Four buddies out for a ride on a warm fall day, biking their usual daily "60 miles or so." Ranging in age from 44-68, they had stopped to check one of their bikes. Members of various local biking clubs, the oldest one (left) has clocked in about 14,000 biking miles this year.
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
Driving down Sam Newell Road near Crews Road, on Wednesdays, between 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., one might hear the sounds of songs like “Achy Breaky Heart,” “Electric Slide,” and “Uptown Funk” along with laughter and exclamations emanating from the Crews Recreation Center.
Here, line dancing is alive and well, thanks, in part, to a determined long-time Matthews resident, Belinda Burgess-Purcell, 68, who is the class teacher.
“It’s all about having fun and getting some exercise,” she said. “I make so many mistakes that it makes them real comfortable,” said Belinda, laughing. “I have two rules – try to go in the same direction and have fun. Just stand there and boogey. I don’t care what you do, but keep moving.”
Five years ago, Belinda approached the town to offer her services. “I don’t get many opportunities to dance anymore,” said this lifelong dance enthusiast. “We don’t go to bars, or across town to (other) line dancing… (This type of dance) reaches out to a bigger crowd. It’s good exercise without having the (expectations) of other dance classes.”
Now, five years later, the crowd continues to grow. On a recent Wednesday, twenty people, ages 40-90, attended the class. Nearly all of the participants were women. “There are more women who love to dance than men,” said Belinda. “Most of these ladies’ husbands don’t dance; it’s hard to get on the floor by yourself and dance. For people who are a little bit shy, it allows them (some anonymity),” she said.
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
Having struggled recently with ailments and surgeries, this is an opportunity for Belinda and the others to keep moving. “I do this because I want to do this,” she said. “The biggest thing about this class is that sometimes others get real serious about line dancing.”
“I have two rules – try to go in the same direction and have fun. Just stand there and boogey. I don’t care what you do, but keep moving.”
“At the beginning of the class, I tell them this is for fun, this is exercise….It’s more about doing an activity,” Belinda said. “Dance affords cardio, balance, rhythm - all the things we can (focus on) as we get older. Losing our balance becomes more (prevalent). I’m trying to work in stuff (routines) that’s supposed to help.”
Two years ago, Evy Ellis approached the Matthews Public Library about hosting a weekly knitting group – “a place open to everyone, (where) I didn’t need to worry about parking and setting up,” said Ellis. Having knitted since she was 10 years old, she envisioned that the comfort this group might provide – to each other and to others, together with the final product to be donated to others, might serve a worthy purpose in the community.
Through word of mouth, notices around Town Hall, online information and the library calendar, more than one dozen people signed up. Today, they meet twice each month, due to popular demand.
“We have given up on knowledge of how to do natural things, use our resources. I’m trying to recapture those as much as possible and I think these ladies are doing the same thing.”
The “they” includes (older) women who moved to the Charlotte area to be near children, people already residing in the area and the youngest member – the “resident dessert maker,” who is known for her blue hair.
In addition, they are sometimes joined by a gentleman from Africa who rounds out the group.
“This is a welcoming group,” said Ellis. “It’s an eclectic bunch…very interesting (people). We have a great time talking. Since we meet in the library, the majority of people are prolific readers, and knitters. We discuss books, movies, art, recipes…It reminds me of (a time) when women had quilting gatherings.”
Although conversation is often at a premium, it’s the by-product of the group that takes center stage: scarves, hats, baby blankets, NICU hats, lap blankets (for seniors) at the rate of more than 100 per year. All the knitted creations go to local churches, Room at the Inn, homeless shelters, Meals on Wheels, missions and NICU units (one member transports them to Nashville, when she visits relatives).
In addition to camaraderie, the members get to ogle the great craftwork being created right before their eyes. “I’m astounded by the work – the craftsmanship which the women do,” said Ellis. “They use intricate patterns; some make beautiful things.”
It is a sentiment also reflected in the thank-you cards they receive from the recipients who receive the knitted work.
Do any of the women stand out? “A couple of them are like an assembly line,” laughs Ellis. “I just met some great ladies. We all reach out to each other. I’m (also) glad we can get together and chat.”
Said Sandy Davis, of Weddington, a knitter since her teenage years, “(The group) is totally welcoming. There is no pressure or social biases. We’re there to share our yarn and be together. I’m glad that these ladies are keeping up with (this craftwork)……We have given up on knowledge of how to do natural things, use our resources. I’m trying to recapture those as much as possible and I think these ladies are doing the same thing.”
“We’re yarn crafters specifically,” said Davis. “We go there and play with our yarn!”
Rolande Sowers, of Matthews, is one of the newest members. A creative person with many artistic interests, in the past, she made dozens of blankets for wheelchair-bound people but had a hard time finding a place for them. Now, she sees exactly where the fruits of her labor land. “I have only been with the group since the summer. I have enjoyed every bit of it - I’ve even brought my best friend. I have made 25 scarves so far…. We just go at it. I want all my efforts to go to the right people.”
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
“I would like people to think of us as an ethical business…A big part of having the business for me is being a part of the community - to give other people jobs.”
This October, Courtney Buckley will celebrate the 5th anniversary of her business, Your Mom’s Donuts. The idea was to run a (family) business…support her family and pay her employees a living wage. “I originally just wanted a family-friendly donut shop,” she said.
Back then, she was a brand new mom who delivered her donuts to people. Now, she owns three locations (Matthews, Charlotte and Monroe, NC) and is scouting around for more (looking at Davidson and South Charlotte). “I’m getting to the point where I’d like to grow this to a much larger brand, regionally,” she said. Courtney employees four full-time and three part-time employees. “I’m always looking for an opportunity (for another shop),” she said. Her Matthews kitchen, at her flagship store, is used to bake donuts for the other locations. Nearly 2,100 donuts were made on a recent Saturday, alone.
Her donuts remain square, not round; her flavors are all natural and are sometimes found right at the Farmer’s Market: carrot-thyme; strawberry fennel jam; snow pea glaze with yogurt drizzle; sliced beets; cucumber-mint; and basil when it’s available. “I didn’t want anything here that I wouldn’t find in my own kitchen,” she said. Her one caveat? The recent addition of sprinkles on her donuts. Everyone wanted sprinkles, she said, which she “fought and fought and fought,” but recently agreed to add them on top.
Nothing is premade; everything possible is found locally; and she supports local businesses, too (Pure Intentions Coffee, for example).
While donuts are her main staple, any leftovers at the end of the day are turned into donut bread pudding at night – a fan favorite.
It is not lost on Courtney that she remains one of the few women entrepreneurs in the Charlotte food-service industry. “I’m constantly trying to find other women as mentors,” she said. “Most of the mentors I go to are men.” She added that she sometimes encounters sexism in the workplace to which she responds by “put(ting) my head down and just go. It’s like white noise. We get used to it as women,” she said.
It is her wish that she can serve as a mentor to younger women entering the food service industry, and as a role model to her children. “I think I’m an entrepreneur first; I think that’s what makes me the mother I am. I WANT my girls to see their mom do something,” she said.
She would also like to continue giving back to her employees and the community at large. “I would like people to think of us as an ethical business, a business which not only treats their employees fairly but puts out a good product without thinking about the bottom dollar,” said Courtney. “A big part of having the business for me is being a part of the community - to give other people jobs.”
“There are people that I delivered to their doors (and) they had two kids, now they have four. I have watched their families grow, and I LOVE that. It’s an amazing thing to feel part of something so much bigger,” she said.
Ultimately, it’s the joy – of baking, being a mom and an entrepreneur, supporting her family, living within a tight-knit community, giving back whenever possible, and satisfying her customers which drives Courtney on. “Donuts make people happy,” she said. “Nobody walks into a donut shop in a bad mood.”
Photo courtesy Your Mom’s Donuts
Nearly one year after Kirsten Michaud had a double mastectomy, she found herself looking for something which would give her joy and peace, especially when looking at the scars on her chest.
“I realized that the other options weren’t going to do it for me,” said Michaud. “My (breasts) were never going to look the same again…..I just wanted something to cover the scars and make it beautiful.”
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
She decided that a mastectomy tattoo would suit her best. And, so began a search through tattoo parlors, seeking the right place and the right person, all the while mindful that she needed a place close to her house – she knew she was still recuperating and needed to do this work slowly.
Enter Mike “Ike” Trimboli, a tattoo artist at Infamous Ink Tattoo Studio (11229 East Independence Boulevard – Suite #1) who had experience with self-harm and tummy-tuck clients – individuals who wished to have tattoos cover up their arm and tummy scars, respectively.
They nearly immediately “clicked.”
“It’s really important that you have a connection with your tattoo artist because you are going to be spending numerous hours with them, in close proximity and super-exposed. You know what I mean? I laid in that back room half-naked for eight hours, so that’s something ….we hit it off well, right ‘off the bat.’ “
After carefully designing the image, Ike needed to ensure that the design would take into consideration the scar areas and the “form and flow of the body and make sure it would match.”
“I realized that the other options weren’t going to do it for me. My (breasts) were never going to look the same again…..I just wanted something to cover the scars and make it beautiful.”
The tattoo application took place in the three sessions over approximately two months. When it was over, Kirsten was overjoyed. Ike felt as if he had truly helped someone.
“My mom’s a nurse,” Ike said, explaining that he, too, had found a similar desire to help others. “When you give tattoos, you don’t really help people other than giving them cool tattoos….it’s skin deep. When I started doing the self-harm clients, I felt like I was helping people. They started wearing short sleeves again. And with the mastectomy tattoo, it was like ‘Wow!’ – this is really fulfilling. (I decided that) I can help more people and I just drew from that,” he said.
It’s really important that you have a connection with your tattoo artist because you are going to be spending numerous hours with them, in close proximity and super-exposed.
Michaud saw the impact the experience had on Ike. “I got the feeling that Ike got a lot out of helping me thru this process and that he wanted to continue doing this (work),” said Michaud.
And, so they joined forces to combine their paths into a common and shared goal. “We talked about how expensive tattoos are ($800-1800),” said Michaud. “After treatments and medical bills, that’s not an expense that most women can afford and, of course, it’s not covered by insurance. So this idea came that maybe we’d start a (nonprofit) and we’d pay for the mastectomy tattoos.”
Michaud quickly secured a Board of Directors and formed a 501(c)(3). In January of this year, Inked Phoenix was born. She began visiting tattoo parlors in North, and, then, South Carolina. “I’m looking at the environment they are going into. I want to make sure that they have a private room; that they are comfortable there.” It is Michaud’s fervent desire that everything, including the business aspect, is handled beforehand and that the entire process goes smoothly for applicants who have already endured significant emotional and physical pain.
“I’ve already done the hard work. They can go down the list and pick whichever one they want.” Clients don’t handle any money; the funds are transferred from Inked Phoenix to the tattoo parlor. Inked Phoenix subsidizes 100% of the work at the artist’s rate.
“After seeing how much work Ike put into it and realizing the skill-factor needed to complete a mastectomy tattoo, to have to sit there and listen to someone tell their (survivor) story and go through (all) the emotions, I really felt like they need to be compensated for that,’ Michaud said. “And, they should be. It’s their talent….It’s not easy to work on scar tissue.”
“I have a scar line that (when Ike touched it) it nearly sent me off the table,” she said. “That’s the other reason (the artists must have experience) - they are working with scar tissue – it’s not just the texture of it, but understanding that you are going to have nerve endings that have feeling and nerve endings that have no feeling.” Tattoo artists need to “be patient enough to understand that,” said Michaud.
This year, nearly one dozen applicants are expected to receive tattoos - a number she expects will double next year. And, Michaud’s goal is to expand into more Carolinas locations and possibly beyond (tattoo artists in Florida and Nevada have contacted her asking to be involved).
“I didn’t want women to have to drive that far because it’s exhausting,” said Michaud. “You’re laying on the table, your adrenaline is flowing, your endorphins are going, and it’s such an emotional experience. Having to drive (many) hours after that is ridiculous.”
Photo courtesy Inked Phoenix Project
While navigating the new nonprofit, Michaud decided to also add veterans into the mix. (Her son and husband are both in the military). “This was another group which would benefit from this. You (wouldn’t) have to see your scars all day…….. A lot of vets say, ‘I didn’t even think to do this.’”
To attract contributors and clients, Michaud has started speaking to breast cancer survivors/groups; reached out to veterans and breast cancer organizations/nonprofits; sold t-shirts and has spread the word at tattoo festivals and Harley Davidson festivals/gatherings. “We are slowly but surely getting the word out…..when you talk about tattoos and breasts, it isn’t warm and fuzzy.”
What is her most motivating factor? “The passion is because I know how it changed my life and I get an email back from a woman who tells me that it’s the first time she’s worn a bathing suit in years, because you don’t notice the scar right away. Or, a woman whose daughter says she looks like a “badass” and I know it makes her feel good because her daughter notices (it). I just think this is something that should be available. It should not be a choice, simply because you can’t afford it.”
Photo courtesy Inked Phoenix Project
In the future, Michaud said she hopes that doctors will begin suggesting mastectomy tattoos as a possibility. “Mastectomy tattoos aren’t something that even doctors talk about…they don’t present it as an option.” She also intends to continue expanding her nonprofit and her work. “I just want to stay on this mission,” Michaud said. “It’s important that you have a good rapport with your tattoo artist. I’ve known Ike for 2 ½ years now. He was such a part of such an emotional experience with me that he, until I die, will be a part of my life - just because of that.”
Safety Facts *
Children under five years old, saved by car seats in 2015: 248 *
Cases in which children's car seats are used incorrectly: 59% *
Children under 13 who were not buckled up in car seats, booster seats, or seat belts, killed in car crashes in 2015: 35%
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - NHTSA)
Did you know that North Carolina law requires that your children under eight years of age and weighing less than 80 lbs. should use a "Child Restraint Device" while riding in a car? (Children between 40 and 80 lbs. can use booster seats, while children under 40 lbs. are required to use a car seat).
Did you know that you should keep the seat rear-facing until your child is 20 lbs. or one year of age?
Did you know that you should never place a car seat in the front seat of a car with a passenger side airbag?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), on average, a car seat reduces your child's risk for serious injury in a crash by 55%. Studies have shown that over 92% of car seats are installed incorrectly. In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children.
These are facts that many parents are unaware of. But, now there’s a solution:
To help ensure better safety, residents of Charlotte and surrounding communities can get their child car seats checked for free through the “Safe Kids” program held at a variety of locations throughout the state, including the Matthews Police Station (1201 Crews Road), Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. It is one of the few remaining free car seat checks available weekly throughout the year.
Individuals need not bring their children, just a car/booster seat. (Through donations, car seats are available for those referred through social services, etc.) Inspections are completed by Child Passenger Safety Seat technicians and take approximately 20 minutes. According to Tim Aycock, Community Resource and Public Information Officer, the department handles between 900-1100 checks per year; busiest time of year is around Thanksgiving when even visiting grandparents and relatives request help.
Photos by Cyma Shapiro
The American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) policy statement includes the following five recommendations for optimal car safety:
All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the seat's manufacturer.
All children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat should use a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the seat's manufacturer.
All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for optimal protection.
All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection.
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
When the CSX freight train rides through Matthews Center, people often stop and stare in wonderment and joy. This is a slice of Americana – a harkening back to a time when freight was or could only be delivered by this method. Children often wave to the conductor; many people count train cars (often nearing 100). Automobiles are forced to stop and wait for the gate to lift and the flashing lights/signal to stop. In this way, a simple occurrence becomes an occasion, every day all across the country.
As the train exits town moving toward Charlotte, passersby may not realize that one or two train cars or flatbeds have been diverted to a short rail owned and operated by the Matthews Building Supply – the last train stop in town and one that’s been in existence for nearly 50 years.
According to George McMillen, buyer for the company, the train delivers more than one dozen drops/year. “In our industry, it’s very helpful; you can (also) get better pricing this way,” he said referencing that using trucks or automobiles to transport and delivery is less cost-effective and often less consistent. He orders approximately two weeks in advance of need and waits 2-4 weeks for it to be delivered.
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
On this day, McMillen is overseeing a flatbed full of (100,000 board feet of) lumber from the Teal Jones Company located in the Northwest. He said the company works hard to immediately unload the freight, to not incur any penalties/charges. MBS owns and is responsible for maintaining the track (and mowing the grass around it) from nearby North Ames to the portion which ends on their land.
“This is an integral part of our business and another device for getting (materials) here,” he said.
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
When the Taft Development Group (TDG) begins breaking ground in mid-November on the multi-use 21-acre “Proximity Matthews” complex on 10252 Monroe Rd., Charlotte native and UNC anthropology major Hoke Thompson will be marshaling area townspeople to begin carefully clearing out fallen trees and debris on Roseland Cemetery, located on the back of the property.
Roseland Cemetery, also known as the town’s African American Cemetery is the final resting place of approximately 75 former slaves, many of whom were also Crestdale residents. The descendants of many of those buried at Rosedale still own or live on their family land.
There are many sunken spaces once believed to hold graves and a few still-standing and barely legible gravestones.
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
Overgrown and in total disrepair, the less than two-acre plot is on private property with limited accessibility. There are many sunken spaces believed to once hold graves and a few still-standing and barely legible gravestones. Six years ago, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission designated the cemetery as an historic landmark.
Having originally worked on restoring the Native American and free slave burial cemetery on the grounds of Sardis Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, Hoke Thompson has experience with this type of venture. Now the Project Manager for this historic cemetery reclamation project, Thompson first showed interest as an Eagle Scout and has waited two long years to see this all of this come to fruition. “I’ve been eager to get in there and fix it up,” he said. He will also be joined by Paula Lester, president of the Matthews Historical Commission, members of the Matthews Preservation Advisory Committee and others.
According to Dustin Mills, VP of TDG, the cemetery will not be impacted by nearby construction. “There will be no tractors or tree (work there),” said Mills. “It will be preserved in its present state... We’re committed to making this an area which will be beneficial to those who have loved ones in the cemetery and allow them to have access to it, (too).”
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
Sculptor, skater, and corporate man Tom Risser
For many people driving quickly down South Trade Street, they may have seen or glanced at the nearly eight-foot metal heart sculpture off the sidewalk at the front of Stumptown Park.
Known as “PDA or Public Display of Affection,” the piece was loaned to the town in 2013 by philanthropist, skateboarder, and sculptor, Tom Risser. Should someone choose to buy it, the price is $5000.
“I’ve been placing little heart-symbols in my work for 15 years,” said Risser.
This message was amplified nearly three years ago when he suffered a massive heart attack and had quintuple by-pass surgery. “I always put heart in my art,” he said.
Owner of US Bottlers Machinery Company, a Charlotte-based specialized packaging company, nearly all of the materials he uses for his artwork are left-over metals from his company - refurbished and repurposed scrap stainless steel. He sees his contribution as “just putting (in) my labor and imagination for it.”
A philosophical and intentioned man, Risser feels strongly about the work he does: “art itself is just an escape, a therapy – rehab,” and the places his art lands on: “I love the fact that Matthews is willing to put art out in public space…..Let’s take and put art (out) for public viewing.”
Risser’s other artistic contribution to Matthews is the small horse sculpture in the town’s pocket park located on Old 51 near Town Hall – a memorial to Kay Plyler, a deceased town employee.
Dustin Faddis, 26, and Hunter Brooks, 23, both Underground Technicians from Salisbury, NC, installing bore conduits for fiber optic cables on East John St. Equipment they’re using include a Horizontal Directional Drill (behind) and radio-frequency locator box (in hole). By the time this job is finished, they will have completed nearly two months of replacement work on approximately 25,000 feet of cable.
Photos by Cyma Shapiro
Dozens of women attended the 7th anniversary of Hadassah Charlotte’s “Celebrate the TaTas,” on Sunday, Sept. 23, at the McDowell Arts Center in Matthews.
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
This will be the first of four annual events designed to raise money for the Hadassah Medical Organization’s Breast Cancer Research in Jerusalem, Israel. This year’s events will raise about $50,000; cumulatively, the group has raised nearly $500,000 in the seven years of existence. Other events this fall will be Novant’s Mammovan and “The Big Reveal” at Queen Park Social club in October. For the large upcoming soccer tournament, women will fly in from the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia to join teams such as “Cleats and Cleavage” and “Akuna MaTatas,” emblazoned with such shirt numbers like “34DD.”
On this day, women come to have their “TaTas” painted, eat, schmooze, be pampered, made-up and buy jewelry. While the event is intended to raise money and awareness, and celebrate and empower women in a creative and fun atmosphere, it’s also a day of “sisterhood,” according to Charlotte founder Talia Goldman. “All these women become your sisters.”
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
“My mother has had breast, lung, melanoma, colon, and breast (cancer) again,” she said. “I realized that this is in my DNA. I just needed to do something. I wanted to do something that was educational, creative and empowering.”
Citing the organic and communal nature of the group, the events, the sponsors, the artists, and the volunteers, Goldman attributes its success to how much it touches people, most especially, women.“Everyone knows someone (with breast cancer), is in support of someone, is (doing this in) memory of someone, or knows (and supports) Hadassah,” she said.
“Celebrate the Tatas” was started by Goldman, but has spread to New Orleans, San Francisco, Atlanta and several cities in Florida. The events are intended to bring together survivors, supporters and friends and family members affected by breast cancer. This year’s local sponsors include Novant Health, Harris Teeter, Whole Foods, Dillard’s (employees donated their time).
Although Goldman has relinquished many of the overall responsibilities to other women, she sees the growth, passion, and mission for this as infinite. “Someone asked me the other day, ‘When are you going to stop doing this?’” she said. “(I answered) When are they going to find a cure?”
Photo by Talia Goldman
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.”
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
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
At 7:30 a.m. on most Saturdays, dozens of bikers will gather to start their weekly exercise from the train rails in front of Mojo’ Cycles on an approximately 30 or 50 (sometimes 70!)-mile loop which will bring them back home again. (They might also have taken a similar ride on Tuesday or Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.)
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
This is a chance to meet up with friends, see the countryside or just get some exercise. The average rider here is in his/her 40s, prompting bike shop owner Jimmy Johnson to comment that this is a great aerobic exercise they can do – one which only requires muscle, stamina and a tweaking of accessories to accommodate aging bodies.
As millennials stake a claim to leaving cars parked during weekends, Johnson sees “more interest in biking than ever,” especially off-road biking, made possible by the increasing number of Greenways and biking trails being constructed in and around Charlotte.
To accommodate the often large crowd during holiday runs, the group is often escorted by police to Independence Boulevard and beyond, ensuring their safety.
Photo by Cyma Shapiro
This is a decades-old tradition Johnson feels strongly about continuing, adding, “It’s good to leave from a bike shop, (just) in case you need something.”
Mojo Cycles
105 W Charles Street
Matthews, NC 28105
704-817-0009
TUESDAY - FRIDAY: 10am - 6pm
SATURDAY: 9am - 5pm
SUNDAY & MONDAY: Closed
The unassuming Exchange Pizza Depot is set back on Trade St. in Matthews, nestled between Seaboard and the Cigar shop.
Around the turn of the century, two sisters lived at 213 N. Trade Street, manning the switchboards for the local phone company. By 1954, the phone company needed a place for their dial-up equipment and that same piece of real estate found new life. But, after falling into disrepair for many subsequent years, that life was resurrected this year in the form of The Exchange Pizza Depot.
“There’s plenty of room in town for (all of us). If my pizza is (good), they won’t be going elsewhere.
Enter Brendan Ciganek, former pizza shop franchisee owner and chef and a “friend of a friend of the owner.”
Hired to run the new pizza place (as adjunct to the owners’ next-door wine room, Seaboard), Brendan has found his “slice of the woods” in this business housed in the 14’x22’ foot building he can nearly call his own.
In addition to a staple of mostly Neapolitan-style pizzas (two of which are named after the owner’s daughters), Brendan has been free to not only write the menu, design the space and hire the staff, but to experiment with ideas and foods from around the world.
Pollo Con Crema (chicken, onion, bell pepper, tangy creamy sauce), Heatza (Cajun chicken, spicy red sauce, jalapeños, Sriracha drizzle), Tomato Pesto (with roasted brussels sprouts, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes), and Mashed Potato (with mixed cheese, bacon and garlic butter), Tikka Masala (tomato, cream, curry) are just a few of his many personal creations.
Photo credit: Cyma Shapiro
“I asked friends what they were eating,” he said,” got ideas from vendors at the Farmer’s Market and from international cuisines. He asked the employees who work there, patrons and his online friends, as well.
“My regular menu is a crowd pleaser,” he says, adding that the weekly (or so) special pizzas “may not be for everyone but are (a chance) to have fun with and appeal to some people.”
Among his special touches are tomatoes and flour from Italy, buffalo milk cheese and some regular produce from the Farmer’s Market. In addition, he grows basil and a few other things around the two restaurants.
And, as Matthews continues to grow and pizza competition gets even more heated, he said he’ll stick to what he believes:“There’s plenty of room in town for (all of us). If my pizza is (good), they won’t be going elsewhere.”
Photo credit: Cyma Shapiro
Photo credit: Cyma Shapiro
Photo credit: Cyma Shapiro
Exchange Pizza Depot
213 N. Trade Street, Matthews
Monday thru Wednesday: 5 PM - 9 PM
Thursday thru Sunday: 12 PM - 10 PM
