News About Town: Tourism grants are available from the Town of Matthews to offer financial aid to non-profits that promote visitation and tourism within town limits. Learn more at the information session on September 11, at 6:30 pm in the Matthews Community Center. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2019. Last year, grants were awarded in the following amounts: Charlotte City Ballet: $1,700; Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association: $13,500; Matthews Chamber of Commerce: $11,800; Matthews Kiwanis Club: $2,000; NC Youth Rugby Union: $13,000; and Matthews Playhouse: $37,000; totaling $79,000. In the past, grants were divided up based on a set dollar budget (2017: $68,500, 2018: $79,000). Last year, the Board of Commissioners approved a new method: tourism grant award amounts should equal 5% of the tourism revenue from the previous fiscal year. According to estimates in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (pg 88 of the package), this year’s tourism grant would be 5% of $1,648,332, or $82,400.

News Around Town: The Matthews Library is now open for early voting, and over 540 people voted there in the 9 hours the polls were open. Matthews residents are voting for Congressional District 9, portions of Charlotte are also voting in the congressional race, all of Charlotte is voting for Mayoral and City Council primaries.

One Good Thing: Yesterday, we mentioned Harris Teeter VIC cards as a way to raise extra funds for your favorite school. Don’t forget your Box Tops, too. In the past schools have collected clipped Box Top logos and received a 10-cent donation per Top. The clip version is being phased out and replaced with a more straightforward method: the Box Top App. Download the app and designate the school to receive the funds. Then, when you buy items with the Box Top logo, scan the receipt using the app. Funds are transferred to your school. No clipping and collecting needed.