Morning Minute: Monday, March 11, 2019

News About Town: Do you recognize the jacket pictured below? Matthews Police need help identifying a body found in a ditch on the 1800 block of E. John Street (the outer side of John St. past I-485). A damaged silver and purple Huffy bicycle was found nearby. The victim, likely a white male, seems to have died several weeks ago. If you have any leads, call Matthews Police Department at 704-847-5555.

News Around Town:  As we inch toward spring and thoughts turn toward sowing seeds and planting flowers, native flora deserve consideration. Often requiring less upkeep and water than their exotic counterparts, native plants also support the local fauna. Want to learn more? Mecklenburg County Master Gardener Margaret Genkins will speak on the topic at the Matthews Library (230 Matthews Station St.) this Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

One Good Thing: Kiwanis Club of Matthews is prepping for their annual Pancake Breakfast. We Beaconers love a good pancake, love all-you-can-eat pancakes even more, and love all-you-can-eat pancakes at a discounted rate most of all. Buy your tickets now and save $1 per ticket. The price goes up to $8 at the door. Plus kids under 8 eat free! March 30, 8:00 AM to noon. Matthews Presbyterian Church, 207 West John St.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 6, 2019

News About Town: Need a summer job? The Town is hiring  Seasonal Recreation Leaders to work with our campers at Camp Funshine. Camp FUNshine is a full-day camp for kids ages 6-11. Applicants must be 16 years or older and will accompany groups on lots of fun field trips.  Among other tasks, you’ll be asked to set up equipment for games and help keep facilities neat.  For more information and to apply online, click here.

News Around Town:  Though the Arts and Science Council hopes for approval of a new approach for funding through sales tax, they’re also advocating for funding with state legislators. ASC staff will go to Raleigh on Wednesday, March 27 for  ARTS North Carolina's annual ARTS Day, a way for arts organizations in NC to collaboratively promote policies to sustain the arts and grow public funding. This year ARTS NC and ASC as part of that, are advocating for arts grants that would equal $1 for every person in NC. Find out more.

One Good Thing: One Good Thing: According to SafeHomes.org, Matthews ranks as the seventh safest city in North Carolina. Admittedly not a well-known website, the site used what appears to be a comprehensive methodology to arrive at their list. We know the Police Department is continually striving to provide a safe town for Matthews and it shows. Congratulations are in order!

Morning Minute: Monday, February 18, 2019

News About Town: The opioid epidemic has grown in staggering proportions and hasn't left Matthews untouched. Matthews emergency service responders see the effects of this routinely, and thanks to Mecklenburg County Medic, the Police Department has a line of defense against opioid overdose. Medic provided Naloxone, an opioid "antagonist", and the necessary training for the entire Matthews Police force to safely administer it.

Officers, and their canine counterparts are in danger of being exposed to drugs during search and arrest. Not only will having Naloxone on-hand benefit those who have overdosed, but will be an aid in keeping officers (and police K-9’s) safe.

The Matthews Police Department urges anyone with an opioid addiction to please seek help immediately.  For more information on addiction and available resources, please see the links below.

Opioid Crisis Information (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Naloxone Information (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
How to find Treatment (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services)

News Around Town: The Greater Matthews Business Expo, organized by the Matthews Chamber of Commerce, is coming up tomorrow, February 19, at CPCC Levine (2800 Campus Ridge Rd.) from 4 to 7 p.m.
Don’t miss the speed networking event, an opportunity to make lots of connections with no time for awkward lulls. (Is it just me?)

The expo is free to the public, just show up ready to meet new people and learn about the many things the Matthews business community has to offer.

One Fun Thing: Proving there’s no rest for thespians, Matthews Playhouse has another show opening this Friday! The Playhouse is bringing The Jungle Book (based on Rudyard Kipling’s collection of stories) to Fullwood Theater under the artful eye of celebrated Charlotte director Sidney Horton.

This musical tells the familiar story of Mowgli, a precocious boy raised by wolves, as he journeys through the jungle to escape the ferocious tiger Shere Khan.  February 22 - March 3, 2019. Suitable for 5-year-olds and older. $14 Adults - $12 Students & Seniors.

Morning Minute: Monday, January 14, 2019

News About Town:  Matthews Police officers Detective Chris Duryee and Officer Dustin Ay work hard for the Town. After completing more than 900 hours of continuing education both men received their Advanced Law Enforcement Certificates. 

Photo courtesy Matthews Police Department

News Around Town:  The Federal Transit Authority awarded The City of Charlotte a $920,000 grant for planning the proposed LYNX Silver Line. The Silver Line, a CATS project, is a light rail extension from Gaston County through Matthews to Union County. The budget for the total project is expected to be $1 billion.

One Fun Thing:  There are just a few more days to check out “Christmas Past” at the Matthews Heritage Museum. The show of early- to mid-century Christmas decor runs through January 19.

Morning Minute: Monday, January 7, 2019

News About Town: If you haven't already, you'll soon see police zipping around town on motorcycles. The department just added a three motorcycle Motor Unit to the Patrol Division. The Chief expects the mobility and quick response capabilities of motorcycles to be a great benefit to the reduction in traffic accidents. Of the three, two are Harley Davidsons purchased from the Char-Meck Police Department and the electric unit was purchased with grant monies received from N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center. Let the CHIPs jokes begin!

Image courtesy Matthews Police Department

News Around Town: Edison Inigo Beier was the first baby born in 2019 at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center. Congratulations to parents Alejandra and Christopher Beier.

One Fun Thing: It’s Family Story Time at the Matthews Library (230 Matthews Station St.) at 7 p.m. tonight. Put the kids in their pj’s, load up the car, and head over to the library for quality time spent with a good book. Need more incentive? Cookies and milk will be served. The event is limited to the first 25 children registered so get there early enough to sign-up at the Train Desk (sign-up begins 15 minutes before each program).

The People of Matthews: Officer Tim Aycock

We asked a few people who work for the Town of Matthews to share their thoughts and hopes for 2019. Here’s what Officer Tim Aycock, Community Resource and Public Information Officer for the Matthews Police Department, told us:

Do you have a New Year's resolution? As cliche as it sounds, I want to get into better shape and spend more quality time with the family.

What do you hope for in the new year? Health, happiness, prosperity and better time management.

What do you want to leave behind in the old year? Any negativity/stress and to not worry about the little things that don't really matter anyway.

What do you see foresee for Matthews in the coming year? I see Matthews continuing to strengthen its current community relationships as well as seeking every opportunity to build new ones. Matthews is a very special place where its citizens and stakeholders understand the importance of working together as a team to achieve our goals.