Morning Minute

Morning Minute: Monday, June 21

News About Town: Several advisory board meetings are coming up over the next two weeks. The Tree and Appearance Committee meets in-person tonight at 7pm at the Community Center . On Tuesday (June 22) at 7 pm, the Planning Board (virtual meeting, info here) and the Cultural Diversity Committee (virtual meeting, info here) have scheduled meetings. On Thursday, July 1, the Board of Adjustments meets in Town Hall at 7 pm.

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News Around Town: Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity (GMHFH) is excited to announce that after a three-year pause, they will be accepting applications to purchase a home through their New Homeownership Program July 7th, 8th, and 9th. Applications can be completed online or a paper copy can be picked up from their office at 2447 East John St. during the application period. There will be a non-refundable $25 application fee.
Find the detailed list of what’s needed to complete the application on the Habitat website. Construction of this home is expected to begin this fall. Want more info about home sponsorship? Email sarah@habitatmatthews.org.

One Important Thing: Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is hosting a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Community Meeting online tomorrow, June 22. The virtual meeting will provide information and an opportunity to discuss station locations and the desired development along the Silver Line, which will stretch from Belmont to Matthews, and possibly into Union County. Watch and participate through chat on the CATS YouTube channel. Have questions to ask? Email them to LYNXTODStudy@publicinput.com.

Don’t Forget:

Morning Minute: Friday, June 11, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for Monday, June 14, is available online. The meeting will be hybrid, so those wishing to watch online can use Zoom (link here, meeting ID 940 6541 3904) or listen by calling toll free 888-788-0099 and enter the meeting ID 940 6541 3904. 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.

The Board will meet at 5pm to discuss town hiring practices.

Some items of note for the 7pm meeting include, but are not limited to:

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News About Town II: On May 24, the Police Department held their Annual Awards Ceremony at the Matthews Community Center. A number of awards were presented, mostly for actions that flew under the radar of public recognition.

  • Jay Gurian, of Union County Emergency Management, was presented a Mutual Aid Award for acquiring COVID vaccinations for Matthews Police Officers from extra doses that were not being utilized by community residents.

  • - Lt. David Ruby and Communications Supervisor Jennifer Williams were given the Civic Achievement Award for their self-initiated fundraising work raising money to assist two Matthews Police officers that were having financial hardships.

  • Officer Chuck Blevins, Officer Mark Wilson, Sgt. Chris Duryee, and Officer Hoza Scott responded to a call for service for a person in distress. Upon arrival, the officers found a male and female who appeared to be a narcotics overdose. These officers were presented a Life-Saving Award for their teamwork administering life saving techniques until Medic could arrive and render further medical care.

  • Lt. Steven Rozina, Detective Marlon Cockerham, Officer Kevin Osuch, Crime Analyst Amanda Bruner were awarded a Unit Citation for their work within the Street Crimes Unit in locating and apprehending a suspect that was wanted in a Homicide investigation and multiple shooting incidents in Monroe, NC.

  • Det. Lori Valdes was awarded a Police Commendation for her dedication to an elderly woman who was being abused by their adult son. Det. Valdes continued to work with the woman and family members after the investigation to ensure that the victim was safe and had received follow-up services.

Don’t Forget:

Morning Minute: Wednesday, June 9, 2021

News About Town: On May 24, the Police Department held their Annual Awards Ceremony at the Matthews Community Center. Prior to the awards, the department recognized recent promotions within the department. There are a great many officers and staff within the department to recognize. We’ll share the awards in Friday’s Morning Minute.

  • Det. Nicole Fiato was promoted to Detective from Officer and will be assigned to the Street Crimes Unit;

  • Det. Sgt. Chris Duryee was promoted to Sergeant from Corporal and will be assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division;

  • Sgt. Nick Helms was promoted to Sergeant from Corporal and will be assigned to the Patrol Division;

  • Sgt. Lance Paugh was promoted to Sergeant from Corporal and will be assigned to the Patrol Division;

  • Sgt. Julius Robertson was promoted to Sergeant from Officer and will be assigned to the Patrol Division as a School Resource Supervisor;

  • Lt. Grant Nelson was promoted to Lieutenant from Sergeant and will be assigned as the Commander of Patrol Division 2 of the Operational Services Bureau;

  • Lt. Jeff Troyer was promoted to Lieutenant from Sergeant and will be assigned as the Commander of the Office of Professional Standards of the Special Services Bureau;

  • Lt. Steven Rozina was promoted to Lieutenant from Sergeant and will be assigned as the Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Support Services Bureau;

The department also recognized Lt. David Ruby. After 26 years of dedicated service to the Matthews Police Department (30 in law enforcement), Lt. Ruby, Commander of the Office of Professional Standards, retired.

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One Good Thing: The Town of Matthews Parks, Rec, and Cultural Resources Department would love to hear your thoughts on an upcoming mural project in downtown Matthews. The mural, to be located on the outside of the Loyalist’s patio (435 N. Trade St. #102), will be created by internationally recognized Charlotte artist Osiris Rain. Tune into the Advisory Committee meeting taking place on July 14, 2021 at 6:30pm to see two options and add to the conversation. This meeting will be virtual; find more information here.

Morning Minute: Monday, June 7, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners will meet with town staff for a FY 21/22 Budget Workshop tonight at 6 pm at Town Hall. This is the third budget meeting. The Board will have a Public Hearing for budget input at the June 14 meeting. Currently the Town Manager is requesting a 1.5-cent property tax increase from .28 to .295.

A livestream of the meeting will be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel, as well as Zoom. To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter meeting ID 958 3933 3558. For the full agenda and the process for public comment, visit the town website.

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News Around Town: Skip the summer learning backwards slide by signing up for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library’s Summer Break. Sign up to participate then read 30 minutes a day, complete five other fun activities, and win prizes. Starting today and running through August 14, the library has a community goal to log 35,000,000 hours of reading this summer.

One Good Thing: Matthews Playhouse has two more performances of Godspell at Stumptown Park next weekend (June 12 and 13, both at 7:30 pm). The play features a small band on stage whose music sets the parables of Jesus to life. The actors are an array of personalities seeking to better understand the teachings of Jesus in a modern and engaging way. Don’t miss this show! The tickets are $10 a person (minimum $20) per four-person pod.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 26, 2021

News About Town: Matthews monarchs are going to be extra happy this year—and no, we won't be seeing the queen. This past Saturday, May 22, the Appearance and Tree Committee (an advisory board to the Board of Commissioners) hosted a drive through milkweed sale. Milkweed, the host plant for monarchs, sustain the butterflies on their annual migration. Having access to milkweed is a major cornerstone in their survival. During the sale, the committee sold 200 plants in an hour and a half!

Image via Unsplash photographer @aaronburden

Image via Unsplash photographer @aaronburden

News Around Town: Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 is hosting the annual Memorial Day Celebration this Monday, May 31, at Stumptown Park and the Matthews Veterans Memorial Park, 120 South Trade Street. The Matthews Concert Band will play at this bring-your-own-chair event starting at 10:30am. The ceremony begins at 11.

One Fun Thing: Zab’s is hosting Upcycle University on June 2 from 5 to 6pm. This time around learn how to turn candle holders, trays, platters, pie and/or cake pans into a tiered stand that can be used in all sorts of decorative ways. The event is suitable for people of all abilities, ages 16 and up. The cost is $8, and masks and social distancing are required.

Don’t Forget:

  • Transit Oriented Development Series with CATS: TOD: Building Equity as Part of Transit & TOD, Thursday, May 27, 1-3pm, register here.

  • Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 Annual Memorial Day Celebration, Monday, May 31, at Stumptown Park and the Matthews Veterans Memorial Park, 120 South Trade Street. The Matthews Concert Band will play at 10:30am. The ceremony begins at 11.

  • Cruise for a Cause: Jekyll and Hyde’s Fathers Day Car Show and Cruise, 316 N Trade St, Matthews,Sunday, June 20, noon-2pm.

Morning Minute: Monday, May 24, 2021

News About Town: Tonight’s Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. The Board will meet via Zoom (link here, meeting ID 938 2467 3407). To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter the meeting ID 938 2467 3407. 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.

Some items of note for the 7pm meeting include:

  • Recognition of Junteenth and Pride Month ahead of June.

  • A presentation of the results of the Community Survey.

  • Information on Fire & EMS Department’s branding revisions.

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News Around Town: The USA Gymnastics Women’s Development Program National Championships (Formerly Junior Olympics National Championships) for Level 10 athletes concluded Sunday, May 16,  in Daytona Beach, Florida. Matthews senior Lali Dekanoidze finished first in Senior D All-Around (all four events) with a score of 38.900 out of 40. In November of last year, Lali signed a National Letter of Intent for the UNC Chapel Hill Gymnastics team.

One Fun Thing: Fancy car owners, rev up your engines and head on over to Jekyll and Hyde’s event page to register for Cruise With a Cause on Sunday, June 20. The "cruise" portion of the event is driving over to the Belmont Jekyll and Hyde brewery. The registration fee is $15 a car, with proceeds going to veterans organizations. Participants will receive a goodie bag and tee shirt.

Don’t Forget:

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 19, 2021

News Around Town: May is National Bike Month! To encourage more residents to get out on two wheels Mecklenburg County’s Park and Recreation Department, in collaboration with Public Health’s Active Living and Injury Prevention team, has launched a series of virtual educational programs. They aim to increase and improve opportunities for physical activity with a focus on bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Residents can visit the County’s YouTube page for helpful videos. The two-minute video on riding on roads without a bike lane is particularly helpful, but also check out the tutorials on the proper helmet fit and fitting a bike.

Image by Unsplash Photographer @christinhumephoto

Image by Unsplash Photographer @christinhumephoto

One Good Thing: If you haven’t heard of the FCC’s EBB, maybe it’s time you did. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a Federal Communications Commission program to alleviate the financial strain of cell phone and internet costs during the pandemic. Recipients must meet one of five eligibility requirements, apply for acceptance with the FCC program, then must contact their preferred service provider to select an Emergency Broadband Benefit eligible service plan. Charter/Spectrum and Windstream are both listed as participating providers.

Don’t Forget:

  • Transit Oriented Development Series with CATS: Setting the Stage for TOD in Small and Big Cities, Thursday, May 20, 1-2:30pm, register here.  

  • Moxie Mercantile (159 N. Trade St.) grand opening celebration, Saturday, May 22, 10am - 6pm, with music, champagne, and lots of shopping. The shop will open its doors May 18 at 11 am.

  • Milkweed for Monarchs Plant Sale, Saturday, May 22, 9-11am.

  • Transit Oriented Development Series with CATS: TOD: Building Equity as Part of Transit & TOD, Thursday, May 27, 1-3pm, register here.

Morning Minute: Monday, May 17, 2021

News About Town: Disc golfers filled Squirrel Lake Park yesterday for the PAR2 Disc Golf Tournament. Even with another tournament in Charlotte on the same day, cars overflowed from the parking lot onto Pleasant Plains Rd throughout the morning and afternoon while 181 participants played 18 par 2 holes. Parks and Rec listed the winners on Facebook as follows:

Competitive Men
1st) Brad C. +1
2nd) Fred C. +2

Competitive Women
1st) Naomi D. +16
2nd) Melora C. +18

Recreational Men
1st) Joe S. +2
T2nd) Alex A. +4
T2nd) Kris H. +4

Recreational Women
1st) Catherine S. +14
2nd) Jo Dee A. +15

Junior Boys
1st) Walker W. +11
2nd) Nils F. +20

Junior Girls
1st) Elise C. +26
2nd) Jewel S. +28

Image via Unsplash photographer @ted_johnsson

Image via Unsplash photographer @ted_johnsson

News Around Town: JC Penney shuttered its doors in Windsor Square yesterday, leaving another big box hole in local retail. Other retailers rightsizing their brick and mortar operations include Bed Bath & Beyond, DSW, and Tuesday Morning, though there is no indication that any of these shops are closing their Matthews locations.

One Good Thing: Matthews Heritage Museum needs your vote! The Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly “Best of the Weekly” contest runs until May 28. Remember to vote once per day for the Heritage Museum as the “Best Local Museum” under the Arts and Entertainment category.

Don’t Forget:

  • Transit Oriented Development Series with CATS: Setting the Stage for TOD in Small and Big Cities, Thursday, May 20, 1-2:30pm, register here.  

  • Moxie Mercantile (159 N. Trade St.) grand opening celebration, Saturday, May 22, 10am - 6pm, with music, champagne, and lots of shopping. The shop will open its doors May 18 at 11 am.

  • Milkweed for Monarchs Plant Sale, Saturday, May 22, 9-11am.

  • Transit Oriented Development Series with CATS: TOD: Building Equity as Part of Transit & TOD, Thursday, May 27, 1-3pm, register here.

Morning Minute: Friday, May 14, 2021

News About Town: Town Manager Hazen Blodgett presented the recommended budget for Town of Matthews Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-2022 during the 5:30pm Town Board meeting this past Monday.

The presented budget is $26,445,714, representing a 1.9% ($505,839) decrease from the FY20-21 amended budget of $26,951,553, and includes a 1.5-cent property tax increase from .28 to .295. This increase is designated for seven new positions to meet the operational needs of the organization. These positions include four in the Matthews Police Department, one in Matthews Fire & EMS, and two in Matthews Public Works.

A budget workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 18 at 6:00pm. During the workshop the Board will provide feedback and further direction for the Manager’s Budget. The public will have an opportunity for feedback during the public hearing on Monday, May 24 at 7:00pm. The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to adopt the budget at their regular meeting on Monday, June 14.

New homeowners Celestin and Marie (image courtesy Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity)

New homeowners Celestin and Marie (image courtesy Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity)

News Around Town: Moxie Mercantile is officially opening their doors at 159 N. Trade St., Matthews on May 18.  Guests can visit the 2,700 sq ft and shop from hundreds of vendors including new-to-Moxie clothing brands, locally-owned companies, female-focused small businesses, and more.

On its Grand Opening Day, May 22, Moxie will celebrate by giving back to a hyperlocal local charity partner, Thompson, where 10% of profit will benefit their Family Support and Stability program. The store will have live music and champagne throughout the day celebrate their opening. Guests are reminded to wear masks and participate in social distancing as the store will be managing capacity and implementing standard COVID-related practices.

Store hours are as follows: Tues - Friday 11am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 6pm, Sunday 12pm - 4pm.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 12, 2021

News About Town: At Monday’s Board of Commissioners Meeting, the Board approved two zoning related items:

  •  Zoning Application 2021-729/text: Amends the Unified Development Ordinance (the document that determines allowable uses in zoning matters) to add “indoor commercial recreation not otherwise listed” in the B-3 zoning district. B-3 is considered the High Rise Business District. This will allow Inner Peaks Climbing Gym to stay competitive in business while offering customers a taller climbing experience.

New homeowners Celestin and Marie (image courtesy Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity)

New homeowners Celestin and Marie (image courtesy Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity)

News Around Town: Join Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity (GMHFH) this Saturday, May 15th at 10 am, on Facebook Live to dedicate the 114th home in the Greater Matthews community with new homeowners Celestin and Marie. According to Habitat, “Celestin, and his mother Marie, will be purchasing the home through an interest-free affordable mortgage with GMHFH and contributed over 200 hours of ‘sweat equity’ in lieu of a down payment. The family, which includes Marie, her son Celestin, and four other sons, emigrated to the United States from Rwanda.” 

One Good Thing: Have a small business and want to partner with the Beacon to get your name out? We’ve got options for all price points! Contact us for community-building opportunities!

Morning Minute: Monday, May 10, 2021

News About Town: Advisory board meetings are coming up this month and are a great way to keep up with everything Matthews. Both the Matthews Committee on Education (6:30pm) and the Environmental Advisory Committee (7pm) meet remotely on Tuesday, May 11. The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee will meet Wednesday, May 12, at 6:30 pm via Zoom (agenda). On Monday, May 17, the Appearance and Tree Committee will hold a Zoom meeting at 7 pm. On Thursday, May 20 at 7pm, the Transportation Advisory Committee will host their monthly meeting via Zoom. Last, but not least, the Planning Board and the Cultural Diversity Committee both are holding remote meetings on Tuesday, May 25 at 7pm.

Image via Unsplash photographer @edwardstark

Image via Unsplash photographer @edwardstark

News Around Town: It’s National Bike Month, and Matthews is ripe for celebrating. For the mountain biker, Matthews has Purser Hulsey Park, completed with three bike trails totaling nearly 4 1/2 miles of hilly, mostly wooded terrain. Meanwhile, the greenway has multiuse paths with ample space for a leisurely ride, but for those who prefer asphalt, check out weeklyrides.com for rides in Matthews. In the words of Queen, “Get on your bikes and ride!”

One Fun Thing: Ten Bloom Cakes (130 Matthews Station St, #1-H, in the former Edible Arts location) is hosting a cake decorating workshop on May 23. Learn to use a palette knife to form beautiful buttercream bouquets with owner Miri Nadler.

Morning Minute: Friday, May 7, 2021

News About Town: The Monday, May 10 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. The Board will meet via Zoom (link here, meeting ID 957 3791 2935). To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter the meeting ID 957 3791 2935. 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.

A 5:30 pm meeting is scheduled for the Board to receive the Town Manager’s budget presentation for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.

Some items of note for the 7pm meeting include:

  • Discussing local and national issues with NC District 9 Representative Dan Bishop.

  • Motion 2021-1/text amendment: a text amendment to the UDO to allow a six-foot fence in the front yard setback along major thoroughfares with proper setbacks and vegetative screening.

  • An increased cost to lease the parking lot between the railroad and Seaboard.

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News Around Town: As the Silver Line plans begin to take shape, concerns regarding the possibility of accompanying development arise. Charlotte Area Transit Systems (CATS) has partnered with Urban Land Institute (ULI)-Charlotte to create a free, two-part Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Series to support those conversations around the Silver Line corridor.

Setting the Stage for TOD in Small and Big Cities (May 20, 1-2:30pm, register here) covers TOD in various forms and different contexts. Panelists will discuss how transit can enhance and preserve the places it serves by proactively managing changes as they arise.

Equitable TOD: Building Equity as Part of Transit & TOD (May 27, 1-3pm, register here) covers the equitable distribution of benefits from TOD through thoughtful strategies around affordable housing, public health, and strong local businesses.

Don’t Forget:

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 5, 2021

News Around Town: Restaurants still struggling as the economy reopens may have another boost of monetary relief available. The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) provides funding to restaurants equal to pandemic-related revenue loss. Repayment isn’t required as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Register for an account here, applications are accepted in tiers. Find more information here.

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One Fun Thing: ASC’s Southeast Virtual Block Party is coming up next week (Thursday, May 13 at 6pm). An online version of the popular Culture Block series, the East Charlotte, Mint Hill & Matthews Block Party will include dance and musical performances. After the performances, ASC will facilitate a conversation to learn more about the kinds of arts, science and cultural events that are desired in east and southeast Mecklenburg. This conversation will directly result in ASC’s collaboration with libraries, recreation centers, community members, cultural organizations and artists to start providing activities based on the feedback provided. Registration required. Want more Culture Blocks? Virtual options are listed here, including pottery, music, and even The Rainbow Fish presented by Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts.

Don’t Forget:

Morning Minute: Monday, May 3, 2021

News About Town: Over the past several decades, monarch populations have been in decline and Matthews won't sit idly by. In March of this year, Mayor Higdon signed a Monarch Pledge with the National Wildlife Federation promising to urge the community to plant native milkweeds and nectar-producing plants. He also issued a Proclamation to raise awareness about the decline of the monarch butterfly and the species’ need for habitat. One of the easiest ways to support monarchs is to provide nectar and a host plant for their annual migration. Conveniently, the Town of Matthews Appearance & Tree Advisory Committee is hosting a native milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) sale on May 22 from 9 to 11am in the Matthews United Methodist Church parking lot. The cash only drive-thru plant sale will provide COVID-safe precautions while supporting pollinator populations. Don't get greedy with your butterfly weedy: plants are $5 each and there's a limit to 10 plants per customer.

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News Around Town: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is hosting a Community Engagement Session via Zoom this Wednesday, May 5 at 6pm. Hosted by the Office of Student Assignment and School Choice, the meeting will provide information about the relief school for Bain, Lebanon Road, Piney Grove Elementary Schools, and, due to proximity, will likely also provide relief for Matthews and Crown Point Elementary Schools.

One Fun Thing: Venture up Monroe Rd this Saturday to the McAlpine Business Park barn (8300 Monroe Road, Charlotte) in MoRa for the Carolina Clay Matters Spring Pottery Festival. This is your chance to snatch up some of Matthews artist Jennifer Stone Carroll’s ceramics. Jennifer will be one of 50 artists selling wares at the incredibly popular festival.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, April 28, 2021

News About Town: This past Monday, at the Board of Commissioners meeting, Becky Willard and Paula Lester updated the Board on recent activities by the Matthews Historical Foundation. The Foundation has been busy repairing and revamping the Reid House. They've also been digging into the history of the as Roseland Cemetery while Hoke Thompson worked hard to revitalize the property. Under Hoke’s leadership, 75 volunteers have removed seven tons of debris from the land. He and members of the Historical Foundation have also identified more headstones than were previously realized. The project has a few items to be completed before opening for the public, including a battlefield style fence and installation of an informative sign.

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News Around Town: International Sculpture Day was on April 27. If you also missed the opportunity to celebrate “advancing the creation and understanding of sculpture and its unique, vital contribution to society,” take a self-guided tour around Matthews. Don’t miss Tom Risser’s steel Love sculpture between Seaboard and the railroad parking lot, the crane in front of the McDowell Arts Center, and Selma Burke’s sculpture in the lobby of Town Hall. If you’re in the mood to combine a bike ride and art appreciation, there’s plenty to see along the greenway!

One Fun Thing: Matthews Park and Rec (fun things two days in a row…they’re busy!) is hosting a Par 2 Disc Golf Tournament on May 15 and registration closes tomorrow, the 29th. The tournament, presented by Prodigy Disc, will be at Squirrel Lake Park, 1631 Pleasant Plains Rd. The $30.00 entry fee includes one full round of play, and a players pack of discs. A Replay Round is an additional $5.00. The Squirrel Lake course is 12 holes, so six temporary baskets will break up some of the longer holes in order to create 18 holes. Register here.