Morning Minute: Wednesday, July 31, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Parks and Rec has some new classes starting this fall. There will be tango lessons, and yes, it takes two, but you don’t have to have a partner to register. There's also the Art of Yoga, where you learn to apply yoga principals to your daily life. Don't miss Kids Ukulele and Adult Ukulele (separate classes), Total Body Strength & Tone, and more. There are also classes lined up for homeschoolers, including several courses working with clay, apparel design, and computer graphics. Find more info here.

News Around Town: On the theme of continued learning, the Levine campus of CPCC (2800 Campus Ridge Rd, Matthews) is expanding their weekend course offerings, this fall. High-demand classes will be offered more frequently on weekday evenings, Fridays, and Saturdays to meet student need.

One Fun Thing: This weekend is your last chance to get The Local Scoop in Matthews (until next summer? hint hint? The Local Scoop are you reading this?) Stop by Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (noon til nine each day) in their pop-up location behind Moe’s BBQ on Trade Street and get a scoop or three. They’ll have dutch chocolate, vanilla bean, strawberry sorbet with local strawberries, brownie batter and cookie monster at first, but will rotate as they sell out. The Local Scoop supports local farmers, so their batches are small. Whatever you get, it’s going to be good.

2810[high]5: Free Dates in Matthews

On a budget for the summer? Here are 5 FREE dates you can and your plus one can do right here in Matthews. Bonus points if you take a selfie and tag @matthewsbeacon with the #MatthewsDateNight!

PDA in front of PDA - Did you know that the giant heart sculpture outside of Stumptown Park is called “Public Display of Affection”? (If you read this Beacon article from 2018 you do!) What better excuse to demonstrate your affection than to do so in front of iconic Matthews public art piece. (This writer strongly encourages you to keep your PDA rated G).

Checkers at Country Place Park- You and your better half can enjoy the sunshine and decide once and for all who is the board champion. Country Place Park, near Matthews United Methodist church has 3 tables with checkerboard tops for public use, as well as a pollinator garden and bee themed art. Feel like it’s not a free date because you have to go buy your own checkers pieces? Save yourselves some bottle caps from your not-free-dates and make yourself some bottle cap checkers.

Walking Tour - Did you know the Matthews has its own FREE self-guided walking tour you can follow? Print out the tour, put on your walking shoes, and take turns narrating the history and culture as you travel around town.

Lecture at the Library - The library has more to offer than just free books (though that’s still pretty awesome). They also offer opportunities to hear talks on subjects like earth friendly way to greenifying your lawn, how to relax through mindfulness and meditation, or a chance to read, write, and discuss poetry. 

Volunteer - One of the best ways to strengthen the bonds of an existing relationship is to commit to a shared activity-like volunteering. Matthews has over 55 nonprofits just registered with the Chamber of Commerce, many of which would eagerly appreciate four extra hands. Help HAWK maintain their garden at Squirrel Lake Park, sort donations at the Matthews Help Center food pantry or help build a home with Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity. 

Morning Minute: Tuesday, July 30, 2019

News About Town: Love Matthews kicked off last Friday at Food Truck Friday. The theme of the first week is "Love where you live!" Write what you love about Matthews on the big M at the gazebo in front of town hall and post on Facebook why you #LoveMatthews. Other fun activities include free yoga at Stumptown Park and a self guided, selfie-centric art walk. #LoveMatthews: all the more reason to Love Matthews!

Image via 501st Legion website

News Around Town: IRS scam calls seem to be on the rise once again. One of our readers wrote and warned us about them, then several other people said they’d had the same call in the past couple of days. We asked Officer Aycock with the Matthews Police about the calls and what to do. He graciously explained. The scam starts when someone calls (Red Flag 1) saying they’re from the IRS and demand immediate payment. They usually ask for it payment to be made on a prepaid card (Red Flag 2). The IRS likes to communicate old school, via snail mail. Odds are good they’re not going to be calling. They’re also not going to tell you how to pay, they want their money and aren’t going to specify mode of delivery. Think it could be the IRS? Hang up and call the IRS yourself.

One Fun Thing: The Carolina Garrison of the 501st Legion is coming to Matthews. If you find yourself pulling for Vadar over Luke and championing the intergalactic villains of Lucas Films (registered trademark), get your geeky self to the Matthews Library this Saturday (August 3) from 1 pm til 3 pm. Stormtroopers will be there in exquisitely detailed uniforms, regaling the community with their knowledge of and dedication to the Galactic Empire.

Morning Minute: Monday, July 29, 2019

News About Town: Watch out for falling speed limits. Several roads in Matthews will have reduced speeds: Sam Newell, Charles Street, Sardis Road, and Weddington Road. Sam Newell at Crestdale Middle School will become a 25 mph school zone. Trade Street currently picks back up to 35 mph leaving town past the greenway crossing. The 25 mph limit will extend beyond the crossing to allow safer pedestrian access to and from the greenway. East Charles St is currently 35 in a portion of the road but will, instead, be 25 mph along the entire length, even after the name change to Tank Town. NCDOT suggested a change on Sardis Road to 40 mph, five mph less than the current posted limit. Speed limits on portions of Weddington Road will be reduced to 35 mph, making the length of the road 35 through to the county line. The City of Charlotte oversees this portion of the road.

Image via Unsplash

News Around Town: Matthews-based Harris Teeter recently hosted another fundraiser for the United Service Organizations (USO) by asking customers to round-up the total of their purchases. By asking for change, the grocery store chain raised $1.7 million for the USO to further their mission of serving military families.

One Fun Thing: We’ve mentioned opportunities to see the Tank Town: A Good Place to Live exhibit a few times already. If you haven’t gotten to the Matthews Heritage Museum to see it, you’re in luck. It’s on display for an extended period through October 5. Prior to the 1980s, the community of Crestdale was surrounded by Matthews but not incorporated. Before school desegregation, community children attended school in a shotgun school house and the Matthews Colored School. The area is still home to two historically black churches: Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist and United House of Prayer for All People. Learn about these essential institutions as well as the community settled by emancipated slaves after the Civil War. Museum hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 am- 4:30 pm Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children 10 to 17, and free under 10. (Pro Tip: Saturday, August 3 is free entrance to the museum, but your admission supports the museum’s research and exhibits.)

Morning Minute: Friday, July 26, 2019

News About Town: There’s a new mural going up soon in downtown, this time on the side of the Planet Ballroom building (189 N. Trade Street). The mural, created by Matthews artist Carol Hambridge, will be printed on vinyl and adhered to the building. The design is a throwback to earlier times in Matthews and a reflection on the American dream.

Image via Matthews Community Farmer’s Market

News Around Town: We’re officially near the end of summer as today marks one month until the first day of school. Recent upheaval in CMS may cause some concern about the coming year, but local principals assure parents that students remain their number one focus. Start watching for those back to school sales!

One Fun Thing: It’s tomato tasting time at the Farmer’s Market! If you’ve never been to this annual favorite, the market sets up tables with plates for tasting. You’ll get a chance to try tomatoes of all sizes and varieties and then vote on your favorite. If you’ve never fully realized the nuances of tomato flavor, this is your opportunity. This Saturday, 9 am - 10:30 am at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market, 188 N Trade St, Matthews.

Morning Minute: Thursday, July 25, 2019

News About Town: We’re a day late for Who are they Wednesday (WATW), but it’s worth an encore. The Matthews Police Department have made a YouTube compilation of security camera portraits in hopes the perps of crimes against Matthews businesses might be recognized or found. Some images are blurry blobs, but most are legible. Even if you don’t know the people, it’s also oddly entertaining to play Guess Where They Were.

News Around Town: Queen’s Feast Restaurant Week is going on, and two Matthews restaurants are participating. Now through Sunday, Sante and Bonefish Grill are each offering three-course dinners for $35.

One Good Thing: Road trip planned across the country? You can blog your way to Washington state and back, and you won't have to worry about extravagant data fees. Now available through the Matthews Library (and other branches), you can rent a portable hot spot device and access high speed internet anywhere there's a cell phone signal. At $20 for one week ($35 for 14 days, $50 for 21 days), you can hop online to post videos of the picturesque scenery, catch the latest sportsing, or let your kids while away the hours on YouTube.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, July 24, 2019

News About Town: At Monday's Board of Commissioners meeting the Board voted to approve an 11% pay increase for the Town Manager. With this increase, the pay rate is $163,780. This pay increase follows a 6% pay increase for FY 2018/19 and a 3% increase for FY 19/20. The pay increases are to achieve a pay rate in the 60th percentile range. According to a 2018 pay classification study, the Town Manager's salary in the 60th percentile should be within $113,410 - $175,270.  

News Around Town: Always dreamed of being in a parade? Rent that classic convertible, practice your royal wave, and email matthewsaliveparade@gmail.com for all the essential information on getting into the Matthews Alive parade. This year's theme is Attitude for Gratitude, and if your float depicts something you're grateful for you can get your float fee reimbursed. Applications close on August 1st, so the clock is ticking.

One Good Thing: This Saturday, bring nonperishable food items to Backyard Birds (in Matthews Festival by the Dairy Queen) for Common Heart, a grassroots food pantry in Indian Trail. As a thank you, Backyard Birds will give you a 20% discount on one item (not including coffee and seed) and provide a donation of 10% the sale to Common Heart. If all of that giving and receiving isn't enough, Common Heart is dollar-for-dollar matching donations now through July 31, so that 10% of your purchase will become 20%. 

Morning Minute: Tuesday, July 23, 2019

News About Town: Mayor Paul Bailey, Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon, and Jason Majewski have filed for the Matthews mayor’s seat. With three candidates in the ring, there will be a primary on Tuesday, October 8. According to the State Board of Elections, "in a non-partisan election, if the number of candidates for the contest is greater than twice the number of seats to be elected, there will be a primary election. The primary will trim the number of candidates down to twice the number of seats." That said, Matthews will have elections once a month for the last quarter of 2019: September 10 (Congressional District 9), October 8 (Matthews Mayoral primary), and November 5 (Matthews Mayor and Board of Commissioners).

The proposed mural mural by Charlotte arts nonprofit Wall Poems

News Around Town: Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 24, Dilworth Coffee at Plantation Market (3016 Weddington Rd #600), is hosting a tasting event. Stop by the shop at 9 am to try samples of Honduran coffee, learn the stories behind the beans, and enjoy the flavor of this lesser-known, exciting source of coffee.

One Fun Thing: Kale Farms (3232 Kale Lane) is hosting their second Farmer’s Market pop-up this Saturday. Stop by the farm to grab some fresh veggies, learn about sustainable small-scale homesteading, and support local businesses. Saturday, July 27, 10 am - 2 pm.

Creature Feature: OH! Opossums (They’re the Rodent You Love to Hate)

“An Opossum hath an head like a Swine, and a taile like a Rat, and is the bigness of a Cat. Under her belly she hath a bagge, wherein shee lodgeth, carrieth and sucketh her young”

— Captain John Smith

Via Unsplash

Yes, they’re ugly and they hiss like cats and dash out in the middle of the road and made you almost swerve into a tree that one time because they decided to play dead. We’ve all got that story.

But really, you have it all wrong. For one thing, they’re good to have around. Honestly. You’ll see why in a minute. And they’re opossums, not possums. Possums are a completely different animal that live down under. Opossums aren’t even rodents. They’re marsupials. 

There are actually several dozen different species of opposums, but the one we are used to seeing is the Virginia opossum, or common opossum. They were dubbed “opossum” by Captain John Smith of Jamestown Colony, Virginia, from the Algonquin name “apasum”, which means “white animal”. Captain Smith wrote that “An Opossum hath an head like a Swine, and a taile like a Rat, and is the bigness of a Cat. Under her belly she hath a bagge, wherein shee lodgeth, carrieth and sucketh her young".

Opossums are originally from South America, but they migrated north about 3 million years ago during the Great American Interchange when previously isolated North and South American species migrated across the newly formed Isthmus of Panama. Genetic research suggests that all of today’s living marsupials actually originated in South America--the opposum is just the only marsupial one to have thrived in the United States and Canada.

Via Wikipedia

In case you’ve forgotten your middle school life science lessons, Google’s dictionary says a marsupial is “a mammal of an order whose members are born incompletely developed and are typically carried and suckled in a pouch on the mother's belly.” So opossums are one of the animals who carry around their babies in a pouch like kangaroos. Baby opossums are born after a mere 11-13 day gestational period. Mothers give birth to as many as 20 babies at one time that are so small, all 20 of them could fit into a teaspoon! Fewer than half of them typically survive, many never even reaching the pouch. As the babies get older, they start to move in and out of their mother’s pouch and will often ride on her back as she hunts.

Let’s talk about that playing dead thing real fast, before we get into why opossums are so great, since that’s the one thing everyone “knows” about them. “Playing possum” is actually an involuntary defense mechanism on the part of the opossum. When it becomes extremely afraid, it enters a catatonic state, making it appear dead, and less appealing for predators. But opossums actually have no control over when it happens.

Okay. So why do we like opposums? Besides the fact that they’ve been around since the dinosaurs, have a prehensile tail that they can use to wrap around tree limbs (though it is a misconception that they hang upside down), and have more teeth than any other North American land mammal--50 to be exact. 

If you’re still not swayed, here are the reasons why opossums really are good guys. First, they’re little tick vacuums. They eat the ticks that try to feed on them and they eat the ticks that try to feed on us. One opossum can eat as many as 5,000 ticks each season. And ticks aren’t the only pest opossums take care of for us. They eat cockroaches, snails, rats, mice, dead animals, over-ripe fruit, and snakes (including venomous ones like copperheads and rattlers). They’re pretty much Mother Nature’s yard exterminator.

Via Wikipedia

“But what about rabies”, you ask? “I saw one foaming at the mouth--it was clearly sick”. Any mammal can get rabies. However, it’s extremely rare for an opossum to contract rabies. It is believed that their lower body temperatures, between 94 and 97 degrees, makes it difficult for the virus to survive. While it is possible to contract other diseases from an opossum, as long as you do not attempt to pet or get too close to an opossum (or any wild animal for that matter), and you do not handle any dead opossums directly, your likelihood of contracting a disease is extremely slim. (Oh, and the foaming at the mouth thing? That’s another of the opossum’s natural defense mechanisms. By excreting excess saliva, other animals think it is sick and will leave it alone). 

And if all of that is not enough to convince you, how about the fact that their blood contains a peptide that can neutralize snake venom? With further research, their blood might help scientists develop a universal anti-venom, saving lives all over the world.

If that doesn’t change your opinion of opossums from despised, rodent, road-kill to beloved, potential super-hero, yard exterminator, I don’t know what will. 

Morning Minute: Monday, July 22, 2019

News About Town: Tonight’s Board of Commissioners meeting will be a busy one. Topics include allocating funds for the handrails on town hall, the tree replanting for the Taft development, adding part-time desk officers to the patrol unit to meet the needs of the police department, and an 11% pay increase for the Town Manager.

The proposed mural mural by Charlotte arts nonprofit Wall Poems

News Around Town: As planning for widening Idlewild progresses, Matthews is taking the opportunity to brainstorm access to Stevens Creek Nature Preserve. The preserve is a 281 acre a preserve in Mint Hill that abuts the Matthews boundary northeast of I-485 and Idlewild Road. Hear from the town and give input Thursday, July 25 from 4-7 p.m. at Poplin Elementary School (5627 Poplin Road Indian Trail, NC 28079). The event is also an NCDOT meeting to provide info on the widening and modifications of the existing I-485 interchange.

One Good Thing: Registration is open for Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church’s First Annual Leukemia/Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 5k Walk/Run for the Cure. The event, in honor of Pastor Larry Whitley, begins at 9 am on September 21. Registration closes August 31. Participants are asked to wear orange during the 5k to raise leukemia awareness.

Morning Minute: Friday, July 19, 2019

News About Town: In 2013 the town council approved a text amendment for the Unified Development Ordinance that created the current procedure for approving murals in Matthews. The amendment, created with the intent to have the Parks and Rec Advisory Committee approve public art, was unanimously approved by the commission, several of whom are current members (Paul Bailey, Jeff Miller, Kress Query, and John Urban). At the time Bailey clarified he, “doesn’t want the perception that the policy could be changed simply to avoid putting up a certain mural. He wants to be sure the language is defensible, and to do that everyone needs to know who is doing what throughout the approval process.”

Since that time, Park and Rec has installed seven murals and as many sculptures.

In May, after thirteen months of planning and coordinating, the Parks and Rec Advisory Committee was ready to move forward with the botanically themed design by Charlotte arts collective Wall Poems. The design includes a poem by NC farmer and Poet Laureate AR Ammons.

The agenda item was pulled from the May 28, 2019 council meeting at the beginning of the meeting. During public comment one Charlotte resident/Matthews business owner noted lack of public input on the project and felt the the design was inappropriate for the location.

This Monday, the board will receive information on a new process for public art approval. The agenda does not mention whether the new process will replace the 2013-3 Text Amendment.

The proposed mural mural by Charlotte arts nonprofit Wall Poems

News About Town II: Today is the last day to file for candidacy in Matthews. So far there are three mayoral candidates: Paul Bailey, John Higdon, and Jason Majewski. For commissioners: Ben Bash, Dave Bland, Allen Crosby, Barbara Dement, Renee Garner, Gina Hoover, Ken McCool, Jeff Miller, Mark Tofano, John Urban, and Larry Whitley have filed.

News About Town (Amended): In yesterday’s morning minute we incorrectly stated "Blythe Construction" is working on the Trade St. The contractor is Blythe Development.

One Good Thing: Need to get out of the house for some grown up time tonight? Charlotte Allstars Gymnastics (11011 Monroe Rd, Matthews) is hosting open gym tonight fro 6 to 9 pm. Drop the kids off and go find something fun to do (or sit and stare off into space and enjoy the quiet?) while they bounce, tumble, and fill their bellies with pizza. The cost of $20 ($15 for members) is less than that of a babysitter. Time to hit the clubs.

#ThrowbackThursday: October 18, 2007

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called Matthews News and Record and The Matthews News) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This story was originally published October 18, 2007 and was written by Janet Denk.

72-year-old hauled to jail for cutting up campaign signs

Matthews police arrested an elderly man Tuesday morning for the theft and destruction of two campaign signs on vacant property off Sam Newell Road in Matthews. Jimmy Hood, who formerly owned the property which is scheduled for development, was charged with two counts of Larceny of Campaign Signs, and two counts of Damage to Property. The 72-year-old was arrested and transported to the Mecklenburg County Jail. Apparently he cut up signs belonging to Kress Query and Lee Myers on the property across from the quarry off Sam Newell. Many will recall seeing Mr. Hood mowing the grass on the property between Crestdale Middle School and Independence Boulevard. Colonial Properties will be developing multi-family housing on that land.

“We have either taken reports or been made aware of the theft of at least 50 campaign signs over the past month,’ Matthews Police Chief Rob Hunter expressed in a letter sent to all the candidates running for office in Matthews this year. ‘I want to assure each of you that we are taking these offenses seriously, and that any offenders caught damaging or taking campaign signs will be arrested and transported to jail.”

Speaking of campaign protection…

A notice to Matthews Police patrols has been sent out regarding safety concerns for candidates for office, according to a memo sent to them and the Matthews Town Manager. Hoping not to be considered an infringement of privacy or an alarm with regards to candidate safety, Matthews Police Chief felt it necessary to familiarize town patrol officers with candidates’ homes, in case they should observe any suspicious activities on their property while they are not present or during overnight periods. His decision was based on the “rash of campaign sign thefts,” and what he described as, “the contentious issues surrounding the campaign season.”

The Chief added in his letter to the candidates, “I urge you to contact us should you have any concerns or observe anything suspicious.”

Morning Minute: Thursday, July 18, 2019

News About Town: For those anxious for the Trade Street construction to be complete…womp womp. NCDOT announced further delays on the project and anticipates it will be complete by late fall or winter. Blythe Development, the contractor, is already past the contract completion date, and is accruing damages assessed at $1,000 per day.

**Correction: In this morning's minute we incorrectly stated "Blythe Construction" is working on the Trade St. The contractor is Blythe Development.

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News Around Town: The Matthews Community Farmer’s Market is taking another step toward inclusive community by becoming licensed with Food and Nutrition Services. This license, provided with assistance and equipment from Mecklenburg Public Health Department, paved the way for the market to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Customers swipe their EBT card in the Community House and will receive tokens which may be spent on eligible food items with participating vendors.

The market is exploring ways to stretch SNAP benefits with a dollar matching sponsorship.

One Good Thing: The Mecklenburg County Sheriffs want you to Look Before You Lock. On average 38 children die annually from being left in hot cars. As the weather reaches the mid to upper 90s, a car parked in the sun can easily reach 150 degrees or hotter. The sheriffs have. Couple of tips to remember to look in your backseat (see above), like opening the back door every time you park. If you’re out and about and see a child or pet locked in a hot car, don’t hesitate to call 911.

Easy Actions for Sustainability

It’s hot and I’m bothered. 

Why?  Because I’m an unabashed, unapologetic tree-hugger.  I like big trees and I cannot lie! Because I’m a Central Carolinas Master Naturalist, National Wildlife Federation Habitat Steward and Habitat Host and Habitat Ambassador, and Audubon Ambassador, and Mecklenburg County Master Composter, and have  certificate in Native Plant Studies from UNCC I get a lot, repeat, a lot, of feeds to my Facebook account on all things environmental.

And folks, let me tell you, we’re in a mess.  Between habitat loss, mass tree-cuttings, use of exotic plants instead of natives, loss of environmental legislation, climate change, and the huge issue of plastic use (just to name a few), we’re in a big mess.

The question is, what the heck can we do about it???? As individuals we can’t set policy, single-handedly control elections, change the behavior of manufacturers.  But we can still take action and make a difference.

I’m going to be sharing a variety of ideas in the coming weeks.  What I’m hoping is that you find a few of them that you will commit to.

Let’s start with straws.

Let’s start with straws.  I’ve seen some articles that said straws are not a big problem in the overall scheme of things.  But straws are an easy thing for us to control, so let’s start there.

First, just say no.  When you’re eating out and a server gives you a straw, smile and give it back.  I always do it at the beginning of the meal so that it doesn’t get wet or dirty, and I don’t know what happens to unused straws at the end of the meal.  Are they put back into the box or thrown out because they’ve been on the table?

If you really want to use a straw, take your own.  There are so many options to choose from.  I’m including some pictures.  I found all these online.  They’re cheap and durable.

No more plastic water bottles

The next step?  No more plastic water bottles.  According to www.earthday.org humans purchase 1,000,000 plastic bottles per MINUTE.  The really horrible thing is that the US only recycles about 23% of theirs. 

Butts don’t swim

Final idea for today: if you’re a smoker, please don’t throw your butts on the beach or in our bodies of water.  Please don’t toss them on the ground where they can be swept into our storm drain system, ultimately ending up in our streams and rivers.  Chemicals that leach from the cigarette are often toxic and harm wildlife, bodies of water, and the ecosystem.

Here’s a visual for you:  in 2018 the Ocean Conservancy’s annual clean-up resulted in 2,412,151 cigarette butts being collected.  According to oceanconservancy.org those butts would line the distance of five marathons!

 If you’re someone who loves going to the beach, pick up trash while you’re there.  You’ll do a good deed and get some exercise.  Get your kids involved, too.

I was with a group of friends at a local coffee shop recently.  I always have a reusable straw in my purse, but I was really happy to see a friend pull one out.  Another friend questioned her about it and she replied that she only uses it on Thursday afternoons at the coffee shop.

Room for improvement?  Sure.  But it’s a starting point.  It’s a change and it’s moving in the right direction.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, July 17, 2019

News About Town: Next Monday you’ll have another chance to give input on the tree design for Proximity Matthews (the clear-cut trees on Monroe Road). Council heard from the developer at the July 8 meeting but felt the public should have more input in the process. Monday, July 23, is your chance to let them know if the new design is:

REASONABLE: The request only makes a modification to the landscape while retaining the overall site layout and architectural theme thus the request is reasonable. The general look and feel of the interior site will remain unchanged from the original proposal.

or

NOT REASONABLE: The amendment is not reasonable and represents a reduction of the quality of the landscape that was committed to when the site was approved for rezoning. The changes adversely impact the overall appearance and are not representative of what was depicted to citizens, staff and Council.

News About Town Part II: According to the Mecklenburg Board of Elections website, the Matthews Board of Commissioners race has one more candidate and one less. Gina Hoover has filed to run, and Kress Query is no longer listed. Filing closes on July 19.  

One Good Thing: It’s almost time for the Matthews Police Department’s annual National Night Out. Once again the event will be held on the Town Green (232 Matthews Station St.), this year on Tuesday, August 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The event is a great time to meet neighbors, learn about crime prevention, and deepen alliances with Matthews police. Neighborhood HOAs are invited to host a table, but the deadline to apply is today.