Morning Minute: Tuesday, August 13, 2019

A lot is going on in Matthews, and we’d miss getting the word out if we kept up the usual approach. Today, instead of news, you get some top-notch events to add to your calendar.

Hang out with town staff at Squirrel Lake Park this morning at 10 am and paint some rocks. They’ll have the stones and supplies, and you bring the creativity and talent. All ages are welcome.

It’s time for the monthly Parks, Rec, and Cultural Advisory Committee meeting. This time they’ll discuss the process of approving public art. Join them at the Community Center on Wednesday, August 14, at 6:30 pm to participate in the conversation.

Touch A Truck (or two or three) this Saturday, August 17 at 10 am (until 1 pm) in Stumptown Park. Town fire trucks, police cars, a backhoe, and other vehicles will be ready for exploration. Get there early for free Kona Ice, but make sure to stick around for the Police K9 demonstration.

Campaign season is in full swing when the forums begin. The first candidate’s forum is Tuesday, August 20 from 7 to 8:15 pm at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Mt. Moriah, Matthews Presbyterian, and Matthews United Methodist are hosting the mayoral and council candidate’s debate as part of the collaborative Racial-Bridge Building Community Forum series.

Head on over to Butler High School Wednesday, August 21, 2019, for the First Annual Community Pep Rally with Butler. Fill up the stadium at Butler with Butler Bulldog pride gear to kick off the football season.

Morning Minute: Monday, August 12, 2019

News About Town: During the July 22 Town Council meeting (Consent Agenda portion), the council unanimously voted to purchase new chairs for the Hood Room. (The crowd rejoiced.) Upon recommendation by town staff, the board approved the purchase of 100 new chairs with a mix of 20-inch seats with arms and 22-inch seats without arms. The town will keep some of the old chairs and sell the remainder as surplus. (Meeting packet, page 19.)

News Around Town: Last month, Jatwan Cuffie, the Butler student accused of killing classmate Bobby McKeithen in October, 2018, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Cuffie maintains he intended to hurt, but not kill McKeithen. According to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, Cuffie could serve a maximum of nine years in prison.

One Good Thing: Take the opportunity this Thursday, August 15 at 6 pm, to hear Matthews Heritage Museum Director Barbara Taylor share her research on the day-to-day life in Tank Town (now known as Crestdale). The event includes a panel discussion comprised of current and former residents of Tank Town. Panelists will share personal memories and perspectives on the future growth in and around the area.
The program is free, but seating is limited. The event will be held in the meeting room at the Matthews Public Library (230 Matthews Station Street).

Morning Minute: Friday, August 9, 2019

News About Town: It’s Food Truck Friday, which means swooping the family away to Stumptown Park (120 S. Trade Matthews). No cooking, no cleaning, and live music to boot. This time around, the town will have giveaways and Love Matthews tee-shirts to purchase. There are still a few weeks left of the Love Matthews celebration so you can show your love through actions and attire simultaneously. Food Truck Friday goes from 5 til 9 pm. Matthews love springs eternal.

News Around Town: What started as a Girl Scout project has made its way to the Matthews Heritage Museum. Senior Girl Scout Payton Bjurstrom created the "Passport to History" program to engage school-age kids to learn about area history. The Matthews museum is now selling the history-based passports. Each booklet contains questions and activities for approximately a dozen sites. Complete the pages for the locale then have staff or volunteers sign the book to verify your visit. Once you've visited all the sites, and the passport is full, you (erm, your child) get a patch. The Matthews Heritage Museum is located at 232 N. Trade Street, Matthews, NC 28105. It is open Thursday to Saturday from 10 to 4:30.

One Good Thing: Salon Plaza (ok, they're at the Galleria, so they're technically in MoRA, not Matthews) is offering free back to school haircuts for rising elementary school-age kids. Bring in a donation of school supplies or hygiene items in exchange. The items will be given to Matthews' own HELP Center. Call 980-552-0058 for information or an appointment.

Morning Minute: Thursday, August 8, 2019

News About Town: Discounting a Council-approved 2013 text amendment to the UDO, the Town has asked Parks and Rec to add elements to the process of approval for public art. Next Wednesday, August 14, the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Advisory Committee will host a meeting to develop ideas, concepts, and themes for future public art projects in Matthews. The session begins at 6:30 pm in the Community Center.

Image via Stumptown Athletic on Facebook

News Around Town: Matthews’ newest pro-soccer team is one step closer to reality. Stumptown Athletic held tryouts at the Sportsplex this week. Approximately 25 college seniors, free agents, and talented amateur players hit the fields for tryouts this past Monday and Tuesday. Head Coach Mark Steffens (former Charlotte Eagles coach and assistant coach for the Lady Eagles) will soon pick the inaugural team roster.

One Good Thing: Good Cup, a Matthews business based out of the Farmers’ Market, is partnering with Camp Gladiator to do good for the Town of Matthews. This Monday, August 12, they’ll be sweating up a storm in Stumptown Park, starting at 10:30. Rather than a boot camp workout, though, the group will clean the park, powered by cold brew coffee. The public is welcome to join.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, August 7, 2019

News About Town: The Elizabeth Lane Elementary mobile unit sunset clause came up again during last night’s council meeting. The Planning Board presented a summary of their most recent meeting notes when they voted unanimously to recommend approval of a three-year for the clause. Principal Crystal Lail spoke to the Board and explained the new carpool queuing. The board of commissioners voted to maintain the annual reevaluation.

News Around Town: According to the NC Education Lottery twitter feed, the winning Cash 5 ticket was sold in Matthews. A ticket with all five matching numbers, worth $349,027, was sold at the Adams Mart at the corner of Matthews-Mint Hill and Independence (11103 E Independence Blvd, Matthews). Double-check your numbers, you may be a winner: 24 26 27 31 41.

One Good Thing: Got a precious pooch? Wanna show off the mug on your favorite mutt? The Town of Matthews wants to see pics of your pup for the Pawsitively Matthews’ Finest Fido contest. Submit your pictures by August 31, and your captivating canine will receive a prize and be featured on the official 2019 Pawsitively Matthews t-shirt.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, August 6, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews recently unveiled a new project last week called the Matthews Messenger. The Messenger is a monthly newsletter sent out by the town to keep residents informed on a variety of town topics. An idea first suggested by Commissioner Jeff Miller, the town estimated approximately $12,000 annually to hire an outside firm to produce. This would allow Communications Director Maureen Keith the ability to maintain her regular workload. See the first issue here, and a subscription button will pop up to subscribe.

News Around Town: If you missed the public meeting to learn more about the Stevens Creek Subarea Study, the Town of Matthews has an online survey for input. Learn more about the preserve, then tell the town what you think. This survey will provide information to town staff and VHB consultants on how to best provide pedestrian and bicycling access to the preserve.

One Good Thing: Between National Night Out and Matthews Gives Back, the Matthews Police are even busier than usual. Area churches and nonprofits are partnering with the police department for Matthews Gives Back, this time to collect school supplies for area kids in need. If your child needs supplies, fill out the survey at this link, or call the HELP Center (704-847-8383) before close of business on Tuesday, August 13.

Morning Minute: Monday, August 5, 2019

News About Town: The first council meeting of August is a week early, which means it’s tonight. There’s not a lot on the agenda, but a few things of interest, including a few ways to pretty up the town in advance of the 2020 RNC, installing flashing beacons for the school zone at Crestdale middle, the adoption of an extended mobile classroom sunset clause for Elizabeth Lane Elementary as well as a new afternoon queuing pattern, and appropriating $30,000 in grant monies from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation for the Crestdale Heritage Trail.

Image via Unsplash

News Around Town: It’s National Farmers’ Market Week. According to American Farmland Trust, “Between 1992 and 2012, the United States converted about 31 million acres of agricultural land to development.” By supporting local farmers, you are preserving agricultural lands.. Especially with an all-local market that defines Saturday mornings in downtown Matthews, a celebration is in order. While the average fruits and vegetables travel more than 1,200 miles to get to the grocery store, the Matthews Market is limited to 50 miles, feeding right back into the local economy. Celebrating is easy, just head out to the market this Saturday (August 10) and thank the farmers and the market organizers for all they do for Matthews.

One Fun Thing: Did your kids participate in Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Summer Break? Head over to the Matthews branch on Wednesday, August 7 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm to celebrate the end of the program at “I Survived... Summer Break!” The event will include hands-on exploration of Lauren Tarshis “I Survived...” series.

Morning Minute: Friday, August 2, 2019

News About Town: Want to learn more about town functions and have the time to invest on a weekly basis? Matthews 101 applications should be live shortly. Matthews 101 is a 6-week course that will teach you the ins and outs of local government. You’ll tour both the police station and fire station (no comment which one is more fun), learn about municipal finances, how streets are managed and maintained, and more. The deadline to apply is August 26, and while we usually wait closer to the day-of to post things, seats for this course go quickly. Have you taken Matthews 101 and want more? The League of Women Voters provide a Civics 101 course that covers county level operations.

News Around Town: Join Matthews PD on Tuesday, August 6th at 6:00 pm for National Night Out. The event, held at Town Hall, gives members of the community the opportunity to get to know their local law enforcement as well as their neighbors.

One Fun Thing: Artists, crafters, and snack vendors, this one’s for you. The Matthews Chamber is taking applications for their annual ArtWalk & MusicFest, formerly known as Artfest. The festival will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 10 am - 6 pm. The town green (in front of Town Hall) will be filled with creative wares ready for perusal and purchase. Live music will play on stage and beer will be available for purchase. Get your application in now!

Morning Minute: Thursday, August 1, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews recently purchased 11 new Cardiac Science G5 Defibrillators for the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Program, thanks to a $15,000.00 grant from Novant Health. The older defibrillators these replace were heavier with outdated parts. “When Novant Health found out that we were looking at ways to start upgrading our AEDs, they immediately asked how they could help,” said Matthews Police Chief, Clark A. Pennington. “It’s such an overwhelming feeling when you have community partners that are willing to help provide lifesaving equipment to our officers. We all benefit when our officers have the best tools possible.” Novant stated it’s crucial for these machines to be available for police in emergency response roles. Accessibility and response time dramatically increase chances of survival for a person who experiences sudden cardiac arrest.

News Around Town: Calling all veterans! Starting later today (August 1) and continuing on the first Thursday of each month, Team RWB, Veterans Bridge Home, and Dog Tag Technologies invite you and your families to enjoy free yoga. Classes will be held on the second floor of the Community Center (100 East McDowell St) starting at 6:30 pm. An elevator, if needed, is just past the front desk on the ground floor

One Fun Thing: Huge gaffe around Beacon HQ, we missed National Mutt Day. Mutts are our MO, so to all the mixed breed pupsters out there, we salute you. For all you craft brew drinkers, today is National IPA Day, so grab the closest pale ale and raise a pint to all the fabulous mutts of Matthews.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, July 31, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Parks and Rec has some new classes starting this fall. There will be tango lessons, and yes, it takes two, but you don’t have to have a partner to register. There's also the Art of Yoga, where you learn to apply yoga principals to your daily life. Don't miss Kids Ukulele and Adult Ukulele (separate classes), Total Body Strength & Tone, and more. There are also classes lined up for homeschoolers, including several courses working with clay, apparel design, and computer graphics. Find more info here.

News Around Town: On the theme of continued learning, the Levine campus of CPCC (2800 Campus Ridge Rd, Matthews) is expanding their weekend course offerings, this fall. High-demand classes will be offered more frequently on weekday evenings, Fridays, and Saturdays to meet student need.

One Fun Thing: This weekend is your last chance to get The Local Scoop in Matthews (until next summer? hint hint? The Local Scoop are you reading this?) Stop by Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (noon til nine each day) in their pop-up location behind Moe’s BBQ on Trade Street and get a scoop or three. They’ll have dutch chocolate, vanilla bean, strawberry sorbet with local strawberries, brownie batter and cookie monster at first, but will rotate as they sell out. The Local Scoop supports local farmers, so their batches are small. Whatever you get, it’s going to be good.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, July 30, 2019

News About Town: Love Matthews kicked off last Friday at Food Truck Friday. The theme of the first week is "Love where you live!" Write what you love about Matthews on the big M at the gazebo in front of town hall and post on Facebook why you #LoveMatthews. Other fun activities include free yoga at Stumptown Park and a self guided, selfie-centric art walk. #LoveMatthews: all the more reason to Love Matthews!

Image via 501st Legion website

News Around Town: IRS scam calls seem to be on the rise once again. One of our readers wrote and warned us about them, then several other people said they’d had the same call in the past couple of days. We asked Officer Aycock with the Matthews Police about the calls and what to do. He graciously explained. The scam starts when someone calls (Red Flag 1) saying they’re from the IRS and demand immediate payment. They usually ask for it payment to be made on a prepaid card (Red Flag 2). The IRS likes to communicate old school, via snail mail. Odds are good they’re not going to be calling. They’re also not going to tell you how to pay, they want their money and aren’t going to specify mode of delivery. Think it could be the IRS? Hang up and call the IRS yourself.

One Fun Thing: The Carolina Garrison of the 501st Legion is coming to Matthews. If you find yourself pulling for Vadar over Luke and championing the intergalactic villains of Lucas Films (registered trademark), get your geeky self to the Matthews Library this Saturday (August 3) from 1 pm til 3 pm. Stormtroopers will be there in exquisitely detailed uniforms, regaling the community with their knowledge of and dedication to the Galactic Empire.

Morning Minute: Monday, July 29, 2019

News About Town: Watch out for falling speed limits. Several roads in Matthews will have reduced speeds: Sam Newell, Charles Street, Sardis Road, and Weddington Road. Sam Newell at Crestdale Middle School will become a 25 mph school zone. Trade Street currently picks back up to 35 mph leaving town past the greenway crossing. The 25 mph limit will extend beyond the crossing to allow safer pedestrian access to and from the greenway. East Charles St is currently 35 in a portion of the road but will, instead, be 25 mph along the entire length, even after the name change to Tank Town. NCDOT suggested a change on Sardis Road to 40 mph, five mph less than the current posted limit. Speed limits on portions of Weddington Road will be reduced to 35 mph, making the length of the road 35 through to the county line. The City of Charlotte oversees this portion of the road.

Image via Unsplash

News Around Town: Matthews-based Harris Teeter recently hosted another fundraiser for the United Service Organizations (USO) by asking customers to round-up the total of their purchases. By asking for change, the grocery store chain raised $1.7 million for the USO to further their mission of serving military families.

One Fun Thing: We’ve mentioned opportunities to see the Tank Town: A Good Place to Live exhibit a few times already. If you haven’t gotten to the Matthews Heritage Museum to see it, you’re in luck. It’s on display for an extended period through October 5. Prior to the 1980s, the community of Crestdale was surrounded by Matthews but not incorporated. Before school desegregation, community children attended school in a shotgun school house and the Matthews Colored School. The area is still home to two historically black churches: Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist and United House of Prayer for All People. Learn about these essential institutions as well as the community settled by emancipated slaves after the Civil War. Museum hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 am- 4:30 pm Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children 10 to 17, and free under 10. (Pro Tip: Saturday, August 3 is free entrance to the museum, but your admission supports the museum’s research and exhibits.)

Morning Minute: Friday, July 26, 2019

News About Town: There’s a new mural going up soon in downtown, this time on the side of the Planet Ballroom building (189 N. Trade Street). The mural, created by Matthews artist Carol Hambridge, will be printed on vinyl and adhered to the building. The design is a throwback to earlier times in Matthews and a reflection on the American dream.

Image via Matthews Community Farmer’s Market

News Around Town: We’re officially near the end of summer as today marks one month until the first day of school. Recent upheaval in CMS may cause some concern about the coming year, but local principals assure parents that students remain their number one focus. Start watching for those back to school sales!

One Fun Thing: It’s tomato tasting time at the Farmer’s Market! If you’ve never been to this annual favorite, the market sets up tables with plates for tasting. You’ll get a chance to try tomatoes of all sizes and varieties and then vote on your favorite. If you’ve never fully realized the nuances of tomato flavor, this is your opportunity. This Saturday, 9 am - 10:30 am at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market, 188 N Trade St, Matthews.

Morning Minute: Thursday, July 25, 2019

News About Town: We’re a day late for Who are they Wednesday (WATW), but it’s worth an encore. The Matthews Police Department have made a YouTube compilation of security camera portraits in hopes the perps of crimes against Matthews businesses might be recognized or found. Some images are blurry blobs, but most are legible. Even if you don’t know the people, it’s also oddly entertaining to play Guess Where They Were.

News Around Town: Queen’s Feast Restaurant Week is going on, and two Matthews restaurants are participating. Now through Sunday, Sante and Bonefish Grill are each offering three-course dinners for $35.

One Good Thing: Road trip planned across the country? You can blog your way to Washington state and back, and you won't have to worry about extravagant data fees. Now available through the Matthews Library (and other branches), you can rent a portable hot spot device and access high speed internet anywhere there's a cell phone signal. At $20 for one week ($35 for 14 days, $50 for 21 days), you can hop online to post videos of the picturesque scenery, catch the latest sportsing, or let your kids while away the hours on YouTube.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, July 24, 2019

News About Town: At Monday's Board of Commissioners meeting the Board voted to approve an 11% pay increase for the Town Manager. With this increase, the pay rate is $163,780. This pay increase follows a 6% pay increase for FY 2018/19 and a 3% increase for FY 19/20. The pay increases are to achieve a pay rate in the 60th percentile range. According to a 2018 pay classification study, the Town Manager's salary in the 60th percentile should be within $113,410 - $175,270.  

News Around Town: Always dreamed of being in a parade? Rent that classic convertible, practice your royal wave, and email matthewsaliveparade@gmail.com for all the essential information on getting into the Matthews Alive parade. This year's theme is Attitude for Gratitude, and if your float depicts something you're grateful for you can get your float fee reimbursed. Applications close on August 1st, so the clock is ticking.

One Good Thing: This Saturday, bring nonperishable food items to Backyard Birds (in Matthews Festival by the Dairy Queen) for Common Heart, a grassroots food pantry in Indian Trail. As a thank you, Backyard Birds will give you a 20% discount on one item (not including coffee and seed) and provide a donation of 10% the sale to Common Heart. If all of that giving and receiving isn't enough, Common Heart is dollar-for-dollar matching donations now through July 31, so that 10% of your purchase will become 20%.