Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 25, 2019

News About Town: Thanks to Volkswagen's shady practices, Matthews may cash in on some benefits from a grant in the settlement the company made with the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ). On Monday night, the Board approved Public Works the Fire Department to send in a proposal application for the replacement of older, diesel-powered vehicles and equipment. The two departments will apply for a grant that will cover 25% of the total cost to purchase four pieces of equipment that need replacing: an excavator, front end loader, dump truck, and rescue truck. Because the grant is a reimbursement, the upfront cost for the town is expected to be $1,070,000, with a reimbursement of around $267,500. After the grant, the calculated financial impact for the town would be approximately $802,500.

Native garden at Squirrel Lake Park maintained by HAWK (photo courtesy HAWK)

News Around Town: Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK) has maintained a native plant garden at Squirrel Lake Park for years. Native plants are better suited to our region because they are better tolerant to climate extremes, are unlikely to become invasive, and provide food for native wildlife. On September 21st HAWK volunteers pulled weeds in the garden and spread mulch provided by the Town of Matthews. The gardens were being prepared for an upcoming event, Kids In Nature Day. HAWK needs gardeners interested in helping maintain the gardens. For more information, email HAWKncwf@gmail.com. (Thanks for the tip, HAWK!)

One Good Thing: Everyone's favorite boarding schoolgirl is coming to Matthews Playhouse. The Adventures of Madeline takes the stage October 11th through 20th at the Community Center's Fullwood Theater. Follow Madeline on her imaginative and curious adventures as she gets into a little trouble and a whole lot of fun.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, September 24, 2019

News About Town: At last night’s Board meeting, the council discussed locks on the bathroom doors at area parks. At the end of FY19, funds for programmable locks accidentally rolled back into the general fund. The budget amendment at the board meeting would recover those funds for use by Park and Rec. The locks have already been purchased and for installation in three park restroom doors. The locks cost $3,964 and can be controlled remotely by both police and park employees, minimizing the need for police to perform the task. If the locks function well, the town plans to replace the remainder of the park facility bathroom locks .

News Around Town: Blessed Assurance Adult Day Care (13001 Idlewild Road) provides safe daytime care for adults who require some assistance due to physical or mental constraints. The center offers a range of services such as providing meals, health care, and amenities such as barber/hairstylist services for participants. To fund their programs, Blessed Assurance is hosting their Annual Bar-B-Q from 10 am to 3 pm this Friday, September 27. Friday night dinner done. 

One Thing: One of the most popular nights of the year is coming up: Laser Tag at Crews Rec Center (1201 Crews Rd). Pack up the family and head on over to the rec center for some FREE family fun, Friday, October 4, from 6-9 pm!

Morning Minute: Monday, September 23, 2019

News About Town: Tonight, September 23, prior to the regular Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board will have a special meeting to review proposed revisions to the Personnel Policy. The Board will consider better defining allowable sick leave before a doctor’s note is required. Discussion will also include adding two weeks of paid military leave for enlisted employees to attend required military training. For employees who are parents (or soon-to-be), the Board is considering whether the paid six weeks of parental leave would be split between parents if both parents work for the town. Currently, parents receive four hours of paid leave for volunteering with their children’s schools. The Board is considering expanding this to include other employees who wish to use the time to volunteer with a non-profit organization.

From Eating the Wild: a foraging primer and plant walk, Sunday, September 22 in Matthews.

News Around Town: Yesterday afternoon, motorcyclists from all over NC rode in a fundraiser to benefit North Carolina State Trooper Christopher Wooten. Officer Wooten was paralyzed from the neck down when his motorcycle was struck by another vehicle while he was on duty. The benefit run, a 50 mile escorted ride, started at zMAX Dragway in Concord, NC, and finished at Independence Harley Davidson in Matthews. Those who witnessed the procession stated it was miles long.

One Good Thing: This Saturday, the Town of Matthews, Matthews United Methodist, Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity, and the American Legion are partnering to help you make room in your garage. If you have papers piling up that need shredding, old electronics that can be recycled, or a tattered flag that needs to be properly disposed of, this is the event for you. Volunteers from the Fire and Police Departments, along with Girl Trail Scouts, Boys Scouts and United Methodist Youth will be there to assist. Take your stuff to the church (Matthews United Methodist, 801 South Trade St), and they’ll take it from there, this Saturday, September 28, from 9 am to noon.

Morning Minute: Friday, September 20, 2019

News About Town: The agenda has been posted for the Monday, September 23 Board of Commissioners meeting. The board will, once again, discuss projects in preparation for the 2020 Republican National Convention. Also on the agenda is the consideration for changes to the current rules for parades and picketing (no details or attachment), and possible new development for Idlewild Road near the new Lidl. There are plenty of other agenda items, take a look here.

News Around Town: There is still over a month of campaigning left before the general election, and candidates are reporting stolen signs. Ken McCool reported to Matthews Police the theft of approximately 40 signs.

One Good Thing: If you are interested in the foraging walk mentioned in yesterday’s Morning Minute and found the link didn't link, here’s the actual link for the walk.

Matthews nature maven Debbie LeBlanc Foster shared something fun to do this weekend—and it might involve hedgehogs! This Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm Steve Hughes will be at Backyard Birds in Plantation Market Shopping Center (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy). Steve is a gifted wildlife educator who brings a huge variety of animal ambassadors with him. There's no telling what you might get to meet - haws, owls, hedgehogs, snakes, tortoises, blue-tongued skinks - who knows??? Don't miss this!!!!!

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 19, 2019

News About Town: Hey you homeschoolers! The Matthews Park and Rec department has classes for you, including today at 1 pm. Bring your kid out to the McDowell Arts Center to play with clay and make a functional piece of pottery today. Bring them back next week (the 26th) to glaze their piece for firing. On Tuesday, the 24th, bring your kid(s) ages 7+ to use graphic design, software, and hardware to turn their artwork into a keepsake. If you’re looking for something a little more active, try PE for homeschoolers on Tuesday and Thursday at 11 am.

Wild Foods by Alexander Meander

News Around Town: Firefighter Spencer Willis, with Idlewild Fire Department, was severely injured in a car accident last week and taken to CMC Main. He has been in the trauma ICU since. Idlewild, a volunteer department, serves both Matthews and Mint Hill. Spencer, according to his Go Fund Me, is a day laborer as well as a volunteer firefighter. The family has set up the fundraiser to assist in bills while he is on the long journey back to health.

One Good Thing: Next time you’re on a walk on the greenway, look up, down, and all around. Native fruits are coming into ripeness, including American persimmons, pawpaws, and maypops. Not comfortable foraging for wild foods? Wild foods expert Alexander Meander (see some of his beautiful finds above) is holding a plant walk in Matthews this Sunday, September 22. You’ll learn identification factors, the window for harvest, and the usable parts of some of the wild plants found on the walk. More information available here.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 18, 2019

News About Town: Want to learn more about services and initiatives available from local agencies to help local businesses thrive? Join the Town of Matthews Economic Development Advisory Committee for Matthews Rising, the 2019 Business Summit in the Matthews Sportsplex meeting room (2425 Sports Parkway) from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, October 11. This year the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development will share the programs they offer in assisting with business development. Then the Town will present ways they’re fortifying the local business climate to make Matthews a welcoming environment for businesses.

News Around Town: The ESPN 2019 Honor Roll honored David W. Butler High School as the North Carolina representative for their Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools National Recognition Program. Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools empower youth to be positive agents of change in their local communities. By working together, faculty, special education, and general education students of Butler High proved they are those positive change agents. Congratulations, Butler.

One Good Thing: The Matthews Police Department is collecting items for the Levine Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Clinic. Lead by Sgt Michelle Archer, the department is collecting items that will keep kids distracted while connected to IVs and limited in mobility. Goods include everything from ePlay Doh to eXBox games and can be purchased and shipped through Amazon or dropped off in-person at the Police Station and will be collected through September 27 at 5 pm.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, September 17, 2019

News About Town: In the happiest of news, missing Matthews teenager Vanessa Romero has been found and is back home with her family.

News Around Town: Since coyotes mate in early spring, their young are born in mid- to late- spring. Right about now, mid-September, those pups are looking to move out on their own. That means they’re looking for new homes and new sources of food. Will they find it in your yard? Coyotes are omnivores, so while keeping your cat indoors is a wise idea, so is cleaning up the overgrown zucchini from your garden. If you see a roadrunner, watch out for falling anvils.

One Good Thing: Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) Executive Director Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Rabbi Dr. Daniel Roth from Israel, and Palestinian-American Aziz Abu Sarah will be at Matthews United Methodist (801 South Trade St.) on Tuesday, September 24, bringing the message that Peace is Possible. As part of a Pilgrimage to Peace speaking tour, the three will engage in a multifaith dialogue and touch on the reality of life in Israel and Palestine. The program starts at 7 pm in the church sanctuary.

Morning Minute: Monday, September 16, 2019

News About Town: Hendrick Automotive is building new dealerships along Independence and needs a place to dump some dirt. Fortunately for them, the company owns 28 + acres near the Levine CPCC campus. In 2007, however, they rezoned that property and the agreement included a statement that any land disturbing activity on the site would require town approval. In order to grade the property, possibly cut down trees, and add fill dirt, Hendrick needs Matthews Board of Commissioners approval. The issue will come before the Board on September 23 at the regular town council meeting (7 pm, Town Hall).

News Around Town: If you have kids in CMS schools, they must be caught up on their required vaccines and all updated paperwork must be submitted to the school by September 24 to continue attending. The last Big Shots Immunization Clinic provided by the county is this Saturday, September 21. Call and schedule an appointment with the Mecklenburg County Health Department at 704-336-6500 if your child's immunization record is not up to date. Click here for more info on the CMS policy regarding immunizations and physical exams.

One Good Thing: Last week was National Suicide Prevention Week, and we missed the opportunity to provide some valuable resources. Locally, Novant Matthews offers Mental Health First Aid training. Learn to listen, notice signs, and simple actions to get appropriate help to those who need it. Also, the county has a mental health Crisis Intervention Team composed of first-in-line responders to mental health crises. Their website has a comprehensive list of local mental health resources.

Morning Minute: Friday, September 13, 2019

News About Town: On July 6, 2019, at approximately 1:10 am, Matthews police officers responded to a shooting at Paces Commons Apartments. Jonathan Swierski of Monroe died on the scene, resulting from a gunshot wound. Since then, the Criminal Investigations Division investigated the incident and released a determination today that no charges will be filed. The Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office agreed that no charges should be filed.

According to police, the evidence showed the gun discharged during a physical altercation among several people. Evidence and corroborating witnesses provided insufficient proof whether this individual ever intentionally pointed the gun at anyone. 

News Around Town: If you haven’t noticed, it’s been hot and muggy outside. Weather reports showed a record 98 degrees yesterday. There may be some relief in the next few weeks when highs are in the 80s. Pollen levels are low, but mold spore counts are high. Repeat After Beacon: Fall is ten days away.

One Fun Thing: It’s time once again for Date Night Drop Off. Head over to Crew’s Road Rec Center (1201 Crews Road Matthews) at 5 pm and leave the kids to run amok under the supervision of Park and Rec (very qualified) employees. They’ll feed your kid and entertain them while you take a little time to regroup. Kids ages 6-13 are welcome; pickup is at 9 pm. Cost is $10 child with $5/for each additional child in a group.

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 12, 2019

News About Town: Town Council once again discussed ways to use tourism dollars to prepare for the Republican National Convention. The board approved $84,000 in projects, which includes replacing aging banners, adding landscaping and planters throughout the town, and additional flower baskets further down Trade St. toward Stumptown Park. 

Image via Brace YMCA Facebook

News Around Town: In honor of September 11, Hemby Bridge firefighter Tyler Kaul took to the Brace YMCA Stairmaster. Kaul dressed in full turnout gear to climb 120 floors, representing the number of stories climbed by emergency responders in NYC on 9/11. 

One Fun Thing: Happy National School Picture Day? Probably created by the industry, the celebration for immortalizing awkward youth falls on the Second Thursday in September. How does one join in the fun? Post your favorite school pics on social media and tag them #NationalSchoolPictureDay. Make sure you @MatthewsBeacon, too, because we want in on the fun as well. 

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 11, 2019

News About Town: First, a quick update on yesterday’s missing person report: Talayeh Joel has been safely found. Matthews teen Vanessa Romero, last seen one week ago today, is still missing.

News Around Town: After a two-year campaign, Congressional District 9 has a new representative. North Carolina lawyer and State Senator Dan Bishop will be singing Bye Bye Bye to the NCGA all the way to Washington.

One Fun Thing: There are two more Food Truck Fridays this year. This Friday, September 13, the line up includes Maki Taco, Cuzzo’s, Roaming Fork, and Cremoso Cheesecake among other favorites. The fun (and food) starts at 5 pm at Stumptown Park. The last event of the season will be September 27. Let your belly plan accordingly.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, September 10, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police have issued an alert for a missing child. Talayeh Diann Joel (DOB - 08/14/2003), was last seen in the 2500 block of Fitzpatrick Ln. on Sunday, September 8, 2019, at approximately 11:00 p.m. She is 5’ 3” tall, about 110 lbs, with brown eyes and brown, curly shoulder length hair. She may be wearing tie-dyed Crocs. Call 704.847.5555 or 911 with any information regarding her whereabouts.

News Around Town: If you tried to get on I-485 yesterday around 11:30 but ran into a police barricade, rest easy knowing there wasn’t a major emergency. Vice President Mike Pence flew into Charlotte-Douglas yesterday on Air Force 2 then traveled down I-485 to get to Wingate University to speak on behalf of Congressional candidate Dan Bishop. 

One Fun Thing: Fans of mayonnaise rejoice—Chicken Salad Chick opens tomorrow at Sycamore Commons (2233 Matthews Township Parkway, Suite G). Block off your lunch hour and head on over; they’re giving away chicken salad for a year! (It’s not all mayonnaise and chicken, there are plenty of other options, including a pimento BLT that sounds more southern than saying “y’all” as well as soups and desserts.)

Morning Minute: Monday, September 9, 2019

News About Town: It’s time for another Town Council meeting. On the agenda is a Proclamation for making the week of September 17 Constitution Week, a few rezoning items, and the possible addition of two more speed/ message board trailers for the Police Department. The Board will, once again, consider revitalization projects through tourism dollars in preparation for the 2020 Republican National Convention.

News Around Town: If you haven’t been following the saga of Bart on NextDoor, let us catch you up. Bart is a foster labradoodle who got away from his new foster family three weeks ago in the Settler’s Landing subdivision. He’s been seen throughout the neighborhoods off Highway 51, most recently off Elizabeth Lane. He’s wearing a blue collar with an orange leash attached. Bart spooks pretty easily, so don’t catch him or chase him, but if you do see him, call or text Jane at (917) 696-5416.

One Fun Thing: September is National Library Card Sign-Up month! A library card opens the door to far more than books - there are more than 100 online resources accessible with your library card. From newspapers to new languages, it’s a gateway to a whole world of knowledge! CLICK HERE to sign up for a Library Card.

Morning Minute: Friday, September 6, 2019

News About Town: This past Tuesday evening an aggressive raccoon was reported on the 2700 block of Briar Trail Ct. (near Matthews Charter Academy). The raccoon was removed by animal control and later tested positive for rabies. So far, there have been no reports of human exposure. If you or a pet may have come into contact with the rabid rascal, call the Mecklenburg County Health Department immediately at 704-614-6512 or 704-589-3242. If your pet is not up to date on its rabies vaccine, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control offers free rabies vaccine clinics the second Saturday of every month. 

According to the NC Department of Public Health, there were 14 cases of rabies in 2018, and eight confirmed cases in 2019, including a rabid cat found near Novant Hospital Matthews. 

News Around Town: This news bit we're hoping is no longer relevant by publishing time. A Matthews teen is missing, and Matthews Police want your help in finding her. 15-year-old Vanessa Romero was last seen yesterday morning at her home on Ablow Dr. in Matthews. 

According to the police, she is an Hispanic female, 5'08" tall, weighing approximately 200 lbs., with dark red hair, and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black tank top, a long black knit sweater, grey spandex shorts, and black air Jordan shoes with silver and pink on them. She could be in the Union County area riding in a white 2013 Honda Accord (four-door) with a North Carolina registration plate number of FJL-7670.

If you see Vanessa, please call 704.847.5555 or 911.

One Fun Thing: Have a ballet-lover in the family? The Matthews Ballet has auditions tomorrow for the Nutcracker. Auditions are separated by age: 6 through 8 year olds (11:30 - 12:15 pm), 9 through 11 year olds (12:30 - 1:30 pm), and 12+ (1:30 - 2:30 pm). Contact Amanda with Matthews Ballet with any questions: ukmiz@aol.com.

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 5, 2019

News About Town: Jazz fans rejoice! This winter, Parks and Rec will host a Cool Vibes Winter Music Series in the Fullwood Theater at the Community Center. The cool vibes will be especially strong during the concerts when the Community Center becomes a speakeasy, with era-appropriate decor and staff dressed in 1920s apparel. No need for bathtub gin, you can purchase beer and wine. The two scheduled dates are January 10 and March 13, 2020. 

News Around Town: We’re in peak hurricane season, and thankfully it looks like Dorian won’t visit Matthews. As Tropical Storm Fernand stews off the Gulf of Mexico and a Tropical Storm Warning is in place for a portion of Texas, let’s revisit some hurricane preparedness resources. First off, if you have to have a Pop Tart in the morning, go ahead and stock up. Along with water, strawberry Pop Tarts are in high demand when hurricanes loom. Sign up for any readiness alerts here. Also, according to ready.gov, have enough food and water for at least three days. Check your medications and refill any necessary prescriptions; have on hand a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies. 

One Fun Thing: Want a trip to Jamaica without the price tag? Head on over to the Levine Senior Center on September 14 for the Karen Dale Foundation’s Caribbean Gala. The gala includes a cocktail hour, a meal of Jamaican, Trinidadian, and Haitian cuisine, and, of course, a steel drum band. The foundation itself focuses on the health care needs in the Caribbean Region, as well as educational support for children of Caribbean heritage here in the US. Proceeds from this event will go toward purchasing medical equipment for St. Ann’s Bay Regional Hospital. For all the details, visit their website.