Morning Minute: Wednesday, July 31, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Parks and Rec has some new classes starting this fall. There will be tango lessons, and yes, it takes two, but you don’t have to have a partner to register. There's also the Art of Yoga, where you learn to apply yoga principals to your daily life. Don't miss Kids Ukulele and Adult Ukulele (separate classes), Total Body Strength & Tone, and more. There are also classes lined up for homeschoolers, including several courses working with clay, apparel design, and computer graphics. Find more info here.

News Around Town: On the theme of continued learning, the Levine campus of CPCC (2800 Campus Ridge Rd, Matthews) is expanding their weekend course offerings, this fall. High-demand classes will be offered more frequently on weekday evenings, Fridays, and Saturdays to meet student need.

One Fun Thing: This weekend is your last chance to get The Local Scoop in Matthews (until next summer? hint hint? The Local Scoop are you reading this?) Stop by Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (noon til nine each day) in their pop-up location behind Moe’s BBQ on Trade Street and get a scoop or three. They’ll have dutch chocolate, vanilla bean, strawberry sorbet with local strawberries, brownie batter and cookie monster at first, but will rotate as they sell out. The Local Scoop supports local farmers, so their batches are small. Whatever you get, it’s going to be good.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, July 30, 2019

News About Town: Love Matthews kicked off last Friday at Food Truck Friday. The theme of the first week is "Love where you live!" Write what you love about Matthews on the big M at the gazebo in front of town hall and post on Facebook why you #LoveMatthews. Other fun activities include free yoga at Stumptown Park and a self guided, selfie-centric art walk. #LoveMatthews: all the more reason to Love Matthews!

Image via 501st Legion website

News Around Town: IRS scam calls seem to be on the rise once again. One of our readers wrote and warned us about them, then several other people said they’d had the same call in the past couple of days. We asked Officer Aycock with the Matthews Police about the calls and what to do. He graciously explained. The scam starts when someone calls (Red Flag 1) saying they’re from the IRS and demand immediate payment. They usually ask for it payment to be made on a prepaid card (Red Flag 2). The IRS likes to communicate old school, via snail mail. Odds are good they’re not going to be calling. They’re also not going to tell you how to pay, they want their money and aren’t going to specify mode of delivery. Think it could be the IRS? Hang up and call the IRS yourself.

One Fun Thing: The Carolina Garrison of the 501st Legion is coming to Matthews. If you find yourself pulling for Vadar over Luke and championing the intergalactic villains of Lucas Films (registered trademark), get your geeky self to the Matthews Library this Saturday (August 3) from 1 pm til 3 pm. Stormtroopers will be there in exquisitely detailed uniforms, regaling the community with their knowledge of and dedication to the Galactic Empire.

Morning Minute: Monday, July 29, 2019

News About Town: Watch out for falling speed limits. Several roads in Matthews will have reduced speeds: Sam Newell, Charles Street, Sardis Road, and Weddington Road. Sam Newell at Crestdale Middle School will become a 25 mph school zone. Trade Street currently picks back up to 35 mph leaving town past the greenway crossing. The 25 mph limit will extend beyond the crossing to allow safer pedestrian access to and from the greenway. East Charles St is currently 35 in a portion of the road but will, instead, be 25 mph along the entire length, even after the name change to Tank Town. NCDOT suggested a change on Sardis Road to 40 mph, five mph less than the current posted limit. Speed limits on portions of Weddington Road will be reduced to 35 mph, making the length of the road 35 through to the county line. The City of Charlotte oversees this portion of the road.

Image via Unsplash

News Around Town: Matthews-based Harris Teeter recently hosted another fundraiser for the United Service Organizations (USO) by asking customers to round-up the total of their purchases. By asking for change, the grocery store chain raised $1.7 million for the USO to further their mission of serving military families.

One Fun Thing: We’ve mentioned opportunities to see the Tank Town: A Good Place to Live exhibit a few times already. If you haven’t gotten to the Matthews Heritage Museum to see it, you’re in luck. It’s on display for an extended period through October 5. Prior to the 1980s, the community of Crestdale was surrounded by Matthews but not incorporated. Before school desegregation, community children attended school in a shotgun school house and the Matthews Colored School. The area is still home to two historically black churches: Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist and United House of Prayer for All People. Learn about these essential institutions as well as the community settled by emancipated slaves after the Civil War. Museum hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 am- 4:30 pm Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for children 10 to 17, and free under 10. (Pro Tip: Saturday, August 3 is free entrance to the museum, but your admission supports the museum’s research and exhibits.)

Morning Minute: Friday, July 26, 2019

News About Town: There’s a new mural going up soon in downtown, this time on the side of the Planet Ballroom building (189 N. Trade Street). The mural, created by Matthews artist Carol Hambridge, will be printed on vinyl and adhered to the building. The design is a throwback to earlier times in Matthews and a reflection on the American dream.

Image via Matthews Community Farmer’s Market

News Around Town: We’re officially near the end of summer as today marks one month until the first day of school. Recent upheaval in CMS may cause some concern about the coming year, but local principals assure parents that students remain their number one focus. Start watching for those back to school sales!

One Fun Thing: It’s tomato tasting time at the Farmer’s Market! If you’ve never been to this annual favorite, the market sets up tables with plates for tasting. You’ll get a chance to try tomatoes of all sizes and varieties and then vote on your favorite. If you’ve never fully realized the nuances of tomato flavor, this is your opportunity. This Saturday, 9 am - 10:30 am at the Matthews Community Farmer’s Market, 188 N Trade St, Matthews.

Morning Minute: Thursday, July 25, 2019

News About Town: We’re a day late for Who are they Wednesday (WATW), but it’s worth an encore. The Matthews Police Department have made a YouTube compilation of security camera portraits in hopes the perps of crimes against Matthews businesses might be recognized or found. Some images are blurry blobs, but most are legible. Even if you don’t know the people, it’s also oddly entertaining to play Guess Where They Were.

News Around Town: Queen’s Feast Restaurant Week is going on, and two Matthews restaurants are participating. Now through Sunday, Sante and Bonefish Grill are each offering three-course dinners for $35.

One Good Thing: Road trip planned across the country? You can blog your way to Washington state and back, and you won't have to worry about extravagant data fees. Now available through the Matthews Library (and other branches), you can rent a portable hot spot device and access high speed internet anywhere there's a cell phone signal. At $20 for one week ($35 for 14 days, $50 for 21 days), you can hop online to post videos of the picturesque scenery, catch the latest sportsing, or let your kids while away the hours on YouTube.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, July 24, 2019

News About Town: At Monday's Board of Commissioners meeting the Board voted to approve an 11% pay increase for the Town Manager. With this increase, the pay rate is $163,780. This pay increase follows a 6% pay increase for FY 2018/19 and a 3% increase for FY 19/20. The pay increases are to achieve a pay rate in the 60th percentile range. According to a 2018 pay classification study, the Town Manager's salary in the 60th percentile should be within $113,410 - $175,270.  

News Around Town: Always dreamed of being in a parade? Rent that classic convertible, practice your royal wave, and email matthewsaliveparade@gmail.com for all the essential information on getting into the Matthews Alive parade. This year's theme is Attitude for Gratitude, and if your float depicts something you're grateful for you can get your float fee reimbursed. Applications close on August 1st, so the clock is ticking.

One Good Thing: This Saturday, bring nonperishable food items to Backyard Birds (in Matthews Festival by the Dairy Queen) for Common Heart, a grassroots food pantry in Indian Trail. As a thank you, Backyard Birds will give you a 20% discount on one item (not including coffee and seed) and provide a donation of 10% the sale to Common Heart. If all of that giving and receiving isn't enough, Common Heart is dollar-for-dollar matching donations now through July 31, so that 10% of your purchase will become 20%. 

Morning Minute: Tuesday, July 23, 2019

News About Town: Mayor Paul Bailey, Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon, and Jason Majewski have filed for the Matthews mayor’s seat. With three candidates in the ring, there will be a primary on Tuesday, October 8. According to the State Board of Elections, "in a non-partisan election, if the number of candidates for the contest is greater than twice the number of seats to be elected, there will be a primary election. The primary will trim the number of candidates down to twice the number of seats." That said, Matthews will have elections once a month for the last quarter of 2019: September 10 (Congressional District 9), October 8 (Matthews Mayoral primary), and November 5 (Matthews Mayor and Board of Commissioners).

The proposed mural mural by Charlotte arts nonprofit Wall Poems

News Around Town: Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 24, Dilworth Coffee at Plantation Market (3016 Weddington Rd #600), is hosting a tasting event. Stop by the shop at 9 am to try samples of Honduran coffee, learn the stories behind the beans, and enjoy the flavor of this lesser-known, exciting source of coffee.

One Fun Thing: Kale Farms (3232 Kale Lane) is hosting their second Farmer’s Market pop-up this Saturday. Stop by the farm to grab some fresh veggies, learn about sustainable small-scale homesteading, and support local businesses. Saturday, July 27, 10 am - 2 pm.

Morning Minute: Monday, July 22, 2019

News About Town: Tonight’s Board of Commissioners meeting will be a busy one. Topics include allocating funds for the handrails on town hall, the tree replanting for the Taft development, adding part-time desk officers to the patrol unit to meet the needs of the police department, and an 11% pay increase for the Town Manager.

The proposed mural mural by Charlotte arts nonprofit Wall Poems

News Around Town: As planning for widening Idlewild progresses, Matthews is taking the opportunity to brainstorm access to Stevens Creek Nature Preserve. The preserve is a 281 acre a preserve in Mint Hill that abuts the Matthews boundary northeast of I-485 and Idlewild Road. Hear from the town and give input Thursday, July 25 from 4-7 p.m. at Poplin Elementary School (5627 Poplin Road Indian Trail, NC 28079). The event is also an NCDOT meeting to provide info on the widening and modifications of the existing I-485 interchange.

One Good Thing: Registration is open for Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church’s First Annual Leukemia/Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 5k Walk/Run for the Cure. The event, in honor of Pastor Larry Whitley, begins at 9 am on September 21. Registration closes August 31. Participants are asked to wear orange during the 5k to raise leukemia awareness.

Morning Minute: Friday, July 19, 2019

News About Town: In 2013 the town council approved a text amendment for the Unified Development Ordinance that created the current procedure for approving murals in Matthews. The amendment, created with the intent to have the Parks and Rec Advisory Committee approve public art, was unanimously approved by the commission, several of whom are current members (Paul Bailey, Jeff Miller, Kress Query, and John Urban). At the time Bailey clarified he, “doesn’t want the perception that the policy could be changed simply to avoid putting up a certain mural. He wants to be sure the language is defensible, and to do that everyone needs to know who is doing what throughout the approval process.”

Since that time, Park and Rec has installed seven murals and as many sculptures.

In May, after thirteen months of planning and coordinating, the Parks and Rec Advisory Committee was ready to move forward with the botanically themed design by Charlotte arts collective Wall Poems. The design includes a poem by NC farmer and Poet Laureate AR Ammons.

The agenda item was pulled from the May 28, 2019 council meeting at the beginning of the meeting. During public comment one Charlotte resident/Matthews business owner noted lack of public input on the project and felt the the design was inappropriate for the location.

This Monday, the board will receive information on a new process for public art approval. The agenda does not mention whether the new process will replace the 2013-3 Text Amendment.

The proposed mural mural by Charlotte arts nonprofit Wall Poems

News About Town II: Today is the last day to file for candidacy in Matthews. So far there are three mayoral candidates: Paul Bailey, John Higdon, and Jason Majewski. For commissioners: Ben Bash, Dave Bland, Allen Crosby, Barbara Dement, Renee Garner, Gina Hoover, Ken McCool, Jeff Miller, Mark Tofano, John Urban, and Larry Whitley have filed.

News About Town (Amended): In yesterday’s morning minute we incorrectly stated "Blythe Construction" is working on the Trade St. The contractor is Blythe Development.

One Good Thing: Need to get out of the house for some grown up time tonight? Charlotte Allstars Gymnastics (11011 Monroe Rd, Matthews) is hosting open gym tonight fro 6 to 9 pm. Drop the kids off and go find something fun to do (or sit and stare off into space and enjoy the quiet?) while they bounce, tumble, and fill their bellies with pizza. The cost of $20 ($15 for members) is less than that of a babysitter. Time to hit the clubs.

Morning Minute: Thursday, July 18, 2019

News About Town: For those anxious for the Trade Street construction to be complete…womp womp. NCDOT announced further delays on the project and anticipates it will be complete by late fall or winter. Blythe Development, the contractor, is already past the contract completion date, and is accruing damages assessed at $1,000 per day.

**Correction: In this morning's minute we incorrectly stated "Blythe Construction" is working on the Trade St. The contractor is Blythe Development.

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News Around Town: The Matthews Community Farmer’s Market is taking another step toward inclusive community by becoming licensed with Food and Nutrition Services. This license, provided with assistance and equipment from Mecklenburg Public Health Department, paved the way for the market to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Customers swipe their EBT card in the Community House and will receive tokens which may be spent on eligible food items with participating vendors.

The market is exploring ways to stretch SNAP benefits with a dollar matching sponsorship.

One Good Thing: The Mecklenburg County Sheriffs want you to Look Before You Lock. On average 38 children die annually from being left in hot cars. As the weather reaches the mid to upper 90s, a car parked in the sun can easily reach 150 degrees or hotter. The sheriffs have. Couple of tips to remember to look in your backseat (see above), like opening the back door every time you park. If you’re out and about and see a child or pet locked in a hot car, don’t hesitate to call 911.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, July 17, 2019

News About Town: Next Monday you’ll have another chance to give input on the tree design for Proximity Matthews (the clear-cut trees on Monroe Road). Council heard from the developer at the July 8 meeting but felt the public should have more input in the process. Monday, July 23, is your chance to let them know if the new design is:

REASONABLE: The request only makes a modification to the landscape while retaining the overall site layout and architectural theme thus the request is reasonable. The general look and feel of the interior site will remain unchanged from the original proposal.

or

NOT REASONABLE: The amendment is not reasonable and represents a reduction of the quality of the landscape that was committed to when the site was approved for rezoning. The changes adversely impact the overall appearance and are not representative of what was depicted to citizens, staff and Council.

News About Town Part II: According to the Mecklenburg Board of Elections website, the Matthews Board of Commissioners race has one more candidate and one less. Gina Hoover has filed to run, and Kress Query is no longer listed. Filing closes on July 19.  

One Good Thing: It’s almost time for the Matthews Police Department’s annual National Night Out. Once again the event will be held on the Town Green (232 Matthews Station St.), this year on Tuesday, August 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The event is a great time to meet neighbors, learn about crime prevention, and deepen alliances with Matthews police. Neighborhood HOAs are invited to host a table, but the deadline to apply is today.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, July 16, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police Officer Calvin Young served over 20 years as a School Resource Officer when he responded to the shooting at Butler High School in 2018. This year he’s being honored as the 2019 C.C. McGee, North Carolina, School Resource Officer of the Year. The award, named after Assistant Sheriff C. C. McGee of Forsyth County, recognizes SROs who have made outstanding contributions to their school and community. Congratulations Officer Young!

News Around Town: If you missed the Farmer's Market (or made it but have already chowed down on the deliciousness), Renfrow Farms Farmstand opens again today. After a year off, they're reopening the West Charles Street gate from 10 until noon. Plan on grabbing homegrown veggies and fresh flowers for a full summertime treat. As always, if you miss the farmstand, you can pick up some locally grown goodness at Renfrow's Wednesday through Saturday. 409 W Charles St, Matthews.

One Good Thing: This Saturday, July 20, Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity will break ground on their newest Faith [BUILD], a program where local congregations partner with Habitat to build a safe, healthy, and reasonably priced home. Join Habitat at 3527 Dion Drive, in Matthews from 10 til 11 am to kickstart the process for one local family’s future home.

Morning Minute: Monday, July 15, 2019

News About Town: Recently, Matthews Park and Rec finished rehabbing the main playground at Baucom Park (601 Sadie Drive) in Pine Forest. The new equipment consists of climbing structures and a slide, expanding play options from the previous structure. The town budgeted $1,000 for these improvements.

News Around Town (and One Good Thing): Last week, on July 10, a Jewish Matthews family found that their truck had been vandalized. Someone had etched a swastika into the truck. Concerned neighbor, Ann-Margret Gidley, started a GoFundMe campaign to cover the expenses of fixing the truck as well as to buy security cameras for the family. On the site, she states, “This campaign aims to reassure this family that they are welcome in their own town and to show them that there is more good than evil in our community.” After two days live, nearly 50 people from all over the country have contributed to the fundraiser, exceeding the original goal. Monies raised beyond the need will be donated to the AntiDefamation League.

Morning Minute: Friday, July 12, 2019

News About Town: There are a handful of projects in the works for downtown Matthews, and the Board was presented with updates at Monday’s meeting. The projects include the Downtown Mobility Plan, the Trade St. Streetscape Design, and an Intersection Improvement for Matthews Station Street and North Trade Street. Next month the board will receive a presentation by Alta Design for the Matthews Station/Trade St. improvements. In November of this year The Board will receive an update on the downtown mobility study, which covers parking, pedestrian and multi-modal access and safety. The Streetscape Design, a “curb to building” examination and plan, will create a cohesive design for sidewalks and landscaping stretching Trade St. to improve aesthetics. The design is expected to be presented to the board in May 2020.

News Around Town: Are you a karaoke king or soprano señorita? Matthews Alive is looking for someone to sing the National Anthem this year. Submit your video on Facebook and a small panel of judges will narrow the group to five semi-finalists. The winner will be chosen by a poll on social media.

One Good Thing: 101 Dalmatians is coming up at Matthews Playhouse, and we’ve got tickets! Want to see the show?Head over to our Facebook page and comment on the giveaway post with your favorite Disney villain. The winner will be randomly selected from the entries.

Morning Minute: Thursday, July 11, 2019

News About Town: The Monroe Road tree issue has been extended for a while longer. At Monday’s Board meeting, the Commissioners voted to extend their decision two weeks so the public can have time to learn about Taft’s new design and have the opportunity to speak on it. To approve the new landscape design, the Board must decide either the plan is Reasonable or Not Reasonable, as defined below.

Reasonable: The request only makes a modification to the landscape while retaining the overall site layout and architectural theme thus the request is reasonable. The general look and feel of the interior site will remain unchanged from the original proposal.

Not Reasonable: The amendment is not reasonable and represents a reduction of the quality of the landscape that was committed to when the site was approved for rezoning. The changes adversely impact the overall appearance and are not representative of what was depicted to citizens, staff and Council.

To submit your comments, email the board or speak at the July 22 Council Meeting at Town Hall (7 pm).

Two Fun Things: This Saturday, July 13, Tummas Dance Group is hosting an English Country Dance at Matthews Orthodox Presbyterian (2701 Rice Rd, Matthews). While it may sound a bit like they’re serving scones at a rodeo, English Country Dance is, according to Norah, social dances they used to do at fancy balls and assemblies in Ye Olden Times. Put on your dancin’ shoes and head over to the church for a fun time and a little bit of living history from 7 until 9 pm.

Things are getting wild at the library tonight with the Wild Words Poetry Workshop. From 6 to 7 pm, bards, poets, and lovers of verse will meet in the Matthews library Community Room to read, write, and discuss all things poetry. Bring your own work or stop by to enjoy the prose of others.