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

I know I’ve said this is a place for good news—and it is. But I just finished watching that viral video from Ashbrook High School, and I can’t get it out of my head.

What can I say? It’s brutal. It was brutal when my wife told me about it—I didn’t even want to see it. Hearing about it was bad enough.

But my wife is a strong advocate for those with special needs, and she showed me. And once you see something like that, you can’t unsee it.

If the reports are true and the victim is autistic, that makes it even worse. On the surface, without knowing all the details, it just looks like an unprovoked attack on a student minding their own business.

Maybe there’s more to the story. Maybe an investigation will tell us something different. But do we really need more information? No matter the circumstances, that kind of violence is hard to watch. And no one deserves what that victim went through.

There’s a lot of cruelty in the world. Bad news happens in our county. Normally, we focus on the good in this space. But that doesn’t mean we pretend the bad doesn’t exist.

Sometimes, we just have to acknowledge it when we see it. And then, we do our part to put a little more kindness back into the world—to tip the scales back in the right direction.

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!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🌶️ MEET PEPPY: THE GASTONIA GHOST PEPPERS’ NEW MASCOT

Gastonia, meet Peppy! This fiery new mascot is ready to bring the heat on Opening Night, April 25. But not everyone’s a fan—some say he’s a little... creepy. What do you think? Even Jesse Cole, former Gastonia Grizzlies owner and now owner of the Savannah Bananas, shared his thoughts!

🎵 BELMONT'S FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE RETURNS IN 2025

Belmont's beloved summer concert series, Friday Night Live,  is back with five exciting nights of music! This free community event features live bands, DJ entertainment, and a special July 4th performance as part of Red, White & Belmont. Bring lawn chairs, enjoy great music and celebrate summer in Downtown Belmont.

🥪 PENN STATION COMING TO GASTONIA

Penn Station is opening a new Gastonia location in the former Bank of America building at 2950 Union Road. Interviews this week signal a projected opening next month, expanding their Gaston County presence. Known for grilled subs, fresh-cut fries, and hand-squeezed lemonade.

🌸 SPRING BREAK GIVEAWAY: FUN FOR THE KIDS

Spring Break is almost here, and Erica Southers with BNT Realty is making it extra fun for one lucky family! She’s teamed up with three local businesses to give away a class at The Activity Playhouse, a play session (plus a snack!) at WeKango Play, and four day passes to The Schiele Museum. Deadline to enter is tomorrow (Friday) at 4 p.m. Enter today!

🍦 DOWNSTAIRS ICE CREAM GRAND OPENING IN DOWNTOWN GASTONIA

Downstairs Ice Cream celebrates its Grand Opening on Thursday, April 3 at 167 West Main Ave They are now open Tuesday-Saturday, serving handcrafted, small-batch ice cream in the heart of Downtown Gastonia. Join the celebration and treat yourself to some sweet local flavor!

🌽 SHOP LOCAL: FARMERS’ MARKETS IN GASTON COUNTY & BEYOND

Charlotte on the Cheap has compiled a listing of farmers' markets in Gaston County and beyond. Many of them start up full-time next month. Farmers' markets are a great way to connect with local growers and find the freshest produce, meats, and more.

🏆 CHERRYVILLE PUBLIC WORKS HONORED AS NC MAIN STREET CHAMPION

Congrats to the City of Cherryville Public Works & Electrical Dept on earning the 2024 NC Main Street Champion award! Their dedication, hard work, and passion help make Cherryville a welcoming and beautiful community. 

📰  QUICK BITES

• Whataburger's new East Franklin Boulevard location opens in May, offering 150 jobs and 24-hour dining.

• You still have less than 5 days to enter to win a two-night stay at The Villa at Water's Edge, featuring local dining and attractions.

• North Carolina has issued a statewide burn ban due to high fire risk, canceling all existing permits while exempting cooking appliances.

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, MARCH 27

Business After Hours featuring Crisis Assistance Ministries
📍805 W Airline Ave. in Gastonia
⏰4 - 6 p.m.
Network with fellow professionals at Gaston Business Association’s Business After Hours, featuring Crisis Assistance Ministries. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, make connections, and stay updated on the local business scene.  More Details.

The United Way of Gaston County presents Purse Power
📍Gaston Country Club in Gastonia 
⏰5 - 9 p.m.
Enjoy a stylish ladies' night fundraiser featuring designer purse raffles and silent auctions. All proceeds support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and early childhood literacy initiatives. More Details.

Trivia Night at Cavendish
📍Cavendish in Gastonia
⏰7 p.m.
Enjoy a fun-filled evening of brain-teasing questions. Gather your team, grab a pint, and show off your smarts. Free to play.  More Details.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28

#FoodTruckFridays
📍Park Street United Methodist Church in Belmont
⏰5 p.m.
Grab a bite and support a great cause. This event raises funds for the Belmont Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, the Belmont Police Department and more. Enjoy delicious eats while giving back! More Details.

Concert & Movie Night
📍Centennial Center in Cramerton
⏰Concert starts at 6 p.m.; Movie starts at 8 p.m.
Kick off the night with a free concert from Small Town Sunday at 6 p.m., and then stick around for an outdoor screening of Moana 2 at 8 p.m. Bring a blanket and enjoy music, movies, and community fun. More Details.

LCS Lincolnton High School Theater presents The SpongeBob Musical
📍Cherryville Little Theater
📆 Thursday, March 28 - Sunday, March 30
⏰times vary
When a volcano threatens Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob and his friends must work together to save their home. Don’t miss this exciting underwater adventure!  More Details.

The Belmont Abbey Players presents William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
📍 Haid Theater in Belmont
📆 Thursday, March 28 - Sunday, March 30
⏰times vary
Shakespeare’s classic comedy weaves mistaken identities, unrequited love, and delightful mischief as Viola, shipwrecked and disguised as a man, finds herself entangled in a web of romance and deception. More Details.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29

Zoom & Bloom 5K & Kids Run
📍Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont
⏰9 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Race into spring on a stunning trail with lakefront views and a scenic start/finish line! Kids can dash a quarter-mile around the new crushed concrete loop, fully visible from the Trailhead Store for prime cheering. More Details.

Garden Fest
📍1303 Dallas Cherryville Hwy. in Dallas
⏰10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Presented by Master Gardener Volunteers in Gaston County, this free, family-friendly event offers crafts, gardening education, games, and food. Everyone is welcome to join the fun! More Details.

Meet and Bleat at the Farm featuring Sheep and Goats
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰11 a.m.
Welcome spring with some adorable farm friends! Enjoy a day dedicated to sheep and goats—featuring special keeper talks, hands-on activities, and the chance to pet and feed these lovable animals. More Details.

Patio Pints
📍The River Room in McAdenville
⏰4 - 8 p.m.
Sip on monthly drink and cocktail specials while enjoying warm weather, cozy patio vibes, and stunning river views. It’s the perfect spot to relax and connect with great company! More Details.

SUNDAY, MARCH 30

Art Market with CLT Street Art Collaborative
📍Confluence in Cramerton
⏰2 - 4 p.m.
Visitors can find unique, one-of-a-kind artwork at Confluence, showcasing talented artists in a creative and inspiring space. More Details.

MONDAY, MARCH 31

Lift Your Spirit Film Series featuring Ordinary Angels
📍Gaston County Public Library (1555 East Garrison Boulevard) in Gastonia
⏰6 - 8 p.m.
Based on an incredible true story, this powerful film follows a determined hairdresser who rallies an entire community to help a widowed father save his critically ill daughter.  More Details.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

South Fork Run Club
📍Confluence in Cramerton
⏰6 - 7 p.m.
Participants can enjoy scenic 2-mile and 4-mile routes along the South Fork River. After the run, join fellow enthusiasts for refreshing drinks and weekly specials at Confluence. More Details.

THURSDAY, APRIL 3

Downtown Gastonia Caffeine and Conversation
📍The Sumner Group in Gastonia
⏰9:30 - 11 a.m.
Connect with local business leaders, residents, and public servants over coffee in downtown Gastonia. Engage in dynamic discussions, network, and share ideas to help shape the community. More Details.

Mornings He(ART)
📍121 West Main Avenue in Gastonia
⏰8:00 a.m.
This monthly gathering is designed to bring together Gaston County’s artists, arts organizations, and creatives for an inspiring morning over coffee. Attendees can share projects, seek advice, network, and collaborate in a welcoming atmosphere. More Details.

PLAN AHEAD

Gaston College's Bowl-A-Rama
📍George Pappas' Liberty Lanes in Gastonia
📆 Saturday, May 3
⏰11:00 a.m.
Proceeds from this event will support student scholarships, the Student Emergency Assistance Program, Mo’s Pantry, and Athletics at Gaston College. With a goal of $15,000, this event is an opportunity for the community to come together and make a lasting impact. Sign up today and bowl for a brighter future! 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.

#GASTONGRAM

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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