The Quiet Gift of January

Some folks say January is the longest month of the year. Technically, it’s tied with six others. What they really mean is that January feels like the longest month of the year, especially coming off December, which overachieves year after year.

December has loosened its grip on us, allowing the calendar to finally open up. We can breathe again. 

January isn’t bossy like December. It doesn’t tell you where to be or what to do, which makes it the perfect month to try something new. Or revisit something old. Your call.

Hit a trail. Try a new restaurant. Or go back to an old favorite you haven’t visited in years. After all, we did lose R.O.’s Bar-B-Que in 2025.

Walk a new greenway. Walk a familiar one. If Gaston County has anything in abundance, it’s places to get outside and wander.

Meet a new friend for coffee. Or catch up with an old one. Coffee with friends has a way of making everything feel lighter.

January feels like a clean slate. A reset. A chance to start something or return to something you let slip.

And maybe, just maybe, this will be the January we finally get a little snow.

Hey, we can only hope.

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

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

❄️ ICE SCULPTURES AT STOWE BRING WINTER MAGIC

Visitors can explore a glowing winter wonderland at Daniel Stowe Conservancy January 16–17, featuring 20 towering ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations, illuminated holiday displays, and family-friendly fun across the gardens during evening walk-through experiences.

🚌 TRAVEL TO THE ARK ENCOUNTER THIS SPRING

First Methodist Church in Mount Holly is organizing a chartered trip to Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum on April 20–23, 2026. The four-day trip includes lodging, meals, museum admission, and motorcoach travel, with spots for 30 participants. ($)

🟡 HELLO, GASTON! NOW WELCOMING LOCAL BUSINESS ADVERTISERS

A small number of advertising slots are now available for businesses looking to connect with Hello, Gaston!’s loyal weekly readers. It’s a strong opportunity to raise your profile and reach engaged hometown customers. Local business owners are encouraged to reach out and learn more about partnering.

⚾ LOOKING AHEAD TO GHOST PEPPERS BASEBALL IN 2026

Only 106 days away from Opening Day at CaroMont Health Park! The Gastonia Ghost Peppers 2026 schedule features a July 4 home game, long homestands, and frequent matchups with High Point as Gastonia eyes another postseason run at CaroMont Health Park.

🚸 BELMONT AWARDED $25 MILLION FEDERAL SAFETY GRANT

The City of Belmont secured $25 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to improve pedestrian and bike safety across the city. Funding supports safer routes connecting schools, Belmont Abbey College, downtown, and high-injury corridors, with upgrades expected to significantly reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities over the next five years.

🎙️ SAVVY CITIZEN PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS WINTER WARMING CENTER

On Monday, Adam Gaub dropped a new episode of Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast featuring Dandria Bradley, Crystal Walls, and Pastor Eddie Piercy. The conversation explored a community-led winter warming center supported by HealthNet Gaston, Unity Baptist Church, the City of Gastonia, and Gaston County.

📰  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

The Chutes: Winter Tubing
📍 Crowders Springs, 4914 Linwood Road, Kings Mountain
📅 Now through Saturday, February 28
⏰ times vary
Snowless tubing lanes, campfire treats, and family fun supporting Crowders Camps near Crowders Mountain. Recommended for ages five and up. More Details. ($)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8

Downtown Gastonia Caffeine and Conversation
📍 CaroMont Health Park, 800 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 9:30–11 a.m.
Enjoy coffee and conversation with downtown Gastonia business leaders, residents, and community partners during this casual networking meetup hosted by the Gaston Business Association. More Details.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9

Trivia at Trailhead
📍 Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont
⏰ 6–7 p.m.
Test your gardening and nature knowledge with Trailhead-style trivia while enjoying specialty coffee, hot cocoa, and prizes for top teams. More Details.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10

Carolina Panthers vs. Los Angeles Rams (NFC Wild Card)
📍 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
⏰ 4:30 p.m. (FOX)
Postseason football comes to Charlotte as the Carolina Panthers host the Los Angeles Rams in a high-stakes NFC Wild Card matchup. Go Panthers!

Rocky Road Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
📍 Whitewater, 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte
⏰ 7 a.m. start
Run a road-to-trail race through the Whitewater Center’s parkway and trail system with distances for every pace and experience level. More Details.

Falls Family Farm Pop-Up
📍 Falls Family Farms, 2954 Forbes Rd, Gastonia
⏰ 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Shop a large selection of plants while enjoying pie slices, whole pies, and fresh lemonade from Wendy’s Pies during this special pop-up. More Details.

10th Annual Oyster Roast
📍 Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill, 1860 Black Highway, York, SC
📅 January 10 & 11
⏰ 12:30–5 p.m.
All-you-can-eat oysters, hard cider, live music, and roaring fires make this popular winter tradition a can’t-miss ticketed event. More Details.

Garden Photography Walk
📍 Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 8–10 a.m.
Slow down, enjoy nature, and sharpen photography skills during a guided walk with a professional photographer at Daniel Stowe Conservancy. All skill levels welcome. More Details.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11

Belmont Farmers Market (Winter Market)
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
The Belmont Farmers Market moves to Sundays in 2026, meeting biweekly January through March with local vendors, seasonal goods, and community favorites. More Details.

January Plant Swap & Shop
📍 128 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 12–3 p.m.
Bring a plant to swap or shop local plant vendors at this pet- and kid-friendly event hosted at Traust Brewing in downtown Mount Holly. More Details.

MONDAY, JANUARY 12

America 250 Historical Fiction Film Series: Johnny Tremain
📍 1555 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia
⏰ 6–8 p.m.
Enjoy a free screening of Johnny Tremain, a classic American Revolution story told through a young apprentice connected to Paul Revere. More Details.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13

Small Business Networking Event
📍 The Holland, 100 N. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Meet and connect with Mount Holly-area business owners during this free networking event featuring speed networking and food at a local restaurant. 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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