Rezoning: Bainbridge Matthews (Matthews-Mint Hill Road)

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Land clearing has begun for Bainbridge Matthews, a future development located on Matthews-Mint Hill Road near Butler High School. This land was formerly the Oakhaven Mobile Home Park, Overcash homestead, and Query Homestead.

On December 11, 2017, the Board of Commissioners approved Rezoning Request 2017-663 with Higdon, Miller, Ross, Whitley and Urban in favor and Taylor and Melton opposed. The property, totaling 30.752 acres, was rezoned from R-12, O(CD), R-MH, RU, and BH to R-12MF(CD).

(What do those zoning codes mean? There’s a chart for that.)

Now demolished, the Overcash home, built in 1921, had significant remodeling and was therefore not a good candidate for historic preservation or relocation. The barn was in fair condition, but the Town had little need for it after repurposing the Idlewild Road barn. A log cabin on the site is likely over 100 years old was offered to the town for historic preservation. The cabin will need some reconditioning.

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The multifamily Bainbridge Matthews complex consists of 350 rental units, including both apartments and townhomes. Two pocket parks will flank the entrance at Northeast Parkway and will be available for public use daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The developer will construct the portion on Northeast Parkway that will run through their property, as well as a multi-use path on one side and a sidewalk on the other. The developer has accounted for 18 bike parking spots throughout the complex.

Though not noted on the original staff report, in October 2017 the Planning Department added the following information:

• CMS indicates this project will generate 128 new students for Crown Point Elementary, Mint Hill Middle, and Butler High School. by this project.

• The trip generation report indicates a total of 2,245 cars per day.

Bainbridge will preserve at least 15% of the existing tree canopy (a minimum tree save of 4.79 acres) as directed by R12-MF zoning. The majority of tree save is along property boundaries.

In the process of approving any new development the board discusses the affect on town services, the tax base, and projected tax revenue from the project. Prior to development the tax revenue was $16,700 (total for both parcels), the anticipated tax revenue (after construction) is an estimated $128,000.

If you’re looking for the Cliff Notes version, here’s a handy dandy summary:

Lynn Stelley: A Behind-the-Scenes Hero

“It’s like a big family, and it has to be that way.”

You may not know the name Lynn Stelley, but if you live in Matthews you've benefited from her work. Lynn is one of the many behind-the-scenes heroes of the Matthews Police Department. Though she doesn’t drive a patrol car, in her role as Records & Communications Manager she reports directly to the Chief to ensure the administrative side of the department is running smoothly. Her role is vital for both general operations and the safety of every officer serving Matthews.   

Originally from Louisiana, Lynn was in the U.S. Air Force (4.5 years) and was a flight attendant for American Trans Air (13 years). Her husband’s job brought them to Mint Hill where she worked at Mint Hill Middle School until the School Resource Officer encouraged her to apply at the Matthews Police Department. Her varied experience taught her to manage many tasks at once, and she credits her military family for instilling the self-discipline to work in law enforcement. Now in her eighth year with the Matthews Police, she first worked with Chief Rob Hunter and now with Chief Clark Pennington. “They have different styles,” she notes, while giving “high praise for both [men].”

As Records & Communications Manager, Lynn oversees a staff of two Record Keepers, the dispatchers, and has something of a role in the department's finance. Things now are in a much more manageable system than when she started. Back then officers’ reports were handwritten, sometimes with diagrams of scenes hand drawn on the back of an incident report. The clerks would then enter the reports into the records. Now, with software and automated systems, the officers can do it themselves.

Lynn is clearly happy in her office, giving instructions with the cheerful, unfaltering disposition essential for proper management. There’s a palpable warmth to her approach as she moves through the daily routine. When asked about the telecommunications position, Lynn openly admits it’s a tough role to fill. A demanding job with long hours that can be emotionally draining, which is why there’s a nationwide shortage of dispatchers. She oversees two supervisors and has capacity for 12 dispatchers (currently nine positions are filled). She’s proud of the staff for going beyond the minimum Department of Justice Telecommunications Standards and fulfilling the Sheriff’s Training Standards. Lynn has also made some changes in the dispatch room: upgraded work areas and “a little bit of paint” have dramatically improved morale.

Lynn gives a quick tour of the department on the way to check in with the dispatchers. She appreciates the tight-knit cooperation of the department, "It's like a big family, and it has to be that way." The team atmosphere makes stressful situations much less so. She knows a job where emergencies happen every day can take a mental toll on her employees, expressing concern and demonstrating she has the knowledge to be genuinely supportive of them.

She worries about the officers as they leave on patrol, pausing before reflecting. She was in the call center when the Butler shooting happened. “It was amazing how everyone fell into their roles. There wasn’t time for anything, just to do our jobs. I don’t think we thought about it until after it was all over.”

With the pressure of a job in law enforcement, Lynn leaves work at work. It’s a necessary skill she learned from her military father. She appreciates he did the same for her as she grew up. Lynn talks as excitedly about her kids, her four grandchildren (including eighteen-month-old twins), and Bruno, her German shepherd mutt.

Bruno, it turns out, is the key for Lynn’s calm. A long walk with a happy dog is exactly what she needs to unwind from a full day's work keeping Matthews safe.

Morning Minute: Thursday, March 14, 2019

News About Town: During the NCDOT updates at the Monday Council meeting, some conversation centered on the John St. Widening. Even the Town has been formulating their own approach, NCDOT has continued moving forward with design from Matthews to Monroe. According to Mayor Bailey, NCDOT and the Town are on the same page to delay construction on the portion from I-485 to Trade. The part of John St from I-485 eastward will continue with design and ROW acquisition. Now the Town must present this preference to the CRTPO (the municipal governing body for Charlotte area transportation) to amend the official STIP (a scheduled list of funded transportation projects). It’s a bureaucratic process to change the NCDOT budget in order to delay the downtown Matthews section.

News Around Town: This Saturday (March 16) the Matthews Masonic Lodge, Post 235 will celebrate the 100th birthday of the American Legion (and 75th birthday of the Matthews post) by officially renaming the local chapter as the Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235, Matthews NC. Pvt Grady Bost Hooks and Pvt Joseph Lee Orr, the namesakes, were two local soldiers killed in action in France in 1918. Join the Legion for cake and coffee after the ceremony. Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m.

One Good Thing: Navigating life as a teenager is tough. Our sponsor, PranaTeen, is a 10-week workshop developed to empower middle school-age girls so they can confidently navigate the those tough times using the tools of yoga, meditation, and deep discussion. Starting this evening at the Community Center, life coach and yoga instructor Elinor Miller will teach the girls to love, accept, and appreciate themselves in order to raise their self esteem and level of awareness of their inner and outer world. Not sure it’s right for your daughter? Drop in and try it out for $20, pay at the Community Center desk. Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street East Room 204.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 13, 2019

News About Town: According to the Town website, the Trade Street widening at the culvert (where Trade forks off to Weddington and Pleasant Plains) is supposed to be complete this spring. At Monday night’s Council meeting, NCDOT representative Stuart Basham provided updates and a revised completion date. Currently, the contractor, Blythe Construction, has increased the size of the crew but is incurring liquidated damages of $1,000 per day. According to Stuart, the project is expected to be completed by Labor Day.

News Around Town:  In January of this year, the Affordable Housing Committee presented the Board and the Town of Matthews a glimpse into the need for affordable housing in Matthews. According to the report, a resident’s income should be above $76,007  where $22,802.10 is dedicated to housing and housing-related expenses in order to not be housing burdened. A cursory glimpse at 2-bedroom apartments in Matthews apartments shows a range of rent from $968 (Colonial Village) to $2,440 (Colonial Grand).  According to real estate data site RealPage, Matthews apartment dwellers will likely see a 5.10%increase in rent in the coming year.

One Good Thing: Carolina Crush Lacrosse is hosting a free team evaluation day and open house on March 31 at the Matthews Sportsplex on Field 5. The event is a way to meet the coaches and players and learn more about Crush. For those interested in playing, Crush leaders will help evaluate whether a summer rec program or travel program will best suit their needs. Athletes should be graduating between 2020 and 2024 to join the league. Evaluations for female athletes will run from 1-2 p.m. and for males from 2-3 p.m.

Morning Minute: Friday, February 8, 2019

News About Town:  Monday, February 11 is the first Board of Commissioners meeting for February.  As it’s the first meeting of the month the Board will focus on Planning and Zoning business for much of the meeting. Other items of interest include reports from the Mecklenburg Education Advisory Committee, Tree & Appearance Committee and the Historical Preservation Committee. Of note on the Consent Agenda (a list of items on which the Board generally votes ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ as a group) is the Budget Adoption Schedule for Fiscal Year 2019-2020. If you’re curious about how the Town will address new property tax valuations, the meetings on that schedule might be worth attending.

News Around Town: “Tank Town: A Good Place to Live” opens next week (February 16) at the Matthews Heritage Museum, 232 N. Trade Street. On display will be a year’s worth of research and findings about Crestdale, a portion of Matthews formerly known as Tank Town. The area, settled by freed slaves and post-Civil War freedmen. Learn how the area was settled by former slaves and freedmen after the Civil War, about the segregated schools, and the significant community organizations of the neighborhood.
Open Thursday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entry fee: $4 for adults, $2 for children 10 to 17, and Free under 10.  The first Saturdays of the month are free.

One Good Thing: This Sunday, February 10, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bright Blessings will hold their annual Baby Shower and Open House. Members of the community are welcome to drop in and learn more about Bright Blessings’ work serving homeless and impoverished children, in particular their Bless-a-Baby program. Attendees may also partake in refreshments, games, and service projects. Donations will be collected for Bless-a-Baby, which must be new and unused: Diaper bags, Bottles (8 oz minimum), Hooded Baby Towels, 0-3 month outfits, and 0-3 month onesies. Bright Blessings is located at 1150 Crews Rd, Suite C, in Matthews.

Morning Minute: Thursday, February 7, 2019

News About Town: In April 2018 the Town hosted an Our Town, Our Vision workshop with Matthews residents. Information gathered at that workshop has been compiled as a Vision Statement for the Town to reference moving forward. Something to keep in mind: the new document is to be read as if we are ten to fifteen years in the future and the goals have been achieved.

News Around Town: Friday (February 8) is time once again for Carmel Baptist’s Joy Prom - a full-scale prom for the special needs individuals in our community. Partnering with other nonprofits (For Charlotte, Joni & Friends, among others) will allow the event to host 400 guests with an additional 600 volunteers to make the evening go smoothly. This Friday expect traffic delays at Reverdy Lane and Highway 51 between the hours of 5:30 and 6:45 for the arrival of participants.

One Fun Thing: If you’ve somehow missed all the Valentine’s Day notices (ummm, go buy something amazing) but don’t want to be totally blindsided next week when the big day arrives (it’s Thursday if you don’t have a calendar handy) Good Cup Coffee and The Loyalist have partnered for another unique, artisan and local pop up in the pocket park of North End. Stop by Sunday, February 10 from 11-2, 435 N Trade St #102, Matthews. 

Morning Minute: Wednesday, February 6, 2019

News About Town: Monday, February 11 the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resource Department will host a workshop with MSW Robert Hughes on the “Seven Habits for Parents.” The workshop draws from Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits for Effective Families” among other resources. If you (like some Beacon writers) feel like you could use some more tools in your parenting toolbox, registration is $10 for Matthews residents and is open now on the Parks & Rec website.

News Around Town: Many of us leave limbs and bagged leaves at the curb for waste pick up. If pick up is delayed or if you have more yard waste than the town’s service collects (20 bags per week), you can take it to Compost Central (140 Valleydale Rd., Charlotte). This Mecklenburg County facility accepts leaves, grass clippings, and brush (should be unbagged or in clear or paper bags); clean pallets less than 5' in length; limbs and bamboo less than 5' in length; and logs over 5 inches in diameter. Curbside collection will not accept logs over five inches diameter. Other no-nos include food waste; yard waste with items contaminated with paint, plastic, or metal; tree stumps, large root balls, sod, or dirt. Root balls smaller than a basketball are acceptable.

One Fun Thing: This one is so much fun we posted a full article about it, so mark your calendar. Join Tony Lombardino and Backyard Bird store owner Laurie Horne on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at 8:00 AM, for a bird walk at Colonel Francis Beatty Park. Bring binoculars, a camera, and be ready to learn a few things. Tony has led many bird walks at the Rockefeller University Field Research Center and knows the unique spots for interesting finds around the park.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, February 5, 2019

News Around Town: If you have a bachelor's degree in accounting or business and five years of public finance administration, the Town of Matthews wants to hear from you. The Town is seeking an experienced Finance Director who will manage a staff of three and will report to the Assistant Town Manager. Knowledge of municipal finance practices and the ability to work effectively within the Council-Manager form of government are important attributes. Learn more here. 

News Around Town: Seaboard Brewing, downtown Matthews craft beer brewer and wine bar, participated in Queen City Brew Festival this past weekend. Seaboard took just a little luster out of the Queen’s crown by bringing the Best in Show award home to Matthews.

One Fun Thing: Have you ever wanted to truly talk with your hands? This Wednesday at 3:00 in the Community Room the Matthews Library kicks off a 5 week Learning Circle on American Sign Language. The Learning Circle offers interested members of the community the opportunity to use the library’s Universal Class access to take an online course in a group setting. The course is free and lightly facilitated. No experience with ASL is necessary. Register here.

The People of Matthews: Dr. Chuck Wilson

We asked a few people who work for the community of Matthews to share their thoughts and hopes for 2019. Here’s what Dr. Chuck Wilson, pastor of Matthews United Methodist Church, told us:

Photo courtesy Matthews United Methodist Church

• I want to work much harder at remembering names and forgetting slights.

•  I want to move from destructive criticism towards redemptive engagement.

•  I want my spouse to marvel at how much better we are at listening than early in our marriage.

•  I want to be increasingly less quarrelsome, sarcastic, and easily offended.

• I want to think about fixing people less and loving people more.

•  I want to do everything I can to NOT do unnecessary damage to a person’s reputation.

The People of Matthews: Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon

We asked a few people who work for the community of Matthews to share their thoughts and hopes for 2019. Here’s what Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon told us:

Photo from MatthewsNC.gov

Do you have a New Year's resolution? Here is a clichéd response, but one I really hope I can follow through on - I want to take better care of my health through a concerted effort to exercise more in 2019.  My hectic schedule makes that difficult sometimes. 

What do you hope for in the new year? Less dissension.  I don't think I have seen America more divided in my lifetime, and the vitriol is particularly nasty from just about every political viewpoint.  I would like to see us listen to each other more instead of shouting one another down, and really try to find some common ground.  

What do you want to leave behind in the old year? The stalemate the town has with CMS.  We need to expand our schools or build new ones, and I favor a CMS solution rather than other options.  We have started meeting and communicating respectfully with one another.  That is a good first step. 

What do you see foresee for Matthews in the coming year? Through decades of careful planning we have built a wonderful town and now it seems everyone wants to live here.  We need to very carefully manage future growth in our few remaining large tracts of land and infill projects.  Making sure our infrastructure keeps pace with other growth will be a continuing challenge.  This past year we have witnessed lots of input from the public.  I feel confident that will continue in 2019, and that is a good thing.

The Many Roles of Sargent Michelle Archer

“I’m a strong believer in God and this was God’s will, this was his plan - his way of saying, ‘this is where I need you right now.’ He opened the door; he paved the way, and I found success as a result of it. It has everything to do with my passion, my heart, and my strong will to make a difference.”

When Michelle Archer joined the Matthews Police Department 21 years ago, she entered the force as the first African-American woman hired as a sworn police officer for the town.

Her entrance, at age 31, was a long time coming, having dreamed of this pursuit as a teenager. “When I first decided to be a police officer, it was at the age of 16,” said Archer, 53. “[That’s] when a police officer came into school, and I saw how kids responded to that officer,” she said.

One of three children, born in San Diego, Archer did not go to college. “College was not something which was encouraged…it wasn’t something I knew much about,” she said. So, without further educational guidance, she went into the military, joining the United States Army where she served eight years as a telecommunication center specialist.

Upon military discharge, she began working for the Mecklenburg County Security Police Department. A sergeant took her under his wing and helped guide her into the realm of police work. In 1998, the Matthews Police Department came calling. And the rest, as they might say, is history.

“I like people. I’m a nurturer. I like helping people. When a person has a problem, I listen and I automatically jump into solution mode.”

— Sgt. Michelle Archer

Sgt. Archer during the Matthews Gives Back school supply drive and community cook out.

New to the force and patient to pay her dues, she soon had her sights on a School Resource Officer (SRO) position. “I like people. I’m a nurturer. I like helping people,” she said. “When a person has a problem, I listen and I automatically jump into solution mode. Law enforcement is the best way to do that, and for me, it was the easiest way to do that. I also wanted to work with kids.”

SRO work would give her both the “kids” and law enforcement pieces. It was God and her heart which were guiding her. “I follow my heart,” she said. “I try to do what’s right and I put all my faith and all my trust in him.”

“As an SRO, you are the single officer in the school,” Archer said. “I always liken it to ‘Marshall Dillon’ – you are the only police officer, the only person in the town in charge of enforcing the law. There is no backup, no sheriffs or deputies….you are it. Every investigation, every call-to-service that’s given out in your community, you are responsible for [it]. “

By year four, she had secured her dream job as the only Elementary School Resource Officer in the CMS school system. Four years later, the department promoted Archer to Butler High School, where she proudly stayed for 12 years - serving as “Mom.”

“I am a mentor, counselor; I’m a teacher…there’s a lot. For years, the kids haven’t referred to me as Officer Archer - they refer to me as Mom...I am to the kids and the school what their parents are at home.”

— Sgt. Michelle Archer

“I am a law enforcement officer. I am a parent to two of my own, but also of 2100 kids at Butler School,” she said proudly. “I am a mentor, counselor; I’m a teacher…there’s a lot. For years, the kids haven’t referred to me as Officer Archer - they refer to me as Mom. To this very day, I have kids who have graduated say ‘Mom!’ or ‘this is my Mom!’ I am to the kids and the school what their parents are at home.”

Coming to work every single day, Archer explained further, was just like coming home. “These are my kids; I love these kids. I feel like these are my kids that I am raising,” she said. “I may not have given birth to every single one of them, but I am nurturing them and raising every single one of them that walks through that door. And, I’ll do everything to protect and keep them safe…and everything I can to make sure they are successful in life – that’s what a parent does.”

In her work, Archer handled everything but a death investigation. “Everything that’s investigated out in the road, I have investigated in the schools,” said Archer. “What I’m doing in the schools is the same thing that the patrol officers are doing on the road. It’s just that I’m doing it in the schools and I’m the only one able to do it.”

While her time at school was both joyous and fulfilling, she has also experienced personal pain. “Our hearts get broken all the time,” said Archer. “I have cried when I’ve been arresting kids because you aren’t mad at them, you are disappointed – like a parent, and it breaks your heart. I tell them all the time that ‘you know I’m disappointed in you,’ as I’m arresting them. Or, I’m crying when I’m sitting with them waiting for the parents to come because I know that they are going to have big hoops to get through this…..bottom line is that I have a job to do, but I still love my kids.”

Sgt. Archer was recognized for her promotion during a 2017 Board of Commissioners meeting.

To add to her role, she has also attended many after-school and weekend sporting events both in and out of uniform. She has helped pay for food for the athletes; brought snacks for the team; accompanied them on away games. But, she clearly draws the line on a personal level. “No, I don’t hang out with them,” she said, stating that her relationships are like a parent to a child. However, she has become friends with some of the children’s parents.

Last year, the department promoted Archer to the rank of Sergeant. She now oversees four SROs and one DARE officer. Although the promotion left her full of gratitude and gratefulness, she quickly learned this position would directly remove her from the work and children she clearly loves.

“An SRO who has been in that school has been a fixture in that school,” she said. “Everyone knows them. You become that school – that staff, those parents’ personal police officer; the person who is going to keep them safe, the person who is going to protect them; and [in that environment] no other police officer exists. You become familiar, and those relationships are developed, and that rapport is developed, and you are ‘it.’"

“You are the only cop they know, even though you are not the only cop in town,” Archer said. “So when I go to [Butler High], I’m now not going to be that familiar face. That’s going to be hard. It’s already become hard. They no longer see Mom. That was really hard. That was really, really hard to get used to.”

After nearly two years in this new position, her return to Butler High is very bittersweet. “I still go to their graduations…I’m there to see them through….as they walk across that stage, I’m there at the bottom of that stage.” But, now, a new officer is taking her place. After this year, the remaining kids who knew her will have graduated and moved on. “I will accept my role as a supervisor and get to know them. But, I will not have the same role or respect from the kids that [the new officer] will have.”

Among the many other accomplishments in Archer’s life include eight years of serving in the North Carolina Association of School Resource Officers where she began as Regional Representative and rose through the ranks to President; she is now Immediate Past President. She is responsible for the creation of a comprehensive statewide network database of assigned NC School Resource Officers. As a direct result, there is now an SRO email contact database used by the officers, the Association, and the Department of Education.

Sgt. Archer served on the board of the North Carolina Association of School Resource Officers. Photo courtesy Matthews Police Department.

Since she will retire in less than two years, she sees her future as bright and knows there’s always more police work to do. “I want to keep working with kids, I want to keep working with schools!” said Archer. “I’m a strong believer in God and this was God’s will, this was his plan - his way of saying, ‘this is where I need you right now.’ He opened the door; he paved the way, and I found success as a result of it. It has everything to do with my passion, my heart, and my strong will to make a difference.”

The only caveat? If her daughters have kids. In that case, “I will become a full-time nanny to my grandkids!” she says with a laugh.

Matthews Gives Back with Covenant Day School

Photos by Cyma Shapiro

On Monday, at 9 a.m., 68 students from Covenant Day School in Matthews, and a few of the school’s teachers went to Target with the sole purpose of purchasing items for those in need during this holiday season. As in previous years of the CDS/Matthews Police Department partnership, they were accompanied by School Resource Officer Don Warren, who previously handed out approximately 40 cards identifying the wish lists of unnamed local children in need of gifts this season.

As part of the annual Matthews Gives Back program, the seventh graders were divided into small groups and assigned a child to buy gifts for. They eagerly scoured the isles with $100 in hand and the dictate to purchase appropriate gifts which will eventually be distributed by the Matthews Help Center. This fall, the class raised $3400 during the “Penny Wars,” a competition between homerooms, specifically for this event.

After shopping, the students are taken to the Crews Recreation Center to play games and eat lunch. They then wrap and deliver the gifts to the police department who, in turn, will deliver the final load to the Matthews Help Center.

“As teachers, we love watching the wheels turning in the students’ heads as they figure out how to stretch the money as far as possible,” said accompanying Covenant Day teacher Zach Turner. “We do not want them to just get one or two gifts - we want them to get as many as they are able to.  For the kids we are shopping for, this might be all they get under the tree, so we take that very seriously.”

This group is one of a number of local institutions, including Matthews United Methodist Church, the police department, and the Town of Matthews who will work toward a unified holiday support program.

“Each year, we’re just adding more community partners to [this],” said Matthews Help Center Director Sandra Conway. This year, the Help Center decided to “marshal our resources to make a bigger impact on the community,” she said.

To become a beneficiary of holiday gifts, families are screened by several local institutions before being chosen to visit Matthews Help Center’s “Holiday House,” where they can pick up toys for their children. Each family is given a budget for shopping and accompanying vouchers to do so, mirroring the experience they would have in a retail establishment. Last year, 374 children received presents.

Across town, students at Crestdale Middle School (among many others) are also doing their part by collecting toys and goods for local families in need. Officer Warren will pick up and transport those gifts to the Help Center as well.

“We’re just really excited to be a part of the Matthews community and give back in whatever way we can,” said Principal Jennifer Schroeder.

Take Me To Your Leaders: Meet the Assistant Town Manager

This post is Part III of a series explaining the roles of our leadership within municipal government. Part I: Meet your commissioners, Part II: Meet your mayor , Part III: Meet the Town Manager

As explained in previous Take Me To Your Leaders posts, Matthews operates as a municipal government with council-manager leadership. Assistant Town Manager Becky Hawke supports and assists Town Manager Hazen Blodgett on a variety of town administrative tasks such as town-wide planning, special projects, and initiatives. Also serving as a back-up for the Town Manager, Ms. Hawke acts to fill Mr. Blodgett's seat in his absence.

What is the Assistant Town Manager's role? The Assistant Town Manager is part of the senior management team for the Town of Matthews. Ms. Hawke provides oversight and establishes standards with department heads of Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Safety/Risk Management, Communications, Fire/EMS, Police, Public Works, Parks and Rec, and Planning. Ms. Hawke also serves as staff liaison to the Town of Matthews Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC).

Who is the Town of Matthews Assistant Town Manager? Becky Hawke has served in local government for more than a decade and has been the assistant town manager for the Town of Matthews since 2016. Ms. Hawke pursued extensive education to prepare her for a role in municipal management. She earned an undergraduate B.A. in Communication Studies (minor in Sociology) from Hollins University, an M.S. in Corporate and Public Communication from Radford University, and a graduate certificate in Human Resources Management from Cornell University. She is also a graduate of the Public Executive Leadership Academy (PELA) of UNC-Chapel Hill. She retains active membership in several professional organizations including the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and the North Carolina City County Managers Association (NCCCMA).

In 2018 Ms. Hawke was recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in the greater Mecklenburg County region by the Mecklenburg Times and one of the 25 Most Powerful Women by the Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly.

Ms. Hawke further serves the community as the Vice-President (2019 President-elect) of the Matthews Chamber of Commerce. She also sits on the boards of the Matthews HELP Center and Red Brick Partnership, is a member of the Matthews Rotary Club, and is a volunteer with dog rescue groups.

At home Ms. Hawke has a menagerie of pets, all of which are rescues. Among them are Titan (the blind 200-pond mastiff), Tank (a ridiculously-rotten English Bulldog), and four cats (Jenna, Ninja Cat, Geronimo, and Houdini).

According to Ms. Hawke, “Geronimo earned his name and gained local notoriety in Southwest Virginia in 2008 when, as a tiny stray kitten, he survived jumping off an eight-story tall bridge and landing in the parking lot below. I was working for the city where it happened and was able to adopt him prior to the ensuing media coverage. He isn't, perhaps, the sharpest cat but is otherwise perfectly healthy.”

Morning Minute: November 21, 2018

News About Town: The Matthews Police and Fire Departments are teaming up for the first annual “Matthews Public Safety Year In Review”.  Because our emergency response departments look at Matthews in three zones, there will be three meetings: North, Middle, and South. Each meeting will be a town-hall style and is a prime opportunity for anyone who is ever in Matthews to learn about public safety in 2018 and what to expect from the departments in 2019. Meeting dates and locations are listed on the Town’s website.

News Around Town: The Matthews Help Center has launched their 2018 HOPE Fundraising Campaign to continue serving Matthews-area residents in-need with financial assistance and counseling. The HELP Center does not apply for government funding, so their $1.3 million budget relies on sales from Backporch Treasures (the thrift store), grants, and donations. This season The Leon Levine Foundation will match all NEW donor gifts between now and December 31st. To contribute, donate online at www.matthewshelpcenter.org or mail a check to PO Box 91 Matthews, NC 28106.

Special Election Update: Following Tuesday's recount, Rachel Hunt has been declared the winner in the NC House District 103 race. In the end, just 68 votes separated Ms. Hunt and Mr. Brawley, making the case for the importance of every single vote.

One Good Thing: If you haven’t seen our call for artists and businesses all over the internet, we’re working hard behind the scenes to bring you a Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide. The Good Cup and The Loyalist Market are hosting a Hyperlocal Small Business Saturday Pop-Up event and have offered our Hyperlocal Holiday Guide participants the opportunity to join. Stop by on Saturday, November 24, from noon till 3 PM in the courtyard beside the market and shop small in Matthews.

Morning Minute: November 20, 2018

News About Town: Want to be more involved in the future of Matthews? The town is seeking board members for the Transportation Advisory Committee, the Matthews Committee on Education (Matthews residents only), and the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Committee (Matthews residents only). These boards meet monthly and examine issues to be presented to the Board of Commissioners for consideration. Contact Lori Canapinno, Town Clerk, at 704-708-1222 with questions. To apply: complete an application and submit it to Lori via email (lcanapinno@matthewsnc.gov). The deadline to apply is November 30, 2018. 

News Around Town: The Matthews Community Farmers’ Market wrapped up the main season this past Saturday. Luckily we have one last chance to get some locally grown meats and veggies for the Thanksgiving table. Today, November 20, visit the Thanksgiving market from 4 until 6 PM in the main market area. The selection won’t be the full scale we’re used to on Saturday mornings, but there will be plenty of leafy greens, sweet potatoes, artisan bread, and desserts. (Hello pumpkin pie, I’ve been waiting for you.) There has even been a whisper of fresh tomatoes still coming in. November 24 there will be no Saturday market, then they’ll reopen for winter hours (8 til 10 AM) every Saturday through March.

One Good Thing: The Kiwanis Club of Matthews is having their annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser. Proceeds from the tree and wreath fundraiser are used to improve “the lives of children one community at a time.” Wreaths are $25 each and trees start at $25. Further details can be found on the Kiwanis website.  Kiwanis Club of Matthews sponsors everything from college scholarships to grocery store gift certificates for single parents to afford a Thanksgiving feast. The deadline to order is November 21, 2018.

Please note: The order form has an incorrect date. We’ve verified with the Kiwanis Club that the last day to order is November 21, 2018.