Morning Minute: Friday, September 4, 2020

News Around Town: Matthews Public Works recently partnered with Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity to extend the sidewalk on Dion Dr. Public Works provided the staff, labor, and tools, while Habitat provided materials.

This and other great bits of news are available through the Town’s monthly newsletter, the Matthews Messenger. Click on the link and there’s a subscribe button at the bottom.

Stop by the Matthews Heritage Museum to see all sorts of pretty ladies’ accessories.

News About Town: With the shift to Safer at Home Phase 2.5, the Matthews Heritage Museum will reopen with COVID-19 precautionary measures in place on September 10. If possible, make a reservation in advance. At that time the museum can safely take credit card payments over the phone. Due to the physical size of the museum, capacity is five visitors during this phase of reopening. Guided tours are still available, but please keep a respectful six feet from guides and docents. Wear a mask and properly physical distance from those not in your group. Use hand sanitizer upon entry The Matthews Heritage Museum is located at 232 N. Trade Street is open Thursday – Saturday from 10 to 4:30. Small admission charged. 

My Favorite Things: Ladies Accessories is currently on display. According to the museum, the exhibit “features favorite items that women from the early twentieth century to the fifties treasured. From baubles, bangles and beaded purses to collars, gloves and muffs, each of these treasured items made the lady feel special, feminine or beautiful.“

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 2, 2020

News Around Town: Several Rezonings are scheduled for public hearing during the September 14 Board of Commissioners meeting. Projects for public comment include: Morris Family Investments (2020-712; North Freemont St. opposite 313 and 317), Home Depot (2020-713; 1837 Matthews Township Parkway), and Williams Business Properties LLC (2020-715; 1700 Weddington Road).

The Public Hearing for these projects will be the regular Board of Commissioners meeting on September 14. Public comments can be submitted before and up to 24 hours after the public hearing by email to matthews@matthewsnc.gov or by calling 704-708-1222.

To comment during the Public Hearing, by telephone or Zoom application, you must register in advance with the Town Clerk by calling (704) 708-1222 or emailing matthews@matthewsnc.gov. To make a live comment you must register no later than 4:00 pm on Monday, September 14, 2020.

News About Town: During a press conference yesterday, Governor Roy Cooper announced the transition to the reopening stage Safer at Home 2.5 this Friday, September 4th at 5 pm. Included in the phased reopening are gyms and bowling alleys with increased sanitation and reduced capacity. Bars are still unable to open. This phase remains in effect through September 22, 2020.

One Good Thing: Did you know you can request an absentee ballot online through the NC State Board of Elections website? First it will ask you to confirm that you’re an eligible voter, then you can request your ballot.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, September 1, 2020

News Around Town: Two advisory board meetings are coming up this week and next. The Veterans Advisory Committee and the Silver Line Task Force both meet tomorrow, September 2, at 7 pm. via Zoom. The Board of Adjustment meeting has been canceled. Normally we’d all be gearing up for Matthews Alive (and the Beacon’s 2nd Birthday!), but this year the annual celebration was called off due to COVID-19. .

News About Town: It’s officially Library Card Month. Library cards are the passport to your imagination, a bridge to other worlds, the flight to unlimited knowledge…and they’re free! Need something more tangible to appreciate your card's worth? Geek your number-loving heart out with the Library Worth calculator. It doesn’t take a calculator to show us the Matthews Library (230 Matthews Station Street) is invaluable. Card free? Get in on the fun here.

Creative’s Corner: Matthews Chamber of Commerce is taking their annual ArtWalk & MusicFest virtual for 2020! If you’re an artist or craftsperson, send in an application to participate online. Be a part of the event and show off your work to a whole new audience. The virtual event runs October 3 through 19. Submissions close September 19. Not a maker but want to support the event? The Chamber needs sponsors, too!

Morning Minute: Monday, August 31, 2020

News Around Town: During the August 24 Board of Commissioners meeting, Mayor John Higdon issued a proclamation for the Town of Matthews to observe Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. The purpose of the proclamation is to unite communities around the world to remember those lost to overdose, acknowledge grief, reduce the stigma surrounding drug addiction.

Thanks for the photo, Donna Muse!

News About Town: The Local Scoop is giving away free ice cream! Get a cone then post a photo of your favorite place to enjoy their fabulous flavors. Tag your photo #ScoopsAroundMatthews and @localscoopclt for a chance to win a free scoop of your choice. Follow their Facebook page for the inside scoop on other great fun. Don’t know about the Local Scoop? Find their mini location on the lawn behind Moe’s BBQ (111 Matthews Station St). Get your fix between noon to 9 pm daily.

Morning Minute: Friday, August 28, 2020

News Around Town: Over the past four weeks, Town of Matthews Staff (special shout out to Parks and Rec!) have been working toward a facilitation program for school age children who are learning virtually. With the framework in place, the Town needed CMS’ nod of approval to move forward with the program to fulfill emergency stipulations set forth by NCDHHS during COVID-19. During the Board of Education’s meeting Tuesday, the CMS Board unanimously approved the partnership and has requested the General Assembly honor the agreement. (CMS BOE meeting, starts at time stamp 45:35)

News Around Beacon: We owe a Beacon-sized amount of gratitude to Eileen Schwartz for her art prompts over the last few months. Eileen will resume teaching at the McDowell Arts Center in September, so she’ll be sending in weekly prompts rather than daily. Eileen will continue her two art classes: Art for Adults with Disabilities (Tuesdays, 9 am - 12 pm; Matthews Residents $60, Non-Residents $65), and Art for Veterans (Wednesdays, 12:30 - 3:30 pm; free). Thank you, Eileen, for your contributions to the Beacon and to the community.

Don’t Forget: Tonight is Playhouse Bingo Night! Support the Playhouse’s integral role in the Matthews community while benefiting the Matthews HELP Center all in one fell swoop. Study up.

Morning Minute: Thursday, August 27, 2020

News Around Town: The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) received CARES Act funding to distribute to Matthews businesses. EDAC is formulating a micro-grant relief program for Matthews small businesses and nonprofits with reimbursements up to $10,000.

News Around Town: As Hurricane Laura (Is it LAW-rah or LOOR-ruh?) heads toward Texas and Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Marco, the oil industry is preparing for storm surges by shutting down refineries and evacuating rigs. Summer travel could place a demand on gasoline. If you’re low on gas, it might be a good time to fill up simply out of caution.

One Good Thing: Creatives and nonprofits take note: ASC is hosting a Summer Funding Opportunities Info Session on Monday, August 31 from 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom. Learn more about  Cultural Vision Grants for science, history, and heritage programming, as well as  Artist Support Grants, which support artists living in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, and Rowan Counties. RSVP to receive the link.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, August 26, 2020

News Around Town: As the Veteran’s Memorial at Stumptown Park is restored, Hooks- Orr American Legion Post 235 is also adding to the brick path inscribed with names of local veterans. If you would like to purchase an inscribed brick, order one through the Legion. Their renovation and expansion will be unveiled on Veteran’s Day (November 11) at 11 am.

News About Town: There's a reason stress balls imitate the feeling of modeling clay: the sensory experience of pulling, squishing, and forming often inspires in-the-present feelings of calm. We can all use a little more of that these days and Parks and Rec has a solution. The department is offering take and make clay kits. Each kit includes everything you need to create a clay project. The kit, priced at $10, includes everything you need to create your own clay masterpiece. Pick it up on September 19, make something fantastic to return to the Community Center on the 23rd for kiln firing. Your final piece will be ready to pick up on September 25.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, August 25, 2020

News Around Town: Faith leaders from five Matthews churches (First Baptist Matthews, Cross and Crown Lutheran, Matthews Presbyterian, Matthews United Methodist, and Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist) presented the police department with 90 $10 gift cards to Chick-Fil-A. The gift was in lieu of the annual Hug-A-Cop event traditionally held at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist in August of each year.

News Around Town: Continuing efforts to entertain the greater Matthews Community, Matthews Playhouse will host another round of BINGO this Friday at 7:30 pm. Purchase cards for $10, donate a little extra if you can, then join the crew on Facebook to play along. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Matthews HELP Center. PS: While you're on the Playhouse site, check out the upcoming fall classes the 

One Good Thing: Atrium Health will be at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist (381 Crestdale Road) this Friday to provide free COVID testing to people showing symptoms of COVID-19 or those at risk (such as exposure to large crowds). Staff will be on hand from 8 am to 2 pm and no appointment is needed.

Morning Minute: Monday, August 24, 2020

News Around Town: Mayor John Higdon wants you to know we are stronger when we work together.

(PS: Don’t forget the Board of Commissioners meeting tonight.)

News Around Town: Novant Health Matthews Medical Center has named Jason Bernd as the new president and chief operating officer. As the successor to Roland Bibeau’s position, Bernd will oversee overall hospital operations of the Novant hospital campus in Matthews.

One Good Thing: Classrooms are looking different these days, and Matthews-based Harris Teeter wants to see the most creative classrooms. Send in your Pinterest-worthy learning space. The winner will be awarded a $100 Harris Teeter gift card for the teacher and 1 $100 Harris Teeter gift card for the Together in Education school.

Morning Minute: Thursday, August 20, 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, the early meeting starts at 5:30 pm and the regular meeting starts at 7 pm, Monday, August 24). 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 958 9659 7990. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

News Around Town: Who caught the COVID gardening bug? If you’re ready to rip out the summer crops and move onto fall vegetables, now is the time to do it. By this stage of summer, we’re usually cursing the squash vine borers and the leaf footed bugs, so a change is welcome. What can we grow in Matthews in the fall? All sorts of leafy goodness like kale and collards, and root crops like carrots and beets. Get out there to plant peas soon enough and you might get another harvest of snow peas. On the flip side, if you aren’t keen on dirt under your nails, you can still appreciate summer’s bounty at the Farmer’s Market, and look for those fall crops in the near future.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, August 19, 2020

It’s a quiet news day, so make some #art_stayathome!

Morning Minute: Tuesday, August 18, 2020

News About The School Year: After a rough first day back at CMS, the second day should have fewer hiccups. If statewide issues continue with NC EdCloud , CMS has a few tips: keep CMS chrome books logged in to receive updates. If NC Ed Cloud is down and students cannot access Canvas, students may use their Google account instead. Also, this link points to Canvas directly.

News Around Town: In the most recent round of shuttering retail, Stein Mart filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and has announced it is closing all of its stores. The 36,000 square foot Matthews location, in Matthews Festival Shopping Center, is located a few doors down from the recently closed Hallmark store. Both are in a building owned by ECHO Realty LP based in Pittsburgh, PA.

Parents, you may still want to have these numbers to have handy:

CMS Student Technology Helpline: 980-343-8001

Crown Point Elementary: 980-343-6535

Elizabeth Lane Elementary: 980-343-5700

Matthews Elementary: 980-343-3940

Crestdale Middle: 980-343-5755

South Charlotte Middle: 980-343-3670

Butler High School: 980-343-6300

Providence High: 980-343-5390

Morning Minute: Monday, August 17, 2020

News About Town:  Several advisory board meetings are coming up. The Appearance and Tree Committee will meet at 7 pm tonight via Zoom. The Economic Development Advisory Committee will meet online at 4:30 pm this Wednesday. At 7 pm on Wednesday the Silver Line Task Force will meet to further discuss the prefered alignment for the future light rail path through Matthews. Then, on Thursday at 7 pm, the Transportation Advisory Committee will meet remotely.

If you need a car seat checked for safety, there’s a clinic this Wednesday, the 19th, starting at 8 am at the Police Station, 1201 Crews Road.

News Around Town: Arriving a week or so early this year, it’s the first day of school for CMS students. Going back is a little (lot) different with remote learning. A few things to keep in mind: easy tech issues can be addressed by your child's teacher. For more advanced needs, contact the CMS tech helpline: If your school-issued computer (iPad or Chromebook) aren’t working, call the school office to have it switched out. If Canvas is bewildering, CMS has provided a YouTube tutorial (también en Español).

A few numbers to have handy:
CMS Student Technology Helpline: 980-343-8001
 Crown Point Elementary: 980-343-6535
Elizabeth Lane Elementary: 980-343-5700
Matthews Elementary: 980-343-3940
Crestdale Middle: 980-343-5755
Butler High School: 980-343-6300

Morning Minute: Friday, August 14, 2020

News About Town: In partnership with the county, Matthews Fire Department is giving away cloth masks. Get your free mask this Saturday, August 15, by pulling into the fire station parking lot between 9 am and 12 pm. Someone with the department will bring one to your car. 236 South Trade St. (to the right of the building…don’t block the truck drive).

News Around Town: COVID -19 can’t stop the annual Sandy Marano Memorial Women Build. Groundbreaking for Celestin and Marie's home will be viewable on Facebook Live on Saturday, August 22 at 10 am. This build honors the legacy of Sandy Marano, a dedicated Family Services Coordinator for Greater Matthews Habitat who died from breast cancer in 2016. This year the build has been partially funded by a Wells Fargo Foundation $15,000 grant.

One Helpful Thing: Weaver, Bennett, and Bland are offering discounted estate plans, power of attorney, and healthcare power of attorney services in appreciation of your continued dedication to education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Morning Minute: Thursday, August 13, 2020

News About Town: According to the most recent amendment to the Mecklenburg County Second Revised and Amended Joint Declaration of Emergency, restaurants and restaurants with bars in Matthews may now use the bar space to serve food and beverages. Mayor John Higdon signed the amendment for those businesses within the Town to serve food and beverages at the bar. Safety protocols must still be in place, including social distancing between groups.

One Good Thing: The Matthews Heritage Museum is taking the quiet opportunity provided by the pandemic to do some research. As Roseland Cemetery undergoes preservation efforts, the museum is seeking information about the slaves and freed People of Color who were buried there. Barbara Taylor and the museum will build a database of the information gathered. Please send the person's full name, their birth and death dates, your name and your relationship to that person, and a phone number in case we have questions to Matthews Heritage Museum info@matthewsheritagemuseum.org. You may also call 704-708-4996.