2810[high]5: Racial Justice Books from the Library

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.

Stamped From the Beginning by

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!)

Barred {Owls} on the Greenway

“A pair of owls can check out a nest a whole year in advance before committing to it.”

Photo by Debbie LeBlanc Foster

We're right smack in the middle of baby bird season!  I've already had the first Northern cardinals, Carolina wrens, and Carolina chickadees fledge in my yard, and there are brown-headed nuthatches and Eastern bluebirds on the nest.  Exciting times!

We also had some very special babies on a property adjacent to the greenway in Matthews - barred owls!  These are the most common owls in our area.  They nest in cavities in trees, in chimneys, and in boxes.  It's not very hard to spot them, and they have a couple of vocalizations that help identify them.  One sounds like, "Who cooks for you?  Who cooks for you?  Who????"  The other sounds like a cross between monkeys run amok, gargling, and yodeling.  You'll know it from that description if you ever hear it!

The homeowners installed a barred owl box about eight years ago.  Last year they had their first residents, and it happened again this year.  An article from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology stated that the pair of owls can check out a nest a whole year in advance before committing to it!

Photo by Debbie LeBlanc Foster

The owls started visiting the nest box, which is installed on a two-story roof over the garage, around the first week of December.  The eggs were laid between March 20th to the 25th.  Barred owls usually lay two to three eggs, occasionally more, and they are dull white in color.  The incubation period ranges from 28 to 33 days.  While the female is on the eggs, the male brings food to the nest.

After hatching, the young remain in the nest for four to five weeks, growing larger and eating more every day.  Then the really exciting period begins - sightings of the young birds.  The first appearance of an owlet this year was on April 30th.  They don't leave the nest, but just stick their heads out.  This happens more often as they get closer to "branching" or leaving the nest site.  Two of the owlets fledged on May 2nd and 3rd, with the final baby leaving on Wednesday, May 6th.

Many people don't know that birds learn to fly on the ground and don't return to the nest once they leave it.  This is true of owls, too.  They hop and practice flapping their wings, and usually end up in some kind of cover so that predators can't find them.

They'll stay in the general vicinity, building their flight skills and learning to hunt, with their parents nearby.  In total, these birds are with the parents for around four months!  

Here are several pictures of the owl family.  The first is likely of the male, soaking wet after a night of rain.  The next Is one of the parents sitting in the woods, watching the nest box.  The final picture is one of the owlets, taken a day before the first one fledged.

This owl family kept people using the greenway engaged for months as they passed by the nest box.  Hopefully they'll be back next year to nest there again.  

We'll have to wait until December to see!

Photo by Debbie LeBlanc Foster

Matthews During COVID-19: A Photoessay

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.

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“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

Claire Rodahaver is Matthews-based photographer, photojournalist, and educator.
Visit her website here.

2810[high]5: Breakfast on the Cheap

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.}

The Monroe Road Corridor:

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

Center of Town:

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

Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 28, 2020

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.

Morning Minute: Monday, January 27, 2020

News About Town:  The Town Transportation Department will present a mobility study update to the Board prior to the regular Board of Commissioners meeting tonight. The mobility study began in April 2019, and has concentrated on transportation and parking throughout downtown Matthews.Following open meeting laws, the public is welcome to attend. The presentation will begin at 5:30 in the Jordan Room of Town Hall

News Around Town: Matthews-based stayAPT Suites unveiled a new approach for extended stay hotels. Each suite contains three distinct living areas (kitchen, living room, bedroom) recalling a home away from home residential design. The rooms surround common courtyard that includes a grilling area and fire pit. The brand is launching 12 hotels to be built this year and an additional 30 in 2021. Don’t start planning an extended staycation, the closest stayAPT Suites will be in Charlotte.

One Good Thing: Mamma Mia! takes over Fullwood Stage this weekend, bringing ABBA’s greatest hits to Matthews. Matthews Playhouse has nine performances of the hit production between January 3 and February 9.
ASC Connect with Culture members: use your card to BOGO tickets for this event.

Morning Minute: Friday, January 24, 2020

News About Town: The agenda for Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting is online. During the meeting, new members of the Police Department will be introduced, there is a moment to acknowledge the Finance Department’s receipt of a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.The Board will also consider an administrative amendment to the Harmony Hills Townhome design.

News Around Town: Moving into the weekend, as temps climb slightly upward, thoughts turn to gardening. If you’re thinking it’s too cold to plant, think again. According to phenological signs, when daffodils are in bloom, it’s time to plant garden and sugar peas, beets, carrots, and chard.

One Good Thing: Nothing in life is free, except for trees at the Trees Charlotte giveaway…and opinions, advice, kittens, and (to the philosophically inclined) will. Of all of those, free trees are the best deal, and Matthews residents should reserve their trees for the February 1 Matthews TreeStore. The more people who reserve trees, the more stock Trees Charlotte will bring. RSVPs are encouraged, but registration closes January 28. Make sure to tell your tree hugging friends.

Morning Minute: Thursday, January 23, 2020

News About Town: A handful of times we’ve mentioned when town advisory boards have openings. If you’re unsure what they do, or if you’d be interested in joining, you can sit in on a meeting to see firsthand what the board does. Next week, the Transportation Advisory Committee has a meeting on Monday, the 27th, at 5:30 pm. The Cultural Diversity Committee (CDC) and Planning Board both have scheduled meetings on Tuesday, the 28th, at 7 pm. The following week, the Veteran’s Advisory Committee and Board of Adjustment have meetings. Check out the Town’s calendar for other meetings throughout the month.

News Around Town: CMS has a teacher workday tomorrow (Friday, January 24). With no public school buses on the road, enjoy the easy commute.

One Good Thing: It’s safe to say no other event name has our interest piqued more than Carolina Carnage Armwrestling Tournament II. Biceps, deltoids, and pectorals will take center stage this Saturday, January, 25 at the Levine Senior Center. The event has several classes of participants, from amateurs to pros, and is open to the public to watch.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, January 22, 2020

News About Town:  If you’ve driven down Charles Street lately you may have noticed a new wooden fence. That fence is the first stage of construction for the Crestdale Heritage Trail. The trail, running parallel to the trail tracks, will eventually be a walkable tour with signs denoting historic significance. Ultimately, the path will connect the Crestdale neighborhood to downtown and to the Sportsplex.

News Around Town: Join Mecklenburg County Master Gardener Hallie Walker at the Matthews Library at 11 am on February 8 to learn the pruning basics of your favorite shrubs. Firstly, you must find... another shrubbery! Then, after all Monty Python quotes have been exhausted, you’ll learn to improve the health of your shrubs while saving time and money for future care. (Pro tip: We’re coming up close on the right time for blueberry pruning.)

One Good Thing: Want to learn more about local government? Are you a graduate of Matthews 101 and hungry to learn more? Civics 101, organized by the League of Women Voters, is a five-week course that covers a brief overview of the City of Charlotte budgeting (similar to Matthews, but on a much larger scale) and then dives into county-operated courts, education, and government. In the final week, you’ll have a chance to meet media experts and ask questions about current events and local journalism. The course is in-depth enough to give you a better understanding of the processes and responsibilities of various county agencies. Classes are February 24, March, 3, 10, 17, and 24. The link to register: https://my.lwv.org/north-carolina/charlotte-mecklenburg/civics-101-program .

Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 21, 2020

News About Town:  The Board of Commissioners will hold three special meetings to begin the 2019-2021 term. The first meeting, tonight at Town Hall from 6:00 to 9:00 pm, the Board of Commissioners will learn about the basics of a Council-Manager form of government, as well as receive brief overviews of various town departments. The second and third meetings, January 29 and February 12, will cover topics including current projects and initiatives as well as capital improvement needs and prioritization. Read the agenda here.

Matthews resident Freddie Baylor speaking before a crowd at Town Hall during the Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Peaceful March.

News Around Town: Last year, the Mecklenburg Board of Elections approved new voting machines manufactured by Election Systems and Software, or ES&S.  The machines were approved after the General Assembly passed a law requiring voter machines to produce a paper ballot. The ES&S machines will produce a summary showing the voter’s choices, which will be fed into another machine for tabulation. The paper ballot is a precautionary measure against hacking. Want to see how these new machines work? They'll be at the Matthews library on Tuesday, January 28 from 2:30 - 6:30 pm.

One Good Thing: The 2020 Point-in-Time Count is coming up on January 29. The event takes place on one night to survey each person experiencing sheltered or unsheltered homelessness. The results also detail temporary and permanent housing capacity and inventory throughout Mecklenburg County. The data accumulated is required for the county to receive federal homelessness funding assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). Read the 2019 report here.

Morning Minute: Friday, January 17, 2020

News About Town: The Matthews Police and Fire Departments are teaming up for the second annual “Matthews Public Safety Year-In-Review”.  This year both Chief Clark Pennington of the Matthews Police Department and Chief Rob Kinniburgh of the Matthews Fire Department will examine Matthews emergency response in four town hall style meetings. Each meeting will concentrate on one of four town quadrants (referred to as “Beats" 1, 2, 3, & 4) and is a prime opportunity for anyone in Matthews to learn about public safety in 2019 as well as what to expect from the departments in 2020. Meeting dates and locations are listed on the Town’s website. 

News Around Town: The daffodils are popping up, which means the garden bug will start biting green thumbs everywhere (not literally). Matthews, gardening zone 7b, is a prime location for growing many popular vegetables. If you’re new to gardening, or simply like to have some instruction as you go, Renfrow Farms’ Pressly Williams wrote the workbook on it.  Covering site selection, sunlight requirements, soil health, seed & plant selection, watering and fertilizer needs, and some spacing guidelines, it also includes a month-by-month planting calendar. Purchase the downloadable copy of the 20-page workbook from the SkillPop website here.

One Fun Thing: This Sunday, join the Catawba Lands Conservancy and the Carolina Thread Trail for a stroll down Four-Mile Creek Greenway. The walk will include stops to examine flora and fauna,the local ecology. Meet at Matthews Elementary (200 W. McDowell St.) at 2:30 pm, Sunday, January 19. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes, the walk is approximately three relatively flat miles. RSVP required.

Don’t Forget: Community members are invited to the Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, a collaborative event organized by Matthews United Methodist and Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist churches. The film and walk to Town Hall will start at 2:00 pm on January 19, at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist (381 Crestdale Road).

Morning Minute: Thursday, January 16, 2020

News About Town: The lobby and Records Division of the Matthews Police Station will undergo renovations starting next week. The location of the renovations means the front door to the station will not be open to the public. The department has installed a call box by the door, simply press the button and a department representative will assist you. The renovations are expected to take six to eight weeks. If you need to dispose of medicine, the drop box will be unavailable during this time. Instead, The CVS Pharmacy at 1305 Matthews Township Parkway is an authorized DEA Take-Back location.

News Around Town: This Saturday, head over to the bowling alley for the grand opening of Bowlero, 11210 Brigmans Rd. Embracing all the fun of bowling with just the right amount of throwback style, Bowlero isn’t the old smoke-filled bowling alley of by-gone decades. For the grand opening, there are drink specials and free bowling, but you have to RSVP. Judging by their website, The Dude abides.

Don’t Forget: Community members are invited to the Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, a collaborative event organized by Matthews United Methodist and Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist churches. The film and walk to Town Hall will start at 2:00 pm on January 19, at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist (381 Crestdale Road).

Morning Minute: Wednesday, January 15, 2020

News About Town: The Matthews Police Department recently swore in two new members of the Patrol Division. Officer Tai Pham, a Charlotte native, recently completed Basic Law Enforcement Training at South Piedmont Community College. Officer Mark Wilson moves to the area from South Florida. He recently completed Basic Law Enforcement Training at Central Piedmont Community College.

News Around Town: It’s National Pizza Week. If you’re a fan of the cheesy, carby goodness pizza has to offer, pick up a pie, park yourself somewhere comfy, and celebrate. Rest assured, in the depths of the Matthews stormwater drains, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be celebrating with you.

One Good Thing: If you have a teen who needs a boost of self confidence before tackling real world challenges like job interviews, the Matthews Library (230 Matthews Station St.) has the program for your teen. This Saturday, January 18, at 2 pm, Kamella Emmanuel will lead a workshop on “Loving Yourself from the Inside Out.” The program will use affirmation and self-reflection techniques to build self-confidence for many everyday applications. This program is designed for teenagers and young adults, up to age 21. Register online.

Don’t Forget: Community members are invited to the Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, a collaborative event organized by Matthews United Methodist and Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist churches. The film and walk to Town Hall will start at 2:00 pm on January 19, at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist (381 Crestdale Road).

Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 14, 2020

News About Town: After originally filing in May 2019 for rezoning from I-1 to I-1 (CD), the Stronghaven Warehouse at 433 East John St. site plan has been approved. The warehouse has been using its John St. loading dock to receive and load shipments. With this new plan, the warehouse docks will face Charles St. and trucks will access the site by Charles Buckley Way or Charles St. New landscaping will line a large portion of the John St. side, leaving a small apron for employee’s cars. Charles St. will also have some landscaping, continuing the style along Charles Buckley Way.

News Around Town: Duke and Penn State lacrosse fans will swarm Matthews in February, when the teams play at the Sportsplex. The top-10 matchup will be played Feb. 22; tickets range from $12 (for youth) to $50, with access to the endzone fieldhouse.

One Good Thing: The Town of Matthews is seeking board members for various Town advisory boards. If you’re interested in becoming more involved, there are many opportunities to jump right in. These boards meet monthly and examine issues to be presented to the Board of Commissioners for consideration. Contact Lori Canapinno, Town Clerk, at 704-708-1222 with questions. To apply: complete an application and submit it to Lori via email (lcanapinno@matthewsnc.gov).

Don’t Forget: Community members are invited to the Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, a collaborative event organized by Matthews United Methodist and Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist churches. The film and walk to Town Hall will start at 2:00 pm on January 19, at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist (381 Crestdale Road).

Morning Minute: Monday, January 13, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners met at Town Hall this past Saturday and set the tone for the term ahead. The six present members created a list of 18 important tasks to tackle. Several broad subjects were listed, including, but not limited to workforce/affordable housing, transportation, attracting jobs and economic growth. Other items continue projects from the previous Board’s agenda, such as expanding Stumptown Park and addressing parking issues in the downtown area.

News Around Town: Butler High School senior Anthony Carter Jr. has picked a college. The offensive lineman recently committed to NC State. According to Anthony’s Twitter, other college possibilities included Illinois, UCF, Boston College, Syracuse, Louisville, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Texas A&M, UNC and Michigan State.

One Good Thing: Community members are invited to the Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, a collaborative event organized by Matthews United Methodist and Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist churches. The event will start at 2:00 pm on January 19, with a film commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist (381 Crestdale Road). Celebrations will continue on Monday. At 8:30 am, revisit Mount Moriah for a Community Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall. To RSVP for breakfast, call Trudy Jones at 980-245-9090 ext. 302. A commemorative worship service celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and presentation of the MLK Scholarship will follow breakfast.