News About Town: What's in a name? The former Plantation Estates knows. The retirement and care facility is now named Matthews Glen. The change comes after a summer of racial strife, as Acts Retirement-Life Communities acknowledged the negative connotation of the community’s former name. Executive Director Steve Messer stated, "We have long recognized the controversy that surrounds the word "plantation" and are sensitive to how it is commonly understood. The decision to rename the community is representative of the values we have always stood for and our larger commitment to be recognized as an open, inclusive and diverse community."

One Good Thing: Every year the Matthews Human Services Council awards a person (or couple) the Nancy Glenn Award. The award honors those who have made Matthews a better community through service. This year’s recipient, Sue Sproat, is the Executive Director of C.O.S. Kids. This year alone, Sue navigated tornado damage and the pandemic. Through her diligence, Sue kept C.O.S. Kids open to provide loving childcare for the children of essential workers.  According to the Matthews Human services Council, "Under Sue’s leadership, the ministry partnered with other ministries and contributors to provide additional meals, cleaning supplies and meet other needs of their families who suffered the loss of jobs. Sue never loses sight of the staff that cares for these children." Congratulations to Sue on an honor that is well-deserved. 

Our Teacher Appreciation Drive Needs You! You can sign up to donate a $20 gift card (or two) if you can't commit to five days of gifts.  Sponsor a teacher at C.O.S. Kids to show how much we appreciate their dedication to children during the pandemic. Sign up to sponsor a teacher for the week or donate gift cards to grocery stores, Target, or WalMart . Every donation will brighten the season for these essential care givers.