Morning Minute: Thursday, December 5, 2019

News About Town: Join Town Staff and Board of Commissioners this Monday, December 9, for a reception preceding the Town Council meeting. The gathering, at Town Hall (232 Matthews Station Street) from 6 to 7 pm, will honor incoming and outgoing members of the Board of Commissioners. The event includes light hors d' oeuvres and is open to the public.

News Around Town: This week, Butler High School announced the retirement of Cierra Burdick's jersey. Cierra, a professional basketball player and Matthews resident, led the Bulldogs to the state championship in 2010. She responded to the news via Twitter, "Earlier today, Butler announced they'll be retiring my jersey. Five minutes ago, I nearly injured myself trying to open a jar of pickles. Life comes at you fast, people."

One Fun Thing: Ever wonder what Matthews was like in the days of yore? Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Don't Forget:  The Matthews Woman's Club Service League craft boutique in the Carriage House behind the Reid home runs Thursday, December 5 — 7:00 pm, Friday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 8 — Noon - 9 pm and is free and open the public. Over 35 vendors will have their arts, crafts, handmade wares, and baked goods available for purchase.

The Matthews Community Farmer's Market is hosting its first-ever Holiday Night Market during the Hometown Holiday Stroll this Saturday, December 7 from 3 to 7 pm. Featuring live music, artisan crafts, artisan foods/baked goods, hot cider, gourmet coffees, and fresh popcorn, more than twenty-five vendors will be at the market.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 4, 2019

News About Town: Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec has closed the Woody Creek access to the Four Mile Creek Greenway (in Chesney Glen) for repairs. The entrance is expected to reopen by December 7. The closure mostly affects those in the Chesney Glen neighborhood. For more information, please contact Mecklenburg County 980-314-1000.

News Around Town: Craft store AC Moore will close up shop in 2020, after 34 years in business. The craft store giant cites being unable to compete with online retailers as its reason for pulling out of brick and mortar operations. Michael’s will take over stores and hire employees in markets where their brand is not represented; this is presumably not the case in Matthews, with a Michael’s in Sycamore Commons and an AC Moore in neighboring Windsor Square.

Two Fun Things: It’s shopping time! If you’re looking for gifts or shopping for yourself, check out the handmade markets open in downtown Matthews this week.

First, the Matthews Woman’s Club Service League hosts a craft boutique in the Carriage House behind the Reid home throughout the four days the Victorian Teas are offered. While the Tea has an entry fee of $30 (funds go to the Woman’s Club’s support of area nonprofits), the boutique is free and open to the public. Over 35 vendors will have their arts, crafts, handmade wares, and baked goods available for purchase. Dates and times are simultaneous to the teas: Thursday, December 5 — 7:00 pm, Friday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 8 — Noon - 9 pm.

Also, the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market is hosting its first-ever Holiday Night Market during the Hometown Holiday Stroll this Saturday, December 7 from 3 to 7 pm. Featuring live music, artisan crafts, artisan foods/baked goods, hot cider, gourmet coffees, and fresh popcorn, more than twenty-five vendors will be at the market, ready to fill up space under your tree with locally made goodies.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 3, 2019

News About Town: The results are in, and this year's No-Shave November winners in the Matthews Police Department are Officer Belin (Goatee) and Officer Mann (Beard). Each officer received a shave from JR the Barber and has returned to duty cleanly shaven and ready for Please Shave December (that's so not a thing). Congratulations to the entire police department for raising over $1,100.00 for Zero - The End of Prostate Cancer.

The winners post-shave with JR the Barber, image courtesy Matthews Police Dept. Facebook

News Around Town: If you're new in town, have family visiting, or simply want to get to know Matthews better, pick up the second annual "Welcome to Matthews" community guide. If you can't find a hard copy (they're available at Town Hall in the foyer, at the Chamber of Commerce, and a few other locations), you can also view it online. In the guide, you'll find new places to explore and resources for everyday living.

One Fun Thing: It's time again for the Annual Matthews Chamber of Commerce Gingerbread House Contest. The houses will be judged for three categories: Amateur-Family/Child, Amateur-Adult, and Professional. Entries can be dropped off anytime this week during Chamber hours, and there are a few rules (the construction and design should be completely edible, no larger than 24" x 24", among others), and judging will take place this Saturday. Whip up a batch of your secret icing recipe and get to building.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 2, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police remind you to shop safely this holiday season. They’ve compiled a list of helpful tips, including a few that would’ve helped victims of credit card theft recently.

• Set text alerts on your debit/credit cards so that you know exactly when a transaction is made on your account.

• Keep your purse zipped or fastened at all times.

• Keep your purse in the shopping cart in front of you, and never leave it unattended.

• If you are shopping at night or if there's a possibility that it will be dark when you return to your car, park under or near lighting.

• Have your keys ready and in hand before you get to the parking lot, you do not want to be fumbling for your keys while standing at your car.

• Always practice the HIDE, LOCK, TAKE method: HIDE your items out of plain sight that could be seen when looking in the car windows. LOCK all doors and close all windows completely. TAKE all items of value out of the vehicle when parking it.

• Last but not least, do your best to ensure that your situational awareness is always up for suspicious people around you.

News Around Town: This is the last week to apply for holiday assistance through Matthews Gives Back. Recipients will shop at Town Hall in the Hood Room, choosing from new items, donated through a town-wide drive. Matthews Gives Back is sponsored by the Town of Matthews, Matthews HELP Center, Matthews United Methodist Church, and other local nonprofits. To apply, contact the HELP Center by December 7 at 704-847-8383. More info here: https://www.matthewsnc.gov/newsview.aspx?nid=6363

One Fun Thing: This Saturday, December 7, at 10 am, Greater Matthews Habitat invites you to join them to celebrate the completion of the 2019 Faith BUILD home. Committed to making sure everyone has an affordable and safe place to live, the newest Habitat home belongs to Moulay and Samia. It is the 108th Habitat-built home in the Matthews area.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 27, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews named American Legion Post Commander Phil Mowry the Matthews Veteran of the Year. A Gulf War-era veteran, Phil served ten years in the United States Air Force. Now Phil is District Commander for American Legion Department of North Carolina District 20 (Mecklenburg County, NC), and Judge Advocate for American Legion Department of North Carolina Division IV. Thank you for your service, Commander Mowry.

News Around Town: According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Advisory, the Thanksgiving holiday sees an uptick in traffic accidents and fatalities. Approximately half of the fatalities during Thanksgiving holiday travel was attributed to simply not wearing a seatbelt. Over the next several days, Matthews Police will be on Independence Blvd. monitoring unsafe driving practices. Buckle up, drive sober, pay attention, and drive safe this holiday weekend.

One Fun Thing: Join Park and Rec on December 7 for a gingerbread house decorating workshop. For $10, Maria Tavares will have all the materials you need to build and decorate one small house, and she will teach the techniques to take your gingerbread house to the next level. This event is suitable for the entire family, but you must reserve a spot ahead of time.

Don’t Forget: This Small Business Saturday (November 30), support small businesses at the Loyalist with a pop-up market hosted by Good Cup. The event runs from 1 to 4 pm; all sorts of makers will be there selling beautifully handmade, original works of art and craft.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 26, 2019

News About Town: Town staff, the unsung heroes of daily operations around Matthews, will be off for the Thanksgiving holiday this Thursday and Friday. As a result, Town offices are closed those days. 

If Thursday or Friday is your waste pick up day, those days will be on a one-day delay.

News Around Town: Matthews Yarn Crafters (MYC) are looking for a new home base. For several years, the group has been meeting the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. The group creates functional wares to donate to area organizations serving those in need. MYC is in need of a meeting space where the yarn crafters (knitters, crocheters, etc.) can gather to create scarves, hats, soap sacks, tote bags, sachet bags, and baby blankets to donate to those in need. As an informal group of yarn enthusiasts dedicated to helping others, they’ve turned to the Beacon to ask for help reaching out to the community. Any Beacon readers have a suggestion for them? Reach out to Anne with your ideas.

One Fun Thing: At the November 11 Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board approved town support for Small Business Saturday. Outside of Town Hall, this Small Business Saturday (November 30) you can support small businesses at the Loyalist with a pop-up market hosted by Good Cup. The event runs from 1 to 4 pm.

Morning Minute: Monday, November 25, 2019

News About Town: At tonight’s Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board will, once again, consider the sign for the Idlewild Road roundabout. For safety reasons, a visual barrier on the roundabout is essential, although future road projects will eradicate the roundabout. Limited sightlines decrease the amount of information a driver must process while entering a roundabout, thereby increasing safety. To meet the needs of both concerns, Public Works came up with a solution for a moveable sign. The Town hired DAWA to create several concepts, which are included in the Board’s information packets. Town of Matthews Engineer Susan Habina Woolard will present the preferred design to the Board tonight.

News Around Town: This past fall, The Music Makers, a locally-owned traveling music program that has been in Matthews for 25+ years, added ukulele classes for seniors ages 50 and up. In January, they’ll expand their options for younger aspiring musicians with a class for little ones (ages 5 to 7). If enough people learn to play the ukulele, The Music Makers is hoping to start a free ukulele club. Members would gather to play together as well as perform in the community.

One Good Thing: Last year, we hosted a Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide. This year we’re trying something a little different: if you’re a Matthews-based maker, we want to spotlight you and your wares! Want to be featured? Fill out this short form, and we’ll show off the incredible talent Matthews has to offer!

Morning Minute: Friday, November 22, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resource Department is hosting a Menorah Lighting Thursday, December 26. All are welcome to join in the special ceremony, lighting a new outdoor menorah in front of the Community Center. The event starts at 5:30 pm will also have Chanukah sand art, a photo op with Judah the Maccabee, and, of course, chocolate Chanukah "Gelt." This year, Chanukah begins the evening of Sunday, December 22 and ends the evening of Monday, December 30.

News Around Town: Have guests in town for the holidays? Skip the mall and enjoy Black Friday with the Matthews Heritage Museum, 232 N. Trade Street. Open next Friday, November 29 (and Saturday, November 30) from 10 to 4:30 pm, enjoy a tour or the current exhibit, The House with a Heart, 40th Anniversary of the HELP Center.

One Good Thing: National Adoption Day brings awareness to the more than 125,000 children in the United States in foster care, more than 20,000 of whom will age out of the foster care system without being adopted. Learn about adoption and celebrate National Adoption Day this Saturday, November 23 (starting at 9:00 am), in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse (832 East Fourth Street, Charlotte). District Court Judge Elizabeth Thornton-Trosch, will preside over the presentation, recognizing 90 youth adopted between October 2018 and September 2019 through various area adoption agencies.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 21, 2019

News About Town: The November 25 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is posted on the Town’s website. The meeting appears to be a short one. Items of note include reviewing by-laws of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and Matthews Veteran Advisory Committee. The Board will also revisit the rezoning of the Stronghaven warehouse (433 East John St.), discuss the sale of alcoholic beverages at some park events, and discuss street closures for town events throughout 2020. The full packet is not available online yet, but the link will be on this page.

News Around Town: An average of one in four people will experience dating or domestic violence in their lifetime. In the fiscal year 2018-19, there were 32,626 domestic violence protective order filings in NC. These staggering numbers contribute to a cumbersome, sometimes dangerous filing process.

Now victims of domestic violence can file for protective orders through an online system, allowing them to stay in a safe, secure remote location. eCourts Civil Domestic Violence System, provided by the NC Administrative Office of the Courts, provides full access to district court resources at a domestic violence service agency. By providing one-stop access to court resources, eCourts Civil Domestic Violence System makes the process safer and more efficient for victims of domestic violence. The one-stop agency also provides services like childcare for those who need it. Texts or emails update the involved parties throughout the process.

One Good Thing: This year, the US Postal Service Operation Santa is going digital, allowing philanthropists across the nation to play Santa’s helper with severe bedhead while still wearing their pajamas. Much like an updated Angel Tree, you pick a letter written to Santa that has been scanned and posted online by USPS.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 20, 2019

News About Town: There’s no denying an uptick in pedestrian fatalities in Matthews. Yesterday the Town posted a friendly reminder on their Facebook page for drivers approaching crosswalks:

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks.

• Even if there are mid-block crosswalks with no traffic signs, then the driver must yield.

• Do not block the crosswalk when stopped or parked in your car.

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News Around Town: The largest Matthews Artists Guild (MAG) show yet, the MAG Holiday Show and Sale, is currently on display at McDowell Arts Center. MAG members from all over the Charlotte area contributed 163 mostly two-dimensional works in a variety of media. The members-only show will be on display until January 3, the majority of which is for sale. The McDowell Center is just across from the Matthews Community Center (123 E McDowell Street), making it an easy stop before classes at the Community Center or after school with your Matthews Elementary kids. Gallery hours are daily from 1 to 8 pm.

One Good Thing: While we're on the topic of creative talent, Matthews UMC Arts & Crafts Extravaganza is this Saturday, November 23, from 9 am to 3 pm. Shop with over 80 makers, stay for a tasty lunch, and take home a little something extra from theUnited Methodist Women's Bake Sale. The wares for sale are all handmade, making this your chance to jumpstart Small Business Saturday a full week early!

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 19, 2019

News About Town: Give Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department your input as they develop a new master plan. According to Park and Rec, this series of public discussions will help establish their goals, policies, standards, recommendations, and strategies for the next decade. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm this Wednesday at the Sportsplex ( 2425 Sports Pkwy, Matthews).

Photo credit by Mabel, 4th grader at MES

News Around Town: NC State alumni can relive their good ol' days on campus with Howling Cow ice cream. Now available in Matthews, Howling Cow is a frozen dairy delight once sequestered to the state fair and NCSU campus. Traditionally produced with milk from NC State dairy cows, Howling Cow has licensed through Matthews-based Harris Teeter for broader distributions. Harris Teeter's Howling Cow ice cream is to be made at Hunter Farms in High Point. Are you looking for some Howling Cow of your own? Harris Teeter at Plantation Market and Matthews Festival will both carry it, and proceeds will fund NCSU student scholarships and dairy/agriculture initiatives.

One Good Thing: It's time once again for the Novant Health Matthews Medical Center Festival of Trees Lighting. A holiday mainstay, the Novant Matthews lobby (1500 Matthews Township Pkwy) will be sparkling with Christmas trees decorated by area nonprofits and open for the public to view. Stroll through the lobby, listen to live music, sip some cocoa, and enjoy the decor this Thursday, Nov 21, from 5 to 7:30 pm.

Morning Minute: Monday, November 18, 2019

News About Town: Recently, the Board of Commissioners approved the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission designation of 501 W. John Street, the Hooks-McLaughlin House, as a historic property. The house, built sometime between 1883 and 1894, is one of three Victorian-style homes in Matthews. During the first half of the twentieth century, it was home to Charles R. McLaughlin, prominent town businessman and Mayor of Matthews from 1929 until 1941.

The Hooks-McLaughlin Home via Mecklenburg County Polaris

News Around Town: Matthews resident and computer whiz/game designer Nathan Bezner recently launched a new word game app Tangol. Available for both Android and IOS, you can try a free version or purchase the ad-free version for $1.99. Tangol puzzles are five-word palindromes: a 5×5 square with symmetrical words mirroring one another horizontally and vertically. Users can pick between 3×3 and 4×4 puzzles, as well.

One Good Thing: If you’re a regular at the Loyalist, chances are good you know Dawn. Dawn, one of the original Loyalist staff members, is fighting cancer. In her recovery time (and there’s plenty of that during treatment), she’s been painting. Take a break from holiday planning November 26, 6:30-9 pm, and head over to the Loyalist for an exhibit of Dawn’s newest work. Like what you see? Art will be for sale and will help cover medical expenses.

Don’t Forget: 

• Today is the last day to contribute to the Backyard Birds and Common Heart holiday food drive. Drop off any of the following items at Backyard Birds (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy Suite 800) before close today: canned cranberry sauce, green beans, corn fruit cocktail, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing mix, macaroni and cheese, and/or cookie/cake/brownie mix.

• Also tonight, November 18, Garrity & Gossage is presenting the final installment of their popular Women, Wine, and Wisdom series. Nothing pairs better with wine at The Black Chicken than financial security, and Dessi Dufresne of Edward Jones and the lawyers of Garrity & Gossage will provide advice specifically geared toward helping women gain that security. There’s a $20 registration fee. For more info or to register, contact Kim Gossage at kgossage@garritygossage.com.

Morning Minute: Friday, November 15, 2019

News About Town: During the most recent Town Council meeting, the council approved plans for a new BAPS Mandir (temple) to be built on 13.6 acres at Stevens Mill and Mount Harmony Church roads. The approval includes a building up to 90,000 square feet and a 15% tree save with an in-lieu-of fee in place if construction causes the save to dip below that percentage. The in-lieu-of will be approximately $50,000 to be deposited into the tree fund. The discussion centered primarily around construction sequencing, the result of which was an additional construction entrance, provided NCDOT okays an extra entry.

News Around Town: This past Tuesday, Charlotte City Council approved a $50 million study for the CATS Silver Line, the LYNX line planned to run from Matthews to Belmont. The money for the study will come from the CATS capital investment program. Study findings, which include preliminary design and environmental work, will provide a better idea of the line’s cost and establish a more defined route. Paying for the Silver Line is still in question, the project will likely cost between $3 and $4 billion. Construction is expected to start in 2027 with service beginning in 2030.

One Good Thing: It’s America Recycles Day. Take a pledge to Reduce your waste, Reuse as much as possible, and Recycle when needed. Have an item to recycle but aren’t sure where to take it? There’s an interactive map here. 

Don’t Forget: 

• Brush up on your painting skills, Greater Matthews Habitat needs volunteers for this Saturday, November 16, to help paint. Volunteers need to be 16 and can sign up here.

• Backyard Birds believes in neighbors helping neighbors, and has partnered with Common Heart to feed those in need this holiday season. Drop off any of the following items at Backyard Birds (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy Suite 800) until Monday, November 18: canned cranberry sauce, green beans, corn fruit cocktail, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing mix, macaroni and cheese, and/or cookie/cake/brownie mix.

• Also Monday, November 18, Garrity & Gossage is presenting the final installment of their popular Women, Wine, and Wisdom series. Nothing pairs better with wine at The Black Chicken than financial security, and Dessi Dufresne of Edward Jones and the lawyers of Garrity & Gossage will provide advice specifically geared toward helping women gain that security. There’s a $20 registration fee. For more info or to register, contact Kim Gossage at kgossage@garritygossage.com.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 14, 2019

News About Town: Yesterday morning, a three-car accident knocked power out all around downtown Matthews. According to Matthews Police, around 9:44 am, a vehicle traveling northbound (headed into downtown from Weddington/Pleasant Plains) struck another vehicle from behind. This crash caused the second vehicle to hit a third; then, one of the vehicles skipped the curb and hit a utility pole on Trade Street at Country Place Park. Two of the three drivers were taken to area hospitals. The power outage affected area neighborhoods as well as Matthews Elementary School.

One Good Thing Part I: Brush up on your painting skills, Greater Matthews Habitat needs volunteers for this Saturday, November 16, to help paint. Volunteers need to be 16 and can sign up here.

One Good Thing Part II: Backyard Birds believes in neighbors helping neighbors, and has partnered with Common Heart to feed those in need this holiday season. Drop off any of the following items at Backyard Birds (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy Suite 800) until Monday, November 18: canned cranberry sauce, green beans, corn fruit cocktail, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing mix, macaroni and cheese, and/or cookie/cake/brownie mix.

One Good Thing Part III: Also Monday, November 18, Garrity & Gossage is presenting the final installment of their popular Women, Wine, and Wisdom series. Nothing pairs better with wine at The Black Chicken than financial security, and Dessi Dufresne of Edward Jones and the lawyers of Garrity & Gossage will provide advice specifically geared toward helping women gain that security. There’s a $20 registration fee. For more info or to register, contact Kim Gossage at kgossage@garritygossage.com.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 13, 2019

News About Town: Town Hall will get a Public Works pedicure* in advance of the Republican National Convention. Monday night, Town Council approved repaving the roads and parking areas throughout the development, as well as restriping of parking spaces and crosswalks. The work will fix crosswalks that lead to nowhere, as well as add much-needed ADA accessibility. The project will cost approximately $435,000. (*The cure for pedestrian ailments.)

News Around Town: Last night at the Levine Senior Center, over one hundred volunteers, board members, and friends of the Matthews HELP Center (MHC) reflected on the past four decades. Sargent Michelle Archer, Meteorologist Larry Sprinkle, and MHC staff celebrated the center’s 40th birthday. Sandra Conway addressed the crowd, sharing a vision for the future (space, space, and more space is needed). Center staff is focused on finding a way to say yes to everyone who walks through the door, providing hope to many more individuals than the 7,379 individuals MHC served over the past year. Conway presented the inaugural Founders Award, naturally given to the MHC founders June Hamrick and Iris Devore. The Heart of the Mission Award was given to the center's generous volunteer, Margaret Bond, who encapsulates the mission of MHC.

One Good Thing: One Good Thing: The HELP Center recently kicked off their end of year fundraiser with a goal of $40,000 to be raised by December 31. Donations go directly to neighbors who rely on the services provided by the HELP Center. A donation of $50 might provide gas for someone in need where $1500 will cover a month's worth of expenses for a family on the brink of eviction.