Hello, Gaston! (my old friend),

First off, a warm welcome to everyone who subscribed this past week! Thank you for signing up and joining me on this journey.

Here at Hello, Gaston, we focus on the good things happening in our community. You won’t find crime or politics here—there are plenty of other places that do that.. Instead, think of us as a little oasis in your email inbox.

Since sending out the very first newsletter last August, we’ve been delivering it every Thursday ever since for the past 22 weeks.

I appreciate your feedback and comments—keep them coming! Together, we can continue spreading the positivity and celebrating all the goodness that makes Gaston County special.

Thanks for reading!

Ben

P.S. If you enjoyed this week’s newsletter, please pass it along to someone who eats their soup with a fork!

GASTON NTK (NEED TO KNOW)

SOUP FLIGHTS AT TRAUST BREWING

Why settle for just one soup when you can enjoy four? Traust Brewing in Mount Holly is warming things up this winter with their delicious Soup Flights! Inspired by a cherished family recipe, the flight features Italian Wedding, Tomato, Potato, and French Onion soups. With the chilly weather, it’s the ultimate cozy treat!

ORGANIC MARKETPLACE MOURNS LOSS OF FOUNDER RENEE SOUTHARD

The community is grieving the sudden loss of Renee Southard, the beloved heart of Organic Marketplace. Tributes have poured in, remembering Renee’s kindness and generosity. One post reads, “Renee was always so kind… she will be greatly missed.” The family asks for understanding as they plan a tribute befitting her incredible legacy.

LAST CHANCE FOR QUEEN’S FEAST: ENDS JANUARY 26!

Don’t miss the final weekend of Queen’s Feast! Indulge in a 3-course meal at Gaston County favorites like The Bottle Tree,Drift on Lake Wylie, Estia's Kouzina, and more. Special prix fixe pricing ends Sunday—reserve your table today for this delicious deal!

ELENA’S ARGENTINIAN CAFE NOW OPEN IN GASTONIA

Elena’s Argentinian Cafe is now open at 207 West Main Avenue in historic downtown Gastonia, formerly Spindle City Cafe. Offering authentic Argentinian foods and pastries, it’s a must-visit for food lovers. Stop by and enjoy this new culinary gem!

FIND YOUR FUTURE AT UPCOMING JOB FAIR

Ready for a new career? Join the Gaston Workforce Development Board’s Job Fair on Tuesday, January 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn on 444 Cox Road in Gastonia. Meet employers, network, and explore opportunities across industries. Bring your resume, dress to impress, and take the next step in your career!

MORGAN’S DAIRY BAR SUPPORTS GIRL SCOUTS!

It’s Girl Scout Cookie season, and Morgan’s Dairy Bar in Stanley is buying 12 boxes from each local scout! They are asking scouts to bring 4 boxes each of their 3 favorite flavors to the store, and they’ll purchase them to help you reach your goals.

VILLA ROMA CLOSES AFTER 50 YEARS

Villa Roma, the Italian restaurant on Union Road in Gastonia, has closed its doors for good. A sign on the building reads, "CLOSED. Thanks for letting us serve you for the last 50 years." This closure comes as a result of news of the passing of Dennis Fascella Jr., the beloved owner last Friday. 

EXPLORE CAMP CENTURION: OPEN HOUSE TO SUPPORT VETERANS

Discover how Camp Centurion helps veterans reintegrate into society! Join them on Saturday, February 22, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 2126 Bess Town Road in Bessemer City. Tour the residence, meet the team, and learn about this transformative mission. Refreshments provided. Bring your family and friends to honor our heroes and support this vital work!

THE FOUR-DAY FORECAST

GO-SEE-DO GASTON (this week)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 23

Bliss Gallery Presents: Taking Root (Opening Reception)
📍25 N. Main Street in Belmont
⏰6 - 8 p.m.
Celebrate the beauty of nature with Taking Root, a new exhibition at Bliss Gallery. Featuring works by Anne Cowie, Regina Bos, Teri Fridley, and Holy Angels residents, Meet the artists and enjoy an inspiring evening! More Details.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

Blue Light Bowling
📍Textile Lanes in Belmont
⏰8:30 p.m.
Enjoy two hours of bowling under blue lights, music, and fun. Hosted by the Belmont Police Department and Belmont Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. More Details.

Friday Night Live Music featuring Eternally Grateful
📍Confluence South Fork in Cramerton
⏰7 - 9 p.m.
Bring your friends, family, or a date to enjoy an evening of incredible performances by talented artists. More Details.

Laser Shows: Pink Floyd - The Wall (6 p.m.) & Jukebox Legends (7 p.m.)
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰Two shows (6 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Enjoy your favorite bands paired with stunning laser graphics! More Details.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

24 Hour Theater Project
📍Haid Theater at Belmont Abbey College
⏰8 p.m.
In just 24 hours, students write, rehearse, and perform one-act plays. This educational, flexible, and low-cost project showcases their talent and versatility.  More Details.

Family Movie Morning featuring A Bug’s Life
📍Gaston County Public Library (1555 E Garrison Blvd,) in Gastonia
⏰10:30 a.m.
Bring the family to experience a free screening of A Bug’s Life! This G-rated animated favorite follows a quirky ant’s quest to save his colony with the help of insect circus performers. Fun for all ages! More Details.

Laser Shows: Taylor Swift (3:30 p.m.) Metallica (6 p.m.) & Queen (7 p.m.)
📍The Schiele Museum in Gastonia
⏰Three shows (3: 30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
Enjoy your favorite music paired with stunning laser graphics! More Details.

Not Your Average Art Show
📍Confluence South Fork in Cramerton
⏰5 p.m.
Enjoy works by 10 local artists while grooving to live music from It’s Snakes and The Menders. Free to attend, with tips appreciated. More Details.

Pickin’ on the Porch featuring Mariah Van Kleef
📍The Trailhead Store at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden 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. 

SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

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.

MONDAY, JANUARY 27

Pickleball
📍715 N Main St. in Lowell
⏰10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Beginners are welcome, and paddles are provided if needed. Best of all, it’s free! Learn, play, and enjoy the game. 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

Check out the #GastonGram honorable mentions this week here and here.

SEE YA LATER, GASTON!

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