Dion Lovallo: A Partner for Recovery

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

In Room 103 at 1320 Matthews Mint Hill Road, at least one dozen men and women are discussing their feelings and emotions – everything from finding purpose and a place in life to self-love and emotional stability. This might be a support group for any number of possible ailments, vices or afflictions, however, the 12-step program on the wall provides a clue. This is the Carolina Center for Recovery and these participants are in substance abuse recovery.

On this day, leader, Jim, is using gentle humor with pointed observations and comments focusing on those individuals who appear to need the most support and guidance. It is a comfortable group clearly aware that there is safety and security in knowing that others are going through (and have gone through) similar struggles. However many other facets this institution might provide, the single most important goal is to help participants find sobriety and remain sober.

This is the lifeblood of co-owner, Matthews resident, Dion Lovallo, 28. Dion, along with three others (his father, his sponsor, and his best friend) opened this center just under a year ago. Recovery is a topic Dion knows well – having struggled with substance abuse, himself from the ages of 13 to 22, been in and out of treatment, and then hired as an admissions coordinator at his last treatment center.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

“I found that this is something that I enjoyed,” he said. “It’s something I’m passionate about.” Among his 24/7 duties include handling emergencies, new admissions, and general problems either with staff or clients. He sees his program as “more family oriented – giving them a purpose.” Dion goes to the gym with the group, offers outside activities like barbecues and attends church with interested members. “Helping others helps me stay sober,” he says matter-of-factly.

At this moment, approximately two dozen people are enrolled in the Partial Hospitalization Program. Having been assigned a specific counselor, they attend several support groups/week and are encouraged to use the Brace Y to work out daily. “Something to get them out of their comfort zone,” says Dion. Prior to entering the program, at least 50% of the participants require detox.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

“Everyone knows somebody who is struggling [with substances],” said Dion, mentioning the ongoing funerals he attends of those whose lives have ended tragically or far too soon.

To Dion, success is “somebody who stays sober.”

“Somebody gave me a chance,” he said. “I just like to give people a chance.”  As a chance was given to him, it is also Dion’s future goal to hire some of his clients-in-recovery to assist him at the facility.

“Helping others helps me stay sober”

Trevor Cochran: Better Living Through Better Broth

Photos courtesy Bethany Cochran Art

Trevor Cochran, 30, is a Type-A. He was a football walk-on in college (but dropped football after one semester, choosing to focus on his just-under 4.0-grade average). Having graduated college by age 20, he immediately began climbing the rungs of the corporate ladder to achieve maximum success.

His 40-hour work-weeks became 40++. Instead of coming home to sleep, he occasionally slept in at work. He often worked on weekends. He moved uptown to get to work quickly.

As a credit and collections person on the “business-to-business level,” he told himself that the constant pace and ongoing dedication would reap more success and achievement in his life. He would, as he said, always find ways to “fix things” but never get rewarded for his achievements.

Within that period, he developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), acid reflux and excessive daytime tiredness. He also gained 50 pounds.

By age 25, he knew that something was wrong –the medication for the acid reflux made his acne, IBS, and hypersomnia worse while the acne meds exacerbated his headaches. His cholesterol levels were rising, and despite working out and running long miles, he could not reduce his symptoms nor lose weight. (His Hispanic relatives all struggle with some form of diabetes.)

And, so began his journey to find wellness.

When the head of his running group suggested the work of Mark Sisson (Paleo Diet), he immediately closeted himself off one weekend and read everything he could find. He was hooked. Within a year, he lost the weight and nearly all of his symptoms. He was on the verge of changing his entire life.

During this same time, he met his girlfriend (the daughter of a chef); his journey toward good health merged with the exquisite palette of his then future-wife and the necessity to please her. He got “good at cooking,” as he said, and at making spices.

He continued his voracious reading and learned more about clean eating, healthful spices, and the harmful nuances in foodstuff.

He recognized that he had severe leaky gut issues and that drinking bone broth would plug the holes. He looked around and found some bone broths, but found none he enjoyed.

At age 28, he began his last stretch in the business world as a contract employee training his replacements in the business of collections as his employer began outsourcing. His job was intended to end in spring of 2018.

Over the years, he had squirreled away his monies. When he married his wife, they began to squirrel it away, together. Both knew they “didn’t want to be in middle management for the rest of [their] lives.” He knew he had “way too much entrepreneurial spirit.”

He perfected his bone broth and soon perfected his spices. He found and rented a commercial kitchen dedicating the required 48-72 hours to make his broth. When digital pressure cookers hit the market, he changed that time to just under 10 hours. He began educating people about the benefits of his products.

He began his company, Pure Old World, Inc., full time that same spring of 2018 - launching at the Matthews Farmer’s Market. “Matthews has been just great,” he said.

Today, less than one year in business, he can “cover his costs” and is now in multiple stores with plans for expansion. He’s also done many “pop-up” events in the region, trying to spread awareness for his products.

Currently, he purchases bones from two local NC/SC farmers who are using sustainable agriculture and keeping an eye on environmental concerns. After confirming all the necessary qualifications, he inspects and walks the farms thoroughly before he chooses them. He’s looking not only for free-range and organically fed but for chickens using non-GMO feed; he must also be able to “walk with them in pasture.” He is currently negotiating with four more local farmers.

In the next handful of years, Trevor’s goal is to branch out into small regional companies – in other directions – clothing, shoes and, especially, eyewear. He says he has no interest in doing work on a national or international level. “Everything we like to do is about freedom, and not just by us but for others,” he said. “Understanding the trade network – where the goods come from. Focus on employing people locally.”

When he purchases a commercial kitchen, he’d like to host events and branch out into producing “cooking fats.” He also wants to sell bone broth in local coffee shops since customers drink it “like coffee and tea.”

“...lives can get better through the foods [you] eat. If you can change your diet and lifestyle, it can change your life.
”

He proudly regales the stories of customers who say his bone broth and spices have helped heal various ailments. “You feel better about [this] work,” he says, in relation to the previous professional work he did.

“I want people to understand where the bones for their bone broth comes from – that it matters,” said Trevor. “That the food they are buying impacts their local environment and for people to understand that if they (also) have an autoimmune condition, their lives can get better through the foods they eat. …If you can change your diet and lifestyle,” he added, “it can change your life.”

Mumukshu Brahmbhatt: Giving Back Through Service

“In the joy of others lies our own.”

— Pramukh Swami Maharaj

To hear Mumukshu “MB” Brahmbhatt, 45, of Waxhaw, tell it, his life has been a whirlwind.

Moving from India to study business and finance in Australia 23 years ago, to working at the UPS Store (2217 Matthews Township Pkwy), MB has always squarely placed his faith in God, his religion, and his core values. In doing so, he has been on a rollercoaster ride—of life.  The last stop has been Matthews; he’s now celebrating his 10th year as owner of that store.  

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

But this story begins 20 years ago when on a trip (from Australia) to visit relatives in New Jersey, he had a half-hour face-to-face with a potential new wife in Jacksonville, FL. Before leaving to go back to Australia, he requested a second brief meeting but was turned down.  

Unbeknownst to him, and shortly thereafter, his now-wife’s father flew her family to MB’s parent’s house in India to meet his family. His wife’s family was so thrilled with what they saw that they asked him to immediately fly to India to get engaged. At that point, he could not remember what his future bride looked like. More importantly, he was unsure what to do.

Conferring with his spiritual leader in India, he requested permission to delay his final exams, and off he flew to Mumbai to meet her parents.  

They requested that he get engaged and then travel 300 miles to his parents’ house to marry. He requested time to finish his studies, graduate, land a job, and then marry before moving with his future wife. They requested a local court marriage. And so he was engaged and then married—within 10 days.

They had a one-day honeymoon.

She went back to Florida; he went back to Australia to complete his studies. He was, as he says, “in shock.”

It would be one year after their whirlwind meeting that he would finish his schooling, obtain his visa, and move to Florida to discuss the specifics of their life.

He laid out his intentions: he wanted to move to New York to live in the financial capital of the world. She didn’t want to go north. He opened up a map and asked her to tell him where they might move. They found a “happy medium.” In 1999, they moved to the Charlotte area. He is now the father of two children.

For MB, all of the stories—the stuff of life in between birth and death—has been but a mere journey to an afterlife, one that is ordained and divined by God. Until that happens, this devotee of Hinduism says he is experiencing his life as intended—as a life of joy, service, giving back to the community, and serving for the greater good of family, friends, and customers.

“This is a temporary life,” said MB. “He designed this for me. I’m happy, and I’m here to serve,” he said.

He is proud of his guru, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, 5th spiritual Guru of BAPS Organization following in the footsteps of Shastriji Maharaj and Bhagwan (God) Swaminarayan, with their emphasis on a life dedicated to the betterment of others. Following their dictates, he is alive and on earth to “serve others” without “attachments to things, as we all have to leave [those] behind one day.”

First arriving in Charlotte, MB sought the advice of others to help him find a good path and an applicable business. Investigation led to the purchase of a UPS store in Pineville. He purchased a second store in Indian Trail, and then finally the store in Matthews. The first two have been sold.  The Matthews store he calls his “home.”

“Those values keep me content, on the ground. I’ve had all the big American dreams so far … I have been blessed by all that. I have gotten more than I deserve.”

— MB Brahmbhatt

Photo by Renee Garner

His story, he says, is the American dream. He built up “sweat equity”; he extended himself to the community, joined local business groups, walked door-to-door to introduce himself to people, and attended every community event he could find. He is proud of his success, but quick to state that riches are not important in this lifetime. “Those values keep me content, on the ground. I’ve had all the big American dreams so far … I have been blessed by all that. I have gotten more than I deserve.”

The extra touches he brings include holding the door open for his customers, driving to get the packages himself, offering a discount while providing superior service. “We do small, small things that people don’t expect us to do,” he said, including calling customers when their sent packages have been delivered, and dropping off packages when they arrive.  

Honesty and integrity remain at the heart of his values, as do his religious tenets.  “What you preach, you have to practice,” he says. MB prays and meditates each morning and each evening. He also fasts every 15 days and attends his temple (mandir) every Sunday. He remains one of the pre-eminent members of his Indian temple (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Matthews) and is PR Lead of its community outreach program.

In the future, he hopes to double his volume and, perhaps, own other businesses – more chances to give back to the community that he has grown to love and that he feels accepts and appreciates him. “Ten years later, I’m learning that all I’ve done is a byproduct of [my hard work],” he said. “I don’t expect [anything]. When you have no expectations and you do your work, sometimes you get the fruit.”

The UPS Store 2729, 2217 Matthews Township Pkwy, Ste D, Matthews, North Carolina

Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.; Saturday: 9;00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Sunday: Closed

J. Jones Jewelers, a Bittersweet Closure

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

After 30 years in the jewelry business, J. Jones Jewelry, at 11229 East Independence Boulevard, is closing its doors at the end of December.

According to owner and Matthews resident, Judy Jones, the closing will be bittersweet – a good time to retire for the 67-year-old and her husband Larry, 65, but a sad time to say goodbye to long-time clients.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

When the repair and custom fine-jewelry design store opened, in 1988, it was the only custom jewelry store in town and a dream for the couple to find something to do together and to make a living for their family of five. Judy serves as business manager and Larry is the jeweler.

“We wanted to stay close to home and thought Matthews would be a good place” to run a business, said Judy.

Along with the couple is their trusty dog, Brutus – always present and at their feet.

Over the years, the couple has seen changing trends in the field – affecting declining sales of jewelry purchases and the demise of small businesses.

Younger people buy less jewelry and are opting for a one-time bridal jewelry purchase. Judy has also noticed they “shop on the Internet or big boxed stores. Mom and pop stores are going out of style.”

Through the decades clients have formed close, personal connections with the family, including the Jones' 38-year-old son who worked at the store and is now grappling with a serious disease. “We’re going to miss our long-time customers. They’ve been through a lot with us,” Judy said.

Photo courtesy J Jones Jewelers

According to Signifyd, three of the most significant trends in 2018 include:

a 12.5% year-over-year increase in brick and mortar jewelry stores going out of business; online fine jewelry sales will have doubled between 2014 – 2020; and diamond purchases by single women will increase by 20% between 2013-2016.

Seela Salon: Opening Doors to All

When clients come to the Seela Salon in Matthews, they are often stepping into a veritable United Nations with a decidedly Middle Eastern slant. Although known as the only Matthews salon which caters to Middle Easterners, owner Abeer Badran’s clients come from all over (with some from as far as Virginia) and represent a host of countries, regions, and locales.

Abeer, 46, of Waxhaw, is the mother of 10-year-old twin boys and a 22-year-old daughter (the salon’s name is her daughter’s nickname). During the course of any day, she often mentions her husband and/or children or takes phone calls from them, prompting discussions about various family situations.

To that, most women clients look up in amusement, clearly understanding the trials and tribulations of family life which trump any particular ethnicity or origin.

The Road to Matthews

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

For Abeer, coming to the Charlotte area/US in 1993 to marry her husband, is another indicator of how much family and tradition are intertwined in her life. Her Palestinian-born, now American-citizen husband and his extended family have been here since the 1950s.

“I love Matthews myself,” she said. “It’s in the middle of everywhere. I love Matthews people. (They) are so open-minded, they are family-minded people,” said Abeer.

“(Here) nobody can tell me what to do; I’m my own boss,” she says with a smile, proudly adding that it’s not just hair services, but nail and skincare which encompass her business. The Middle Eastern applications are foot and hand baths, and threading.

The Seela Experience

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Now in Seela’s fourth year in Matthews, for the Jordanian-born Abeer the interior design, and the entire operation are something she is enormously proud of. Inside the salon, instead of just listening to popular American music, clients are often entertained by the sounds of Radio Jordan (from the country of Jordan). Instead of just talking amongst themselves, they are often amused by Abeer spontaneously doing a watered-down version of the belly dance – “shaking and exercising,” as she calls it.

She takes pride in the salon décor she’s carefully chosen – a mixture of Middle Eastern lamps and furniture with signs and whimsical designs. She says the look reflects her personal style and can also be found in her own home. “This is the nice thing…a lot of the time, people say it’s so homey. They’re comfortable here,” she says with deep satisfaction.

“Many clients know nothing about the Middle East. This is a subject I can talk a lot about. We talk about Hijabs (head coverings), for example, and why I’m not wearing one. It helps a lot for people to understand more about Middle Easterners and not be scared.”

— Abeer Badran

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Sharing Cultures

While most clients are more than accepting of Abeer’s heritage and homeland, over the years, she’s seen a few who appear not to be comfortable, and have chosen not to return. Any conversations which might become personal, religious or political, she says she gently turns the conversations into teachable moments regarding various facets of her culture.

“Many clients know nothing about the Middle East,” she says. “This is a subject I can talk a lot about – clients get educated….We talk about Hijabs (head coverings), for example, and why I’m not wearing one. It helps a lot for people to understand more about Middle Easterners and not be scared.”

Ultimately, her salon is her home; and in that way, she has opened the doors to all.

“(I like) the comfort level that clients have. They’re comfortable,” said Abeer. “This is what I wanted to do. This is what I’m meant to do.”

Brakeman's Coffee: A Sharing Space

(L to R) Mark Moore, David Johnson, & Dave Braysden Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Last winter, in an overture of friendship and community, the owners of Brakeman’s (David Johnson, Mark Moore, and Dave Baysden) placed an enormous menorah in the front of the building, loaned by the group at ZABS. “The foundation was friendship and trust,” said David.

“I was into the power(ful) story of Chanukah,” said Mark. “It was an opportunity for the Christian community to understand the power of the story.” They also hosted an opening lighting ceremony with ZABS folks providing narrative to the lighting.

“We wanted a space that was life-giving...How do we make sure that this space is embraced by everybody?”

— David Johnson

“We wanted a place that was ecumenical in its approach,” said David, explaining the vision for Brakeman’s. “We wanted a space that was life-giving. We’re not rooted in making money. How do we make sure that this space is embraced by everybody?”

“This is a place where people can share their story, tell their stories – whether it’s religious, personal or otherwise,” he said. “Those are the things we (try to support).”

Get Hyperlocal this holiday season

If you haven’t checked out the Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide, we went live this past Friday and it’s good. REALLY REALLY GOOD.

Our participants are truly small businesses working extra hard to earn your support. From financial coaching to custom jewelry, from sleds at Renfrow’s to delightful desserts, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s tastes (mmmm…ice cream cake). Treat your bestie to a reiki session then treat yourself to some luxurious handmade bath bombs.

Check out the gift guide then get to (hyperlocal) shopping!

Mac and Mamas Tassels

Wright Financial Coaching

Backyards Birds

Energetic Apothecary

KC's Dragon Maille

Good Cup Coffee

The Local Scoop

Clean Line Soap Co.

Knit Wits Accessories

Providence Florist

Music Makers Ukulele & Lessons

Vivian Brenner, Fiber Artist

Madison Woodworks

Music Makers

Matthews Community Farmers' Market

Renfrow Hardware

Matthews Meets the European Food Scene

Two transplants to Matthews are forging their way into the food scene and are bringing a slice of their heritage and roots with them.

Both Marci Dagenhardt’s Marci’s European Sweets and StrudelTeig, a food truck bakery owed by Marvin and Cora Adcock, are using recipes and recipe books provided by their grandparents. They represent the latest wave of ethnic food-vendors who are changing the palette and cultural landscape in and around Matthews. Both have been in business for approximately one year.  

Marci, originally from the Czech Republic, started baking when she was very young – especially Christmas cookies – a time-worn annual family tradition. Originally schooled in hospitality, Marci moved to the US to be a nanny.  After marrying, she turned to baking as a way to remain connected to her homeland. It also brought her enormous comfort.

When Marci’s beloved 93-year-old grandmother sent her 1947 recipe book last Christmas, she took it as a “sign” and began baking in earnest for others. She and her husband recently built their 4800 square foot home in Matthews, complete with a separate kitchen intended for her growing business. Not only does she now bake for a living, but the actual preparation and being in the separate kitchen space provide a way to relieve stress daily.

She fondly speaks of using marzipan as an ingredient, has baked many new European-style goods to find the perfect fit for her business, and constantly searches for new Czech recipes to add to her growing offerings. Recently, her cousin in the Czech Republic sent her a new fudge recipe – it’s all a way to remain connected to her family. Of her grandmother’s feelings?  “She loves it,” Marci said. “She’s so proud.”

And, now, it’s a new way to connect with others.

“I try to bring (food) to people to open their mind,” said Marci, noting that many people stop in to tell her about their grandparents who come from Europe. “I (sometimes) say, ‘Wow, I’m not here by myself!’ “

Moravian gingerbread, Linzer cookies, honey cake, poppy seed cookies, Bohemian and Moravian kolache, rugelach, and marshmallow fondant cake are just a few of her specialties. This is not just about business, she insists, but about “bringing people joy. …and experience something new… Sweet can be sweet, but not sugary-sweet (like in America). I want to help American people know the culture.  I want people to experience that there are (foods) different than what’s here." To get an authentic flavor, she imports some ingredients from the Czech Republic. She also ships her baked goods across the US.

Marvin Adcock brought together his desire to work for himself with the culture and cuisine of his Austrian-born wife, Cora (with a nod to some German and Swiss-cuisine specialties, and incorporating the cuisine of other  European/Eastern European countries). “My passion was to cook for people and use the recipes from her background,” he said. Last year, they purchased a food truck. “There are no European food trucks” around here, said Cora, who has drawn from country-favorites and used some recipes from her grandfather’s restaurant in Austria.

The couple takes pride in their all-natural, locally-sourced ingredients.

Their truck offers a way to be mobile and cater to many different crowds. They use their food truck for “foods that take less time to prepare” which include pretzels, Viennese Apple strudel, and Bavarian pretzel melt (grilled cheese), to name a few. They’ve also started a separate catering business which is quickly growing to include things like Speckknödel, Schweinebraten, Viennese Gulasch, Hungarian Krautstrudel, and Käsespätzle.

They, too, say that international travelers and fellow Austrians/Europeans come up to the truck in search of authentic foods they can’t find elsewhere.

While both companies have a strong online presence (for ordering), in the future, both groups would like to own small European cafés. For Marvin, that would be intended to serve breakfast foods; Marci would like a European coffee shop (adding on her husband’s passion for coffee) with two separate areas – one for people who wish to have quiet and the other side for “moms with kids.” “Every woman from my family goes to the coffee shop on Thursday…we talk….and the kids can play together. They serve small sandwiches, sweet stuff and have peace,” she said with a smile, noting that she is now the mother of a newborn.

For both entities, the opportunity to share their respective cultures here is not lost, nor taken for granted. “It’s not just food,” said Cora, adding that she also posts photos of Austria, on their site, to give a broader overview of the beauty of the country. “I think that the greatest part of America is the ability to live your culture (freely) here,” said Marvin.

Hyperlocal Sneak Peek

While we’re busy whipping up the food for tomorrow’s feast we’re also doing a little prepping here at the Beacon. We’re unveiling the Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide this Friday. In the meantime, here’s a little taste of the small businesses and local talent that would love to have your support this holiday season.

While you’re planning ahead, don’t forget your Hand Turkey!

Forest Lawn East Cemetery: A Peaceful Resting Place for Everyone

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

A drive down Forest Lawn Road, on the line between Matthews and Weddington, is as peaceful as one might hope for on a drive in the country.  Through the front black gates of Forest Lawn East Cemetery, visitors are greeted by a memorial to US Airways flight #5481 - a nine-foot-tall obelisk surrounded by 21 memorial markers - dedicated to those who lost their lives in the crash at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, on January 9, 2003.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Driving further along, you’ll find an old-fashioned water wheel and springhouse, a gazebo for flower- arranging near a botanical garden which overlooks the historical Sweetwater Spring, a small stone bridge overlooking the creek, and bird feeders, for attracting wildlife.

There are azaleas, flowering dogwoods, sundials, a Lion’s Head fountain, professionally-landscaped flower gardens, marble seats, the Garden of Chimes, meandering roads and even-larger structures like the Sylvan Abbey Mausoleum – all designed to provide ample opportunities for reflection and meditation. This might well be the epitome of peacefulness and serenity.

Upon closer look, you’ll also find upright and flat gravestones, silk flower arrangements and a variety of monuments, mausoleums, crypts and vaults in many sizes, shapes and colors and material.

This is the vision of former Greensboro (NC) resident Jack O. Williams (now deceased), who created Forest Lawn East Cemetery in 1972 as a “peaceful resting place for (everyone),” said cemetery manager and Funeral Director Karen Reardon, one of seven directors in that location. “There was a need and somebody had to fill it…His belief was to take care of every human being.”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Currently 62 out of a prospective 65 acres have been developed and/or are being designated for future use. There are approximately 7000 units at the site.  Forest Lawn East Cemetery is believed to be the only interdenominational cemetery in North Carolina.

The beautification of the entire space is attributed to Williams; Reardon has continued that original mission. “Mr. Williams wanted it to be a park-like setting,” Reardon said. “He wanted people to be comfortable - where they could come here and visit; where it would be tranquil, and would be peaceful. They wouldn’t be walking away from here thinking they’d been in a ‘doom-and-gloom cemetery.’ ” she said.

He also wanted to provide for anyone interested in being buried in his cemetery.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

To that aim, there is now a Jewish section, a Christian Orthodox (Greek and Russian Orthodox) section, and St. Matthews Catholic cemetery. There is also a Garden of Faith, Hope, Love, a Green Burial Preserve (no caskets or vaults), Baby Land children’s cemetery and St. Francis pet cemetery – offered outside of the cemetery proper.

For those individuals wedded to their faith, they may choose to be buried in a faith-specific area; individuals may also choose to be buried in non denominational sections.

“Some people want to just be with their faith and (choose) that area,” said Reardon. “We don’t discriminate (regarding) religion. We allow the families to tell us where they want to be buried.”

In addition, the cemetery continues to be approached by faith-based groups seeking their own plot of land – their own piece of paradise. Once successfully negotiated, the cemetery “leaves it up to each faith to decide how they want to use their own space,” said Reardon.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

The first group to do so were members of the Jewish faith.  In 1988, they approached the owner about finding an alternative to the only other Jewish cemetery in the area – the historic Hebrew Cemetery of Charlotte. After negotiating successfully to completion, their section now represents a decidedly Jewish perspective – only Jews can be buried there (an interfaith couple would need to be buried on opposite sides of the road), the caskets must be made of wood (not metal), and can be stained in one of three colors.  The grave liner is made with holes in bottom so that each element returns the body to the earth.

One simple black covering with a Star of David is allowed on top of the casket. Bodies are bathed and shrouded in a separate area in that location; add’l room has been created for prerequisite sitters, who spend up to a few hours guarding the body before the burial (preferably 24 hours).

Approximately seven years ago, individuals from the Christian Orthodox churches approached the cemetery requesting their own section. Their ornate and often markers are often distinguished by large crosses at the top of gravestones.

The Catholic cemetery does not require specific rituals, but offers a variety of options – small mausoleums, private estates with stacked stones, photos on gravestones, etc.  Known as the “Garden of St. Matthew,” the Catholic section has columbarium units (buildings with niches in it) to house cremated remains as well as in-ground burials of cremated remains.  Visitors can leave specialty silk flowers in the vases on or near the stones indefinitely or place fresh flower arrangements for up to 10 days after the memorial service.

Recently, the cemetery has negotiated with members of the Baha’i faith for the creation of a new section.  Required/requested rituals will be the adornment of ceremonial (hand) rings and shrouds made of 100% silk and cotton. Individuals will be bathed and placed in the highest caliber wood caskets off-site, before reaching the cemetery grounds. According to the Baha’i faith, burial must take place within 75 miles away from where death occurs.  

Currently, the Messianic congregation (Jewish and Gentile) - Hope of Israel Congregation in Charlotte - has been in talks to create its own section, too.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

As an independently owned funeral home (rather than as part of a corporation), Reardon says they have the “ability to offer all kinds of things to our families.” This includes balloon and dove releases, urns and caskets made of many different materials. A reception facility is located onsite for meeting and/or eating before or after the service. Everything can be taken care of in one place – from bathing the body and readying it for burial, to adding special touches to the memorial service, to hosting families for memorial dinners/get-togethers before or after services.

“It’s all about a family’s desire,” said Reardon. “We are here to serve every human being. Our goal is to listen and do what the families want. We take great pride in making it an individualized, personal experience for families.”

“Every death is important to the family that you are working with,” Reardon said. “Some days are harder than others,” she said, especially when faced with a death of a child, for example. “No matter what our faith is, we all know we are going to a better place….Each of us will see our maker no matter who it might be.”

ZABS Place: A Matthews Business Worth Celebrating

ZABS is the acronym of the Hebrew name of Zachary Shporer - Zecharya Avraham Boruch Shporer. A happy, athletic, positive, take-over-the-world (in a good way) teen. He was awesome to be around. His friends and family loved him. His teachers raved about him. He was passionate about helping others, especially children and teens with special needs. At 18, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He died one year later.

Photo courtesy ZABS Place

This month, ZABS Place, located on the corner of South Trade and East John Streets, will celebrate its fourth anniversary of business. ZABS is an upscale thrift boutique and employment training center for young adults with special needs. It is one of the very few nonprofits in the country solely created to provide on-the-job training for “special talent” kids after graduating from high school. It will soon make its national mark after an NBC “Today Show” segment airs on national TV.

“I wanted a place where our young adults could work,” said co-founder Caren Gale. “It wasn’t fair that my daughter, who is neuro-typical, could graduate and go off and have an option. Why couldn’t our (other) kid have an option?”

“I asked my son what he wanted to do when he graduated, and he said, ‘work,’” she said. “Yet, I knew if he went out in the work world (and interviewed for a job), they wouldn’t ‘get’ him.”

ZABS story began six years ago when California to Charlotte transplants, Caren and Charlie Gale, could not find options for their (special needs) son, Jonathan, after he graduated from high school. At about the same time, Rabbi Bentzion and Rochel Groner, Directors of Charlotte’s Friendship Circle, were also discussing this same dilemma befalling many members of their group.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Enter Lisa Shporer and her husband now coping with the death of their 19-year-old son, Zachary Shporer, a volunteer with Friendship Circle who died of leukemia in 2012. The Groners asked the Shporers what they might do to help. A request to use Zachary’s name, in memory, led them to the creation of “ZABS Place.”

In a sit-down with Caren, Community Liason Lisa Shporer and ZABS Directors Rochel and Rabbi Bentzion Groner, the group exchanged thoughts on where they’ve been and where they are going.

“We had a desperate need (for) individuals to do something after high school,” said Bentzion. “We wanted the world to come and engage with our kids and help harness the energy and potential to have them connect with the community.”

The Shporers wanted to honor their son and honor the employees and the nonprofit’s mission.  “If we published Zachary’s name on it, we had to live up to his good name,” said Lisa.

“Within these four walls, this is Zachary’s home – we work hard not to have negative or critical thoughts,” Bentzion added.

Their intention was to meet these children, individually, and head-on, to help them achieve their dreams and gain life skills. Called “special talent kids,” they are guided, lovingly, through a series of individualized stages to achieve success.

“These children are as individual as snowflakes. How do we reach that child? It’s incumbent upon us that we find the lock (and key).”

— Caren Gale

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

“These children are as individual as snowflakes,” said Caren. “How do we reach that child? It’s incumbent upon us that we find the lock (and key).”

Currently, the store employs/works with approximately 50 people between the ages of 18 and 35 (although there are a few younger and older talent); most are paid for their work. The store also employs six support staff including two job coaches. Approximately 50 people remain on a wait-list.

After undergoing an extensive application process, they are assessed to ensure a good fit for the store. Although the interview may not always result in a job, the group still sees the process as beneficial. “We get to learn about the kids,” said Bentzion, adding that the interview process is a great experience for the kids.

Once chosen, talent are offered work options ranging from three-month internships to approximately two year+ jobs. They are offered an array of opportunities ranging from arranging an area to assessing if inventory is stocked; from customer service to pricing. There is an IT crew handling some aspects of business – writing descriptions of merchandise to packaging and mailing it out.

To assist them in their tasks, all talent are given a three-week training period. After individual needs are assessed, they are offered whatever means are needed to help them complete their designated task(s). Individual job coaches help prepare guides, task sheets and fun lists with images and/or words. Descriptions are broken down into discreet pieces. Since they earn a wage, talents also learn the value of working and of earning money. “You save money for options in your life,” said Caren.

At every stage is the group’s desire to cater to each individual’s needs. “We take a look at what their interests are, we meet with them; we ask every single applicant what they want to be when they grow up...As long as we believe in our kids, we believe anything is possible,” said Bentzion.

“I think we’ve given hope to many families and we’ve given an opportunity to so many young kids - young adults who might not have had that opportunity…who may have graduated from high school and retreated to their room, retreated to their screens and now those kids are a part of that community,” said Caren. “They are working, they are interacting with the public and the public is being educated on the potential of our young adults and what they can do.”

The group points proudly to the fact that although they could capitalize on the heavy traffic the next door (Saturday) Farmer’s Market might bring, as Orthodox Jews, the store is closed on that day for the Sabbath. “We have a sign that says it’s the Sabbath….see you on Sunday, we’re open from 12-6,” said Lisa.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Despite normal business growing pains, ZABS is flourishing – with increasing sales, number of talent working there, and numbers of employees on-staff.  In the near future, the group is hoping to open another ZABS place somewhere in Charlotte.

“This is very organic; we’re always refining (how to grow and change methodology),” said Caren. Unanimously, the group said its goal is to continue hiring more talent and, in turn, interest Charlotte area businesses to hire their now-seasoned employees.

In every way, the group feels the impact of hope.  

“The dread you feel once your child is diagnosed - it’s so overwhelming,” said Caren. “You have no idea of the trajectory of your child, what the options will be and to know that (there are places like this), you think, as a parent that maybe there is hope.”

In the end, it’s in ZABS’ name that the store seems to find its purpose and place.

“The store was named after my son, Zachary,” said Lisa. “To me, it’s honoring his memory every day…..I have to remember why we are here - it’s so Zachary would be proud. Everything we do is so uplifting and so kind, and so much fun….Everyone who works here…wants to be here.”

She added, “We don’t call our workers employees, we call them trainees – they’re here, they are learning skills, they are learning abilities to be able to move on to whatever their dream is. We look at them as talent. Who looks at their employees as talent? They (usually) look at them as ‘worker bees’ that they pay.”

“(In Matthews) We look at it like we’re on the corner of ‘Main and Main.’ I think that we’re a jewel in the crown of Matthews,” she said. “I really believe that after being here for four years….it’s just like an amazing opportunity for people to come in (and see us).”

“That concept is (why) we are so unique…We have totally disrupted how people think of the special needs population,” Lisa said. “It brings people in over and over and over again…because they want to support us. When people come in here, it’s a happy place, it’s clean, it’s neat, it’s organized…..it’s a place that needs to be celebrated.”

ZABS Place * 100 N. Trade Street * Matthews

Sun: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Mon – Thu: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Fri: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Courtney Buckley and the Drive Behind Your Mom's Donuts

If you’re looking for the 55+ Meetup article, please click here. We’re so sorry for the early morning confusion.

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“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

Your Mom’s Donuts: 11025 Monroe Rd, Matthews

Mon – Fri 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sat 7:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Sun Closed

Christmas Made in the South Shows Start in Matthews

“We have more than 300 artists and craftsmen, many of them will be demonstrating their work. (Our) show is rated in the top 100 fine art and craft shows by Sunshine Artists, which rates more than 100,000 shows in the country.”

— Janice Hunt

Image courtesy Carolina Shows

Bob and Janice Hunt started Carolina Shows Inc. in Matthews 40 years ago, but you may not recognize the business name. More likely you’ll recognize their holiday-dressed mouse (Curtis) or the name of their annual craft shows: Christmas Made in the South. Every October artists and crafters from all over the US kick off their holiday sales season by setting up booths for three days in Cabarrus Arena. Over the long weekend, they’ll see about 15,000 shoppers. Those shoppers trek from all over the Carolinas and beyond to the Cabarrus Arena for the Charlotte-area Christmas Made in the South Show.

About 20 years ago the Hunts’ son Russ joined the office crew. Despite growing up involved in the show production, Russ wasn’t initially interested in continuing the legacy. After graduating college with a theater degree the younger Hunt tried it out for a season and was hooked. Russ remembers, “That first year was insane, scary and fun so here I am 20 years later and still having a good time with the shows. It's nice to provide this experience to communities and wonderful to see what a tradition it's become to so many people.”

Image courtesy Carolina Shows

It’s no easy feat organizing a craft show where each vendor is responsible for making their own unique wares for sale. Nothing commercially made or manufactured is allowed, a standard that keeps the business operating full-time year round. Carolina Shows employs five people in their Matthews office and hires an additional 5 part-time employees to help operate the show itself.

While holiday ornaments in retail stores seem out of place in September, Carolina Shows begins even earlier. Their holiday season during the summer, when vendor applications begin arriving in the daily mail. The applications are processed and then judged based on the quality of artists’ work. “There has to be creativity with their work as we do not allow any commercial products in our shows,” Russ explains. “A good rule is that it has to be at least 50% altered to be considered a craft.”

“We have more than 300 artists and craftsmen,” says Janice, the show director. “Many of them will be demonstrating their work. (Our) show is rated in the top 100 fine art and craft shows by Sunshine Artists, which rates more than 100,000 shows in the country.” Each show is carefully curated to include a diverse group of vendors, from blown and stained glass to handmade clothing, and jewelry. Only a few crafters of each genre are accepted, including the fanciful polymer clay work of Matthews Artist Karen Elizondo.

Every October artists and crafters from all over the US kick off their holiday sales season by setting up booths for three days in Cabarrus Arena. Over the long weekend, they’ll see about 15,000 shoppers.

From their Matthews office near the Brace YMCA, Carolina Shows produces six Christmas Made in the South shows starting with Charlotte. After that the full tour includes Columbus, GA, Macon, GA, Savannah, GA, Jacksonville, FL and the season ends in Charleston, SC. Carolina Shows also organizes one spring show in Savannah, GA.

Brainstorming for the future, Russ hopes to one day create an "Outside Division" of shows and have more outdoor arts and crafts fairs. He laments, “It's tricky though to find the correct location and economically it's a bit tough.” In the meantime, they’ll continue to produce incredible arts and crafts shows, and it all starts in Matthews.

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Christmas Made in the South

October 19 through 21, 2018

Cabarrus Arena * Free parking!

GPS: 4551 Old Airport Rd., Concord, NC 28025

10 AM. – 6 PM Friday * 10 AM – 6 PM Saturday * 11 AM – 5 PM Sunday

The Last Train Stop in Town

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.

Silent Images: The Conversation Starters

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Silent Images is a non-profit organization that provides charities with professional photography and video services that educate and inspire viewers to take action.

Preserving the dignity of the story is most important to Johnson.

Tucked away in the far left corner of the old brick Matthews Marketplace on South Trade St. is a group of employees working diligently on a variety of projects, most of which involve the (shooting and) editing of videos. This is clearly a millennial-driven space – something one might easily see in New York City, Chicago or San Francisco.  Tall ceilings, tree illustrations on walls, prayers on cards, blessings on rocks, a bike from Africa, international still photos all bespeak and reflect the quiet passions and intent of David Johnson – owner of Silent Images. (Named with a nod to Proverb 38 1.) This place and work is clearly a calling for David and a mission with a message.   

“We are a nonprofit that tells stories for other nonprofits - we serve other nonprofits by helping to tell their stories,” said Johnson. “We’re telling stories of hope in the midst of some sort of injustice,” he said, explaining, “A nonprofit exists because they are trying to fill a gap for somebody…..(like, saying) ‘I feel overwhelmed

by something’ – genocide, human trafficking, lack of water, housing, whatever. But, we’re not going to tell the same story that the media is telling because they tell the doom-and-gloom  -- that’s what gets the most attention or makes the most money. We want to tell them the story of hope.”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

This mission and message extends back to 2006: while returning from an overseas trip, then-English teacher Johnson looked up at an airport TV monitor to see the amalgam of overlapping current events he had missed – Anna Nicole Smith’s death and Britney Spear’s head-shaving incident, to name a few.   As a volunteer who had annually gone on overseas trips with nonprofit organizations, he had seen many catastrophic events – including the genocide of Darfur – where he’d just returned from. However, this time, he could not get the images he had just witnessed out of his head, nor the juxtaposition of the mundanity of what the media was showing versus what he’d just seen. There and then, he realized that the mass-media had failed - these less significant stories far overshadowed those that he felt were more important, occurring each and every day all across the world.

He came home a changed man with a “burn to tell stories.”  Johnson quit his job to put his creative writing skills together with still-photographs to capture images and events around the world. He found a void he thought he could fill – “no one was providing services for small nonprofits that don’t have budgets,” he said.   Within one year, he and his Board of Directors made a fundamental decision to forego utilizing photography, choosing to focus on videography to capture the story.

Silent Images team. Photo courtesy Silent Images

“I’ve always been entrepreneurial, always looked for opportunities and been somewhat of a risk taker,” reflected Johnson, adding that while he was single and without encumbrances, he could more easily pursue an uncertain path.

Originally working out of a room in the First Baptist Church, then leasing commercial space on West John Street to finding his present two-level office space, Johnson is quite comfortable acknowledging that his life and work have melded into one.  “I feel like I haven’t worked a day in my life,” he said. "(This work is) purposeful, missionful. There’s something about waking up and doing what you (love) know(ing) you’ve contributed something, today, to help somebody out.”

In his earliest years, Johnson used his own work and the work of wedding and corporate photographers who volunteered their time on his projects. Nearly a dozen years later, he has six employees whom he admires and is clearly bursting with pride when he discusses their work, skills, and abilities. “I love what they produce – they are so talented,” he said, adding that he has moved his role from being hands-on to serving as a “mentor, coach – really I’m a ‘cheerleader’ to them.”

“Psalms 31: 8 - Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. ”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Working with donors as well as local and national nonprofit organizations, Johnson, himself, has been on nearly one dozen trips to Tanzania and Kenya. He and/or his employees have also worked in Burma (Bush Foundation), Mexico and South America (World Vision), Ethiopia (US Embassy) and With Open Eyes (Africa). Locally, he’s also made inroads with nonprofits such as United Way, Big Brother/Big Sister and Habitat for Humanity (Charlotte). All his work has been referred through word of mouth.

“Preserving the dignity of the story,” is most important to Johnson. “When you are dealing with sensitive subjects where people could feel exploited through the camera…My team all signs a kind of code-of-ethics that you are there to be a servant first, and a photographer second.  Yes, we’re storytellers and do a clean production…but we’ve treated (our subjects) with sensitivity (too).”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Within the next year, his employees will travel to Haiti and to the Middle East. “These are the stories that haven’t really been discussed,” he said.  His mission is to “connect the human journey to (capturing) that story.” Videos range in length from 30 seconds to 25 minutes.

Of significance to the naming of his company is “the importance of being observant and the importance of listening,” said Johnson. “I think those are two things you can’t teach and they are two timeless things that are particularly important for the next generation: to be observant and still, to be quiet and listen - which I imagine has become much more difficult.  When someone is able to do that, it makes their story (line) and production that much poignant and it grabs (the viewer’s) attention because somebody has paid close attention to the detail of the story… With all the distraction of social media, it gets harder and harder to be still,” said Johnson.

“When someone is able to [be observant and still], it makes their story and production poignant and it grabs attention because somebody has paid close attention to the detail of the story.”

Unlike many other businesses intent on continual growth, Johnson is clear that he wants to continue his work as a small company with a precise mission. “I’m content with our size,” he said. “There’s something about keeping it small and (retaining) the quality (just) where we are – we can produce high quality and with the personal touch.”

Most recently, Silent Images just released the first of three series on mental health issues – depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Next, they hope to tackle the subject of suicide, PTSD, and opioid addiction.  

“The things we look for are stories that haven’t really been discussed,” said Johnson. “We know the media covers stories, but often they just give facts and tragic facts. We want to do the human journey – the (personal) story.  We like to look for those quiet, hidden stories to unveil the conversation in a new way… We like to call ourselves the ‘conversation starters’ – we’re not experts in any of these areas, but we love serving those who are the experts and starting a new conversation around (any of) those topics.”

Viewers can watch “Into the Light” videos from the Compass & Light documentary series on Sunday, October 28 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Christ Central Church, 3646 Central Ave., Charlotte. RSVP @ Silent Images.

Boat in water in Burma. Photo courtesy Silent Images

Boy in alley in Burma. Photo courtesy Silent Images

Woman in Sudan. Photo courtesy Silent Images

Medical care in Kenya. Photo courtesy Silent Images