Gaston County's week ahead is chock-full of community events catering to diverse interests, from beekeeping and textile workshops to teen substance use awareness and a senior picnic. According to the schedule posted on Gaston County's official website, the Gaston County Public Library will kick start the week with the "Terrific Tuesdays @ 2:00 p.m. series" on Tuesday, July 29, featuring the Gaston County Beekeepers. They will be sharing insights into the world of these essential pollinators at the Carol K. Reinhardt Auditorium, located at 1555 East Garrison Boulevard in Gastonia.
That same evening, another important event will take to address the pressing issue of substance use amongst youth. "Know the Risks: Parent & Student Night on Substance Use Awareness" is being hosted by the Gaston Controlled Substances Coalition and requires online registration. The meeting is set to take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Gaston County Social Services Auditorium, 330 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, promising to provide vital information and dialogue pertaining to substance use in the community.
Midweek, the Senior Center at 1303 Dallas Cherryville Highway in Dallas will host a Senior Picnic at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30. Entertainment for the event will come from Mark Lippard, known for his comedy-infused juggling, trick unicycling, and engaging the audience with interactive performances.
As the week moves forward, the Gaston County Museum of Art & History invites locals to "Workshop 2: Weaving and the Rise of Gaston County’s Textile Mills" scheduled for Thursday, July 31. Participants can to truly immerse themselves in the craft of weaving, linking the activity to the county's rich textile mill history. The workshop will occur from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 131 West Main Street, Dallas, and an RSVP is required according to the organizers.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the Gaston County Early Literacy Collaborative and CaroMont Health are collaborating to gear up families for the upcoming school year with the "Ready, Set, Grow" event. This back-to-school celebration is free for all families and runs from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, on the 2nd floor of Eastridge Mall, located at 246 N. New Hope Rd. in Gastonia.
To round off Saturday's events, "Nellie Ashford: Remembrance and Renewal, Wisdom from an Elder Folk Artist Opening Reception" will begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue until 3:00 p.m. at the Gaston County Museum of Art & History. Nellie Ashford's mixed media works promise to offer a glimpse into the rural Charlotte of the Jim Crow era through her distinctive artistry.
