Birdwatching in Matthews

“To be in the natural environment, it’s inherently relaxing. When you know the sounds, you are much more aware of what’s around.”

— Tony Lombardino

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

When Matthews resident, Tony Lombardino, repeatedly appeared in Laurie Horne’s bird supply-store, Backyard Birds (1819 Matthews Township Parkway), the shop owner began to take notice. Tony didn’t ask many questions but knew much about birds, fowl, and wildlife.

Hawk photo via Unsplash

As time went on, Laurie realized he seemingly had all the answers. She also learned that he was an avid birder who has lead many bird walks for visitors to the Rockefeller University Field Research Center in Millbrook, NY, and as a docent at the Lab of Ornithology at Cornell University. She asked if he would lead her monthly bird walk group, and, so, the second-Saturday-of-the-month bird walks at (first Squirrel Lake and now) Colonel Francis Beatty Park began. That was more than three years ago.

Today, a dedicated group of between five to twelve individuals regularly join Tony, and, of course, Laurie. Not all are bird aficionados; some are photographers. But, all share a love of the wild, nature, and, of course, birds.

"This is very informative,” said Laurie, “and not just the birds you see in the back yard feeders.” Over the years, the group has seen dozens of seasonal birds, waterfowl and even a bald eagle.

On this frigid day, eight people joined Tony to walk the park. Conversation excitedly turned to what birds people had seen recently, and then to the specific birds right near them: Ruby-crowned ringlet (only here in winter), gadwall (duck), song sparrow, chipping sparrow, red-tailed hawk, and brown-headed nuthatch. Each sound and visual spotting produced a flurry of discussion with rapid-fire identification and other ancillary, but related information.

Also present was wildlife biologist and avid birdwatcher, David Crowe, on his first meet-up with the Matthews group. “This is a fun travel hobby,” he said. “You can stay watching birds all year.”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

With an education in neurobiology, and experience working on a 12-acre wildlife refuge, Tony learned decades ago about the lifestyle of birds in the wild, how they reproduce, and nearly all the bird songs and calls. (Tony’s original work focused on the song of birds and how their brains produce the sounds). Ornithology remains a deep love and passion.

“When I’m hearing them, I know it’s part of the communication system,” said Tony. “[It’s] what allows them to propagate…and continue to be here….Everything we are seeing and tracking helps us appreciate what’s been here longer [than we have].”

Part of Tony and Laurie’s joint mission is to offer an experience which is both fun and informational. “People don’t realize how easy the bird walks are,” Laurie said. “They think you need hiking boots and dress. [In this case, you] walk from the parking lot to the field and stand watching.” The two picked Colonel Francis Beatty Park for “the terrain and the habitat it offers,” she said.

Tony explained, “There is consistency [in returning to] one area, be in nature, in something that’s deeply resonant for human beings. To be in the natural environment, it’s inherently relaxing. When you know the sounds, you are much more aware of what’s around.”

Backyard Birds
Matthews Festival Shopping Center
1819 Matthews Township Pkwy Suite 800 704-841-9453.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Tammy Schoolcraft: Reiki for Wellness

“Energy therapies like Reiki and Biofield Tuning work at treating the whole person body, mind, and emotions.  People are starting to think outside of the pillbox – they are sick and tired of being sick and tired and are finding relief and results outside of the traditional model.  I am passionate about helping client’s bodies to remember its own potential for healing itself naturally.”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Seven years ago, Tammy Schoolcraft’s son was plagued by chronic ear infections and incessant anxiety; she tried every method possible to alleviate his symptoms. Thinking outside the box, she ended up taking him to a Reiki specialist. The outcome was immediate and transformative. While he changed for the positive, she changed, too.

According to the International Association of Reiki Professionals, Reiki is a spiritual healing art with Japanese roots. The word, “Reiki” comes from the Japanese word, “Rei,” which means “universal life” and ki” which means “energy. Not associated with a religion or religious practice, the modality is a subtle and effective form of energy work using guided life force energy. Reiki practitioners believe that everyone has the ability to connect with their own healing energy to strengthen energy within themselves. The goal is to achieve strong and free-flowing “ki” (or “chi”).

Reiki is associated with Mikao Usui who is credited with rediscovering this system, passed down by generations. A session is usually 60-90 minutes. The client can either choose to lie on a table or sit in a chair. The practitioner will apply a light touch or hands-off, holding hands slightly above the body.  The practitioner will go through specific standard Reiki hand positions starting at the head or feet. Reiki can be used for relaxation or stress reduction. It is also used to stimulate healing.

Photo courtesy Tammy Schoolcraft

“My mom was always very open to feelings…so I was a little open to [things]…not in my realm,” she said. A series of subsequent related experiences changed her more fully, guiding her toward an even more natural philosophy and perspective. At first, it was considered “woo-woo,” she said, as family and friends wondered where her new approach might take her. But, after she began doing energy work on some of these same people, perceptions began to change.

She began studying the technique of Reiki and subsequently became a Reiki Master. In 2016, she took a Medical Reiki Training class which helped combine her previous experiences as a medical billing supervisor and pharmacy technician with her new-found energy work. She also met her future Reiki partner, Miri Klements. Together, they decided to introduce Reiki into the greater Charlotte medical community.

They were first offered the opportunity to bring Reiki to the staff at Mercy Hospital. Later, that summer, they were invited to participate in a pilot program offering Reiki to orthopedic trauma patients as an alternative to opioids at Carolinas Medical Center Main (now, Atrium). Subsequently, they were invited in to Levine Children’s Hospital Inpatient Rehabilitation to work with patients recovering from traumatic and nontraumatic brain injuries.

Most recently, she and her Reiki partner have also begun work at the LCH’s Hematology, Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic. To date, they have given over 1,000 treatments to children admitted to that unit. This year, they will again provide Reiki to Levine Children’s Hospital HEMONC/BMT patients.

One year ago, she opened her own office to provide clients with Reiki and to further concentrate on her newest passion -the modality of Biofield Tuning.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Biofield Tuning, using tuning forks, is based on the principle that everything in the universe is made of vibration. When a body is out of sync or dis-ease, this methodology assumes the body has lost its rhythm. Tuning forks can be used to assist the nervous system and help stimulate the body to heal itself. By addressing the body on a cellular level, it is believed that a combination of sound and energy waves can help heal areas being addressed. Utilizing sound waves, tuning forks produce sound and vibration which engage the nervous system to help revert the effects of stress and increase energy.

“I wasn’t looking for a career, and I don’t [need] to work,” said Tammy. “It just has evolved into something I’ve developed a passion about. It’s something I’ve become so passionate about it’s not work. It’s about being a light for somebody who is trying to make it through their own journey.”

Explaining further, she amplified her belief in her work and the modalities she espouses. “The traditional healthcare model works beautifully for emergencies and treating ‘symptoms,’ but does little for overall continued well being,” Tammy said. “Energy therapies like Reiki and Biofield Tuning work at treating the whole person body, mind, and emotions.  People are starting to think outside of the pillbox – they are sick and tired of being sick and tired and are finding relief and results outside of the traditional model.  I am passionate about helping client’s bodies to remember its own potential for healing itself naturally,” she said. 

In the end, Tammy’s ongoing personal and professional journey toward wholeness and wellness continues to flourish and grow.

“I can’t imagine being without this [work] now,” she concludes.

 Tammy Schoolcraft , Reiki for Wellness, 325 Matthews Mint Hill Road, Matthews.

Don Brown’s Friendly ‘51 Ford

All photos by Cyma Shapiro

Don Brown, 68, of Charlotte, out (on his birthday!) with his woodworking partner, Brad Warlick, 64, of Indian Trail, doing business at Matthews Business Center. On this day, the popular 1961 ballad, “Crazy” by Patsy Kline, was blaring out the window as he proudly displayed his prized 1951 Ford stakebed truck with a flathead V8 engine. Purchased four years ago from some “guys fixing it up in Columbia, South Carolina, and making it road-worthy,” it gets 15 mpg and goes no more than 45 mph.

Originally used to haul hay in Kentucky and North Carolina, Brown’s contribution is the license plates (previously used on taxis, buses, trucks, etc.) from all 50 states, given to him by people and purchased at antique stores and flea markets. Most prized plates are the one from his uncle in Kansas and the other one from the county of Bedford, VA, which, coincidentally, is his father’s namesake. “This is a friendly vehicle,” he said. “It attracts attention from everyone. Everybody wants to say, ‘hi’ and take my photo.”

The People of Matthews: The Edwards

Berlice and Andy Edwards, 50’s, out for their Saturday morning coffee excursion. “We love the small town feel!” said Berlice.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Gina Spriggs: Conjuring the Magick of Matthews

“I’m not ashamed to be psychic, I’m not ashamed to be fluid,” she explains. “There’s no reason for me to cower or to hide…. And, I think that when people see that, it gives them permission to do that [too].”

— Gina Spriggs

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

When Matthews resident Gina Spriggs, 56, was very young and living in New York City, she began recognizing her innate and intuitive gifts. She easily saw other peoples’ essence and was one with those resonating on higher planes. Mentioning an “imaginary friend” to her mother one day, she was sent “directly to a shrink.” The assessment? All she wanted was to “get attention.”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

At age 16, she began reading tarot cards to friends and family – a far-reaching, rooted love that grounds her to this day - it is what she does best - and remains a fundamental staple in her life and the life of others. (Today, she’s earned the title of Master Tarologist.)

For decades she did all this work “on the sneak.” However, in her 30s, she came in contact with a Master Tarologist – and for the first time, she found others with similar (and more experienced) gifts. They became her teachers.

During her pregnancy with her daughter, Gianna Medora Spriggs-MacDonald, now 24, she began to develop a distinct sense of smell. She assumed it came with being pregnant. She later learned that it is her daughter with a heightened sense of medical intuitive smell.

By the time she’d moved down south in 2007, she felt it was time to get real with herself and start anew. Gone were her second husband, and the remainder of her attempts to hide her truths.  She said she “came out of the psychic closet; came out of many closets.” A flower had bloomed.

While she had worked in retail for 29 years, she was also exploring her unique gifts at her home, at others’ stores and at her (now-closed) office in Matthews. She was featured at and hosted psychic fairs. Continuing to hone her craft through study with Masters, she found a perfect melding of traditions by combining her intuition and clairvoyance with her tarot cards (supported by numerological, astrological and elemental methodologies). She is also a futurist (able to predict the future).

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Today, she’s the proud owner of one of NoDa’s newest retail store. The metaphysical shop, Curio, Craft & Conjure, opened this past July with her daughter, now energy healer, Gianna. The store is infused with the principles of magick.

Magick (ma·gick) NOUN: The art of co-creating your desires by alchemically influencing outcomes through petition, ritual, and prayer.

“In looking at our specific demographic, we found that Charlotte’s spiritual and creative community thrives the closer you get to the city,” she said. “The creative energy flowing through NoDa made opening a store here an obvious choice.”

The duo’s work is intended to honor each individual’s gifts and help others claim their own power. 

“I’m not ashamed to be psychic, I’m not ashamed to be fluid,” she explains. “There’s no reason for me to cower or to hide…. And, I think that when people see that, it gives them permission to do that [too]. I don’t think people should wait until they are 56 [to find themselves].”

Gina offers clairvoyance, intuitive work, and tarot card readings, Gianna has blended her own unique combination of energy work/clearing/intuitive work for clients.

The many unique goods offered include custom carved candles (based on your intentions), crystals, stones, herbs, honey spells, tarot cards, feathers, masks (honoring ancestors), joss paper/ancestor money, essential oils, curio water, gourd shakers, incense…."You go home with magick to go!” said Gina. 

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Gina said the store represents a melting pot of many disparate schools of thought and practice: Jewish mysticism, medicine women, Wiccan, pagan, hoodoo, and Santeria to name a few.

Hoodoo: traditional black American folk spirituality that developed from a number of West African spiritual traditions and beliefs.

“What we have is this melting pot magick,” she proudly states, referencing both her family background and unit and the store itself.

Gina is the author of several books including The Intuitive Tarot Workbook and Dirty Laundry. She leads workshops and has written articles for magazines. More than 12,000 people have taken her online Daily Om Tarot Training Program. She is an ordained High Priestess in healing faith.

“This is not a job for us,” she says. “This is how we live.”

Dion Lovallo: A Partner for Recovery

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

In Room 103 at 1320 Matthews Mint Hill Road, at least one dozen men and women are discussing their feelings and emotions – everything from finding purpose and a place in life to self-love and emotional stability. This might be a support group for any number of possible ailments, vices or afflictions, however, the 12-step program on the wall provides a clue. This is the Carolina Center for Recovery and these participants are in substance abuse recovery.

On this day, leader, Jim, is using gentle humor with pointed observations and comments focusing on those individuals who appear to need the most support and guidance. It is a comfortable group clearly aware that there is safety and security in knowing that others are going through (and have gone through) similar struggles. However many other facets this institution might provide, the single most important goal is to help participants find sobriety and remain sober.

This is the lifeblood of co-owner, Matthews resident, Dion Lovallo, 28. Dion, along with three others (his father, his sponsor, and his best friend) opened this center just under a year ago. Recovery is a topic Dion knows well – having struggled with substance abuse, himself from the ages of 13 to 22, been in and out of treatment, and then hired as an admissions coordinator at his last treatment center.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

“I found that this is something that I enjoyed,” he said. “It’s something I’m passionate about.” Among his 24/7 duties include handling emergencies, new admissions, and general problems either with staff or clients. He sees his program as “more family oriented – giving them a purpose.” Dion goes to the gym with the group, offers outside activities like barbecues and attends church with interested members. “Helping others helps me stay sober,” he says matter-of-factly.

At this moment, approximately two dozen people are enrolled in the Partial Hospitalization Program. Having been assigned a specific counselor, they attend several support groups/week and are encouraged to use the Brace Y to work out daily. “Something to get them out of their comfort zone,” says Dion. Prior to entering the program, at least 50% of the participants require detox.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

“Everyone knows somebody who is struggling [with substances],” said Dion, mentioning the ongoing funerals he attends of those whose lives have ended tragically or far too soon.

To Dion, success is “somebody who stays sober.”

“Somebody gave me a chance,” he said. “I just like to give people a chance.”  As a chance was given to him, it is also Dion’s future goal to hire some of his clients-in-recovery to assist him at the facility.

“Helping others helps me stay sober”

Trevor Cochran: Better Living Through Better Broth

Photos courtesy Bethany Cochran Art

Trevor Cochran, 30, is a Type-A. He was a football walk-on in college (but dropped football after one semester, choosing to focus on his just-under 4.0-grade average). Having graduated college by age 20, he immediately began climbing the rungs of the corporate ladder to achieve maximum success.

His 40-hour work-weeks became 40++. Instead of coming home to sleep, he occasionally slept in at work. He often worked on weekends. He moved uptown to get to work quickly.

As a credit and collections person on the “business-to-business level,” he told himself that the constant pace and ongoing dedication would reap more success and achievement in his life. He would, as he said, always find ways to “fix things” but never get rewarded for his achievements.

Within that period, he developed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), acid reflux and excessive daytime tiredness. He also gained 50 pounds.

By age 25, he knew that something was wrong –the medication for the acid reflux made his acne, IBS, and hypersomnia worse while the acne meds exacerbated his headaches. His cholesterol levels were rising, and despite working out and running long miles, he could not reduce his symptoms nor lose weight. (His Hispanic relatives all struggle with some form of diabetes.)

And, so began his journey to find wellness.

When the head of his running group suggested the work of Mark Sisson (Paleo Diet), he immediately closeted himself off one weekend and read everything he could find. He was hooked. Within a year, he lost the weight and nearly all of his symptoms. He was on the verge of changing his entire life.

During this same time, he met his girlfriend (the daughter of a chef); his journey toward good health merged with the exquisite palette of his then future-wife and the necessity to please her. He got “good at cooking,” as he said, and at making spices.

He continued his voracious reading and learned more about clean eating, healthful spices, and the harmful nuances in foodstuff.

He recognized that he had severe leaky gut issues and that drinking bone broth would plug the holes. He looked around and found some bone broths, but found none he enjoyed.

At age 28, he began his last stretch in the business world as a contract employee training his replacements in the business of collections as his employer began outsourcing. His job was intended to end in spring of 2018.

Over the years, he had squirreled away his monies. When he married his wife, they began to squirrel it away, together. Both knew they “didn’t want to be in middle management for the rest of [their] lives.” He knew he had “way too much entrepreneurial spirit.”

He perfected his bone broth and soon perfected his spices. He found and rented a commercial kitchen dedicating the required 48-72 hours to make his broth. When digital pressure cookers hit the market, he changed that time to just under 10 hours. He began educating people about the benefits of his products.

He began his company, Pure Old World, Inc., full time that same spring of 2018 - launching at the Matthews Farmer’s Market. “Matthews has been just great,” he said.

Today, less than one year in business, he can “cover his costs” and is now in multiple stores with plans for expansion. He’s also done many “pop-up” events in the region, trying to spread awareness for his products.

Currently, he purchases bones from two local NC/SC farmers who are using sustainable agriculture and keeping an eye on environmental concerns. After confirming all the necessary qualifications, he inspects and walks the farms thoroughly before he chooses them. He’s looking not only for free-range and organically fed but for chickens using non-GMO feed; he must also be able to “walk with them in pasture.” He is currently negotiating with four more local farmers.

In the next handful of years, Trevor’s goal is to branch out into small regional companies – in other directions – clothing, shoes and, especially, eyewear. He says he has no interest in doing work on a national or international level. “Everything we like to do is about freedom, and not just by us but for others,” he said. “Understanding the trade network – where the goods come from. Focus on employing people locally.”

When he purchases a commercial kitchen, he’d like to host events and branch out into producing “cooking fats.” He also wants to sell bone broth in local coffee shops since customers drink it “like coffee and tea.”

“...lives can get better through the foods [you] eat. If you can change your diet and lifestyle, it can change your life.
”

He proudly regales the stories of customers who say his bone broth and spices have helped heal various ailments. “You feel better about [this] work,” he says, in relation to the previous professional work he did.

“I want people to understand where the bones for their bone broth comes from – that it matters,” said Trevor. “That the food they are buying impacts their local environment and for people to understand that if they (also) have an autoimmune condition, their lives can get better through the foods they eat. …If you can change your diet and lifestyle,” he added, “it can change your life.”

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.

Chief Clark Pennington: Year One Leading the Matthews Police

Clark A. Pennington began his job on January 2, 2018 as the new Chief of the Matthews Police Department, replacing retired Chief Rob Hunter. Born in Delaware and raised in Las Vegas, Chief Pennington was taught the “Do unto others” doctrine early in his childhood. That philosophy continues guide his decision-making and doctrine of leadership.

During his previous 25 years of law enforcement service - 20 years of which included rising through the ranks at the Frederick, MD police department -  Pennington graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD, with a degree in Criminal Justice (2010) and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Management from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD (2012). Pennington was also an adjunct Criminal Justice Professor at Hood College, Frederick Community College, and Mount Saint Mary’s University.

He recently reflected back on his first year of service in Matthews:

You have such an outstanding and lengthy history both with the military and with public service?  Has this always been a love and a passion?

I have always been drawn to public service and a profession in law enforcement.  I am the fourth generation in my family who has served in some form of the profession.  My great grandfather, grandfather, and father all served as constables in Pennsylvania.

From very early on, I recognized I liked being the one that people turned to for help.  Probably because I enjoyed providing some service to those that were struggling or felt victimized.  I do not like to see others being taken advantage of and want to do my part to help where I can.

When I graduated from high school, I did not feel college was right for me at that time.  I also knew that staying in Vegas and working until I was 21 years old and eligible for a career in law enforcement, was not productive or the best choice.  I joined the US Army to gain additional life experience and show a commitment to something bigger than me. I knew early on through examples set for me by family and friends in the profession that sacrifice and commitment was something that is expected in my chosen career path.  

In 1998, I was hired by the Frederick Police Department in Frederick, MD.  Over the next 20 years, I was extremely blessed to have competent and qualified leaders above me.  Many of those leaders pushed me further than I ever expected to go.

You state that your promotion and employment as Police Chief of Matthews is the culmination of your career. Can you say more about this?

I have always wanted to serve and learn from those in leadership positions.  In my 26+ years in the law enforcement profession, I have been fortunate enough to serve under some very capable and confident men and women.  I learned early on that we are able to take something away from each person we are afforded the opportunity to work with.

Being appointed as the Chief is a culmination of a career where I have learned from successful encounters and some not so successful.  The opportunity to serve as Chief came at a point…that I felt I could apply those important lessons learned to help develop other leaders and enrich the lives of individuals to help build a better organization and create a caring environment.

What hopes did you have for the job?

My hopes for the job are that I can be productive as the Chief and help to maintain, and even grow (to) incorporate technology to enhance the services provided to our residents, visitors, and business owners.  I hope to continue building an organization of leaders who have a service heart, ensuring our agency is serving and working with businesses, residents, and nonprofit organizations to enhance our community both financially and in areas of improving our quality of life.  

Image via Town of Matthews

“Matthews is a very progressive community and places high demands on its police department. Learning the expectations of the residents and businesses is important to ensure we are meeting those and enhancing the quality of life”

What are some of the challenges you have faced?

I don’t think the challenges in Matthews are unique to Matthews.  Crime reduction and reducing the fear of crime is always at the forefront of a chief’s desires…Any time a new leader steps into an agency he/she is challenged with learning the culture of the agency and community you are entering.  Matthews is a very progressive community and places high demands on its police department. Learning the expectations of the residents and businesses is important to ensure we are meeting those and enhancing the quality of life. Any changes made in the agency must enhance the services provided without the reducing services expected or letting the community down on their expectations is important.

What are some of your accomplishments so far?

Met one on one with each and every employee of the agency; undertook a reorganization and distribution of workload among division commanders; began a comprehensive review of all policies and assigning each policy to a division commander for review and updating.  (We reviewed and/or made changes to our Use of Force Policy, Internal Affairs Policy, and Sexual Harassment and Hostile Work Environment Policy.) Conducted a 100% inventory and accountability review of evidence and seized property accounting for all items seized or taken into custody by the agency. Opened lines of communication between divisions and incorporated crime analysis into our deployment strategies, allowing us to target areas of the town that are experiencing the highest impact of crime or quality of life issues. Entered into a partnership with Carmel Christian School to hire and train a School Resource Officer; promoted two new sergeants. Began a more transparent use of social media to communicate with our public on crime issues, and arrests.

What are some of your shorter and longer goals?

One short-term goal is to train each member of the agency on Problem Oriented Policing and Intelligence led policing strategies.  The ultimate goal is to use each and every employee as a mini crime-analyst and use problem-solving strategies to provide long term solutions to identified community issues.  

What else would you like people to know about you?

In my off time I enjoy spending time with my three sons (Ethan, who is 16, and twins, Brady and Collin, who are 13).  We like to hunt, fish, boat and travel. I enjoy riding my motorcycle and clearing my head on a long ride.

Matthews has undergone some rapid changes in recent years and there will be many more in the years to come.  In light of this, how do you see your role?

I think instituting community and problem-solving policing and intelligence-led policing philosophies into the department will enhance the services we already provide and elevate our abilities to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in our community.

Photo of the Police Bicycle Patrols Officers

The People of Matthews: Resolution Edition

A few familiar faces from around Matthews shared their thoughts and hopes for 2019:

"Less screen time. I do think it's addictive and distracting. More time to focus on who and what is important "

~Dr. Steven Dickens, Starr & Dickens Orthodontics

"I never have specific [resolutions] like weight loss, etc, because they don't seem to work out. I constantly strive to be a better person, though, aiming to be more tolerant and understanding of others.”

~Paulette Wilkes, Market Manager, Matthews Farmer's Market

"This coming new year, I commit myself to making each moment count with the ones I love. I would also love to make at least one positive life changing decision in 2019."

~Mark Frye, manager, Trade Street Jewelers

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!

What’s in a New Street Name?

This year, the Town of Matthews (in partnership with Mecklenburg County) built one new street – Sports Parkway between Tank Town and Matthews-Mint Hill Roads.

The number of new streets created in previous years are:  2017 – 3; 2016 – 2; 2015 – 2; 2014 – 0. These include Lake Harmony Drive off of Mount Harmony Church Road, Downton Court in the Eden Hall development on Fullwood Lane, and Margaret Ridge Drive in the Stevens Grove subdivision off of Highway 51. The most recently created streets are Talbot Court, Hamlet Court, and Kings Manor Court.

Photo by Renee Garner

To create a street and name, developers must propose the names; the Town has code requirements to ensure that new street names are appropriate and not duplicated. Mecklenburg County ultimately approves the name and assigns the individual street addresses.

The Planning Department reviews street names when new subdivisions/developments are in plan review. The Zoning Administrator, Mary Jo Gollnitz, considers the proposed street names for the Town, as do Matthews Planning Department, Public Works, Police Department, and Fire & EMS Department before the name is submitted to Mecklenburg County for final approval. 

According to code, proper street names must consist of one to three words, plus a street type suffix. The name must not duplicate or too closely approximate phonetically the name of any other street within the Town or county. Street names cannot include a business name, punctuation, possibly offensive words, or directional suffixes. 

The first word of a street name can only be used in two other locations within the county. The only exception to this is the use of a generic label naming a topographic feature or a color.

According to the National League of Cities, the five top street names in the country are Second, Third, First, Fourth, and Park.

According to the US Census Bureau’s US Tiger/Shapefiles, 2014, the most common street name in North Carolina is Dogwood. The top 10 street names in this state are: Dogwood (328), Park (304), Oak (261), Pine (245), Ridge (234), Cedar (225), Maple (225), Sunset (220), Church (204), and 2nd/Second (193).

The naming of streets reflects the era in which it was created – 18th- and 19th-century streets often reflected English (UK) roots or defined the purpose of that road. Later 19th-century developers named streets after trees and flowers; 20th- and 21st-century streets often mirror developers’ family names. Most recently, following the rise in technology and modernization, roads are again reflecting the generic definition of the business located on that street.

The People of Matthews: Mayor Paul Bailey

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

Photo from MatthewsNC.gov

Do you have a New Year's resolution? Spend more time focused on the important things in life.

What do you hope for in the new year? Continued health and increased time getting outside and enjoying our parks, greenways, and our great town.

What do you want to leave behind in the old year? Although I spent 41 years doing a job I loved, I will happily leave that behind in 2018. Time for new and different adventures.

What do you see foresee for Matthews in the coming year? We have a number of items I want to address in 2019. Foremost is to resolve the improvements to John St. with NCDOT and solidify the idea of traffic moving around the historic downtown rather than through it; getting the Trade St. bridge construction completed; getting aggressive in finding grants dollars to tie our greenways, bike trails, and sidewalks together to further develop our walkability and connectivity; and continue the vision for our historic downtown by encouraging a balance of residential and business uses so we can continue to see Matthews become a desirable place to live, work and play.    

The People of Matthews: Officer Tim Aycock

We asked a few people who work for the Town of Matthews to share their thoughts and hopes for 2019. Here’s what Officer Tim Aycock, Community Resource and Public Information Officer for the Matthews Police Department, told us:

Do you have a New Year's resolution? As cliche as it sounds, I want to get into better shape and spend more quality time with the family.

What do you hope for in the new year? Health, happiness, prosperity and better time management.

What do you want to leave behind in the old year? Any negativity/stress and to not worry about the little things that don't really matter anyway.

What do you see foresee for Matthews in the coming year? I see Matthews continuing to strengthen its current community relationships as well as seeking every opportunity to build new ones. Matthews is a very special place where its citizens and stakeholders understand the importance of working together as a team to achieve our goals.