News About Town: The first council meeting of August is a week early, which means it’s tonight. There’s not a lot on the agenda, but a few things of interest, including a few ways to pretty up the town in advance of the 2020 RNC, installing flashing beacons for the school zone at Crestdale middle, the adoption of an extended mobile classroom sunset clause for Elizabeth Lane Elementary as well as a new afternoon queuing pattern, and appropriating $30,000 in grant monies from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for the Crestdale Heritage Trail.

News Around Town: It’s National Farmers’ Market Week. According to American Farmland Trust, “Between 1992 and 2012, the United States converted about 31 million acres of agricultural land to development.” By supporting local farmers, you are preserving agricultural lands.. Especially with an all-local market that defines Saturday mornings in downtown Matthews, a celebration is in order. While the average fruits and vegetables travel more than 1,200 miles to get to the grocery store, the Matthews Market is limited to 50 miles, feeding right back into the local economy. Celebrating is easy, just head out to the market this Saturday (August 10) and thank the farmers and the market organizers for all they do for Matthews.

One Fun Thing: Did your kids participate in Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Summer Break? Head over to the Matthews branch on Wednesday, August 7 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm to celebrate the end of the program at “I Survived... Summer Break!” The event will include hands-on exploration of Lauren Tarshis “I Survived...” series.