Morning Minute: December 31, 2018

News About Town: The Fire Department had a busy night over the weekend, starting in the evening on Morningwood Drive with a two-vehicle fire. The accidental fire ended with the total loss of one vehicle and damage to the second. Several hours later a three-department team (Matthews, Mint Hill, and Idlewild) responded to a call at a duplex near Butler High School. This fire displaced four people, who are being provided for by the American Red Cross. The Stallings Fire Department provided coverage for Matthews during this call.

News Around Town: Starting tonight, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. on January 1, is the most dangerous time to be on the road in the US. The Matthews Police Department recently shared some tips on social media that are well-worth repeating: Plan and know how you’re getting home, whether a designated driver or an Uber/Lyft (why not put the app on your phone right now?), make sure your driver hasn’t been drinking. All senses need to be sharp. If you drink heavily on New Year’s Eve you could still be tipsy when you wake up January 1. If you’re still feeling it, it’s not okay to drive then, either. Finally, if you’re out and you see unsafe drivers on the road, pull over and call 9-1-1. Stay safe tonight, Matthews.

Some Fun Things: There are plenty of fun activities all over Matthews if you’re up for a New Year’s party, but the one that stands out most, especially in light of how dangerous it is to be on the roads tonight, is at Mac’s Speed Shop. The restaurant, located at 142 E. John St., has no cover and live music by Woodie and the String Pullers starting at 8 p.m. Most importantly, though, Mac’s customers can use Lyft to get home and get $10 off the ride by using coupon code: MACS19MTW. (Giant H/T to responsible businesses!)

Morning Minute: November 22, 2018

A Word of Seasonal Advice From Your Local Fire Fighters:
”We are fortunate in this town to have some of the best dispatchers out there. These dedicated men and women are equipped to handle just about any emergency they are faced with. One particular emergency however, is a little bit beyond even their expertise. That is TURKEY emergencies!

If you need help, tips, or advice on making your Thanksgiving turkey the best it can be, the professionals at Butterball's Turkey Talk-line are there to help! Please don’t call 911!!

You can call them at 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372) or you can text your questions to 1-844-877-3456. They are available until 10PM today and 6PM tomorrow (Central Standard Time).

If you are frying your bird, be sure it’s thawed first. Make sure the fryer is at least 20 feet from the house. Don’t put too much oil in the pot. TURN OFF the burner before putting the turkey into and taking it out of the pot!!

Regardless of how you are cooking, make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby, working smoke detectors and a plan of escape.

We hope to not run into you on a professional basis this holiday season but rest assured, if you need us, we are here 24/7.

Happy Thanksgiving.”

News From The Beacon: Apparently there are people out there who don’t like mushrooms. I (Renee) love them. Norah, however, doesn’t. So it became news to me yesterday that there is a need for a mushroom-less green bean casserole recipe. We’re here to fulfill that need.

MUSHROOM HATERS’ GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

•  1.5 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and ends trimmed

•  2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large potatoes, minced to 1/4”-1/2” pieces

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste

• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup half-and-half

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 6 oz french fried onions

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish, set aside.

2. Blanch the beans: In a large pot, bring about a gallon of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil. Add the green beans and boil for 8 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately plunge the beans into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

3. Canned Green Beans: If using canned green beans instead, drain green beans completely and set aside.

4. Melt butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and onions and cook until the onions have softened, about another 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.

5. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and stir to combine. Then add the half and half and simmer until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

6. Remove from the heat and stir in all of the green beans. Transfer green bean mixture to prepared casserole dish. Top with the bread crumbs and then layer the french fried onions on top.

7. Place casserole in the oven and bake until bubbly, about 20 minutes. If your onions start to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil. Serve immediately!

Note: Hate onions too? Or have kids who do? Replace the fresh onions with a tablespoon of onion powder. All of the flavor, none of the gross slimy onions!

Adapted from The Novice Chefs original recipe with mushrooms. 

P.S. Yesterday we announced the Hyperlocal Holiday Pop Up. To beat the rain the organizers have opted to move the even to Friday, November 23 from noon til 3 PM. It will be held in the courtyard of the Loyalist. Stop by, get the best sandwich you’ve ever tasted, try a Good Cup of coffee, and do a bit of holiday shopping.

From our families to yours this Thanksgiving, we hope your bellies are full and the laughter is plentiful. Happy Thanksgiving!

The People of Matthews: Marty Todys

Marty Todys, 64, lives in Matthews. Marty rides 3 1/2 miles every day to and from work. When it rains, his wife comes to pick Marty up, and his bike.

“I stay on the sidewalks. If there’s a car in the crosswalk, I’m gonna let them know they’re in my crosswalk. I’m 64!”

— Marty Todys

Interested in cycle-commuting? According to BikeWalkNC, North Carolina traffic laws treat bicycles as vehicles and treat bicyclists as drivers of vehicles.  Cyclists should be treated with the same safety and respect as other vehicles. More information on cycling laws here.

Morning Minute: October 11, 2018

News About Town: Matthews Police are asking residents to re-familiarize themselves with flash flood safety. Do not drive through flooded areas. We’ve already gotten a fair amount of rain and will receive more. The saturated ground in combination with wind from Hurricane Michael may make for a tricky driving conditions. Please allow ample driving times and expect delays. If you come to an intersection without power to the traffic lights, please treat it as a four-way stop. NCDOT has tips on their website (including everyone’s favorite song). Follow Matthews Police and Fire/EMS for updates on local conditions.

News Around Town: Matthews Animal Clinic is celebrating their 50 Year Anniversary this year. What started out as a mixed animal care clinic (farm, equine, and family pets) by Dr. Allen Cleveland, Matthews Animal Clinic opened when Matthews was still very much a small town. . Now the clinic employs 10 veterinarians and a staff of over 50 employees.

One Good Thing: If you didn’t make it out to the talent show last night, there’s another way to support the students this weekend. Butler High School Softball Team is having a yard sale this Saturday. Proceeds will benefit Make A Wish Foundation and the school softball program. The cash-only sale will have loads of the usual yard sale goodies and you just might find the perfect Halloween costume! Saturday, October 13, 9 AM til 1 PM, 2308 Heathershire Lane, Matthews .