Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 18, 2019

News About Town: As we get closer to Christmas and Hanukkah, pressure mounts go to all the parties, buy all the gifts, and find time to decorate homes. Matthews residents with kids can have a helping hand from the town this year: drop your kids off with Park and Rec. On December 23, the department is offering child care so parents can enjoy a day of shopping and holiday prep. The Drop N' Shop is open to children ages 6 to 13 and filled with fun activities to keep the kids entertained. Be sure to pack a lunch and two snacks (or send money for snacks from the vending machine). Reserve a spot for your child here or call 704-708-1287.

News Around Town: In November, John LeGrand,principal at Butler High School, was promoted within CMS to executive director of the Central 2 Learning Community. This week CMS named Vincent Golden as the new principal for Butler. Vincent has 13 years of experience with CMS, most recently as principal for Northridge Middle School.

So Many Fun Things: This Saturday, December 21, at 3:30 pm, the Charlotte Community Singers will perform at the Matthews Library. The group, an intergenerational folk chorus, practices weekly at Plantation Estates and is ready to spread some seasonal cheer by singing their favorite holiday songs. Grab a cup of hot apple cider, gather around the fireplace, and Celebrate the Season with A Charlotte Community Singers Sing-Along.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It's A Wonderful Life this weekend (December 20 -December 22) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Buy tickets here.

We're giving away a pair of tickets to see It's a Wonderful Life at the Playhouse this weekend. We'll accept entries through the end of today, December 18, then give the tickets away on Thursday. To enter, either send us a note saying, "Count me in, I have a Wonderful Life," or comment on Facebook.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 17, 2019

News About Town: The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on January 13 at 7 pm at Town Hall. This will be a regular board meeting and will have rezoning actions, including several deferred from December 9. Board of Commissioners (also known as Town Council) meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of every month at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station Street. These meetings are open to the public and there is a public comment period near the beginning of each meeting. To speak, each individual is entitled to four minutes on any topic and must sign up on the sheet is in the lobby before the meeting to address the board.

News Around Town: This Saturday, December 21, at 3:30 pm, the Charlotte Community Singers will perform at the Matthews Library. The group, an intergenerational folk chorus, practices weekly at Plantation Estates and is ready to spread some seasonal cheer by singing their favorite holiday songs. Grab a cup of hot apple cider, gather around the fireplace, and Celebrate the Season with A Charlotte Community Singers Sing-Along.

One Fun Thing: We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see It’s a Wonderful Life at the Playhouse this weekend. We’ll accept entries through Wednesday, December 18, then give the tickets away on Thursday. To enter, either send us a note saying, “Count me in, I have a Wonderful Life,” or comment on Facebook.

Don't Forget:   Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It’s A Wonderful Life this weekend and next (December 20th-December 22nd ) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Tickets and information at matthewsplayhouse.com.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 16, 2019

News About Town: The end of the holiday shopping season is near, and Matthews Police have some reminders as gift buying becomes more frantic: keep safety in mind. Please take a moment to read and remember their holiday safety tips:

News Around Town: The Student Government (SGA) at Butler High School recently raised funds for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. SGA partnered with Butler’s Key Club, National Honor Society, the school’s baseball and softball teams, local businesses and the greater community to achieve the honor of being the first CMS school to reach the $10,000 goal.

The funds will help four-year-old Sophia, who is battling an autoimmune disorder, take a trip to Disney. The SGA is also giving Sophia a princess experience at Butler (which will include a carriage ride) at the school this Friday, January 20, at 1:45 pm.

One Fun Thing: Don’t forget to shop with the Beacon for all the Matthews swag you’ve been looking for. Also check out the sales floor at Cotton Gin Printing for Matthews-specific gear.

Don't Forget:   Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It’s A Wonderful Life this weekend and next (December 13th-December 22nd ) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Tickets and information at matthewsplayhouse.com.

Morning Minute: Friday, December 13, 2019

News About Town: We asked about recycling glass and the Town clarified: glass was accidentally omitted from the postcard that was mailed out. It should be included on the Please Recycle list.

Yesterday the Town hosted a Holiday Lunch, and dinner for those who work later shifts, for town staff. The lunch, held at Crews Road Rec Center, was filled with the holiday spirit, more than a few ugly sweaters, and plenty of Matthews pride. Staff enjoyed a meal of turkey, stuffing, and more before Parks and Rec hosted musical bingo.

One Fun Thing: Looking for something festive to do this weekend? Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It’s A Wonderful Life this weekend and next (December 13th-December 22nd ) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Tickets and information at matthewsplayhouse.com.

Rainbow Express Ministries is a growing community offering children and young adults with and without disabilities, opportunities to learn, grow, and share their talents with others. This Sunday, December 15, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, drive or walk by the Rainbow Express house at the corner of Fullwood and Talbot Ct to see members reenact the Nativity.

Don't Forget:   If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Friday, December 13, at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Morning Minute: Thursday, December 12, 2019

News About Town: The new recycling calendars are arriving in mailboxes around Matthews. The list has changed quite a bit since the 2019 calendar was distributed. On the list are: milk and juice cartons and boxes, plastic bottles and jugs with necks (no other plastics), tin/steel/aluminum cans, empty aerosol cans (no paint), cardboard boxes smaller than 3x3’ flattened pieces, cereal boxes, magazines, paper, such as brown bags, paper/junk mail/newspapers.

Glass is accepted at county sites but is not on the list distributed in Matthews. It can be dropped off at county collection sites like the one at McAlpine Greenway.

Please do not include ceramics or glass housewares, diapers, cat litter, batteries, light bulbs, shredded paper, hardback books, car parts, cords, roadkill, or syringes in your recycling.

Good Cup has the in with Santa (from their Facebook page)

News Around Town: In the spirit of #CollaborationOverCompetition, let’s celebrate the Matthews establishments featured in the Queen City Nerve’s best-of list. Many wonderful Matthews establishments were included in the Reader’s Picks: Best Church: Elevation; Best Live Performers: Trash Room; Best Doughnuts: Your Mom’s Donuts; Best Wings: Kristopher’s Bar & Restaurant; Best Thai: Thai Taste; Best Middle Eastern: Kabab-Je; Best Wine Bar: Seaboard Taproom & Wine Bar; Best Sports Bar: Kristopher’s Bar & Restaurant; Best Beer Selection: Carolina Beer Temple.

One Fun Thing: Good Cup is poppin’ this holiday season. This Saturday, December 14, stop by the Loyalist/Good Cup for a pop-up Maker Market from 1 until 4 pm. During the market, Matthews Playhouse will drop by for a pop-up performance! Ten or so makers will be selling handmade goodies, from hand woven dog leashes to finely crafted cutting boards, you’ll find all the last-minute gifts you need.

Then Monday, December 16, Santa will pop by for a super-secret stop at Good Cup (we have the feeling he wants a spicy Masala Chai before the big ride). Whether you’ve been nice or need to make amends for being naughty, he wants to meet you. Bring your camera and you can bring the kids, too.

Don't Forget:   If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Friday, December 13, at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 11, 2019

News About Town: The 2019-2021 Board of Commissioners was sworn in Monday night at Town Hall. John Higdon took the reins as mayor and Renee Garner was unanimously elected Mayor Pro Tem (the Commissioner who stands in for the mayor when he is unavailable). Rounding out the Board are David Bland, Barbara Dement, Jeff Miller, John Urban, and Larry Whitley. As part of their duties, Commissioners sit on various advisory boards for both the town and region. Those appointments are as follows:

Arts & Science Council: Renee Garner, with David Bland as alternate.

Centralina Council of Governments: Barbara Dement, with Jeff Miller as alternate.

Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization: John Higdon, with Renee Garner as alternate.

Levine Senior Center Board of Directors: Barbara Dement, with Larry Whitley as alternate.

Matthews Chamber of Commerce: Larry Whitley, with John Urban as alternate.

Matthews Economic Development Advisory Committee: John Urban, with Renee Garner as alternate.

Matthews Committee on Education: Jeff Miller

Metropolitan Transit Commission: John Higdon, with Hazen Blodgett as alternate.

Planning Coordinating Committee: David Bland, with Larry Whitley as alternate.

The Quad: An Alliance of South Charlotte Communities: John Urban, with David Bland as alternate.

News Around Town: The Farmers’ Market is officially in winter mode. Selection may be a little lighter, but options are always locally grown, raised, or made. Winter hours are 8 - 10 am, every Saturday through April 4, 2020. Find the vendor list linked on the market’s website.

One Fun Thing: Attend the Checkers game this Friday and $5 from your ticket purchase for seats in Section 106 will go back to Matthews Athletic Recreation Association (MARA). Purchase tickets online.

Don't Forget: If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Friday, December 13, at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 10, 2019

CORRECTION: Our notice for the Matthews Concert Band was incorrect! The concert is this FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13.

News About Town: During the December 9 Board of Commissioners meeting, the outgoing commissioners and mayor took time to reflect on their time on the town council. Mayor Paul Bailey, Commissioner Chris Melton, and Commissioner Kress Query each took a moment to highlight their accomplishments and share wisdom gained during their tenure. They were each presented with a framed image of Town Hall.

One Good Thing: If you’re shopping for gifts on Amazon this holiday season, log onto smile.amazon.com and earn money for Butler High School’s PTSO. Log in, select “Your Amazon Smile,” and select “David W Butler High School PTSO” as your charity.

Don't Forget:  If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Friday, December 13, at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 9, 2019

News About Town: Town Hall has had a facelift recently. Approved in the August 27, 2018 meeting (see pgs 75-76), Town Hall received new fiberglass columns, brick planters, and ornate handrails. The project was budgeted at $80,000. The 2001 building had its refresh complete in time for the Hometown Holiday Tree Lighting.

(Shhh…don’t tell…Your Mom’s Donuts has $20 dozens on Monday.)

News Around Town: Mecklenburg County has started the budget prioritization process and wants your input. To have your voice heard, fill out the County Budget Survey or pick up a paper copy at the Matthews Library.There will also be a public hearing on the budget January 7.

One Fun Thing: Research has shown that listening to music reduces stress, improves memory, and improves psychological well-being. There’s a catch, and that is that it depends on the music. If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Saturday, December 14 at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm. Stress levels are expected to decrease soon after.

Don't Forget:  Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

#FiveForFriday: A Morning Minute News Round Up

This #FiveForFriday Morning Minute News Round Up is for the week including December 2 through 6, 2019.

One Good Thing: This Saturday, December 7, at 10 am, Greater Matthews Habitat invites you to join them to celebrate the completion of the 2019 Faith BUILD home. Committed to making sure everyone has an affordable and safe place to live, the newest Habitat home belongs to Moulay and Samia. It is the 108th Habitat-built home in the Matthews area.

News Around Town: If you're new in town, have family visiting, or simply want to get to know Matthews better, pick up the second annual "Welcome to Matthews" community guide. If you can't find a hard copy (they're available at Town Hall in the foyer, at the Chamber of Commerce, and a few other locations), you can also view it online. In the guide, you'll find new places to explore and resources for everyday living.

News Around Town: Craft store AC Moore will close up shop in 2020, after 34 years in business. The craft store giant cites being unable to compete with online retailers as its reason for pulling out of brick and mortar operations. Michael’s will take over stores and hire employees in markets where their brand is not represented; this is presumably not the case in Matthews, with a Michael’s in Sycamore Commons and an AC Moore in neighboring Windsor Square.

News Around Town: This week, Butler High School announced the retirement of Cierra Burdick's jersey. Cierra, a professional basketball player and Matthews resident, led the Bulldogs to the state championship in 2010. She responded to the news via Twitter, "Earlier today, Butler announced they'll be retiring my jersey. Five minutes ago, I nearly injured myself trying to open a jar of pickles. Life comes at you fast, people."

News Around Town: NCDOT, the City of Charlotte, and the Town of Matthews are partnering to identify pedestrian safety improvements along I-74/Independence. The three agencies are studying the history of pedestrian crashes to find ways to decrease those crashes. Through the study, they hope to find ways to increase pedestrian safety. In addition, the agencies have posted a two-question online survey to learn Independence travelers' firsthand observations.

Morning Minute: Friday, December 6, 2019

News About Town: Home Depot rental equipment has been on display in the parking lot despite being noncompliant with zoning. The retailer has applied for a zoning change to allow for outdoor storage of rental equipment. The condition change would allow 15 parking spaces for equipment and five spaces for trailer storage. Rental machinery will also be on display along the side of the building facing Stein Mart. The Board of Commissioners will approve or deny the application this Monday evening at the regular council meeting (7 pm, Town Hall).

News Around Town:  NCDOT, the City of Charlotte, and the Town of Matthews are partnering to identify pedestrian safety improvements along I-74/Independence. The three agencies are studying the history of pedestrian crashes to find ways to decrease those crashes. Through the study, they hope to find ways to increase pedestrian safety. In addition, the agencies have posted a two-question online survey to learn Independence travelers' firsthand observations.

One Fun Thing: STEAM is a popular word in education, and the Matthews Library is in on the action. On Saturday, December 14, at 11 am, preteens and teens can learn the basics of coding in a group setting at the library. Based on "The Hour to Code, "participants will learn content used in web sites that teach step-by-step coding instruction. Register online.

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Don't Forget:  The Matthews Woman's Club Service League craft boutique in the Carriage House behind the Reid home runs Thursday, December 5 — 7:00 pm, Friday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 8 — Noon - 9 pm and is free and open the public. Over 35 vendors will have their arts, crafts, handmade wares, and baked goods available for purchase.

The Matthews Community Farmer's Market is hosting its first-ever Holiday Night Market during the Hometown Holiday Stroll this Saturday, December 7, from 3 to 7 pm. Featuring live music, artisan crafts, artisan foods/baked goods, hot cider, gourmet coffees, and fresh popcorn, more than twenty-five vendors will be at the market.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Morning Minute: Thursday, December 5, 2019

News About Town: Join Town Staff and Board of Commissioners this Monday, December 9, for a reception preceding the Town Council meeting. The gathering, at Town Hall (232 Matthews Station Street) from 6 to 7 pm, will honor incoming and outgoing members of the Board of Commissioners. The event includes light hors d' oeuvres and is open to the public.

News Around Town: This week, Butler High School announced the retirement of Cierra Burdick's jersey. Cierra, a professional basketball player and Matthews resident, led the Bulldogs to the state championship in 2010. She responded to the news via Twitter, "Earlier today, Butler announced they'll be retiring my jersey. Five minutes ago, I nearly injured myself trying to open a jar of pickles. Life comes at you fast, people."

One Fun Thing: Ever wonder what Matthews was like in the days of yore? Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Don't Forget:  The Matthews Woman's Club Service League craft boutique in the Carriage House behind the Reid home runs Thursday, December 5 — 7:00 pm, Friday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 8 — Noon - 9 pm and is free and open the public. Over 35 vendors will have their arts, crafts, handmade wares, and baked goods available for purchase.

The Matthews Community Farmer's Market is hosting its first-ever Holiday Night Market during the Hometown Holiday Stroll this Saturday, December 7 from 3 to 7 pm. Featuring live music, artisan crafts, artisan foods/baked goods, hot cider, gourmet coffees, and fresh popcorn, more than twenty-five vendors will be at the market.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 4, 2019

News About Town: Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec has closed the Woody Creek access to the Four Mile Creek Greenway (in Chesney Glen) for repairs. The entrance is expected to reopen by December 7. The closure mostly affects those in the Chesney Glen neighborhood. For more information, please contact Mecklenburg County 980-314-1000.

News Around Town: Craft store AC Moore will close up shop in 2020, after 34 years in business. The craft store giant cites being unable to compete with online retailers as its reason for pulling out of brick and mortar operations. Michael’s will take over stores and hire employees in markets where their brand is not represented; this is presumably not the case in Matthews, with a Michael’s in Sycamore Commons and an AC Moore in neighboring Windsor Square.

Two Fun Things: It’s shopping time! If you’re looking for gifts or shopping for yourself, check out the handmade markets open in downtown Matthews this week.

First, the Matthews Woman’s Club Service League hosts a craft boutique in the Carriage House behind the Reid home throughout the four days the Victorian Teas are offered. While the Tea has an entry fee of $30 (funds go to the Woman’s Club’s support of area nonprofits), the boutique is free and open to the public. Over 35 vendors will have their arts, crafts, handmade wares, and baked goods available for purchase. Dates and times are simultaneous to the teas: Thursday, December 5 — 7:00 pm, Friday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 8 — Noon - 9 pm.

Also, the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market is hosting its first-ever Holiday Night Market during the Hometown Holiday Stroll this Saturday, December 7 from 3 to 7 pm. Featuring live music, artisan crafts, artisan foods/baked goods, hot cider, gourmet coffees, and fresh popcorn, more than twenty-five vendors will be at the market, ready to fill up space under your tree with locally made goodies.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 3, 2019

News About Town: The results are in, and this year's No-Shave November winners in the Matthews Police Department are Officer Belin (Goatee) and Officer Mann (Beard). Each officer received a shave from JR the Barber and has returned to duty cleanly shaven and ready for Please Shave December (that's so not a thing). Congratulations to the entire police department for raising over $1,100.00 for Zero - The End of Prostate Cancer.

The winners post-shave with JR the Barber, image courtesy Matthews Police Dept. Facebook

News Around Town: If you're new in town, have family visiting, or simply want to get to know Matthews better, pick up the second annual "Welcome to Matthews" community guide. If you can't find a hard copy (they're available at Town Hall in the foyer, at the Chamber of Commerce, and a few other locations), you can also view it online. In the guide, you'll find new places to explore and resources for everyday living.

One Fun Thing: It's time again for the Annual Matthews Chamber of Commerce Gingerbread House Contest. The houses will be judged for three categories: Amateur-Family/Child, Amateur-Adult, and Professional. Entries can be dropped off anytime this week during Chamber hours, and there are a few rules (the construction and design should be completely edible, no larger than 24" x 24", among others), and judging will take place this Saturday. Whip up a batch of your secret icing recipe and get to building.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 2, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police remind you to shop safely this holiday season. They’ve compiled a list of helpful tips, including a few that would’ve helped victims of credit card theft recently.

• Set text alerts on your debit/credit cards so that you know exactly when a transaction is made on your account.

• Keep your purse zipped or fastened at all times.

• Keep your purse in the shopping cart in front of you, and never leave it unattended.

• If you are shopping at night or if there's a possibility that it will be dark when you return to your car, park under or near lighting.

• Have your keys ready and in hand before you get to the parking lot, you do not want to be fumbling for your keys while standing at your car.

• Always practice the HIDE, LOCK, TAKE method: HIDE your items out of plain sight that could be seen when looking in the car windows. LOCK all doors and close all windows completely. TAKE all items of value out of the vehicle when parking it.

• Last but not least, do your best to ensure that your situational awareness is always up for suspicious people around you.

News Around Town: This is the last week to apply for holiday assistance through Matthews Gives Back. Recipients will shop at Town Hall in the Hood Room, choosing from new items, donated through a town-wide drive. Matthews Gives Back is sponsored by the Town of Matthews, Matthews HELP Center, Matthews United Methodist Church, and other local nonprofits. To apply, contact the HELP Center by December 7 at 704-847-8383. More info here: https://www.matthewsnc.gov/newsview.aspx?nid=6363

One Fun Thing: This Saturday, December 7, at 10 am, Greater Matthews Habitat invites you to join them to celebrate the completion of the 2019 Faith BUILD home. Committed to making sure everyone has an affordable and safe place to live, the newest Habitat home belongs to Moulay and Samia. It is the 108th Habitat-built home in the Matthews area.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 27, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews named American Legion Post Commander Phil Mowry the Matthews Veteran of the Year. A Gulf War-era veteran, Phil served ten years in the United States Air Force. Now Phil is District Commander for American Legion Department of North Carolina District 20 (Mecklenburg County, NC), and Judge Advocate for American Legion Department of North Carolina Division IV. Thank you for your service, Commander Mowry.

News Around Town: According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Advisory, the Thanksgiving holiday sees an uptick in traffic accidents and fatalities. Approximately half of the fatalities during Thanksgiving holiday travel was attributed to simply not wearing a seatbelt. Over the next several days, Matthews Police will be on Independence Blvd. monitoring unsafe driving practices. Buckle up, drive sober, pay attention, and drive safe this holiday weekend.

One Fun Thing: Join Park and Rec on December 7 for a gingerbread house decorating workshop. For $10, Maria Tavares will have all the materials you need to build and decorate one small house, and she will teach the techniques to take your gingerbread house to the next level. This event is suitable for the entire family, but you must reserve a spot ahead of time.

Don’t Forget: This Small Business Saturday (November 30), support small businesses at the Loyalist with a pop-up market hosted by Good Cup. The event runs from 1 to 4 pm; all sorts of makers will be there selling beautifully handmade, original works of art and craft.