Gaston County’s
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We wish you a Merry Christmas! Volume 87 • Issue 51
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Christmas Blessings to all our readers!
• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Stanley police officer receives awards for heroism By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
Stanley police officer Matthew Curfman was recently honored for his role in rescuing two people from a house fire. The awards included a Proclamation from the Town of Stanley and the Medal of Valor from the Stanley Police
Department. Both accolades were given to Curfman at a recent meeting of the Stanley town council. The incident that Curfman was involved in took place on Oct. 30 at 603 Summerow Rd. just outside the Stanley city limits. When Curfman, who had already worked 11 hours that day, arrived at the
scene, the rear of the house was ablaze and two elderly folks were trapped inside. Nonetheless, Curfman sprang into action. He kicked in the door, entered the house and took one person to safety. Soon, firefighters from Alexis VFD came up. Curfman, without any breathing apparatus, reentered the
Stuart Cramer students among those chosen for state honors chorus Four students from Gaston County Schools were chosen to participate in the North Carolina Music Educators Association’s (NCMEA) high school honors chorus and two of them are from Stuart Cramer High in Cramerton. Nate Kang and Tristan Nogueira of Stuart W. Cramer High School, Isaac Londeree of Ashbrook High School, and Erin Watson of Forestview High School sang in the honors chorus concert
at the Stevens Center in Winston-Salem on November 7. Auditions were recorded and submitted electronically. Approximately 750 students sent in an audition video, but only 176 students from across the state were selected. Ashbrook High School choral teacher Philip Biedenbender said it takes a great deal of courage to stand up and share your voice, knowing that someone is listening to and judging your performance. “All auditionees
deserve a round of applause for putting in the time and the effort required for honors chorus preparation,” said Biedenbender. “Unfortunately, the NCMEA just can’t take everyone.” Forestview chorus teacher Steven Austin praised Watson for being selected as a member of the honors chorus. “Erin is incredibly hardworking and has dedicated four years to the choral program. I could not think of See CHORUS, Page 4
house with firefighters and took the other victim to safety. Sadly, both people later passed away at the hospital. According to the proclamation, a local fire chief remarked soon after the scene“Had it not been for the quick action of Officer Curfman this event could have had a tragic outcome.” A firefighter had this comment- “To see a local officer who is willing to disregard his own safety in a situation his profession normally doesn’t see, and to stick it out in an IDLS situation (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Safety) until he was sure they were out safe, is true definition of a hero.” Stanley mayor Steven Denton told Curfman-- “I want to personally thank you for your heroic efforts in saving the lives of the people caught in the fire. On behalf of the Town Council and the entire Town of Stanley thank you for everything you do for our Town. We are blessed to have an officer like you on the See AWARDS, Page 3
Stanley police officer Matthew Curfman with his proclamation and medal. Photo by Bill Ward
Polly Lowe of Belmont is a steel magnolia By Alan Hodge alan@cfmedia.info
The Town of Stanley held a Christmas Parade last week. See more scenes on pages 5, 6 & 7. Photo by Bill Ward
Readers of the BannerNews will recall last week’s edition with the story of Minnie Grier of Belmont who had turned 100 years old on November 30th. Well, just a few days after that, another Belmont resident, Polly Lowe, also topped the century mark on December 4th and here’s her story. Like many Belmont seniors who have lived here over the decades, the textile industry was woven into just about every aspect of Lowe’s young life. Her mom and dad, John and Lilly Smith, both worked in the mills. The family lived in the Eagle Mill area. Over the years, Polly took her own turn in textiles doing a variety of jobs including that of seamstress. See POLLY, Page 5
Polly Lowe and two of her dogs- Riley and Bee Bee. She is never out of their sight. Photo by Alan Hodge
