It will be a (hopefully) light week on news, so our traditional Morning Minute format is going on vacation for a few days. There are some things going on around Matthews, though, so check out what we’ve found:

If you need a pre-Christmas work out, Mojo Cycles Christmas Eve Day ride will be held at 9:00 am today. Meet in the public parking lot that runs parallel to the RR tracks (by the shop). Cyclists of all abilities are welcome for this 30- or 52-mile ride. No registration or fee and no formal support while on the road.

Most churches around town offer Christmas Eve services at various times. Renee’s favorite is at Matthews Presbyterian, a the more traditional candlelight and communion service (at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.). The kids of Matthews United Methodist Church will perform a biblical rendition of Scrooge at both 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. Ridge Church offers a casual environment in The Warehouse Cafe and the first 50 people get free peppermint mocha or hot chocolate. They offer live music before the service as well. Services begin at 3:00 and 4:30 p.m.

On Christmas day, if you’re ready to get out of the house for lunch, Beantown Tavern is offering an all-you-can-eat Christmas meal: $14.95 for adults, $7.95 for kids. Beantown has a local reputation for being a second home to many of our readers, and sometimes us need exactly that on Christmas Day.

We’re taking time to be with our own families over the next couple days. We still have posts scheduled, so make sure you check in.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Beacon Family to yours!

During this past Saturday’s monthly Matthews United Methodist Church Methodist Men’s breakfast, the group gifted “Secret Santa” money to the Matthews Police Department.

“This is a great event – donating money to the community,” said Police Chief Clark Pennington. “Those types of partnerships are what it’s all about and are important to us.”

The event was started four years ago when the group’s President, Marshall Edwards, saw a video on national news referencing another “Secret Santa,” event Kansas City. Thinking it was a great idea, Marshall called his friend, then Police Chief Rob Hunter, and asked permission to create this opportunity.

The first year, they raised $1600. This year, the group is donating $4000. “This is a gift of community, a gift to law enforcement and an opportunity to take away negative press” (about police-persons), said Pennington.

According to Patrol Captain Stason Tyrrell, Matthews is pushing ahead of most surrounding communities, who do not offer a community Secret Santa event.

This year, patrol officers will give $100 to 40 families – a small fraction of the recipients will be specifically identified prior to receiving the money; the remainder will be gifted on the street. All of this will be captured on officers’ body cams and a select few videos will be shared at another MUMC breakfast in early 2019.

“I see this as a positive image,” said Penington, “since (our) image has declined nationwide.” This is a positive sign of giving, a positive sign of a ministry and a great opportunity.”

According to Patrol Captain Stason Tyrrell, Matthews is pushing ahead of most surrounding communities, who do not offer this event. “This is great for the officers,” he said. “They want to help and to serve our community in the best way they can,” adding that officers keep tools and even gas cans in their patrol cars in an effort to help residents in need.

“It’s a win-win situation,” said the Chief.