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.

Morning Minute: Friday, June 14, 2019

News About Town: Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon and Commissioner Barbara Dement participated in the most recent Facebook Live event with commissioners. The commissioners briefly touched on the new City Arcade business going into the old Hooters location, assuring the police department would ensure a safe environment. They also touched on the tree loss at the Taft development, as well as advisory board opportunities. Watch on Facebook if you’d like to catch up.

News Around Town: If you’ve driven down Independence at Matthews Festival shopping center lately, you’ll notice the buildings in front of the old movie theater have been torn down. Because of the 51-widening, the Texas Roadhouse will be too close to the future bridge site (it will shift a few feet). The restaurant is relocating to the opposite side of the parking lot. At the most recent council meeting, the council approved elevations for Bonefish Grill, which will move to the area that is currently the Roadhouse parking lot.

One Good Thing: On August 7, Novant Hospital is holding a Mental Health First Aid (Adult) class (they also host classes for first aid for children). It seems like a long way in the future to plan for August, but these classes fill up fast. You’ll learn to know risk factors and warning signs of mental illness, a 5 step action plan to help someone who is showing signs of a mental health problem or crisis, and how to connect with that person and find appropriate support for them. After the class is complete, you’ll receive certification and the ability to create a profile on the Mental First Aider portal.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, February 26, 2019

News About Town: This is your monthly reminder to stay connected and engaged with your local officials Tomorrow (Wednesday, February 27) is Coffee with a Commissioner. This time the meeting is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Brakeman’s. Hopefully some of you 9-5ers can make it.

Then Saturday, March 2, at 8 a.m. at Miki’s Restaurant is your chance to Meet the Mayor.

Take the opportunity to catch up on what was discussed at last week’s Planning Conference and Town and State Day at the Legislature.

News Around Town: Thai Tamarind (Matthews Festival) closed its doors this past Sunday after four years in Matthews. Tamarind opened as an Indian restaurant (in the same location) and, after several years, switched to a Lao/Thai street food menu. The restaurant was popular and known as a hidden Matthews gem by Charlotte-area critics.

One Fun Thing: Tomorrow (Wednesday, February 27, 2019) stop by Edible Art Cake Shop in Matthews Station between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. for a ribbon cutting with the Matthews Chamber of Commerce. Edible Art is a Myers Park mainstay and recently opened their second shop in Matthews near Town Hall. They offer cake by the slice, as well as cookies, and other beautifully decorated, edible delights.

Morning Minute: Monday, February 25, 2019

News About Town: At tonight’s Council Meeting (7 p.m., Town Hall) Former Councilman Reverend Larry Whitley will be approved to become a voting member of the Planning Board. Larry has served on the Planning Board as an alternate member since February 2018. Prior to serving, Rev. Whitley served two years on Matthews Town Council and is the only African American elected to Town Council to date.

News Around Town: If you’ve driven through downtown lately you may have seen a flurry of renovation work happening at the old Cafe 157 location. A new restaurant is moving in, Grace O’Malley’s. If the name wasn’t clue enough, the fare is a modern take on Irish pub food with many ingredients from local farms. (H/T to Kim Stuart O’Shea for the info.)

One Fun Thing: This Friday, March 1, jump online early to snag your tickets for Lunch with Easter Bunny. On Friday, April 12, bring your kids (ages 2 to 5) and camera for an afternoon of fun with the one and only Easter Bunny! Mr. Bunny will be hoppily posing for photos with the little ones. Tickets are $10 per person — available online or at the Matthews Community Center. The following day, Saturday, April 13, Mr. Bunny will be joined by his Mrs. for posing with kids (both the 4-legged and 2-legged kinds) from 10 a.m. til 1:00 p.m. For more information call 704-321-7275.

The People of Matthews: John Bly

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

John Bly, 39, of Weddington, walking outside his place of employment on a beautiful fall day. "This is a great walking community, there are (many) restaurants to walk to..... I'm getting exercise while working!"

Kristopher’s Bike Night

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

As dusk settles, around 7 p.m. and motorcycles begin arriving, Kristopher’s Sports Bar & Grill owner Robert Stringer will most likely take the microphone, together with his Dj Kristi Swanson, and start the weekly “Bike Night/Patio Party” proceedings.

This Wednesday night staple, of more than a dozen years, will go on until 11 p.m. as the best motorcycle prize is given out, the regulars (and some new ones) will come motoring in and out, and riders and customers, alike, will gaze at the beauty of the bikes under the often waning warm sun, listening to Southern and hard rock, country music and, occasionally, a requested rap song.

“When something you love can make money and you can give to a charity, it’s a win-win situation.”

This is a chance for riders to meet, schmooze, eat and find a safe environment to even bring their families to. It has also brought in a broader spectrum of people. “Families come…kids walk around (to see all the bikes) and can (even) sit on my motorcycle,” says Robby, as he is called. Before his children went to college, they and his wife would often join him on this night.

For those customers not arriving on motorcycles, Robby sees this as a chance to allow these two communities to mingle and for some of the perceptions about motorcyclists to hopefully meld away. (Those not into the festivities can choose an inside table within easy view of the 52 TV screens including four video wall pieces – mostly focused on some aspect of sports.)

“We started this (event) when Harley Davidson took off” with their expensive bikes, says Robbie. “This brought in urban professionals and businessmen, guys who’ve been riding since they were young.” Riders range from their late 20s to 70s; in recent years, there has been an uptick in female riders, as well.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Behind it all will be Robby’s firm hand keeping the event under check - he’s often found in the front parking lot providing gentle guidance for redirecting gang members wearing colors (they are always welcome, but not wearing their “club colors”). “Other bars allowed bike clubs and gangs, which I’m not against, but it intimidates your everyday customers and other bikers,” says Robby. “We did not want conflicts between (anyone).”

It is his determination that charitable organizations be represented often (Phoenix Inked, Hometown Heroes, American Cancer Society, to name a few) and allowed to sell items, take donations and publicize upcoming events. “When something you love can make money and you can give to a charity, it’s a win-win situation,” says Robby.

He’ll also court local businesses (often motorcycle and automobile-related) to be represented by banners and their employees’ presence.

To date, Robby has had no problems with either noise issues or riders leaving the sports bar. “Matthews is a tight-knit community,” he says, adding that he’s proud of the reputation he’s built up.

On Halloween night, which is the end of their season, riders and their bikes will come decked out in their finest costumes; the restaurant and its employees will be decked out as will Robby. And, as Bike Night ends until next April, he can reflect on this current season and his next one with pride. “It’s as good as it can be – this makes the restaurant money. Bonding (my love of) motorcycles with my business is as good as it gets.”