Gaston County’s
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Thursday, September 22, 2022
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Volume 88 • Issue 38
• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
Thursday, September 22, 2022
B4L neighborhood celebration held in Belmont By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
The B4L (Boogatown 4 Life) group got together at Reid Park in Belmont last Saturday for some food, fun, and friendship. It was a celebration of Belmont’s African-American community- many members of whom have called the Reid area home for generations. The first annual B4L event took place last year, and it was a big hit. One of the event organizers, Steven Reese, recalled the action. “Last year we had Belmont mayor Charlie Martin, Belmont police chief (now Gaston County sheriff-elect) Chad Hawkins, and members of local law enforcement attend and speak,” said Reese.
“There were also food vendors, and a jump king. We also gave out ‘impact awards’ and one ICON Award.” Reese went on to explain the reasoning and history of the event. “In the spring of 2021, Norman Craig brought to my attention how the neighborhood we grew up in was slowly fading away,” Reese said. “The people who made the most impact like the educators, athletes, clergy, etc., were dying off and no one was picking up what was once there. He and I decided that we wanted to celebrate who we are, and what we still had. We wanted to recognize our past, celebrate our present and prepare our youth for the future. We also wanted
to introduce those that just recently moved into our neighborhood and the history of what made it so special. We started with a Facebook page called BOOGATOWN 4 LIFE. The group currently has 276 members and is still growing. We use the page to announce events that were happening in the neighborhood and post pictures from our past and present.” This year saw a nice crowd gather under the sun on Reid Park ball field. Like last year, mayor Martin and the Belmont PD were on hand to meet and greet. The aroma of frying fish and chicken wafted across the area. Music from loudspeakers added to the festive atmosphere.
B4L event organizers Norman Craig (left) and Steven Reese with a diorama made by Barry Roberson that they presented to injured NC Highway Patrol officer Chris Wooten. See more scenes from the day on page 8. Photo by Alan Hodge Craig was pleased with the 2022 turnout. “This is a legendary neighborhood,” he said of Reid. “It is a great thing
when people get together in peace.” Knit goods vendor Neaji Green and Tonya Reese had a table set up offering their
wares. “This event is a wonderful idea.” Green said. “It is about fellowship and building relationships.”
East Gaston High School students pass state exam for CNA certification
The current bridge across the Catawba River near Belmont is slated for replacement with work beginning next July.
New bridge planned for US74 over Catawba at Belmont By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
Most everyone puckers up when they drive across the ancient bridge that spans the Catawba River on US74 (Wilkinson Blvd.) at Belmont, especially if a big truck shares the roadway there. But relief is on the way. But first- The current bridge has a long history. Two bronze plaques placed on its end show the “official” name- Sloans Ferry Bridge. After the Great Flood of 1916, another bridge that was near the current one’s
location was swept away. For a time following that catastrophe, a man named Sloan operated a ferry boat across the Catawba to and from Mecklenburg/Gaston counties. The bridge in place now was built around 1930. The other plaque dedicates the bridge to veterans of WWI from the two counties. “It is currently only six lanes wide on the west side of the bridge, and five lanes wide on the east side, which is on the Mecklenburg County side,” Marcus Thompson with See BRIDGE, Page 13
By Sean Corcoran Summer is a time to travel, relax, and enjoy a few months away from school, but for four students in the Health Sciences Academy at East Gaston High School, it meant studying for the Certified Nurse Aide I exam. And now, seniors Gracelynn Gaddy, Ashlyn Lewis, Emily Cerilli, and Taylor Wright can officially call themselves licensed CNAs. By the time the students complete their senior year in May, they will have received their CNA I certification and will be working toward taking the CNA II exam, giving them a head start on their desired career in the medical field. “Becoming a CNA is just the first step,” said Gaddy, who aspires to be a nurse
Ashlynn Lewis, Taylor Wright, and Gracelynn Gaddy. practitioner. “The Health Sciences Academy program has been a blessing. It has allowed me to take college level classes as I work toward my associate degree at Gaston College.” Gaddy is already using the skills she learned in the classroom in a workplace setting. “I work 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
each Saturday and Sunday at Courtland Terrace in Gastonia,” said Gaddy, who takes vital signs and assists with patients’ personal care needs. “Earning my CNA I certification allowed me to start work immediately and continue my education while working in the healthcare field.” See CNA, Page 8
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