I’ve been around teachers my whole life.

My mom spent her career in the classroom. My sister followed right behind her and now teaches high school in Australia. Even at home, it’s part of daily life. My wife teaches here in Gaston County.

So yeah, I’ve seen it up close.

Next week is National Teacher Appreciation Week. And if I’m being honest, it feels a little off this year. With all the talk about budget shortfalls, layoffs, and uncertainty, I’d imagine a lot of teachers aren’t exactly feeling appreciated right now.

No one goes into teaching to get rich. We all know that. It’s a calling. You’ve got to have a heart for it.

Because the day to day is not easy. The disruptive behavior. The politics. The unnecessary drama.

And yet, they keep showing up.

They show up for the kids who need stability. For the ones who need encouragement. For the ones who just need someone in their corner.

That matters.

So next week, let’s not overthink it. Let’s show up for them. 

Reach out to your local school’s PTO. See what they need. Or keep it simple. Send a quick note. Say thank you. Just let them know you see them.

It won’t fix everything. But it might mean more than you think.

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Dave’s Hot Chicken is now open at 2230 E. Franklin Blvd., bringing its famous tenders and sliders with seven spice levels to Gastonia. The fast-growing chain serves late, staying open until midnight on weekends. Known for bold flavors and loaded sides, this marks its fifth Charlotte-area location. [Hoodline]

Celebrate the mom in your life with a fun day at the ballpark! Enter here for your chance to win a pair of tickets to see the Gastonia Ghost Peppers take on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs on Mother’s Day (May 10) at CaroMont Health Park. Contest ends Sunday, May 3 at 11:59 p.m. Winner drawn May 4.

On the Savvy Citizen Podcast, host Adam Gaub sits down with John Ahrens of WSOC-TV and Ed Cross of Two Rivers Utilities to break down current drought conditions, the ongoing burn ban, and what residents can expect if dry weather continues, including potential water restrictions ahead. 

A Faces of the Carolinas TV segment by John Le spotlights Gaston County history teacher Jamie Monk, whose Dark Belmont Walking Tours explore true crime, local legends, and “unfortunate incidents.” The one-mile tour blends storytelling and history, offering a deeper, darker look at the city’s past. [Queen City News]

“Woven with Purpose” by Shakeeka Watts Brooks is now on display in Dallas at the Gaston County Museum of Art & History. The exhibit showcases contemporary interpretations of traditional pine needle basketry, blending history, culture, and sculpture. On view through August 22, it invites visitors to experience basketry reimagined as fine art. 

Gastonia’s Highland Branch Greenway is now open, linking Rankin Lake Park to Downtown Gastonia with a safer route for walking and biking. The new trail expands access to parks, supports local businesses, and connects into the Carolina Thread Trail, with future plans to extend toward Crowders Mountain State Park. 

Disclaimer: News items marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

Simply American Dog Treat Company – North Carolina's only mobile dog treat truck from Belmont!

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Belmont Farmers Market — Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dallas Farmers Market — Select Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gastonia Farmers Market — Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Kings Mountain Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mount Holly Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Wednesday (5/6) — Southern Maryland Blue Crabs @ 10:30 a.m.
Thursday (5/7) — Southern Maryland Blue Crabs @ 7 p.m.
Friday (5/8) — Southern Maryland Blue Crabs @ 7 p.m.

Gaston College Foundation presents A Night for Momentum Makers
📍 Myers Center Auditorium, Gaston College, Dallas
📅 Friday, June 5
⏰ 7–10 p.m.
Second annual fundraising event supporting Gaston College Athletics with food, drinks, silent auction, dancing, and live music from The Embers. Tickets required. More Details. 

Flower Moon Paddle
📍 170 Lake Mist Dr, Belmont
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Paddle under the rising Flower Moon with guided evening views on the water. Equipment included or bring your own. More Details

2020s Pop Culture Trivia
📍 The Rooster, Gastonia
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Test your knowledge of 2020s pop culture with themed trivia, drink specials, and karaoke following the game. More Details

Mount Holly Nights – Buffett & Beyond
📍 131 S Main St, Mount Holly
⏰ 6–10 p.m.
Free downtown concert featuring Jimmy Buffett tribute music, food trucks, beer tent, and family-friendly activities. More Details

Summer Night Circus
📍 1500 River Dr, Belmont
⏰ 7–10 p.m.
Aerial performances, music, and drinks highlight this adult-only circus-style variety show with high-flying entertainment. More Details

Friday Night Racing
📍 Carolina Speedway
⏰ 7 p.m.
Kick off the weekend with Friday night racing at Carolina Speedway, featuring local dirt track action and family-friendly fun. More Details.

Goat Island Games
📍 Goat Island Park, Cramerton
⏰ 7 a.m.–2 p.m.
Massive outdoor event featuring races, tournaments, live music, and activities celebrating community and fitness. More Details

Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale
📍 1303 Dallas Cherryville Hwy, Dallas
⏰ 8–10 a.m.
Shop plants, flowers, and gardening favorites from Gaston County Master Gardeners. More Details

Cars & Coffee in the Park
📍 1515 Neal Hawkins Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 8–11 a.m.
All makes and models welcome for a relaxed car meet with a strong community focus. More Details

Keep Belmont Beautiful Spring Clean Up
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Join a citywide cleanup effort with provided supplies and help keep Belmont looking its best. More Details

Legends Never Die Sports Card & TCG Show
📍 409 Old Mt Holly Rd, Stanley
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Browse sports cards, collectibles, and memorabilia, with special guest Phil Ford signing autographs. More Details

Soulshine ‘n Sunshine Hippie Festival
📅 Saturday, May 2 - Sunday, May 3
📍 2328 Hickory Grove Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Peace, love, and music with vendors, live performances, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. More Details
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RiverFest
📍 102 Main St, McAdenville
⏰ 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Celebrate local waterways with live music, vendors, kayaking, and a floating concert on the South Fork River. More Details

Live at Patriots Park Concert Series feat. The Ace Party Band
📍 220 S Railroad Ave, Kings Mountain
⏰ 7–9 p.m.
Kick off the concert series with live music, food trucks, and drinks in downtown Kings Mountain. More Details

Piedmont Arts and Cultural Experience
📍 Downtown Mount Holly
⏰ 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Enjoy live music, vendors, local art, and family-friendly activities during Mount Holly’s inaugural Piedmont Arts and Cultural Experience. More Details.

Cinco de Mayo Festival
📍 111 N. South Street, Gastonia
⏰ 12–6 p.m.
Downtown Gastonia comes alive with music, dance, food vendors, local businesses, and family-friendly fun during this celebration of Hispanic culture. More Details. 

Strong Like AK Golf Tournament
📍 Cramer Mountain Club, Cramerton
⏰ 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Annual golf tournament supporting children and families facing pediatric cancer. More Details

Cinco de Mayo Celebration
📍 128 S Main St, Mount Holly
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tacos, margaritas, and a special citrus beer release. More Details

Gaston Business Association presents the Gaston Small Business Expo
📍 Gastonia Conference Center, Downtown Gastonia
⏰ 3–6 p.m.
Connect with local businesses and discover services at this community-focused expo. More Details

Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change or cancellation. Please check with the event organizers for the most up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any changes after publication. Events marked with ($) in this section indicate sponsored content.

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