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Thursday, October 13, 2016
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• Belmont • Cramerton • Lowell • McAdenville • Mount Holly • Stanley
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Belmont council recognizes police and firefighter heroes By Alan Hodge alan.bannernews@gmail.com
Last week's meeting of the Belmont city council saw several police and firefighters recognized for their high level of service and a new officer sworn in. Police Cpl. Ed “Deuce” Mason received a plaque honoring him for his quick and decisive actions on Sept. 19 when he saved a possible suicide victim from leaping off the NC273 bridge onto I-85 below. Dash cam video showed Mason and another officer pull up to where the man was standing next to the bridge rail. Mason got out of his car and approached the man and used his cell phone as a means of getting the subject's attention. When Mason was close enough, he grabbed the guy off the railing and got him under control saying “I'm your friend”. The entire episode can be seen on the Belmont PD Facebook page. No doubt Mason's previous career as a pro wrestler helped him get the subject under firm but caring control. A group of Belmont police officers and firefighters were also recognized by the council and Mayor Charlie Martin for the roles they played on August 25 when
a tractor trailer plunged down a steep embankment on I-85. The driver was trapped in the twisted wreckage for several hours before he could be extracted. The entire process took place in scorching heat. The driver lived but lost his leg. The Belmont officers and firefighters performed their duties with high honor and professionalism in extremely trying conditions. New police officer Angela Spataro was sworn in at the council meeting. She came to North Carolina from Florida about ten years ago and lives in Huntersville. She has two daughters and a granddaughter. She worked as an EMT in the Stanley area for four years before becoming a police officer. “Being an officer is something I have thought about my whole life,” Spataro said. “Now, I'm finally able to fulfill that dream.” Spataro says that the best part of her job is being able to be out and about in the community helping people. “I enjoy making a difference,” she said. She also likes the challenges associated with police work. Mayor Charlie Martin presented Belmont police officer Cpl. Edward “Deuce” Mason with a plaque “I'm still learning a lot every day,” she honoring him for saving a possible suicide on Sept. 19. The entire dramatic event can be seen on said. Photo by Alan Hodge See HEROES page 2 Belmont PD’s Facebook page.
Stuart Cramer High names Life’s Crossroads Twenty-Year Cancer Survivor Teacher of the Year Tells Her Story of Survival
Stuart Cramer principal Audrey Devine (left) is seen with Teacher of the Year Mindee Mammano. Gaston Schools photo
Stuart Cramer High has named Mindee Mammano as its 2016-2017 Teacher of the Year. “I am beyond honored to have been chosen as Stuart Cramer's Teacher of the Year,” Mammano said. “There are so many amazing and inspiring teachers here, and to be recognized among them is truly humbling. I am incredibly blessed to get to spend my days here with such wonderful colleagues and fabulous students.” This is Mammano's 18th year in education, 13 of which have been with Gaston County Schools. This is her second year at Stuart Cramer High School She currently teaches American History and A.P. United States History.She is also certified in, and has taught, English. Originally from Ohio, she graduated from Muskingum College then moved to North Carolina with her husband, Jason who is an Instructional Technology Facilitator with GCS. “I began my teaching career at Mount Holly Middle School, where I taught 8th grade Language Arts for 2 years,” mammano said. “From there I went to East Gaston High School, where I taught both English and History for nine years. In See TEACHER page 2
FIND YOUR MARTIAL WAY!
Story courtesy CaroMont Health Occasionally, we get to a point in our lives when we see our path diverging in front of us and find ourselves at a clear crossroads. These moments usually indicate change and involve choices to be made. When we experience change, whether it involves the start of a new career or maybe we are faced with a challenging health situation, the crossroads we find ourselves can either inspire or paralyze us. The choice is ours to make. Twenty years ago, Lyn Anderson met her crossroad when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Flooded with emotion because of this unwelcomed interruption in life, Lyn was faced with a choice – she could give up or she could fight. Lyn chose to embrace her diagnosis and make this a moment of profound and lasting change. This is Lyn’s story of survival. Lyn thought nothing of it when she arrived for her annual doctor’s appointment. What she thought was just a routine visit, turned into something much more serious. While performing her breast exam, her doctor detected a suspicious lump. Within a few days, Lyn went in for an ultrasound and other diagnostic testing to confirm the news. In January 1996, at age 43, Lyn was diagnosed Stage II invasive breast cancer. Cancer is prevalent in Lyn’s family, placing her at a higher risk. But regardless of this risk, Lyn never thought it would happen to her. Faced with a decision about how to handle this news, Lyn choose to tackle it head-on. See SURVIVOR page 3
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