Morning Minute: Wednesday, April 24, 2019

News About Town: If the multi-lane roundabout at Idlewild and 51 is just as perplexing today as it was when it was completed, NCDOT has a video to make sense of the circular intersection. Watch through the end, there are valuable rules for cyclist and pedestrian safety as well.

News Around Town:  Early voting begins today for the Republican candidate in the 9th Congressional District. Voters who live in the district and are Republican or Unaffiliated may vote. Early voting ends Friday, May 10 with a Primary Election Day on Tuesday, May 14. With ten Republicans in the ring, it's possible no candidate will receive 30% of the vote. If that's the case, a second primary may be requested by the second highest vote-getter for the top two vote-getters. The runoff primary would be held September 10. If there’s no runoff primary, Election Day is September 10, but if there is then Election day is November 5.

One Good Thing: If you don't have your ticket yet, now's the time to get one. Ticket for what, you ask? This Saturday is the 4th Annual Festival, “HELP Fest” Fundraiser for Matthews HELP Center. Your ticket supports the center's mission to Help Ease Local Poverty. In return, you get to enjoy live music by the Extraordinaires, food from an array of Matthews Restaurants (we've got our eye on you Grace O'Malley's), and drinks from your favorite local watering holes (ahem, Stumptown Station). Bring extra spending money to grab some goodies in the silent auction. Tickets are $50 (ages 18 and up), $20 (ages 8- 17), and Children 7 and under free. The fun starts at 5 p.m. and runs til 9 p.m. and is on N. Ames Street, right outside the HELP center.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, April 23, 2019

News About Town: Now that Alta Planning and Design, the consultant for the Downtown Mobility Study, has started work, Alta is seeking insight. The Town has posted a Survey and a Map, two methods to better understand design needs from citizens’ vantage point. The Map is a visual method to provide input while the survey consists of a few quick questions; both ask about pedestrian, bicyclist, and transit needs in the downtown area.

Perhaps the perfect spot for a selfie? Where’s that bench?

News Around Town:  With CMS schools closed on May 1, various Mecklenburg County Park and Rec centers have special day-long camps planned. Typically camps are priced between $10 and $25. There are no county rec centers in Matthews (Crews Road is Town-run), but perhaps there is a location near your place of work. Find the closest center and call to see what they have planned.

One Fun Thing: Join Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK) this Saturday (April 27) for an Earth Day Celebration at Squirrel Lake Park. The festivities run from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Plenty of vendors will have activities for the whole family, Coca Cola will have free rain barrels, and Ranger Rick will be standing by for photo ops. This one, without a doubt, tops the Crunchy Feely-Meter in all the best ways possible.

Morning Minute: Monday, April 22, 2019

News About Town: Tonight's BOC meeting looks to be a short one, so if you're looking to dip your toe into the local government waters it's a good one to start with. The Board will approve some appointments, discuss new public art, and review the Board's policy for deferring agenda items.

Photo by reader Todd Garner 

News Around Town:  Matthews PD announced two arrests last week for a robbery that occurred at the Lowe's in Sycamore Commons on April 2nd. MPD thanked the public for assistance in identifying the suspects. The arrests were made by Mint Hill PD, who had their own list of charges against the suspects.

One Fun Thing: Thank you to everyone who participated in our inaugaral Beacster Egg Hunt! We hope you enjoyed exploring the site! Our grand prize winner with 16 eggs is reader Pamela Mitchum! Coming in second with 12 eggs is Kristen Fuller, and third with 8 eggs is Kelly Leavy. All participants will receive a bit of Beacon goodness, check your email for information on claiming your prize!

Morning Minute: Thursday, April 18, 2019

News About Town: The agenda is posted on the Town website for Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting. The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Department Advisory Committee will present their recommendations to rename the temporarily-named Rice Road Park. Under consideration are: Boyd Park, Selma Burke Park, and Rice Park. The Advisory Committee recommends Boyd Park, in honor of Sam and Viola Boyd. The Boyds were Crestdale residents and community advocates who connected community residents with county resources and played a major role in integrating Crestdale students into Mecklenburg County schools.

News Around Town: If you haven’t been counting, there are 6 more weeks of CMS school. The Hampton Green neighborhood has been counting and spent the past couple of months getting pool ready. The nieghborhood pool is under repairs and a facelift and will be open in time for the May 11 Hampton Green Swim Club opening. To that we say, “Canonball!!”

One Fun Thing: Two more days to play! The Beacster Egg Hunt continues and we have more and more participants daily! Hop on over to the Latest News and see what you can find. Check out the hints we post on Facebook, too. AND the egg in this post counts as one, so send Norah an email to let her know you found it. For all the rules, check out this post.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, April 17, 2019

News About Town: If you’re on Facebook, make sure you’re following the Town. This afternoon at 4 p.m., Commissioners Chris Melton and John Urban will host a live Q & A. Submit your questions in the comments section and the commissioners will do their best to answer them.

News Around Town:  On Saturday, March 30, Kiwanis Club of Matthews served nearly 200 people at their annual pancake breakfast. The event raised close to $4,000 for the club’s nonprofit foundation, and will be used for a variety of Kiwanis’ community service projects.

Our Week-Long Spring Break Fun Thing: Don’t forget, we’re hiding Beacster Eggs around the site: 5 each day and a bonus on the post explaining the rules. Find the eggs, let us know where you found them by emailing norah@matthewsbeacon.com, and you get fun swag!

Morning Minute: Monday, April 15, 2019

News About Town: Every five years Mecklenburg County and the cities and towns therein must update the County's Hazardous Mitigation Plan to remain eligible for FEMA disaster funds in the event of a federally declared disaster. Work recently began on an update and citizens are being asked for input to help prioritize efforts to mitigate hazards and prepare the community. A survey has been created and is available here.

News Around Town:  Have you noticed stronger cell reception lately? Mini cell towers are going up around town. These towers look more like a Duke Power pole or street light than the usual imposing structure, so you may not notice them. See if you can spot the one on Independence Pointe Parkway. For more information about mini cell towers, visit crowncastle.com.

Morning Minute: Friday, April 12, 2019

News About Town: If you haven’t seen it, the Town of Matthews created a short video summarizing the State of the Town. The video, hosted by Mayor Paul Bailey, hits on the major successes of and issues facing Matthews today. At 8 minutes long, you can watch it while you brew that second pot of coffee.

News Around Town: Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Superintendent Clayton Wilcox, in conjunction with the CMS Board of Education, decided to close schools May 1 and make the day an optional teacher workday. There will be no make up day for students. The decision came after nearly 2,000 CMS staff members opted to use May 1 as a personal leave day in order to rally in Raleigh for greater support for public education.  Nearly 3,000 hourly employees may seek options from CMS so as not to be impacted by wage loss. For parents in need of child care assistance, Wilcox explained CMS  “will do our best in this community to collaborate and coordinate with area partners to support our families.” 

One Good Thing: Matthews' Food Truck Friday kicks off tonight at Stumptown Park (120 S Trade St; Matthews) with music from The Catalinas. Bring a chair or picnic blanket, grab some delicious food from your truck of choice, and settle in for a relaxed musical evening. The fun starts at five and goes until nine.

Morning Minute: Thursday, April 11, 2019

News About Town: On March 29, Chief Clark Pennington attended a ceremony with regional community leaders to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Mecklenburg County. Hosted by the Mecklenburg Child Abuse Prevention Team, the ceremony was well-attended by many regional community leaders. 
At Monday's Council meeting, Mayor Paul Bailey proclaimed April 2019 as Child Abuse Prevention month. Heather Johnson, the Director of Operations for Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center, was at the meeting and accepted a certificate for the proclamation.
Blue pinwheel gardens have been placed at parks, schools, and homes throughout the county, with several in Matthews. The web address on the accompanying sign has links to report abuse, and local resources for both prevention and healing. 

News Around Town: According to the NC Public Health Inspections website, 16 restaurants and food service establishments in Matthews have had health inspections since April 1. All of those inspections resulted in Grade A results. Those inspected include: Cracker Barrel (Independence Blvd.), Domino’s Pizza (Siskey Parkway), Dorian’s Deli, East 74 Restaurant (Monroe Rd.), Food Lion (both the Deli/Bakery, and Market at Hood’s Crossroads), Fuzzy’s Taco Shop (Sycamore Commons), Genghis Grill (Windsor Square), Gourmet to Go (Mt Harmony Church Rd.), Harris Teeter (Deli at Plantation Market), Machu Picchu, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, Publix (both the Bakery/Cafe, and Deli on Fincher Farm Rd.), Que Onda Tacos & Tequila (Plantation Market), Royal Cafe & Creperie (Matthews Station), Temple Mojo (Trade St.), and Zoe’s Kitchen (Sycamore Commons).

One Good Thing: This Saturday, April 13th, catch the Easter Bunny at Matthews Community Center at 10 a.m.! The famed rabbit will be available for pictures until 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, April 10, 2019

News About Town: The Mayor and Town Council recently sent a letter to the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) asking them to amend the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to divide the Matthews portion of the NCDOT project into two portions (Trade St. to I-485 and I-485 to the Stallings line) and to delay work on the Trade to I-485 portion of John St. until after other funded and scheduled area transportation projects have been completed. Those projects include improvements to Independence Blvd., McKee Rd. Extension, Weddington Rd. I-485 ramp, among other projects. The CRTPO will vote during their April 17 meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. in Room 267 of the CharMeck Government Center (600 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202).

News Around Town: Speaking of NCDOT, they're hosting state-wide litter sweeps, and you can participate in Matthews. This Saturday, April 13, meet at Stumptown Park at 8 a.m. for the Spring Litter Sweep. Volunteers will provide direction for where to pick up litter, as well as orange safety vests, trash bags, gloves, and tools for trash pick up. 

One Good Thing: The Matthews Playhouse School of Theater will have its second weekend of performances this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Catch The Music Man Jr. on Friday (7:30 p.m.) and Saturday (2 p.m.), and Stuart Little on Saturday (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.).

Morning Minute: Tuesday, April 9, 2019

News About Town: Prior to last night's BOC meeting, the Board had a special meeting in the Jordan room to hear the results of a workload analysis for the Matthews Police Department. The Center for Public Safety Management performed the analysis. CPSM's report details 74 recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of MPD. The full report is available here.

News Around Town: Thursday, April 11, CMS is holding a Community Engagement Session at Crown Point Elementary. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., and is an opportunity for parents, CMS employees, and community members to engage in discussion with CMS representatives about the CMS budget for the 2019-2020 school year.

One Good Thing: This Saturday Dynamic Water will host a charity golf tournament at The Divide golf club in Matthews. Dynamic Water is a nonprofit organization based in Raleigh with a mission to provide clean, safe drinking water to communities in need. To register for the event and learn more about Dynamic, click here.

Morning Minute: Monday, April 8, 2019

News About Town: Tonight the Town Council meets, first in the Jordan Room at 5:30 to review workload analysis for the Police Department, then in the Hood Room of Town Hall for a Board of Commissioners meeting (7 p.m.). Tomorrow (Tuesday, April 9) the Environmental Advisory Committee meets at 7:00 p.m. at the Public Works Facility (1600 Tank Town Road). Wednesday the Parks, Rec, and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center.

News Around Town: As the weather warms and outdoor activities pick up, so will snake sightings. Many snakes are beneficial to have around, eating mice and other snakes. If you find one in your home or garage that needs removing, Carolina Waterfowl of Indian Trail will come to Matthews and remove it. Text and send a photo of the snake to 704-684-9247 for help.

One Good Thing: Interested in learning American Sign Language or brushing up on existing skills? Head on over to the Matthews library from 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9th and join professional ASL interpreter Rebecca Wilson for the ASL Conversation Group. The group is an informal gathering for signers of all levels to learn the basics and practice their skills.

Morning Minute: Friday, April 5, 2019

News About Town: It is once again time to Meet with the Mayor! Mayor Paul Bailey will be at Miki’s Restaurant (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy) tomorrow (Saturday, April 6, 8 a.m. until 9 a.m.) and he’s ready to answer your questions and chat about what’s going on in Matthews. Get there early and have breakfast or drop in to listen.

Catch up on the news over a hot cup of Beacon.

News Around Town: Students from the Matthews Playhouse School of Theater will perform in their first productions of the season this weekend. The productions are cast exclusively with students from the Playhouse's year long theater classes, and these performances are the result of the year's training. Friday night or Saturday afternoon catch the kid friendly 101 Dalmatians. Saturday night and Sunday afternoon the students will perform Anne Frank and Me. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or at the box office: https://matthewsplayhouse.com/shows/upcoming-shows/school-of-theatre

One Good Thing: This Saturday, from 9 a.m.until 1 p.m., Butler High School (1810 Matthews Mint Hill Road) will be transformed into Hillman College (for those who have forgotten Dwayne Wayne and flip-up glasses, the college from the sitcom “A Different World.”) In its third year, The Hillman Experience is an opportunity for students to learn about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There will be a pep rally that includes step and a marching band, a panel discussion about the HBCU Experience, and a college fair.

Morning Minute: Thursday, April 4, 2019

News About Town: The agenda is online for the Monday (April 8) Town Council Meeting. There are dogs on the agenda! At the beginning of the agenda is an introduction of retired Police K9 Castor, and later, under the Consent Agenda, the Town Council may approve the retirement of Police K9 Willow and sale to his/her handler. Also, the Entertainment District Small Area Plan Overlay is once again on the agenda. 

The Virginia Frazier Celebration Tree on Sadie Drive is blooming.

News Around Town: Niche.com, a website dedicated to giving insight on places to live, recently unveiled their ratings of suburbs around Charlotte. Matthews received #5 in most desirable Charlotte suburb, #23 for most diverse suburb, and #10 in best suburb to raise a family in the Charlotte area.

One Good Thing: Picked through a blind audio audition, thirteen ensembles (over 600 students) will participate in Charlotte Concerts’ A Musical Showcase Competition on Monday, April 8. From Matthews, Crestdale Middle School’s 7th Grade Band has been chosen to participate. The showcase will be held at Belk Theater in Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, April 3, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police Department's own Captian Roy Sisk recently completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy (Class # 275). The course is a 10-week intensive at the FBI training facility in Quantico, Virginia. Captain Sisk started in January and finished in mid-March. Content included law, behavioral science, forensic science, understanding terrorism and terrorists’ mindsets, leadership development, communication, and wellness. Less than one percent of US law enforcement officers complete this training and Captain Sisk brought what he learned back to Matthews to share with the department.  

News Around Town: Windstream Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for financial reorganization under Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection. Operations are expected to continue as normal, and employees will continue to receive their usual pay and benefits. Windstream is one primary internet service provider for Matthews.

One Good Thing: This Sunday support local artists at the McDowell Arts Center (123 East McDowell St.). Students from Eileen Schwartz's art groups, Art for Veterans and The McDowell Group, a special group with talent, will have their work on display and some items will be for sale. 

Morning Minute: Tuesday, April 2, 2019

News About Town: Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church was the victim of property damage once again last Friday. Matthews Police Department is looking for assistance in identifying two suspects, who were caught on video cameras at the church (https://www.matthewsnc.gov/newsview.aspx?nid=6224). Anyone with information on the incident is encouraged to contact Detective Chris Duryee (cduryee@matthewsnc.gov).

News Around Town: According to the NC Constitution Article IX, Section 7, “the clear proceeds of all penalties and forfeitures...for any breach of the penal laws of the State, shall belong to and remain in the several counties, and shall be...used exclusively for maintaining free public schools." In relation to recent news, the Article dedicates the fines incurred by Taft Family Ventures along Monroe Road to Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, rather than for replanting trees cut down within the dedicated tree save area. The voluntary fee provided by the developer (in the amount of $100,000) may be used for replanting or as the Town deems appropriate.  

One Good Thing: Gather a little vitamin D, breathe some fresh air, then soak up the post-exercise endorphins with yoga in the park. This Friday, join Elinor Edvi-Miller at Stumptown Park for a free session of vinyasa flow and deep stretch yoga from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. The program will continue for five more Fridays throughout April and May for the cost of $25 for the series.