Morning Minute: Thursday, September 16, 2021

News About Town: Town of Matthews Stormwater Supervisor Mike Ortlieb played detective earlier this week. When Mike found a wallet on the side of the road he looked inside to find the owner. The license showed an out of town address. The wallet also contained $400 in cash, credit cards, insurance cards, and treasured photos. Without a local address to go by, Mike started asking around in the area and eventually found the owner to return the wallet. The owner, Terri Morrison-Duncan, posted to the Town’s Facebook page,  “It is employees like Mike who give our town a great reputation, I am so proud to be a part of a town like Matthews. Even before this, I have heard many people say how well the Matthews staff handles the town’s needs. This incident shows the bar is set high for the town employees. Once again, I want to thank Mike for showing integrity, honesty, and escalating the reputation of the town of Matthews.”

News Around Town: Harris Teeter shoppers may notice a change in hours starting yesterday, September 15, until further notice. Store Hours of Operations will be 6am to 9pm. Inside the stores, the Fresh Foods Market Service Counter and Butchers & Fisherman's Market Service Counters will close at 8pm. Other amenities will close at 7pm. The stores also offer two hours every Monday and Thursday morning from 6 to 8am as senior shopping hours for shoppers aged 60 and over. 

One Fun Thing: Matthews' own Santa Bob (@bobaycock) is trying out the title "Mr. Halloween" by dusting off his skeletal pal Vincent Van Bones over on Instagram. When you need a break from the WFH grind, check out the antics of Vincent and his Halloweeny bird pals. It's officially spooky season!

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 15, 2021

News About Town: With just over 2,000 linear feet of sidewalk gaps throughout Matthews, incomplete sidewalks are a pedestrian concern. Soon one section will be filled in. The Board approved $59,777 (plus $6,000 contingency) to connect the 200' gap in front of the Fincher Farm House on McKee Road. Susan Habina-Woolard, Town Engineer, explained the intricacies of coordinating a Century Farm property, mature landscaping, and developer-installed sidewalks. Commissioner Jeff Miller recalled concerns from the residents of Windsor Run during his last campaign season, emphasizing the need to complete the sidewalk. Funds were allocated from the Sidewalk Construction Fund and work will be completed by DOT Construction Inc., the firm that recently completed the Crestdale Heritage Trail. 200' down, 1,800'+ to go.

News Around Town: Greenwood, a historical drama, set in Tulsa, OK, starts on the day of May 30th, 1921; the day leading up to the Black Wall Street massacre, will be on the Matthews Playhouse stage this weekend. Written by Coolidge Harris II and directed by Elizabeth Flax, Greenwood was the Winner of the African American Playwrights Group 2021 Playwright's Festival. In the play, Lucile and Red-Manning, owners of a boarding house located in the heart of the Greenwood district, realize they are both intricately linked to and threatened by a guest at their boarding house. Through a love story, Greenwood navigates the undercurrent of racial inequities on the most violent day in Black American history. There are three shows this weekend: Friday, September 17th @ 7:30pm, Saturday, September 18th @ 2:00pm (talkback afterwards) and Saturday, September 18th @ 8:00pm. Tickets are available online here. 

One Good Thing: This Friday, September 17, from 4 to 6:30pm, support Butler High School Baseball's BBQ Fall Festival Fundraiser. The team will have a dunk tank, raffles, and kids games for entertainment. Buy a $20 ticket for food and receive a pound of BBQ, rolls, cole slaw, and chips. The event is at the school, 1810 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd.

Morning Minute: Monday, September 13, 2021

News About Town: The town is recognizing former and current residents who have served or are serving in the military. Through the Town of Matthews Military Hometown Heroes Banner Program, current service members and those who have been honorably discharged may be recognized on a vinyl banner each Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The collection of banners will be displayed along John and Trade Streets, each with a photo of a service member and their name as well as branch and rank of military served. Know a service member to honor? Find out more here. The first round of applications closes Wednesday, September 15.

News Around Town: The Matthews HELP Center’s 10th Annual Golf “Fore” Families is coming up and today (September 13) is the last day to register. The event will be on September 21 at Raintree Country Club and lunch and dinner will be provided. Funds raised benefit housing assistance for those in need in the greater Matthews area.. 

One Good Thing: Wednesday, September 22 is World Car Free Day. Take the day to  experience a car-free lifestyle. Work from home, bike to the store, and walk to a friend’s house. Use the City of Charlotte trip planner and take the #27 bus up Monroe Rd into MoRa for some fun.

Morning Minute: Friday, September 10, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for Monday, June 14, is available online. The meeting is remote via Zoom (link here, meeting ID 867 8602 6098) or listen by calling toll free 888-788-0099 and enter the meeting ID 867 8602 6098. 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 5:30pm to discuss the eastern gateway small area plan. This plan is a draft document outlining appropriate uses for undeveloped properties at Idlewild and I-485.

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

• Considering a request to waive the One Year Moratorium for Rezoning Action at 1205 E. John Street;

• An opportunity for the board to provide feedback for the potential redevelopment of land around the vacant movie theater on Independence Blvd;

• Discussion of the McKee Road Sidewalk Gap.

News Around Town: Tryon Medical is the Charlotte area’s largest independent multi-specialty medical practice, and 100% owned by doctors. This Monday, September 13, Tryon Medical Partners is moving into their new and expanded Matthews medical clinic. The new offices are located in the completely renovated Rite Aid building, 630 Matthews Township Parkway, which has been transformed into an easily accessible, 11,000 foot clinic with ample parking. At first the clinic will have five doctors and a certified physician assistant. Later this fall the clinic will also offer care in cardiology, dermatology and endocrinology. 

One Good Thing: The American Farmland Trust is holding their annual Farmers’ Market Celebration Competition and the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market is a contender. This year the competition has three monetary prizes: $2,500 for first, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third to aid in marketing, communications, and other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact. Show them some local love by voting here. 

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 9, 2021

News About Town: Charlotte artist Eva Crawford has work on display in the upstairs lobby at Matthews Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station St. Crawford’s watercolor series “See of Humanity” depicts collages of detailed faces showing, the preciousness of all humanity. According to the artist, “The compositions become forever mended on one sheet of paper. These paintings are a prayer that together we can bond beyond socio-economic, racial, or political variances and perhaps see each other more clearly as our differences are embraced and celebrated.”

News Around Town: Locavores celebrate! Renfrow Farms’ has been harvesting summer veggies and will have tomatoes, okra, eggplant, and a few other items at the hardware store (188 N Trade St) by late morning this Friday. While you’re there, check out David’s newest antique score--a collection of hand tools and farm fare from a now-defunct local Matthews farm.

One Good Thing: Thursdays are $20 Dozens Days at Your Mom’s Donuts, 11025 Monroe Rd, Ste F and this week it’s cake week. Choose from an assortment of cake-inspired donuts like the Black Forest donut (chocolate cake and tart cherry cocoa cream make the base, followed by a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate ganache, topped with a brandied cherry) and a Keep Pound(cake)ing (a Panther’s-inspired lemon glaze with blueberry lemon pound cake chunks and a streak of blueberry jam drizzle over top of a classic donut).

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 8, 2021

News About Town: The town is accepting applications for tourism grants through September 27, 2021. These grants provide financial assistance to non-profits that promote visitation and tourism in Matthews. After the deadline, the Parks, Rec, and Cultural Advisory Committee will review applications and make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Have an interest but need some questions answered? Email Parks & Rec Director Corey King at cking@matthewsnc.gov.

Last year, grants were awarded in the following amounts: Charlotte City Ballet: $4,500; Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association: $13,500; Matthews Chamber of Commerce: $7,918; Charlotte Junior Rugby Association: $14,500; and Matthews Playhouse: $40,850; totaling $81,268. Tourism grant award amounts should equal 5% of the tourism revenue from the previous fiscal year. According to the 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the town board approved a  $1,497,937 tourism budget for Fiscal Year 2021. With consideration of the impact of COVID-19 on tourism income (like tax revenue from meals and lodging), grants may roughly total just under $75,000.

News Around Town: On Saturday, August 28, Victoria Crocker honored and remembered her grandmother, who passed away from colorectal cancer, and other loved ones impacted by cancer by displaying luminaries on the Town Green in front of Matthews Town Hall. Crocker participated in the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Lights of Hope Across America, an event to raise awareness toward policy changes needed in cancer care. Usually held in Washington, DC, the 2021 event was held in locations throughout all 50 states as well as Guam and Puerto Rico. To see Crocker’s display featured as part of the nationwide event, tune in on September 18 at 4pm at www.fightcancer.org/lights.

One Good Thing: Tacos deserve more than one day a week, especially when there are tasty options like Banh Mi Tofu and Crispy Chicken BLT. White Duck Taco in downtown Matthews (131 East John St) has all the options to make taste buds tingle from tortilla wrapped delights. With plenty of fresh air dining and mask-compliant staff, dining out feels almost normal.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, September 7, 2021

News About Town: On the afternoon of August 28, Engine 22 of the Matthews Fire & EMS Department responded to an unusual call. In an event we can only describe as taking the “cat stuck in a tree” trope to the next level, the Station 2 crew was called to help a fawn stuck in a fence. The crew was able to release the young deer, which suffered no injuries--save some minor embarrassment and local social media notoriety.

News Around Town: This Saturday, September 11, Independence Harley Davidson (9205 E Independence Blvd.) hosts A Tribute to Heroes, a free event honoring military personnel, veterans, and first responders. The dealership took nominations to honor local heroes, four of whom will be recognized during the event. Honky tonkin’ starts at 7pm with country singers Trey Lewis, Zac Kellum, and Meghan Patrick. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

One Fun Thing: Support the Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association (MARA) by going to see the Charlotte Knights. Purchase tickets (through this link) for the Saturday, September 18th Knights game and a portion of the proceeds will come back to MARA.

Morning Minute: Friday, September 3, 2021

News About Town: Hungry to know all there is to know about local government? Try Matthews 101. This 6-week covers all the ins and outs of local government including police, fire, public works and finance. The program starts on Thursday, September 16 at 6:30pm and is held each Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30pm. The application deadline has passed, but word around town is that there are still a few spots open so give it a go.

News Around Town: The Matthews UMC Parking Lot Concert Series starts again September 18. Kind of like a faith-based Food Truck Friday except on Saturday, the event takes place in the large parking lot at the church, 801 S Trade St. Enjoy the fresh (soon-to-be-fall) air while enjoying community, fellowship, and entertainment. Food trucks start serving at 5 and the music begins at 6pm. On September 18 the MUMC Praise Team will share family-friendly music in the Large Parking lot. Bring your own chairs and money for the Food Trucks: A Worthy Dog, Hungry Howie’s & I Scream 4 Ice Cream. More details here.

One Fun Thing: If you’ve ever dreamt of becoming the next Bill Watterson, there’s a class for that. Character Design for Entertainment with local illustrator Matthew Knapik is a six-week course at the Community Center that covers the basics of drawing a rich character ready for storytelling. Developed for children ages 7 to 12, Matthew will teach a variety of drawing styles like Disney and manga. If six weeks is too much of a gamble, give it a trial run for free on Saturday, September 11 or invest in the single-day crash course on October 16 for $50 (residents).

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 2, 2021

News About Town: The Matthews Police Department wants to know your thoughts on police services in Matthews. The Matthews Police Department Citizen Survey is open through 11:59pm, September 17 and is your opportunity to share what you think is good, bad, or indifferent about the department’s practices. The collected data will directly influence their strategic planning for the future.

News Around Town: It’s time once again for the Matthews Chamber of Commerce Annual Auto Reunion & Motorcycle Show. This Monday (Labor Day, Sept 6) enjoy an array of classic cars and unique motorcycles will take over the town green in front of the town hall from 9 am until 3 pm. Perusing is free at this family-friendly event and the show will go on—rain or shine. Got an antique car to show off? Pre-register to keep the social distancing easy.

One Fun Thing: As all good holidays deserve adequate preparation, you have three days to prepare for Be Late for Something Day this Sunday, September 5. If you opt in, make sure to share your tardiness at your leisure. If promptness is more your forte, the following day, September 6, is Fight Procrastination Day. Choose your festivities accordingly.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 1, 2021

News About Town: With the spread of the delta variant Town meetings are back to virtual. Advisory board meetings this month include:

• Veterans Advisory Committee (tonight at 7pm);

• Parks, Rec, and Cultural Resources Committee (Wednesday, September 8 at 6:30pm);

• Matthews Committee on Education (Tuesday, September 14, 6:45pm);

• Environmental Advisory Committee (Tuesday, September 14, 7pm);

• Transportation Advisory Committee (Thursday, September 16, 7pm);

• Appearance and Tree Committee (Monday, September 20, 7pm);

• Planning Board (Tuesday, September 28, 7pm);

• Cultural Diversity Committee (Tuesday, September 28, 7pm).

News Around Town: The community of Matthews has suffered a great loss with the recent death of Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics and Cheerleading co-owner Julie O’Brien. Through programming, Charlotte Allstars serves more than 1,000 youth athletes, largely because of Julie's vision to create a gym with open doors and a philosophy of love. The local gym offered a safe space for virtual learning last year and often opens their doors to community at large on school holidays. Julie passed away August 24 after battling COVID. A GoFundMe has been set up to provide support to her two children.

One Good Thing: Tails are gonna be wagging this Friday, September 3, when the Purser-Hulsey Dog Park opens! The park, located at 3024 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, will open daily at dawn and close at dusk. Two areas are fenced so small dogs (under 25 pounds) can play without getting trampled by their bigger friends. The spigots aren’t running yet, so bring some water for your canine BFF.

Morning Minute: Friday, July 30, 2021

News About Town: Matthews Gives Back is back! Area churches and nonprofits are partnering with the police department for Matthews Gives Back School Supply Drive. If you would like to donate new supplies check out the online shopping list through Amazon. If your child needs supplies, fill out this application or call the HELP Center (704-847-8383). Join the police and the program sponsors for a community cook-out and supply giveaway on August 20 at Matthews Sportsplex Field 6, 1505 Tank Town Rd.

News Around Town: Did you know Mecklenburg County offers limited spots of free pre-k for county residents? Applications are currently open, and the department has extended offices hours to help applicants with the form. The county partners with four- and five-star childcare centers throughout the area to provide pre-k education to children who are or will be four years old before August 31. Find out more or apply online here.

One Fun Thing: Generations Corvette Club will be at Mac’s Speed Shop tomorrow (July 31) at 5pm. The club’s members have Corvettes spanning back to the sixties. Feast your eyes on some metal, satiate your desire for smoked meat, then stay for the aural treat that is singer-songwriter Austin McNeill, who takes the mic at 6pm.

Don’t Forget:

• Tuesday, August 3, 6pm - 9pm: National Night Out with Matthews Police at Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade. This annual event, in it's 37th year, encourages neighborhoods to meet as one community and get to know each other as well as the Officers who serve it.

• August 17, 7pm: Matthews Board of Commissioners Candidate Forum will take place at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 381 Crestdale Rd.

Morning Minute: Friday, July 23, 2021

News About Town: As is tradition, there will be no second Board of Commissioners meeting this month. The next meeting will be August 9.

Several advisory board meetings are coming up over the next two weeks. The Planning Board and Cultural Diversity Committee both have remote meetings scheduled for this Tuesday (July 27) at 7 pm. The following week the Veterans Advisory Committee (August 4, 7pm) and the Board of Adjustment (August 5, 7pm) will meet.

With the expiration of the Governor’s COVID Emergency Declaration on July 31, all board and advisory board meetings will resume as in-person meetings on August 1.

News Around Town: Filing has closed for the 2023/24 Board of Commissioners campaign season.
Current Mayor John Higdon will run unopposed. Eight Matthews residents have declared candidacy for the Board: Dani Burnham, Renee Garner, Gina Hoover, Heather Spicer Laws, Ken McCool, Mark Tofano, John Urban, and Larry Whitley. The first candidate forum will take place at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 381 Crestdale Rd., on August 17 at 7pm. Election day for Matthews commissioners is Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

One Good Thing: It was a busy night on the green (green-adjacent?) in front of Town Hall as interested community members attended the Silver Line open house. A steady flow of people visited pop up tents with details of the soft plans for the future Silver Line. The open house provided opportunity for input and feedback on the alignment, priorities, transit oriented design, and station design. The highlight of spending time engaged with the town on a hot summer evening? A cup of flavored Italian ice as a thanks for participating.

Don’t Forget:

• Tuesday, August 3, 6pm - 9pm: National Night Out with Matthews Police at Stumptown Park, 120 S. Trade. This annual event, in it's 37th year, encourages neighborhoods to meet as one community and get to know each other as well as the Officers who serve it.

• August 17, 7pm: Matthews Board of Commissioners Candidate Forum will take place at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 381 Crestdale Rd.

Morning Minute: Thursday, July 15, 2021

News About Town: This past Monday the Board of Commissioners held their regular meeting at Town Hall. A public hearing was held for Zoning Application 2021-730/Williams Road subdivision. The hearing was continued until the August 9 board meeting. The former JC Penney building will have a new resident soon--the façade for At Home was approved with a few minor conditions. The Board also discussed future board's salary. An increase could not be approved, salary increases must be approved during the annual town budget process.

News Around Town: Candidates are throwing their hats in the ring for the 2021 Board of Commissioners election. John Higdon has filed for reelection as mayor. Six Matthews residents have declared candidacy for the Board: Dani Burnham, Gina Hoover, Heather Spicer Laws, Ken McCool, Mark Tofano, and John Urban. Filing closes Friday, July 16 at noon. Election day is Tuesday, November 2 of this year.

One Good Thing: On Friday, July 16, the Fire Department and Police Department will go toe to toe at Stumptown Park (120 S. Trade Street), and this time they’re out for blood. Support the department dearest to your heart by donating blood with One Blood during the annual “Battle of the Badges” blood drive event. Stop by the park between 2pm and 8pm to give, but make sure to let them know which department you support. The department with the most blood banked wins bragging rights! Walk-ins are welcome, but schedule an appointment for a smooth and easy process. Aside from feeling good from giving, you’ll also receive some swag, including a free first responders t-shirt, a $20 eGift card, and a wellness checkup.

Don’t Forget: CATS will host a Transit Oriented Design input session on July 22 in front of Matthews Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station St. The outdoor, family-friendly event will take place from 5:30 to 7 pm. The County and community partner StarMed Healthcare will provide walk-up vaccinations during the meeting. Visit Starmed.Care or call the MCPH at 980-314-9400 for more information.

Morning Minute: Monday, July 1

News About Town: Fire Station 1 in Downtown Matthews recently received a facelift, nip/tuck, and augmentation. Ok, actually the façade was given a fresh coat of paint, the sign dropped the word “volunteer,” and an LED-illuminated scramble (logo) was installed. The new scramble (replacing the previous volunteer version) will also be used on patches for uniforms and printed on tees. This new branding is the next step in transitioning from a predominantly volunteer department to a predominantly career department, a major change for fire-protection services for Matthews.

News Around Town: This Sunday, July 4, is Free Fishing Day in NC. Though bait, tackle, length, and daily possession regulations still apply, fishing licenses are not required on Free Fishing Day. The NC Wildlife Commission lists two spots in the ‘105 to fish: Squirrel Lake Park (1631 Pleasant Plains Rd.) and Col. Francis Beatty Park (4330 Weddington Rd.). Meck County Parks and Rec lists Idlewild Road Park’s (10512 Idlewild Rd.) two-acre pond as another fishin’ hole. Need equipment but don’t know if you want to invest in your own rod? Call the Community Center (704-321-7275), loaners are available for fishing at Squirrel Lake.

One Important Thing: Matthews Community Farmers’ Market is celebrating 30 years of supporting local agriculture. In honor of the milestone, the market is going 30-for-30, asking supporters for a $30 donation. Each donation will further the market’s efforts in fostering the next generation in the agricultural community, expanding educational programs, and providing wholesome foods to vulnerable members of the community. Give here.

Don’t Forget:

• The Town of Matthews Parks, Rec, and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee meeting taking place on July 14, 2021 at 6:30pm to discuss an upcoming mural project by Osiris Rain at the Loyalist.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, June 23, 2021

News About Town: Put on your shaggin’ shoes, the Matthews Summer Concert Series continues this Friday with beach music from Blackwater Band. Dinner-fare and dessert food trucks open at 5pm and the music starts at 6pm. No tickets are needed. Don’t forget to pencil in July 3 for the 4th of July Concert featuring The Tim Clark Band.

News Around Town: Tonight’s your last chance to catch the Charlotte Independence at the Sportsplex when they host Charleston. Independence moved to the Sportsplex in 2017, their fourth home since their inaugural season in 2015, with the intention of moving to American Legion Memorial Stadium. Doors open at 6:30pm and the game starts at 7. Get your tickets here.

One Fun Thing:

Don’t Forget:

• The Town of Matthews Parks, Rec, and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee meeting taking place on July 14, 2021 at 6:30pm to discuss an upcoming mural project by Osiris Rain at the Loyalist.