2810[high]5: New Year’s Resolutions You Might Actually Stick To

New year, new you? Ready to tighten the belt on the budget only to find the buckle was broken? Kristen has five great suggestions for resolutions that you can pick up now and actually do.

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Try out a new hobby every month. Are you a Great British Bake off fanatic? Or have you always wanted to try your hand on a pottery wheel? Make a resolution to try out a new hobby every month, and see if you have any secret talents you didn’t know about. If you need some inspiration or some guidance, both the Matthews Community Center and the Levine CPCC Continuing Education Program have a variety of classes to assist you on your quest.

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Resolve to give your business a boost or polish up professional skills. Whether you’ve always wanted to network more at the Matthews Chamber of Commerce, practice your public speaking at Matthews Mint Hill Toastmasters, or brush up on some basic computer skills with a tutor at the Matthews library, 2020 could be your year!

Get some exercise you actually enjoy. We all say we are going to eat better and exercise more in the New Year. But finding an exercise you actually enjoy will help you stick with it. Not even counting the fact that the Brace YMCA offers a plethora of exercise classes, Matthews offers plenty of ways to get your sweat on without a gym membership. The Matthews Community Center has day time evening classes in yoga, pilates, dance, and more. Plus, many classes you can simply pay as you go. If your resolution is to save your pennies, go for a run with the Carolina Beer Temple Run Club, take a hike at Colonel Francis Beatty park, or simply spend your lunch hour strolling Four-Mile Creek Greenway.

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Clean up your act. Has Marie Kondo inspired you to spark more joy in your home this year? Make 2020 the time to clear your clutter! Tackle a different area of your home each month and by next year, you’ll have transformed your home into a brand new space. Assess your belongings for their personal joyness-factor, remember to donate gently used goods to local nonprofits such as the Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity ReStore, ZABS Place, or the Matthews Help Center who can turn your trash into someone else’s treasure, all for a good cause. Not sure where to start your catastrophe clean up? Consider hiring a personal organizer, like A Space for Kate, to get you started. 

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Take some time for yourself. Easier said than done, but make a pledge to yourself to try and take a moment for yourself a little time each week, or at the very least each month. Pledge to pick up a new book from the Matthews Library, do some meditation at the Matthews Community Center, or have a “Treat Yo Self Day” with whatever your heart most desires. 

Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 14, 2020

News About Town: After originally filing in May 2019 for rezoning from I-1 to I-1 (CD), the Stronghaven Warehouse at 433 East John St. site plan has been approved. The warehouse has been using its John St. loading dock to receive and load shipments. With this new plan, the warehouse docks will face Charles St. and trucks will access the site by Charles Buckley Way or Charles St. New landscaping will line a large portion of the John St. side, leaving a small apron for employee’s cars. Charles St. will also have some landscaping, continuing the style along Charles Buckley Way.

News Around Town: Duke and Penn State lacrosse fans will swarm Matthews in February, when the teams play at the Sportsplex. The top-10 matchup will be played Feb. 22; tickets range from $12 (for youth) to $50, with access to the endzone fieldhouse.

One Good Thing: The Town of Matthews is seeking board members for various Town advisory boards. If you’re interested in becoming more involved, there are many opportunities to jump right in. These boards meet monthly and examine issues to be presented to the Board of Commissioners for consideration. Contact Lori Canapinno, Town Clerk, at 704-708-1222 with questions. To apply: complete an application and submit it to Lori via email (lcanapinno@matthewsnc.gov).

Don’t Forget: Community members are invited to the Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, a collaborative event organized by Matthews United Methodist and Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist churches. The film and walk to Town Hall will start at 2:00 pm on January 19, at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist (381 Crestdale Road).

Morning Minute: Monday, January 13, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners met at Town Hall this past Saturday and set the tone for the term ahead. The six present members created a list of 18 important tasks to tackle. Several broad subjects were listed, including, but not limited to workforce/affordable housing, transportation, attracting jobs and economic growth. Other items continue projects from the previous Board’s agenda, such as expanding Stumptown Park and addressing parking issues in the downtown area.

News Around Town: Butler High School senior Anthony Carter Jr. has picked a college. The offensive lineman recently committed to NC State. According to Anthony’s Twitter, other college possibilities included Illinois, UCF, Boston College, Syracuse, Louisville, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Texas A&M, UNC and Michigan State.

One Good Thing: Community members are invited to the Fourth Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, a collaborative event organized by Matthews United Methodist and Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist churches. The event will start at 2:00 pm on January 19, with a film commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist (381 Crestdale Road). Celebrations will continue on Monday. At 8:30 am, revisit Mount Moriah for a Community Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall. To RSVP for breakfast, call Trudy Jones at 980-245-9090 ext. 302. A commemorative worship service celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and presentation of the MLK Scholarship will follow breakfast.

Cathedral

Cathedral

Without stained glass
Blue skies white clouds
Glorious sunsets
Between a canopy of
Pine trees arching
Toward the sky and
Heavens where no
Walls or windows
Divide this peace
When I looked up
This site so beautiful
A cathedral untouched
By man and graced by
God heard my prayers
Echo in the wind

By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Friday, January 10, 2020

News About Town: The Town of Matthews was selected by America Walks as one of 19 agencies to receive a Community Change Grant. America Walks is a nonprofit devoted to advancing safe, equitable, accessible, and enjoyable places to walk through awarding grants and providing resources to effectively advocate for change. The award from the Community Change Grant will be used to improve connectivity between the Community Center and McDowell Arts Center. (Remember the raised crosswalk between the two buildings that was painted during Matthews Alive?) Currently, the town has a call for artists to propose a mural design for the crosswalk. This mural will increase visibility, and create a safe crossing for Matthews Elementary students who use it daily.

Finalizing the climbing walls at the Matthews Inner Peaks; image via Inner Peaks’ Facebook.

News Around Town: According to ApartmentList’s January 2020 rent report, rent in Matthews increased 0.7 percent in January and 4.7 percent over the past year. The national average for monthly rent is $1,192, an increase of 1.4% over the past year. Of the nine towns and cities listed on the Charlotte area rent report, the apartment rental average for both one- and two-bedroom apartments in Matthews were higher than any other location ($1,220 and $1,420, respectively). Despite the high rent, Matthews’ annual percentage increase was third-highest, behind Pineville (5.6% annual increase), and Cornelius (5% annual increase).

One Fun Thing: Inner Peaks Matthews, 10715 Independence Pointe Pkwy., is officially open. Want to get your climb on? Hours are: Monday through Friday: 10 am-10 pm; Saturday 10 am-8 pm, and Sunday 12 pm- 7 pm. Not in the mood for reaching great heights? Stay firmly grounded; the center also hosts yoga classes on Monday and Wednesday.

Don’t Forget: Tonight Sidecar Social Club plays the Community Center as Parks and Rec hosts their first Cool Vibes Winter Music Concert of the series at Fullwood Theater, 100 W McDowell St. 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.

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.

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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

#FiveForFriday: A Morning Minute News Round Up

This #FiveForFriday Morning Minute News Round Up is for the week including December 16 through 20, 2019.

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.

News

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: 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.

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.

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.

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!