Hello, Gaston! It’s Thursday, you know what that means.

“He can help.” That was the headline, in big bold letters above the fold in the Gaston Gazette’s Home & Garden section on Saturday, April 22, 2000.

I was new to town—just getting started as the new Horticulture Extension Agent—and the newspaper was helping spread the word.

That day, I made the news. In fact, I was the news. A city boy who grew up just 40 minutes to the east was now calling Gaston County home.

Like a lot of new college grads, I came ready to help, to make a difference. The plan was simple: spend a couple years here, then head back to the beach where I’d come from earlier that year.

Well, that plan didn’t quite stick. Turns out, I did.

Now, 25 years later, I’m still here. What started as “just passing through” slowly turned into something much more. I’ve now spent more of my life as a Gaston County resident than anywhere else—and I wouldn’t trade it.

But one thing hasn’t changed. That headline from 25 years ago? They got it right: I can help. And with this newsletter, you can too.

Together, we can wave the flag for this great county we call home—flaws and all. It’s a special place, and I hope each week this newsletter reminds you just how special it is.

Ben

P.S. If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who you’d think would enjoy it!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🥫 DALLAS CHRISTIAN MINISTRY NEEDS OUR HELP

Due to recent USDA funding cuts, Dallas Christian Ministry will no longer receive produce or meat. To keep serving the community, they’re asking for canned fruit and canned meat donations. Every item helps them continue providing vital support —please consider lending a hand!

🐣 EGG-STRA FUN IN GASTON COUNTY

Hop into Easter weekend with egg hunts across Gaston County! Gaston County Tourism has compiled a list of festive fun happening from Belmont to Bessemer City. Check dates before you go—some may change.

🏙️ BESSEMER CITY’S DOWNTOWN GETS NEW LIFE

After nearly 30 years vacant, the historic Osage Mill in Bessemer City is now 139 affordable apartments. The $36 million project preserves the 1896 mill’s charm with modern amenities. Once an eyesore, it’s now a key part of Bessemer City’s downtown revitalization and community renewal.

🌿 DANIEL STOWE GETS A NEW NAME

Say hello to Daniel Stowe Conservancy—a new name reflecting a bigger mission. Formerly the Botanical Garden, the nonprofit is expanding its focus on conservation, education, and 380 acres of natural beauty. Follow their new path here.

🍌 BANANA BALL HITS THE BIG LEAGUES ON 60 MINUTES

The Savannah Bananas were featured on 60 Minutes this past Sunday — but before the viral trick plays, dancing grandmas, and players on stilts, it all started right here in Gastonia. Jesse Cole launched his wild idea in Gaston County with the Gastonia Grizzlies - a college summer league team. Now “Banana Ball” is changing baseball nationwide!

🌮 CASA MAYA NOW OPEN IN GASTONIA

Casa Maya Cafe & Restaurant just opened at 1003 Union Road in Gastonia, serving up Honduran and Central American dishes. The spot was previously Casa De Juli’s—and before that, Chantilly’s Tea Room.

🚶‍♂️ 5 GASTON COUNTY TRAILS ON TOP LIST

CharlotteFive recently profiled 21 of the best hiking trails in the Charlotte region, and Gaston County boasts 5 of them! From the challenging Crowders Mountain to the scenic Duke Kimbrell Trail, our county offers a variety of trails for all skill levels. Discover your next adventure here!

🎗️ 30 YEARS OF WALKING WITH PURPOSE

House of Mercy hosts its 30th Annual Walk for AIDS on Saturday, May 3 in Belmont. Enjoy music, vendors, free testing, and a 1–2 mile walk through downtown. Proceeds support those living with HIV/AIDS. $30 registration includes a t-shirt. Learn more and join the walk for hope!

🪴 PLANTS SICK? THE DOCTOR’S IN!

The Plant Clinic is back in session! Bring your troubled trees, browning bushes, or finicky flowers to the Gaston County Extension Office in Dallas. Master Gardeners will be available from 3 – 5 p.m. on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays during the growing season (April–October). The next clinic is May 6. 

📰  QUICK BITES

• Craving something new? Try the JakeDawg at Belmont Drive-In—a wild, tasty twist on tradition! 

• New murals at Daniel Stowe! Meet the artist and explore the garden’s latest vibrant additions.

• The Friends of the Gaston County Library Book Sale is April 21–26. Support your library!

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, APRIL 17

Master Gardener Group of Gaston County presents Brie Arthur
📍Citizens Resource Center in Dallas
⏰10 - 11 a.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend the presentation by bestselling author and horticulturist Brie Arthur. Discover stunning plant pairings, native varieties, and practical tips to create a vibrant, easy-to-grow garden that thrives year-round. More Details.   

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park in Belmont
📅 Every Thursday (April - October)
⏰ 4 - 7 p.m.
✨ Stop by to purchase local fruits, veggies, sustainably-raised meat, fresh baked goods, and unique crafts. More Details.

Montcross Chamber Low Country Boil
📍128 North Main Street in Belmont
⏰5:30 - 8 p.m.
Enjoy a classic coastal dinner prepared by Saltwater Market. Each ticket includes a low country boil meal and one beer or wine ticket, with a cash bar available. **Only 20 tickets left!** More Details.

Board Game Night
📍Belmont Bookshop in Belmont
⏰6:30 - 8 p.m.
Game lovers unite! All skill levels are welcome. Play board games, meet new friends, and enjoy a fun evening of friendly competition. Free to attend, registration is encouraged. More Details.

FRIDAY, APRIL 18

Find Your Path To Spring
📍Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
📅 Friday, April 18 - Sunday, April 20
⏰times vary
Celebrate spring with guided walks, live music, nature talks, and kids’ crafts. Discover your favorite way to explore the outdoors. On Sunday, don’t miss Spring Trails & Cottontails—a festive Easter celebration with live bunnies, games, crafts, face painting, story time, and a candy vendor market. More Details.

SATURDAY, APRIL 19

Belmont Easter Egg Hunt
📍Downtown Belmont in Belmont
⏰11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Enjoy free face painting and photos with the Easter Bunny. Egg hunts for ages 0–3, 4–6, 7–9, and 10–12 start at 11:30 a.m.—don’t forget your basket! More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue in Gastonia
📅 Every Saturday (in April)
⏰ 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (April - October)
✨ Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details.

Jeep and Easter Egg Hunt Festival
📍 Dallas Lavender Lane Farm
⏰10 a.m.
Enjoy music, craft and food vendors, a Jeep show, Easter egg hunt with prizes, bounce house, and more. Kids will love the playground and petting zoo.  More Details.

Kids Easter EGG-stravaganza
📍Connections Church in Belmont
⏰11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Enjoy egg hunts, Nerf wars, hayrides, crafts, games, food, and Easter Bunny photos at this free, family-friendly event for all ages! More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St. in Mount Holly
📅 Every Saturday (April - October)
⏰ 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
✨ This market supports local farms, promotes fresh local food, and educates the community on growing their own food. More Details.

Volunteer Work Day at Crowders Mountain
📍522 Park Office Lane in Kings Mountain
⏰8:30 a.m.
Join the Friends of Crowders Mountain to help restore trails after hurricane damage. Meet at Sparrow Springs Visitor Center—tools, snacks, and more provided! Event is weather dependent. More Details.

Movies in the Park presenting Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
📍Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰8 p.m.
Enjoy big screen fun, free retro games, classic concessions, and gourmet eats. Bring chairs, blankets, and come early for the best spot. More Details.

Spring Fest
📍Patriots Park in Kings Mountain
⏰11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Enjoy 10,000 Easter eggs, games, prizes, bounce houses, face painting, food trucks, and free treats. Plus, live performances and fun for the whole family. More Details.

Wild and Whimsy Spring Block Party Sale
 📍231 E. Main Ave in Gastonia
⏰9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Celebrate spring with local vendors, garden goods, home décor, and more! Don’t miss the Vegetable Garden Workshop at 11 a.m. or 3 p.m.  More Details.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22 (🌍EARTH DAY!🌍)

Monthly Veterans Lunch
📍Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Gastonia
⏰11:30 a.m.  - 1p.m.
All veterans are invited to enjoy a soup and sandwich lunch on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Those interested should RSVP by tomorrow by calling 704-864-0378.   

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.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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