The town clock is now a new landmark for Stanley. Over 150 people attended the Clock Dedication Ceremony on September 26th. Gaston County Commissioner, John A. Torbett spoke to the crowd about the history of Stanley. The people then got an update on the activities resulting in getting the clock, and proceeded to the clock corner where Mrs. Ginnie Guida Tofaute unveiled the
sponsor plaque. The plaque is now on permanent display for everyone to see who has already helped advance the objective of a more attractive town. The merchants along Main Street have all purchased a new design sign for visual uniformity in place of random size, shape and colors of signage on the upper areas along the building. The brickwork at the corner was done by Tim Quan who lives in Stanley.

Mayor Frank Guida and his mother are shown near the new plaque. Her name is Mrs. Ginnie Guida Tofaute. It was her idea to create a plaque as a way to raise funds for the clock while recognizing all who donated to make it possible to get the clock. This was remarkably successful and turned the corner in our fund raising endeavor. None of the town revitalization projects are being funded by town tax monies (except for $6,000 for initial supply of banners and pole hardware).

Stoney Helms is a local Boy Scout member of Troup 94. He is the first scout who will be earning his Eagle Award by doing a project to participate in the Town beautification program. There will be additional Scout projects. Stoney is raising funds to cover materials costs and is doing the work to build a barricade wall that will enhance the appearance and safety of the area near
the first mural on West Chestnut Street. Other scouts help the project leader.

  

Boyce McKinney is the mural artist. Boyce lives in Stanley and is donating his extraordinary talents to beautify Stanley with two large murals that people will see as they come into Stanley from the Lincolnton direction. Boyce has done artistic projects for Disney, Universal, several Cruise lines, churches, schools and much more. These murals will take more time due to rainy weather and the fact that Boyce has clients such as Ferrari Motors who are paying for design and artwork. Later on, there will be a third,
smaller, mural on the building where Rhonda's Hairstyling is located near the police station. This will be another old-time railroad scene that will be visible when people enter Stanley from the Mt. Holly direction. Lowe's Store at Belmont is donating Olympic paint for the murals and signs.

Special thanks to revitalization member Jim Flanders, for his contributions to improve the Town of  Stanley.