Morning Minute: Monday, March 15, 2021

News About Town: Easter in the time of COVID looks a little different than years past, but that doesn’t mean the Town of Matthews hasn’t planned some fun. Follow the signs on the greenway (near the entrance to the South Trade entrance) this Saturday, March 20 from 10 am to noon, and find the Easter Bunny to snap the annual family photo! Our cotton-tailed friend will be out and looking for bicyclists along the greenway--a few lucky kids will get a free bike helmet. If it rains and you haven't had your fill of fluff, head on over to the Matthews Community Center to find the fuzz.

Can’t make it to the trail? Bring the bunny to you! For a small fee, the Easter Bunny will pack up some goodies and visit homes in the 28105 zip code. RSVP for a time slot on the Parks and Rec activity page. At the time of this writing, there were only a couple of spots left, but it looks like a waiting list is available.

News Around Town: In accordance with the Governor’s orders, COVID vaccines will be available to Group 4 starting Wednesday. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Group 4 includes anyone 16-64 years old with one or more high-risk medical conditions for severe disease from COVID-19, people living in close group settings, and essential workers who have not yet been eligible. This group also includes smokers (former and current), diabetics, and those with asthma. Many more conditions are on the list, found here. Register for the county's clinic at Bojangles Coliseum through StarMed. Atrium Health and Novant Health are offering vaccines by appointment as well. 

One Good Thing: The Matthews Woman’s Club Service League is hosting a blood drive on Sunday, March 21. The One Blood Bus will be at the Woman’s Club, 208 S Trade St., from noon to 6 pm. When you give blood, you’ll get a wellness check up, antibody test, blood pressure taken, iron count, and cholesterol screening. If a health check up isn’t incentive enough, you’ll also get a tie dye tee shirt and $10 eGift card! Sign up online using sponsor code 63852.

Morning Minute: Thursday, March 11, 2021

News About Town: According to the Public Works Department of Matthews, trash and debris have become more noticeable on state roads since the pandemic began. As a result of resident concerns, the Town of Matthews has a clean up plan in place. Trash accumulated along state roads is the responsibility of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), which will begin mowing operations again in early April. Prior to mowing, NCDOT will remove litter and debris.

The Town of Matthews has been working for the past several months with the Eastwood Forest  neighborhood (this neighborhood is often used as a cut through from East John to Pleasant Plains) to work with homeowners to remove visible trash and debris violations. Clean up efforts have been successful and remain ongoing. For many, not just in this neighborhood, the problem is simply not knowing that large object pick up is by request only. Schedule by calling 704-393-6900. For further details on waste guidelines, visit the Public Works webpage.

To further expand the efforts of town-wide beautification, the Town and Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful will host a community-wide cleanup on Saturday, April 17, from 9 am. to 12 pm. Tools like trash grabbers and safety vests will be provided. Look for further updates on this litter sweep soon.

Image via Unsplash photographer @elizabeth_mcdaniel

News Around Town: Check out the newest art piece in the Pollinator Garden of Country Place Park (corner of Country Place & S Trade). On January 29, local beekeepers and HAWK representatives hung a ceramic butterfly mobile made by beekeeper, potter, and Matthews resident Phil St Martin. Find the mobile in the tree closest to metalsmith Amy Hart’s upcycled bee sculpture.

Morning Minute: Monday, March 8, 2021

News About Town: Several advisory board meetings are coming up. Tomorrow, March 9, at 6:30 pm, the
Matthews Committee on Education will hold a remote meeting. At 7 pm the Environmental Advisory Committee will hold their monthly meeting at the Public Works Facility. The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Advisory Board meets at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, March 10, via Zoom. The Appearance/Tree Committee will have a meeting Monday, March 15 at 7 pm on Zoom and Tuesday, March 16, the Planning Board and Cultural Diversity Committee will hold a joint meeting via Zoom at 7 pm; they will each have their regular meetings at 7 pm on March 23, as well (Remote Planning Board, Cultural Diversity Committee). On the 18th at 7 pm, the Transportation Advisory Committee will hold a remote meeting.

Follow the calendar on the Town’s website for changes and updates.

News Around Town: Matthews Playhouse and the African American Playwrights Group recently announced the semi-finalist winners for the Playwright’s Festival. The Playhouse will host a reading from each semi-finalist on April 10. A panel of judges will determine the winning submission, which will be incorporated into the 2021-22 Matthews Playhouse season as either a one-act or full-length play the weekend of Sept. 10-12.

Kenyatt Godbolt’s Kings Without a Queen. Kenyatt is a speech pathologist who serves children with communication delays in Rowan and Cabarrus counties. In his first play, Kenyatt tells a complicated story about an unfaithful, middle-aged divorcee, David, who impregnates the mother of his son’s girlfriend. David struggles to accept personal responsibility while parenting his two sons without help.

Raven Monroe’s Love & Justice and Other Fairy Tales. Raven is a writer and actor with a BA in Theatre from UNC Charlotte and an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Tisch School of the Arts. Her work helps “diverse audiences expand their imaginings of who they are allowed to be.”

Rory Sheriff’s Speakeasy. Rory is a playwright, director, and producer. He’s also the CEO and Chief Executive Director of Brand New Sheriff, a nonprofit theater group that has been making

Crystal Joseph’s Cancer: A Love Story. Crystal Joseph is Executive Director and CEO of Crystal Clear Storyz, a local organization that utilizes various forms of creative arts to inspire, uplift and provide mental, emotional and spiritual healing.

Morning Minute: Friday, March 5, 2021

News About Town: The County Public Health department is hosting a vaccination event on Tuesday, March 9 at the Sportsplex, 2425 Sports Parkway, Matthews. The appointment-only clinic will vaccinate people who fall into Groups 1 through 3. Eligible people include:

Persons 65 and older, healthcare and public health workers, and frontline essential workers who are required to be on-site for work (including critical manufacturing, education and childcare, essential goods, food and agriculture, government and community services, public safety, and transportation).

Make an appointment here or call 980-314-9400, option 3 to schedule an appointment. If you have any questions, please email the Department of Public Health at MeckCVMS@mecknc.gov or call 980-314-9400 Option 3.

If you’re eligible as a member of Groups 1-3, vaccines will be available in Matthews at the Sportsplex next Tuesday, March 9.

News Around Town: Speaking of the Sportsplex, the Mecklenburg County facility won a Pioneer Athletics 2020 Fields of Excellence Award for the second year in a row. Pioneer Athletics, a manufacturer of field paints, honored 73 facilities across the country that adapted, delivered and exemplified excellence and dedication to their communities in 2020.

Morning Minute: Thursday, March 4, 2021

News About Town: The Monday, March 8 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. The Board will meet via Zoom (link here, meeting ID 968 7502 7732). To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter the meeting ID 950 3721 0068. A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

During the early meeting (5:30 pm) The Board of Commissioners will hear from CATS staff about the specific recommended alignment of the Silver Line through Matthews. Specific key points include the N. Trade St and Matthews St intersection analysis, as well as feedback from the most recent CATS/Silver Line public engagement session.

The regular Board of Commissioners meeting starts at 7 pm.

Items of note:

As the first meeting of the month, there’s lots of zoning. First up are public hearings. After each overview of the project and a short question/answer period by the Board of Commissioners and the Planning Board, the floor will be opened to public comment for each of the following applications:

Zoning Application 2020-725/Moore (and accompanying Zoning Application 2021-728/private streets text): A proposed development for up to 16 duplexes at 2132 Pleasant Plains Road. The accompanying application is to allow a privately maintained street in the development.

Zoning Application 2021-726/MUD text that accompanies Zoning Application 2021-727/Greylock Ridge Townhomes: 75 townhomes that will sandwich the future Greylock Ridge Extension, connecting John Street to Charles/Tank Town Road. A text change to the Unified Development Ordinance is required because currently a mixed-use development (MUD) zoning requires the lot to be at least 15 acres. The site for the proposed townhomes is 7.3 acres.

There are also two action items the Board will vote on:

Zoning Application 2020-722/Capital Independence: A multi-use development with 216 units in a variety of housing types.

Zoning Application 2020-724/Park Place Phase 3: A request by a developer to build six townhomes on a lot already approved for five.

Morning Minute: Monday, March 1, 2021

News About Town: The Matthews Community Center and McDowell Arts Center are re-opening for programs, rentals, and activities today (March 1). Although the County Health Directive has expired, previous guidelines are still in place: masks and social distancing are required in both facilities. Arrive slightly early to complete a health screening and temperature scan. Class registration is required (no drop ins) to maintain small class sizes. If you need any assistance registering for a program, please give the Community Center staff a call at 704-321-7275.

Image via Unsplash

News Around Town: Navigating road projects in the region can be complicated, but many roads lead back to the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO)--at least in terms of planning and funding. The CRTPO compiles regional projects submitted by local municipalities, scores them according to data, gathers public input, and determines if they fit the goals of the Organization. If the project meets the criteria, the project may make it into the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). A large part of the MTP is the project list, which identifies priority projects of all transportation modes for the next twenty or so years.  Each of the jurisdictions within CRTPO’s planning area had an opportunity earlier this year to submit projects for consideration. These projects will soon be evaluated and opened to the public for prioritization input. This is the perfect opportunity to dive right into everything that is local transportation.

One Good Thing: If you’re still not ready for in-person activities, the county website is chock full of resources to keep you entertained. Orchid killer? They’ve got tips to green up your thumb. Kids need to calm down? There’s an asana for that. Need to practice your Cupid Shuffle? Line it up! See what they’ve got here.

Morning Minute: Thursday, February 25, 2020

News About Town: The cupola at Town Hall has been under repair for the past couple months. As that work finishes up, the lights in the dome will get an upgrade, too. The Board of Commissioners voted (6-1) to have color changing lights installed in the cupola at a cost of $20,723. The lights will have computerized controls for easy programming. Lights may be added around the front frieze and clock in the future.

Image via Matthews HELP Center Facebook

News Around Town: It’s not quite spring, but Backporch Treasures, 119 N. Ames St., has been doing their fair share of spring spiffying. Staff and volunteers spent the day packing up the winter items and restocking with spring goods. Fully refreshed in time for the weather to provide a hint of seasons to come, the thrift boutique reopens today at 10 am. For the month of February, the boutique is offering a 10% off discount to grocery store employees.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, February 23, 2020

News About Town: Matthews is getting a new E-One Typhoon Heavy Rescue truck from Fire Connections Incorporated at a cost not to exceed $800,000. This truck will replace the department’s twenty three year old American LaFrance, a heavy rescue truck made by a now-defunct business. Suffice it to say, finding replacement parts for the current truck is a difficult and lengthy process. This new truck will take between 350 Fire trucks are built to spec, and this new truck is no different--once the contract for purchase is signed, it will take between 350 and 375 days for the manufacturer to deliver. If you’re interested in what this truck may look like, E-One has YouTube tours of similar trucks.

Image via Unsplash creative LVDWIG.

News Around Town: During COVID, the Levine Senior Center (1050 Devore Ln, Matthews) has been serving up hot lunches to area seniors. Each Friday, seniors over the age of 50 are invited to drive on through the parking lot between noon and 1:30pm (or until the food runs out) to pick up a to-go meal. The center also sets up a puzzle and book exchange to add a little pandemic entertainment to the service. The facility is following county guidelines and has remained closed for in-person activities at the facility, but will offer the annual AARP Tax-Aide program by appointment. Find out more here.

One Good Thing: Registration is open for the annual Blessed Assurance Golf Tournament. As the primary fundraiser for the adult day care, the golf tournament directly supports disabled veterans, seniors, and other adults with Alzheimer’s, or dementia. The event is scheduled for April 22 at Old Sycamore Club in Mint Hill. The program will last all day, starting with breakfast at 9am and a shotgun start at 10:30 am. Dinner will be served following the tournament. Registration starts at $100 per person, with corporate packages and hole sponsorships available as well.

Morning Minute: Monday, February 22, 2020

What’s Happening Around Town: There are two more opportunities to weigh in on Mecklenburg County’s budget. The county budget covers health and human services, some arts funding, some education dollars, criminal justice and public safety, and more. The county is hosting two more virtual budget workshops this year. Participate on February 24 (6pm), and 27 (9:30am). Register here.

Play with $2B imaginary dollars here.

Tune into the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) LYNX Silver Line Public Meeting this Thursday, February 25 at 5:30pm. The virtual meeting is your chance to learn about the Silver Line and give input for potential refinements to the proposed light rail project. CATS staff will cover preliminary recommendations for the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) and what factors led to the refinements already made. For more information, visit ridetransit.org/LYNXSilverLine.

Matthews Kiwanis are hosting a fundraiser on Tuesday, March 2 at Mooyah Matthews. Stop by Mooyah between 4 and 8pm, and when you place your order let them know you’re supporting Kiwanis. If you use the app, use code MatthewsFun to let them know your order supports Kiwanis. The funds the organization raises will go to efforts by the local chapter to support youth in Matthews through efforts like their Terrific Kid program.

One Good Thing: If your place of employment participates in workplace giving campaigns consider hosting a fundraiser for the United Service Organization (USO). The USO’s “Dollars for Duty” campaign in the month of May will support programs and services for active military service members and their families across the entire southeast region. For more information or to participate, contact Sandy Barnett.

Morning Minute: Thursday, February 18, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. The meeting starts at 7 pm, Monday, February 22. The Board will meet via Zoom (link here, meeting ID 950 3721 0068). To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter the meeting ID 950 3721 0068. A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

Items of note:
The Board will receive a CMS update from Southeast Learning Community Superintendent Dr. Tangela Williams. There are also eight items under new business (12 A. through H.) that include considering an ordinance revision to allow sport bow and arrow use by permit as well as a review of 2020 crime statistics.

Image via Unsplash contributor @neonbrand

News Around Town: Mecklenburg County is hosting budget workshops online this year, one of which is tonight; other dates include February 20, 24, and 27. Register here to rank the importance of budget lines and learn more about how funds are distributed.

Don’t Forget: Get a free COVID test today at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist (381 Crestdale Road) with the Atrium Mobile COVID Testing Unit from 8 am to 2:30 pm.

The Town blood drive is today at Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station Street, from 10am to 2:30pm.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, February 17, 2021

News About Town: On Thursday, February 11, Matthews Police stopped a man speeding on Independence. During the stop the officer noticed drug paraphernalia and called in a K9 unit. The man, a Stallings resident, was carrying a variety of illegal narcotics and paraphernalia and was arrested on-scene. The driver now has a lengthy list of charges against him: possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Distribute Schedule I; Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Distribute Schedule II; Possession with Intent to Manufacture/Sell/Distribute Schedule VI; and Possession with Intent to Sell/Distribute Marijuana.

Image via Atrium

News Around Town: Matthews resident and author Dr. John Reaves recently published his second book,, COVID-19: When Life Comes at You Fast. This collection of ten essays invites the reader to think more deeply about their own COVID-19 experience and learn universal truths about both ourselves and others. Learn more about the author here.

One Good Thing: Tomorrow, February 18, Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist (381 Crestdale Road) will once again host the Atrium Mobile COVID Testing Unit from 8 am to 2:30 pm. The testing clinic is drive-through--just answer a few questions, get a swab up the nose, and get a text with your results a few days later. For the safety of employees and others, please wear a mask.

Don’t Forget: The Town blood drive is tomorrow, too.

Morning Minute: Monday, February 15, 2021

News About Town: Several advisory board meetings are coming up over the next two weeks. The Appearance/Tree Committee Remote Meeting meets tonight at 7pm. The Transportation Advisory Committee meets Thursday (February 18) at 7 pm. On Tuesday, February 23, the Planning Board and the Cultural Diversity Committee both meet at 7pm. Don’t forget the Town-hosted Red Cross Blood Drive on February 18 from 10am until 2:30pm. Also, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is hosting a virtual meeting about the Silver Line on February 25 at 5:30pm.

News Around Town: Tomorrow evening (February 16, at 7pm), join area church leaders, Duke University’s Bishop William Willimon, and facilitator Tonya Rivens to virtually discuss “The Carolinas’ Last Lynching.” In 1947, the lynching of Willie Earle in Pickens, SC attracted international attention when an all-white jury exonerated Earle’s confessed killers. The national scandal that followed led to the formation of the nation’s first Civil Rights Commission. This is the eleventh Community Forum on Racial-Bridge Building hosted by a growing collective of Matthews churches, including Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist, Matthews Presbyterian, First Baptist Church of Matthews, Cross & Crown Lutheran, and Matthews United Methodist. Questions can be submitted via text during the event. Watch on Matthews UMC’s YouTube.

Morning Minute: Friday, February 12, 2021

News About Town: Charlotte Water will complete water line work along Matthews Station Street and Depot Lane next week. Repairs will be made on Old Depot Lane and Matthews Station Street starting on Monday, February 15. Work should be complete by the end of the week. Follow detour signs to avoid further delays.

Image via Unsplash @laurabriedis

News About Town: On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of East Independence Boulevard and Matthews Mint Hill Road. The victim, forty year old Melanie Lynn Haynes, was taken to the hospital by ambulance. On February 6, Ms. Haynes succumbed to her injuries.

According to pedbikeinfo.org, an NCDOT pedestrian/bicyclist crash data website, there were 23 ped/bike incidents in Matthews in 2019, two of which were fatal (search results for Matthews).

One Fun Thing: Two Matthews mainstays were recently named in a Top 5 Antique Shops in Charlotte. Both Antique Alley and Precious Restorations were listed in the national news blog, Kev’s Best, as two of the best places to shop for antiques in the area*. Give both businesses a well-deserved congratulations and a big ol’ thank you for bringing such wonderful attention to what Matthews has to offer! (*We’ll  let Kev’s knowledge of town boundaries slide.)

Morning Minute: Thursday, February 11, 2021

News About Town: On Tuesday night, after a lengthy discussion around safety measures and risk, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education announced students will begin the process of returning to in-person learning next week. Elementary, K-8, and some differently abled students will return to in-person learning during the week of February 15th for two days a week; Wednesdays will still be remote for all students. Middle and high schools will return the following week.

Many charter and private schools have remained open and will continue to do so.

On Wednesday, Governor Cooper announced school administration, teachers, and support staff will be eligible for the coronavirus vaccine starting February 24 as the first eligible in Group 3.

Image via Unsplash @austin_pacheco

News Around Town: The vacant Family Dollar Headquarters on Monroe Road will soon host a new tenant.

The Silverman Group, a NJ-based real estate firm, bought the 354,518-square-foot building for $10.5 million. After renovations and upgrades, the building will be rebranded as the Eastside Logistics building.

Potential uses for the industrial site include distribution and light manufacturing.

One Fun Thing: For the senior set feeling the need for a little literary entertainment, the Library on Call has something just for you. Dial-a-story short story, joke, or poem at (980) 331-7700; make your selection, and enjoy! Options for Spanish are available. Find out more by clicking here.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, February 9, 2021

News About Town: Yesterday morning the Police Department held the annual Officer, Civilian, Volunteer of the Year Award Ceremony. Chief Clark Pennington presented plaques and $50 gift certificates to each recipient. Citizen Volunteer John Willis received the Volunteer of the Year award for his dedication to serving the town through responding to more than 800 volunteer-appropriate calls, directing traffic, and leading Stop the Bleed training. Crime Analyst Amanda Bruner was hired in 2019 and has worked with officers, investigators, and command staff on a number of cases. Officer of the Year was awarded to Officer Don Warren. Officer Warren received an Intermediate Law Enforcement Certificate in 2020 and is the school resource officer at Crestdale Middle and serves as a training coordinator for the police department.

News Around Town: Because of COVID and other everyday hardships, many Mecklenburg County residents are faced with the choice between heating their home or buying necessities. Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services can help. The department oversees the county’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), which provides funds to eligible households to help with the payment of their immediate home energy needs. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2021 and payments are a one-time direct-to-the-vendor payment. For more info on criteria and how to apply, visit the county website or can call 704-336-3000.

One Fun Thing: Carolina Impact, a weekly regional news show, recently interviewed Commissioner Ken McCool about his experience running for and serving on the Board of Commissioners. Learn more about Commissioner McCool here.