(Dallas, NC)—The Gaston County Museum of Art & History will present Music at the Depot: Winter Acoustic Series at its newly renovated train Depot located on 205 West Main Street in Dallas.  The final concert in the series will feature the music of Rebecca Rippy on Friday, March 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Tickets can be bought in advance for $10 or purchased the day of the show for $13.  Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly encouraged since seating is limited. Advance ticket information is available by contacting Jeff Pruett 704.922.7681 x 105 or jpruett@co.gaston.nc.us.

“The Museum has seen a lot of success with the outdoor Blues Out Back Concert Series,” said Jeff Pruett, Programs Coordinator with the Gaston County Museum.  “With the recent renovation of the Depot, we felt it was the perfect place to host quality, original music on a more intimate level”.

Anyone listening to Rebecca Rippy knows that this Gaston County singer-songwriter has a way of crafting lyrics that are very specifically—and provocatively— about her experiences, her relationships, and what matters most in her life. On Telling Stories, her second album, Rippy opens her heart in the most intimate ways, spinning tales built around those who mean the most to her. The emotional connection to her songs are obvious, but just as importantly is how she uses personal revelations to explore universal truths. Writing acoustic music that elevates souls with uplifting rhythms or hushes a crowd with quiet power, Rippy proves just how entertaining and inspiring music can be in the hands of a talented singer-songwriter who has lived every word she sings.

The Depot, built in 1903, was originally the Carolina and Northwestern Train Depot located in Dallas on Main Street, a few blocks south of the museum.  It was moved to its current location at 205 West Main Street in 1977 where it was used as an art center.  Later, it became the museum’s exhibit design shop and has recently been renovated and renamed the Anne Biggers Furr Learning Station with support from Rennie and Anne Bradley Biggers, the Community Foundation of Gaston County, and the Carrie E. and Lena V. Glenn Foundation.  In addition to music events, The Depot will also host art exhibits, programs, and other museum functions.

Rubbing’s Racing

By: Clint Spencer

Be The Champ of NASCAR Pick'em

Jimmie Johnson picked up his second win in a row Sunday by winning the Shelby American at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  This was Johnson’s 4th victory at the 1.5 mile track and 49th career win.  Johnson is now 12th best ever on NASCAR’s all-time win list, with only one win standing in his way of tying NASCAR legends Ned Jarrett and Junior Johnson.  The driver of the #48 has won at least two races each year since his rookie season in 2002.  Johnson’s win moved him from 12th in points all the way to 5th.  It will not be long before we see the four-time champion back in the #1 spot where he feels most at home.

Jeff Gordon led 219 of 267 laps on Sunday, more than any other driver.  The driver of the #24 flat out dominated the rest of the field lapping anyone in his way.  On the last pit stop, Steve Letarte, crew chief for the #24 team called for only two tires while the majority of the field took four, including the #48 team.  The gamble would not pay off for the #24 team as Johnson took the lead with 16 to go.  The #24 team would hold on for a third place finish; however you could see the disappointment on the face of Gordon at the end of the race.

Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29, finished second for the second week in a row.  He continues to lead the points with 47 over teammate, Clint Bowyer.  Mark Martin stays consistent as he finished fourth for the second race in a row.  He moved to third in points, up 3 spots from last week.  Matt Kenseth, came home in fifth place, posting his third top 10 in 2010.  He also climbed 3 spots in points, where he currently sits in fourth.  Joey Logano is off to a much better start compared to his rookie season last year.  Logano earned his second top 10 in the last two races with his sixth place finish at Vegas.  He is 8th in the point standings.  Tony Stewart finished the race in seventh and climbed 7 big spots to 11th in the chase.  Clint Bowyer, finished eighth, posting his third straight top ten finish.  Kasey Kahne, driver of the #9 finished in ninth while Greg Biffle, picked up his third top ten as he rounded out Sunday’s top finishers.

In other race notes, Kurt Busch, polesitter for the Shelby American, never led a single lap at his home track.  The driver of the blue deuce would become the victim of a wreck when teammates McMurray and Montoya got together on lap 94.  Busch would go on to finish the race in 34th position.  Jeff Burton, driver of the #31 had another great run as he finished in 11th place and remains in the top ten in points.  Fan favorite, Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished in 16th place.  Personally, I was just glad to see him finish on the lead lap.

It appears that the wing will be saying bon voyage in the upcoming weeks.  No definite word on when the spoiler will make its return however the timeframe that NASCAR has given puts the spoiler making its return in Martinsville on March 28th.  Geoff Bodine also made headlines this week for the bobsled he designed, The Bo-Dyn Night Train, helped the U.S. Olympic Bobsled Team win Gold.  It was the first gold medal for the U.S. in this category since the 1948 Olympics.

Prediction for Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway:  This driver has finished second for the past two weeks and this weekend he has his eyes on victory lane.  He finished fourth here last year and who can forget his memorable win in 2001 when he replaced the late great Dale Earnhardt Sr.  He’s back and on a mission.  Look for the driver of the #29, Kevin Harvick, in winner’s circle this weekend in Atlanta.

Through an Artist’s Eyes: Gaston County Schools Annual Art Show

Opening March 13, 2010 and running until May 2, 2010 at the Gaston County Museum is Through an Artist’s Eyes:  Gaston County Schools Annual Art Show.

The Gaston County Museum has partnered with Gaston County Schools to present artwork from the county’s elementary, middle, and high school students.  This show will display over 800 pieces of artwork.  There are 10 art categories including:  painting, sculpture, fiber arts, photography, print making, comic art, ceramics and glass, digital art, drawing, and mixed media.  The middle and high schools students will be judged and awards given to the top pieces in each category.

Gaston County Museum of Art & History, Dallas, North Carolina – 131 West Main Street, Dallas, NC 28034 – The Gaston County Museum is located near Gastonia, North Carolina on the square in historic Dallas.

Museum hours:

Tuesday – Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and open every 1st Sunday 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM  Contact:  Jeff Pruett, Programs Coordinator, 704.922.7681 x105 or jpruett@co.gaston.nc.us   Museum’s website – www.gastoncountymuseum.org

LINCOLNTON, NC - Crystal Hartsoe was selected as the 2010 Downtown Dream Date winner in a random drawing held on February 12, 2010. She entered the drawing at Stroup’s Jewelers.

Along with Valentine’s Day dinner for two at Court Street Grille and a bouquet of flowers from Drum’s Florist & Gifts, Hartsoe also received gifts from 36th Street Bakery, Café & Catering; Clark Tire; Color Me Pretty; Dancer’s Edge Dance Studio; Fausto Coffee/Ride-A-Bike; GiGi’s Consignment; Heavenly Paws Grooming; Hi-Lites; House of Trophies & Engraving/Classic Art & Framing; Kate McCall; Katie Wood, Inc.; King’s Office Supply; Lighthouse Christian Book Store; Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce; Lizzie Lu’s; Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio/Studio 220 Salon & Spa; Personal Artist Studio; Rising Sun Pottery; Southern Charm Winery; Stroup’s Jewelers; Touch of Class; and Treasures on Main.The Downtown Dream Date is an annual drawing that is sponsored by the Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton. It is held during the first two weeks of February and contestants may enter at any participating downtown business, no purchase necessary.

Photo: Hartsoe (center), pictured with Joe and Janice Stroup of Stroup’s Jewelers.

What’s Up in Local Sports

By Calvin Hastings

The Hunter Huss Huskies boys, the Forestview Lady Jaguars  and the Shelby Golden Lion girls all  advanced to the Western semi-finals in Greensboro with wins last week.   Hunter Huss improved to 23-3 on the season with a 51-45 win over Freedom  and will face Hibriten in their first game.  Shelby’s Lady Golden Lions advanced to the state regionals for the first time ever with a 59-45 win over Thomasville.  The Lady Lions are now 24-3 on the season and will face Newton Conover.  The Forestview Lady Jaguars  downed Hickory to advance and will face Charlotte Catholic in their first game.

One note on the playoffs last week…in what may have been the most exciting and most prolific performance ever at Nixon Gym in Cherryville,  Bishop McGuinness advanced in the state 1A playoffs with a double overtime 101-98 win over the Cherryville Ironmen.   Aaron Toomey of Bishop McGuinness may have set a Nixon Gym scoring record with 51 points including 29 of those in the fourth quarter.   Cherryville finished 24-3 on the season.

Two area wrestlers brought home state championships last weekend.    Ashbrook’s Josh Smith downed Garland Willoughby of Anson County 15-12 for the State 3A  103 pound class.   Smith finishes 50-1 on the season and became Ashbrook’s all time career wrestling win leader with 126 career wins.   Smith was ranked Number one in the state for most of this year.

North Lincoln’s Jake Nelson won the State 2A 130 pound state championship downing Joseph Anders of Trinity 3-0.

Gastonia Post 23 has a new head coach.   The team has hired Eli Benefield who played for Hunter Huss and Post 23.  For the past three years Benefield has been coaching the Gastonia Grizzlies.  Benefield replaces Brian White who posted a record of 39-60 in four years.   Gastonia ranks first in North Carolina with 1,327 victories and nine state championships and 14 Area IV titles.

The Gastonia Grizzlies debuted their new monthly radio show last week.   General Manger Jess Cole hosts a live 30 minute Grizzly Nation Radio Show on WSGE 91.7 FM once a month.   The 30 minute show features special guests including Grizzlies head coach Jason Plourde and Gastonia Grizzly players.   Listeners will  be able to ask questions on the air.

Speaking of radio shows, “Red Clay Tuesday” debuted last week on 1450 AM WGNC.   The show opened from Buffalo Wild Wings in Gastonia with defending Carolina Clash Super Late model Series Champion Jeff Smith.   Smith  had his car on display.   The show is hosted by Joe Sellers and is heard each week from 6:00  - 7:00 PM.   The 10th annual Skyler Trull Memorial will open the season March 13th at the Carolina Speedway.

Shannon Smith scored 41 points and the Forestview Jaguars set a new school scoring record with 100 points in the Lady Jaguars second round playoff win over Hickory last week 100-74.   The previous school record was 93 points against R.S. Central in 2000.

South Point’s Weston Lawing has signed a national letter of intent to play baseball at Lander University.   Lawing is a two time all Big South Conference player.   Last season he led area schools with a 0.57 earned run average.   Lawing also hit .279 at the plate for the Red Raiders.

Congratulations to South Point Red Raider Christian Lawrence.   Lawrence scored his 1000th career point in the Red Raiders season ending loss to Tuscola.   South Point finished at 12-10 on the year.

Tough luck for the Burns middle school Eagles.   The Eagles lost in the championship game of the Tri-County Middle School Conference to East Rutherford by a 58-49 score.  The Eagles finished 13-2 on the season.

North Lincoln Middle School won the Tri-County Conference girls championship with a 50-39 win over Crest.   It was the first loss of the season for the Lady Dragons of Crest who finished 13-1 on the year.

March 8th is the final day to sign up for girl’s fastpitch softball at the Shelby City Park.  The cost is $22.00 for city residents and $37.00 for all others.   Practice starts the following week.  For more information call 704-484-6881.

There’s plenty of soccer in our area this week and weekend.   The Gaston Gazette’s Soccer Cup is underway and will wrap up on Saturday at Martha Rivers Park.

Also the Burns soccer program will host a Showcase on Saturday to benefit the Cleveland and Rutherford County Kidney Foundation.  The event will be held at Ron Greene Stadium at 10:00 AM  on Saturday.

What’s Up with Being A Lil Rusty

By Rusty Stroupe

www.rustystroupe.blogspot.com

I am under the illusion that I am relatively intelligent. But, I will admit to you that I have questioned my brain power numerous times through the years.

There are certain things I just don’t get; things that seem obvious to most humans around me. Take, for example, analogous sayings intended to provide information to the listener without directly answering the question at hand. An example would be when I ask someone if it’s cold outside and they reply, “Does a cat have a climbing gear?”

My roommate in college used to say that one (the cat climbing gear thing) all the time. I was too embarrassed to admit I didn’t know the answer. Yes, I realize cats can climb trees quite effectively. But do they really have climbing gears or is their ability related to their claws and hind legs?

Perplexed, I simply walked outside and checked the weather for myself during my college days.

Here’s another one I’ve never figured out. When someone says “I could care less” or “I couldn’t care less”. To me these statements are polar opposites but every time I hear either of them, they are intended to mean the same thing- the speaker doesn’t care. So I’ve accepted the fact both statements mean the same thing even though my brain can’t comprehend why.

Ditto for “regardless” and “irregardless”. Somehow they are interchangeable. My English teachers taught me that irregardless is not a word but nowadays it’s appearing in a lot of dictionaries. I agree with my teachers.

But I digress. Back to the “answering a question with a question” phenomenon.

There’s even a set of commercials on television now with these types of “answering a question with a question” scenarios. “Does Elmer Fudd have trouble with the letter “R”? “Does a 10 pound bag of flour make a big biscuit”? And so on.

These types of questions are a crude form of something one might call Socratic Rhetoricals or dialectic syllogism as best as I can tell. This means a person is answering a question with another question whose answer is obvious. There’s probably other names for it but I’m sticking with Socratic Rhetoricals.

My seventh grade algebra teacher’s favorite Socratic Rhetorical was, “Does a shark pee in the ocean?” This one was a no-brainer and caused me no confusion. Other ones I heard over the years included “Does a bear go to the bathroom in the woods?” and “Does a fat baby burp?” (I cleaned up both of those to keep them rated PG).

I’m not done yet. I’ve also heard people say things like “Does a one-legged duck swim in a circle?” and “Is the Pope Catholic?” I think I can figure those out though I remain mildly skeptical about the duck.

It doesn’t exactly fit here, but I heard a coach say something interesting when his team kept losing and people wondered why he couldn’t do something to help them win more. His reply: “You can coach an ant to death but he’ll never kick a rat’s butt.”  He might have also added- “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”

Irregardless, Socratic Rhetoricals are here to stay even if they don’t make a whole lot of sense. And to be honest, I could care less.

What’s Up in Hollywood Sports

By Kevin Hastings

I’ve written almost a half dozen columns over the last few years on Michael Vick.  It’s just been hard to ignore for me the pure athletic talent and gifts Vick has and the way he’s almost trying to throw away these gifts.  After he got out of jail a lot of us hoped that he’d learned his lesson and turned a corner in his life.  Vick signed with Philadelphia and has been rumored for months about which team Vick will actually lead as a quarterback.  I’ve stated the many reasons I believe the Carolina Panthers would be a perfect fit for #7 and for the team on numerous occassions.  On Tuesday the 2nd, Vick went on “Gansta Grillz 107 Radio Show” in Atlanta and told the world that he would like to play for one of two teams next season.  He didn’t reveal his second choice but his first choice was the Carolina Panthers!  Now without being someone who told you so Panthers fans, I will say this, “How do those apples taste?”

The Panthers running game and defense oriented team would be a great fit for Vick.  Delhomme’s not getting any younger or better and Matt Moore is a puppy on a team ready to make a playoff stand.  Now I know you don’t want your quarterback coming straight out of the jailhouse and appearing on “Gangsta Grills” but Vick would be a step up in QB play if he can grow up and be a man instead of by he’s been in the past.

Look, you don’t know what you’re going to get out of Vick because you just don’t know if he’s actually grown up and matured.  But, it’s worth a shot to land the most entertaining, athletic QB of a generation for a draft pick.    NFL teams put too much stock in future draft picks over established veterans and I don’t get it.  If I can sign Vick, for the most part I know what I’m getting as far as experience.  Who knows if the guy you drafted on the second day of the draft will ever pan out or even make the team?

If you’re that worried about it take my best advice yet:  Trade for Vick and draft Tim Tebow. It’s win-win for everybody!  Vick and Tebow get an NFL team willing to be patient on their development and Carolina finally gets not one but two quarterbacks who were built for the Panther running attack.  Imagine Vick, Tebow, DeAngelo, Stewart, and Steve Smith on the same field together at onece!  Who you going to guard?  Teams better hope the Panthers don’t sign Terrell Owens too or the NFC will have a new title contender.

Carolina, the quarterback to lead your team is available for trade and he wants to play for you.  It’s your move.

NASCAR & PGA GOLF

Last week we talked about NASCAR making a drastic change to electric cars in the future.  Watching defending 4-time champion Jimmie Johnson win his second consecutive race on Sunday got me thinking about golf.  I was comparing individual sports trying to come up with what sports business model works best for what sports.  The question I came to was:  What if the PGA Tour ran its league a little like NASCAR does with sponsored teams?

The PGA has been struggling with endorsement and TV money with Tiger Woods absence, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  What if the PGA restructured its season to include 1 team event a month like how the Ryder Cup is played?  Let’s say Nike, Titleist, Callaway, and Cobra all had sponsored teams that work together on their games and played against other teams once a month.  Team Nike could feature Tiger and three others would compete against team Callaway and the others in different tournament setups once a month.  One tournament is best ball, the other captain’s choice, a skins game for the next and so on.  Fans could buy Team Nike golf shirts with their favorite players on the back.  Think of the merchandising!

Golf is boring to watch and fun to play.  This is not a good business model and the PGA should look into possible solutions to sustain the tour after Tiger.  Maybe encouraging the fans to whoop it up a little wouldn’t hurt? Imagine if the post-tournament interview would sound something like this:

Interviewer:  Tiger, how did it go on the course today?

Tiger:  Well the Nike Tour 32 golf balls ran real well today uphill but we couldn’t tighten them up enough to make the downhill puts.  The Odyssey 2-ball felt real good on the front 9 but on the back after I ate a Lance Cracker Toastcheese the Titlest just quit falling.  Thank God my Nike teammates picked me up or we would have a lot left to do against Team Callaway.

I love it!  Let’s do it!

NFL OVERTIME RULES

The NFL will put into a vote in the coming weeks whether or not they should change the current sudden death overtime system. Currently the team that wins the coin toss can have a good kick return, complete two passes, and then kick a field goal to win without the other team ever touching the ball.  Football purists will say ‘tell your defense to stop someone.’

Well the NFL doesn’t entirely agree and is proposing that the team that doesn’t win the coin toss will have a ‘redemption’ possession if the coin toss winner kicks a field goal.  The game will be over if they score a touchdown.  Simple enough.  I like it except the whole conditional overtime thing will get argued more than the current system.  Even though it’s the absolute best solution, remember that a small step in the right direction is better than a big step in the wrong direction or no step at all.

What’s Up-town Shelby

By Janet Workman Berry, CPF

Frame Masters Gallery & gifts

www.framemastersgallery.com

David White believes in the future of Uptown Shelby.  That proof is right next door to Frame Masters Gallery on West Waren Street.   For the past 2 years David and his crew have been renovating  this historic landmark located on the corner of West Warren and Dale Streets.  This was the former home to Hudson’s for Men or more recently as Leatherwood Trading Company and Bluegrass Opry.

The building has an unique history.  The back section which faced Dale Street was built in 1907 as a livery stable.  In 1917 Charles St. Charles built the front section that faces West  Warren Street.  It wasn’t until 1926 that Mr. St. Charles purchased the livery stable and the land between the two buildings, connecting the entire area into one gigantic structure with about 20,00 square feet on 2 levels.  It became known as The St. Charles Building where Mr. St. Charles owned a gentleman’s habidashiary and general merchandise store.

Adding to the availability of apartments in the uptown area, David has renovated the upstairs of this historic building dividing it into 6 units.  The apartments range in size from 900 – 1400 square feet each having 12 ft. ceilings and modern amenities.  These will be known as St. Charles Apartments.

The extensive renovations also include 4 retail spaces on the main level.   Two of the retail areas face W. Warren Street and two face the alley known as Dale Street.  David has named this Walton’s Corner.

On March 1st, 104 Dale Street, became the home to ZUMBA® Alley Fitness, a workout that has been described as “invigorating.”  ZUMBA® incorporates hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a fitness program tailored from the beginner to the experienced exercise participant.  A ZUMBA® fitness routine is reported to help you burn up to 1,000 calories per session.

This fitness program was started in mid 1999 in Colombia, South America, and introduced to the United States in 2001.  Since that time it has been embraced nationally as well as internationally by many noteworthy companies and organizations.  NOW, ZUMBA® has come to Uptown Shelby!

Licensed ZUMBA® instructor, Marissa Borja, is available to help you achieve your personal fitness goals.  The workout lasts about an hour and is a combination of fast and slow traditional Latin salsas and merengue music with resistance training combined for body toning and sculpting.  You get all this health benefit in a fun environment.  The ZUMBA® slogan is, “Live to Party – Love to Live.”

There are many exciting changes taking place in Uptown Shelby.  We have varried retail shops, many professional offices and entertainment venues.  It takes commitment and dedication by all of us to support these businesses.  David White is a shining example of someone who believes in the future of Uptown Shelby.  Thank you, David, for your commitment.

Get together with your friends at ZUMBA® Alley Fitness located in Shelby’s newest old historic building, 104 Dale Street.  You will soon be dancing the “ZUMBA® Shuffle and “The Whistle.”  Your body will be glad you did.

For more information  about ZUMBA® Alley Fitness, phone 704-466-3413 or check out ZUMBA® at www.zumba.com.  Want information on renting a space in this historic building, phone White Investment, 704-481-9228.

Be Inspired, Be Different, Be Uptown Shelby !!!

Shop Locally - Support Independent

Merchants that Support Your Community.

Thank you for taking time to read “What’s Up” in Shelby. My column on “What’s Up in Shelby” appears every other week.

Should you have a suggestion of a business or event I can share with the readers of “What’s Up Shopper” please contact me 704-481-8312 or email  fmgshelby@earthlink.net.

What’s Up with Linda On My Mind

By Linda Benfield

As I sit here today looking out at my snow covered yard and icy street, I am fighting off cabin fever. Most of us complain about being busy and stretched all the time, but then when we are forced to stay home and rest or wait, we don’t know what to do with ourselves. There are all kinds of projects to do right here at home, like dusting, writing, designing a new dance costume, reading a book or just plain taking advantage of enjoying a long nap. This is one of those times when I have to practice what I preach. I try to motivate people all the time, and today I need someone to motivate me.

Why do we get excited when we see the first snow flake and scurry to the grocery store to buy everything we need, then after the ground is covered and we are all snug in our houses, the walls start to close in?

I think I have got the answer. It’s called freedom. We all want freedom. There are many chains that keep us from being free. There is an old bumper sticker that reads: “ He who dies with the most toys, wins!” That statement is the way most humans think. They spend all their life acquiring stuff and stay chained to what it takes to keep it, when all they really need is to be free. It is not always stuff, it can be actions.

Anything we put before God, will eventually destroy us. He has to come first. When God is first in our lives, everything we need will be provided by Him, and anything we don’t need will be eliminated. Think about that for a minute. If something in your life takes your attention from your life source, God, then that thing will end up taking your freedom and the life God intended you to have. It could be obsessions with family, work, hobbies, food, drugs, animals, etc. The list can go on to include many things that occupy the mind more than it should including thinking you always have to be busy. How often do we clear our mind and just think about Him and actually talk to Him?

We live in a world of clutter and confusion. Without God we are like the Caterpillar who crawls along the ground dodging heavy feet while loaded with the ugly coat of ‘keeping up”. Then one day we find the host plant to feed upon and go into a time of reflection and contentment. We have to go into a caccoon and get rid of all our chains and worries and fears. We must decrease so He can increase. However long it takes for us to do that is when we can come out of that cluttered stage of life and unfold into a brilliantly colored, free butterfly. We can soar above the world and be free to enjoy all God has given us.

Can we do that, can we take the down time God provides for us and develop into that butterfly? I think I have just talked myself into it. Thank you God for the intervention of down time.

Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:39

Life is an Adventure, and the best is yet to come!