Morning Minute: Thursday, March 5, 2020

News About Town:  The proposed LYNX Silver Line, a 26-mile-long light rail corridor with 28 stations, will connect Matthews to downtown Charlotte, the airport, and to Belmont in the west. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is hosting a public meeting at Matthews Town Hall on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 pm to kickoff the Pre-Project Development portion of the project. The meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the Silver Line design, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), and Rail Trail (a parallel cycling/pedestrian-focused trail) opportunities.

News Around Town: Butler Students, heads up! NC Outward Bound School is offering FULL SCHOLARSHIPS for a seven-day backpacking and rock climbing course in June. The deadline is tomorrow, March 6, so you have to get an application in quickly. The program is designed to develop students' courage and compassion as leaders while pushing students physically, socially and emotionally. Apply here.

One Fun Thing: Teachers, school admin, and educational professionals, Green Jeans Consignment will be at Levine Senior Center (1050 DeVore Lane) this weekend and they’re opening the doors early to give educators (homeschoolers included) first dibs. Shop an exclusive half-price pre-sale on Friday, March 6, at 5 pm. Veterans, you’re not left out—doors open for you at 5:30. What can you expect? A whole lot of quality clothes. Items include new and gently worn brand name, boutique and designer clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry and accessories from petite to plus sizes, including maternity.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, March 4, 2020

News About Town: If you’ve noticed the bare landscape around I-485 and John Street, it’s part of the I-485 express lanes project. NCDOT has planned improvements for the interchange. The I-485 Express Lanes project will add one express lane (an optional toll lane with congestion-based rates) in each direction along I-485 between I-77 and Independence Boulevard. The project also includes a new interchange at Weddington Road. Learn more here.

News Around Town: If you couldn’t stay awake (raises hand) for the polls to roll in, check out the Mecklenburg Board of Elections website for the full list of results.

One Fun Thing: The North Carolina Wildlife Federation, in collaboration with two local chapters; CROWN (Charlotte) and HAWK (Matthews), will be hosting a National Wildlife Federation Habitat Stewards Training course April 21, 24, 25, and 26 at Matthews Community Center. In addition to being issued several key nature-related books and materials, course topics will include elements of a wildlife habitat, native flora and fauna, ecology, invasive plants, soil microfauna, and more. Class size is limited to 30 individuals and you must commit to attending the full course. Volunteer commitment of 30 hours post-course is required for certification. Register here.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 3, 2020

*Good gracious, it was only Monday and we made a bad mistake. Blues Beatles is next weekend (March 13), not this weekend.

News About Town: Did you hear the daffodils whispering that it’s a good time to sow peas? Did you know, it’s a general gardening rule that forsythia blooms when it’s time to plant lettuce? Turns out there’s something to old farm lore and the kinds of observations that make a correlation between plants. It’s called Phenology, the study of periodic plant and animal life cycles and their interaction with variations in climate and seasonal changes. Sow your seeds, the flowers are giving their permission.

News Around Town: Today’s the last day for primary voting. All voting places will be open today, March 3,from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm. Matthews voters must go to their regular polling location to vote today.

One Fun Thing: Home Depot (1837 Matthews Township Parkway, Matthews), in partnership with Discovery Education has a free STEAM-based activity this weekend. With the help of store associates (and handy parents), kids can build a pair of binoculars that work. Register here; 9 am to noon, Saturday, March 7.

Breakfast Surprise

Breakfast Surprise

I wonder if you
Can munch
On a bowl of
Captain Crunch
While dripping milk
Wearing pajamas
Made of silk
Strolling the aisles
Admiring the jewels
Inside a Tiffany
Silently wondering
Which diamond
Says me
And when I was asked
May I help you please
I inquired back
Does Tiffanys ever
Put a promotional
Surprise in
Boxes of Captain Crunch
                           
Just like Cracker Jacks
                                
As the sales person
Uppity and all
Walked away from me
I really wanted to
Give her a punch
So right then and there
Upon a sparkling counter
In a Tiffany’s I emptied
           
My box of cereal to see
If my Captain Crunch
Had a surprise for me
I knew that morning
It had more crunch
What a great breakfast
This turned out to be

  
By Lorraine Stark

Morning Minute: Monday, March 2, 2020

News About Town:  It’s a new month, so let’s check in and see what’s on the Town calendar.

3/4: Car Seat Checking Station 8 am; Veterans Advisory Committee meeting 7 pm

3/5/2020: First Thursday 5 pm; Board of Adjustment Meeting 7 pm

3/6/2020: Lunch with the Easter Bunny Tickets On Sale 9 am; Crews Family Fun Night - "Wrestling Night" 6 pm - 9 pm

3/9/2020: Board of Commissioners Meeting 7 pm;

3/10/2020: Matthews Committee on Education meeting 6:30 pm; Environmental Advisory Committee Meeting 7 pm

3/11/2020: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource Advisory Meeting 6:30 pm

3/13/2020: Date Night Drop Off 5 - 9 pm; Cool Vibes Indoor Concert Series-Blues Beatles 5:30 pm

3/16/2020: Appearance/Tree Committee Meeting 7 pm

3/18/2020: Car Seat Checking Station 8 pm

3/19/2020: Transportation Advisory Committee Meeting 7 pm

3/23/2020: Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting 7 pm

3/24/2020:  Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting 4:30 - 6 pm; Planning Board Meeting 7 pm; Cultural Diversity Committee Meeting 7 pm

3/27/2020: The Great Easter Eggspedition  All Day Event

News Around Town: The Census is coming, Make sure you’re counted. Starting March 12, fill out the form online, by phone, or by mail. The results produce a snapshot of America—one that determines how congressional seats are divvied up and how state and federal dollars are distributed.

One Fun Thing: Taking an authentic blues approach to classic Beatles songs, Blues Beatles is everything their name indicates.On an 11-stop tour throughout the US, don’t miss their Fullwood Theater stop this Friday night. A few tickets remain. This event is for ages 21 and up and includes pre-concert hors d'oeuvres (while they last). Cash bar for beer/wine. Social hour at 5:30pm, concerts begin at 7pm. Tickets are $18 in advance, and $20 at the door on the day of the event.

Morning Minute: Friday, February 28, 2020

News About Town: It’s Day 2 of the Board of Commissioners annual planning conference. Today’s meeting starts at 7:30 am with a quick breakfast and will run until 1:45 pm. Then the Board will travel to Blowing Rock and work again from 5 to 6:30 pm. Topics will include both town and NCDOT road improvements, sidewalks, the 27 acres at the corner of McKee and Pleasant Plains Roads, and funding options for capital improvements.

News Around Town: The Farmer’s Market is saying we’re going to have an early spring. (Pro Tip: Trust the farmers.) This weekend head on by and pick up elderberry products to boost immune systems from Double Up Farm, pasture-raised pork, chicken, beef, and lamb from a variety of farms, an assortment of salad greens and cold hardy crops, and an abundance of spring plants. Stop by the market this Saturday, 8 am til 10 am, at 188 North Trade St.

One Fun Thing: This Thursday, March 15, the Matthews Concert Band will take you to “A Night at the Movies.” Surround yourself in the sounds of your favorite movie score starting at 7:30 pm at Fullwood Theater in the Community Center, 100 McDowell St. for the very low price of free!

Morning Minute: Thursday, February 27, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners annual planning conference will begin at 5:30 pm at Town Hall. Over the course of just under three days, the Council will discuss 26 strategic items of importance that will come up during the 2020/21 term. During the portion tonight, the focus will be emergency services, specifically improving emergency response time, Idlewild VFD and its role in Matthews, and future construction of Matthews Fire Station 3.

News Around Town: The North Carolina Education Lottery's NC School Heroes contest is live for voting. Celebrate our public school teachers by voting for them (once per day). The 10 educators with the most votes will win $10,000 each, as well as $10,000 for their school. The person who nominated them will win $1,000.  The contest runs through March 15, and heroes will be announced May 6, 2020. Several Matthews schools don’t have nominees yet, so get some recognition for your own fave. Vote here.

One Good Thing: Area creatives and cultural organizations have a couple ASC grant deadlines coming up.

The Cultural Vision Grants (up to $10,000) initial application deadline is Monday, March 2, 2020 at noon. Learn More and Apply.

Culture Blocks Program Investments, funded in partnership between ASC, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, increase access to creative programming for residents living in one of the Culture Blocks program areas. Applications are due Friday, March 6, 2020 at noon. Learn more.  

Morning Minute: Wednesday, February 26, 2020

News About Town: The tornado took a toll on Matthews-Sardis Park, but the town has been working to get everything back in order. The playground has been refreshed with new surfacing and is ready for enjoyment. Park and Rec: 1; Tornado: 0.

News Around Town: Matthews residents and businesses are still spinning from the recent tornado, and the Kiwanis Club of Matthews is ready to help. Buy an “I survived the Matthews tornado” tee for $15 and over $7 from each shirt sold will be donated to fix facility damage at area youth organizations. Go to www.MatthewsTornadoTees.com to order.

One Good Thing: Tonight’s the night. The Mecklenburg County Budget Workshop is from 6 to 8 pm at the Sportsplex here in Matthews. Registration is required, and this is a great opportunity to learn about the county budget process, priorities, and to let both the County Manager and County Budget Director know what you want to see in the upcoming budget.

Snowfall----Rictameter

Snowfall----Rictameter

Snowfall
 Silent wrath of
Winter’s loneliness her
Flakes covering barren branches
Glisten in sunlight like shattered prisms
 Icicles make strong fortresses
 Guarding the buds of spring
 Floating magic
 Snowfall 

By Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash

Morning Minute: Tuesday, February 25, 2020

News About Town: In a surprising turn of events during last night’s Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board appointed Ken McCool to fill the vacant seat. Ken finished the November 2019 election in seventh place, 13 votes behind Commissioner John Urban.
"I'm excited to serve the Town of Matthews and to work towards building a brighter future for generations to come,” said Commissioner McCool. “I'm also looking forward to working collaboratively with the Board, and I thank them for their support. I would like to thank Ms. Dement for her service to the Town."

One Fun Thing: Don your favorite feather boa, shiny beaded necklaces, and gather your krewe, it’s Fat Tuesday. Several area restaurants are putting the Mardi in the Gras with drink and food specials. I’m the downtown area? Check out Mac’s Speedshop, Seaboard, and Temple Mojo.

Morning Minute: Monday, February 24, 2020

News About Town: Last Thursday, Commissioner Barbara Dement resigned from her seat on the Board of Commissioners. Citing professional reasons, the resignation was effective immediately. Ms. Dement was first elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2017 and previously served on the Town of Matthews Planning Board. 

News Around Town: According to the Mecklenburg Board of Elections website, as of close of polls on Saturday,1,665 people have voted early at the Matthews Library. Early voting continues for the 2020 primaries through February 29. All regular polling locations will be open March 3 from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm.

One Fun Thing: We May have missed National Margarita Day and National Dog Biscuit Day, but we won’t miss celebrating National Tortilla Chip Day. Venture over to El Valle (a Matthews staple for more than two decades!) and enjoy the fried, salty, corn-based perfection that is the tortilla chip. Maybe celebrate a belated National Margarita Day if the mood fits.

Morning Minute: Friday, February 21, 2020

News About Town: At the Monday (February 24) meeting the Board of Commissioners and attendees will hear a presentation on the Stevens Creek Subarea Study. Stevens Creek Nature Preserve is a 270+ acre park and preserve located east of Matthews, in Mint Hill. The Subarea Study first examined existing modes of transportation in the area, then looked for areas of improvement with safety, connectivity, and other Town visions (see page 7 of the presentation document). Paid for by the town and a matching planning grant provided by the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), the study also provides suggestions for funding the implementation of the results.

Image via Unsplash

News Around Town: Anybody else spend the evening hitting refresh, waiting on news from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for an inclement weather update? With rain, sleet, snow, and temperatures that hovered around freezing, black ice is a concern. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are closed. If you’re planning on voting, make sure to check the Mecklenburg Board of Elections website for closures of early voting sites.

One Good Thing: Love cheese? Join the club. Literally. The Loyalist Market recently unveiled their brand new cheese club and you have until the end of this month to sign up. Available on March 25th, subscribers can stop by the Loyalist to pick up a custom gift box that includes a tasting book for notes and commentary, cheese information, and three all-new kinds of cheese to chomp. Visit www.theloyalistmarket.com and click on Cheese Club to start your subscription!

Morning Minute: Thursday, February 20, 2020

News About Town: The February 24, 2020 Board of Commissioners’ agenda is available online. The meeting should be relatively short since not many planning items are included. The discussion surrounding the rezoning of the Brace YMCA will likely be the lengthiest discussion. With the Weddington/485 ramp construction taking the current soccer fields, the Board must decide if rezoning for a condition change is appropriate. The meeting will begin at 7 pm in the Hood Room of Town Hall. Public comment is accepted towards the beginning of the meeting. Sign-up to speak before the meeting begins on the form outside the doors to the Hood Room.

Image via Unsplash

News Around Town: Following the winter storm, today’s forecast looks like a mix of sleet and rain throughout the day. Warm surface temps will probably prevent accumulation, but overnight temps Thursday night will dip well below freezing, causing black ice Friday morning. Have kids in school and unsure about closures? Follow CMS on Facebook for updated info.

One Good Thing: Have a habit of sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong? You’ve got nothing on Pinocchio. The puppet-turned-boy is performing at the Matthews Playhouse this weekend and next and we’ve got a pair of tickets. Want a chance to win? Answer our Facebook poll. (Not on Facebook? High fives to you! Send us your opinion: SnOMG or SnoWay?)

Morning Minute: Wednesday, February 19, 2020

News About Town: NCDOT began work clearing storm debris from the right-of-way along John Street and Highway 51 yesterday. Along town roads, property owners are responsible for storm clean up. There are many piles that need to be picked up. Please remember the rules for yard waste:

• Branches and limbs must be cut in lengths of four feet or less and can be no larger than five inches in diameter.

• Debris must be stacked in small enough piles that an individual is able to pick up with a pitchfork at the curb.

• Smaller yard waste including; brush, tree & shrub trimmings, and leaves need to be bagged in clear bags, or other bags left open so the driver can see the contents.

• Do not leave bagged yard waste or limbs and branches blocking the sidewalk or in the street.

News Around Town: Orange tubes have been popping up all over Matthews for many months now in what looks like utilities are stitching the ground throughout Matthew. Those orange tubes are conduits for fiber internet being installed by various utilities. Fiber uses tiny strands of plastic or glass to transmit data, creating a much faster internet that metal or copper-based cables provide.

One Good Thing: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides 23 pathways that help foster students’ finding their passion before high school graduation. Those pathways can be career or technical training, as well as preparation for post-secondary education. This Saturday, February 22, CMS is hosting a Career & Technical Education Fair in Uptown Charlotte. Open to all students (and their families), the CTE Fair is free and will be open from 11 am to 3 pm at the Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St, Charlotte.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, February 18, 2020

News About Town: Charlotte Water has one lane closed at 1401 South Trade Street, near Chaphyn Lane. Expect the closure to remain until late afternoon on Thursday, February 20.

News Around Town: Matthews sang its heart out last Friday with Weaver, Bennett, & Bland at Stumptown Station. The two local businesses partnered to raise money for the HELP Center. All in all, the Sing Your Heart Out - Karaoke for Charity event raised $461 for Matthews Help Center. 

One Good Thing: Know an exceptional teacher in Matthews who has demonstrated creative infusion of the Arts, Sciences or History into core curriculum? Want to recognize a dedicated teacher for their hard work? The Arts and Science Council is taking nominations for the Cato Lifetime Achievement in Teaching Awards to recognize creative teachers with more than 15 years of experience teaching the arts, sciences or history. If that person is a Pre-K through 12th grade teacher working for (or retired within the last 2 years from) a public or independent school in Mecklenburg (ahem, let’s focus on Matthews), then send in a nomination. Let’s get them recognized!