Morning Minute: October 3, 2018

News Around Town: While Matthews survived Florence largely unscathed, old trees shed a lot of twigs and limbs. As a result, Republic Services, the waste company that services Matthews, is a bit behind on yard debris pick-up.  Starting today, the Town of Matthews Public Works Department will be working with Republic to finish up Tuesday’s routes. Day-by-day they’ll continue working together until all of the routes are cleared.

Older trees are an interest point for the Town of Matthews.

News Above Town: The heat is on as the temps climb back to the upper 80s. Expect some clouds.

News Around Town: A local moms group rallied around Tammy Panovich as her husband, Brad, was kept at work (WCNC) watching Florence creep in. In an effort to provide meals to the station crew, the moms, led by Matthews mom Amanda McGrath, raised $1325 in under a day. The idea was so popular the Fanovich tee shirt was born. In two weeks 3,100 shirts were sold and $37,001.05 has been raised for charities aiding in storm relief.

One Good Thing: This Thursday don’t miss the First Thursday Crawl in Downtown Matthews. Expect to find food and drink specials at area restaurants, entertainment, and some local makers selling their wares around the green in front of Town Hall. The fun starts at 5 p.m. 

Matthews Morning Minute: October 2, 2018

News About Town: The Economic Development Advisory Committee will host the 2018 Business Summit: “Matthews Rising: Hot Trends and Marketing Insights for Small Business” on Friday, October 19, 2018, from 11:15 AM til 1: 00 PM. This free event will be held in Town Hall and includes lunch. There will also be presentations on marketing, a panel discussion, and hear ways the Town of Matthews supports local businesses. You must register by Friday, October 12, seating is limited.

Speaking of economic development…

News Above Town: Highs in the low 80s with a cloud cover. Wednesday the temperature goes up, so take the day and pretend it’s fall.

News Around Town: Hart InterCivic, an election technology company with a paper-based voting system (Verity Voting), has picked Matthews for its North Carolina office. Employees will service counties across the state that use Hart’s Verity Voting system.

One Fun Thing: Hang out tonight with the Habitat and Wildlife Keepers. Jeff Rieves (one of our contributing writers) will provide time-tested advice on keeping the deer from turning your landscape into a pretty pricey buffet. He’ll share excellent plant choices, fencing, and other deterrents and you can share your own tricks that have worked. Matthews Community Center, 100 West McDowell St., Matthews, 7 til 9 PM.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 28, 2018

News About Town: If you’ve driven down Fullwood Lane recently you might have seen the message board about the town lowering the speed limit. On October 1, 2018 the speed limit will be reduced from 45 to 35. This change came about based on the Public Works Department’s recommendation to the Town Council, who then voted to lower the speed limit.

Don’t say they didn’t warn you.

News Above Town: Afternoon showers and temps in the mid-80s. Speaking of mid-eighties, the high humidity puts Motley Crue #hairgoals well within reach.

News Around Town: Early voting begins October 17, 2018. Polls will be open at the Matthews Library for early voting, but the Matthews location is currently short-staffed. The Mecklenburg Board of Elections pays $12 per hour and the application can be found here. Please contact Marti Duncan (mduncan36@carolina.rr.com) for more information.

Native plants attract all types of pollinators.

One Good Thing: Backyard Birds in Matthews Festival has a busy Saturday planned. First they’re hosting Lisa Tompkins, owner of Carolina Heritage Nursery, with a native plant sale. Lisa will be on- hand to answer your questions about plants appropriate for your particular yard. Then Debbie Foster, Habitat Steward, Central Carolinas Master Naturalist, Audubon Ambassador, and contributing Beacon writer will be explaining the simple steps toward creating a wildlife habitats. Saturday, September 29, 2018, 11 AM til 1 PM; full details here.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 27, 2018

News About Town: If you’re already making plans for the weekend, make time to meet the Matthews Board of Commissioners for coffee and conversation this Saturday (September 29) at 9:00 a.m. at Bruegger's Bagels (1905 Matthews Township Parkway). These gatherings are a great way to bend an ear of our local leaders and get the firsthand scoop on things going on with the Town of Matthews.

Native asters to brighten a humid day.

News Above Town: The Weather Channel says there’s a 90% chance of rain so grab the closest umbrella.

News Around Town: While we’re on the subject of the weekend, this Friday is the last Food Truck Friday of the season. You can’t go wrong with any of the trucks, but our friend Lynn sings high praise for Yummi Banh Mi. The Entertainers will get you dancing after you’ve filled up your belly. If you’re a drinker and plan on visiting the beer tent, bring your ID, they card. Trucks start serving at 5 and event goers will already be in line.

One Good Thing: Matthews is a town with a giving heart, as evidenced by the incredible nonprofits based in our town. Thompson Child and Family Focus is one such nonprofit. Founded in 1886 as an orphanage, Thompson now serves at-risk children and families from four campuses. Using therapy, education and prevention-based care, in 2017 Thompson served 12,811 clients and provided 225 full-time jobs.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 26, 2018

News About Town: During their November 27, 2017 meeting the Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary design for a pedestrian crossing at North Trade Street between Matthews Station and Brakeman’s/105 Cigar. Town staff estimated hiring a consultant for the preliminary design work would come in around $10,000.

When proposals came back Alta Design, the best qualified firm estimated $81,221 for the preliminary design work. No decision was made and the Board has asked town staff for more information.

News Above Town: If humid and sticky is your thing then you’re in luck this week. The last couple times the Weather Channel has called for storms the forecast changed, but right now they say we can expect afternoon storms and a high around 87.

News Around Town: For more than three decades ArtFest, now Artwalk and MusicFest, has been bringing art to the forefront in downtown Matthews. Beyond the usual Juried Fine Art Show and High School Art Exhibit, and live music, the Matthews Chamber of Commerce has expanded the kids art area as well as  craft beer & wine. Get some extra culture this Saturday, September 29, on the green in front of Town Hall from 10 AM until 6 PM.

One Good Thing: We have a giveaway on our Facebook page! We’re so proud of our Matthews-centric postcards (plus who doesn’t love receiving mail?) that we have 2 sets to giveaway. There are three easy peasy ways to win and you can do any or all for three chances to win!
**Find your favorite post here, then tell us which is your favorite over in the comments on the giveaway post on Facebook.
**While your there, tag a friend in the comments on the giveaway post. 
**follow us on Instagram. 

Matthews Morning Minute: September 21, 2018

News About Town: Responding to a request from N.C. State Emergency Management, Matthews Police Department sent four officers to assist Fair Bluff, NC with recovery efforts from Hurricane Florence.

Eventually a total of 18 of Matthews’ Finest will travel to Fair Bluff, a small town still reeling from Hurricane Matthew.

News Above Town: Don’t get too excited, but temps will reach a mild 86 degrees today. Is that fall calling from the distance?

News Around Town: Chris Sottile, the man about town whose personality is as robust as the cheese he mongers, will be doing the final chef demo of the season at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday, September 22.  Be there by 8:50 to get a good seat, the demo starts at 9.  A trio from WDAV's Classical Harvest Concert Series will serenade the main market while you peruse peppers, while Nick Tutwiler, a fourteen-year-old fiddler, will entertain the tailgate section.

One Good Thing: If you’re looking for a way to help, local fire departments are collecting food, bottled water, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies for areas hit hard by Hurricane Florence.

Loose items should be boxed and labeled for quick identification and processing. Deliver donations to the Matthews Fire Department, Idlewild VFD, or Mint Hill Fire & Rescue by September 30.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 20, 2018

News About Town: Saturday, September 22, 2018, from 9:00 AM  12:00 PM, the Town of Matthews will hold a Community Meeting at Matthews Town Hall (232 Matthews Station Street Matthews, NC 20815).  If you’re curious what an overlay means, or if it affects you as a property owner, this will be a good time to get all the answers.

The meeting schedule:

• 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. E. John Street/Outer Loop Small Area Plan

• 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Entertainment District Small Area Plan

• 11:00 - 12:00 p.m. - Monroe Road Small Area Plan

News Above Town: The weather seems stuck: high of 89, low around 68. We’ll get a few days of slightly cooler temperatures starting Friday, so at least there’s that.

News Around Town: Family Dollar is packing their bags. In a statement released Tuesday, Family Dollar, a subsidiary of Dollar Tree, announced the consolidation of their headquarters in Chesapeake, VA. The closure will affect approximately 900 jobs.

One Good Thing: Barks and Blooms, a Matthews-based pet sitting service, has organized a supply drive for pets affected by #Florence. Drop off items needed (see list above) at Your Mom’s Donuts or other area locations. Collected items will be taken to high-need areas such as Lumberton and Robeson County.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 18, 2018

News About Town: In August the Board of Commissioners delayed until October 8 to vote on an Overlay district for 3 Small Area Plans located around Matthews. The districts include the Entertainment District (which includes acreage around the Sportsplex), John Street/Outerloop (largely undeveloped property outside of 485), and Monroe Road Corridor (light industrial uses along Monroe Road around Family Dollar). The purpose of Small Area Plan Overlays (SAP-O) is to give the town enforcement capability with the three Small Area Plan policies. The Planning Department published an Impact by Area pdf, a 21-page detailed document further explaining the roles of SAP-Os. Public comments and concerns can be found here. The Town is hosting a meeting regarding the Small Area Plan Overlay on September 22 from 9 AM until noon. The Board will vote on the Overlay at the regularly scheduled Council meeting Oct 8.

News Above Town: Florence has moved along, but is the rain over? The Magic 8 Ball says outlook good; The Weather Channel shows a break in the downpour, but the rain will start back up next week. As for today, appreciate clearer skies, lower humidity, and a high around 88.

One Good Thing: Beantown Tavern Annual Golf Tournament takes place Monday, September 24, 2018. Cost is $125 per player and includes green fees, balls, and a cart as well as three meals (one of which is dinner at Beantown) and a vodka bar. Call 704-849-2023 for more information.

More than a Minute

We’ve all seen them, the helpful posts on Facebook with brilliant tips to prepare for a hurricane.  

Dishwasher Wash: This one comes with a helpful anecdote by some Hurricane survivor in Florida who supposedly used their dishwasher to keep important documents out of harm’s way. So, will the dishwasher keep your photos and valuables dry? Snope’s says nope.

Snopes might save your wedding album.

Open Up: Stop me if you’ve read this one before: Leaving a window open slightly during a hurricane will help equalize pressure and prevent damage. The truth? Leaving windows open can cause more damage than with closed windows. 

Fire Away: Blowing fans toward, scootering around town, and shooting guns at Hurricane Florence will keep the Hurricane away. Um. Really? Yeah, we don’t actually need to discuss this. Also, there are no sharks swirling in the clouds. I promise.

Phew, now that’s cleared up, let’s talk water. (And not bottled water. I think Brad Panovich covered that.

As we all wait to see what will actually happen with Florence, flash flooding, a rapid rise in water levels, seems imminent. Just remember: Turn Around Don't Drown. (Sing it with me...turn around...don’t drown.)

Another certainty? Many of our greenways are built through low-lying areas and cross over creeks and streams. Water can be deceptive, so even on foot turn around...don’t drown...

Do you know if you live on a floodplain? Check here.

More Than A Minute, September 13, 2018

CMS schools are closed today and tomorrow so some of the campuses can house Hurricane Florence evacuees.

In lieu of our regular Morning Minute we’ve put together a list of fun things to do with your kids during the extra-long hurrication.

1. Visit the Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station Street, before the hurricane gets here and stock up on books.

2. While you’re there, head upstairs and see the Town Hall. The Board of Commissioners and Mayor likely won’t be there, but the reception area is an impressive room appointed with local art and historical items.

3. Stay parked and walk over to Edible Art, 130-H Matthews Station Street. During hurricane breaks it’s perfectly normal to have cake for brunch. (Edible Art opens at 11.)

Edible Art at Matthews Station is, in fact, an aesthetic feast.

4. The next block over from Matthews Station Street is Charles Street. Stop by Karrousel Kids, 120 East Charles Street, for a new board game. 

5. Continue up Trade Street to Renfrow’s* for some sand bags (because you never know), farm fresh veggies (to balance out the cake), and cold weather vegetable plants. Create a temporary indoor garden for green relief during what looks to be very grey days ahead.

6. Stop by Zab’s Place, 101 North Trade Street, Matthews, for Pinterest-worthy upcycling ideas and a fancy outfit for a Hurricane Tea Party. 

7. Once you’re back in your car, head to Your Mom’s Donuts, 11025 Monroe Road, for either a snack or to stock up on sugar-laden bribes.

8. If the kids are all hopped up on sugar, drop them off for some play time. Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics and Cheerleading, 11011 Monroe Road, Matthews, is hosting open gym hours from 1:00-3:00 PM, both September 13 and 14 for five year olds & up. Cost is $10/child.

Later, when you’re stuck in the house: 

1. Make a rain gauge. 

2. Don your new Zab’s Place outfit and have a Hurricane Tea Party. Invite your neighbors, too!

3. Scrounge around for some socks and make a  puppet show with stuff around your house.

4. If there’s power, use the free, downloadable  movies from the library's website to your advantage. 

A few cancellations to consider: 

• Matthews 101 postponed from September 13 to September 20.

• Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse’s Halfway to St. Paddy’s Day celebration is postponed from September 14 & 15 to September 21 & 22.

• Backyard Birds visit from the Raptor Center scheduled for September 15 is cancelled.

• Matthews Community Farmers Market is cancelled for September 15. 

• Matthews UMC Fall Consignment Sale (September 15) is cancelled.

*Renfrow’s is a sponsor of the Beacon, but they did not ask for inclusion in this article, we just think an indoor garden is a good idea when the world outside is rainy and blustery.

Matthews Morning Minute, September 12, 2018

News About Town: All eyes are on Florence. FEMA has a thorough list for preparations. ReadyNC.org has information regarding all of North Carolina. Locally, stay updated with CharMeck Alerts.

ReadyNC has an app where you can follow developments of Hurricane Florence.

News Above Town: They keep saying thunderstorms, but we’ve only had a few rumbles. What will tomorrow bring? Humidity for sure, and maybe scattered thunderstorms.  Temps will reach the upper 80s. The big question is, what will Thursday bring?

News Around Town: The forecast has us avoiding the worst of the storm, but that hasn’t stopped residents from rushing for supplies. It’s breaking news when a lucky few find bread, water, or gasoline.

One Good Thing: ​Tickets are available for Blues & BBQ, an annual fundraiser for COS Kids, October 5. COS Kids fills a niche in Matthews by offering affordable full day childcare. Blues & BBQ supports the efforts to provide safe, accessible child care for single parents through an evening of lively music and delicious fare.

Matthews Morning Minute, September 11, 2018

News About Town: Earlier this year the  Board of Commissioners approved FY 2018-19 Town Budget, which included a 1.5-cent property tax increase. A portion of this tax increase was designated to fund 10 full-time employees for the  Matthews Fire Department. The Fire Department is hosting a recruitment open house on Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 10 AM til 1 PM.

News Above Town: The thunderstorms continue as reminders of Hurricane Florence. Town Officials are working with state and local partners to stay informed and ensure the town is prepared for the storm.

News Around Town: The Town is holding a Finest Fido contest. Check out the fabbest five pups in Matthews then “like” your favorite to vote.

One Good Thing: Seven members of the Matthews Fire & EMS Department participated in The 2018 Charlotte Firefighters 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

Each firefighter climbed the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center to honor fallen heroes from the September 11, 2001 attack on the Twin Towers.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 7, 2018

News About Town: The Town is currently updating AV equipment in the Hood Room of Town Hall. AV updates were approved during the June 25, 2018 Board of Commissioners meeting.  Included in this update is the capacity to video record Board of Commissioner meetings which will then be posted on the Town’s YouTube channel. The  update will make Town Council meetings more accessible to those unable to attend them live.

News Above Town: The Weather Channel says more of the same...highs in the low 90s, lows around 70. It's going to be sunny, so if you didn't take time to enjoy the gorgeous sky yesterday, make sure you pause to look up today. The blue skies are limited edition over the next couple days.  

News Around Town: ​ Great Harvest Bread opened September 3 in Matthews Station and there’s no denying the call of the carb. Open Monday thru Sunday, 7 AM til 3 PM, 110 Matthews Station St, Matthews.

One Good Thing: Did you know Matthews is home to Bright Blessings? Through volunteers and supporters, Bright Blessings, a non-profit organization serving the greater Charlotte region, will provide essentials, literacy aids, and birthday parties to more than 10,000 homeless and impoverished children this year.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 6, 2018

News About Town: The Cottage Greenway Project goes before the Board of Adjustment next Thursday (Sepember 13). Town Public Works department has recommended construction of a private road for the subdivision. According to the Town’s Unified Development Ordinance, all streets must be dedicated public. The quasi-judicial Board of Adjustment must determine several findings before approving or denying the request for variance.

News Above Town: The Weather Channel says we’re heading back to the 90s, but don’t start singing Pearl Jam yet. The evenings take us back to the low 70s.

News Around Town: It’s time for the September First Thursday Matthews Crawl. Check out the vendors on the green in front of town hall, then hit up Moe’s BBQ for a Thanksgiving Sandwich or $1.25 ribs.

One Fun Thing: The monarchs are here! Monarchs migrate in the spring and again in the fall. It’s not quite fall, but a few have been spotted around town on their way to Mexico. How’d they know Matthews is a pit stop on the Butterfly Highway?

Matthews Morning Minute: September 5, 2018

News About Town: Just on the heels of the John Street widening project, NCDOT unveiled their plans to widen Highway 51 between Sardis Road and John Street. This is the first phase of a widening plan that will extend to Mint Hill. NCDOT’s goal is to improve traffic flow with the most current designs, including a continuous flow intersection. Neighbors through the corridor are left with uncertainty about their homes.

News Above Town:  The Weather Channel shows highs in the upper 80s and lows around 70. Don’t turn off the AC yet.

News Around Town: Baked Well’s made-from-scratch Cookies for Claire satisfy your sweet tooth and your desire to do good deeds. Fifty percent of each cookie sale goes to Claire’s Army, a non-profit that supports families fighting childhood cancer and your desire to do good deeds. (Image from Baked Well’s Facebook page)

Open Tuesday thru Sunday, 7 AM - 2 PM; 10915 Monroe Rd. Suite D, Matthews

One Fun Thing:  Head out to the Sportsplex for an international match as Charlotte Independence hosts six-time Liga MX champions, Club Santos Laguna.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018; 7:30 PM until; 2425 Sports Parkway, Matthews;  $30+.