Morning Minute: Wednesday, October 16, 2019

News About Town: Directly from the mouths of the Fire Department (via Facebook): This evening an alert resident called the station and advised our duty officer that she was solicited via the telephone by an individual claiming to be collecting money for our department. The resident started to question the individual who promptly hung up on her.

Matthews Fire will NEVER solicit donations via the telephone from anyone. This resident was referred to Matthews Police Department so they could be made aware. If you are ever in doubt about the validity of a phone call, please, DO NOT give them any personal information and call the fire department to check its validity.

News Around Town: Alarms.org, an independent review blog of security solutions, recently ranked the top 100 safest towns in North Carolina (there are 532 municipalities in the state). Matthews comes in near the top at 39, when ranked according to FBI data. Backgroundchecks.org touts a similar methodology but lists Matthews at 29.

One Good Thing: Join BAPS Temple for the first-ever Diwali celebration at Matthews Town Hall on Wednesday, October 23. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India's most significant festivals. Lights or lamps signify the victory of the good over evil with every human. The festivities will include an introduction of the meaning of Diwali, Rangoli (a classical Indian art form), and an annakut, which is a mountain of Indian sweets and savory vegetarian dishes.

Don’t Forget: Love BBQ? This Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19, from 11 am until 6 pm, stop by Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church (381 Crestdale Rd.). Get some of the best pork BBQ, turkey BBQ, or 1/2 chicken plates around, with sides and dessert for $10 each. All proceeds go to Mount Moriah’s Child Development Center.

The Caribbean Heritage Association of Trinidad & Tobago (CHATT) presents Everything Curry at the Levine Senior Center this Saturday, October 19 from noon to 5 pm. Try curry chicken, goat, shrimp, or crab, channa, roti (curry sandwich!) and more! CHATT will also collect non-perishable goods to send to the Bahamas for disaster relief.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, October 15, 2019

News About Town: The Matthews Police Department is doing its part to prevent breast cancer and raise awareness. For the month of October, the police are selling Pink 'n Blue Breast Cancer Awareness tee shirts.

About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime; the odds of men developing breast cancer are about 1 in 883. Early detection is vital in the fight against breast cancer.

If you want to support the department’s fundraiser, the shirts are for purchase, email Sgt. David Ruby at druby@matthewsnc.gov for info. Proceeds of the sales will go to the Novant Health Mobile Mammography Unit to help fund checkups for women who can not afford them.

Image via Town of Matthews website

News Around Town: Yesterday morning around 10:11 am, Mrs. Vira Hryhorniva Nahorna (DOB – 12/10/1939) of Charlotte, was struck in the parking lot of Aldi on West John St. Vira was taken to CMC with life-threatening injuries and later died. Initially, a hit and run accident, the driver of the vehicle contacted the police and is cooperating with the investigation. No charges have been filed.

One Good Thing: Love BBQ? This Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19, from 11 am until 6 pm, stop by Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church (381 Crestdale Rd.). Get some of the best pork BBQ, turkey BBQ, or 1/2 chicken plates around, with sides and dessert for $10 each. All proceeds go to Mount Moriah’s Child Development Center.

Don’t Forget: Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15, the Matthews Woman Club and Service League is hosting a Candidate Forum. Come out to hear from Matthews Board of Commissioners and mayoral candidates at the Community Center. The forum will run from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and will be moderated by former Mayor Lee Myers. Board of Commissioner candidates will have 5 minutes to introduce themselves and answer two questions. A mayoral candidate debate will follow.

The Caribbean Heritage Association of Trinidad & Tobago (CHATT) presents Everything Curry at the Levine Senior Center this Saturday, October 19 from noon to 5 pm. Try curry chicken, goat, shrimp, or crab, channa, roti (curry sandwich!) and more! CHATT will also collect non-perishable goods to send to the Bahamas for disaster relief.

Morning Minute: Monday, October 14, 2019

News Around Town Pt I: Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15, the Matthews Woman Club and Service League is hosting a Candidate Forum for Matthews Board of Commissioners and mayoral candidates at the Community Center. The forum will run from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and will be moderated by former Mayor Lee Myers. Board of Commissioner candidates will have 5 minutes to introduce themselves and answer two questions. A mayoral candidate debate will follow.

News Around Town Pt II: Kimberly Tuttle, a Levine Middle college teacher of 11th-grade English Honors and Advanced Placement Language and composition was named the 2019 CMS Teacher of the Year back in May. Now she's on TV nation-wide. Volkswagen came to Matthews and filmed a commercial-length biography about Kimberly, her approach to teaching, family life balance, and more. Watch the full video (filmed in Matthews) below or here.

"I didn't choose teaching. Teaching chose me." - Mrs. Tuttle VW recognizes the hard work and dedication teachers give their students every day. Thank you, Mrs. Tuttle, for sharing your passion for teaching with us. #DriveBigger #WorldTeacherDay ---------------- Connect With Us: https://go.vw.com/Facebook https://go.vw.com/Instagram https://go.vw.com/Twitter ---------------- About Volkswagen of America: Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Don’t Forget: The Caribbean Heritage Association of Trinidad & Tobago (CHATT) presents Everything Curry at the Levine Senior Center this Saturday, October 19 from noon to 5 pm. Try curry chicken, goat, shrimp, or crab, channa, roti (curry sandwich!) and more! CHATT will also collect non-perishable goods to send to the Bahamas for disaster relief.

Morning Minute: Friday, October 11, 2019

News About Town: At the upcoming Town Council meeting, the board will consider adding language to the Unified Development Ordinance differentiating extended-stay hotels from other hotels and motels. The application explains, “Council has expressed concerns regarding extended stay hotels in the Town.”

News Around Town: Not much compares to a homegrown summer tomato, but homegrown greens are equally worth the wait. Local fall produce will be front and center at the Farmer’s Market this weekend, including apples, sweet potatoes, squash, greens, lettuces, and radishes. Grab a Good Cup to stay warm, then fill up your reusable totes with locally sourced deliciousness straight from the farm to your table. Saturdays from 8 ‘til noon.

Don’t Forget: Send in pics of your pup in full Halloween gear to the Police Department by today at 5 pm with the possibility of winning a Chick-Fil-A prize!

Later today we’ll draw for the two sets of tickets for Madeline at the Playhouse! The show runs Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 20, at the Matthews Community Center (Fullwood Playhouse). Want to be entered to win? Head over to Facebook and say, “In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines...” (or your favorite Madeline quote).

Have kids? Love nature? Tomorrow, HAWK will have Squirrel Lake Park crowded with kids, nature lovers, and nature-loving kids for Kids in Nature Day (consider it a half-birthday Earth Day). Squirrel Lake Park (1631 Pleasant Plains Rd), Saturday, October 12 from 10 am-1 pm

Morning Minute: Thursday, October 10, 2019

News About Town: Lace up those sneakers, registration is live for the Matthews Police Department’s Gobble Wobble 5k to benefit the Special Olympics! The run will take place on November 9th beginning at 7:00 am. Runners will cover a course through Colonel Francis Beatty Park. Early registration is $35 and you’ll receive a bib, official time, and T-shirt.

News Around Town: According to Census.gov, 6.1% of the population in Matthews is Hispanic or Latino. September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the cultures and contributions of American citizens who came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. President Lyndon B. Johnson made the original proclamation to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968; during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, Reagan expanded the observation to mid-September to mid-October. For more information and history, read here. For our Hispanic and Latino neighbors and friends, gracias por los talentos que traen a nuestra ciudad.

Don’t Forget: Tomorrow (October 10) candidates for Matthews Town Council and Mayor of Matthews will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and their vision for Matthews at Matthews Mint Hill Weekly’s Candidate Forum. The event starts at 6 PM at the Levine Senior Center, 1050 Devore Lane, Matthews.

Send in pics of your pup in full Halloween gear to the Police Department by tomorrow at 5 pm with the possibility of winning a Chick-Fil-A prize!

Tomorrow we’ll draw for the two sets of tickets for Madeline at the Playhouse! The show runs Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 20, at the Matthews Community Center (Fullwood Playhouse). Want to be entered to win? Head over to Facebook and say, “In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines...” (or your favorite Madeline quote).

Morning Minute: Wednesday, October 9, 2019

News About Town: Two elections down, one to go. The results are in and Paul Bailey and John Higdon are advancing to the General Election as candidates for mayor. John Higdon received 861 votes, Paul Bailey received 652, and Jason Majewski received 54 votes. The vote count totaled 7.49% of the registered voters in Matthews voting in the mayoral primary.

Don’t Forget: We have two sets of tickets to give away for Madeline at the Playhouse! The show runs Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 20 at the Matthews Community Center (Fullwood Playhouse). Want to be entered to win? Head over to Facebook and say, “Oui oui, Madame Clavell.”

Also: Tomorrow (October 10) candidates for Matthews Town Council and Mayor of Matthews will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and their vision for Matthews at Matthews Mint Hill Weekly’s Candidate Forum. The event starts at 6 PM at the Levine Senior Center, 1050 Devore Lane, Matthews.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, October 8, 2019

News About Town: If you’re looking for an excellent excuse to dress your favorite pup up as a hot dog, Matthews Police K-9 Unit has that very excuse you’re looking for. Enter their Halloween Dog Costume Contest. Enter before Friday, October 11, at 5 pm by emailing Officer Tim Aycock with your dog's name and costume. Dogs will be judged in the following categories: Best Overall, Best Owner / Dog Duo, and Scariest. Then, the public will vote for their favorite dressed up dog on Monday, October 14, on the Police Department’s Facebook page. Winners will receive a special prize from our community partner, Chick-fil-A Matthews.

The cowdog pictured above is Matthews Police Department’s newest K-9, "Benny".

News Around Town: October is a month for advocacy: Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Dyslexia Awareness Month, and National Arts & Humanities Month. National Arts& Humanities Month aims to raise “public awareness about the role the arts and humanities play in our communities and lives.” Celebrating the arts and humanities in Matthews is relatively easy, from viewing public art to attending a play by the Playhouse, which brings us to…

One Fun Thing: We have two sets of tickets to give away for Madeline at the Playhouse! The show runs Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 20 at the Matthews Community Center (Fullwood Playhouse). Want to be entered to win? Head over to Facebook and say, “Yes, Madame Clavell.”

The Adventures of Madeline is based on the original book by Ludwig Bemelmans. In the story, young Madeline finds trouble and solves problems, adopts a dog named Genevieve, ends up in the hospital, and meets the new boy next door who turns out to be a bad hat. This is the perfect play to introduce children to theater. If you’re not feeling lucky and want to go ahead and purchase tickets, buy them here.

Morning Minute: Monday, October 7, 2019

News About Town:  If you haven’t already voted in the mayoral primary, make plans to vote tomorrow at your regular polling location. So far, 429 votes have been cast to narrow three mayoral candidates down to two for the November ballot. Tomorrow, October 8, the polls will be open from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm.

News Around Town: HAWK, North Carolina Wildlife Federation's Great Outdoors University, and the Town of Matthews, is gearing up for its fifth anniversary of Kids in Nature Day at Squirrel Lake Park (1631 Pleasant Plains Rd), October 12th from 10 am-1 pm. Head out to the park for a beautiful fall day of fishing, hands-on STEM activities, a scavenger hunt, nature walks, animal explorations, nature crafts, fairy house construction, and much more! Enjoy the benefits of being in nature at this free event to celebrate the half-year Earth Day birthday. Click here to sign up to volunteer or email HAWK. (Thanks for the tip HAWK Board member Leslie Wieser for the info!)

One Good Thing: Continuing STEAM Month, science, technology, engineering, art, and math are front and center at the Matthews Library. Bring your kids (ages 5-11 years old) to the library tomorrow (October 8) from 4 pm to 5 for a hands-on educational exploration of candy science and math. Sugar-laden learning, what’s not to love?

Morning Minute: Friday, October 4, 2019

News About Town: If you haven’t noticed, Trade Street construction has been moving a little faster lately, and just in time for the Friday morning commute, NCDOT is shifting the traffic pattern. The shift will allow Blythe Development crews to complete structure and roadway work. Eventually, Blythe will widen that portion of Trade Street to four lanes. A concrete median will extend from Weddington Rd. to just past Brenham, preventing left turns to and from Brenham Ln. NCDOT did not release an end date for the traffic shift.

News Around Town: Getting ready for Halloween? NextDoor has a Treat Map. Add your house and specify what you’re doing: handing out treats, providing allergy-free treats, or making a haunted house. Next up? Check out the map and plan your Halloween accordingly.

One Good Thing: Matthews Park and Rec is hosting Music Bingo this Sunday. Bring five bucks per person, get a card for five rounds of bingo, and five chances to win prizes. The musical theme is children’s movies, so brush up on your favorite Disney songs. The fun starts at 2 pm and runs until 3:30 pm at the Community Center.

Morning Minute: Thursday, October 3, 2019

News About Town: If you visit the Matthews PD’s Facebook page you’ll notice a slightly different badge as a profile image. Their profile shows a department badge with pink lettering in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. (Remember the tee shirts from last year?) According to the CDC, breast cancer is the second most common cancer for women (first is skin cancer). NC women have a 1-in-8 chance of developing breast cancer.

News About Town (a redo): We were remiss in our post yesterday morning, and failed to mention the two driving forces who kept thousands of pounds of waste out of the landfill: Ron Davis and Corporal James Flack, both of the Matthews Police Department. Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to make the event a huge success!

One Good Thing: Know someone ready to break into the much-needed field of babysitters? There are several opportunities to become a Certified Babysitter coming up. First, this Saturday from 9 am to 3 pm at Novant Matthews, 11- to 15-year-olds can learn safe babysitting strategies, what to do in case of emergencies, CPR, first aid, and the business of babysitting. More information is online; registration is required. Already have your weekend planned? Parks and Rec is hosting a babysitting certification course on November 16 for 9- to 17-year-olds. This course is four hours long and covers similar material as the one at Novant.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, October 2, 2019

News About Town: The Matthews Mayoral Primary early voting is ongoing at the library through Friday, then election day is October 8 at your regular polling location. If you’re interested in learning about the General Election candidates (including the two remaining mayoral candidates), attend one of the several upcoming forums. The first, October 10 at the Levine Senior Center, is hosted by Matthews Mint Hill Weekly (love you gals!) from 6 to 8 pm. The Matthews Women’s Club Service League is hosting a forum at the Community Center on October 15 at 7 pm. Several communities are hosting forums for their residents as well, including Plantation Estates and Polo Club.

News Around Town: The Matthews Chamber of Commerce has issued an RFP for their risk management and insurance needs. Know someone in the industry? Tell them to check out the requirements. Proposals must be fully submitted by October 22, 2019. Submit questions to Dana Ramsey (office@matthewschamber.org).

One Good Thing: This Saturday, the first Saturday of October, is free entry day to Matthews Heritage Museum (232 N. Trade Street). It’s also, coincidentally, the last day of Tank Town: A good place to live. Can’t make it on Saturday? The museum is open Thursday – Saturday from 10 to 4:30 pm. The entrance fee is $4 for adults, $2 for children (10 to 17), and free under 10.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, October 1, 2019

News About Town: This past Saturday, September 28, the Town, Matthews United Methodist Church, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the American Legion, Edward Jones Investments (Desi Dufresne), and Matthews Habitat for Humanity’s Tim Long worked together to collect difficult-to-dispose-of waste. {Town staff showed up in force with members of the Fire Department, Animal Control, and civilian members of both the Police and Fire Departments present.} Many hands made light work, and the crew collected 7,000 pounds of paper, over 2,200 pounds of electronics, and 73 American flags to be retired.

News Around Town: October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and to recognize the initiative, the State Board of Education is emphasizing kindness as an essential part of school safety. Using the Butler shooting (October 29, 2018) as a starting point for discussion, the Board formed the NC Kindness Campaign for schools throughout the state. The campaign emphasizes: showing acts of kindness to those who may be hurting; avoiding unkindness in any form; see something, say something; and to support teachers in improving discipline in classrooms, which everyone knows can be a challenge. Schools throughout Matthews (and beyond) will have “Be Kind” posters as daily reminders that small acts of kindness go a long way.

One Good Thing: On Saturday, October 5, area teens can enjoy the Library Escape Room in the Community Room of Matthews Library. The group will use STEAM-themed puzzles, using clues, and teamwork to figure out how to escape. 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm. Students ages 10-18 (18-year-olds must still be in high school) can participate. Light snacks included.

Morning Minute: Monday, September 30, 2019

News About Town: Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Martinez and Harvey spoke at the most recent council meeting (September 23). As members of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff Community Engagement Team, the sheriffs explained a few of the programs the team offers. Those programs include a Citizens Academy, active shooter presentations, and partnerships with churches to provide food pantries in areas of need. The team is working toward building positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.

News Around Town: Butler High School Principal John LeGrand was recently named Southeast Learning Community Principal of the Year. Now in his sixth year at Butler, LeGrand was principal at Bain Elementary before moving to Butler.

One Good Thing: Shana Tova! Rosh Hashanah, the two-day Jewish New Year celebration, began Sunday night and lasts through Tuesday at sundown. Rosh Hashanah, which literally means "head of the year" is the first of the Jewish High Holidays and is celebrated by blowing a shofar (a Ram's horn) as prescribed in the Torah and eating symbolic foods such as apples and honey to bring about a sweet year ahead. May the year 5780 bring peace, hope, happiness, and health to all!

Morning Minute: Friday, September 27, 2019

News About Town: Charlotte-based D3 Construction will soon begin renovation improvements to the Matthews Police Station. As the lowest bidder, D3’s quote came in at $75,566.00. The upgrades, included as a line item in the Capital Improvements 2019/20 budget, were approved by the Town Council at the September 23 meeting. The project will focus on an enhanced level of security to our employees and visitors by closing off the bathrooms, including a hallway between building sections, a secured entry point to administrative offices, closing off of the Records Section with a security glass partition, and the addition of an interview room for walk-in complaints.

News Around Town: Good Cup Coffee proprietors Joshua, Debbie, Lulu, and Titus are parking their pop-up coffee shop inside a popular Matthews restaurant starting this Monday. Good Cup officially opens September 30 at The Loyalist Market and will offer all the same favorites on the menu every weekend at the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market. Head on over to 435 N. Trade St., Matthews this Monday, anytime between 6 am - 7 pm for an inaugural Good Cup at The Loyalist.

One Good Thing: If it wasn't clear, we want you to be caffeinated. Here’s another chance to wake up with the Matthews community next week. Mark your calendar, October 2 is National Coffee with a Cop Day! The Matthews Police Department will be at Brakeman’s Coffee from 9 am to 11 am. Buy a cup of coffee (or just come to talk) and chat. Brakeman’s also offers teas, kombucha, and

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 26, 2019

News About Town: Town staff has been working on a Reduced Continuous Flow Intersection design to replace the Partial Continuous Flow Intersection at John St. and Highway 51. The design was presented during Monday night’s meeting. The Board decided the designs need further consideration before an approval is made.

News Around Town: This interesting (terrifying) story starts with a drive-by shooting at a house in Matthews* and ends with Bojangles, also in Matthews. You may reconsider rideshares after reading this one. (*No one was physically harmed.)

One Good Thing: Head over to the town green (in front of Town Hall) this weekend for Matthews ArtWalk & MusicFest. The one-day event is this Saturday, September 28, from 10 am-6 pm. The event is free, and there will be family-friendly activities, live music, a mimosa bar (which is not free, but worth mentioning), and, of course, art! Proceeds from the event will benefit Greater Matthews Habitat and their mission of affordable housing for all.