Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 26, 2019

News About Town:  There was no reason to doubt the Board would approve the addition of a new K9 to the Police Department, but we’re here to make sure you’re left with zero doubt whatsoever. With approval byt the Board of Commissioners, Matthews PD officially welcomes Benny, a 15-month old black lab. He is a single-purpose pup (sniffing out illegal drugs), passed his certification, and has been in action with 2 arrests under his belt!

News Around Town: Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27), the Police Department is hosting A meet and greet from 2:30-4:30 at the Matthews Library. Benny probably won’t be there, but Officer Tim Aycock will. Show up and join an important and timely discussion about police-community relations.

One Fun Thing: It’s Make Up Your Own Holiday Day! No further instructions needed.

Morning Minute: Monday, March 25, 2019

News About Town:  Approximately 25 people (including several members of the Board of Commissioners) showed up to the Matthews Town Hall yesterday (March 24) for the listening session hosted by District 6 County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez McDowell and State House Representative Rachel Hunt. The two leaders heard from residents on many topics including affordable housing, gun violence, adding school psychologists at schools, investing in public transit, and pedestrian safety.

News Around Town: The ruby-throated hummingbirds are heading through the area, if not now, at least in the near future. April is really when they arrive en masse, but a few early birds are here to get the nectar. If you make your own, mix 1 part sugar to 4 parts boiling water, let cool and fill your feeders. As the weather warms and babies hatch, the newborn hummingbirds depend on insects for protein. Make sure you’re not spraying your yard and depleting their food source.

One Good Thing: When learning the ropes of social media and creating an online presence, there’s one word that comes up more often than any other: branding. It’s a nuanced concept that creates a recognizable identity for your business, but how do you get started? Join DeTrice Fox at the Matthews Library tomorrow, March 26, at 6 p.m. to learn the ins and outs of getting yourself branded.

The People of Matthews: County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez McDowell

We asked a few people who work for the community of Matthews to share their thoughts and hopes for 2019. Here’s what County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez McDowell told us:

Photo from McDowell4Meck.com

Do you have a New Year's resolution? I do not have a specific New Year's resolution, however, life has changed so profoundly for me as a result of the November election that I am working hard to build a schedule and a routine that includes time for constituents, family, study, personal development, and of course county business. Creating and maintaining balance will be a challenge, but I am really excited about each and every aspect of the coming year.

What do you hope for in the new year? What I hope for in the New Year is to truly make an impact in the lives of real people, to make a difference.  My hope is that I will be part of steps taken toward progress for the many issues our community faces in regards to equity, and a fair shake for those struggling with affordable housing, educational opportunities and access to county services.  It is my desire to be bold in finding ways to enhance our way of life and sustain our environment. 

What do you want to leave behind in the old year? What I would like to leave behind in 2018 is proverbial baggage! I am a firm believer that in order to move ahead, you have to look back and learn from your story... see where mistakes were made so that you can learn from them. 

What do you see foresee for Matthews in the coming year? As far as Matthews in the coming year, I am very hopeful.  The Town of Matthews has a lot going for it - it's charming, well located, has great bones and caring people - but it is going through growing pains and is at a crossroads for deciding how to handle that growth. At the Labor Day Parade this year I was really struck with how many new, young families were lining the streets along with folks who have a long history in Matthews - both groups are really needed to engage and take part in community discussions so that all perspectives are heard and considered.  It also appears that many of the citizens of Matthews are becoming more aware than ever of how their elected leaders can really shape their town.

I wish a very happy and healthy 2019 (along with loads of Beacon) for the people of Matthews!