Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Healthcare: Novant has a helpful webpage with important information about Coronavirus.

There are two coronavirus testing sites in Matthews: Tryon Medical Group has opened one at the former Rite Aid at the John and 51 intersection (630 Matthews Township Parkway), and Novant has one at by the Brace Y (3330 Siskey Parkway).

School Lunches: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools are providing free grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches for children under 18 starting today, March 17. Meals will be available Monday through Friday between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. The pick up location in Matthews is at Crown Point Elementary.

In addition to the Loyalist Market, Kristopher’s (250 North Trade St.) is offering free lunches for kids on the school lunch program. Stop by and order from a server between 11 am and 3 pm.

Closures: All Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries will close tomorrow at 5 pm and into the foreseeable future. Yes, that includes the Matthews branch. The good news is that all their online resources are still available.

Grandfather Clock

Grandfather Clock

Grandfather clock chimes
Announcing each hours worth
Waste not one minute


By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Monday, March 16, 2020

News About Town: After a bit of nail biting and back-and-forth, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools will close for at least two weeks in response to COVID-19. Initially the school board announced an early spring break as an alternative that would allow teachers and staff to be paid while off. On Saturday it was announced all K-12 public schools will be closed for two weeks under a declaration by the governor and state health department. Through the executive order teachers will be paid. 

News Around Town: Two months ago “social distancing” wasn’t a part of common vernacular. With school closures and businesses emphasizing less interaction to limit the spread of Coronavirus, financial hardships are certain for some. Local businesses are stepping up to ease the hardship. The Loyalist Market, Good Cup Coffee, VeloPops, Your Mom's Donuts, CPCC, and a handful of Charlotte-area businesses are partnering to provide food to children who rely on schools for their meals. Chris Sottile, owner of (and mastermind behind) the Loyalist Market, has figured out how much it will cost for to provide 250 sandwich lunches for the next two weeks. Those are students who rely on the School Lunch Program and the staff preparing the lunches are skilled workers who otherwise wouldn’t be earning a paycheck during this period of social distancing. Want to help? They’ve organized a Go Fund Me. According to Chris, “You'll be backing a strong, honest group of local businesses that are committed to utilizing 100% of your funds towards each of their most insecure youth.“

Morning Minute: Friday, March 13, 2020

News About Town: Last night, Mayor John Higdon, Fire Chief Rob Kinniburgh, Police Chief Clark Pennington, Kevin Woods (Crown Point Principal), and parents, grandparents, and lots of friends filled McDowell Arts Center. Matthews Artists Guild (MAG) paired up with Crown Point Elementary School for an exciting art show at the McDowell Gallery, which officially opens this Saturday, March 14 through the end of the month. Seventy-five kids from kindergarten through fifth grade have worked all year putting together their finest masterpieces, now on display. In addition, artwork from the members of MAG will fill in the empty spots to ensure art everywhere at the McDowell!     

News Around Town: With TP and hand sanitizer in short supply, the County and CDC continue to provide tips to stay healthy during COVID-19 season. To reiterate, Mecklenburg County has a site dedicated to updated info on the novel coronavirus outbreak.  The website includes various resources and updates on the impact of COVID-19 on our community and uses Google translate. The county, CMS, Novant, Atrium, and other key organizations provided a Facebook Live update yesterday. Governor Roy Cooper provided a live update yesterday, as well.

One More Thing: With the confirmation of coronavirus in Mecklenburg County, the gravity of the virus is setting in. Here in Matthews, Blues Beatles at the Community Center has been canceled. Next week, the Red Brick Partnership's 2020 Shamrock Crawl has been postponed. While individual businesses will still have St. Patrick’s Day specials, the free tee shirts and maps will not be distributed.

Morning Minute: Thursday, March 12, 2020

News About Town:  More than 75 people showed up at Matthews Town Hall to learn about the Silver Line light rail this past Tuesday. CATS presented information on the timeline, transit oriented design, and the current alignment. The crowd was largely excited and curious, with a few concerns, including impact on property value, and future area growth.

News Around Town:  Kiwanis Club of Matthews is gearing up for their annual Pancake Breakfast. We Beaconers love a good pancake and love all-you-can-eat pancakes even more. Buy your tickets now. $8 plus kids under 8 eat free! Saturday morning, March 21, from 8:00 am until noon. Matthews Presbyterian Church, 207 West John St.

Don’t Forget: The 3rd annual "Welcome to Matthews" print and online community guide is on its way to the printers. This magazine-style resource enables local leaders to promote your business, engage support and cultivate a sense of community.  Purchase an ad spot before March 27 by contacting Sandy Barnett (sandyb@gobizwell.com or 704-491-9897).

Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 11, 2020

News About Town:  The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) awarded $55.4 million in discretionary project funds to 28 regional transportation projects at its board meeting on February 19, 2020. These funds are divided up across three counties, based on a prioritization assessment. One project in Matthews received funds during this round of funding; the Sam Newell Road Multi-Use Path (Crestdale School to south of Williams Road) received $834,272. This path is an NCDOT project and the town will cover $448,000. Of those funds, $80,000 was set aside in the town’s Fiscal Year 2019/20 budget.

News Around Town: If you love data, the County has something for you. The 2020 Community Pulse Report is now available, showing many factors that influence the business of the County. A few interesting tidbits: Mecklenburg County has the largest population of any county in the State of North Carolina, but Wake county has a larger net migration. Young adults ages 25-34 make up the largest age subset moving to the area. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Mecklenburg County. All of this data inform County business practices and decision-making.

2810[high]5: Breakfast on the Cheap

Mom and pop places are the way to go when you want a filling breakfast, no frills, with a straightforward cup of coffee, keep the refills pouring. Where do you go in Matthews for such a thing? We’ve covered Stacks before, and there are a few other Matthews establishments that fit the (very affordable) bill. {Prices are subject to change.}

The Monroe Road Corridor:

East 74: Open at 6 am, you can get two eggs (any style), for

$4.95. Comes with bacon or sausage patties, grits or hashbrowns, toast, or biscuit, and iced tea.

10915 Monroe Rd, Matthews
(704) 847-5035

Stacks:

Get two eggs (any style), with bacon or sausage, grits, oatmeal, or hashbrowns, toast or biscuit

for

$5.95. Open daily at 6 am.

11100 Monroe Rd., Matthews
704.841.2025

Center of Town:

Americana: Opens at 5:30 am Monday through Saturday, closed Sunday.

For

$4.95 y

ou get two eggs (any style), plus bacon, sausage, ham, or livermush, grits, home fries, or hashbrowns, toast, or biscuit.

1628 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews
704-841-0801

Jonathan’s:

Open daily at 6 am. You get two eggs (any style), for

$4.95. Comes with bacon, or sausage patties, grits, home fries, or hashbrowns, toast, or biscuit.

10630 Independence Pointe Pkwy,
Matthews
(704) 847-8911

Miki’s:

Opens at 6 am, Monday through Saturday, 7 am on Sunday.

For

$3.95, y

ou get two eggs (any style), plus bacon, sausage, or livermush, grits, home fries, or hashbrowns, toast, or biscuit. Coffee is $1.60.

1819 Matthews Township Pkwy,
Matthews
(704) 321-0051

Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 10, 2020

News About Town:  The Matthews Police Department just added two officers to the team. Officer Quincy Smith joined the Matthews Department after five years with the Estill, SC Police Department. Officer Derek Bare attended South Piedmont Community College for Basic Law Enforcement training after serving in the Army. 

News Around Town: Carolina Ruggerfest was held at the Matthews Sportsplex this past weekend. Hosted by the North Carolina Youth Rugby Union, the event brought in teams from 13 different states. Rugby matches were held on nine fields over the course of two days. According to NC Youth Rugby, 90 teams played 230 matches for more than 8,000 spectators.

One Good Thing: To our readers observing Purim, Chag Purim sameach!

Shadow of the Rose—Choka

Shadow of the Rose—Choka

Shadow of the rose
left by morning sunlight
engraved in time left for me
to remember when
cold winds and snowflakes cover
green fields of summer’s gardens
will keep its beauty
come spring when last snow
melts one rose will beckon me 

  
By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Monday, March 9, 2020

News About Town:  This evening, the Board of Commissioners will have a regular board meeting at Town Hall at 7 pm. Those in attendance will receive an update on COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. The Mecklenburg County Health Department has updates as well. Livable Meck has created a page of multilingual resources from the CDC on preventing the spread of coronavirus.

News Around Town: Imagine it’s the year is 1915 and you’re invited to Dr. and Mrs. T. N. Reid's home for their annual Victorian Lawn Party. You can expect turn of the century entertainment, such as a Maypole Dance, dominoes, croquet, woodworking, basket making, beekeeping or paper quilling. No need for Doc and a Delores, the Matthews Heritage Museum is sponsoring the 5th Annual Lawn Party at the Reid House (134 W. John Street) from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2020. 

The event is FREE, though donations are suggested for certain activities. For more information contact the museum at 704-708-4996 or check out the website:  www.matthewsheritagemuseum.org or our Facebook page.

One Fun Thing: Stargazers of all ages, check out the moon tonight (Monday). It’s the final full moon of winter, and will appear to be slightly larger and brighter than other full moons. Known as a Super Worm Moon, thus particular full moon marks the time of year when earthworms begin to awaken from their winter slumber.

#FiveForFriday: A Morning Minute News Round Up

This #FiveForFriday Morning Minute News Round Up is for the news week of March 2 through March 6, 2020.

News Around Town: The Census is coming, Make sure you’re counted. Starting March 12, fill out the form online, by phone, or by mail. The results produce a snapshot of America—one that determines how congressional seats are divvied up and how state and federal dollars are distributed.

News About Town: Did you hear the daffodils whispering that it’s a good time to sow peas? Did you know, it’s a general gardening rule that forsythia blooms when it’s time to plant lettuce? Turns out there’s something to old farm lore and the kinds of observations that make a correlation between plants. It’s called Phenology, the study of periodic plant and animal life cycles and their interaction with variations in climate and seasonal changes. Sow your seeds, the flowers are giving their permission.

News About Town: If you’ve noticed the bare landscape around I-485 and John Street, it’s part of the I-485 express lanes project. NCDOT has planned improvements for the interchange. The I-485 Express Lanes project will add one express lane (an optional toll lane with congestion-based rates) in each direction along I-485 between I-77 and Independence Boulevard. The project also includes a new interchange at Weddington Road. Learn more here.

News About Town: The proposed LYNX Silver Line, a 26-mile-long light rail corridor with 28 stations, will connect Matthews to downtown Charlotte, the airport, and to Belmont in the west. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is hosting a public meeting at Matthews Town Hall on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 pm to kickoff the Pre-Project Development portion of the project. The meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the Silver Line design, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), and Rail Trail (a parallel cycling/pedestrian-focused trail) opportunities.

News About Town: The March 9 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. Item 14 A includes a list of items discussed at the recent Planning Conference. These are items and actions that the Board expressed interest in pursuing and may or may not come up during the remainder of the 2020/21 term. Items include collaborating with UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, pursuing additional park space as it may become available, and exploring land acquisition for a future fire station.

Morning Minute: Friday, March 6, 2020

News About Town:  The March 9 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. Item 14 A includes a list of items discussed at the recent Planning Conference. These are items and actions that the Board expressed interest in pursuing and may or may not come up during the remainder of the 2020/21 term. Items include collaborating with UNC Charlotte Urban Institute, pursuing additional park space as it may become available, and exploring land acquisition for a future fire station.

News Around Town: It’s the final night for the Family Fun series at Crews Road Rec Center and it’s going to be a good one. CWF Mid-Atlantic stars will throw down on the wrestling mat, in full-on ultra-campy style (looking at you, Viva Las Amish) while Matthews families cheer them on. Practice your hollers and gear up for some wrestling (wrassling) ring rowdiness. Tickets are $5 for 18+ year olds, and $2 for under 18. Register here.

One Fun Thing: According to Brad Panovich, the ruby-throated hummingbirds are showing up early this year. One sighting was reported in Chester, SC, the earliest on record. Scrub and sanitize your feeders, make a batch of sugar water, and let the birdwatching begin.

Morning Minute: Thursday, March 5, 2020

News About Town:  The proposed LYNX Silver Line, a 26-mile-long light rail corridor with 28 stations, will connect Matthews to downtown Charlotte, the airport, and to Belmont in the west. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is hosting a public meeting at Matthews Town Hall on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 pm to kickoff the Pre-Project Development portion of the project. The meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the Silver Line design, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), and Rail Trail (a parallel cycling/pedestrian-focused trail) opportunities.

News Around Town: Butler Students, heads up! NC Outward Bound School is offering FULL SCHOLARSHIPS for a seven-day backpacking and rock climbing course in June. The deadline is tomorrow, March 6, so you have to get an application in quickly. The program is designed to develop students' courage and compassion as leaders while pushing students physically, socially and emotionally. Apply here.

One Fun Thing: Teachers, school admin, and educational professionals, Green Jeans Consignment will be at Levine Senior Center (1050 DeVore Lane) this weekend and they’re opening the doors early to give educators (homeschoolers included) first dibs. Shop an exclusive half-price pre-sale on Friday, March 6, at 5 pm. Veterans, you’re not left out—doors open for you at 5:30. What can you expect? A whole lot of quality clothes. Items include new and gently worn brand name, boutique and designer clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories from petite to plus sizes, including maternity.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 4, 2020

News About Town: If you’ve noticed the bare landscape around I-485 and John Street, it’s part of the I-485 express lanes project. NCDOT has planned improvements for the interchange. The I-485 Express Lanes project will add one express lane (an optional toll lane with congestion-based rates) in each direction along I-485 between I-77 and Independence Boulevard. The project also includes a new interchange at Weddington Road. Learn more here.

News Around Town: If you couldn’t stay awake (raises hand) for the polls to roll in, check out the Mecklenburg Board of Elections website for the full list of results.

One Fun Thing: The North Carolina Wildlife Federation, in collaboration with two local chapters; CROWN (Charlotte) and HAWK (Matthews), will be hosting a National Wildlife Federation Habitat Stewards Training course April 21, 24, 25, and 26 at Matthews Community Center. In addition to being issued several key nature-related books and materials, course topics will include elements of a wildlife habitat, native flora and fauna, ecology, invasive plants, soil microfauna, and more. Class size is limited to 30 individuals and you must commit to attending the full course. Volunteer commitment of 30 hours post-course is required for certification. Register here.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 3, 2020

*Good gracious, it was only Monday and we made a bad mistake. Blues Beatles is next weekend (March 13), not this weekend.

News About Town: Did you hear the daffodils whispering that it’s a good time to sow peas? Did you know, it’s a general gardening rule that forsythia blooms when it’s time to plant lettuce? Turns out there’s something to old farm lore and the kinds of observations that make a correlation between plants. It’s called Phenology, the study of periodic plant and animal life cycles and their interaction with variations in climate and seasonal changes. Sow your seeds, the flowers are giving their permission.

News Around Town: Today’s the last day for primary voting. All voting places will be open today, March 3,from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm. Matthews voters must go to their regular polling location to vote today.

One Fun Thing: Home Depot (1837 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews), in partnership with Discovery Education has a free STEAM-based activity this weekend. With the help of store associates (and handy parents), kids can build a pair of binoculars that work. Register here; 9 am to noon, Saturday, March 7.