​OPERATIONS MANAGER 8/11/20

Transportation Administration of Cleveland County, Inc. (TACC).   Full time, salary position.  Oversee 26 vehicles & 19 drivers. Resumes to bdavistacc@bellsouth.net or P O Box 3210 Shelby NC 28151.  

​Lynn Nichols of Gaston College wins 2020 Altrusa Award of Excellence 8/3/20

Lynn Nichols, Associate Dean for Health and Human Services at Gaston College, is the recipient of the 2020 Award for Excellence presented by Altrusa International of Gastonia. The award was announced in February at the annual Gaston College Employee Appreciation and Recognition Ceremony. The award was “in recognition of outstanding service to students and representation of the highest ideals of Gaston College and Altrusa International.” 

The Altrusa Award for Excellence recognizes an outstanding Gaston College faculty or staff member who personifies the College’s mission, vision, and values. Nominees are judged on their involvement with Gaston College students and their positive impact on the students’ lives. They must exhibit an enthusiasm for life, concern for others, and a commitment to the concept of lifelong learning. They are also evaluated on their extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the College, community, or other civic activities.  

Penny Ewing, an Instructor in the Medical Assisting program, nominated Nichols for the Altrusa Award. Ewing said that Nichols is “the epitome of what a lifelong learner and teacher is. She stands above all others in her commitment to hard work and being committed to student success.” 

Ewing continued, “Lynn has always been available for her students, taking time to tutor, to explain and often just to lend an ear to whatever problem they had. I know many times she has found resources for students that were struggling not only academically but personally as well.” 

Nichols is a first-generation high school graduate. She enrolled in the Gaston College Medical Assisting Program in her late twenties. The Department Chair at the time, Betty Jones, was one of her instructors. “She saw potential in me as a student that no one else had ever recognized,” said Nichols, “and she convinced me that I could succeed in college.” After graduating from Gaston College, Nichols enrolled in and graduated from Pfeiffer University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management.  

While working on her undergraduate degree, Nichols was given the opportunity to work as an adjunct instructor in Medical Assisting and then to become the full-time lead clinical and lab instructor. After becoming a full-time instructor, and with continued encouragement from Ms. Jones, Nichols obtained her master’s degree in Adult Education/Higher Education from Appalachian State University. 

Nichols served over 15 years as the lead clinical and lab instructor in Medical Assisting and then became the Coordinator for Medical Assisting, a position she held for five years. She has been the Associate Dean for the Health and Human Services division since 2016.  

“My educational philosophy includes the belief that it is my role as an instructor to provide a safe and respectful classroom environment conducive to learning,” said Nichols. “Students want to learn content that will be useful, meaningful and relevant to their life and interests. When teaching, I try to connect the learning content to life.” 

Nichols believes that student success is predicated on student retention at all levels, and her efforts toward student retention begin early in the courses she teaches. From one-on-one counseling sessions to requiring students to retake any failed exam to help them master the content, to advising students of the many resources available, including tutoring and financial assistance, Nichols strives to give her students all the tools they need to succeed. 

In her Altrusa Award nomination form, Ewing said that Nichols’ “hard work and commitment have been an inspiration, not only to myself but to others as well. I aspire to be to others what her example has been to many.” 

“Knowing what the Altrusa Award for Excellence represents, I am truly honored to have been nominated for and to be a recipient of the Altrusa Award,” said Nichols. “I believe my receiving this award is actually honoring all the individuals who through the years have mentored and supported me in my education and in my career. I am an alumnus of Gaston College, Pfeiffer University and Appalachian State University, but without the education and opportunities that I first received as a student at Gaston I would not have the career I now have.  

“I am so blessed in my career that it is important for me to make a positive difference in the lives of our students and in whatever role I am in as a member of the Gaston College family, because that is what I have received from Gaston College both as a student and as a faculty member.” 

Altrusa International Inc. is an international community service organization dedicated to making communities better through leadership and service. Through the Gaston College Foundation, Altrusa International of Gastonia established an endowment to support the award in 1993, and the first recipient was selected in 1995. The organization also provides three scholarships to Gaston College students each year. More than $16,500 has been distributed through the scholarships and the Award for Excellence since the endowment began.  

Past Gaston College recipients of the Altrusa Award for Excellence include Barbara Adams, Linda Greenlee, Brenda Falls, Roland Ball, Vicki Greene, Rhonda Smith Wood, Judith Cole, Peggy Truman, Louise Davis, Judy Jennings Bean, Bill Bambach, Bob Blanton, Amy Davis, Nancy Porter, Audrey Sherrill, Dr. Harry Cooke, Dennis Crosby, Mary Clemmer, Adele Earls, Dr. Joe Cagle, Sherry Sherrill, Renita Johnson, Lynn Dellinger, Karen Duncan and Dr. Virginie Maggiotti. 

For information on this and other activities of the Gaston College Foundation call 704-922-6511 or email gcfoundation@gaston.edu. 

About Gaston College 

Gaston College is one of 58 community colleges in the North Carolina Community College System. Serving both Gaston and Lincoln counties, Gaston College enrolls approximately 8,000 students each term in curriculum programs and averages over 17,000 annually in its Economic and Workforce Development and Continuing Education programs. Gaston College offers over 100 fields of study to obtain a degree, diploma or certificate. To learn more about the College’s services and programs, visit the Gaston College website at www.gaston.edu. 

Got a question? ASK US!  

Go to www.gaston.edu/ask-us/ or click on the ASK US! button in the upper right hand corner on the Gaston College website home page.  

ASK US! is an online service designed to assist prospective and current Gaston College students and the community to receive quick responses and answers to frequently asked questions about tuition, financial aid and scholarships, continuing education and more. 

CANCELLATION of October 2020 Mush, Music & Mutts Festival 7/27/20

July 24, 2020

VISIT Cleveland County Announces Cancellation of October 2020 Mush, Music & Mutts Festival due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Shelby, NC - The Mush, Music & Mutts Festival announced today that in the interest of safety for our community and visitors, as well as our vendors, volunteers and staff, the 2020 Mush, Music & Mutts Festival is canceled.

The festival, presented by VISIT Cleveland County, has been an annual mainstay in Cleveland County for 30+ years. Last year the festival drew over 10,000 attendees, many coming from around the region and beyond to enjoy the namesake of the festival – Liver mush. The festival also offers live music throughout the day, an area with entertainment and activities for pets and their people, presented by Rollover Pets and a variety of food, craft, non-profit and business vendors.

The “Little Miss Liver Mush Pageant”, another popular part of the festival, is also canceled in the best interest of the safety of contestants, their families and attendees.

“This decision was not an easy one to make but all involved agreed there is no greater priority than protecting the health and safety of our community, visitors, vendors, volunteers and staff. With that priority and in alignment with local, state and national health guidelines, it was clear this was the appropriate decision.”

“We are excited to begin to focus our energies on ideas for an even greater experience for all participants at our 2021 event. Save the Date: October 16, 2021”

Follow us on facebook to stay in touch!”

Mush, Music & Mutts Festival facebook page (@nclivermushfestival) Festival Website https://www.tourclevelandcounty.com/mush-music-mutts-festival/

704.484.4804

What Is Own Your Menu? 8/6/2020

Vince Hefner, Pastor
First Baptist Church, Cherryville

A few weeks ago my wife and I decided to do something different with our diet. Instead of being driven by compulsion or the ease of fast food, we wanted to eat and feel healthier. I remembered the story in the Bible concerning a diet that Daniel selected to help his overall appearance. Daniel 1:12-15 says, “Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king’s delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants. So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.” The modern term for this diet is the “Plant Based Whole Foods Diet.” That’s right, no meat, dairy, sweets, fried foods, or soft drinks.

Before we go any farther, I want you to know that I am not a medical doctor, nor do I play one on television. I am not a dietitian, or health guru that wants to sell you something. I recommend that you discuss any radial change in your diet with your doctor before beginning. I knew I had reached my limit when I was ordering a deep fried banana covered in ice cream and chocolate for dessert and my cholesterol level was over 300. This is not a bad number if you want to get into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, but a terrible number if you want to live without heart caths, stints, and major surgery. I just figured for the past 58 years I have eaten just about everything that walks, crawls, flies, crows, jumps, swims, or squirms, and now it is time for a change. After reading material on this lifestyle, and hearing some outstanding testimonials, my wife and I

decided to take the plunge! It’s only been a couple of weeks, but I feel better and I have lost weight. I want to say it is easier to do this diet with someone else, an accountability partner that will help you when you get weak and want something that you are better off without.

The biggest challenge to this lifestyle decision is turning in your old menu of food for a new menu. Believe it or not, there are a number of things you can eat, and you prepare your meals at home. When I go to the grocery store I am looking for certain items that are on my “menu.” The vegetables and fruits are easy, but other items need closer inspection. When you read the ingredients in the food, you then find out whether or not you can eat it. It is a constant battle of the “old menu,” where I ate anything that I wanted and took my chances with the results, or selecting from the “new menu,” where I have to take my time to make sure what I am eating is going to help me and not hurt me. Are you with me so far? Here is the spiritual lesson of this story. In life we have to choose how we are going to act, speak, respond to challenges, and handle temptations. Before I was a Christian I selected my decisions off the “old menu,” meaning I did whatever I wanted to do at that moment. Now that I am a Christian, I have a “new menu,” which is God’s Word, and the more I study God’s Word the more I am going to make good decisions. If you are a Christian, then you should never choose actions that are from the “old menu” of living! Just one more question before I go, what “menu” are you using right now to choose your thoughts, motives, and actions? The next time you are tempted to do, say, or write the wrong thing, tell the Devil that you can’t find that response on your “menu!” Remember, don’t give in to sin. Think about it!

NOW OPENClothing Closet at Gospel Way Baptist Church 7/28/20

Clothing Closet at Gospel Way Baptist Church will be open first and third Friday from 10am to 3pm, beginning in August. Please follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask if able.

Gospel Way Baptist Church "Clothing Closet"

3904 Tryon Courthouse Road

Cherryville, NC 28021

IMPORTANT NOTICE: NEAL CENTER SEPTEMBER EVENT 7/31/20

​
The Neal Center strongly supports the compliance with local, state and national regulations regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Therefore, to help protect the health and safety of all involved, the Neal Center regrets to announce that the September Event is now cancelled.

Even though this annual fund-raising event cannot be held, you can still be a big help! Any donation would be very much appreciated as we continue to provide services for the senior population of Cleveland County. For information on donating, call 704/482-3488.

COMMUNITY NEWS​

Apple Festival Canceled for 20207/22/20

Friends, the board voted last night to put the Festival on pause for 2020.

No one is more disappointed than we are, and we’ve waited as long as we could to make the decision. We start planning in February, and have been doing everything on schedule up until now.

We just feel like it’s in the best interest of the future of the festival and our community to cancel this year. We’re working on a plan B that will reshape parts of the festival to celebrate the season without the large gathering.

​You must currently be registered with NC Works to be referred on any of our jobs. Go to www.ncworks.gov to register or update an existing registration. Job listings for all of North Carolina may also be accessed. Call NC Works Career Center, Lincolnton, 704.735.8035, or come to NC Works Career Center-Lincoln County, 529 N Aspen St., Lincolnton.

JOB FAIRS
Employers are holding job fairs on various dates in the NCWorks Career Center-Lincoln. Please call for dates and times. Multiple manufacturing positions available.

WAREHOUSE OPERATOR
Receives inbound materials and marks materials with identifying information; record amount of material received; sort materials and stock on racks, shelves or bins in accordance with predetermined sequence such as size, color, type, or product code. Arrange materials for order assembly. Fills requisitions, work orders, or requests for materials, tools or other stock items and distributes items to production workers or assembly line.

HOME HEALTH AIDE
Assist patients with personal care needs (bathing, mouth care, shampoo and hair care, transferring, dressing and undressing and ambulation) and selected housekeeping and therapy services to our patients in their home. Plan and prepare nutritious meals and assist in feeding patients. Assist with basic activities and daily living needs of patients.

PORTER
Employer seeking candidate to clean cafeteria general areas including microwaves and refrigerators. Clean restroom general areas including toilets and sinks. Clean warehouse main floors and walls. Clean office areas. Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

FINANCIAL SERVICES REP II
Achieve individual and/or team financial, production and relationship results relative to the specific metrics and goals assigned. Engage with customers, prospects and referral sources through proactive outreach. Engage in sales practices that are aligned to create value for both the customer and the bank. Initiate conversation to uncover sales or referral opportunities. Perform general office management duties as assigned to ensure operational efficiency.

ELECTRICIAN/TECHNICIAN
Employer seeking candidate to do inspection, repair, installation, and maintenance of all types of electrical/ electronic equipment, motor drives, and programmable logic controllers. Must have demonstrated work experience with electrical/electronic repairs and adjustments to precision instruments and gauges.

LOCAL/REGIONAL TRUCK DRIVER
Local company seeking qualified Class A drivers for open local & regional van. Will transport miscellaneous commodities and machinery. Inspect vehicles for mechanical and safety issues. Plan routes and meet delivery schedules. Document and log work/rest periods, miles spent driving and retain fuel/toll receipts. Must hold a current Class A cdl, current DOT medical card and have 3 years of driving experience.

MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATE
Performs set-ups and operates a variety of machines to produce package bearings to specifications. Effectively monitors production while maintaining a safe and clean work environment. Responsible for quality and quantity of work produced in assigned production area. Follows established policies and regulations. Completes appropriate duties as assigned by management.

PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT
Provide personal care for each resident assigned by the Supervisor-In-Charge (SIC) or Resident Care Coordinator (RCC). Observe resident for any change in condition and report to the SIC and/or RCC. Assist with maintaining a safe environment. Assist with meal service and provide eating assistance as necessary. Assist with all activities of daily living as needed (shaving, bathing, fingernail care, dressing, toileting, grooming, hair care, oral hygiene, etc.).

SCHOOL SYSTEM JOBS
A local school system is filling positions for the upcoming school year. There are many different positions available.