Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 23, 2020

News About Town: After the American Legion Post 235 recently completed renovations and an addition to the veterans memorial at Stumptown Park, community members suggested renaming the park Stumptown Veterans Memorial Park.

The Town has an optional process for park naming, which includes a petition and a public meeting before the Board of Commissioners. During the November 23 BOC meeting, the Mayor suggested the Parks and Rec and Veterans Advisory Boards discuss renaming the park, a step not included in the prescribed process. As a result, on January 13, 2021 the Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Advisory Committee will host a public meeting providing an opportunity for input on whether to rename Stumptown Park.

Small and Mighty Matthews Retail. It’s doubtful any of our readers haven’t stepped foot into Renfrow Hardware—to say they define Matthews wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Don’t forget the creaky old hardware store for gifts that capture slower times and analog fun.

News Around Town: Matthews Habitat for Humanity is now accepting applications for their Critical Home Repair Program. This program is for Matthews and Mint Hill homeowners who are current on taxes and payments and meet income criteria. The Critical Home Repair Program is for low-income residents who have repair needs around their home that create an unsafe or unhealthy living situation, such as a failing roof or necessary accessibility modifications.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 21, 2020

News About Town: The Planning Board is seeking a high school student to lend a youth perspective on issues related to the Town's future development. The Planning Board is a citizen advisory board that hears growth and development issues and makes recommendations to town staff and the Board of Commissioners. Qualifications for the youth rep include: Matthews residency, availability to attend Planning Board meetings, an interest in exploring urban planning, public administration, political science or related government fields, and the ability to conduct independent activities, such as interviewing a local representative then reporting back to the Planning Board. Know the right person for the seat? Find more info here.

Ravenous for snacks? Support a local small biz and fill your belly by shopping at Bear Food, right outside of Downtown Matthews at 600-D Matthews-Mint Hill Rd..

News Around Town: If you’re nuts for peanuts*, there’s a new store in Matthews just for you. Bear Food, located at 600-D Matthews-Mint Hill Rd., is now open and stocked floor to ceiling with all types of peanut-based delicacies. From double chocolate covered peanuts, to dill pickle and jalapeno, stocking up at Bear Nuts can cover your late night cravings and last minute gifts all in one quick trip. (*Pointing out that peanuts are actually legumes ruins the flow.)

One Good Thing: Last week we dropped off five days of gifts for the teachers at C.O.S. Kids, including 50 thank you cards with an array of houseplants, poinsettias, and flower bouquets, over $1,000 in gift cards, 50 “Safety First” gift bags including washable masks and hand sanitizer, 50 gifts to pamper, and individual bags of cookies for each of the teachers! The teachers were surprised and overjoyed with their gifts—thank you to all who participated and donated so generously!

Matthews Cooks: Oven-Fried Sesame Chicken

My Grandmother, Zinaida, was from a small village in western Ukraine. She and her family moved to Odessa when she was young, so they could attend school.  About 1894, when she was 16, they migrated to New York. They took the required classes in English, hygiene, and citizenship. All her life, my Grandmother followed the rules she learned in those classes. She was always afraid she would be sent back to the Ukraine if she didn’t follow the rules.

She had difficulty with some words, no matter how long she lived here. The two words that she always mixed up, causing great hilarity in the family, were “kitchen” and “chicken.” She would announce that she was going to stuff and roast a kitchen, but had to clean the chicken first. I can still hear her voice and her laughter as she realized her mistake.

~Vivian’s Victuals

“[Zinaida] had difficulty with some words, no matter how long she lived here. The two words that she always mixed up, causing great hilarity in the family, were “kitchen” and “chicken.” She would announce that she was going to stuff and roast a kitchen, but had to clean the chicken first. ”

Oven-Fried Sesame Chicken

2 ½ lbs chicken
2 TPSP butter, melted
¼ cup sesame oil
¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
3 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ cup flour

Preheat oven to 400F.

If your sesame seeds are not toasted, warm a small pan to medium heat and put the seeds in the dry pan. Stir often, and when most of the seeds are light brown, remove the pan and put the seeds in a small bowl (to prevent the heat in the pan from scorching the seeds).

Cut chicken into serving size pieces. Mix the melted butter and sesame oil and brush each piece. Put remaining ingredients in a paper bag. Add the chicken pieces and shake well.

Place the chicken in a foil lined baking pan. Bake at 400F for 50-60 minutes until browned, turning occasionally.

Greetings from Matthews Cooks! We’re a ragtag group of home cooks submitting original recipes from our own kitchens and sharing the adventure with Matthews Beacon readers. If you’d like to add your own, please send them to renee@matthewsbeacon.com , and she’ll forward them to me (Vivian). When you send in recipes, add your family story, if there is one. It can add new dimensions to a dish. Please do not use recipes from cookbooks, as we need to respect copyright laws. If you first got a recipe from a book, then changed it over the years to suit your kitchen, that would be fine.

Diary - A poem by Lorraine Stark

Diary

Moments pass like
Shooting stars
They fill our hearts
With memories
That set the
Foundation of
Poetic verses

By Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash @mjseka

Morning Minute: Monday, December 14, 2020

News About Town: For those avoiding the Trade/Weddington/Pleasant Plains intersection like the plague, it’s time to revisit. Though barrels still dot the landscape, they’re out of the road and the lines are painted. There is a new lane configuration so things look slightly different. While a few items on the to-do list remain, those will not interrupt traffic flow. For those counting, this NCDOT project was originally "let" on December 6, 2017. (Was that a town-wide collective sigh of relief?)

Independent retailers are part of the charm of Matthews. Fab Fun Furniture, beside Target on Matthews Township Parkway, is a small business in a big space. Filled with fab furniture and throwback fun, make sure you plan for plenty of browsing time.

One Good Thing: This Thursday, December 17, Atrium will have their mobile COVID testing unit at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church (381 Crestdale Road), from 8 am to 2:30 pm.

Our Teacher Appreciation Drive Needs You! We’re sharing the gifts with the teachers at C.O.S. Kids this week, but there’s still time to donate a gift card or two. We need $10 cards for lunches, and $20 cards for grocery stores and big box retailers. Thank you to the generous donors who helped kick things off with beautiful plants and flowers! What a cheerful way to start a Monday!

Morning Minute: Friday, December 11, 2020

News About Town: At Monday’s Board meeting the Board will discuss several items related to salary and compensation. Under Item 13. New Business, the following items will be discussed:

A. Employee and Town Board Compensation

1) Consider Revision to Employee Pay Scale
2) Consider Approval of Budgeted Employee Market Adjustment
3) Consider Increase to Town Commissioner Salary item added 12/10

B. Consider Allowing Elected Officials to Enroll in State Employee Health Plan at Their Cost.

Shop Small! Precious Restorations has an assortment of collectibles for a variety of interests. Check out the vinyl selection, comic books, and nostalgic toys from your childhood. There’s no shortage of cool stuff, so get a gift for bestie then get a gift for yourself. (If you are your own bestie then you get two gifts!)

News Around Town: Yesterday we provided information about school closures, but a portion of that was incorrect. Regarding Covenant Day School, the high school portion of the Tk-12 school went to remote learning November 9 after a COVID outbreak of eight students, then resumed in-person learning after the Thanksgiving break.

News Around Town Part II: The downtown Exxon station (101 West John Street) will close its doors for good tomorrow, December 12. Stop in get a full service fill up and wish the staff well.

Our Teacher Appreciation Drive Needs You! We still have spots to sponsor a teacher for the week or donate gift cards for our Teacher Appreciation Drive! Donate a gift card or five days of gifts (we have a schedule of suggested items on the sign up sheet) and delight a C.O.S. Kids teacher this season.

Morning Minute: Thursday, December 10, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. Once again, the meeting will be conducted remotely. To watch live, the meeting is available via Zoom (link here, meeting starts at 7 pm, Monday). A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter meeting ID 995 8121 1307. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

Shop Local! Fans of Village Emporium will be pleased to find their newest incarnation in Matthews. Packed with the goodies the Emporium was known for, 21 Villages is now in Matthews at 11500 East Independence Boulevard.

News Around Town: During the December 8 remote meeting, the CMS Board of Education made the decision for K-12 grade students to return to remote instruction until January 19 due to increased numbers of COVID-19. Starting Monday, December 14, all students will be full-remote. This five week pause includes the two week winter break. Pre–K and Exceptional Children (EC students) whose Individualized Education Programs mandate in-person learning will continue to be offered in-person learning. After the second cluster outbreak on their Matthews campus, Covenant Day recently ceased in-person classes and resumed virtual learning. Edited: Last month, the high school classes at Covenant Day School, a Tk-12 school, went to remote learning November 9 after a COVID outbreak of eight students, then resumed in-person learning after the Thanksgiving break.

Our Teacher Appreciation Drive Needs You! We still have spots to sponsor a teacher for the week or donate gift cards for our Teacher Appreciation Drive! Donate a gift card or five days of gifts (we have a schedule of suggested items on the sign up sheet) and delight a C.O.S. Kids teacher this season.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 9, 2020

News About Town: The deadline to Deck the House has been extended to December 13. How many lights and blow up decor will it take to win the grand prize? What will that electric bill look like? Find out firsthand and you may just win a prize. Make things shine, Clark Griswold. Need inspiration? This house at 1010 Elsmore Dr., Matthews, NC 28104 sets the gold standard.

Shop Local! Support your community by shopping small and local this year. Get Me Some Green has an excellent array of CBD-based gifts and offers free gift wrapping. Gift cards available too.

News Around Town: Yesterday, NCDHHS tweeted, “The virus is upon us with a rapid viciousness we haven’t seen before.” The grim statement was reflective of positives hitting record highs three of the last seven days. In Matthews, current congregate living outbreaks include three cases (two staff, one resident) at WillowBrooke Court at Matthews Glen, 27 cases at Carrington Place - Matthews (17 staff, 10 residents, 3 deaths), and school outbreaks include eight cases at Covenant Day (all eight are students). The Governor issued a new Executive Order which will enact a Modified Stay-At-Home Order beginning Friday. This EO requires non-essential businesses (retail, gyms, restaurants, and more) to close between 10 pm and 5 am and alcohol sales to cease at 9 pm. This Executive Order is set to expire January 8.

Our Teacher Appreciation Drive Needs You! We still have spots to sponsor a teacher for the week or donate gift cards for our Teacher Appreciation Drive! Donate a gift card or five days of gifts (we have a schedule of suggested items on the sign up sheet) and delight a C.O.S. Kids teacher this season.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 8, 2020

News About Town: Even though there is no Hometown Holiday celebration this year, stroll through the Town Green (the area in front of Town Hall) to soak up the holiday vibes. The Green is bedecked in white lights, greenery, and red bows; the gazebos are especially picturesque. Check out the Town’s Christmas tree and menorah, ready for Hanukkah. Though the tree is already lit, you can watch the Virtual Tree Lighting online, featuring Mayor John Higdon, with performances from Matthews Playhouse, Butler High School Show Choir, Lauren Sharpe with the Charlotte Academy of Music, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church Choir, and of course - a visit from Santa!

Shop Small in Matthews! Backyard Birds, a naturalist’s staple since 1996, has everything you need to fulfill a birder’s holiday dreams. Find birdhouses, feeders, and seed, locally harvested honey, and windchimes.

News Around Town: A few Matthews businesses are getting some much-deserved love from The Scout Guide Charlotte. Vote for Brakeman’s (Coffee Shop category), Your Mom’s Donuts (Bakeries and Sweets), and The Loyalist (Lunch) in TSG’s "Dine Like a Local" contest! Vote and get entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to your favorite restaurants. Vote once a day, every day, through 5 pm, December 16.

One Fun Thing: Speaking of holiday spirit, while you’re on your way to the Town Green, stream Freegal through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library system and rock out to some holiday tunes.

Our Teacher Appreciation Drive Needs You! We still have spots to sponsor a teacher for the week or donate gift cards for our Teacher Appreciation Drive . Many of the teachers at C.O.S. Kids are single parents themselves. They’re providing care for the children of essential workers and children in single-parent homes. They’ve been serving the community throughout the pandemic, and this is one small way we can give back a little to show a tremendous amount of gratitude.

Are You Listening - A poem by Lorraine Stark

Are You Listening

To the babbling brook or to the
Fish that leaps above water hooked
Are you listening
To the sounds around you
In the panoramic view

To a newborn’s cry or to the
Tears that ask why
Are you listening
To lovers sighs
When they kiss and say goodbye.

To children playing in the park
Or the ax that bites the bark
Are you listening
To a guitar being strummed
Or to the buzz of a bee’s hum.

To a fountain pen scrawling upon paper
Seeking words to complete a mystery caper
Are you listening
To the beauty
It’s your privilege
Not your duty.

By Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash @vivii_20

Morning Minute: Monday, December 7, 2020

News About Town: Several advisory board meetings are coming up this week. Tomorrow, December 8, the Economic Development Advisory Committee (4:30 pm), the Matthews Committee on Education (6:30 pm), and the Environmental Advisory Committee (7 pm) will each meet remotely. Then, on Wednesday at 6:30 pm, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory will meet remotely.

On Thursday, December 10, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education will meet with the Mecklenburg County Commissioners at 1 pm; watch online.

Shop Small, Shop Local! Woodworker Madison Geer sells handmade cutting boards, wooden scoops and spoons, and hand-turned wooden bowls at the Matthews Farmers' Market. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected.

One Fun Thing: The Farmers' Market (188 North Trade St.) is now operating under winter hours with a shorter, morning-only market from 8 to 10 am. The winter market is a little smaller than the summer market, but the goods are still grown or made within 50 miles of Matthews. Please be sure to wear a mask and observe social distancing.  

Our Teacher Appreciation Drive Needs You! We're sending out details for the C.O.S. Kids Teacher Appreciation Drive later today. Want to participate but have questions? Send Renee a note and she'll help answer those questions. Feel more inclined to donate gift cards or write thank you notes? We'll take it! If you want to sponsor one teacher for the whole week, sign up here.

Morning Minute: Friday, December 4, 2020

News Around Town: As COVID numbers continue to set record highs, the use of masks is an increasingly important tool to prevent spread. Mask-wearing requirements have changed under the most recent Executive Order by Governor Cooper:

• A face covering is required in all public indoor settings if there are non-household members present, regardless of the distance away.

• Under this executive order, face coverings continue to be required in public outdoor settings if individuals are unable to maintain six feet of social distance with non-household members.

• In indoor gyms and fitness facilities, face coverings are now required when people are exercising.

• In restaurants, guests are required to wear face coverings at their table unless they are actively eating or drinking.

• Retail business locations with more than 15,000 square feet of interior space must have a worker, at each entrance open to the public, who is responsible for enforcing the executive orders’ face covering and emergency maximum occupancy requirements.

• On public transportation, Customers may be denied entry if they refuse to wear a face covering.

• The executive order’s face covering requirements are now enforceable by law enforcement against individuals. Law enforcement continues to have this authority under this Order.

Support those businesses who have gone the extra step to participate in Count On Me NC. If you have a concern or see a business not complying, call 311 to file a complaint with Mecklenburg County Health and Human Services. The county will inform Matthews Police of complaints; the police will, in turn, remind business owners of the restrictions in place by Executive Order.

Shop Small in Matthews! Peterson MADE is a jewelry brand designed and handcrafted by Barb Peterson. Every piece of the collection is made by Barb in her North Carolina studio, and designs highlight traditional gold-smithing skills with a modern aesthetic.

One Fun Thing: Starting this Sunday, join the Matthews Chamber of Commerce for an GooseChase App-based Hometown Holiday Scavenger Hunt! Download the app and find a team to complete different tasks and win points. The team with the most points wins the grand prize!

Our Teacher Appreciation Drive Needs You! You can sign up to donate a $20 gift card (or two) if you can't commit to five days of gifts.  Sponsor a teacher at C.O.S. Kids to show how much we appreciate their dedication to children during the pandemic. Sign up to sponsor a teacher for the week or donate gift cards to grocery stores, Target, or WalMart . Every donation will brighten the season for these essential care givers. 

Morning Minute: Thursday, December 3, 2020

News About Town: What's in a name? The former Plantation Estates knows. The retirement and care facility is now named Matthews Glen. The change comes after a summer of racial strife, as Acts Retirement-Life Communities acknowledged the negative connotation of the community’s former name. Executive Director Steve Messer stated, "We have long recognized the controversy that surrounds the word "plantation" and are sensitive to how it is commonly understood. The decision to rename the community is representative of the values we have always stood for and our larger commitment to be recognized as an open, inclusive and diverse community."

Shop Small in Matthews! Pick up a jewel-toned mid-mod birdhouse from local woodworker Charles Lybrand (aka Mr. Beacon). Want your work featured in the newsletter? Drop us a line--it's a free feature through the holidays.

One Good Thing: Every year the Matthews Human Services Council awards a person (or couple) the Nancy Glenn Award. The award honors those who have made Matthews a better community through service. This year’s recipient, Sue Sproat, is the Executive Director of C.O.S. Kids. This year alone, Sue navigated tornado damage and the pandemic. Through her diligence, Sue kept C.O.S. Kids open to provide loving childcare for the children of essential workers.  According to the Matthews Human services Council, "Under Sue’s leadership, the ministry partnered with other ministries and contributors to provide additional meals, cleaning supplies and meet other needs of their families who suffered the loss of jobs. Sue never loses sight of the staff that cares for these children." Congratulations to Sue on an honor that is well-deserved. 

Our Teacher Appreciation Drive Needs You! You can sign up to donate a $20 gift card (or two) if you can't commit to five days of gifts.  Sponsor a teacher at C.O.S. Kids to show how much we appreciate their dedication to children during the pandemic. Sign up to sponsor a teacher for the week or donate gift cards to grocery stores, Target, or WalMart . Every donation will brighten the season for these essential care givers. 

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 1, 2020

News About Town: If you don’t get the Renfrow’s newsletter, you might not know the news about Exxon. According to the Renfrow’s crew, the downtown Matthews Exxon station will close its doors this month. Known throughout the community for its throwback charm by offering full service at the pumps, the Exxon station reflects the slow and attentive lifestyle Matthews is known for. The station has been a part of Matthews for decades, offering affordable, reliable car maintenance. As noted by Pressly and the Renfrow Crew, “The owner, Harry, is retiring and the rest of the guys are either retiring or have new jobs lined up. If these guys have had as much of an impact on your family as they have on us, I encourage you to stop by and see Scott and the crew before the 12th.”

Shop Small! Matthews-made Clean Line Soap Company believes bathing shouldn't be boring, and soap should be a need you actually want. Check out their online shop and snag a gift or two. After the year we’ve had, everyone deserves a beautiful, relaxing bath.

News Around Town: More than 26,320 households are over 30 days behind on paying their Charlotte Water bills. For those struggling with utility payments, funding is available for water bills but that assistance will expire December 31, 2020. Contact Charlotte Water by calling 311 or visiting charlottewater.org for details. Customers can also visit rampclt.com for utility assistance.

Our Teacher Appreciation Drive Needs You! Sponsor a teacher at COS Kids to show how much we appreciate their dedication to children during the pandemic. Sign up to sponsor a teacher for the week or donate gift cards to grocery stores, Target, or WalMart . Every donation will brighten the season for these essential care givers. Sign up by this Thursday, December 3.