If you haven't noticed, it's hot.

It’s the kind of hot where walking to the mailbox feels like a workout and you wonder if one shower a day is even enough.

I especially think about the people who don't have a working air conditioner. On days when the heat index climbs into the triple digits, that's more than uncomfortable. It's dangerous.

That’s why it struck me. While most of us are trying to find ways to stay cool, there are some local residents already thinking about the opposite problem.

Winter.

It's hard to take freezing temperatures seriously when it's 97 degrees outside. But that's exactly what a committee of volunteers, local nonprofits, churches, and city leaders is doing. They're meeting now to plan for a warming shelter before cold weather arrives.

My friend David Fogarty shared this after attending their first meeting:

"I applaud this group for their proactive planning in the heat of the summer."

He's right.

This is what being proactive looks like. You don't wait until the first freezing night to start asking what you're going to do. You gather people together in July and start building a plan.

If only we could bottle up some of this July heat and save it for January. Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way.

Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can be deadly for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

I'm grateful there are people willing to think ahead. Because the best time to prepare for winter isn't when the first cold front arrives.

It's right now. With sweat on your brow.

—

Want to be part of the conversation? The committee meets tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Reach out to David Fogarty for the meeting location and more information.

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The Belmont Farmers Market's 3rd Annual Tomato Festival returns Sunday, Aug. 2, to Stowe Park with tomato-themed fun, local vendors and a homemade Tomato Pie Contest. Entry is $10, with proceeds benefiting the Belmont Community Organization. Think your pie has what it takes? Register today! 🍅

The Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce is launching First Cup Connections, a new morning networking series designed to bring local professionals together over coffee and conversation. The kickoff event is Thursday, July 30 at 9:30 a.m., and includes a ribbon cutting for Canal Coffee's new Gastonia location.

Gaston College students brought home four medals from the 2026 SkillsUSA National Championships in Atlanta, including the school's first-ever gold medal in Video Production Technology. Students also earned silver and two bronze medals, highlighting the college's growing excellence in career and technical education. [Wise News Network]

Three Gaston County restaurants are serving up special three-course menus during Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, July 24 through Aug. 2. Southern Artisan Spirits, Old Stone Steakhouse and Drift on Lake Wylie are among more than 120 participating restaurants offering prix fixe meals starting at $30.

Life moves fast, and Alyssa Currier, Realtor, wants to make it a little easier for Gaston County families. She's giving away free Gaston County Schools calendar magnets with important dates already color coded, helping you keep early dismissals and teacher workdays front and center. Available while supplies last!

Belmont's own David Hill is receiving well deserved love after local radio personality Sarah Lee shared a heartfelt tribute celebrating his kindness, handwritten letters and uplifting spirit. If you've spent time around Belmont, there's a good chance David has brightened your day too.

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

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Tuesday (7/28) — Hagerstown Flying Boxcars @ 6 p.m.
Thursday (7/30) — Hagerstown Flying Boxcars @ 7 p.m.
Friday (7/31) — Hagerstown Flying Boxcars @ 7 p.m.

Brighter Days Camp for Children
📍 Shining Hope Farms, Mount Holly
📅 Tuesday, August 4
⏰ 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Children ages 5 to 16 who have experienced the loss of a loved one are invited to this free, counselor-led day camp featuring nature activities, art, and interactions with gentle horses to help process grief in healthy ways. Registration is required by Monday, July 27. More Details. ($)

Veterans Coffee Connection
📍 Outback Steakhouse, Gastonia
⏰ 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Veterans from all military branches are invited for free coffee, refreshments and fellowship, along with messages from special guests. More Details.

The Reptile Encounter
📍 Harold Rankin Park, Gastonia
⏰ 10 to 11 a.m.
Get up close with live reptiles during this free, hands-on educational experience presented by Devine Reptiles. Fun for all ages. More Details.

Terrific Tuesday: T-Rex Tea Party
📍 Dallas Branch Library, 105 S. Holland St., Dallas
⏰ 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Children in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited for dinosaur-themed snacks, crafts and special prehistoric guests. Costumes are encouraged but not required. More Details.

Fossils and Gemstones
📍 Gaston County Public Library Main Branch, 1555 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia
⏰ 2 to 3 p.m.
Learn about fossils and gemstones during an interactive presentation led by a personal collector. More Details.

Community Healing Service
📍 140 N. Main St., Mount Holly
⏰ 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Join this community service focused on prayer, encouragement and healing for those facing physical, emotional or spiritual challenges. More Details.

Gather in the Garden
📍 Rotary Community Garden of Gastonia
⏰ 6 to 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

Village Market
📍 Daniel Stowe Conservancy, 6500 S. New Hope Road, Belmont
⏰ 4 to 6 p.m.
Browse fresh produce, baked goods, flowers and handcrafted goods from local farmers and artisans during this free outdoor market. More Details.

Analog Craft Night
📍 500 E. Central Ave., Mount Holly
⏰ 6 to 9 p.m.
Bring your favorite craft project and enjoy an unplugged evening creating alongside fellow makers. Admission is $5. More Details.

Live Music at Pita Wheel feat. Noell Ward
📍 Pita Wheel, 55 Glenway St., Belmont
⏰ 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Head to downtown Belmont for live music from Noell Ward while enjoying dinner on the patio. More Details.

Live Music feat. Ken, Lynn & Friends
📍 McCord Family Park, 100 W. First St., Lowell
⏰ 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Bring a chair and enjoy a free evening of live music, local talent and community fun at McCord Family Park. 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.

(One local. Three favorites. Countless reasons to love Gaston County.)

(Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.)

🍣 Favorite Date Night | Lotus
"Where else can you get sushi and French fries?!"

🌳 Favorite Park | George Poston Park
"Trails for all skill levels and a great place to hike and mountain bike."

🏛️ Favorite Historic Building | Esquire Hotel
"This used to be called the Lawyers' Building, and my grandfather had an office in it when he was an attorney."

❤️ Why I Love Gaston County:
"It's the perfect location. Close to the airport, close to the mountains and not far from the coast."

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