Morning Minute: October 17, 2018

News About Town: Thanks to Hurricane Michael (and Florence before) Republic Services is still behind with yard waste pick-up. Please be patient as they catch up with the overwhelming amount of compostables they’re collecting. Once again Public Works will assist in the collection. Make sure you follow the rules for easy collection: Leaves and grass clippings must be bagged in clear bags (tied) or other bags (left open) so the driver can see the contents. Branches and limbs smaller than five-inches diameter must be cut into lengths shorter than four feet and stacked in small piles. Please don’t leave yard debris in the gutter or street.

News Around Town: Mattress Firm, the largest specialty mattress retailer in the US, filed for bankruptcy protection last week and announced it is closing 700 stores nationwide. The retailer will close over 200 stores immediately, including two stores in Matthews. The company wasted no time and began moving product out of stores over the weekend. Two stores in Matthews will close: one near Harris Teeter (1834 Matthews Township Parkway) and another beside the now-vacant HH Gregg Store in the Windsor Square shopping center (9901 E. Independence Boulevard).

Photo courtesy Carolina Shows

One Good (and Fun) Thing: Matthews-based Carolina Shows produces Christmas Made in the South every October. In conjunction with our interview, they’ve offered 2 pairs of tickets for a giveaway for our readers! Want to enter? Comment below or on our Facebook post. We’ll draw a winner Thursday!

Christmas Made in the South Shows Start in Matthews

“We have more than 300 artists and craftsmen, many of them will be demonstrating their work. (Our) show is rated in the top 100 fine art and craft shows by Sunshine Artists, which rates more than 100,000 shows in the country.”

— Janice Hunt

Image courtesy Carolina Shows

Bob and Janice Hunt started Carolina Shows Inc. in Matthews 40 years ago, but you may not recognize the business name. More likely you’ll recognize their holiday-dressed mouse (Curtis) or the name of their annual craft shows: Christmas Made in the South. Every October artists and crafters from all over the US kick off their holiday sales season by setting up booths for three days in Cabarrus Arena. Over the long weekend, they’ll see about 15,000 shoppers. Those shoppers trek from all over the Carolinas and beyond to the Cabarrus Arena for the Charlotte-area Christmas Made in the South Show.

About 20 years ago the Hunts’ son Russ joined the office crew. Despite growing up involved in the show production, Russ wasn’t initially interested in continuing the legacy. After graduating college with a theater degree the younger Hunt tried it out for a season and was hooked. Russ remembers, “That first year was insane, scary and fun so here I am 20 years later and still having a good time with the shows. It's nice to provide this experience to communities and wonderful to see what a tradition it's become to so many people.”

Image courtesy Carolina Shows

It’s no easy feat organizing a craft show where each vendor is responsible for making their own unique wares for sale. Nothing commercially made or manufactured is allowed, a standard that keeps the business operating full-time year round. Carolina Shows employs five people in their Matthews office and hires an additional 5 part-time employees to help operate the show itself.

While holiday ornaments in retail stores seem out of place in September, Carolina Shows begins even earlier. Their holiday season during the summer, when vendor applications begin arriving in the daily mail. The applications are processed and then judged based on the quality of artists’ work. “There has to be creativity with their work as we do not allow any commercial products in our shows,” Russ explains. “A good rule is that it has to be at least 50% altered to be considered a craft.”

“We have more than 300 artists and craftsmen,” says Janice, the show director. “Many of them will be demonstrating their work. (Our) show is rated in the top 100 fine art and craft shows by Sunshine Artists, which rates more than 100,000 shows in the country.” Each show is carefully curated to include a diverse group of vendors, from blown and stained glass to handmade clothing, and jewelry. Only a few crafters of each genre are accepted, including the fanciful polymer clay work of Matthews Artist Karen Elizondo.

Every October artists and crafters from all over the US kick off their holiday sales season by setting up booths for three days in Cabarrus Arena. Over the long weekend, they’ll see about 15,000 shoppers.

From their Matthews office near the Brace YMCA, Carolina Shows produces six Christmas Made in the South shows starting with Charlotte. After that the full tour includes Columbus, GA, Macon, GA, Savannah, GA, Jacksonville, FL and the season ends in Charleston, SC. Carolina Shows also organizes one spring show in Savannah, GA.

Brainstorming for the future, Russ hopes to one day create an "Outside Division" of shows and have more outdoor arts and crafts fairs. He laments, “It's tricky though to find the correct location and economically it's a bit tough.” In the meantime, they’ll continue to produce incredible arts and crafts shows, and it all starts in Matthews.

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Christmas Made in the South

October 19 through 21, 2018

Cabarrus Arena * Free parking!

GPS: 4551 Old Airport Rd., Concord, NC 28025

10 AM. – 6 PM Friday * 10 AM – 6 PM Saturday * 11 AM – 5 PM Sunday

The People of Matthews: Marty Todys

Marty Todys, 64, lives in Matthews. Marty rides 3 1/2 miles every day to and from work. When it rains, his wife comes to pick Marty up, and his bike.

“I stay on the sidewalks. If there’s a car in the crosswalk, I’m gonna let them know they’re in my crosswalk. I’m 64!”

— Marty Todys

Interested in cycle-commuting? According to BikeWalkNC, North Carolina traffic laws treat bicycles as vehicles and treat bicyclists as drivers of vehicles.  Cyclists should be treated with the same safety and respect as other vehicles. More information on cycling laws here.

Morning Minute: October 16, 2018

News About Town: As Halloween approaches faster than you can say “boo”, it’s time to think about carving gourds into all manner of faces. (Pumpkins seem way easier to carve than beets or turnips.) The Town of Matthews wants to see what you make. Enter your creation in the Town’s Pumpkin Contest by dropping off your carved, painted, or decorated Jack O’ Lantern in the Park and Rec office behind the Free Clinic, 196-B S. Trade St., on Oct. 25 or 26. Entries will be separated into two age groups (16 and under, 17 and up) for judging. Winners will receive season tickets to Carowinds.

News Around Town: Early voting begins Wednesday! Stop in at the Matthews library and cast your ballot for the 2018 elections. Polls are open from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Wednesday, with additional schedule information available here. Not registered? No problem! North Carolina offers “One Stop” early voting where citizens can register and vote at the same time. You’ll need proof of residence (find a list of acceptable documents here). Post your “I Voted” selfies on our Facebook page!

One Good (and Fun) Thing: The Matthews Library needs your help for programming! Though they have a wide variety of classes on the schedule they’re looking for new and exciting classes to add. Have a mastery of Dungeons & Dragons? Want to explore the wonders of vermiculture? They want to know what you want to learn! Email Stephanie Lucas with your ideas.

Inked Phoenix: Emotional Healing Through Mastectomy Tattoos

Nearly one year after Kirsten Michaud had a double mastectomy, she found herself looking for something which would give her joy and peace, especially when looking at the scars on her chest.

“I realized that the other options weren’t going to do it for me,” said Michaud. “My (breasts) were never going to look the same again…..I just wanted something to cover the scars and make it beautiful.”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

She decided that a mastectomy tattoo would suit her best. And, so began a search through tattoo parlors, seeking the right place and the right person, all the while mindful that she needed a place close to her house – she knew she was still recuperating and needed to do this work slowly.

Enter Mike “Ike” Trimboli, a tattoo artist at Infamous Ink Tattoo Studio (11229 East Independence Boulevard – Suite #1) who had experience with self-harm and tummy-tuck clients – individuals who wished to have tattoos cover up their arm and tummy scars, respectively.

They nearly immediately “clicked.”

“It’s really important that you have a connection with your tattoo artist because you are going to be spending numerous hours with them, in close proximity and super-exposed. You know what I mean?  I laid in that back room half-naked for eight hours, so that’s something ….we hit it off well, right ‘off the bat.’ “

After carefully designing the image, Ike needed to ensure that the design would take into consideration the scar areas and the “form and flow of the body and make sure it would match.”

“I realized that the other options weren’t going to do it for me. My (breasts) were never going to look the same again…..I just wanted something to cover the scars and make it beautiful.”

— Kirsten Michaud

The tattoo application took place in the three sessions over approximately two months. When it was over, Kirsten was overjoyed. Ike felt as if he had truly helped someone.

“My mom’s a nurse,” Ike said, explaining that he, too, had found a similar desire to help others. “When you give tattoos, you don’t really help people other than giving them cool tattoos….it’s skin deep. When I started doing the self-harm clients, I felt like I was helping people. They started wearing short sleeves again. And with the mastectomy tattoo, it was like ‘Wow!’ – this is really fulfilling. (I decided that) I can help more people and I just drew from that,” he said.

It’s really important that you have a connection with your tattoo artist because you are going to be spending numerous hours with them, in close proximity and super-exposed.

Michaud saw the impact the experience had on Ike. “I got the feeling that Ike got a lot out of helping me thru this process and that he wanted to continue doing this (work),” said Michaud.

And, so they joined forces to combine their paths into a common and shared goal. “We talked about how expensive tattoos are ($800-1800),” said Michaud. “After treatments and medical bills, that’s not an expense that most women can afford and, of course, it’s not covered by insurance. So this idea came that maybe we’d start a (nonprofit) and we’d pay for the mastectomy tattoos.”

Michaud quickly secured a Board of Directors and formed a 501(c)(3). In January of this year, Inked Phoenix was born. She began visiting tattoo parlors in North, and, then, South Carolina. “I’m looking at the environment they are going into. I want to make sure that they have a private room; that they are comfortable there.” It is Michaud’s fervent desire that everything, including the business aspect, is handled beforehand and that the entire process goes smoothly for applicants who have already endured significant emotional and physical pain.

“I’ve already done the hard work. They can go down the list and pick whichever one they want.” Clients don’t handle any money; the funds are transferred from Inked Phoenix to the tattoo parlor. Inked Phoenix subsidizes 100% of the work at the artist’s rate.

“After seeing how much work Ike put into it and realizing the skill-factor needed to complete a mastectomy tattoo, to have to sit there and listen to someone tell their (survivor) story and go through (all) the emotions, I really felt like they need to be compensated for that,’ Michaud said. “And, they should be. It’s their talent….It’s not easy to work on scar tissue.”

“I’ve already done the hard work. They can go down the list and pick whichever one they want.” Inked Phoenix subsidizes 100% of the work at the artist’s rate.

“I have a scar line that (when Ike touched it) it nearly sent me off the table,” she said. “That’s the other reason (the artists must have experience) - they are working with scar tissue – it’s not just the texture of it, but understanding that you are going to have nerve endings that have feeling and nerve endings that have no feeling.” Tattoo artists need to “be patient enough to understand that,” said Michaud.

This year, nearly one dozen applicants are expected to receive tattoos - a number she expects will double next year. And, Michaud’s goal is to expand into more Carolinas locations and possibly beyond (tattoo artists in Florida and Nevada have contacted her asking to be involved).  

“I didn’t want women to have to drive that far because it’s exhausting,” said Michaud. “You’re laying on the table, your adrenaline is flowing, your endorphins are going, and it’s such an emotional experience. Having to drive (many) hours after that is ridiculous.”

Photo courtesy Inked Phoenix Project

While navigating the new nonprofit, Michaud decided to also add veterans into the mix. (Her son and husband are both in the military). “This was another group which would benefit from this. You (wouldn’t) have to see your scars all day…….. A lot of vets say, ‘I didn’t even think to do this.’”

To attract contributors and clients, Michaud has started speaking to breast cancer survivors/groups; reached out to veterans and breast cancer organizations/nonprofits; sold t-shirts and has spread the word at tattoo festivals and Harley Davidson festivals/gatherings.  “We are slowly but surely getting the word out…..when you talk about tattoos and breasts, it isn’t warm and fuzzy.”

What is her most motivating factor? “The passion is because I know how it changed my life and I get an email back from a woman who tells me that it’s the first time she’s worn a bathing suit in years, because you don’t notice the scar right away. Or, a woman whose daughter says she looks like a “badass” and I know it makes her feel good because her daughter notices (it). I just think this is something that should be available. It should not be a choice, simply because you can’t afford it.”

Photo courtesy Inked Phoenix Project

In the future, Michaud said she hopes that doctors will begin suggesting mastectomy tattoos as a possibility. “Mastectomy tattoos aren’t something that even doctors talk about…they don’t present it as an option.” She also intends to continue expanding her nonprofit and her work.  “I just want to stay on this mission,” Michaud said. “It’s important that you have a good rapport with your tattoo artist. I’ve known Ike for 2 ½ years now. He was such a part of such an emotional experience with me that he, until I die, will be a part of my life - just because of that.”

Fire Station Open House: A Photoessay

Saturday, October 13, 2018, the Mathews Fire and EMS Department held an Engine Wetdown Ceremony and recruitment open house. The public was invited to watch as the new Engine 12 was officially launched into service. As part of the “wetdown” tradition, members of Matthews Fire & EMS Explorers used the hose from Engine 1 to soak the new Engine, then community members were invited to help dry it off before rolling the truck into its new bay. The engine was purchased and outfitted thanks to a partnership between Matthews and Novant Health. Afterward the community was welcome to explore the fire station, talk to members of the Department, and sign up as volunteers.

Photo by Charles Lybrand

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Charles Lybrand

Photo by Charles Lybrand

Photo by Charles Lybrand

Photo by Charles Lybrand

Photo by Charles Lybrand

Photo by Charles Lybrand

Photo by Charles Lybrand

Photo by Charles Lybrand

Photo by Charles Lybrand

Photo by Norah Burke

Matthews Morning Minute: October 15, 2018

News About Town: The Crews Road Rec Center floor has been refinished and is ready for play. Lingefelt Flooring sanded, sealed, striped, and polyurethaned the floor to a shiny new finish. The lengthy process started in August and is now cured and ready for open gym.

Photo courtesy of Zac Lingefelt, Lingefelt Flooring.

News Around Town: The McKee Road Extension Public Meeting is this evening. From 4 until 7 PM NCDOT will be on-hand at Pleasant Plains Baptist Church Family Life Center (3316 Pleasant Plains Road) to answer questions and provide preliminary information about the segment of McKee that will connect Pleasant Plains Road to East John Street.

Comments will be received at tonight’s meeting. If you prefer a direct contact, email NCDOT Division Project Team Lead Sean Epperson or call 704-983-4400. You may also submit comments in writing to 716 W. Main Street, Albemarle, N.C., 28001. Submit comments prior to October 29, 2018.

What to plant now

Our regular Friday contributor, Jeff Rieves, is feeling under the weather. He’ll be back next week, but if you’re feeling the urge to plant something there are definitely good options for sowing this weekend.

Our first frost is typically late October, so we’re getting to the planting point where you’ll need to direct sow things with a shorter maturation length. It’s time to direct sow seeds for root veggies such as radishes, and carrots, as well as leafy tender greens such as spinach, and lettuce.

You’ll be safer starting with transplants of veggies that take a little longer to fully mature. Transplant broccoli, collards and hardier leafy greens. Separate bulbs from heads of garlic and plant individual bulbs with several inches of room around each. Onion sets, actually immature bulbs you “set out”, go into the ground now, too. An added bonus of growing collards and kale? With all the mature trees in Matthews, a lot of yards are shady. The broadleaf crops have better ability to absorb the sun in shadier conditions, making them a great crop for this area!

Need a good source for your future food? Our advertiser Renfrow’s (188 North Trade St. Matthews) has a complete selection, and maybe Jeff Rieves will be there to help you pick out what will work best for you.

Matthews Morning Minute: October 12, 2018

News About Town: The rain in Matthews stays mainly in the drain…or sometimes not. If you can, please make sure the storm drains near you are clear of debris. Make sure yard waste bags are off the curb so water can flow freely. Republic Services didn’t collect trash or recycling yesterday, so they will operate on on a one-day delay. Public Works will continue to aid Republic with yard waste collection.

Photo by Norah Burke

News Around Town: School is out for the second day in a row and now we’re all secretly hoping it doesn’t snow this year.

Lots of Good Things: There are a lot of activities this weekend, so let’s recap, shall we?

Butler High School Softball Team Yard Sale: Proceeds will benefit Make A Wish Foundation and the school softball program. Cash-only. Saturday, October 13, 9 AM til 1 PM, 2308 Heathershire Lane, Matthews .

Fire Department Recruiting Fair and New Truck Wet Down:  236 Trade Street, Matthews. Saturday, October 13th, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM. The department will “wet down” their new truck as a way to kick off its service. Also tour the station, see the gear they use up close, gain hands-on experience, and learn about becoming a Volunteer Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, Fire Corp member, or Explorer.

Kids in Nature Day sponsored by HAWK: Saturday, October 13 from 10 AM til 1 PM at Squirrel Lake Park, 1631 Pleasant Plains Road, Matthews, NC. Join Habitat and Wildlife Keepers, the Town of Matthews, and the NC Wildlife Federation for fishing, STEM activities, learn about animals and enjoy all sorts of nature exploration.

Matthews Animal Clinic 50th Anniversary: Saturday, October 13 from 2:00-5:00 PM. 10600 Monroe Road, Matthews. They’ll have food, fun games, giveaways, and hospital tours. 

Better Car Seat Safety Starts at the Police Station

Safety Facts *

Children under five years old, saved by car seats in 2015: 248 *

Cases in which children's car seats are used incorrectly: 59% *

Children under 13 who were not buckled up in car seats, booster seats, or seat belts, killed in car crashes in 2015: 35%

(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - NHTSA)

Did you know that North Carolina law requires that your children under eight years of age and weighing less than 80 lbs. should use a "Child Restraint Device" while riding in a car? (Children between 40 and 80 lbs. can use booster seats, while children under 40 lbs. are required to use a car seat).

Did you know that you should keep the seat rear-facing until your child is 20 lbs. or one year of age?

Did you know that you should never place a car seat in the front seat of a car with a passenger side airbag?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), on average, a car seat reduces your child's risk for serious injury in a crash by 55%. Studies have shown that over 92% of car seats are installed incorrectly. In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children.

These are facts that many parents are unaware of. But, now there’s a solution:

To help ensure better safety, residents of Charlotte and surrounding communities can get their child car seats checked for free through the “Safe Kids” program held at a variety of locations throughout the state, including the Matthews Police Station (1201 Crews Road), Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. It is one of the few remaining free car seat checks available weekly throughout the year.

Individuals need not bring their children, just a car/booster seat. (Through donations, car seats are available for those referred through social services, etc.)  Inspections are completed by Child Passenger Safety Seat technicians and take approximately 20 minutes.  According to Tim Aycock, Community Resource and Public Information Officer, the department handles between 900-1100 checks per year; busiest time of year is around Thanksgiving when even visiting grandparents and relatives request help.

Photos by Cyma Shapiro

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) policy statement includes the following five recommendations for optimal car safety:

1. All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car safety seat as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the seat's manufacturer.

2. All children who have outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for their car safety seat should use a forward-facing car safety seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by the seat's manufacturer.

3. All children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car safety seat should use a belt-positioning booster seat until the vehicle lap and shoulder seat belt fits properly, typically when they have reached 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.

4. When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for optimal protection.

5. All children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection.

#ThrowbackThursday: Building Blocks (circa 2009)

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called Matthews News and Record and The Matthews Record) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This article was originally published January 29, 2009 and was written by Janet Denk.

Participants of the public workshop on future development and zoning in Matthews used colored blocks to build their ideal street, neighborhood and town last Thursday at Town Hall. The hands-on workshop was the second in a series of public meetings that will help shape the future of our town. Over fifty people have participated in each session so far. The next meeting will discuss the findings in their fist two workshops. The meetings will begin at 7 pm and end around 8:30.

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Morning Minute: October 11, 2018

News About Town: Matthews Police are asking residents to re-familiarize themselves with flash flood safety. Do not drive through flooded areas. We’ve already gotten a fair amount of rain and will receive more. The saturated ground in combination with wind from Hurricane Michael may make for a tricky driving conditions. Please allow ample driving times and expect delays. If you come to an intersection without power to the traffic lights, please treat it as a four-way stop. NCDOT has tips on their website (including everyone’s favorite song). Follow Matthews Police and Fire/EMS for updates on local conditions.

News Around Town: Matthews Animal Clinic is celebrating their 50 Year Anniversary this year. What started out as a mixed animal care clinic (farm, equine, and family pets) by Dr. Allen Cleveland, Matthews Animal Clinic opened when Matthews was still very much a small town. . Now the clinic employs 10 veterinarians and a staff of over 50 employees.

One Good Thing: If you didn’t make it out to the talent show last night, there’s another way to support the students this weekend. Butler High School Softball Team is having a yard sale this Saturday. Proceeds will benefit Make A Wish Foundation and the school softball program. The cash-only sale will have loads of the usual yard sale goodies and you just might find the perfect Halloween costume! Saturday, October 13, 9 AM til 1 PM, 2308 Heathershire Lane, Matthews .

Fungi Underfoot

With all the rain lately the fungi are coming out of the wood work (so to speak).

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Photo by Norah Burke

Also, DO NOT eat any mushroom unless you are absolutely certain of its identity and edibility. We admire the beauty of these fungi, but have no idea if they’re poisonous, as many mushrooms are.

Rob Hunter: Serving God and Community

“My passion is taking whatever scripture it is, basing our lessons off that and relating it to a teenage life.”

— Chief Rob Hunter

Photo courtesy of Matthews United Methodist Church

As Rob Hunter has just finished his first year of “retirement” from his career as Police Chief of the Town of Matthews, he’s moved easily into a second career, found (another type of) contentment, fueled his faith-based passions and brought forward a fundamental continuation of his faith in his new full-time job as “Associate Director of Youth Ministry” at Matthews United Methodist Church on South Trade Street.

Where, as Police Chief, he oversaw a $6 million budget; 75 paid employees, 25 volunteer citizens and a myriad of complex and significant issues in the force and the town, he finds his joint religious responsibilities for nearly 300 teenagers, primarily in 10th-12th grade, no less important or insignificant – and no less God-driven – a perspective he takes on in every facet of his life, as he conveys with both wonderment and awe.

“That’s where God wanted me to be,” he said.

Photo credit: Rob Hunter

Growing up in Rock Hill, South Carolina, one of six children (his father died when he was two years old), Rob was impacted by many life situations – a break-in at his home, which left an indelible mark on him regarding the gentility and support his family received from the responding police officers, a superior/coworker in the security department at Carowinds (where he worked as a teenager) who showed him how professionalism, respect and caring were the “ideal” attributes for a police officer. As a newly-married man, he expected to obtain employment as his college degree dictated – in special education – but once again fate and God intervened and led him to a job in the police department.  Since then, he has never looked back.

“We are all God’s children,” Hunter said - a phrase and philosophy he clearly attributes to his mother.

And, as church became a staple of his newly married life and religion became more important, he found himself gravitating toward youth-related programs, becoming a youth leader more than one dozen years ago. It was work that he said kept him “grounded.” After a co-worker stressed that he was having a positive impact on kids who previously saw him in uniform as just a “cop,” he also began to see himself as a teacher and mentor.  A series of synchronicities (he, again, attributes to the work of God) catapulted him from being a youth leader to becoming a full-time employee in the church he clearly loves.

Among the responsibilities he now holds is to create programs and lead weekly Sunday night faith-based lectures referencing scripture to teenage life. “I try to make it applicable,” he said, adding that he utilizes both current events and his own life stories to make a point about failure, challenges, success and the character traits necessary to be a good human being.

“My passion is taking whatever scripture it is, basing our lessons off that and relating it to a teenage life,” Hunter said. “How does it affect you…to make it impactful?”  

As a youth, he recalls hearing many “stories” in church which he remembered as being irrelevant to his life. As an adult who oversees children, Hunter said he is always conveying teachable “accounts.”  

As a youth, he recalls hearing many “stories” in church which he remembered as being irrelevant to his life. As an adult who oversees children, Hunter said he is always conveying teachable “accounts.”

With nearly one year in his new position, how does he now feel about his work? “(I’m glad I’ve) not messed up royally,” he says with a laugh, referencing that he came to this job without an educational background in religious studies and that he was “just a policeman.”

“I think at the core of this is the heart – if you love these kids, if you love God, whatever I do (will be ok)……The kids see that you are human. We may stand up here and teach, but we don’t know everything,” Hunter said. “We’re committed to walk this walk together. My greatest accomplishment is that I haven’t failed the kids and I think that God provides (for) that.  I’ve kept them foremost in the spotlight of responsibility.”

And, what does he see for his future? “I’m excited to see what God has in store for me. I’ve already proven in history that I thought I knew who I was and what I was doing but he had a plan – not me, so I’m not sure about that one.”

Matthews Morning Minute: October 10, 2018

News About Town: At Monday’s council meeting, Mayor Paul Bailey opened discussion about excessive speeding and pedestrian safety in downtown Matthews. The board brainstormed ideas for deterring speeders - including the addition of traffic furniture, new, higher visibility crosswalks, and increased police presence. So if you’re traveling down Trade or John, heads up! The speed limit is 25 so slow down, enjoy our town! Help keep our town pedestrian friendly.

News Around Town: The Matthews Elementary Boosterthon has been postponed for two days, but don’t fret, hump day can still be fun. For a mere $5 you might discover the next big star to come out of Matthews! The Butler High School Talent Show is tonight in the school auditorium, starting at 7 PM. 1810 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Matthews.

Photo by Norah Burke

One Good Thing: IT’S GIVEAWAY TIME!! Mount Moriah Church is having their fundraiser/BBQ next weekend (the 19th and 20th) and we’re excited to support our friends in the community.

Two winners!! We’ve purchased 2 dinners for 2 to giveaway to our readers! Comment on our Facebook post: what’s your favorite way to enjoy BBQ...chicken? Pork? Are you Team Tomato Sauce or Team Vinegar? We wanna know.

Entries close Friday at midnight. We’ll notify winners early next week.