Coming Together to Feed Our Neighbors

Tomorrow is the big day, and the best part of all is that this year it falls on a Friday. That means one thing in my house: we can sleep in.

Of course, “sleeping in” means different things to different people. At my house, anything past 5:30 a.m. qualifies. Even 6:30 feels like a luxury. A win is a win, and I’ll take it every time.

But while I’m looking forward to a slower Saturday morning, it will mean something very different for more than 36,000 Gaston County residents who are losing their federal food assistance because of the government shutdown.

All week, my search for good-news stories has been replaced by post after post from local food pantries asking for help. With the federal pause on SNAP benefits starting Saturday, the panic is setting in, and understandably so.

Rising food prices and reduced government support have already strained local resources. Now, demand is far outpacing supply. Here’s what I’ve seen this week:

• Mount Holly’s Community Relief Organization served 33 households on Wednesday, double its usual number. They need soup, pasta sauce, jelly, and kids’ snack bars.
  

• Bountiful Blessings Food Pantry is seeking donations from families, churches, and workplaces to get through November. They’re asking for canned goods, peanut butter, spaghetti, and hearty soups.
  

• Dallas Christian Ministry is leaning on faith and community to keep serving through uncertainty. Donations are needed more than ever.
  

• Gaston County has shared a new Community Food Resource Guide listing all local pantries for those who need help or want to give.

In my 25 years living here, I’ve seen one thing again and again: when our neighbors are in need, Gaston County shows up. Big time. And I believe this moment will be no different.

So let’s close out October on a high note. Let’s enjoy Halloween: the costumes, the candy, and all of the fun. But come Saturday, let’s channel that same energy into helping our neighbors as we start a new month to meet this challenge.

Thank you for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🍎 GASTON COUNTY LAUNCHES EMERGENCY FOOD DRIVE AMID SNAP PAUSE

With over 36,000 residents facing possible food shortages due to the federal SNAP halt, Gaston County and Gaston Cares launched a countywide food drive. Collection sites open today at county offices and libraries. WIC and Meals on Wheels remain active.

☕ ARBOR COFFEE’S JAKE POOLE BETS ON HOMETOWN GRIT

Erica Southers spotlights Jake Poole, Gastonia-born owner of Arbor Coffee inside Loray Mill. After years near Lake Norman, he returned home, chasing coffee, community, and leadership. Year one’s strong, fueled by “gritty, early-stage energy.” Poole believes Gastonia’s momentum is building, and Arbor aims to be a gathering spot for neighbors.

🎄 GASTON COUNTY UNVEILS NOVEMBER EVENT LINEUP

Gaston County Tourism Development has released its full list of November happenings, featuring parades, plays, festivals, and early holiday favorites like The Chutes at Crowders Springs and Holiday Lights at the Garden. Explore the complete calendar of community events across the county.

🌿 GASTONIA’S FALLS FAMILY FARMS NABS THIRD IN CHARLOTTE’S BEST

Falls Family Farms took home third place in the Charlotte Observer’s Charlotte’s Best awards for Best Gardening Center/Greenhouse. The Gastonia grower, nearing two years with its greenhouse and 18 months with its farm shop, thanked voters for recognizing a local favorite built on plants, classes, and community.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

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GO-SEE-DO GASTON

PLAN AHEAD

Holidays at the Garden
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont
📅 Friday, November 28 - Saturday, December 27
⏰ 5–10 p.m.
Step into a sparkling wonderland with millions of lights, festive fountains, and cozy fireside treats. Enjoy Santa visits, train rides, live music, and an adults-only speakeasy. More Details.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Glenway Street, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Shop local produce, baked goods, and handmade items in the heart of downtown Belmont. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, farm-fresh meats, homemade baked goods, and locally grown flowers. More Details.

Trunk or Treat + 90s Concert at CaroMont Health Park
📍 800 W. Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 5–10 p.m.
Family-friendly Halloween festival featuring trunk-or-treating, costume contests, food, and live music from 90s Kids. Presented by Gastonia East Rotary and the City of Gastonia. More Details.

Halloween Boo Bash
📍 203 McAdenville Rd, Lowell
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Enjoy crafts, games, and activities for all ages at this family-friendly Halloween celebration hosted by TECH at Lowell. More Details.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

Friday Night Football
📍 various stadiums
⏰ 7:30 p.m.
Get ready for a big night of local football action! Matchups include Ashbrook at Huss; North Gaston at Forestview; Stuart Cramer at East Gaston; Cherryville at Bessemer City; South Point vs Ambassador Christian. (Updated - 10/30/25)

Spookeasy at Farmhouse
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, Belmont
⏰ 5 - 8 p.m.
Step back into the Roaring Twenties at this spooky speakeasy party with jazz, cocktails, and fall fun. More Details.

Great Pumpkin Parade
📍 Patriots Park, Kings Mountain
⏰ 10 a.m.
Bring the whole family to Kings Mountain’s festive Halloween parade with floats, candy, and costumed participants. More Details.

Trick or Treat on the Square
📍 Dallas Historic Square, Dallas
⏰ 5:30 –7:30 p.m.
Join local businesses for a night of family-friendly trick-or-treating around Dallas’ charming historic square. More Details.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 (🕑Daylight Savings Time Ends🕑)

Gaston County Cars & Coffee
📍 Martha Rivers Park, Gastonia
⏰ 8 a.m.
Car enthusiasts gather to showcase classic, vintage, and specialty vehicles. Free admission and open to the public. Family-friendly event. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced produce, farm-fresh meats, homemade baked goods, and locally grown flowers. More Details.

Pumpkin Chunkin’
📍 Schiele Museum, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Watch pumpkins soar through the sky during this annual fall favorite at the Schiele. A fun, family-friendly celebration of science and autumn. More Details.

Cramerton Turkey Shoot
📍 Goat Island, Cramerton
⏰ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Take your best shot and win prizes at this local tradition on Goat Island. Perfect for families and friends. More Details.

Movies in the Park: The Wizard of Oz
📍 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 7 p.m.
Follow the yellow brick road to Stowe Park for The Wizard of Oz under the stars. More Details.

House of Hair: Tribute to 80’s Metal w/ Bona Lisa
📍 The Rooster, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30–10:30 p.m.
Rock out with House of Hair and Bona Lisa in an electric night of classic 80s anthems. Limited seating, all ages welcome. More Details.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers
📍 Lambeau Field, Green Bay
⏰ 1 p.m. (FOX)
Historic Lambeau Field hosts this chilly Week 9 matchup.

10th Annual Halloween SUP-or-Treat & Bonfire
📍 South Point Boat Launch Access, Belmont
⏰ 12–4 p.m.
Paddle in costume with Anchored Soul for this spooktacular lake event featuring treats, prizes, and a post-paddle bonfire with s’mores. More Details.

Mount Holly Museum Grand Opening
📍 414 E. Central Ave, Mount Holly
⏰ 2–5 p.m.
Celebrate the opening of the new Mount Holly Museum during this community open house. Bring friends, family, and neighbors. More Details.

Veterans Celebration
📍 Upper Field of Stowe Park, 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 3–5 p.m.
Honor the brave men and women who’ve served our country with recognition, military displays, and veteran-focused vendors. Come together as a community to show gratitude. More Details.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 (🌕Full Moon Tonight!🌕)

Election Day
📍 various locations
⏰ 6:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Polls are open for the 2025 Municipal Election. Cast your vote at your designated polling location in Gaston County. More Details.

LitFlix Book Club: Deliverance
📍 Belmont Bookshop, Belmont
⏰ 6:30–9 p.m.
Purchase the monthly book beforehand, then compare Deliverance’s original text to key film scenes with lively discussion, laughs, adaptation insights, and free popcorn. 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.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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