Morning Minute: Thursday, May 23, 2019

News About Town:  Fire Lieutenant Ryan Hanes (Engine 22-A with Matthews Fire & EMS) recently completed his Technical Rescuer Instructor Qualification training. Upon completion of the extensive training, Lt Hanes is able to instruct, train, and certify other firefighters in rope rescue, helicopter transport, water rescue, and other aspects of technical rescue.

News About Town: Have some thoughts on statewide transportation? NCDOT has a brief survey online to gauge opinions on the trends that are changing transportation. The questions are not specific to mode but are based on what will increase or decrease the need for and cost of travel throughout North Carolina.

One Fun Thing: If you follow LAM Studios (159 N. Trade St.) on social media, you know owner Lorraine Mulligan has impeccable taste. Now’s Your chance to get Her gorgeous finds on sale! The retail store floor model sale runs today through June 6 during regular store hours.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 22, 2019

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners met with the town manager this past Monday evening for a budget workshop. One idea presented is to revisit the town newsletter. Content would be decided by the town and will include town events. An outside firm would write articles and create the newsletter. Waxhaw and Kannapolis do something similar. The newsletter would cost approximately $1,000 per month. 

News About Town: German grocer Lidl is coming to Matthews. After originally applying for rezoning in November 2016, the retailer ran the rezoning gauntlet and the design was approved by town council in April 2017. Land clearing recently began on the property at the corner of Margaret Wallace and Idlewild. According to several sources, the store will open in 2020.

One Fun Thing: It's time once again for Food Truck Friday at Stumptown Park. Bring your emptiest belly and get there early to avoid the long lines. This week get a face full of tacos, Caribbean fare, the always-popular Yummi Banh Mi, and more. The fun starts at 5 pm.

2810[high]5: A Walk in Purser-Hulsey Park

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If you haven’t been to Purser-Hulsey Park (13201 Phillips Rd ), one of the newest additions to the Matthews parks system, we have the low down on what to expect. PurSey Park (because let’s face, it, I can’t say the name correctly to save my life) consists of a community garden and a wooded bike and hiking trail. Future build-out may include an upgrade to the entrance and parking lot, the addition of a dog park, a pond and pier for fishing, as well as a possible expansion to the community garden.

Getting lost in the woods: You’ll forget you’re in the suburbs. Be prepared to get lost in your thoughts.

Wear walking shoes: You’ll want to keep going, but you can’t do it if you don’t have good shoes. The walk has some hills but it’s the tree roots you have to watch out for.

You’re walking through Matthews history: You’re first greeted by the community garden shed, a relocated outbuilding from property on Idlewild Road. Along the trails you’ll see rusty metal and worn down fences; a reminder that this property used to be a farm.

Examine the flora: You’ll see natives like club moss, wild ginger, and wild grapes, as well as

invasives (there’s no shortage of kudzu.)

Take your cell phone and go rock hunting: If you’re a member of Matthews Rocks, post your finds!

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 21, 2019

News About Town: On Tuesday, May 14 the police department posted security camera images of a man and woman who used stolen credit cards on May 9 at a Matthews gas station. By Thursday, May 16, Matthews Police were able to apprehend the pair, thanks in part to helpful tips from Matthews residents. 

News Around Town: Wildlife rescuers are on overload with rescued baby birds this time of year, so think before you "rescue." If you're outside and find a baby, first notice whether it's a fledgling (covered in down and feathers) or a nestling (nearly naked). If it's a nestling, try and put it back in its nest. If it's a fledgling, the odds are good a parent is around and watching you and its baby. If it's injured, that's another story. In that case, contact a wildlife rehabber or Carolina Waterfowl Rescue.

One Fun Thing: Calling all bakers of all ages! This Saturday is the Annual Baking Competition at the Matthews Farmers' Market. The Market is looking for "All Things Strawberry" so pop on your chef's hat and mix up your best strawberry creation. Head to www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com for rules and entry form. Entries will be judged by a panel of food experts including renowned Chef Peter Reinhart of Johnson & Wales University. It's sure to be a (straw)berry good time!

Vivian Brenner: Life Independent of Faith

“I wasn’t really sure what to say. Religion is a private matter. At least, that’s how I was raised.”

“Where is your faith home?” Vivian Brenner, a Matthews resident for almost two decades, was startled by this frequent question when she moved here from Washington, DC, back in 2000. “I wasn’t really sure what to say. Religion is a private matter. At least, that’s how I was raised.” People she met would press her for an answer. A few even became incensed when she replied, “I don’t have one.”

Brenner considers herself an atheist though culturally Jewish. Her parent’s families were Jewish immigrants from Poland and Russia. Her mother’s side of the family was more interested in helping people than in religious observance. They were union organizers in New York City for the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union. “Grandpa was very fierce about human rights. About people’s right to have a dignified life.”

Vivian’s Maternal Grandmother

Her father’s family were more traditional, conservative Jews, but with the same interest in helping others. Her great aunt collected food from the well-to-do to stock food pantries for new immigrants in Norfolk, VA, in the early 1900s.

As for her own upbringing, “My dad was a scientist. We were very much guided by his scientific method, testing every belief.”

“All of us. We’re supposed to make the world a better place for everyone, not just a special few.”

Photo courtesy Vivian Brenner

With this family background, Brenner developed a deep belief in treating people well. “All of us. We’re supposed to make the world a better place for everyone, not just a special few.” Her lack of belief in an external God “is not a denial of anyone’s personal beliefs.” She feels strongly about this. “I don’t care what people say their beliefs are or what church they go to or don’t go to. I care about how people behave.”

Matthews, says Brenner, while not overtly prejudiced about religion, is influenced by its predominantly Christian population. Meetings begin with Christian prayers. Public spaces are decorated for Christian holidays. Awareness of her minority status is unavoidable. She feels “an ingrown caution” when it comes to talking about religion with people she does not know. “I am pretty discreet in Matthews and in my life.”

Matthews, while not overtly prejudiced about religion, is influenced by its predominantly Christian population. Awareness of her minority status is unavoidable.

Discreet though she may be, Brenner is not afraid to raise her voice and stand up for her beliefs.  In June of 2013, she joined the Moral Monday protesters at the state legislature building in Raleigh, led by Rev. William Barber, protesting poor teacher pay, erosion of voting rights, and lack of Medicare expansion. Thousands showed up for these protests begun in 2013, and more than a thousand protesters have been arrested over the years. On June 3, 2013, Brenner was among the protesters arrested for trespass. The arrest record reads, in part, “…assembled with at least three or more persons engaged in disorderly conduct… failed to disperse and remained at the scene.” Another charge was “Post or display of signs and placards.” Brenner was carrying an 8.5X11” sheet of paper that read “Protect Voting Rights.”

Brenner has great respect for Rev. Barber’s work, but, she says, a belief in God is “unrelated to my belief in moral, considerate and ethical behavior.” Reverend Barber agrees.

Morning Minute: Monday, May 20, 2019

News About Town:  According to Mayor Bailey, the State Transportation Board approved funds this past week to widen Crestdale Road. The widening has been discussed for several years now, with broad public support from the Crestdale neighborhood (see public comments). The board also approved delaying East John Street. NCDOT engineer Scott Cole explained in an April meeting, "funding for [the John Street] project will remain committed until the project resumes in 2025."

News Around Town: Recently a row of pine trees were removed from in front of the fence line at Sardis Plantation on Highway 51. According to HOA members, the pines were planted in a man-made berm. This instability, plus the aging of the trees, led to a decision to remove them as a precautionary measure. The Sardis Plantation HOA is discussing the appropriate plants to replace the pines.

One Good Thing: Matthews Police Department will host their next "Coffee with a Cop" this Friday, May 24th at Starbucks (2233 Matthews Township Parkway, Suite A). Take the opportunity to get to know some of our officers, ask questions, and discuss concerns. The event runs from 9am to 11am. 

#FiveForFriday: A Morning Minute News Round Up

This #FiveForFriday Morning Minute News Round Up is for the week of May 13 through May 17, 2019.

News About Town: We’ve already mentioned the Budget Presentation and the Town’s motion to rezone several properties. The evening will be action-packed (read: long) at the Board of Commissioner’s meeting. There’s a public hearing for rezoning property adjacent to Butler High School, an update from the Planning Board followed by council members voting on (or deferring) a few rezonings, technology reimbursements, and discussion of a hairy issue about the Town taking over a private street at the residents’ request.

News About Town: Wednesday, May 15, is Peace Officers Memorial Day. Sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police, Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. John F. Kennedy signed the proclamation into law in 1962, and it has been observed nationally ever since.

News About Town: Last night the Board of Commissioners had two Public Hearings for rezonings. With Zoning Application 2019-697/Harkey the Board unanimously voted to continue the public hearing at the June 10 meeting. For the town-initiated Rezoning Motion 2019-2 (downzoning three separate parcels), the Board talked heavily about finding a compromise. Lawyers representing two of the parcels spoke and requested the town cease the motion and work with the owners for a solution.

News About Town: The Town Manager's Recommended Budget is available online. Of note is the addition four new positions in the police department, 24 firefighter positions as part of the 24-hour staffing model, and $20,000 funding for Red Brick Partnership (as of today they are not recognized in an IRS search). The public hearing for the budget will be Tuesday, May 28 at the Board of Commissioners meeting.

News Around Town: Yesterday, during their regular Thursday meeting, the Matthews Kiwanis Club presented their first-ever Community Partners in Service Grants. As one member joked, the club gave away $10,000 in 45 minutes. In truth, the club worked for several years to raise money for their foundation, which was, in turn, presented to seven local nonprofits that "serve the children & youth of our community." Club leaders also recognized the work Mark Jones and Eran Weaver put into organizing and administering the grant process. Representatives from each group were present to accept the grant and explain how the monies will benefit their organizations. The recipients are: Bright Blessings, BSA Troop 118, COS Kids, Matthews Playhouse, Sur de Charlotte, Turning Point, Inc., and ZABS Place.

Meet Your Neighbor: Valerie Rhymer

Immediately upon meeting Valerie Rhymer you “get” why she’s a Kindermusik teacher. Her natural smile, focused attention, and vibrant personality is precisely what you’d want in a music teacher for young children.

The classroom is a community all its own, but representative of the greater Matthews community as well: neighborly sharing and easy kindnesses.

After spending nearly two decades working with Children’s Theater, Valerie decided it was time for a shorter commute. Now she spends her mornings teaching Kindermusik at the Community Center, and the commute is much better. In fact, her new commute is a couple of minutes on foot—she walks to work from her family’s downtown Matthews home.

Valerie moved to Charlotte in 1998 from Montana and moved to Matthews five years ago. The cozy community and walkability brought her family of three to town. The good school system helped, as well.

Visit one of her classes, and you’ll see how she weaves her attentiveness into what could otherwise be a chaotic (yet fun) playgroup. What do such small children gain from the experience? Watch the interactions between parent and child, and it’s obvious; they learn in countless ways: from simple acts like sharing and taking turns, to developing awareness like shape recognition and sensory exploration. They even learn a little bit of American Sign Language.

For those who don’t believe they are musically inclined, Valerie quickly dispels that idea, “Your voice is your child’s favorite sound! Give yourself some credit!”

Above all, the class emphasizes the importance of togetherness. That active engagement between families and friends makes her classes a success. The classroom is a community all its own, but representative of the greater Matthews community as well: neighborly sharing and easy kindnesses. You get the feeling that’s Valerie’s approach in all aspects of life.

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Have a neighbor you want to know more about or do you want to be featured? Let us know!

Morning Minute: Friday, May 17, 2019

News About Town:  The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), part of the Town Manager's Recommended Budget, shows an array of future projects in town.  CIP projects for FY 19/20 includes partial funding for a multi-use path down Pleasant Plains (part of the Carolina Thread Trail), funding to pave and create a parking lot on the town-owned property on East Charles St. (behind Pita Kebab), and funding for constructing the Crestdale Heritage Trail. There are many more projects on the list. To see FY 19/20 and 20/21, click here. To see the CIP through 2029 click here. 

News Around Town: Yesterday, during their regular Thursday meeting, the Matthews Kiwanis Club presented their first-ever Community Partners in Service Grants.  As one member joked, the club gave away $10,000 in 45 minutes. In truth, the club worked for several years to raise money for their foundation, which was, in turn, presented to seven local nonprofits that "serve the children & youth of our community." Club leaders also recognized the work Mark Jones and Eran Weaver put into organizing and administering the grant process.  Representatives from each group were present to accept the grant and explain how the monies will benefit their organizations. The recipients are: Bright Blessings, BSA Troop 118, COS Kids, Matthews Playhouse, Sur de Charlotte, Turning Point, Inc., and ZABS Place.

Special thanks to Rob Hunter for sharing his photo (above) of the Kiwanis honorees.

One Good Thing: One Fun Thing: What’s better than old school video game songs played on the tuba? Old school video game songs played on the tuba by a member of the Matthews Concert Band. Rock on TubaDylan.

#ThrowbackThursday: October 20, 2005

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews News & Record (also called The Matthews Record) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today.  This story was originally published October 20, 2005.

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Land use plan, transit site reviewed at public hearing

Charlotte Area Transit Authority’s insistence that a transit station south of I-485 have easy access to and high visibility from US 74 created a last minute revision to the land use plan prepared by Clarion Associates for the I-485 corridor and area surrounding the Levine campus of Central Piedmont Community College. When Roger Waldon of Clarion presented the land use recommendations for Matthews during a recent public hearing at town hall, the transit site was relocated from a site near CPCC parking area to one adjacent to the future McKee Road Extension.

The total proposal by Clarion, prepared following months of study of existing land use conditions, meetings with local elected and appointed leaders and public workshops, is now available for review on the Town website, as well as at town hall. The public is encouraged to comment prior to board action on the text changes to the land use plan.

In other business at the Oct. 10 regular council meeting, commissioners:

• recognized the Matthews Alive! committee for another outstanding event, now in its thirteenth year. Noting the “strength of a community is its people”, Mayor Lee Myers commended the 2,464 volunteers, the EMS team, police, park and recreation department staff, public works employees, chamber of commerce representatives, and sponsors for their dedication to making this event a success. There were 140 arts and crafts vendors and 250 entries in the parade. Major corporate sponsors included Presbyterian Hospital Matthews, The Town of Matthews, Hendrick Motorsports, Alltel and Saturn. A total of thirty sponsors donated $107,000 to host the festival. Mayor Myers observed that Matthews Alive! may be the only festival of its kind that actually gives back to the community by benefiting the town’s nonprofit organizations. Volunteering their time and talents to serve on the board of directors for Matthews Alive! are Geralynn Trellue, Chair; Don Wygand, Corporate Sponsorship; Connie Culpepper, Parade Director; Patricia Laws, , Children’s Area Director; Carol Lawrence, Treasurer; Steve Cash, Family Fun Director; Robin Sanders, Food Vendor Director; and Jim Sanders, Logistics Director.

• Approved a Resolution for Acceptance of Grant Funds of $8,578 through the Governor’s Highway Safety Program for the purchase of traffic-safety equipment which will include five dual-antennae radar units and five “stop stick” tire deflation systems.

• Amended drug testing policy to include the Volunteer Fire Department.

• Set two public hearings. On November 14 council will consider removal of stop signs at the intersection of Reverdy Lane and Matthews Mill Road, a fence height text amendment presented by Chase Harper, Kahn Properties’ petition for revisions to conditions to for the townhouse portion its Gateway project at Sam Newell and NC 51, and Southern Holding’s proposed text amendment on maximum building size in the downtown overlay district. Another hearing will be held on January 9, 2006 on the zoning change from R-20 to B-1 on the 400 block of Sam Newell Road proposed by T. Funderburk and B. Giles.

• Approved the transfer of a town vehicle to the Volunteer Fire Department for use by the Fire Chief; approved $1,122,500 for the purchase of the Hulsey Property for development of a park at Phillips Road and NC 51; discussed school building needs in the community; appointed Suzanne Gulley to the Arts and Science Council with Kress Query as the alternate; approved $13,500 contract with RS&H Architects-Engineers-Planners for creating a conceptual design to make Trade Street more pedestrian friendly and slow traffic through downtown.
  

Morning Minute: Thursday, May 16, 2019

News About Town: The Town Manager's Recommended Budget is available online. Of note is the addition four new positions in the police department, 24 firefighter positions as part of the 24-hour staffing model, and $20,000 funding for Red Brick Partnership (as of today they are not recognized in an IRS search). The public hearing for the budget will be Tuesday, May 28 at the Board of Commissioners meeting.

News Around Town: Despite a petition by students to repeal the decision, Butler students will have a makeup day June 10. The makeup day is to fulfill a mandatory number of instructional hours missing due to school closure after the fatal shooting of student Bobby McKeithen.

One Good Thing: Registration is open for the annual Heart of a Champion Day. CMS created this opportunity to provide their student-athletes with free sports screenings and is scheduled for June 1, 2019. Registration runs through midnight May 26. Click here to register.

Editorial: Lawmakers, Say Yes to Clean Energy

We love to hear from our readers, and editorials are a welcome way to do so. Have an opinion piece to share? Email Renee (renee@matthewsbeacon.com) and we’ll get it posted.

Submitted by Debbie LeBlanc Foster

“Who loses on this?  We do, as consumers and as customers of Duke Energy.”

North Carolina has made progress toward clean, affordable energy (#2 in the nation in solar power!), and reducing carbon pollution that harms our environment, our wildlife, and our citizens. 

Duke Energy is promoting legislation giving them the latitude to spend customers’ money on power system modifications, coal ash cleanup, and gas pipelines, with less oversight and public input.  Duke’s bill locks consumers into years of higher bills for projects that don’t advance NC toward a clean energy economy.

What’s wrong with this picture?  Duke operates as a monopoly.  This proposed bill would allow them broad power over a long time period: to dictate rates and how money is spent, potentially penalizing consumers who would like to spend their energy dollars in an environmentally sustainable manner. 

Who loses on this?  We do, as consumers and as customers of Duke Energy.

Lawmakers, as you consider House Bill 624, say NO to Duke and YES to the bipartisan majority of North Carolinians who support a transparent process with stakeholder input that delivers on clean energy and is prudent with our hard-earned paychecks.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 15, 2019

News About Town: Last night the Board of Commissioners had two Public Hearings for rezonings. With Zoning Application 2019-697/Harkey the Board unanimously voted to continue the public hearing at the June 10 meeting. For the town-initiated Rezoning Motion 2019-2 (downzoning three separate parcels), the Board talked heavily about finding a compromise. Lawyers representing two of the parcels spoke and requested the town cease the motion and work with the owners for a solution.

News Around Town: Yesterday was the Republican Primary in NC US House District 9. Republican and Unaffiliated voters selected State Senator Dan Bishop to move on to the General Election, with just shy of 50% of the vote. Bishop will face Democrat Dan McCready in the September special election.

One Good Thing: The countdown is on (at least here in Beaconville) for summer. If you need something for your kids to do and 24/7 screen time isn't going to cut it, check out all the options provided by Park and Rec. The selection is really fun. I mean, really fun. Like we're kind of wishing they-had-the-camps-for-grown-ups-and-the-kids-could-stay-home-by-themselves fun.

Gardening: Sweetening the Soil with Calcium

Calcium is one of those things we don't usually talk about in terms of garden nutrients, right? I mean, you buy a bag of soil amendments and the big numbers are NPK, but what about the little guys? The minerals and micronutrients that feed soil health? I'm no soil scientist, I don't purport to be an expert, but I can recognize an improperly formed fruit when I see one. (Blossom end rot, anyone?) Funky lookin' fruits can be a sign of calcium deficiency.

Calcium is vital for sugar production in plants, it's part of what keeps your vegetables from being bitter.  

To boost my soil with a bit of calcium I fill empty milk and dairy containers with water to rinse them, but instead of pouring the water down the drain I'll pour it on a garden bed. Working in homemade compost will add micro nutrients, and the addition of bone meal should add a little extra something, too. 

We also have a plenitude of eggshells. After a Sunday of cooking snacks for the week ahead I generally have a small pan full.

Now, if you've ever thrown eggs in the compost bin you know they break down very slowly. When added directly to a garden bed they break down even more slowly, so they don't directly provide much calcium to your plants; something like soft rock phosphate is better suited for that.

This past winter I've been saving the shells from hard boiled eggs and grinding them up. I've also been taking the shells from other eggy exploits and sticking them in the oven to bake when I'm cooking dinner. My theory is to kill off unwanted bacteria and dry the shells out for storage. Next I grind them up in the food processor. In the end, I have something that looks like this: 

The texture ranges from a fine dust to gritty bits that look like pulverized shells on the beach. If you want an even finer texture just process them a little longer. The powder will be more readily available to the plants and the larger grit will slowly break down and give the earthworms a healthy treat.

It's not revolutionary, but I get a little excited about free garden solutions. Do you save your eggshells? What's your favorite free soil amendment?

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 14, 2019

News About Town: Wednesday, May 15, is Peace Officers Memorial Day. Sponsored by the National Fraternal Order of Police, Peace Officers Memorial Day pays tribute to officers who have died, or who have been disabled, in the line of duty. John F. Kennedy signed the proclamation into law in 1962, and it has been observed nationally ever since.

News Around Town:  Portrait and courtroom sketch artist Jerry McJunkins is the guest speaker for the Matthews Artist Guild meeting tonight. Join MAG for social time at 6:30 then stay to hear McJunkins share his approach with figure drawing, both in and out of the courtroom. Meetings are free and held at McDowell Arts Center, 123 E. McDowell Street. 

One Fun Thing:  Plan to head back over to McDowell Arts Center this Thursday (May 16) for the Crown Point Elementary Artists’ Reception for first through fifth graders. The show has been on display since May 4. The reception starts at 5 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. in the upstairs gallery, and Mayor Bailey will present certificates of achievement to the students.