Morning Minute: Friday, May 10, 2019

News About Town: At 5:30 this Monday, prior to the regular town council meeting, Town Manager Hazen Blodgett will present his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2019/20. Creating a municipal budget is a lengthy process that typically starts in February when individual town departments generate a budget to meet their needs. Those budgets are then submitted to the Assistant Town Manager and the Finance Director, who advise the Manager. The Town Manager, as Budget Director, creates a recommended budget to present to the Town Council. As of November 30, 2018, the town has had a vacancy in the Finance Director position.  

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News Around Town: Speaking of budgets, County Manager Dena Diorio presented her recommended budget yesterday. We haven't studied the budget in depth (at all), but the graphic (seen above, click on the image to see it in full) explaining the budget is a great introduction. Of note, the budget doesn't fulfill all of the budget requests made by CMS, but does increase salaries for locally funded employees.

One Fun Thing:  Saturday, May 11, 2019 (That's tomorrow) the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market (8:00 AM -12:00 PM) is having herb day! The Charlotte Herb Guild and bringing their Herbal A-Game with plants, crafts, and all around planterly fun. Herbs not up your alley? The regular vendors will be there, too, providing the high-quality, super-local goodies you expect.  

Morning Minute: Thursday, May 9, 2019

News About Town: During Monday's (May 13) Board of Commissioner's meeting, the Board will hold a public hearing for three properties the Planning Department noted as "may not be appropriate from either a current or future land use perspective." These three properties under consideration include the Stronghaven warehouse on East John (I-1), the AMF Bowling Alley on Brigman Road, and a vacant parcel adjacent to the Woodspring Suites on Matthews-Mint Hill Road. The parcels are currently Industrial and Highway Business. The motion would downzone the properties to R-12 and R-15. Two properties are within the ENT zone, which calls for higher density residential than R-12 and R-15.

News Around Town: Atrium Health and the Greater Charlotte YMCA have partnered to create the Wellness on Wheels program (@WOWCLT). WOWCLT covers territory all over the greater Charlotte area and “provides health screenings, nutrition education and lifestyle management to prevent high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases” for free. The unit will stop at Mount Moriah Church (381 Crestdale Rd., Matthews) from 3 to 6 p.m. on May 16 (and the third Thursday of every month at that same time). No appointment is necessary.

One Fun Thing:  Tomorrow (evening we’re partnering up with Good Cup Coffee and The Loyalist for a Mother's Day Twilight Artisan Pop Up Market. Stop by the Loyalist for dinner, enjoy a Good Cup coffee, find a gift for a mom or yourself, then head on up the road to enjoy some beach music at Beach Fest. We’ll have all your favorite Matthews gear, other artists will have an assortment of handcrafted wearables, hand-poured candles, and more. Consider your Friday night planned!

Morning Minute: Friday, November 30, 2018

Photo by Debbie LeBlanc Foster

Fun News About and Around Town: It’s the first Saturday of the month (how is it December already?) so it’s time for Breakfast with the Mayor. Bring all your questions and comments to breakfast at Miki’s (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy, Matthews) this Saturday, December 1 from 8 - 9 AM.

Finish breakfast and make a quick run to the Farmers’ Market* (open 8 - 10 AM, 188 N. Trade St
Matthews) to grab some delicious, locally grown food, Good Cup Coffee*, and holiday hostess gifts from Madison Woodworks*.

If you’re not too full from Miki’s or StrudelTeig at the Farmers’ Market, Hero Fitness is now offering yoga. The first class is this Saturday, December 1 from 9 - 10 AM. Mandi Murrow Brown will lead an hour of vinyasa yoga. A little downward dog in downtown Matthews is just what the doctor ordered.

Speaking of dogs, this Saturday is Buddy’s Christmas Bash at Backyard Birds* (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy, Matthews). Stop by between 9 AM and 6 PM. for the festivities and give Buddy a pat on the back and scratches behind the ears. Enjoy some tasty treats and if you’re there between 11 AM and 1 PM you can let Santa know what’s on your list. The shop is also offering 20% off any one item (excluding seed and coffee), so knock out some shopping while you’re there.

The Hometown Holiday celebration is also this weekend. If the rain doesn’t cooperate it may have to be canceled. There will be all sorts of entertainment as well as pictures with Santa, and the highlight of the evening: the tree lighting with pyrotechnics! If it does rain there is no rain date, so everybody cross your fingers. Saturday, December 1, 3 – 6 PM in front of Town Hall on Matthews Station Street.

*They get extra love because they’re part of our Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide!