Morning Minute: Monday, January 28, 2019

News About Town: Tonight at 5:30 there is an additional Board of Commissioners meeting prior to the regular meeting at 7. Of note at the early meeting is a presentation on affordable housing in Matthews. The regular 7 PM meeting doesn’t have much on the agenda, so citizens with general topics to speak on may want to take this opportunity to have the Board’s undivided attention. Proposed Planning Conference items will be discussed and provide insight into Board concerns. Some of these items include implementation of four-year staggered terms (following public input), the use of 27 acres at McKee Road and Pleasant Plains, rezoning “by-right” properties in town, visual plans for the future Entertainment District, and an invitation to charter schools to explain their business model. The draft Vision Statements are also worthy of a read.

News Around Town: The deadline to get your application in for a Town Advisory Board is Wednesday, January 30. 

One Fun Thing: If the cold weather has you dreaming of summer sunshine, Hampton Green Swim Club has your back. Although the club is in the Hampton Green neighborhood, membership is open to non-residents. With lifeguards on duty, a well-stocked snack shack, and a family friendly vibe, consider them your summer base. Opening day (May 11) will be here faster than you can say cannonball!

Morning Minute: Friday, January 25, 2019

News About Town: There was a little excitement at Town Hall yesterday, and for once it didn’t involve a council meeting. Around 1 PM emergency services were called after the alarm system went off. Three Matthews fire trucks answered the call. After an inspection of the premises, it was determined there was a fault in the sprinkler system which caused the alarm to go off.

News Around Town: A Matthews shop was featured on national TV yesterday. The Today Show visited thrift boutique ZABS Place and aired a five-minute segment showing how the store trains young adults with special talents for the workforce.

One Good Thing: Looking for something fun to do tonight? Matthews Free Medical Clinic and Matthews Athletic Recreation Association are two of the benefactors of a fundraiser at Retro Fitness (1848 Galleria Blvd, Charlotte), just over the town border in the Galleria. A slew of Matthews businesses are donating delicious treats including Mac’s, Moe’s, Seaboard, Black Chicken, and Nothing Bundt Cakes. DeCarlo, the side gig for the Boston frontman Tommy DeCarlo , will be rocking down the house. Tickets are $23 and the doors open at 5. Please no spike heels, they can damage the soft gym flooring.

Morning Minute: Thursday, January 24, 2019

News About Town: If you’re a Matthews resident who has been looking for a way to be more involved with the town, apply to be a member of the Appearance & Tree Advisory Committee. The committee meets the third Monday of every month (7 p.m. at the Community Center) with staff liaison (and Master Arborist) Ralph Ramsaur. The group discusses landscape beautification, visual characteristics, and ways to create a greener, more aesthetically pleasing town. They have openings for a few more people. Send your application (online here) to Lori Canapinno, Town Clerk.

The Tree and Appearance Advisory Board is partly responsible for some of the gorgeous gardens around town.

News Around Town: Ashley HomeStore licensee Broad River Retail announced plans to open a HomeStore Outlet in the former Capel Rug Outlet store (9632 E Independence Blvd.). Just down the road, Discount Tire has requested rezoning at the former Tilted Kilt location (1625 Windsor Square), which has been vacant since 2015. The tire retail chain would like to raze the current building to construct a new store. In 2018 the ABC Board applied to rezone the site but was denied. Since the ABC Board was denied rezoning within the last 12 months, Discount Tire must request special permission from the Planning Board to apply for rezoning.

One Fun Thing: If you missed tickets to the Town Valentine Dance, there’s other fun to be had. Brakeman’s (225 N Trade St.) is hosting their 2nd annual Daddy Daughter Valentine's Date Night. This year you can choose between February 8 and 15, with tea times starting at 5:30 and 7 pm both days. The tickets are $10 each and are available at the register. Space is limited so get yours ASAP.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, January 23, 2019

News About Town: It feels a little early to think about summer, but registration opens Friday, February 1, for Park and Rec Summer Camps. With a full array of camps for kids ages 4-16 and relatively affordable tuition, these camps fill up fast. Themes include arts, science, design, and even magic; there’s something for every interest. See the brochure for more information.

News Around Town: The Stronghaven paper storage warehouse at 433 E John St. has been shuttered. The original brick warehouse was built in 1960 and the metal addition was constructed in the early 80s. The building is a holding space for rolls of blank paper, soon to be sent to the Stronghaven factory on Monroe Road where it is made into boxes for national brands such as Build-a-Bear and Dominos.We have no further details on the closing, aside from the sign on the door from the Fire Marshal posted Tuesday morning.

One Fun Thing: Mark your calendar for the next HAWK meeting, Tuesday, February 5. Kim O'Shea, beekeeper, archaeologist and master gardener will change the way you see bees. Her own videos and photos provide a unique glimpse into the way bees interact with their surroundings. Kim will explain methods for gardening for and with bees through year-round sustainable practices. 7 p.m. at the Community Center.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 22, 2019

News About Town: Have you noticed a pot hole on your street that needs to be filled? Sign knocked down and hasn’t been replaced? First figure out if the street is owned by the town or state. If your street is a town-maintained street, as are most neighborhood streets, then contact Public Works to report the problem. If your street is state-maintained, NCDOT has an easy form to fill out to report the problem.

Public Works: 704-708-1240 or email matthews@matthewsnc.gov

NCDOT: 1-877-DOT-4YOU (1-877-368-4968) or website form

Need a stop sign replaced? Call Public Works or NCDOT.

News Around Town: USA Rugby, the national governing body for the sport of rugby in America, selected the Sportsplex at Matthews as the site for their 2019 Spring College National Championship Series. The organization worked with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority/Visit Charlotte to determine the location of their 2018 Fall College National Championships. Visit Charlotte partnered with Sportsplex staff to deliver a professional-level experience for USA Rugby and their participating teams. The Men's D1AA, Women's D1, and Women's D2 finals will be played on the weekend of May 3.

One Fun Thing: Family Fun Night at Crews Rec Center is a night of free food, drinks, and entertainment in a family-friendly atmosphere. February 1, Family Fun Night returns with Mini Golf Night! If you’ve been missing Putt Putt on Albemarle Road (for what? two decades now?) get yourself on over to Crews and relieve the glory of a hole-in-one shot blindly through the middle of a gnome-sized windmill.

*Windmills have not been confirmed, but we’re pretty sure there’s no skeeball.

Morning Minute: Monday, January 21, 2019

News About Town: Did you know that Matthews Fire & EMS holds an annual awards banquet? This year's banquet had 140 attendees and honored the following members of the department:

Explorer of the Year – Jacob Rodriguez
Fire Corps Member of the Year – Sabrina Corra
SAFER Award for most hours (Fire) - Jacob Bobeng
SAFER Award for most hours (EMS)- Montana Hudgens
Rookie of the Year – Kyle “Bon Jovi” Beard
Derek E. Layman EMT of the Year – Montana Hudgens
Firefighter of the Year – Reyes Cruz Guzman
Officer of the Year – Lt. Matthew Losh
L.H. Yandel Award – Chief Rob Kinniburgh

To see a recap of the department’s accomplishments in 2018, view this YouTube video.

News Around Town: Yesterday community members gathered at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church to honor Dr. King in the third annual march from the church to Town Hall. The celebration and walk was originally organized in 2017 by then-Commissioner Reverend Larry Whitley following his successful efforts in 2016 to have the town recognize MLK Day as a town holiday. The walk has grown each year, with town leaders, staff, and many community members participating.

One Fun Thing: The results of our newest unscientific poll are in. We asked,

“During the next planning conference, the Matthews Board of Commissioners may discuss shifting from 2- to 4-year terms. Do you prefer 2- or 4-year terms for the council? ”

Twenty eight people responded:

• 19 believe terms should stay two years for Commissioners,

• 9 believed terms should be four years.

Morning Minute: Friday, January 18, 2019

News About Town: At Monday’s Council meeting the Board approved two zoning motions: 2018-692 and 2018-693. The property for Motion 692 is at the corner of Ames St. and West John St. The application for rezoning was unanimously approved, and zoning changed from R-20 (single-family - minimum lot size 20,000 square feet ) to O (CD) (office, conditional use). The properties for Motion 693 included several properties in the Crestdale neighborhood. The rezoning was a request to change from Crestadale Conservation zoning code CrC (old) to CrC (new). The new code essentially changes the approval process for any construction other than single-family homes to undergo a site plan and elevation approval process rather than the previously required quasi-judicial system (similar to a Variance Board hearing). The Board unanimously approved this rezoning.

News Around Town:  Although we posted this a few days ago, it’s an event worth repeating and attending. This Sunday, January 20, join Pastor Larry Whitley at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church (381 Crestdale Rd.) at 2:00 p.m. for the Third Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Peaceful March & Commemorative Worship. After a brief presentation about civil rights, attendees will gather outside to walk to Town Hall.

One Good Thing:  It’s officially Thesaurus Day, so although it’s casual Friday at work, you better fancy up your words. Grab your compendium of synonyms and orate with imperturbable verve.

Morning Minute: Thursday, January 17, 2019

News About Town: This morning at 7 a.m. the Economic Development Advisory Council will meet. On the agenda: EDAC will continue to discuss open broadband for the town, installing murals with funds from facade grants, and a Matthews-based website built in partnership with developer Lat Purser, the Matthews Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Matthews. 

Image via Wikipedia (Creative Commons)

News Around Town:  Started in 1982, The North Carolina Botanical Garden and the Garden Club of North Carolina, Inc. created the North Carolina Wildflower of the Year program. This year’s flower, Pycnanthemum tenuifolium, is a tenacious little plant commonly known as narrow-leaf mountain-mint. A pungent, natural insect repellent, but a friend to native bees, mountain mint grows easily in Matthews. Look for plants at the Farmers Market this spring and at the Renfrow Farms plant sale later in the year.

One Fun Thing:  Did you know, when you give to the Arts and Science Council you’ll receive a Connect with Culture Card? Show your card when you purchase tickets to the Matthews Playhouse shows and receive BOGO for regular priced adult admission (limited to Opening Weekend only). More details here.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, January 16, 2019

News About Town: ​If you’re curious about Town Council meetings but have to get dinner on the table and kids in bed, it’s now possible to have your municipal cake and eat it too. The Town has started posting audio to the website. It will be posted beside the agenda as soon as it’s available, which will usually be a day or two after the meeting. Click audio, close your eyes and feel whisked away to the Council dais. Still want the visuals? Keep an eye on the Town’s YouTube Channel. There will be more videos in the near future.

Illustration by Renee Garner

News Around Town:  This Sunday night (well, technically Monday morning) if you stay up late you might see the Super Blood Wolf Moon. The “super” part means the moon will be in relatively close proximity to the earth. A “wolf moon” is the first full moon of the year, and the blood part comes from the color of sun’s rays as they filter through the earth’s atmosphere. For 62 minutes the moon will be in full eclipse and a red hue will bathe the moon, creating both a beautiful sight and perhaps inspiration for an epic metal band name.

One Fun Thing:  This Valentine’s Day homeschoolers are invited to the McDowell Arts Center for the Arts Delivered Valentine’s Open House from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the downstairs arts studio. You and your kids will have a chance to paint a Valentines ornament ($1 material fee), watch a pottery wheel demo, buy a piece of pottery for sale, and get info on their 2nd annual Homeschool Art Exhibition. For more info contact artsdelivered@gmail.com, 704 618 2222.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 15, 2019

News About Town: ​This Saturday, January 19, is Coffee With a Commissioner at the Levine Senior Center, 1050 Devore Ln., from 9 to 10 a.m. Stop by, ask some questions, chat about Matthews, and learn more about the goings on in our town.

News Around Town:  Several Matthews businesses are pitching in to provide relief from the financial burden of the government shutdown. Your Mom‘s Donuts (11025 Monroe Rd., Ste F) is offering a free donut each morning to those who have a federal ID. M & M Flooring (136 B Charles St.) has partnered with Sky Asian Bistro (9925 Leitner Dr., Pineville) to offer a free meal to affected government workers and their families on January 20 and 27, from 11a.m. to 5 p.m.

One Fun Thing: If you haven’t been to McDowell Arts Center (123 McDowell St.) lately, check out the new exhibit by the Waxhaw Arts Council. The show contains over 45 works, including some by internationally acclaimed sculptor Peter Rubino.

Morning Minute: Monday, January 14, 2019

News About Town:  Matthews Police officers Detective Chris Duryee and Officer Dustin Ay work hard for the Town. After completing more than 900 hours of continuing education both men received their Advanced Law Enforcement Certificates. 

Photo courtesy Matthews Police Department

News Around Town:  The Federal Transit Authority awarded The City of Charlotte a $920,000 grant for planning the proposed LYNX Silver Line. The Silver Line, a CATS project, is a light rail extension from Gaston County through Matthews to Union County. The budget for the total project is expected to be $1 billion.

One Fun Thing:  There are just a few more days to check out “Christmas Past” at the Matthews Heritage Museum. The show of early- to mid-century Christmas decor runs through January 19.

Morning Minute: Friday, January 11, 2019

News About Town: We talked a little yesterday about the agenda for Monday night’s Council meeting. At the meeting the town will receive a gift of 27.64+ acres of land from Windsor Run, LLC (at the corner of Pleasant Plains and McKee). The acreage is more than what was originally outlined in the original rezoning agreement. Of interesting note, the Elizabeth Lane Elementary PTA is donating $1,000 to the Matthews Police Department. Also, the Town Council will continue discussions on draft language for a statement outlining acceptable Public Comment.

News Around Town:  If you’ve made plans to stop by Black Chicken Wine Cellar in the next couple weeks you will need to rethink your plan. The popular wine bar near town hall is closed for expansion and renovations. The Chicken has knocked down the wall between their first space and the former Subway restaurant to increase the size and soon serve food. The space is slated to reopen late February with Black Chicken Market and Black Chicken Wine Cellar. 

One Fun Thing:  Wrap up in layers and head out to the Farmer’s Market tomorrow fro 8 - 10 AM. Cold season veggies are in abundance, so expect leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and root crops. There will also be mushrooms, baked goods, and gorgeously handcrafted wares.

Morning Minute: Thursday, January 10, 2019

News About Town: The Town has posted the agenda for Monday night’s meeting. Several items of note include official observation of the School Choice Week, which runs January 20 through 26. The Planning Conference agenda also contains an item related to school choice: Consider inviting charter schools to locate in town, town to consider an in-kind contribution.

News Around Town:  After announcing plans to consolidate headquarters in Virginia, Dollar Tree is being encouraged to sell Family Dollar. Two-percent owner Starboard Value (a hedge fund) believes the sale of Family Dollar would improve the value of Dollar Tree.

One Fun Thing:  The fifth annual ASC Connect with Culture days are Jan 25 and 26. Though there is not a culture hub in Matthews this year, the Matthews Playhouse  is participating at the Charlotte History Museum on Saturday, the 26th. Actor Lakeetha Blakeney will perform an excerpt from her one-woman show, Sweet Jenn: A Living Exhibit. Lakeetha will perform the full show on the Fullwood Stage at the Matthews Community Center in February of this year.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 8, 2019

News About Town: The Town’s recycling calendar should be arriving in mailboxes all over town in the next couple of days. In the meantime, the next week for recycling pick up is January 14-18. If you find yourself with an overflowing bin on the bi-weekly schedule, an additional bin is available for $40 annually. Call Republic Services Group at 704-393-6900 to request an extra bin. If you’re overflowing and want recycling relief now, the closest self-serve center is the McAlpine Creek Park Recycling Center (8711 Monroe Rd., Charlotte), where you can drop off residential recycling during park hours.

News Around Town: Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners will soon begin working on the FY2020 budget. Mecklenburg County residents are encouraged to weigh-in on budget priorities. There is a hearing for public input Tuesday, Jan 15 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Meeting Chamber, Lobby Level, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St, Charlotte, NC 28202. You must sign-up in advance to speak.) There is also a survey available online. Property tax, sales tax, service fees for county-provided services, and other sources are pooled to for the County budget. County Commissioners then create a budget to fund educational programs (CPCC, CMS, pre-k), county parks and rec, the Sheriff’s Department, libraries, the Public Health Department, and many other county services.

One Fun Thing: Did you resolve to get around to that book you’ve been wanting to write? How about a short story for your favorite local online paper (ahem)? The Matthews Fiction Writers Group meets tonight at the Matthews Library (230 Matthews Station St.) at 6:30 p.m. Join the group for work-shopping, critique, and to find camaraderie with area fiction writers.

Morning Minute: Monday, January 7, 2019

News About Town: If you haven't already, you'll soon see police zipping around town on motorcycles. The department just added a three motorcycle Motor Unit to the Patrol Division. The Chief expects the mobility and quick response capabilities of motorcycles to be a great benefit to the reduction in traffic accidents. Of the three, two are Harley Davidsons purchased from the Char-Meck Police Department and the electric unit was purchased with grant monies received from N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center. Let the CHIPs jokes begin!

Image courtesy Matthews Police Department

News Around Town: Edison Inigo Beier was the first baby born in 2019 at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. Congratulations to parents Alejandra and Christopher Beier.

One Fun Thing: It’s Family Story Time at the Matthews Library (230 Matthews Station St.) at 7 p.m. tonight. Put the kids in their pj’s, load up the car, and head over to the library for quality time spent with a good book. Need more incentive? Cookies and milk will be served. The event is limited to the first 25 children registered so get there early enough to sign-up at the Train Desk (sign-up begins 15 minutes before each program).