House District 108 Newsletter

NEWS FROM THE 108TH DISTRICT

Friends,

I am sending you another special edition of my newsletter. This special edition covers events I attended this past Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day is one of the most important observations we have in the United States. Since the American Revolution, generations of brave Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great republic. In honor of our fallen men and women in uniform, we must never forget that “freedom is not free.” We must remember this not just on Memorial Day but every day.

I have added a new resource to my newsletter, a precinct map of Gaston County. If you click on the map, it will take you to the NC Board of Elections' website, where you can find your voter registration information, including what precinct you live in and your polling location. You can see the map of Gaston County’s precincts near the bottom of the newsletter.

As always, if you require assistance, please contact my office, and we will help in any way possible. Please also follow my legislative page on Facebook for the latest news.

It is an honor to represent you and Gaston County in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

All My Best,

John Torbett

To sign up to receive this newsletter by email, text JTORBETT to 22828

Sadler Elementary School Tour

On Friday, May 27th, Viddia and I toured Sadler Elementary School in Gastonia, North Carolina. Upon arriving, we met with Tim Hardin, the school counselor for Sadler Elementary and Government Relations Director for the North Carolina School Counselor Association. We talked with Tim about school counseling and education policy as he gave us a tour of the building.

Viddia and I thoroughly enjoyed touring the school and our conversation with Tim. Our school counselors are indispensable in addressing mental health. If you would like to schedule me to come and visit your school, please get in touch with my office at john.torbett@ncleg.gov.

Dallas Volunteer Fire Department Celebrates

100 Years

On Saturday, May 28th, Viddia and I attended the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Dallas Volunteer Fire Department. Since 1922, the Dallas Volunteer Fire Department has provided emergency and non-emergency services to residents in the Dallas area.

Fire Chief Earl Withers III and former Fire Chiefs Callahan and Lambert spoke at the event. With the help of Former Dallas Mayor Cloninger, Chief Lambert gave a detailed history of the department. During the ceremony, I presented a Certificate of Acknowledgment and Congratulations to the department to commemorate their anniversary.

Congratulations to the Dallas Volunteer Fire Department on achieving this centennial milestone. Also, thank you to all the members of the department, current and former, who have put themselves in harm’s way to help protect the people of Dallas.

Motorsports Caucus Attends Coca-Cola 600

On May 29th, members of the Motorsports Caucus attended the Coca-Cola 600 race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Caucus members were joined by Karen Ray, the Director of Governmental Affairs for the North Carolina Motorsports Association. Attendees enjoyed a phenomenal race that was the longest in NASCAR history and had two overtimes. In honor of our military, the race began with a helicopter landing.

I want to thank Karen, the North Carolina Motorsports Association, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway for putting this event together. North Carolina's relationship and history with the motorsports industry is one of a kind. Between racers, manufacturers, arenas, and fans, the motorsports industry is vital to our state's economy. I am proud of my work in growing and promoting motorsports in North Carolina and look forward to seeing the industry's growth moving forward.

Stanley Cemetery Ancestry Fund's

Memorial Day Celebration

On Monday, May 30th, Viddia and I attended the Stanley Cemetery Ancestry Fund’s Memorial Day Celebration. The event began with opening remarks from Bob Mahovsky, President of the Stanley Cemetery Ancestry Fund. After Bob spoke, Stefanie Helsel of the Community Pentecostal Center sang, “Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place.” Then, the Color Guard, consisting of military veterans, presented the colors.

After the colors were presented, Dr. Danny Penny, Senior Pastor of Stanley Pentecostal Holiness Church, gave the invocation. I then led attendees in a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Stefanie Helsel singing the national anthem.

The next speaker was Stanley Town Manager Heath Jenkins, who introduced special guests and gave some remarks about Memorial Day. NC District Court Judge Craig Collins introduced the keynote speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Stimpson.

After the keynote address, Pastor John Mayberry of Revival Tabernacle gave the benediction and closing remarks. The event concluded with a three-volley salute and the playing of taps. I want to thank Bob and the Stanley Cemetery Ancestry Fund for organizing a moving, patriotic event.