about the Partnership for Children of Lincoln& Gaston Counties?The Partnership for Children of Lincoln & Gaston Counties isyour local Smart Start agency.You can reach us at 704-922-0900or visit us online at www.pfclg.com.Our vision is a communitywhere young children will reach their health and educationalpotential.

Connect with us:www.pfclg.comwww.facebook.com/pfclgFlickr,www.flickr.com/pfclgTwitter:Ready4School

Spotlight | Safety

Beat the Heat,Check the Backseat

Amy Wadsworth, Public InformationCoordinator Partnership for Children ofLincoln & Gaston [email protected]

T


Gaston Scene

Band Members for the COLD RIVER BAND are left to right Lorelei Ross,TimmyHelms,Thad Collis andTy Hobson.Contact band visit Facebook.com/coldriver.Artwork in band picture background is byArtist Valerie Kramer.

Heather is a staff member atthe Art Gallery.

Artist,Ty Hobson

The Art Station Gallery reception

Spartan RaceMother’s Day at DanielStowe Botanical Garden

Kerrie and Jason Boyscompeting in the SpartanRace at the USWhitewater Center.

Garibaldi Festival in Belmont

PhotobyKristieHewlett

PhotobyKristieHewlett

PhotosbyShannonIrish

PhotobyRandyKlatt

PhotosbyKristieHewlett

Carolina Thread 5k


Get ready for the biggest partyin the South as Belmont hostthe areas hottest bands forFriday Night Live! We recentlysat down withVince Hill,President of the Belmont’sMerchant Association to askhim what makes Friday Nightsso popular in Belmont.

goin on!!!

Whole lotta

Shaggin

Belmont’s Friday Night Livekicks off the summer with

Beach, Soul,and DanceMusic.

Spotlight | MusicBy: Darryl WarrenPhotos by Shannon Irish

26

Vince, how did FNL begin?In 2007, the position of President ofThe MerchantsAssociation became available.As the question was asked,whowill be the New President, a deafening silence hovered overthe room.You would have thought the question was,who willbe next for the guillotine? A voice broke the silence asking,How about youVince? The rest is history. It was a perfectopportunity to act on some ideas rolling around in my head.How about a concert in the street,Downtown Belmont? Withthe help of some very fine people, FNL became a reality.

Belmont’s Friday Night Live is now thelargest summer beach music festivalseries in the United States. How did itbecome so successful?When I started looking for bands to perform, I was blessedwith the opportunity to meet Ken Knox with GeneralJohnson andThe Chairmen ofThe Board.He was veryinstrumental in helping us come up with a list of groups to dofour events the first year.And with the blessings ofTheGeneral, he offered to kick off the series and brought on threemore big name acts. I have always been a believer that if youcan’t go first class doesn’t go at all. Bringing in topentertainers has given FNL the boost needed to draw peoplehere from Spartanburg to Raleigh and all points in betweenand beyond...

Continues Hill,“For all of us,who work to make this thingsuccessful, FNL is a pure labor of love. Love for the wonderfulpeople of Belmont and the surrounding areas. It is aWin/Winsituation for all of us as well as the City because of the Caliberof people this event draws.We love this town and it is becauseof that Love we will continue to make Belmont a destinationpoint.”

“All of the proceeds from the FNL go toward Scholarships forBusiness students at South Point HS as well as helpingmerchants and others in need because of some hardship oranother.We are also trying to place several Smart Boards inour local elementary schools to help with their education.Weare a non-profit organization and any donations will go towardthose causes as well.”

So put your dancing shoes on, grab a friend and come todowntown Belmont and SHAKEYOURTAIL FEATHERS!Friday Night Live is BACK!!!

How did the

SHAGphenomenonoriginate?Ground zero for the shag phenomenon has alwaysbeen Myrtle Beach, South Carolina,where“jitterbugs”swing-danced at open-air beach parties during theThirties and Forties.This was one of the first examplesof African-American culture bleeding over into themainstream:white college kids would routinely visitracially segregated dances, pick up the moves, andbring them back to the beach. In addition, these kidspushed hard for local radio stations to play rhythmand blues as soundtrack for their party, creating amovement so sturdy that there are still radio stationsin the Carolinas with“beach music”playlists.

Billy Jeffers and“Chicken”Hicks are two of the mainshaggers credited with developing the dances weknow now,helping to slow down the tempo of theoriginal jitterbug and incorporate sexier, loosermovements into it.The phenomenon faded in theSeventies, enjoyed an early-Eighties renaissance,faltered again slightly when clubs began restrictingthose under 21, and flourished again in the Nineties.Today, shag is an established segment of Southernculture. Indeed, the basic dance is now the officialdance of the state of South Carolina.Source: www.About.com

jun/jul 2012 | good things in gaston county

Photo courtesy of Darin Page Henley Host of:Darin & Anita on Grand Strand (SyndicatedRadio Show)


JUNE 30Grand Opening of Goat IslandFourth of July CelebrationTown Center • Cramerton, NC8am-12pm: Farmers Market9-1pm: Disc Golf Expo on Goat Island10am-until: Kayak, canoe, stand uppaddleboarding and pontoon rides to theisland1-4pm: Live music, corn-hole tournament,dunking booth, Firehouse Challenge, arts &crafts vendors6-9pm: Live music by Bam Jazz, a 7 piecebrass band9:15pm: Fireworks

All events will take place in the Town Centerwith the exception of the Disc Golf Expo,which will be taking place on Goat Island.

JUNE 29 -31Red White & BelmontFireworksDowntown BelmontCome and enjoy carnival rides, games,vendors & food and so much more! OnFriday night the Friday Night Live Concert& Fireworks is part of the Red, White &Belmont celebration. There will be aconcert on Saturday night and DJ &Karaoke with Buddy Love on Sundayafternoon…then Sunday night a liveconcert and fireworks! Fireworks begin at9:30PM. For more details visitwww.cityofbelmont.org or call 704-825-5586. Bring all the family and friends for aweekend of fun, music, and food. See youthere!

July 3 & 4Coca-Cola 4th of July Festival

US National Whitewater CenterTues & Wed: Music begins at 4PM each day

Fireworks each night at dark.FREE and open to the public

spotlight

KerrieCan!Embellished hats, wall art, accessorieswww.etsy.com/shop/kerriecan

Thomas JosephPortrait DesignClassical and Contemporary Portraitswww.tompachecophoto1.blogspot.comtompac1@carolina.rr.comMt. Holly, NC(704) 214-3724

Tom Pacheco,Photographic Artistwww.tompachecophoto1.blogspot.com

Renee Loftin ClemmerLocal PotterGallery@City128 South Main St. in Mt. Holly, NCwww.clayhousepottery.com

1450 GlassStained and Fused Glassby Mindy [email protected] displayed and for sale atCatawba River Artisans.

Stacey Pilkington-SmithFine Art & IllustrationOffering private art classes(704) 349-3972www.staceysmithart.com

Catawba River ArtisansArt Gallery128 South Main StreetMount Holly, NC(704) 822-1450

Chasing Parked CarsCharlotte area's newest improv comedygroup. Available for parties, corporate events,fundraisers and local venues(704) 349-3972www.chasingparkedcars.com

2012 SUMMER WORKSHOPJULY 5-26Performances: JULY 26-29Aladdin JrLittle Theater of GastoniaDesigned for third through twelfth graders,238 South Clay Street • Gastonia, NC 28052For tickets contact (704) 865-0160www.LittleTheaterofGastonia.com

Whitewater RiverJam SeriesU.S. National Whitewater Center,5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy.(704) 391-3900

JUNE 7Red Rocking ChairThursday, 7:00PM

JUNE 14Red JuneThursday, 7:00PM

JUNE 21Mike Strauss BandThursday, 7:00PM

JUNE 28YarnThursday, 7:00PM

JULY 3Tab BenoitTuesday, 4:00PM

JULY 4Moreland & ArbuckleWednesday, 4:00PM

JULY 12Truckstop PreachersThursday, 7:00PM

JULY 19River WhylessThursday, 7:00PM

JULY 26Actual ProofThursday, 7:00PM

Friends Sports Bar & Grill16 North Main Street • BelmontKaraoke: Thursdays at 10:00PMLive Music every Friday and Saturdayfrom 9:00PM - 1:00AM(704) 825-1401

The Original Flip FlopsKaraoke Showcase7:30PM - 11:00PM3801 E. Franklin Blvd, Gastonia(704) 824-8757

Contact [email protected] for info and special rates tohave your art, music or event listed in the entertainment spotlight.


FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7Chairmen of the BoardWith one of Soul Music’s all-time great group names, the Chairmen ofthe Board have been pleasing “beach music” lovers for over 30 years.

Top Attractions provide excitement and goo

WHERETOGOANDWHATTODO INGASTON

COUNTY

UPCOMINGRACES

JUNE 21River Bound Race Series15k/5kUS National Whitewater Center

JULY 15XTERRA Whitewater TriathlonSwim: 850 meters total, 2 legsMountain bike: 23 k.m.Trail run: 6.5 k.m.US National Whitewater Center

UPCOMINGEVENTS&FESTIVALS

JUNE 6Zipline & DineZip-line excursion from the southridge of our facility to the CatawbaRiver followed by a fireside dinnerwith craft beer and wine.US National Whitewater Center

JUNE 16JUNETEENTHStowe Park ~ Main Street indowntown BelmontThe celebration will feature localentertainers, homemade BBQ, anda fish fry. Vendors from around thearea will be on hand as well. Thisevent is free and open to thepublic. Juneteenth is the oldestknown celebration commemoratingthe ending of slavery in the UnitedStates.

JUNE 29 -31Red White & Belmont FireworksDowntown BelmontCome and enjoy carnival rides,games, vendors & food and somuch more! On Friday night theFriday Night Live Concert &Fireworks is part of the Red, White& Belmont celebration. There willbe a concert on Saturday night and

DJ & Karaoke with Buddy Love onSunday afternoon…then Sundaynight a live concert and fireworks!Fireworks begin at 9:30PM. Formore details visitwww.cityofbelmont.org or call 704-825-5586. Bring all the family andfriends for a weekend of fun,music, and food. See you there!

JUNE 30Grand Opening of Goat IslandFourth of July CelebrationTown CenterCramerton, NC8am-12pm: Farmers Market9-1pm: Disc Golf Expo on GoatIsland10am-until: Kayak, canoe, stand uppaddleboarding and pontoon ridesto the island1-4pm: Live music, corn-holetournament, dunking booth,Firehouse Challenge, arts & craftsvendors6-9pm: Live music by Bam Jazz, a7 piece brass band9:15pm: Fireworks

All events will take place in theTown Center with the exception ofthe Disc Golf Expo, which will betaking place on Goat Island.

JULY 3Fireworks NightGastonia GrizzliesSims Legion ParkGastonia , NCFireworks display after the gameCoors Light All You Can Eat & DrinkTuesdayfor $12 includes hot dogs, chips,soda and beer

JULY 18Zipline & DineZip-line excursion from the southridge of our facility to the CatawbaRiver followed by a fireside dinnerwith craft beer and wine.US National Whitewater Center

JULY 273rd Annual Midnight MadnessGastonia GrizzliesSims Legion ParkGastonia , NC3rd Annual Midnight MadnessMidnight Madness: 8:00pmHome run derbyPlayers in dunk tankBed races, pillow fights, pajama

races, eating contestFlip cup tournamentLive Performance by LyricFree Haircut Friday presented byPaul Mitchell School (6:30 -8:00PM)

The SchieleMuseum Events1500 East Garrison BlvdGastonia, NCPhone: (704) 866-6908www. schielemuseum.org

MAY 19 TO DEC 28Cowboys-Dust of the TrailTake a ride into a world of…dogies, drifters and drovers…roundups, reatas and rodeos…bunk houses, bronc busters andbuckaroos!Visit www.schielemuseum.org forprogram updates. $3 with MuseumAdmission

SUMMERCAMPSoccer CampExodus ChurchJune 27-29, Davis Park, 6-8nightly, for 4-12 year olds

Exodus Kids ExtremeExodus ChurchJuly 23-25, 6:00-8:30 nightly, atthe Iris Room, for 5 yrs. old throughcompleted 5th grade.

BUSINESSES

Church ServicesExodus ChurchMeeting Sundays at 9:00 and11:00 a.m. at the Iris Room27 South Main StreetBelmont, [email protected](704) 913-6533www.theexoduschurch.org

Client & FamilyAppreciationServiceSendOutCardsPO Box 472329Charlotte, NC 28247(704) 458-5683sendoutcards.com/heygaston

Dog Cafe/GroomerHappy Dog Café Boutique &Spa, Inc.26 N. Main St, Suite 1Belmont, NC 28012(704) 825-5987www.happydogcafe.netwww.facebook.com/happydogcafe

Health & WellnessCompleat Rehab &Compleat Kidz2675 Court DriveGastonia, NC 28054(704) 824-7800www.CompleatRehab.com

ComprehensiveDigestive HealthDr. Khaled Elraie1212 Spruce St, Suite 203Belmont, NC 28012(704) 461-0161

Gastonia Farmers Market410 E. Long Avenue • Gastonia, NCOPEN:Tu, Th, Sat: 8:00AM-12:00PM704-853-0049

Lowell Farmers Market204 E. Second St. Lowell, NC 28098OPEN: Thursdays 4:00-7:00PMwww.lowellnc.com

Belmont Farmers MarketMain Street (Across from the General Store)OPEN: Friday afternoons 3:30-6:30PMApril 20th-Sept 28th. Berries, peaches,pies, cakes, steak, sausage, soap, andon and on! We’ve also been asked topartner with Carolina HealthcareSystems this year. Meal plans, recipes,kid friendly. It’s going to be great!CONTACT [email protected]

Mount Holly Farmers Market130 South Main StreetMount Holly, NCOPEN: Saturdays 8:00AM-12:00PMCall 704-609-0666 [email protected]

The Cramerton Farmers Market119 Center St., Cramerton, NC 28032OPEN: Saturdays 8:00AM-12:00PMThere will be live music on the first Saturday of everymonth at the Farmers Market. Jazz Pianist, Dennis Boyce,is scheduled to play at the June 2nd Farmers Market. Sologuitarist, Caleb Davis, is scheduled to play at the July 7thFarmers Market.Children's Corner will be on the 3rd Saturday of everymonth. The June theme will be Beeks, Treats and HorizonOrganics. Make a bird mask and feeding station whilelearning about what foods attract different birds. The clueis in the beek!www.cramerton.org or 704-824-4337

Shop early for best selections.Bring lots of small change.

Ask lots of questions.Ask vendors to produce your favorite varieties.

Farmers markets are NOW OPEN!Shop LOCAL!

TIPSON SHOPPINGATAFARMERSMARKET


od family fun! »»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»The Medical Spa @ GastonMedical Group660 Summit Crossing PlaceSuite, 301Gastonia, NC 28054(704) 884-2179www.medicalspagaston.com

Piedmont Plastic Surgery &Dermatology959 Cox RoadGastonia, NC 28054

Gastonia (704) 866-7576Hickory (828) 325-9849Charlotte (704) 542-2220

Ultimate Fitness1609 Westover StGastonia, NC 28056(704) 823-0031www.ultimatefitnesstoday.com

Green Way Cycle Rentalswww.greenwaycyclerentals.com

Home ImprovementLove Home ImprovementsBetty Love119 W. Central AveMt Holly, NC 28210(704) 827-3265

Rock WorxP.O. Box 861Mt. Holly, NC 28120(828) 926-1000

Insurance AgentsArt Shoemaker Insurance305 Belmont-Mt Holly RoadPO Box 853Belmont, NC 28012Phone: (704) 827-8433Fax: (704) 827-8438

OutdoorAdventures/Christian RetreatCapstone Climbing & Adventure375 Pitts School RdConcord, NC 28027(704) [email protected]

PhotographyMegan [email protected](704) 560-4464meganbrittphotography.com

Shannon Irish Photography(704) 641-0467shannonirishphotography.com

Real EstateChip Wilson, REALTOR®/BrokerGaribaldi Realty100 S. Main StreetBelmont, NC 28012(866) 810-6047 or(704) [email protected]

RestaurantsFriends Sports Bar & Grill16 North Main StBelmont, NC 28012(704) 825-1401www.friendssportsbarandgrill.net

Simonetti’s PizzaMain Street Crossings ShoppingCenter6430 Wilkinson Blvd.Belmont, NC(704) 825-5555www.simonettis.com

BBQRanucci’s BBQ & Grill403 E. Catawba StBelmont, NC 28012(704) 825-4472www.ranuccis.com

Coffee ShopCaravan Coffee Bar7 South Main St.Belmont, NC(704) 829-7711

117 N Main St,Mount Holly, NC 28120(704) 820-6072

SeafoodBlack’s BluewaterSeafood & Grill1118 S. Main StreetMount Holly, NC 28120(704) 827-1230

ServicesGaston Tax & Payroll Service107 E Charlotte Ave,Mount Holly, NC 28120(704) 824-0729

Mommy Maids(704) [email protected]

William Henry SignatureSalon & Spa15 South Main StreetBelmont, NC 28012(704) 825-9040

104 North Main StreetMt Holly, NC 28120(704) 827-1234www.williamhenrysalon.com

ShoppingCatawba River Artisans ArtGallery128 South Main StreetMount Holly, NC(704) 822-1450

Stafford Jewelers621 Park StreetBelmont, NC 28012(704) 825-6982www.stafford-jewelers.com

Veterinary HospitalTotalBond Veterinary Hospitals11226 Mount Holly Rd,Charlotte NC 28214Phone: (704) 827-7422

3200 Union Rd.,Gastonia, NC 28056Phone: (704) 867-8318

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Documents

Gaston Today Magazine Jun/July 2012