Morning Minute: Tuesday, June 23, 2020

In honor of National Pollinator Week, we’re highlighting Matthews pollinators in the news!

News About Town: Did you know the Town deliberately plans for healthy pollinator populations? In 2019, the Tree and Appearance Board revises the list of approved plantings for the Unified Development Ordinance (154.607.14). This list was revised to remove invasive species and consists predominantly of native species and provides additional options for developers when preparing landscape plans for development in Matthews.

News Around Town: If you haven’t been to Country Place Park lately, you should go. Not only is the pollinator garden in full bloom, but there’s new art to be seen. Gardener Martha Krauss’ talented neighbors and her niece kindly donated hand-painted rocks that double as plant markers. Learn about the plants and celebrate public art in one of Matthews’ most bee-utiful public parks.

Morning Minute: Monday, June 22, 2020

News About Town: During tonight’s Board of Commissioner’s meeting, the mayor will designate this as National Pollinator Week. The designation recognizes the importance of bees and other pollinators in producing our food supply, and their necessary role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

News Around Town: Did you know Matthews has been a member of Bee City USA since 2014? To be recognized, Matthews incorporated pollinator-conscious practices into city policies and has enhanced pollinator habitat by increasing the abundance of native plants, providing nest sites, and reducing the use of pesticides. Stay tuned, since it’s Pollinator Week you’ll see some special content here on the Beacon.

One Good Thing: Protests against racist policies continue around the country, including a Black Lives Matter March in Matthews yesterday. More than one hundred people filled the town green to join in song and hear from speakers. The event was family-friendly and called for action to fight systemic inequalities through community action and policy change.

Morning Minute: Friday, June 19, 2020

News About Town: There will be a 5:30 pm meeting before the regular Board of Commissioners meeting this Monday, June 22. Police Chief Clark Pennington, town staff, and the Board will discuss current events, as anti-racism protests continue in the region and nationwide. This remote meeting can be viewed via Zoom or on the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. You can also listen in by calling 888-788-0099 (Toll Free) or 877-853-5247 (Toll Free) and entering meeting ID 992 1822 160.

One Fun Thing: It’s time again for the Farmer’s Market Annual Peach Fundraiser. Pick some up this Saturday, but the earlier you get there, the better, they tend to sell out. This week the market will have Red Havens, a semi-cling variety with red-blushed yellow skin. Market hours are 8 am to noon, Saturdays.

Don’t Forget: The Black Lives Matter Family March begins at 11:30 am at Country Place Park this Sunday.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, June 17, 2020

News About Town: Mayor John Higdon has a message for Matthews graduates:

On behalf of the Matthews Board of Commissioners, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the graduating classes of Butler High School and Providence High School!

The class of 2020 has endured a senior year like no other. A drive-through ceremony may not be what you have envisioned for this very special occasion - but do not let that take away from what you have achieved. Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and be proud of yourself. Your family, friends, and the entire community are proud of you.

As you move on towards your bright future, please remember that the Matthews community is behind you. We wish you all the best. 

Congratulations Class of 2020!

News About Town: Speaking of finishing up the school year, Shorter University wrote to let us know Matthews resident Jackson Wheatley made the Dean’s List. Jackson is a chemistry major at the Rome, GA university. Great job, Jackson!

A group of local Matthews/South Charlotte moms organized a peaceful, family-oriented Black Lives Matter March this Sunday, June 21, from 11:30-2:30. The march aims to heighten awareness around racism and discrimination in an atmosphere of acceptance. The march will begin at 11:30 am at Country Place Park and will end at Town Hall, where several speakers will address the attendees.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, June 16, 2020

News About Town: A Silver Line Task Force of fifteen Matthews residents, business owners, and developers has been formed to discuss the Silver Line’s Local Preferred Alternative (LPA). The task force will meet virtually has its first meeting this Wednesday, then will meet on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of July and August (starting at 7:00 pm) to determine a LPA by the fall of this year. The LPA will be then presented to the Board of Commissioners.

News About Town: Save Leg Day for the weekend. The Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity needs five volunteers to help with landscaping this Saturday, June 20. Your hard work will beautify Mack and Yvette’s nearly-finished home. All the digging and planting will be good for your legs, while volunteering is great for the heart.

Morning Minute: Monday, June 15, 2020

News About Town: Remember when Belk brought the warm fuzzies by paying for the prom at Levine Middle College (LMCHS)? Well social distancing makes slow dancing impossible, so Belk made up for the senior class’s lost experience. The locally-based retailer gave 235 LMCHS graduates and their teachers $200 gift cards during the drive-thru high school graduation. Caps off, shopping spree on.

One Good Thing One: Make this your summer of strummin’. The Music Makers (Kathy and Justin) are offering10-week Beginners Ukulele courses at the Community Center starting in July. Join the fun and strum, strum, strum!

One Good Thing Two: Register now for summer academies with Carolina Crush Lacrosse. The teams practice in Mint Hill and several tournaments are at the Matthews Sportsplex.

Morning Minute: Friday, June 12, 2020

News About Town: If you haven’t weighed in, the Town of Matthews wants your input on the upcoming Sam Newell Multi-Use Path.

News Around Town: Let’s look at COVID-19 numbers. We last Reported numbers on May 29. As of 4:30 pm on June 11, Mecklenburg County has had 6,155 cases and 116 deaths. (Wake County has the second most number of cases at 2,553 and 41 deaths.) Within the 28105 zip code 193 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 11 have died. Two congregate living facilities have had outbreaks. Carrington Place is now stable, while Royal Park Rehabilitation and Health Center has an ongoing outbreak with 12 staff positives, and 60 resident positives and 4 deaths. NC has had 39,481 cases, 812 current hospitalizations, and 1,064 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 source: NC Department of Health and Human Services.)

One Good Thing: The Board of County Commissioners has created a COVID-19 Recovery and Renewal Task Force for Mecklenburg County residents. The 23-person committee will work with the County Manager to create a comprehensive Recovery and Renewal Plan of Action Which will be presented to the County Commissioners. If you are interested in serving, applications are open.

B-I-N-G-O is tonight. Play along and support the best theater Matthews has to offer!

Morning Minute: June 11, 2020

News About Town: Since the murder of George Floyd, ideas and suggestions have been made to improve police departments. One popular idea is 8 Can’t Wait. Matthews PD Chief Clark Pennington released a thorough response detailing the policing methods MPD has already adopted, and those the department can adopt moving forward.

News Around Town: School’s out, which means it’s time once again for the Char-Meck Library Summer Break Challenge. Register online to participate, read to earn points, then win prizes. For the month of June, kids read and track their Summer Break progress to help the library reach a 15-MILLION-minute reading goal for June.

One Good Thing: Artist Dixie Friend Gay will host a free online public art workshop on the Arts & Science Council’s YouTube channel on Friday, June 19, from 2 to 3 pm. The award-winning artist will chat with those watching, and give real life advice to making a living in art.

Don’t Forget your Bingo cards!

Morning Minute: Wednesday, June 10, 2020

News About Town: During Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board voted to approve the Manager’s Recommended Budget. The budget does not raise Matthews taxes for FY21and does not appropriate from the fund balance.

News Around Town: Artist Muriel Epling recently finished her mural on the speed hump near the Community Center. The result of a call for artists by the Town’s Parks, Rev, and Cultural Resources Department, the image of dogwood flowers reflects North Carolina and the native flora of Matthews. The flowers branch across sharp blue and white stripes, creating a mural that is beautiful while bringing attention to the crosswalk/speed hump. Watch a time lapse of the artist working.

One Good Thing: Hankering for a GOOD Cup this week? Find the mobile coffee purveyors at Brookhaven today (Wednesday) from 9 am to noon, Hampton Green on Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm, and Friday in Providence Hills from 8 am to 11 am.

Morning Minute: June 8, 2020

News About Town: Hundreds of people gathered on the Town Green to share a message of solidarity against racism in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death. A number of town leaders spoke, including Pastor and Councilman Larry Whitley, Mayor John Higdon, and Police Chief Clark Pennington. Former Butler student Camille Harvell and Matthews resident Connie Green-Johnson delivered powerful messages of accountability. The afternoon ended with prayers for peace, healing, and change.

One Good Thing: Staycations in cluttered closets and overflowing attics were clearly the hot quarantine activities because the HELP Center has been inundated with donations. To better handle those donations, Backporch Treasures will only accept donations Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm.

Morning Minute: Friday, June 5, 2020

News Around Town: So far there have been more than 580 protests over the murder of George Floyd, with at least one in each of the contiguous US states. This Sunday, June 7 at 3 pm, Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist, Matthews United Methodist, and Matthews Presbyterian are collaboratively hosting a positive protest at Town Hall (232 Matthews Station St). The event will include speakers and prayer, as well as an opportunity for community members to unify in an anti-racist movement. Wear a mask, prepare to social distance.

News About Town: Assuming you’re having donuts for breakfast, plan for pancakes tomorrow. Stacks Kitchen (11100 Monroe Rd) has reopened and is ready to serve dine-in or take out. Hours are 6 am to 3 pm daily.

Morning Minute: Thursday, June 4, 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, June 8). 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 945 0219 7625. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

One Good Thing: Tomorrow is National Donut Day. On this sugar-soaked holiday, Your Mom’s Donuts is donating proceeds from donut sales to Sanctuary in the City, a Charlotte nonprofit dedicated to healing and uplifting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, June 2, 2020

News About Town: Matthews Police Chief Clark Pennington issued a statement yesterday about the police brutality and killing of George Floyd. Read his thoughts and learn more about the department’s approach using empathetic law enforcement.

One Fun Thing: Join Matthews Playhouse for virtual bingo Friday, June 12 at 7:30 pm. With a suggested donation of $10, funds will provide vital COVID relief for our community theater.

Morning Minute: Monday, June 1, 2020

News Around Town: Last week, Earnest Winston and the CMS Board of Education appointed Penni Beth Crisp as the next principal of Matthews Elementary. Dr. Tangela Williams, Southeast Learning Community Superintendent, relayed the news to parents with a special announcement, thanking Interim Principal Jane Sutton and Assistant Principal Catherine Bish for their stellar leadership during the hiring process. Principal Crisp is transferring from Lansdowne Elementary and has 10 years experience as an elementary level principal. 

News Around Town: School is winding down but the library is opening up. Char-Meck Libraries will open in phases under regular summer hours: Monday through Thursday 9 am to 8 pm, Friday & Saturday 9 am to 5 pm. This first phase of re-opening is limited to hold pick-ups and returns. Staff will be masked and ready to assist. This phase is expected to last three to four weeks.

One Good Thing: Matthews HELP Center’s Backporch Tresures boutique is reopening today. Everything is stocked to the brim, refreshed and ready for shoppers! A mask is required, and safe practices are in place.

Morning Minute: Friday, May 29, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners will hold a Zoom remote meeting for the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 6:00 pm. To follow along remotely, click here  or watch via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. If you prefer to listen rather than view, call 888-788-0099 (Toll Free) or 877-853-5247 (Toll Free) and enter meeting ID 971 5213 4217.

News Around Town: Let’s look at COVID-19 numbers. We last reported numbers on May 15. As of 4:30 pm on May 28, Mecklenburg County has had 3,605 cases and 85 deaths. (Wake County has the second most number of cases at 1,564 and 36 deaths.) Within the 28105 zip code 138 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and 9 have died. Two congregate living facilities have had outbreaks. Carrington Place is now stable, but had 9 staff members who tested positive, 27 resident positives, and 5 deaths. Royal Park Rehabilitation and Health Center has an ongoing outbreak with 9 staff positives, and 29 resident positives. NC has had 25,412 cases and 827 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 source: NC Department of Health and Human Services.)

One Fun Thing: When shelter-in-place hit, Matthews Community Center yoga teacher Linda Oelschlaeger, pivoted online with her own yoga YouTube channel. Linda teaches a technique called Bowspring Yoga, which appeals to yoga aficionados and injured athletes alike. The short (10-15 minute) videos are are free because Linda feels is dedicated to keep people moving during the pandemic. Look for Linda’s classes at the Community Center once restrictions have eased.

Thank you, Eliana: This is the final multi-sensory art prompt from Eliana. She has contributed art and songs with her grandmom, Eileen, for the past three weeks. We are so grateful for her contribution and fun spin on art as we navigate challenging times.