Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 10, 2019

CORRECTION: Our notice for the Matthews Concert Band was incorrect! The concert is this FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13.

News About Town: During the December 9 Board of Commissioners meeting, the outgoing commissioners and mayor took time to reflect on their time on the town council. Mayor Paul Bailey, Commissioner Chris Melton, and Commissioner Kress Query each took a moment to highlight their accomplishments and share wisdom gained during their tenure. They were each presented with a framed image of Town Hall.

One Good Thing: If you’re shopping for gifts on Amazon this holiday season, log onto smile.amazon.com and earn money for Butler High School’s PTSO. Log in, select “Your Amazon Smile,” and select “David W Butler High School PTSO” as your charity.

Don't Forget:  If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Friday, December 13, at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 9, 2019

News About Town: Town Hall has had a facelift recently. Approved in the August 27, 2018 meeting (see pgs 75-76), Town Hall received new fiberglass columns, brick planters, and ornate handrails. The project was budgeted at $80,000. The 2001 building had its refresh complete in time for the Hometown Holiday Tree Lighting.

(Shhh…don’t tell…Your Mom’s Donuts has $20 dozens on Monday.)

News Around Town: Mecklenburg County has started the budget prioritization process and wants your input. To have your voice heard, fill out the County Budget Survey or pick up a paper copy at the Matthews Library.There will also be a public hearing on the budget January 7.

One Fun Thing: Research has shown that listening to music reduces stress, improves memory, and improves psychological well-being. There’s a catch, and that is that it depends on the music. If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Saturday, December 14 at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm. Stress levels are expected to decrease soon after.

Don't Forget:  Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

#FiveForFriday: A Morning Minute News Round Up

This #FiveForFriday Morning Minute News Round Up is for the week including December 2 through 6, 2019.

One Good Thing: This Saturday, December 7, at 10 am, Greater Matthews Habitat invites you to join them to celebrate the completion of the 2019 Faith BUILD home. Committed to making sure everyone has an affordable and safe place to live, the newest Habitat home belongs to Moulay and Samia. It is the 108th Habitat-built home in the Matthews area.

News Around Town: If you're new in town, have family visiting, or simply want to get to know Matthews better, pick up the second annual "Welcome to Matthews" community guide. If you can't find a hard copy (they're available at Town Hall in the foyer, at the Chamber of Commerce, and a few other locations), you can also view it online. In the guide, you'll find new places to explore and resources for everyday living.

News Around Town: Craft store AC Moore will close up shop in 2020, after 34 years in business. The craft store giant cites being unable to compete with online retailers as its reason for pulling out of brick and mortar operations. Michael’s will take over stores and hire employees in markets where their brand is not represented; this is presumably not the case in Matthews, with a Michael’s in Sycamore Commons and an AC Moore in neighboring Windsor Square.

News Around Town: This week, Butler High School announced the retirement of Cierra Burdick's jersey. Cierra, a professional basketball player and Matthews resident, led the Bulldogs to the state championship in 2010. She responded to the news via Twitter, "Earlier today, Butler announced they'll be retiring my jersey. Five minutes ago, I nearly injured myself trying to open a jar of pickles. Life comes at you fast, people."

News Around Town: NCDOT, the City of Charlotte, and the Town of Matthews are partnering to identify pedestrian safety improvements along I-74/Independence. The three agencies are studying the history of pedestrian crashes to find ways to decrease those crashes. Through the study, they hope to find ways to increase pedestrian safety. In addition, the agencies have posted a two-question online survey to learn Independence travelers' firsthand observations.

Chapters

Chapters

Whether it be
Hard or soft cover
Spiral, satin ribbon
Or hand bound
On each page
A new world
Awaits
To those whose
Knowledge thirsts
Whatever subject
Can be pursued
And a part of your
Questions and
Answers will be
Found
When you explore
Behind the title and
Cover
Its all left for you
To discover
Inside a book
A silent gift
You receive
Each time you read

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, December 6, 2019

News About Town: Home Depot rental equipment has been on display in the parking lot despite being noncompliant with zoning. The retailer has applied for a zoning change to allow for outdoor storage of rental equipment. The condition change would allow 15 parking spaces for equipment and five spaces for trailer storage. Rental machinery will also be on display along the side of the building facing Stein Mart. The Board of Commissioners will approve or deny the application this Monday evening at the regular council meeting (7 pm, Town Hall).

News Around Town:  NCDOT, the City of Charlotte, and the Town of Matthews are partnering to identify pedestrian safety improvements along I-74/Independence. The three agencies are studying the history of pedestrian crashes to find ways to decrease those crashes. Through the study, they hope to find ways to increase pedestrian safety. In addition, the agencies have posted a two-question online survey to learn Independence travelers' firsthand observations.

One Fun Thing: STEAM is a popular word in education, and the Matthews Library is in on the action. On Saturday, December 14, at 11 am, preteens and teens can learn the basics of coding in a group setting at the library. Based on "The Hour to Code, "participants will learn content used in web sites that teach step-by-step coding instruction. Register online.

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Don't Forget:  The Matthews Woman's Club Service League craft boutique in the Carriage House behind the Reid home runs Thursday, December 5 — 7:00 pm, Friday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 8 — Noon - 9 pm and is free and open the public. Over 35 vendors will have their arts, crafts, handmade wares, and baked goods available for purchase.

The Matthews Community Farmer's Market is hosting its first-ever Holiday Night Market during the Hometown Holiday Stroll this Saturday, December 7, from 3 to 7 pm. Featuring live music, artisan crafts, artisan foods/baked goods, hot cider, gourmet coffees, and fresh popcorn, more than twenty-five vendors will be at the market.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Morning Minute: Thursday, December 5, 2019

News About Town: Join Town Staff and Board of Commissioners this Monday, December 9, for a reception preceding the Town Council meeting. The gathering, at Town Hall (232 Matthews Station Street) from 6 to 7 pm, will honor incoming and outgoing members of the Board of Commissioners. The event includes light hors d' oeuvres and is open to the public.

News Around Town: This week, Butler High School announced the retirement of Cierra Burdick's jersey. Cierra, a professional basketball player and Matthews resident, led the Bulldogs to the state championship in 2010. She responded to the news via Twitter, "Earlier today, Butler announced they'll be retiring my jersey. Five minutes ago, I nearly injured myself trying to open a jar of pickles. Life comes at you fast, people."

One Fun Thing: Ever wonder what Matthews was like in the days of yore? Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Don't Forget:  The Matthews Woman's Club Service League craft boutique in the Carriage House behind the Reid home runs Thursday, December 5 — 7:00 pm, Friday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 8 — Noon - 9 pm and is free and open the public. Over 35 vendors will have their arts, crafts, handmade wares, and baked goods available for purchase.

The Matthews Community Farmer's Market is hosting its first-ever Holiday Night Market during the Hometown Holiday Stroll this Saturday, December 7 from 3 to 7 pm. Featuring live music, artisan crafts, artisan foods/baked goods, hot cider, gourmet coffees, and fresh popcorn, more than twenty-five vendors will be at the market.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 4, 2019

News About Town: Mecklenburg County Parks and Rec has closed the Woody Creek access to the Four Mile Creek Greenway (in Chesney Glen) for repairs. The entrance is expected to reopen by December 7. The closure mostly affects those in the Chesney Glen neighborhood. For more information, please contact Mecklenburg County 980-314-1000.

News Around Town: Craft store AC Moore will close up shop in 2020, after 34 years in business. The craft store giant cites being unable to compete with online retailers as its reason for pulling out of brick and mortar operations. Michael’s will take over stores and hire employees in markets where their brand is not represented; this is presumably not the case in Matthews, with a Michael’s in Sycamore Commons and an AC Moore in neighboring Windsor Square.

Two Fun Things: It’s shopping time! If you’re looking for gifts or shopping for yourself, check out the handmade markets open in downtown Matthews this week.

First, the Matthews Woman’s Club Service League hosts a craft boutique in the Carriage House behind the Reid home throughout the four days the Victorian Teas are offered. While the Tea has an entry fee of $30 (funds go to the Woman’s Club’s support of area nonprofits), the boutique is free and open to the public. Over 35 vendors will have their arts, crafts, handmade wares, and baked goods available for purchase. Dates and times are simultaneous to the teas: Thursday, December 5 — 7:00 pm, Friday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 8 — Noon - 9 pm.

Also, the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market is hosting its first-ever Holiday Night Market during the Hometown Holiday Stroll this Saturday, December 7 from 3 to 7 pm. Featuring live music, artisan crafts, artisan foods/baked goods, hot cider, gourmet coffees, and fresh popcorn, more than twenty-five vendors will be at the market, ready to fill up space under your tree with locally made goodies.

2810[high]5: Giving Tuesday

This #GivingTuesday we’ve found five worthy nonprofits in Matthews so your donations can impact the local community. Have a favorite nonprofit we haven’t listed? Leave a comment so others can learn about them.

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Blessed Assurance Adult Day Care: Blessed Assurance provides social, recreational, and health care programs in a group setting. Among many other services, Blessed Assurance also offers family support and rehabilitation services with licensed therapists.

Giving Tuesday donations can be made through the donate button on their home page: blessedadultcare.org/.

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Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity: Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter in the Matthews, Mint Hill, and Stallings communities by providing affordable housing solutions to local families.

Giving Tuesday donations can be made at www.gmhfh.org/givingtuesday

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Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK): Habitat and Wildlife Keepers started by focusing on Squirrel Lake Park and turned it into a demonstration site for how homeowners could provide the five elements of habitat to create a haven for wildlife. HAWK hosts Kids in Nature Days in the spring and fall, maintains bird feeders at Squirrel Lake, leads projects such as removal of invasive plants along the greenway, and educates the community on the importance of preserving wildlife habitat.

Giving Tuesday donations can be made through the NC Wildlife Federation. Make sure to choose HAWK from the drop-down window under “Contact Information.”

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Matthews HELP Center: The HELP Center is a nonprofit organization that has been providing hope to the community for 40 years. They assist with life essentials to local individuals and families in need. Their services include assistance with food, clothing, financial support (rent, utilities, transportation, etc.), community referrals, and seasonal programs (new school supplies, Thanksgiving meals, and Holiday gifts). The HELP Center serves five zip codes in Mecklenburg and Union County and served 3,787 households in the community last year.

Giving Tuesday donations can be made at matthewshelpcenter.org/support.html#online

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ZABS Place: ZABS Place helps young adults with special needs harness their unique talents and prepares them to transition to rewarding careers and realize their dreams of leading meaningful lives. Through ZABS programs, participants acquire essential job skills, realize their potential, and gain confidence, leading them to financial independence.

Giving Tuesday donations can be made at zabsplace.org/donate-form/

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 3, 2019

News About Town: The results are in, and this year's No-Shave November winners in the Matthews Police Department are Officer Belin (Goatee) and Officer Mann (Beard). Each officer received a shave from JR the Barber and has returned to duty cleanly shaven and ready for Please Shave December (that's so not a thing). Congratulations to the entire police department for raising over $1,100.00 for Zero - The End of Prostate Cancer.

The winners post-shave with JR the Barber, image courtesy Matthews Police Dept. Facebook

News Around Town: If you're new in town, have family visiting, or simply want to get to know Matthews better, pick up the second annual "Welcome to Matthews" community guide. If you can't find a hard copy (they're available at Town Hall in the foyer, at the Chamber of Commerce, and a few other locations), you can also view it online. In the guide, you'll find new places to explore and resources for everyday living.

One Fun Thing: It's time again for the Annual Matthews Chamber of Commerce Gingerbread House Contest. The houses will be judged for three categories: Amateur-Family/Child, Amateur-Adult, and Professional. Entries can be dropped off anytime this week during Chamber hours, and there are a few rules (the construction and design should be completely edible, no larger than 24" x 24", among others), and judging will take place this Saturday. Whip up a batch of your secret icing recipe and get to building.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 2, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police remind you to shop safely this holiday season. They’ve compiled a list of helpful tips, including a few that would’ve helped victims of credit card theft recently.

• Set text alerts on your debit/credit cards so that you know exactly when a transaction is made on your account.

• Keep your purse zipped or fastened at all times.

• Keep your purse in the shopping cart in front of you, and never leave it unattended.

• If you are shopping at night or if there's a possibility that it will be dark when you return to your car, park under or near lighting.

• Have your keys ready and in hand before you get to the parking lot, you do not want to be fumbling for your keys while standing at your car.

• Always practice the HIDE, LOCK, TAKE method: HIDE your items out of plain sight that could be seen when looking in the car windows. LOCK all doors and close all windows completely. TAKE all items of value out of the vehicle when parking it.

• Last but not least, do your best to ensure that your situational awareness is always up for suspicious people around you.

News Around Town: This is the last week to apply for holiday assistance through Matthews Gives Back. Recipients will shop at Town Hall in the Hood Room, choosing from new items, donated through a town-wide drive. Matthews Gives Back is sponsored by the Town of Matthews, Matthews HELP Center, Matthews United Methodist Church, and other local nonprofits. To apply, contact the HELP Center by December 7 at 704-847-8383. More info here: https://www.matthewsnc.gov/newsview.aspx?nid=6363

One Fun Thing: This Saturday, December 7, at 10 am, Greater Matthews Habitat invites you to join them to celebrate the completion of the 2019 Faith BUILD home. Committed to making sure everyone has an affordable and safe place to live, the newest Habitat home belongs to Moulay and Samia. It is the 108th Habitat-built home in the Matthews area.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 27, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews named American Legion Post Commander Phil Mowry the Matthews Veteran of the Year. A Gulf War-era veteran, Phil served ten years in the United States Air Force. Now Phil is District Commander for American Legion Department of North Carolina District 20 (Mecklenburg County, NC), and Judge Advocate for American Legion Department of North Carolina Division IV. Thank you for your service, Commander Mowry.

News Around Town: According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Advisory, the Thanksgiving holiday sees an uptick in traffic accidents and fatalities. Approximately half of the fatalities during Thanksgiving holiday travel was attributed to simply not wearing a seatbelt. Over the next several days, Matthews Police will be on Independence Blvd. monitoring unsafe driving practices. Buckle up, drive sober, pay attention, and drive safe this holiday weekend.

One Fun Thing: Join Park and Rec on December 7 for a gingerbread house decorating workshop. For $10, Maria Tavares will have all the materials you need to build and decorate one small house, and she will teach the techniques to take your gingerbread house to the next level. This event is suitable for the entire family, but you must reserve a spot ahead of time.

Don’t Forget: This Small Business Saturday (November 30), support small businesses at the Loyalist with a pop-up market hosted by Good Cup. The event runs from 1 to 4 pm; all sorts of makers will be there selling beautifully handmade, original works of art and craft.