Greater Matthews Habitat Accepting Homeownership Applications

“Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity (GMHFH) is excited to announce, that after a three-year pause, they will be accepting applications to purchase a home through their New Homeownership Program July 7th, 8th, and 9th.”

Image via Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity

Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity (GMHFH) is excited to announce, that after a three-year pause, they will be accepting applications to purchase a home through their New Homeownership Program July 7th, 8th, and 9th. Applications can be completed online or a paper copy can be picked up from their office at 2447 East John St. during the application period. There will be a non-refundable $25 application fee.

“In a time where the housing market is booming for many, we know the dream of homeownership is simply out of reach for the majority of Americans. Habitat for Humanity plays a crucial role in ensuring hardworking families have access to homeownership opportunities.”

— Natisha Rivera-Patrick CEO, GMHFH

If accepted into the program, the partner family will be purchasing a GMHFH home for the appraised value with an interest-free mortgage through GMHFH. In lieu of a down payment, partner families complete 250 “sweat-equity” hours volunteering on the construction of their home and in the Greater Matthews Habitat ReStore. To cover the financial costs of the home’s construction, GMHFH is looking to partner with local corporate, faith, and civic groups to serve as sponsors on this home.

“In a time where the housing market is booming for many, we know the dream of homeownership is simply out of reach for the majority of Americans. Habitat for Humanity plays a crucial role in ensuring hardworking families have access to homeownership opportunities,” says GMHFH President & CEO, Natisha Rivera-Patrick. “The effects of COVID have impacted every aspect of the market, driving construction costs to an all-time high. Now, more than ever, we need support from our community. We are actively seeking sponsors and volunteers to support our build efforts.”

To qualify for the program, applicants must be a resident of Matthews, Mint Hill, or Stallings for the past 12 months, have a need for a decent, affordable home (current housing situation is substandard, overcrowded, costs more than 30% of gross income, etc.), meets the HUD Median Income Requirements, and must be able to pay back an affordable mortgage.

The full list of qualifications and the list of necessary documentation to complete the application can now be found on the GMHFH website at gmhfh.org/apply. Greater Matthews Habitat is an Equal Housing Lender. The construction of the home is expected to begin this fall. Community members can support the GMHFH program and the construction of this home by donating at gmhfh.org/give. For information about home sponsorship, please email sarah@habitatmatthews.org.

Masterpieces in Buttercream: Miri Nadler and Ten Bloom Cakes

“I was the first cake artist in the US to exclusively decorate using palette knives, and because I had no one to teach me, I’ve developed my own signature style.”

— Miri Nadler, Cake Artist

Image via @10bloomcakes

The mason jar has gone through an evolution over the years, from its humble beginnings as a canning tool for grandma’s vegetables, to cute glasses for sweet tea in Southern-inspired restaurants.  It then morphed into vessels for centerpieces at “rustic weddings” and now has a new purpose: a take-out container for moist cake layered with delicious buttercream from Ten Bloom Cakes, a unique bakery that recently opened on Matthews Station Street.

Owner Miri Nadler, who also creates beautiful, hand-painted cakes, says she thinks of the to-go mason jar as incapsulated cake slices. “It’s also a little something our bakery can do for the environment,” she added. “When you buy a cake jar, you can keep the jar and use it for something else, recycle it, or even bring it back to the bakery and we’ll give you a dollar off your next order.”

Image via @10bloomcakes

Nadler’s mason-jar to-go offerings are unique and delicious, but the cakes are a must-see.  Her method of decorating doesn’t rely on traditional gum paste or fondant, which you can eat but has been described as tasting a little like Play-Doh.  Instead, she uses a palette knife to “paint” three-dimensional designs on cakes with buttercream and whipped cream, so every bite of the cake is a pleasant experience.  She taught herself the process of palette-knife painting on cake after seeing women in Asia using the technique on Instagram.  

“I was the first cake artist in the US to exclusively decorate using palette knives, and because I had no one to teach me, I’ve developed my own signature style,” said Nadler, who has been featured in Southern Bride, The Knot, and The B Collective, among other media outlets.  Her cakes have been described as “perfectly imperfect,” but she likes to think she “strikes the delicate balance between elegance and whimsy.”

“As a woman business owner, safety was just as important to me as accessibility, and the small-town enclave feel of Matthews checked all the boxes.”

Image via @10bloomcakes

Nadler moved from Los Angeles, where she ran a luxury bakery, to North Carolina in 2015 to be closer to family.  She chose downtown Matthews as the site of her bakery because over the past five years, she said she’s seen downtown grow into a “vibrant commercial district that is tailor-made for walking and for families. As a woman business owner, safety was just as important to me as accessibility, and the small-town enclave feel of Matthews checked all the boxes.”

She has traveled throughout the United States to teach the palette-knife decorating technique, and has also taught classes in Canada and Israel to share her knowledge of this unique style.  If you’re interested in learning more about palette-knife decorating, she is offering a class at the Matthews store at the end of May.  Follow her on Facebook and Instagram at @10bloomcakes to see pictures of her cakes and tutorials of her unique technique, and drop into the shop (130 Matthews Station St, #1-H, Matthews) to order a cake for a special occasion or pick up a mason jar of deliciousness to go!

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!)

Set in Stone: A Mystery Resolved

This article was contributed by Barbara Taylor of the Matthews Heritage Museum, 232 N. Trade Street   Matthews, NC  28105

In late May Jeff Hauser, President of the Olde Mecklenburg Genealogy Society (OMGS) contacted the Matthews Historical Foundation and the Matthews Heritage Museum (MHM) asking if they knew of an old cemetery in the Crestdale section of Matthews. Barbara Taylor, Director of the MHM, having completed over a year of research on the neighborhood said she had never heard of a cemetery in the area.  The question was posed because a Piedmont Gas worker, Michael Doby had come across a number of cemetery markers with dates in the mid 19th century in a wooded area in Crestdale Crossing.  The earliest marker dated to 1817!

Hauser and Taylor felt that they needed to investigate the tombstones to see if they could find where they belonged.  They spent half a day individually recording what turned out to be 41 stones with inscriptions on them.  The stones were rather unusual as they were only 6 to 8 inches wide, and 11 to 27 inches tall.  They only had initials, rather than full names, and only 11 had a date on the marker.  They thought some, because of their size might be foot stones.  After documenting the stones, they began trying to research who these tombstones were for.  With initials and dates, we thought we might be able to discover a name in the census record or possible an obituary in the newspapers.  

Taylor decided to share this mystery with other historians in the Charlotte History Roundtable, to see if they might have a better way to identify the people the stones represented.  Within a few hours, historian John Blythe answered the call, identifying one stone with two sets of initials as a stone for two brothers who died on the same day and were buried in Sardis Presbyterian Cemetery.  The next day, using a database he has created from his years of research and FindAGrave, he was able to identify most of the initials with people who were buried at Sardis Presbyterian Church. 

Taylor contacted David Blackley who oversees the cemetery.  He remembered that in 1970 the church cemetery had suffered vandalism with a number of its stones knocked over.  The church decided to place many of them flat on the ground.  But others were given to Neil Huntley, caretaker of the cemetery to keep them safe.  He brought them home and stored them in a wooded area behind his house.  Huntley died a few years ago.  For almost 50 years they had been there when Doby discovered them.  After Blackley reviewed the pictures and information on the stones, he was convinced they were footstones for many graves at the cemetery. 

Currently the town of Matthews has them in safe storage.  But this interesting mystery has been solved thru the cooperation of a handful of individuals and organizations who believe in the preservation of history. Plans are being made to bring the stones home safely to Sardis Presbyterian Church. 

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

Staving off the Storm Chasers

In the wake of Thursday’s storm, roofing storm-chasers will soon be knocking on doors. As homeowners, we expect a reasonable price and high-quality work. Knowing how to separate the experts from the fly-by-night contractors is more difficult. Maytée Sanz of Griffin Roofing, a Matthews-based GAF Master Elite® and Certified™ Contractor, walked us through the process.

So the wind blew shingles off your roof, a branch ripped off the gutters and now somebody is knocking on your door saying they can fix it. How do you verify they’re a legit business?

• Matthews requires a solicitation permit for door-to-door sales. Ask for a permit and make sure they provide it to you.

• Check for an insurance number, BBB, and manufacturer designation on any materials you receive.

• Make sure the contractor is properly licensed and registered with the state of North Carolina. You can also check their vehicle to make sure they have proper business markings such as company name, phone number, and license plates in the state where you live.

• Don’t let a contractor you don’t know on your roof; they may create damage in order to get a

Now that I’ve talked to several contractors, what do I do?

Before you hire a contractor:

• Get three quotes. Not only will you have a better idea about what the cost should be, but it will also give you a chance to think rather than jumping on the best deal. Once you have your quotes, do further homework.

• Check references and look up the business on BBB to make sure they are well rated.

• Get a copy of their insurance coverage.

• Get a written contract that outlines the price, work to be done, and the amount of insurance coverage.

I’ve found the right company for the job. Now I’m ready to sign on the line. What do I need to do?

• Have a clearly defined scope of work and expectations. Let the contractor know what you expect and listen to what they outline as the scope of the work. 

• Do not pay for the work in advance. It’s a red flag if a contractor asks for full or half payment upfront.

• Pay by credit card so you have additional protection.

Thanks for the help, Maytée!

Using these ideas as guidelines to proceed will help fend off headaches and frustration. Do your research, use common sense, and you will be well-prepared to find a contractor capable of repairing your home.

2810[high]5: New Year’s Resolutions You Might Actually Stick To

New year, new you? Ready to tighten the belt on the budget only to find the buckle was broken? Kristen has five great suggestions for resolutions that you can pick up now and actually do.

Image via Unsplash

Try out a new hobby every month. Are you a Great British Bake off fanatic? Or have you always wanted to try your hand on a pottery wheel? Make a resolution to try out a new hobby every month, and see if you have any secret talents you didn’t know about. If you need some inspiration or some guidance, both the Matthews Community Center and the Levine CPCC Continuing Education Program have a variety of classes to assist you on your quest.

Image via Unsplash

Resolve to give your business a boost or polish up professional skills. Whether you’ve always wanted to network more at the Matthews Chamber of Commerce, practice your public speaking at Matthews Mint Hill Toastmasters, or brush up on some basic computer skills with a tutor at the Matthews library, 2020 could be your year!

Get some exercise you actually enjoy. We all say we are going to eat better and exercise more in the New Year. But finding an exercise you actually enjoy will help you stick with it. Not even counting the fact that the Brace YMCA offers a plethora of exercise classes, Matthews offers plenty of ways to get your sweat on without a gym membership. The Matthews Community Center has day time evening classes in yoga, pilates, dance, and more. Plus, many classes you can simply pay as you go. If your resolution is to save your pennies, go for a run with the Carolina Beer Temple Run Club, take a hike at Colonel Francis Beatty park, or simply spend your lunch hour strolling Four-Mile Creek Greenway.

Image via Unsplash

Clean up your act. Has Marie Kondo inspired you to spark more joy in your home this year? Make 2020 the time to clear your clutter! Tackle a different area of your home each month and by next year, you’ll have transformed your home into a brand new space. Assess your belongings for their personal joyness-factor, remember to donate gently used goods to local nonprofits such as the Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity ReStore, ZABS Place, or the Matthews Help Center who can turn your trash into someone else’s treasure, all for a good cause. Not sure where to start your catastrophe clean up? Consider hiring a personal organizer, like A Space for Kate, to get you started. 

Image via Unsplash

Take some time for yourself. Easier said than done, but make a pledge to yourself to try and take a moment for yourself a little time each week, or at the very least each month. Pledge to pick up a new book from the Matthews Library, do some meditation at the Matthews Community Center, or have a “Treat Yo Self Day” with whatever your heart most desires. 

2810[high]5: Five Fast Clutter Busters

Science shows that a simple task is one quick way to fast track your motivation. Today we look at chores that you can complete in a couple of minutes. Create your task and be specific. Set a time limit—these should take you ten minutes or less, and put it at the top of your to-do list. Knock out a quickie to rev up your motivation.

Pen and Pencil Holder: It could just be that one paper towel tube pen holder your kid gave your for Father’s/Mother’s Day 15 years ago, or the drawer that seems to make infinite little pen babies when it’s closed, but time to dig in and battle that collection of writing instruments.

Test them out. Make a keep pile and a discard pile. The pens that are dried, used up, or generally no longer useful can be recycled, but it’s costly. Since we’re here for decluttering, give yourself permission to toss them, and consider refillable pens in the future.

Cosmetics and Hygiene Items: Let’s face it, there’s a drawer overflowing with stuff you’ll never use somewhere in your bathroom. Maybe it’s razors that you should've tossed 12 shaves ago, maybe it’s the eyeshadow from the early aughts never looked good—there’s a drawer in your bathroom that needs attention.

Ready to purge those shaving supplies? Razors go in the trash, shaving cream cans go in the recycling. Did you get a gift of aftershave that you’ll never use? If it’s unopened, donate it to the Men’s Shelter or Matthews HELP Center.

Makeup is a little different, go ahead and cull the stuff that is expired. Odds are good the plastic just has to be trashed, though empty eye shadow wells make handy little paint pallets and mascara wands can be sent to wildlife rehab centers.

How long do cosmetics last? Here are some guidelines according to Real Simple: Three Months: Liquid eyeliner, mascara. One year: Concealer, cream blush, eyeshadow, foundation, lip balm (can last up to five years, though), lip gloss, nail polish. Two Years: Eyeliner pencil, lipstick, powder blush.

Medicine Cabinet: Maybe you’ve been holding onto that medicine from the time you had the stomach flu four Thanksgivings ago, but its time has come. Throw open the medicine cabinet and give it a once over.

Sort into piles of what you’ll use and what needs to go. Take your toss pile to a safe disposal location. The CVS Pharmacy at 1305 Matthews Township Parkway is an authorized DEA Take-Back location. Also, the Police Station at 1201 Crews Road has a dropbox in the lobby.

Mail Pile: That growing pile of papers has a place to be, but, if you’re like us, it becomes a daunting task before it gets sorted. Take a deep breath and dive in. Start with the papers that go straight to recycling. Then sort: bills to pay, sensitive documents (to file and to shred), and read/respond.

Shredded paper cannot be recycled, so once you’ve shredded, you’ve got bag it up (no diggity). Look for shredding events that will both shred and dispose of your sensitive documents, or you can pay to have someone do it for you.

Just One Pantry Shelf: You don’t have to clean out the entire pantry, just start with one shelf for a satisfying, orderly result. Pull everything out, wipe the shelf down, and then get to sorting. Check for expired products, foods you’ll never eat, and stuff hanging around out of guilt. (Surely we’re not the only ones who hang onto stuff just because it costs money?!) You may find a forgotten chocolate bar in the back, consider that a bonus.

Even the most clutter-brained among us will find a deep satisfaction with an easily navigable pantry shelf. Maybe a one-shelf motivational spark will ignite a full-blown cleaning kick.

Or maybe a nap.

Either way, you accomplished something on your to-do list.

On the Record: Vinyl makes a comeback in Matthews

As a Gen Xer, I spent many hours sorting through piles of records at Goodwill, looking for pretty much anything other than Herb Alpert. Over the years I’ve participated in the shift from cassettes to CDs to online streaming. I have boxes packed away of CDs, a few cassettes that weren’t played to death, and shelves of records that get more attention than any of the others (except Spotify, which appeases my inconsistent musical tastes).

If you love the crackle of vinyl, the the liner notes that you can’t get with online streaming, and the tangibility of record grooves, you are not alone. According to a report by the Recording Industry Association of America, vinyl records are expected to out-sell CDs in 2019. Streaming is still the most popular way to listen to music, but CDs seem to be going the way of the, well, record.

Love the hunt? Area thrift stores have a few, but the choices are slim. We have a few good options for vinyl buying in Matthews, two of which hold the inexplicable record store experience: Noble Records and Precious Restorations. Both have record bins with just enough organization so you don’t feel lost, but not so much to feel invasive to rifle through, that distinctive, familiar smell of cardboard sleeves.

The third option, 2nd and Charles (9903 Independence Blvd), deserves a mention but lacks the feeling of an authentic, independent record shop. The bins are well-organized but really stuffed, which means browsing is a challenge. There’s a big selection of newer, unopened records, but there’s also a lot of distractions (aisles of collectible toys, waterbottles, and nicknacks). Both my husband and I thought it felt like Media Play; corporate and big boxy. Plus, for a chain store, the prices are too high.

Noble Records (11500 unit F, E Independence Blvd) opened in the same strip where Radio Shack used to be, just off Independence next to South 21. Bonus: get lunch then record shopping without moving your car. Started in 2010 under a different name, Dillon Smith, the owner, was a record collector on his own hunt, rescuing records from basements, attics, closets, and garages. When his son Noble was born, Dillon sold off his collection to pay for family medical needs. Now, as a brick and mortar, this is the place to go to find valuable collector’s editions, a little bit of newer stuff, some metal, reggae, punk, and lots of great classics. With the record shop as his full-time job, the flexibility of small business ownership allows Dillon more time to be with his family. There’s a turntable to listen before you buy, and gift cards are available as an option for the I-have-no-idea-what-music-they-like relative.

Precious Restorations (315 W John St) owner, Jack Marble, has an eye for the nostalgic, stocking his shop with wares that call you into their depths with the promise of an amazing find. If you can pull yourself away from the collectibles, make your way to the record bins, ready for digging. Easy enough to thumb through, the bins are filled with an eclectic variety of music. Classic country, 80s rock, and the classics (Led Zeppelin, Beach Boys, ZZ Top) fill rows of bins; the records are well-preserved and in protective sleeves. You’re not digging through 12 copies of Whipped Cream or an old Debbie Gibson that look like it was someone’s frisbee. He often has turntables and stereo equipment, if you don’t already have a record player. The prices are fair, and your dollars support a locally-owned small business.

Dig out that dusty old turntable from the attic and take an afternoon to browse the local record shops. No longer a pastime, vinyl has taken hold right here in Matthews. If Jack and Dillon have anything to do with it, this time it’s here to stay.

2810[high]5: Giving Tuesday

This #GivingTuesday we’ve found five worthy nonprofits in Matthews so your donations can impact the local community. Have a favorite nonprofit we haven’t listed? Leave a comment so others can learn about them.

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Blessed Assurance Adult Day Care: Blessed Assurance provides social, recreational, and health care programs in a group setting. Among many other services, Blessed Assurance also offers family support and rehabilitation services with licensed therapists.

Giving Tuesday donations can be made through the donate button on their home page: blessedadultcare.org/.

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Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity: Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter in the Matthews, Mint Hill, and Stallings communities by providing affordable housing solutions to local families.

Giving Tuesday donations can be made at www.gmhfh.org/givingtuesday

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Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK): Habitat and Wildlife Keepers started by focusing on Squirrel Lake Park and turned it into a demonstration site for how homeowners could provide the five elements of habitat to create a haven for wildlife. HAWK hosts Kids in Nature Days in the spring and fall, maintains bird feeders at Squirrel Lake, leads projects such as removal of invasive plants along the greenway, and educates the community on the importance of preserving wildlife habitat.

Giving Tuesday donations can be made through the NC Wildlife Federation. Make sure to choose HAWK from the drop-down window under “Contact Information.”

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Matthews HELP Center: The HELP Center is a nonprofit organization that has been providing hope to the community for 40 years. They assist with life essentials to local individuals and families in need. Their services include assistance with food, clothing, financial support (rent, utilities, transportation, etc.), community referrals, and seasonal programs (new school supplies, Thanksgiving meals, and Holiday gifts). The HELP Center serves five zip codes in Mecklenburg and Union County and served 3,787 households in the community last year.

Giving Tuesday donations can be made at matthewshelpcenter.org/support.html#online

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ZABS Place: ZABS Place helps young adults with special needs harness their unique talents and prepares them to transition to rewarding careers and realize their dreams of leading meaningful lives. Through ZABS programs, participants acquire essential job skills, realize their potential, and gain confidence, leading them to financial independence.

Giving Tuesday donations can be made at zabsplace.org/donate-form/

Dr. Timothy Cheuvront Gives New Life to Old [House] Bones

“Now, as a chiropractor’s office, the bones of the house have been realigned for its next function, ready for a revival, respectfully adding another chapter to the story of the house.    ”

Built in 1921, the house at 455 West John has been a rental for many years, first as a residence and then for several salons. The home-turned-office was rezoned in January 1999 from residential to business. 

The property has seen numerous owners over the years, many of whom are familiar Matthews names: In 1910, JG and Mabel Orr purchased the property, and sold it in 1919 to SR Reid. SR Reid was likely the builder of the home in 1921, and passed it to Mary Willie Reid in 1926. Willie sold it in the ‘40s to Louise and Jane Knowles, two of eight Knowles children (Their brother George Jr. was, according to our sources, the only Matthews resident killed in action in World War II, VFW Post 9475 was named for the late TSGT Knowles).

Today, the home is in the hands of Dr. Timothy Cheuvront, of Cheuvront Chiropractic, who recently moved his office to Downtown Matthews. Dr. Cheuvront has been dedicated to bringing the structure back to life with an era-appropriate approach and an eye for detail. This is a house full of charm, willing to tell its own story.

Succinctly described as a modified bungalow with Craftsman elements, the facade has the charm of a Craftsman without some of the style’s defining characteristics. As the home has passed from owner to owner over the years many changes have been made to the structure, making it ineligible for historic designation. When Dr. Cheuvront purchased it, however, he knew he wanted to maintain the historic appearance. It’s not a big space, 1,783 square feet; amply sized for the 20s when it was built. (According to census data, the size of the average single-family home built now is closer to 2,400 square feet.) A tour that takes time to appreciate all the details still takes less than half an hour.

With rich, earthy tones (Monterey taupe Hardie Board with Navajo Beige trim) appropriate for the era, the design of the 1920s building is grounded, a reaction to the ornate details of the previous Victorian era. The color scheme perfectly complements Dr. Cheuvront’s personality: warm, down-to-earth, and inviting.

The most recent renovations have ushered the building into the 21st century, nearly 100 years after its original construction. The house has been updated for ADA compliance, including a front ramp. If the park-like landscaping doesn’t beckon pedestrians, the well-placed sidewalks will. The landscaping deliberately complements the structure. As we toured, the trees were in full autumnal glory, the foliage perfectly complementing the Roycroft Copper Red details. It all sets a relaxing pace: you’re there for self-care, not to be rushed.

The early twentieth-century front door adds a charming first impression. With beautifully carved details too modest for Victorian, too ornate for Craftsmen, the half-glass door is a perfect reflection of the interior space: a well-loved building with utilitarian adaptations over the course of nearly a century. 

The building retains many original features. Plaster walls painted a soothing gray feel sturdy and substantial. Bright white ceilings and interior trim are highlighted by the large windows. An ethereal amount of natural light saturates the offices. As we tour, Dr. Cheuvront notes the details on each window casing, each slightly different, styles indicative of several eras and previous owners. Many rooms have their own fireplaces, reminders of the age of the house. 

Modern updates, such as sliding barn doors, play on the vintage charm of the home, drawing the eye up to the beadboard ceiling above, in what was once, presumably, a porch. The layers of paint, thick on the ceiling, show many years of loving use and wear in the home. Now, as a chiropractor’s office, the bones of the house have been realigned for its next function, ready for a revival, respectfully adding another chapter to the story of the house.    

2810[high]5: Holiday Parties

The holidays are approaching faster than you can say, “My house needs a deep clean,” which means scheduling holiday parties may be both a necessity and impossibility. Good thing there are plenty of places around town to host your shindig!

Downtown:

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Stumptown Station: The Station offers space rental for both the upstairs or the whole bar. There's no fee to reserve the space, so as long as the bar tab hits the minimum, then the rental is free! Prices vary based on the day of the week and if it's the whole bar or just upstairs. Want live music? They'll take care of that! Need a little nosh? They'll figure that out, too! The maximum is about 60 people before space gets a little tight, but if you're looking for a cozy soiree with locally sourced cocktail ingredients, Stumptown Station is a solid choice.

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Grace O'Malley's: Stumptown Station not quite big enough? Just next door is Grace O'Malley's. Newbies to the downtown Matthews scene, Grace's has a separate room for cozy events or have a holiday blow out and reserve the whole restaurant. With the green-accented decor and the red-headed bartenders, the seasonal motif is covered, but the odds are good it'll be a little extra sparkly for November and December. This holiday season, Grace's is offering waived rental fees for the private event space booked in December, plus you get a $50.00 gift card as a thank you. The restaurant for a full buyout (200 ppl reception, 90 seated) or the private room (30 ppl seated, 60 ppl reception style).

The ENT:

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Matthews Sportsplex: At the pricier end, but with an incredible view, rent the conference room at the Sportsplex. You'll have to outsource the food, although there's access to a small kitchen. It's the view that's the reason to rent the Sportsplex for a party. Overlooking the stadium, the conference center is equipped with wireless internet, TV's, a projector, tables, and chairs. Bring in the caterer and queue up the end-of-year powerpoint. Plus, in a sports-themed space, imagine the team-building puns you can use in your holiday toast!

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Bowlero: Matthews’ newly refabbed bowling alley, Bowlero (formerly AMF Lanes), has the right vibe for a raucous good time with the office pals, a Lebowski-themed night out. They have alcohol available, but between bowling and the video game arcade, Bowlero is an excellent location for a sober celebration. Order a few 6-lb burgers to share, get your game on, and Bowlero will sweeten the deal with a free dessert platter (coupon code required) for parties booked in December. Wham bam, party plan.

Southside:

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Char Bar No. 7: Looking for a seated dinner for the whole office that’s somewhere between dressy and casual? Looking for all sorts of dinner options, including steaks and salads, with a couple of vegetarian options (less so for the vegans)? Char Bar checks all the boxes. Add some cocktails to the mix, a white elephant gift exchange, and your event will be holiday-appropriate without the need for excess planning.

#ThrowbackThursday: November 23, 2006

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called Matthews News and Record and The Matthews News) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. These stories were originally published November 23, 2006 and was written by the Record staff.

Rezoning request challenged

Over 100 Matthews residents turned out to hear a presentation by Beazer Homes and their proposed rezoning and development of 91 townhomes off South Trade Street last Thursday.

The purchase of roughly 20 acres of undeveloped land belonging to the Hylton and Martin families by Beazer Homes, will depend on the success of the zoning request. The homes would start at $265,000. Residents from Country Place, Hampton Green, and Chesney Glen, all neighboring subdivisions, quickly turned the subject to the everpresent topic - traffic.

“It horrifies me that we are even considering another development before the traffic problem is addressed,” said Jack Clark of Hampton Green, a sentiment that was echoed through the night.

With an estimated 182 more vehicles vying for traffic commute space between Fullwood, Pleasant Plains, and Weddington roads, the potential traffic quagmire overwhelmed those in attendance at the community meeting. Many citizens expressed concern about the “chicken before the egg” concept where development takes place before the traffic issues are resolved. Adjacent property owners indicated they were always aware of residential development of that site, for single-family homes, not townhomes. A couple of Matthews town commissioners were present, along with Mayor Lee Myers who addressed the crowd, trying to assure them that the development proposal is in its infancy and that the town leaders will do the right thing for the community. Citizens are encouraged to stay on top of further developments regarding the Beazer rezoning request.

#ThrowbackThursday: November 23, 2006

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called Matthews News and Record and The Matthews News) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. These stories were originally published November 23, 2006 and was written by Janet Denk.

The War at Home

“See that field over there?” 84-year-old Neubert Purser points to a garden half-full of greens and winter vegetables, a sliver the size it was in its heyday. “My wife and I pulled up tow-foot-tall Johnson grass by its roots and piled it in the driveway.”

His oldest child, Michael, smiles, probably having heard the story before. “We ran over it with a tractor and then we burned it. It still grew back.” Working and saving for over nine years, he and his wife, Juanita, settled on 70 acres of land on Matthews-Mint Hill Road near Phillips where they raised three children - all grown and living in the area with children of their own. Neubert and Juanita, now deceased, along with their children, grew and preserved their own food; raised crops, chickens, hogs, and cattle. People around town still talk about the incredible piece of property.

Hot Property

For the last thirty years, developers of every ilk have been eyeing Purser’s property. But he never put it up for sale.

“It got to be a joke in our family,” daughter Janet Harrell of Matthews chuckles. “Daddy would say, ‘It’ll cost $100,000 to look around.” The Charlotte News wrote a big story in the early eighties about Purser’s refusal to sell his land. But farming is in his blood and it’s all he ever planned to do.

Those weeds were tough and stubborn. But Purser is tougher. Some would say more stubborn, too.

While discussing the Town of Matthews’ recent condemnation of his property for future park and public use projects, there is a sense about the old farmer that goes beyond sadness. Defeat, maybe? That seems unlikely because anybody who’s spent time with Neubert Purser knows he isn’t a guy who will lay down without a fight.

He paid a big price for that dug-in nature.

The beginning of the end

Wounded at the age of 22 during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, the young man from Union County swore to himself that if he ever made it out of there alive, he was going to buy himself a little farm when he got back to the states. A dream, perhaps. But one that probably helped keep him alive.

Cold?

“You don’t know cold,’ he grimaces. “I seen frozen bodies stacked up like cords of wood in piles all over the place. All kinds of bodies.” He can’t stand going into funeral homes to this day.

In 1945, while preparing to cross the Roer River in Germany, Purser and other members of the 102 Infantry division took a beating.

“The Germans opened up with everything they had that night,’ he recalls. “I was hit when an 88mm shell exploded near the boat.” A chunk of meat was ripped from his right thigh. The men dug in for 12 hours that night waiting for the barrage to subside. “The sky was lit up so bright, you coulda read the newspaper.”

The wounded were thrown on, what Purser describes as, a cattle car and taken to the hospital. “If you hollered or cussed, you got a shot of morphine.”

Reflecting back, the old man says, “I always thought that if I had made it a couple more days after that fight, I might’ve gotten out of that war in one piece.”

He would’ve been right. After the crossing of the Roer, then the Rhine River, the German army was in full retreat and would never fully recover.

It was the beginning of the end.

Plans for growth and the greater good

“This is the absolute worst part of a job like this,” Matthews Town Manager Hazen Blodgett confessed.

Condemnation is undoubtedly one of the most difficult things the Town of Matthews has undertaken. The $5.0 million in park bonds that passed in 2004 was originally intended to purchase land and simply “land-bank” it. Vacant land in the Matthews community is vanishing fast. “We have about 43 acres of town parkland for 25,000 residents,” explained Blodgett. That’s way below national standards for open space. In a community growing as fast as Matthews - it’s an all-out war against encroachment. If the land is not set aside for public open space for future generations it will be lost to development. There are only a few large tracts left in Matthews like the Purser property.

The Town and the family have mediated an agreement that set the amount paid to the Pursers at $59,000 per acre. The old farmer will die on that soil. It will belong to the Town of Matthews but he has the right to stay there until the bitter end. Had the battle gone to court, a jury would have set the value of the land.

Twenty years from now, when Neubert Purser’s deeply loved land is helping to stem back the tide of relentless development, the sacrifice will seem worth it. The battle is a valiant one.

As families toss balls, fly kites, walk dogs, and send their children to Matthews’ newest public school near the corner of Phillips and Matthews-Mint Hill roads, Purser’s pain might not be in vain. “I’ve only seen my daddy cry three times in my life,’ says youngest daughter Lynn. ‘One, when our mother died; two, when his daddy died; and three, over this farm.”

Only time will tell if this soldier’s battle helped win the war.

The image on the seal includes four aspects of Mecklenburg County and it still holds up. “The seal is as relative today as it was back then,” said County Commissioner Jennifer Roberts. She, along with many others in the community, appreciate the origins of the seal design: that fresh out of the segregationist days of the old south, a young black kid from the country is selected by a powerful board of local leaders to document and preserve the history of the county.

“I thought I could contribute something,” the young man told the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners in 1964 after receiving the honor. He’s still trying to make a contribution, which is why he’s been before the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners to offer his consulting services, should the design team need a little help.

Boyd never received any royalties for his work, despite the fact that he owns the patent on the design. He doesn’t want his contribution to be in vain.

That’s not likely to happen, his supporters say. The fact that a County Seal can say so much, from a guy who could’ve claimed so little and have it last so long - is admirable.

“That says an awful lot about the spirit of this place,” explained Juan Williams, owner and operator of Queen City Tours  who’s given more than his fair share of history lessons to natives and tourists alike. “It’s part of what makes the history of this place so interesting to so many people.” The seal is on vehicles, stationery, websites, and government paperwork. Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones Sr. has assured folks that Boyd will be included in a logo redesign, should the need arise.