Morning Minute: Thursday, July 18, 2019

News About Town: For those anxious for the Trade Street construction to be complete…womp womp. NCDOT announced further delays on the project and anticipates it will be complete by late fall or winter. Blythe Development, the contractor, is already past the contract completion date, and is accruing damages assessed at $1,000 per day.

**Correction: In this morning's minute we incorrectly stated "Blythe Construction" is working on the Trade St. The contractor is Blythe Development.

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News Around Town: The Matthews Community Farmer’s Market is taking another step toward inclusive community by becoming licensed with Food and Nutrition Services. This license, provided with assistance and equipment from Mecklenburg Public Health Department, paved the way for the market to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Customers swipe their EBT card in the Community House and will receive tokens which may be spent on eligible food items with participating vendors.

The market is exploring ways to stretch SNAP benefits with a dollar matching sponsorship.

One Good Thing: The Mecklenburg County Sheriffs want you to Look Before You Lock. On average 38 children die annually from being left in hot cars. As the weather reaches the mid to upper 90s, a car parked in the sun can easily reach 150 degrees or hotter. The sheriffs have. Couple of tips to remember to look in your backseat (see above), like opening the back door every time you park. If you’re out and about and see a child or pet locked in a hot car, don’t hesitate to call 911.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, July 17, 2019

News About Town: Next Monday you’ll have another chance to give input on the tree design for Proximity Matthews (the clear-cut trees on Monroe Road). Council heard from the developer at the July 8 meeting but felt the public should have more input in the process. Monday, July 23, is your chance to let them know if the new design is:

REASONABLE: The request only makes a modification to the landscape while retaining the overall site layout and architectural theme thus the request is reasonable. The general look and feel of the interior site will remain unchanged from the original proposal.

or

NOT REASONABLE: The amendment is not reasonable and represents a reduction of the quality of the landscape that was committed to when the site was approved for rezoning. The changes adversely impact the overall appearance and are not representative of what was depicted to citizens, staff and Council.

News About Town Part II: According to the Mecklenburg Board of Elections website, the Matthews Board of Commissioners race has one more candidate and one less. Gina Hoover has filed to run, and Kress Query is no longer listed. Filing closes on July 19.  

One Good Thing: It’s almost time for the Matthews Police Department’s annual National Night Out. Once again the event will be held on the Town Green (232 Matthews Station St.), this year on Tuesday, August 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The event is a great time to meet neighbors, learn about crime prevention, and deepen alliances with Matthews police. Neighborhood HOAs are invited to host a table, but the deadline to apply is today.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, July 16, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police Officer Calvin Young served over 20 years as a School Resource Officer when he responded to the shooting at Butler High School in 2018. This year he’s being honored as the 2019 C.C. McGee, North Carolina, School Resource Officer of the Year. The award, named after Assistant Sheriff C. C. McGee of Forsyth County, recognizes SROs who have made outstanding contributions to their school and community. Congratulations Officer Young!

News Around Town: If you missed the Farmer's Market (or made it but have already chowed down on the deliciousness), Renfrow Farms Farmstand opens again today. After a year off, they're reopening the West Charles Street gate from 10 until noon. Plan on grabbing homegrown veggies and fresh flowers for a full summertime treat. As always, if you miss the farmstand, you can pick up some locally grown goodness at Renfrow's Wednesday through Saturday. 409 W Charles St, Matthews.

One Good Thing: This Saturday, July 20, Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity will break ground on their newest Faith [BUILD], a program where local congregations partner with Habitat to build a safe, healthy, and reasonably priced home. Join Habitat at 3527 Dion Drive, in Matthews from 10 til 11 am to kickstart the process for one local family’s future home.

Around the Table with the Burkes: 2019, A Year for the Burkes

As always, my husband and I do our best in the name of elusive family togetherness.

Thus far, 2019 has been a rough year in the Burke house (and it’s only February!). Sometimes the hits just keep on coming and it can be difficult to find your feet again. This is where I find myself at present. It’s hard, then, to do things like plan a week of healthy meals and get everyone to the table. As always, though, my husband and I do our best in the name of elusive family togetherness. I have also been unable to make it to the Farmer’s Market for a few Saturdays now, but I maintain the hope that tomorrow will be the day. So on to the week!

We had a full house on Saturday as we offered to feed our neighbors’ kids while they worked on an important home project. With six kids around the table, Travis grilled hamburgers (he is a hamburger master), served with broccoli and noodles. I would share his special hamburger spice blend, but he won’t even share it with me, alas.

Sunday was another big group dinner. In cleaning out our freezer we discovered a giant pack of steak that was an all or nothing defrosting endeavor. We invited our friends to join us for sweet potato fries, green beans, and grilled steak. Travis put on his chef hat once more and handled it all. We went the easy route with fries we also discovered in the freezer, but when I’m feeling ambitious I slice up sweet potatoes into eight sections each, coat with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chipotle chili powder if we’re feeling spicy. Roast at 425 for 20-30 minutes, until the outsides are crisp and the insides are soft.

I returned to an old staple on Monday with a chicken stir fry and rice. Tuesday I threw together pork chops, egg noodles, and corn as it was just me and the kids. My older children eat dinner at church on Wednesday nights before choir, so Travis, the toddler, and I took out leftovers that night.

Thursday night was pasta night, and tonight I’m thinking I’ll change my plans to something hearty and warm to stave off this ridiculous weather. Chili or a stew of some kind.

This weekend I’m going to try my hand at making a supply of freezer meals. My husband is headed off to Winston Salem for work, leaving me to manage our circus alone for awhile. I’m hoping an ounce of preparation (and the help of the world’s best friends) will help me maintain just a tiny bit of sanity. Tune in next week to find out!