Morning Minute: Friday, January 4, 2018

News About Town: If you’re not familiar with Town Advisory Boards, these boards provide an opportunity for community members to play a role in the creation of town-wide policy. Advisory Boards discuss relevant topics and provide a consensus opinion to the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners takes the consensus under consideration for their decision-making. Applications for the following Boards are being accepted through January 30, 2019:

Appearance and Tree Board promotes activities and programs which enhance the visual characteristics of Matthews  in order to make Matthews a cleaner, greener, and more aesthetically pleasing community. 

Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board that interprets town ordinances and policies for unique situations or special cases related to the town Zoning Ordinance. 

Committee on Education the most recently formed Advisory Board, acts in an advisory capacity to the Town Board on matters of interest and importance to students and parents.

Cultural Diversity Council (CDC) fosters a climate of mutual respect, greater communication, and  among the many diverse groups and communities in Matthews in order to create a more culturally competent community.

Economic Development Advisory Committee  markets the Town to assist economic development through the retention, expansion, and attraction of businesses for a robust economic base in Matthews.  Planning Board* makes recommendations on land development plans and regulations from a citizen standpoint. 

Transportation Advisory Committee assists in the development of a master transportation system plan which includes transit, road location, pedestrian and bike paths, traffic calming measures, and more.

Veterans Advisory Committee  (MVAC) promotes a strong, inclusive, and cooperative relationship between the Town of Matthews and service members, veterans and their families. 

News Around Town:  Save the date for the Third Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Peaceful March & Commemorative Worship. Sunday, January 20, meet at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 381 Crestdale Road, at 2:00 p.m. for a brief program about civil rights. From there, the group will walk to Town Hall. Monday, January 21, Mt. Moriah will host a community fellowship at 8:00 a.m. followed by a commemorative service at 10:00.

One Fun Thing: This one’s for the kids! Charlotte Allstars and Gymnastics, 11011 Monroe Road, is hosting their first Friday Night Open Jump of the year. Drop off your kids from 6:00 til 9:00 p.m. for a well-supervised evening of bouncing and tumbling while you go enjoy some grown up time. 

Morning Minute: Thursday, January 3, 2019

All Good Things: The Parks and Rec Department has been busy lately scheduling all sorts of good things, each of which is worth mentioning.

The Town’s Valentine Dance (formerly the Father-Daughter Dance) tickets go on sale tomorrow, January 4. The event always sells out so get your clicking finger ready and be ready to purchase your tickets at 9 AM sharp. The dance is Saturday, February 9 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Crews Rd. Rec. Center (1201 Crews Road). For $15 a person, you get dinner, snacks, dessert, crafts, and quality time with your kiddos during the season of love.

Bring the family and bend your way to health with Bowspring Yoga at the Community Center Sunday, January 6, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. This class combines a Bowspring-specific postural alignment with traditional yoga for a unique fitness experience. The cost is $5 per person for ages 2 and up, bring a yoga mat and be sure to register, as space is limited.

Parents, bring your preschool aged kids (0-5 years old) and join Valerie of Kindermusik and Michelle from Abrakadoodle for a morning of music, art, and storytelling. This free event is at the Community Center in the Community Room this Monday, January 7 from 10:00 a.m. until approximately 10:40 a.m. Registration is required.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 1, 2019

News About Town: It’s time again for the monthly Meet with the Mayor at Miki’s Restaurant (say that 10 times real fast). This Saturday, from 8 to 9 a.m.,  Take some time to sit down with Mayor Bailey at Miki’s (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy) and ask about what’s going on in town. 

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

News Around Town: If you’re looking for a new hobby (or to practice an existing hobby further), the Park and Rec Department has lots of options. From yoga to art-making, there’s something on their roster to fulfill your New Year’s goal. No need to camp overnight to get a spot for your yoga mat at the gym, each class has a limited number of spots. The affordability is a bonus: get fit, be more creative, and save some dough in 2019.

One Good Thing: We’re constantly discussing what works and doesn’t work on the Matthews Beacon site as a whole, and one difficult task has been organizing archived articles. We've added three indexes for easier access: Articles by Author, Articles by Category, and Articles by Date. When you click on Latest News, you’ll see a drop down menu for these options. Give it a whirl and let us know what you think.

Morning Minute: December 31, 2018

News About Town: The Fire Department had a busy night over the weekend, starting in the evening on Morningwood Drive with a two-vehicle fire. The accidental fire ended with the total loss of one vehicle and damage to the second. Several hours later a three-department team (Matthews, Mint Hill, and Idlewild) responded to a call at a duplex near Butler High School. This fire displaced four people, who are being provided for by the American Red Cross. The Stallings Fire Department provided coverage for Matthews during this call.

News Around Town: Starting tonight, between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. on January 1, is the most dangerous time to be on the road in the US. The Matthews Police Department recently shared some tips on social media that are well-worth repeating: Plan and know how you’re getting home, whether a designated driver or an Uber/Lyft (why not put the app on your phone right now?), make sure your driver hasn’t been drinking. All senses need to be sharp. If you drink heavily on New Year’s Eve you could still be tipsy when you wake up January 1. If you’re still feeling it, it’s not okay to drive then, either. Finally, if you’re out and you see unsafe drivers on the road, pull over and call 9-1-1. Stay safe tonight, Matthews.

Some Fun Things: There are plenty of fun activities all over Matthews if you’re up for a New Year’s party, but the one that stands out most, especially in light of how dangerous it is to be on the roads tonight, is at Mac’s Speed Shop. The restaurant, located at 142 E. John St., has no cover and live music by Woodie and the String Pullers starting at 8 p.m. Most importantly, though, Mac’s customers can use Lyft to get home and get $10 off the ride by using coupon code: MACS19MTW. (Giant H/T to responsible businesses!)

Morning Minute: December 28, 2018

News About Town: Republic Services will not pick up trash on New Year’s Day and pick up will operate on a one-day delay. Yard waste pick up is behind schedule as well.

News Around Town:  If you’re getting to know the Town website, but have a tough time navigating and searching, Protect Matthews has a Google search set up for the site. With options for the type of document, exact search, or keyword search it makes finding documents on MatthewsNC.gov a great deal easier.

One Good Thing: The Arts and Science Council is holding a workshop to explain the application for the McColl Award, a $25,000 grant.  This grant is open to Mecklenburg County-based nonprofits and creative individuals and ASC staff will be on hand to answer questions. This workshop is Tuesday, January 8, 2019 from 5:30, until 7 p.m. in the Van Every Auditorium at the Mint Museum on Randolph (2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte).

Morning Minute: December 27, 2018

News About Town: The Matthews Police Department is holding a community meeting to present a plan addressing traffic concerns for Elizabeth Lane Elementary. Stop by the school gymnasium on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 6:15 P.M. to hear their plans for increasing safety and efficiency during major traffic hours. During the mini-planning conference, the Board of Commissioners heard a presentation by the Town’s Transportation Department as well as the Police Department. Some solutions included having a dedicated School Resource Officer for the school as well as encouraging bus ridership.

News Around Town: Youth Shrine Bowls of the Carolinas’ annual Battle of the Borders is coming to the Sportsplex, 2425 Sports Parkway, this Saturday, December 29, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Youth Shrine Bowl Athletics of the Carolinas, a nonprofit, provides fifth to eighth graders who typically can’t afford sports programs the opportunity to participate in youth sports. After rigorous tryouts, coaches select players based on detailed analysis. While the program is free, participants must fundraise to participate in the bowl, with proceeds going to local children’s hospitals. Tickets are $20.

One Fun Thing: The Pizza Peel Matthews, 110 Matthews Station St , is throwing a New Year’s bash for the younger set. Kids will finally understand the fun of New Years with the Peel’s free buffet of cheese and pepperoni pizza, party favors, sparkling juice, and a countdown at noon. And for the parents? We don’t have to worry about grumpy kids who didn’t get enough sleep the night before! December 31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

*Kids 12 and under, must be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian. Parents wanting pizza can have the regular weekday pizza buffet.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 24, 2018

It will be a (hopefully) light week on news, so our traditional Morning Minute format is going on vacation for a few days. There are some things going on around Matthews, though, so check out what we’ve found:

If you need a pre-Christmas work out, Mojo Cycles Christmas Eve Day ride will be held at 9:00 am today. Meet in the public parking lot that runs parallel to the RR tracks (by the shop). Cyclists of all abilities are welcome for this 30- or 52-mile ride. No registration or fee and no formal support while on the road.

Most churches around town offer Christmas Eve services at various times. Renee’s favorite is at Matthews Presbyterian, a the more traditional candlelight and communion service (at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.). The kids of Matthews United Methodist Church will perform a biblical rendition of Scrooge at both 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. Ridge Church offers a casual environment in The Warehouse Cafe and the first 50 people get free peppermint mocha or hot chocolate. They offer live music before the service as well. Services begin at 3:00 and 4:30 p.m.

On Christmas day, if you’re ready to get out of the house for lunch, Beantown Tavern is offering an all-you-can-eat Christmas meal: $14.95 for adults, $7.95 for kids. Beantown has a local reputation for being a second home to many of our readers, and sometimes us need exactly that on Christmas Day.

We’re taking time to be with our own families over the next couple days. We still have posts scheduled, so make sure you check in.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Beacon Family to yours!

Morning Minute: Friday, December 21, 2018

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners typically holds council meetings on the second and fourth Mondays of every month. Since the second meeting for this month would fall on Christmas Eve, the Board voted on October 22 to cancel the meeting.

News Around Town: College football’s Early Signing Period runs from December 19 kicked off the Early Signing Period for college football (it runs through December 21). Here in Matthews, Keyon Lesane signed with NC State (go Pack!!). The commitment was no surprise, Lesane verbally committed several months ago, but during his junior year, the Butler student had ten different colleges making offers. Also during Early Signing, Andrew Tuazama of Jireh Prep signed to Syracuse.

One Fun Thing: The Poperazzi is coming to town! Though many of us are still waiting for Santa, we should also prepare for post-2018 fun. Poperazzi, a Las Vegas trio, bring the song and showmanship of the Vegas Strip to Matthews. They’re performing two shows (Saturday, December 29 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 30 at 3:00 p.m.) in the Fullwood Theater at the Matthews Community Center. General Admission tickets are $15 and are available here for Saturday and here for Sunday.

Morning Minute: Thursday, December 20, 2018

News About Town: Republic Services, the waste collection service for Matthews, is on schedule for trash and recycling pick up. If you’re curious about what can or can’t go in the recyling bin (cans can!), Republic Services has that covered. Yard waste, however, is still a few days delayed. An extra crew will be on hand this Saturday to play catch up.

News Around Town: Charlotte Water (formerly CMUD) has been tunneling under Sam Newell Road since September as part of the Beards Creek Wastewater Improvement Project. The tunneling portion is almost complete, and crews will install an 18-inch diameter pipe from Sam Newell to North East Parkway (approximately 7,000 linear feet) in effort to more efficiently move wastewater. The project is expected to be finished by September 2019.

There’s still time to gift your new favorite mug!

One Fun Thing: If you can’t make it to McAdenville to enjoy the lights this holiday season, you can at least see A Sweitzer’s Christmas display at 1001 Sunnyview Circle. Stop by Sunday through Thursday 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. or Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. Tune into 107.3 for accompanying music. If you can, bring a couple bucks or a nonperishable food item to donate, the homeowners collect them to take to area nonprofits.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 19, 2018

News About Town: This past Monday the Board of Commissioners voted to rezone a 1.57-acre property (2018-690) on Matthews-Mint Hill Road. The property, owned by Novant, will be developed into medical office space. As part of the agreement, the Carolina Thread Trail will run through a portion of the campus, a portion of the campus may be used for the CATS Silver Line, and Novant will work with the Town of Matthews to complete Andrew Caroline Drive.

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News Around Town: ​DARE Officer Robert Holmes joined Mrs. Collier’s fifth-grade class at Matthews Elementary for the class party and those reindeer games (we’re assured Rudolph was invited to join in all of those). As of today CMS students are on winter break so breathe easy, commutes will go quicker for the next couple weeks. (Big ol’ thank you to Ginnie Mattes and Sara Mayse for sharing your photos!)

One Fun Thing: Looking for a fun gift for a Matthews lover? Get a Beacon mug for all your favorite people while supporting local journalism produced by local talent. Pair it with a bag of Matthews-roasted Magnolia Coffee for a merry Matthews gift.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 18, 2018

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners voted this past Monday night to unanimously support a list of Legislative Priorities, which range from standard (“Government Closest to the People Governs Best” seems to appear annually) to those more specific to actions the Board has taken in the past year. One point is expanding methods for local funding and municipal school funding. The Board largely supports the 2019-20 NC League of Municipalities Legislative Goals, with exception to language in number 9: the ability to “seek legislation that supports adequate, fair school funding between state and county in all school systems across the state by repealing municipal authority to fund schools.” The Board does not support repealing their municipal authority to fund schools. The Board supported adding three points to the Legislative Agenda, including asking for reinstatement of Protest Petitions in zoning cases.

News Around Town: The recent closing of Cafe 157 on Trade Street has left a large building vacant in the downtown Matthews area. There is little info on what’s to come, but the building has been leased by Anthony Kearney, owner of Tilt on Trade and 204 North.

One Good Thing: Cotton Gin Printing and Graphics (located on Cotton Gin Alley) has #RedForEd items for a little while longer. Buy magnets and tee shirts to support your favorite educator online and then pick your order up in the Matthews shop. Our local economy and North Carolina teachers will be eternally grateful.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 17, 2018

News About Town: This past Monday (December 10) at the Town Council meeting, the Board reviewed the John Street Working Group plan and will begin discussions with NCDOT to move forward with the two-lane design created during Group sessions. The Board will also request NCDOT delay improvements until after the I-485 Widening (I-5507), McKee Road Section A (U-4713A), Independence Boulevard Widening (U-2509) and Matthews Township Parkway Road Widening (U-5763) projects are complete.

News Around Town: With more trees fallen from the rain-saturated ground, branches downed from ice accumulation, and the usual leaf fall, there’s a lot of yard debris to be collected. Due to the amount to be collected, Republic Services is working diligently but operating on a delay.

One Good Thing: The Matthews Concert Band will perform their annual holiday concert tonight and tomorrow night (December 17 and 18) at the Matthews Community Center (100 McDowell Street) at 7:30 p.m. both evenings. The band, a 60-member ensemble, are free and open to the public.  Donations are welcome and are used to pay salaries and to purchase instruments and sheet music.

Morning Minute: Friday, December 14, 2018

News About Town: Photos are on display in the Community Center, 100 E McDowell St, Matthews, for the Great Transatlantic Photo Contest.  The display includes 38 photographs from Matthews-area amateur photographers and 10 photographs from photographers in Sainte-Maxime, France, sister city to Matthews. 

Some Good Things Around Town: Today (Friday) is the last day to get your unwrapped toys to donation sites for Matthews Gives Back for the Holidays. Donation sites are the Matthews HELP Center, Matthews United Methodist Church, Matthews Town Hall, Matthews Community Center, Matthews Fire Department, and the Matthews Police Department. 

The Levine Senior Center, 1050 Devore Ln, Matthews, is hosting a Mix & Mingle tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. Activities include an ugly sweater contest, a wrapped ornament exchange ($5 limit) and a raffle. Entry is $7 for hours of laughter, joy, and holiday merriment.

Saturday, December 15, 2018, is National Wreaths Across America Day. At 12:00 PM, Team RWB Charlotte, in conjunction with Forest Lawn East Cemetery, will be laying Remembrance Wreaths the graves of fallen soldiers to remember and honor our veteran heroes.

Sunday, December 16, is the second weekend for the 18th Annual Santé Christmas Dinner Shows. Enjoy a three-course dinner accompanied by carolers from Carolina Voices. $50 per person. Two showtimes: 5 and 7:15 p.m. Santé Fine Dining, 165 N Trade St, Matthews.

Morning Minute: Thursday, December 13, 2018

News About Town: The Town of Matthews recognized Michael Rusho, the recipient of the first annual Matthews Veteran of the Year award this past Monday at the Board of Commissioners meeting. Rusho was a career army man who, upon retiring in 1994, moved with his family to Matthews. He’s been involved with Boy Scouts of America, American Legion Post 235 (an active member for 24 years), and the Matthews Rotary Club. Mayor Paul Bailey recognized Rusho’s selfless dedication to the Matthews community and his ongoing leadership organizing the annual Rotary Veterans Day luncheon.

News Around Town: The Good Cup Coffee bus has been driving around Matthews serving up gratitude, hot coffee, and cocoa. On their Christmas tour around Matthews they’ve taken coffee and baked goods to the Matthews Library, ZABS, Cotton Gin Printing and Graphics, M&M Hardwood Flooring, and to a staff party for the Town. Follow them on Facebook to find out where they’ll park ‘n party next.

One Fun Thing: Haven’t had a chance to give your list to Santa yet? Looking for a chance to convince Santa to put you on the nice list? Santa is stopping by Brakeman’s tonight from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to read a story and share some cookies. This is your chance to get on his good side.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 12, 2018

News About Town: The Matthews Police Department is hiring people who are ready to work hard to keep the Town of Matthews safe. Applicants must be 21 years or older with a clean record and show evidence of financial responsibility. Must not have a history of substance abuse and be of good moral character. To see the full job listing, click here.

News Around Town: After one day off and a 2-hour delay the next (the worst hit schools remained closed), all CMS schools are back in regular session. The decision to close some schools and delay start for others was an unusual choice for CMS but reflective of the vastly different amounts of accumulated ice and snow within the school system boundary lines.

One Fun Thing: Let’s try this again. The pop-up shop was called off this past Saturday due to snow, and there’s a 50% chance of rain this Saturday, but we’re gonna try despite what the weather people say. Fingers crossed, we’ll be out at The Loyalist with Good Cup Coffee for our (second) second Hyperlocal Holiday Pop Up. Slurp soup inside at The Loyalist, then venture outside to sip a really Good Cup Coffee and stroll the pocket park to shop the handmade-wares of 18 local vendors! See you there, December 15, noon to 3 p.m., 435 North Trade St., Matthews.