(Melissa Gute/MI Monitor photos)

Hopewell High School invited exceptional students from Hough High School to join for a special prom held in the Hopewell Media Center on May 24. The theme was “Life is a Masquerade.”

Nearly 50 students and their parents attended the second annual prom for students with disabilities who participate in the Specialized Academic Curriculum/Autism program. Although these students have an opportunity to attend their schools’ regular prom, many struggle from social, economic and sensory issues that prevent their participation. The staff in the SAC/AU department at Hopewell High wanted to make sure these students could experience a prom with a disc jockey, photographer, flowers, dinner and court crowning ceremony.

(Courtney Price/MI Monitor photos)

MOUNTAIN ISLAND – About 30 students from Mountain Island Day School took a trip May 22 to the Cook’s Community Garden to learn about plants, chickens and community involvement.

“You’re never too old or too young to help or be an advocate for your community,” garden volunteer Sonya Smith told the students as she explained how the community garden works.

The garden, which sits next to Cook’s Memorial Presbyterian Church, offers private plots for gardening while also growing some food to donate to area food pantries. Volunteers also manage an egg cooperative and raise chickens on the site.

“A lot of the kids have never seen a tomato on the vine,” social studies teacher Heather Brown said. “We want the students to learn that produce doesn’t just magically arrive on the shelf. It takes teamwork, from seed all the way up.”

The third- through seventh-graders learned about growing flowers and vegetables, raising and caring for chickens and helping the community.

Later that day, the students went to the Mecklenburg County Recycling Center.

(Melissa Gute/MI Monitor Photos)

Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatics held the second race of the Birkdale Animal Hospital Kids Triathlon Series in mid-May. Nearly 200 children ages 4-14 competed from across the Charlotte region.

This was the second race of the four-race series. Upcoming races take place June 16 and July 21, both events beginning at 2 p.m.

Learn more about the series at www.hffa.com/2013KidsTriathlonSeries.html.

news@mimonitor.com

GASTONIA – Jack Salzman and his wife, Robin Smith, are excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Lake Norman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Cornelius this month.

Gastonia Chrysler Dodge Ram Jeep will celebrate with a grand opening event in the fall. (Courtesy of Theresa Wengel)

But even bigger plans are on the horizon now that they’ve set their sights southwest of Mountain Island Lake and purchased the former McKenney Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Gastonia on May 14. Renaming the location Gastonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, the couple anticipates a fall grand opening ceremony after a general contractor completes some renovations to the property.

In addition to new vehicles, the dealership will also offer an assortment of pre-owned cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs.

“We’ve been looking to expand for about two years, but we’d never been able to agree on the price for the sale,” Salzman told Mountain Island Monitor.

The Cornelius dealership sells about 250 units a month, and Salzman expects the new Gastonia shop to sell 150 units a month. Right now, it’s set to employ 45 people, but that number should grow to 55.

“The economy is still growing and housing sector improvement will continue to help us,” he said. “If gas prices remain calm, I hope the business will grow by 10 percent or more in these next two years.”

He’s seen recent spikes in sales of Jeep Grand Cherokees – about 40 a month – after they were redesigned last year, saying Mercedes and BMW customers now find them more attractive.

Gaston Chamber of Commerce President John Kimbrell said the dealership’s previous co-owner, Ray McKenny will still maintain his other dealerships in Gastonia, like McKenny-Salinas
PowerSports.

“I’m not familiar with the new owners, but I’m looking forward to meeting them,” Kimbrell said. “We’re glad they’re making an investment here and want to help them in any way we can.”

Salzman hopes to attract some buyers from Charlotte, and in the digital age, he has customers from Texas and Florida looking for specific models.

“If you run a business correctly, you get to give back to the community,” he said. “Robin and I like paying it forward. We enjoy watching staff move up through the ranks, too, and become managers.”

Committed to giving back to others, the couple is involved with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Dove House and Friends of the Animals. In the last 10 years, they’ve donated more than $1 million to local charities.

Even though Salzman’s tenure as a board member for the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce was up in November 2012, Chamber President Bill Russell told the Monitor he remains an ex-officio member because “he has been such a tremendous asset to our community.”

Salzman is also heavily involved with Big Day at the Lake, an annual event run by volunteers that offers members of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte an opportunity to enjoy boating, tubing and swimming on Lake Norman.

“He’s always out there each summer flipping those hamburgers and hotdogs, working that grill,” Russell said.

Need a new set of wheels?

Visit the Gastonia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership at 2339 E. Franklin Blvd.

Upcoming summer concerts include musical styles like bluegrass, blues and rock ‘n’ roll. (Courtesy of Stephen Youngblade)

Towns and organizations throughout the region have put together a full list of summer concerts this year. From bluegrass to shag to symphony, there’s music for everyone to enjoy out on a picnic blanket this summer. Here’s a roundup of some of this summer’s shows.

Friday Night Live – Belmont

Friday Night Live concerts will be held every other Friday evening in downtown Belmont through Sept. 6. Concerts run from 7-10 p.m., South Main Street closes between the railroad tracks and Myrtle Street beginning around 2 p.m. to set up for the event.

The concerts are free, but there is a charge for concessions.

Details:  www.cityofbelmont.org.

This summer’s series, “Summer of Shag:”

June 14, Coming Up Brass

June 28, Voltage Brothers, featuring fireworks

July 12, Band of Oz

July 26, Spontanes/Image

Aug. 9, Hip Pocket

Aug. 23, Coastline

Sept. 6, Ken Knox & Company (former members of Chairman of the Board)

Whitewater Center River Jam

The U.S. National Whitewater Center holds concerts each week throughout the summer.

Thursday nights also feature a trail run beginning at 6:30 p.m.

This summer’s lineup:

June 6, Delta Saints

June 8, Porch Dog Revival

June 13, Jamie McLean Band

June 20, Packway Handle

June 22, Rosco Bandana

June 27, Hollis Brown

June 29, The Broadcast

July 6, The Chemist

July 11, Town Mountain

July 13, Mipso

July 18, Holy Ghost Tent Revival

July 20, Common Foundation

July 25, Honey Island Swamp Band

July 27, Mike Strauss Band

Aug. 1, Paper Bird

Aug. 3, Overmountain Men

Aug. 8, Desert Noises

Aug. 15, Red Wanting Blue

Aug. 17, Lefty Williams

Aug. 22, Delta Moon

Aug. 24, Jesse Dee

Aug. 31, Charley Horse

Sept. 5, Tone Balzers

Sept. 12, Bob Margolin

Sept. 19, Sol Driven Train

Sept. 26, Humming House

Stonecrest Summer Concert Series

The Stonecrest Summer Concert Series takes place every weekend through Sept. 28. The concerts are free and take place from 7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at two performance spaces: the Fountain stage and the Plaza stage.

The concert roundup:

June 7-8

Fountain Stage: Mick & The Ultras

Plaza Stage: Kristi Orman

June 14-15

Fountain Stage: Dukes & Smith

Plaza Stage: Rayen Belchere

June 21-22

Fountain Stage: Red Car

Plaza Stage: Sabra Callas

June 29-29

Fountain Stage: Uniq Blend

Plaza Stage: Jerry Dowd

July 5-6

Fountain Stage: Mick & The Ultras

Plaza Stage: Wicked Powers

July 12-13

Fountain Stage: Doug Burns

Plaza Stage: Scott Smith

July 19-20

Fountain Stage: Leslie & Friends

Plaza Stage: Tony Barnes

July 26-27

Fountain Stage: Brubakers

Plaza Stage: Kristi Ormand

Aug. 2-3

Fountain Stage: Robin B

Plaza Stage: Sabra Callas

Aug. 9-10

Fountain Stage: Hot Sauce

Plaza Stage: Rayen Belchere

Aug. 16-17

Fountain Stage: Uniq Blend

Plaza Stage: Jerry Dowd

Aug. 23-24

Fountain Stage: Mick & The Ultras

Plaza Stage: Kevin Russell

Aug. 30-31

Fountain Stage: Uniq Flavur

Plaza Stage: Wicked Powers

Sept. 6-7

Fountain Stage: Brubakers

Plaza Stage: Jeff Brown

Sept. 13-14

Fountain Stage: Leslie & Friends

Plaza Stage: Kevin Russell

Sept. 20-21

Fountain Stage: Kimberly Carper Trio

Plaza Stage: Sabra Callas

Sept. 27-28

Fountain Stage: Robin B

Plaza Stage: Scott Smith

Union Street Live – Concord

Downtown Concord hosts a monthly outdoor concert on the third Thursday of each month from 6-9 p.m. next to the Historic Cabarrus County Courthouse, 65 Union St. S.

This year’s schedule:

June 20, Tim Clark

July 18, Too Much Sylvia

Aug. 15, Craig Woolard

Sept. 19, Atlantic Groove Band

Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops Series

The symphony will hold a series of concerts this summer at Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall. Gates open at 5 p.m., a pre-show begins at 7 and the Charlotte Symphony begins playing at 8:15. Tickets cost $10 for adults, or $35 for all five concerts. Children get in free.

The symphony also performs several free community concerts throughout the summer. Details: www.charlottesymphony.org/summer.asp.

This year’s shows:

June 9, The Thrill of the Orchestra, conducted by Albert-George Schram

June 16, A Summer Pops Fantasia, conducted by Christopher Warren-Green

June 23, Scores of Movie Music, conducted by Albert-George Schram

June 30, That’s Amore, conducted by Albert-George Schram

July 3, Celebrate America, conducted by Albert-George Schram

Charlotte Symphony at McGuire

The EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station hosts the annual Charlotte Symphony concert at 8:15 p.m. June 21. Enjoy a picnic on the lawn or anchor your boat in the cove of Lake Norman. Refreshments will be available to buy. Details: 980-875-5600.

Alive After Five Concert Series – Lincolnton

Downtown Lincolnton hosts a monthly outdoor concert series behind the Lincoln County Courthouse, at the intersection of Main Street and Court Square. Shows usually run from 6-9 p.m.

Here’s a look at this summer’s concerts:

June 27, Coming Up Brass

July 25, The Folsom Prison Gang

Aug. 29, Kevin Richardson and Cuttin’ Edge

Sept. 26, The Fantastic Shakers

Heavy rains in August 2011 flooded the former site of the Community Relief Organization of Mount Holly. The group is planning to buy a new space later this month, assuming they collect enough to pay for it. (Courtesy of Community Relief Organization)

by Courtney Price

news@mimonitor.com

MOUNT HOLLY – The Community Relief Organization of Mount Holly is pushing to raise more than $150,000, and the deadline is quickly approaching.

The money would pay for a new building – replacing the one that flooded in August 2011 – which Executive Director Alice Bayne said the organization plans to buy this month.

“We close on June 25, and we’re hoping to have it all by then,” Bayne told the Mountain Island Monitor. If they don’t raise all the money by then, they’ll have to look at alternative funding options.

The relief agency provides food, clothing, bill payment assistance and help with some prescription medications to those in need in Mount Holly, but things have been tight – literally – since a massive rain storm on Aug. 5, 2011, flooded West Central Avenue, destroying the organization’s building and everything in it.

The group temporarily moved to the basement of the old City Hall building, where donations as well as people have been crammed in to continue helping those who need it.

“It’s so small, that people bump into each other,” Bayne said. “You cannot run a buggy and a person down the hall (next to each other).”

The current site is so small it can only hold food donations – and not all the food fits. The clothing donations have been held at another site, but the CRO recently sold that building and had nowhere to keep the clothes, which Bayne said were donated to another organization.

The new building, located at 2120 Sprint St. near the Food Lion off of Highland Street, will be more than 2,000-square-feet and house all of the CRO’s services.

But the space isn’t nearly as important as the new site’s atmosphere.

“When folks come to us, they’re already down on their luck,” Bayne said. “I would certainly feel much better and more comfortable coming to a bright, cheery, welcoming place. And I think that’s how it will be for them, too.”

Bayne said the organization provides about 10,000 pounds of food and $11,000 in financial aid each month. The organization also coordinates a Christmas gift program for about 300 children in the area.

But once they’ve bought the building, all the CRO’s extra money won’t have to go into a savings account and more can go directly to the people who need it most.

She said the organization is about $30,000 away from the $155,000 goal, but that doesn’t include the renovations and other supplies they’ll need after they’ve bought the building. But she feels confident the community will step up and help.

“The heart of the community in Mount Holly is just huge. The city and community have always come to the CRO’s rescue in times of need,” she said. “I think the community will continue to support us.

Want to help?

The Community Relief Organization of Mount Holly is seeking monetary donations to buy a new site to distribute food and clothing to those in need. Desks, chairs and filing cabinets will also be needed for the new building.

If you would like to contribute to the building fund, send tax-deductible donations to The Community Relief Organization, P.O. Box 831, Mount Holly, NC 28120.

If you have furniture or other items you’d like to donate, call Alice Bayne at 704-827-8581.

news@mimonitor.com

BELMONT – Several months ago, the Charlotte Regional Film Commission advised Hallmark Movie Channel that Belmont would be the perfect location for a movie set inside one of Norman Rockwell’s iconic paintings.

Young Trey Cole (Dash Pledger-Levine, left) finds guidance from Charlie Shuffleton (Danny Glover, right), a father figure who taught him the value of family in the Hallmark Movie Channel film “Norman Rockwell’s Shuffleton’s Barbershop.” (Courtesy of Fowzia Iranpur)

“They liked our quaint, historic-looking downtown, with our older buildings that were well taken care of,” Assistant City Manager Adrian Miller said. “The location scout told me that Belmont had a ‘Norman Rockwell feel,’ and I took that as a compliment.”

Filming for “Norman Rockwell’s Shuffleton’s Barbershop,” based on a 1950 American realism oil painting of the same name, began in March and centered on the now-closed, rust-red brick of Margaret’s Beauty Shop on North Main Street.

The film, which premiered June 1, celebrates the 50-year relationship Rockwell had with Hallmark Cards, as his artwork often found its way to their greeting card covers.

In “Shuffleton’s Barbershop,” four-time Emmy nominee Danny Glover plays Charlie Shuffleton, a small-town Georgia barber who runs a business bursting with community news and gossip.

Belmont Pharmacist Trish Williamson said her mother, Margaret Thrower, ran a beauty shop at the filming location for more than 60 years, until she passed away last November.

“It was sad in a sense because mother had the shop there for so many years; she lived to be 97,” Williamson said. “Back then, it was across from the Belk store and the Five and Dime.”

Thrower rented the shop from a friend, Martha Taylor, through what was originally just a verbal contract.

“That’s how things were done back then. You could leave your doors wide open and go out and play,” she recalled. “Mother had one of the original buildings and was very sociable just as far as getting to know people. She loved her work, she really did.”

Williamson is pleased that the movie will keep with the spirit of the work her mother enjoyed all her life.

In the movie, Shuffleton acts as a mentor to Trey Cole, played by Austin Stowell, who frequents the shop as a boy and grows up to be a famous country musician.

When Cole eventually returns home, he has to come to terms with the death of Shuffleton and a brother killed during military service. He must also try to reconcile with his bitter sister-in-law, played by Kayla Well, who has been left alone to raise her son, and his father, General Wes Cameron, played by Brett Rice, who was distant during Cole’s childhood.

Beyond Margaret’s Beauty Shop, Miller said the film crew also used a small, vacant lot on Main Street to film a concert scene and set up their equipment at a local church and general store.

“The city really enjoyed hosting the production folks, and we had a lot of residents come out and work as extras in the movie,” he said.

Hopewell finished the season with a 9-10-1 record and an 8-6 mark in
I-MECK 4A conference play.

All practices and league games are on SouthLake’s campus. There are three age/weight divisions for ages 8-13. Information and the registration form is online at www.southlakeeagles.org/athletics-dept/junior-eagles.html#jefa.