Knitting Suite

Knitting Suite

Down the street
Neighbors would meet
At the knitting suite
Where an old rusted bell
Broke the spell
Of knitting needles
Busy
Knit 1 Pearle 2 across
The stitches flew
From baby booties
To sweaters, scarfs
And blankets
Over tea the busy bees
Did sip and knit and chat
While rainbows of fibers
Danced like angels
In the glow of sunlight
Upon old plank floors
There they sat knittin
That special pair of mittens
To cover hands from cold
And with each stitch
Their stories did unfold
Of neighborhood gossip
And news
Unlike Madame Defarge
They knitted and
Refined each story
From a ball of yarn
That carried love
Straight from their
Hearts

By Lorraine Stark

Matthews Makers: Vivian Brenner

Vivian Brenner is a woman of infinite patience, at least where yarn is concerned. As a textile artist, Vivian works primarily with cotton, linen, wool, and silk to weave and knit functional works of art. She explains, "I prefer natural fibers, as they are minimally polluting, and don't harm the environment. Natural fibers also feel better when worn!" By knitting and weaving, Vivian produces scarves, shawls, woven dog leashes, coasters, and hand towels.

Although she's no longer in the corporate world, it's rare that Vivian's not working. Vivian is often knitting, even when frequenting town council meetings, having coffee with friends, and volunteering with area nonprofits. While her studio is in her home, the looms, yarn, and tools are taking up lots of friendly space, a basket of homespun yarn, and a variety of knitting needles are always in tow.

As a Matthews resident for almost 20 years, Brenner feels very connected to the community. She loves the proximity and the convenience of necessities. Being able to do most of her shopping and errands in the downtown neighborhood makes "retired" life in Matthews enjoyable.

Find Vivian this Saturday at the Small Business Saturday Makers' Market at the Loyalist from 1 to 4 pm.

Photos courtesy of Vivian Brenner

Seasonally Decreased Immune Function Around the Holidays

Shorter days and colder weather cause people to stay inside more, reducing the amount of natural vitamin D they make, which is a key immune system booster.

The human immune system is highly complex and multi-faceted. Seemingly an infinite number of things can affect our internal landscape and alter how our immune system defenses respond to and fight foreign invaders to keep us healthy. The misconception a lot of people have is thinking that we want a super active immune system that is like Rambo, an ultimate killing machine! Really what we want is a balanced immune system, that neither swings into hyperactivity nor falls into decreased function. If our immune system functions too high, we end up with autoimmune disorders – this is when the immune system attacks our body’s cells, not just foreign invaders, if it is not functioning as it should, when exposed to germs we get sick and have to fight off an illness.

Did you know that just the time of year can affect our immune system function? Just the fact that the daylight does not last as long can cause our immune system to be less responsive. Shorter days and colder weather cause people to stay inside more, reducing the amount of natural vitamin D they make, which is a key immune system booster. An alternative for the individual not wanting to go outside is supplementing Vitamin D into their diet.

Another thing that can depress our immune system function is increased sugar intake. High sugar intake causes a process in the body that creates an inflammatory response. This inflammation taxes the immune system making it more difficult to fight the germs it needs to. Decreasing sugar intake and getting 15-20 minutes of sunlight each day can normalize and improve immune system function.

One last note on stress, our immune system is affected by the presence of the stress hormone Cortisol. Increased levels of Cortisol in the body will fatigue our immune system to the point where it cannot keep up with the presence of foreign material. This is why people who are undergoing chronic stress tend to get sick more frequently. Finding ways to manage stress around the holidays can keep you out of the doctor’s office!

Remember the goal is to have a balanced immune system. Enjoy your holiday, get some sunshine or supplement vitamin D, reduce sugar intake, and manage stress for a healthy holiday!

Dr. Jeremiah Morgan is a licensed Chiropractic Physician, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Active Release Technique provider. He practices in Downtown Matthews at Pro Active Chiropractic.

Chapters

Chapters

Whether it be
Hard or soft cover
Spiral, satin ribbon
Or hand bound
On each page
A new world
Awaits
To those whose
Knowledge thirsts
Whatever subject
Can be pursued
And a part of your
Questions and
Answers will be
Found
When you explore
Behind the title and
Cover
Its all left for you
To discover
Inside a book
A silent gift
You receive
Each time you read

By Lorraine Stark

Matthews Makers: Nectarri Honey Co.

Heidi Hanson and Gjergji Qarri are Matthews-based Nectarri Honey Company. The couple made Matthews their family home, fully embracing (and enhancing) the Town’s Bee City USA status.

Nectarri’s hives are never treated with chemicals, allowing the bees to work their magic. The result is naturally delicious honey, its flavors nuanced according to the seasons.

Beyond honey, Heidi and Qjergji have a full line of sustainability-minded wares, including beeswax candles and melts, beeswax food wraps, and honey-based soap. Nectarri honey-sweetened chocolate is the perfect hostess gift this holiday season.

FIND Nectarri Honey Company THIS SATURDAY AT THE SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY MAKERS’ MARKET AT THE LOYALIST FROM 1 TO 4 PM.

Matthews Makers: Sweet Union Candles

Shannon Pearman is the talent behind Sweet Union Candles. As her business name indicates, Shannon lives in Union County, but frequents Matthews for shopping and restaurants. Her hand-poured soy candles can be found in locally-owned businesses all over the area. {She’d love to find a Matthews shop to carry Sweet Union Candles, too.}

Sustainability is at the heart of Sweet Union Candles. They are 100% soy and poured in recycled wine and beer bottles. Scented with essential oils, these candles are aromatic and will fill up any room.

Find Sweet Union Candles this Saturday at the Small Business Saturday Makers’ Market at the Loyalist from 1 to 4 pm.

Photos courtesy of Good Cup

Matthews Makers: Peterson MADE

Barb Peterson is Peterson MADE, modern jewelry uniquely crafted with traditional techniques. Each series is a handcrafted, small-batch collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry for both women and men. Evident of her extensive training in time-tested gold-smithing skills, Barb uses techniques such as wax carving and lost-wax casting to create clean lines, unique textures, and bold statement pieces. In Peterson MADE jewelry, you’ll find diversity in the use of mixed-metals, highlighting gemstones and minerals.

Originally from Ohio, Barb, her husband, and two long-haired dachshunds live in Matthews. The couple moved to town over 20 years ago and raised their family here. The Petersons are in love with the small-town community of Matthews, with easy access to all that Charlotte offers.

Before mastering the art of metalsmithing, Barb worked in global financial services and technology. These days she takes those business skills {and understanding for customer service} and applies them to Peterson MADE. With attention to design and craftsmanship, each piece of Peterson MADE is handcrafted by Barb in her Matthews studio. What has, in the past, been offered through custom commissions, online, and through private trunk shows, Barb is now branching out to markets.

Have jewelry best forgotten in the backs of drawers? Barb takes custom commissions, lovingly updating family heirlooms, up-cycling diamonds and gemstones, and reusing the original metal to give a new life to sentimental pieces through modern design.

Find Peterson MADE this Saturday at the Small Business Saturday Makers’ Market at the Loyalist from 1 to 4 pm.

Photos courtesy of Good Cup

Matthews Makers: Good Cup

Through Good Cup, the Chopas family, Joshua, Debbie, and their two kids are making a big difference, one cup at a time. Their approach is honest and straightforward—offering customers what they serve in their own home. The result isn’t just a coffee; it’s a thoughtfully crafted, intentional, drinkable experience in a casual atmosphere. Using a variety of herbs, and flavors, the Chopas have found the formula to partner with artists, farmers, botanists, and creators to infuse a work of art into a unique cup of coffee, chai, tea or tonic. Try the house specialty: a wildflower latte topped with edible flowers.

Good Cup started at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market and has grown into a brick and mortar coffee shop. Innovators in both beverages and business, the Chopas family found a solid partnership with the Loyalist by using their restaurant space during the Loyalist’s off hours. Need to caffeinate your next event? Good Cup can bring their mobile set up to you and will create a menu specific to the season and your needs.

Using coffee, teas, and other locally-sourced ingredients, each Good Cup is a drinkable work of art.

Find Good Cup this Saturday at the Small Business Saturday Makers’ Market at the Loyalist from 1 to 4 pm. {Check them out at the Matthews Farmers’ Market and weekday mornings at the Loyalist, too.}

Photos courtesy of Good Cup

Matthews Makers: Lamplit Creations

Lamplit Creations is Gordon and Nina Clemmons, a husband and wife creative duo. Gordon, woodworker extraordinaire, handcrafts heirloom furniture, cutting boards, and keepsakes. Nina, the eye behind the camera, focuses on social media and makes her fair share of wares as well (she’s currently working on a line of holiday ornaments for Lamplit).

Lamplit Creations started several years ago when Gordon built a workshop in the country with his own two hands. Now, as a family of four and living in Matthews, the Clemmons are helping others make memories through handcrafted heirloom furniture and keepsakes. In a world of disposable and forgettable “stuff,” Lamplit creates heirlooms that will last for generations.

As a family, the Clemmons live, create, eat, and play in Matthews. Their work and their lifestyle is inspired by the small-business community that's currently blossoming here. They love supporting other small businesses and makers in Matthews and are working hard to become an established name in the community.

Find Lamplit Creations this Saturday at the Small Business Saturday Makers’ Market at the Loyalist from 1 to 4 pm.

Photos courtesy of Lamplit Creations

Bookmarker

Bookmarker

In a book

A bookmark was found

A father's day gift

To your daddy

A picture of you

On a paper tie

Upon it when you

Were very little

Somehow to me

You still look the same

Although the book's

Pages have yellowed

For a moment

It was yesterday

Bookmarked in time

Forever between

Pages

By Lorraine Stark

Leave the Leaves!

Save your weekends! Protect your back! Support our wildlife and environment!

Photo by Debbie LeBlanc Foster

With temperatures still hitting 90 in October, it seems like fall was a long time coming this year, but looking around town, we finally have some beautiful fall color. That means that fallen leaves will be right around the corner.

How about a plan to save your weekends, protect your back, save some cash, and support our wildlife and environment, all at the same time?

Raking is hard on the back and time-consuming. Leaving the leaves on the ground provides fertilizer for trees and shrubs, so no need to go buy fertilizer. That gives you time for dinner and a movie, with no trip to the chiropractor needed.

Many kinds of wildlife depend on leaf litter. Eastern towhees, brown thrashers, and white-throated sparrows scratch around in the litter looking for tasty worms and bugs, which make their homes in the decomposing leaves.

“Butterflies and moths may over-winter as pupae and caterpillars. Eastern box turtles, worms, salamanders, toads, toads and even chipmunks use leaves for food and shelter.”

Look carefully, and you may find other critters in those leaves. Butterflies and moths may overwinter as pupae and caterpillars. Eastern box turtles, worms, salamanders, toads, toads, and even chipmunks use leaves for food and shelter.

Brace yourself for a startling statistic. In 2015 the Environmental Protection Agency reported that yard debris comprised almost 35 million tons of material, representing 13% all waste. A large percentage of this went to municipal recycling, while the rest went to landfills. Is this a problem?

Yes, it is. Decomposing yard waste releases methane gas into the atmosphere. Our landfills are reaching capacity, and leaf material just doesn't belong there. Rake it under and around trees and shrubs, run over it with a mulching mower or use it in a compost bin. Here's a link with great information on different types of composting.

So when spring arrives next year, you can pat yourself on the back for giving Mother Nature a helping hand - and all of her little creatures, too! Just leave the leaves!

Designs

Designs

Mosaic patterns by leaves that fall

Brighten the parched earth from summer’s heat

A silent signal noticed by all

Crisp autumn air and apples picked sweet

Beneath moonlight the owls do call

As lovers engage their own beat

Piles of leaves and giggles can be heard

Above the mating songs of birds

By Lorraine Stark

Bonds

Bonds

The wood bench

Had weathered

In its stationary

State

Upon it scratches, nicks

Engraved names and

Initials

Old peanut shells

Signatures left

Idle now

As the carousel

Horses that once

Went round and round

It beckoned an

Old man some refuge

To rest and sit down

For a while

Like broken branches

That cling before

They fall

The old park bench

Gave comfort again

And as the sun

Began to set

Two silhouettes

Blended so well

By Lorraine Stark

Camaraderie

Some are as real

And as natural

To the eye

As breathing

Air

Some are chemically

Combined

To fill our

Artistic flair

Doesn’t matter

They touch your

Heart

Each and everyone

Only you understand

Why

Don’t try to figure

It out

They line up as

Equal brothers

Waiting in the

Grandstand

All the colors

Get along

Each one as

Individual

As you and I

Perhaps someday

Man will see

No differences

And share and

Feel the same

Camaraderie

Like the colors

That stand side

By side

Inside a box of

Crayons

By Lorraine Stark

A Barrel of Monkeys

While they ate their banana I

just happened to be eating one too,

it seems we share the same taste

for some food.

But thank heavens, I feel no urge

to swing from the trees, although it

looks like fun, I’d rather not have

two broken knees.

Monkey see, monkey do, makes one

wonder who’s watching who and

best of all their smiles are

contagious, what a sweet disease

to spread upon faces just thinking

about theirs made me smile right

away a going away gift from the

monkeys at the zoo.

By Lorraine Stark