Morning Minute: Thursday, October 14, 2021

News About Town: Many town documents are not policy documents but serve as idea books for future planning; the Composite Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (CBPP) is one such planning document. The CBPP keeps an inventory of greenways, bike trails, sidewalks, and other paths, while defining future functionality and possible connectivity to increase transportation options. Having a documented plan also makes some projects eligible for funding through transportation grants. The Board of Commissioners approved updates to the CBPP this past Monday to include new items such as the Silverline Rail Trail. See the changes (in red) here.

Thank you, Kathleen Bellavia for the photo! Share your photo with Beacon readers.

News About Town: There’s a new COVID testing facility in Matthews and it’s free. StarMed , the same organization that has served the county at Bojangles Coliseum, has a drive thru testing facility set up in the parking lot of the now-closed Cinemark Movies 10 parking lot (9508 Northeast Ct.) Fill out an online questionnaire, receive a confirmation number, and drive on up. StarMed offers both PCR and rapid tests.

One Good Thing: Congratulations are in order for the Butler High School Marching Band and Color Guard. The Bulldogs won place in music, visual, percussion, and color-guard as well as the Grand Champion title in the silver division at competition in Boiling Springs, SC this past Saturday, October 9.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, October 13, 2021

News About Town: Town Planner Rob Will and Town Transportation Engineer Susan Habina Woolard presented a possible update to the Transportation Impact Analysis (TIA) Ordinances for public hearing at the Monday night Board of Commissioners meeting. TIAs are summarized in Staff Reports for some rezonings (an example from a previous, unapproved project is here) and are technical documents that show the vehicular impact of future development. The anticipated ordinances and guidelines for TIAs will involve multi-modal transportation in addition to vehicular capacity and queuing.

Thank you, Molly Hedrick Butts, for sharing Ben Better’s spooky exploits with us! Share your photo with Beacon readers.

News About Town: We posted about Mecklenburg County’s HOMES grant program, a property tax assistance program for qualified residential homeowners, but neglected to provide a link. Find out the important details here.

The county also has a survey open to gather community feedback regarding the disbursement of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Livable Meck and the County’s Public Information Department want to identify Mecklenburg residents’ funding priorities to share the results with the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners to better inform the Commission’s upcoming funding decisions. Participate by completing the online survey at LivableMeck.com by October 20, 2021. 

One Fun Thing: Matthews HELP Center’s favorite seasonal volunteer, Ben Better, is back for the month of October. Stop by and find him then head in the shop to snag a Halloween costume at an amazing price. Ben says their prices are so good, they’re scary!

Morning Minute: Monday, October 11, 2021

News About Town: For the past two years the Police Department has been researching computer simulated training devices, looking for just the right one for the Matthews department. Enter VirTra, which offers the versatility and consistency needed by the department. Training courses include de-escalation, mental illness encounters, and working with special populations such as autistic people. The training courses teach officers to look for both verbal and non-verbal cues in order to gain confidence in de-escalation and using human behavior recognition techniques. The Board of Commissioners will vote whether purchasing the simulator, which will cost the department just under $120,000 in Federal Forfeiture funds, should be approved.

Judging by the pile of garbage bags afterward, the Irvins Creek Clean Up this past Saturday was a success!

News Around Town: Mecklenburg County’s HOMES grant program is accepting applications now through the end of October. This program is designed to assist qualified residential homeowners with low to moderate income within Mecklenburg County to retain their homes by reducing the financial burden resulting from the robust real estate market. Grant recipients will receive up to $340 toward their property tax bill. Families making 80% of the median income are eligible - that’s $43,120/year for a 2 person household or $53,880 for a 4 person household. Click here to apply, applications are due by 10/31. (Thanks, Kerry Fluty, for writing up this big bite of Beacon!)

One Good Thing: Join Matthews Police and Standing Ovation Barber Shop, 167 S. Trade St. H, for the second Clippers and Cops community chat. Head on over to discuss race relations and community concerns in Matthews, starting at 9am.

Morning Minute: Friday, October 8, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for Monday, October 11, is available online. The meeting is remote via Zoom (link here) or listen by calling toll free 888-788-0099 and entering the meeting ID 817 5441 3662. 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, but are not limited to:

• A proclamation declaring October as National Arts and Humanities Month in Matthews;

• A public hearing for the Eastern Gateway Small Area Plan;

• A proposal to complete sidewalk gaps on Moore Road and Marglyn Drive;

• Consideration of updates to the Composite Bike/Pedestrian Plan.

Photo kindly submitted by reader Barbara Myers.

News Around Town: With COVID precautions in place many of the usual forums aren't happening. If you missed the Matthews Mint Hill Weekly Candidate Forum, you can watch it online. ASC published responses to their candidate survey recently. The League of Women Voters also sent out a candidate survey but has not published the responses yet. 

One Good Thing: Healthy streams clean the groundwater supply and provide filtration of pollution. They also provide good habitat for fish and other water-loving creatures. Join Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services tomorrow, October 9 from 9 am to noon, at 9614 Independence Pointe Parkway to clean up Irvins Creek Tributary. Register here.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, October 6, 2021

News About Town: During the morning commute yesterday (October 5 around 7:03am), Matthews Police patrol officers were called to I-485 near Idlewild Road after a man reported being shot at while driving. The victim did not recognize the shooter and described the car as a grey sedan. Shattered glass caused minor injury to the victim, who was otherwise unharmed. If you have any information regarding this crime, contact Detective Lori Valdes at lvaldes@matthewsnc.gov or 704-841-6717.

Malachite butterfly in the butterfly tent at Matthews Alive! several years ago. Photo kindly submitted by reader Mary Magee.

News Around Town: Fall into Nature on Saturday, 10/16 at Kids In Nature Day. The return of this annual Fall family event is located at Squirrel Lake Park (1631 Pleasant Plains Road) in Matthews from 10am-1pm. Come join Habitat and Wildlife Keepers, NCWF’s Great Outdoors University, and the Town of Matthews and bring the kids to enjoy a fun fall day at the park. From fishing, nature hikes, scavenger hunts to crafts and games the kids are guaranteed to have a great time. Also, new this year is a special area devoted to showing parents how to turn their own backyards into a Certified Wildlife Habitat. A Certified Wildlife Habitat not only benefits local wildlife, it provides teaching moments for kids and is pure family entertainment right in your own backyard. (h/t to HAWK for the info!)

One Good Thing: Flex your mental muscles when you WFH with the Backyard Naturalists podcast. You’ll hear the familiar voices of Debbie LeBlanc Foster and Laurie Horne as they explore nature in the Charlotte area. Episodes have already included popular topics like creating a wildlife habitat, how to spot a copperhead (FYI according to NextDoor there is no shortage of copperheads in the area), and how to incorporate water into your landscape. With a wealth of knowledge, the Naturalists are sure to educate and entertain.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, October 5, 2021

News About Town: Several advisory board meetings are coming up: The Veterans Advisory Committee meets this Wednesday, October 6, at 7 pm. Monday, October 11, the Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting at 7pm (the second one in October is on the 25th). On Tuesday, October 12, the Matthews Committee on Education will hold a remote meeting at 6:45pm; at 7pm that same night the Environmental Advisory Committee will hold their monthly meeting. At 6:30pm, Wednesday, October 13, the Parks, Rec, and Cultural Advisory Committee will meet. The Appearance/Tree Committee meets on Monday, October 18 at 7pm and the Transportation Advisory Committee meets Thursday, October 21 at 7pm. The Planning Board and the Cultural Diversity Committee both have meetings on Tuesday, October 26 at 7pm. Check out the town calendar for more happenings.

Malachite butterfly in the butterfly tent at Matthews Alive! several years ago. Photo kindly submitted by reader Mary Magee.

News Around Town: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a month to focus on connecting nonprofits and initiatives working with domestic violence issues, as well as a time to bring awareness to domestic violence. Search social media with #WeAreResilient this month. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime, and women between the ages of 18-24 are most commonly abused by an intimate partner. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the Greater Charlotte Hope Line (980-771-4673) is a local, 24-hour hotline for domestic violence or sexual assault support. They also offer parenting support and can connect survivors with domestic violence shelters.

One Good Thing: With campaigning in full swing it's time to learn about the candidates and where they stand on the issues. There's no better opportunity than the Matthews Mint Hill Weekly's Candidate Forum this Wednesday, October 6, at 6pm at the Levine Senior Center (1050 Devore Ln). Laura Budd from Weaver, Budd Law will facilitate the forum and questions will be collected beforehand and from attendees.

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 30, 2021

News About Town: The Town of Matthews issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Fire Station 3. The fire station will be built east of Independence, just across from Purser Hulsey Park. The 4.5 acre lot was purchased in March of this year. The new station is strategically located to provide fire protection to the areas furthest from current stations. Fire Station 3 will have three bays for trucks in an approximately 10,000 square foot building that includes decontamination rooms, some training tools, fitness equipment, sleeping quarters and all the amenities of home for emergency personnel.

Photo submission by the Duncans.

News Around Town: For those who love those shower acoustics, this Friday you have a chance to show your windpipes off in public. Head over to Jekyll & Heide, 316 N. Trade St., at 7pm to Sing Your Heart Out, a charity karaoke event to benefit three local nonprofits who collaborate as the Greater Matthews Local Family Network (the members are C.O.S.Kids, Matthews Help Center, and Matthews Free Medical Clinic). Weaver, Bennett & Bland are partnering with Edward Jones/Desi Dufresne to host and guarantee the fun. Speaking from experience, you’re going to want to hear Weaver, Bennett & Bland attorneys Matt Villmer and Bo Caudill belt out a duet. Trust us.

One Fun Thing: National Voter Registration Day was earlier this week, but it’s not too late to check your voter registration or register to vote. You can also register to vote the same day as you vote early voting.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 29, 2021

News About Town: The Monday night Board of Commissioners Meeting went a little longer than usual for the second meeting of the month. Stretching until nearly midnight, the meeting was closed out with a personal note from long-time Town Manager Hazen Blodgett when he shared retirement plans set for the end of March 2022. The Town Manager reports to the Board of Commissioners, and tenure is generally seven to eight years. Town Manager Blodgett came from the City of Whiteville and has served as the Town Manager of Matthews for 18 years.

Photo submission by reader Barbara Myers.

One Fun Thing: We’re teaming up with Mad Jack’s Records and Comics (inside Precious Restorations, 315 W. John St.) to bring you a record of the week. This week Jack has picked out Jimi Hendrix’s Are You Experienced re-issue on 180g vinyl for your aural delight. According to the Madman himself, “This is Jimi Hendrix 1967 debut. This album has set the precedent for aspiring guitar players and song writers for over 50 years and still holds strong today!” The album includes the hits Purple Haze, Hey Joe, and Foxey Lady.

Morning Minute: Monday, September 27, 2021

News About Town: The Police Department has leveled up on their communications game, adding beautifully produced videos to their Facebook page. Catch up on departmental operations, moving stories of loss, and learn about the force's newest members. Watch the recent promotion ceremony and share joy with the proud families who serve behind the scenes with our men and women in blue.

Photo submission by Kathy Bellavia

News Around Town: Thursday, October 7, from 7 to 8pm, several Mecklenburg County delegates to the NC General Assembly are hosting an online listening session. Sign up and tune in to share your thoughts on current events, and hear what other people in the community are thinking about. State representatives, including Matthews' Representative Rachel Hunt, and senators will use the time to respond to constituent questions.

One Fun Thing: Make Wednesday, September 29, pizza night at the Pizza Peel. Your purchase is not only good toyour taste buds, 10% of sales at the 110 Matthews Station St. location will be donated to Matthews Athletic Recreation Association. Dine in or conveniently order online for delivery or carryout. Dinner is served.

Morning Minute: Friday, September 24, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for Monday, September 27, is available online. The meeting is remote via Zoom (link here) or listen by calling toll free 888-788-0099 and entering the meeting ID 835 5381 3618. 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 visions for the property located at 122 Matthews Station Street.

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

• Receive Information on Silver Line from CATS Project Manager Andy Mock;

• Discuss Sidewalk Needs;

• Consider Parklet Concept in Downtown Matthews.

Photo submission by the Duncans

News Around Town: Caliber Collision of Matthews recently partnered with the National Auto Body Council (NABC), to provide a refurbished vehicle to a deserving North Carolina veteran. NABC’s Recycled Rides program partners human services nonprofits with an insurance providers to donate a vehicle, and a collision repair center. The vehicle is serviced and rehabbed then and presented to an individual who otherwise could not afford a vehicle. Caliber restored a 2014 Toyota RAV4 and, along with Allstate, gave it to Candice Andrews-Fisher, a former specialist in the Army 14th MP Brigade and mother of five. The car will afford Candice an opportunity to regain independence as she re-establishes stable housing, care for her children, and a return to work.

One Fun Thing: Last year, Atrium provided the town with thousands of reusable cloth masks.  While many have been given out, the town still has some available. These white cotton masks come in unopened packages of 5. If your neighborhood HOA would like to be a distribution site, contact Chief Rob Kinniburgh of Matthews Fire & EMS.

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 23, 2021

News About Town: Matthews Fire & EMS has been taking time recently to familiarize themselves with the many apartment complexes in town. While Engine 22 A shift was training at The Address Galleria a group of kids offered cool relief and shared ice pops with the crew. Now that’s gratitude!

Photo submission by Vivian Brenner

News Around Town: Covenant Day girls varsity basketball team has a new coach. Terence Jordan recently left Charlotte Latin for the position at the Matthews private school. Terence has a degree in sports management and a masters in education. Having led the Latin JV team to two championship titles as coach, Covenant Day can expect great things in their varsity team’s future.

One Fun Thing: Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK) needs your help. Fall Into Nature is coming up Saturday, Oct 16 at Squirrel Lake Park. The ecologically minded nonprofit needs volunteers to help set up, man tables, and any other needs that may arise. The event celebrates getting into and enjoying nature through fun and games. Sign up here—whatever amount of time you can give is appreciated!

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 22, 2021

News About Town: About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime and there is a chance that about 1 in 1,000 men will during their lifetime as well.  The Matthews Police Department would like to remind the community that early detection through regular checkups is paramount in the fight against breast cancer. Once again Chief Pennington has allowed  the Matthews Police to wear the Pink ‘n Blue tees under their uniforms for October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Support the department’s campaign by purchasing a shirt of your own (cash only; small to XL $20) with proceeds going to the Novant Health Mobile Mammography Unit to help fund checkups for women who can not afford them. Contact Officer Dustin Ay at day@matthewsnc.gov or 704.841.6740 or Sgt. Darren Snyder at dsnyder@matthewsnc.gov or 704.841.6703.  

Photo submission by Mabel Garner-Lybrand

News Around Town: The Matthews Human Services Council is hosting the Nancy Glenn Community Service Award ceremony this Monday, September 27. Join the Human Services Council at noon at the Historic Reid House, 134 West John St, for the ceremony.

This year’s honoree is Natisha Rivera-Patrick. Natisha continually works toward a more equitable Matthews community and her experience proves that commitment: President and CEO of Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity, Chair of the Town Cultural Diversity Committee, former President of the Matthews Rotary Club, and co-founder of the Matthews Affordable Housing Alliance (to name a few roles). Natisha’s name will join The Master Plaque, which hangs at Matthews Town Hall, and includes the names of each of the Nancy Glenn Award recipients from over the last 25 years.

One Fun Thing: Early voting starts October 14 at the Mecklenburg Board of Elections headquarters in Charlotte (741 Kenilworth Ave Suite 202). The BOE site hours vary but are open weekdays as well as weekends during early voting. The early voting site in Matthews will open on October 23 at the Matthews Library. That site will be open 8am to 3pm on Saturdays (October 23 and 30) and 1 to 4pm on Sunday, October 24. 

Morning Minute: Tuesday, September 21, 2021

News About Town: The Town Planning Department has been reaching out to residents of the eastern part of Matthews (the area between Windrow and Mint' Hill’s Stevens Creek Nature Preserve) since early this year to get a gauge on what neighbors want to see developed in the area. From this research, combined with local planning expertise, the town is developing the Eastern Gateway Plan. The planning department presented their thoughts and findings to the Board of Commissioners during the 5:30pm meeting on September 13, which includes single family housing closest to the Windrow neighborhood and transitions to mixed-use and multi-family housing closer to I-485. There was some discussion among the board of including affordable housing within the plan as well as outreach to the adjoining towns to better understand what to expect across town borders. View the presentation here (approximately the first 36 minutes of the recording).

News Around Town Part I: Due to storms in the area, the Matthews HELP Center has rescheduled their annual golf tournament for October 11.

Part II: Some sort of odd TikTok challenge has bathrooms closed in area schools. Students are participating in “Devious Licks,” which is another way to say theft or destruction, which is causing costly damage. According to Crestdale Middle Principal Jennifer Schroeder, “All of the bathrooms in our school were vandalized, which included the breaking or stealing of soap dispensers, stealing soap from the dispensers, or throwing objects into the toilets.” TikTok has since removed the tag #deviouslick as a method to prevent videos from going viral, but locally Principal Schroeder is asking for help, “We are at school to focus on instruction, and to provide a positive and safe environment for all. Please speak with your child about this tonight, and explain to them the importance of their actions and the effects of those actions on others.”

One Fun Thing: Esports, aka competitive video gaming, is a growing industry with over $1 billion in annual revenue. Whether you fall into the “it is a sport” or “it isn’t a sport” camp, esports are competitive fun. This fall, Matthews Parks and Rec is dipping their toes in the gaming realm this fall, offering recreational and competitive leagues and tournaments. Stay tuned…it’s gonna be fun.

Morning Minute: Monday, September 20, 2021

News About Town: N.C. Department of Transportation subcontractors will start a full depth pavement reclamation project tomorrow, Sept. 21, on Morningwood Dr. Barricades have been in place for several months to discourage cut through traffic and the road will have additional barricades as a reminder that only local traffic should use the road during construction. The process includes grinding up and recycling the existing roadway into the compacted base layer then applying new asphalt on top. Construction is anticipated to be complete by mid-October. Citizens with questions can contact the NCDOT resident engineer office at 980-523-0080.

News Around Town: Travel through time with It’s About Time: An exhibit of Clocks and Watches now through January 22, 2022. Learn about the history of keeping time while viewing a variety of watches and clocks, some dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. Don’t miss the Goofy watch and the Seth Thomas clocks. The Museum is located at 232 N. Trade Street, Matthews.  Hours of operation are Thursday to Saturday from 10 to 4:30 p.m.  Admission charged, except for the first Saturday of every month.

One Good Thing: September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month, a month to highlight the contributions Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean have made to American society. The Town is closing out the month with Musica Matthews, a Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Stumptown Park (120 S. Trade St.). The event will have Hispanic visual artists and musicians sharing their talents. Want to participate? Contact Event Coordinator Lee Anne Moore at lamoore@matthewsnc.gov for more info. 

Don’t forget the fun contest to support and celebrate The Loyalist’s commitment to their employees and the Matthews community! Let us know what your favorite menu or retail item at The Loyalist is and why you love it. We’ll draw two names and each winner will receive a $50 gift card for the restaurant. Contest closes Tuesday, September 21 at 5pm.

Morning Minute: Friday, September 17, 2021

News About Town: During the Monday, September 13 Board of Commissioners meeting the board granted a waiver on the standard one-year moratorium for rezoning requests on the same property. In April of this year True Homes was denied rezoning for a parcel that would sandwich the future Greylock Extension. The homebuilders came back asking permission to reapply. The project was considered substantially different since True Homes is now combining property with Lat Purser on the 63-acre parcel at East John and I-485 known as Wingate Commons.

News Around Town: The Loyalist, a cut-to-order cheese and charcuterie shop offering local farm and artisanal food products, sandwiches, salads, small plates, beer, wine, is hitting the nationwide restaurant staffing challenge head on. By recognizing $15 an hour is barely a livable wage, Chris Sottile, the owner, is raising each item on the menu by $1, which will allow him to provide full-time staff with a $2 an hour raise. Chris expands on the “why” and how that equates to living in Mecklenburg County in a video he posted on Facebook. Chris explains that giving his staff a better life provides a better restaurant experience. 

Now, if you’ve read this far, we have a fun contest to support and celebrate The Loyalist’s investment in Matthews! Let us know what your favorite menu or retail item at The Loyalist is and why you love it. We’ll draw two names and each winner will receive a $50 gift card for the restaurant. Contest closes Tuesday, September 21 at 5pm.

One Fun Thing: The annual fundraiser for Matthews Free Medical Clinic is going virtual this October and tickets are on sale now. Hearts & Hands 2021 is a virtual cocktail event that includes an exclusive link to the evening’s program plus party supplies delivered to attendees within 20 miles of the downtown Matthews clinic. For $150 attendees will receive a charcuterie board, wine and all the supplies needed for a party of two. The Event Host Party Package ($1000) includes a Deluxe Charcuterie Board, wine and all the supplies needed for a party of eight. In addition, there is a host gift, swag bags for your guests and instructions on how to host the perfect event in your home. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information or to reserve your event package now, please contact Amy Carr at acarr@matthewsfmc.org, call 704-841-8882 ext 1020 or click purchase now.