News About Town: The Matthews Police and Fire Departments are teaming up for the first annual “Matthews Public Safety Year In Review”.  Because our emergency response departments look at Matthews in three zones, there will be three meetings: North, Middle, and South. Each meeting will be a town-hall style and is a prime opportunity for anyone who is ever in Matthews to learn about public safety in 2018 and what to expect from the departments in 2019. Meeting dates and locations are listed on the Town’s website.

News Around Town: The Matthews Help Center has launched their 2018 HOPE Fundraising Campaign to continue serving Matthews-area residents in-need with financial assistance and counseling. The HELP Center does not apply for government funding, so their $1.3 million budget relies on sales from Backporch Treasures (the thrift store), grants, and donations. This season The Leon Levine Foundation will match all NEW donor gifts between now and December 31st. To contribute, donate online at www.matthewshelpcenter.org or mail a check to PO Box 91 Matthews, NC 28106.

Special Election Update: Following Tuesday's recount, Rachel Hunt has been declared the winner in the NC House District 103 race. In the end, just 68 votes separated Ms. Hunt and Mr. Brawley, making the case for the importance of every single vote.

One Good Thing: If you haven’t seen our call for artists and businesses all over the internet, we’re working hard behind the scenes to bring you a Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide. The Good Cup and The Loyalist Market are hosting a Hyperlocal Small Business Saturday Pop-Up event and have offered our Hyperlocal Holiday Guide participants the opportunity to join. Stop by on Saturday, November 24, from noon till 3 PM in the courtyard beside the market and shop small in Matthews.