Morning Minute: Friday, January 11, 2019

News About Town: We talked a little yesterday about the agenda for Monday night’s Council meeting. At the meeting the town will receive a gift of 27.64+ acres of land from Windsor Run, LLC (at the corner of Pleasant Plains and McKee). The acreage is more than what was originally outlined in the original rezoning agreement. Of interesting note, the Elizabeth Lane Elementary PTA is donating $1,000 to the Matthews Police Department. Also, the Town Council will continue discussions on draft language for a statement outlining acceptable Public Comment.

News Around Town:  If you’ve made plans to stop by Black Chicken Wine Cellar in the next couple weeks you will need to rethink your plan. The popular wine bar near town hall is closed for expansion and renovations. The Chicken has knocked down the wall between their first space and the former Subway restaurant to increase the size and soon serve food. The space is slated to reopen late February with Black Chicken Market and Black Chicken Wine Cellar. 

One Fun Thing:  Wrap up in layers and head out to the Farmer’s Market tomorrow fro 8 - 10 AM. Cold season veggies are in abundance, so expect leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and root crops. There will also be mushrooms, baked goods, and gorgeously handcrafted wares.

Morning Minute: Thursday, January 10, 2019

News About Town: The Town has posted the agenda for Monday night’s meeting. Several items of note include official observation of the School Choice Week, which runs January 20 through 26. The Planning Conference agenda also contains an item related to school choice: Consider inviting charter schools to locate in town, town to consider an in-kind contribution.

News Around Town:  After announcing plans to consolidate headquarters in Virginia, Dollar Tree is being encouraged to sell Family Dollar. Two-percent owner Starboard Value (a hedge fund) believes the sale of Family Dollar would improve the value of Dollar Tree.

One Fun Thing:  The fifth annual ASC Connect with Culture days are Jan 25 and 26. Though there is not a culture hub in Matthews this year, the Matthews Playhouse  is participating at the Charlotte History Museum on Saturday, the 26th. Actor Lakeetha Blakeney will perform an excerpt from her one-woman show, Sweet Jenn: A Living Exhibit. Lakeetha will perform the full show on the Fullwood Stage at the Matthews Community Center in February of this year.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 8, 2019

News About Town: The Town’s recycling calendar should be arriving in mailboxes all over town in the next couple of days. In the meantime, the next week for recycling pick up is January 14-18. If you find yourself with an overflowing bin on the bi-weekly schedule, an additional bin is available for $40 annually. Call Republic Services Group at 704-393-6900 to request an extra bin. If you’re overflowing and want recycling relief now, the closest self-serve center is the McAlpine Creek Park Recycling Center (8711 Monroe Rd., Charlotte), where you can drop off residential recycling during park hours.

News Around Town: Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners will soon begin working on the FY2020 budget. Mecklenburg County residents are encouraged to weigh-in on budget priorities. There is a hearing for public input Tuesday, Jan 15 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Meeting Chamber, Lobby Level, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St, Charlotte, NC 28202. You must sign-up in advance to speak.) There is also a survey available online. Property tax, sales tax, service fees for county-provided services, and other sources are pooled to for the County budget. County Commissioners then create a budget to fund educational programs (CPCC, CMS, pre-k), county parks and rec, the Sheriff’s Department, libraries, the Public Health Department, and many other county services.

One Fun Thing: Did you resolve to get around to that book you’ve been wanting to write? How about a short story for your favorite local online paper (ahem)? The Matthews Fiction Writers Group meets tonight at the Matthews Library (230 Matthews Station St.) at 6:30 p.m. Join the group for work-shopping, critique, and to find camaraderie with area fiction writers.