Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 27, 2019

News About Town:  At Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting the board voted on facade grants for two early-twentieth-century properties on West John Street. The owner of the first property, 455 West John St., requested  $2,500 toward a total exterior painting cost of $7,860. Other improvements include architectural work for an ADA compliant entry, which will be designed by Commissioner John Urban (Urban recused himself from the facade grant vote). The property owner of 501 West John Street requested $2,500 which will be used for replacement of damaged siding and repainting of the exterior.

News Around Town:  Livable Meck, a public/private nonprofit partnership, gathers Mecklenburg County data to share with municipalities in order to shape plans for growth in the greater Charlotte area. Livable Meck’s Community Plan is considered a “Voice of the Community.” Survey results gathered from residents reflect their experiences, needs, priorities, and concerns for the future of the county. Share your thoughts through their Spring Survey to make your voice heard.

One Fun Thing:  After filling your belly with Kiwanis pancakes, and having a blast at Charlie’s Carnival this Saturday (March 30), join the Matthews Playhouse School of Theatre at the Matthews Library from 3-4 p.m.  Meet cast members from upcoming performances, join them for art and games, and hear the stories behind their upcoming plays (Stuart Little, Anne Frank and Me, and more).

2810[high]5: Places We've Been

There’s always something going on in Matthews, and while we can’t cover it all, here are a few highlights from the past couple weeks.

Saint Patrick’s Day weekend was the soft opening for Grace O’Malley’s (157 Trade St.). Like any good neighbor, we nosed our way in to see what was going on. The staff, of course, graciously extended a warm, Irish welcome.

After attending Matthews 101 in the fall, Renee signed up for Civics 101, the Mecklenburg County introduction to local government. The five-week class covered some Charlotte topics, but provided a more in-depth look at the county, though Matthews came up a surprising amount. Topics included, among others, the justice system, the school board, and county government.

Good Cup and The Loyalist have been hosting pop-up markets for the past couple of months filled with vendors who lovingly hand create products. We’ve been to all of them, and the community just keeps growing. What a terrific way to support local folks.

We tried out a free Matthews Concert Band concert when on the hunt for live music in Matthews. The band is much larger than expected, and the show was an absolute delight. It’s a family-friendly experience, and well worth going to if you’re not sure your kids are ready to sit through the full value of a symphony ticket.

We’re at as many Town Council Meetings (and planning conferences) as possible, and when we’re not, we’re watching/listening online. Some are longer than others, and some are way more entertaining than others, but nothing beats being there in person to see and hear what’s going on.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 26, 2019

News About Town:  There was no reason to doubt the Board would approve the addition of a new K9 to the Police Department, but we’re here to make sure you’re left with zero doubt whatsoever. With approval byt the Board of Commissioners, Matthews PD officially welcomes Benny, a 15-month old black lab. He is a single-purpose pup (sniffing out illegal drugs), passed his certification, and has been in action with 2 arrests under his belt!

News Around Town: Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27), the Police Department is hosting A meet and greet from 2:30-4:30 at the Matthews Library. Benny probably won’t be there, but Officer Tim Aycock will. Show up and join an important and timely discussion about police-community relations.

One Fun Thing: It’s Make Up Your Own Holiday Day! No further instructions needed.

Morning Minute: Monday, March 25, 2019

News About Town:  Approximately 25 people (including several members of the Board of Commissioners) showed up to the Matthews Town Hall yesterday (March 24) for the listening session hosted by District 6 County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez McDowell and State House Representative Rachel Hunt. The two leaders heard from residents on many topics including affordable housing, gun violence, adding school psychologists at schools, investing in public transit, and pedestrian safety.

News Around Town: The ruby-throated hummingbirds are heading through the area, if not now, at least in the near future. April is really when they arrive en masse, but a few early birds are here to get the nectar. If you make your own, mix 1 part sugar to 4 parts boiling water, let cool and fill your feeders. As the weather warms and babies hatch, the newborn hummingbirds depend on insects for protein. Make sure you’re not spraying your yard and depleting their food source.

One Good Thing: When learning the ropes of social media and creating an online presence, there’s one word that comes up more often than any other: branding. It’s a nuanced concept that creates a recognizable identity for your business, but how do you get started? Join DeTrice Fox at the Matthews Library tomorrow, March 26, at 6 p.m. to learn the ins and outs of getting yourself branded.

Lynn Stelley: A Behind-the-Scenes Hero

“It’s like a big family, and it has to be that way.”

You may not know the name Lynn Stelley, but if you live in Matthews you've benefited from her work. Lynn is one of the many behind-the-scenes heroes of the Matthews Police Department. Though she doesn’t drive a patrol car, in her role as Records & Communications Manager she reports directly to the Chief to ensure the administrative side of the department is running smoothly. Her role is vital for both general operations and the safety of every officer serving Matthews.   

Originally from Louisiana, Lynn was in the U.S. Air Force (4.5 years) and was a flight attendant for American Trans Air (13 years). Her husband’s job brought them to Mint Hill where she worked at Mint Hill Middle School until the School Resource Officer encouraged her to apply at the Matthews Police Department. Her varied experience taught her to manage many tasks at once, and she credits her military family for instilling the self-discipline to work in law enforcement. Now in her eighth year with the Matthews Police, she first worked with Chief Rob Hunter and now with Chief Clark Pennington. “They have different styles,” she notes, while giving “high praise for both [men].”

As Records & Communications Manager, Lynn oversees a staff of two Record Keepers, the dispatchers, and has something of a role in the department's finance. Things now are in a much more manageable system than when she started. Back then officers’ reports were handwritten, sometimes with diagrams of scenes hand drawn on the back of an incident report. The clerks would then enter the reports into the records. Now, with software and automated systems, the officers can do it themselves.

Lynn is clearly happy in her office, giving instructions with the cheerful, unfaltering disposition essential for proper management. There’s a palpable warmth to her approach as she moves through the daily routine. When asked about the telecommunications position, Lynn openly admits it’s a tough role to fill. A demanding job with long hours that can be emotionally draining, which is why there’s a nationwide shortage of dispatchers. She oversees two supervisors and has capacity for 12 dispatchers (currently nine positions are filled). She’s proud of the staff for going beyond the minimum Department of Justice Telecommunications Standards and fulfilling the Sheriff’s Training Standards. Lynn has also made some changes in the dispatch room: upgraded work areas and “a little bit of paint” have dramatically improved morale.

Lynn gives a quick tour of the department on the way to check in with the dispatchers. She appreciates the tight-knit cooperation of the department, "It's like a big family, and it has to be that way." The team atmosphere makes stressful situations much less so. She knows a job where emergencies happen every day can take a mental toll on her employees, expressing concern and demonstrating she has the knowledge to be genuinely supportive of them.

She worries about the officers as they leave on patrol, pausing before reflecting. She was in the call center when the Butler shooting happened. “It was amazing how everyone fell into their roles. There wasn’t time for anything, just to do our jobs. I don’t think we thought about it until after it was all over.”

With the pressure of a job in law enforcement, Lynn leaves work at work. It’s a necessary skill she learned from her military father. She appreciates he did the same for her as she grew up. Lynn talks as excitedly about her kids, her four grandchildren (including eighteen-month-old twins), and Bruno, her German shepherd mutt.

Bruno, it turns out, is the key for Lynn’s calm. A long walk with a happy dog is exactly what she needs to unwind from a full day's work keeping Matthews safe.

Morning Minute: Friday, March 22, 2019

News About Town:  Monday night’s council meeting will see the introduction of a new, especially furry member of Matthews Police Department as the town welcomes a new police canine. The council is also expected to approve retiring police pup Castor’s sale to his human partner, Officer Kevin Osuch, for the sum of $1. Castor has served Matthews for more than seven years and is surely looking forward to a relaxing retirement. They’re good dogs, Matthews.

News Around Town: For the flower lovers (and growers) out there, according to Renfrow Farms we’re smack dab in the middle of peak tulip season. With another week of tulips blooming here in Matthews, this is your chance to get locally grown ones either at the Farmer’s Market or Renfrow Hardware.

One Good Thing: If you like ukulele lady perhaps you’d like to be a ukulele person too? The Music Makers (Kathy and Justin) are starting a 10 week Beginners Ukulele course at the Community Center starting Thursday, March 28. Join the fun, learn some tunes, and strum your way to musical confidence

Chicken Keeping: The Rules and Regulations

Photo by Debbie Chopas

In the age of DIY everything, the popularity of small-scale homesteading, and a reflection on simpler pastimes, chicken-keeping has been gaining popularity over the past decade. Chickens are funny birds, and watching their fluffy waddles can make for a relaxing afternoon. If you’re thinking about getting poultry this spring, though, familiarize yourself with the Town regulations. Knowing the process will save you a lot of headache if your neighbors aren’t on board with your fowl friends.

First, know where to build your coop and how large to make the structure. According to Town Ordinance 91A - Animals, § 91A-42. PERMITS FOR FOWL, EQUINE, CLOVEN-HOOFED ANIMALS, ETC, before purchasing or adopting your chickens, you need an inspection by Animal Control, a division of the Matthews Police Department. Only one permit is required per household, no matter how many birds you have, and that permit must be renewed annually. Animal Control will check to make sure your new hobby won’t make your neighbors sick or unreasonably unhappy. Many of the guidelines are good to follow just because they will keep your birds healthy.

For your neighbors’ sake: Your coop and run must be at least twenty-five feet from the adjoining property line.
Build a castle: The chicken house must be at least 18-inches in height and well-ventilated. You can have up to 20 chickens per acre, but you must have a minimum of 4 square feet of floor space per chicken.
No piles of poop: The run must be well-draining, kept clean, and free from objectionable odors.
No free-ranging: Your chickens must always be confined within the run.
You’ve got to bag it up: The town is specific about handling poop. All droppings and body excretion shall be placed in a fly-proof container and double-bagged in plastic bags.

All in all, it’s a relatively easy process to get the permit, then it’s up to you to stay on top of following the rules. The reward of fresh eggs makes the small hassle at the front-end well worth it.

Morning Minute: Thursday, March 21, 2019

News About Town:  Work will begin on the addition of the Weddington Road/I-485 Interchange soon. The project is fully funded and is being bundled with the I-485 Express Lane project. Express lanes are toll lanes for those who, as NCDOT phrases it, want “more reliable travel times.” Construction includes an auxiliary lane on both outer and inner I-485 as well. The contract for the project was awarded on September 20, 2018 to Blythe Construction, Inc., construction is expected to begin this summer, and open to traffic in 2022.The Town of Matthews is contributing funds for a 10-foot wide multi-use path and 8-foot planting strip along Weddington Road inside of I-485 and a 7.5-foot wide path along Weddington Road past I-485.

News Around Town: House Representative Rachel Hunt and County Commissioner Susan Rodriguez McDowell will be at Matthews Town Hall(232 Matthews Station St.) this Sunday, March 24 from 3 to 5 p.m. Representative Hunt and Commissioner McDowell have invited constituents to come and share the important issues concerning the residents of Matthews.  

One Good Thing: This Friday (March 22) join Arts Delivered!, KidzArt, and Abrakadoodle at the  McDowell Art Studio (123 E. McDowell St.) for a free open house. If your kid is at Matthews Elementary pick them up and swing on by. Get a peek into the spring class line up and summer camp offerings. Give your kid a chance to try out some art activities to see if they’re a good fit. Art demos will be available for all ages, just stop in anytime between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m.

Creating a Wildlife Habitat, Part V: Sustainable Practices and Certification

Image courtesy National Wildlife Federation

Hope you've enjoyed this series on how to create wildlife habitats in your yard, school, place of worship and business.

Let's add one more requirement - sustainable gardening practices. This means being aware of what you're using and under what conditions. Some people will choose to go the all organic route, while others may have a problem that may need to be addressed strategically with a chemical.

Choose the most environmentally-friendly tool for the job and follow directions carefully. Avoid spraying on a windy day because you might contaminate your food and water sources.

---

Now we’ve covered the essentials.

Food, water, cover, places to raise young, sustainable gardening practices? Check!

There's just one thing left to discuss: how to certify your wildlife habitat; it's incredibly easy. Visit the National Wildlife Federation Certify page and fill out the simple application form. There is a one-time fee of $20 which goes to National Wildlife Federation. You'll receive a personalized certificate with a number for your site, a subscription to the Garden for Wildlife e-newsletter, a one-year membership to NWF, a subscription to National Wildlife magazine, 10% off NWF catalog merchandise (great for items for your yard and gifts for nature lovers), and an option to purchase a sign designating your yard as a Certified Wildlife Habitat with National Wildlife Federation.

Speaking of the signs, I highly recommend purchasing one. It's a great way to help educate your neighbors, clients, and anyone else who happens to pass by on how easy it is to provide habitat for wildlife. Prices range from $30 to $99. Check out the joint NC Wildlife Federation and National Wildlife Federation sign below with Ranger Rick! I also added a picture of the higher-end sign.

Here's hoping that I see lots more of these signs sprouting up all over Matthews as more people jump on board!

Image courtesy National Wildlife Federation

“Signs are a great way to help educate your neighbors, clients, and anyone else who happens to pass by on how easy it is to provide habitat for wildlife. ”

Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 20, 2019

News About Town:  On Monday, March 11, the Town Board of Commissioners voted to initiate the rezoning of three commercial properties, all of which are currently zoned for light industrial. Bob Henderson, lawyer and representative of the Brigman family (owners of two parcels), spoke against the motion to begin the rezoning process. Mr. Henderson stated the family wasn’t made aware of the vote prior to the Town Council meeting and explained the downzoning does not reflect the focus of the Entertainment District plans. Mr. Henderson further explained that downzoning devalues the property, and as a result, may interrupt current arrangements for the sale of the Brigman properties. According to county documents, the Brigman family purchased the property in the 1940s from the Bost family, a prominent family in what was then known as Morning Star Township (now Matthews). The Board unanimously approved initiating the process of rezoning each parcel to Single-Family Residential.

News Around Town: This past Friday, March 15, an antique Shell Gasoline sign was stolen from Vintage Keepers, the antique and vintage store at the corner of Matthews Street and Trade Street. The sign is worth approximately $700. Anyone with information regarding the theft is encouraged to contact Matthews PD.

One Good Thing: Join the Matthews Historical Foundation to hear about the Matthews Heritage Museum’s exhibit, “Tank Town: A Good Place to Live.” Museum Director Barbara Taylor will present the history of the churches, the shot-gun schoolhouse, and the Matthews Colored School. The presentation will be held at the Woman's Club (208 S. Trade Street) Tuesday, March 26, at 7 p.m.
The event is free to Foundation members, and $5.00 for non-members. For more information, call Becky (704-846-6693). 

2810[top]5: Spring Flowers

By now we’ve had enough of the February and March showers (fewer April showers, please) and the gardening bug is itching. Today we have five pretty spring flowers to brighten the waning winter landscape.

Azaleas: Though the knockout roses have displaced the popularity of the azalea, there’s nothing more southern than a fiery hedge of azaleas in full bloom.

Try a native variety such as Flame, Pinxter, Smoothleaf, and the rare Plumleaf, which blooms long after other varieties have faded.

Carolina Heritage Nursery has several types and is often at the Matthews Community Farmers Market.

Geraniums: Actually pelargoniums and not true geraniums, these colorful flowers popularly adorn front porches from early spring to summer.

Make sure to cover them when a hard frost is coming.

Scented geraniums have edible flowers and leaves and range from chocolate and nutmeg to orange and lemon. Dry the leaves for homegrown potpourri.

Irises: Native flag irises are popping up to greet the spring, with other non-native varieties trailing behind. The deepest purple varieties are nearly black, offering serious drama for those who enjoy a little bit of edge.

Have a low-lying wet area in your yard? The native Flag and Louisiana varieties don’t mind wet toes.

Snapdragons: Not only do snapdragons add color and character to the garden, but the flowers make a gorgeous addition to bouquets for indoor arrangements.

Why Grow Them? Snapdragon puppet shows are a favorite pastime for the Burke family, move their “mouths” and make them talk!

Violets: We’ve already professed a love for the Violaceae family (violas, pansies, Johnny jump-ups) but right now the wild violets are putting on a spectacular show.

Pro Tip: If you don’t spray your yard or have dogs peeing on them, go out and collect the leaves and flowers for a wonderful addition to fresh salads.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 19, 2019

News About Town: This week is National Poison Prevention Week. In an effort to prevent unintentional poisoning the Matthews Police Department will be hosting Operation Medicine Drop this Wednesday, (March 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the police station, 1201 Crews Road). The event creates awareness to the proper disposal of unused and/or expired medications. Keeping medications out of the wrong hands is the first step in preventing accidental poisoning. In fact, unintentional poisoning is the leading cause of injury death, surpassing motor vehicle deaths. 
The Police Department asks that you bring all medications to this event that are no longer being used or are expired. Items include: Over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, sample medications, and pet medications. NO SYRINGES – Here’s how to dispose of syringes.

Mittens is a 1-year old male available for adoption through the Greater Charlotte SPCA.

News Around Town: Some parents dropping their kids off at Matthews Elementary yesterday morning were surprised by the enforcement of traffic rules. According to the MES Parent Handbook, distributed at the beginning of year, car riders must enter on the south side of the school where staff assist with getting children to their classrooms. McDowell Street is then left with clear flow-through for CMS buses transporting MES children. School administration will continue to monitor traffic patterns for enhanced student safety.

One Good Thing: If you’re a cat lover, the Greater Charlotte SPCA has the volunteer gig for you. The GCSPCA takes care of the kitties up for adoption at PetSmart in Windsor Square and they need a few loving volunteers to help. Volunteers feed cats, clean their enclosures, and help socialize the felines while they wait for their furever home! Let’s be honest, "socializing" = self serve cat therapy! One shift takes an hour (or more if you really want to help those kitties). Find more information at charlottespca.org/volunteer. Kids are welcome to volunteer with an adult present. 

Around the Table with the Burkes: It’s the little victories

…I have three small tornadoes
destroying every room immediately
after I’ve cleaned it.

My parents came for a visit last week (a “visit” where I use them for free labor and my dad’s construction expertise). I’m frantically trying to prepare my house for sale, no small task when my other half is away from home four days a week, and I have three small tornadoes destroying every room immediately after I’ve cleaned it. Mom and dad cleared more than a few things off of my list, though it still seems like there is stuff EVERYWHERE. All of the house projects made mealtime difficult, as we reached the end of each day too tired to think, so shortcuts were key to filling empty bellies this week.

On Saturday I had a rare evening out with my friends to celebrate a birthday and see Captain Marvel. I ate what I wanted and no one stole my French fries. Travis made pork chops, spaetzle, and green beans for the kids, which my parents were also thrilled to have when they arrived Saturday night. On Sunday Grillmaster Burke made steaks.

Lightly Sweetened Mashed
Sweet Potatoes:
Cube the sweet potatoes and boil until they’re soft. Add ¼ cup of butter, a splash of milk, and a few tablespoons of real maple syrup. Mix until uniformly mashed.

After Monday’s projects – which included deck repair, door replacement, and so much cleaning – I ordered takeout. Tuesday’s exhausting to-do list was followed by a rotisserie chicken with corn and noodles.

Wednesday I succumbed to guilt over feeding my parents shortcut food, so I roasted a pork loin and squash and made mashed sweet potatoes. The secret to my sweet potatoes, beloved the family over: after boiling the potatoes until they’re soft I add ¼ cup of butter, a splash of milk, and a few tablespoons of real maple syrup. We pretend it’s still healthy – maple syrup is practically a vegetable, right?

Travis arrived home on Thursday to chicken chili (thank you McCormick packet) and cornbread. On Friday we had pasta night, with the addition of sweet Italian sausage (baked from frozen for an hour at 350 degrees, then added to the sauce).

It was a week of quick dinners, but I’m happy we managed to avoid fast food. We also managed to sit down at the table together each night (sans Travis for three of them). It’s the little victories.

Morning Minute: Monday, March 18, 2019

News About Town: News About Town: It's a big week for meetings in Matthews government. Tonight from 6:00pm until 9:00pm the BOC will hold a special meeting to interview candidates for the Matthews Committee on Education. The Tree & Appearance Committee will also meet this evening, at 7:00pm at the Community Center. Early Thursday morning the Economic Development Advisory Committee will meet at Town Hall to discuss opportunities related to the 2020 RNC, hear 2019 business summit updates, and consider wireless broadband proposals. Thursday evening the Transportation Advisory Council will meet at 7:00pm at Public Works, 1600 Tank Town Road. All meetings of advisory boards and committees are open to the public.

While many were busy celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day, we were focused on Saint Gertrude, the Patron Saint of Cats.

News Around Town: An investigation is underway for the repeated vandalizing of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. The church, behind Town Hall, has had several instances of graffiti painted on the building. Investigators are looking into the vandalism further, Matthews Police have increased surveillance in the neighborhood, and the church has installed additional surveillance cameras.

One Good Thing: Stop by Stumptown Park March 30 (after Kiwanis Pancakes, of course) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the 2nd annual Charlie’s Carnival, hosted by Charlie’s Heart Foundation. Started in April 2018, Charlie’s Carnival raised over $15k in donations to fund their first project: A Glimmer of Hope — Charlie’s Watering Hole. The carnival, in celebration of the life of Charlie Holt, will have games, crafts, activities for all ages, a silent auction, and local food trucks. Proceeds will benefit the foundation and its mission "to enhance the lives of children and families in areas of need through sustainable living, financial and health education."

#FiveForFriday: A Morning Minute News Round Up

This #FiveForFriday Morning Minute News Round Up is for the week of March 11 through March 15, 2019.

News About Town {updated}: Matthews police have identified the body found on East John St. as Mr. Shawn Antonio Horton (DOB – 07/14/1972) of Charlotte, NC. His body was 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 seems to have died several weeks ago. As police piece together Mr. Horton’s last few days, they’re asking for tips and leads. If you have any, call Matthews Police Department at 704-847-5555.

News About Town: Last night’s council meeting, in the absence of Mayor Paul Bailey, was led by Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon. It was a rapidly moving meeting with lots of Town business covered, though perhaps most surprising was regarding the recent land-clearing on Monroe Road for Residences Galleria, a 250-unit apartment complex to be built across from Family Dollar. During the rezoning process, the developer and nearby residents agreed upon specific areas for tree save. This week as land clearing began, approximately 200 trees marked to be saved were cut down. Taft Development Group is facing a $50,000 zoning violation fine from the Town and will pay a self-imposed fine of $100,000 in addition. Taft will also plant trees approximately 6-inches in diameter when construction is complete to repopulate the tree save area.

News About Town: According to the Town website, the Trade Street widening at the culvert (where Trade forks off to Weddington and Pleasant Plains) is supposed to be complete this spring. At Monday night’s Council meeting, NCDOT representative Stuart Basham provided updates and a revised completion date. Currently, the contractor, Blythe Construction, has increased the size of the crew but is incurring liquidated damages of $1,000 per day. According to Stuart, the project is expected to be completed by Labor Day.

News About Town: During the NCDOT updates at the Monday Council meeting, some conversation centered on the John St. Widening. Even the Town has been formulating their own approach, NCDOT has continued moving forward with design from Matthews to Monroe. According to Mayor Bailey, NCDOT and the Town are on the same page to delay construction on the portion from I-485 to Trade. The part of John St from I-485 eastward will continue with design and ROW acquisition. Now the Town must present this preference to the CRTPO (the municipal governing body for Charlotte area transportation) to amend the official STIP (a scheduled list of funded transportation projects). It’s a bureaucratic process to change the NCDOT budget in order to delay the downtown Matthews section.

News About Town: Matthews residents have a new park option. The playground equipment at Rice Road Park, a 9.5 acre parcel at 2530 Rice Road, has been installed and is ready for play! The work recently finished, Phase I, included driveway access into the park, an on-site walking trail, one sidewalk connection from Rice Road into the park, playground facilities, parking lot, lighting, benches, and picnic tables, as well as landscaping. According to the Town’s Facebook page, Phase II of the park will include a picnic shelter, additional seating, and enhanced natural areas around the walking trail.