Morning Minute: Monday, November 18, 2019

News About Town: Recently, the Board of Commissioners approved the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission designation of 501 W. John Street, the Hooks-McLaughlin House, as a historic property. The house, built sometime between 1883 and 1894, is one of three Victorian-style homes in Matthews. During the first half of the twentieth century, it was home to Charles R. McLaughlin, prominent town businessman and Mayor of Matthews from 1929 until 1941.

The Hooks-McLaughlin Home via Mecklenburg County Polaris

News Around Town: Matthews resident and computer whiz/game designer Nathan Bezner recently launched a new word game app Tangol. Available for both Android and IOS, you can try a free version or purchase the ad-free version for $1.99. Tangol puzzles are five-word palindromes: a 5×5 square with symmetrical words mirroring one another horizontally and vertically. Users can pick between 3×3 and 4×4 puzzles, as well.

One Good Thing: If you’re a regular at the Loyalist, chances are good you know Dawn. Dawn, one of the original Loyalist staff members, is fighting cancer. In her recovery time (and there’s plenty of that during treatment), she’s been painting. Take a break from holiday planning November 26, 6:30-9 pm, and head over to the Loyalist for an exhibit of Dawn’s newest work. Like what you see? Art will be for sale and will help cover medical expenses.

Don’t Forget: 

• Today is the last day to contribute to the Backyard Birds and Common Heart holiday food drive. Drop off any of the following items at Backyard Birds (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy Suite 800) before close today: canned cranberry sauce, green beans, corn fruit cocktail, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing mix, macaroni and cheese, and/or cookie/cake/brownie mix.

• Also tonight, November 18, Garrity & Gossage is presenting the final installment of their popular Women, Wine, and Wisdom series. Nothing pairs better with wine at The Black Chicken than financial security, and Dessi Dufresne of Edward Jones and the lawyers of Garrity & Gossage will provide advice specifically geared toward helping women gain that security. There’s a $20 registration fee. For more info or to register, contact Kim Gossage at kgossage@garritygossage.com.

Designs

Designs

Mosaic patterns by leaves that fall

Brighten the parched earth from summer’s heat

A silent signal noticed by all

Crisp autumn air and apples picked sweet

Beneath moonlight the owls do call

As lovers engage their own beat

Piles of leaves and giggles can be heard

Above the mating songs of birds

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, November 15, 2019

News About Town: During the most recent Town Council meeting, the council approved plans for a new BAPS Mandir (temple) to be built on 13.6 acres at Stevens Mill and Mount Harmony Church roads. The approval includes a building up to 90,000 square feet and a 15% tree save with an in-lieu-of fee in place if construction causes the save to dip below that percentage. The in-lieu-of will be approximately $50,000 to be deposited into the tree fund. The discussion centered primarily around construction sequencing, the result of which was an additional construction entrance, provided NCDOT okays an extra entry.

News Around Town: This past Tuesday, Charlotte City Council approved a $50 million study for the CATS Silver Line, the LYNX line planned to run from Matthews to Belmont. The money for the study will come from the CATS capital investment program. Study findings, which include preliminary design and environmental work, will provide a better idea of the line’s cost and establish a more defined route. Paying for the Silver Line is still in question, the project will likely cost between $3 and $4 billion. Construction is expected to start in 2027 with service beginning in 2030.

One Good Thing: It’s America Recycles Day. Take a pledge to Reduce your waste, Reuse as much as possible, and Recycle when needed. Have an item to recycle but aren’t sure where to take it? There’s an interactive map here. 

Don’t Forget: 

• Brush up on your painting skills, Greater Matthews Habitat needs volunteers for this Saturday, November 16, to help paint. Volunteers need to be 16 and can sign up here.

• Backyard Birds believes in neighbors helping neighbors, and has partnered with Common Heart to feed those in need this holiday season. Drop off any of the following items at Backyard Birds (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy Suite 800) until Monday, November 18: canned cranberry sauce, green beans, corn fruit cocktail, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing mix, macaroni and cheese, and/or cookie/cake/brownie mix.

• Also Monday, November 18, Garrity & Gossage is presenting the final installment of their popular Women, Wine, and Wisdom series. Nothing pairs better with wine at The Black Chicken than financial security, and Dessi Dufresne of Edward Jones and the lawyers of Garrity & Gossage will provide advice specifically geared toward helping women gain that security. There’s a $20 registration fee. For more info or to register, contact Kim Gossage at kgossage@garritygossage.com.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 14, 2019

News About Town: Yesterday morning, a three-car accident knocked power out all around downtown Matthews. According to Matthews Police, around 9:44 am, a vehicle traveling northbound (headed into downtown from Weddington/Pleasant Plains) struck another vehicle from behind. This crash caused the second vehicle to hit a third; then, one of the vehicles skipped the curb and hit a utility pole on Trade Street at Country Place Park. Two of the three drivers were taken to area hospitals. The power outage affected area neighborhoods as well as Matthews Elementary School.

One Good Thing Part I: Brush up on your painting skills, Greater Matthews Habitat needs volunteers for this Saturday, November 16, to help paint. Volunteers need to be 16 and can sign up here.

One Good Thing Part II: Backyard Birds believes in neighbors helping neighbors, and has partnered with Common Heart to feed those in need this holiday season. Drop off any of the following items at Backyard Birds (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy Suite 800) until Monday, November 18: canned cranberry sauce, green beans, corn fruit cocktail, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing mix, macaroni and cheese, and/or cookie/cake/brownie mix.

One Good Thing Part III: Also Monday, November 18, Garrity & Gossage is presenting the final installment of their popular Women, Wine, and Wisdom series. Nothing pairs better with wine at The Black Chicken than financial security, and Dessi Dufresne of Edward Jones and the lawyers of Garrity & Gossage will provide advice specifically geared toward helping women gain that security. There’s a $20 registration fee. For more info or to register, contact Kim Gossage at kgossage@garritygossage.com.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 13, 2019

News About Town: Town Hall will get a Public Works pedicure* in advance of the Republican National Convention. Monday night, Town Council approved repaving the roads and parking areas throughout the development, as well as restriping of parking spaces and crosswalks. The work will fix crosswalks that lead to nowhere, as well as add much-needed ADA accessibility. The project will cost approximately $435,000. (*The cure for pedestrian ailments.)

News Around Town: Last night at the Levine Senior Center, over one hundred volunteers, board members, and friends of the Matthews HELP Center (MHC) reflected on the past four decades. Sargent Michelle Archer, Meteorologist Larry Sprinkle, and MHC staff celebrated the center’s 40th birthday. Sandra Conway addressed the crowd, sharing a vision for the future (space, space, and more space is needed). Center staff is focused on finding a way to say yes to everyone who walks through the door, providing hope to many more individuals than the 7,379 individuals MHC served over the past year. Conway presented the inaugural Founders Award, naturally given to the MHC founders June Hamrick and Iris Devore. The Heart of the Mission Award was given to the center's generous volunteer, Margaret Bond, who encapsulates the mission of MHC.

One Good Thing: One Good Thing: The HELP Center recently kicked off their end of year fundraiser with a goal of $40,000 to be raised by December 31. Donations go directly to neighbors who rely on the services provided by the HELP Center. A donation of $50 might provide gas for someone in need where $1500 will cover a month's worth of expenses for a family on the brink of eviction.

#FiveForFriday: A Morning Minute News Round Up

This #FiveForFriday Morning Minute News Round Up is for the week ending November 8, 2019.

News About Town: Tickets for annual holiday festivities at the Community Center are already on sale and are moving fast. The Nutcracker runs Saturday, November 30 at 2 pm & 7 pm, and Sunday, December 1 at 3 pm (with the option to add on the Sugar Plum Party); Saturday, December 7at 2 pm & 7 pm; and Sunday, December 8: 3 pm (with the option to add on the Sugar Plum Party). Tickets for the always popular Breakfast with Santa are sold out, but you can add your name to the waiting list.

Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the Matthews Community Center, or by calling 704-321-7275.

One Good Thing: Anthony Carter Jr, the number 38 offensive guard in the country and 22nd-ranked prospect in North Carolina, from Butler High School is in talks with several prospects for college football. According to Carter, NC State, Maryland, Virginia Tech and Michigan State are all possibilities.

News About Town: Sigh of relief, everyone, the 2019 election cycle is finally over! John Higdon wins the mayoral race with 53.59% of the vote. Incumbent commissioners Jeff Miller, Barbara Dement, and John Urban won reelection. They’ll be joined on the dais by Larry Whitley, Dave Bland, and our own Renee Garner, who earned the highest number of votes among commissioner candidates. Congratulations to our new representatives!

News Around Town: This past Monday, November 4, Matthews Animal Control caught a sick raccoon on the Four Mile Creek Greenway near East John Street. The raccoon tested positive for rabies. As of September (the most recent Mecklenburg Health Department report), there have been 11 confirmed animal cases of rabies. In 2018, there were 15 cases total.

News Around Town: Many businesses are offering extra discounts and freebies for veterans on Monday, November 11. Applebees, Golden Corral, IHOP, Texas Roadhouse, and Cici’s Pizza (among many others) are offering a free meal to veterans with an official ID. (Conditions vary, double-check before you go.) BJ’s Wholesale, Publix, Rack Room, Walgreens, and Home Depot have special discounts for veterans this Monday. Check the Department of Veteran Affairs’ list of discounts; we’ll keep an eye out for local businesses offering specials as well.

Bonds

Bonds

The wood bench

Had weathered

In its stationary

State

Upon it scratches, nicks

Engraved names and

Initials

Old peanut shells

Signatures left

Idle now

As the carousel

Horses that once

Went round and round

It beckoned an

Old man some refuge

To rest and sit down

For a while

Like broken branches

That cling before

They fall

The old park bench

Gave comfort again

And as the sun

Began to set

Two silhouettes

Blended so well

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, November 8, 2019

News About Town: This Monday, the Mayor and Board of Commissioners will join Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 in Stumptown Park to honor Veterans Day. The ceremony begins at 11 am and will include a presentation recognizing the Matthews Veteran of the Year. For Matthews veterans, the town website has local resources, and the Veterans Advisory Committee works tirelessly to ensure Matthews is inclusive and meets the needs of veterans. We, at the Beacon, thank you for your service.

News Around Town: Many businesses are offering extra discounts and freebies for veterans on Monday, November 11. Applebees, Golden Corral, IHOP, Texas Roadhouse, and Cici’s Pizza (among many others) are offering a free meal to veterans with an official ID. (Conditions vary, double-check before you go.) BJ’s Wholesale, Publix, Rack Room, Walgreens, and Home Depot have special discounts for veterans this Monday. Check the Department of Veteran Affairs’ list of discounts; we’ll keep an eye out for local businesses offering specials as well

One Good Thing: If you have a weekend of yard work planned, take a detour and stop by Town Hall (232 Matthews Station Street; 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday - Friday)* to pick up some paper yard waste bags. The large, extra-sturdy bags come in packs of ten, and you can pick two packs up for free. Using paper makes it easier for Compost Central to compost the yard waste because the bags and waste can go straight into the compost pile, rather than removing and throwing away plastic bags. *Bags are also available at Matthews Public Works, 1600 Tank Town Road, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday - Friday; the Community Center, 100 E. McDowell Street, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Saturday, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sunday.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 7, 2019

News About Town: If you see a particularly hairy looking male police officer around town, don’t worry, they’re not trying to nab criminals with their face Velcro. Matthews Police are participating in No Shave November by loosening official shave policy standards. to participate, each officer must donate $35 to Zero Cancer Foundation, a prostate cancer patient advocacy and public awareness group.

News Around Town: This past Monday, November 4, Matthews Animal Control caught a sick raccoon on the Four Mile Creek Greenway near East John Street. The raccoon tested positive for rabies. As of September (the most recent Mecklenburg Health Department report), there have been 11 confirmed animal cases of rabies. In 2018, there were 15 cases total.

One Fun Thing: Not sure what or where to recycle? Since Matthews recycling goes to a county facility, we must follow the county guidelines. Charlotte-Mecklenburg has created a relatively simple, but extremely informative game to teach you the what and where of recycling. Give it a try.

Don't Forget: 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. The performance starts at 7:30 pm.

Morning Minute: Wenesday, November 6, 2019

News About Town: Sigh of relief, everyone, the 2019 election cycle is finally over! John Higdon wins the mayoral race with 53.59% of the vote. Incumbent commissioners Jeff Miller, Barbara Dement, and John Urban won reelection. They’ll be joined on the dais by Larry Whitley, Dave Bland, and our own Renee Garner, who earned the highest number of votes among commissioner candidates. Congratulations to our new representatives!

Mayor-Elect John Higdon and Commissioners Renee Garner and Larry Whitley

News Around Town: Tired of campaign signs? Don’t get dumpster happy just yet. Candidates have seven days post-election to collect their signs. If you see signs out in remote areas of town, do the environment and the candidates a favor and send them an email to let them know the location. Most candidates reuse their signs from cycle to cycle.

Don't Forget: 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. The performance starts at 7:30 pm.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 5, 2019

News About Town: THE ELECTION IS TODAY! HAVE YOU VOTED?

News Around Town: The Matthews Heritage Museum has a new exhibit up: "The House With A Heart: 40 Years of the Matthews HELP Center" documents the past 40 years of good works by the HELP Center and will be on display until February 1, 2020. What started as an all-volunteer organization in the Massey-Clark House (home of the Matthews Heritage Museum), now employs a professional staff of 7 full-time and 6 part-time staff and over 240 volunteers.

The Matthews Heritage Museum is located at 232 N. Trade Street is open Thursday – Saturday from 10 to 4:30. Small admission charged. 

One Good Thing:  Anthony Carter Jr, the number 38 offensive guard in the country and 22nd-ranked prospect in North Carolina, from Butler High School is in talks with several prospects for college football. According to Carter, NC State, Maryland, Virginia Tech and Michigan State are all possibilities.

Don't Forget: 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. The performance starts at 7:30 pm.

Morning Minute: Monday, November 4, 2019

News About Town: Tickets for annual holiday festivities at the Community Center are already on sale and are moving fast. The Nutcracker runs Saturday, November 30 at 2 pm & 7 pm, and Sunday, December 1 at 3 pm (with the option to add on the Sugar Plum Party); Saturday, December 7at 2 pm & 7 pm; and Sunday, December 8: 3 pm (with the option to add on the Sugar Plum Party). Tickets for the always popular Breakfast with Santa are sold out, but you can add your name to the waiting list. 

Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the Matthews Community Center, or by calling 704-321-7275.

News Around Town: Election Tuesday! Go vote!

One Good Thing: Tonight, Monday, November 4, the Matthews Historical Foundation will host their 20th annual benefit for the foundation at Santé Restaurant (165 North Trade Street). Highlights include dinner by Santé owner, and renowned chef, Adam Reed, a cash bar, as well as silent and live auctions. Proceeds benefit the foundation, a local nonprofit whose mission is to care for the Reid House and brings Matthews history to life.

Don't Forget: 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. The performance starts at 7:30 pm.

Camaraderie

Some are as real

And as natural

To the eye

As breathing

Air

Some are chemically

Combined

To fill our

Artistic flair

Doesn’t matter

They touch your

Heart

Each and everyone

Only you understand

Why

Don’t try to figure

It out

They line up as

Equal brothers

Waiting in the

Grandstand

All the colors

Get along

Each one as

Individual

As you and I

Perhaps someday

Man will see

No differences

And share and

Feel the same

Camaraderie

Like the colors

That stand side

By side

Inside a box of

Crayons

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, November 1, 2019

News Around Town: Interested in Town meetings but can’t make it? Now you can tune in. If you want to find meeting minutes, listen to the audio, and see agendas all on one page, find them here.

Handheld art by artist and Matthews-resident Donna Sappington available The Loyalist Market.

News Also Around Town: Newsweek recently compiled a comprehensive list of nursing homes across the US, based on reputation, performance data, health inspection scores, and more. Of the 15,000 nursing homes analyzed, 406 met a threshold score. Seven of those are in North Carolina, and one is in Matthews: Carrington Place ranked number seven in the best nursing homes in North Carolina. Congratulations Carrington Place, keep up the great work!

One Good Thing: The High Ridge Pickers will be at the Farmer’s Market this Saturday. Get there when the market opens at 8, get your shopping in, then settle in for some bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music. The farmers will have cool-season greens, summer staples, and an array of handmade goodies. Don’t forget to plan your Thanksgiving menu, hit the market, and pre-order baked goods and meats for the holiday table.