News About Town: Recently, the Board of Commissioners approved the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission designation of 501 W. John Street, the Hooks-McLaughlin House, as a historic property. The house, built sometime between 1883 and 1894, is one of three Victorian-style homes in Matthews. During the first half of the twentieth century, it was home to Charles R. McLaughlin, prominent town businessman and Mayor of Matthews from 1929 until 1941.

News Around Town: Matthews resident and computer whiz/game designer Nathan Bezner recently launched a new word game app Tangol. Available for both Android and IOS, you can try a free version or purchase the ad-free version for $1.99. Tangol puzzles are five-word palindromes: a 5×5 square with symmetrical words mirroring one another horizontally and vertically. Users can pick between 3×3 and 4×4 puzzles, as well.

One Good Thing: If you’re a regular at the Loyalist, chances are good you know Dawn. Dawn, one of the original Loyalist staff members, is fighting cancer. In her recovery time (and there’s plenty of that during treatment), she’s been painting. Take a break from holiday planning November 26, 6:30-9 pm, and head over to the Loyalist for an exhibit of Dawn’s newest work. Like what you see? Art will be for sale and will help cover medical expenses.

Don’t Forget: 

• Today is the last day to contribute to the Backyard Birds and Common Heart holiday food drive. Drop off any of the following items at Backyard Birds (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy Suite 800) before close today: canned cranberry sauce, green beans, corn fruit cocktail, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing mix, macaroni and cheese, and/or cookie/cake/brownie mix.

• Also tonight, November 18, Garrity & Gossage is presenting the final installment of their popular Women, Wine, and Wisdom series. Nothing pairs better with wine at The Black Chicken than financial security, and Dessi Dufresne of Edward Jones and the lawyers of Garrity & Gossage will provide advice specifically geared toward helping women gain that security. There’s a $20 registration fee. For more info or to register, contact Kim Gossage at kgossage@garritygossage.com.