Morning Minute: Friday, September 24, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for Monday, September 27, is available online. The meeting is remote via Zoom (link here) or listen by calling toll free 888-788-0099 and entering the meeting ID 835 5381 3618. A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

The Board will meet at 5:30pm to discuss visions for the property located at 122 Matthews Station Street.

Some items of note for the 7pm meeting include, but are not limited to:

• Receive Information on Silver Line from CATS Project Manager Andy Mock;

• Discuss Sidewalk Needs;

• Consider Parklet Concept in Downtown Matthews.

Photo submission by the Duncans

News Around Town: Caliber Collision of Matthews recently partnered with the National Auto Body Council (NABC), to provide a refurbished vehicle to a deserving North Carolina veteran. NABC’s Recycled Rides program partners human services nonprofits with an insurance providers to donate a vehicle, and a collision repair center. The vehicle is serviced and rehabbed then and presented to an individual who otherwise could not afford a vehicle. Caliber restored a 2014 Toyota RAV4 and, along with Allstate, gave it to Candice Andrews-Fisher, a former specialist in the Army 14th MP Brigade and mother of five. The car will afford Candice an opportunity to regain independence as she re-establishes stable housing, care for her children, and a return to work.

One Fun Thing: Last year, Atrium provided the town with thousands of reusable cloth masks.  While many have been given out, the town still has some available. These white cotton masks come in unopened packages of 5. If your neighborhood HOA would like to be a distribution site, contact Chief Rob Kinniburgh of Matthews Fire & EMS.

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 23, 2021

News About Town: Matthews Fire & EMS has been taking time recently to familiarize themselves with the many apartment complexes in town. While Engine 22 A shift was training at The Address Galleria a group of kids offered cool relief and shared ice pops with the crew. Now that’s gratitude!

Photo submission by Vivian Brenner

News Around Town: Covenant Day girls varsity basketball team has a new coach. Terence Jordan recently left Charlotte Latin for the position at the Matthews private school. Terence has a degree in sports management and a masters in education. Having led the Latin JV team to two championship titles as coach, Covenant Day can expect great things in their varsity team’s future.

One Fun Thing: Habitat and Wildlife Keepers (HAWK) needs your help. Fall Into Nature is coming up Saturday, Oct 16 at Squirrel Lake Park. The ecologically minded nonprofit needs volunteers to help set up, man tables, and any other needs that may arise. The event celebrates getting into and enjoying nature through fun and games. Sign up here—whatever amount of time you can give is appreciated!

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 22, 2021

News About Town: About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime and there is a chance that about 1 in 1,000 men will during their lifetime as well.  The Matthews Police Department would like to remind the community that early detection through regular checkups is paramount in the fight against breast cancer. Once again Chief Pennington has allowed  the Matthews Police to wear the Pink ‘n Blue tees under their uniforms for October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Support the department’s campaign by purchasing a shirt of your own (cash only; small to XL $20) with proceeds going to the Novant Health Mobile Mammography Unit to help fund checkups for women who can not afford them. Contact Officer Dustin Ay at day@matthewsnc.gov or 704.841.6740 or Sgt. Darren Snyder at dsnyder@matthewsnc.gov or 704.841.6703.  

Photo submission by Mabel Garner-Lybrand

News Around Town: The Matthews Human Services Council is hosting the Nancy Glenn Community Service Award ceremony this Monday, September 27. Join the Human Services Council at noon at the Historic Reid House, 134 West John St, for the ceremony.

This year’s honoree is Natisha Rivera-Patrick. Natisha continually works toward a more equitable Matthews community and her experience proves that commitment: President and CEO of Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity, Chair of the Town Cultural Diversity Committee, former President of the Matthews Rotary Club, and co-founder of the Matthews Affordable Housing Alliance (to name a few roles). Natisha’s name will join The Master Plaque, which hangs at Matthews Town Hall, and includes the names of each of the Nancy Glenn Award recipients from over the last 25 years.

One Fun Thing: Early voting starts October 14 at the Mecklenburg Board of Elections headquarters in Charlotte (741 Kenilworth Ave Suite 202). The BOE site hours vary but are open weekdays as well as weekends during early voting. The early voting site in Matthews will open on October 23 at the Matthews Library. That site will be open 8am to 3pm on Saturdays (October 23 and 30) and 1 to 4pm on Sunday, October 24. 

Cracker Jacks, a poem by Lorraine Stark

Cracker Jacks

I had a craving for a snack
Finally I selected Jack
Twas such a sweet and good flashback
Three in a stack, sold in a pack

Inside they still offer a prize
To my delight, to my surprise
Holly Mackerel—the same size
Better than fries, better than fries

Same sailor in his outfit blue
Old friend sealed with familiar glue
I’m happy that I ate it too
“What did I do?” “There’s none for you.”

by Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash

Morning Minute: Tuesday, September 21, 2021

News About Town: The Town Planning Department has been reaching out to residents of the eastern part of Matthews (the area between Windrow and Mint' Hill’s Stevens Creek Nature Preserve) since early this year to get a gauge on what neighbors want to see developed in the area. From this research, combined with local planning expertise, the town is developing the Eastern Gateway Plan. The planning department presented their thoughts and findings to the Board of Commissioners during the 5:30pm meeting on September 13, which includes single family housing closest to the Windrow neighborhood and transitions to mixed-use and multi-family housing closer to I-485. There was some discussion among the board of including affordable housing within the plan as well as outreach to the adjoining towns to better understand what to expect across town borders. View the presentation here (approximately the first 36 minutes of the recording).

News Around Town Part I: Due to storms in the area, the Matthews HELP Center has rescheduled their annual golf tournament for October 11.

Part II: Some sort of odd TikTok challenge has bathrooms closed in area schools. Students are participating in “Devious Licks,” which is another way to say theft or destruction, which is causing costly damage. According to Crestdale Middle Principal Jennifer Schroeder, “All of the bathrooms in our school were vandalized, which included the breaking or stealing of soap dispensers, stealing soap from the dispensers, or throwing objects into the toilets.” TikTok has since removed the tag #deviouslick as a method to prevent videos from going viral, but locally Principal Schroeder is asking for help, “We are at school to focus on instruction, and to provide a positive and safe environment for all. Please speak with your child about this tonight, and explain to them the importance of their actions and the effects of those actions on others.”

One Fun Thing: Esports, aka competitive video gaming, is a growing industry with over $1 billion in annual revenue. Whether you fall into the “it is a sport” or “it isn’t a sport” camp, esports are competitive fun. This fall, Matthews Parks and Rec is dipping their toes in the gaming realm this fall, offering recreational and competitive leagues and tournaments. Stay tuned…it’s gonna be fun.

Morning Minute: Monday, September 20, 2021

News About Town: N.C. Department of Transportation subcontractors will start a full depth pavement reclamation project tomorrow, Sept. 21, on Morningwood Dr. Barricades have been in place for several months to discourage cut through traffic and the road will have additional barricades as a reminder that only local traffic should use the road during construction. The process includes grinding up and recycling the existing roadway into the compacted base layer then applying new asphalt on top. Construction is anticipated to be complete by mid-October. Citizens with questions can contact the NCDOT resident engineer office at 980-523-0080.

News Around Town: Travel through time with It’s About Time: An exhibit of Clocks and Watches now through January 22, 2022. Learn about the history of keeping time while viewing a variety of watches and clocks, some dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. Don’t miss the Goofy watch and the Seth Thomas clocks. The Museum is located at 232 N. Trade Street, Matthews.  Hours of operation are Thursday to Saturday from 10 to 4:30 p.m.  Admission charged, except for the first Saturday of every month.

One Good Thing: September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month, a month to highlight the contributions Americans who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, Central America, South American and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean have made to American society. The Town is closing out the month with Musica Matthews, a Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Stumptown Park (120 S. Trade St.). The event will have Hispanic visual artists and musicians sharing their talents. Want to participate? Contact Event Coordinator Lee Anne Moore at lamoore@matthewsnc.gov for more info. 

Don’t forget the fun contest to support and celebrate The Loyalist’s commitment to their employees and the Matthews community! Let us know what your favorite menu or retail item at The Loyalist is and why you love it. We’ll draw two names and each winner will receive a $50 gift card for the restaurant. Contest closes Tuesday, September 21 at 5pm.

Morning Minute: Friday, September 17, 2021

News About Town: During the Monday, September 13 Board of Commissioners meeting the board granted a waiver on the standard one-year moratorium for rezoning requests on the same property. In April of this year True Homes was denied rezoning for a parcel that would sandwich the future Greylock Extension. The homebuilders came back asking permission to reapply. The project was considered substantially different since True Homes is now combining property with Lat Purser on the 63-acre parcel at East John and I-485 known as Wingate Commons.

News Around Town: The Loyalist, a cut-to-order cheese and charcuterie shop offering local farm and artisanal food products, sandwiches, salads, small plates, beer, wine, is hitting the nationwide restaurant staffing challenge head on. By recognizing $15 an hour is barely a livable wage, Chris Sottile, the owner, is raising each item on the menu by $1, which will allow him to provide full-time staff with a $2 an hour raise. Chris expands on the “why” and how that equates to living in Mecklenburg County in a video he posted on Facebook. Chris explains that giving his staff a better life provides a better restaurant experience. 

Now, if you’ve read this far, we have a fun contest to support and celebrate The Loyalist’s investment in Matthews! Let us know what your favorite menu or retail item at The Loyalist is and why you love it. We’ll draw two names and each winner will receive a $50 gift card for the restaurant. Contest closes Tuesday, September 21 at 5pm.

One Fun Thing: The annual fundraiser for Matthews Free Medical Clinic is going virtual this October and tickets are on sale now. Hearts & Hands 2021 is a virtual cocktail event that includes an exclusive link to the evening’s program plus party supplies delivered to attendees within 20 miles of the downtown Matthews clinic. For $150 attendees will receive a charcuterie board, wine and all the supplies needed for a party of two. The Event Host Party Package ($1000) includes a Deluxe Charcuterie Board, wine and all the supplies needed for a party of eight. In addition, there is a host gift, swag bags for your guests and instructions on how to host the perfect event in your home. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information or to reserve your event package now, please contact Amy Carr at acarr@matthewsfmc.org, call 704-841-8882 ext 1020 or click purchase now.

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 16, 2021

News About Town: Town of Matthews Stormwater Supervisor Mike Ortlieb played detective earlier this week. When Mike found a wallet on the side of the road he looked inside to find the owner. The license showed an out of town address. The wallet also contained $400 in cash, credit cards, insurance cards, and treasured photos. Without a local address to go by, Mike started asking around in the area and eventually found the owner to return the wallet. The owner, Terri Morrison-Duncan, posted to the Town’s Facebook page,  “It is employees like Mike who give our town a great reputation, I am so proud to be a part of a town like Matthews. Even before this, I have heard many people say how well the Matthews staff handles the town’s needs. This incident shows the bar is set high for the town employees. Once again, I want to thank Mike for showing integrity, honesty, and escalating the reputation of the town of Matthews.”

News Around Town: Harris Teeter shoppers may notice a change in hours starting yesterday, September 15, until further notice. Store Hours of Operations will be 6am to 9pm. Inside the stores, the Fresh Foods Market Service Counter and Butchers & Fisherman's Market Service Counters will close at 8pm. Other amenities will close at 7pm. The stores also offer two hours every Monday and Thursday morning from 6 to 8am as senior shopping hours for shoppers aged 60 and over. 

One Fun Thing: Matthews' own Santa Bob (@bobaycock) is trying out the title "Mr. Halloween" by dusting off his skeletal pal Vincent Van Bones over on Instagram. When you need a break from the WFH grind, check out the antics of Vincent and his Halloweeny bird pals. It's officially spooky season!

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 15, 2021

News About Town: With just over 2,000 linear feet of sidewalk gaps throughout Matthews, incomplete sidewalks are a pedestrian concern. Soon one section will be filled in. The Board approved $59,777 (plus $6,000 contingency) to connect the 200' gap in front of the Fincher Farm House on McKee Road. Susan Habina-Woolard, Town Engineer, explained the intricacies of coordinating a Century Farm property, mature landscaping, and developer-installed sidewalks. Commissioner Jeff Miller recalled concerns from the residents of Windsor Run during his last campaign season, emphasizing the need to complete the sidewalk. Funds were allocated from the Sidewalk Construction Fund and work will be completed by DOT Construction Inc., the firm that recently completed the Crestdale Heritage Trail. 200' down, 1,800'+ to go.

News Around Town: Greenwood, a historical drama, set in Tulsa, OK, starts on the day of May 30th, 1921; the day leading up to the Black Wall Street massacre, will be on the Matthews Playhouse stage this weekend. Written by Coolidge Harris II and directed by Elizabeth Flax, Greenwood was the Winner of the African American Playwrights Group 2021 Playwright's Festival. In the play, Lucile and Red-Manning, owners of a boarding house located in the heart of the Greenwood district, realize they are both intricately linked to and threatened by a guest at their boarding house. Through a love story, Greenwood navigates the undercurrent of racial inequities on the most violent day in Black American history. There are three shows this weekend: Friday, September 17th @ 7:30pm, Saturday, September 18th @ 2:00pm (talkback afterwards) and Saturday, September 18th @ 8:00pm. Tickets are available online here. 

One Good Thing: This Friday, September 17, from 4 to 6:30pm, support Butler High School Baseball's BBQ Fall Festival Fundraiser. The team will have a dunk tank, raffles, and kids games for entertainment. Buy a $20 ticket for food and receive a pound of BBQ, rolls, cole slaw, and chips. The event is at the school, 1810 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd.

Ruby - a poem by Lorraine Stark

Ruby

July’s birthstone the ruby
Pretty in a piece of jewelry
I don’t want the same shade
To appear on my face
As the temperature rise
It pricks my skin like cactus
This trademark of the seventh
Month accompanied by
Two best friends heat and
Humidity I would gladly
Exchange its representation
To the ice of a diamond
Just the thought brings relief
As I finger paint a picture from
Condensation that envelops
My ruby red glass

By Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash photography

Morning Minute: Monday, September 13, 2021

News About Town: The town is recognizing former and current residents who have served or are serving in the military. Through the Town of Matthews Military Hometown Heroes Banner Program, current service members and those who have been honorably discharged may be recognized on a vinyl banner each Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The collection of banners will be displayed along John and Trade Streets, each with a photo of a service member and their name as well as branch and rank of military served. Know a service member to honor? Find out more here. The first round of applications closes Wednesday, September 15.

News Around Town: The Matthews HELP Center’s 10th Annual Golf “Fore” Families is coming up and today (September 13) is the last day to register. The event will be on September 21 at Raintree Country Club and lunch and dinner will be provided. Funds raised benefit housing assistance for those in need in the greater Matthews area.. 

One Good Thing: Wednesday, September 22 is World Car Free Day. Take the day to  experience a car-free lifestyle. Work from home, bike to the store, and walk to a friend’s house. Use the City of Charlotte trip planner and take the #27 bus up Monroe Rd into MoRa for some fun.

Morning Minute: Friday, September 10, 2021

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners meeting agenda for Monday, June 14, is available online. The meeting is remote via Zoom (link here, meeting ID 867 8602 6098) or listen by calling toll free 888-788-0099 and enter the meeting ID 867 8602 6098. A livestream of the meeting will also be available via the Town of Matthews YouTube Channel. For more information, including the process for public comment, visit the town website.

The Board will meet at 5:30pm to discuss the eastern gateway small area plan. This plan is a draft document outlining appropriate uses for undeveloped properties at Idlewild and I-485.

Some items of note for the 7pm meeting include, but are not limited to:

• Considering a request to waive the One Year Moratorium for Rezoning Action at 1205 E. John Street;

• An opportunity for the board to provide feedback for the potential redevelopment of land around the vacant movie theater on Independence Blvd;

• Discussion of the McKee Road Sidewalk Gap.

News Around Town: Tryon Medical is the Charlotte area’s largest independent multi-specialty medical practice, and 100% owned by doctors. This Monday, September 13, Tryon Medical Partners is moving into their new and expanded Matthews medical clinic. The new offices are located in the completely renovated Rite Aid building, 630 Matthews Township Parkway, which has been transformed into an easily accessible, 11,000 foot clinic with ample parking. At first the clinic will have five doctors and a certified physician assistant. Later this fall the clinic will also offer care in cardiology, dermatology and endocrinology. 

One Good Thing: The American Farmland Trust is holding their annual Farmers’ Market Celebration Competition and the Matthews Community Farmers’ Market is a contender. This year the competition has three monetary prizes: $2,500 for first, $1,500 for second, and $1,000 for third to aid in marketing, communications, and other needs that help expand the market’s reach and impact. Show them some local love by voting here. 

Morning Minute: Thursday, September 9, 2021

News About Town: Charlotte artist Eva Crawford has work on display in the upstairs lobby at Matthews Town Hall, 232 Matthews Station St. Crawford’s watercolor series “See of Humanity” depicts collages of detailed faces showing, the preciousness of all humanity. According to the artist, “The compositions become forever mended on one sheet of paper. These paintings are a prayer that together we can bond beyond socio-economic, racial, or political variances and perhaps see each other more clearly as our differences are embraced and celebrated.”

News Around Town: Locavores celebrate! Renfrow Farms’ has been harvesting summer veggies and will have tomatoes, okra, eggplant, and a few other items at the hardware store (188 N Trade St) by late morning this Friday. While you’re there, check out David’s newest antique score--a collection of hand tools and farm fare from a now-defunct local Matthews farm.

One Good Thing: Thursdays are $20 Dozens Days at Your Mom’s Donuts, 11025 Monroe Rd, Ste F and this week it’s cake week. Choose from an assortment of cake-inspired donuts like the Black Forest donut (chocolate cake and tart cherry cocoa cream make the base, followed by a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate ganache, topped with a brandied cherry) and a Keep Pound(cake)ing (a Panther’s-inspired lemon glaze with blueberry lemon pound cake chunks and a streak of blueberry jam drizzle over top of a classic donut).

Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 8, 2021

News About Town: The town is accepting applications for tourism grants through September 27, 2021. These grants provide financial assistance to non-profits that promote visitation and tourism in Matthews. After the deadline, the Parks, Rec, and Cultural Advisory Committee will review applications and make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Have an interest but need some questions answered? Email Parks & Rec Director Corey King at cking@matthewsnc.gov.

Last year, grants were awarded in the following amounts: Charlotte City Ballet: $4,500; Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association: $13,500; Matthews Chamber of Commerce: $7,918; Charlotte Junior Rugby Association: $14,500; and Matthews Playhouse: $40,850; totaling $81,268. Tourism grant award amounts should equal 5% of the tourism revenue from the previous fiscal year. According to the 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the town board approved a  $1,497,937 tourism budget for Fiscal Year 2021. With consideration of the impact of COVID-19 on tourism income (like tax revenue from meals and lodging), grants may roughly total just under $75,000.

News Around Town: On Saturday, August 28, Victoria Crocker honored and remembered her grandmother, who passed away from colorectal cancer, and other loved ones impacted by cancer by displaying luminaries on the Town Green in front of Matthews Town Hall. Crocker participated in the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Lights of Hope Across America, an event to raise awareness toward policy changes needed in cancer care. Usually held in Washington, DC, the 2021 event was held in locations throughout all 50 states as well as Guam and Puerto Rico. To see Crocker’s display featured as part of the nationwide event, tune in on September 18 at 4pm at www.fightcancer.org/lights.

One Good Thing: Tacos deserve more than one day a week, especially when there are tasty options like Banh Mi Tofu and Crispy Chicken BLT. White Duck Taco in downtown Matthews (131 East John St) has all the options to make taste buds tingle from tortilla wrapped delights. With plenty of fresh air dining and mask-compliant staff, dining out feels almost normal.

Perpetual Motion - a poem by Lorraine Stark

Perpetual Motion

I pace and
And check to
See
Did time go by
Any faster for
Me
Impatiently I log
The hours
Like a captain
On his ship
So soon they
Lapse and become
Another
Twenty four hours
In a day
Hurry, hurry
Each minute ticks
Away
Per chance in
The midst of
My rush
I will hear the
Echo of my heart
Beating, faster and
Faster
And I will let
Out a sigh
And make a
Promise
For tomorrow
To slow down
And just play
Without counting
Hours, minutes, seconds
If only for a day
I will set
My own rhythm
And dance
With the gift of
Time
And not the
Clock

By Lorraine Stark

Image via Unsplash photographer @anynieel