Morning Minute: Thursday, January 9, 2020

News About Town: This Saturday, January 11 (9 am to 3 pm), the mayor and Board of Commissioners will meet at Town Hall for a Board Retreat. The retreat aims to build a foundation for working together as a governing team. While the entire meeting is open to the public, the last hour (2-3 pm) may be of most interest to the public. During this portion, Board Members will share their individual objectives for this two-year term.

Image via Unsplash

News Around Town: The Matthews Library wants to know about your Summer Break experience. If you or your child participated in the summer reading program, take a moment to fill out the online survey. The surveys are part of the Public Library Association's Project Outcome and will allow Charlotte Mecklenburg Library to measure its successes against other libraries nationally. Take the child/teen version here or the caregiver version here. Surveys end on January 31, 2020. 

One Fun Thing: Do you thrive under the spotlight? This Sunday and Monday, Matthews Playhouse is holding auditions for Pinocchio. Public performances will be February 21 through March 1. Reserve your audition spot here and let your talent shine.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, January 8, 2020

News About Town: Get out your zoot suit and dancing shoes, this Friday Parks and Rec hosts the first Cool Vibes Winter Music Concert of the series at Fullwood Theater, 100 W McDowell St. For one magical evening the Community Center will be transformed into a speakeasy, with era-appropriate decor and staff dressed in1920s apparel. No need for bathtub gin, there’s a cash bar for beer and wine. Eat a dinner in downtown or snack on heavy hors d'ouevres (while they last) at the pre-show social. The fun starts at 5:30pm for food, drinks, and alcohol sales. This event is for ages 21 and up only.

Tickets are $15 in advance, and $18 at the door on the day of the event.

News Around Town: Thanks to a generous donation from Belk department stores,Levine Middle College High School students will be dressed in style for their prom this year. The high school, which meets on the Levine CPCC campus in Matthews, is a recipient of Project Hometown, one of Belk’s community engagement programs. The company is providing formalwear, makeup, and hairstyling, as well as the location, DJ, and other necessities to make the evening a night to remember. In the past, attendance at the Middle College’s proms has had low attendance with cost cited as a reason.

One Good Thing: Hooks-Orr American Legion is holding a mid-year supply drive for Matthews Elementary School. School supplies and monetary donations can be dropped off during Legion meetings.

2810[high]5: Five Fast Clutter Busters

Science shows that a simple task is one quick way to fast track your motivation. Today we look at chores that you can complete in a couple of minutes. Create your task and be specific. Set a time limit—these should take you ten minutes or less, and put it at the top of your to-do list. Knock out a quickie to rev up your motivation.

Pen and Pencil Holder: It could just be that one paper towel tube pen holder your kid gave your for Father’s/Mother’s Day 15 years ago, or the drawer that seems to make infinite little pen babies when it’s closed, but time to dig in and battle that collection of writing instruments.

Test them out. Make a keep pile and a discard pile. The pens that are dried, used up, or generally no longer useful can be recycled, but it’s costly. Since we’re here for decluttering, give yourself permission to toss them, and consider refillable pens in the future.

Cosmetics and Hygiene Items: Let’s face it, there’s a drawer overflowing with stuff you’ll never use somewhere in your bathroom. Maybe it’s razors that you should've tossed 12 shaves ago, maybe it’s the eyeshadow from the early aughts never looked good—there’s a drawer in your bathroom that needs attention.

Ready to purge those shaving supplies? Razors go in the trash, shaving cream cans go in the recycling. Did you get a gift of aftershave that you’ll never use? If it’s unopened, donate it to the Men’s Shelter or Matthews HELP Center.

Makeup is a little different, go ahead and cull the stuff that is expired. Odds are good the plastic just has to be trashed, though empty eye shadow wells make handy little paint pallets and mascara wands can be sent to wildlife rehab centers.

How long do cosmetics last? Here are some guidelines according to Real Simple: Three Months: Liquid eyeliner, mascara. One year: Concealer, cream blush, eyeshadow, foundation, lip balm (can last up to five years, though), lip gloss, nail polish. Two Years: Eyeliner pencil, lipstick, powder blush.

Medicine Cabinet: Maybe you’ve been holding onto that medicine from the time you had the stomach flu four Thanksgivings ago, but its time has come. Throw open the medicine cabinet and give it a once over.

Sort into piles of what you’ll use and what needs to go. Take your toss pile to a safe disposal location. The CVS Pharmacy at 1305 Matthews Township Parkway is an authorized DEA Take-Back location. Also, the Police Station at 1201 Crews Road has a dropbox in the lobby.

Mail Pile: That growing pile of papers has a place to be, but, if you’re like us, it becomes a daunting task before it gets sorted. Take a deep breath and dive in. Start with the papers that go straight to recycling. Then sort: bills to pay, sensitive documents (to file and to shred), and read/respond.

Shredded paper cannot be recycled, so once you’ve shredded, you’ve got bag it up (no diggity). Look for shredding events that will both shred and dispose of your sensitive documents, or you can pay to have someone do it for you.

Just One Pantry Shelf: You don’t have to clean out the entire pantry, just start with one shelf for a satisfying, orderly result. Pull everything out, wipe the shelf down, and then get to sorting. Check for expired products, foods you’ll never eat, and stuff hanging around out of guilt. (Surely we’re not the only ones who hang onto stuff just because it costs money?!) You may find a forgotten chocolate bar in the back, consider that a bonus.

Even the most clutter-brained among us will find a deep satisfaction with an easily navigable pantry shelf. Maybe a one-shelf motivational spark will ignite a full-blown cleaning kick.

Or maybe a nap.

Either way, you accomplished something on your to-do list.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 7, 2020

News About Town: If you see Duke Energy contractors are scooting around town working on light fixtures, they’re replacing bulbs and doing general upkeep. Lights needing maintenance have a yellow ribbon tied on them, denoting the need for service.

As approved by Town Council last year, this year Duke Energy will be replacing 171 light fixtures and upgrading those fixtures to LED.

News Around Town: The Guild of Charlotte Artists’ Winter Art Show is up at McDowell Arts Center (123 E. McDowell St.) now through the end of January. The Guild is an organization of artists of all mediums that meets monthly for demonstrations and lectures. This exhibit is their Member’s Choice show, meaning members have voted for the best-in-show works to receive cash prizes. To see the display and find out the winners, visit McDowell Arts Center Monday through Friday from 1 to 8 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm, and Sunday from 1 to 6 pm.

One Good Thing: (Courtesy of Debbie LeBlanc Foster) TreesCharlotte Is Coming to Matthews! The Town of Matthews and the Appearance and Tree Advisory Committee for the town is thrilled to announce that we are partnering with TreesCharlotte to bring the first tree store to Matthews!

This event will take place on Saturday, February 1st at Matthews United Methodist Church in the back parking lot, located at 801 S Trade St, from 9 AM until the trees are all given out, or until 11 AM. Residents of Matthews are eligible for up to two FREE trees, with a valid driver’s license or something with your name and Matthews address on it, such as a utility bill. Each tree comes with its own bag of mulch, and a short class is required on proper planting and tree care. These trees are 6-10’ tall, and we will have helpers to load them in your car. Although the trees are free, there is a suggested donation of $20 so that TreesCharlotte can continue to host these events.

You may sign up in advance here https://treescharlotte.org/event/matthews-treestore/ , but trees will be given out at the event on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pre-registration will open on January 10th and close on January 28th. There will be a large assortment of trees, but we won’t have a list until the morning of the event.

Free is good and free trees are better, so please support this event!

Morning Minute: Monday, January 6, 2020

News About Town: Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) start back today after a two-week winter break. Buses will be back on the roads and children will be at bus stops. Take a moment to re-familiarize yourself with NC bus stop laws.

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News Around Town:  With this new year comes the census again. Census Day, April 1, 2020, is still a ways off, but Mecklenburg County is already getting the word out to make sure things go smoothly. The Census results determine valuable community resources, such as federal funding for things like healthcare, education, and transportation. Look for a letter in the mail to participate, and to learn more, visit the County’s Census website: MeckCounts2020.com.

One Good Thing: More than 140 Charlotte-area restaurants are participating in Queen’s Feast, the Charlotte restaurant week coming up January 17-26. Two of those are in Matthews: Bonefish Grill and Santé.
Both Matthews restaurants are offering a three course prix fixe meal for $35 per person, not including tax or gratuity. Find out where else to feast here.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 23, 2019

News About Town: Monday and Tuesday of this week, waste collection will be on the regular schedule. There will be no collection on Wednesday, December25, and there will be a one-day delay for the remainder of the week. Which leads us to very important recycling guidelines.

News Around Town: Not to rush things, but we have the goods on what to do with all the waste once your gifts are unwrapped. What goes in which bin? For recycling, the standard rules apply. Up to three 30-gallon bags of recyclables can be placed beside hour cart, but recyclables in the cart  should be loose. Plain wrapping paper can be recycled, as can cards and envelopes, but nothing mylar, with foil or plastic coating. Tissue paper, cellophane, and shredded filler cannot be recycled. No ribbon, strong or twine--they get tangled up in the machinery and generally aren't recyclable. Plastic bags can be recycled at some retailers, such as Target, Harris Teeter, and Home Depot. Styrofoam, plastic plates, cutlery, cups, and paper napkins should be thrown in the trash (or composted, if compostable). Artificial trees do not go in the recycling bin.

Dimensions

Dimensions

Goodnight my friends
Sleep well tonight
For tomorrow
We write again
About yesterday
Perhaps
Then yesterday we
Will document our
Words and file them
Into the lagoons of
The past
For today is the
Tomorrow that we
Yearned for yesterday
And the future lies ahead
Waiting for our ink
Upon its’ paper
Presenting us with yet
Another chance
As we add our thoughts
And become a duet
With the pendulum
That meters time
Sweet dreams, sleep well
At dawn we meet
To begin the
Journey again

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, December 20, 2019

News About Town: The Matthews Gives Back campaign ended on December 13, and Town Hall was transformed into a temporary toy store with rows of tables stacked with toys. The gift drive allowed 75 families a place to shop for holiday gifts, serving 172 children in the community. The drive was a partnership among Matthews organizations, including the Town of Matthews, Matthews Police, the HELP Center, Matthews Kiwanis, Butler Dream Team, and Matthews United Methodist.

News Around Town: Beer drinking tree huggers rejoice! You are the target demographic for the Catawba Riverkeepers’ newest fundraiser: beer drinking to support clean water efforts. Choose the Amarillo Orchard IPA at Seaboard Brewing and 95 cents from each pour will be donated to the Riverkeepers. The offer is only good through the end of the month, so frequency and dedication are in order. Fun facts: Beer is 95% water (hence the 95 cents) and, around here, our water comes from the Catawba River.

So Many Fun Things: On December 23, the Town's Park and Rec department is offering Drop N' Shop child care so parents can finish up holiday preparations. The Drop N' Shop is open to children ages 6 to 13; pack a lunch and two snacks (or send money for snacks from the vending machine). Reserve a spot for your child here or call 704-708-1287.

This Saturday, December 21, at 3:30 pm, the Charlotte Community Singers will perform their favorite holiday songs at the Matthews Library. Grab a cup of hot apple cider, gather around the fireplace, and Celebrate the Season with A Charlotte Community Singers Sing-Along.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It's A Wonderful Life this weekend (December 20 -December 22) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Buy tickets here.

Morning Minute: Thursday, December 19, 2019

News About Town: Inspired by the Love Matthews campaign, artist Tom Risser created a new sculpture for the Town of Matthews. The newly installed sculpture is located near the railroad parking lot and Seaboard. The artwork, welded in stainless steel, is a fanciful depiction of the word "love." Take a tour of three of Tom's sculptures in Matthews, starting with "Public Display of Affection" in Stumptown Park. Then follow Trade Street to the new Love sculpture, and end at KP Park (320 E. Matthews St.) for the horse sculpture he created in memory of Kay Plyler, the former Town of Matthews Assistant Town Manager.

Image via the artist’s Facebook.

News Around Town: The Arts & Science Council is bringing its Culture Blocks program to Matthews. Culture Blocks are an initiative to connect communities with arts, science, and history by bringing culture closer to the places where people live. Past Culture Blocks have been in libraries, at recreation centers, parks, and community spaces. To bring the program to Matthews, the program staff needs to learn more about what is happening in Matthews by talking to residents. ASC is hosting a meeting Saturday, January 11, 2020 (11:30 am until 1 pm), to include residents in the process of identifying programming priorities. The meeting will include lunch and live entertainment, as well as the discussion. This is a family-friendly, free event (including food!) and seating is limited. RSVP is required by Friday, January 3, 2020.

So Many Fun Things: Drop your kids off with Park and Rec. On December 23, the department is offering child care so parents can enjoy a day of shopping and holiday prep. The Drop N' Shop is open to children ages 6 to 13 and filled with fun activities to keep the kids entertained. Be sure to pack a lunch and two snacks (or send money for snacks from the vending machine). Reserve a spot for your child here or call 704-708-1287.

This Saturday, December 21, at 3:30 pm, the Charlotte Community Singers will perform at the Matthews Library. The group, an intergenerational folk chorus, practices weekly at Plantation Estates and is ready to spread some seasonal cheer by singing their favorite holiday songs. Grab a cup of hot apple cider, gather around the fireplace, and Celebrate the Season with A Charlotte Community Singers Sing-Along.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It's A Wonderful Life this weekend (December 20 -December 22) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Buy tickets here.

A big congratulations to our ticket winner, Steve, who will get to see It's a Wonderful Life at the Playhouse this weekend! 

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 18, 2019

News About Town: As we get closer to Christmas and Hanukkah, pressure mounts go to all the parties, buy all the gifts, and find time to decorate homes. Matthews residents with kids can have a helping hand from the town this year: drop your kids off with Park and Rec. On December 23, the department is offering child care so parents can enjoy a day of shopping and holiday prep. The Drop N' Shop is open to children ages 6 to 13 and filled with fun activities to keep the kids entertained. Be sure to pack a lunch and two snacks (or send money for snacks from the vending machine). Reserve a spot for your child here or call 704-708-1287.

News Around Town: In November, John LeGrand,principal at Butler High School, was promoted within CMS to executive director of the Central 2 Learning Community. This week CMS named Vincent Golden as the new principal for Butler. Vincent has 13 years of experience with CMS, most recently as principal for Northridge Middle School.

So Many Fun Things: This Saturday, December 21, at 3:30 pm, the Charlotte Community Singers will perform at the Matthews Library. The group, an intergenerational folk chorus, practices weekly at Plantation Estates and is ready to spread some seasonal cheer by singing their favorite holiday songs. Grab a cup of hot apple cider, gather around the fireplace, and Celebrate the Season with A Charlotte Community Singers Sing-Along.

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It's A Wonderful Life this weekend (December 20 -December 22) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Buy tickets here.

We're giving away a pair of tickets to see It's a Wonderful Life at the Playhouse this weekend. We'll accept entries through the end of today, December 18, then give the tickets away on Thursday. To enter, either send us a note saying, "Count me in, I have a Wonderful Life," or comment on Facebook.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, December 17, 2019

News About Town: The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on January 13 at 7 pm at Town Hall. This will be a regular board meeting and will have rezoning actions, including several deferred from December 9. Board of Commissioners (also known as Town Council) meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of every month at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station Street. These meetings are open to the public and there is a public comment period near the beginning of each meeting. To speak, each individual is entitled to four minutes on any topic and must sign up on the sheet is in the lobby before the meeting to address the board.

News Around Town: This Saturday, December 21, at 3:30 pm, the Charlotte Community Singers will perform at the Matthews Library. The group, an intergenerational folk chorus, practices weekly at Plantation Estates and is ready to spread some seasonal cheer by singing their favorite holiday songs. Grab a cup of hot apple cider, gather around the fireplace, and Celebrate the Season with A Charlotte Community Singers Sing-Along.

One Fun Thing: We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see It’s a Wonderful Life at the Playhouse this weekend. We’ll accept entries through Wednesday, December 18, then give the tickets away on Thursday. To enter, either send us a note saying, “Count me in, I have a Wonderful Life,” or comment on Facebook.

Don't Forget:   Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It’s A Wonderful Life this weekend and next (December 20th-December 22nd ) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Tickets and information at matthewsplayhouse.com.

Morning Minute: Monday, December 16, 2019

News About Town: The end of the holiday shopping season is near, and Matthews Police have some reminders as gift buying becomes more frantic: keep safety in mind. Please take a moment to read and remember their holiday safety tips:

News Around Town: The Student Government (SGA) at Butler High School recently raised funds for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. SGA partnered with Butler’s Key Club, National Honor Society, the school’s baseball and softball teams, local businesses and the greater community to achieve the honor of being the first CMS school to reach the $10,000 goal.

The funds will help four-year-old Sophia, who is battling an autoimmune disorder, take a trip to Disney. The SGA is also giving Sophia a princess experience at Butler (which will include a carriage ride) at the school this Friday, January 20, at 1:45 pm.

One Fun Thing: Don’t forget to shop with the Beacon for all the Matthews swag you’ve been looking for. Also check out the sales floor at Cotton Gin Printing for Matthews-specific gear.

Don't Forget:   Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It’s A Wonderful Life this weekend and next (December 13th-December 22nd ) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Tickets and information at matthewsplayhouse.com.

Knitting Suite

Knitting Suite

Down the street
Neighbors would meet
At the knitting suite
Where an old rusted bell
Broke the spell
Of knitting needles
Busy
Knit 1 Pearle 2 across
The stitches flew
From baby booties
To sweaters, scarfs
And blankets
Over tea the busy bees
Did sip and knit and chat
While rainbows of fibers
Danced like angels
In the glow of sunlight
Upon old plank floors
There they sat knittin
That special pair of mittens
To cover hands from cold
And with each stitch
Their stories did unfold
Of neighborhood gossip
And news
Unlike Madame Defarge
They knitted and
Refined each story
From a ball of yarn
That carried love
Straight from their
Hearts

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, December 13, 2019

News About Town: We asked about recycling glass and the Town clarified: glass was accidentally omitted from the postcard that was mailed out. It should be included on the Please Recycle list.

Yesterday the Town hosted a Holiday Lunch, and dinner for those who work later shifts, for town staff. The lunch, held at Crews Road Rec Center, was filled with the holiday spirit, more than a few ugly sweaters, and plenty of Matthews pride. Staff enjoyed a meal of turkey, stuffing, and more before Parks and Rec hosted musical bingo.

One Fun Thing: Looking for something festive to do this weekend? Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Art presents It’s A Wonderful Life this weekend and next (December 13th-December 22nd ) with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows. Tickets and information at matthewsplayhouse.com.

Rainbow Express Ministries is a growing community offering children and young adults with and without disabilities, opportunities to learn, grow, and share their talents with others. This Sunday, December 15, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, drive or walk by the Rainbow Express house at the corner of Fullwood and Talbot Ct to see members reenact the Nativity.

Don't Forget:   If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Friday, December 13, at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.

Morning Minute: Thursday, December 12, 2019

News About Town: The new recycling calendars are arriving in mailboxes around Matthews. The list has changed quite a bit since the 2019 calendar was distributed. On the list are: milk and juice cartons and boxes, plastic bottles and jugs with necks (no other plastics), tin/steel/aluminum cans, empty aerosol cans (no paint), cardboard boxes smaller than 3x3’ flattened pieces, cereal boxes, magazines, paper, such as brown bags, paper/junk mail/newspapers.

Glass is accepted at county sites but is not on the list distributed in Matthews. It can be dropped off at county collection sites like the one at McAlpine Greenway.

Please do not include ceramics or glass housewares, diapers, cat litter, batteries, light bulbs, shredded paper, hardback books, car parts, cords, roadkill, or syringes in your recycling.

Good Cup has the in with Santa (from their Facebook page)

News Around Town: In the spirit of #CollaborationOverCompetition, let’s celebrate the Matthews establishments featured in the Queen City Nerve’s best-of list. Many wonderful Matthews establishments were included in the Reader’s Picks: Best Church: Elevation; Best Live Performers: Trash Room; Best Doughnuts: Your Mom’s Donuts; Best Wings: Kristopher’s Bar & Restaurant; Best Thai: Thai Taste; Best Middle Eastern: Kabab-Je; Best Wine Bar: Seaboard Taproom & Wine Bar; Best Sports Bar: Kristopher’s Bar & Restaurant; Best Beer Selection: Carolina Beer Temple.

One Fun Thing: Good Cup is poppin’ this holiday season. This Saturday, December 14, stop by the Loyalist/Good Cup for a pop-up Maker Market from 1 until 4 pm. During the market, Matthews Playhouse will drop by for a pop-up performance! Ten or so makers will be selling handmade goodies, from hand woven dog leashes to finely crafted cutting boards, you’ll find all the last-minute gifts you need.

Then Monday, December 16, Santa will pop by for a super-secret stop at Good Cup (we have the feeling he wants a spicy Masala Chai before the big ride). Whether you’ve been nice or need to make amends for being naughty, he wants to meet you. Bring your camera and you can bring the kids, too.

Don't Forget:   If you enjoy Christmas music, make sure to hear the Matthews Concert Band this Friday, December 13, at Matthews United Methodist Church. The performance begins at 7:30 pm.

Sunday, December 15, from 4 to 6 pm, tour the Nancy Reid House, guided by docents from the Matthews Heritage Museum. Dr. & Mrs. Reid (reenactors, not the ghosts) will greet visitors and set the tone for celebrations of Christmas-Past. The event is free, and light refreshments will be served.