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

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.

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/

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.

Veterans Day in Matthews

Sunday, November 11 the Town of Matthews, NC, American Legion Post #235 Matthews, NC, and Marine Corps League Charlotte 750 partnered for a Veterans Day Celebration. High school students from Independence kicked the service off in Stumptown Park with patriotic songs. Phil Mowry, Commander of American Legion Post 235, and Mayor Paul Bailey both spoke of the sacrifice by those who’ve served. At noon the celebration moved to the Historic Matthews Cemetery (Pleasant Hill Drive) where two of Matthews’ own fallen World War I soldiers were remembered on the 100th anniversary of the war. The Marine Corps League performed a rifle salute and wreaths were placed at the graves.

Veterans Day in Matthews was truly a day of remembrance and respect honoring the servicemen and women of our community.

Morning Minute: October 26, 2018

Photo by Norah Burke 

Some Fun Things: Looking for Halloween fun? There’s plenty of fun for everyone!

• Today, October 26 through Tuesday, October 30, the Matthews Playhouse is ready to scare you silly on the Haunted Trail! Each day from 6 until 7 PM things are on the tame side of terrifying, but from 7 PM until closing at 10 PM there's no telling how frightful things will get. Tickets are $7 for 12 years and under and $10 for 13 years and older.  Located on the Greenway Connector Trail behind the Community Center, 100 McDowell St East.   

• Matthews Mojo Halloween Costume Run! Let’s cut to the chase, you’re going to eat a lot of candy. A LOT OF CANDY. Why not prep for Halloween by giving your costume a dress rehearsal and run on October 27 (8 AM til about 10 AM). Think of it as preemptively neutralizing the sugar?Post-run wind down with a (few?)  pumpkin beers and hang out with like-minded people.

• Don’t forget the Town’s Not-So-Spooky Halloween and Pumpkin Carving Contest, this Saturday, October 27, from 5 PM to 9 PM in Stumptown Park. The evening starts with festive fun and will end with the movie “Halloweentown”.

• Mount Moriah Church, 381 Crestdale Rd, is hosting a Trunk or Treat on Halloween with food and games. It’s open to everyone and costumes should be based on book characters. The festivities start at 6:30 PM and will go to 8:30PM.

• If you don’t have kids and want something to do, Halloween Bike Night is the season-ender on October 31 at Kristopher’s (at the Corner of Matthews-Mint Hill Road & Trade Street). The fun starts at 6 PM and you’ll want to get there in time to see bikers arrive in costume.

Morning Minute: October 25, 2018

News About Town: Have you voted yet? Early Voting for the 2018 Elections continues at the Matthews Library this week. Voters are coming out this year with turnout approximately two times 2014 totals after 5 days of voting. Polls will be open daily until November 3. Check the Board of Elections website for hours.

News Around Town: The Matthews Heritage Museum, 232 North Trade Street, recently opened a new holiday-themed exhibit. “Christmas Past” displays holiday ornaments, books and memorabilia from the early to mid-twentieth century. Tour the museum and warmly embrace the nostalgia of Christmas past. The exhibit closes January 19, 2019. Admission is $4 per person, $2 for ages 11-17, children 10 and under are free.

One Fun Thing:  The Loyalist, 435 North Trade Street #102, is celebrating their One Year Anniversary this Saturday from noon until 9 PM. To celebrate they’re offering discounts on cheese and charcuterie boards, $1 off drafts and wine by the glass, and raffling off a year of free cheese (tickets are $5). Raffle proceeds will be donated to the The Joe Martin ALS Foundation.

Morning Minute: October 24, 2018

News About Town:  During last night’s council meeting the Board looked at and discussed the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Advisory Committee’s recommended annual tourism grants. Recipients are Charlotte City Ballet, Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association, the Matthews Chamber, Matthews Kiwanis Club,  NC Youth Rugby, and Matthews Playhouse.  With half of the Chamber’s request granted, the committee spokesman explained the requested amount for the organization was not granted because the Chamber received funds from the town as a Departmental Operation line item in the fiscal year ‘19 budget. The Board requested reconsideration by the committee on their decision.

News Around Town: Love it or leave it, Nextdoor is tuned into the community at large. They’ve just opened the 2018 Neighborhood Favorites Survey and want to know what members think of area businesses. Categories include, but are not limited to restaurants, nail salons, florists, and auto mechanics, most of which have several Matthews options. Too bad there’s no option for “Matthews-centric Online Newspaper”.

One Fun Thing: Get those obliques working by belly dancing with Nayna tonight and every Wednesday at Rhythm Dance, 120 W Matthews Street in downtown Matthews. Nayna teaches the essentials (including footwork, figure 8s, shimmies, arm and hand movement) in this basics course that’s suitable for all levels.  7:30-8:30 PM, $20 per class or $60 for a four week session.

Morning Minute: October 23, 2018

News About Town:  We all know better than to drink and drive, but may not put it into practice. Last week the Matthews Police Department made five DUI arrests. Following a nationwide trend, DUI arrests are down in Matthews, possibly due to the increasing convenience of Uber and Lyft services and other transit options.

News Around Town:  Fullwood Animal Hospital Spay Neuter Clinic is hosting their annual Feline Spay/Neuter Day tomorrow, Wednesday October 24, 2018. Prices are $65 to neuter (male) and $95 to spay (female). With limited spaces available book ahead 704-545-2235 to secure a spot for your cat. Rabies vaccination must be current and are an additional $12 if needed.

Image courtesy the Town of Matthews

Some Fun Things: Join the Town of Matthews for a “Not-So-Spooky Halloween” at Stumptown Park, Saturday, October 27th, 5:00 PM. to 9:00 PM. Dress in costume if you feel so inclined, there will be trick or treating with area businesses set up throughout the park. Free family-friendly activities include face painting, carriage rides, and all the sweet treats you can imagine For some, the clown entertainment (Curley) will be enjoyable. A showing of the movie “Halloweentown” begins at dusk.

Morning Minute: October 22, 2018

News About Town:  News About Town: The Matthews Board of Commissioners meets tonight at 7 PM for their second session this month. Topics to be covered include the design of the North Trade and Matthews Station Street intersection, the plans for the I-485 interchange at Weddington Road, and the formation of the Matthews Committee on Education. Sign up for Public Comment outside the Hood Room prior to the meeting if you wish to speak on any town issue

Photo by Norah Burke

News Around Town: Looks like things are getting spooky in Matthews! There are lots of events to get you in the Halloween spirit this week, including a Costume and Candy Crawl on Thursday at the Matthews Township Shopping Center (formerly Matthews Festival, 1811 Matthews Township Parkway). The event is free for children 12 and under. There will be face painting, balloon artists, a costume contest, and – of course – candy. The event runs from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Image courtesy Matthews Township Shopping Center

One Fun Thing: Weird holiday alert! October 22 is National Eat a Pretzel Day, International Caps Lock Day, National Color Day, and National Nut Day! CELEBRATE THEM ALL BY EATING A MULTICOLORED PEANUT BUTTER PRETZEL.

Morning Minute: October 19, 2018

News About Town:  The National Police Bloodhound Association is bringing the real life paw patrol to town Sunday, October 21 through Thursday, October 25. K-9 unit handlers from all over the country will use Matthews as their training grounds for those five days.

News Around Town: All these beautiful old hardwood trees shed a lot of branches and twigs during the last two storms. Republic and the public works department are still working diligently to get everything picked up. They’ve got their a-game on, the Town Manager on stick duty, and the big trucks revved. Wave hi and say thank you as they continue clean-up duty. In the meantime maybe a fire pit and s’mores are in order? You know, for the sake of the community.

Some Fun Things: Don’t forget the Mt Moriah BBQ Fundraiser today and tomorrow, the final performances of The Hundred Dresses, and the special menu at The Bellé Grille for Charlotte Black Restaurant Week.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 21, 2018

News About Town: Responding to a request from N.C. State Emergency Management, Matthews Police Department sent four officers to assist Fair Bluff, NC with recovery efforts from Hurricane Florence.

Eventually a total of 18 of Matthews’ Finest will travel to Fair Bluff, a small town still reeling from Hurricane Matthew.

News Above Town: Don’t get too excited, but temps will reach a mild 86 degrees today. Is that fall calling from the distance?

News Around Town: Chris Sottile, the man about town whose personality is as robust as the cheese he mongers, will be doing the final chef demo of the season at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday, September 22.  Be there by 8:50 to get a good seat, the demo starts at 9.  A trio from WDAV's Classical Harvest Concert Series will serenade the main market while you peruse peppers, while Nick Tutwiler, a fourteen-year-old fiddler, will entertain the tailgate section.

One Good Thing: If you’re looking for a way to help, local fire departments are collecting food, bottled water, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies for areas hit hard by Hurricane Florence.

Loose items should be boxed and labeled for quick identification and processing. Deliver donations to the Matthews Fire Department, Idlewild VFD, or Mint Hill Fire & Rescue by September 30.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 6, 2018

News About Town: The Cottage Greenway Project goes before the Board of Adjustment next Thursday (Sepember 13). Town Public Works department has recommended construction of a private road for the subdivision. According to the Town’s Unified Development Ordinance, all streets must be dedicated public. The quasi-judicial Board of Adjustment must determine several findings before approving or denying the request for variance.

News Above Town: The Weather Channel says we’re heading back to the 90s, but don’t start singing Pearl Jam yet. The evenings take us back to the low 70s.

News Around Town: It’s time for the September First Thursday Matthews Crawl. Check out the vendors on the green in front of town hall, then hit up Moe’s BBQ for a Thanksgiving Sandwich or $1.25 ribs.

One Fun Thing: The monarchs are here! Monarchs migrate in the spring and again in the fall. It’s not quite fall, but a few have been spotted around town on their way to Mexico. How’d they know Matthews is a pit stop on the Butterfly Highway?

Matthews Morning Minute: September 5, 2018

News About Town: Just on the heels of the John Street widening project, NCDOT unveiled their plans to widen Highway 51 between Sardis Road and John Street. This is the first phase of a widening plan that will extend to Mint Hill. NCDOT’s goal is to improve traffic flow with the most current designs, including a continuous flow intersection. Neighbors through the corridor are left with uncertainty about their homes.

News Above Town:  The Weather Channel shows highs in the upper 80s and lows around 70. Don’t turn off the AC yet.

News Around Town: Baked Well’s made-from-scratch Cookies for Claire satisfy your sweet tooth and your desire to do good deeds. Fifty percent of each cookie sale goes to Claire’s Army, a non-profit that supports families fighting childhood cancer and your desire to do good deeds. (Image from Baked Well’s Facebook page)

Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 7 AM - 2 PM; 10915 Monroe Rd. Suite D, Matthews

One Fun Thing:  Head out to the Sportsplex for an international match as Charlotte Independence hosts six-time Liga MX champions, Club Santos Laguna.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018; 7:30 PM until; 2425 Sports Parkway, Matthews;  $30+.

Welcome to the Beacon!

Norah Burke, Co-Founder and Business Manager

Six months ago we sat down and talked about our experiences in Matthews. After Norah's campaign for Town Council last year and Renee's foray into community activism, we knew there was a need for better communication. We decided to launch The Matthews Beacon as an online "paper" with contributing Matthews writers and photographers and a Matthews-specific focus. Why so hyper-local? There is a specific brand of pride that goes with living in Matthews. It's not just another suburb, and we're not the cookie cutter suburbanites of the '50s. Matthews is a diverse town with a rich history, one locals work diligently to maintain amidst modern pressure for growth and development.

We asked ourselves: "What is Matthews' identity?" Is it the agrarian history, the meandering neighborhoods, could it even be the traffic? How has Matthews remained

“We asked ourselves, “What is Matthews’ identity?” How has Matthews remained Matthews, snuggled right up against the largest city in North Carolina? Most importantly, where can you find the amazing stories and individual voices of the people who make up the Matthews community?”

Matthews, snuggled right up against the largest city in North Carolina?  What is the structure of our town government and how can we share what we've learned about the complexities that keep things running? Where can you go for in depth, unbiased information about local issues? Most importantly, where can you find the amazing stories and individual voices of the people who make up the Matthews community?

We'll publish unique posts daily.  Expect to start the day with a few small bites about what's going on in our Matthews Morning Minute series. Throughout the day we'll publish short segments, pieces that will introduce you to your neighbors. We'll present feature stories and town news, cover local events, and provide an examination of important issues of Matthews in one central place.

Between Norah's experience in business management and Renee's creative talent and 10+ years of blogging for self-promotion, we hope to provide an interesting, quality alternative newspaper focusing solely on Matthews.