Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 11, 2017

News About Town: Matthews Board of Commissioners met with Planning and Administrative staff to discuss the Light Industrial zoning of the Stronghaven warehouse constructed in 1960 and located at 433 East John Street. The Board voted to begin the process of rezoning the property, a state-listed brownfield site, to R-12 Residential.

News Around Town: Despite minimal precipitation, the ice storm wreaked havoc around Matthews. According to the Duke Energy Outages page, there are still numerous power outages in Matthews. Several frustrated Beacon employees lost internet from downed lines, causing a lapse in Matthews news and bad Beacon puns for most of Monday.

One Fun Thing: This Thursday, December 13, take an evening to escape the holiday hustle and join Elinor Edvi-Miller, yogi and life coach, to find your state of mindfulness. The evening will consist of an interactive talk teaching practical and easy-to-use tips to pave your way into mindfulness. Matthews Community Center, Room 104, 100 McDowell Street, 7:30-9 p.m.

Morning Minute:Monday, December 10, 2018

News About Town: We discussed tonight’s council meeting on the Morning Minute this past Friday. This evening at 5:30, prior to the regular meeting, Commissioners will meet to discuss zoning for the box supply storage warehouse on East John St. (433 East John St., zoned I-1 Light Industrial). Currently there is no zoning action filed with the town for the property. The property owner, Hood Container Corp., is currently redesigning the entrance and loading docks toward the Charles St side of the property.

The meeting is scheduled to give councilmembers a chance to learn about taking action on “straight zoning” (no conditions associated with the zoning code) properties within Matthews.

News Around Town: The Snow and ice felled trees all over Matthews yesterday causing accidents and power outages. Duke Energy reports thousands in Matthews and more than 51,000 people without power in Mecklenburg County. Duke Energy has around 9,000 employees prepared to resolve power issues. Fallen trees were reported on Courtney Lane, Sam Newell, Matthews Township Parkway, and Rice Road. A tree that fell on John Street caused a vehicular crash that resulted in the death of the driver and minor injuries for the passenger.

One Fun Thing: With the holidays in full swing we’ve been in the mood to give gifts. Friday we announced a giveaway for Facebook friends: a 2019 calendar (made with illustrations by Beacon co-founder Renee), a Beacon mug for use specifically while catching up with your favorite Matthews news, and a laser-cut snowflake ornament that delicately catches the light just so. Stay tuned for another giveaway coming up later this week for newsletter readers! 

Morning Minute: Friday, December 7, 2018

News About and Around Town: There is a Board of Commissioners meeting this Monday, and it’s overflowing with agenda items. At 5:30, before the actual meeting, Commissioners will meet to discuss zoning for the warehouse property on East John St.

Following the discussion, at 6 PM, is a reception honoring Planning Director Kathi Ingrish, who is retiring this year.

During the regular Council meeting, the floor will be open for public comment on several rezoning applications. Application 2018-691 is for a mixed-use development which will include 121 townhomes on three acres at Idlewild and I-485. One property on West John is an application to rezone a residential lot, R-20, to office, O(CD). A third rezoning item, 2018-693, is simply to update the land use code for several properties in Crestdale to match the current Unified Develpment Ordinance.

The Board may vote on several items on Monday, including rezoning property on the Novant Hospital Campus to allow for office building construction. The Small Area Plan Overlays are back, the Board will once again have the opportunity to approve or deny the plans.

Beyond planning, the agenda contains fairly typical meeting items but there are a few worth noting. When NCDOT begins Independence Blvd improvements it will be up to the town to choose and fund pedestrian/bicycling improvements through the corridor. The Board will discuss this Monday night. They will consider the John Street Working Group's design and decide for or against adoption. Another item up for consideration is the 2019 Legislative Agenda, which lays out the expectations of the Town’s role in governing in tandem with the NC General Assembly. 

One Fun Thing: If it’s not snowin’-up-a-storm this Saturday, we’ll be out at The Loyalist (435 North Trade St.) with Good Cup Coffee for our second Hyperlocal Holiday Pop Up of the season! Warm up with a bowl of The Loyalist’s legend(wait for it)ary soup, then stroll the pocket park in the side yard and shop handmade-wares while sipping on the tummy warming goodness of Good Cup cocoa. 

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 5, 2018

 

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners Mini Planning Conference is coming up this Friday and Saturday (December 7 – 1:00 PM  til 7 PM and December 8 from 8 AM til 1 PM) in the Hood Room of Town Hall. The Board of Commissioners and Town Staff will check in on items from the previous Planning Conference, review town demographics, discuss the vision of and possible property acquisition for expanding Stumptown Park, refine roles for town committees, discuss branding and aesthetics throughout the town, consider expanding parking measures such as a parking deck, and review the town Code of Ethics. The meeting is open to the public but there will be no portion for public comment.

News About Town: According to an SEC filing and The Charlotte Observer, after the September announcement to close their Family Dollar headquarters in Matthews, Dollar Tree offered 700 employees the opportunity to transfer to Virginia with the company. Nearly 500 of those employees declined the offer.

One Fun Thing: This Saturday, December 8, from 12 PM to 3 PM we’re co-hosting another Hyperlocal Pop-Up Market with Good Cup Coffee and The Loyalist. Join the Matthews Beacon and 15 local artists, craftsmen, food vendors, and small businesses in the pocket park at The Loyalist (435 North Trade Street #102, Matthews). Stop in The Loyalist for a hearty bowl of the best soup in town, then head outside to sip on Good Cup Coffee and shop with a few of our Hyperlocal Gift Guide participants. This is a great opportunity to support some of our areas most talented movers, shakers, and makers.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 4, 2018

News About Town: The sixth meeting of the John Street Working Group will be held on Wednesday, December 5 at 6:15 p.m. at Matthews Town Hall. The group will review the results of the survey, which included questions about the original plan, a desired plan, and the consensus design. The working group will also discuss possible next steps.

News Around Town: Way2GoClt, a project founded by Sustain Charlotte and now operating in partnership with Charlotte Area Transit System, rewards you for taking alternate modes of transportation to work. Rather than commuting, take the bus and sign onto Way2GoClt, log your mode of transportation and get points. Each time you log on and record your mode of travel (other than single-driver commuting) you earn points to trade in for rewards.

Why participate? Matthews residents consider traffic a problem and what’s better than a fun solution to a problem? In the 2017 Citizen Satisfaction Survey for Matthews, 62.1% of participants selected “Traffic” as one of the biggest issues in the future; down from 73.9% in 2015.

One Good Thing: If you’re looking for a way to give back to the community this year, area nonprofits and town agencies have you covered. Donate an unwrapped toy or gift suitable for kids up to age 18 to the Matthews Gives Back for the Holidays drive. Drop-off locations include: Matthews HELP Center, Matthews United Methodist Church Matthews Town Hall, Matthews Community Center Matthews Fire Department, and Matthews Police Department.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 3, 2018

News About Town: Running pipe under Rice Road (part of the park construction) is taking longer than anticipated. The road will remain closed for the morning and afternoon as the contractor finishes the installation.  Local traffic still has access to their homes, but through traffic should detour. The road is expected to reopen by 5 PM.

Drivers are instructed to continue to use Williams Road and Sam Newell Road as the alternate routes until the road reopens.

News Around Town: In strange political news, the State Board of Elections has voted not to certify the 9th District race between Mark Harris (R) and Dan McCready (D). Irregularities in absentee ballots in Bladen and Robeson county have generated concern over the possibility of voter fraud. The BOE is exploring options, including the possibility of sending the race back to the polls for a do-over.

Punny cards by Lellow Lolly

One Fun Thing: The Brace Family YMCA, 3127 Weddington Rd, is hosting Christmas on Main Street today from 9 AM til 6 PM . Through the halls and foyer, you’ll have a chance to shop for unique holiday gifts. Be on the lookout for Lellow Lolly’s colorfully fun and inspirational illustrated prints and cards.

Morning Minute: Friday, November 30, 2018

Photo by Debbie LeBlanc Foster

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

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

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

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

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

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

Morning Minute: November 29, 2018

News About Town: No Shave November is coming to a close so it’s time to pick a winner. There are two categories: Beards and Goatees. (Anybody else feel like that’s also probably their after work basketball teams?) Simply go to the Town of Matthews Police department’s Facebook page and decide which is your favorite goatee and which is your favorite beard. “Like” your choices and they’ll tally the results. The winners get a free shave from J.R The Barber.

News Around Town: The Arts and Science Council is taking applications for their Culture Blocks program and Matthews creatives are encouraged to apply. The purpose of Culture Blocks is to connect the community through arts, science, and history experiences. More information is available on the Arts and Science Council website.

One Fun Thing: The U-nique Boutique, 11500-F East Independence Blvd Matthews, is hosting a holiday decorating workshop this Sunday, December 2, at 6:30 PM. Learn tips and tricks on how to decorate a mantle, a buffet, and a lantern. The cost of the workshop is $25. To reserve a spot, please call the store at 704-844-9768.

Morning Minute: November 28, 2018

News About Town: If you’re driving through the Elizabeth Lane Elementary school zone, be aware of posted speeds. The Town has been examining ways to make traffic flow more smoothly through the area, especially during school hours. Aside from traditional approaches such as evaluating the pattern of movement for carpool drop-off and pick-up, the police department has been gathering data such as vehicle speed and safety at crosswalks. In an effort to ensure safety for families getting to and from school, additional signs and alerts will be posted. The Matthews Police Department is also increasing patrols to enforce the speed limit and crosswalk laws.

News Around Town: This Saturday marks the beginning of the winter hours for the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market. The market will have shorter hours from 8-10 AM, but many mainstays and favorite vendors will be selling through the colder months.

One Fun Thing: Show off your architectural skills with the Matthews Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Gingerbread House Contest. Drop off your entry at the Chamber (210 Matthews Station Street) by 4:30 PM November 30 for judging on December 1. Judging will be separated into three categories: Amateur: Child/Family: 17 yrs or younger or family group that includes a child, Amateur: Adult: 18 yrs or older or any group of amateur adults, and Professional: Bakers, Chefs, Caterers, and Artists. Each category will be judged based on first impression, proportion, artistry, difficulty, and Matthews influence.

Morning Minute: November 27, 2018

News About Town: ast night, during the Board of Commissioners meeting, the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Advisory Committee made its second recommendation for tourism grants within the Town of Matthews. Originally the committee made recommendations to allot $63,000.00 (an arbitrary dollar amount typical of years past) in grants dispersed between six organizations (Charlotte City Ballet, Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association, Matthews Chamber of Commerce, Matthews Kiwanis Club, NC Youth Rugby Union, and Matthews Playhouse). Town Commissioners considered the budget and conceded that a percentage of tourism revenue would make more sense in the grant process. For 2019 onward the finance department estimate 5% of the end of year tourism revenue to calculate the tourism grant budget. Using 5% of the estimated revenue for next year allotted the committee an additional $19,400 for a total budget of $82,400.

Good Things Around Town: It’s #GivingTuesday and Matthews has an abundance of worthy nonprofits to support. Here are five of our favorites (there are so many more):

• Bright Blessings is a volunteer-led organization that will impact more than 10,000 homeless and impoverished children this year through its core programs, Bless-A-Birthday, Bless-A-Baby, Gift of Literacy and Gift of Care. 

• Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK), founded in 2006, as the first chapter of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF), is a non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education and conservation.

• MANA doesn’t go for all of the complicated “vision-mission-values” exercises. Their purpose is simple: to end malnutrition. They do it, they do it ingeniously, and they do it from right here in Matthews.

• The Matthews Library is easy to forget in terms of being nonprofit, but they are. Their mission is to improve lives and build a stronger community, which is exactly what they do for Matthews.  

• Matthews Playhouse is a 501(c)3 non-profit, community-based, theater organization committed to enriching the lives of children and adults through the world of performing arts.

Morning Minute: November 26, 2018

News About Town: The Town of Matthews broke ground on Rice Road Park this past August. As a part of the park’s construction, a contractor will be laying a new pipe under Rice Road between November 26 – 30.  That portion of the road will be closed to through traffic during this period. Residents in the area will still have access.

Drivers are instructed to use Williams Road and Sam Newell Road as the alternate routes.

Rice Road Park is expected to be complete in early 2019. 

News Around Town: Deer mating season typically occurs during the month of November in the NC Piedmont region. This means their behavior will be more erratic than usual, especially between 5 to 8 AM and 6 to 10 PM. Since suburban roads cross through habitat areas, and deer behavior can be unpredictable, auto-to-deer collisions increase significantly during the mating season. Use extra caution when driving at dawn and dusk, particularly on roads through wooded areas. (H/T to Charlotte Haryan on nextdoor.com for the info.)

One Good Thing: If you’re already feeling overwhelmed by the holiday fury, Joanna Clausen of NEST Organizing has just what you need. In her workshop Organizing Skills and Tips: Organizing for the Holidays Clausen will provide tips to organize everything holiday-related. She’ll cover organizing your time and events, give tips on getting holiday cards out the door, and ways to make sure all the presents get wrapped. 

Organizing Skills and Tips: Organizing for the Holidays, Wednesday, December 5, 2018, 6:00pm to 7:30pm, Matthews Library Community Room. Register here.

Morning Minute: November 22, 2018

A Word of Seasonal Advice From Your Local Fire Fighters:
”We are fortunate in this town to have some of the best dispatchers out there. These dedicated men and women are equipped to handle just about any emergency they are faced with. One particular emergency however, is a little bit beyond even their expertise. That is TURKEY emergencies!

If you need help, tips, or advice on making your Thanksgiving turkey the best it can be, the professionals at Butterball's Turkey Talk-line are there to help! Please don’t call 911!!

You can call them at 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372) or you can text your questions to 1-844-877-3456. They are available until 10PM today and 6PM tomorrow (Central Standard Time).

If you are frying your bird, be sure it’s thawed first. Make sure the fryer is at least 20 feet from the house. Don’t put too much oil in the pot. TURN OFF the burner before putting the turkey into and taking it out of the pot!!

Regardless of how you are cooking, make sure you have a fire extinguisher nearby, working smoke detectors and a plan of escape.

We hope to not run into you on a professional basis this holiday season but rest assured, if you need us, we are here 24/7.

Happy Thanksgiving.”

News From The Beacon: Apparently there are people out there who don’t like mushrooms. I (Renee) love them. Norah, however, doesn’t. So it became news to me yesterday that there is a need for a mushroom-less green bean casserole recipe. We’re here to fulfill that need.

MUSHROOM HATERS’ GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

•  1.5 pounds fresh green beans, rinsed and ends trimmed

•  2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 large potatoes, minced to 1/4”-1/2” pieces

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste

• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup half-and-half

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 6 oz french fried onions

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish, set aside.

2. Blanch the beans: In a large pot, bring about a gallon of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil. Add the green beans and boil for 8 minutes. Drain in a colander and immediately plunge the beans into a large bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

3. Canned Green Beans: If using canned green beans instead, drain green beans completely and set aside.

4. Melt butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and onions and cook until the onions have softened, about another 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.

5. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and stir to combine. Then add the half and half and simmer until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.

6. Remove from the heat and stir in all of the green beans. Transfer green bean mixture to prepared casserole dish. Top with the bread crumbs and then layer the french fried onions on top.

7. Place casserole in the oven and bake until bubbly, about 20 minutes. If your onions start to brown too quickly, cover the casserole with foil. Serve immediately!

Note: Hate onions too? Or have kids who do? Replace the fresh onions with a tablespoon of onion powder. All of the flavor, none of the gross slimy onions!

Adapted from The Novice Chefs original recipe with mushrooms. 

P.S. Yesterday we announced the Hyperlocal Holiday Pop Up. To beat the rain the organizers have opted to move the even to Friday, November 23 from noon til 3 PM. It will be held in the courtyard of the Loyalist. Stop by, get the best sandwich you’ve ever tasted, try a Good Cup of coffee, and do a bit of holiday shopping.

From our families to yours this Thanksgiving, we hope your bellies are full and the laughter is plentiful. Happy Thanksgiving!

Morning Minute: November 21, 2018

News About Town: The Matthews Police and Fire Departments are teaming up for the first annual “Matthews Public Safety Year In Review”.  Because our emergency response departments look at Matthews in three zones, there will be three meetings: North, Middle, and South. Each meeting will be a town-hall style and is a prime opportunity for anyone who is ever in Matthews to learn about public safety in 2018 and what to expect from the departments in 2019. Meeting dates and locations are listed on the Town’s website.

News Around Town: The Matthews Help Center has launched their 2018 HOPE Fundraising Campaign to continue serving Matthews-area residents in-need with financial assistance and counseling. The HELP Center does not apply for government funding, so their $1.3 million budget relies on sales from Backporch Treasures (the thrift store), grants, and donations. This season The Leon Levine Foundation will match all NEW donor gifts between now and December 31st. To contribute, donate online at www.matthewshelpcenter.org or mail a check to PO Box 91 Matthews, NC 28106.

Special Election Update: Following Tuesday's recount, Rachel Hunt has been declared the winner in the NC House District 103 race. In the end, just 68 votes separated Ms. Hunt and Mr. Brawley, making the case for the importance of every single vote.

One Good Thing: If you haven’t seen our call for artists and businesses all over the internet, we’re working hard behind the scenes to bring you a Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide. The Good Cup and The Loyalist Market are hosting a Hyperlocal Small Business Saturday Pop-Up event and have offered our Hyperlocal Holiday Guide participants the opportunity to join. Stop by on Saturday, November 24, from noon till 3 PM in the courtyard beside the market and shop small in Matthews.

Morning Minute: November 20, 2018

News About Town: Want to be more involved in the future of Matthews? The town is seeking board members for the Transportation Advisory Committee, the Matthews Committee on Education (Matthews residents only), and the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Committee (Matthews residents only). These boards meet monthly and examine issues to be presented to the Board of Commissioners for consideration. Contact Lori Canapinno, Town Clerk, at 704-708-1222 with questions. To apply: complete an application and submit it to Lori via email (lcanapinno@matthewsnc.gov). The deadline to apply is November 30, 2018. 

News Around Town: The Matthews Community Farmers’ Market wrapped up the main season this past Saturday. Luckily we have one last chance to get some locally grown meats and veggies for the Thanksgiving table. Today, November 20, visit the Thanksgiving market from 4 until 6 PM in the main market area. The selection won’t be the full scale we’re used to on Saturday mornings, but there will be plenty of leafy greens, sweet potatoes, artisan bread, and desserts. (Hello pumpkin pie, I’ve been waiting for you.) There has even been a whisper of fresh tomatoes still coming in. November 24 there will be no Saturday market, then they’ll reopen for winter hours (8 til 10 AM) every Saturday through March.

One Good Thing: The Kiwanis Club of Matthews is having their annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser. Proceeds from the tree and wreath fundraiser are used to improve “the lives of children one community at a time.” Wreaths are $25 each and trees start at $25. Further details can be found on the Kiwanis website.  Kiwanis Club of Matthews sponsors everything from college scholarships to grocery store gift certificates for single parents to afford a Thanksgiving feast. The deadline to order is November 21, 2018.

Please note: The order form has an incorrect date. We’ve verified with the Kiwanis Club that the last day to order is November 21, 2018.

Morning Minute: November 19, 2018

News About Town: The numerous projects along South Trade Street seem never-ending, in part because there have been several different projects which began in a streaming time line. Currently, NCDOT is working on the expansion of S. Trade Street , a project which was expected to be complete in September 2018. First with a few delays and now colder weather, some of the unfinished items cannot be completed until the spring of 2019. Construction should be complete soon after.

The greenway tunnel under the widened portion of South Trade is a separate project. The tunnel construction will begin after the completion of the road widening (spring 2019) and is being managed by Mecklenburg County.

News Around Town: For those who have noticed the name change on the Coveris signs, TC Transcontinental Inc. purchased the company in May of this year. Coveris, 700 Crestdale Rd, a business previously held by Coveris Holdings S.A. (headquartered in Chicago, Illinois) and produced flexible plastic and paper products (think bags, pouches, and rolls of paper or shrink wrap). TC Transcontinental (headquartered in Montreal Canada) is a flexible packaging printer for many different industries from food packaging to battery wraps. The TC Transcontinental facility in Matthews will create the same flexible paper and plastic products as before the purchase.

One Good Thing: If the cost of vaccines for your pets seems prohibitive, Neighborhood Feed is hosting a low cost vaccine clinic this coming Sunday, November 25, from 1:30 until 3 PM. Through The Pet Stop mobile clinic, state-licensed veterinarians will be on-hand to administer single or multiple vaccines for cats and dogs. Get your pet in tip-top shape for the month of partying ahead.