Morning Minute: Friday, September 10, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for Monday, June 14, is available online. The meeting is remote via Zoom (link here, meeting ID 867 8602 6098) or listen by calling toll free 888-788-0099 and enter the meeting ID 867 8602 6098. A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

The Board will meet at 5:30pm to discuss the eastern gateway small area plan. This plan is a draft document outlining appropriate uses for undeveloped properties at Idlewild and I-485.

Some items of note for the 7pm meeting include, but are not limited to:

• Considering a request to waive the One Year Moratorium for Rezoning Action at 1205 E. John Street;

• An opportunity for the board to provide feedback for the potential redevelopment of land around the vacant movie theater on Independence Blvd;

• Discussion of the McKee Road Sidewalk Gap.

News Around Town: Tryon Medical is the Charlotte area’s largest independent multi-specialty medical practice, and 100% owned by doctors. This Monday, September 13, Tryon Medical Partners is moving into their new and expanded Matthews medical clinic. The new offices are located in the completely renovated Rite Aid building, 630 Matthews Township Parkway, which has been transformed into an easily accessible, 11,000 foot clinic with ample parking. At first the clinic will have five doctors and a certified physician assistant. Later this fall the clinic will also offer care in cardiology, dermatology and endocrinology. 

One Good Thing: The American Farmland Trust is holding their annual Farmers’ Market Celebration Competition and the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market is a contender. This year the competition has three monetary prizes: $2,500 for first, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third to aid in marketing, communications, and other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact. Show them some local love by voting here. 

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 9, 2021

News About Town: Charlotte artist Eva Crawford has work on display in the upstairs lobby at Matthews Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station St. Crawford’s watercolor series “See of Humanity” depicts collages of detailed faces showing, the preciousness of all humanity. According to the artist, “The compositions become forever mended on one sheet of paper. These paintings are a prayer that together we can bond beyond socio-economic, racial, or political variances and perhaps see each other more clearly as our differences are embraced and celebrated.”

News Around Town: Locavores celebrate! Renfrow Farms’ has been harvesting summer veggies and will have tomatoes, okra, eggplant, and a few other items at the hardware store (188 N Trade St) by late morning this Friday. While you’re there, check out David’s newest antique score--a collection of hand tools and farm fare from a now-defunct local Matthews farm.

One Good Thing: Thursdays are $20 Dozens Days at Your Mom’s Donuts, 11025 Monroe Rd, Ste F and this week it’s cake week. Choose from an assortment of cake-inspired donuts like the Black Forest donut (chocolate cake and tart cherry cocoa cream make the base, followed by a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate ganache, topped with a brandied cherry) and a Keep Pound(cake)ing (a Panther’s-inspired lemon glaze with blueberry lemon pound cake chunks and a streak of blueberry jam drizzle over top of a classic donut).

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 8, 2021

News About Town: The town is accepting applications for tourism grants through September 27, 2021. These grants provide financial assistance to non-profits that promote visitation and tourism in Matthews. After the deadline, the Parks, Rec, and Cultural Advisory Committee will review applications and make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Have an interest but need some questions answered? Email Parks & Rec Director Corey King at cking@matthewsnc.gov.

Last year, grants were awarded in the following amounts: Charlotte City Ballet: $4,500; Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association: $13,500; Matthews Chamber of Commerce: $7,918; Charlotte Junior Rugby Association: $14,500; and Matthews Playhouse: $40,850; totaling $81,268. Tourism grant award amounts should equal 5% of the tourism revenue from the previous fiscal year. According to the 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the town board approved a  $1,497,937 tourism budget for Fiscal Year 2021. With consideration of the impact of COVID-19 on tourism income (like tax revenue from meals and lodging), grants may roughly total just under $75,000.

News Around Town: On Saturday, August 28, Victoria Crocker honored and remembered her grandmother, who passed away from colorectal cancer, and other loved ones impacted by cancer by displaying luminaries on the Town Green in front of Matthews Town Hall. Crocker participated in the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Lights of Hope Across America, an event to raise awareness toward policy changes needed in cancer care. Usually held in Washington, DC, the 2021 event was held in locations throughout all 50 states as well as Guam and Puerto Rico. To see Crocker’s display featured as part of the nationwide event, tune in on September 18 at 4pm at www.fightcancer.org/lights.

One Good Thing: Tacos deserve more than one day a week, especially when there are tasty options like Banh Mi Tofu and Crispy Chicken BLT. White Duck Taco in downtown Matthews (131 East John St) has all the options to make taste buds tingle from tortilla wrapped delights. With plenty of fresh air dining and mask-compliant staff, dining out feels almost normal.

Perpetual Motion - a poem by Lorraine Stark

Perpetual Motion

I pace and
And check to
See
Did time go by
Any faster for
Me
Impatiently I log
The hours
Like a captain
On his ship
So soon they
Lapse and become
Another
Twenty four hours
In a day
Hurry, hurry
Each minute ticks
Away
Per chance in
The midst of
My rush
I will hear the
Echo of my heart
Beating, faster and
Faster
And I will let
Out a sigh
And make a
Promise
For tomorrow
To slow down
And just play
Without counting
Hours, minutes, seconds
If only for a day
I will set
My own rhythm
And dance
With the gift of
Time
And not the
Clock

By Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash photographer @anynieel

Morning Minute: Tuesday, September 7, 2021

News About Town: On the afternoon of August 28, Engine 22 of the Matthews Fire & EMS Department responded to an unusual call. In an event we can only describe as taking the “cat stuck in a tree” trope to the next level, the Station 2 crew was called to help a fawn stuck in a fence. The crew was able to release the young deer, which suffered no injuries--save some minor embarrassment and local social media notoriety.

News Around Town: This Saturday, September 11, Independence Harley Davidson (9205 E Independence Blvd.) hosts A Tribute to Heroes, a free event honoring military personnel, veterans, and first responders. The dealership took nominations to honor local heroes, four of whom will be recognized during the event. Honky tonkin’ starts at 7pm with country singers Trey Lewis, Zac Kellum, and Meghan Patrick. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

One Fun Thing: Support the Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association (MARA) by going to see the Charlotte Knights. Purchase tickets (through this link) for the Saturday, September 18th Knights game and a portion of the proceeds will come back to MARA.

Morning Minute: Friday, September 3, 2021

News About Town: Hungry to know all there is to know about local government? Try Matthews 101. This 6-week covers all the ins and outs of local government including police, fire, public works and finance. The program starts on Thursday, September 16 at 6:30pm and is held each Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30pm. The application deadline has passed, but word around town is that there are still a few spots open so give it a go.

News Around Town: The Matthews UMC Parking Lot Concert Series starts again September 18. Kind of like a faith-based Food Truck Friday except on Saturday, the event takes place in the large parking lot at the church, 801 S Trade St. Enjoy the fresh (soon-to-be-fall) air while enjoying community, fellowship, and entertainment. Food trucks start serving at 5 and the music begins at 6pm. On September 18 the MUMC Praise Team will share family-friendly music in the Large Parking lot. Bring your own chairs and money for the Food Trucks: A Worthy Dog, Hungry Howie’s & I Scream 4 Ice Cream. More details here.

One Fun Thing: If you’ve ever dreamt of becoming the next Bill Watterson, there’s a class for that. Character Design for Entertainment with local illustrator Matthew Knapik is a six-week course at the Community Center that covers the basics of drawing a rich character ready for storytelling. Developed for children ages 7 to 12, Matthew will teach a variety of drawing styles like Disney and manga. If six weeks is too much of a gamble, give it a trial run for free on Saturday, September 11 or invest in the single-day crash course on October 16 for $50 (residents).

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 2, 2021

News About Town: The Matthews Police Department wants to know your thoughts on police services in Matthews. The Matthews Police Department Citizen Survey is open through 11:59pm, September 17 and is your opportunity to share what you think is good, bad, or indifferent about the department’s practices. The collected data will directly influence their strategic planning for the future.

News Around Town: It’s time once again for the Matthews Chamber of Commerce Annual Auto Reunion & Motorcycle Show. This Monday (Labor Day, Sept 6) enjoy an array of classic cars and unique motorcycles will take over the town green in front of the town hall from 9 am until 3 pm. Perusing is free at this family-friendly event and the show will go on—rain or shine. Got an antique car to show off? Pre-register to keep the social distancing easy.

One Fun Thing: As all good holidays deserve adequate preparation, you have three days to prepare for Be Late for Something Day this Sunday, September 5. If you opt in, make sure to share your tardiness at your leisure. If promptness is more your forte, the following day, September 6, is Fight Procrastination Day. Choose your festivities accordingly.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 1, 2021

News About Town: With the spread of the delta variant Town meetings are back to virtual. Advisory board meetings this month include:

• Veterans Advisory Committee (tonight at 7pm);

• Parks, Rec, and Cultural Resources Committee (Wednesday, September 8 at 6:30pm);

• Matthews Committee on Education (Tuesday, September 14, 6:45pm);

• Environmental Advisory Committee (Tuesday, September 14, 7pm);

• Transportation Advisory Committee (Thursday, September 16, 7pm);

• Appearance and Tree Committee (Monday, September 20, 7pm);

• Planning Board (Tuesday, September 28, 7pm);

• Cultural Diversity Committee (Tuesday, September 28, 7pm).

News Around Town: The community of Matthews has suffered a great loss with the recent death of Charlotte Allstar Gymnastics and Cheerleading co-owner Julie O’Brien. Through programming, Charlotte Allstars serves more than 1,000 youth athletes, largely because of Julie's vision to create a gym with open doors and a philosophy of love. The local gym offered a safe space for virtual learning last year and often opens their doors to community at large on school holidays. Julie passed away August 24 after battling COVID. A GoFundMe has been set up to provide support to her two children.

One Good Thing: Tails are gonna be wagging this Friday, September 3, when the Purser-Hulsey Dog Park opens! The park, located at 3024 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, will open daily at dawn and close at dusk. Two areas are fenced so small dogs (under 25 pounds) can play without getting trampled by their bigger friends. The spigots aren’t running yet, so bring some water for your canine BFF.