Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 9, 2020

News Around Town: There will be a little less sparkle in the Community Center this Holiday season. Matthews Ballet and the Town of Matthews Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Department made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 performances of The Nutcracker Ballet. Auditions and rehearsals usually start in September, and with precautions and safety measures in place, it will be detrimental to the Nutcracker experience that is part of the holiday experience in Matthews.

One Fun Thing: Read the Greater Matthews Habitat Gratitude Report. Now there’s some good news!

Best Rx: Cinquain by Lorraine Stark

Best Rx

Purest
sounds of laughter
come from children and their
belly laughs that are sincere and
joyful

Joyful
enough to make
an elderly couple
smile, hold hands and share the funny
moment

By Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash @frankiefoto

Morning Minute: Tuesday, September 8, 2020

News About Town: National Collect Rocks Day is coming up and the Town of Matthews is ready to celebrate. Join the town on September 16 for free rock painting. Drop in between 10 am and 11:30 am at the Community Center (100 E McDowell St.) Masks and social distancing are required.

News Around Town: Fullwood Market opened last week in the spot that was formerly Domenico’s and Outlaw BBQ (131 E John St B). Stop in for coffee, ice cream, all sorts of bottled beverages and pantry items like coffee and olive oil. The market expects to open the kitchen soon (today?) and will offer sandwiches. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

One Fun Thing: Cotton Gin Printing has a fun new offering: rental yard signs. Want to tell the neighborhood your SO is turning the big Five Oh? They’ve got you covered!

Morning Minute: Friday, September 4, 2020

News Around Town: Matthews Public Works recently partnered with Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity to extend the sidewalk on Dion Dr. Public Works provided the staff, labor, and tools, while Habitat provided materials.

This and other great bits of news are available through the Town’s monthly newsletter, the Matthews Messenger. Click on the link and there’s a subscribe button at the bottom.

Stop by the Matthews Heritage Museum to see all sorts of pretty ladies’ accessories.

News About Town: With the shift to Safer at Home Phase 2.5, the Matthews Heritage Museum will reopen with COVID-19 precautionary measures in place on September 10. If possible, make a reservation in advance. At that time the museum can safely take credit card payments over the phone. Due to the physical size of the museum, capacity is five visitors during this phase of reopening. Guided tours are still available, but please keep a respectful six feet from guides and docents. Wear a mask and properly physical distance from those not in your group. Use hand sanitizer upon entry The Matthews Heritage Museum is located at 232 N. Trade Street is open Thursday – Saturday from 10 to 4:30. Small admission charged. 

My Favorite Things: Ladies Accessories is currently on display. According to the museum, the exhibit “features favorite items that women from the early twentieth century to the fifties treasured. From baubles, bangles and beaded purses to collars, gloves and muffs, each of these treasured items made the lady feel special, feminine or beautiful.“

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 2, 2020

News Around Town: Several Rezonings are scheduled for public hearing during the September 14 Board of Commissioners meeting. Projects for public comment include: Morris Family Investments (2020-712; North Freemont St. opposite 313 and 317), Home Depot (2020-713; 1837 Matthews Township Parkway), and Williams Business Properties LLC (2020-715; 1700 Weddington Road).

The Public Hearing for these projects will be the regular Board of Commissioners meeting on September 14. Public comments can be submitted before and up to 24 hours after the public hearing by email to matthews@matthewsnc.gov or by calling 704-708-1222.

To comment during the Public Hearing, by telephone or Zoom application, you must register in advance with the Town Clerk by calling (704) 708-1222 or emailing matthews@matthewsnc.gov. To make a live comment you must register no later than 4:00 pm on Monday, September 14, 2020.

News About Town: During a press conference yesterday, Governor Roy Cooper announced the transition to the reopening stage Safer at Home 2.5 this Friday, September 4th at 5 pm. Included in the phased reopening are gyms and bowling alleys with increased sanitation and reduced capacity. Bars are still unable to open. This phase remains in effect through September 22, 2020.

One Good Thing: Did you know you can request an absentee ballot online through the NC State Board of Elections website? First it will ask you to confirm that you’re an eligible voter, then you can request your ballot.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, September 1, 2020

News Around Town: Two advisory board meetings are coming up this week and next. The Veterans Advisory Committee and the Silver Line Task Force both meet tomorrow, September 2, at 7 pm. via Zoom. The Board of Adjustment meeting has been canceled. Normally we’d all be gearing up for Matthews Alive (and the Beacon’s 2nd Birthday!), but this year the annual celebration was called off due to COVID-19. .

News About Town: It’s officially Library Card Month. Library cards are the passport to your imagination, a bridge to other worlds, the flight to unlimited knowledge…and they’re free! Need something more tangible to appreciate your card's worth? Geek your number-loving heart out with the Library Worth calculator. It doesn’t take a calculator to show us the Matthews Library (230 Matthews Station Street) is invaluable. Card free? Get in on the fun here.

Creative’s Corner: Matthews Chamber of Commerce is taking their annual ArtWalk & MusicFest virtual for 2020! If you’re an artist or craftsperson, send in an application to participate online. Be a part of the event and show off your work to a whole new audience. The virtual event runs October 3 through 19. Submissions close September 19. Not a maker but want to support the event? The Chamber needs sponsors, too!

Morning Minute: Monday, August 31, 2020

News Around Town: During the August 24 Board of Commissioners meeting, Mayor John Higdon issued a proclamation for the Town of Matthews to observe Overdose Awareness Day on August 31. The purpose of the proclamation is to unite communities around the world to remember those lost to overdose, acknowledge grief, reduce the stigma surrounding drug addiction.

Thanks for the photo, Donna Muse!

News About Town: The Local Scoop is giving away free ice cream! Get a cone then post a photo of your favorite place to enjoy their fabulous flavors. Tag your photo #ScoopsAroundMatthews and @localscoopclt for a chance to win a free scoop of your choice. Follow their Facebook page for the inside scoop on other great fun. Don’t know about the Local Scoop? Find their mini location on the lawn behind Moe’s BBQ (111 Matthews Station St). Get your fix between noon to 9 pm daily.

Evening Shadow: Sonnetina by Lorraine Stark

Evening Shadow

She was as real as a beautiful rose.
Throughout the years when she wasn’t looking,
He’d sometimes just stare and wonder and think
How lucky he was to be in love with
Her and to grow old together sharing
Everything, memories, hard times and good.
Over the years he sometimes still pictured
The shadow of her youth passing his store
Remembering his wish to just speak to
Her and now their evening shadows are one.

By Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash

Morning Minute: Friday, August 28, 2020

News Around Town: Over the past four weeks, Town of Matthews Staff (special shout out to Parks and Rec!) have been working toward a facilitation program for school age children who are learning virtually. With the framework in place, the Town needed CMS’ nod of approval to move forward with the program to fulfill emergency stipulations set forth by NCDHHS during COVID-19. During the Board of Education’s meeting Tuesday, the CMS Board unanimously approved the partnership and has requested the General Assembly honor the agreement. (CMS BOE meeting, starts at time stamp 45:35)

News Around Beacon: We owe a Beacon-sized amount of gratitude to Eileen Schwartz for her art prompts over the last few months. Eileen will resume teaching at the McDowell Arts Center in September, so she’ll be sending in weekly prompts rather than daily. Eileen will continue her two art classes: Art for Adults with Disabilities (Tuesdays, 9 am - 12 pm; Matthews Residents $60, Non-Residents $65), and Art for Veterans (Wednesdays, 12:30 - 3:30 pm; free). Thank you, Eileen, for your contributions to the Beacon and to the community.

Don’t Forget: Tonight is Playhouse Bingo Night! Support the Playhouse’s integral role in the Matthews community while benefiting the Matthews HELP Center all in one fell swoop. Study up.

Morning Minute: Thursday, August 27, 2020

News Around Town: The Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) received CARES Act funding to distribute to Matthews businesses. EDAC is formulating a micro-grant relief program for Matthews small businesses and nonprofits with reimbursements up to $10,000.

News Around Town: As Hurricane Laura (Is it LAW-rah or LOOR-ruh?) heads toward Texas and Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Marco, the oil industry is preparing for storm surges by shutting down refineries and evacuating rigs. Summer travel could place a demand on gasoline. If you’re low on gas, it might be a good time to fill up simply out of caution.

One Good Thing: Creatives and nonprofits take note: ASC is hosting a Summer Funding Opportunities Info Session on Monday, August 31 from 5:30-7:30 pm via Zoom. Learn more about  Cultural Vision Grants for science, history, and heritage programming, as well as  Artist Support Grants, which support artists living in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, and Rowan Counties. RSVP to receive the link.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, August 26, 2020

News Around Town: As the Veteran’s Memorial at Stumptown Park is restored, Hooks- Orr American Legion Post 235 is also adding to the brick path inscribed with names of local veterans. If you would like to purchase an inscribed brick, order one through the Legion. Their renovation and expansion will be unveiled on Veteran’s Day (November 11) at 11 am.

News About Town: There's a reason stress balls imitate the feeling of modeling clay: the sensory experience of pulling, squishing, and forming often inspires in-the-present feelings of calm. We can all use a little more of that these days and Parks and Rec has a solution. The department is offering take and make clay kits. Each kit includes everything you need to create a clay project. The kit, priced at $10, includes everything you need to create your own clay masterpiece. Pick it up on September 19, make something fantastic to return to the Community Center on the 23rd for kiln firing. Your final piece will be ready to pick up on September 25.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, August 25, 2020

News Around Town: Faith leaders from five Matthews churches (First Baptist Matthews, Cross and Crown Lutheran, Matthews Presbyterian, Matthews United Methodist, and Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist) presented the police department with 90 $10 gift cards to Chick-Fil-A. The gift was in lieu of the annual Hug-A-Cop event traditionally held at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist in August of each year.

News Around Town: Continuing efforts to entertain the greater Matthews Community, Matthews Playhouse will host another round of BINGO this Friday at 7:30 pm. Purchase cards for $10, donate a little extra if you can, then join the crew on Facebook to play along. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Matthews HELP Center. PS: While you're on the Playhouse site, check out the upcoming fall classes the 

One Good Thing: Atrium Health will be at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist (381 Crestdale Road) this Friday to provide free COVID testing to people showing symptoms of COVID-19 or those at risk (such as exposure to large crowds). Staff will be on hand from 8 am to 2 pm and no appointment is needed.

Morning Minute: Monday, August 24, 2020

News Around Town: Mayor John Higdon wants you to know we are stronger when we work together.

(PS: Don’t forget the Board of Commissioners meeting tonight.)

News Around Town: Novant Health Matthews Medical Center has named Jason Bernd as the new president and chief operating officer. As the successor to Roland Bibeau’s position, Bernd will oversee overall hospital operations of the Novant hospital campus in Matthews.

One Good Thing: Classrooms are looking different these days, and Matthews-based Harris Teeter wants to see the most creative classrooms. Send in your Pinterest-worthy learning space. The winner will be awarded a $100 Harris Teeter gift card for the teacher and 1 $100 Harris Teeter gift card for the Together in Education school.

Morning Minute: Friday, August 21, 2020

News Around Town: Through the Town of Matthews Parks and Rec, Great Outdoors University (a NC Wildlife Federation program) is offering weekday programs at Squirrel Lake Park. Each 2-hour session is $25 for Matthews residents and will have different STEAM-based outdoor education activities. Registration is required.

One Good Thing: Backporch Treasures is always a fun shop for finding hidden gems, but did you know they reserve their super-luxe wares for the online shop? From collectable glassware to Dooney & Bourke, you’re bound to find something amazing. Even better? Lots of goodies are on sale right now!

Morning Minute: Thursday, August 20, 2020

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda is available online. Once again, the meeting will be conducted remotely. To watch live, the meeting is available via Zoom (link here, the early meeting starts at 5:30 pm and the regular meeting starts at 7 pm, Monday, August 24). A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. To listen live, call toll free 888-788-0099 and enter meeting ID 958 9659 7990. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

News Around Town: Who caught the COVID gardening bug? If you’re ready to rip out the summer crops and move onto fall vegetables, now is the time to do it. By this stage of summer, we’re usually cursing the squash vine borers and the leaf footed bugs, so a change is welcome. What can we grow in Matthews in the fall? All sorts of leafy goodness like kale and collards, and root crops like carrots and beets. Get out there to plant peas soon enough and you might get another harvest of snow peas. On the flip side, if you aren’t keen on dirt under your nails, you can still appreciate summer’s bounty at the Farmer’s Market, and look for those fall crops in the near future.