Morning Minute: Thursday, October 31, 2019

News Around Town: Is your neighborhood canceling Halloween? Moving it to another night? Everyone and their costumes weighed in on Halloween on social media yesterday and there’s no consensus. Brad Panovich weighed in. Check out NextDoor to find out what your neighborhood has planned.

Breakfast with Greater Matthews Habitat

News Also Around Town: It’s finally the holiday to kick off all other food-heavy holidays: Halloween. If you’d rather skip the candy-season, Smilebar has you covered. Smilebar (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy

Matthews), a locally-owned husband/wife dental office in Matthews Festival, has partnered with Operation Gratitude, and are collecting leftover Halloween candy. Intending to collect 50 pounds of candy (that’s a lot of dum dums), Smilebar will add handwritten notes and cards then ship the sweets to Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude will, in turn, distribute everything to troops overseas, local veterans, and first responders. You have a few days to eat your fill, Smilebar is collecting candy until 7 pm on November 5.

One Great Thing: Yesterday morning, Greater Matthews Habitat gathered in the main hall at Threshold Church to celebrate building safe, affordable housing in and around Matthews. Familiar faces of community members spoke during the event, including Pastor Chuck Wilson of Matthews United Methodist, and Natisha Rivera-Patrick, President of Greater Matthews Habitat. Gabriela, the pre-teen daughter of Habitat homeowners, spoke to the beauty of her family’s new home, her appreciation of having a yard to play in, and the joy of picking out her own bedroom.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, October 30, 2019

News About Town: Want to be a part of the process to form the future of Matthews? Apply to join the Planning Board or the Board of Adjustment. There are several vacancies and applications are now being accepted, through November 15. Interviews will be held the evening of Monday, November 25.

According to the Town website, “the Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial board that interprets town ordinances and policies for unique situations or special cases related to the town Zoning Ordinance.” Also, “the Matthews Planning Board has been created to advise the Matthews Town Board of Commissioners on land development issues from a citizen standpoint.”

Interested? Submit an application to Town Clerk Lori Canapinno.

News Around Town: Yesterday marked one year since the shooting of Bobby McKeithen at Butler High School. Principal John Legrand used the anniversary as a day to focus on kindness. From B Kind tee-shirts to leaving post-it notes around the school for encouragement, the day was centered around bringing the school together through uplifting messages while remembering the tragedy of last year.

One Fun Thing: Lace up your sneakers Saturday, November 9, 2019, for the Matthews PD’s  Gobble Wobble 5K. Entry fees will benefit Special Olympics of North Carolina and the nearly 40,000 athletes that train and compete in over 19 sports throughout NC. Pay your fee ($35 in advance, $40 the day of) and head on over to Colonel Francis Beatty Park, 4330 Weddington Rd. Matthews. Run, jog, or walk like your Thanksgiving depends on it.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, October 29, 2019

“The Matthews Beacon endorses John F. Higdon for Matthews’ Mayor. A three-term commissioner and current Mayor Pro Tem, Mr. Higdon is consistently responsive to the needs of constituents and brings honesty, humility, leadership, and intelligence to the board. ”

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Here at the Beacon, we have debated whether to make a public endorsement of the candidates running for office in 2019. The debate is over, and we have landed firmly on yes.

The Matthews Beacon endorses John F. Higdon for Matthews’ Mayor. A three-term commissioner and current Mayor Pro Tem, Mr. Higdon has demonstrated a clear understanding of the issues faced by our town. He is consistently responsive to the needs of constituents and brings honesty, humility, leadership, and intelligence to the board. Also, to date, there are no instances in which Mr. Higdon has used racial epithets in a public forum.

When the John Street widening threatened downtown Matthews, Mr. Higdon was the only commissioner who responded appropriately to citizen concerns. He worked with the leaders of Preserve Matthews to pursue alternative ideas for John Street and was instrumental in turning the Board against the project.

During the debate over town support of House Bill 514, Mr. Higdon opposed the measure from the beginning, citing well-researched complications in addition to concerns from Matthews’ parents. John has maintained a positive relationship with the CMS School Board and will make great strides in repairing the town’s relationship with CMS.

Prior to serving as a commissioner, Mr. Higdon served on the town’s Tree and Appearance Board. He has a long track record of caring for Matthews’ green space and will be a force for smart, sustainable development. It’s worth noting that no donations to Mr. Higdon’s mayoral campaign have come from developers.

Additional details about Mr. Higdon’s record on the issues are available on his website. His campaign finance records are available on the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections website.

Morning Minute: Monday, October 28, 2019

News About Town:  In November 2017, the Town Board asked staff to move forward with an entryway sign for the Idlewild roundabout (at Idlewild and 51). The sign was estimated to cost $85,000, with additional costs for landscape lighting; Mint Hill would pay for a portion of the costs. Soon after solidifying the design, NCDOT announced plans to remove the roundabout, widen Idlewild, and turn 51 into a superstreet. The sign project was put on hold while the Town decided what the best approach would be, including the idea of installing a removable sign on the roundabout. At tonight's council meeting, staff will present three options ranging from $11,000 to $60,000 in expected costs.

News Around Town: Yesterday marked the end of the five-day celebration of Diwali, the Hindu holiday, also known as the Festival of Lights. Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Today, the first day following Diwali on the Hindu calendar is Annakut – literally meaning, a mountain of food. Annakut, the beginning of the Hindu New Year, is today. Want to celebrate? BAPS has day-long festivities lined up.

One Fun Thing: Matthews' best kept cultural secret, the Matthews Concert Band, will open its 18th season on Thursday, November 7, at the Fullwood Theatre with "A Salute to France." Musical selections will carry you across the ocean in a trans-Atlantic audio odyssey of concert band sound. Future concerts to remember are December 14 at Matthews United Methodist Church, and March 5, 2020, and May 21 in the Fullwood Theatre. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.

A Barrel of Monkeys

While they ate their banana I

just happened to be eating one too,

it seems we share the same taste

for some food.

But thank heavens, I feel no urge

to swing from the trees, although it

looks like fun, I’d rather not have

two broken knees.

Monkey see, monkey do, makes one

wonder who’s watching who and

best of all their smiles are

contagious, what a sweet disease

to spread upon faces just thinking

about theirs made me smile right

away a going away gift from the

monkeys at the zoo.

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, October 25, 2019

News Around Town:  Last night was the final candidate forum of the 2019 election season, held at Plantation Estates. There was a bit of a hubbub as the forum was closed to media and the public just hours before it began. WSOC News aired a story about Candidate Barbara Dement, who works for Plantation Estates. She made a short statement regarding two years worth of missing campaign finance reports. Several candidates spoke out about the lack of forum access for Matthews voters.

Early voting continues at the Matthews Library. To learn more about the candidates running, visit the Meck BOE for links to their websites.

One Fun Thing: Looking for something slightly less spooky than local election news? Head to the Matthews Library on Thursday, October 31st at 6:30 for fireside tales and fall themed puzzles. There will be free cider, hot chocolate, and cookies.

Bonus Bite: We’ve got two pairs of tickets to the Haunted Trail! Want to win? Comment on our Facebook post with your favorite Halloween costume idea. Bonus points if you include pics.

Morning Minute: Thursday, October 24, 2019

News About Town:  The dogs are back in town. Bloodhound Week is, in Beacon world, more exciting than the Superbowl and unfortunately ends today. The Matthews Police Department hosts the National Police Bloodhound Association K-9 training every fall with training throughout Matthews. More than 40 K-9 handlers and their bloodhounds participated, learning and perfecting tools of the trade.

News Around Town: Looking for an alternative to the neighborhood candy crawl that is trick or treating? Tomorrow, October 25, Matthews Township Shopping Center (1811 Matthews Township Parkway) is hosting a Costume & Candy Crawl. Stop by from 5 until 7 pm. Join Matthews Presbyterian on Sunday, October 27, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm for their annual event. Then, Wednesday, October 30, from 6 to 8 pm, Idlewild Baptist (12701 Idlewild Rd) is hosting a Fall Fest. In addition to games, crafts, and prizes, the church will host a Trunk or Treat.

One Good Thing: Free paper yard waste bags are available through the county at various recycling centers around Mecklenburg Co. Why paper? When you’re disposing of yard waste, the entire bag can go in the yard waste trucks, eliminating the step of emptying plastic bags. Although there’s not a recycling center with the bags in Matthews, head over to Hickory Grove to pick some up. If you don’t want to drive, they’re also available at Lowe’s and Target.

Bonus Bite: We’ve got two pairs of tickets to the Haunted Trail! Want to win? Comment on our Facebook post with your favorite Halloween costume idea. Bonus points if you include pics.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, October 23, 2019

News About Town:  Monday, the Matthews Police and Matthews Fire Department hosted their annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive at Stumptown Park. Nearly forty units of blood were donated during the six-hour event. Two bloodmobiles were onsite throughout the day; donors were given a special donor’s tee shirt and a VeloPop. The friendly competition ended with, according to social media, the Police ahead, taking home the title belt.

Photo via Matthews Police Facebook page

News Around Town: There’s one person in Matthews who likes Halloween more than Norah, and that’s Bob. (Everybody else take a number and get in line.) Need a little escape from the daily grind? Follow along with Bob’s spooky antics with the Instagram tag #bobshalloweenland. Make sure you follow Vincent Van Bones, too. Vincent is Matthews only Insta-famous skeleton with a penchant for pumpkin spice. Dem bones, dem bones, dem caffeinated bones.

One Good Thing: If you love to decorate gourds, this is your season to shine. Find a pumpkin and make it pretty, then take it to the Parks & Recreation Event Office (196-B South Trade Street, behind the Free Clinic in Stumptown Park) and enter the 2nd annual Halloween Pumpkin Contest. At this point we usually say something like, “Do your best, but don’t worry, it’s the effort that counts…” except it’s Halloween, and scary things like judgement happen. Just your pumpkin will be judged, though, and if you do a great job and win, you’ll get a gift card to a local Matthews business! Pumpkin drop-off times are October 25th from 9 am-6 pm, or October 26th from 10 am-4 pm. Judging will take place Saturday October 26th when the public will have the opportunity to vote at the Not-So-Spooky Halloween event.

Don’t Forget: Saturday, November 2, join the Matthews Appearance and Tree Advisory Committee at Squirrel Lake Park from 8-noon to pull invasive weeds and give the native flora a fighting chance. The event is open to all ages and is an excellent activity for families, schools, scout troops, and anybody else who likes the outdoors! Bring some gloves, a bottle of water (refills available at the park water fountain), and any tools you want to use. Questions? Contact Debbie at fostdebbie@gmail.com.

Bonus Bite: We’ve got two pairs of tickets to the Haunted Trail! Want to win? Comment on our Facebook post with your favorite Halloween costume idea. Bonus points if you include pics.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, October 22, 2019

For our readers celebrating Simchat Torah, “Chag Sameach!”

News About Town:  The leaves are falling, and with that comes some tidying up unless you want to leave them for the critters. Let this be your annual reminder for yard waste: the county has guidelines for yard waste curb collection. Please be courteous to neighbors and don’t block the sidewalk or street. If you can, bag leaves and smaller sticks in heavy-duty paper bags available specifically for yard waste. These bags can go straight into the composting piles at Compost Central, eliminating single-use plastic waste. Plastic bags should be clear, or the top must remain open so waste collectors can see the contents. Bags must weigh less than 50 pounds each, and there is a 20 bag limit per week per residence. Have branches trimmed shorter than 4 feet long and less than 5 inches thick — stack limbs in small piles for easy collection.

News Around Town: The 2019 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) rated Novant Matthews a Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality. Leaders are service providers that received a perfect rating in a voluntary survey, which analyzed criteria such as sexual orientation and gender identity non-discrimination policies for patients and employees. Twelve of the 24 NC Leaders are Novant Hospitals. In total, 680 healthcare facilities actively participated in the HEI 2019 survey.

One Good Thing: Saturday, November 2, the Matthews Appearance and Tree Advisory Committee has an opportunity for you to use that upper body strength for more than curling pints. Join the group at Squirrel Lake Park from 8-noon to pull invasive weeds and give the native flora a fighting chance. The event is open to all ages and is an excellent activity for families, schools, scout troops, and anybody else who likes the outdoors! Bring some gloves, a bottle of water (refills available at the park water fountain), and any tools you want to use. Questions? Contact Debbie at fostdebbie@gmail.com.

Bonus Bite: We’ve got two pairs of tickets to the Haunted Trail! Want to win? Comment on our Facebook post with your favorite Halloween costume idea. Bonus points if you include pics.

Morning Minute: Monday, October 21, 2019

News About Town: This past Monday, October 14, 79-year-old pedestrian Vira Hryhorniva Nahorna was struck by a car in a hit-and-run in the Aldi parking lot. Vira later died from the injuries she sustained. This past Friday, the Matthews Police Department announced charges against the driver. Fifty-four-year-old Sawan Alshabani of Charlotte, is charged with one (1) count of first-degree murder, two (2) counts of attempted first-degree murder, and two (2) counts of assault with a deadly weapon. According to investigators and witnesses, Alshabani intentionally struck Vira and allegedly attempted to strike four other people before leaving the scene of the incident.

News Around Town: It’s a popular season for big birthdays in Matthews! Not only is the HELP Center celebrating the big four-oh, but  Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity (GMHFH) is turning thirty. Since 1989, GMHFH has addressed the lack of affordable housing in the Matthews area to break the cycle of poverty. Matthews Habitat relies on volunteerism to build homes and provide affordable mortgages. Over the past 30 years, GMHFH has partnered with volunteers through St. Stephen United Methodist Church, Sardis Presbyterian Church, Pace Construction, and numerous individuals and organizations to build 108 homes. 
Wednesday, October 30, GMHFH will be holding their inaugural fundraising breakfast at Threshold Church (3501 Antioch Church Rd, Matthews 28104) from 8:30to 10:00 am. There is no cost , but RSVP is required (rsvp@habitatmatthews.org) by October 24.

One Fun Thing: Once again, Stumptown Park will be Not-So-Spooky for Halloween this Saturday, October 26, from 5 to 9 pm. Feel free to come out and not-be-scared at this free, family-friendly event. We are Not-So-Sure, as Curley the Clown is listed in the festivities. Geared towards kids 10 and under, there will be face painting, bounce houses, carriage rides, and snacks. And clowns. After trick-or-treating in the park, stay for the movie “The Haunted Mansion,” starting at approximately 7 pm. Feel free to dress up. (No pets, please.)

Afternoon Shadow

Her shadow crossed his storefront everyday.

She never paused once, or glanced to notice,

The man inside who had fallen in love;

With this beautiful women he hoped to-

Share his life with, if he could just get her

Attention he would introduce himself.

His heart began to ache realizing

This is just a fools infatuation

Then one day as he was closing the store,

There she was just as he hoped for, real.

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Wednesday, October 16, 2019

News About Town: Directly from the mouths of the Fire Department (via Facebook): This evening an alert resident called the station and advised our duty officer that she was solicited via the telephone by an individual claiming to be collecting money for our department. The resident started to question the individual who promptly hung up on her.

Matthews Fire will NEVER solicit donations via the telephone from anyone. This resident was referred to Matthews Police Department so they could be made aware. If you are ever in doubt about the validity of a phone call, please, DO NOT give them any personal information and call the fire department to check its validity.

News Around Town: Alarms.org, an independent review blog of security solutions, recently ranked the top 100 safest towns in North Carolina (there are 532 municipalities in the state). Matthews comes in near the top at 39, when ranked according to FBI data. Backgroundchecks.org touts a similar methodology but lists Matthews at 29.

One Good Thing: Join BAPS Temple for the first-ever Diwali celebration at Matthews Town Hall on Wednesday, October 23. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India's most significant festivals. Lights or lamps signify the victory of the good over evil with every human. The festivities will include an introduction of the meaning of Diwali, Rangoli (a classical Indian art form), and an annakut, which is a mountain of Indian sweets and savory vegetarian dishes.

Don’t Forget: Love BBQ? This Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19, from 11 am until 6 pm, stop by Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church (381 Crestdale Rd.). Get some of the best pork BBQ, turkey BBQ, or 1/2 chicken plates around, with sides and dessert for $10 each. All proceeds go to Mount Moriah’s Child Development Center.

The Caribbean Heritage Association of Trinidad & Tobago (CHATT) presents Everything Curry at the Levine Senior Center this Saturday, October 19 from noon to 5 pm. Try curry chicken, goat, shrimp, or crab, channa, roti (curry sandwich!) and more! CHATT will also collect non-perishable goods to send to the Bahamas for disaster relief.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, October 15, 2019

News About Town: The Matthews Police Department is doing its part to prevent breast cancer and raise awareness. For the month of October, the police are selling Pink 'n Blue Breast Cancer Awareness tee shirts.

About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime; the odds of men developing breast cancer are about 1 in 883. Early detection is vital in the fight against breast cancer.

If you want to support the department’s fundraiser, the shirts are for purchase, email Sgt. David Ruby at druby@matthewsnc.gov for info. Proceeds of the sales will go to the Novant Health Mobile Mammography Unit to help fund checkups for women who can not afford them.

Image via Town of Matthews website

News Around Town: Yesterday morning around 10:11 am, Mrs. Vira Hryhorniva Nahorna (DOB – 12/10/1939) of Charlotte, was struck in the parking lot of Aldi on West John St. Vira was taken to CMC with life-threatening injuries and later died. Initially, a hit and run accident, the driver of the vehicle contacted the police and is cooperating with the investigation. No charges have been filed.

One Good Thing: Love BBQ? This Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19, from 11 am until 6 pm, stop by Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church (381 Crestdale Rd.). Get some of the best pork BBQ, turkey BBQ, or 1/2 chicken plates around, with sides and dessert for $10 each. All proceeds go to Mount Moriah’s Child Development Center.

Don’t Forget: Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15, the Matthews Woman Club and Service League is hosting a Candidate Forum. Come out to hear from Matthews Board of Commissioners and mayoral candidates at the Community Center. The forum will run from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and will be moderated by former Mayor Lee Myers. Board of Commissioner candidates will have 5 minutes to introduce themselves and answer two questions. A mayoral candidate debate will follow.

The Caribbean Heritage Association of Trinidad & Tobago (CHATT) presents Everything Curry at the Levine Senior Center this Saturday, October 19 from noon to 5 pm. Try curry chicken, goat, shrimp, or crab, channa, roti (curry sandwich!) and more! CHATT will also collect non-perishable goods to send to the Bahamas for disaster relief.

Morning Minute: Monday, October 14, 2019

News Around Town Pt I: Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 15, the Matthews Woman Club and Service League is hosting a Candidate Forum for Matthews Board of Commissioners and mayoral candidates at the Community Center. The forum will run from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and will be moderated by former Mayor Lee Myers. Board of Commissioner candidates will have 5 minutes to introduce themselves and answer two questions. A mayoral candidate debate will follow.

News Around Town Pt II: Kimberly Tuttle, a Levine Middle college teacher of 11th-grade English Honors and Advanced Placement Language and composition was named the 2019 CMS Teacher of the Year back in May. Now she's on TV nation-wide. Volkswagen came to Matthews and filmed a commercial-length biography about Kimberly, her approach to teaching, family life balance, and more. Watch the full video (filmed in Matthews) below or here.

"I didn't choose teaching. Teaching chose me." - Mrs. Tuttle VW recognizes the hard work and dedication teachers give their students every day. Thank you, Mrs. Tuttle, for sharing your passion for teaching with us. #DriveBigger #WorldTeacherDay ---------------- Connect With Us: https://go.vw.com/Facebook https://go.vw.com/Instagram https://go.vw.com/Twitter ---------------- About Volkswagen of America: Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Don’t Forget: The Caribbean Heritage Association of Trinidad & Tobago (CHATT) presents Everything Curry at the Levine Senior Center this Saturday, October 19 from noon to 5 pm. Try curry chicken, goat, shrimp, or crab, channa, roti (curry sandwich!) and more! CHATT will also collect non-perishable goods to send to the Bahamas for disaster relief.

Morning Minute: Friday, October 11, 2019

News About Town: At the upcoming Town Council meeting, the board will consider adding language to the Unified Development Ordinance differentiating extended-stay hotels from other hotels and motels. The application explains, “Council has expressed concerns regarding extended stay hotels in the Town.”

News Around Town: Not much compares to a homegrown summer tomato, but homegrown greens are equally worth the wait. Local fall produce will be front and center at the Farmer’s Market this weekend, including apples, sweet potatoes, squash, greens, lettuces, and radishes. Grab a Good Cup to stay warm, then fill up your reusable totes with locally sourced deliciousness straight from the farm to your table. Saturdays from 8 ‘til noon.

Don’t Forget: Send in pics of your pup in full Halloween gear to the Police Department by today at 5 pm with the possibility of winning a Chick-Fil-A prize!

Later today we’ll draw for the two sets of tickets for Madeline at the Playhouse! The show runs Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 20, at the Matthews Community Center (Fullwood Playhouse). Want to be entered to win? Head over to Facebook and say, “In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines...” (or your favorite Madeline quote).

Have kids? Love nature? Tomorrow, HAWK will have Squirrel Lake Park crowded with kids, nature lovers, and nature-loving kids for Kids in Nature Day (consider it a half-birthday Earth Day). Squirrel Lake Park (1631 Pleasant Plains Rd), Saturday, October 12 from 10 am-1 pm