Bridges
Invisible are the bonds that
Bind our hearts they require
No voice nor signed document
To prove it
It’s been there always from
The beginning no interpretation
Required it’s all the security
We need to cross every bridge
Together holding hands
Our love was there from the
Beginning no interpretation
Required we have all the security
We need to cross each bridge
Together, embracing time
By Lorraine Stark
Image via Unsplash @pattybphoto
Designs
Mosaic patterns by leaves that fall
Brighten the parched earth from summer’s heat
A silent signal noticed by all
Crisp autumn air and apples picked sweet
Beneath moonlight the owls do call
As lovers engage their own beat
Piles of leaves and giggles can be heard
Above the mating songs of birds
By Lorraine Stark
Image via Unsplash @anthonyrossbach
So You Want to Talk About Race, by Ijeoma Oluo:
Ijeoma Oluo offers a hard-hitting but user-friendly examination of race in America Widespread reporting on aspects of white supremacy--from police brutality to the mass incarceration of African Americans--have made it impossible to ignore the issue of race.
Available from the library as a paper book, eBook, and audiobook.
Ibram X. Kendi:
In this deeply researched and fast-moving narrative, Kendi chronicles the entire story of anti-Black racist ideas and their staggering power over the course of American history.
Available from the library in paper, as an eBook, and as an audiobook.
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander: Published in 2010, this is
a stunning account of the rebirth of a caste-like system in the United States, one that has resulted in millions of African Americans locked behind bars and then relegated to a permanent second-class status—denied the very rights supposedly won in the Civil Rights Movement.
Available from the library in paper, as an eBook, and as an audiobook.
Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad: The author l
eads readers through a journey of understanding their white privilege and participation in white supremacy, so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on black, indigenous and people of color, and in turn, help other white people do better, too. The book goes beyond the original workbook by adding more historical and cultural contexts, sharing moving stories and anecdotes, and includes expanded definitions, examples, and further resources.
Available from the library as a paper book, eBook, and audiobook.
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson:
The founder of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Alabama recounts his experiences as a lawyer working to assist those desperately in need, reflecting on his pursuit of the ideal of compassion in American justice.
Available from the library in paper, as an eBook, and as an audiobook.
Bonus!
Want to read and process what you’ve learned in a group? The Charlotte Mecklenburg library offers Book Club Kits for current New York Times’ Bestsellers The Color of Law, Just Mercy, and The New Jim Crow, to help you begin your own book discussion with friends, families, or even strangers. Each kit includes 10 copies of a book, biographical notes on the author, and sample discussion questions, and tips on how to host a successful book club. Learn more and see what book club kits are available by visiting the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library website. (Thanks Kristen Fuller for the tip!)
Bouquets of Promise
She’s as silent as
a bride walking down
the aisle, guests whisper
how beautiful she looks,
afraid to disturb the
moment of her passing
Beneath her veil tears
are visible in her eyes
they are not caused by
sadness, they come from
bliss
For she symbolizes love,
hope, beauty and peace
equal to the grace of spring’s
bouquets of promise
By Lorraine Stark
Take a stroll through Matthews with photographer Claire Rodahaver. Claire captured the usually active downtown, now absent of people, the streetscape dotted with informative handmade signs. This is our current normal.
“I hope this is a time when small business owners come together and support one another. We need to get through this. We must and we will! Thankful for the opportunity to live and work in Matthews the last year. It is truly an amazing gem of the Charlotte area. As a photographer, I hope I can use photography to share powerful stories and uplift people in this time of uncertainty. ”
Claire Rodahaver is Matthews-based photographer, photojournalist, and educator.
Visit her website here.
On one American morning, a virus came ashore, it does not discriminate,
it knocks on anyone's door
On one American morning, this invisible beast made humans its feast
On one American morning, our country decided to fight against the pain
and sorrow, now a familiar site
On one American morning, we will make this pandemic leave no forwarding
address
On one American morning, together we are strong, we are America we will achieve success
On one American morning, again, we will resume our daily routines, and not
forget, anything can change life in a minute
On one American morning, we will defeat the unknown
On one American morning the sun will rise, just like before
it will greet the young and old
On one American morning, again the alarm clocks will ring, school buses
will roll and a glass wall will not divide us anymore
By Lorraine Stark
Image via Unsplash @anshu18
By Lorraine Stark
Mom and pop places are the way to go when you want a filling breakfast, no frills, with a straightforward cup of coffee, keep the refills pouring. Where do you go in Matthews for such a thing? We’ve covered Stacks before, and there are a few other Matthews establishments that fit the (very affordable) bill. {Prices are subject to change.}
East 74: Open at 6 am, you can get two eggs (any style), for
$4.95. Comes with bacon or sausage patties, grits or hashbrowns, toast, or biscuit, and iced tea.
10915 Monroe Rd, Matthews
(704) 847-5035
Stacks:
Get two eggs (any style), with bacon or sausage, grits, oatmeal, or hashbrowns, toast or biscuit
for
$5.95. Open daily at 6 am.
11100 Monroe Rd., Matthews
704.841.2025
Americana: Opens at 5:30 am Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.
For
$4.95 y
ou get two eggs (any style), plus bacon, sausage, ham, or livermush, grits, home fries, or hashbrowns, toast, or biscuit.
1628 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews
704-841-0801
Jonathan’s:
Open daily at 6 am. You get two eggs (any style), for
$4.95. Comes with bacon, or sausage patties, grits, home fries, or hashbrowns, toast, or biscuit.
10630 Independence Pointe Pkwy,
Matthews
(704) 847-8911
Miki’s:
Opens at 6 am, Monday through Saturday, 7 am on Sunday.
For
$3.95, y
ou get two eggs (any style), plus bacon, sausage, or livermush, grits, home fries, or hashbrowns, toast, or biscuit. Coffee is $1.60.
1819 Matthews Township Pkwy,
Matthews
(704) 321-0051
Image via Unsplash
Childhood Sweethearts
I remember in a red and pink box
tiny Valentine candies shaped in
hearts.
They came in shades of yellow,
pink and lavender too, each one had a
different message printed on its top
perfectly written for you.
The excitement would build til
it was Valentine's Day at last and
in school that morning hidden inside
your desk the anticipation would
build and you couldn't wait to pass
to the love of your life then, your
sentiments and when he smiled
in return you knew you'd love him
forever because that box of sweet
hearts could never be wrong when
you were young.
By Lorraine Stark
Alone
my heart broken
walking side by side with
the invisible poverty of
my soul it suddenly started to
rain and I knew that very moment
my life had come back sweetened
from angels tears
By Lorraine Stark
I
News About Town: Matthews Fire & EMS had their annual awards banquet this past Saturday evening at the Plantation Estates Clubhouse. The awards presented were decided through a survey of peers. Those honored include Officer of the Year Ryan Hanes, Firefighters of the Year Jodi Aldridge and Harry McLaughlin, EMT of the Year Montana Hudgens, Rookie of the Year Pablo Maldonado, Fire Corps Member of the Year John Wasco, and LH Yandle Distinguished Service recipient Christopher Clark. For a glimpse into the difficult work (with plenty of fun and camaraderie) of being a Matthews Fire Fighter, watch their video review of 2019.
News Around Town: Be on the lookout for scam texts and emails that appear as though they’re from FedEx. The phony message contains a link that will take you to a page requesting credit card information. FedEx will not request information through text or email. If you receive one such message, let FedEx know.
One Fun Thing: Need a hobby? Revisit yoga? Pickle ball? If you’re looking for something fun to do check out the Park and Rec newsletter for February.
