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

My wife Jillian said something yesterday that made me laugh: “I forgot how much I hate summer.” She meant the heat. (And the bugs.) I tried to spin it—“Yeah, but you have the long days and there’s so much to do!”

What I didn’t tell her? We’ve got about three more months of this. In the wise words of Karen Carpenter: We’ve only just begun.

Sure, summer can be sweaty and brutal. But there are perks. 

Ever since Sweet Grace—Dallas’ new little ice cream and candy shop—opened last fall, I’ve had this vision of walking up there on a warm summer night.

Last night, I made it happen. I took my 4-year-old Amelia and her friend Kennedy up there around 7 p.m., and the sun was still shining. That’s how you do summer!

But that’s just one way to do summer. There are plenty of other ways. Sure, it’s the season of hot, sweaty, and sticky—but there are sweet little moments waiting to be stolen. You just won’t find them from the comfort of your air-conditioned couch.

Thanks for reading!

Ben

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

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GASTON COLLEGE FOUNDATION

✨RHINO CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT ✨

June 23, 2025 - Just 4 Days Away - Supporting Gaston College Athletics!

• Championship tournament at the prestigious Gaston Country Club

• Registration begins 8:30 a.m. with complimentary breakfast, followed by 10 a.m. shotgun start

• Fun skill competitions including putting contests and driving challenges for players of every level

• Enjoy tropical tiki bar refreshments, ice-cold snow cones and frozen slushies throughout your round

Join fellow golfers and community champions as we rally behind Gaston College student-athletes, helping them excel both academically and athletically. Final spots filling fast - don't miss out!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🐾 GASTON ANIMAL SHELTER AT CRITICAL CAPACITY

Gaston County Animal Care & Enforcement is in crisis—92 animals arrived last week, but only 32 found homes. They’re pleading for fosters, adopters, and shares. If you can help, act fast. Lives depend on it.

🫐 FRESH PICKED & IN SEASON

The Gastonia Farmers Market shared a handy NC State Extension chart showing when fruits and veggies are in season. Since all the produce that is sold at that market is locally grown and farm-verified, you won’t see watermelons until July—and corn just arrived! It’s a great tool to shop fresh and local.

📣 GASTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION NAMES NEW PRESIDENT

After 15 years at the helm, Ernest Sumner will retire June 30 as President of the Gaston Community Foundation. Richard Rankin, former Gaston Day School head and past GCF president, will succeed him. Elizabeth Patton has been promoted to Executive Vice President. Both are Gaston County natives. 

🎯 TAKE THE 101 SCREEN-FREE SUMMER CHALLENGE

Parents and grandparents, can you complete this list? With over 101 screen-free summer activities—like sidewalk chalk, slime, backyard campouts, and more—it’s a fun way to make lasting memories. Print the list, pick a few each week, and let the unplugged adventures begin!

🥢 BEP-PA IS MOVING (BUT STAYING LOCAL!)

Big news from Bep-pa, Gastonia’s go-to for authentic Asian cuisine! They’ve closed on a new home just down Union Road in the old Mickey Chow’s Buffet building. The larger space means more seating, faster service, a bigger menu—and they’ll be able to serve alcohol. Renovations will take time, but they’re staying rooted in Gastonia.

🆕 GASTON UNITED WAY UNVEILS NEW NAME AND LOGO

After 72 years of community service, United Way of Gaston County has rebranded as Gaston County United Way. At their annual celebration, they revealed a refreshed logo and renewed focus: “don’t raise money, raise people.” The update honors their history while signaling bold new ideas ahead.

📺 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: PBS FEATURES GASTONIA + MOUNT HOLLY

Two local gems just got statewide love! Last week, PBS’s North Carolina Weekend featured The Rooster in Gastonia—a welcoming all-ages music venue—and Cleary’s Bookstore in Mount Holly, a cozy indie shop known for its book clubs, Hogwarts ceiling, and community spirit. Black Sheep Coffee even made a cameo!

📚 HISTORICAL FICTION TRILOGY LAUNCHES IN CRAMERTON

Join author Dixie Abernathy for the pre-launch of Cramerton: A Trilogy on June 28 at the Cramerton Historical Museum. Book one, Promise of A Nation, explores the town’s roots from 1775–1864. Free to attend, with a short talk and book signing from 9 - 11 a.m.

🌯 NEW FLAVORS COMING TO BELMONT

Belmont’s food scene is heating up! Sake Express is now open in the former Estia’s spot and already drawing crowds. Meanwhile, Chipotle is on the way, coming soon to the shopping center where Aldi is located. Burritos and hibachi? Yes, please.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Local farmers and vendors bring fresh produce and homemade goods to downtown Belmont. More Details.

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

Job Fair
📍 1555 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Meet employers hiring now at the Main Library branch. Come dressed to impress! More Details.

Growing and Harvesting Flavorful Teas
📍 Citizens Resource Center, 1303 Dallas–Cherryville Hwy, Dallas
⏰ 10–11 a.m.
The Master Gardener Group of Gaston County welcomes author and garden expert Jodi Helmer. Discover how to grow, harvest, and brew your own flavorful herbal teas. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. Lexington Legends
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. More Details.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

The Secret Garden – Kings Mountain Little Theatre
📍 202 S Railroad Ave, Kings Mountain
📅 Friday, June 20 - Sunday, June 22
⏰ times vary
A beloved classic comes to life on stage for all ages to enjoy. More Details.

Milltown Nights
📍 Ranlo Park, Ranlo
⏰ 5 - 9 p.m.
Enjoy music, food, and community fun as Milltown Nights returns to Ranlo. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 7–10 p.m. More Details.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fresh fruits, veggies, meats, baked goods, and flowers from Gaston growers. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers’ Market
📍 313 S. Battleground Ave., Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Weekly farmers market with local produce, crafts, and more in historic downtown. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
The county’s largest all-volunteer market features fresh, local, and seasonal finds. More Details.

Muddy River Distillery 150th Party
📍 250 N Main St, Mt Holly, NC
⏰ 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Celebrate 150 years of this historic building with music, food, cocktails, and festivities. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 7–10 p.m. More Details.

Movies in the Park: Ratatouille
📍 24 S. Main St., Belmont
⏰ 8 – 10 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy Ratatouille under the stars at Stowe Park. Free fun for all ages! More Details.

Catawba River Skate Competition
📍 Belmont Skate Park, 1401 E Catawba St, Belmont
⏰ 3 p.m.
Skaters of all ages and skills compete at this third community event. Spectators welcome. More Details.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

Dallas Farmers Market at Sandcastle
📍147 Sandcastle Rd, Dallas
⏰ 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Weekly market with local vendors, food truck, full bar, and family fun at Sandcastle. Enjoy live music, shop small, and support local farmers. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 4–7 p.m. More Details.

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

Cherryville Main Street Farmers Market
📍 Cherryville Mini Park, Cherryville
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Support local farmers and artisans in the heart of downtown Cherryville. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Your midweek stop for farm-fresh goods, meats, and baked treats. More Details.

Veterans Lunch
📍 805 S. York St., Gastonia
⏰ 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Veterans are invited to a free lunch hosted monthly at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs High Point Rockers
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 6:30–9:30 p.m. More Details.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs High Point Rockers
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 12:30–3:30 p.m. 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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