The first day of school was yesterday, and like clockwork the obligatory first-day photos came pouring in. Young and old. K through 12.

These days it is not enough to make a strong first impression. You have to document it too. A tradition as new as social media.

I am not knocking it. It is just how things are. I will be joining in next year when Amelia heads off to kindergarten.

I am just glad this tradition was not around when I was a kid. I would hate to look back and see the questionable fashion choices I made throughout my school career. That is one perk of being Gen X. We came of age in an analog world and started working in a digital one.

Yesterday morning a photo popped up in my Facebook feed of a sweet girl headed to 4th grade. Her mom said she was excited, even if her face did not show it.

It got me to wondering - how many kids are actually excited about the first day, and how many are just bracing for it? I do not remember feeling one way or the other. I was mostly curious whether I would have a buddy to hang out with and if any of the pretty girls would be in my class.

You know - the important stuff. Life might have felt complicated then, but looking back, it was pretty simple.

The good thing about the first day of school is there is only one per year. If you are reading this, the kids made it through Day One. Here is hoping the next 184 are a little less memorable and require fewer photos.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who you’d think would enjoy it!

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ANCHORED SOUL

✨BELMONT'S BIGGEST LAKE PARTY IS THIS SATURDAY✨

The Bon Temps Paddle Battle On Wylie is THIS SATURDAY, August 16th - final chance to join the fun:

• Last Call to Register – Jump in the water with paddlers or just come enjoy the lakeside festivities

• Something for Everyone – Live music, food trucks, beverage gardens, yoga, and family fun from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.

• Hit the Water or Stay Dry – Spectators welcome! Watch the races, enjoy entertainment, and soak up the Lake Wylie vibes

• Spontaneous? We've Got You! – Anchored Soul provides all equipment and instruction for last-minute paddlers

Ready for THIS SATURDAY'S ultimate lakeside celebration? COME OUT AND PLAY →

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

🐾 STOWE DOG PARK GRAND REOPENING

Daniel Stowe’s dog park reopens this Saturday, August 16 with their “Dog Days of Summer” event from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Enjoy a scenic group walk, pup meet-up, treats for dogs and humans, special drinks, and a few surprises. Free admission, no registration required—just bring your pup. 

☕ WAFFLE HOUSE COMING TO CHERRYVILLE

Wise News Network reports that Cherryville will soon get its first 24/7 sit-down restaurant as Waffle House plans a new location at Bud Black Road and Lincolnton Highway. Construction timelines are not yet announced.

🌿 CRAMERTON GREENWAY EXPANSION FUNDED

Cramerton secured a $500,000 grant to extend the Riverlink Greenway to McAdenville. The $2 million project will add boardwalks, trails, art, and wildlife viewing. Work could begin this year, with future Christmas strolls between the towns expected once complete. [The Gaston Gazette]

🚲 RIDE-A-BIKE MARKS 10 YEARS DOWNTOWN

Ride-A-Bike Bicycle Shop, serving cyclists since 1981, celebrates a decade in downtown Gastonia with three days of events: bike-packing showcase (Aug. 14), affogatos and ales (Aug. 15), and coffee outside ride (Aug. 16). Expect local beer, treats, prizes, and plenty of cycling camaraderie. 

📖 TWO NEW REASONS TO VISIT RANKIN LAKE

Rankin Lake now features Gastonia’s first Storywalk, where visitors can enjoy a book page-by-page along a scenic trail, plus a striking new catfish sculpture from the City’s Art Committee—offering art, literacy, and nature in one beautiful destination.

🏫 NEW ERA BEGINS FOR GRIER MIDDLE

Gaston County’s new $52 million W.P. Grier Middle School has opened its doors. The two-story campus boasts 40+ classrooms, a media center, and safer, more collaborative spaces. A new sports complex will replace the old 1956 building’s site.

📰  QUICK BITES

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

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

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Stop holding your brand back. Let her create something that looks as good as the business you’ve built. CONNECT WITH LESLIE TODAY →

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14  

Belmont Farmers Market
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 4–7 p.m.
Shop fresh, local produce and artisan goods in downtown Belmont. More Details.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

Milltown Nights
📍 Ranlo Park, 1624 Spencer Mountain Road, Ranlo
⏰ 5–9 p.m.
August’s edition of Milltown Nights features a Carolina Shag Dancing theme with music, food, and family fun. More Details.

Cramerton Concert Series: Great American Kid’s Show and Caleb Davis Band
📍 Cramerton Centennial Center, Cramerton
⏰ 5 – 8 p.m.
Back-to-school concert with a kids’ show, live music, and school supply drive. More Details

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Bon Temps Paddle Battle on Wylie
📍 Gaston County Wildlife Club, Belmont
⏰ 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Stand-up paddleboard races of varying lengths, plus kids’ and dog-friendly events. More Details ($)

Volunteer Trail Workday
📍 522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Join the trail crew at Crowders Mountain for refreshments, fellowship, and hands-on trail maintenance. Event is weather dependent. More Details.

Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans (Preseason)
📍 NRG Stadium, Houston
⏰ 1 p.m. (WJZY)
Game two of the preseason has Carolina traveling to Texas for a Saturday afternoon showdown.

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details

Kings Mountain Farmers' Market
📍 313 South Battleground Avenue, Kings Mountain
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
More Details. More Details

Mount Holly Farmers Market
📍 226 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
⏰ 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
More Details. More Details

Movies in the Park: The Lion King
📍 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
⏰ 8 p.m.
Enjoy a free outdoor screening of The Lion King under the stars at beautiful Stowe Park. More Details.

South Fork Supper Club
📍 The River Room, McAdenville
⏰ 6–9 p.m.
Enjoy a curated dinner, cocktail, and live music in a beautiful riverside venue. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. More Details.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Dallas Farmers Market
📍 147 Sandcastle Road, Dallas
⏰ 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Weekly market with local vendors, food truck, full bar, and family fun at Sandcastle. Enjoy live music, shop small, and support local farmers. More Details.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19

Gastonia Farmers Market
📍 410 E. Long Avenue, Gastonia
⏰ 7:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Locally sourced fresh produce. Meats from nearby farms. Homemade baked goods. Fresh flowers grown locally. More Details

Veterans Coffee Connection
📍 Outback Steakhouse, Gastonia
⏰ 8:30 a.m.
Join fellow veterans for free coffee, doughnuts, and camaraderie on the third Tuesday monthly. All ages and branches welcome. More Details.  (Disclaimer: I am an employee of Carolina Caring.)

National Night Out / Back 2 School Bash
📍 Stowe Park, Belmont
⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Community safety event with activities, resources, and back-to-school fun. More Details

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20

Downtown Dallas Caffeine & Conversation
📍 Front Porch and Provisions, Dallas
⏰ 9:30–11 a.m.
Networking over coffee with business leaders, residents, and local officials. 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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