Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 18, 2019

News About Town: As we get closer to Christmas and Hanukkah, pressure mounts go to all the parties, buy all the gifts, and find time to decorate homes. Matthews residents with kids can have a helping hand from the town this year: drop your kids off with Park and Rec. On December 23, the department is offering child care so parents can enjoy a day of shopping and holiday prep. The Drop N' Shop is open to children ages 6 to 13 and filled with fun activities to keep the kids entertained. Be sure to pack a lunch and two snacks (or send money for snacks from the vending machine). Reserve a spot for your child here or call 704-708-1287.

News Around Town: In November, John LeGrand,principal at Butler High School, was promoted within CMS to executive director of the Central 2 Learning Community. This week CMS named Vincent Golden as the new principal for Butler. Vincent has 13 years of experience with CMS, most recently as principal for Northridge Middle School.

So Many Fun Things: This Saturday, December 21, at 3:30 pm, the Charlotte Community Singers will perform at the Matthews Library. The group, an intergenerational folk chorus, practices weekly at Plantation Estates and is ready to spread some seasonal cheer by singing their favorite holiday songs. Grab a cup of hot apple cider, gather around the fireplace, and Celebrate the Season with A Charlotte Community Singers Sing-Along.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It's A Wonderful Life this weekend (December 20 -December 22) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Buy tickets here.

We're giving away a pair of tickets to see It's a Wonderful Life at the Playhouse this weekend. We'll accept entries through the end of today, December 18, then give the tickets away on Thursday. To enter, either send us a note saying, "Count me in, I have a Wonderful Life," or comment on Facebook.

On the Record: Vinyl makes a comeback in Matthews

As a Gen Xer, I spent many hours sorting through piles of records at Goodwill, looking for pretty much anything other than Herb Alpert. Over the years I’ve participated in the shift from cassettes to CDs to online streaming. I have boxes packed away of CDs, a few cassettes that weren’t played to death, and shelves of records that get more attention than any of the others (except Spotify, which appeases my inconsistent musical tastes).

If you love the crackle of vinyl, the the liner notes that you can’t get with online streaming, and the tangibility of record grooves, you are not alone. According to a report by the Recording Industry Association of America, vinyl records are expected to out-sell CDs in 2019. Streaming is still the most popular way to listen to music, but CDs seem to be going the way of the, well, record.

Love the hunt? Area thrift stores have a few, but the choices are slim. We have a few good options for vinyl buying in Matthews, two of which hold the inexplicable record store experience: Noble Records and Precious Restorations. Both have record bins with just enough organization so you don’t feel lost, but not so much to feel invasive to rifle through, that distinctive, familiar smell of cardboard sleeves.

The third option, 2nd and Charles (9903 Independence Blvd), deserves a mention but lacks the feeling of an authentic, independent record shop. The bins are well-organized but really stuffed, which means browsing is a challenge. There’s a big selection of newer, unopened records, but there’s also a lot of distractions (aisles of collectible toys, waterbottles, and nicknacks). Both my husband and I thought it felt like Media Play; corporate and big boxy. Plus, for a chain store, the prices are too high.

Noble Records (11500 unit F, E Independence Blvd) opened in the same strip where Radio Shack used to be, just off Independence next to South 21. Bonus: get lunch then record shopping without moving your car. Started in 2010 under a different name, Dillon Smith, the owner, was a record collector on his own hunt, rescuing records from basements, attics, closets, and garages. When his son Noble was born, Dillon sold off his collection to pay for family medical needs. Now, as a brick and mortar, this is the place to go to find valuable collector’s editions, a little bit of newer stuff, some metal, reggae, punk, and lots of great classics. With the record shop as his full-time job, the flexibility of small business ownership allows Dillon more time to be with his family. There’s a turntable to listen before you buy, and gift cards are available as an option for the I-have-no-idea-what-music-they-like relative.

Precious Restorations (315 W John St) owner, Jack Marble, has an eye for the nostalgic, stocking his shop with wares that call you into their depths with the promise of an amazing find. If you can pull yourself away from the collectibles, make your way to the record bins, ready for digging. Easy enough to thumb through, the bins are filled with an eclectic variety of music. Classic country, 80s rock, and the classics (Led Zeppelin, Beach Boys, ZZ Top) fill rows of bins; the records are well-preserved and in protective sleeves. You’re not digging through 12 copies of Whipped Cream or an old Debbie Gibson that look like it was someone’s frisbee. He often has turntables and stereo equipment, if you don’t already have a record player. The prices are fair, and your dollars support a locally-owned small business.

Dig out that dusty old turntable from the attic and take an afternoon to browse the local record shops. No longer a pastime, vinyl has taken hold right here in Matthews. If Jack and Dillon have anything to do with it, this time it’s here to stay.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 17, 2019

News About Town: The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on January 13 at 7 pm at Town Hall. This will be a regular board meeting and will have rezoning actions, including several deferred from December 9. Board of Commissioners (also known as Town Council) meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of every month at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station Street. These meetings are open to the public and there is a public comment period near the beginning of each meeting. To speak, each individual is entitled to four minutes on any topic and must sign up on the sheet is in the lobby before the meeting to address the board.

News Around Town: This Saturday, December 21, at 3:30 pm, the Charlotte Community Singers will perform at the Matthews Library. The group, an intergenerational folk chorus, practices weekly at Plantation Estates and is ready to spread some seasonal cheer by singing their favorite holiday songs. Grab a cup of hot apple cider, gather around the fireplace, and Celebrate the Season with A Charlotte Community Singers Sing-Along.

One Fun Thing: We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see It’s a Wonderful Life at the Playhouse this weekend. We’ll accept entries through Wednesday, December 18, then give the tickets away on Thursday. To enter, either send us a note saying, “Count me in, I have a Wonderful Life,” or comment on Facebook.

Don't Forget:   Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It’s A Wonderful Life this weekend and next (December 20th-December 22nd ) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Tickets and information at matthewsplayhouse.com.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 16, 2019

News About Town: The end of the holiday shopping season is near, and Matthews Police have some reminders as gift buying becomes more frantic: keep safety in mind. Please take a moment to read and remember their holiday safety tips:

News Around Town: The Student Government (SGA) at Butler High School recently raised funds for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. SGA partnered with Butler’s Key Club, National Honor Society, the school’s baseball and softball teams, local businesses and the greater community to achieve the honor of being the first CMS school to reach the $10,000 goal.

The funds will help four-year-old Sophia, who is battling an autoimmune disorder, take a trip to Disney. The SGA is also giving Sophia a princess experience at Butler (which will include a carriage ride) at the school this Friday, January 20, at 1:45 pm.

One Fun Thing: Don’t forget to shop with the Beacon for all the Matthews swag you’ve been looking for. Also check out the sales floor at Cotton Gin Printing for Matthews-specific gear.

Don't Forget:   Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It’s A Wonderful Life this weekend and next (December 13th-December 22nd ) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Tickets and information at matthewsplayhouse.com.

Knitting Suite

Knitting Suite

Down the street
Neighbors would meet
At the knitting suite
Where an old rusted bell
Broke the spell
Of knitting needles
Busy
Knit 1 Pearle 2 across
The stitches flew
From baby booties
To sweaters, scarfs
And blankets
Over tea the busy bees
Did sip and knit and chat
While rainbows of fibers
Danced like angels
In the glow of sunlight
Upon old plank floors
There they sat knittin
That special pair of mittens
To cover hands from cold
And with each stitch
Their stories did unfold
Of neighborhood gossip
And news
Unlike Madame Defarge
They knitted and
Refined each story
From a ball of yarn
That carried love
Straight from their
Hearts

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, December 13, 2019

News About Town: We asked about recycling glass and the Town clarified: glass was accidentally omitted from the postcard that was mailed out. It should be included on the Please Recycle list.

Yesterday the Town hosted a Holiday Lunch, and dinner for those who work later shifts, for town staff. The lunch, held at Crews Road Rec Center, was filled with the holiday spirit, more than a few ugly sweaters, and plenty of Matthews pride. Staff enjoyed a meal of turkey, stuffing, and more before Parks and Rec hosted musical bingo.

One Fun Thing: Looking for something festive to do this weekend? Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It’s A Wonderful Life this weekend and next (December 13th-December 22nd ) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Tickets and information at matthewsplayhouse.com.

Rainbow Express Ministries is a growing community offering children and young adults with and without disabilities, opportunities to learn, grow, and share their talents with others. This Sunday, December 15, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, drive or walk by the Rainbow Express house at the corner of Fullwood and Talbot Ct to see members reenact the Nativity.

Don't Forget:   If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Friday, December 13, at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Matthews Makers: Vivian Brenner

Vivian Brenner is a woman of infinite patience, at least where yarn is concerned. As a textile artist, Vivian works primarily with cotton, linen, wool, and silk to weave and knit functional works of art. She explains, "I prefer natural fibers, as they are minimally polluting, and don't harm the environment. Natural fibers also feel better when worn!" By knitting and weaving, Vivian produces scarves, shawls, woven dog leashes, coasters, and hand towels.

Although she's no longer in the corporate world, it's rare that Vivian's not working. Vivian is often knitting, even when frequenting town council meetings, having coffee with friends, and volunteering with area nonprofits. While her studio is in her home, the looms, yarn, and tools are taking up lots of friendly space, a basket of homespun yarn, and a variety of knitting needles are always in tow.

As a Matthews resident for almost 20 years, Brenner feels very connected to the community. She loves the proximity and the convenience of necessities. Being able to do most of her shopping and errands in the downtown neighborhood makes "retired" life in Matthews enjoyable.

Find Vivian this Saturday at the Small Business Saturday Makers' Market at the Loyalist from 1 to 4 pm.

Photos courtesy of Vivian Brenner

Morning Minute: Thursday, December 12, 2019

News About Town: The new recycling calendars are arriving in mailboxes around Matthews. The list has changed quite a bit since the 2019 calendar was distributed. On the list are: milk and juice cartons and boxes, plastic bottles and jugs with necks (no other plastics), tin/steel/aluminum cans, empty aerosol cans (no paint), cardboard boxes smaller than 3x3’ flattened pieces, cereal boxes, magazines, paper, such as brown bags, paper/junk mail/newspapers.

Glass is accepted at county sites but is not on the list distributed in Matthews. It can be dropped off at county collection sites like the one at McAlpine Greenway.

Please do not include ceramics or glass housewares, diapers, cat litter, batteries, light bulbs, shredded paper, hardback books, car parts, cords, roadkill, or syringes in your recycling.

Good Cup has the in with Santa (from their Facebook page)

News Around Town: In the spirit of #CollaborationOverCompetition, let’s celebrate the Matthews establishments featured in the Queen City Nerve’s best-of list. Many wonderful Matthews establishments were included in the Reader’s Picks: Best Church: Elevation; Best Live Performers: Trash Room; Best Doughnuts: Your Mom’s Donuts; Best Wings: Kristopher’s Bar & Restaurant; Best Thai: Thai Taste; Best Middle Eastern: Kabab-Je; Best Wine Bar: Seaboard Taproom & Wine Bar; Best Sports Bar: Kristopher’s Bar & Restaurant; Best Beer Selection: Carolina Beer Temple.

One Fun Thing: Good Cup is poppin’ this holiday season. This Saturday, December 14, stop by the Loyalist/Good Cup for a pop-up Maker Market from 1 until 4 pm. During the market, Matthews Playhouse will drop by for a pop-up performance! Ten or so makers will be selling handmade goodies, from hand woven dog leashes to finely crafted cutting boards, you’ll find all the last-minute gifts you need.

Then Monday, December 16, Santa will pop by for a super-secret stop at Good Cup (we have the feeling he wants a spicy Masala Chai before the big ride). Whether you’ve been nice or need to make amends for being naughty, he wants to meet you. Bring your camera and you can bring the kids, too.

Don't Forget:   If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Friday, December 13, at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 11, 2019

News About Town: The 2019-2021 Board of Commissioners was sworn in Monday night at Town Hall. John Higdon took the reins as mayor and Renee Garner was unanimously elected Mayor Pro Tem (the Commissioner who stands in for the mayor when he is unavailable). Rounding out the Board are David Bland, Barbara Dement, Jeff Miller, John Urban, and Larry Whitley. As part of their duties, Commissioners sit on various advisory boards for both the town and region. Those appointments are as follows:

Arts & Science Council: Renee Garner, with David Bland as alternate.

Centralina Council of Governments: Barbara Dement, with Jeff Miller as alternate.

Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization: John Higdon, with Renee Garner as alternate.

Levine Senior Center Board of Directors: Barbara Dement, with Larry Whitley as alternate.

Matthews Chamber of Commerce: Larry Whitley, with John Urban as alternate.

Matthews Economic Development Advisory Committee: John Urban, with Renee Garner as alternate.

Matthews Committee on Education: Jeff Miller

Metropolitan Transit Commission: John Higdon, with Hazen Blodgett as alternate.

Planning Coordinating Committee: David Bland, with Larry Whitley as alternate.

The Quad: An Alliance of South Charlotte Communities: John Urban, with David Bland as alternate.

News Around Town: The Farmers’ Market is officially in winter mode. Selection may be a little lighter, but options are always locally grown, raised, or made. Winter hours are 8 - 10 am, every Saturday through April 4, 2020. Find the vendor list linked on the market’s website.

One Fun Thing: Attend the Checkers game this Friday and $5 from your ticket purchase for seats in Section 106 will go back to Matthews Athletic Recreation Association (MARA). Purchase tickets online.

Don't Forget: If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Friday, December 13, at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Seasonally Decreased Immune Function Around the Holidays

Shorter days and colder weather cause people to stay inside more, reducing the amount of natural vitamin D they make, which is a key immune system booster.

The human immune system is highly complex and multi-faceted. Seemingly an infinite number of things can affect our internal landscape and alter how our immune system defenses respond to and fight foreign invaders to keep us healthy. The misconception a lot of people have is thinking that we want a super active immune system that is like Rambo, an ultimate killing machine! Really what we want is a balanced immune system, that neither swings into hyperactivity nor falls into decreased function. If our immune system functions too high, we end up with autoimmune disorders – this is when the immune system attacks our body’s cells, not just foreign invaders, if it is not functioning as it should, when exposed to germs we get sick and have to fight off an illness.

Did you know that just the time of year can affect our immune system function? Just the fact that the daylight does not last as long can cause our immune system to be less responsive. Shorter days and colder weather cause people to stay inside more, reducing the amount of natural vitamin D they make, which is a key immune system booster. An alternative for the individual not wanting to go outside is supplementing Vitamin D into their diet.

Another thing that can depress our immune system function is increased sugar intake. High sugar intake causes a process in the body that creates an inflammatory response. This inflammation taxes the immune system making it more difficult to fight the germs it needs to. Decreasing sugar intake and getting 15-20 minutes of sunlight each day can normalize and improve immune system function.

One last note on stress, our immune system is affected by the presence of the stress hormone Cortisol. Increased levels of Cortisol in the body will fatigue our immune system to the point where it cannot keep up with the presence of foreign material. This is why people who are undergoing chronic stress tend to get sick more frequently. Finding ways to manage stress around the holidays can keep you out of the doctor’s office!

Remember the goal is to have a balanced immune system. Enjoy your holiday, get some sunshine or supplement vitamin D, reduce sugar intake, and manage stress for a healthy holiday!

Dr. Jeremiah Morgan is a licensed Chiropractic Physician, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Active Release Technique provider. He practices in Downtown Matthews at Pro Active Chiropractic.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 10, 2019

CORRECTION: Our notice for the Matthews Concert Band was incorrect! The concert is this FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13.

News About Town: During the December 9 Board of Commissioners meeting, the outgoing commissioners and mayor took time to reflect on their time on the town council. Mayor Paul Bailey, Commissioner Chris Melton, and Commissioner Kress Query each took a moment to highlight their accomplishments and share wisdom gained during their tenure. They were each presented with a framed image of Town Hall.

One Good Thing: If you’re shopping for gifts on Amazon this holiday season, log onto smile.amazon.com and earn money for Butler High School’s PTSO. Log in, select “Your Amazon Smile,” and select “David W Butler High School PTSO” as your charity.

Don't Forget:  If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Friday, December 13, at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 9, 2019

News About Town: Town Hall has had a facelift recently. Approved in the August 27, 2018 meeting (see pgs 75-76), Town Hall received new fiberglass columns, brick planters, and ornate handrails. The project was budgeted at $80,000. The 2001 building had its refresh complete in time for the Hometown Holiday Tree Lighting.

(Shhh…don’t tell…Your Mom’s Donuts has $20 dozens on Monday.)

News Around Town: Mecklenburg County has started the budget prioritization process and wants your input. To have your voice heard, fill out the County Budget Survey or pick up a paper copy at the Matthews Library.There will also be a public hearing on the budget January 7.

One Fun Thing: Research has shown that listening to music reduces stress, improves memory, and improves psychological well-being. There’s a catch, and that is that it depends on the music. If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Saturday, December 14 at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm. Stress levels are expected to decrease soon after.

Don't Forget:  Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

#FiveForFriday: A Morning Minute News Round Up

This #FiveForFriday Morning Minute News Round Up is for the week including December 2 through 6, 2019.

One Good Thing: This Saturday, December 7, at 10 am, Greater Matthews Habitat invites you to join them to celebrate the completion of the 2019 Faith BUILD home. Committed to making sure everyone has an affordable and safe place to live, the newest Habitat home belongs to Moulay and Samia. It is the 108th Habitat-built home in the Matthews area.

News Around Town: If you're new in town, have family visiting, or simply want to get to know Matthews better, pick up the second annual "Welcome to Matthews" community guide. If you can't find a hard copy (they're available at Town Hall in the foyer, at the Chamber of Commerce, and a few other locations), you can also view it online. In the guide, you'll find new places to explore and resources for everyday living.

News Around Town: Craft store AC Moore will close up shop in 2020, after 34 years in business. The craft store giant cites being unable to compete with online retailers as its reason for pulling out of brick and mortar operations. Michael’s will take over stores and hire employees in markets where their brand is not represented; this is presumably not the case in Matthews, with a Michael’s in Sycamore Commons and an AC Moore in neighboring Windsor Square.

News Around Town: This week, Butler High School announced the retirement of Cierra Burdick's jersey. Cierra, a professional basketball player and Matthews resident, led the Bulldogs to the state championship in 2010. She responded to the news via Twitter, "Earlier today, Butler announced they'll be retiring my jersey. Five minutes ago, I nearly injured myself trying to open a jar of pickles. Life comes at you fast, people."

News Around Town: NCDOT, the City of Charlotte, and the Town of Matthews are partnering to identify pedestrian safety improvements along I-74/Independence. The three agencies are studying the history of pedestrian crashes to find ways to decrease those crashes. Through the study, they hope to find ways to increase pedestrian safety. In addition, the agencies have posted a two-question online survey to learn Independence travelers' firsthand observations.

Chapters

Chapters

Whether it be
Hard or soft cover
Spiral, satin ribbon
Or hand bound
On each page
A new world
Awaits
To those whose
Knowledge thirsts
Whatever subject
Can be pursued
And a part of your
Questions and
Answers will be
Found
When you explore
Behind the title and
Cover
Its all left for you
To discover
Inside a book
A silent gift
You receive
Each time you read

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, December 6, 2019

News About Town: Home Depot rental equipment has been on display in the parking lot despite being noncompliant with zoning. The retailer has applied for a zoning change to allow for outdoor storage of rental equipment. The condition change would allow 15 parking spaces for equipment and five spaces for trailer storage. Rental machinery will also be on display along the side of the building facing Stein Mart. The Board of Commissioners will approve or deny the application this Monday evening at the regular council meeting (7 pm, Town Hall).

News Around Town:  NCDOT, the City of Charlotte, and the Town of Matthews are partnering to identify pedestrian safety improvements along I-74/Independence. The three agencies are studying the history of pedestrian crashes to find ways to decrease those crashes. Through the study, they hope to find ways to increase pedestrian safety. In addition, the agencies have posted a two-question online survey to learn Independence travelers' firsthand observations.

One Fun Thing: STEAM is a popular word in education, and the Matthews Library is in on the action. On Saturday, December 14, at 11 am, preteens and teens can learn the basics of coding in a group setting at the library. Based on "The Hour to Code, "participants will learn content used in web sites that teach step-by-step coding instruction. Register online.

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Don't Forget:  The Matthews Woman's Club Service League craft boutique in the Carriage House behind the Reid home runs Thursday, December 5 — 7:00 pm, Friday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 8 — Noon - 9 pm and is free and open the public. Over 35 vendors will have their arts, crafts, handmade wares, and baked goods available for purchase.

The Matthews Community Farmer's Market is hosting its first-ever Holiday Night Market during the Hometown Holiday Stroll this Saturday, December 7, from 3 to 7 pm. Featuring live music, artisan crafts, artisan foods/baked goods, hot cider, gourmet coffees, and fresh popcorn, more than twenty-five vendors will be at the market.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.