Morning Minute: Friday, December 3, 2021

News About Town: Matthews Police have been extra busy this holiday shopping season implementing “Operation Santa Knows.” In partnership with local stores, the Police are working closely with retail loss prevention to increase reporting, investigating, and solving retail theft cases. Perpetrators will be identified, charged, and prosecuted as a result. After one week, the operation has netted six arrests, four felonies, 19 misdemeanors, nine trespasses, four outstanding warrants served, and two search warrants executed. More than $2,500 in value of retail products were reclaimed, and between $3,000 and $5,000 in product loss was prevented since the beginning of the operation.

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News Around Town: Two candidates have thrown their hats in the ring for Representative Rachel Hunt's NC House District 103 seat. Republican Bill Brawley announced last month his intention to run again. More recently, Democrat Laura Budd announced her candidacy. Rather than running for reelection to District 103, Rep. Hunt will run for NC Senate District 41.  

One Good Thing: This holiday season enjoy a tale of love, decency and, generosity of spirit with Matthews Playhouse. With a team of actors to rival any area theater troupe, get swept away with the classic story Miracle on 34th Street. This play is about Kris Kringle, a good-hearted Macy’s Santa whose job is threatened by the store vocational counselor. Through magical works, Kris is deemed the true Santa, restoring hope and joy to children everywhere. Buy tickets online for one of 11 showtimes.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 1, 2021

News About Town: A new month means a new advisory board meeting schedule. The Veterans Advisory Committee meets tonight at 7 pm. At 6:30pm, Wednesday, December 8, the Parks, Rec, and Cultural Advisory Committee will meet. Monday, December 13, the Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting at 7pm (the second one in December is canceled). The new Board will be sworn in during the second portion of the December 13 meeting. On Tuesday, December 14, the Matthews Committee on Education will hold a meeting at 6:45pm at Town Hall; at 7pm that same night the Environmental Advisory Committee will hold their monthly meeting. The Appearance/Tree Committee meets on Monday, December 20 at 7pm. The Planning Board and the Cultural Diversity Committee both have meetings on Tuesday, December 28 at 7pm at Town Hall. Check out the town calendar for more happenings.

Thank you, Santa Bob (Aycock) for this fun picture! Want to share one of your photos? Send it to us!

News Around Town: North Carolina has a burn ban in effect. Yes, you can still grill and barbecue, no, you cannot burn leaves.* To clarify, the NC Forest Service explains, “Campfires would be considered open burning and are not exempt from the burn ban. During a burn ban, portable gas stoves or grills are alternate methods for cooking food while camping.” However, the county allows outdoor fireplaces, portable outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, or fire pits (containing fire started for religious, ceremonial, cooking, or warmth purposes). It can be no larger than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. *Open burning of yard debris within the town limits is not allowed. 

One Good Thing: In Matthews, community support doesn’t stop after Giving Tuesday. COS Kids has a $20,000 fundraising goal that is being matched dollar for dollar. Programs beyond forming educated, resilient children include single-parent support and scholarships for families in need. 

Morning Minute: Monday, November 29, 2021

News About Town: The eight-day Jewish celebration of Hanukkah began yesterday, November 28, and ends on December 6. This year, the Town of Matthews has partnered with ZABS Place and Chabad of Charlotte for a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, November 30 at 5:30pm at the Town Hall Green, 232 Matthews Station St.

News Around Town: While there won’t be an official “lighting of the trees,” Novant’s 13th Annual Festival of Trees opened yesterday. The trees are available for in-person viewing in the Novant Health Matthews Medical Center lobby, 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy. Sixteen trees were decorated in sparkling fineries by area businesses, organizations, and nonprofits then donated to the hospital for this fundraising auction. Proceeds benefit the Matthews HELP Center, the Matthews Free Medical Clinic, and the Levine Senior Center. Learn more about the inspiration behind the trees, see photos, and more on Facebook. Bid online here. The auction runs through December 12, 2021. Please follow social distancing and masking guidelines. 

One Fun Thing: Matthews Fire & EMS is going above and beyond to help save lives this holiday season. Make an appointment online then stop by Fire Station #1, 236 S. Trade St., this Thursday, December 2, between 11am and 7pm and give blood through OneBlood of the Carolinas. All donors will receive a fleece blanket and an eGift card.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 23, 2021

News About Town: Public-facing Town of Matthews employees will receive an hourly pay increase thanks to American Rescue Plan Federal Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (ARPA-CLFRF) dollars. Employees who can perform job duties from home are ineligible under ARPA-CLFRF guidelines; employees who interact with the public or other employees during regular job duties and cannot social distance are included in the premium pay program. The majority of recipients work in the Fire, Police, and Public Works departments. This program will run through 2024 and is not a permanent pay increase. All in, the program will use $1,316,391 of the $10,560,996 ARPA-CLFRF funds received.

News Around Town: Last Saturday the Farmer's Market wrapped up their 30th spring/summer market. Tonight they’re hosting a pre-Thanksgiving market from 4 to 6pm and will be closed this Saturday. When the market reopens on December 4 the hours will be the winter hours of 8 to 10am. Expect winter squash, meats, and cold-weather greens like collards.

One Fun Thing: Break out the blueprints for an architectural gingerbread masterpiece—it’s time once again for the Matthews Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Gingerbread House Contest. Drop off your entry at the Chamber (210 Matthews Station Street) by 4:30pm November 30. The categories (Amateur: Child/Family: 17 yrs or younger or family group that includes a child, Amateur: Adult: 18 yrs or older or any group of amateur adults, and Professional: Bakers, Chefs, Caterers, and Artists) will be judged based on first impression, proportion, artistry, difficulty, and Matthews influence on December 1.

Morning Minute: Monday, November 22, 2021

News About Town: The meal is planned, visitors are on their way, and you have a moment to prepare for the holiday shopping kick off. Matthews Police have some tips for you to stay safe as sales heat up:

• Remove all valuables from your car.

• Lock your doors.

• Avoid carrying large sums of cash.

• Never leave your purse/bag unattended and always make sure it is zipped or closed.

• Park in well lit areas.

Check out the image below for more great tips. Stay safe this shopping season.

News Around Town: There are holiday events popping up all over town. Below are a few already on the radar:

• Tuesday, November 30, 5:30pm. Menorah lighting on the Green at Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station St.

• Friday, December 3, 7 - 9:00pm. A live concert located on the green space on Matthews Station Street beside PNC Bank (122 Matthews Station St).

• Sunday, Dec. 5, 6-8pm. The Grinch Drive-In Movie Night: This FREE community event will be held in the large parking lot at Matthews United Methodist, 801 South Trade St. Free small popcorn & hot chocolate provided to all. Movie starts at 6:30 pm. (youth.matthewsumc.org)

• Friday, December 10, 7:30pm -- Matthews Concert Band's “Sounds of the Season,” Matthews Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 207 W. John St., free admission.

• December 12, 7:00-8:00pm. The Glory of Christmas Concert in the sanctuary at Matthews United Methodist, 801 South Trade St. Celebrate the coming of the Christ Child through beautiful musical performances from Matthews UMC's Orchestra, Sanctuary Choir, Joyful Ringers, Children's Choir, & More! https://www.matthewsumc.org/events/concerts/

• Sunday, Dec. 19 at 8:15, 9:30 and 11am. Children's Nativity Services, Matthews United Methodist, 801 South Trade St, will hold a special service to celebrate our Savior’s birth as children show us their version of the Nativity with costumes, scenery, & music.

• December 24. Candlelight Christmas Eve Services at Matthews United Methodist, 801 South Trade St
  4:00 pm Children & Family, The Gym
  6:00 pm Contemporary, Sanctuary
  7:30 pm CCH in Espanol, The Gym
  9:00 pm Traditional, Sanctuary
  (6 & 9 In person & Livestream)

• Wednesday, December 29, 7:00pm. Free Kwanzaa event at Matthews Community Center, 100 McDowell Street.

One Good Thing: Scott Clark Toyota, 13052 Marie Garris Rd, is a collection point for Toys for Tots this year. Partnering with WTVI, the companies are collecting new, unwrapped toys with a special need for items for newborn girls.

Morning Minute: Friday, November 19, 2021

News About Town: Matthews Fire & EMS have responded to a handful of active fires lately. Recently the team paired up with the Wesley Chapel Fire Department to put out a fire at a single wide on Potters Road. Wesley Chapel issued an important reminder that may save the life of a firefighter:

It is against the law to drive over any fire department hose line that is in the roadway. While on scene a citizen drove over our supply hose while crews were operating inside the building. [Union County Sheriff’s Office] did issue a ticket. We want to take this time to remind citizens that not only are Fire Department lives dependent on this supply hose, but so are victims. Please be patient with our crews or consequences could occur.

Reader Ava shared this photo of an afternoon commute along the greenway. Share your photo with Beacon readers, just send something over!

News Around Town: Join the Matthews Chamber this holiday season in supporting small businesses. From now through November 30th, The Chamber is rewarding shoppers for supporting local businesses from their Shop Matthews Holiday Guide. Participants include Bear Food, Sardis Marketplace, the HELP Center, and other local businesses. Email receipts from your purchases or donations of $10 or more to admin@matthewschamber.org and receive a raffle ticket for a Weekly Wednesday Drawings, including gift cards, merchandise and more!

One Good Thing: Butler Band has a raffle going on, too! Enter to win a $500 Amazon Gift Card, a year of Starbucks, and/or Chick-fil-A For A Year. Proceeds from tickets will be used for current band needs, such as replacing old brass equipment, investing in a new drum-line, pep band support, more travel opportunities to away games, workshops, and improvement to the band practice field.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 18, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for Monday, November 22, 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 854 6473 8429. 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 include:

• Receive Project Updates from Developers Regarding Town-Owned Property at 122 Matthews Station Street. These are possible projects that may be built if the town sells the vacant lot near Town Hall.

• Consider ARPA-Funded Contract for Housing Market Analysis, a study to outline unmet housing needs in Matthews. One potential use for ARPA funds is affordable housing and this study will shine a light on what is needed.

• Consider ARPA-Funded Premium Pay Policy for Town Employees. The board will discuss the use of federal ARPA dollars to provide supplemental pay to lower wage-earning categories of town staff.

• Receive Update on Greenway Issues: If you’ve ever lost something on the Greenway, now you know where you might find it!

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News Around Town: A Matthews man will be moving out of a rental and into a home thanks to Veterans United Home Loans. Andre Hughes, a veteran Navy aviation tech, recently received news that he was one of 11 recipients of homes as part of the #ThanksToVeterans campaign.  

One Good Thing: This Friday morning, November 19, wake up early and check out the moon. At approximately 4am the peak of the longest partial lunar eclipse of the 21st century should be visible from Matthews. What makes it special? November's full Moon, called a Beaver Moon as the large, semiaquatic rodents retire to their lodges this time of year, will begin to turn a reddish-copper color as it is eclipsed by the earth. At its peak, 97% of the moon’s surface will be that copper color, gradually returning to its more common pale silver over the following 104 minutes. 

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 17, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners will vote whether to approve Zoning Item 2021-727, Mount Harmony Cottages (2700 Mount Harmony Road) at their regular meeting on December 13. The applicant proposes to change the zoning of the property from R-15 single-family to R-9 (CD) for the purpose of constructing 17 single-family residences on a 6.281-acre lot. For context, an acre is 43,560 square feet. The R-15 zoning district is designed to accommodate detached single dwellings with a minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet while R-9 is designed to accommodate those same dwelling types at a minimum lot size of 9,000 square feet. The current design features more tree save and a slightly different road and lot configuration than was originally presented.

Thank you, Bob Aycock, for sharing this gorgeous photo of fall leaves against that gorgeous Carolina blue sky! Share your photo with Beacon readers, just send something over!

News Around Town: Applications for the 2023 Citizens Revaluation Advisory Committee close on November 30. Mecklenburg County residents are encouraged to apply to serve on this board. The group will meet with the County Assessor, County management, and County staff to review reports related to the County’s 2023 property revaluation. The Committee will also share updates and conclusions with the Board of County Commissioners. For more information, contact Brad Fowler, Assistant Assessor, at Bradley.Fowler@MeckNC.gov.

One Good Thing: The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s (DPI) Office of Early Learning has released Literacy at Home, an at-home resource to support Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), a recent addition to training for elementary level teachers. Literacy at Home helps support North Carolina’s youngest readers through exploring the essential components of literacy. The site links to printables and online resources as well as teaching approaches to provide direction for parents and caregivers using the tools.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 16, 2021

News About Town: No, Don Johnson hasn’t joined the Matthews Police Department. It’s once again No Shave November with improved growth opportunities added for December! Officers pay a donation to Zero Cancer Foundation, a prostate cancer patient advocacy and public awareness group, to have the ability to grow what would usually be prohibited facial hair per our policy. Help out the cause by donating here. Then follow along and vote for the best beard and best goatee at the end of December. 

Thank you to Kathy at Creative Learning House for sharing these sweet fall leaf critters. Share your photo with Beacon readers, just send something over!

News Around Town: Thanks to NC Session Law 2021-179, occupantless, fully autonomous delivery vehicles can now operate on municipal streets starting December 1. The vehicles are meant for cargo transport only (think groceries and online orders), and must operate below 45mph. If the autonomous vehicle impedes traffic flow it should pull over and allow faster cars to pass. 

Introverts, don’t get too excited about pizza without interaction, Dominos is test marketing in Houston right now. 

One Fun Thing: Young musicians take note! The Music Makers, Inc. presents Holiday Music Classes at The Matthews Community Center, 100 E. McDowell St., on Fridays, December 3 and 10 with two sessions each day (10:00am or 11:00am). For $35, kids ages 2 to 6 years old will join Ms. Kathy and Mr. Justin from The Music Makers in holiday-themed musical activities. including a holiday sing-a-long, movement and dancing, instrument playing, puppets and visuals, and holiday musical games. One caretaker must stay with the child for the duration of the class. Don’t worry, it will be fun for adults, too! Masks are required for everyone ages 5 and up, regardless of vaccination status. Feel free to bring a blanket to sit on to help with social distancing. CLICK HERE to sign up for the classes at 10:00 or CLICK HERE to sign up for the classes at 11:00.

Morning Minute: Monday, November 15, 2021

News About Town: During the Monday, November 8 meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved the final design for Makayla Binter’s Matthews Chapel Road mural. The design, reminiscent of stained glass, reflects the history of Matthew’s Chapel and serves as a visual continuation of the Matthews Heritage Trail. The mural will connect to a crosswalk at the bend in Matthews Chapel Road where the Heritage Trail meets the road to fill a span about 475 feet where there is no sidewalk or multipurpose trail.

Thank you to reader Barbara Myers for sharing this little cutie with us. Share your photo with Beacon readers, just send something over!

News Around Town: Coyotes have been sighted around town lately, especially in evening hours. While not strictly nocturnal, these wild canines tend to be more active after sunset. This time of year, coyote young are dispersing from their family units and looking for their own territory. According to the Humane Society, “Coyote attacks on people are very rare. More people are killed by errant golf balls and flying champagne corks each year than are bitten by coyotes.” With that small comfort in mind, the Harvard Arboretum advises “if a coyote directly approaches you, raise your arms, raise your voice, and do not run away. Instead, throw sticks or rocks at the coyote until it runs away.”

One Good Thing: Hey you disc golfers! This one isn’t in Matthews but directly benefits Matthews Elementary School (MES). The Steadfast Sling, a doubles disc golf tournament, is next weekend (November 20) at the Eager Beaver course at Elon Park. Sign up here; proceeds go toward adding disc golf baskets to the PE supplies at MES.

Morning Minute: Friday, November 12, 2021

News About Town: During Monday’s Board meeting, Council approved of exemption from GS 143-64.31, allowing staff to move forward in obtaining engineering/design services for the creation of construction documents for Outen Pottery Park (430 Jefferson St.) since they will be below $50,000.

Outen Pottery Park is being developed from the remains of RF Outen’s pottery studio, which produced utilitarian earthenware and stoneware for local use from local clays. Outen Pottery later became known as Matthews Pottery (a long-time retail establishment that eventually moved to Stallings before closing in the late 90s.) The passive park may feature preserved pottery kilns reconstructed by Taylor Clay pro bono. The completed site will include a walking trail, historical features, and seating areas. (See a 2017 rendering of the project possibilities here.)

Thank you to reader Amanda McGrath for sharing a beautiful moment at the Matthews Veterans Memorial. Share your photo with Beacon readers, just send something over!

News Around Town: Demolition has started on the old box warehouse owned by Hood Container Corp., 433 E John St. (Most people know of the building as a maligned traffic stop where tractor trailers would halt vehicle flow and back into the loading dock. ) The warehouse stored paper that ultimately became big chain pizza boxes, Build-a-Bear packaging, and shoe boxes at Stronghaven, just up the street on Monroe Rd.

Built in 1960, and prior to housing paper, the warehouse was a manufacturing facility for electrical transformers. According to NCDEQ documents, solvent releases of PCE caused contaminated groundwater. The ground is an NCDEQ Brownfield Site and the soil is deeply polluted, which will require environmental remediation prior to new development.

One Good Thing: The Portrait Gallery, 118 E Charles St., still has a few spaces left for their upcoming wine pairing dinner on Tuesday, November 16. The dinner includes four courses paired with four wines for $60 a person. Call 704-369-9982 or email info@pgmatthews to reserve.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 11, 2021

News About Town: Make sure to check out the new banners lining Trade and John Streets in downtown that honor some of our nation's finest. Sixteen banners, each with a name of a veteran who live or have lived in Matthews are on display. Veterans from the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force are represented. This display is a part of a tribute created by the Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee which the Town hopes to continue for years to come. Friends and families of those honored nominated their loved ones to be included.

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News Around Town is a bit long today, so we’re switching up the order. You don’t want to miss this One Good Thing: Girl Scout Troop 428 is hosting a Toy Drive and Festive 5k on Sunday, Nov 14. Dress up in your favorite holiday gear, and drop off an unwrapped gift (or gifts) at the donation tent in the bus lot at Matthews Elementary between 2 and 4pm. Then take a self-guided 5k along the Four Mile Creek Greenway. Items donated will benefit Bright Blessings in Matthews. For more information, email GSTroop428@gmail.com.

News Around Town: More and more companies are offering year round perks for veterans and some are offering special Veterans Day offers here in Matthews. Offers vary and service members should have a valid Military ID, Military Dependent ID, or form of Veteran ID to receive these offers. We’ve sourced this info from the Veterans Affairs office and local websites, but please double check availability before visiting.

7-Eleven offers a free coffee or Big Gulp on Veterans Day when you download their app and register using Veterans’ Advantage.

Applebee’s Veterans and Active Duty Military members can choose a free meal from a limited menu on Veteran’s Day with proof of service

Carrabba’s Italian Grill, serving Italian food made by hand, with a whole lot of heart, is offering all service members, veterans and first responders 10% off any visit to their local restaurant this Veterans Day on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, and year-round with valid ID.

Chicken Salad Chick: Chicken Salad Chick will offer a free Chick Special and regular drink to veterans and active duty military, who are in uniform or who show military ID. Find a location.

Cici’s Pizza: On Thursday, November 11th, 2021, veterans and active duty military personnel get a free buffet. Dine-in only. Drink not included. More details here.

Cracker Barrel: Free slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake for veterans Thursday with a purchase in-store or online. For online orders, use promo code VETSDAY21.

Dunkin’: Veterans and military members can receive a FREE donut of their choice on November 11th, 2021, at Dunkin’.

Golden Corral: On Thursday, November 11th, 2021, from 5 p.m. until close, anyone who has served in the U.S. Military can get a free meal at Golden Corral’s long-standing Military Appreciation Night. Dine-in only.

IHOP – Veterans and active-duty military are being offered FREE red, white and blue pancakes on November 11.

Metro Diner is offering 50% off to active and retired military with valid military ID on Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, and 10% off year round. Diners can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including their signature Fried Chicken & Waffles, variety of burgers, and their newest Herb-Roasted Chicken—a bone-in half chicken marinated fresh daily in a blend of special herbs and spices and oven roasted to tender perfection, served with sweet potato mash and steamed green beans.

Krispy Kreme: Veterans can get a free doughnut, any variety, and a small brewed coffee, at Krispy Kreme, on November 11th, 2021. No purchase required. Must show ID. One per guest.

Texas Roadhouse – Texas Roadhouse will hand out dinner vouchers at the stores’ parking lots on November 11, from 11 am to 2 pm. Veterans and active-duty military can redeem their dinner vouchers when the restaurant opens for dinner, through May 30, 2022.

Logan’s Roadhouse – Logan’s Roadhouse will be offering all Veterans a free American Roadhouse Meal From 3 pm to 6 pm on Thursday November 11.

Outback Steakhouse is giving military veterans and active personnel a free Bloomin’ Onion and Coca-Cola product Thursday. Also, the chain has a "daily heroes discount" offering 10% off entire checks to all servicemen and -women, police officers, firefighters and first responders with a valid state or federal service ID.

Qdoba Mexican Eats: 50% off any entrée in-store for active military and veterans.

Red Lobster – Free Appetizer or Dessert for Veterans Day: In honor of Veterans Day, and to thank veterans, active duty military, and reservists for their service, Red Lobster is offering a free appetizer or dessert on Thursday, November 11.

Starbucks: Starbucks will offer a free tall (12-oz) hot brewed coffee to veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating Starbucks stores on November 11th, 2021. Also, on November 11th they’ll donate 25 cents for every cup of hot brewed coffee sold nationwide to nonprofits Team Red, White & Blue and Headstrong, in support of the mental health and wellbeing of military communities. Find a Starbucks near you.

Wendy's is offering veterans and active-duty military a free breakfast combo from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, but hours can vary by location.

A valid military ID or a Veterans Advantage card is required. The offer can be redeemed in restaurants or at the drive-thru.  

Services:

Great Clips – November 11, 2021
Veterans and active-duty military can visit a U.S. Great Clips salon on November 11 to receive either a free haircut that day or a free haircut card to use at a later date. Visit the Great Clips website for details.

On Veterans Day, Meineke will offer 50% off oil changes to veterans who stop by any location in the area.

Sam’s Xpress Car Wash  – Sam's Xpress® Car Wash is proud to participate in the Grace for Vets Program. On Friday, November 11th, we will be giving all Veterans and Active Military a FREE Top Wash from open - close (7:30am - 9:00pm), rain or shine at all Sam's Xpress® locations. We appreciate the courage and dedication you all provide for our country! What is Grace for Vets? The mission of Grace For Vets, a non-profit organization, is to honor those who have served or are currently serving their country. This international program unites the car wash industry each year on November 11. Whether observing Veterans Day, Remembrance Day or Armistice Day, we unite together as a whole, and provide FREE car washes to ALL veterans and service personnel.

Sports Clips – Some locations will be offering free haircuts to Veterans and active-duty service members on November 11. Visit the Sports Clips website for details and participating locations.

Retail:

Academy Sports + Outdoors offers military members, veterans, and first responders 10 percent off their entire purchase in-store and online this Veterans Day

Bed Bath & Beyond – For active-duty U.S. military, Vets and Spouses, Bed Bath and Beyond is offering 25% off any in-store purchase on November 11, 2021. Call or visit your nearest location for details.

Mattress Firm has a four-day sale starting on Veterans Day, offering 50% off select mattresses, bedding, and more, with both online and in-store exclusive deals. Military personnel and first responders with valid ID will receive an additional 20% off purchases.

Office Depot and OfficeMax -- Veterans, active-duty military personnel, retirees, Reservists and their dependents get 25% off November 11 through 13.

Publix – Veterans and their families are invited to save 10% on groceries. The offer excludes prescriptions, alcohol, gift cards, lottery, stamps, and money services. Valid for in-store purchases only.

Sleep Number: $100 off your purchase

Target – Target is offering all U.S. active-duty military personnel, Veterans and their families a 10% discount off the guest’s full basket. To receive the offer, guests must first demonstrate eligibility by registering at www.target.com/circle/military. After eligibility has been verified, an exclusive, one-time use 10% Target Circle offer will be available for the guest to use in-store or online.

Walgreens – Military, Veterans, and their families receive 20% off eligible, regular-price purchases when using myWalgreens membership.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 10, 2021

News About Town: Election day is over and the new Board of Commissioners will be installed on December 13. Incumbent and unchallenged Mayor John Higdon received 2,087 votes. Four incumbents received the top votes for the board, including presumptive Mayor Pro Tem Ken McCool (1,670), Renee Garner (1,650), Larry Whitley (1,604), John R. Urban (1,530). Two newcomers will join the Board this December for the 2022-2021 term: Mark Tofano with 1,435 votes, and Gina Hoover with 1,287. Two candidates were not elected: Danielle (Dani) Burnham and Heather Spicer Laws.

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News Around Town: County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez-McDowell will host an information-packed District 6 Community Update Meeting on Wednesday, November 17, from 6:00 to 7:00pm. The Zoom meeting will cover District 6 Investments in Parks and Schools, the BOCC Economic Development Committee work, Community Service Grants, and the upcoming property revaluation. Also learn about Federal American Rescue Plan Act (also known as ARPA) Funds received from the federal government. The Mecklenburg County Assessor’s Office, and County’s Park and Recreation Department will make presentations, as well. For meeting link/access contact Shalon Page, Board Support Assistant,  at (980)219-3514 or via email at Shalon.Genwright@MeckNC.gov.  

One Good Thing: The Matthews Habitat for Humanity has expanded its reach to include critical home repairs. Moving beyond the scope of building new homes, this program is for Matthews homeowners who are current on taxes and payments and meet income criteria. The Critical Home Repair Program is for low-income residents who have repair needs around their home that create an unsafe or unhealthy living situation, such as a failing roof or necessary accessibility modifications. Download an application or pick one up Tuesday through Saturday at the Greater Matthews Habitat ReStore, 2447 East John Street.

Morning Minute: Monday, November 8, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for Monday, November 8, 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 821 2799 4175. 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 include:

•  Zoning Application 2021-737/Mt. Harmony Cottages requests changing the zoning from R-15 to R-9(CD), allows a smaller lot size per home and for conditions set by the Board to be met prior to construction at 2700 Mt. Harmony Church Road.

• Motion 2021-3/text is an amendment to the Unified Development Ordinance that updates language, further defines improvement standards, clarifies expectations of data presented in the Transportation Impact Analysis, and sets accessibility standards, among other aspects of the physical development of the Town.

• The Eastern Gateway Small Area Plan, an area approximately 120 acres bounded by I-485, Idlewild Road and the Windrow neighborhood, will be voted on. The Plan examines existing conditions and infrastructure to provide recommendations for future land use decisions.

• E-Scooters in Matthews.

• The Public Improvement Variance and Site Plan at 9508 Northeast Parkway & 1939 Rice Road are two separate items that cover redevelopment of a large parcel near the corner of Independence and Sam Newell.

• Consider an additional Town Contribution to the Four Mile Creek Greenway/S. Trade Street Tunnel.

Thank you, Christine Parks, for the photo contribution. Share your photo with Beacon readers, just send something over!

News About Town: The Town of Matthews, Matthews HELP Center, Matthews Police Department, Matthews United Methodist Church, and Kiwanis Club of Matthews are partnering for the 2021 Matthews Gives Back for the Holidays. Bring new, unwrapped toys (appropriate for newborn to age 12) or gift cards (appropriate for ages 13 to 18) to the Police Department (1201 Crews Road) or the HELP Center (119 N. Ames Street). Need help picking out a gift? The HELP Center has an Target and Amazon Wish Lists. If you’re avoiding mega retailers, there’s a general list here. Applications are open now through December 3 for gift support. Call 704-847-8383 x224 for more information. Recipients must live within the HELP Center service area.

Don’t Forget: Going into the holiday season it may be even more difficult to get a COVID-19 test appointment. To make testing more accessible, the county is now offering free rapid test kits at four Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library sites: South Boulevard, West Boulevard, Hickory Creek and North Tryon. Both PCR and rapid tests are available through the StarMed drive-through clinic in Matthews, located in the Cinemark 10 Movie Theater parking lot, 9508 Northeast Court.

Morning Minute: Friday, October 15, 2021

News About Town: Bloodhounds from all over the US will gather in Matthews this Sunday to begin the National Police Bloodhound Association K-9 training seminar. Up to 50 dogs and their handlers will be in Matthews, learning new methodology for tracking both people and drugs. Training runs through Thursday, October 21 in various locations throughout town.

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News About Town: The Matthews Chamber of Commerce, 210 Matthews Station St, is hosting Fall for Matthews tomorrow, October 16 from 10am to 4pm. Sip and stroll through arts and crafts and local business booths. Enjoy the pumpkin patch and petting zoo in the kids area. Don’t forget to arrive hungry and get a bite to eat from one of the food vendors.

Don’t Forget: This Saturday (October 16) is Kids In Nature Day. Stop by Squirrel Lake Park (1631 Pleasant Plains Road) from 10am-1pm and bring the kids to enjoy a fun fall day. From fishing, nature hikes, scavenger hunts to crafts and games the kids are guaranteed to have a great time.