Back to school is creeping up. There are just 27 days to go (if you’re keeping score at home).

And at our house, we are definitely keeping score. My wife Jillian, an EC teacher with Gaston County Schools, has been talking about back to school since the 4th of July. She had her Amazon wish list ready before the first firework went off.

I keep telling her, “Nobody’s thinking about back to school yet.”

She tells me, “They should be.”

Why? Because school starts earlier than we’re used to. This year, kids report back on August 13.

Even though it’s only about two weeks earlier than the old norm, it just feels earlier. That’s because, for at least years, Gaston County stuck to the state’s calendar law:

Except for year‑round schools, the opening date for students shall be no earlier than the Monday closest to August 26…

So how are we starting August 13? Let’s not call it breaking the law, but rather giving it a little stretch.

But let’s be clear - just because school’s starting earlier than normal doesn’t mean that summer’s over. The vacation part might be, but the season’s still here. What’s ending is summertime’s loosy-goosy, laid back way of living.

Back to school means back to structure. Earlier mornings. Earlier bedtimes. And definitely more traffic on the road.

When it’s all said and done, our kids will see a total of 83 days of summer break this year—nearly 12 weeks. We may have passed the halfway mark, but there are still 27 glorious days left.

How are you going to make the most of them?

Thanks for reading! Big thanks to Talisa Crawford, last week’s #GastonGram photographer, for the rainbow shot after a late-afternoon storm. Talisa works at the Gaston County Public Library and kindly let me share her photo.

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 OPTIMLIFE HEALTH

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GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🌮 SAVORY CALLE SPICES UP DOWNTOWN GASTONIA

Now open at 223 E Main Avenue, Savory Calle serves bold Central and South American takeout by day and transitions into a lively bar at night. Just steps from Broad and Main, it’s the newest addition to Gastonia’s growing downtown food scene.  

🏠 GASTON NONPROFIT TURNS EMPTY HOUSES INTO HOMES

As featured in a heartwarming WCNC story, From Hearts 2 Home Carolinas helps Gaston families transition from crisis by furnishing homes with comfort and dignity. They've served over 125 families—and hope to grow even more with a centralized donation space.

✨ FARMHOUSER DESIGN TAKES GASTON BRANDS TO THE NEXT LEVEL 

Leslie Boyd of Farmhouser Design is helping local businesses look as good as they operate. With 20 years of global design experience and Gaston County roots, she builds polished, trustworthy brands—from logos to full visual systems. Ready to upgrade your look? Connect with Leslie today. ($)

🍽️ QUEEN'S FEAST STARTS TOMORROW—GASTON’S GOT YOU COVERED

Queen’s Feast runs July 18–27, and Gaston restaurants are ready to impress! Enjoy 3-course menus at Drift, Marrelli’s, M.E.P., Old Stone, and Southern Artisan Spirits. Don’t cross the river—we’ve got you covered right here in your backyard!

🚒 BESSEMER CITY TO HIRE FIRST FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTERS

After years of planning, Bessemer City is hiring its first-ever full-time Firefighter/Engineer positions. Applications are open through July 31 at 5 p.m. This marks a major step in the city’s transition from an all-volunteer department to a combination model. 

🚶 NEW STATE TRAIL COMING TO GASTON COUNTY

Governor Josh Stein just signed House Bill 23, creating the South Fork Passage Trail—a 60-mile route through Gaston, Lincoln, and Catawba counties. Supported by local conservation groups, the state-backed trail will expand outdoor access and boost tourism.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ANCHORED SOUL

✨BELMONT’S BIGGEST FAMILY ADVENTURE ON LAKE WYLIE IS BACK✨

The Bon Temps Paddle Battle On Wylie returns August 16th with something for everyone!

• All Skill Levels Welcome – 1-mile beginner races to 14-mile advanced challenges, plus Guppies race for kids

• More Than Just Paddling – Live music, food vendors, yoga, and beverage gardens from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

• No Equipment Needed – Anchored Soul provides everything, including beginner lessons with a certified instructors

• Giving Back Locally – Race supports community organizations

Ready to participate in the most invigorating event on Lake Wylie? REGISTER NOW →

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

PLAN AHEAD

Rhino Run for Education
📍 Gaston College, 201 Hwy 321 S, Dallas
📅 Saturday, September 27
⏰ 7 – 11 a.m.
Join the 2K or 5K Rhino Run at Gaston College to support athletics and Gaston and Lincoln County schools. Enjoy WSGE DJs, coffee, donuts, food trucks, and more. $40 entry. More Details. ($)

THURSDAY, JULY 17

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Browse fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items from local growers and makers. More Details.

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

Master Gardener Group presents Adrienne Roethling
📍 Citizens Resource Center, Dallas
⏰ 10 – 11 a.m.
Discover low-maintenance lawn alternatives in this talk on pollinator-friendly Southern landscapes. More Details.

FRIDAY, JULY 18

Milltown Nights
📍 Ranlo Ballpark, Ranlo
⏰ 5 – 9 p.m.
Car show, music, food, and fireworks. No registration needed—just show up and enjoy! More Details.

Cinema In Centennial Park
📍 Centennial Park, Bessemer City
⏰ 8:30 p.m.
Free outdoor movie under the stars—bring blankets and snacks for a family‑friendly film night. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. Staten Island Ferryhawks
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 7 – 10 p.m. More Details.

Cabaret
📍 Little Theater Gastonia, Gastonia
📅 Friday, June 18 - Sunday, June 27
⏰ times vary
Intimate evening of musical theater, song, and performance in a historic downtown venue. More Details.

SATURDAY, JULY 19

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally grown produce, baked goods, meats, and more. More Details.

Kings Mountain Farmers' Market
📍 313 S. Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
Support local farmers and artisans at this Saturday market. More Details.

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
One of the county’s largest markets with produce, flowers, and baked goods. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. Staten Island Ferryhawks
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 7 – 10 p.m. More Details.

Movies In the Park featuring Spy Kids
 📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
 ⏰ 8:30 p.m.
Free family movie night under the stars—bring snacks, blankets & chairs. More Details.

South Fork Supper Club
📍 River Room, Belmont
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Chef‑curated supper club featuring seasonal local ingredients in an elegant, rustic dining space. More Details.

SUNDAY, JULY 20

Dallas Farmers Market
📍 147 Sandcastle Rd., Dallas
⏰ 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Local vendors, food trucks, live music, and family fun at Sandcastle. More Details.

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. Staten Island Ferryhawks
📍 800 W Franklin Blvd, Gastonia
⏰ 2 – 5 p.m. More Details.

TUESDAY, JULY 22

Cherryville Main Street Farmers Market
📍 Cherryville Mini Park, Cherryville
⏰ 5–7 p.m.
Local vendors, fresh produce, and a welcoming small-town feel. More Details.

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

Veterans Lunch
📍 Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Gastonia
⏰ 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Monthly soup and sandwich lunch to honor local veterans. All are welcome with RSVP at 704-864-0378.

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

Gastonia Ghost Peppers vs. Lexington Legends
📍 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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