Morning Minute: Thursday, June 13, 2019

News About Town: On Monday night, the Matthews Board of Commissioners approved the budget for Fiscal Year 19/20. The $25,640,229 budget is a 2.95% increase over last year’s budget. The tax rate for FY19/20 is $.28 per $100 valuation, a lower rate than last year, but a higher payment for those with property value increases from the real. Capital Improvement Plan projects include equipment for the Fire Department ($40,000) and police ($15,000). There is $108,000 for improvements to the parking lot at Purser Hulsey and the possible addition of a dog park, $80,000 for a multi-use path on Sam Newell, $22,000 for a multi-use path along Pleasant Plains. The downtown parking lot project is still in debate, so those funds are listed as general downtown improvements ($482,000). There is also $80,000 for public safety. From the General Fund, the Matthews Police Department will add six new officers (two of which will be patrol officers) and the full-time (non-volunteer) staffing model for Matthews Fire & EMS is fully funded.

News Around Town: With school out, the Matthews Police Department is reminding parents to teach kids gun safety. In a Facebook post, the department states, “Whether you are a gun owner or not, you need to educate yourself and your family about gun safety. If your child sees a gun while visiting someone's home or in their vehicle this summer, do they know what to do? If they ask you, do you know what to tell them?” The Matthews Police Department is a Project ChildSafe partner and distributes their free safety kits, which include a cable-style gun lock and safety instructions. If you’re not a gun owner, but need help talking to your kids about gun safety, Project ChildSafe also has plenty of resources to get the conversation going.

One Good Thing: Meet the neighbors of Crestdale and learn a little of the area’s history firsthand this Saturday, June 15. The Crestdale community will be hosting Crestdale Day at the United House of Prayer for All People. Stop by between 11 am and 2 pm for some great conversation and neighborly fun.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, June 12, 2019

News About Town: Last night the Town Council discussed a Special Assessment for four roads in the Streamside Subdivision. The Special Assessment is the process determined by the NCGA for homeowners to petition the town for the needed improvements. The streets were built by private developer Simmons & Beyers, LLC, but were not completed to town standards. Between 2012 and 2014, the town and the developer tried finding an agreement so the town could take over and begin upkeep. That agreement was never reached and now the streets, stormwater drainage, and sidewalks are in disrepair. The issue will come back before the Board at their Monday, July 8 regular meeting.

News Around Town: With warm weather comes more frequent grilling. Make sure you stay safe and actually get to eat that burger. {If the fire department has to pay you a visit, it’s likely everything will end up wet and not in a fun, pool party kind of way.}
We asked Fire Chief Kinniburgh for some safety tips. He advised to make sure your grill is on stable ground and keep it away from pine needles and dry grass. Additionally, if you’re using charcoal, let it cool down in a metal container with a metal lid away from flammable liquids and materials. Mecklenburg County's Wipe Out Waste added once the charcoal is completely cooled, toss it in your rollout garbage bin.

One Good Thing: If you’re a fan of dried meat, today is your day: Happy National Jerky Day! Head to the closest gas station, grab a handful of heavily salted protein, and throw the confetti. It’s time to celebrate!

2810[high]5: Places to Level Up Your Inner Nerd

A. Pennyworth’s Comics: Just like Alfred Pennyworth is a stable presence in the life of Bruce Wayne, so has A. Pennyworth’s Comics, News, and Collectibles been to Matthews. Celebrating their 20-year anniversary in September, A. Pennyworth’s offers new and old comics and collectibles from your favorite tv show, movie, and (of course!)comic book. Whether you’re Team Batman, Team Superman, or Team Not Sure Who to Root For, your Inner Nerd will enjoy questing through the racks of comics, graphic novels, and other pop culture items inside the shop.

11025 Monroe Road, Ste. D Matthews, North Carolina 28105

AMF Carolina Lanes: Does thinking of the bowling alley conjure up more of your Inner

Dude than your Inner Nerd? At AMF in Matthews, you don’t need to worry whether or not

your mystery block lands on your Big Lebowski or your Big Daddy- both can have a

great time. In addition to bowling, Matthews’ favorite bowling alley also includes an

extensive arcade with both new and classic video games for your Inner Nerd to dedicate

some time to leveling up.

11210 Brigman Rd, Matthews, NC 28105

Temple Mojo: Is your Inner Nerd more the drinking and knowing things type? TempleMojo frequently hosts themed trivia nights where you can prove both of those skills. Past themes have included The Avengers, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Game of Thrones. Plus, Temple Mojo has 26 beers on tap, so whether you fancy yourself a Lannister, a Stark, a Dothraki, or a Wildling, they have plenty of choices to fill up your cup.

195 N Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105

Charlotte Academy of Music: It may be too late to invest in a magic wand and send your own Inner Nerd off to Hogwarts, but for one magical, spellbinding week this summer, your child can experience the wizarding world of Harry Potter at the CharlotteAcademy of Music’s Harry Potter summer camp. They will start their week off meetingHogwarts famous sorting hat and learn once and for all whether they really are a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw. Once placed into their individual houses, campers will spend their time creating Harry Potter inspired art. Camp will end with an exhibition for family and friends and the announcing of the winner of the House Cup. Two sessions of camp are still available!

15040 Idlewild Rd Suite C, Matthews, NC 28104

NerdsToGo: Is your inner nerd still a technology newb? That’s okay, NerdsToGo has you covered. If you find your inner (or outer) nerd is facing a technology monster that’s above their player level, contact NerdsToGo. With their home office located in Matthews, NerdsToGo will travel to you and offers maintenance and repair services for your computer or smart device.

3521 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Matthews, NC 28105

Morning Minute: Tuesday, June 11, 2019

News About Town: Last night, before the regular Board of Commissioners meeting, the council met with Alta Planning for a presentation on preliminary findings with the downtown mobility study.  Alta staff presented data showing no shortage of parking in downtown, but a shortage of parking close to the entrances of business. One suggested solution is to look into joint parking with private businesses. As an example, Carrboro leases more than half of their public parking from private developers. Alta also presented ideas to connect sidewalks through downtown, such as making the striped portion of the former BB&T into a multi-use path. 

News Around Town: Jansen’s Hallmark, a family-and locally-owned Hallmark shop in Matthews Festival, is closing business. Opened in 1981, the shop has been a mainstay for Matthews. According to comments on Facebook, the availability of Hallmark products beyond the stores, as well as the increasing popularity of online shopping contributed to the closure.

One Fun Thing: One day into summer break and kids are already complaining of boredom. Enter the library! Along with their summer break challenge, each branch has free activities planned. While many of the activities for Matthews are already full, it’s worth checking out and snagging those last available spots. Slaying the boredom monster on a budget? Yes, please!

Morning Minute: Monday, June 10, 2019

News About Town: As Matthews comes to terms with the imminent elimination of the Idlewild/51 roundabout, questions remain both about the short lifespan of the roundabout and the future of the gateway sign planned for that location. NCDOT designed the roundabout for a 10-year design period, at which time they assumed the roundabout would work with a widened 51. Now that the engineering is underway, NCDOT anticipates the car capacity will exceed that of the roundabout. Since 2017, Matthews and Mint Hill have been working collaboratively toward a gateway sign for the roundabout. The sign (design and construction) was estimated at $67,000 (with landscaping the total combined cost for both towns totaled close to $100,000) and has been approved by NCDOT for installation. Now, with the impending widening, the sign would only stand for six to seven years. At the May 28 council meeting, the Board instructed town engineers to redesign the area with a less expensive sign in a way that is more focused on landscaping.

News Around Town: Get out your binoculars to see Jupiter's four largest moons. While relatively easy to see throughout June, tonight is the night to really get a glimpse. That is, if the clouds can clear for the night. If not, NASA has your back. Download the Eyes on the Solar System app for an up-close look at Jupiter that feels like you're on the Juno spacecraft.

One Fun Thing: This Saturday, get a head start on your National Pollinator Week (June 17 – 23, 2019) celebrations at the Matthews Farmers' Market. The Matthews chapter of Bee City USA will be at the market with their honey bee observation hive. Apiculturists will be there, totally ready to share their knowledge and spread the pollinator love. June 1, 8 am-noon, Matthews Farmers' Market, 188 N Trade St.

Morning Minute: Friday, June 7, 2019

All the Fun Things (that we know about):  A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum opens tonight at Matthews Playhouse. The show made it to ASC's Culture Picks for the week, and with all the rain we’re expecting this one’s the Beacon’s Best Bet. It’s indoors, the theater has had tremendous tech upgrades over the past year, and the talent is always top notch. Just make sure you carry an umbrella for the short walk from the parking lot to the Community Center (100 East McDowell Street).

If the storms start and end early, get on over to North End’s The Loyalist for Coffee, Cars, and Charcuterie, a Father’s Day handmade pop-up event. 

Don't forget the art reception on Sunday (June 9) from 2 til 4 pm at McDowell Arts Center. Touch the art, snack on light refreshments, make art.

Charlotte-based Carolina Lacrosse Association will be in full force this weekend at the Sportsplex. The Big South Summer Classic tournament will be on five adjacent fields this Saturday and Sunday, provided the rain holds out.

#ThrowbackThursday: May 4, 2006

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called Matthews News and Record and The Matthews Record) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This article was originally published May 4, 2006 and was written by Jane Rosinski.

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Mass Transit/High Density Development: Do they mesh in Matthews?

Balancing a desire for mass transit with its corresponding call for high density development is the dilemma currently facing Matthews Town Commissioners. Mayor Lee Myers questioned the council’s support for transit in Matthews after last months 4-3 vote to deny a high density apartment complex near the Sam Newell park and ride station.

The Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC) emphasizes the need for Transit Oriented Development near transit lines, and Myers pointed out that if Matthews wants this technology, supportive action through zoning is essential. “If we don’t get the density to support transit, we might not get any,” he said, reminding the board that neither light rail or bus rapid transit is a ‘done deal,’ with much competition for federal funding.

Discussion about the Southeast Transit Corridor followed a status report from Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) officials. Recommendations to the MTC on alignments, station locations and technology are expected to be made in June, and Myers wanted to clarify the board’s stance.

Commissioner James Taylor acknowledged the board may have sent a mixed signal with its recent zoning decision, but asserted that the question of how high is too high for Matthews remains when it comes to living units per acre. Is 14 units an acceptable standard, or, once approved, would council learn that that still isn’t high enough to meed federal guidelines, asked Taylor. Commissioner Kress Query, while favoring light rail, rejects the higher density requisites. “I don’t think we have enough vacant land in Matthews to provide the density CATS wants,” Query said.

“I am not selling out the town for mass transit,” said Commissioner Paul Bailey, who rejects any apartment plan and urged supporters to use what’s already in place.

Although no action was taken, Myers reminded the council that while transit doesn’t drive everything, traffic continues to be citizens’ top concern.

Morning Minute: Thursday, June 6, 2019

News About Town: The Council met this week to discuss the budget further. Between meetings, the Town Manager trimmed $125,000 from the original recommended budget. Present commissioners questioned the need for the parking lot on Charles Street, the need for longevity pay, and suggested the use of an infrastructure bond for improvement projects. The trick to the budget is figuring out a number that keeps resident’s tax bills as close to what they paid last year while funding all of the sidewalks, multi-use paths, among other amenities (Capital Improvement Projects or CIP).

News Around Town:  2016 census data shows 76.3% of Americans commute alone by car.  According to a recent study, "15,832 work here and live outside of Matthews; 12,125 live here and work outside of Matthews; and 894 both work and live in Matthews."  That means the overwhelming majority of Matthews residents who work, commute outside of town to their jobs. That also explains the traffic that’s a populart topic for Matthews. One way to pitch in? Join Sustain Charlotte for their clean commute challenge, Way2Go Charlotte. Despite all the CLT mentions, Matthews residents are allowed (nay, encouraged) to participate.  A larger number of commuters carpooling, riding transit, and biking can dramatically reduce cars on the roadway and alleviate some of the congestion.

One Fun Thing: Join Matthews Park and Rec for a gallery reception this Sunday (June 9) from 2 til 4 pm at McDowell Arts Center. Meet the artists and participate in an interactive work of art entitled Friendge. Light refreshments will be provided.

Creature Feature: What's That in My Backyard?

“While we typically associate them with the southwestern United States, because of temperature increases they’ve been able to expand their territories to include more northern and eastern states. The N.C. Commission has reported sightings of the armadillos in 27 counties, including Mecklenburg.”

A photo of a nine-banded armadillo taken by Flickr user Between the Lakes

It’s a rabbit. No-it’s a pig. No - it’s...it’s...an armadillo?

That’s right, the Carolinas are currently in the midst of a slow motion invasion by these four-legged strangers in armor, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission needs your help to track their whereabouts.

Native to Central and South America, the National Wildlife Federation states that due to climate change, nine-banded armadillos have been expanding their territories for at least the last 100 years. While we typically associate them with the southwestern United States, because of temperature increases they’ve been able to expand their territories to include more northern and eastern states. The N.C. Commission has reported sightings of the armadillos in 27 counties, including Mecklenburg.

One of twenty different species of armadillo, the nine-band is the only species native to the United States and is named for the nine fashionable bands that run across its midsection. In Spanish, the term armadillo translates to “little armored one”, an obvious reference to these striking armored plates covering their back, head, legs, and tail.

In the Aztec language, their name translates to the fitting description “turtle-rabbit”, probably because of their pointy ears and shell.  However, if we were to name them today, we might call the nine-banded armadillo “turtle-pig”. Their snout and size resembles that of a small pig, and they are known to grunt while they forage for food. They eat insects, small reptiles and amphibians, bird eggs, and sometimes plants. An adult typically weighs about 12 lbs and is about 2.5 feet long. They are primarily nocturnal.

A photo of a nine-banded armadillo taken by Flickr user Robert Nunnally

Most of what we think we know about armadillos is actually wrong. Only one species of armadillo, the Brazilian three-banded armadillo, is able to roll itself into a ball. It’s true that armadillos are the only other animal besides human that can contract leprosy, but cases of it being transmitted between armadillos is rare. That mostly only happens on episodes of House.

Even though they don’t turn themselves into animal bowling balls, nine-banded armadillos do have their own unique traits. They almost always give birth to quadruplets: four identical offspring. When startled, they jump straight into the air, making them a danger on roadways and giving them the less than affectionate title of “hillbilly speed bump”.

If you do see an armadillo, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission wants you to report on its whereabouts by snapping a picture and uploading it to the free online platform, iNaturalist. You can do so by visiting iNaturalist.org or by downloading the free app. Alternatively, you can also send your photo, the armadillo’s location, and the date and time you saw it to armadillo@ncwildlife.org.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, June 5, 2019

 News About Town: Tomorrow, June 6 at 4:00 p.m., Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon and Commissioner Barabara Dement will host a Facebook Live event on the Town of Matthews page. Submit your questions on their post here prior to the Q&A and tune in to hear their responses.

News About Town: At the last Town Council meeting, the commissioners voted to approve Historic Designation for the Craftsman-style Barnum A. Sustare house on West Matthews St. The Sustare family was instrumental in recognizing the importance of transportation for the development of Matthews. This understanding was one of the reasons Sustare’s pool (aka Matthews Country Club) attracted people from all over the region.  The home has a fascinating history, too lengthy to be summarized in a paragraph. Learn more here.

ne Fun Thing: This Friday, June 7, the Charlotte Symphony will return to Stumptown Park. The prelude act starts at 7 and the symphony starts at 8:15. Get there early and stake out your spot, the lawn gets packed.  Want to know what they’re playing? Check it out.

2810[high]5: Flowers to Forage

Edible flowers are a delicate way to add variety to your palate, and when they’re in abundance and right outside your door, then why not? Eat them fresh on a salad, or make a simple syrup. This is a basic recipe. I tend to use a full cup of flowers per cup of water.

Some quick etiquette for your foraging expedition: don’t take all of what you find, someone else may forage there, too; make sure it’s not an area that’s sprayed with herbicide; if you’re harvesting from a heavily traveled roadside, make sure you’re 30-feet or more from the road.

As always, make sure you know exactly what you’re harvesting.

Chive Blossoms: This one is less “foraging” and more scouring the garden for what’s in bloom. While the other flowers on this list lend a sweeter flavor profile, chive blossoms provide a savory component to the spectrum of edible flowers. Pour white vinegar over a handful of blossoms for a delicious (fuchsia!) salad vinegar, add to savory crepes, sprinkle on a salad—use chive blossoms for a mild hint of onion.

Dandelion: I know, I know, your HOA wants them gone, the bees want them for pollen, and now I’m telling you to eat them. It’s easy to find recipes for this sunny flower—wine, fritters, syrup, and jam. Pickle the buds before they open for a locavore take on capers.

Image via Unsplash

Elderflowers: The large umbels are cheering up roadside ditches everywhere right now. You may have tried the flavor while drinking a St. Germain-based cocktail or in a hot tea. The flowers are considered medicinal by many, and similar in use to the elderberry. Can’t find the time to forage? These you can find dried at the Matthews Farmers’ Market!

Honeysuckle: Invasive honeysuckle is an easy one to identify. Dry some in a dehydrator (or in an oven on the lowest setting with the oven door open) for a tasty tea. One hot cup of honeysuckle tea is a throat-soothing reminder of summer in the dead of winter. Or make a refreshing syrup for homemade sodas and popsicles!

Image via Unsplash

Linden: Blossoms on the linden trees are just starting to appear. As with all flowers, syrup is a popular go-to. Linden (or tilia) is also popular as an evening tea; sit down with a cup when you’re ready to wind down for the day. Another common recipe is to preserve the flowers in honey for a pancake topping. Use the syrup in place of gin for a mocktail twist on the classic gin and tonic.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, June 4, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews is encouraging residents to Know Your No’s in the recycling bin. As more and more recycling is trashed due to contamination, it’s important to know what those contaminants are. What are the No’s? No tanglers (such as wires, hoses, etc.), no scrap metal, no plastic film (including bags, but some “film” can be recycled with bags at retail recycling locations like Target), no food (try composting?), no hazardous and medical waste (not only is it dangerous, there are actual people handling your recycling along the way), no textiles, no bagged recyclables (because the bags can’t be recycled and it makes more work for the people at the facility).

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News Around Town:  During tonight’s regular meeting, the County Board of Commissioners will vote on whether to adopt the amended budget. This budget will determine the county’s property tax rate for Matthews. If approved, the budget will take effect July 1, 2019. If you can’t make it but want to be in the know, the meetings are broadcast online. Meetings are held at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E 4th St, Charlotte, 28202.

One Fun Thing:  This Saturday, June 8 join Good Cup Coffee for the Father's Day pop-up at the Loyalist. Make a mixed 6-pack of beers from the cooler inside, then head outdoors for some locally-sourced handmade wares! Shop from 6 till 9 PM in the courtyard beside the market. Then go check out the car show in our parking lot with a cold coffee drink!

Matthews Last Week Today

Last week’s events throughout Matthews included several significant topics: transportation, affordable housing, and local food. Here are a few snapshots from each.

Last week Alta Design, a consultant for the Town of Matthews, hosted several workshops and open work sessions to provide residents with the opportunity for input in transportation within the downtown Matthews footprint. If you couldn’t make it to one of the sessions, watch the Facebook Live video presented by Town of Matthews Transportation Planner Dana Stoogenke, AICP, and John Cock, Alta Design + Planning VP.

Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity held a home dedication for their most recently completed home. This home was part of the Sandy Marano Memorial Women Build. Matthews residents and Habitat supporters showed up en masse for the ribbon cutting and dedication.

Volunteers for the Matthews Volunteer Farmers’ Market gathered for their annual thank you lunch at Sante. Market Manager Paulette Wilkes and Assistant Manager Jessica Thomas shared words of gratitude for the volunteers before a casual, locally-sourced lunch prepared by Chef Adam Reed.

Morning Minute: Monday, June 3, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police are looking for two men who recently stole nearly $900 in merchandise from Lowe's at Sycamore Commons. Both men are described as black males, approximately 6’00” tall, with medium to large builds. Security camera photos are available on the town website. The theft occurred on the heels of a recent cooperative sting between Matthews PD and Lowe's Security, where 14 people were charged and 21 cases were closed by netting members of an organized retail theft ring.  

The nearly finished Town 324 apartments.

News Around Town:  Town 324, developed by BrookChase Properties, is nearing completion, expanding the selection of apartments in downtown Matthews (the other downtown rental multifamily units are BrookChase's Matthews Lofts). Town 324 is located by Town Hall and consists of 24 " boutique, small scale apartment" units. Rezoning was approved in 2014 by current Commissioner John Urban. (Urban was not commissioner at the time of rezoning.)

One Fun Thing:  Spend summer break with the Matthews Library. Sign your family up online for the Summer Break read-along, log reading and activities throughout the summer, then earn badges and prizes (including a ticket to Carowinds!).

Morning Minute: Friday, May 31, 2019

News About Town: Have a burning question for Mayor Bailey? Maybe curious about the details of a development in town? Tomorrow (Saturday, June 1) is your chance to Meet the Mayor at Miki’s Restaurant (1819 Matthews Township Pkwy) from 8 to 9 am.

Bonus Bite: The Council hasn’t solidified the FY 19/20 budget yet. They’ll meet again with the Town Manager and staff this Monday (June 3) for the special budget meeting. Want to sit in? It’s an open meeting and will be at Town Hall from 6:00  to 8:00 pm.

News Around Town: This Saturday at 10:00 am, the Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity will dedicate their latest Sandy Marano Memorial Home build (3519 Dion Dr, Matthews, NC 28105). Friends, families, and volunteers are invited to join the celebration as the family is welcomed to their new home.   

One Fun Thing:  This June the McDowell Arts Center will be transformed into a sensory arts show. Ten regional artists will have work on display and you can expect more than just looking, all of the art was made to be touched. Goodyear artist Andrea Vail will have her collaborative, community-building art piece ready. Stop by, materials will be in the gallery for you to add to the piece. McDowell Arts Center (located by the Community Center) is open Monday through Saturday and the show will run through July 5. A reception will be held June 9, and we’ll have more details closer to that date.