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Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 26, 2021

News About Town: Matthews monarchs are going to be extra happy this year—and no, we won't be seeing the queen. This past Saturday, May 22, the Appearance and Tree Committee (an advisory board to the Board of Commissioners) hosted a drive through milkweed sale. Milkweed, the host plant for monarchs, sustain the butterflies on their annual migration. Having access to milkweed is a major cornerstone in their survival. During the sale, the committee sold 200 plants in an hour and a half!

Image via Unsplash photographer @aaronburden

Image via Unsplash photographer @aaronburden

News Around Town: Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 is hosting the annual Memorial Day Celebration this Monday, May 31, at Stumptown Park and the Matthews Veterans Memorial Park, 120 South Trade Street. The Matthews Concert Band will play at this bring-your-own-chair event starting at 10:30am. The ceremony begins at 11.

One Fun Thing: Zab’s is hosting Upcycle University on June 2 from 5 to 6pm. This time around learn how to turn candle holders, trays, platters, pie and/or cake pans into a tiered stand that can be used in all sorts of decorative ways. The event is suitable for people of all abilities, ages 16 and up. The cost is $8, and masks and social distancing are required.

Don’t Forget:

  • Transit Oriented Development Series with CATS: TOD: Building Equity as Part of Transit & TOD, Thursday, May 27, 1-3pm, register here.

  • Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 Annual Memorial Day Celebration, Monday, May 31, at Stumptown Park and the Matthews Veterans Memorial Park, 120 South Trade Street. The Matthews Concert Band will play at 10:30am. The ceremony begins at 11.

  • Cruise for a Cause: Jekyll and Hyde’s Fathers Day Car Show and Cruise, 316 N Trade St, Matthews,Sunday, June 20, noon-2pm.

Morning Minute: Monday, May 24, 2021

News About Town: Tonight’s Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. The Board will meet via Zoom (link here, meeting ID 938 2467 3407). To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter the meeting ID 938 2467 3407. A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

Some items of note for the 7pm meeting include:

  • Recognition of Junteenth and Pride Month ahead of June.

  • A presentation of the results of the Community Survey.

  • Information on Fire & EMS Department’s branding revisions.

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News Around Town: The USA Gymnastics Women’s Development Program National Championships (Formerly Junior Olympics National Championships) for Level 10 athletes concluded Sunday, May 16,  in Daytona Beach, Florida. Matthews senior Lali Dekanoidze finished first in Senior D All-Around (all four events) with a score of 38.900 out of 40. In November of last year, Lali signed a National Letter of Intent for the UNC Chapel Hill Gymnastics team.

One Fun Thing: Fancy car owners, rev up your engines and head on over to Jekyll and Hyde’s event page to register for Cruise With a Cause on Sunday, June 20. The "cruise" portion of the event is driving over to the Belmont Jekyll and Hyde brewery. The registration fee is $15 a car, with proceeds going to veterans organizations. Participants will receive a goodie bag and tee shirt.

Don’t Forget:

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Masterpieces in Buttercream: Miri Nadler and Ten Bloom Cakes

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“I was the first cake artist in the US to exclusively decorate using palette knives, and because I had no one to teach me, I’ve developed my own signature style.”
— Miri Nadler, Cake Artist
Image via @10bloomcakes

Image via @10bloomcakes

The mason jar has gone through an evolution over the years, from its humble beginnings as a canning tool for grandma’s vegetables, to cute glasses for sweet tea in Southern-inspired restaurants.  It then morphed into vessels for centerpieces at “rustic weddings” and now has a new purpose: a take-out container for moist cake layered with delicious buttercream from Ten Bloom Cakes, a unique bakery that recently opened on Matthews Station Street.

Owner Miri Nadler, who also creates beautiful, hand-painted cakes, says she thinks of the to-go mason jar as incapsulated cake slices. “It’s also a little something our bakery can do for the environment,” she added. “When you buy a cake jar, you can keep the jar and use it for something else, recycle it, or even bring it back to the bakery and we’ll give you a dollar off your next order.”

Image via @10bloomcakes

Image via @10bloomcakes

Nadler’s mason-jar to-go offerings are unique and delicious, but the cakes are a must-see.  Her method of decorating doesn’t rely on traditional gum paste or fondant, which you can eat but has been described as tasting a little like Play-Doh.  Instead, she uses a palette knife to “paint” three-dimensional designs on cakes with buttercream and whipped cream, so every bite of the cake is a pleasant experience.  She taught herself the process of palette-knife painting on cake after seeing women in Asia using the technique on Instagram.  

“I was the first cake artist in the US to exclusively decorate using palette knives, and because I had no one to teach me, I’ve developed my own signature style,” said Nadler, who has been featured in Southern Bride, The Knot, and The B Collective, among other media outlets.  Her cakes have been described as “perfectly imperfect,” but she likes to think she “strikes the delicate balance between elegance and whimsy.”

“As a woman business owner, safety was just as important to me as accessibility, and the small-town enclave feel of Matthews checked all the boxes.”
Image via @10bloomcakes

Image via @10bloomcakes

Nadler moved from Los Angeles, where she ran a luxury bakery, to North Carolina in 2015 to be closer to family.  She chose downtown Matthews as the site of her bakery because over the past five years, she said she’s seen downtown grow into a “vibrant commercial district that is tailor-made for walking and for families. As a woman business owner, safety was just as important to me as accessibility, and the small-town enclave feel of Matthews checked all the boxes.”

She has traveled throughout the United States to teach the palette-knife decorating technique, and has also taught classes in Canada and Israel to share her knowledge of this unique style.  If you’re interested in learning more about palette-knife decorating, she is offering a class at the Matthews store at the end of May.  Follow her on Facebook and Instagram at @10bloomcakes to see pictures of her cakes and tutorials of her unique technique, and drop into the shop (130 Matthews Station St, #1-H, Matthews) to order a cake for a special occasion or pick up a mason jar of deliciousness to go!

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Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 19, 2021

News Around Town: May is National Bike Month! To encourage more residents to get out on two wheels Mecklenburg County’s Park and Recreation Department, in collaboration with Public Health’s Active Living and Injury Prevention team, has launched a series of virtual educational programs. They aim to increase and improve opportunities for physical activity with a focus on bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Residents can visit the County’s YouTube page for helpful videos. The two-minute video on riding on roads without a bike lane is particularly helpful, but also check out the tutorials on the proper helmet fit and fitting a bike.

Image by Unsplash Photographer @christinhumephoto

Image by Unsplash Photographer @christinhumephoto

One Good Thing: If you haven’t heard of the FCC’s EBB, maybe it’s time you did. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a Federal Communications Commission program to alleviate the financial strain of cell phone and internet costs during the pandemic. Recipients must meet one of five eligibility requirements, apply for acceptance with the FCC program, then must contact their preferred service provider to select an Emergency Broadband Benefit eligible service plan. Charter/Spectrum and Windstream are both listed as participating providers.

Don’t Forget:

  • Transit Oriented Development Series with CATS: Setting the Stage for TOD in Small and Big Cities, Thursday, May 20, 1-2:30pm, register here.  

  • Moxie Mercantile (159 N. Trade St.) grand opening celebration, Saturday, May 22, 10am - 6pm, with music, champagne, and lots of shopping. The shop will open its doors May 18 at 11 am.

  • Milkweed for Monarchs Plant Sale, Saturday, May 22, 9-11am.

  • Transit Oriented Development Series with CATS: TOD: Building Equity as Part of Transit & TOD, Thursday, May 27, 1-3pm, register here.

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Morning Minute: Monday, May 17, 2021

News About Town: Disc golfers filled Squirrel Lake Park yesterday for the PAR2 Disc Golf Tournament. Even with another tournament in Charlotte on the same day, cars overflowed from the parking lot onto Pleasant Plains Rd throughout the morning and afternoon while 181 participants played 18 par 2 holes. Parks and Rec listed the winners on Facebook as follows:

Competitive Men
1st) Brad C. +1
2nd) Fred C. +2

Competitive Women
1st) Naomi D. +16
2nd) Melora C. +18

Recreational Men
1st) Joe S. +2
T2nd) Alex A. +4
T2nd) Kris H. +4

Recreational Women
1st) Catherine S. +14
2nd) Jo Dee A. +15

Junior Boys
1st) Walker W. +11
2nd) Nils F. +20

Junior Girls
1st) Elise C. +26
2nd) Jewel S. +28

Image via Unsplash photographer @ted_johnsson

Image via Unsplash photographer @ted_johnsson

News Around Town: JC Penney shuttered its doors in Windsor Square yesterday, leaving another big box hole in local retail. Other retailers rightsizing their brick and mortar operations include Bed Bath & Beyond, DSW, and Tuesday Morning, though there is no indication that any of these shops are closing their Matthews locations.

One Good Thing: Matthews Heritage Museum needs your vote! The Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly “Best of the Weekly” contest runs until May 28. Remember to vote once per day for the Heritage Museum as the “Best Local Museum” under the Arts and Entertainment category.

Don’t Forget:

  • Transit Oriented Development Series with CATS: Setting the Stage for TOD in Small and Big Cities, Thursday, May 20, 1-2:30pm, register here.  

  • Moxie Mercantile (159 N. Trade St.) grand opening celebration, Saturday, May 22, 10am - 6pm, with music, champagne, and lots of shopping. The shop will open its doors May 18 at 11 am.

  • Milkweed for Monarchs Plant Sale, Saturday, May 22, 9-11am.

  • Transit Oriented Development Series with CATS: TOD: Building Equity as Part of Transit & TOD, Thursday, May 27, 1-3pm, register here.

Morning Minute: Friday, May 14, 2021

News About Town: Town Manager Hazen Blodgett presented the recommended budget for Town of Matthews Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-2022 during the 5:30pm Town Board meeting this past Monday.

The presented budget is $26,445,714, representing a 1.9% ($505,839) decrease from the FY20-21 amended budget of $26,951,553, and includes a 1.5-cent property tax increase from .28 to .295. This increase is designated for seven new positions to meet the operational needs of the organization. These positions include four in the Matthews Police Department, one in Matthews Fire & EMS, and two in Matthews Public Works.

A budget workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 18 at 6:00pm. During the workshop the Board will provide feedback and further direction for the Manager’s Budget. The public will have an opportunity for feedback during the public hearing on Monday, May 24 at 7:00pm. The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to adopt the budget at their regular meeting on Monday, June 14.

New homeowners Celestin and Marie (image courtesy Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity)

New homeowners Celestin and Marie (image courtesy Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity)

News Around Town: Moxie Mercantile is officially opening their doors at 159 N. Trade St., Matthews on May 18.  Guests can visit the 2,700 sq ft and shop from hundreds of vendors including new-to-Moxie clothing brands, locally-owned companies, female-focused small businesses, and more.

On its Grand Opening Day, May 22, Moxie will celebrate by giving back to a hyperlocal local charity partner, Thompson, where 10% of profit will benefit their Family Support and Stability program. The store will have live music and champagne throughout the day celebrate their opening. Guests are reminded to wear masks and participate in social distancing as the store will be managing capacity and implementing standard COVID-related practices.

Store hours are as follows: Tues - Friday 11am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 12pm - 4pm.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 12, 2021

News About Town: At Monday’s Board of Commissioners Meeting, the Board approved two zoning related items:

  •  Zoning Application 2021-729/text: Amends the Unified Development Ordinance (the document that determines allowable uses in zoning matters) to add “indoor commercial recreation not otherwise listed” in the B-3 zoning district. B-3 is considered the High Rise Business District. This will allow Inner Peaks Climbing Gym to stay competitive in business while offering customers a taller climbing experience.

New homeowners Celestin and Marie (image courtesy Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity)

New homeowners Celestin and Marie (image courtesy Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity)

News Around Town: Join Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity (GMHFH) this Saturday, May 15th at 10 am, on Facebook Live to dedicate the 114th home in the Greater Matthews community with new homeowners Celestin and Marie. According to Habitat, “Celestin, and his mother Marie, will be purchasing the home through an interest-free affordable mortgage with GMHFH and contributed over 200 hours of ‘sweat equity’ in lieu of a down payment. The family, which includes Marie, her son Celestin, and four other sons, emigrated to the United States from Rwanda.” 

One Good Thing: Have a small business and want to partner with the Beacon to get your name out? We’ve got options for all price points! Contact us for community-building opportunities!

Morning Minute: Monday, May 10, 2021

News About Town: Advisory board meetings are coming up this month and are a great way to keep up with everything Matthews. Both the Matthews Committee on Education (6:30pm) and the Environmental Advisory Committee (7pm) meet remotely on Tuesday, May 11. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee will meet Wednesday, May 12, at 6:30 pm via Zoom (agenda). On Monday, May 17, the Appearance and Tree Committee will hold a Zoom meeting at 7 pm. On Thursday, May 20 at 7pm, the Transportation Advisory Committee will host their monthly meeting via Zoom. Last, but not least, the Planning Board and the Cultural Diversity Committee both are holding remote meetings on Tuesday, May 25 at 7pm.

Image via Unsplash photographer @edwardstark

Image via Unsplash photographer @edwardstark

News Around Town: It’s National Bike Month, and Matthews is ripe for celebrating. For the mountain biker, Matthews has Purser Hulsey Park, completed with three bike trails totaling nearly 4 1/2 miles of hilly, mostly wooded terrain. Meanwhile, the greenway has multiuse paths with ample space for a leisurely ride, but for those who prefer asphalt, check out weeklyrides.com for rides in Matthews. In the words of Queen, “Get on your bikes and ride!”

One Fun Thing: Ten Bloom Cakes (130 Matthews Station St, #1-H, in the former Edible Arts location) is hosting a cake decorating workshop on May 23. Learn to use a palette knife to form beautiful buttercream bouquets with owner Miri Nadler.

Morning Minute: Friday, May 7, 2021

News About Town: The Monday, May 10 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. The Board will meet via Zoom (link here, meeting ID 957 3791 2935). To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter the meeting ID 957 3791 2935. A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

A 5:30 pm meeting is scheduled for the Board to receive the Town Manager’s budget presentation for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.

Some items of note for the 7pm meeting include:

  • Discussing local and national issues with NC District 9 Representative Dan Bishop.

  • Motion 2021-1/text amendment: a text amendment to the UDO to allow a six-foot fence in the front yard setback along major thoroughfares with proper setbacks and vegetative screening.

  • An increased cost to lease the parking lot between the railroad and Seaboard.

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News Around Town: As the Silver Line plans begin to take shape, concerns regarding the possibility of accompanying development arise. Charlotte Area Transit Systems (CATS) has partnered with Urban Land Institute (ULI)-Charlotte to create a free, two-part Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Series to support those conversations around the Silver Line corridor.

Setting the Stage for TOD in Small and Big Cities (May 20, 1-2:30pm, register here) covers TOD in various forms and different contexts. Panelists will discuss how transit can enhance and preserve the places it serves by proactively managing changes as they arise.

Equitable TOD: Building Equity as Part of Transit & TOD (May 27, 1-3pm, register here) covers the equitable distribution of benefits from TOD through thoughtful strategies around affordable housing, public health, and strong local businesses.

Don’t Forget:

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 5, 2021

News Around Town: Restaurants still struggling as the economy reopens may have another boost of monetary relief available. The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) provides funding to restaurants equal to pandemic-related revenue loss. Repayment isn’t required as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Register for an account here, applications are accepted in tiers. Find more information here.

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One Fun Thing: ASC’s Southeast Virtual Block Party is coming up next week (Thursday, May 13 at 6pm). An online version of the popular Culture Block series, the East Charlotte, Mint Hill & Matthews Block Party will include dance and musical performances. After the performances, ASC will facilitate a conversation to learn more about the kinds of arts, science and cultural events that are desired in east and southeast Mecklenburg. This conversation will directly result in ASC’s collaboration with libraries, recreation centers, community members, cultural organizations and artists to start providing activities based on the feedback provided. Registration required. Want more Culture Blocks? Virtual options are listed here, including pottery, music, and even The Rainbow Fish presented by Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts.

Don’t Forget:

Morning Minute: Monday, May 3, 2021

News About Town: Over the past several decades, monarch populations have been in decline and Matthews won't sit idly by. In March of this year, Mayor Higdon signed a Monarch Pledge with the National Wildlife Federation promising to urge the community to plant native milkweeds and nectar-producing plants. He also issued a Proclamation to raise awareness about the decline of the monarch butterfly and the species’ need for habitat. One of the easiest ways to support monarchs is to provide nectar and a host plant for their annual migration. Conveniently, the Town of Matthews Appearance & Tree Advisory Committee is hosting a native milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) sale on May 22 from 9 to 11am in the Matthews United Methodist Church parking lot. The cash only drive-thru plant sale will provide COVID-safe precautions while supporting pollinator populations. Don't get greedy with your butterfly weedy: plants are $5 each and there's a limit to 10 plants per customer.

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News Around Town: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is hosting a Community Engagement Session via Zoom this Wednesday, May 5 at 6pm. Hosted by the Office of Student Assignment and School Choice, the meeting will provide information about the relief school for Bain, Lebanon Road, Piney Grove Elementary Schools, and, due to proximity, will likely also provide relief for Matthews and Crown Point Elementary Schools.

One Fun Thing: Venture up Monroe Rd this Saturday to the McAlpine Business Park barn (8300 Monroe Road, Charlotte) in MoRa for the Carolina Clay Matters Spring Pottery Festival. This is your chance to snatch up some of Matthews artist Jennifer Stone Carroll’s ceramics. Jennifer will be one of 50 artists selling wares at the incredibly popular festival.

 
 
 

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