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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.

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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

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

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

Photos courtesy of Good Cup

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 26, 2019

News About Town: Town staff, the unsung heroes of daily operations around Matthews, will be off for the Thanksgiving holiday this Thursday and Friday. As a result, Town offices are closed those days. 

If Thursday or Friday is your waste pick up day, those days will be on a one-day delay.

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News Around Town: Matthews Yarn Crafters (MYC) are looking for a new home base. For several years, the group has been meeting the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. The group creates functional wares to donate to area organizations serving those in need. MYC is in need of a meeting space where the yarn crafters (knitters, crocheters, etc.) can gather to create scarves, hats, soap sacks, tote bags, sachet bags, and baby blankets to donate to those in need. As an informal group of yarn enthusiasts dedicated to helping others, they’ve turned to the Beacon to ask for help reaching out to the community. Any Beacon readers have a suggestion for them? Reach out to Anne with your ideas.

One Fun Thing: At the November 11 Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board approved town support for Small Business Saturday. Outside of Town Hall, this Small Business Saturday (November 30) you can support small businesses at the Loyalist with a pop-up market hosted by Good Cup. The event runs from 1 to 4 pm.

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

Photos courtesy of Lamplit Creations

 

Dr. Timothy Cheuvront Gives New Life to Old [House] Bones

Now, as a chiropractor’s office, the bones of the house have been realigned for its next function, ready for a revival, respectfully adding another chapter to the story of the house.    
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Built in 1921, the house at 455 West John has been a rental for many years, first as a residence and then for several salons. The home-turned-office was rezoned in January 1999 from residential to business. 

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The property has seen numerous owners over the years, many of whom are familiar Matthews names: In 1910, JG and Mabel Orr purchased the property, and sold it in 1919 to SR Reid. SR Reid was likely the builder of the home in 1921, and passed it to Mary Willie Reid in 1926. Willie sold it in the ‘40s to Louise and Jane Knowles, two of eight Knowles children (Their brother George Jr. was, according to our sources, the only Matthews resident killed in action in World War II, VFW Post 9475 was named for the late TSGT Knowles).

Today, the home is in the hands of Dr. Timothy Cheuvront, of Cheuvront Chiropractic, who recently moved his office to Downtown Matthews. Dr. Cheuvront has been dedicated to bringing the structure back to life with an era-appropriate approach and an eye for detail. This is a house full of charm, willing to tell its own story.

Succinctly described as a modified bungalow with Craftsman elements, the facade has the charm of a Craftsman without some of the style’s defining characteristics. As the home has passed from owner to owner over the years many changes have been made to the structure, making it ineligible for historic designation. When Dr. Cheuvront purchased it, however, he knew he wanted to maintain the historic appearance. It’s not a big space, 1,783 square feet; amply sized for the 20s when it was built. (According to census data, the size of the average single-family home built now is closer to 2,400 square feet.) A tour that takes time to appreciate all the details still takes less than half an hour.

With rich, earthy tones (Monterey taupe Hardie Board with Navajo Beige trim) appropriate for the era, the design of the 1920s building is grounded, a reaction to the ornate details of the previous Victorian era. The color scheme perfectly complements Dr. Cheuvront’s personality: warm, down-to-earth, and inviting.

The most recent renovations have ushered the building into the 21st century, nearly 100 years after its original construction. The house has been updated for ADA compliance, including a front ramp. If the park-like landscaping doesn’t beckon pedestrians, the well-placed sidewalks will. The landscaping deliberately complements the structure. As we toured, the trees were in full autumnal glory, the foliage perfectly complementing the Roycroft Copper Red details. It all sets a relaxing pace: you’re there for self-care, not to be rushed.

The early twentieth-century front door adds a charming first impression. With beautifully carved details too modest for Victorian, too ornate for Craftsmen, the half-glass door is a perfect reflection of the interior space: a well-loved building with utilitarian adaptations over the course of nearly a century. 

The building retains many original features. Plaster walls painted a soothing gray feel sturdy and substantial. Bright white ceilings and interior trim are highlighted by the large windows. An ethereal amount of natural light saturates the offices. As we tour, Dr. Cheuvront notes the details on each window casing, each slightly different, styles indicative of several eras and previous owners. Many rooms have their own fireplaces, reminders of the age of the house. 

Modern updates, such as sliding barn doors, play on the vintage charm of the home, drawing the eye up to the beadboard ceiling above, in what was once, presumably, a porch. The layers of paint, thick on the ceiling, show many years of loving use and wear in the home. Now, as a chiropractor’s office, the bones of the house have been realigned for its next function, ready for a revival, respectfully adding another chapter to the story of the house.    

Morning Minute: Monday, November 25, 2019

News About Town: At tonight’s Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board will, once again, consider the sign for the Idlewild Road roundabout. For safety reasons, a visual barrier on the roundabout is essential, although future road projects will eradicate the roundabout. Limited sightlines decrease the amount of information a driver must process while entering a roundabout, thereby increasing safety. To meet the needs of both concerns, Public Works came up with a solution for a moveable sign. The Town hired DAWA to create several concepts, which are included in the Board’s information packets. Town of Matthews Engineer Susan Habina Woolard will present the preferred design to the Board tonight.

News Around Town: This past fall, The Music Makers, a locally-owned traveling music program that has been in Matthews for 25+ years, added ukulele classes for seniors ages 50 and up. In January, they’ll expand their options for younger aspiring musicians with a class for little ones (ages 5 to 7). If enough people learn to play the ukulele, The Music Makers is hoping to start a free ukulele club. Members would gather to play together as well as perform in the community.

One Good Thing: Last year, we hosted a Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide. This year we’re trying something a little different: if you’re a Matthews-based maker, we want to spotlight you and your wares! Want to be featured? Fill out this short form, and we’ll show off the incredible talent Matthews has to offer!

Morning Minute: Friday, November 22, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resource Department is hosting a Menorah Lighting Thursday, December 26. All are welcome to join in the special ceremony, lighting a new outdoor menorah in front of the Community Center. The event starts at 5:30 pm will also have Chanukah sand art, a photo op with Judah the Maccabee, and, of course, chocolate Chanukah "Gelt." This year, Chanukah begins the evening of Sunday, December 22 and ends the evening of Monday, December 30.

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News Around Town: Have guests in town for the holidays? Skip the mall and enjoy Black Friday with the Matthews Heritage Museum, 232 N. Trade Street. Open next Friday, November 29 (and Saturday, November 30) from 10 to 4:30 pm, enjoy a tour or the current exhibit, The House with a Heart, 40th Anniversary of the HELP Center.

One Good Thing: National Adoption Day brings awareness to the more than 125,000 children in the United States in foster care, more than 20,000 of whom will age out of the foster care system without being adopted. Learn about adoption and celebrate National Adoption Day this Saturday, November 23 (starting at 9:00 am), in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse (832 East Fourth Street, Charlotte). District Court Judge Elizabeth Thornton-Trosch, will preside over the presentation, recognizing 90 youth adopted between October 2018 and September 2019 through various area adoption agencies.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 21, 2019

News About Town: The November 25 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is posted on the Town’s website. The meeting appears to be a short one. Items of note include reviewing by-laws of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and Matthews Veteran Advisory Committee. The Board will also revisit the rezoning of the Stronghaven warehouse (433 East John St.), discuss the sale of alcoholic beverages at some park events, and discuss street closures for town events throughout 2020. The full packet is not available online yet, but the link will be on this page.

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News Around Town: An average of one in four people will experience dating or domestic violence in their lifetime. In the fiscal year 2018-19, there were 32,626 domestic violence protective order filings in NC. These staggering numbers contribute to a cumbersome, sometimes dangerous filing process.

Now victims of domestic violence can file for protective orders through an online system, allowing them to stay in a safe, secure remote location. eCourts Civil Domestic Violence System, provided by the NC Administrative Office of the Courts, provides full access to district court resources at a domestic violence service agency. By providing one-stop access to court resources, eCourts Civil Domestic Violence System makes the process safer and more efficient for victims of domestic violence. The one-stop agency also provides services like childcare for those who need it. Texts or emails update the involved parties throughout the process.

One Good Thing: This year, the US Postal Service Operation Santa is going digital, allowing philanthropists across the nation to play Santa’s helper with severe bedhead while still wearing their pajamas. Much like an updated Angel Tree, you pick a letter written to Santa that has been scanned and posted online by USPS.

Leave the Leaves!

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

Photo by Debbie LeBlanc Foster

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.

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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!

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 20, 2019

News About Town: There’s no denying an uptick in pedestrian fatalities in Matthews. Yesterday the Town posted a friendly reminder on their Facebook page for drivers approaching crosswalks:

  • Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks.

  • Even if there are mid-block crosswalks with no traffic signs, then the driver must yield.

  • Do not block the crosswalk when stopped or parked in your car.

News Around Town: The largest Matthews Artists Guild (MAG) show yet, the MAG Holiday Show and Sale, is currently on display at McDowell Arts Center. MAG members from all over the Charlotte area contributed 163 mostly two-dimensional works in a variety of media. The members-only show will be on display until January 3, the majority of which is for sale. The McDowell Center is just across from the Matthews Community Center (123 E McDowell Street), making it an easy stop before classes at the Community Center or after school with your Matthews Elementary kids. Gallery hours are daily from 1 to 8 pm.

One Good Thing: While we're on the topic of creative talent, Matthews UMC Arts & Crafts Extravaganza is this Saturday, November 23, from 9 am to 3 pm. Shop with over 80 makers, stay for a tasty lunch, and take home a little something extra from theUnited Methodist Women's Bake Sale. The wares for sale are all handmade, making this your chance to jumpstart Small Business Saturday a full week early!

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:

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).

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The ENT:

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.

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Southside:

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.

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Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 19, 2019

News About Town: Give Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department your input as they develop a new master plan. According to Park and Rec, this series of public discussions will help establish their goals, policies, standards, recommendations, and strategies for the next decade. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm this Wednesday at the Sportsplex ( 2425 Sports Pkwy, Matthews).

Photo credit by Mabel, 4th grader at MES

Photo credit by Mabel, 4th grader at MES

News Around Town: NC State alumni can relive their good ol' days on campus with Howling Cow ice cream. Now available in Matthews, Howling Cow is a frozen dairy delight once sequestered to the state fair and NCSU campus. Traditionally produced with milk from NC State dairy cows, Howling Cow has licensed through Matthews-based Harris Teeter for broader distributions. Harris Teeter's Howling Cow ice cream is to be made at Hunter Farms in High Point. Are you looking for some Howling Cow of your own? Harris Teeter at Plantation Market and Matthews Festival will both carry it, and proceeds will fund NCSU student scholarships and dairy/agriculture initiatives.

One Good Thing: It's time once again for the Novant Health Matthews Medical Center Festival of Trees Lighting. A holiday mainstay, the Novant Matthews lobby (1500 Matthews Township Pkwy) will be sparkling with Christmas trees decorated by area nonprofits and open for the public to view. Stroll through the lobby, listen to live music, sip some cocoa, and enjoy the decor this Thursday, Nov 21, from 5 to 7:30 pm.