Morning Minute: Thursday, May 14, 2020

News About Town:  Beach Fest, the Matthews celebration that usually occurs in May, was postponed due to the Coronavirus. The summer celebration has been moved to October 16 and 17, and will include all the faves we’ve grown to expect from Beach Fests past. 

One Good Thing: The Matthews Free Medical Clinic is competing with other area medical nonprofits for a $5,000 #SpotlightOnCLT grant from the Amy & Brian France Foundation and Share Charlotte. The grant will be used to provide free, quality healthcare for the uninsured in our community.  Vote for the Matthews clinic here.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 13, 2020

News About Town:  Starting in February of each year, the Town Manger begins the annual budget process. After meeting with department heads the manager creates a recommended budget. The manager presented a brief overview of the recommendations to the Board of Commissioners at during the 5:30 meeting this past Monday (May 11). A budget workshop is scheduled for May 18 with an opportunity for public input on May 26. The 2020/21 budget will be adopted by the council before the end of June. 

News Around Town: Karrousel Kids (120 East Charles St) has reopened with social distancing rules in place. Their hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, and seniors or families are welcome to make private shopping appointments. Masks are required and there is a limit for three shoppers at a time. For an appointment or more information, call the shop at 704-847-4300.

One Good Thing: We’ve tallied the totals and have a winner! Drumroll please…Matthews Plantation is a Big Beacon Deal! The neighborhood came together and collected 260 canned/boxed items,148 individual serving foods, 3 lbs of fresh produce, and $660 in cash donations! Because of their hard work and generosity, they will receive a neighborhood swag pack and can carry their title proudly.

Even though the contest is over, we still have collection bins. If you want to hold a pantry drive in your neighborhood just let us know and we’ll get you all set up!

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 12, 2020

News About Town: Bulk/large item waste pick up has resumed this week. Please exercise patience; it may take some time for Republic, the company that collects solid waste in Matthews, to catch up. According to the town’s website, bulky items, such as stoves, refrigerators, water heaters, mattresses, carpet (must be rolled and tied) and furniture, can be scheduled for pick up by calling 704-393-6900.

News Around Town: Even though the Matthews Library is closed, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is offering online events and classes. Need help learning new tech? On the search for business resources? Miss the library’s family story time? The library has programming to cover a wide range of needs. Or find a book, check out the digital library options.

One Fun Thing: A regular art practice can provide relief during stressful times. Our partnership with Eileen Schwartz Will take that practice to a new level over the next three weeks. Eileen’s granddaughter, Eliana, a talented 13 year old artist and music afficianado, will be collaborating on #art_stayathome daily art prompts. Check the prompt, the. Listen to the suggested music as you create. According to Eileen, the benefit of combining songs with the making of art can result in an expanded therapeutic and creative art experience. Take a few minutes and give it a try today.

Morning Minute: Monday, May 11, 2020

News About Town: At tonight’s Board of Commissioner’s meeting, Mayor Higdon will recognize this week as National Police Week. Friday, May 15, the Town will observe Peace Officers Memorial Day.

News Around Town: If you need to register to vote, change information on your voter registration (name changes excluded), and are a DMV customer with a N.C. driver’s license or DMV-issued ID, you may now do so through the NCDMV online.

One Good Thing: Don’t forget to make your daily #art_stayathome #art_ with prompts from Eileen Schwartz (@healingartforcaregivers). Be sure to share what you make on Facebook and Instagram. We want to see what you’re making!

Morning Minute: Friday, May 8, 2020

News About Town: In January of this year the Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resource Department put out a call for artists to design a mural for the speed bump on McDowell. The Parks, Recreation, Cultural Advisory Committee chose an artist from those submissions and is now ready to suggest a design. Their choice will be presented to the Board of Commissioners at Monday’s meeting.

News to Support Local: Mother’s Day is coming up this Sunday. If you haven’t gotten your mom (or mom-figure) a gift, why not #shopsmall, #shoplocal? It’s easy to do, and here are a few (women-owned) places to find great gifts:

• Backyard Birds—Great gifts for the naturalist in your life, and if you’re a Beacon member you can use your discount.

• Matthews Yoga Club—Give mom time to herself. Matthews Yoga Club provides free online yoga classes (donations accepted). All you have to do is provide the uninterrupted time so she can participate.

• Nectarri Honey—Tell her she’s sweet with a jar of locally sourced honey. Only the best for Mom, this honey is sourced seasonally without chemicals and pesticides.

• Your Mom’s Donuts—Pick up some donuts and coffee (get there early or order online now) for breakfast in bed. She’ll be grateful for not having to smile while dining on overcooked eggs.

One Good Thing: The Matthews Farmer’s Market is very picky about their vendors. Every once in a while a vendor is accepted who sources from outside the usual 50 mile radius because it’s not available locally. Charlotte Fish Company is one of the exceptions and they’ll be at the market tomorrow, May 9.  Get line-caught, fresh from the NC coast fish. Pre-order by texting on 980-722-0918 or emailing to tim@charlottefishco.com.

Morning Minute: Thursday, May 7, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. Once again, the meeting will be conducted remotely. To watch live, the meeting is available via Zoom (link here, meeting starts at 7 pm, Monday). A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter meeting ID 934 9488 5306. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

News Above Town: The North Carolina Air National Guard is participating in a fly over tomorrow. The event, Operation American Resolve, will use a training opportunity to provide encouragement and show solidarity with frontline pandemic workers. Expect the planes to fly over Matthews shortly after 1:20 pm.

One Good Thing: Chen Fu Chinese Restaurant (Windsor Square) has reopened and is ready for takeout from the restaurant or delivery through DoorDash. Call them at (704) 845-6282 to place takeout orders. 

Bouquets of Promise

Bouquets of Promise

She’s as silent as
a bride walking down
the aisle, guests whisper
how beautiful she looks,
afraid to disturb the
moment of her passing

Beneath her veil tears
are visible in her eyes
they are not caused by
sadness, they come from
bliss

For she symbolizes love,
hope, beauty and peace
equal to the grace of spring’s
bouquets of promise

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 5, 2020

News About Town: The Matthews Fire & EMS Department is creating a video series about daily Department operations. Check out this informative one about the protective gear firefighters don when on a call. Next week they’ll show off the fire truck!

News Above Town:  This morning, before dawn, was the peak of the Eta Aquariids meteor shower. These remnants from Halley's Comet were tough to see because of the clouds, but you still have a chance to check it out early tomorrow morning (try around 4:30 am). If you miss it then, you may still be able to see it through May 28. Traveling at 148,000 miles per hour, the Eta Aquariids are one of the fastest moving meteor showers.

One Good Thing: In a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19, GivingTuesday has dedicated today, May 5, as #GivingTuesdayNow. Looking for a way to give? Your donation to Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity will help put a roof over someone’s head. A donation to Bright Blessings will help provide a birthday celebration to a child living in poverty. A donation to Matthews Playhouse will help fill a funding gap from the loss of performance revenues.

Morning Minute: Monday, May 4, 2020

News About Town: Engineers have completed the final design plans for the subject intersection improvements at Matthews Station and Trade Streets. The improvements can be seen here. The Town of Matthews Public Works is interested in hearing your thoughts. To provide feedback or obtain further info, contact Town Engineer Susan Habina -Woolard at shwoolard@matthewsnc.gov

News Around Town: Now that the county has moved toward the State’s Stay at Home Order, restrictions are easing slightly. Mass gatherings are still limited to 10 people or less, except funerals, which allow up to 50. Businesses must still abide by social distancing rules:

• Six feet of distance between individuals.

• Frequent, thorough hand washing or the use of hand sanitizer.

• Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.

• Facilitating online or remote access by customers if possible.

Non-essential retailers who reopen should be operating by curbside service.

One Good Thing: Way to go Beacon Community! During our Helpers helping HELPers campaign, we raised over $1,000 for the HELP Center and will be matching those donations with our own $1,000 donation. Thank you, Matthews, for your generous giving! Look for a full tally of collections later this week and we’ll name our Big Beacon Deal!

Morning Minute: Friday, May 1, 2020

News About Town: With the new Stay at Home rules in place, county parks have reopened their gates for parking. Playgrounds, athletic fields, and restrooms will remain closed, but tennis courts are open once again. In Matthews, the Sportsplex and Idlewild Park are County-run parks.

News Around Town: Cucurbits, legumes, and nightshades, oh my! If you’ve been gardening your isolated heart out, it’s now safe to plant those favorite summer crops:

• squash, cucumbers, and melons (cucurbits);

• green beans, cow peas, and soy beans (legumes);

• tomatoes, tomatillos, ground cherries, and peppers (nightshades).

Get to diggin’ and grow your own grub.

One Good Thing: Want to give to our Helpers helping HELPers food drive? Let us know and we’ll pick up your donations and take them to the HELP Center. Don’t forget, tallying up happens on Monday. We’ve had $920 in monetary donations, which means we’re $80 from our $1,000 goal. Let us know if you give, we are ready to dollar match up to $1,000. Even better? Some donors have employers who also match donations.