Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 24, 2020

We’re interrupting our regular news for a special project.

In the spring, the Beacon collected donations for the Matthews HELP Center. Now that it's the holiday season, we're sponsoring a Teacher Appreciation Week at C.O.S.Kids! 

The staff at C.O.S. Kids have been giving it their all throughout the pandemic. In fact, when schools made the decision to go all virtual, Sue Sproat, the Director for the child care facility, was the person to organize the community to make sure children weren't slipping through the cracks.

I was chatting with Sue about how we can show our appreciation. They have 50 staff members, so this will be a big effort, but Matthews has a huge heart and I know we can do it! 

From Sue, "The wonderful staff at C.O.S.Kids has persevered through all the upheaval this year to nurture children and provide developmental, social and emotional support when it was needed the most. We have been open throughout the pandemic, from caring for the children of essential workers at the beginning of the shelter-at-home orders, to expanding our services to include the remote learning for our school agers.  They have taken on all the challenges we have asked of them.  Safety precautions keep them segregated to their classrooms and unable to congregate or share their day with their co-workers.  This can feel very isolating and lonely.  We would love to show them our respect and appreciation for the difficult and crucially important job they do!”

Via Unsplash user @Superkitina

We will collect items on December 11 and 12 for surprises the week of the 13th. (If you'd like to be a collection site, let us know!) Sign up here. 

Monday: "Warm a heart"- send in card or note letting your teacher know just how thankful we are for all that they do for the children of our community, "shower your teacher with flowers"- You can either bring in flowers, draw/make flowers, bring a houseplant.

Tuesday: $20 gift card for groceries. 

Wednesday: "Safety first" Reusable cloth masks (even better if it’s holiday/winter-themed) and hand sanitizer--spend $10 or less

Thursday: “Self Care day"- bring items for pampering self care--bath bombs, luxurious soap or lotion, a pair of cute, warm socks or gloves. Get creative, have fun! $10 or less

Friday: $20 Gift Card for a little bit of shopping. Amazon, Walmart, Target are suggestions

Have questions? Would you like to provide gifts for one day rather than all five? Every bit helps!

Morning Minute: Friday, November 20, 2020

News About Town: If you work the late shift, be aware of upcoming road closures for East John Street under the I-485 bridge. The road was closed last night (Thursday, November 19) and will be closed again tonight between the hours of 11:00 pm and 5:00 am as part of the I-485 widening project. Interstate access ramps will remain open, but the portion of the road under the bridge will be closed, blocking through traffic. To avoid the closure, use Independence Blvd as an alternate route.

One Fun Thing: The Matthews Playhouse is bringing reality TV to Matthews. Join the Playhouse and host Chris Melton for The Masked Singer (Junior!) tonight (Friday, November 20) at 7:30 pm. The Playhouse will stream the event, and three finalists, from a pool of more than twenty contestants, will compete to be the Masked Singer!

Watch on Facebook Live or the Playhouse YouTube Channel then vote for your favorite singer during the livestream. Each vote is a pledge for a $5 donation, and a portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to Common Heart, an area non-profit that fosters volunteer community action to address specific issues of hunger and poverty located in Indian Trail NC.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 19, 2020

News About Town: The November 23 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. To watch live, the meeting is available via Zoom (link here, the meeting starts at 7 pm, Monday, November 23). 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 979 5617 4700. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

Interesting items include pursuing private partnerships to fund town goals such as a future dog park at Purser-Hulsey Park. Several transportation items are on the agenda, such as an interesting maneuver required to enter Fullwood Station, an update of the Mobility and Parking Plan, and amendments to the Comprehensive Transportation Plan.

News Around Town: When all other holiday plans have gone awry, gingerbread houses stand true. Have no fear, the Matthews Chamber of Commerce is still hosting their annual Gingerbread House Contest. Drop off your entry at the Chamber (210 Matthews Station Street) anytime between December 1 to December 4 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for judging on on Saturday, December 5 at 12 pm. The earlier the drop off the better, space is limited and this is an increasingly popular holiday tradition. Houses will be on display at the Matthews Welcome Center (the Chamber HQ) from Dec 5 to 30 (10 am to 4 pm weekdays and Saturdays) for the public to view, free of charge.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 18, 2020

News About Town: Just because there’s a pandemic doesn’t mean Santa time is canceled. Matthews Parks and Rec has socially-distanced appointments available for Photos with Santa, but time slots are limited (Santa’s a busy guy) and registration is required.

Other annual Town holiday events look a lot different this year; there’s no big tree lighting, and the Nutcracker ballet wasn’t possible. Channel your inner-Liberace, grab all the decorations from the attic, a staple gun (don’t quote us on that—check your DIY best practices manual), and outdoor lights. Rev up the generator, stock up on seasonally appropriate inflatables, and deck your house for the holidays...you may just win a prize. Ready, set, Griswold!

Image via the Town of Matthews

News Around Town: The Mecklenburg County FY2022 Resident Budget Priority Survey is now open (through December 23). This survey is a chance for residents to participate in the budget process and to prioritize dollars allocated toward education, affordable housing, recreation, and the environment. While you’re at it, try out the Budget Simulator, a hands on way to see the complexities of creating a balanced budget. Check out the survey online, request a paper copy at area libraries, or text the word “budget” to 1-833-686-1234 to receive and complete the survey via smartphones.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 17, 2020

News About Town: The Silver Line Task Force has wrapped up a ten-meeting review of the future light rail in Matthews, concluding their activities with a general consensus for where the tracks should go in Matthews. Task Force Chair Bill Stevens presented the Silver Line Alignment Recommendation to the Board of Commissioners on November 9. Last night Andy Mock, the CATS project manager for the Silver Line, presented the scorecards from the Task Force. These cards give an overview of important aspects in the decision-making process, providing insight into the priorities of decision making for the Task Force. The Board will participate in a series of presentations, tours, and opportunities for public input over the next 5 months, and will vote to approve a preferred alignment in March of 2021.

Image via Unsplash photographer @markolson

News Around Town: Your Mom’s Donuts is dishing out Thanksgiving flavors this week via DaFCD (Donuts as Flavor Carrier Device). Try out the Sweet Potato Casserole (count it as a vegetable), Chocolate Pecan Pie, or the can’t-go-wrong Pumpkin Pie. Feeling more adventurous? Try the Cranberry Goat Cheese with Sage Sugar donut.

Morning Minute: Monday, November 16, 2020

News About Town: The Matthews HELP Center elves are busy organizing the 2020 Matthews Gives Back Holiday Toy Drive and they need your help. Donate new, unwrapped toys for children 1-12 and gift cards for teens 13-18. This year, give from a distance by shopping the HELP Center’s Amazon wish list (using Amazon Smiles is even better). The deadline to donate is Dec. 12th.
If you or someone you know needs support this holiday giving season, apply online (before December 11) through the HELP Center. Gifts will be distributed to registered clients mid-December.
Matthews Gives Back is sponsored by the Town of Matthews, Matthews HELP Center, Matthews United Methodist Church, and other local nonprofits.

News Around Town: Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re knee-deep in safety precautions, let the local restaurants do the heavy (food) lifting.

• Fullwood Market has holiday dessert offerings in single servings from the pastry case. Might as well get one of each so you can do a dessert taste-test before fully committing.

• Mac’s Speed Shop offers whole, slow-smoked turkeys and sides. Mac’s needs 48 hours to prepare. They’re also giving away a full Thanksgiving dinner to a family in need. Know someone who would truly be thankful for a feast this year? Nominate them here.

• Moe’s has a similar option to Mac’s—a whole, smoked turkey with citrus cranberry sauce for $50. Sides are also available. Don’t need a whole bird? Get a family pack for $55, which includes two pounds of turkey breast meat, three sides, and cornbread. Orders must be placed by November 23.

• Santé has a full Thanksgiving menu to go. Order online; be sure to add an appetizer and a bottle of wine for one stop shopping.

Who did we miss? Know a Matthews business serving up Thanksgiving delights? Send us a note and we’ll add them to the list.

Morning Minute: Friday, November 13, 2020

News About Town: On Monday, November 16, the Board of Commissioners will meet via Zoom to discuss the LYNX Silver Line. CATS Silver Line Project Manager Andy Mock will present the CATS scorecard to the Board, which was presented to the Silver Line Task Force in October. To call in using iPhone one-tap, call US: +16465588656,,95412263467# or +13017158592,,95412263467# or call toll free 888 788 0099.

(Huge thanks to Dimple Desai for the Veterans Day Celebration pic!)

News Around Town: On Wednesday, Novant Hospital announced the organization is raising their minimum wage to $15 an hour. According to a 2019 Fact Sheet, the Winston Salem-based medical provider employs more than 1,600 physicians and over 29,000 employees at over 640 locations. Throughout the system, this raise benefits more than 2,000 team members and will be effective January 2021. The Matthews location employs approximately 1,000 total salaried and hourly staff.

One Good Thing: Pick up a gun lock from Matthews PD (1201 Crews Road) tomorrow, November 14, from 10 am to 1 pm. Locally organized by Captain McGuirt as part of Project ChildSafe, Cops With Locks provides free gun locks and teaches safe and responsible gun ownership. Other departments participating are the Pineville PD, Mint Hill PD and Stallings PD.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 11, 2020

News About Town: During the regular Board of Commissioners meeting this past Monday, the Board voted to allow Lat Purser & Associates to withdraw their application for rezoning on the property at Weddington and Trade Street. Typically rezoning requests are accepted or denied. Withdrawing allows the same property to come before the board within a year, whereas a denial would prohibit another rezoning application for that one-year time period.

News Around Town: Veterans Day offers abound around Matthews. Offers vary and service members should have a valid Military ID, Military Dependent ID, or form of Veteran ID to receive these offers. We’ve sourced this info from the Veterans Affairs office and local websites, but please double check availability before visiting.

Academy Sports – Academy is offering 10% off to veterans and first responders for Veterans Day.

Backporch Treasures at Matthews HELP Center – Offering 10% off purchases throughout the month of November to veterans, military, and their families.

Bed, Bath, & Beyond – On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, veterans, active duty military, and spouses will receive 25% off in-store purchases.

Bonefish Grill offers veterans, active duty military and immediate family members receive 10% off their check year-round.

Chicken Salad Chick – To show their appreciation, all veterans and active military will receive a free Chick Special and drink. Valid at all locations on November 11, 2020 for service members in uniform or those with a valid military ID or DD214

CiCis Pizza – To show gratitude and support for the men and women who dedicate their lives to our country, Cicis is offering a FREE Adult Buffet to all veterans and active-duty military personnel on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

Cracker Barrel – On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, Cracker Barrel will offer all U.S. military veterans a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake when dining at any Cracker Barrel location nationwide.

Dunkin’ – On Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, veterans and active duty military will receive a free donut of their choice, no purchase necessary, at participating locations.

Golden Corral – Active and former military members who have served in the US Military can pick up a promotional card during the month of November, redeemable for a FREE thank you meal. Promotional cards can be redeemed through May 31, 2020.

Home Depot - The Home Depot offers a 10% military discount on in-store purchases on select items on Veterans Day. All veterans are eligible and must provide a DoD-issued ID, a DD214 or a Veterans Driver’s License.

IHOP – Veterans and Active/Reserve service members can receive a free Red, White, and Blue pancake stack or breakfast made-to-order at IHOP on Wednesday, November 11; offer is good till 7 p.m.

Krispy Kreme – Veterans and active duty service members receive a free donut and small coffee on November 11.

Logan’s Roadhouse – Veterans and active duty service members receive a free meal Veterans Day between 3p-6pm from the American Roadhouse meals menu at participating locations.

Lowe’s –  Lowe's is proud to offer 10% off eligible purchases every day to active military personnel and veterans. Exclusions apply.

Metro Diner – As a thank-you, all veterans and active-duty military will receive 50% off a meal of their choosing on November 11, 2020.

Office Depot Office Max – Veterans, Active Duty Military Personnel, Retirees, Reservists, and their dependents will receive a 25% discount on in-store purchases November 11 through 13.

Outback Steakhouse celebrates all servicemen and women, police officers, firefighters and all first responders with 10% off* their entire check all day, every day (with valid state or federal service ID). Servicemembers and first responders get a free Bloomin’ Onion® and Coca-Cola® product on Wednesday, November 11.

Precious Restorations – In honor of Veterans Day, Precious Restorations is offering 20% off all vinyl inventory for any veteran or currently active military servicemember. Sale starts Veterans Day and runs through Saturday, November 14.

Publix - As a small way to show our gratitude, veterans, active military personnel, and their families are invited to save 10% on groceries on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Some exclusions apply.

Red Lobster – Dine-in veterans and active duty military can receive a free appetizer or dessert from a select menu on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, with a valid military ID or proof of service.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill – This Veterans Day, 11/11, all veterans and active military receive a free Mom's Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti with military ID.

Starbucks – Veterans, military service members and military spouses receive a free tall hot brewed coffee on Veterans Day at participating locations.

Target – U.S. active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families save 10% on their Target purchase on Veterans Day, in stores or online.

Walgreens is offering a 20% discount on regular priced, in-store purchases November 11 through 15 for military personnel and veterans.

Wendy’s - This Veterans Day, visit your local Wendy's and enjoy a free small breakfast combo. No purchase necessary (6:30am-10:30am).

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 10, 2020

News About Town: Tomorrow, November 10, the American Legion Post 235 will hold the annual Veterans Day Celebration at 11 am at Stumptown Park. The event will include the unveiling of the expanded veteran’s memorial at the rear of the park. Mayor John Higdon will award Steve Wilfong, a Matthews resident and Navy veteran who served two tours in Vietnam as a Counter Insurgency Specialist from 1966 to 1969, the Veteran of the Year Award from the Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee. The program will last approximately one hour. Masks and social distancing are required.

News Around Town: Election day was seven days ago. Although ballots will trickle in through the twelfth here in NC (as decided by the Board of Elections and allowed by the Supreme Court), here are some 2020 General Election numbers for NC according to the NC State Board of Elections:

Of 7.36 million eligible voters, 5.49 million ballots were cast (including absentee, early voting, and provisional). Of those, 4.6 million absentee votes were cast (3.6 million one-stop early voting, 977,186 absentee by-mail) and 41,766 provisional ballots were cast. Voter turnout was 74.6%, as compared with 69% in the 2016 general election.

Don’t Forget: If you run a small retail business in Matthews, we want to feature you. Send a product shot, and a link to your shop (must be in 28105) and we’ll feature your item in our daily photo. Send it to renee@matthewsbeacon.com and we’ll get it scheduled.

Morning Minute: Monday, November 9, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners will have several public hearings at the meeting tonight, including the Buvermo Investments (2020-717) senior living facility proposed for 9832 Idlewild Road and a text amendment change for selling items outdoors at the Home Depot (2020-719) on Matthews Township Parkway. The Board will accept several zoning actions (Zoning Application 2020-720, Zoning Application 2020-721, Zoning Application 2020-722, and Zoning Application 2020-723), which means discussion around these items will begin during the January 11, 2021 Board of Commissioners meeting. The Board will vote on several zoning actions, including:

News About Town continued:

• Zoning Application 2020-715/Williams Business Properties: The property at the corner of Trade and Weddington. The developer is proposing a 98 unit multi-family rental development.

• Zoning Application 2020-716/text amendment: A text amendment change to the Unified Development Ordinance to allow independent living facilities as a permitted use in the R/I Zoning District when associated with a conditional site plan.

• Zoning Application 2020-718/Harley Davidson: A change in zoning conditions to allow for the façade of the Harley Davidson building and parking area to be renovated. The new design includes an outdoor sound stage.

• Public Improvement Variance : A request to delete some items generally required with development, such as curb and gutter and a sidewalk. This variance is in conjunction with the next bullet point.  

• Site Plan Approval 1935 Rice Road: A redevelopment of property from a daycare to mixed-use retail, medical, and office spaces. Commissioner John Urban recused himself at the October 12 meeting as his firm is working with the applicants on this project.

One Good Opportunity: If you run a small retail business in Matthews, we want to feature you. Send a product shot, and a link to your shop (must be in 28105) and we’ll feature your item in our daily photo. Send it to renee@matthewsbeacon.com and we’ll get it scheduled.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 5, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. After trying a hybrid in-person/remote meeting, the Board will return to an all-remote format. 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, November 9). 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 968 3891 0803. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website. A 5:30 pm meeting is scheduled to hear from the Silver Line Task Force.

News Around Town: One positive coming out of this pandemic is an easier accessibility to events outside of Matthews without having to pay for parking! This Saturday, November 7 at 4 pm, tune into the kickoff celebration of the World L!t Street Food Festival and connect with leaders in the Charlotte area's international food and music scene, international performing artists, and the community at large. The virtual festival continues through November 14. Register here.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 4, 2020

News About Town: Last night the Board of Commissioners began a 21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge with guidance from the Cultural Diversity Committee. Follow along to build your own habits by using the resources online. The second discussion among the two boards will take place next Tuesday, November 10, at 6:30 pm. The public is welcome to listen in.

News Around Town: Join the Matthews Chamber of Commerce for a slightly different type of holiday celebration this year. The Chamber is hosting Matthews Home for the Holidays Passport: Shop. Play. Eat. & Win! Local, a program to highlight businesses and nonprofits alike. Pick up your passport from the Chamber office (210 Matthews Station St.), and get it stamped at participating locations. Make a purchase or grab a goody bag (each location has their own requirements) and return your completed passport to the Chamber office by 5pm on December 4 to be included in the drawing. On December 5th, the Grand Prize Winner of up to $1,000 will be announced via Facebook Live. If you are a Matthews business, find out how to get involved here.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 3, 2020

News About Town: Applications are open for the Round II of the Matthews CARES Act Funding Relief Program. These grants are to encourage and support the Matthews business community’s economic challenges created by the COVID pandemic between March 1 and October 31, 2020. A complete grant application with all required additional documents must be received by 12:00 pm on Monday, November 16 in order to be considered. Completed applications and supporting materials should be emailed to matthews@matthewsnc.gov or dropped off marked ATTN: CARES Act Grant – Round II to Matthews Town Hall (232 Matthews Station Street Matthews, NC 28105). Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

Image via Unsplash

News Around Town: The application deadline for Mecklenburg County’s HOMES Program has been extended to Friday, Nov. 13. The Helping Out Mecklenburg’s Homeowners with Economic Support (HOMES) Program has been extended through next Friday, November 13. This program offers assistance to low to moderate income qualified Mecklenburg County homeowners by providing financial assistance for mortgage and rent relief through the County Assessor’s Office, the Office of the Tax Collector and the Department of Social Services.  Find the application online or request a paper application by phone, 980-314-4226 or by visiting the County Assessor’s Office lobby at 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 3500, Charlotte.  

Morning Minute: Monday, November 2, 2020

News About Town: Several advisory board meetings are coming up over the next two weeks. The Veteran’s Advisory Committee and the Silver Line Task Force both meet this Wednesday (November 4) at 7 pm. The following week the Matthews Committee on Education (November 10, 6:30 pm), Environmental Advisory Committee (November 10, 7 pm), and the Parks, Rec, and Cultural Advisory Committee (November 11, 6:30 pm) will meet.

News Around Town: The fuzz is about to get fuzzy. Matthews Police are once again participating in No Shave November by loosening official shave policy standards. To participate, each officer must donate $40 to Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk - Charlotte, a prostate cancer patient advocacy and public awareness group. At the end of November, look for pics of the participants and vote on Facebook for the best beard and goatee.

Don’t Forget: CATS buses will be free on election day!

Morning Minute: Thursday, October 29, 2020

News About Town: Hippy hippy hooray! The Town of Matthews is installing recycling cans alongside several of the trash cans in the downtown area. It may take a couple weeks to get the cans installed. Please be mindful of using the cans for recycling; if we want nice things we have to be mindful of their appropriate use. Republic, the waste services provider for Matthews, will empty the cans bi-weekly.

News Around Town: If you plan on voting by absentee ballot, you must have your ballot postmarked by November 3. The ballots will be accepted and counted through November 12. If you choose to turn in your ballot at an early voting location or at the Board of Elections, you may skip the early voter line and take the ballot to the table at entrance. You will be asked to sign an affidavit and your ballot will be collected. If you ordered an absentee ballot and would rather vote in person, your absentee ballot will be considered spoiled once you’ve voted in person. If you have a mobile number on file with your voter information you will receive a text alerting you of the spoiled ballot.

One Good Thing: Poll accessibility is the theme this year. Based on the vote at last night’s Metropolitan Transit Commission meeting, CATS buses will be free on election day. The Town of Matthews is offering staff two hours of paid time off to vote on election day.