Morning Minute: Friday, December 4, 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morning Minute: Thursday, December 3, 2020

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

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

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

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

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 1, 2020

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

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

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

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

Morning Minute: Monday, November 30, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners will meet tonight to discuss possible revisions to COVID restrictions in establishments in Matthews. The discussion is prompted by dramatic increases in COVID-positive cases (10,000 more cases in the last 2 ½ weeks) in Mecklenburg County with a prediction of exponential growth. The Governor’s Order sets the minimum restrictions and enforcement, and at a recent COVID-19 Policy Group meeting, the County Manager and Health Director proposed more restrictive standards; the Board will discuss these suggestions.

The meeting agenda is available online. Once again, the meeting will be conducted remotely. To watch live, the meeting is available via Zoom (link here, meeting starts at 7 pm, Monday, November 30). 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 926 2337 2645. For more information, visit the town website.

News Around Town: In September, the NCGA provided COVID-relief grants of $335 for North Carolina families with Children. If a family filed taxes last year and met the requirements, they should have received a check. If a household did not file taxes, such as those who make less than $20,000 annually, they may be unaware of the need to apply to receive these funds. Charlotte law firm Robinson Bradshaw filed a complaint and won to reopen and extend the application period through December 7. Apply online.

Don’t Forget! Sponsor a teacher at COS Kids to show how much we appreciate their dedication to children during the pandemic. Sign up to sponsor a teacher for the week or donate gift cards to grocery stores, Target, or WalMart . Every donation will brighten the season for these essential care givers.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 25, 2020

News About Town: The Town of Matthews Parks and Rec Department has a new, two-part music class for little ones taught by Ms. Kathy of the Music Makers. The classroom is a pressure- and judgement-free zone where kids can participate in holiday sing-a-longs, movement and dancing, instrument playing, puppets and visuals, and holiday musical games. This class is geared towards children ages 2-5 and is on Thursdays, December 3 and 10 at 11 am, or December 4 and 11 at 11 am. Pre-registration is required and space is limited.

Image via the Town of Matthews Parks, Rec, and Cultural Resource Department

News Around Town: The LEGO Truck is coming to Matthews this Friday, November 27. Find the vending machine style truck at Matthews Reserve (1315 Cameron Matthews Dr., Matthews, NC 28105) from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The special vending machine-style truck offers a COVID-friendly way to deliver free minibuild sets (one for you and a friend!), share demos of different builds, and get a sneak peek of exclusive sets at LEGO retail stores. There will be photo opps and more, and for each LEGO ornament built and posted to social media, The LEGO Group will donate a full-sized kit to a child in need of play—helping 1,000,000 children.

One Good Thing: Show a caregiver appreciation by sponsoring a COS Kids teacher this holiday season. The teachers as COS Kids have been present throughout the pandemic, ensuring clean and safe facilities for the children of first responders, essential workers, and families who can’t work from home. Sign up to sponsor a teacher for the week or donate gift cards . Any action will show appreciation and be appreciated!

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 24, 2020

We’re interrupting our regular news for a special project.

In the spring, the Beacon collected donations for the Matthews HELP Center. Now that it's the holiday season, we're sponsoring a Teacher Appreciation Week at C.O.S.Kids! 

The staff at C.O.S. Kids have been giving it their all throughout the pandemic. In fact, when schools made the decision to go all virtual, Sue Sproat, the Director for the child care facility, was the person to organize the community to make sure children weren't slipping through the cracks.

I was chatting with Sue about how we can show our appreciation. They have 50 staff members, so this will be a big effort, but Matthews has a huge heart and I know we can do it! 

From Sue, "The wonderful staff at C.O.S.Kids has persevered through all the upheaval this year to nurture children and provide developmental, social and emotional support when it was needed the most. We have been open throughout the pandemic, from caring for the children of essential workers at the beginning of the shelter-at-home orders, to expanding our services to include the remote learning for our school agers.  They have taken on all the challenges we have asked of them.  Safety precautions keep them segregated to their classrooms and unable to congregate or share their day with their co-workers.  This can feel very isolating and lonely.  We would love to show them our respect and appreciation for the difficult and crucially important job they do!”

Via Unsplash user @Superkitina

We will collect items on December 11 and 12 for surprises the week of the 13th. (If you'd like to be a collection site, let us know!) Sign up here. 

Monday: "Warm a heart"- send in card or note letting your teacher know just how thankful we are for all that they do for the children of our community, "shower your teacher with flowers"- You can either bring in flowers, draw/make flowers, bring a houseplant.

Tuesday: $20 gift card for groceries. 

Wednesday: "Safety first" Reusable cloth masks (even better if it’s holiday/winter-themed) and hand sanitizer--spend $10 or less

Thursday: “Self Care day"- bring items for pampering self care--bath bombs, luxurious soap or lotion, a pair of cute, warm socks or gloves. Get creative, have fun! $10 or less

Friday: $20 Gift Card for a little bit of shopping. Amazon, Walmart, Target are suggestions

Have questions? Would you like to provide gifts for one day rather than all five? Every bit helps!

Justice - A cinquain by Lorraine Stark

Justice

Justice

a delicate

balance tipped by lies will

reconstruct itself when the truth’s

spoken

By Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash @tingeyinjurylawfirm

Morning Minute: Friday, November 20, 2020

News About Town: If you work the late shift, be aware of upcoming road closures for East John Street under the I-485 bridge. The road was closed last night (Thursday, November 19) and will be closed again tonight between the hours of 11:00 pm and 5:00 am as part of the I-485 widening project. Interstate access ramps will remain open, but the portion of the road under the bridge will be closed, blocking through traffic. To avoid the closure, use Independence Blvd as an alternate route.

One Fun Thing: The Matthews Playhouse is bringing reality TV to Matthews. Join the Playhouse and host Chris Melton for The Masked Singer (Junior!) tonight (Friday, November 20) at 7:30 pm. The Playhouse will stream the event, and three finalists, from a pool of more than twenty contestants, will compete to be the Masked Singer!

Watch on Facebook Live or the Playhouse YouTube Channel then vote for your favorite singer during the livestream. Each vote is a pledge for a $5 donation, and a portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to Common Heart, an area non-profit that fosters volunteer community action to address specific issues of hunger and poverty located in Indian Trail NC.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 19, 2020

News About Town: The November 23 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. To watch live, the meeting is available via Zoom (link here, the meeting starts at 7 pm, Monday, November 23). 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 979 5617 4700. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

Interesting items include pursuing private partnerships to fund town goals such as a future dog park at Purser-Hulsey Park. Several transportation items are on the agenda, such as an interesting maneuver required to enter Fullwood Station, an update of the Mobility and Parking Plan, and amendments to the Comprehensive Transportation Plan.

News Around Town: When all other holiday plans have gone awry, gingerbread houses stand true. Have no fear, the Matthews Chamber of Commerce is still hosting their annual Gingerbread House Contest. Drop off your entry at the Chamber (210 Matthews Station Street) anytime between December 1 to December 4 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for judging on on Saturday, December 5 at 12 pm. The earlier the drop off the better, space is limited and this is an increasingly popular holiday tradition. Houses will be on display at the Matthews Welcome Center (the Chamber HQ) from Dec 5 to 30 (10 am to 4 pm weekdays and Saturdays) for the public to view, free of charge.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 18, 2020

News About Town: Just because there’s a pandemic doesn’t mean Santa time is canceled. Matthews Parks and Rec has socially-distanced appointments available for Photos with Santa, but time slots are limited (Santa’s a busy guy) and registration is required.

Other annual Town holiday events look a lot different this year; there’s no big tree lighting, and the Nutcracker ballet wasn’t possible. Channel your inner-Liberace, grab all the decorations from the attic, a staple gun (don’t quote us on that—check your DIY best practices manual), and outdoor lights. Rev up the generator, stock up on seasonally appropriate inflatables, and deck your house for the holidays...you may just win a prize. Ready, set, Griswold!

Image via the Town of Matthews

News Around Town: The Mecklenburg County FY2022 Resident Budget Priority Survey is now open (through December 23). This survey is a chance for residents to participate in the budget process and to prioritize dollars allocated toward education, affordable housing, recreation, and the environment. While you’re at it, try out the Budget Simulator, a hands on way to see the complexities of creating a balanced budget. Check out the survey online, request a paper copy at area libraries, or text the word “budget” to 1-833-686-1234 to receive and complete the survey via smartphones.

Tyleen’s Tasty Food presents Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Just in time for dessert season, Tyleen has the recipe to fill all your pumpkin spice cravings on a Keto diet. Dig in and enjoy without the sugar crash of Thanksgivings past.

Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

From Tyleen’s Tasty Food

This recipe includes 3 layers- the crust, a pumpkin filling, and a cheesecake swirl, meeting all your dessert desires in one serving.

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 7 tbsp butter

• 3⁄4 cup coconut flour

• 1⁄4 cup Monkfruit brown sugar sweetener

• 2 tsp of vanilla

Method of Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Combine all ingredients in a food processor until a dough forms.

Spread dough on a greased 9x13 pan and bake for 5-7 minutes.

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

• 8oz cream cheese°

• 1⁄4 cup sour cream

• 2 large eggs

• 1 Tbsp vanilla (I love vanilla so I used a Tbsp, you can use less)

• 1⁄4 cup Monkfruit sweetener

Method of Preparation:

Mix ingredients together in a food processor until smooth.

Add the cheesecake layer on top of the cooked crust and bake at 350°F for 8 minutes. Remove from

oven and let cool for 5 minutes.

Pumpkin Filling Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup milk or heavy cream (depending your on calorie needs)

• 1-2 cups cooked pumpkin (approx. 1 small pumpkin roasted or you can used canned)

• 1⁄4 cup Monkfruit brown sugar sweetener

• 1 tsp of cinnamon*

• 1⁄2 tsp salt*

• 1⁄2 tsp of ginger*

• 1⁄4 tsp of ground clove*

  *Or you can use pumpkin pie spice

• 1 tsp of vanilla (again here you can use more)

Method of Preparation:

Add the pumpkin layer on top of the cooled cheesecake and bake an additional 45-55 minutes at 350°F.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely before you enjoy- unless you are the kind of person that

likes hot cheesecake, in that case, dig right in!

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 17, 2020

News About Town: The Silver Line Task Force has wrapped up a ten-meeting review of the future light rail in Matthews, concluding their activities with a general consensus for where the tracks should go in Matthews. Task Force Chair Bill Stevens presented the Silver Line Alignment Recommendation to the Board of Commissioners on November 9. Last night Andy Mock, the CATS project manager for the Silver Line, presented the scorecards from the Task Force. These cards give an overview of important aspects in the decision-making process, providing insight into the priorities of decision making for the Task Force. The Board will participate in a series of presentations, tours, and opportunities for public input over the next 5 months, and will vote to approve a preferred alignment in March of 2021.

Image via Unsplash photographer @markolson

News Around Town: Your Mom’s Donuts is dishing out Thanksgiving flavors this week via DaFCD (Donuts as Flavor Carrier Device). Try out the Sweet Potato Casserole (count it as a vegetable), Chocolate Pecan Pie, or the can’t-go-wrong Pumpkin Pie. Feeling more adventurous? Try the Cranberry Goat Cheese with Sage Sugar donut.

Thanksgiving Feasts? No Sweat! Meals Made in Matthews

Image via Unsplash photographer @priscilladupreez

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re knee-deep in safety precautions, let the local restaurants do the heavy (food) lifting.

• Fullwood Market has holiday dessert offerings in single servings from the pastry case. Might as well get one of each so you can do a dessert taste-test before fully committing.

• Mac’s Speed Shop offers whole, slow-smoked turkeys and sides. Mac’s needs 48 hours to prepare. They’re also giving away a full Thanksgiving dinner to a family in need. Know someone who would truly be thankful for a feast this year? Nominate them here.

• Mario’s Italian Restaurant offers fully cooked boxed meals for two for $35. Call to to schedule your pickup or delivery time for Tuesday the 24th or Wednesday the 25th. Orders must be placed by Monday the 23rd at 10 PM.

• Moe’s has a similar option to Mac’s—a whole, smoked turkey with citrus cranberry sauce for $50. Sides are also available. Don’t need a whole bird? Get a family pack for $55, which includes two pounds of turkey breast meat, three sides, and cornbread. Orders must be placed by November 23.

• Santé has a full Thanksgiving menu to go. Order online; be sure to add an appetizer and a bottle of wine for one stop shopping.

Who did we miss? Know a Matthews business serving up Thanksgiving delights? Send us a note and we’ll add them to the list.

Morning Minute: Monday, November 16, 2020

News About Town: The Matthews HELP Center elves are busy organizing the 2020 Matthews Gives Back Holiday Toy Drive and they need your help. Donate new, unwrapped toys for children 1-12 and gift cards for teens 13-18. This year, give from a distance by shopping the HELP Center’s Amazon wish list (using Amazon Smiles is even better). The deadline to donate is Dec. 12th.
If you or someone you know needs support this holiday giving season, apply online (before December 11) through the HELP Center. Gifts will be distributed to registered clients mid-December.
Matthews Gives Back is sponsored by the Town of Matthews, Matthews HELP Center, Matthews United Methodist Church, and other local nonprofits.

News Around Town: Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re knee-deep in safety precautions, let the local restaurants do the heavy (food) lifting.

• Fullwood Market has holiday dessert offerings in single servings from the pastry case. Might as well get one of each so you can do a dessert taste-test before fully committing.

• Mac’s Speed Shop offers whole, slow-smoked turkeys and sides. Mac’s needs 48 hours to prepare. They’re also giving away a full Thanksgiving dinner to a family in need. Know someone who would truly be thankful for a feast this year? Nominate them here.

• Moe’s has a similar option to Mac’s—a whole, smoked turkey with citrus cranberry sauce for $50. Sides are also available. Don’t need a whole bird? Get a family pack for $55, which includes two pounds of turkey breast meat, three sides, and cornbread. Orders must be placed by November 23.

• Santé has a full Thanksgiving menu to go. Order online; be sure to add an appetizer and a bottle of wine for one stop shopping.

Who did we miss? Know a Matthews business serving up Thanksgiving delights? Send us a note and we’ll add them to the list.

Morning Minute: Friday, November 13, 2020

News About Town: On Monday, November 16, the Board of Commissioners will meet via Zoom to discuss the LYNX Silver Line. CATS Silver Line Project Manager Andy Mock will present the CATS scorecard to the Board, which was presented to the Silver Line Task Force in October. To call in using iPhone one-tap, call US: +16465588656,,95412263467# or +13017158592,,95412263467# or call toll free 888 788 0099.

(Huge thanks to Dimple Desai for the Veterans Day Celebration pic!)

News Around Town: On Wednesday, Novant Hospital announced the organization is raising their minimum wage to $15 an hour. According to a 2019 Fact Sheet, the Winston Salem-based medical provider employs more than 1,600 physicians and over 29,000 employees at over 640 locations. Throughout the system, this raise benefits more than 2,000 team members and will be effective January 2021. The Matthews location employs approximately 1,000 total salaried and hourly staff.

One Good Thing: Pick up a gun lock from Matthews PD (1201 Crews Road) tomorrow, November 14, from 10 am to 1 pm. Locally organized by Captain McGuirt as part of Project ChildSafe, Cops With Locks provides free gun locks and teaches safe and responsible gun ownership. Other departments participating are the Pineville PD, Mint Hill PD and Stallings PD.