Morning Minute: Friday, January 25, 2019

News About Town: There was a little excitement at Town Hall yesterday, and for once it didn’t involve a council meeting. Around 1 PM emergency services were called after the alarm system went off. Three Matthews fire trucks answered the call. After an inspection of the premises, it was determined there was a fault in the sprinkler system which caused the alarm to go off.

News Around Town: A Matthews shop was featured on national TV yesterday. The Today Show visited thrift boutique ZABS Place and aired a five-minute segment showing how the store trains young adults with special talents for the workforce.

One Good Thing: Looking for something fun to do tonight? Matthews Free Medical Clinic and Matthews Athletic Recreation Association are two of the benefactors of a fundraiser at Retro Fitness (1848 Galleria Blvd, Charlotte), just over the town border in the Galleria. A slew of Matthews businesses are donating delicious treats including Mac’s, Moe’s, Seaboard, Black Chicken, and Nothing Bundt Cakes. DeCarlo, the side gig for the Boston frontman Tommy DeCarlo , will be rocking down the house. Tickets are $23 and the doors open at 5. Please no spike heels, they can damage the soft gym flooring.

Brakeman's Coffee: A Sharing Space

(L to R) Mark Moore, David Johnson, & Dave Braysden Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Last winter, in an overture of friendship and community, the owners of Brakeman’s (David Johnson, Mark Moore, and Dave Baysden) placed an enormous menorah in the front of the building, loaned by the group at ZABS. “The foundation was friendship and trust,” said David.

“I was into the power(ful) story of Chanukah,” said Mark. “It was an opportunity for the Christian community to understand the power of the story.” They also hosted an opening lighting ceremony with ZABS folks providing narrative to the lighting.

“We wanted a space that was life-giving...How do we make sure that this space is embraced by everybody?”

— David Johnson

“We wanted a place that was ecumenical in its approach,” said David, explaining the vision for Brakeman’s. “We wanted a space that was life-giving. We’re not rooted in making money. How do we make sure that this space is embraced by everybody?”

“This is a place where people can share their story, tell their stories – whether it’s religious, personal or otherwise,” he said. “Those are the things we (try to support).”