#ThrowbackThursday: July 12, 2007

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. This story was originally published July 12, 2007 and was written by Janet Denk.

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A Fantastic Fourth

Matthews Town Green is filled with red, white, and blue, as residents celebrate the 4th

Above: Matthew Hasting, age 11, and his service dog, Dusty, await the start of the People’s Parade. The Family Fun Festival was held on the green in front of Matthews Town Hall.

Below: (Top) Kaleb Goodine was in the spirit of the day while waiting for the 4th of July Peoples’ Parade to begin. (Second photo) Kids and parents decorate bikes at the Family Fun Festival. The event was held on the green of Matthews Town Hall. (Third photo) One year old Adam Cassidy awaits the start of the Peoples’ Parade. He is the son of Mike and Cathy Cassidy. (Bottom left) Carrisa Craig of Matties Vending at the concert at Stumptown Park. The event was sponsored by Matthews Parks, Recreational, and Cultural Resource Department, and the Arts and Sciences Council. (Bottom right) Fireworks explode at one of the many neighborhood displays.

#ThrowbackThursday: August 7, 2008

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 editorials were originally published August 7, 2008.

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We need our own park that our families can enjoy

First, let me thank you for providing the citizens of the Matthews region an opportunity for residents to have our say over the intended use of the 20+ acres parcel along McKee & Pleasant Plains Rd.

As a resident of Matthews for over 17 years, I have witnessed the declining parcels of farm land deteriorate into new residential subdivisions, apartment complexes, and commercial properties long enough! We must convince the elected officials of the town that we must retain the remaining “green spaces” such as this for neighborhoods to enjoy! I vote no to any proposed “Park & Ride” parking lots, new school, museum, or any other use besides a community park.

While the Town of Matthews begins construction of a new Sportsplex, and enjoys the popularity of the MARA baseball and football fields, and the Siskey YMCA fields, no one can doubt Matthews has a healthy youth sports entertainment industry, however, these are not community parks!

The residnets of the McKee Rd./Weddington Rd./Pleasant Plains Rd. area made a sacrifice to allow the Windsor Run community to be developed. As the most contested rezoning issue in recent memory, the elected officials should consider the hornets’ nest that surrounds this property. Allowing anything other than a park would be undermining the public’s trust!

Many of the residents who rescinded their petitions did so with the understanding that a park would be constructed on this parcel - not a school, not a massive parking area, not another baseball or soccer complex! The residents have to put their trust into our elected leaders to look out for their best interests. The town should follow through with their obligation.

While I personally would love to see an 18-hole par 3 golf course on the property for our golf enthusiasts. I know this isn’t feasible. So why not make it into a neighborhood park similar to Idlewild Road Park or Stallings Park or some of the other neighborhood parks like the City of Charlotte enjoys? Why should we have to drive 5-6 miles to enjoy a day at the park? For nearly 17,000 residents who reside in this area of the town, we need our own park our families can enjoy.

~R. Smith, Matthews

Anything but a park would be wrong and regrettable

I live on the corner of Pleasant Plains and McKee Rd. in the two-story yellow house facing Pleasant Plains Rd. , opposite the donated 20-acre parcel. I vote NO to anything but a park!

I have read many, many articles and comments regarding the LAND and TREES in and around the Matthews area.

I recently read the responses published in the 7/31/08 Matthews Record issue, stating the opinions of several people and what to do with it. I feel that the pond will probably not be kept as part of a park plan because of the concerns regarding drownings. As for the planting of tress…I am not convinced the concern for trees in Matthews is as great as they would have us think.

In order to widen McKee Rd. they will be cutting down ALL the trees, including a 100+ year old tree. To put a turning lane off Pleasant Plains Rd. onto McKee Rd., they will be cutting down another 100+ year old tree, when they could, instead do the turn lane in such to avoid cutting down this tree.

I do realize that since the detour started because of Weddington Rd. shut-down, there have been a great many cars needing to turn left onto McKee Rd. off Pleasant Plains. So-o-o, there is a panic situation to get the turning lane done, NOW! Isn’t anyone thinking logically? Prior to Weddington Rd., shutdown there were not that many cars “lined up” to make that turn. (I know, I have lived here for over 10 years.) And the number of cars will decrease drastically after Weddington Rd. re-opens.

Leave the trees at Squirrel Lake!

There is plenty of open space at the corner of Pleasant Plains and McKee for a park, playground, a place to run & play, to picnic, to fly a kite, etc. If we wanted to live in a “concrete jungle” we would move to one. At least New York has Central Park.

~Patricial Willis, Matthews

The charm and appeal of land is too valuable to develop

Living in the Providence Hills neighborhood across from the Fincher farmland has afforded us many picturesque views (aside from the power lines) of the cows, the pond with it’s variety of waterfowl and even the old lean-to that has its own charm and appeal. It is so sad to see this property be gobbled up by development. We would like to see the Town of Matthews turn the 20 acres being donated into some sort of park, perhaps even with a stage and band shell to hold concerts and festivals that seem to be outgrowing Stumptown Park.

As for the pond, heaven forbid they fill it in! Not only would we miss the beauty of the summer sun as it glints off the water and the cool, quiet reflection of the occasional winter snow, but so many animals would miss its presence as well. Gone would be the Canadian geese, the ducks, the beautiful Egrets and even the odd looking Turkey Vultures. It would be great if they could incorporate the pond into whatever the new use of this property ends up being.

On a side note, every day that we get to see the cows grazing is such a treat to my family and we can’t help but be curious as to what will happen to them after the sale is completed. Could The Matthews Record do a little public interest article about the Fincher family or at least what they will do with their cows after they move?

~Mrs. Carla Norman

Preserve it now because once it’s gone…it’s gone

We MUST preserve the 20-acre parcel of land that has been donated to the town. Let’s keep our small town-feel and show our appreciation for one of the only spaces that we have left to relax and enjoy nature. We need the trees, the birds, the owls, the deer, the beavers, and all of the creatures that live there to be part of our village, too, because once it’s gone…it’s GONE!!!

~MNF, Matthews

#ThrowbackThursday: June 25, 2009

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. This story was originally published June 25, 2009 and was written by Janet Denk.

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Greenway moves forward

County Commissioners will decide in July, construction could begin in September

The Matthews Board voted Monday night to fund the Four-Mile Creek Greenway project that has been stalled due to county budget cutbacks.

On July 7 the Mecklenburg County Board will vote on the amended contract which would allow Matthews to pay for the project and be reimbursed when the voter approved Parks Bonds are sold.

Construction could begin as soon as September.

“September is the goal for construction to begin,” said an excited Julie Clark, County Greenway Planner.

“We’re thrilled that the Town of Matthews has stepped forward with the funding arrangement.”

The success of Four Mile Creek Greenway comes from a variety of sources, making it a true community effort. Approved back in 2005, the linear park will add green space, connectivity, and walking opportunities to an area increasingly besieged by vehicular growth and rapid development. Several hurdles including personal property concerns by adjacent land owners; county budget cuts and conflicting approaches to the design stalled the project.

But it’s back on the beam, due to a financing option by RBC bank, which helped the town take advantage of lower construction costs, in the current economy.

Town officials have been marking all the neighborhood pathways with signs.

The parkway will run from East John Street to Brenham Lane and from the confluence of Four Mile Creek north to the old Public Works building near Matthews Elementary School.

The County is responsible for the section from East John Street to Brenham Lane, which will include a boardwalk, paved trail, neighborhood entrances, and three pedestrian bridges.

The Town is responsible for the linear park from the old Public Works building north to South Trade street, including connection to the school.

#ThrowbackThursday: February 10, 1993

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews News (also called Matthews Record and Matthews News and Record) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This story was originally published February 10, 1993 and was written by the Matthews News staff.

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Park development has been put on the front burner by Matthews town council at the urging of the town’s parks and recreation advisory committee.

“We want to proceed immediately with work on Sardis Road and Fullwood Park,” said Gary Palmer, head of the advisory committee. “It is particularly important that we get started on Sardis Park because the easement agreement with the City of Charlotte reads that the agreement may be terminated if a public park is not established in a reasonable amount of time.”

Monday night, the advisory committee submitted a cost estimate for development of both parks. As designed, Sardis-Matthews Park is an active park with volley ball court, a playground and a picnic area. Fullwood Park is termed a passive park and will have walking trails and a less structured play field where families can play a game of pick-up baseball or fly kites.

The committee proposes to construct Sardis-Matthews Park in three phases. The first phase would include a getting ready stage—clearing the land, installing proper drainage, landscaping, signs and gravel the parking area. It would also include the purchase and installation of picnic tables, barbecue grills and playground equipment. Total cost for phase I is $66,800.

During phase II, plans call for the construction of a picnic shelter, adding benches, installing a multipurpose playing field, providing more landscaping and installing a bike rack. This phase will cost $31,000.

Phases III plans include installing a 1/2 basketball court at a total cost of $11,000.

“It should be noted that the town did a development study back in 1990 on Sardis-Matthews Park and our update shows costs have remained relatively stable for the work,” said Palmer. “Therefore the opportunity still exists to complete these parks without significant increase in costs.”

According to a work schedule provided by the parks advisory committee, Sardis-Matthews Park could be ready for opening Labor Day weekend. The committee hopes that a bid advertisement can be published by April 24 with the project awarded in late May.

The advisory committee proposes to also do the work on Fullwood in three phases. Phase I would again be the necessary grading, providing property drainage, signs, gravel and lights. The plans also indicate a need for a 6-foot wide, 30-foot long bridge across a creek located in the park. This phase is expected to cost about $67,500.

Phase II includes necessary clean-up of the property from damage caused by Hurricane Hugo. According to the parks committee report, trees are down in the area and must be removed and the banks of a stream on the property need work. The second phase also calls for grading and paving of a parking lot. This phase is expected to cost about $13,500.

Phase III, fitting the planned trails in Fullwood with exercise stations will cost $10,000. It should be noted that all construction cost figures may be elevated if for instance crews run into problems.

The park committee also hopes this park can be ready in late August.

During last Monday night’s town council meeting, commissioners asked Palmer to discuss the work that needs to be done on the parks to see if some of it can be provided by town employees.

The town also is selling a strip of land which was included in the Squirrel Lake Park acquisition to Ashley Creek developer Don Galloway. The money realized from this sale could be used in whole or in part to pay for construction costs at Sardis-Matthews and Fullwood Parks.

HAWK's Earth Day with Kids in Nature Celebration

Habitat and Wildlife Keeper’s 2019 Earth Day with Kids In Nature Day event was this past Saturday at Squirrel Lake Park. If you didn’t make it out, the group hosted about 40 vendors and area nonprofits who engaged area kids about and taught all things nature.

If you couldn’t make it, don’t fret! We’ve took photos to share a few of our favorite booths.

#ThrowbackThursday: March 23, 2006 MARA Prepares for its 50th Anniversary

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

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In the fifties, a group of Matthews’ parents decided that the community needed a Little League baseball program. The parents met in an informal meeting in the basement of the Baptist Church and began their dream.

There was no playground or park in Matthews. Arthur Goodman (1896-1959), an attorney, a member of the North Carolina Legislature and a non-resident of the Matthews Community, had at that time passed away and his widow, Mrs. Katherine Goodman, donated the land in his memory. She allowed the construction of a Little League field on three acres of their land in Matthews. The Matthews Area Recreation Association, a non-profit organization whose function would be to own and operate the Little League Field for all in the farming and rural community of Matthews, was born. This field, built in the spirit of volunteerism and giving, was Field #1 at the Arthur Goodman Memorial Park.

The backstop was chicken wire nailed to used telephone poles and the bases were burlap bags.

As the years passed, the MARA changed, the number of players grew and soon dugouts and storage rooms became a must. These became the first permanent structures at the park. Later, an old snow cone booth became the first semi-permanent concession stand. It was soon replaced by their now existing concrete and brick structure.

The group started planning again and decided that the Little League Baseball Program needed to be expanded and the community needed a complete park — one that would offer a program for girls. The group asked Mrs. Katherine Goodman and Arthur Goodman, Jr. (1927-2003), and his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Klein, if they would help once again. The all answered without hesitation - “If you need to expand the park and enlarge the program, how much land is needed?” It was decided that twelve additional acres would meet the needed requirement and the family said, “Get the deal ready for signing — the twelve acres are yours!”

Now MARA had the land, but little or no money; so they met with Matthews Over Seas Veterans Club. At a special meeting the entire Veteran’s Club Treasury was donated to Arthur Goodman Memorial Park. With the agreement came the understanding that two tennis courts would be included in the park expansion.

MARA acquired materials as reasonably as possible. Moms and Dads did the actual physical work. Tennis courts were built, the old house under the big tree on the hill was demolished and the tractor, storage and bathroom building was completed.

Chicken wire fences came down, new chain link fences were erected, the parking lot was graded, the big boys baseball field (major league size) was graded and girls softball organized. A Junior League football program was started. The Moms and Dads borrowed $5,000 to grade the land and erect fences on the new fields. In 1974, two new dugouts for the big boys baseball field were donated.

In 1983, MARA acquired 6.5 acres of land adjoining the park and started IMY — “Invest in Matthews Youth” — a funding vehicle with a goal of $100,000 to pay for the land and build more fields. The decade ended with continued growth in the Matthews area and continued stress on their size and field limits.

In the early 1990’s, a multipurpose field was converted to two additional soccer fields. Their Little League program was expanded to two franchises allowing additional teams. A membership capital campaign began and allowed much needed aesthetic improvements such as new signs, score boards, and sidewalks. From humble beginnings, they approached the millennium with much enthusiasm for continued growth.

Arthur Goodman Memorial Park has come a long way from its sparse beginning to a beautifully lighted complex where baseball, softball, soccer, and football are played almost year round. Great pride can be felt by every child and parent, player and coach, sponsor and members of the Matthews Community who have given freely of their time, money, talents, resources, and efforts in the same spirit of volunteerism that Arthur Goodman and his wife, Katherine, were shown in the beginning.

In 2006, their Capital Campaign continues, as does their growth and needs. The goals for Arthur Goodman Park are significant, which are diagrammed in the signs throughout the park. Obviously the number of improvements undertaken will depend greatly upon the amount of money raised through Capital Campaign efforts and fundraising.

The children of Matthews and surrounding areas have benefited from all that MARA has to offer. It is up to all of us to ensure that MARA continues to thrive as a sports complex that is not only modern and safe, but is a place of pride as the children compete in a variety of sports activities for years to come. MARA provides sports programs that serve over nineteen hundred area boys and girls annually and has grown to be one of the largest youth sports associations in the state.

With this being the 50th anniversary of MARA, the annual opening day event has been expanded to include a Friday night event as well. Plans are for the event to occur April 7 and 8 at Goodman Park. All area families are invited to attend the festivities at the park. Special guests, food vendors, a silent auction, sports celebrities, and an array of activities for kids to enjoy are planned. All former MARA players from the last fifty years are encouraged to contact the association regarding this event. You may contact MARA at 704-847-0752 or visit www.marasports.org.

Here’s to the next fifty years of sports at Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association and all the kids they will serve along the way. HAPPY 50th ANNIVERSARY!!

One Matthews Family's Sweet Holiday Tradition

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

In 2012, when Matthews resident, Nathalie Friedlander, saw an ad for the Matthews Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gingerbread House Contest, she thought it would be a great experience for the three generations in her family.

Her mother, Rolande Sowers (“Nana”), also of Matthews, was known for her knitting, sewing, floral design, miniature-creations, interior decorating and cake making. Nathalie and her daughters, Maddie and Ella, baked and sewed together. A gingerbread house contest would be one more opportunity to create something, have fun, and, more importantly, be together as a family.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

That first year, as amateurs (as they called themselves), they decided to make a small village – each person created a house on a platform. They won 1st place in the Family category.

“This is creating something that is US,” said Rolande, “that we know, before Thanksgiving, that we need to get our stuff together.”

Since then, it’s been a trade-off in winning or placing in most of the annual contests. In past years, their works of art have included a log cabin, Mouse House, marble super-hero-headquarters, Lego creation, and the list goes on.

“In the past, we’d make the gingerbread, slap a few candies (on it) and bum, bum, bum – all done!” said Rolande. “I’m sure if we looked at the first one we made and now these, I can see improvement.”

With the precision of warriors and the knowledge of experienced students, they’ve perfected their techniques using online and magazine ideas, and always discussing and formulating their creations together, in advance. They guesstimate that they spend a few weeks in preparation and upwards of 15-24 man-hours creating the artwork.

Photo by Renee Garner

Each year, they painstakingly cook and flatten pans of gingerbread – often up to eight batches to get the right consistency and necessary pieces in order. Since everything must be edible, they use items such as beans, icing, pretzels, cereal and fondant, and leftover Halloween candy. Always, they design a cardboard or cardstock prototype to ensure the final product will actually stand the test of time (and transportation).

This year, (for reasons of expediency, timing, and lifestyle), they worked on their creations separately. By all accounts, it’s been a lonelier experience; the in-person contact has been replaced by texting and multiple phone conversations.

Rolande began formulating ideas for her creation several weeks ago - the “Pastel Cottage” (using fondant for the very first time) was born. “I wanted to focus and work out the detail until I was satisfied, and not be rushed,” she said. “It says something to me,” she added, bursting with pride. “I had a lot of fun doing it.”

Shutter, flowers, windows, doors – all of the details must be exact. This year, she worked on her separate pieces flat. “I wanted everything to be precise,” she said. “This is the first time I’ve done it (this way). In a way, it’s a lot easier, but it’s also a lot harder because you can do (even more) detail – you can spend just a few days (on this part, alone)!” she exclaimed.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Across town, Nathalie and daughters were also formulating and making this year’s creations – Maddie’s gazebo and closed umbrella from (the movie) “Frozen,” Ella’s teepee and campfire, and Nathalie’s replica of a house on Lazy Branch Road built using Starbursts, Lifesavers, Jolly Ranchers, Gum Balls, rock candy, popcorn, marshmallows, edible grass, gum and (ball) sprinkles as accessories.

In every discussion, each family member echoes the same sentiments that this experience has provided. “It’s something we get to do as a family,” said Ella. “It’s a fun family experience - making good memories, and something to share with our children.” To which, mother Nathalie replied, “Someone commented that, down the road, I’m going to be the ‘Nana,’ and we can show them the gingerbread houses.”

Photo by Renee Garner

Matthews Beacon's First Annual Halloween Parade

If you were stuck at home waiting to hand out candy to kids who never came, we have gathered some sights from our own trick or treating so you don’t have to miss the fun. Want to add your kids to the parade? Send a pic or tag us on Instagram (@matthewsbeacon) and we’ll make you internet famous!

The People of Matthews: The Wrights

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

New Matthews transplants Kelly Wright and son (from Ithaca, NY), looking at the Seaboard train for the first time while waiting for the library to open. Her reason for choosing to live in Matthews: "We love the downtown area; it has a small town feel - great architecture." 

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

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.

DIY Walnut Ink

Tis the season for the nuts to start falling. If you walk the greenways or live near groves of old trees, you may find large green balls on the ground. These are black walnuts, a notoriously difficult nut to crack.

Black walnuts, a close cousin of the English walnuts found on grocery store shelves, are native to the eastern part of North America and were a resource of both food and medicine for North American indigenous peoples. Black walnut was also commonly used as an ink and dye.

Walnut ink is so easy to make, it’s totally a kid-friendly project. Keep in mind that the ink is colorfast, so it will stain.

Go for a walk, gather some nuts then put on some clothes that can get stained. Let’s make some ink.

You’ll need:

• Rubber gloves

• Non-reactive pan that you don’t mind staining

• Black walnuts with husk on, can be green or brown, just not shriveled and dried

• Water

• Rubbing alcohol

• Sieve or cheese cloth

• Glass jar or bottle for storage

Put the walnuts in a pan, add just enough water to cover, and simmer. Then simmer some more. Keep simmering until the water is a dark brown. I decided to experiment and added goldenrod for a yellow hue. Construction nails can be added for a reddish tint as well.

Once the water is a deep, inky brown, using a sieve or cheesecloth, strain the walnuts out. Wear gloves so you don’t stain your fingers. Put the liquid back on the stove to simmer a little while longer. I dip paper into the pan to test the color as it simmers.

After the liquid has cooled, you have your ink! Add a preservative like rubbing alcohol (2 T per cup ink) or a couple of dried cloves for long-term storage.

I prefer using a very fine paint brush for writing, but we’ve also used sticks and feathers. A quill pen from the craft store will work, too, but the alcohol may cause the nib to rust.