Matthews Morning Minute: September 20, 2018

News About Town: Saturday, September 22, 2018, from 9:00 AM  12:00 PM, the Town of Matthews will hold a Community Meeting at Matthews Town Hall (232 Matthews Station Street Matthews, NC 20815).  If you’re curious what an overlay means, or if it affects you as a property owner, this will be a good time to get all the answers.

The meeting schedule:

• 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. E. John Street/Outer Loop Small Area Plan

• 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Entertainment District Small Area Plan

• 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. - Monroe Road Small Area Plan

News Above Town: The weather seems stuck: high of 89, low around 68. We’ll get a few days of slightly cooler temperatures starting Friday, so at least there’s that.

News Around Town: Family Dollar is packing their bags. In a statement released Tuesday, Family Dollar, a subsidiary of Dollar Tree, announced the consolidation of their headquarters in Chesapeake, VA. The closure will affect approximately 900 jobs.

One Good Thing: Barks and Blooms, a Matthews-based pet sitting service, has organized a supply drive for pets affected by #Florence. Drop off items needed (see list above) at Your Mom’s Donuts or other area locations. Collected items will be taken to high-need areas such as Lumberton and Robeson County.

SNAKESSSSSSSSS!

Just the word elicits a visceral response in lots of people! It’s a timely topic right now since it’s baby season for copperheads, sometime in late summer to fall.

Photo by Virginia Herpetological Society

Let’s look at how to identify copperheads, how they give birth, how to protect yourself from a bite, and address some myths surround the most common venomous snake in our area.

Copperheads are usually two to three feet in length, although they can be longer.  They have a stocky body that tapers rapidly near the tail  The first thing you want to look for is what’s often described as the “Hershey kiss” pattern.  Coloring can vary a bit, from brown, reddish-brown, to beige.  If you happened to have binoculars or were entirely too close, you could see a vertical pupil, as well as the triangular-shaped head.  The venom glands are stored just behind the eyes, creating the wedge shape.

Photo by Jay Bell, Reptiles 101

Copperheads give live birth to between one and 14 young. Juvenile copperheads have bright yellowish/green tails for about year, making this another identifying trait. They may use these colored tails to attract prey!

So how do you protect yourself from a bite? Arm yourself with knowledge! Copperheads are pit vipers with a heat-sensing receptor, which allows them to locate their prey. They are primarily nocturnal during the warmer months. Walking around at night in your yard barefoot isn’t a good idea. The snake is simply striking at a heat source. Wear shoes and watch where you step!

Don’t make a habitat for copperheads in your yard, especially near your house! Brush, rock, and wood piles are attractive to these snakes. The high water from Flo could also displace them from their regular hangouts.

Finally, people are more likely to be bitten when they are messing with the snake, especially trying to capture or kill them. Just give the snake a wide berth. If you would like any snake relocated, contact Carolina Waterfowl Rescue. People trained in how to safely handle snakes will pick it up and relocate it.

Let’s look at some of the myths surrounding copperheads. First, they are not by nature aggressive snakes. They don’t chase people down. They weigh less than three-quarters of a pound, so it doesn’t make sense for them to come after a human, or waste their venom load when a predator might come along.

Photo by Jay Bell, Reptiles 101

There are very few human deaths from copperhead bites. Bites are very painful and require medical treatment. Animals, particularly small ones, are at a greater risk.

Another frequently-heard myth is that baby copperheads have more venom, or more deadly venom, than adults Not true. What is true is that an adult might lunge, dry-bite or deliver a small amount of venom. Young snakes haven’t learned to do that yet, so they might inject the full venom load. It takes a while for them to build up the venom, which puts them at increased risk from predators.

I hope this article answers some of your questions, and fears, about copperheads. All animals have a purpose in the eco-system, so please don’t needlessly kill them.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 19, 2018

News About Town: In very last minute news, this morning the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board of Education is hosting a breakfast for Town Councils from Mecklenburg County municipalities. As the first meeting between town boards and the school board since the Municipal Concerns Act was passed, tensions may be high. However, School Board member Elyse Dashew remains optimistic. “Sometimes it can be very hard to collaborate and solve problems together, but that is exactly what our constituents deserve and expect of us. This breakfast is designed to be a step forward in that process.”

This is a public meeting, but there will be no public comment period. September 19, 8:30 AM, Room 267 of the Government Center.

Since it’s a teacher work day, the kids are home, and we’ll all be busy making homemade ink. It is unclear if minutes or a recording will be available after the meeting.

News Above Town: Seems like a broken record, but it’s going to be another hot and humid day with highs around 89. The silver lining? The umbrella gets to stay put.

News Around Town: If you haven’t cleaned up the fallen twigs and branches yet, the county has guidelines for yard waste curb collection. Please be courteous to neighbors and don’t block the sidewalk or street. If you can, bag leaves and smaller sticks in heavy-duty paper bags available specifically for yard waste. These bags can go straight into the composting piles at Compost Central, eliminating single-use plastic waste. Plastic bags should be clear or the top must remain open so waste collectors can see the contents. Bags must weigh less than 50 pounds each, and there is a 20 bag limit per week per residence. Have branches trimmed shorter than 4 feet long and less than 5 inches thick. Stack limbs in small piles for easy collection. Remember, it’s not the Hulk picking up our yard waste.

Forage the greenway for walnuts and make some ink today.

One Good Thing: If you bought extra bottled water with the intention of returning it, be aware that many stores may provide a refund but are obligated to then throw the water away. If you can afford to, donate your bottled water to an area nonprofit. Rainbow Express Ministries at Matthews United Methodist Church will gladly accept sealed, unused bottles of water. To arrange a donation, email Allie Little, alylittle@gmail.com, or call 704-517-9335.

DIY Walnut Ink

Tis the season for the nuts to start falling. If you walk the greenways or live near groves of old trees, you may find large green balls on the ground. These are black walnuts, a notoriously difficult nut to crack.

Black walnuts, a close cousin of the English walnuts found on grocery store shelves, are native to the eastern part of North America and were a resource of both food and medicine for North American indigenous peoples. Black walnut was also commonly used as an ink and dye.

Walnut ink is so easy to make, it’s totally a kid-friendly project. Keep in mind that the ink is colorfast, so it will stain.

Go for a walk, gather some nuts then put on some clothes that can get stained. Let’s make some ink.

You’ll need:

• Rubber gloves

• Non-reactive pan that you don’t mind staining

• Black walnuts with husk on, can be green or brown, just not shriveled and dried

• Water

• Rubbing alcohol

• Sieve or cheese cloth

• Glass jar or bottle for storage

Put the walnuts in a pan, add just enough water to cover, and simmer. Then simmer some more. Keep simmering until the water is a dark brown. I decided to experiment and added goldenrod for a yellow hue. Construction nails can be added for a reddish tint as well.

Once the water is a deep, inky brown, using a sieve or cheesecloth, strain the walnuts out. Wear gloves so you don’t stain your fingers. Put the liquid back on the stove to simmer a little while longer. I dip paper into the pan to test the color as it simmers.

After the liquid has cooled, you have your ink! Add a preservative like rubbing alcohol (2 T per cup ink) or a couple of dried cloves for long-term storage.

I prefer using a very fine paint brush for writing, but we’ve also used sticks and feathers. A quill pen from the craft store will work, too, but the alcohol may cause the nib to rust.

Kristopher’s Bike Night

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

As dusk settles, around 7 p.m. and motorcycles begin arriving, Kristopher’s Sports Bar & Grill owner Robert Stringer will most likely take the microphone, together with his Dj Kristi Swanson, and start the weekly “Bike Night/Patio Party” proceedings.

This Wednesday night staple, of more than a dozen years, will go on until 11 p.m. as the best motorcycle prize is given out, the regulars (and some new ones) will come motoring in and out, and riders and customers, alike, will gaze at the beauty of the bikes under the often waning warm sun, listening to Southern and hard rock, country music and, occasionally, a requested rap song.

“When something you love can make money and you can give to a charity, it’s a win-win situation.”

This is a chance for riders to meet, schmooze, eat and find a safe environment to even bring their families to. It has also brought in a broader spectrum of people. “Families come…kids walk around (to see all the bikes) and can (even) sit on my motorcycle,” says Robby, as he is called. Before his children went to college, they and his wife would often join him on this night.

For those customers not arriving on motorcycles, Robby sees this as a chance to allow these two communities to mingle and for some of the perceptions about motorcyclists to hopefully meld away. (Those not into the festivities can choose an inside table within easy view of the 52 TV screens including four video wall pieces – mostly focused on some aspect of sports.)

“We started this (event) when Harley Davidson took off” with their expensive bikes, says Robbie. “This brought in urban professionals and businessmen, guys who’ve been riding since they were young.” Riders range from their late 20s to 70s; in recent years, there has been an uptick in female riders, as well.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Behind it all will be Robby’s firm hand keeping the event under check - he’s often found in the front parking lot providing gentle guidance for redirecting gang members wearing colors (they are always welcome, but not wearing their “club colors”). “Other bars allowed bike clubs and gangs, which I’m not against, but it intimidates your everyday customers and other bikers,” says Robby. “We did not want conflicts between (anyone).”

It is his determination that charitable organizations be represented often (Phoenix Inked, Hometown Heroes, American Cancer Society, to name a few) and allowed to sell items, take donations and publicize upcoming events. “When something you love can make money and you can give to a charity, it’s a win-win situation,” says Robby.

He’ll also court local businesses (often motorcycle and automobile-related) to be represented by banners and their employees’ presence.

To date, Robby has had no problems with either noise issues or riders leaving the sports bar. “Matthews is a tight-knit community,” he says, adding that he’s proud of the reputation he’s built up.

On Halloween night, which is the end of their season, riders and their bikes will come decked out in their finest costumes; the restaurant and its employees will be decked out as will Robby. And, as Bike Night ends until next April, he can reflect on this current season and his next one with pride. “It’s as good as it can be – this makes the restaurant money. Bonding (my love of) motorcycles with my business is as good as it gets.”

Matthews Morning Minute: September 18, 2018

News About Town: In August the Board of Commissioners delayed until October 8 to vote on an Overlay district for 3 Small Area Plans located around Matthews. The districts include the Entertainment District (which includes acreage around the Sportsplex), John Street/Outerloop (largely undeveloped property outside of 485), and Monroe Road Corridor (light industrial uses along Monroe Road around Family Dollar). The purpose of Small Area Plan Overlays (SAP-O) is to give the town enforcement capability with the three Small Area Plan policies. The Planning Department published an Impact by Area pdf, a 21-page detailed document further explaining the roles of SAP-Os. Public comments and concerns can be found here. The Town is hosting a meeting regarding the Small Area Plan Overlay on September 22 from 9 AM until noon. The Board will vote on the Overlay at the regularly scheduled Council meeting Oct 8.

News Above Town: Florence has moved along, but is the rain over? The Magic 8 Ball says outlook good; The Weather Channel shows a break in the downpour, but the rain will start back up next week. As for today, appreciate clearer skies, lower humidity, and a high around 88.

One Good Thing: Beantown Tavern Annual Golf Tournament takes place Monday, September 24, 2018. Cost is $125 per player and includes green fees, balls, and a cart as well as three meals (one of which is dinner at Beantown) and a vodka bar. Call 704-849-2023 for more information.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 17, 2018

News About Town: The N.C. Department of Transportation previously scheduled a meeting regarding the McKee Road extension from Pleasant Plains to East John Street in Matthews today (September 17) at 4 p.m. This meeting is postponed.

Proposed thoroughfare plan for McKee Rd Extension, via the Town of Matthews website.

News Above Town: Rain. Temperatures in the 80s, but who’s going outside to feel it?!? I think we all know what’s going on in the sky. Moving at a slug’s pace, Florence will be here for another day or so.

News Around Town: The storm has dumped more than enough rain to saturate the ground; creeks and streams are operating above capacity. Low-lying roads and greenways are flooding. Trees are shedding old and unhealthy (sometimes even healthy) limbs. Schools are closed on Monday and five are still being used as shelters for evacuees.

The culvert under Trade Street, Sunday Morning. Photo by Amanda Earley

One Fun Thing: After (during?) all this rain, it’s time for some sun salutations. All skill levels are welcome to join Chris Robertson, Asheville-trained yogi and Matthews resident, for a lighthearted lunchtime yoga practice at the Matthews Community Center. Focus on movement and breath, then leave feeling refreshed for the day and week ahead of you. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat. Drop-ins welcome for week-by-week participation. Register at the Community Center front desk. Sep 17, 2018 to Nov 5, 2018, noon to 1 PM, register here.

Sunday Morning Matthews

Photo submitted by reader Kevin Muldowney

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Little Free Libraries

The Chopas Family’s Blessing Box. Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Dotted throughout Matthews, you can find about ½ dozen small house-style boxes on stilts proudly displaying free books for the taking.  Called “Little Free Library” boxes or little book boxes, owners report many reasons for building and displaying their boxes - some love books and reading, others find commonality with other readers and still others feel they are contributing to a greater sense of community in and around their neighborhood.

Among the Matthews boxes we found include:

• 1718 Privette Road

• 2140 Greenbrook Pkwy

• 125 Edgeland (empty)

• 1042 Kensrowe Lane

• 232 North Trade Street

For the Chopas Family (Privette Road), their book box was a way to share with the neighbors, promote literacy and give back to the cul de sac which had embraced them when they first arrived in Matthews three years ago. “This was a ‘Hallmark’ neighborhood,” said Debbie Chopas.  “They embraced us when our baby was born…..this was (intended) to keep the thread of meeting moving forward.”

Passionate about literacy, Debbie added that they also wanted to compliment the local library by encouraging reading throughout the summer. “Reading is the most valuable tool we can foster with this generation,” she said. “It’s a lost art. I wanted to help instill it in (children).”

To sweeten the goodies inside and continue paying it forward, the Chopas have combined purposes, by also calling it a “Blessing Box” –  and have chosen to add magazines, puzzles and other surprises for the takers.

Julie Tippett’s Little Free Library was a Christmas gift. Photo by Cyma Shapiro

The Little Free Library box was a 2016 Christmas present for Julie Tippett (Lightwood Road).  “I wanted it because I love my neighborhood,” she said noting that in neighborhoods like hers, with large lots and space between houses, she “wanted to do something so that we would have some form of community.”

“I wanted it because I love my neighborhood,” she said noting that in neighborhoods like hers, with large lots and space between houses, (I) wanted to do something so that we would have some form of community.”

“I love to read and loved reading out loud to my children (as they grew up),” said Julie. “(So) I love the fact that kids come by and get books….If I can put a book in the hands of a mom to read to her children,” Julie said, she will feel like the box and her endeavor has “served a purpose.”

And, what will she do when she moves away? “When I buy my next house at the beach, I will be sure to put a box up there, too!”  

Tina Marlowe’s library has been a labor of love. Photo by Tina Marlowe

To Tina Marlowe (Kensrowe Lane), her Little Free Library box of four years has been a “labor of love.”  “Literacy is our passion,” said Tina, “so sharing the joy of reading is so much fun!”A former volunteer tutor for elementary age children, her box combines purpose and intent. Tina purchases adult/children/teen books from Goodwill, The Book Rack, and book consignment shops around the area.  “Children’s books are my priority (and) the reason for our Little Free Library journey,” said Tina. “This has truly been a labor of love.”

“Children’s books are my priority (and) the reason for our Little Free Library journey. This has truly been a labor of love.”

The most public of Matthews’ book boxes is firmly visible and ensconced in front of Matthews Heritage Museum (232 N. Trade Street) – a joint effort between townspeople and the museum, it was built to “serve Matthews citizens in different ways when (the museum) wasn’t open to the public,” said museum Director Barbara Taylor. Originally intended to offer historical fiction/nonfiction, the box is well stocked with books of all types, now.  “(The box has allowed us to) have (another) successful interaction with the public,” she said.

The first Little Free Library was built in 2009 by Todd Bol of Hudson, WI. He mounted a wooden container designed to look like a one-room schoolhouse (hence, the design) and filled it with books as a tribute to his mother, who was a book lover and school teacher. In 2012, the Little Free Library became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The original goal was to create 2,150 Little Libraries, a number which would surpass the number of libraries founded (and funded) by Scottish businessman and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. As of November 2016, there were 50,000 registered Little Free Libraries worldwide, with a significant amount located in the United States.

Like other public bookcases, anyone passing by a box can take a book to read or leave one for someone else to find. The organization relies on volunteers to construct, install, and maintain book exchange boxes. For a book exchange box to be registered and legally use the Little Free Library brand name, volunteers must purchase a Library box kit or a charter sign which reads, “Little Free Library” and displays an official charter number.

At present, there are several hundred Little Free Libraries in North Carolina; six are shown as registered in Matthews. There are countless additional boxes which have not been registered.

Little Free Library Stats

3 out of 4 people report they’ve read a book they normally would not have read because of a Little Free Library

73% of people say they’ve met new neighbors because of a Little Free Library

92% of people say their neighborhood feels like a friendlier place because of a Little Free Library

More than a Minute

We’ve all seen them, the helpful posts on Facebook with brilliant tips to prepare for a hurricane.  

Dishwasher Wash: This one comes with a helpful anecdote by some Hurricane survivor in Florida who supposedly used their dishwasher to keep important documents out of harm’s way. So, will the dishwasher keep your photos and valuables dry? Snope’s says nope.

Snopes might save your wedding album.

Open Up: Stop me if you’ve read this one before: Leaving a window open slightly during a hurricane will help equalize pressure and prevent damage. The truth? Leaving windows open can cause more damage than with closed windows. 

Fire Away: Blowing fans toward, scootering around town, and shooting guns at Hurricane Florence will keep the Hurricane away. Um. Really? Yeah, we don’t actually need to discuss this. Also, there are no sharks swirling in the clouds. I promise.

Phew, now that’s cleared up, let’s talk water. (And not bottled water. I think Brad Panovich covered that.

As we all wait to see what will actually happen with Florence, flash flooding, a rapid rise in water levels, seems imminent. Just remember: Turn Around Don't Drown. (Sing it with me...turn around...don’t drown.)

Another certainty? Many of our greenways are built through low-lying areas and cross over creeks and streams. Water can be deceptive, so even on foot turn around...don’t drown...

Do you know if you live on a floodplain? Check here.

Throwback Thursday: Town Council Contemplates Name for New Main Street (circa 2001)

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews News and Record (also called The Record and The Matthews Record) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This article was originally published January 10, 2001.

This original article was printed by The Record in 2001.

Town Council Contemplates Name for New Main Street, by Tina Lentz, Ph.D.

At the first Board of Commissioners meeting of the new year, officials discussed possible options for naming the new “main” street that will be created with the development of Matthew Station. Historically important family names have been suggested, including Dr. T.G. Ervin Blvd., Watson Matthews Road and Carpenter’s Grove as well as geographically centered names such as Town Green Circle, CSX Lane and Matthew Station Road. Any name chosen by the Board will be submitted for final approval to the Mecklenburg County Building Standards to ensure that there are no duplications or closely match existing street names.

Approval to the Mecklenburg County building standards to ensure that there are no duplications or closely match existing street names.

Also under consideration is the naming of two alleys currently included in the master plan. Lat Purser and Associates, the developer for Matthew Station, Wednesday I have the first building finished by the end of May. As was dictated by previous official action, the Board expects to finalize the sale of land to Lat Purser and Associates in the appraised amount of $503,000 in very near future. The town has mandated that the original depot Building, which is currently housing the Cactus Rose restaurant, will be salvaged and moved out of his way to eventually be utilized along with the caboose.

Matthews United Methodist Church requested yet another deferral for their variance request (Petition 369) citing the interruption of ongoing progress on the project because of vacations and the like linked to the holiday season.

Mayor Pro-Tem Martha W. Krauss said, “I respectfully suggest that the petitioners wait until March so that yet another deferral won’t be needed.”

The church’s spokesperson in attendance said they remain optimistic that everything will be in order for the February 12 Board meeting and subsequently for the closing schedule for February 15.

Commissioner Paul F. Bailey said, “My feeling is to grant deferral until February. I don’t have a problem with granting a third deferral to March if that’s what’s needed at that time,” after which he made the motion to defer, which was quickly seconded and passed.  

In other business Commissioners:

• Approved Petition 371 amending the text of the Zoning Code regarding CrC District to include single family attached dwellings within the permitted uses.

• Approved the changing of street types in the Downtown area.

• Approved minutes from the December 11, 2000 meeting.

• Adopted a resolution of intent to consider annexation.

• Approved budget ordinance amendment for controlled substance tax revenues.

• Approved Sonitrol contract.

• Released funds for Matthews-Morningstar and Idlewild Volunteer Fire Departments.

• Accepted Zoning Petitions: 372- Sleep Inn, sign revisions, 373- The Crosland Group, text change to add tire installation as permitted in the B-1 district for retail facilities over 145,000 square feet, and 374- Kahn Development Company, Sam Newell and Matthews Township Parkway, from B-1 to B-1 (CD) and R-VS and set public hearings on February 12, 2001.

• Approved street type classifications for public ways.

• Discussed 2001 Planning Conference.

The next Board of Commissioners Meeting will be held on Monday, January 22 at 7 pm. Anyone wishing to address the Board on any subject may do so during the miscellaneous portion by signing up prior to the meeting by calling 847-4477, or by signing the roster at the entrance immediately before commencement of the meeting.

Crestdale Heritage Signs

The two Crestdale Heritage signs, recently constructed at the (approximate) beginning and end of the perimeters of Crestdale (one on East Charles St. and one on Crestdale Road), were paid for through the town's Tourism Fund. Total cost was $7,754. They are intended to promote awareness of this historical area and were designed in keeping with the town's branding (both colors and signage shape).

Historical Crestdale is a neighborhood with a history dating back to the 1870s as a settlement for freed slaves and their families. It comprises approximately 112 acres.

More Than A Minute, September 13, 2018

CMS schools are closed today and tomorrow so some of the campuses can house Hurricane Florence evacuees.

In lieu of our regular Morning Minute we’ve put together a list of fun things to do with your kids during the extra-long hurrication.

1. Visit the Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station Street, before the hurricane gets here and stock up on books.

2. While you’re there, head upstairs and see the Town Hall. The Board of Commissioners and Mayor likely won’t be there, but the reception area is an impressive room appointed with local art and historical items.

3. Stay parked and walk over to Edible Art, 130-H Matthews Station Street. During hurricane breaks it’s perfectly normal to have cake for brunch. (Edible Art opens at 11.)

Edible Art at Matthews Station is, in fact, an aesthetic feast.

4. The next block over from Matthews Station Street is Charles Street. Stop by Karrousel Kids, 120 East Charles Street, for a new board game. 

5. Continue up Trade Street to Renfrow’s* for some sand bags (because you never know), farm fresh veggies (to balance out the cake), and cold weather vegetable plants. Create a temporary indoor garden for green relief during what looks to be very grey days ahead.

6. Stop by Zab’s Place, 101 North Trade Street, Matthews, for Pinterest-worthy upcycling ideas and a fancy outfit for a Hurricane Tea Party. 

7. Once you’re back in your car, head to Your Mom’s Donuts, 11025 Monroe Road, for either a snack or to stock up on sugar-laden bribes.

8. If the kids are all hopped up on sugar, drop them off for some play time. Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics and Cheerleading, 11011 Monroe Road, Matthews, is hosting open gym hours from 1:00-3:00 PM, both September 13 and 14 for five year olds & up. Cost is $10/child.

Later, when you’re stuck in the house: 

1. Make a rain gauge. 

2. Don your new Zab’s Place outfit and have a Hurricane Tea Party. Invite your neighbors, too!

3. Scrounge around for some socks and make a  puppet show with stuff around your house.

4. If there’s power, use the free, downloadable  movies from the library's website to your advantage. 

A few cancellations to consider: 

• Matthews 101 postponed from September 13 to September 20.

• Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse’s Halfway to St. Paddy’s Day celebration is postponed from September 14 & 15 to September 21 & 22.

• Backyard Birds visit from the Raptor Center scheduled for September 15 is cancelled.

• Matthews Community Farmers Market is cancelled for September 15. 

• Matthews UMC Fall Consignment Sale (September 15) is cancelled.

*Renfrow’s is a sponsor of the Beacon, but they did not ask for inclusion in this article, we just think an indoor garden is a good idea when the world outside is rainy and blustery.

Jeff Rieves, Matthews' Own Successful Gardener

Jeff Rieves * Threefold Company * www.jeffrieves.com * jeff@jeffrieves.com

If you've been to Renfrow's in the spring and had a tough question, they may have directed you to a bearded man in a tie-dye shirt lingering around the seeds. That's Jeff Rieves and he's the subject of our ‪Local Business Interview this week.

Jeff recently moved to Matthews, and I, for one, am excited to have such a valuable resource just up the road on John Street! Don't miss his upcoming classes at Renfrow Farm, an urban farm located on John Street. 

Jeff Rieves has been a gardener his entire life, though in his younger days, often a reluctant one. Jeff brings years of experience to any class he teaches. Growing up on his grandparents’ farm, gardens, orchards, chickens, and milk cows were simply a part of life for him. After a few years in other endeavors, he planted his hands in the soil of Chatham County, NC. Jeff spent the next 20 years as managing partner of Southernwood Farm & Nursery, growing vegetables, cut flowers, plants, and children.

Later he served as an original instructor of Central Carolina Community College’s Sustainable Farming Program, was the Chatham County Director of the Small Business Assistance Center, an agent with the NC Cooperative Extension Service, and helped create The Teaching Garden, an outdoor classroom and demonstration garden, to further his concept of SIMPLE sustainable horticulture.

Since 2013, Jeff has worked as an independent educator, consultant, and agripreneur, continuing his work to rebuild the Local Food culture. He currently teaches at Renfrow Farm in Matthews, and other venues in Virginia and North Carolina.

Currently, Jeff travels the southeast teaching his philosophy of simple, sustainable horticulture. He consults with individuals and businesses, concentrating on helping small farms and food businesses.

What brought you to establish a business in Matthews? David Blackley, the owner of Renfrow Hardware, has been a supporter of my work since my days in Extension. When I went out on my own, David was one of my first clients. When he offered the chance to hold classes at the Hardware store and at the Farm, I knew it would work well. It has worked so well, in fact, that I have moved my base of operations to Matthews.

As a gardener myself, I feel like we have the perfect climate to grow a large variety of things. What’s your favorite edible to grow? What’s a favorite ornamental that thrives here? In NC, You can have something in bloom or producing food almost all year long. I like growing a lot of things, but the most productive thing for me lately has been Irish potatoes, particularly the white Kennebec. But I did have a single “California Wonder” green pepper that lasted from March to November, out-producing all the rest of my peppers combined. As for ornamentals, the crape myrtle is hard to beat, especially since the US Arboretum has introduced so many new varieties. It loves the heat of summer and blooms a long time.

What does the phrase “Preserve Matthews” mean to you? Retaining the quality of small-town livability that makes a place so vital. Right now downtown, we have a mix of new and old that is easy to walk to, provides quality products and services, and is not dominated by big box stores. On the other hand, if chain and discount stores are your thing, they are just a short drive away.

Rieves is set up at Renfrow Farms to teach a class on home composting. Photo by Charles Lybrand.

What’s another business in Matthews you love to support? Renfrow's, obviously. The selection of seeds, supplies, and service is the best in the Charlotte area. I also like Brakeman’s, the new coffee shop. Mo’s Barbeque is a great place to eat. And while it isn’t a business in the strict sense, Matthews Library is just fantastic.

Do you have any promos or specials you'd like to offer our community members? One of my most popular services is the home garden and landscape consultation. I’ve designed and installed all kinds of landscapes, from formal herb gardens to Permaculture homesteads. In an hour visit to your home, I can solve problems in the landscape, identify those “mystery” plants we all have, show you some opportunities to improve your gardens and help you enjoy your garden even more! You get one hour of access to 30 years of experience and knowledge for $100. Readers interested in a home garden or landscape consultation gets a 10% discount, just mention this interview.

Photo courtesy Jeff’s Successful Gardener Facebook Page.

Photo courtesy Jeff’s Successful Gardener Facebook Page.

Photo courtesy Jeff’s Successful Gardener Facebook Page.

Photo courtesy Jeff’s Successful Gardener Facebook Page.

Photo by Charles Lybrand

This interview was originally posted on Preserve Matthews' Facebook page.

Everybody Loves Butterflies

A monarch poised on milkweed. Photo by Debbie Foster.

Bright, colorful, and winged, butterflies flit through our yards, lifting our spirit and brightening our day.

What if I told you that you could actively attract butterflies to your yard, increasing the number and variety?

It’s easy! All you have to know is what the butterfly wants – where it will lay its eggs and what it will eat.

For example, Monarchs only lay their eggs on one kind of plant, and they need the same plant to lay their eggs. What is this plant? Milkweed, aka Asclepias spp. Milkweed contains glycoside toxins, which aren’t harmful to the caterpillars but are to their predators. Here’s an amazing fact – those toxins remain throughout metamorphosis, making the adult Monarch toxic to its predators! Even more amazing, these butterflies have a two-way migration just like birds, although it will take several generations. They can fly 50-100 miles a day! If you want to see monarchs migrating, head up to the Blue Ridge Parkway in September and early October. Here are some locations where they are commonly seen, according to Romantic Asheville.

Spicebush swallowtail butterfly on a Mexican torch sunflower. Photo by Renee Garner.

Another butterfly you could attract to your yard is the Spicebush Swallowtail. Planting spicebush provides a host plant for these beautiful flutterbies, as well as food The caterpillars have a fascinating behavior of wrapping themselves in the leaves of the plant to avoid being eaten by hungry birds.

Finally, let’s look at the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, one of our most common butterflies in this area. It’s easy to attract these guys. Just plant parsley, fennel, and dill. Make sure you plant enough so that you have some to cook with and the “cats” have something to eat.

One last tip for attracting butterflies – be a messy gardener! Some butterflies overwinter in leaf litter and other garden debris, so don’t be in a hurry to do fall and winter cleanup.

Male eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly. Photo by Debbie Foster.