This photo by Mike McIntyre has stuck with me for at least a week now.

There it is. Tucked nicely into the Vasileio's parking lot in Downtown Mount Holly sits a black-and-blue phone booth.

This is Mount Holly, not some forgotten town where time stopped decades ago. It's one of Gaston County's most vibrant communities. New businesses. New homes. New energy.

And yet, there it is.

What's even more surprising is that it's still intact. As intact as a phone booth can be in 2026, anyway. The receiver is still hanging there. The phone book still sits in what looks like a briefcase-style holder attached near the bottom.

I find that comforting.

It's nice to know that pieces of our past can still share space with the present. That not everything has to disappear the moment it becomes obsolete.

It also raises questions.

Why is that one still standing? Whose responsibility was it to remove it? Does it still work? And if it does, would I even have a quarter in my pocket to test it?

Probably not.

Mike has an eye for this sort of thing. We all do, if we train ourselves to notice.

He told me he'd driven past that phone booth 50 times and never really seen it. I've driven that road plenty myself and can't remember noticing it either. Funny how something can become part of the landscape without us ever truly seeing it.

Then one day he did.

He made plans to come back and take the photo. He documented it. Paid attention to it. Tipped his hat to a small remnant of the past still hanging on in the present.

When he shared the image, he said, "I'm glad I got it before it's gone."

Because he knows.

One day that phone booth will disappear. Maybe next month. Maybe next year. Maybe the next time a property owner decides it's finally time to clean up the corner of a parking lot.

That's the bargain we make with progress. Gaston County keeps growing and changing, and that's mostly a good thing. But every now and then, something familiar quietly slips away.

Maybe that's the lesson.

If there's something you love, something that reminds you of who we were, don't assume it'll always be there waiting for you.

Notice it. Stop the car. Take the picture.

Because the things we think will always be around have a funny way of becoming memories. And memories have a way of arriving sooner than we expect.

Thanks for reading! Please share with your friends and neighbors!

The Professional Women's Association Luncheon, presented by Sodoma Law Belmont, brings together Nicole Sodoma (pictured center) of Sodoma Law and Angelia Black of Premier South for a fireside chat on:

Tuesday, June 23 at the Gastonia Conference Center, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Grab your tickets at GASTONBUSINESS.COM →

A major milestone was reached last week as Mount Holly's new Dutchman's Creek Bridge was installed at River Street Park. The pedestrian bridge, believed to be the longest suspended over water in Gaston County, will connect the Dutchman's Creek Greenway to the River Park neighborhood and support a new kayak launch. Town officials expect the project to be completed later this summer.

Belmont's Garin Hyde stars as the host of Health Heroes, a new PBS KIDS series from PBS NC. The game show-style educational program introduces children to public health careers through real-life professionals working to keep communities healthy, safe, and informed. All episodes are now available to stream.

First Presbyterian Church Gastonia's Presbyterian Weekday School is expanding its program with full-day, half-day, and part-time options for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. The school continues its 60-year tradition of providing a nurturing Christian environment focused on learning, exploration, and growth. Fall applications are now being accepted. ($)

Laresa Thompson's latest Gastonia City Sights adventure takes viewers inside Savory Restaurant in Downtown Gastonia. Known for generous portions and a menu spanning Central, North and South American favorites, the restaurant serves everything from breakfast skillets and pancakes to steaks, seafood pasta and birria tacos.

Don't miss your chance to win a free pair of tickets to see the Gastonia Ghost Peppers play the Staten Island FerryHawks on Friday, June 19, at CaroMont Health Park. The giveaway is open exclusively to Hello, Gaston subscribers, but entries close Sunday night, June 14. Enter now!

A Facebook post about the former Riverview Inn sparked a wave of nostalgia, with hundreds reminiscing about salt-and-pepper catfish, famous slaw, Captain Windy, and family dinners. For many, the beloved fish camp remains one of the region's most treasured memories.

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

Hello, Gaston subscribers, this one's just for you! Enter for a chance to win one pair of tickets as the Ghost Peppers take on the Staten Island FerryHawks at CaroMont Health Park on Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m.

Don't miss your shot at Wizard Night! ENTER TO WIN →

Belmont Farmers Market — Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Dallas Farmers Market — Select Sundays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gastonia Farmers Market — Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Kings Mountain Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Mount Holly Farmers Market — Saturday, 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Tuesday (6/16) — Staten Island FerryHawks @ 6 p.m.
Wednesday (6/17) — Staten Island FerryHawks @ 6 p.m.
Thursday (6/18) — Staten Island FerryHawks @ 7 p.m.
Friday (6/19) — Staten Island FerryHawks @ 7 p.m.
Saturday (6/20) — Staten Island FerryHawks @ 7 p.m.
Sunday (6/21) — Staten Island FerryHawks @ 4 p.m.

Muddy River Distillery Summer Festival
📍 250 N. Main Street, Mount Holly
📅 Saturday, June 20
⏰ 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Kick off summer at Muddy River Distillery with waterfront views, craft drinks, live music from Unknown Artist, and a festival atmosphere. Organizers are also seeking vendors featuring pet products, plants, outdoor goods, vintage finds, and specialty items. More Details. 

Trivia Night at The Rooster
📍 334 W. Main Ave, Gastonia
⏰ 7 p.m.
Put your knowledge to the test during trivia night with Kim Falls while enjoying food, drinks, and friendly competition with fellow players. More Details.

Battle of the Badges Community Softball Fundraiser
📍Sims Legion Park, Gastonia
⏰5 - 8:00 p.m.
Watch Gastonia Police and Gastonia Fire face off on the softball field while raising money for Special Olympics of Gaston County. More Details.

Friday Night Live feat. 20 Ride
📍 24 S. Main St., Belmont
⏰5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Enjoy live country music, food trucks, beverages, and a festive atmosphere during Belmont's popular Friday Night Live series. More Details.

Live Music feat. John Dungan
📍Mayworth's Public House, Cramerton
⏰8 p.m.
Catch my brother, John Dungan, this Friday night presenting his blend of blues, folk, soul, and country influences into a rootsy sound. More Details. 

8th Annual Juneteenth Festival
📍 Downtown Bessemer City
⏰ 6 p.m.
Celebrate freedom, resilience, and community with live music, Drummers 4 Lyfe, DYEP, and family-friendly activities during Bessemer City's annual Juneteenth Festival. More Details. 

Bluegrass, BBQ, Bourbon & Beer: 115 Craft's 4-Year Anniversary
📍 115 Main St., McAdenville
⏰8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Celebrate four years of 115 Craft Coffee with breakfast, bluegrass music, barbecue, specialty bourbons, and craft beer throughout the day. More Details.

Garden Photography Walk
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Rd., Belmont
⏰8 - 10 a.m.
Photographer Nelson Stegall leads a nature-focused photography walk designed to help participants slow down and capture meaningful images. More Details.

Ormaza's Family Dojo 25th Anniversary Celebration
📍 3138 Dallas High Shoals Hwy., Dallas
⏰10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Celebrate 25 years of martial arts, community involvement, and family fun during this special anniversary event. More Details.

Gastonia Concert Series feat. The Bailey Marie Band and Caleb Davis & The Stardusters
📍 Rotary Centennial Pavilion, Gastonia
⏰ 5 - 9 p.m.
Enjoy a free evening of live music, food trucks, beverages, and community fun in Downtown Gastonia. More Details.

Music in the Park featuring Sea-Cruz Band
📍 McCord Family Park, 100 W. 1st St., Lowell
⏰6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music outdoors as Lowell's Music in the Park series continues. More Details.

Movies in the Park feat. Homeward Bound
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰8:30 p.m.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair for a free outdoor screening of the family favorite Homeward Bound. More Details.

Nerdville 2026
📍 Cherryville Little Theatre
⏰11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Enjoy a day celebrating all things nerdy with vendors, food trucks, music, theatre workshops, and more at Cherryville Little Theatre. Stick around for a performance of We Will Rock You that evening. More Details.

June Plant Swap & Shop
📍Traust Brewing, 128 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰3 - 6 p.m.
Swap plants, shop vendors, and meet fellow plant lovers during this free community gathering in Downtown Mount Holly. More Details.

Family Movie Night: Hercules
📍 100 S. Piedmont Ave., Kings Mountain
⏰5:45 - 7 p.m.
Enjoy Disney's Hercules with refreshments and family-friendly fun during this free movie night at the library. More Details.

Groundbreaking for The Fed
📍 212 W. Main Ave., Gastonia
⏰10 a.m.
Celebrate the transformation of the historic Citizens National Bank building into The Fed, a new upscale downtown restaurant. More Details.

Juneteenth Youth Community Garden Event
📍 604 North Yoirk Street, Gastonia
⏰ 10:30 a.m. - Noon
Celebrate Juneteenth with a youth-focused event featuring local history, an Underground Railroad-inspired craft, a walk to Highland Community Art Park, and stories of Gastonia's three Black mayors. More Details.

Community Canvas Grand Opening
📍 Durty Bull Brewing Company, Gastonia
⏰5 - 8 p.m.
Celebrate a new collaborative public art project featuring live art, vendors, music, chalk art, and family-friendly activities. More Details

Caffeine & Conversation: Downtown Partners
📍 Front Porch & Provisions, Dallas
⏰ 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Join fellow business and community leaders for coffee, networking, and conversation. Coffee begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the program at 10 a.m. More Details.

Gather in the Garden
📍 Rotary Community Garden of Gastonia
⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Spend an evening in the community garden with volunteers and neighbors. Help garden, enjoy a picnic supper, or simply relax and connect with others. 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.

And thank you for reading! If you found something useful, please share it with a friend!

Was this email forwarded to you? Signup here!

Was there something I missed this week? Let me know at [email protected]. Want to get your business in Hello, Gaston!? Let’s talk!