News About Town: This past Saturday, September 28, the Town, Matthews United Methodist Church, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the American Legion, Edward Jones Investments (Desi Dufresne), and Matthews Habitat for Humanity’s Tim Long worked together to collect difficult-to-dispose-of waste. {Town staff showed up in force with members of the Fire Department, Animal Control, and civilian members of both the Police and Fire Departments present.} Many hands made light work, and the crew collected 7,000 pounds of paper, over 2,200 pounds of electronics, and 73 American flags to be retired.

News Around Town: October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and to recognize the initiative, the State Board of Education is emphasizing kindness as an essential part of school safety. Using the Butler shooting (October 29, 2018) as a starting point for discussion, the Board formed the NC Kindness Campaign for schools throughout the state. The campaign emphasizes: showing acts of kindness to those who may be hurting; avoiding unkindness in any form; see something, say something; and to support teachers in improving discipline in classrooms, which everyone knows can be a challenge. Schools throughout Matthews (and beyond) will have “Be Kind” posters as daily reminders that small acts of kindness go a long way.

One Good Thing: On Saturday, October 5, area teens can enjoy the Library Escape Room in the Community Room of Matthews Library. The group will use STEAM-themed puzzles, using clues, and teamwork to figure out how to escape. 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm. Students ages 10-18 (18-year-olds must still be in high school) can participate. Light snacks included.