Secret Santa on Patrol

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

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.

Let's all play dreidel

A handcrafted dreidel collection displayed every year for Chanukah.

Photographs by Cyma Shapiro

According to dictionary.com, there are so many variations for the spelling of Chanukah simply because it’s difficult to translate from Hebrew to English. One researcher, Joe Maller, supposes there are 16 ways to spell Chanukah according to Google hits. Those spellings range from Hanukkah (the most popular with 8,470,000 hits) and Chanukah (3,390,000 hits) to Chanuqa with only 25 hits.

Brakeman's Coffee: A Sharing Space

(L to R) Mark Moore, David Johnson, & Dave Braysden Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Last winter, in an overture of friendship and community, the owners of Brakeman’s (David Johnson, Mark Moore, and Dave Baysden) placed an enormous menorah in the front of the building, loaned by the group at ZABS. “The foundation was friendship and trust,” said David.

“I was into the power(ful) story of Chanukah,” said Mark. “It was an opportunity for the Christian community to understand the power of the story.” They also hosted an opening lighting ceremony with ZABS folks providing narrative to the lighting.

“We wanted a space that was life-giving...How do we make sure that this space is embraced by everybody?”

— David Johnson

“We wanted a place that was ecumenical in its approach,” said David, explaining the vision for Brakeman’s. “We wanted a space that was life-giving. We’re not rooted in making money. How do we make sure that this space is embraced by everybody?”

“This is a place where people can share their story, tell their stories – whether it’s religious, personal or otherwise,” he said. “Those are the things we (try to support).”

Aging Tree Canopy

If residents think they are noticing an increase in fallen trees around town this year, they are correct.

According to Ralph Ramsaur, Town of Matthews Landscape Manager and Town Arborist, the increase is due both to the recent hurricane and excessive wind and rain – “big storm events,” he termed it. “Trees in low-lying areas can fall after a lot of rain. Many times, there is a good percentage of decay and signs of old age in the fallen trees.”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Recently, a decayed tree took down a pole and fence near the Fire Department. Other downed trees were found within a number of subdivisions and on Weddington Road.  Areas with older trees which are most susceptible include Stumptown and Squirrel Lake Parks.

According to Ramsaur, some recommendations for safety and maintenance include: having trees inspected professionally and having homeowners walk their property to take a closer look at their surrounding trees. Among the signs to watch out for: fungus, giant mushroom type-growth around the base of a tree, and an increase in black carpenter ants or termites. Also, if you look up at a tree and don’t see any leaves at the top, this may also signal decay.

Among the tools that arborists/tree professionals may use is a “resistograph” - a fine drill that goes into the tree to test resistance, providing a percentage of tree decay. If a tree shows more than 35-40%, that tree should be removed, according to Ramsaur.

Photo by Linda Edwards/White Rock Studio

“The trees in Matthews are a part of its character. These are old Matthews trees that have been here since Matthews was founded.”

— Linda Edwards

For Judi Bex, owner of property on West McDowell Street, and Linda and Joe Edwards of White Rock Studio on South Trade Street, more than a few trees have fallen between them; all had to be professionally removed.  These are beautiful old trees,” said Bex. “(This) is the price of owning a home.”

But, the downing of such trees is bittersweet for long-time residents such as the Edwards, who have watched their (same) surrounding foliage for more than 35 years. “The trees in Matthews are a part of its character. These are old Matthews trees that have been here since Matthews was founded,” said Linda. “We’re going to miss the shade so much. It’s almost like a part of Matthews history has gone away.”

However, while something familiar is now gone, it has been replaced by a something new. “I have sun coming through where I didn’t know there was sun!” exclaimed Linda.

Celebrating Chanukah

According to Wikipedia, Chanukah/Hanukkah (also called Festival of Lights or Festival of Dedication) is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. 

Chanukah begins this evening, December 2, 2018, and ends on December 10, 2018. The dates of the holiday shift each year due to the differences between the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars. On the Hebrew calendar Chanukah begins on the 24th of Kislev and ends on the 2nd or 3rd Tevet.

Significance: The Maccabees successfully rebelled against Antiochus IV Epiphanes. According to the Talmud, the Temple was purified and the wicks of the menorah miraculously burned for eight days, even though there was only enough sacred oil for one day's lighting.

For those of you celebrating this sacred Holiday, the Beacon wishes you a Happy Chanukah.

Proffitt Dixon: Growth in the Entertainment District

If you’ve driven along Matthews-Mint Hill Road near Ridge Church and Dorian’s Deli you may have noticed the beginning stages of development on 35.5 acres of the south side of the road.

The property went before the Planning Board and then to the Board of Commissioners (the typical method) for rezoning from I-1 to ENT in 2017. The planned construction, previously named Matthews Park, is a multi-use, urban-style, pedestrian-friendly network of live/work spaces in anticipation of the build-out of the Entertainment District. For those unfamiliar with zoning, I-1 is property appropriate for light industrial and ENT is a designation by the Town in the Land Use Plan for the acreage surrounding the Sportsplex..

Successfully rezoned, site work is now underway. The ENT district requires an 8% tree save which Proffitt Dixon, the developer, has committed to meeting and exceeding. A preliminary survey showed no trees larger than 36” diameter. During Phase I of construction the site will not be clear-cut, though ultimately the majority of the existing trees that are saved will be the ones closest to Matthews-Mint Hill Road. To meet the 8% tree save, trees will be strategically replanted.

According to the Board of Commissioner’s approval, the entire complex of Matthews Park can include up to 570 apartments, 180 hotel rooms, and 151,000 square feet of commercial space, which may include retail and medical offices. Construction is planned in two phases. Phase 1, where the site work is currently underway, will be 359 apartments. The next phase may include the remaining apartments, hotel, and commercial portion, as allowed by the rezoning process.

Proffitt Dixon expects Phase 1 of this project to be completed in 2021.

The Dreamweavers Guild of Matthews

On the first Tuesday of each month, from 6-9 p.m. at the McDowell Arts Center, you will find one to two dozen people, all members of the Dreamweavers of Matthews Basket Guild, diligently and creatively weaving baskets, containers and other related (and usable) wares.  

The beneficiary of their creations is the Matthews Free Medical Clinic.

(In another annual charitable gesture of goodwill, participating members have already created “Baskets of Love,” which will be filled with items of their discretion and given to their “adopted families” for the upcoming holidays.)

For 30 year basket weaver, Nancy Duffie, of Weddington, this is a chance to meet new people, share a love of basket weaving and learn new techniques.  “I am a joiner. I love support groups and community building…I look forward to each meeting to visit, catch up on the latest happenings in everyone's life and sometimes I will weave a basket!” she said. Members come from several communities in this region.

According to the group’s Facebook page administrator, Sharon Williams of Matthews, long-time members are “devoted to teaching their crafts to the next generation of weavers to keep the craft alive.” Once a year, the group also hosts a weaving weekend with a nationally recognized teacher. “It’s a great opportunity to learn new techniques without the expense of traveling,” said Williams.

Basket weaving is the process of weaving or sewing pliable materials into two- or three-dimensional objects, such as containers, mats or trays. In the Dreamweavers’ case, the baskets are usually made of reed or cane, but may also be made from paper or found objects such as antlers, twigs, pine needles, and even leaves from tropical plants. Members usually purchase their materials through North and South Carolina retailers - to help support local artists.

“I like to help people see that basket weaving is more than they think it is. Some of our pieces are complex works of art.  ”

— Sharon Williams

 “I like to help people see that basket weaving is more than they think it is,” Williams said.  “Some of our pieces are complex works of art.  There are even specialty baskets in the Smithsonian!”

While camaraderie, connection and a strong sense that their outlay will benefit others are all important reasons why most members have joined the Guild, there’s also a commonality surrounding the art and creativity of basket weaving that runs paramount to this group. “It amazes me that our little Guild of about 20 people has over 200 followers on Facebook,” said Williams. “I think that means there is a connection to handmade art that people love.”

 Dreamweavers Guild of Matthews:  First Tuesday of each month, 6-9 PM, McDowell Arts Center, 123 E McDowell St, Matthews, NC.

The First People of Matthews

Image via Wikipedia

The celebration of American Thanksgiving is often accompanied by stories for children about Pilgrims and Native Americans sitting down for a nice dinner together. As we age we learn that the relationship between the original European settlers and the indigenous people was, at best, complicated, and more frequently hostile.

Image via Catawba Nation

Here in Matthews, we live on the land of the Catawba tribe.  At its height, the Catawba nation had a population over 20,000. The Catawba’s territory stretched throughout the Piedmont region of NC and SC and all the way up to Virginia along the Catawba River, which is why they are also known as the Iswa (Issa/Esaw), or “people of the river”. As European settlers migrated to America in the in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the Catawba began using their warpaths as trading routes. Catawba pottery was much in demand, known throughout the region for its beauty and quality. However, with contact comes contagion, and Smallpox decimated the Catawba nation. As their numbers dwindled, the tribe held on to a 144,000-acre tract of their land titled to them by the King of England. Settlers continued to encroach on Catawba land until only about 100 members of the tribe remained - many of whom left the region for Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. At this point, they signed the Treaty of Nation’s Ford, which forced them off most of their ancestral lands with the promise of a new reservation in the future.

Image via Catawba Indian Crafts

So much of the country’s history with Native Americans is discussed in the past tense, but it’s important to recognize there are 573 Federally recognized tribes that are very much alive and active, including the Catawba. Though their population had declined severely by the early 1900s, the remaining members rebuilt their nation and held on to their traditions. The tribal leaders worked for 20 years to regain their Federal recognition (given up in 1959), a feat they accomplished in 1994. The current Catawba Reservation lies on 700 acres just across the South Carolina border outside of Rock Hill. There are over 3000 registered Catawba citizens, living across the United States and abroad, though most live on or near the reservation.

The long-standing Catawba pottery tradition remains strong, with clay being dug from the banks of the Catawba River, some of the clay holes have been in use for hundreds of years. Pieces are hand shaped and fired over an open fire, the clay and the type of wood in the fire give the pottery its distinctive color and look. Bridging to modern times, the Nation sells some pieces on their website: https://www.catawbaindiancrafts.com/collections.

As we celebrate what we're thankful for this Thanksgiving, we're also given the important opportunity to understand a history which predates the charming tales of Fullwood, Stumptown, and what is now known as Matthews, NC.

Image via Catawba Nation

For more information: This information and more is available online on the Catawba Indian Nation’s website.

The Catawba Cultural Center is open to visitors Monday through Saturday (9:00 am to 5:00 pm) looking to learn more about the history and current state of the Nation. Catawba Cultural Center, 1536 Tom Steven Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730.

Celebrating Diwali and Annakut in Matthews

More than 1000 people celebrated the festivities of the annual Indian holiday, Diwali, from November 5- 9, at the BAPS Shree Swaminarayn Mandir at 4100 Margaret Wallace Road.

Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is the most widely celebrated Indian festival in the world. It signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. The festival usually falls between the middle of October and the middle of November, although this is decided by the Hindu lunar calendar.

For five days, adults and children come together wearing their finest clothing. During this time, families light lamps, and people gather to enjoy the beautiful candles that line the roads, illuminating the night. In India, people celebrate by cleaning and redecorating their homes; shopkeepers use it as the beginning of their fiscal year. It is also the start of India’s winter season.

While the lights are intended to signify a joyous celebration, lighting also has a spiritual meaning illustrating the importance of lighting the lamp within – celebrating the light of the soul.

During Diwali and the tandem celebration of Annakut - the New Year, families gather to feast on delectable vegetarian cuisine, and enjoy cultural programs and traditional entertainment in mandirs (temples) all around the world. Special Diwali celebrations are organized for children and youths to preserve the true spiritual importance of the festival.

Forest Lawn East Cemetery: A Peaceful Resting Place for Everyone

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

A drive down Forest Lawn Road, on the line between Matthews and Weddington, is as peaceful as one might hope for on a drive in the country.  Through the front black gates of Forest Lawn East Cemetery, visitors are greeted by a memorial to US Airways flight #5481 - a nine-foot-tall obelisk surrounded by 21 memorial markers - dedicated to those who lost their lives in the crash at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, on January 9, 2003.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Driving further along, you’ll find an old-fashioned water wheel and springhouse, a gazebo for flower- arranging near a botanical garden which overlooks the historical Sweetwater Spring, a small stone bridge overlooking the creek, and bird feeders, for attracting wildlife.

There are azaleas, flowering dogwoods, sundials, a Lion’s Head fountain, professionally-landscaped flower gardens, marble seats, the Garden of Chimes, meandering roads and even-larger structures like the Sylvan Abbey Mausoleum – all designed to provide ample opportunities for reflection and meditation. This might well be the epitome of peacefulness and serenity.

Upon closer look, you’ll also find upright and flat gravestones, silk flower arrangements and a variety of monuments, mausoleums, crypts and vaults in many sizes, shapes and colors and material.

This is the vision of former Greensboro (NC) resident Jack O. Williams (now deceased), who created Forest Lawn East Cemetery in 1972 as a “peaceful resting place for (everyone),” said cemetery manager and Funeral Director Karen Reardon, one of seven directors in that location. “There was a need and somebody had to fill it…His belief was to take care of every human being.”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Currently 62 out of a prospective 65 acres have been developed and/or are being designated for future use. There are approximately 7000 units at the site.  Forest Lawn East Cemetery is believed to be the only interdenominational cemetery in North Carolina.

The beautification of the entire space is attributed to Williams; Reardon has continued that original mission. “Mr. Williams wanted it to be a park-like setting,” Reardon said. “He wanted people to be comfortable - where they could come here and visit; where it would be tranquil, and would be peaceful. They wouldn’t be walking away from here thinking they’d been in a ‘doom-and-gloom cemetery.’ ” she said.

He also wanted to provide for anyone interested in being buried in his cemetery.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

To that aim, there is now a Jewish section, a Christian Orthodox (Greek and Russian Orthodox) section, and St. Matthews Catholic cemetery. There is also a Garden of Faith, Hope, Love, a Green Burial Preserve (no caskets or vaults), Baby Land children’s cemetery and St. Francis pet cemetery – offered outside of the cemetery proper.

For those individuals wedded to their faith, they may choose to be buried in a faith-specific area; individuals may also choose to be buried in non denominational sections.

“Some people want to just be with their faith and (choose) that area,” said Reardon. “We don’t discriminate (regarding) religion. We allow the families to tell us where they want to be buried.”

In addition, the cemetery continues to be approached by faith-based groups seeking their own plot of land – their own piece of paradise. Once successfully negotiated, the cemetery “leaves it up to each faith to decide how they want to use their own space,” said Reardon.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

The first group to do so were members of the Jewish faith.  In 1988, they approached the owner about finding an alternative to the only other Jewish cemetery in the area – the historic Hebrew Cemetery of Charlotte. After negotiating successfully to completion, their section now represents a decidedly Jewish perspective – only Jews can be buried there (an interfaith couple would need to be buried on opposite sides of the road), the caskets must be made of wood (not metal), and can be stained in one of three colors.  The grave liner is made with holes in bottom so that each element returns the body to the earth.

One simple black covering with a Star of David is allowed on top of the casket. Bodies are bathed and shrouded in a separate area in that location; add’l room has been created for prerequisite sitters, who spend up to a few hours guarding the body before the burial (preferably 24 hours).

Approximately seven years ago, individuals from the Christian Orthodox churches approached the cemetery requesting their own section. Their ornate and often markers are often distinguished by large crosses at the top of gravestones.

The Catholic cemetery does not require specific rituals, but offers a variety of options – small mausoleums, private estates with stacked stones, photos on gravestones, etc.  Known as the “Garden of St. Matthew,” the Catholic section has columbarium units (buildings with niches in it) to house cremated remains as well as in-ground burials of cremated remains.  Visitors can leave specialty silk flowers in the vases on or near the stones indefinitely or place fresh flower arrangements for up to 10 days after the memorial service.

Recently, the cemetery has negotiated with members of the Baha’i faith for the creation of a new section.  Required/requested rituals will be the adornment of ceremonial (hand) rings and shrouds made of 100% silk and cotton. Individuals will be bathed and placed in the highest caliber wood caskets off-site, before reaching the cemetery grounds. According to the Baha’i faith, burial must take place within 75 miles away from where death occurs.  

Currently, the Messianic congregation (Jewish and Gentile) - Hope of Israel Congregation in Charlotte - has been in talks to create its own section, too.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

As an independently owned funeral home (rather than as part of a corporation), Reardon says they have the “ability to offer all kinds of things to our families.” This includes balloon and dove releases, urns and caskets made of many different materials. A reception facility is located onsite for meeting and/or eating before or after the service. Everything can be taken care of in one place – from bathing the body and readying it for burial, to adding special touches to the memorial service, to hosting families for memorial dinners/get-togethers before or after services.

“It’s all about a family’s desire,” said Reardon. “We are here to serve every human being. Our goal is to listen and do what the families want. We take great pride in making it an individualized, personal experience for families.”

“Every death is important to the family that you are working with,” Reardon said. “Some days are harder than others,” she said, especially when faced with a death of a child, for example. “No matter what our faith is, we all know we are going to a better place….Each of us will see our maker no matter who it might be.”

Fried Turkeys the J Bones Way

Photo courtesy of Jerome Brooks

Jerome Brooks has been married for 29 years. For the first 10 years of marriage, his wife would do all the cooking; he would “grill.”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

But, in 1999, when he left his job and started working for himself, his days sometimes ended early. He’d soon be responsible for taking care of his two daughters after they got out of school, and also cooking supper for the family (wife, Alicia, is a lawyer). “When she got home,” he said, “the food was ready.”

In the beginning, he’d do “basic stuff” – stuff like spaghetti, fried chicken, beef, cube steaks and Gumbo – basic family food that he’d grown up with in Louisiana.  “I had a pretty good sense of taste,” said Jerome.

After a while, he bought a Kitchen Aid mixer. His wife told him straight-out that she wasn’t going to use it herself.  His answer? “I guess I’ve got to learn how to cook a cake!” And voila – out came his special pound cake with five flavors.

All along, he continued cooking his very special turkeys – both deep fried and smoked - a tradition that began during the holidays with family and friends and extended to his work. Also, his church (Mt. Moriah) came calling.

Photo courtesy Jerome Brooks

“My turkey (cooking) started when deep-frying turkeys (became popular),” said Jerome. He soon learned that aluminum didn’t crisp his turkeys the way that stainless steel pots did. He also purchased a (regular) two-bird electric smoker.  “What made me fall for the frying – I love the crispy taste,” he said. “I love it for the taste and it’s crispy. When you do it in aluminum, sometimes it’s not as crisp.”

In truth, after tasting this new type of cooked turkey, he never went back. “When I first tried a fried turkey, I didn’t want another baked turkey,” he said. Apparently, neither did his friends, family, fellow parishioners, and co-workers. So began the experimenting.

“I started off with one flavor and found another one that was better,” he said. He found the magic taste with “certain seasonings, liquid, apple and hickory wood.”  He says his turkeys are like a Cajun turkey – “with Cajun seasoning, so it’s got a nice little spice to it.”

While he cooked turkeys up to 10 hours, he found the timing was too long; he settled on five hours of cook time. Instead of basting his liquids and seasonings on the outside of the bird, he decided to inject the mixture.  “All of those juices are trapped inside. People are amazed at how good they are,” said Jerome. “Each year, I’m always learning something.”

He originally used peanut oil but found Canola oil as an alternative for those people with peanut allergies.

As time went on, demand for his cooked turkeys continued to soar. So much so that he’d need to start cooking Thanksgiving turkeys a few days in advance, especially if his family was traveling for the holidays. “A couple of years in a row, I did 15, 16 turkeys,” he said, noting that he wanted to give them their cooked turkeys closer to the holiday. “I wanted people to have fresh turkey on Thanksgiving.” Last year, he cooked eight a few days before Thanksgiving and ended up staying up way past midnight.

Then, as things started snowballing, his wife put her foot down. “My wife said ‘wait a minute.” When this went into (our) dinnertime, she said, ‘you’re gonna have to say no.’ More people want me to do them than I have time to do. That’s how I was running into my dinnertime,” he said.

Jerome attributes his popular turkeys to much trial and error and a great cooking technique: the key, he says, is how you drop the bird into the fryer – SLOWLY – so that the oil cannot bubble up and cause a fire.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

But, then, four years ago, he ate lamb at a friend’s house and didn’t like the strong meat-taste. He said, “I’m gonna come up with a recipe that I like!” and his special lamb dish was born. “It’s not just turkey (now) - my thing is now lamb,” he said, noting that he cooked his signature dish for a Valentine’s Day party this year and also cooks it regularly for his pastor.

In the future, he plans to get a “J Bones” food truck and cook his signature lamb and turkey, in addition to ribs and chicken. “There’s a lot of other stuff I’d like to do,” he said. “But, I’ll start off slowly.”

#ThrowbackThursday: November 30, 2006

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called Matthews News and Record and The Matthews Record) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. These stories were originally published November 30, 2006 and was written by Janet Denk.

Two men, two worlds apart, together again

When the two Matthews men first met, a little over a year ago, it didn’t take long for the exchanged pleasantries to move into much deeper territory. Discussions of home ownership, family and food preparation shed light on the cultural differences between Oh Rmah and Bill Dixon. But their stories began to intersect when the topic of Vietnam began to emerge.

Oh, a local cabinet assembler living on Tank Town Road in Matthews, was born in the central highland region of Vietnam. His people are known as Montagnards (French for “mountain people”). North Carolina is home to many Montagnard families.

These two men, from two different worlds, have discovered that they traversed the same jungle decades terrain decades ago. They shared similar memories and fought, quite possibly, on the same mountain thousands of miles from where they stood that day in Crestdale. both men grew up modestly, raised families, joined armies, endured the deaths of their own sons. They’ve seen guts and glory, yet go about their days, as neighbors and simple men. Their communication, like many soldiers, does not depend on words.

It just is.

That comes with the territory.

The territory in the late 60s was the central area of Vietnam in places with names like Dakto, Khe Son, Hamburger Hill.

Oh Rmah

When Americans pulled out of Vietnam in 1975, the war for Oh Rmah and his people did not end. A constant struggle to secure his homeland, the Montagnard joined those who fought against communism in his country. Oh Rmah was happy to work alongside US Army troops to serve as an interpreter and a guide in his native highlands.

For this allegiance, Oh and many others like him would pay a costly price. It would be two years into his imprisonment that his wife, Din, would have knowledge of his whereabouts. The war in Vietnam ended in 1993 for Oh when he was released from prisoner of war camp where he endured years of torture, starvation, and misery in an attempt by the government to “re-educate” him and his people.

It didn’t work because he is a proud American today.

But memories of home still haunt him. The scars on his ankles from shackles remind him of communist Vietnam, where he still has family, including a daughter in her twenties.

The first three months in the camp, Oh, like many others who fought alongside Americans, was tossed into a hole in the ground with his hands and feet bound together. “No light,” Oh recalls. “My hair grew down to here,” he gestures to his forearm. “We were so dirty and we had lice. Excuse me, ma’am.” His recollection of the filth and the shame cause him to become modest in front of strangers. “I told them whatever they wanted to hear, because I wanted to live.”

“Dick” Dixon

Daylight can hardly penetrate a triple canopy jungle. Company A from the 173rd Airborne Division, found themselves smack in the middle of the firing perimeter before they, or the well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army, discovered each other. Three machine guns, at close range, opened fire nearly decimating Company A.

Bill “Dick” Dixon’s command group directed Company B to a left-flanking maneuver to give support to the first company. They immediately came under enemy fire, as well, causing fifteen casualties and wounding the company commander. Throughout the chaos, as darkness began to fall and men around him were dying, Dixon’s military training, or maybe his maturity (he was seasoned at the age of 25, while the average age of soldier in that war was 17) motivated him. He initiated radio contact with the main command post and began reorganizing the remaining men. The battle raged on for another 45 minutes until a thick fog and relentless rain blanketed the hilltop leaving Company A out there isolated and cut off. Dixon headed out into the jungle alone to find them.

This brave act would later earn him a Silver Star. But it would be another seventeen hours before the last wounded man would make it off that battlefield.

Two weeks ago, at the Matthews Rotary Club luncheon for the Armed Services, both men strolled the grounds of Central Piedmont Community College enjoying the food and fellowship. These are better days for both me.

When Oh earned his citizenship this year, Dixon was there. When the fancy washing machine confounded the Rmah family, Dixon helped straighten it out. When Oh threw a birthday party for one of their daughters, Dixon went to the celebration. The commissioner helps out because that’s a part of his nature.

“We couldn’t have operated over there without these guys,” Dixon says of the Montagnards. But something deeper exists between these two men that was not forged in a Matthews neighborhood or at a patriotic luncheon beneath a Carolina blue sky. It was forged in a highland jungle thousands and thousands of miles away when they were soldiers once.

Caroline Kramb: The Hidden Strength of a Snowflake

Photo credit: Ally Henning

When the curtain goes up for the “Nutcracker,” danced by the Matthews Ballet and Dance, at the McDowell Community Center, one dancer in the group will be happy to be alive, well, and again dancing in this year’s production.

Matthews resident, Caroline Kramb, has been dancing with this group since she was four years old.  She is now 15 and has taken on such roles as Angel, the lead – Clara, Chinese, Ginger Child, Waltz of the Flowers, Candy Cane, Spanish, Gold Angels, Party Girl and Soldier.

This year, as in previous years, she will exude the joy and passion that dancing invokes in many. “Caroline is a dedicated student with a passion for dance,” said dance studio Program Director Amanda Sheppard. “She loves performing onstage, and is always a joy to watch.” This year, she will dance the part of “Snowflake.”

Also, as she has in previous years, Caroline will be grateful for this opportunity. However when she performs, many in the audience will be unaware of her ongoing serious medical struggles, her courageous approach to her illness, and her willingness to share her story in an effort to fundamentally help others.

Approximately 2 1/2 years ago, at the age of 12, Caroline developed a severe rash and became extremely tired. What her family thought would be a common trip to the doctor turned out to much more serious. Her bloodwork showed that she had a rare blood disorder called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).  Systems include low platelets and chronic bleeding. “We were in utter shock,” said her mother, Brooke.

Upon diagnosis, Caroline was rushed to Levine’s Children’s Hospital for a short stay and subsequent 18 months of treatments including infusions and heavy doses of steroids – protocols that left her feeling weak, tired and sick.

“It was hard for me with dancing, just going to school and just living my normal life,” said Caroline. “I had to push myself much harder than the other girls. (Although I knew) I am just as healthy and strong as the other girls… (I had an) autoimmune disorder. I looked good, but you couldn’t tell I had to work harder.”

At points, she missed days of school after eight-hour treatments needed every six to eight weeks – “all of that was very emotional,”  she said. She was also banned from (her) competitive swimming and all activities for which there might be a propensity for getting hurt (should she fall, hurt or bruise herself, it could cause internal bleeding). Both she and her mother, Brooke, said she felt “embarrassed” to not be able to do things that other kids could do, and longed to just “be like others.”

With that in mind, she ardently chose to continue her weekly dance lessons and maintain her participation in the annual Nutcracker productions.

“I just get really excited for the Nutcracker,” said Caroline. “I’ve had dance in my life longer than anything else I’ve ever done. Being able to (dance in) the Nutcracker every year (gives me) a sense of assurance. When I was a lot sicker, a lot weaker, I still had that event to look forward to, to participate in.”

To her dance teachers and fellow dancers, keeping this routine was paramount to keeping her spirits up. “I know that dance is (Caroline’s) “happy place” and her way to escape her illness,” said Sheppard. “She shows such amazing resilience for someone so young. I think dance has given her the strength to never give up but to always remain determined and focused.” 

Photo courtesy Michael Strauss Studio

According to Brooke, the Nutcracker and Caroline’s continued participation in dance lessons (two hours/week for dance classes; up to five hours a week during Nutcracker rehearsals), as well as her family, friends and faith all “helped her cope as well as thrive.”

During her second stay in the hospital, in the chemo-bays, she saw young kids playing but realized that older children had nothing to do with themselves during this stressful and difficult time. The “lightbulb” went off. Caroline said to her mother, “For my birthday, I want to invite my friends, but I want them to give donations so we can make our ‘bags.’ ”

The “activity bags,” as they were called, were intended to be filled with “things to do.” To date, she has made and delivered close to 100 bags and also made several hundred bracelets to pay for the bags, all of which are donated to children/teens also undergoing treatment at Levine Children’s Hospital.  

Caroline has also become an ITP activist.  Two years ago, she started her own Instagram page called “World Free of ITP,” which she created to “express my feelings…I would talk about when I had to go to the hospital and my thoughts about the journey - to (help others) understand how real this disorder is.”

Photos by Brooke Kramb

Last summer, she applied for and received a scholarship to attend an ITP conference in Cleveland, Ohio, where she met with other teens struggling with the same issue, and those hematologists who care for them.

“Before I was sick, I was the wimpiest and weakest person out there,” said Caroline. “I’d cry when I got shots. I wouldn’t take pills. But, after going through all that, I honestly didn’t have a choice. I had to push myself to get stronger and get over my fears. I honestly think it happened for a reason…Coming out of being sick, I just knew, ‘I just want to help other people….so they don’t have to go through this.’ ”

Caroline now wants to be hematologist. When she turns 16, she has been invited to shadow her lead hematologist at the children’s hospital.

Today, Caroline’s platelets are stable and she is considered in remission (there is no cure for ITP). She remains fixated on the goal of learning more and helping others. “Definitely the way she has reached out to others – she has done this entirely on her own,” said Brooke.

Photos by (L) Brooke Kramb, (R) Ally Henning

“Because I have ITP, it is like an obligation to know everything; to be informed and understand the doctors because I want to help others,” said Caroline. “I want to help understand even other blood disorders because I want to know how to give back and find other ways to help.”

For more information, contact the Platelets Disorder Support Association.

The Matthews Ballet and Dance Center’s production of “The Nutcracker” will be performed Nov. 24, 25, Dec. 1 & 2 at Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street.  

For tickets, contact www.matthewsfun.com or call 704-321-7275.

Thelma and Louise in a Golf Cart

When visitors to Charlotte want to tour the city, they have multiple tour companies to choose from. However, if they wish a tour by “Thelma & Louise,” they can choose Queen City Rides’ star duo, who, interestingly, are from Matthews and Mint Hill.

Dubbed the same names as the lead characters in the popular 1991 movie, Matthews resident Marie Ball (“Louise”),  76, and Mint Hill resident Lee McKenzie (“Thelma”), 74, say they are having the “time of our lives” doing this together. “We’re sisters by choice,” said Marie, “but some days (Lee) chooses not to be sisters,” she adds, laughing.

Photo courtesy Danny Jordan

“We’ve been doing this for four months,” said Marie. “We’re ladies that like to ‘live on the edge,’” she says. That “edge” includes parasailing, swimming with the dolphins and zip lining. In previous years, they served as “Senior Cheerleaders” at the Levine Senior Center in Matthews.

Introduced to the tour owner by a mutual friend, the women decided this year to take on this new challenge. To gather information, they learned their route, notated everything important, and then made the tour their own. Their narrative is rife with jokes, stories and shtick.

“We only go off the cliff on the day we aren’t taking people out...We only go off the cliff on Fridays.”

— "Thelma & Louise"

Sitting briefly with these women, one notes that they can barely hide their excitement at the newest venture in their lives; and, of course, the quips keep flowing: “We only go off the cliff on the day we aren’t taking people out,” said Marie. “We only go off the cliff on Fridays,” said Lee.

“Kids tell us all the time, ‘When I get to be your age, I want to be just like you,’ “said Marie. “We’re having a wonderful time showing uptown Charlotte to customers.”

How long do they want to continue doing this? “As long as we can,” they both said. “At least to 2020….” (laughter).

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.