Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

I heard the other day that Gaston College’s baseball team is playing at Sims Legion Park. I just love that field! Opening on April 10 in 1950, it’s a field with history, character, and a soul of its own. Summer baseball may be a thing of the past there, but any baseball at Sims is better than none.

It’s almost as if the boys of summer have become the boys of winter—that’s just how the college baseball season works.

However, with the weather we’ve had this week and what’s on the way this weekend, there may not be a better time to catch a game.

If you have a soft spot for baseball at Sims, you’ll appreciate Wiley Cash’s Garden & Gun essay (June/July 2018) about his love for the ballpark. After reading it, you might love Sims even more—enough to watch the boys of winter channel the spirit of summers past.

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)

🏆 MONTCROSS AREA CHAMBER HONORS COMMUNITY LEADERS

The Montcross Area Chamber will recognize outstanding community contributions at its 65th Annual Celebration tonight in Mount Holly. Honorees include Duke Energy line workers (Business of the Year), Ted Hall & Teresa Rankin (EPIC Award), and the late Belmont Mayor Richard Turner (Public Service Award). 

🥐 EVERYDAY MARKET SHINES IN SOUTHPARK MAGAZINE

Belmont’s own Everyday Market made SouthPark Magazine’s list of top markets and all-day cafes! Known for European-inspired pastries, craft coffee, and fresh-baked toasts, this cozy spot is a must-visit. [SouthPark Magazine]

❤️ FEBRUARY IS LISTENER LOVE MONTH AT WSGE

WSGE 91.7 FM, Gaston College’s radio station, is celebrating its listeners all month long with weekly giveaways and special Open Studio Sessions for a behind-the-scenes look at the station. Fans can visit with their favorite DJs while live on-air on February 12, 21, and 22. RSVP your spot today.

🚧 GASTONIA’S $2M GRANT TO BRIDGE THE DIVIDE

Gastonia has secured a $2M federal grant for Project CHANGE, a study exploring capping the downtown railroad ditch to better connect the Highland community. The project aims to boost safety, access, and economic growth. The city will contribute $500K toward the study.

🏡 HELP STOCK THE STRONG LIKE AK HOUSE!

Opening March 6 in Mount Holly, the Strong Like AK House will provide a home for pediatric patients and their families traveling for cancer treatment. Organizers are asking the community to help stock the house to create a welcoming space for guests. 

🍽️ NESSIE’S SCRATCH KITCHEN NOW OPEN

A dream come true—Nessie’s Scratch Kitchen & Catering is now open and serving up soul food, chicken salad, chef salads, and more! Visit them at 205 E. Third Ave in Gastonia every Thursday thru Saturday. Check out their menu for this week. Stop by and taste the love in every bite!

✨ NIGHT TO SHINE PROM RETURNS FEB. 7

Southminster Church in Gastonia and Anthony Grove Baptist Church in Crouse are hosting the annual Night to Shine Prom, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This unforgettable event gives individuals with special needs a red carpet experience, dancing, limousines, and more! Learn more and celebrate this incredible night of love and joy!

🍪 FIND YOUR GIRL SCOUT COOKIES! 

Girl Scout Cookies have arrived! Scouts have begun setting up booths at local businesses on weekends. If Girl Scout Cookies don’t find you, you can find them by using the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder. Don’t miss your chance to grab your favorite cookies!

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6

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.

Downtown Gastonia Caffeine and Conversation
📍CaroMont Health Park 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.

Gaston Christian School presents The Sound of Music
📍Gaston Christian School in Gastonia
📆 February 6 - 8
⏰Time vary
Experience the beloved musical classic at Gaston Christian School! Follow Maria and the Von Trapp family’s inspiring journey of love, hope, and courage. Don’t miss this timeless story live on stage!  More Details.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Gaston Day School presents Once Upon a Mattress
📍Gaston Day School in Gastonia
⏰times vary
📆 February 7 - 9
A delightful theatrical production of the classic musical comedy! Join us for a whimsical tale of princesses, romance, and royal shenanigans. Perfect for theater lovers and families seeking a magical evening of entertainment. More Details.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Monthly Pinball Tournament
📍CityCade in Gastonia
⏰7 - 10 p.m.
Test your pinball skills at the IFPA Monthly Tournament every 2nd Saturday! More Details.

Pickin’ on the Porch featuring Sam Wilson Morris
📍The Trailhead Store in Belmont
⏰2 - 4 p.m.
Enjoy live local music with warm drinks, s’mores, bonfires, and cozy vibes. Bundle up and beat the winter blues! Weather permitting. More Details.

College Baseball: Catawba Valley Redhawks at Gaston College Rhinos
📍Sims Legion Park in Gastonia
⏰Doubleheader: 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
College Baseball Showdown! Catch the Rhinos when they take on the Catawba Valley Redhawks in an action-packed doubleheader! Expect big hits, great plays, and fierce competition. More Details.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Belmont Farmers Market - Winter Market
📍Stowe Park in Belmont
⏰11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Shop local this winter for fresh produce, handmade goods, baked treats, and unique gifts from familiar vendors, all in a cozy outdoor setting. More Details.

Super Bowl LIX: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles
📍Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
⏰6:30 p.m. on FOX
Super Bowl LIX is just days away, featuring a rematch of Super Bowl LVII. The reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs seek an unprecedented three-peat against the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly, led by Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts, hopes to avenge its past loss. Can the Eagles stop Kansas City’s dynasty?

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 (🌕Full Moon Tonight!)

Free Tuesday at The Schiele Museum (sponsored by Duke Energy)
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰4 - 8 p.m.
Explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits at no cost. No registration needed—just drop by for an unforgettable afternoon and evening of discovery! More Details.

Family Game Night
📍Gaston County Public Library (Garrison Blvd.) in Gastonia
⏰6 p.m.
Enjoy board games, card games, and more for a fun-filled evening with family and friends. Come play, laugh, and make memories together! More Details. 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Bring Your Own Vinyl Night
📍Confluence in Cramerton
⏰6 - 8 p.m.
Participants are invited to bring their favorite records, both old and new, to share and enjoy music together in a lively community setting.  More Details.    

PLAN AHEAD

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical
📆 Weekend shows through March 2, 2025
📍McColl Family Theatre in Charlotte
⏰times vary
Middle school is a jungle, and Greg Heffley is just trying to survive! This hilarious musical, based on Jeff Kinney’s bestselling series, brings Greg’s diary to life with fun and mischief. 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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