Morning Minute: Thursday, June 6, 2019

News About Town: The Council met this week to discuss the budget further. Between meetings, the Town Manager trimmed $125,000 from the original recommended budget. Present commissioners questioned the need for the parking lot on Charles Street, the need for longevity pay, and suggested the use of an infrastructure bond for improvement projects. The trick to the budget is figuring out a number that keeps resident’s tax bills as close to what they paid last year while funding all of the sidewalks, multi-use paths, among other amenities (Capital Improvement Projects or CIP).

News Around Town:  2016 census data shows 76.3% of Americans commute alone by car.  According to a recent study, "15,832 work here and live outside of Matthews; 12,125 live here and work outside of Matthews; and 894 both work and live in Matthews."  That means the overwhelming majority of Matthews residents who work, commute outside of town to their jobs. That also explains the traffic that’s a populart topic for Matthews. One way to pitch in? Join Sustain Charlotte for their clean commute challenge, Way2Go Charlotte. Despite all the CLT mentions, Matthews residents are allowed (nay, encouraged) to participate.  A larger number of commuters carpooling, riding transit, and biking can dramatically reduce cars on the roadway and alleviate some of the congestion.

One Fun Thing: Join Matthews Park and Rec for a gallery reception this Sunday (June 9) from 2 til 4 pm at McDowell Arts Center. Meet the artists and participate in an interactive work of art entitled Friendge. Light refreshments will be provided.

Creature Feature: What's That in My Backyard?

“While we typically associate them with the southwestern United States, because of temperature increases they’ve been able to expand their territories to include more northern and eastern states. The N.C. Commission has reported sightings of the armadillos in 27 counties, including Mecklenburg.”

A photo of a nine-banded armadillo taken by Flickr user Between the Lakes

It’s a rabbit. No-it’s a pig. No - it’s...it’s...an armadillo?

That’s right, the Carolinas are currently in the midst of a slow motion invasion by these four-legged strangers in armor, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission needs your help to track their whereabouts.

Native to Central and South America, the National Wildlife Federation states that due to climate change, nine-banded armadillos have been expanding their territories for at least the last 100 years. While we typically associate them with the southwestern United States, because of temperature increases they’ve been able to expand their territories to include more northern and eastern states. The N.C. Commission has reported sightings of the armadillos in 27 counties, including Mecklenburg.

One of twenty different species of armadillo, the nine-band is the only species native to the United States and is named for the nine fashionable bands that run across its midsection. In Spanish, the term armadillo translates to “little armored one”, an obvious reference to these striking armored plates covering their back, head, legs, and tail.

In the Aztec language, their name translates to the fitting description “turtle-rabbit”, probably because of their pointy ears and shell.  However, if we were to name them today, we might call the nine-banded armadillo “turtle-pig”. Their snout and size resembles that of a small pig, and they are known to grunt while they forage for food. They eat insects, small reptiles and amphibians, bird eggs, and sometimes plants. An adult typically weighs about 12 lbs and is about 2.5 feet long. They are primarily nocturnal.

A photo of a nine-banded armadillo taken by Flickr user Robert Nunnally

Most of what we think we know about armadillos is actually wrong. Only one species of armadillo, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo, is able to roll itself into a ball. It’s true that armadillos are the only other animal besides human that can contract leprosy, but cases of it being transmitted between armadillos is rare. That mostly only happens on episodes of House.

Even though they don’t turn themselves into animal bowling balls, nine-banded armadillos do have their own unique traits. They almost always give birth to quadruplets: four identical offspring. When startled, they jump straight into the air, making them a danger on roadways and giving them the less than affectionate title of “hillbilly speed bump”.

If you do see an armadillo, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission wants you to report on its whereabouts by snapping a picture and uploading it to the free online platform, iNaturalist. You can do so by visiting iNaturalist.org or by downloading the free app. Alternatively, you can also send your photo, the armadillo’s location, and the date and time you saw it to armadillo@ncwildlife.org.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, June 5, 2019

 News About Town: Tomorrow, June 6 at 4:00 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon and Commissioner Barabara Dement will host a Facebook Live event on the Town of Matthews page. Submit your questions on their post here prior to the Q&A and tune in to hear their responses.

News About Town: At the last Town Council meeting, the commissioners voted to approve Historic Designation for the Craftsman-style Barnum A. Sustare house on West Matthews St. The Sustare family was instrumental in recognizing the importance of transportation for the development of Matthews. This understanding was one of the reasons Sustare’s pool (aka Matthews Country Club) attracted people from all over the region.  The home has a fascinating history, too lengthy to be summarized in a paragraph. Learn more here.

ne Fun Thing: This Friday, June 7, the Charlotte Symphony will return to Stumptown Park. The prelude act starts at 7 and the symphony starts at 8:15. Get there early and stake out your spot, the lawn gets packed.  Want to know what they’re playing? Check it out.

2810[high]5: Flowers to Forage

Edible flowers are a delicate way to add variety to your palate, and when they’re in abundance and right outside your door, then why not? Eat them fresh on a salad, or make a simple syrup. This is a basic recipe. I tend to use a full cup of flowers per cup of water.

Some quick etiquette for your foraging expedition: don’t take all of what you find, someone else may forage there, too; make sure it’s not an area that’s sprayed with herbicide; if you’re harvesting from a heavily traveled roadside, make sure you’re 30-feet or more from the road.

As always, make sure you know exactly what you’re harvesting.

Chive Blossoms: This one is less “foraging” and more scouring the garden for what’s in bloom. While the other flowers on this list lend a sweeter flavor profile, chive blossoms provide a savory component to the spectrum of edible flowers. Pour white vinegar over a handful of blossoms for a delicious (fuchsia!) salad vinegar, add to savory crepes, sprinkle on a salad—use chive blossoms for a mild hint of onion.

Dandelion: I know, I know, your HOA wants them gone, the bees want them for pollen, and now I’m telling you to eat them. It’s easy to find recipes for this sunny flower—wine, fritters, syrup, and jam. Pickle the buds before they open for a locavore take on capers.

Image via Unsplash

Elderflowers: The large umbels are cheering up roadside ditches everywhere right now. You may have tried the flavor while drinking a St. Germain-based cocktail or in a hot tea. The flowers are considered medicinal by many, and similar in use to the elderberry. Can’t find the time to forage? These you can find dried at the Matthews Farmers’ Market!

Honeysuckle: Invasive honeysuckle is an easy one to identify. Dry some in a dehydrator (or in an oven on the lowest setting with the oven door open) for a tasty tea. One hot cup of honeysuckle tea is a throat-soothing reminder of summer in the dead of winter. Or make a refreshing syrup for homemade sodas and popsicles!

Image via Unsplash

Linden: Blossoms on the linden trees are just starting to appear. As with all flowers, syrup is a popular go-to. Linden (or tilia) is also popular as an evening tea; sit down with a cup when you’re ready to wind down for the day. Another common recipe is to preserve the flowers in honey for a pancake topping. Use the syrup in place of gin for a mocktail twist on the classic gin and tonic.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, June 4, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews is encouraging residents to Know Your No’s in the recycling bin. As more and more recycling is trashed due to contamination, it’s important to know what those contaminants are. What are the No’s? No tanglers (such as wires, hoses, etc.), no scrap metal, no plastic film (including bags, but some “film” can be recycled with bags at retail recycling locations like Target), no food (try composting?), no hazardous and medical waste (not only is it dangerous, there are actual people handling your recycling along the way), no textiles, no bagged recyclables (because the bags can’t be recycled and it makes more work for the people at the facility).

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News Around Town:  During tonight’s regular meeting, the County Board of Commissioners will vote on whether to adopt the amended budget. This budget will determine the county’s property tax rate for Matthews. If approved, the budget will take effect July 1, 2019. If you can’t make it but want to be in the know, the meetings are broadcast online. Meetings are held at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E 4th St, Charlotte, 28202.

One Fun Thing:  This Saturday, June 8 join Good Cup Coffee for the Father's Day pop-up at the Loyalist. Make a mixed 6-pack of beers from the cooler inside, then head outdoors for some locally-sourced handmade wares! Shop from 6 till 9 PM in the courtyard beside the market. Then go check out the car show in our parking lot with a cold coffee drink!

Matthews Last Week Today

Last week’s events throughout Matthews included several significant topics: transportation, affordable housing, and local food. Here are a few snapshots from each.

Last week Alta Design, a consultant for the Town of Matthews, hosted several workshops and open work sessions to provide residents with the opportunity for input in transportation within the downtown Matthews footprint. If you couldn’t make it to one of the sessions, watch the Facebook Live video presented by Town of Matthews Transportation Planner Dana Stoogenke, AICP, and John Cock, Alta Design + Planning VP.

Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity held a home dedication for their most recently completed home. This home was part of the Sandy Marano Memorial Women Build. Matthews residents and Habitat supporters showed up en masse for the ribbon cutting and dedication.

Volunteers for the Matthews Volunteer Farmers’ Market gathered for their annual thank you lunch at Sante. Market Manager Paulette Wilkes and Assistant Manager Jessica Thomas shared words of gratitude for the volunteers before a casual, locally-sourced lunch prepared by Chef Adam Reed.

Morning Minute: Monday, June 3, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police are looking for two men who recently stole nearly $900 in merchandise from Lowe's at Sycamore Commons. Both men are described as black males, approximately 6’00” tall, with medium to large builds. Security camera photos are available on the town website. The theft occurred on the heels of a recent cooperative sting between Matthews PD and Lowe's Security, where 14 people were charged and 21 cases were closed by netting members of an organized retail theft ring.  

The nearly finished Town 324 apartments.

News Around Town:  Town 324, developed by BrookChase Properties, is nearing completion, expanding the selection of apartments in downtown Matthews (the other downtown rental multifamily units are BrookChase's Matthews Lofts). Town 324 is located by Town Hall and consists of 24 " boutique, small scale apartment" units. Rezoning was approved in 2014 by current Commissioner John Urban. (Urban was not commissioner at the time of rezoning.)

One Fun Thing:  Spend summer break with the Matthews Library. Sign your family up online for the Summer Break read-along, log reading and activities throughout the summer, then earn badges and prizes (including a ticket to Carowinds!).

Morning Minute: Friday, May 31, 2019

News About Town: Have a burning question for Mayor Bailey? Maybe curious about the details of a development in town? Tomorrow (Saturday, June 1) is your chance to Meet the Mayor at Miki’s Restaurant (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy) from 8 to 9 am.

Bonus Bite: The Council hasn’t solidified the FY 19/20 budget yet. They’ll meet again with the Town Manager and staff this Monday (June 3) for the special budget meeting. Want to sit in? It’s an open meeting and will be at Town Hall from 6:00  to 8:00 pm.

News Around Town: This Saturday at 10:00 am, the Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity will dedicate their latest Sandy Marano Memorial Home build (3519 Dion Dr, Matthews, NC 28105). Friends, families, and volunteers are invited to join the celebration as the family is welcomed to their new home.   

One Fun Thing:  This June the McDowell Arts Center will be transformed into a sensory arts show. Ten regional artists will have work on display and you can expect more than just looking, all of the art was made to be touched. Goodyear artist Andrea Vail will have her collaborative, community-building art piece ready. Stop by, materials will be in the gallery for you to add to the piece. McDowell Arts Center (located by the Community Center) is open Monday through Saturday and the show will run through July 5. A reception will be held June 9, and we’ll have more details closer to that date.

#ThrowbackThursday: May 25, 2006 Town Manager Proposes New Budget

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called The Matthews News & Record and The Matthews News) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This article was originally published May 25, 2006 and was written by Jessica Otto and Janet Denk.

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Last week we published the top article on this page, now let’s look at the town budget 13 years ago.

Town Manager Proposes New Budget for ‘06 - ‘07

Sparsely populated for a public gathering, Monday’s Town Board meeting included, among other things, the Town Manager’s Budget Recommendations for the fiscal year 2006-2007. Town Manager Hazen Blodgett, along with Assistant Manager Kay Plyler, Management Assistant Stuart Turille and Finance Director Christine Surratt, showed members of the Board that Matthews is in very good fiscal shape.

“This is a status quo budget,” Blodgett reported. “The Town has a healthy fund balance and there’s money in the bank.”

With a budget just over $16 million, balancing all the elements can be a bit harrowing. But, as Board members emphasized at the meeting, the proposals are well thought out and constructed and they have great faith in Blodgett’s expertise. The budget will be officially adopted on June 12.

Two new elements this year include a Town Vision Plan which was adopted last year and a Performance Measurement program which helps with financial accountability and effectiveness within each department. Thus far, the elements have enhanced the process.

The budget accounts for all the services the Town provides to its citizens. Property taxes are levied on land, buildings, and income-producing personal property. The amount of tax is based on the assessed value of the property and the tax rate. Residents of Matthews continue to enjoy a current rate of 30.75 cents per $100 valuation.

Town Council meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station Street.

Projected Expenditures:

39% Public Safety
27% General Government
16% Transportation and Public Works
12% Environment, Health, Sanitation
6% Cultural & Recreation

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 29, 2019

News About Town: On Tuesday evening the town council discussed with Town Attorney Charles Buckley (yep, that street is named after him) prayer in council meetings. The discussion was largely based on the Fourth Circuit court decision that prayer by the Rowan County council violated the Constitution. Similarities between Matthews and Rowan councils include council members leading prayer, prayers that proselytize, and the invitation by council members to attendees to pray. To comply, the attorney recommended the board invite clergy or residents to pray or to do as the Town of Waxhaw does and to offer a moment of silence. The Board of Commissioners will give thought to the topic moving forward. 

If you haven’t made it to a Mobility meeting, there are still a few chances!

News Around Town: Two buildings that have been vacant for a while on Independence have a new lease on life. The former Hooters building (9201 E Independence Blvd) will soon be City Arcade, a sweepstakes center. A space in Windsor Square (right at the corner of Sam Newell and Independence) has a sign in the window that says a homebrew supply store is coming soon. This will be a big relief for those who drive to 201 Central in Wesley Chapel or Alternative Beverage in Belmont to get their brew on. 

One Good Thing: A few mountain towns in NC are celebrating Trail Days tomorrow through Sunday (May 31 through June 2). Why not join from a distance and visit the trails around Matthews? PurSey Park has an excellent loop for hiking and biking, portions of the Carolina Thread Trail run through town and include our last but not least--the beloved 4-mile Creek Greenway. In the words of Dr. Scott, the great PBS paleontologist, "Get outside, get into nature, and make your own discoveries."

Morning Minute: Wednesday, May 29, 2019

News About Town: On Memorial Day the American Legion unveiled a new sculpture purchased by the Town in Stumptown Park. "Remembrance," by Peter Rubino, was initially commissioned to honor Americas Fallen Heroes in association with the Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation. Several versions have been created since then, the newest of which now resides near the flag pole at Stumptown. 

News Around Town: This Saturday stop by the Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St., for North Carolina Musicians: Photographs and Conversation, a talk by NC-based photographer Daniel Coston. Daniel has built a career by photographing bands and musicians throughout the state, from Doc Watson to the Avett Brothers. Learn about his process and the stories behind his work. See some of the images he's taken around Matthews, too! 

One Good Thing: As the school year winds down, take a quick inventory of your marker stash. If you have any that no longer work, Crayola will recycle them. Many area schools will take your used markers and send them to be recycled, but if you can't get to a drop-off point, let us know. We'll meet you somewhere and take them off your hands then get them to Crayola. Because Crayola is committed to recycling, the markers can be any brand, not just theirs! 

2810[high]5: A dog-gone good time

A Barking Boutique: Looking to pamper your pooch? Treat them to a spa day at the Barking Boutique where they offer services ranging from a full groom, mini groom, or nail trim. Once Fido is clean and beautiful, treat them to a delicious snack from the “Barkery Buffet”, with doggie-safe, human-grade decorated treats.

(Image via Facebook)

Bruster’s Ice Cream: We all know the dog days of summer are coming, and our 4-legged friends deserve a break from the heat as well. Bring Fido by Bruster’s Ice Cream for a free doggie sundae, complete with a dog treat on top.

(Image via Brusters.com)

Neighborhood Feed and Tack: Don’t let the name fool you, Neighborhood Feed and Tack is for more than just your barnyard companion. They offer popular and healthy pet food and supplies for your dog, cat, or rabbit. Prefer the company of a more exotic animal? Neighborhood Feed and Tack can order specialty food for your elephant or earth worm.

(Image via Facebook)

Seaboard: With ample outdoor space, you and your well-behaved pupper are always welcome on the massive patio at Seaboard. Ask for a refreshing bowl of water, and you and man’s best friend can both enjoy a cold one.

(Image via Facebook)

VeloPops: Matthew’s newest dessert locale also offers a delicious frozen snack for your puppy pal: PupPops! Made with a rawhide stick, dogs can enjoy their PupPop from end to end.

(Image via Instagram)

Morning Minute: Tuesday, May 28, 2019

News About Town: We’ve been talking a lot about the town budget lately. Tonight is your chance to give the Board of Commissioners input. No need to sign up to speak, the public hearing is built into the Board of Commissioners meeting.

If you're interested in a comparison of numbers from the 2019/20 budget, view that here.  To hear the budget discussion between the Board and Town Manager, click here.

Changes include:
Governing Board has a recommended additional $25,000 for legal fees. The total suggested increase is $26,605.

Town Manager suggested increase is $37,963.

Human Resources includes overall suggested increase of $128,582.‬

IT and Finance Departments both are recommended to receive lower amounts this budget from the last (-$81,387 and -$14,254 respectively).

Safety/Risk Management has a recommended budget increase of $54,802, mostly due to an increase in Worker’s Comp Premiums and a slight increase for full-time wages.

Police Office of the Chief has a recommended budget increase by $91,504 (increasing full-time and overtime wages as well as retirement contributions). Last year the Police Patrol Division had a budget of $3,301,834 ; this year the recommended budget is $3,350,302. Police Criminal Investigations received $1,075,485  last year. The FY 19/20 recommendation is $1,143,888.

The Fire Department has a recommended increase of $329,171, largely due to an increase in salary and benefit line items as they transition to a full-time department from volunteer.

Cultural Arts, Special Events, Rec Centers, Landscape, and Sanitation have recommended higher budgets. Police Admin and Telecommunications, Streets and Sidewalks, and Planning have a lower recommended budget than FY 18/19.

One Fun Thing: Reader Sandy Wilkinson has the goods on what’s going on at McDowell Arts Center. From Sandy, “Only one more week to enjoy the art show at the McDowell Art Gallery featuring works done by Matthews Artists Guild and Crown Point Elementary school art students. If you've never been to McDowell, stop by the art show upstairs and the working area downstairs to see work in progress. Many youngsters are signing up for art camp this summer. Veterans are welcome to create art weekly. Those who enjoy knitting and crocheting meet every other Tuesday evening, open to everyone. Many other programs and information are available at the Mathews Community Center. Don’t be shy...give it a try!”

Morning Minute: Friday, May 24, 2019

Memorial Day Weekend News: Hooks-Orr American Legion Post #235 will have a display of war memorabilia in the Hood Room of Town Hall (232 Matthews Station St.) both today and tomorrow (May 24 and 25, 11 am to 2 pm). Items from WWI, WWII, Vietnam, and the Korean wars will provide a sobering reflection as we kick off Memorial Day weekend.

In honor of those who died in service, all Matthews Veterans are welcome to join the Legion for a free breakfast on Saturday, May 25 at the Masonic Lodge (184 S Trade St ) from 8 am to 10 am.

Legion Post 235 will also hold their Annual Matthews Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 27 at 11:00am. Join the Legion at Stumptown Park to honor Matthews' service members who made the ultimate sacrifice and to watch the unveiling of a new sculpture honoring all Matthews veterans.

In other Memorial Day news, Matthews Talks will honor soldiers who died in war. Check out the site Monday morning to see a special video memorializing five fallen soldiers who had ties to Matthews.

At 3 pm on Monday, take one minute to observe the National Moment of Remembrance. This moment was established by Congress as an act of national unity every Memorial Day.

One Good Thing: It’s no secret we love us some Grace O’Malley’s (helloooo fish and chips rinsed down with a pint of Guinness). It seems lots of other people do, too, leaving the Irish restaurant understaffed for dinner. If you’re a rock star line cook looking for evening shifts, this is your chance. The position is full time and they offer very competitive wages. Is this job for you? Brush up on your brogue and apply.

#ThrowbackThursday: May 25, 2006

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called The Matthews News & Record and The Matthews News) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This article was originally published May 25, 2006 and was written by Jessica Otto and Janet Denk.

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Remembering Fallen Heroes

Memorial Day: Movement began nearly one hundred years ago as a tribute to those who died in battle

The yellow “Live Strong” bracelet and pink breast cancer awareness ribbon both owe a debt of gratitude for their marketing genius to a movement that began nearly one hundred years ago as a Memorial Day tribute to fallen heroes.

In 1915, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” Moina Michael replied with her own poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

Then, the idea came to wear red poppies on Memorial Day in honor of those who died serving the nation during the war. She sold poppies to her friends and coworkers, with the money going to benefit the servicemen in need. The movement spread, and soon real and artificial poppies were being worn all over the world.

“Decoration Day” was officially proclaimed on May 5th, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Twenty years later, the name was changed to Memorial day.

President Richard Nixon declared it a federal holiday in 1971, and Memorial Day is now observed on the last Monday in May. Over time it has become an occasion to honor the men and women who died in all wars.

To see the monument built to honor those who served in WWII, the only 20th century event commemorated on the Washington, DC National Mall’s central axis, visit www.wwiimemorial.com.