Morning Minute: Monday, April 1, 2019

News About Town: The Great Easter Egg Expedition begins this Friday, April 5, and runs through Sunday, April 21. In the past the Town has hosted an egg hunt at Stumptown Park, but this year they’re going bigger and better by hiding several thousand eggs throughout town parks (Stumptown, Squirrel Lake, Windsor, and Sardis Parks) and Four-Mile Creek Greenway (between John Street and Chesney Glen). The eggs will contain toys and the chance to win bigger prizes if you find a Golden Egg. Consider it a town-wide game of Gamete-mon Go!

News Around Town: Angelica Figueroa, a certified financial coach with Sharonview Credit Union, will be on hand this Wednesday at the Matthews Library to talk about planning your financial future. The class, Money Smart Week: Steps to Financial Freedom, will be from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Community Room.

One Good Thing: Even though the weather has been nice, we’re not out of the woods with frost yet. There are a couple of days calling for low 30s in the evenings (like last night). If you’ve already caved and started your summer annual crops…let’s be honest, tomatoes are super tempting to plant right now…make sure you have a method to protect them from the kiss of cold.

Morning Minute: Friday, March 29, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews is seeking applicants for two-year terms on the Matthews Committee on Education. Submit your application to the town by April 10. The committee of nine members was formed in October 2018, with the purpose of advising the Town Council and working with CMS, home schools, charter schools, and private schools to ensure equal opportunities for all students in Matthews.

News Around Town: On April 5 more than 300 realtors will volunteer around the Charlotte area for the 11th Annual Realtors® Care Day. The purpose of the event is to provide and repair homes for safe, affordable housing for those in need. A portion of the time will be spent in Matthews when the group partners with Habitat for Humanity Greater Matthews onsite for a new build.

One Good Thing: There’s a lot going on this weekend (PANCAKES!! Property reval!) but if you need something a little less people-social, get some kitty time in. Greater Charlotte SPCA holds cat adoption events at the Matthews PetSmart (9905 E Independence Blvd.) every Saturday from 10 a.m until 1 p.m. Go forth and find a new friend.

Morning Minute: Thursday, March 28, 2019

News About Town:  At Monday’s meeting the Town Council discussed ways to increase tree canopy despite short-term loss through development. Suggestions for future consideration include: • Consider increasing required canopy percentage in certain districts. • Commit to using allocated landscape funds to plant/maintain a set amount of trees on town-owned properties and rights-of-way.

News Around Town:  Join District 6 County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez McDowell, District 5 County Commissioner Susan Harden, and Charlotte City Council Member Dimple Ajmera this Saturday, March 30, for a Mecklenburg County Community Tax Relief Workshop. The event will be held at the Matthews Sportsplex (2425 Sports Parkway) from 10 a.m. until noon. Bring all your questions about the property reval, and they, and reps from the County Tax Assessors office, will do their best to answer them.

One Fun Thing:  If you’re itching for some dirt under your nails, but the Farmer’s Market ends a little too early (until next week!), Carolina Heritage Nursery will be at Backyard Birds with an assortment of native plants for your #birdfriendlygarden and #wildlifehabitat. Stop by between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and get your native garden growing.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 27, 2019

News About Town:  At Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting the board voted on facade grants for two early-twentieth-century properties on West John Street. The owner of the first property, 455 West John St., requested  $2,500 toward a total exterior painting cost of $7,860. Other improvements include architectural work for an ADA compliant entry, which will be designed by Commissioner John Urban (Urban recused himself from the facade grant vote). The property owner of 501 West John Street requested $2,500 which will be used for replacement of damaged siding and repainting of the exterior.

News Around Town:  Livable Meck, a public/private nonprofit partnership, gathers Mecklenburg County data to share with municipalities in order to shape plans for growth in the greater Charlotte area. Livable Meck’s Community Plan is considered a “Voice of the Community.” Survey results gathered from residents reflect their experiences, needs, priorities, and concerns for the future of the county. Share your thoughts through their Spring Survey to make your voice heard.

One Fun Thing:  After filling your belly with Kiwanis pancakes, and having a blast at Charlie’s Carnival this Saturday (March 30), join the Matthews Playhouse School of Theatre at the Matthews Library from 3-4 p.m.  Meet cast members from upcoming performances, join them for art and games, and hear the stories behind their upcoming plays (Stuart Little, Anne Frank and Me, and more).

Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 26, 2019

News About Town:  There was no reason to doubt the Board would approve the addition of a new K9 to the Police Department, but we’re here to make sure you’re left with zero doubt whatsoever. With approval byt the Board of Commissioners, Matthews PD officially welcomes Benny, a 15-month old black lab. He is a single-purpose pup (sniffing out illegal drugs), passed his certification, and has been in action with 2 arrests under his belt!

News Around Town: Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27), the Police Department is hosting A meet and greet from 2:30-4:30 at the Matthews Library. Benny probably won’t be there, but Officer Tim Aycock will. Show up and join an important and timely discussion about police-community relations.

One Fun Thing: It’s Make Up Your Own Holiday Day! No further instructions needed.

Morning Minute: Monday, March 25, 2019

News About Town:  Approximately 25 people (including several members of the Board of Commissioners) showed up to the Matthews Town Hall yesterday (March 24) for the listening session hosted by District 6 County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez McDowell and State House Representative Rachel Hunt. The two leaders heard from residents on many topics including affordable housing, gun violence, adding school psychologists at schools, investing in public transit, and pedestrian safety.

News Around Town: The ruby-throated hummingbirds are heading through the area, if not now, at least in the near future. April is really when they arrive en masse, but a few early birds are here to get the nectar. If you make your own, mix 1 part sugar to 4 parts boiling water, let cool and fill your feeders. As the weather warms and babies hatch, the newborn hummingbirds depend on insects for protein. Make sure you’re not spraying your yard and depleting their food source.

One Good Thing: When learning the ropes of social media and creating an online presence, there’s one word that comes up more often than any other: branding. It’s a nuanced concept that creates a recognizable identity for your business, but how do you get started? Join DeTrice Fox at the Matthews Library tomorrow, March 26, at 6 p.m. to learn the ins and outs of getting yourself branded.

Morning Minute: Friday, March 22, 2019

News About Town:  Monday night’s council meeting will see the introduction of a new, especially furry member of Matthews Police Department as the town welcomes a new police canine. The council is also expected to approve retiring police pup Castor’s sale to his human partner, Officer Kevin Osuch, for the sum of $1. Castor has served Matthews for more than seven years and is surely looking forward to a relaxing retirement. They’re good dogs, Matthews.

News Around Town: For the flower lovers (and growers) out there, according to Renfrow Farms we’re smack dab in the middle of peak tulip season. With another week of tulips blooming here in Matthews, this is your chance to get locally grown ones either at the Farmer’s Market or Renfrow Hardware.

One Good Thing: If you like ukulele lady perhaps you’d like to be a ukulele person too? The Music Makers (Kathy and Justin) are starting a 10 week Beginners Ukulele course at the Community Center starting Thursday, March 28. Join the fun, learn some tunes, and strum your way to musical confidence

Morning Minute: Thursday, March 21, 2019

News About Town:  Work will begin on the addition of the Weddington Road/I-485 Interchange soon. The project is fully funded and is being bundled with the I-485 Express Lane project. Express lanes are toll lanes for those who, as NCDOT phrases it, want “more reliable travel times.” Construction includes an auxiliary lane on both outer and inner I-485 as well. The contract for the project was awarded on September 20, 2018 to Blythe Construction, Inc., construction is expected to begin this summer, and open to traffic in 2022.The Town of Matthews is contributing funds for a 10-foot wide multi-use path and 8-foot planting strip along Weddington Road inside of I-485 and a 7.5-foot wide path along Weddington Road past I-485.

News Around Town: House Representative Rachel Hunt and County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez McDowell will be at Matthews Town Hall(232 Matthews Station St.) this Sunday, March 24 from 3 to 5 p.m. Representative Hunt and Commissioner McDowell have invited constituents to come and share the important issues concerning the residents of Matthews.  

One Good Thing: This Friday (March 22) join Arts Delivered!, KidzArt, and Abrakadoodle at the  McDowell Art Studio (123 E. McDowell St.) for a free open house. If your kid is at Matthews Elementary pick them up and swing on by. Get a peek into the spring class line up and summer camp offerings. Give your kid a chance to try out some art activities to see if they’re a good fit. Art demos will be available for all ages, just stop in anytime between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 20, 2019

News About Town:  On Monday, March 11, the Town Board of Commissioners voted to initiate the rezoning of three commercial properties, all of which are currently zoned for light industrial. Bob Henderson, lawyer and representative of the Brigman family (owners of two parcels), spoke against the motion to begin the rezoning process. Mr. Henderson stated the family wasn’t made aware of the vote prior to the Town Council meeting and explained the downzoning does not reflect the focus of the Entertainment District plans. Mr. Henderson further explained that downzoning devalues the property, and as a result, may interrupt current arrangements for the sale of the Brigman properties. According to county documents, the Brigman family purchased the property in the 1940s from the Bost family, a prominent family in what was then known as Morning Star Township (now Matthews). The Board unanimously approved initiating the process of rezoning each parcel to Single-Family Residential.

News Around Town: This past Friday, March 15, an antique Shell Gasoline sign was stolen from Vintage Keepers, the antique and vintage store at the corner of Matthews Street and Trade Street. The sign is worth approximately $700. Anyone with information regarding the theft is encouraged to contact Matthews PD.

One Good Thing: Join the Matthews Historical Foundation to hear about the Matthews Heritage Museum’s exhibit, “Tank Town: A Good Place to Live.” Museum Director Barbara Taylor will present the history of the churches, the shot-gun schoolhouse, and the Matthews Colored School. The presentation will be held at the Woman's Club (208 S. Trade Street) Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m.
The event is free to Foundation members, and $5.00 for non-members. For more information, call Becky (704-846-6693). 

Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 19, 2019

News About Town: This week is National Poison Prevention Week. In an effort to prevent unintentional poisoning the Matthews Police Department will be hosting Operation Medicine Drop this Wednesday, (March 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the police station, 1201 Crews Road). The event creates awareness to the proper disposal of unused and/or expired medications. Keeping medications out of the wrong hands is the first step in preventing accidental poisoning. In fact, unintentional poisoning is the leading cause of injury death, surpassing motor vehicle deaths. 
The Police Department asks that you bring all medications to this event that are no longer being used or are expired. Items include: Over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, sample medications, and pet medications. NO SYRINGES – Here’s how to dispose of syringes.

Mittens is a 1-year old male available for adoption through the Greater Charlotte SPCA.

News Around Town: Some parents dropping their kids off at Matthews Elementary yesterday morning were surprised by the enforcement of traffic rules. According to the MES Parent Handbook, distributed at the beginning of year, car riders must enter on the south side of the school where staff assist with getting children to their classrooms. McDowell Street is then left with clear flow-through for CMS buses transporting MES children. School administration will continue to monitor traffic patterns for enhanced student safety.

One Good Thing: If you’re a cat lover, the Greater Charlotte SPCA has the volunteer gig for you. The GCSPCA takes care of the kitties up for adoption at PetSmart in Windsor Square and they need a few loving volunteers to help. Volunteers feed cats, clean their enclosures, and help socialize the felines while they wait for their furever home! Let’s be honest, "socializing" = self serve cat therapy! One shift takes an hour (or more if you really want to help those kitties). Find more information at charlottespca.org/volunteer. Kids are welcome to volunteer with an adult present. 

Morning Minute: Monday, March 18, 2019

News About Town: News About Town: It's a big week for meetings in Matthews government. Tonight from 6:00pm until 9:00pm the BOC will hold a special meeting to interview candidates for the Matthews Committee on Education. The Tree & Appearance Committee will also meet this evening, at 7:00pm at the Community Center. Early Thursday morning the Economic Development Advisory Committee will meet at Town Hall to discuss opportunities related to the 2020 RNC, hear 2019 business summit updates, and consider wireless broadband proposals. Thursday evening the Transportation Advisory Council will meet at 7:00pm at Public Works, 1600 Tank Town Road. All meetings of advisory boards and committees are open to the public.

While many were busy celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day, we were focused on Saint Gertrude, the Patron Saint of Cats.

News Around Town: An investigation is underway for the repeated vandalizing of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. The church, behind Town Hall, has had several instances of graffiti painted on the building. Investigators are looking into the vandalism further, Matthews Police have increased surveillance in the neighborhood, and the church has installed additional surveillance cameras.

One Good Thing: Stop by Stumptown Park March 30 (after Kiwanis Pancakes, of course) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the 2nd annual Charlie’s Carnival, hosted by Charlie’s Heart Foundation. Started in April 2018, Charlie’s Carnival raised over $15k in donations to fund their first project: A Glimmer of Hope — Charlie’s Watering Hole. The carnival, in celebration of the life of Charlie Holt, will have games, crafts, activities for all ages, a silent auction, and local food trucks. Proceeds will benefit the foundation and its mission "to enhance the lives of children and families in areas of need through sustainable living, financial and health education."

Morning Minute: Friday, March 15, 2019

News About Town: Matthews residents have a new park option. The playground equipment at Rice Road Park, a 9.5 acre parcel at 2530 Rice Road, has been installed and is ready for play! The work recently finished, Phase I, included driveway access into the park, an on-site walking trail, one sidewalk connection from Rice Road into the park, playground facilities, parking lot, lighting, benches, and picnic tables, as well as landscaping. According to the Town’s Facebook page, Phase II of the park will include a picnic shelter, additional seating, and enhanced natural areas around the walking trail.

News Around Town and One Good Thing: This Saturday is the Shamrock Crawl, the biggest bar crawl Matthews has to offer. Things can get pretty rowdy later in the day, so if you’re looking for a more family-oriented celebration, you have a few options. Come on down to the Loyalist for the Shamrock Pop Up, we’ll have a table set up and some fun goodies. You can even purchase a Beacon membership! Stop by from noon til 3 p.m. and support local artists and your favorite local news source. Grace O’Malley’s will open their doors Saturday at 10 a.m. to host a day of Irish fun. Try some chef-created Irish fare for lunch and stay for the DJ on the patio, starting at 1.

Celebrating sober? Good Cup will have coffee and kombucha during the pop up at the Loyalist. Stumptown Station always offers an array of mocktails (and O’Douls if you’re hankering for the taste of beer). 

If you’re coming to town for the bars, know how you’re getting home.

• Designate that driver first thing. Have a plan and stick with it so you can have fun and not worry.

• CATS buses run through Matthews (schedule here), and if you don’t have a pass you’ll need exact change ($2.20).

• Ride with Uber, but before you go out make sure you have an account. Same goes for Lyft. You don’t want to be a few drinks in and trying to figure out technology. (That also goes for texting exes. Put the phone away.)

Morning Minute: Thursday, March 14, 2019

News About Town: During the NCDOT updates at the Monday Council meeting, some conversation centered on the John St. Widening. Even the Town has been formulating their own approach, NCDOT has continued moving forward with design from Matthews to Monroe. According to Mayor Bailey, NCDOT and the Town are on the same page to delay construction on the portion from I-485 to Trade. The part of John St from I-485 eastward will continue with design and ROW acquisition. Now the Town must present this preference to the CRTPO (the municipal governing body for Charlotte area transportation) to amend the official STIP (a scheduled list of funded transportation projects). It’s a bureaucratic process to change the NCDOT budget in order to delay the downtown Matthews section.

News Around Town: This Saturday (March 16) the Matthews Masonic Lodge, Post 235 will celebrate the 100th birthday of the American Legion (and 75th birthday of the Matthews post) by officially renaming the local chapter as the Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235, Matthews NC. Pvt Grady Bost Hooks and Pvt Joseph Lee Orr, the namesakes, were two local soldiers killed in action in France in 1918. Join the Legion for cake and coffee after the ceremony. Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m.

One Good Thing: Navigating life as a teenager is tough. Our sponsor, PranaTeen, is a 10-week workshop developed to empower middle school-age girls so they can confidently navigate the those tough times using the tools of yoga, meditation, and deep discussion. Starting this evening at the Community Center, life coach and yoga instructor Elinor Miller will teach the girls to love, accept, and appreciate themselves in order to raise their self esteem and level of awareness of their inner and outer world. Not sure it’s right for your daughter? Drop in and try it out for $20, pay at the Community Center desk. Thursdays, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street East Room 204.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 13, 2019

News About Town: According to the Town website, the Trade Street widening at the culvert (where Trade forks off to Weddington and Pleasant Plains) is supposed to be complete this spring. At Monday night’s Council meeting, NCDOT representative Stuart Basham provided updates and a revised completion date. Currently, the contractor, Blythe Construction, has increased the size of the crew but is incurring liquidated damages of $1,000 per day. According to Stuart, the project is expected to be completed by Labor Day.

News Around Town:  In January of this year, the Affordable Housing Committee presented the Board and the Town of Matthews a glimpse into the need for affordable housing in Matthews. According to the report, a resident’s income should be above $76,007  where $22,802.10 is dedicated to housing and housing-related expenses in order to not be housing burdened. A cursory glimpse at 2-bedroom apartments in Matthews apartments shows a range of rent from $968 (Colonial Village) to $2,440 (Colonial Grand).  According to real estate data site RealPage, Matthews apartment dwellers will likely see a 5.10%increase in rent in the coming year.

One Good Thing: Carolina Crush Lacrosse is hosting a free team evaluation day and open house on March 31 at the Matthews Sportsplex on Field 5. The event is a way to meet the coaches and players and learn more about Crush. For those interested in playing, Crush leaders will help evaluate whether a summer rec program or travel program will best suit their needs. Athletes should be graduating between 2020 and 2024 to join the league. Evaluations for female athletes will run from 1-2 p.m. and for males from 2-3 p.m.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 12, 2019

News About Town: Last night’s council meeting, in the absence of Mayor Paul Bailey, was led by Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon. It was a rapidly moving meeting with lots of Town business covered, though perhaps most surprising was regarding the recent land-clearing on Monroe Road for Residences Galleria, a 250-unit apartment complex to be built across from Family Dollar. During the rezoning process, the developer and nearby residents agreed upon specific areas for tree save. This week as land clearing began, approximately 200 trees marked to be saved were cut down. Taft Development Group is facing a $50,000 zoning violation fine from the Town and will pay a self-imposed fine of $100,000 in addition. Taft will also plant trees approximately 6-inches in diameter when construction is complete to repopulate the tree save area. 

News Around Town:  The Silver Brush Art Society has a show hanging at Novant Health Hospital Matthews in the lobby. The group of mostly painters (and one photographer/potter) formed in 1998 and typically curates 4 shows a year, plus a November show where sales benefit a local nonprofit. In the past, the Silver Brush has given proceeds to Matthews Help Center, Blessed Assurance Adult Day Care, and the Matthews Free Medical Clinic. The current show at Novant Health Hospital will be on display until March 30.

One Good Thing: Today (March 12) is the final day to shop the winter clothes at the Matthews HELP Center. Stop by Backporch Treasures, get a brown grocery bag from the clerk and fill it up for one flat price of $5. The shop will be closed tomorrow to change out the inventory for spring fashions but will reopen March 14.

It's also Matthews resident (and Beacon Dad) Scott Garner's birthday. If you know him, wish him a big ol' Happy Birthday!