Morning Minute: November 16, 2018

News About (and Around) Town:  The Matthews area House of Representatives (District 103) race has been a real nail biter. At the close of election day current Representative Bill Brawley led challenger Rachel Hunt by 52 votes out of 38,000 cast.

However, after the polls closed there were absentee and provisional ballots to count.  Absentee ballots must have been postmarked by November 6 and received by 5 PM on November 9. Following the absentee ballot count last Friday, Ms. Hunt edged ahead by 64 votes with a tally of 19,102 (Hunt) to 19,038 (Brawley).  

A provisional ballot is cast when there is a question regarding a person's eligibility to vote (see more here: https://www.ncsbe.gov/Voting-Options/Provisional-Voting), or if they've arrived at the wrong precinct. Following election day each provisional ballot is researched to determine if the voting issue can be resolved. The research is presented to the Board of Elections and they make the final determination on whether the ballot is eligible and will count. Provisional ballots were verified and tallied yesterday, which resulted in a 68 vote lead by Ms. Hunt over Mr. Brawley. The deadline to certify the election is today at 11 AM.

Since the final tally has less than 1% separating the candidates, Mr. Brawley has requested a recount, which will most likely happen early next week.

One Fun Thing: This Saturday Matthews United Methodist (801 South Trade Street) will have over 80 artists and crafts people selling their handmade goods just in time for the holiday gift-giving season. Ready-to-serve bake sale items will be the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table. Lunch will also be available for sale with those proceeds benefiting Christ Our Shepherd Kids. Saturday, November 17, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Morning Minute: November 15, 2018

News About Town: The Town Council has approved an LED Conversion for increasing energy efficiency in facility lighting around Matthews. The original estimate, $51,733.86, did not anticipate needs for improvement to certain areas of the Community Center in poor condition and Hood Room upgrades in town hall. With the additions to the the scope of the project total cost is approximately $60,000, but with increased efficiency will have an anticipated return-on-investment (ROI) in under 2 years.

News Around Town: There’s no shame in dreading a day in the kitchen preparing for a Thanksgiving meal, especially when you know you’ll spend the next day doing all the dishes. This year you have two downtown Matthews restaurants ready to smoke a bird for you. Moe’s BBQ (111 Matthews Station St, 704-814-6637) is offering whole smoked turkeys for $50 and trays of sides for $30, orders have to be in by Monday, November 19. Mac’s Speed Shop (142 E. John Street, 704-444-0332) is offering 2 sizes of birds: the smaller is $55 for turkeys between 12-14 pounds and $110 for a 20-22 pound bird.

One Good Thing: Tonight is the 10th Annual Festival of Trees in the lobby of Novant Health Matthews (for old timers Presbyterian Hospital Matthews). Festivities include the lighting of themed holiday trees decorated by area businesses and nonprofits. Check out the cheery, modern, dog themed tree decorated by Barks and Blooms (sneak peek in their lovely photos above). There will also be holiday classic treats to eat, live music, and a visit from Santa Claus. Want to take something home? Raffles and a silent auction to benefit local area nonprofits can fill that desire. If you’re staring longingly at your holiday decor (ahem Norah, it’s too early for reindeer earrings) tonight is your night. Novant Matthews Festival of Trees, November 15, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, 1500 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews.

Morning Minute: November 14, 2018

News About Town: It’s time once again for Coffee with a Commissioner. Head out in the rain and meet three of our Council Members at 10 AM at Brakeman’s Coffee for a chance to chat. Conversation is led by the attendees at these events, so come ready with all the Matthews questions you’ve been wondering about.

News Around Town: If you see a particularly hairy looking male police officer around town don’t worry, nobody’s joining ZZ Top. Thirty two Matthews Police officers are participating in No Shave November. Each officer donated $25 to participate and those funds will be donated to Zero Cancer Foundation, a prostate cancer patient advocacy and public awareness group. Check out the Zero Cancer site to learn more and donate.

One Good Thing: Aside from our obvious obsession with bacon, we at the Beacon also love handmade goods and small businesses. Are you a crafter, baker, candlestick maker? Manicurist or masseuse? Got something that would make a great gift? We have a gift guide for the smallest of businesses at the best of prices: $15! Message us or email Norah about advertising in our Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide.

Morning Minute: November 13, 2018

​News About Town: Last night Town Council voted on the ​Trade Street Cottage rezoning. The rezoning was approved for 12 homes on a 2.36 acre lot. After public comment where three residents spoke against the rezoning (no residents spoke for) the motion was made for approval by Kress Query and seconded by Barbara Dement. There was lengthy discussion by the Board  both for and against. The vote was tallied with Bailey, Dement, Query, and Urban for and Higdon, Melton, and Miller against.

​News Around Town: Leapfrog, a consumer watchdog group for hospital safety rated Novant Matthews with a Grade A. The group assigns grades to more than 2,600 general acute-care hospitals twice yearly. Grades are based on 28 measurents of publicly available hospital safety data.

​One Good Thing: Pet Paradise of Matthews is hosting their 10th Annual Pet Food Drive through December 31. ​ so far they’ve collected over 400 pounds of dog food to be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank, who will distribute to pet owners in need.

Morning Minute: November 12, 2018

News About Town: The Matthews Board of Commissioners has a regularly scheduled meeting tonight at 7 PM in Town Hall. Items on the agenda include recognition of Matthews 101 participants and several rezoning issues.

Novant Hospital Matthews is requesting the rezoning of property on their campus for the construction of two new office buildings. Part of the rezoning includes cost-sharing between the Town and Novant for a connector road (Andrew Caroline Drive) from Sam Newell to Matthews Mint Hill Road. Novant will also allow the Carolina Thread Trail through their property, which will connect to the new multi-use paths constructed along Matthews Mint Hill Road. A third aspect is agreement of Novant to allow the future Lynx Silver Line through a portion of the campus.

Tonight the Board will vote on the hotly contested 269 South Trade Street property. This project proposes 12 homes on a 2.4 acre lot adjacent to the greenway entrance on South Trade. Also on the agenda is a vote on a map and text amendment for the Monroe Road Small Area Plan Overlay. The Town Planning Department recommends a deferral on this vote until December 10, 2018.

News Around Town: Yesterday the Town of Matthews and American Legion Post 235 hosted a Veteran’s Day ceremony in Stumptown Park. The program consisted of a choir from Independence High School and a several moving speeches. A graveside ceremony followed at Old Matthews Cemetary (Pleasant Hill Drive) in conjunction with Marine Corps League Charlotte 750 to honor the fallen World War I soldiers of Matthews, NC.

At 11 AM today the Matthews Rotary Club will honor area veterans with their 28th Annual Veterans Day lunch at the Levine Senior Center. Numerous restaurants are offering Veterans free meals with valid ID through today.

The Matthews Beacon would like to thank all our veterans for their bravery and service.

One Good Thing: Girl Scout Troop 1497 is hosting a blood drive today at Brakeman’s Coffee (225 N. Trade Street). Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will be at the popular coffee shop (we’re assuming in a mobile donor unit) between the hours of 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Donate blood and get a free drink!

Morning Minute: November 9, 2018

News About Town: Sunday, November 11, the mayor and Matthews Board of Commissioners will join members of Matthews American Legion Post 235 for a special Veterans Day Ceremony. Starting at 11:00 a.m. at Stumptown Park, at noon the ceremony will move to at Old Matthews Cemetery (Pleasant Hill Drive) to honor and remember WWI soldiers, including Private Grady B. Hooks who was killed on the last day of WWI, November 11, 1918, and is buried in the cemetery.

Image courtesy of BAPS Mandir website

News Around Town: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir celebrated Diwali and New Year Annakut yesterday with vegetarian food, cultural programs, and traditional entertainment. Special Diwali celebrations are organized for children and youths to preserve the true spiritual importance of the festival. Throughout the celebrations, Hindu devotees ask Bhagwan (God) for enlightenment, ethical economic prosperity, and success in careers, among other rituals and traditions.

One Fun Thing: Machu Picchu Restaurant has a night of Venezuelan fun planned with bagpipes and stand-up comedy. Venezuelan Comedians Wilmer Ramirez and Honorius Torrealba will keep you laughing Saturday, November 10. Tickets available through Eventbrite.

Morning Minute: November 8, 2018

News About and Around Town: Election Day has come and gone, and here in Matthews we have a mix of new representation and familiar faces. Susan Rodriguez-McDowell defeated 22 year incumbent Bill James for County Commission District 6. Our at large commissioners retained their seats - Pat Cotham, Ella Scarborough, and Trevor Fuller. In the State Senate, Dan Bishop held on to his seat. The State House race remains undecided, with just 53 votes separating incumbent Bill Brawley and challenger Rachel Hunt, with absentee ballots left to count. Absentee ballots were to be postmarked no later than Election Day, so it will be some time before all ballots are in and counted.

One Fun Thing: Millennials will meet at 7 PM tonight at Seaboard Taproom and Wine Bar (213 N Trade St, Matthews ) for the Matthews Library’s series Books on Tap: 20s & 30s Book Club. Grab a drink and join the discussion about Florida by Lauren Groff.

Morning Minute: November 6, 2018

News About Town: Monday evening the Town of Matthews hosted a public input meeting regarding the town engineering department’s interpretation of the consensus design from the John Street Working Group for public feedback. The meeting was live-streamed over Facebook and can be viewed through the Town’s Facebook page. To participate in the survey, login here and use session ID: Matthews.

Photo by Abstract Dissent

News Around Town: It’s Election Day! If you aren’t one of the 25% of Mecklenburg County voters who took advantage of early voting, head on over to your polling location and cast your ballot today! Check here if you’re not sure where to vote. For non-partisan summaries of all the candidates on your ballot, visit vote411.org and enter your address. Expect some lines, turnout for early voting was more than double the 2014 early voting totals and it’s expected a large number of voters will come out on Tuesday. Weather is also a factor; the forecast calls for rain so make sure you have an umbrella in the event you’ll be standing outside. However you vote, we encourage all of our readers to exercise their right and perform their civic duty.

One Fun Thing: Join HAWK tonight for an engaging evening with Ramona Moore Big Eagle, M.Ed. An Oral Historian and Legend Keeper of the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina, Ramona recognizes her everyday life as part of a bigger story to be told. The event is sure to be both educational and captivating. Tuesday, November 6, at 7 PM in the Matthews Community Center, 100 E McDowell St.

Morning Minute: November 5, 2018

News About Town: After the two major accidents last week in the residential section of John Street it’s even more imperative to discuss a safe plan for the future of the corridor. The John Street Working Group meeting is tonight, November 5, at 6 PM at Town Hall. This is a chance to give input, to see and learn about the consensus design created by the Working Group, and give direction on how the committee will proceed. There will be several ways to interact, but are limited to those in attendance. If you can’t make it in person, the meeting will be live-streamed on the Town’s Facebook page, but the smart phone polling and input will not be available to those at home. Comments, however, will be taken.

News Around Town: Tickets went on sale this past Friday for the annual holiday shows at the Community Center Fullwood Theater. The Nutcracker and Sugar Plum Tea Party tickets are available but Breakfast with Santa has sold out. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone (704-321-7275), or in person at the Matthews Community Center. Prices are as follows:

• The Nutcracker: $5 (ages 12 and under), $7(ages 13 and up)

• Sugar Plum Tea Party: $5 per person.

One Good Thing: It has been one week since the Butler shooting and for a few more days you can buy a #ButlerStrong tee shirt from Cotton Gin Printing to help those affected in the Butler shooting continue the healing process. Prices range from $12 to $15 and $6 of the proceeds from each sale will go to a fund to help the Butler community. Over $2,200 has been raised so far.

Morning Minute: November 2, 2018

News About Town: Put it on your calendar, the next John Street Working Group meeting is Monday, November 5, at 6 PM at Town Hall. This is a chance for the public to learn about the consensus design created by the group, how it will function, as well as how the committee will proceed. There will be several ways to interact and give your opinion including public comment and online poll.  If you can’t make it in person, the meeting will be live-streamed on the Town’s Facebook page.

Photo by Abstract Dissent 

News Around Town: As the Matthews community mourns and processes the Butler High School shooting, one Charlotte artist offered a message of unity. Abstract Dissent painted a mural on the interior wall of Butler High School in response to the deadly shooting at the school on Monday. On his Facebook page Abstract Dissent noted, “I hope this piece can bring the school kids together tmrw on their first day back.”

One Fun Thing: Sycamore Commons is throwing a family-fun-filled Fall Fest tomorrow, November 3 from 11 AM til 2 PM. They’ll have apple cider, free pumpkins, face painting, and more. There’s enough planned to keep everyone happy! In case of rain, the festival will be moved to Sunday, November 4, 2018.

Morning Minute: November 1, 2018

News About Town: It’s time for another breakfast (or coffee, or moment to simply say hi) with Mayor Paul Bailey this Saturday morning, November 3, at Miki's Restaurant (1819 Matthews Township Parkway) at 8:00 a.m. Lots has happened in Matthews this week and if you have questions it’s the perfect opportunity to find out Mayor Bailey’s perspective.

News Around Town: Yesterday morning the fire department responded to a three-car accident on John Street. This was the second three-car accident this week. Lula Pope Miller, a John Street resident in Monday’s accident, was taken to the hospital and later died. The accident yesterday, Wednesday, October 31, resulted in three people being taken to the hospital. Two of those injured sustained life-threatening injuries.

Vehicle in the Wednesday morning crash on John Street.

One Fun Thing: You let your own dogs out and head on over to Stumptown Park with them for Pawsitively Matthews this Saturday, November 3 from 10 AM until 4 PM. Visit the pet-friendly vendors, munch on some food truck goodies, and listen to music while appreciating the paw-positive vibes.

Morning Minute: October 31, 2018

News About Town: News about the Butler shooting has been unfolding. As the Matthews community searches for answers, there are still few. What has become known is that the gun was stolen from a vehicle in Gaston County in August. According to Jatwan Cuffie, the 16 year old shooter, he hid the gun in the woods outside the high school and retrieved it before school Monday. Cuffie was involved in a fight this past weekend with several other boys outside a Matthews Harris Teeter. Bobby McKeithen, the vicitim, was not involved in the fight. According to Cuffie, McKeithen punched him in the face Monday morning.

News Around Town: Happy Halloween! Trick or treaters are sure to be out around dusk filling their bags with candy. Look for the growing-in-popularity Teal Pumpkin, where kids with allergies can find allergy-friendly treats. For adults, several of the establishments around town are offering spooky specials. However you celebrate (or don’t), exercise caution when driving around town tonight.

One Good Thing: The coast of North Carolina is still in need of support from the inland community after Hurricane Florence. Some schools have lost their entire library collections and many classroom collections have been destroyed by flooding, mold and contamination. Joanna Schimizzi, Matthews resident and teacher, has started a book drive with the goal of collecting one new and like-new book per child (600,000!) living in the 28 majorly affected counties.
If you would like to give or host a book drive click here. For questions or to volunteer, please email Joanna: hurricaneflorencebooks@gmail.com.

Morning Minute: October 30, 2018

News About Town: On Monday, October 29, 2018 16 year old Jatwan Cuffie shot 16 year old Bobby McKeithen in the 500 hall of Butler High School. A School Resource Officer was in the building at the time of the shooting and responded within a minute. A teacher found the shooter, who turned himself in and admitted to shooting McKeithen. Details are limited; a full investigation is underway.

Photo by Joanna Albanese Schimizzi

News Around Town: As students, school staff, parents, and the Matthews community at large respond to this event, those affected have been offered ways to discuss and unpack the traumatic experience. Matthews United Methodist opened sanctuary doors for an hour of quiet meditation and youth-led song from 6:30 to 7:30 last night. The mood was quiet and reflective, the pews were lined with high schoolers. Other students and family gathered at Butler High School, bringing balloons for release at dusk and holding a candlelight vigil after dark. Speakers were set up for students to talk about their experience and to acknowledge the multitude of feelings.

More Support: While CMS counselors are on-hand for those affected, there are also several online resources for parents to use in assisting their children in dealing with violence and grief:

• THE NATIONAL CHILD TRAUMATIC STRESS NETWORK

• US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID

• AMERICAN SCHOOL COUNSELOR ASSOCIATION

If you or your child would like to talk to a counselor over the phone or by text, Disaster Distress Hotline is available 24/7. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 for support and counseling; Spanish-speakers should text Hablanos to 66746.

Morning Minute: October 26, 2018

Photo by Norah Burke 

Some Fun Things: Looking for Halloween fun? There’s plenty of fun for everyone!

• Today, October 26 through Tuesday, October 30, the Matthews Playhouse is ready to scare you silly on the Haunted Trail! Each day from 6 until 7 PM things are on the tame side of terrifying, but from 7 PM until closing at 10 PM there's no telling how frightful things will get. Tickets are $7 for 12 years and under and $10 for 13 years and older.  Located on the Greenway Connector Trail behind the Community Center, 100 McDowell St East.   

• Matthews Mojo Halloween Costume Run! Let’s cut to the chase, you’re going to eat a lot of candy. A LOT OF CANDY. Why not prep for Halloween by giving your costume a dress rehearsal and run on October 27 (8 AM til about 10 AM). Think of it as preemptively neutralizing the sugar?Post-run wind down with a (few?)  pumpkin beers and hang out with like-minded people.

• Don’t forget the Town’s Not-So-Spooky Halloween and Pumpkin Carving Contest, this Saturday, October 27, from 5 PM to 9 PM in Stumptown Park. The evening starts with festive fun and will end with the movie “Halloweentown”.

• Mount Moriah Church, 381 Crestdale Rd, is hosting a Trunk or Treat on Halloween with food and games. It’s open to everyone and costumes should be based on book characters. The festivities start at 6:30 PM and will go to 8:30PM.

• If you don’t have kids and want something to do, Halloween Bike Night is the season-ender on October 31 at Kristopher’s (at the Corner of Matthews-Mint Hill Road & Trade Street). The fun starts at 6 PM and you’ll want to get there in time to see bikers arrive in costume.

Morning Minute: October 25, 2018

News About Town: Have you voted yet? Early Voting for the 2018 Elections continues at the Matthews Library this week. Voters are coming out this year with turnout approximately two times 2014 totals after 5 days of voting. Polls will be open daily until November 3. Check the Board of Elections website for hours.

News Around Town: The Matthews Heritage Museum, 232 North Trade Street, recently opened a new holiday-themed exhibit. “Christmas Past” displays holiday ornaments, books and memorabilia from the early to mid-twentieth century. Tour the museum and warmly embrace the nostalgia of Christmas past. The exhibit closes January 19, 2019. Admission is $4 per person, $2 for ages 11-17, children 10 and under are free.

One Fun Thing:  The Loyalist, 435 North Trade Street #102, is celebrating their One Year Anniversary this Saturday from noon until 9 PM. To celebrate they’re offering discounts on cheese and charcuterie boards, $1 off drafts and wine by the glass, and raffling off a year of free cheese (tickets are $5). Raffle proceeds will be donated to the The Joe Martin ALS Foundation.