Baby Boomers - A poem by Lorraine Stark

Baby Boomers

Baby boomers
Wore bloomers
Plain old boxer shorts
T.V. trays
Frozen dinners
Bay of Pigs
Khrushchev’s blast
John & Robert Kennedy
Martin Luther King
Hear the Beatle’s sing
Give peace a chance.

Man on the moon
Woodstock
Marijuana, LSD
Make love not war
Hell no we won’t go
Vietnam’s useless war
Agent Orange
Raid bug strips.

The pill
Roe verses Wade
Feminist movement
Bras burning
Lesbian and gay rights
Chicago riots
Aids and HIV epidemic
Poodle skirts
Bell bottoms
Play-doh, Jackie O
In schoolyards
Voices singing
Acapella.

Greenwich Village
The Village Gate
On Broadway
“HAIR”
Harry Krishna
GTO’s the Bug
Circus Boy, Lassie
Ed Sullivan,
The Twilight Zone,
The Million Dollar Movie
Chock full o’Nuts
That heavenly coffee.

Brill crème and Dippity Doo
The scent of Ambush
And Canoe
Doe eyes
Twiggy Lashes
Tip toe through the tulips
Archie Bunker
Toilets flushing
Maude and the Golden Girls
Cheesecake is the answer
Mr. Rogers, Miss Piggy
The Muppets
Captain Kangaroo
Lucy and Ricky too.

Under desks hiding
Awaiting the sound of
Siren’s all clear
Boy I’m grateful
To have lived through
All of this
And to remember in my
Middle bliss
Make Love not war.

By Lorraine Stark

Photo via Unsplash photographer @clemono

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 11, 2020

News About Town: During the regular Board of Commissioners meeting this past Monday, the Board voted to allow Lat Purser & Associates to withdraw their application for rezoning on the property at Weddington and Trade Street. Typically rezoning requests are accepted or denied. Withdrawing allows the same property to come before the board within a year, whereas a denial would prohibit another rezoning application for that one-year time period.

News Around Town: Veterans Day offers abound around Matthews. Offers vary and service members should have a valid Military ID, Military Dependent ID, or form of Veteran ID to receive these offers. We’ve sourced this info from the Veterans Affairs office and local websites, but please double check availability before visiting.

Academy Sports – Academy is offering 10% off to veterans and first responders for Veterans Day.

Backporch Treasures at Matthews HELP Center – Offering 10% off purchases throughout the month of November to veterans, military, and their families.

Bed, Bath, & Beyond – On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, veterans, active duty military, and spouses will receive 25% off in-store purchases.

Bonefish Grill offers veterans, active duty military and immediate family members receive 10% off their check year-round.

Chicken Salad Chick – To show their appreciation, all veterans and active military will receive a free Chick Special and drink. Valid at all locations on November 11, 2020 for service members in uniform or those with a valid military ID or DD214

CiCis Pizza – To show gratitude and support for the men and women who dedicate their lives to our country, Cicis is offering a FREE Adult Buffet to all veterans and active-duty military personnel on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

Cracker Barrel – On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, Cracker Barrel will offer all U.S. military veterans a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake when dining at any Cracker Barrel location nationwide.

Dunkin’ – On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, veterans and active duty military will receive a free donut of their choice, no purchase necessary, at participating locations.

Golden Corral – Active and former military members who have served in the US Military can pick up a promotional card during the month of November, redeemable for a FREE thank you meal. Promotional cards can be redeemed through May 31, 2020.

Home Depot - The Home Depot offers a 10% military discount on in-store purchases on select items on Veterans Day. All veterans are eligible and must provide a DoD-issued ID, a DD214 or a Veterans Driver’s License.

IHOP – Veterans and Active/Reserve service members can receive a free Red, White, and Blue pancake stack or breakfast made-to-order at IHOP on Wednesday, November 11; offer is good till 7 p.m.

Krispy Kreme – Veterans and active duty service members receive a free donut and small coffee on November 11.

Logan’s Roadhouse – Veterans and active duty service members receive a free meal Veterans Day between 3p-6pm from the American Roadhouse meals menu at participating locations.

Lowe’s –  Lowe's is proud to offer 10% off eligible purchases every day to active military personnel and veterans. Exclusions apply.

Metro Diner – As a thank-you, all veterans and active-duty military will receive 50% off a meal of their choosing on November 11, 2020.

Office Depot Office Max – Veterans, Active Duty Military Personnel, Retirees, Reservists, and their dependents will receive a 25% discount on in-store purchases November 11 through 13.

Outback Steakhouse celebrates all servicemen and women, police officers, firefighters and all first responders with 10% off* their entire check all day, every day (with valid state or federal service ID). Servicemembers and first responders get a free Bloomin’ Onion® and Coca-Cola® product on Wednesday, November 11.

Precious Restorations – In honor of Veterans Day, Precious Restorations is offering 20% off all vinyl inventory for any veteran or currently active military servicemember. Sale starts Veterans Day and runs through Saturday, November 14.

Publix - As a small way to show our gratitude, veterans, active military personnel, and their families are invited to save 10% on groceries on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Some exclusions apply.

Red Lobster – Dine-in veterans and active duty military can receive a free appetizer or dessert from a select menu on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, with a valid military ID or proof of service.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill – This Veterans Day, 11/11, all veterans and active military receive a free Mom's Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti with military ID.

Starbucks – Veterans, military service members and military spouses receive a free tall hot brewed coffee on Veterans Day at participating locations.

Target – U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families save 10% on their Target purchase on Veterans Day, in stores or online.

Walgreens is offering a 20% discount on regular priced, in-store purchases November 11 through 15 for military personnel and veterans.

Wendy’s - This Veterans Day, visit your local Wendy's and enjoy a free small breakfast combo. No purchase necessary (6:30am-10:30am).

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 10, 2020

News About Town: Tomorrow, November 10, the American Legion Post 235 will hold the annual Veterans Day Celebration at 11 am at Stumptown Park. The event will include the unveiling of the expanded veteran’s memorial at the rear of the park. Mayor John Higdon will award Steve Wilfong, a Matthews resident and Navy veteran who served two tours in Vietnam as a Counter Insurgency Specialist from 1966 to 1969, the Veteran of the Year Award from the Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee. The program will last approximately one hour. Masks and social distancing are required.

News Around Town: Election day was seven days ago. Although ballots will trickle in through the twelfth here in NC (as decided by the Board of Elections and allowed by the Supreme Court), here are some 2020 General Election numbers for NC according to the NC State Board of Elections:

Of 7.36 million eligible voters, 5.49 million ballots were cast (including absentee, early voting, and provisional). Of those, 4.6 million absentee votes were cast (3.6 million one-stop early voting, 977,186 absentee by-mail) and 41,766 provisional ballots were cast. Voter turnout was 74.6%, as compared with 69% in the 2016 general election.

Don’t Forget: If you run a small retail business in Matthews, we want to feature you. Send a product shot, and a link to your shop (must be in 28105) and we’ll feature your item in our daily photo. Send it to renee@matthewsbeacon.com and we’ll get it scheduled.

Morning Minute: Monday, November 9, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners will have several public hearings at the meeting tonight, including the Buvermo Investments (2020-717) senior living facility proposed for 9832 Idlewild Road and a text amendment change for selling items outdoors at the Home Depot (2020-719) on Matthews Township Parkway. The Board will accept several zoning actions (Zoning Application 2020-720, Zoning Application 2020-721, Zoning Application 2020-722, and Zoning Application 2020-723), which means discussion around these items will begin during the January 11, 2021 Board of Commissioners meeting. The Board will vote on several zoning actions, including:

News About Town continued:

• Zoning Application 2020-715/Williams Business Properties: The property at the corner of Trade and Weddington. The developer is proposing a 98 unit multi-family rental development.

• Zoning Application 2020-716/text amendment: A text amendment change to the Unified Development Ordinance to allow independent living facilities as a permitted use in the R/I Zoning District when associated with a conditional site plan.

• Zoning Application 2020-718/Harley Davidson: A change in zoning conditions to allow for the façade of the Harley Davidson building and parking area to be renovated. The new design includes an outdoor sound stage.

• Public Improvement Variance : A request to delete some items generally required with development, such as curb and gutter and a sidewalk. This variance is in conjunction with the next bullet point.  

• Site Plan Approval 1935 Rice Road: A redevelopment of property from a daycare to mixed-use retail, medical, and office spaces. Commissioner John Urban recused himself at the October 12 meeting as his firm is working with the applicants on this project.

One Good Opportunity: If you run a small retail business in Matthews, we want to feature you. Send a product shot, and a link to your shop (must be in 28105) and we’ll feature your item in our daily photo. Send it to renee@matthewsbeacon.com and we’ll get it scheduled.

Circles of Dreams by Lorraine Stark

Circles of Dreams

Beneath my magnolia tree

a gentle breeze kept

making invisible circles

around me.

I did not understand at first-

and then I realized it was

gathering dreams, hitchhiking

on the perfect breeze pursuing

their chance to find out their end

and I bid each one success as I

stood beneath my magnolia tree

I watched her white saucer flowers

catch their tears of happiness and

I knew each passenger of the wind

reached their destination

By Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash photographer @brunonw

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 5, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. After trying a hybrid in-person/remote meeting, the Board will return to an all-remote format. To watch live, the meeting is available via Zoom (link here, the early meeting starts at 5:30 pm and the regular meeting starts at 7 pm, Monday, November 9). A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter meeting ID 968 3891 0803. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website. A 5:30 pm meeting is scheduled to hear from the Silver Line Task Force.

News Around Town: One positive coming out of this pandemic is an easier accessibility to events outside of Matthews without having to pay for parking! This Saturday, November 7 at 4 pm, tune into the kickoff celebration of the World L!t Street Food Festival and connect with leaders in the Charlotte area's international food and music scene, international performing artists, and the community at large. The virtual festival continues through November 14. Register here.

Matthews Cooks: Green Rice

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

“I grew up cooking with my mother, Ukrainian grandmother, and aunts, since I was tall enough to see the kitchen counter. They sometimes used recipes, but more often had family recipes and methods learned from observation. We all loved garlic, lots of herbs and spices, and strong flavors. If your preference is for milder food, just reduce the quantity of flavorings and enjoy.”

— Vivian’s Victuals

Green Rice from Rose

2 ½ cups uncooked long grain rice (I use brown rice)
4 cups boiling water
1 tsp salt
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup chopped parsley
¾ cup thinly sliced green onion
2 TBSP butter
Salt & pepper to taste

Add rice to boiling salted water, reduce heat, cook until water is absorbed. Stir in vegetables, cover and continue cooking until water is all gone, and the vegetables are still crisp. Season to taste, add butter, toss lightly.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 4, 2020

News About Town: Last night the Board of Commissioners began a 21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge with guidance from the Cultural Diversity Committee. Follow along to build your own habits by using the resources online. The second discussion among the two boards will take place next Tuesday, November 10, at 6:30 pm. The public is welcome to listen in.

News Around Town: Join the Matthews Chamber of Commerce for a slightly different type of holiday celebration this year. The Chamber is hosting Matthews Home for the Holidays Passport: Shop. Play. Eat. & Win! Local, a program to highlight businesses and nonprofits alike. Pick up your passport from the Chamber office (210 Matthews Station St.), and get it stamped at participating locations. Make a purchase or grab a goody bag (each location has their own requirements) and return your completed passport to the Chamber office by 5pm on December 4 to be included in the drawing. On December 5th, the Grand Prize Winner of up to $1,000 will be announced via Facebook Live. If you are a Matthews business, find out how to get involved here.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 3, 2020

News About Town: Applications are open for the Round II of the Matthews CARES Act Funding Relief Program. These grants are to encourage and support the Matthews business community’s economic challenges created by the COVID pandemic between March 1 and October 31, 2020. A complete grant application with all required additional documents must be received by 12:00 pm on Monday, November 16 in order to be considered. Completed applications and supporting materials should be emailed to matthews@matthewsnc.gov or dropped off marked ATTN: CARES Act Grant – Round II to Matthews Town Hall (232 Matthews Station Street Matthews, NC 28105). Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Image via Unsplash

News Around Town: The application deadline for Mecklenburg County’s HOMES Program has been extended to Friday, Nov. 13. The Helping Out Mecklenburg’s Homeowners with Economic Support (HOMES) Program has been extended through next Friday, November 13. This program offers assistance to low to moderate income qualified Mecklenburg County homeowners by providing financial assistance for mortgage and rent relief through the County Assessor’s Office, the Office of the Tax Collector and the Department of Social Services.  Find the application online or request a paper application by phone, 980-314-4226 or by visiting the County Assessor’s Office lobby at 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 3500, Charlotte.  

Morning Minute: Monday, November 2, 2020

News About Town: Several advisory board meetings are coming up over the next two weeks. The Veteran’s Advisory Committee and the Silver Line Task Force both meet this Wednesday (November 4) at 7 pm. The following week the Matthews Committee on Education (November 10, 6:30 pm), Environmental Advisory Committee (November 10, 7 pm), and the Parks, Rec, and Cultural Advisory Committee (November 11, 6:30 pm) will meet.

News Around Town: The fuzz is about to get fuzzy. Matthews Police are once again participating in No Shave November by loosening official shave policy standards. To participate, each officer must donate $40 to Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk - Charlotte, a prostate cancer patient advocacy and public awareness group. At the end of November, look for pics of the participants and vote on Facebook for the best beard and goatee.

Don’t Forget: CATS buses will be free on election day!

Morning Minute: Thursday, October 29, 2020

News About Town: Hippy hippy hooray! The Town of Matthews is installing recycling cans alongside several of the trash cans in the downtown area. It may take a couple weeks to get the cans installed. Please be mindful of using the cans for recycling; if we want nice things we have to be mindful of their appropriate use. Republic, the waste services provider for Matthews, will empty the cans bi-weekly.

News Around Town: If you plan on voting by absentee ballot, you must have your ballot postmarked by November 3. The ballots will be accepted and counted through November 12. If you choose to turn in your ballot at an early voting location or at the Board of Elections, you may skip the early voter line and take the ballot to the table at entrance. You will be asked to sign an affidavit and your ballot will be collected. If you ordered an absentee ballot and would rather vote in person, your absentee ballot will be considered spoiled once you’ve voted in person. If you have a mobile number on file with your voter information you will receive a text alerting you of the spoiled ballot.

One Good Thing: Poll accessibility is the theme this year. Based on the vote at last night’s Metropolitan Transit Commission meeting, CATS buses will be free on election day. The Town of Matthews is offering staff two hours of paid time off to vote on election day.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, October 28, 2020

News About Town: The McKee Road Extension between Pleasant Plains and John Street has been paused while NCDOT addresses budget shortfalls. Meanwhile, the Town is pursuing Bonus Allocation (BA) dollars for underfunded projects. This past Monday night, the Board approved seeking BA dollars for the McKee Road Extension project. The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) expects to have over $26 million in BA funds to award to projects in the Charlotte region this January.

News Around Town: Bibliophiles brace yourselves—the Matthews Library will be closed for a few days. Carpet in the library will be replaced, so the space will be closed Monday, November 2, through November 11. Other branches will be open, and online options will be available for those with an immediate need to read.

Boo-Halloween by Lorraine Stark

Boo-Halloween

Pumpkins
light porches through
huge smiles and crooked teeth
their flickering candles dance through
the night

The night
of Halloween
children dress as pumpkins
a salute to cut out faces
glowing

By Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash photographer @cazault

Morning Minute: Tuesday, October 27, 2020

News About Town: Starting tomorrow night, October 28, between 11 pm and Thursday, October 29 at 5 am, John St. will be closed in both directions under the I-485 bridge . The closure will reoccur October 29 at 11 pm and reopen on Friday, October 30 at 5 am. Access to the interstate exit ramps will remain open, but construction underneath the bridge will prevent through traffic.

One Good Thing: Matthews Police (and police departments around the county) are participating in Cops With Locks on November 14 from 10 am to 1 pm as part of Project ChildSafe. The event, taking place at the police station (1201 Crews Road), is an opportunity for gun owners to obtain a gun lock or two while learning about the responsibilities of gun ownership.

Morning Minute: Monday, October 26, 2020

News About Town: Tonight’s Board of Commissioners meeting starts at 7 pm. A livestream of the meeting will be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel, as well as Zoom. To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter meeting ID 927 9940 8752. For the full agenda and the process for public comment, visit the town website. This meeting will be slightly different, as some commissioners will be at Town Hall and some will participate via Zoom.

News Around Town: There’s less than a week left of early voting and so far 86,318 absentee ballots have been approved by the Mecklenburg Board of Elections. Butler High School reports 7,048 early votes over the past 11 days, while another 7,070 early votes were cast at Matthews Elementary. In total 244,950 people have voted at early voting locations in Mecklenburg County. All in all, 43.1% of voters in Mecklenburg County have already voted. For some perspective (though not apples to apples), after 11 days of early voting in 2016, 166,952 early voting ballots were cast in Mecklenburg County. That same year the number of absentee ballots totaled 25,254.

One Good Thing: Drop by Matthews Fire Station 1 (236 S. Trade St.) on Saturday, October 31 from 5 pm to 8 pm, for some treats. Firefighters will have candy and fire safety materials to give out.

Another Good Thing: Today is the last day to get your application in for the CARES Act Funding Relief grants to be awarded by the Town of Matthews.