Morning Minute: Thursday, May 28, 2020

News About Town: The Town of Matthews Parks and Rec is known throughout the area for fun-filled, affordable summer camps. This year the department has canceled all June camps but will resume most summer camps for July and August. Camp Funshine will not be offered this summer. Online registration begins Monday, June 1 (http://www.matthewsnc.gov/matthewsfun). Camp staff will adhere to CDC precautions and guidelines.

News Around Town: A few months ago the term pivot was most used on the dance floor. These days the most successful small businesses are those who’ve pivoted, showing flexibility and entrepreneurial prowess. Your Mom’s Donuts pivoted like a champ, offering farm fresh products twice a week in their Matthews shop. The already-popular donut shop’s wild success necessitated a shop upgrade to handle increased business.

One Fun Thing: Join the North State Humanists for Science on Sunday, a family-friendly programming to encourage everyone to bring science straight to your home. This Sunday, join the group on Zoom while they chat with ambassadors from the Raptor Center. Learn about birds of prey and get answers to your most burning bird questions.

Carolina Raptor Center Live Feed and Q&A
Sunday, May 31 at 11:00AM
https://zoom.us/join
Zoom ID: 869 5664 8619
Password: 537998

We Were Wrong: Speaking of science, reader Amy pointed out the cicadas won’t be coming out in Matthews. The long-lived insects will be further west in the mountains of North Carolina.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 27, 2020

News About Town: Last night the Town retroactively recognized last week as National Public Works week. Public Works employees are often the first on the scene to assess storm damage, and the last lo leave after everything is tidied up again. They pave our sidewalks and patch our roads. Even though the official week is over, let’s give the department a giant thanks!

News Around Town: After 17 years underground, there are a bunch of cicadas ready to see the light of day…or the dusk of day. As some of the longest-lived insects, the 17-year cicadas’ mating calls are the soundtrack of summer evenings in the south. While we hear cicadas every year, with this additional brood the sound may be especially loud.

One Good Thing: Weaver Budd Law (352 E. Charles St.) has added two Little Free Pantries in front of their offices. Similar to Little Free Libraries, these structures hold shelf stable foods and household essentials. Have something to give? Donate away! Need something? Take it!

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 26, 2020

News About Town: NCDOT’s budget is in dire straits, which is bad news for some Matthews roads. The Board of Commissioners will receive an update by Public Works Director CJ O’Neill PE during tonight’s meeting to learn which road projects will be suspended while the DOT works out their money woes.

News Around Town: ‘Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicating to changing the world one child and one community at a time.’ This is the defining statement of Kiwanis International, and the members of the Matthews Kiwanis Club serve together to fulfill that commitment. The club recently announced the recipient of the 2020 Kiwanis Club of the Matthews Community Service Scholarship. Jacqueline (Jackie) Aiello, a graduating senior of David W. Butler High School, was awarded the $2,500 college scholarship because of her commitment to community service and life of service.

One Good Thing: The Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity ReStore (2447 East John St.) is open and ready to take your donations of home decor and home improvement items. Contactless drop-off for donations is available Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm and Saturdays 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.  Donors doing drop-off are asked to unload all items in the designated area where they will be assessed by staff. The store is open to shoppers Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturdays 9 am to 5 pm, staff requests shoppers wear face masks and maintain all social distancing guidelines.

Morning Minute: Frinesterday, May 22, 2020

News About Town: The Tuesday, May 26 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is online. The meeting will be held on Tuesday due to Memorial Day. Once again the meeting will be held via Zoom. Public comments should be directed to Town Clerk Lori Canapinno by 5 pm (3 pm for budget comments) the day of the meeting. Items of note include an the public hearing for the FY21 Town budget, an update on the Silverline process, and DOT will provide project updates. NCDOT new project funds are frozen due to financial troubles exacerbated by COVID-19.

News Around Town: As retailers reopen with safety practices in place, the Sycamore Commons Pier1is reopening just as the chain begins the process of permanently shuttering all of its stores. The retailer filed for bankruptcy protection in January of this year and sought a buyer. With no sale in place, the company is ready to begin the store-closure process.

One Good Thing: Hools-Orr American Legion Post 235 will hold their Annual Matthews Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 25 at 11:00 am at Stumptown Park. The ceremony will honor Matthews service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

At 3 pm on Monday, participate in the National Moment of Remembrance. This one minute observation was created by Congress as an act of national unity on Memorial Day.

Morning Minute: Thriturday, May 21, 2020

News About Town: Yesterday the Governor announced NC will enter Phase II of reopening this Friday at 5 pm. The phase, known as Safer at Home, allows restaurants and some other businesses (pools, salons, and day cares included) to open at 50% capacity. The openings come with sanitation precautions and safety recommendations and residents should still wash hands, wear a mask, and maintain physical distance six feet from other people. Here is a partial list of what is still closed: public playgrounds, bowling alleys, indoor exercise facilities and gyms, movie theaters, skating rinks, event venues, museums, and bars.

News Around Town: Last year Matthews residents dutifully bagged up their leaves, piled up sticks, and bundled tree branches. The waste was whisked off by a truck, never to be seen again. Now, in the midst of a pandemic, gardening is flourishing and good dirt is of the essence. Get that (transformed) yard waste back in the form of rich, dark soil. When Republic (the solid waste service provider for Matthews) picks up yard waste, they take it to a County composting site, where it’s turned into mulch and compost. Whether you need a bag or a truckload, the county has you covered. Head over to their website to find out more.

One Fun Thing: After weeks with ill-kempt pandemic hair, salons and barbers can cautiously reopen. Don’t get too eager to sheer it all off—at least not the part on the front of your face. 🧔🏻Time gear up for the GOOD beard 🧔🏻contest with Good Cup! Show off your GREAT GOOD beard to a a panel of Matthews resident judges. They’ll judge you (in a good way) for originality, length, colorfulness, and creativity. Winners will get a box of GOOD stuff! Follow along with Good Cup for more info.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 19, 2020

News Around Town: The Matthews Alive Board of Directors announced the cancellation of this year’s Matthews Alive Festival. For the first Labor Day in 27 years (plus the many years of Stumptown prior), crowds won’t fill the streets of downtown Matthews. The decision came after lengthy discussion accompanying the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the impossibility for social distancing. 

One Good Thing: Cotton Gin Graphics is working overtime filling in the celebratory voids felt during isolation. Have a fifth grader moving up to middle school? A teacher who deserves special thanks? Make a sign for them! Have a birthday coming up or a forlorn grad in the family? There’s a sign for that. Contact Cotton Gin to place an order.

Morning Minute: Monday, May 18, 2020

News About Town: The second Matthews Fire & EMS Department video is out. This time they’re showing off everyone’s favorite apparatus: the fire truck! Learn about the ins and outs of the truck and how the truck is outfitted to keep Matthews safe.

News Around Town: This week (May 18 through 22) is Butler High School’s Senior Spirit Week. Seniors are invited to join and post their super spirit on social media. Tag your posts #byebutler. Here’s the schedule: Monday: Butler Spirit Day, Tuesday: Tik Tok Tuesday, Wednesday: Wind It Back, Thursday: Reverse Awards, Friday: Cap and Gown.

One Good Thing: Birra Burger (929 Park Center Dr.) is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm. Offering take out, curbside service, and delivery (through Grubhub and DoorDash), there’s a multitude of methods to obtain and enjoy a big ol’ gourmet Birra burger.

Morning Minute: May 15, 2020

News About Town: If you’re out and about today, you may notice Town flags at half-mast. Governor Cooper requested the lowering of flags for Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day to honor officers killed or injured in the line of duty.

News Around Town: Let’s look at COVID-19 numbers. We last Reported numbers on April 22. As of 4:30 pm on May 14, Mecklenburg County has had 2,320 cases and 63 deaths. (Wake County has the second most number of cases at 1,107 and 27 deaths.) Within the 28105 zip code 86 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 6 have died. NC has had16,507 cases and 615 deaths. Not all cases of COVID-19 are tested, so this does not represent the total number of people in North Carolina who have or had COVID-19. (Data aggregated from Mecklenburg County Public Health and NC Department of Health and Human Services.)

One Good Thing: Temperatures last weekend dipped into the 30s and temps this weekend will reach the 80s. If you’re working outside make sure to stay hydrated.

Morning Minute: Thursday, May 14, 2020

News About Town:  Beach Fest, the Matthews celebration that usually occurs in May, was postponed due to the Coronavirus. The summer celebration has been moved to October 16 and 17, and will include all the faves we’ve grown to expect from Beach Fests past. 

One Good Thing: The Matthews Free Medical Clinic is competing with other area medical nonprofits for a $5,000 #SpotlightOnCLT grant from the Amy & Brian France Foundation and Share Charlotte. The grant will be used to provide free, quality healthcare for the uninsured in our community.  Vote for the Matthews clinic here.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 13, 2020

News About Town:  Starting in February of each year, the Town Manger begins the annual budget process. After meeting with department heads the manager creates a recommended budget. The manager presented a brief overview of the recommendations to the Board of Commissioners at during the 5:30 meeting this past Monday (May 11). A budget workshop is scheduled for May 18 with an opportunity for public input on May 26. The 2020/21 budget will be adopted by the council before the end of June. 

News Around Town: Karrousel Kids (120 East Charles St) has reopened with social distancing rules in place. Their hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, and seniors or families are welcome to make private shopping appointments. Masks are required and there is a limit for three shoppers at a time. For an appointment or more information, call the shop at 704-847-4300.

One Good Thing: We’ve tallied the totals and have a winner! Drumroll please…Matthews Plantation is a Big Beacon Deal! The neighborhood came together and collected 260 canned/boxed items,148 individual serving foods, 3 lbs of fresh produce, and $660 in cash donations! Because of their hard work and generosity, they will receive a neighborhood swag pack and can carry their title proudly.

Even though the contest is over, we still have collection bins. If you want to hold a pantry drive in your neighborhood just let us know and we’ll get you all set up!

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 12, 2020

News About Town: Bulk/large item waste pick up has resumed this week. Please exercise patience; it may take some time for Republic, the company that collects solid waste in Matthews, to catch up. According to the town’s website, bulky items, such as stoves, refrigerators, water heaters, mattresses, carpet (must be rolled and tied) and furniture, can be scheduled for pick up by calling 704-393-6900.

News Around Town: Even though the Matthews Library is closed, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is offering online events and classes. Need help learning new tech? On the search for business resources? Miss the library’s family story time? The library has programming to cover a wide range of needs. Or find a book, check out the digital library options.

One Fun Thing: A regular art practice can provide relief during stressful times. Our partnership with Eileen Schwartz Will take that practice to a new level over the next three weeks. Eileen’s granddaughter, Eliana, a talented 13 year old artist and music afficianado, will be collaborating on #art_stayathome daily art prompts. Check the prompt, the. Listen to the suggested music as you create. According to Eileen, the benefit of combining songs with the making of art can result in an expanded therapeutic and creative art experience. Take a few minutes and give it a try today.

Morning Minute: Monday, May 11, 2020

News About Town: At tonight’s Board of Commissioner’s meeting, Mayor Higdon will recognize this week as National Police Week. Friday, May 15, the Town will observe Peace Officers Memorial Day.

News Around Town: If you need to register to vote, change information on your voter registration (name changes excluded), and are a DMV customer with a N.C. driver’s license or DMV-issued ID, you may now do so through the NCDMV online.

One Good Thing: Don’t forget to make your daily #art_stayathome #art_ with prompts from Eileen Schwartz (@healingartforcaregivers). Be sure to share what you make on Facebook and Instagram. We want to see what you’re making!

Morning Minute: Friday, May 8, 2020

News About Town: In January of this year the Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resource Department put out a call for artists to design a mural for the speed bump on McDowell. The Parks, Recreation, Cultural Advisory Committee chose an artist from those submissions and is now ready to suggest a design. Their choice will be presented to the Board of Commissioners at Monday’s meeting.

News to Support Local: Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday. If you haven’t gotten your mom (or mom-figure) a gift, why not #shopsmall, #shoplocal? It’s easy to do, and here are a few (women-owned) places to find great gifts:

• Backyard Birds—Great gifts for the naturalist in your life, and if you’re a Beacon member you can use your discount.

• Matthews Yoga Club—Give mom time to herself. Matthews Yoga Club provides free online yoga classes (donations accepted). All you have to do is provide the uninterrupted time so she can participate.

• Nectarri Honey—Tell her she’s sweet with a jar of locally sourced honey. Only the best for Mom, this honey is sourced seasonally without chemicals and pesticides.

• Your Mom’s Donuts—Pick up some donuts and coffee (get there early or order online now) for breakfast in bed. She’ll be grateful for not having to smile while dining on overcooked eggs.

One Good Thing: The Matthews Farmer’s Market is very picky about their vendors. Every once in a while a vendor is accepted who sources from outside the usual 50 mile radius because it’s not available locally. Charlotte Fish Company is one of the exceptions and they’ll be at the market tomorrow, May 9.  Get line-caught, fresh from the NC coast fish. Pre-order by texting on 980-722-0918 or emailing to tim@charlottefishco.com.

Morning Minute: Thursday, May 7, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. Once again, the meeting will be conducted remotely. To watch live, the meeting is available via Zoom (link here, meeting starts at 7 pm, Monday). A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter meeting ID 934 9488 5306. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

News Above Town: The North Carolina Air National Guard is participating in a fly over tomorrow. The event, Operation American Resolve, will use a training opportunity to provide encouragement and show solidarity with frontline pandemic workers. Expect the planes to fly over Matthews shortly after 1:20 pm.

One Good Thing: Chen Fu Chinese Restaurant (Windsor Square) has reopened and is ready for takeout from the restaurant or delivery through DoorDash. Call them at (704) 845-6282 to place takeout orders. 

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 5, 2020

News About Town: The Matthews Fire & EMS Department is creating a video series about daily Department operations. Check out this informative one about the protective gear firefighters don when on a call. Next week they’ll show off the fire truck!

News Above Town:  This morning, before dawn, was the peak of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower. These remnants from Halley's Comet were tough to see because of the clouds, but you still have a chance to check it out early tomorrow morning (try around 4:30 am). If you miss it then, you may still be able to see it through May 28. Traveling at 148,000 miles per hour, the Eta Aquariids are one of the fastest moving meteor showers.

One Good Thing: In a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19, GivingTuesday has dedicated today, May 5, as #GivingTuesdayNow. Looking for a way to give? Your donation to Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity will help put a roof over someone’s head. A donation to Bright Blessings will help provide a birthday celebration to a child living in poverty. A donation to Matthews Playhouse will help fill a funding gap from the loss of performance revenues.