Kings Mountain Little Theatre 10/21/2020
PRESS RELEASE - AUDITION DATES
'Til Beth Do Us Part
Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten Comedy
2 men, 4 women
KMLT, Director Jim Champion, and Sponsor Ken and Liz Pflieger announce audition dates of October 19, 20, and 21 from 7 PM until 9 PM at the Joy Performance Center, 202 S. Railroad Avenue, Kings Mountain. Rehearsals will begin in January 2021 with performance dates set for early March 2021. For further information contact us at jim@kmlt.org or 704-730-9408.
THE STORY: In this side-splitting comic romp about marriage, career-driven Suzannah Hayden (ages 45-55) needs a lot more help on the home front than she’s getting from her husband, Gibby (ages 45-55). Lately, nurturing his marriage of twenty-seven years hasn’t been the highest priority for Gibby, but pretty soon he’ll wish it had been. Enter Beth Bailey (ages 30-40), Suzannah’s newly-hired assistant, a gregarious, highly-motivated daughter of the South. To Suzannah’s delight, Beth explodes into the Hayden household and whips it into an organized, well-run machine. This couldn’t have happened at a better time for Suzannah, since her boss, Celia Carmichael (ages 60-70), the C.E.O. of Carmichael’s Chocolates, is flying in soon for an important make-or-break business dinner. Gibby grows increasingly wary as Beth insinuates herself into more and more aspects of their lives. In no time, she exceeds her duties as a household assistant and interjects herself into Suzannah’s career. As Suzannah’s dependence on Beth grows and Gibby’s dislike of the woman deepens, Suzannah gives Beth carte blanche to change anything in the household that “will make it run more efficiently.” And the change Beth makes is convincing Suzannah that Gibby must go! When he realizes it’s Suzannah’s career Beth is really after, a newly-determined Gibby sets out to save his marriage aided by Suzannah’s best friend, Margo(ages 40-55), a wisecracking and self-deprecating divorcee and her ex-husband, Hank (ages 40-55), who is in the midst of his own mid-life crisis. Their effort to stop Beth at any cost sets up the wildly funny climax in which things go uproariously awry just as Suzannah’s boss arrives for that all-important dinner. Whether you’re married, single, rethinking your divorce or currently being controlled by someone up to no good, you’re sure to enjoy this family-friendly, laugh-out-loud Jones/Hope/Wooten comedy!
Kings Mountain Little Theatre, Inc. is a volunteer based, 501c3 tax-exempt community theater. It owns and operates the Joy Performance Center and the Liberty Mountain Garden. It is a funded affiliate of the Cleveland County Arts Council and is supported in part by a Grassroots Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council, a state agency.
For more detailed information, please visit www.kmlt.org or the Kings Mountain Little Theatre facebook page. We look forward to seeing lots of new faces and long-time friends!
Lions Club Charity Ride 8/28/20
Proceeds to help the blind and visually impaired of the unifour. October 10, 2020 (rain date October 17th). Entry Fee: Biker $25 Rider $10. Registration starts at 9am, first bike out 10am. Blue Ridge Harley Davidson (2002 13th Avenue Drive Southeast - Hickory NC 28602. Food and fun for the whole family. Door prizes and cash drawing for riders. First 25 pre-entries receive a free t-shirt. All proceeds to benefit the visually impaired. For more information contact 704-418-9357 or 828-302-6957.
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
NEAL CENTER "DRIVE-THRU TRICK-OR-TREAT 10/12/2020
WHOEVER SAID THAT TRICK-OR-TREATING WAS JUST FOR CHILDREN…
… NEVER CAME TO THE NEAL SENIOR CENTER IN SHELBY AT HALLOWEEN!
A “DRIVE-THRU TRICK-OR-TREAT” FOR ALL NEAL CENTER PARTICIPANTS
Will be held Thursday, October 29, from 11AM-12 Noon
To take part in this new event, please call 704/482-3488 and give us your contact information. Drive up to the front of the center, dressed up for “Trick-Or-Treat” and receive a complimentary bag of treats!
Born to Burn 10/5/2020
Vince Hefner, Pastor
First Baptist Church, Cherryville
I realize that 2020 has not been a banner year for most of us. I try to keep a positive attitude even in the middle of diverse circumstances, but current events have pushed me into a state of, dare I say, a negative thought? I have heard the old saying, “The straw that broke the camel’s back,” and I always figured it meant the last thing that made a person quit, or change. Generally, after someone says this statement, they do the unexpected and perhaps the underappreciated, but they are determined to respond to the broken straw. I have learned that it can be something small or even unseen that can break the preverbal straw on the preverbal camel’s back. The “straw” is different for all of us, and the breaking of it is not automatically a bad thing. Yes sir, something good can come about from getting your back broken by one straw!
Something has been trying to break my back through the spring and summer months. It is nothing political, financial, or even spiritual. It has to do with myrmecology, the study of ants. To be specific, the fire ant. I try to abide with leaving things alone that are in their natural habitat, unless that habitat comes into a direct violation of my habitat. Since early this spring, I have had fire ants in my lawn. I bought some powder that guaranteed results with the fire ants, and I politely sprinkled it on the mounds of dirt that they had pushed up in my yard. The more powder I sprinkled, the more mounds I saw in my yard. I didn’t know if I was poisoning them or feeding them. I can’t complain about the “guaranteed results” that were written on bag. I did get results, the fire ants increased and it was a noticeable within 72 hours.
I was hoping the fire ants would get tired of living in my yard and just move on, but they liked living with me just fine. I was about to give up hope until something happened that, “broke the camel’s back.” I was walking through my yard and was stung, not bitten, by a fire ant. In case you don’t know, a fire ant is a small varmint, and it doesn’t look scary like a spider, or sound angry like a wasp. It is barely noticeable until it notices you! I finally purchased a liquid that is diluted in water, and my fire ant problem became a bitter, but distant memory.
How can something so small deliver so much pain? The more I ignored the small insect, the worse it became. One mound quickly turned into 15 mounds. Even though they looked harmless, the fire ant family brought me and my wife a great deal of agony. This experience brought my attention to the danger of sin. Yes, sin may seem small and harmless, but it will always bring about pain and agony. Sin will never be your friend, no matter how nice you are to it. The only way we can defeat the enemy is to trust in our Victor, Jesus Christ. Ephesians 6:11, 16 tells us, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil,” “above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” The result of sin is always the same, to bring pain, separation, and death. Like an ant’s fiery sting, sin will always burn you. I am grateful that God has provided a way to deal with sin in our lives, the ones we think are big, and the little ones we believe are too small to make any difference. Trust me, they all make a difference. Don’t give in to sin. Think about it!
Life Line Screening 9/18/20
Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings will be at the Neal Senior Center on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. Ultrasound screenings to Identify risk factors for Cardiovascular disease include; Carotid Artery, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Peripheral Arterial Disease, Heart Rhythm Screening and Osteoporosis Risk Assessment for men and women.
Register online TODAY at www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle or call
1-866-229-0469 to receive your discount and preferred appointment time.
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
Higher Learning Childcare Academy 9/3/20
Higher Learning childcare Academy has launched a new E-Learning program to assist parents with their child’s virtual learning. Owner, Barbara Borders, says, “We are ready to help families during these unprecedented times and would love the opportunity to help make sure your children are on top of their learning adventure”. E-learning is available for children from preschool to fifth grade. Students will be given space and quiet time to complete their assignments with the assistance of a great team of teachers and the necessary technology. New covid-19 safety protocols are in place. For information visit https://higherlearningchildcare.com , or call the Shelby center at 704-484-9001 and Kings Mountain center at 704-259-6044
Shelby Lions Club 8/26/20
The Shelby Lions Club has donated $250 to the Cleveland-Rutherford Kidney Association. Lion Joe Davison presented the check. In addition to this gift, the Shelby Lions club has given six( scholarship to Camp Dogwood, a camp at Lake Norman for the visual impaired. Also, they have paid for 19 eye exams and have purchased eyeglasses for the visual impaired in the 2019/2020 club year. To join or see how you can help call president Gerald Weathers 704-487-7288. To purchase brooms call 704-480-7288.
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.
Calvin Shaw is Gaston College's Instructor of the Year 8/13/20
Calvin Shaw, Chair of the Criminal Justice and Paralegal Technology programs at Gaston College, was named the 2020 Instructor of the Year. The announcement was made at the College’s Employee Appreciation Ceremony in February.
Shaw won the Faculty Excellence Award for Divisional Instructor of the Year, representing the Business and Information Technology division. Other Faculty Excellence Awards were presented to Dr. Virginie Maggiotti for Arts and Sciences, Rama Olson for Engineering Technologies, Kelly Vass for Health and Human Services, and Doug Mabry for Industrial Technologies.
In 2004, Shaw began teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Gaston College. Prior to that, he had been teaching in the College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program. He became a full-time instructor in August 2010.
“I was a full-time Captain with the Gaston County Police Department and had always planned that one day I would teach college,” Shaw said. “The opportunity presented itself in 2010, and I decided to make the change.” At that time, he had been an active duty police officer since 1984, and he is currently a reserve officer with the Gaston County Police.
"Calvin makes criminal justice relevant and interesting to students, drawing heavily from his vast experience in the criminal justice field. And, he genuinely cares about his students, which helps guide them towards success,” said Lisa Albright-Jurs, Associate Dean of the Business and Information Technology Division.
“Knowledge and service is what I would like for every student to take away from these programs,” Shaw said. “In both fields, Criminal Justice and Paralegal, practitioners will be dealing with people who are facing a difficult time. When the student is able to work in their field, I want them to remember to use their knowledge and remember it is about service to the individual. Remembering the knowledge and service commitment to others is the first step in making a positive change for others.”
When asked about his reaction to being recognized as Instructor of the Year, Shaw replied, “I think the best word for me to describe how I felt was humbled. With so much experience and talent in the faculty and staff of Gaston College, I was humbled to know that I was selected for the award.”
The Covid-19 pandemic has required changes in the way classes are being taught and Shaw’s programs are not unaffected. “For the Criminal Justice and Paralegal programs, we were fairly lucky, as we had made the most of online instruction prior to the pandemic,” he said. “Paralegal had to adjust a bit, due to requirements from the N.C. Bar Association. The Forensic Science program had to move to a more online program for a semester, but it was fairly smooth. All in all, we were in pretty good shape.”
Faculty and staff have had the second half of the spring semester and all of the summer semester to make preparations for the upcoming fall semester. Rushing to make adjustments for spring and summer was a bit more difficult. “But students were terrific, and the faculty and staff came through, and I am sure it will be pretty much the same in the fall,” said Shaw. “Forensic Science will have some online and hybrid classes, and Criminal Justice will be totally online. Paralegal will have hybrid and seated classes in the fall.”
Shaw is enthusiastic about the educational opportunities that Gaston College offers to prospective students. “One of the biggest reasons that students should choose Gaston College for their start in the Criminal Justice/Paralegal programs is the experience of the faculty,” he said. “Every faculty member in both programs has actually worked in the profession in which they are teaching. Experience cannot be gained in the classroom, but you can learn from it there. This insight given by experienced instructors into how students’ education will be utilized in their careers is invaluable.”
He continued, “Another reason is the flexibility of the program. A few semesters ago, the programs began to offer accelerated courses that are eight weeks in length instead of the normal 16 weeks. This means that in some cases, students may be able to finish their Associate degree in less than two years.”
To Shaw, Gaston College represents a strong community that supports all its constituents—students, faculty and staff. “Being selected as Instructor of the Year is a wonderful honor. But I would not have been able to even be considered for this award without the help of many other people at the College,” he said. “I am forever grateful for others who have guided my continuing journey in education and my quest for more knowledge.
“I am also thankful for the opportunity to serve the students at Gaston College,” he added. “Being part of their educational journey is an honor. If you think about it, you have the opportunity to change a student’s future, and I want that change to be positive, based on knowledge and the idea of service to others.”
For more information about the Gaston College Criminal Justice and Paralegal Technology programs, go to www.gaston.edu/business-information-technology or contact Calvin Shaw at shaw.calvin@gaston.edu, or 704-922-6270.
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 5,350 students each term in curriculum programs and averages over 12,400 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.
POSTPONEMENT: 2020 "GOLD CLUB EVENT" 10/12/2020
The 2020 “Gold Club Event” welcoming back “THE DANCING FLEAS”
HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!
WE DEEPLY APOLOGIZE THAT THIS EVENT HAD TO BE CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19. WE UNDERSTAND THAT PERSONAL SAFETY COMES FIRST! PLEASE LOOK FOR A NEW DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED POSSIBLY IN THE SPRING.
THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING!
CCC Launches New Entrepreneurship Initiative 10/15/2020
Cleveland Community College Launches New Entrepreneurship Initiative: Startup Cleveland The online business portal helps empower local entrepreneurs and small businesses by connecting them with support providers, essential business training, and one another.
SHELBY, NC - October 6, 2020 - Cleveland Community College (CCC) has announced the launch of a new program to support entrepreneurs and drive local economic development, Startup Cleveland. This program — which is tied to the CCC Small Business Center (SBC) — helps entrepreneurs throughout Cleveland County quickly and easily connect to free and low-cost support programs and resources (including current COVID-19 relief) and provides access to virtual training and collaborative tools.
“The Small Business Center provides free, confidential counseling services for prospective, new, and existing businesses,” said CCC Small Business Center Director Stephen Padgett. “As the director, my main responsibility is to provide each client with appropriate resources that will lead him/her to success. As I tell every client, ‘I do not have all the answers, but I will surely help you find them!’ Connecting a client with the proper resource and walking with them as they develop their business is a rewarding, exciting, and enjoyable experience for me.”
Startup Cleveland’s resource-rich website also includes:
● How-to training on essential startup topics
● Direct connection to the CCC Small Business Center
● A community events calendar, which features online webinars and workshops
● Inspiring stories of local entrepreneurs, mentors, and more
Now, entrepreneurs can take advantage of quality support and plug into the local ecosystem in Cleveland County through the click of a button.
Startup Cleveland is one of 10 similar initiatives launching throughout Western North Carolina. The programs are led by community colleges and their presidents, all of whom are members of the NC Rural Community College Alliance. This alliance — formed by Catawba Valley Community College President Garrett Hinshaw in 2019 — serves to align the interests of a group of bold leaders, united in the purpose of activating and accelerating rural entrepreneurship.
Startup Cleveland was developed in partnership with CCC strategic partner, Supportedly.com, and made possible through the support of the John M. Belk Endowment and NC IDEA.
Visit supportedly.com/locals/cleveland-nc to learn more about the regional initiative.
ABOUT CLEVELAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The mission of Cleveland Community College is to drive student success and economic impact for individuals and businesses in our community through diverse education and training opportunities. At CCC, we believe that students succeed when they have the skills necessary to thrive in a highly competitive workforce or academic environment or they have improved their quality of life through the achievement of personal goals. Learn more at clevelandcc.edu.
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
COAT DRIVE: "Keep Cleveland County Warm" 10/15/20
A coat drive called “Keep Cleveland County Warm” is being held in memory of a Rutherford County woman, Pat Parker. Organizers are asking the community for donations to help keep people warm this winter. The donations will be distributed to schools, nonprofit organizations, and shelters in Cleveland County where they will then be given to children and families who need warm clothing.
The coat drive is being held by Parker’s family and citizens of Cleveland County in honor of her. “We lost our mother a few years ago. She was always thinking about people in need and how she could help. We organized this event in memory of her, with the hope of helping families in need,” said Event Organizer Regina Arrowood. The coat drive has been a huge success in Rutherford County for the last four years. Tim Early and Leigh Ann Self, local natives of Cleveland County, decided this year to expand the coat drive to include Cleveland County.
From October 5- December 4, 2020, donations of new and gently used coats and outerwear will be accepted at the following locations: Shelby Fire Dept (Grover Street), YMCA (Shelby), Shelby Police Dept, Cleveland County Library (Shelby), Cleveland Community College (Bailey Bldg. and Hunt Bldg.), Main Street Hardware (Lawndale), Casar Fire Dept, YMCA (Kings Mtn), Rose’s (Kings Mtn), Boiling Springs Fire Dept, and YMCA (Boiling Springs). New and Gently Used: Coats, Hoodies, Socks, Scarves, Gloves, Shoes, Jackets and Hats.
Other local citizens involved: Alison Steel, Debra Hoover, Molly Hoover, Beth Fox, Anne Harrelson, Abby Self, and Jake Self.
For more information, contact Regina Arrowood at 828-464-2489, Tim Early at 704-724- 4769 or Leigh Ann Self at 704-472-5295.
Like us on Facebook – Keep Cleveland County Warm.
Medical Assisting Students Pinning Ceremony 10/6/20
A pinning ceremony on September 17 honored 12 graduates of the Gaston College Medical Assisting program. The ceremony was held on a drive-through basis due to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. As is traditional in health care programs, the graduates received a pin, to be worn on their uniforms, that signifies the completion of the requirements for the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting. The 12 AAS degree students are:
Jennifer Coffey and Jesus Gonzalez from Lincolnton.
Cathrine Cozad, Brittani Maney, Faith Rankin, Takeia Reid, and Kaitlyn Windham from Gastonia.
Kaitlyn Greason from Kings Mountain.
Jessica Lane from Bessemer City.
Lauren Robison from Belmont.
Harlie Graham and Dara Williams from Dallas.
Nine of the 12 AAS have successfully taken the American Association of Medical Assistants certification exam and have earned their CMA (AAMA) credential. Seven of the 12 students have accepted jobs.
“Our pinning ceremony is a symbolic welcoming of graduates into the medical assisting profession,” said Dena Bridges, Program Chair for Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy. “When people ask, ‘What is a Medical Assistant?’ I am always happy to tell them that this multi-skilled person is one who is cross trainedfor all areas of a physician’s office practice. MAs can run the front office, schedule appointments, code insurance, and can assist the physician with examinations and minor surgery and also know how to do a variety of laboratory procedures. The Medical Assistant is the most versatile member of the allied health team.”
Graduate Dara Williams, who was awarded a $500 scholarship from the Gaston County Chapter of Medical Assistants in 2019, is the second Gaston College MA student in five years to achieve a perfect score on her exam.
“I pushed myself hard to excel in this program,” said Williams, “but honestly I was surprised I got a perfect score in the exam. I consider myself lucky to have the love and support of my daughter and my fiancé. I couldn’t have done it without them or the support of my friends and classmates, and I thank all my instructors and others at Gaston College, like Peggy Grigg, secretary in the Health and Human Services division, for everything they did for me. Special thanks to Melanie Skinner, Chair of the Veterinary Medical Technology department, and Kelly Vass, Instructor of Nutrition and Dietetic Programs. Although I wasn’t one of their students, they always had a kind word of encouragement for me.”
Williams will be working at CaroMont Podiatry. “I hope to have a long and happy career with CaroMont and may possibly continue my education later, but I look forward to working as a CMA (AAMA),” she said.
In addition to the AAS graduates, 14 Medical Assisting students who completed the first diploma program were also honored at the ceremony. They will receive their diploma degrees in October 2020. The diploma students are:
Skylar B. Blalock and Crystal L. Bridges from Dallas.
Alicia B. Conard from Shelby.
Lisa S. Crawford, Morgan T. Holt, Latasha Moore Smith, and Janith L. Scott from Gastonia.
Deepti Devabhaktuni from Belmont.
Mary S. Johnson from Alexis.
Savannah D. Pitchford from Charlotte.
Addison E. Pruitt from Cherryville.
Keisa Washington-Cruz from Iron Station.
Brandy M. Weaver from Lincolnton.
Cierra J. Wilson from Bessemer City.
The diploma MA students will begin taking the AAMA certification exam in October, and several have received job offers. Five of the 14 students finished with a 4.0 GPA. In recognition of their hard work, the Gaston County Chapter of Medical Assistants will pay the exam fees for Janith Scott, Lisa Crawford, Deepti Devabhaktuni, and Keisha Washington-Cruz, who is the recipient of the chapter’s $500 scholarship for 2020. Mary Johnson’s exam fee will be paid by an outside source.
The Gaston College Medical Assistant program has been ranked by MedicalAssistantAdvice.com as the third best in North Carolina. Rankings are based on the site’s Editorial Staff ratings, graduation rate, average net price, admission rate, full-time retention rate, and total number of students enrolled in the program.
The Gaston College MA program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Allied Health Education Programs. Graduates of the program qualify to take the AAMA certification examination to become a Certified Medical Assistant. For more information on the Gaston College Medical Assisting program, call 704-922-2274.
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 5,350 students each term in curriculum programs and averages over 12,400 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.
Kings Mountain Little Theatre 10/14/2020
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT “FROZEN JR.”
WE’RE BACK! The 2020-2021 season of Kings Mountain Little Theatre will open with “Frozen Jr.” on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at 7:30 PM. Due to the limited audience capacity allowed by Phase 3 of our North Carolina Covid-19 Plan, we have added the Thursday evening performance to our schedule. KMLT and Corporate Sponson Edward Jones Investments – Jack and Pam Buchanan are pleased to announce that performances are scheduled for November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14 at 7:30 PM with matinees on Sundays, November 8 and 15.
As of this date, KMLT will have 100 seats available for each performance. Additional capacity may be available if NC has a change when the current Phase 3 order ends. Please look for further updates from KMLT.
Priority is given to our wonderfully supportive season members and they are able to make a reservation to attend a performance for our plays. All others may purchase tickets at the box office. KMLT will have 20 tickets per performance for purchase at the Box Office on a first come first served basis. Reserved seating not claimed at least 10 minutes before show time are subject to release for purchase by others seeking tickets.
Season members may make reservations by calling the theater at 704-730-9408 and leaving a message or send a request to us at tickets@kmlt.org.
KMLT WILL MAINTAIN STRINGENT HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS!
TO PROTECT OUR AUDIENCE, CAST, CREW, AND VOLUNTEERS WE WILL:
Check each individual before entering the building and ban anyone who has a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees F
Log attendee and or group name, plus answers to the following questions (a yes answer to either question bans the individual and/or group)
How many in the group?
Have you exhibited any Covid-19 symptoms?
Have you been in contact with anyone who has Covid-19?
Wearing masks is mandatory for non-actors (KMLT will provide as needed)
Maintain social distancing when seating our audience
KMLT will provide disposable masks and hand sanitizer
DUE TO THESE PROTOCOLS OUR BOX OFFICE WILL OPEN 90 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE PERFORMANCE TIME. PLEASE KNOW THAT KMLT WILL WORK DILIGENTLY TO GET EVERYONE INTO THE JOY FOR A FANTASTIC THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE!
Lynn Nichols Wins 2020 Altrusa Award of Excellence8/3/20
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.
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