News About Town: Recently, Matthews Park and Rec finished rehabbing the main playground at Baucom Park (601 Sadie Drive) in Pine Forest. The new equipment consists of climbing structures and a slide, expanding play options from the previous structure. The town budgeted $1,000 for these improvements.

News Around Town (and One Good Thing): Last week, on July 10, a Jewish Matthews family found that their truck had been vandalized. Someone had etched a swastika into the truck. Concerned neighbor, Ann-Margret Gidley, started a GoFundMe campaign to cover the expenses of fixing the truck as well as to buy security cameras for the family. On the site, she states, “This campaign aims to reassure this family that they are welcome in their own town and to show them that there is more good than evil in our community.” After two days live, nearly 50 people from all over the country have contributed to the fundraiser, exceeding the original goal. Monies raised beyond the need will be donated to the AntiDefamation League.