Morning Minute: Monday, March 16, 2020

News About Town: After a bit of nail biting and back-and-forth, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will close for at least two weeks in response to COVID-19. Initially the school board announced an early spring break as an alternative that would allow teachers and staff to be paid while off. On Saturday it was announced all K-12 public schools will be closed for two weeks under a declaration by the governor and state health department. Through the executive order teachers will be paid. 

News Around Town: Two months ago “social distancing” wasn’t a part of common vernacular. With school closures and businesses emphasizing less interaction to limit the spread of Coronavirus, financial hardships are certain for some. Local businesses are stepping up to ease the hardship. The Loyalist Market, Good Cup Coffee, VeloPops, Your Mom's Donuts, CPCC, and a handful of Charlotte-area businesses are partnering to provide food to children who rely on schools for their meals. Chris Sottile, owner of (and mastermind behind) the Loyalist Market, has figured out how much it will cost for to provide 250 sandwich lunches for the next two weeks. Those are students who rely on the School Lunch Program and the staff preparing the lunches are skilled workers who otherwise wouldn’t be earning a paycheck during this period of social distancing. Want to help? They’ve organized a Go Fund Me. According to Chris, “You'll be backing a strong, honest group of local businesses that are committed to utilizing 100% of your funds towards each of their most insecure youth.“

Morning Minute: Friday, March 13, 2020

News About Town: Last night, Mayor John Higdon, Fire Chief Rob Kinniburgh, Police Chief Clark Pennington, Kevin Woods (Crown Point Principal), and parents, grandparents, and lots of friends filled McDowell Arts Center. Matthews Artists Guild (MAG) paired up with Crown Point Elementary School for an exciting art show at the McDowell Gallery, which officially opens this Saturday, March 14 through the end of the month. Seventy-five kids from kindergarten through fifth grade have worked all year putting together their finest masterpieces, now on display. In addition, artwork from the members of MAG will fill in the empty spots to ensure art everywhere at the McDowell!     

News Around Town: With TP and hand sanitizer in short supply, the County and CDC continue to provide tips to stay healthy during COVID-19 season. To reiterate, Mecklenburg County has a site dedicated to updated info on the novel coronavirus outbreak.  The website includes various resources and updates on the impact of COVID-19 on our community and uses Google translate. The county, CMS, Novant, Atrium, and other key organizations provided a Facebook Live update yesterday. Governor Roy Cooper provided a live update yesterday, as well.

One More Thing: With the confirmation of coronavirus in Mecklenburg County, the gravity of the virus is setting in. Here in Matthews, Blues Beatles at the Community Center has been canceled. Next week, the Red Brick Partnership's 2020 Shamrock Crawl has been postponed. While individual businesses will still have St. Patrick’s Day specials, the free tee shirts and maps will not be distributed.

Morning Minute: Thursday, March 12, 2020

News About Town:  More than 75 people showed up at Matthews Town Hall to learn about the Silver Line light rail this past Tuesday. CATS presented information on the timeline, transit oriented design, and the current alignment. The crowd was largely excited and curious, with a few concerns, including impact on property value, and future area growth.

News Around Town:  Kiwanis Club of Matthews is gearing up for their annual Pancake Breakfast. We Beaconers love a good pancake and love all-you-can-eat pancakes even more. Buy your tickets now. $8 plus kids under 8 eat free! Saturday morning, March 21, from 8:00 am until noon. Matthews Presbyterian Church, 207 West John St.

Don’t Forget: The 3rd annual "Welcome to Matthews" print and online community guide is on its way to the printers. This magazine-style resource enables local leaders to promote your business, engage support and cultivate a sense of community.  Purchase an ad spot before March 27 by contacting Sandy Barnett (sandyb@gobizwell.com or 704-491-9897).

Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 11, 2020

News About Town:  The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) awarded $55.4 million in discretionary project funds to 28 regional transportation projects at its board meeting on February 19, 2020. These funds are divided up across three counties, based on a prioritization assessment. One project in Matthews received funds during this round of funding; the Sam Newell Road Multi-Use Path (Crestdale School to south of Williams Road) received $834,272. This path is an NCDOT project and the town will cover $448,000. Of those funds, $80,000 was set aside in the town’s Fiscal Year 2019/20 budget.

News Around Town: If you love data, the County has something for you. The 2020 Community Pulse Report is now available, showing many factors that influence the business of the County. A few interesting tidbits: Mecklenburg County has the largest population of any county in the State of North Carolina, but Wake county has a larger net migration. Young adults ages 25-34 make up the largest age subset moving to the area. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Mecklenburg County. All of this data inform County business practices and decision-making.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 10, 2020

News About Town:  The Matthews Police Department just added two officers to the team. Officer Quincy Smith joined the Matthews Department after five years with the Estill, SC Police Department. Officer Derek Bare attended South Piedmont Community College for Basic Law Enforcement training after serving in the Army. 

News Around Town: Carolina Ruggerfest was held at the Matthews Sportsplex this past weekend. Hosted by the North Carolina Youth Rugby Union, the event brought in teams from 13 different states. Rugby matches were held on nine fields over the course of two days. According to NC Youth Rugby, 90 teams played 230 matches for more than 8,000 spectators.

One Good Thing: To our readers observing Purim, Chag Purim sameach!

Morning Minute: Monday, March 9, 2020

News About Town:  This evening, the Board of Commissioners will have a regular board meeting at Town Hall at 7 pm. Those in attendance will receive an update on COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. The Mecklenburg County Health Department has updates as well. Livable Meck has created a page of multilingual resources from the CDC on preventing the spread of coronavirus.

News Around Town: Imagine it’s the year is 1915 and you’re invited to Dr. and Mrs. T. N. Reid's home for their annual Victorian Lawn Party. You can expect turn of the century entertainment, such as a Maypole Dance, dominoes, croquet, woodworking, basket making, beekeeping or paper quilling. No need for Doc and a Delores, the Matthews Heritage Museum is sponsoring the 5th Annual Lawn Party at the Reid House (134 W. John Street) from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2020. 

The event is FREE, though donations are suggested for certain activities. For more information contact the museum at 704-708-4996 or check out the website:  www.matthewsheritagemuseum.org or our Facebook page.

One Fun Thing: Stargazers of all ages, check out the moon tonight (Monday). It’s the final full moon of winter, and will appear to be slightly larger and brighter than other full moons. Known as a Super Worm Moon, thus particular full moon marks the time of year when earthworms begin to awaken from their winter slumber.

Morning Minute: Friday, March 6, 2020

News About Town:  The March 9 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. Item 14 A includes a list of items discussed at the recent Planning Conference. These are items and actions that the Board expressed interest in pursuing and may or may not come up during the remainder of the 2020/21 term. Items include collaborating with UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, pursuing additional park space as it may become available, and exploring land acquisition for a future fire station.

News Around Town: It’s the final night for the Family Fun series at Crews Road Rec Center and it’s going to be a good one. CWF Mid-Atlantic stars will throw down on the wrestling mat, in full-on ultra-campy style (looking at you, Viva Las Amish) while Matthews families cheer them on. Practice your hollers and gear up for some wrestling (wrassling) ring rowdiness. Tickets are $5 for 18+ year olds, and $2 for under 18. Register here.

One Fun Thing: According to Brad Panovich, the ruby-throated hummingbirds are showing up early this year. One sighting was reported in Chester, SC, the earliest on record. Scrub and sanitize your feeders, make a batch of sugar water, and let the birdwatching begin.

Morning Minute: Thursday, March 5, 2020

News About Town:  The proposed LYNX Silver Line, a 26-mile-long light rail corridor with 28 stations, will connect Matthews to downtown Charlotte, the airport, and to Belmont in the west. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is hosting a public meeting at Matthews Town Hall on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 pm to kickoff the Pre-Project Development portion of the project. The meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the Silver Line design, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), and Rail Trail (a parallel cycling/pedestrian-focused trail) opportunities.

News Around Town: Butler Students, heads up! NC Outward Bound School is offering FULL SCHOLARSHIPS for a seven-day backpacking and rock climbing course in June. The deadline is tomorrow, March 6, so you have to get an application in quickly. The program is designed to develop students' courage and compassion as leaders while pushing students physically, socially and emotionally. Apply here.

One Fun Thing: Teachers, school admin, and educational professionals, Green Jeans Consignment will be at Levine Senior Center (1050 DeVore Lane) this weekend and they’re opening the doors early to give educators (homeschoolers included) first dibs. Shop an exclusive half-price pre-sale on Friday, March 6, at 5 pm. Veterans, you’re not left out—doors open for you at 5:30. What can you expect? A whole lot of quality clothes. Items include new and gently worn brand name, boutique and designer clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories from petite to plus sizes, including maternity.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 4, 2020

News About Town: If you’ve noticed the bare landscape around I-485 and John Street, it’s part of the I-485 express lanes project. NCDOT has planned improvements for the interchange. The I-485 Express Lanes project will add one express lane (an optional toll lane with congestion-based rates) in each direction along I-485 between I-77 and Independence Boulevard. The project also includes a new interchange at Weddington Road. Learn more here.

News Around Town: If you couldn’t stay awake (raises hand) for the polls to roll in, check out the Mecklenburg Board of Elections website for the full list of results.

One Fun Thing: The North Carolina Wildlife Federation, in collaboration with two local chapters; CROWN (Charlotte) and HAWK (Matthews), will be hosting a National Wildlife Federation Habitat Stewards Training course April 21, 24, 25, and 26 at Matthews Community Center. In addition to being issued several key nature-related books and materials, course topics will include elements of a wildlife habitat, native flora and fauna, ecology, invasive plants, soil microfauna, and more. Class size is limited to 30 individuals and you must commit to attending the full course. Volunteer commitment of 30 hours post-course is required for certification. Register here.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 3, 2020

*Good gracious, it was only Monday and we made a bad mistake. Blues Beatles is next weekend (March 13), not this weekend.

News About Town: Did you hear the daffodils whispering that it’s a good time to sow peas? Did you know, it’s a general gardening rule that forsythia blooms when it’s time to plant lettuce? Turns out there’s something to old farm lore and the kinds of observations that make a correlation between plants. It’s called Phenology, the study of periodic plant and animal life cycles and their interaction with variations in climate and seasonal changes. Sow your seeds, the flowers are giving their permission.

News Around Town: Today’s the last day for primary voting. All voting places will be open today, March 3,from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm. Matthews voters must go to their regular polling location to vote today.

One Fun Thing: Home Depot (1837 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews), in partnership with Discovery Education has a free STEAM-based activity this weekend. With the help of store associates (and handy parents), kids can build a pair of binoculars that work. Register here; 9 am to noon, Saturday, March 7.

Morning Minute: Monday, March 2, 2020

News About Town:  It’s a new month, so let’s check in and see what’s on the Town calendar.

3/4: Car Seat Checking Station 8 am; Veterans Advisory Committee meeting 7 pm

3/5/2020: First Thursday 5 pm; Board of Adjustment Meeting 7 pm

3/6/2020: Lunch with the Easter Bunny Tickets On Sale 9 am; Crews Family Fun Night - "Wrestling Night" 6 pm - 9 pm

3/9/2020: Board of Commissioners Meeting 7 pm;

3/10/2020: Matthews Committee on Education meeting 6:30 pm; Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting 7 pm

3/11/2020: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Advisory Meeting 6:30 pm

3/13/2020: Date Night Drop Off 5 - 9 pm; Cool Vibes Indoor Concert Series-Blues Beatles 5:30 pm

3/16/2020: Appearance/Tree Committee Meeting 7 pm

3/18/2020: Car Seat Checking Station 8 pm

3/19/2020: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting 7 pm

3/23/2020: Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting 7 pm

3/24/2020:  Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting 4:30 - 6 pm; Planning Board Meeting 7 pm; Cultural Diversity Committee Meeting 7 pm

3/27/2020: The Great Easter Eggspedition  All Day Event

News Around Town: The Census is coming, Make sure you’re counted. Starting March 12, fill out the form online, by phone, or by mail. The results produce a snapshot of America—one that determines how congressional seats are divvied up and how state and federal dollars are distributed.

One Fun Thing: Taking an authentic blues approach to classic Beatles songs, Blues Beatles is everything their name indicates.On an 11-stop tour throughout the US, don’t miss their Fullwood Theater stop this Friday night. A few tickets remain. This event is for ages 21 and up and includes pre-concert hors d'oeuvres (while they last). Cash bar for beer/wine. Social hour at 5:30pm, concerts begin at 7pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, and $20 at the door on the day of the event.

Morning Minute: Thursday, February 27, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners annual planning conference will begin at 5:30 pm at Town Hall. Over the course of just under three days, the Council will discuss 26 strategic items of importance that will come up during the 2020/21 term. During the portion tonight, the focus will be emergency services, specifically improving emergency response time, Idlewild VFD and its role in Matthews, and future construction of Matthews Fire Station 3.

News Around Town: The North Carolina Education Lottery's NC School Heroes contest is live for voting. Celebrate our public school teachers by voting for them (once per day). The 10 educators with the most votes will win $10,000 each, as well as $10,000 for their school. The person who nominated them will win $1,000.  The contest runs through March 15, and heroes will be announced May 6, 2020. Several Matthews schools don’t have nominees yet, so get some recognition for your own fave. Vote here.

One Good Thing: Area creatives and cultural organizations have a couple ASC grant deadlines coming up.

The Cultural Vision Grants (up to $10,000) initial application deadline is Monday, March 2, 2020 at noon. Learn More and Apply.

Culture Blocks Program Investments, funded in partnership between ASC, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, increase access to creative programming for residents living in one of the Culture Blocks program areas. Applications are due Friday, March 6, 2020 at noon. Learn more.  

Morning Minute: Wednesday, February 26, 2020

News About Town: The tornado took a toll on Matthews-Sardis Park, but the town has been working to get everything back in order. The playground has been refreshed with new surfacing and is ready for enjoyment. Park and Rec: 1; Tornado: 0.

News Around Town: Matthews residents and businesses are still spinning from the recent tornado, and the Kiwanis Club of Matthews is ready to help. Buy an “I survived the Matthews tornado” tee for $15 and over $7 from each shirt sold will be donated to fix facility damage at area youth organizations. Go to www.MatthewsTornadoTees.com to order.

One Good Thing: Tonight’s the night. The Mecklenburg County Budget Workshop is from 6 to 8 pm at the Sportsplex here in Matthews. Registration is required, and this is a great opportunity to learn about the county budget process, priorities, and to let both the County Manager and County Budget Director know what you want to see in the upcoming budget.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, February 25, 2020

News About Town: In a surprising turn of events during last night’s Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board appointed Ken McCool to fill the vacant seat. Ken finished the November 2019 election in seventh place, 13 votes behind Commissioner John Urban.
"I'm excited to serve the Town of Matthews and to work towards building a brighter future for generations to come,” said Commissioner McCool. “I'm also looking forward to working collaboratively with the Board, and I thank them for their support. I would like to thank Ms. Dement for her service to the Town."

One Fun Thing: Don your favorite feather boa, shiny beaded necklaces, and gather your krewe, it’s Fat Tuesday. Several area restaurants are putting the Mardi in the Gras with drink and food specials. I’m the downtown area? Check out Mac’s Speedshop, Seaboard, and Temple Mojo.

Morning Minute: Monday, February 24, 2020

News About Town: Last Thursday, Commissioner Barbara Dement resigned from her seat on the Board of Commissioners. Citing professional reasons, the resignation was effective immediately. Ms. Dement was first elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2017 and previously served on the Town of Matthews Planning Board. 

News Around Town: According to the Mecklenburg Board of Elections website, as of close of polls on Saturday,1,665 people have voted early at the Matthews Library. Early voting continues for the 2020 primaries through February 29. All regular polling locations will be open March 3 from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm.

One Fun Thing: We May have missed National Margarita Day and National Dog Biscuit Day, but we won’t miss celebrating National Tortilla Chip Day. Venture over to El Valle (a Matthews staple for more than two decades!) and enjoy the fried, salty, corn-based perfection that is the tortilla chip. Maybe celebrate a belated National Margarita Day if the mood fits.