Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 15, 2019

News About Town: Last night the Board of Commissioners had two Public Hearings for rezonings. With Zoning Application 2019-697/Harkey the Board unanimously voted to continue the public hearing at the June 10 meeting. For the town-initiated Rezoning Motion 2019-2 (downzoning three separate parcels), the Board talked heavily about finding a compromise. Lawyers representing two of the parcels spoke and requested the town cease the motion and work with the owners for a solution.

News Around Town: Yesterday was the Republican Primary in NC US House District 9. Republican and Unaffiliated voters selected State Senator Dan Bishop to move on to the General Election, with just shy of 50% of the vote. Bishop will face Democrat Dan McCready in the September special election.

One Good Thing: The countdown is on (at least here in Beaconville) for summer. If you need something for your kids to do and 24/7 screen time isn't going to cut it, check out all the options provided by Park and Rec. The selection is really fun. I mean, really fun. Like we're kind of wishing they-had-the-camps-for-grown-ups-and-the-kids-could-stay-home-by-themselves fun.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 14, 2019

News About Town: Wednesday, May 15, is Peace Officers Memorial Day. Sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police, Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. John F. Kennedy signed the proclamation into law in 1962, and it has been observed nationally ever since.

News Around Town:  Portrait and courtroom sketch artist Jerry McJunkins is the guest speaker for the Matthews Artist Guild meeting tonight. Join MAG for social time at 6:30 then stay to hear McJunkins share his approach with figure drawing, both in and out of the courtroom. Meetings are free and held at McDowell Arts Center, 123 E. McDowell Street. 

One Fun Thing:  Plan to head back over to McDowell Arts Center this Thursday (May 16) for the Crown Point Elementary Artists’ Reception for first through fifth graders. The show has been on display since May 4. The reception starts at 5 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. in the upstairs gallery, and Mayor Bailey will present certificates of achievement to the students.

Morning Minute: Monday, May 13, 2019

News About Town: We’ve already mentioned the Budget Presentation and the Town’s motion to rezone several properties. The evening will be action-packed (read: long) at the Board of Commissioner’s meeting. There’s a public hearing for rezoning property adjacent to Butler High School, an update from the Planning Board followed by council members voting on (or deferring) a few rezonings, technology reimbursements, and discussion of a hairy issue about the Town taking over a private street at the residents’ request.

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News Around Town: Beach Fest was called off early this year due to rain. Matthews has received 1.72 inches of rain in the past week. The heaviest rainfall for the month fell on Saturday, when the rain gauge at Matthews Elementary calculated 1.17 inches. The rainfall for May thus far is nearly 3 inches.

One Fun Thing:  Save the date for the last Matthews Concert Band of the season: Around the World in 60 Minutes. (Taking wagers on whether it'll end in an Andy Rooney impersonation.) This free concert is this Thursday, May 16, 7:30 p.m., at the Matthews Community Center (100 McDowell Street) in the Fullwood Theater. The 60+ member band fills the stage with talent and fills the auditorium with incredible sounds. Don't miss out.

Morning Minute: Friday, May 10, 2019

News About Town: At 5:30 this Monday, prior to the regular town council meeting, Town Manager Hazen Blodgett will present his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2019/20. Creating a municipal budget is a lengthy process that typically starts in February when individual town departments generate a budget to meet their needs. Those budgets are then submitted to the Assistant Town Manager and the Finance Director, who advise the Manager. The Town Manager, as Budget Director, creates a recommended budget to present to the Town Council. As of November 30, 2018, the town has had a vacancy in the Finance Director position.  

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News Around Town: Speaking of budgets, County Manager Dena Diorio presented her recommended budget yesterday. We haven't studied the budget in depth (at all), but the graphic (seen above, click on the image to see it in full) explaining the budget is a great introduction. Of note, the budget doesn't fulfill all of the budget requests made by CMS, but does increase salaries for locally funded employees.

One Fun Thing:  Saturday, May 11, 2019 (That's tomorrow) the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market (8:00 AM -12:00 PM) is having herb day! The Charlotte Herb Guild and bringing their Herbal A-Game with plants, crafts, and all around planterly fun. Herbs not up your alley? The regular vendors will be there, too, providing the high-quality, super-local goodies you expect.  

Morning Minute: Thursday, May 9, 2019

News About Town: During Monday's (May 13) Board of Commissioner's meeting, the Board will hold a public hearing for three properties the Planning Department noted as "may not be appropriate from either a current or future land use perspective." These three properties under consideration include the Stronghaven warehouse on East John (I-1), the AMF Bowling Alley on Brigman Road, and a vacant parcel adjacent to the Woodspring Suites on Matthews-Mint Hill Road. The parcels are currently Industrial and Highway Business. The motion would downzone the properties to R-12 and R-15. Two properties are within the ENT zone, which calls for higher density residential than R-12 and R-15.

News Around Town: Atrium Health and the Greater Charlotte YMCA have partnered to create the Wellness on Wheels program (@WOWCLT). WOWCLT covers territory all over the greater Charlotte area and “provides health screenings, nutrition education and lifestyle management to prevent high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases” for free. The unit will stop at Mount Moriah Church (381 Crestdale Rd., Matthews) from 3 to 6 p.m. on May 16 (and the third Thursday of every month at that same time). No appointment is necessary.

One Fun Thing:  Tomorrow (evening we’re partnering up with Good Cup Coffee and The Loyalist for a Mother's Day Twilight Artisan Pop Up Market. Stop by the Loyalist for dinner, enjoy a Good Cup coffee, find a gift for a mom or yourself, then head on up the road to enjoy some beach music at Beach Fest. We’ll have all your favorite Matthews gear, other artists will have an assortment of handcrafted wearables, hand-poured candles, and more. Consider your Friday night planned!

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 8, 2019

News About Town: We're gearing up for Beach Fest, and so is the Town's Park and Rec department. In preparation for the fun, Trade Street will be closed between John Street and McDowell Street starting on Friday, at 9:00 a.m. That closure will expand to the Main Street intersection at 5 p.m. when the festival opens. That portion of Trade will remain closed until late Saturday night after the festival closes. 

News Around Town: It's easy to celebrate Small Business Week in Matthews, there are so many great ones! (Ahem...hello, have you heard of the Matthews Beacon?) Join the Matthews Chamber and the newly expanded Black Chicken Market the for a Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting this evening from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The Market will have light appetizers, a small menu sampling, and $4 wine by the glass specials.

One Fun Thing:  Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity is looking for three or four more volunteers to help paint this Saturday (May 11) at the Sandy Marano Women Build Home Construction project. Your volunteerism will not only help a family gain safe, affordable housing, but you'll honor the legacy of Sandy Marano, a woman with a tremendous heart who dedicated her life to the community of Matthews.  Sign up online to help with this extraordinary project.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 7, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police arrested Jeremiah Elijah Harvey this past Saturday in connection with the car theft at the Comfort Inn by Windsor Square. Harvey was one of several wanted suspects featured in the most recent Find ‘em Friday video.

News Around Town: With ten candidates vying for the 9th Congressional District Republican spot on the ballot, it’s hard to know what differentiates them. WBT is hosting a debate tonight (May 7) at the Union County Ag Center (3230 Presson Rd, Monroe NC 28112). Doors open at 5 p.m., the debate is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are available online and include a boxed dinner.

One Fun Thing:  Some people like cake by the ocean, others like cake by the lake. (Also heard word there will be s’mores, but we have no idea what body of water rhymes with s’mores.) HAWK is clearly of the cake by-the-lake ilk. Join the Keepers tonight at 7 p.m. at Squirrel Lake Park (1631 Pleasant Plains Road) first for sweets, then for a frog walk. Led by the knowledgeable and entertaining Taylor Piephoff you’ll most likely see lots of other types of animals as well.

Morning Minute: Monday, May 6, 2019

News About Town: Over the past year, Matthews has seen a handful of carjackings. Another happened this past Saturday morning, when a man, stopped at the light exiting from I-485, saw a white truck pulled up behind him. The passenger of the truck got out, approached the man, pointed a gun at him, and demanded he get out of his car. Police are currently investigating. More information can be found on the Town website. Other recent carjackings occurred in the Big Lots parking lot, in the office park at the corner of Sam Newell and 51, at the Comfort Inn by Windsor Square, and in the 2000 block of Sam Newell Road.

News Around Town: As the Highway 51 widening project moves forward, NCDOT recently sent out a postcard with a description of the updates they’re making to the design. Following the link on the postcard does not take you to the project; this is the correct link.

• Realigned Lois St to create a signalized intersection at John, eliminating one home, and possibly the adjacent office building on West Charles. (Lois connects John and Charles near the Shell station.)

• Added a U-turn bulb on Sardis Road as an additional turn around point for those coming from the west side of Sardis Road.

• Added a smaller U-turn bulb (suitable for cars) at Deveraux.

• Added pedestrian crossover at Reid Hall Lane.

• Fullwood Lane shifted west, eliminating the home on the corner of Fullwood and 51.

One Fun Thing:  Matthews Talks, a video-based website discussing current issues in Matthews, is creating a Memorial Day video and would like to honor your loved one. To contribute or request more information, send the following to MatthewsTalks@gmail.com: a photo of the person who died in the line of duty (preferably in uniform), their branch of service, date of birth and death, and location of death if they sacrificed their life in the line of duty.

Morning Minute: Friday, May 3, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews offers many opportunities for residents to get involved on a committee level. For those interested in the arts (and sciences), Arts and Science Council has a spot open for a Matthews voice starting Fiscal Year 2020. The first meeting will be held October 2019.  The deadline to apply is May 31; appointments will be announced mid-August.

News Around Town: The Loyalist Market recently received a 3 Crown rating (the highest honor) as a Charlotte Green Crown award winner from Charlotte’s Office of Sustainability. The Office of Sustainability created the awards to encourage implementation and reduction of the use of natural resources in the restaurant industry. The Loyalist’s initiatives, such as replacing plastic straws with hollow pasta noodles, compostable carry out containers, and a bike rack at the door, have made The Loyalist a leader in sustainability in Matthews.

One Fun Thing: First through fifth grade Crown Point Elementary artists will have their works on display at McDowell Art Gallery (123 East McDowell St., Matthews) from  May 4 to May 31. Sandy Wilkinson, Show Chairperson, and Paige Brown, Crown Point Art Teacher, have curated over 100 projects over the course of the school year to display in the show.

Morning Minute: Thursday, May 2, 2019

News About Town: If you’re in Matthews this weekend and you hear the sound of the ocean, it’s all in your imagination...but it is BeachFest weekend! The festival kicks off at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and runs until 10:00 p.m. The fun continues Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Enjoy music, dancing, food, rides, and a host of other entertainment.

News Around Town: As the greater Charlotte area processes the shock from the UNCC shooting, the community has come together to share in grief. Yesterday afternoon, family friends of Ellis Parlier, victim of the UNCC shooting, held a prayer vigil at Matthews Presbyterian Church on West John Street.

One Fun Thing: Join the Matthews Chamber of Commerce this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for the Healthy Living Expo. The event includes kids activities, a workout zone (try something new!), and health screenings. The event is rain or shine, held outside on the green in front of Town Hall and the Chamber Office.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 1, 2019

News About Town: With the abundance of yard debris from the wind storm and yard work, Republic Services is running behind. Expect them to be caught up by Friday.

A view from reader Becky Thompson’s front garden.

News Around Town: CMS Schools are closed, and teachers are heading to Raleigh. But why? The formally organized group Red4EdNC has five bullet points of action that are their focus this year:

• Provide $15 minimum wage for all school personnel, 5% raise for all ESPs (non-certified staff), teachers, admin, and a 5% cost of living adjustment for retirees,

• Provide enough school librarians, psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses, and other health professionals to meet national standards,

• Expand Medicaid to improve the health of our students and families,

• Reinstate state retiree health benefits eliminated by the General Assembly in 2017,

• Restore advanced degree compensation stripped by the General Assembly in 2013​.

If you support Red4EdNC initiatives, local tee shirt printer Cotton Gin Printing & Graphics has your gear.

One Good Thing: It’s not uncommon to see swarms of honeybees this time of year. If you have one in your yard or nearby, no need to call pest control, and definitely don’t spray pesticides. The bees are actively looking for a new hive and mean no ill will. What can you do? Call a beekeeper friend or a Mecklenburg County Beekeeper from their swarm removal list. Several Matthews residents are on the list, so you can even keep them local! Honeybees can travel and pollinate vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees as far as two miles from their hive, so even if they’re no longer in your yard they may come back and thank you for the rescue.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, April 30, 2019

News About Town: Town Hall is looking a little bare these days, but fear not. In August of 2018, the Board of Commissioners improved an $80,000 upfit for the columns and handrails at the front of the town hall. Originally built in 2001, the columns and handrails have been painted and repaired numerous times. The replacements are fiberglass and anodized aluminum, respectively.

News Around Town: This Thursday, May 2, at 11 a.m. the County Manager will present her recommended 2020 FY budget to the County Commission. If you can’t make it but want to follow along, it will be streamed live on MeckNC.gov and live-tweeted on Twitter.

At 6 p.m. on the following Thursday (May 9) Commissioners will hold a public hearing for the Recommended Budget at 6 p.m. You may sign up to speak at this meeting by signing up online or by phone at 980-314-2870 now through May 6.

Both meetings will be held in the Meeting Chamber of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St., Charlotte. 

One Fun Thing: There's a brand new pop in town, and we're pretty stoked. Velo Pops just opened beside First Watch on 51. Flavors like Banana Nutella and Hibiscus Lemon Agave (shout out to Avocado Lime) up the ante on nuanced flavor sans hangover. Hello, small-batch sweets crawl. We think we've found our summer plans--it's gonna be a cold one.   

Morning Minute: Monday, April 29, 2019

News About Town: If you use Weddington Road between Fincher Farm and Winterbrooke regularly, make sure to plan alternate routes for the week. Today through Friday (Monday, April 29th through Friday, May 3rd) Blythe Construction will be working on Weddington from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Through travel will be limited to one lane at times so delays are expected.

News Around Town: The Silver Line often feels like a distant dream, but after last Wednesday’s Metropolitan Transit Commission meeting, the project is a baby step closer to the design process. The MTC voted to approve the 2020 Fiscal Year operating budget, which includes millions in additional funding to advance the Silver Line. The $1.7 billion project will be funded through local, state, and federal dollars. In late 2018 the Federal Transit Authority awarded CATS a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning grant for $920,000.

One Fun Thing: Hey naturalists! The Charlotte Metro area (at the time of writing) has 3,547 posts, 741 species, and 184 participants in the City Nature Challenge. According to the app, several participants are in Matthews. The most active areas for reporting are the downtown area and Idlewild Road Park. Today is the last day to participate before the final numbers are tallied.

Morning Minute: Friday, April 26, 2019

Lots of Fun Things Around and About Town:

This weekend is jam packed with things to do in Matthews. Choose your favorites and make like a tourist in your own town!

Friday April 26th:
Food Truck Friday at Stumptown Park, 5:00 pm

Saturday April 27th:
Matthews Community Farmers’ Market, 8:00 am
Document Shredding at Matthews Community Center, 9:00 am
Earth Day with Kids in Nature Day at Squirrel Lake Park, 10:00 am
Family Fun Day at Matthews UMC, 10:00 am
HELP Fest at Matthews HELP Center, 5:00 pm

Morning Minute: Thursday, April 25, 2019

News About Town: If you’ve been sparking joy left and right but have no clue what to do with all those old tax papers and credit card offers, consider the Town your Kondo-hero! Take up to 4 banker boxes to the Community Center this Saturday, from 9 am to noon, and the Town of Matthews and Record Storage Systems will safely and securely dispose of your unwanted papers. No need to worry; the process is HIPAA-compliant. (HIPAA HIPAA HOORAY?)

News Around Town:  Duke Power will be doing some work in front of Matthew-Sardis Park today. The park will be inaccessible. In other park news, the Board of Commissioners voted to rename Rice Road Park to Rice Park in honor of the Rice family who owned the land around the park for generations.

One Good Thing: This Saturday start your day at Squirrel Lake with HAWK’s Earth Day festivities, then mosey on over to Matthews UMC for Family Fun Day! The fun begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m. Kids can bounce in the bounce houses, ride ponies, and learn about and pet all sorts of neat critters. Snacks will be available to purchase from the All-Star Café and Icy Treats Food Trucks. (Maybe some hand sanitizer or hand washing would be appropriate post-critter petting?) Proceeds support Matthews UMC playground renewal projects. Learn more at Preschool.MatthewsUMC.org.