Morning Minute: Monday, July 1, 2019

News About Town: Planning your Fourth? Matthews is holding the annual Fun Family 4th of July, starting with the People's Parade at 5:30 at Town Hall and wrapping up in Stumptown Park with music by Too Much Sylvia. Participate in the parade by bike, scooter, wagon, or walking, and make your way over to Stumptown Park for food trucks and music. Bust out your fave festive garb for this event! The food trucks will arrive at 5, so if you skip the parade you just might also get to skip the long lines. July 4, 5 pm - 9 pm at Stumptown Park; parade starting at Town Hall at 5:30 pm.

News Around Town: Renfrow's is closed for a family vacation this week through July 9. If you're in need of tomato plants and chicken food, you’ll have to make other plans. The store will reopen July 10 and they expect to have the first of Renfrow Farms tomatoes for sale. Get your Dukes and Wonderbread ready.

One Fun Thing: If you're one to wake up early on a holiday and hop on a bike for 52 miles, then we've got just the thing for you: Mojo Cycles' (105 W Charles St, Matthews) annual Independence Day ride. Head out from Mojo Cycles at 8 am for a 52- or 30-mile loop and end up back at the bike shop for grilled hot-dogs and beverages of your choice. If you go for the 52-miler, you'll stop at Polk Mountain Store in Unionville for snacks, shade, and cold drinks. A police escort will help the group get across 74 safely. Registration is free.

Morning Minute: Friday, June 28, 2019

News About Town: Yesterday the town, in conjunction with Alta Design, took downtown business owners on a walk around the area to look at the traffic, parking, and general mobility of the town. About a dozen stakeholders participated, providing firsthand commentary by those who use the streets daily for work. The conversation covered everything from ADA accessible parking spaces and wheelchair access, employee parking, and exceeding two- and three-hour time limits. The input will be compiled as part of Alta’s downtown mobility study. Recommendations for improvements are expected by fall.

News Around Town: The 2019/20 Matthews Welcome Guide is out. Created by The Biz Well Corporation, Matthews Chamber, Red Brick Partnership, and the Town of Matthews, you’ll see lots of familiar names and faces but will also learn something new about Matthews. Check it out and pick up a copy in Town Hall or the chamber offices (in the train depot).

One Fun Thing: Shut down the screens and get your teenagers (12-18-year-olds) to the Matthews Library tomorrow to see Mr. Bigley. Al is an award-winning illustrator who has worked for all the big names: Golden Books, DC Comics, Disney, Marvel Comics, Scholastic, and more. He’ll talk about his career and technique, and then participants will get to do some drawing of their own. Make sure you register in advance. Saturday, June 29, 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, Matthews Library, 230 Matthews Station St.

Morning Minute: Thursday, June 27, 2019

News About Town:  Proximity Matthews is planning to plant some trees. The Taft apartment complex overcut the tree canopy when land clearing began, because, as Taft representatives explained, the tree save information was too far back in the project design drawings. Taft paid a $50,000 fine and imposed their own $100,000 fine to the town. Now they’re planning to replace the trees, but need the Board of Commissioner’s approval of the new landscape plan. The Board will decide whether to hold a public input session. The trees to be planted include oak, pine, elm, and hollies, among others.

News Around Matthews: On Tuesday, County Commissioners held an informal meeting to discuss the potential Dedicated Sales Tax for Arts & Culture and Other Use. The quarter-cent increase in sales tax will equal about $50 million a year. How will that be divided up? $24 million would go towards arts and culture (mostly for Arts & Science Council), $8 million would supplement to public school teachers, $15 million will go to parks and greenways, and the remaining $2.5 million would go towards arts and parks programs in Mecklenburg’s six towns. On July 2, at their regular meeting, County Commissioners will vote on placing this on the November 2019 Ballot.

One Good Thing: Matthews Playhouse has a FREE Performance tonight at Fullwood Theatre. Nearly 30 area teenagers will take the stage to belt out the best of Broadway and show off some fancy footwork. The Playhouse students and camp-goers have been practicing hard to make this show a hit. The curtain goes up at 7 pm, make sure you're in your seat and ready to be impressed.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, June 26, 2019

News About Town:  There are a few town events coming up that are of note. Wednesday the police will hold a car seat checking station at the police station (1201 Crews Road, Matthews) starting at 8 am. The NCDOT meeting about the 51 widening is this Thursday, June 27, 2019, from noon to 7 pm and is a drop-in at Endhaven Elementary School (6815 Endhaven Lane, Charlotte). This Friday at 5 pm head up to Stumptown Park for Food Truck Fridays.

News Around Matthews: Any visually creative thespians out there? Matthews Playhouse is hiring! They’re looking for a Technical Director and several members for the Production Design Staff. The 2019/20 season includes The Adventures of Madeline, It’s A Wonderful Life, and Mamma Mia! For more info, contact the Playhouse.

One Good Thing: Five bucks won’t get you much these day. Maybe a meal at a fast food restaurant, less than two gallons of gas… ten movies. What?! Matthews Movies 10 is offering a 10 movie pass this summer for $5. See the newish How to Train Your Dragon, Peter Rabbit (a favorite around here), the SpongeBob Movie (barf), and a handful of others on the big screen. Bring the real cash for the drinks and pop corn.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, June 25, 2019

News About Town:  Last night, Matthews Commissioners had a brief meeting about the council meeting invocations. The meeting was brief and consisted mostly of questions from council members with clarifying answers by the town attorney. The board will have a calendar for invocations which will include many varieties of religious representation.

News Around NC: Climbing gym Inner Peaks is moving to Matthews. The popular rock climbing destination is moving their MoRa location to Independence Pointe in the former Grand Slam USA building ( 10715 Independence Pointe Pkwy).  The renovations will be lengthy, but an Inner Peaks spokesperson said they will be open in the new location by the end of the year.

One Good Thing: Every year the Matthews Human Services Council awards a person (or couple) the Nancy Glenn Award. The award honors those who have made Matthews a better community through service. This year’s recipient, Karla Ennis, is a nurse an community outreach coordinator for Novant Matthews. She was nominated because of her can do attitude and her amazing ability to connect the Matthews community with compassion and heart. Congratulations Karla!

Morning Minute: Monday, June 24, 2019

News About Town: Matthews lost a mainstay this past Friday, June 21, 2019. At approximately 9:00 am., Ms.Fanny Dolores Bunn was crossing Trade St. at the crosswalk near Which Wich and was struck by a motor vehicle. Ms. Fanny (also sometimes known by Delores) died at the scene. The 81-year old petite brunette lived near downtown and was often seen walking to Harris Teeter or Target with her red bag cart. The fatality is now an ongoing investigation conducted by members of the Matthews Police Department Accident Reconstruction Team.  The driver has not been charged at this time.

News Around NC: On the topic of pedestrian safety, North Carolina was recently ranked 13th worst in the country (and 7th worst for pedestrian fatalities). In Matthews there were 46 pedestrian incidents between 2007 and 2016 (pedbikeinfo.org doesn’t have more recent data) and four pedestrian deaths between 2007 and 2017, and two in 2018.

One Fun Thing: If you began the summer with a plan for daily pool trips and at-home crafts, but have already reached the limit of your optimism, fear not! Parks and Rec has you covered. There are still spots in some of their summer camps. Three magic words will make your, and their, summers brighter: Drop Off Fun.

Morning Minute: Friday, June 14, 2019

News About Town: Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon and Commissioner Barbara Dement participated in the most recent Facebook Live event with commissioners. The commissioners briefly touched on the new City Arcade business going into the old Hooters location, assuring the police department would ensure a safe environment. They also touched on the tree loss at the Taft development, as well as advisory board opportunities. Watch on Facebook if you’d like to catch up.

News Around Town: If you’ve driven down Independence at Matthews Festival shopping center lately, you’ll notice the buildings in front of the old movie theater have been torn down. Because of the 51-widening, the Texas Roadhouse will be too close to the future bridge site (it will shift a few feet). The restaurant is relocating to the opposite side of the parking lot. At the most recent council meeting, the council approved elevations for Bonefish Grill, which will move to the area that is currently the Roadhouse parking lot.

One Good Thing: On August 7, Novant Hospital is holding a Mental Health First Aid (Adult) class (they also host classes for first aid for children). It seems like a long way in the future to plan for August, but these classes fill up fast. You’ll learn to know risk factors and warning signs of mental illness, a 5 step action plan to help someone who is showing signs of a mental health problem or crisis, and how to connect with that person and find appropriate support for them. After the class is complete, you’ll receive certification and the ability to create a profile on the Mental First Aider portal.

Carpal Tunnel: An often misdiagnosed condition

The Beacon would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to our newest contributor, Dr. Jeremiah Morgan. Dr. Morgan is a licensed Chiropractic Physician as well as a Certified Active Release Technique provider. He practices in downtown Matthews at ProActive Chiropractic on John Street. Let’s give him a warm Matthews welcome!

Think bigger than Carpal Tunnel

A quick internet search on “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome”  (CTS) will show you endless results of the same basic definition of the condition: “a medical condition due to compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist at the carpal tunnel.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services expands on the definition, “Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist.” You will also find the same list of symptoms such as frequent burning, tingling, or itching, numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, especially the thumb and the index and middle fingers. Carpal Tunnel is arguably one of the most familiar medical conditions; everyone knows about it! However, it is still one of the most misdiagnosed conditions . We need to start thinking bigger than just Carpal Tunnel.

The nerves that supply the hand travel all way up into the cervical spine, this means that compression on the nerves can happen anywhere along the pathway of those nerves. Pressure anywhere can create Carpal Tunnel-like symptoms!

Correcting the Cause

The first step to treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome successfully is accurate diagnosis. If someone’s nerve if getting pressed on at the shoulder (a condition called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome), then treating the wrist won’t help because they don’t have CTS. The true cause needs to be addressed. Sadly, many medical professionals are not taught how to accurately test for other sources of nerve compression. However, one encouraging piece of news is that the rates of successful treatment for CTS are increasing, and this is likely because many MDs are referring to Chiropractors, and Physical Therapists for the management of Carpal Tunnel-like symptoms. If you are having pain, numbness, or weakness in the hand, then do yourself a favor and contact your local Chiropractor or PT to schedule an evaluation!

In the meantime:

There are a lot of stretches that are recommended for Carpal Tunnel-like symptoms. Some are more effective than others. In my own clinical experience, the one that is the most effective on the whole nerve from top to bottom is the nerve glide exercise. This is also referred to as a “nerve flossing” exercise. This stretch is designed to help take tension and pressure off the Median nerve through a combination of movements. Here is a good instructional video on YouTube that explains and demonstrates how to do it.

So, before you start wearing the brace or consider aggressive procedures like surgery, have your wrist looked at and treated by a local Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, or Massage Therapist and see how they can help alleviate your symptoms.

There are a lot of stretches that are recommended for Carpal Tunnel-like symptoms. Some are more effective than others. In my own clinical experience, the one that is the most effective on the whole nerve from top to bottom is the nerve glide exercise. This is also referred to as a “nerve flossing” exercise. This stretch is designed to help take tension and pressure off the Median nerve through a combination of movements. Here is a good instructional video on YouTube that explains and demonstrates how to do it.

So, before you start wearing the brace or consider aggressive procedures like surgery, have your wrist looked at and treated by a local Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, or Massage Therapist and see how they can help alleviate your symptoms.

Morning Minute: Friday, April 12, 2019

News About Town: If you haven’t seen it, the Town of Matthews created a short video summarizing the State of the Town. The video, hosted by Mayor Paul Bailey, hits on the major successes of and issues facing Matthews today. At 8 minutes long, you can watch it while you brew that second pot of coffee.

News Around Town: Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Superintendent Clayton Wilcox, in conjunction with the CMS Board of Education, decided to close schools May 1 and make the day an optional teacher workday. There will be no make up day for students. The decision came after nearly 2,000 CMS staff members opted to use May 1 as a personal leave day in order to rally in Raleigh for greater support for public education.  Nearly 3,000 hourly employees may seek options from CMS so as not to be impacted by wage loss. For parents in need of child care assistance, Wilcox explained CMS  “will do our best in this community to collaborate and coordinate with area partners to support our families.” 

One Good Thing: Matthews' Food Truck Friday kicks off tonight at Stumptown Park (120 S Trade St; Matthews) with music from The Catalinas. Bring a chair or picnic blanket, grab some delicious food from your truck of choice, and settle in for a relaxed musical evening. The fun starts at five and goes until nine.

Morning Minute: Thursday, April 11, 2019

News About Town: On March 29, Chief Clark Pennington attended a ceremony with regional community leaders to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Mecklenburg County. Hosted by the Mecklenburg Child Abuse Prevention Team, the ceremony was well-attended by many regional community leaders. 
At Monday's Council meeting, Mayor Paul Bailey proclaimed April 2019 as Child Abuse Prevention month. Heather Johnson, the Director of Operations for Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center, was at the meeting and accepted a certificate for the proclamation.
Blue pinwheel gardens have been placed at parks, schools, and homes throughout the county, with several in Matthews. The web address on the accompanying sign has links to report abuse, and local resources for both prevention and healing. 

News Around Town: According to the NC Public Health Inspections website, 16 restaurants and food service establishments in Matthews have had health inspections since April 1. All of those inspections resulted in Grade A results. Those inspected include: Cracker Barrel (Independence Blvd.), Domino’s Pizza (Siskey Parkway), Dorian’s Deli, East 74 Restaurant (Monroe Rd.), Food Lion (both the Deli/Bakery, and Market at Hood’s Crossroads), Fuzzy’s Taco Shop (Sycamore Commons), Genghis Grill (Windsor Square), Gourmet to Go (Mt Harmony Church Rd.), Harris Teeter (Deli at Plantation Market), Machu Picchu, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center, Publix (both the Bakery/Cafe, and Deli on Fincher Farm Rd.), Que Onda Tacos & Tequila (Plantation Market), Royal Cafe & Creperie (Matthews Station), Temple Mojo (Trade St.), and Zoe’s Kitchen (Sycamore Commons).

One Good Thing: This Saturday, April 13th, catch the Easter Bunny at Matthews Community Center at 10 a.m.! The famed rabbit will be available for pictures until 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, April 10, 2019

News About Town: The Mayor and Town Council recently sent a letter to the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) asking them to amend the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to divide the Matthews portion of the NCDOT project into two portions (Trade St. to I-485 and I-485 to the Stallings line) and to delay work on the Trade to I-485 portion of John St. until after other funded and scheduled area transportation projects have been completed. Those projects include improvements to Independence Blvd., McKee Rd. Extension, Weddington Rd. I-485 ramp, among other projects. The CRTPO will vote during their April 17 meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. in Room 267 of the CharMeck Government Center (600 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202).

News Around Town: Speaking of NCDOT, they're hosting state-wide litter sweeps, and you can participate in Matthews. This Saturday, April 13, meet at Stumptown Park at 8 a.m. for the Spring Litter Sweep. Volunteers will provide direction for where to pick up litter, as well as orange safety vests, trash bags, gloves, and tools for trash pick up. 

One Good Thing: The Matthews Playhouse School of Theater will have its second weekend of performances this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Catch The Music Man Jr. on Friday (7:30 p.m.) and Saturday (2 p.m.), and Stuart Little on Saturday (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.).

Morning Minute: Tuesday, April 9, 2019

News About Town: Prior to last night's BOC meeting, the Board had a special meeting in the Jordan room to hear the results of a workload analysis for the Matthews Police Department. The Center for Public Safety Management performed the analysis. CPSM's report details 74 recommendations to improve the safety and efficiency of MPD. The full report is available here.

News Around Town: Thursday, April 11, CMS is holding a Community Engagement Session at Crown Point Elementary. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., and is an opportunity for parents, CMS employees, and community members to engage in discussion with CMS representatives about the CMS budget for the 2019-2020 school year.

One Good Thing: This Saturday Dynamic Water will host a charity golf tournament at The Divide golf club in Matthews. Dynamic Water is a nonprofit organization based in Raleigh with a mission to provide clean, safe drinking water to communities in need. To register for the event and learn more about Dynamic, click here.

Morning Minute: Monday, April 8, 2019

News About Town: Tonight the Town Council meets, first in the Jordan Room at 5:30 to review workload analysis for the Police Department, then in the Hood Room of Town Hall for a Board of Commissioners meeting (7 p.m.). Tomorrow (Tuesday, April 9) the Environmental Advisory Committee meets at 7:00 p.m. at the Public Works Facility (1600 Tank Town Road). Wednesday the Parks, Rec, and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center.

News Around Town: As the weather warms and outdoor activities pick up, so will snake sightings. Many snakes are beneficial to have around, eating mice and other snakes. If you find one in your home or garage that needs removing, Carolina Waterfowl of Indian Trail will come to Matthews and remove it. Text and send a photo of the snake to 704-684-9247 for help.

One Good Thing: Interested in learning American Sign Language or brushing up on existing skills? Head on over to the Matthews library from 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9th and join professional ASL interpreter Rebecca Wilson for the ASL Conversation Group. The group is an informal gathering for signers of all levels to learn the basics and practice their skills.

Morning Minute: Friday, April 5, 2019

News About Town: It is once again time to Meet with the Mayor! Mayor Paul Bailey will be at Miki’s Restaurant (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy) tomorrow (Saturday, April 6, 8 a.m. until 9 a.m.) and he’s ready to answer your questions and chat about what’s going on in Matthews. Get there early and have breakfast or drop in to listen.

Catch up on the news over a hot cup of Beacon.

News Around Town: Students from the Matthews Playhouse School of Theater will perform in their first productions of the season this weekend. The productions are cast exclusively with students from the Playhouse's year long theater classes, and these performances are the result of the year's training. Friday night or Saturday afternoon catch the kid friendly 101 Dalmatians. Saturday night and Sunday afternoon the students will perform Anne Frank and Me. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or at the box office: https://matthewsplayhouse.com/shows/upcoming-shows/school-of-theatre

One Good Thing: This Saturday, from 9 a.m.until 1 p.m., Butler High School (1810 Matthews Mint Hill Road) will be transformed into Hillman College (for those who have forgotten Dwayne Wayne and flip-up glasses, the college from the sitcom “A Different World.”) In its third year, The Hillman Experience is an opportunity for students to learn about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). There will be a pep rally that includes step and a marching band, a panel discussion about the HBCU Experience, and a college fair.

Morning Minute: Thursday, April 4, 2019

News About Town: The agenda is online for the Monday (April 8) Town Council Meeting. There are dogs on the agenda! At the beginning of the agenda is an introduction of retired Police K9 Castor, and later, under the Consent Agenda, the Town Council may approve the retirement of Police K9 Willow and sale to his/her handler. Also, the Entertainment District Small Area Plan Overlay is once again on the agenda. 

The Virginia Frazier Celebration Tree on Sadie Drive is blooming.

News Around Town: Niche.com, a website dedicated to giving insight on places to live, recently unveiled their ratings of suburbs around Charlotte. Matthews received #5 in most desirable Charlotte suburb, #23 for most diverse suburb, and #10 in best suburb to raise a family in the Charlotte area.

One Good Thing: Picked through a blind audio audition, thirteen ensembles (over 600 students) will participate in Charlotte Concerts’ A Musical Showcase Competition on Monday, April 8. From Matthews, Crestdale Middle School’s 7th Grade Band has been chosen to participate. The showcase will be held at Belk Theater in Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Charlotte.