Morning Minute: Friday, November 22, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resource Department is hosting a Menorah Lighting Thursday, December 26. All are welcome to join in the special ceremony, lighting a new outdoor menorah in front of the Community Center. The event starts at 5:30 pm will also have Chanukah sand art, a photo op with Judah the Maccabee, and, of course, chocolate Chanukah "Gelt." This year, Chanukah begins the evening of Sunday, December 22 and ends the evening of Monday, December 30.

News Around Town: Have guests in town for the holidays? Skip the mall and enjoy Black Friday with the Matthews Heritage Museum, 232 N. Trade Street. Open next Friday, November 29 (and Saturday, November 30) from 10 to 4:30 pm, enjoy a tour or the current exhibit, The House with a Heart, 40th Anniversary of the HELP Center.

One Good Thing: National Adoption Day brings awareness to the more than 125,000 children in the United States in foster care, more than 20,000 of whom will age out of the foster care system without being adopted. Learn about adoption and celebrate National Adoption Day this Saturday, November 23 (starting at 9:00 am), in the Mecklenburg County Courthouse (832 East Fourth Street, Charlotte). District Court Judge Elizabeth Thornton-Trosch, will preside over the presentation, recognizing 90 youth adopted between October 2018 and September 2019 through various area adoption agencies.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 21, 2019

News About Town: The November 25 Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is posted on the Town’s website. The meeting appears to be a short one. Items of note include reviewing by-laws of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and Matthews Veteran Advisory Committee. The Board will also revisit the rezoning of the Stronghaven warehouse (433 East John St.), discuss the sale of alcoholic beverages at some park events, and discuss street closures for town events throughout 2020. The full packet is not available online yet, but the link will be on this page.

News Around Town: An average of one in four people will experience dating or domestic violence in their lifetime. In the fiscal year 2018-19, there were 32,626 domestic violence protective order filings in NC. These staggering numbers contribute to a cumbersome, sometimes dangerous filing process.

Now victims of domestic violence can file for protective orders through an online system, allowing them to stay in a safe, secure remote location. eCourts Civil Domestic Violence System, provided by the NC Administrative Office of the Courts, provides full access to district court resources at a domestic violence service agency. By providing one-stop access to court resources, eCourts Civil Domestic Violence System makes the process safer and more efficient for victims of domestic violence. The one-stop agency also provides services like childcare for those who need it. Texts or emails update the involved parties throughout the process.

One Good Thing: This year, the US Postal Service Operation Santa is going digital, allowing philanthropists across the nation to play Santa’s helper with severe bedhead while still wearing their pajamas. Much like an updated Angel Tree, you pick a letter written to Santa that has been scanned and posted online by USPS.

Leave the Leaves!

Save your weekends! Protect your back! Support our wildlife and environment!

Photo by Debbie LeBlanc Foster

With temperatures still hitting 90 in October, it seems like fall was a long time coming this year, but looking around town, we finally have some beautiful fall color. That means that fallen leaves will be right around the corner.

How about a plan to save your weekends, protect your back, save some cash, and support our wildlife and environment, all at the same time?

Raking is hard on the back and time-consuming. Leaving the leaves on the ground provides fertilizer for trees and shrubs, so no need to go buy fertilizer. That gives you time for dinner and a movie, with no trip to the chiropractor needed.

Many kinds of wildlife depend on leaf litter. Eastern towhees, brown thrashers, and white-throated sparrows scratch around in the litter looking for tasty worms and bugs, which make their homes in the decomposing leaves.

“Butterflies and moths may over-winter as pupae and caterpillars. Eastern box turtles, worms, salamanders, toads, toads and even chipmunks use leaves for food and shelter.”

Look carefully, and you may find other critters in those leaves. Butterflies and moths may overwinter as pupae and caterpillars. Eastern box turtles, worms, salamanders, toads, toads, and even chipmunks use leaves for food and shelter.

Brace yourself for a startling statistic. In 2015 the Environmental Protection Agency reported that yard debris comprised almost 35 million tons of material, representing 13% all waste. A large percentage of this went to municipal recycling, while the rest went to landfills. Is this a problem?

Yes, it is. Decomposing yard waste releases methane gas into the atmosphere. Our landfills are reaching capacity, and leaf material just doesn't belong there. Rake it under and around trees and shrubs, run over it with a mulching mower or use it in a compost bin. Here's a link with great information on different types of composting.

So when spring arrives next year, you can pat yourself on the back for giving Mother Nature a helping hand - and all of her little creatures, too! Just leave the leaves!

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 20, 2019

News About Town: There’s no denying an uptick in pedestrian fatalities in Matthews. Yesterday the Town posted a friendly reminder on their Facebook page for drivers approaching crosswalks:

• Drivers must yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks.

• Even if there are mid-block crosswalks with no traffic signs, then the driver must yield.

• Do not block the crosswalk when stopped or parked in your car.

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News Around Town: The largest Matthews Artists Guild (MAG) show yet, the MAG Holiday Show and Sale, is currently on display at McDowell Arts Center. MAG members from all over the Charlotte area contributed 163 mostly two-dimensional works in a variety of media. The members-only show will be on display until January 3, the majority of which is for sale. The McDowell Center is just across from the Matthews Community Center (123 E McDowell Street), making it an easy stop before classes at the Community Center or after school with your Matthews Elementary kids. Gallery hours are daily from 1 to 8 pm.

One Good Thing: While we're on the topic of creative talent, Matthews UMC Arts & Crafts Extravaganza is this Saturday, November 23, from 9 am to 3 pm. Shop with over 80 makers, stay for a tasty lunch, and take home a little something extra from theUnited Methodist Women's Bake Sale. The wares for sale are all handmade, making this your chance to jumpstart Small Business Saturday a full week early!

2810[high]5: Holiday Parties

The holidays are approaching faster than you can say, “My house needs a deep clean,” which means scheduling holiday parties may be both a necessity and impossibility. Good thing there are plenty of places around town to host your shindig!

Downtown:

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Stumptown Station: The Station offers space rental for both the upstairs or the whole bar. There's no fee to reserve the space, so as long as the bar tab hits the minimum, then the rental is free! Prices vary based on the day of the week and if it's the whole bar or just upstairs. Want live music? They'll take care of that! Need a little nosh? They'll figure that out, too! The maximum is about 60 people before space gets a little tight, but if you're looking for a cozy soiree with locally sourced cocktail ingredients, Stumptown Station is a solid choice.

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Grace O'Malley's: Stumptown Station not quite big enough? Just next door is Grace O'Malley's. Newbies to the downtown Matthews scene, Grace's has a separate room for cozy events or have a holiday blow out and reserve the whole restaurant. With the green-accented decor and the red-headed bartenders, the seasonal motif is covered, but the odds are good it'll be a little extra sparkly for November and December. This holiday season, Grace's is offering waived rental fees for the private event space booked in December, plus you get a $50.00 gift card as a thank you. The restaurant for a full buyout (200 ppl reception, 90 seated) or the private room (30 ppl seated, 60 ppl reception style).

The ENT:

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Matthews Sportsplex: At the pricier end, but with an incredible view, rent the conference room at the Sportsplex. You'll have to outsource the food, although there's access to a small kitchen. It's the view that's the reason to rent the Sportsplex for a party. Overlooking the stadium, the conference center is equipped with wireless internet, TV's, a projector, tables, and chairs. Bring in the caterer and queue up the end-of-year powerpoint. Plus, in a sports-themed space, imagine the team-building puns you can use in your holiday toast!

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Bowlero: Matthews’ newly refabbed bowling alley, Bowlero (formerly AMF Lanes), has the right vibe for a raucous good time with the office pals, a Lebowski-themed night out. They have alcohol available, but between bowling and the video game arcade, Bowlero is an excellent location for a sober celebration. Order a few 6-lb burgers to share, get your game on, and Bowlero will sweeten the deal with a free dessert platter (coupon code required) for parties booked in December. Wham bam, party plan.

Southside:

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Char Bar No. 7: Looking for a seated dinner for the whole office that’s somewhere between dressy and casual? Looking for all sorts of dinner options, including steaks and salads, with a couple of vegetarian options (less so for the vegans)? Char Bar checks all the boxes. Add some cocktails to the mix, a white elephant gift exchange, and your event will be holiday-appropriate without the need for excess planning.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, November 19, 2019

News About Town: Give Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department your input as they develop a new master plan. According to Park and Rec, this series of public discussions will help establish their goals, policies, standards, recommendations, and strategies for the next decade. The event runs from 5:30 to 7:30 pm this Wednesday at the Sportsplex ( 2425 Sports Pkwy, Matthews).

Photo credit by Mabel, 4th grader at MES

News Around Town: NC State alumni can relive their good ol' days on campus with Howling Cow ice cream. Now available in Matthews, Howling Cow is a frozen dairy delight once sequestered to the state fair and NCSU campus. Traditionally produced with milk from NC State dairy cows, Howling Cow has licensed through Matthews-based Harris Teeter for broader distributions. Harris Teeter's Howling Cow ice cream is to be made at Hunter Farms in High Point. Are you looking for some Howling Cow of your own? Harris Teeter at Plantation Market and Matthews Festival will both carry it, and proceeds will fund NCSU student scholarships and dairy/agriculture initiatives.

One Good Thing: It's time once again for the Novant Health Matthews Medical Center Festival of Trees Lighting. A holiday mainstay, the Novant Matthews lobby (1500 Matthews Township Pkwy) will be sparkling with Christmas trees decorated by area nonprofits and open for the public to view. Stroll through the lobby, listen to live music, sip some cocoa, and enjoy the decor this Thursday, Nov 21, from 5 to 7:30 pm.

Morning Minute: Monday, November 18, 2019

News About Town: Recently, the Board of Commissioners approved the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission designation of 501 W. John Street, the Hooks-McLaughlin House, as a historic property. The house, built sometime between 1883 and 1894, is one of three Victorian-style homes in Matthews. During the first half of the twentieth century, it was home to Charles R. McLaughlin, prominent town businessman and Mayor of Matthews from 1929 until 1941.

The Hooks-McLaughlin Home via Mecklenburg County Polaris

News Around Town: Matthews resident and computer whiz/game designer Nathan Bezner recently launched a new word game app Tangol. Available for both Android and IOS, you can try a free version or purchase the ad-free version for $1.99. Tangol puzzles are five-word palindromes: a 5×5 square with symmetrical words mirroring one another horizontally and vertically. Users can pick between 3×3 and 4×4 puzzles, as well.

One Good Thing: If you’re a regular at the Loyalist, chances are good you know Dawn. Dawn, one of the original Loyalist staff members, is fighting cancer. In her recovery time (and there’s plenty of that during treatment), she’s been painting. Take a break from holiday planning November 26, 6:30-9 pm, and head over to the Loyalist for an exhibit of Dawn’s newest work. Like what you see? Art will be for sale and will help cover medical expenses.

Don’t Forget: 

• Today is the last day to contribute to the Backyard Birds and Common Heart holiday food drive. Drop off any of the following items at Backyard Birds (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy Suite 800) before close today: canned cranberry sauce, green beans, corn fruit cocktail, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing mix, macaroni and cheese, and/or cookie/cake/brownie mix.

• Also tonight, November 18, Garrity & Gossage is presenting the final installment of their popular Women, Wine, and Wisdom series. Nothing pairs better with wine at The Black Chicken than financial security, and Dessi Dufresne of Edward Jones and the lawyers of Garrity & Gossage will provide advice specifically geared toward helping women gain that security. There’s a $20 registration fee. For more info or to register, contact Kim Gossage at kgossage@garritygossage.com.

Designs

Designs

Mosaic patterns by leaves that fall

Brighten the parched earth from summer’s heat

A silent signal noticed by all

Crisp autumn air and apples picked sweet

Beneath moonlight the owls do call

As lovers engage their own beat

Piles of leaves and giggles can be heard

Above the mating songs of birds

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, November 15, 2019

News About Town: During the most recent Town Council meeting, the council approved plans for a new BAPS Mandir (temple) to be built on 13.6 acres at Stevens Mill and Mount Harmony Church roads. The approval includes a building up to 90,000 square feet and a 15% tree save with an in-lieu-of fee in place if construction causes the save to dip below that percentage. The in-lieu-of will be approximately $50,000 to be deposited into the tree fund. The discussion centered primarily around construction sequencing, the result of which was an additional construction entrance, provided NCDOT okays an extra entry.

News Around Town: This past Tuesday, Charlotte City Council approved a $50 million study for the CATS Silver Line, the LYNX line planned to run from Matthews to Belmont. The money for the study will come from the CATS capital investment program. Study findings, which include preliminary design and environmental work, will provide a better idea of the line’s cost and establish a more defined route. Paying for the Silver Line is still in question, the project will likely cost between $3 and $4 billion. Construction is expected to start in 2027 with service beginning in 2030.

One Good Thing: It’s America Recycles Day. Take a pledge to Reduce your waste, Reuse as much as possible, and Recycle when needed. Have an item to recycle but aren’t sure where to take it? There’s an interactive map here. 

Don’t Forget: 

• Brush up on your painting skills, Greater Matthews Habitat needs volunteers for this Saturday, November 16, to help paint. Volunteers need to be 16 and can sign up here.

• Backyard Birds believes in neighbors helping neighbors, and has partnered with Common Heart to feed those in need this holiday season. Drop off any of the following items at Backyard Birds (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy Suite 800) until Monday, November 18: canned cranberry sauce, green beans, corn fruit cocktail, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing mix, macaroni and cheese, and/or cookie/cake/brownie mix.

• Also Monday, November 18, Garrity & Gossage is presenting the final installment of their popular Women, Wine, and Wisdom series. Nothing pairs better with wine at The Black Chicken than financial security, and Dessi Dufresne of Edward Jones and the lawyers of Garrity & Gossage will provide advice specifically geared toward helping women gain that security. There’s a $20 registration fee. For more info or to register, contact Kim Gossage at kgossage@garritygossage.com.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 14, 2019

News About Town: Yesterday morning, a three-car accident knocked power out all around downtown Matthews. According to Matthews Police, around 9:44 am, a vehicle traveling northbound (headed into downtown from Weddington/Pleasant Plains) struck another vehicle from behind. This crash caused the second vehicle to hit a third; then, one of the vehicles skipped the curb and hit a utility pole on Trade Street at Country Place Park. Two of the three drivers were taken to area hospitals. The power outage affected area neighborhoods as well as Matthews Elementary School.

One Good Thing Part I: Brush up on your painting skills, Greater Matthews Habitat needs volunteers for this Saturday, November 16, to help paint. Volunteers need to be 16 and can sign up here.

One Good Thing Part II: Backyard Birds believes in neighbors helping neighbors, and has partnered with Common Heart to feed those in need this holiday season. Drop off any of the following items at Backyard Birds (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy Suite 800) until Monday, November 18: canned cranberry sauce, green beans, corn fruit cocktail, cream of mushroom soup, stuffing mix, macaroni and cheese, and/or cookie/cake/brownie mix.

One Good Thing Part III: Also Monday, November 18, Garrity & Gossage is presenting the final installment of their popular Women, Wine, and Wisdom series. Nothing pairs better with wine at The Black Chicken than financial security, and Dessi Dufresne of Edward Jones and the lawyers of Garrity & Gossage will provide advice specifically geared toward helping women gain that security. There’s a $20 registration fee. For more info or to register, contact Kim Gossage at kgossage@garritygossage.com.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, November 13, 2019

News About Town: Town Hall will get a Public Works pedicure* in advance of the Republican National Convention. Monday night, Town Council approved repaving the roads and parking areas throughout the development, as well as restriping of parking spaces and crosswalks. The work will fix crosswalks that lead to nowhere, as well as add much-needed ADA accessibility. The project will cost approximately $435,000. (*The cure for pedestrian ailments.)

News Around Town: Last night at the Levine Senior Center, over one hundred volunteers, board members, and friends of the Matthews HELP Center (MHC) reflected on the past four decades. Sargent Michelle Archer, Meteorologist Larry Sprinkle, and MHC staff celebrated the center’s 40th birthday. Sandra Conway addressed the crowd, sharing a vision for the future (space, space, and more space is needed). Center staff is focused on finding a way to say yes to everyone who walks through the door, providing hope to many more individuals than the 7,379 individuals MHC served over the past year. Conway presented the inaugural Founders Award, naturally given to the MHC founders June Hamrick and Iris Devore. The Heart of the Mission Award was given to the center's generous volunteer, Margaret Bond, who encapsulates the mission of MHC.

One Good Thing: One Good Thing: The HELP Center recently kicked off their end of year fundraiser with a goal of $40,000 to be raised by December 31. Donations go directly to neighbors who rely on the services provided by the HELP Center. A donation of $50 might provide gas for someone in need where $1500 will cover a month's worth of expenses for a family on the brink of eviction.

#FiveForFriday: A Morning Minute News Round Up

This #FiveForFriday Morning Minute News Round Up is for the week ending November 8, 2019.

News About Town: Tickets for annual holiday festivities at the Community Center are already on sale and are moving fast. The Nutcracker runs Saturday, November 30 at 2 pm & 7 pm, and Sunday, December 1 at 3 pm (with the option to add on the Sugar Plum Party); Saturday, December 7at 2 pm & 7 pm; and Sunday, December 8: 3 pm (with the option to add on the Sugar Plum Party). Tickets for the always popular Breakfast with Santa are sold out, but you can add your name to the waiting list.

Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the Matthews Community Center, or by calling 704-321-7275.

One Good Thing: Anthony Carter Jr, the number 38 offensive guard in the country and 22nd-ranked prospect in North Carolina, from Butler High School is in talks with several prospects for college football. According to Carter, NC State, Maryland, Virginia Tech and Michigan State are all possibilities.

News About Town: Sigh of relief, everyone, the 2019 election cycle is finally over! John Higdon wins the mayoral race with 53.59% of the vote. Incumbent commissioners Jeff Miller, Barbara Dement, and John Urban won reelection. They’ll be joined on the dais by Larry Whitley, Dave Bland, and our own Renee Garner, who earned the highest number of votes among commissioner candidates. Congratulations to our new representatives!

News Around Town: This past Monday, November 4, Matthews Animal Control caught a sick raccoon on the Four Mile Creek Greenway near East John Street. The raccoon tested positive for rabies. As of September (the most recent Mecklenburg Health Department report), there have been 11 confirmed animal cases of rabies. In 2018, there were 15 cases total.

News Around Town: Many businesses are offering extra discounts and freebies for veterans on Monday, November 11. Applebees, Golden Corral, IHOP, Texas Roadhouse, and Cici’s Pizza (among many others) are offering a free meal to veterans with an official ID. (Conditions vary, double-check before you go.) BJ’s Wholesale, Publix, Rack Room, Walgreens, and Home Depot have special discounts for veterans this Monday. Check the Department of Veteran Affairs’ list of discounts; we’ll keep an eye out for local businesses offering specials as well.

Bonds

Bonds

The wood bench

Had weathered

In its stationary

State

Upon it scratches, nicks

Engraved names and

Initials

Old peanut shells

Signatures left

Idle now

As the carousel

Horses that once

Went round and round

It beckoned an

Old man some refuge

To rest and sit down

For a while

Like broken branches

That cling before

They fall

The old park bench

Gave comfort again

And as the sun

Began to set

Two silhouettes

Blended so well

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, November 8, 2019

News About Town: This Monday, the Mayor and Board of Commissioners will join Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 in Stumptown Park to honor Veterans Day. The ceremony begins at 11 am and will include a presentation recognizing the Matthews Veteran of the Year. For Matthews veterans, the town website has local resources, and the Veterans Advisory Committee works tirelessly to ensure Matthews is inclusive and meets the needs of veterans. We, at the Beacon, thank you for your service.

News Around Town: Many businesses are offering extra discounts and freebies for veterans on Monday, November 11. Applebees, Golden Corral, IHOP, Texas Roadhouse, and Cici’s Pizza (among many others) are offering a free meal to veterans with an official ID. (Conditions vary, double-check before you go.) BJ’s Wholesale, Publix, Rack Room, Walgreens, and Home Depot have special discounts for veterans this Monday. Check the Department of Veteran Affairs’ list of discounts; we’ll keep an eye out for local businesses offering specials as well

One Good Thing: If you have a weekend of yard work planned, take a detour and stop by Town Hall (232 Matthews Station Street; 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday - Friday)* to pick up some paper yard waste bags. The large, extra-sturdy bags come in packs of ten, and you can pick two packs up for free. Using paper makes it easier for Compost Central to compost the yard waste because the bags and waste can go straight into the compost pile, rather than removing and throwing away plastic bags. *Bags are also available at Matthews Public Works, 1600 Tank Town Road, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday - Friday; the Community Center, 100 E. McDowell Street, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Saturday, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sunday.

Morning Minute: Thursday, November 7, 2019

News About Town: If you see a particularly hairy looking male police officer around town, don’t worry, they’re not trying to nab criminals with their face Velcro. Matthews Police are participating in No Shave November by loosening official shave policy standards. to participate, each officer must donate $35 to Zero Cancer Foundation, a prostate cancer patient advocacy and public awareness group.

News Around Town: This past Monday, November 4, Matthews Animal Control caught a sick raccoon on the Four Mile Creek Greenway near East John Street. The raccoon tested positive for rabies. As of September (the most recent Mecklenburg Health Department report), there have been 11 confirmed animal cases of rabies. In 2018, there were 15 cases total.

One Fun Thing: Not sure what or where to recycle? Since Matthews recycling goes to a county facility, we must follow the county guidelines. Charlotte-Mecklenburg has created a relatively simple, but extremely informative game to teach you the what and where of recycling. Give it a try.

Don't Forget: Matthews Concert Band will open its 18th season on Thursday, November 7, at the Fullwood Theatre with "A Salute to France." Musical selections will carry you across the ocean in a trans-Atlantic audio odyssey of concert band sound. The performance starts at 7:30 pm.