Morning Minute: Wednesday, September 4, 2019

News About Town: The Pita Kebab property sale took a sharp left when the financial schedule was put to the vote. Rather than creating a payment schedule, the Board voted 6-1 (Higdon opposed) to schedule an appraisal on the property. Currently, the town states the property could be redeveloped or become parking, but has no immediate use of the property. Council deferred the payment schedule decision until September 9.

News Around Town: It doesn't feel like it, but we promise Fall is on its way and Halloween won't be far behind. Starting to feel festive? Hiding a passion for terror? Unleash your inner ghoul and audition to be a part of the Matthews Playhouse's Halloween Haunted Trail. Auditions will be held September 16 and 17 from 6:30 pm to 8:00. Sign up on their website and let the scary times roll!

One Fun Thing: After a four day weekend of whirlwind festivities, we've got just the thing to recover: Yoga in Stumptown Park. Join Elinore Edvi-Miller this Friday at 9:30 am. Bring $5, a mat, and a bottle of water (hydrate!) and enjoy a session of yoga surrounded by the beautiful greenery that is Stumptown Park. The one-hour session is appropriate for all levels. 

Morning Minute: Tuesday, September 3, 2019

News About Town: Trash pick up will be on a delay due to the Labor Day holiday. Pick up will be on a one-day delay all week; Friday’s pick up to occur on Saturday. Remember, no recycling this week. 

News Around Town: We reported two weeks ago to be careful about algae; at the time, there were no confirmed instances in Matthews. Last week it was announced that the highly-toxic cyanobacterial algal bloom was detected in the Squirrel Lake pond. It is essential to observe the “No Swimming” signs. Please keep pets out of the water.  

One Good Thing: COS Kids Backyard Blues (previously known as Blues & BBQ) is coming up, and it’s time to buy tickets! For $35, you get a taste of food from favorite Matthews restaurants, live music, and more. Bring extra cash or a credit card to support the silent auction. Backyard Blues is the signature fundraiser for COS Kids, and funds raised go to providing childcare for single-parent families. 

Morning Minute: Friday, August 30, 2019

News About Town: Yesterday morning the Town hosted a Coffee with Commissioners at Brakeman’s on Trade St. The conversation covered a spectrum of issues including affordable housing and the status of the relationship the Commissioners have with the CMS School Board. The gathering was not all town business, as the group paused to try and picture a college-aged Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon doing aerobics. 

News Around Town: The Farmer’s Market this Saturday is going to be a short one. The market will open at 7:30 and close at 9 to get the vendors out before the parade. If you’re looking for some end-of-summer maters, or to stock up on the first of the season apples (a market fundraiser), get in and get out. Once the parade starts you won’t be going anywhere for a while.  

One Good Thing: Mark your calendar for the Matthews Chamber of Commerce 2019 Annual Auto Reunion & Motorcycle Show. This Monday (Labor Day, Sept 2nd) classic and unique cars and motorcycles will take over the town green in front of the town hall from 9 am until 3 pm. Perusing is free to the public and family-friendly. Make sure to look for Tweedy Bird. Got an antique car to show off? The Chamber will take registrations the day of the event. 

Morning Minute: Thursday, August 29, 2019

News About Town: Next time you’re in downtown Matthews, check out the newly installed mural on the side of the Planet Ballroom building. The mural is a vinyl print from an original by Matthews artist Carol Hambridge, showing off the small town joys of Matthews during Matthews Alive. With hints of the festival in the background and the parade in the foreground, the phrase inscribed in the heart (“Where love grows from the heart of the American dream.”) is a nod to the original meaning of the Labor Day celebration.

News Around Town: The Pokémon Go phenomenon is still going strong in Matthews. Approximately 50 people descended on a Matthews gym between 6 and 7 last night to land a special Pokémon. It’s not too late to get in on catching ‘em all, download the app and be on the lookout for Pocket Monsters and fellow trainers all over Matthews.

One Good Thing: The Matthews Police have some safety tips for this weekend at Matthews Alive!

• Stay hydrated

• Wear sunscreen

• Protect yourself from theft by keeping items of value out of sight and on your person. (e.g., cash, cell phone)

• Make sure those new shoes that look so cute on you are actually comfortable to walk long distances in

• Try to pack as light as possible without carrying extra bags or items with you that will make it more difficult to walk for long distances in the heat

• IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING

How might you say something, you’re wondering? There will be plenty of police at the festival. Look around and get the attention of any officer that may be near you. If you're near Sadie Dr and South Trade St. find the Mobile Command Post. You can always call the communications center directly at 704.847.5555, and if it’s an emergency, definitely call 911.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, August 28, 2019

News About Town: The Board of Commissioners voted down the Pleasant Plains multi-use path this past Monday. The proposed path would extend from the I-485 bridge to McKee Road. Issues presented by town staff included the narrow sidewalk on the bridge and escalating construction costs.

News Around Town: NCDOT is on a budget freeze at least in part due to Map Act lawsuits. These lawsuits deemed one of the property acquisition approaches by NCDOT to be unconstitutional. NCDOT, in the past, has claimed land for future projects without buying the property and locking landowners into ownership without the option to sell. Some property owners have been waiting for decades for NCDOT to purchase their land. Property acquisition, legal fees, and inflation could bring settlement costs in excess of $1 billion. What does that mean for Matthews? Without money, plans are delayed, including the NC 51 widening, McKee Rd. extension, and rerouting a portion of Northeast Pkwy.

One Good Thing: This one’s for the newbies: If you love a good parade you are going to love the Matthews Alive! parade this Saturday (August 31). Starting at 9:30 am, the parade route begins on Matthews-Mint Hill Rd. at McLeod St., heads toward Trade, where it turns left and follows Trade up to the Methodist church parking lot. Get there early and bring a chair. The crowd gets packed and you’ll want to have a good seat to see all the cars, floats, and marching bands. This one’s part of the reason Matthews has such small-town charm.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, August 27, 2019

News About Town: Those familiar with the speed humps on Trade at Matthews Station know the design is problematic. Last year the town hired Alta Planning + Design to tackle the intersection to make it more functional as well as safer for pedestrians. Alta presented a proposed solution with long-term plans to the Board at the meeting last night. Changes include a shorter crossing distance by adding curb extensions, hi-visibility crosswalks, and better lighting.

News Around Town: Last Thursday, Butler and Hough High Schools only got through the third quarter before the clock struck twelve. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools rules say games can’t go past midnight, so when the football turned into a pumpkin, there was still 58 seconds in the third quarter. The game will pick up where they left off, 14-7 with Butler in the lead, this Friday at the SportsPlex. Gates open at 4 pm and the game starts at 5.

One Fun Thing: Penny pinchers (that’s us) and deal makers rejoice. For $15 this Friday night, get a wristband for unlimited rides at Matthews Alive! Get there early and make good use of the bands, just don’t load up on fried Oreos first.

Morning Minute: Monday, August 26, 2019

News About Town: At tonight’s Town Council meeting (7 pm, Town Hall), the council will approve the payment of the Pita Kebab property at 131 East John St. The Board approved the purchase during a closed session of the August 5 council meeting (item 15). The acquisition is for the tax value, $1,668,000, to be paid over five years. The town has agreed to the purchase price with a 1% due diligence deposit of $16,680 and 45 days to complete. The .58 acre lot is adjacent to a town-owned parcel that is 1.072 acre (tax value $739,700). The agenda item does not describe plans for the lot, but the Downtown Master Plan includes the area in the future build-out.

News Around Town: Matthews Alive will begin setting up this week for the Labor Day weekend event. Be prepared for road closures and rerouting starting Friday. Starting Friday morning, South Trade Street, from John Street to McDowell Street, will be closed at 9 am. At 5 pm on Friday, the closure will extend to Main Street. If you live along this area, Matthews PD will be able to assist you in getting to and from your driveway.

One Good Thing: Today is the dog day of summer; National Dog Day, that is. Started in 2004, National Dog Day is a day to celebrate and raise awareness for all things dog. From education, to encouraging adoption, NDD aims “to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort.” Want to celebrate? They’ve got plenty of ideas to make your pup feel loved.

Morning Minute: Friday, August 23, 2019

News About Town: Tourism grants are available from the Town of Matthews to offer financial aid to non-profits that promote visitation and tourism within town limits. Learn more at the information session on September 11, at 6:30 pm in the Matthews Community Center. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2019. Last year, grants were awarded in the following amounts: Charlotte City Ballet: $1,700; Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association: $13,500; Matthews Chamber of Commerce: $11,800; Matthews Kiwanis Club: $2,000; NC Youth Rugby Union: $13,000; and Matthews Playhouse: $37,000; totaling $79,000. In the past, grants were divided up based on a set dollar budget (2017: $68,500, 2018: $79,000). Last year, the Board of Commissioners approved a new method: tourism grant award amounts should equal 5% of the tourism revenue from the previous fiscal year. According to estimates in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (pg 88 of the package), this year’s tourism grant would be 5% of $1,648,332, or $82,400.

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News Around Town: The Matthews Library is now open for early voting, and over 540 people voted there in the 9 hours the polls were open. Matthews residents are voting for Congressional District 9, portions of Charlotte are also voting in the congressional race, all of Charlotte is voting for Mayoral and City Council primaries.

One Good Thing: Yesterday, we mentioned Harris Teeter VIC cards as a way to raise extra funds for your favorite school. Don’t forget your Box Tops, too. In the past schools have collected clipped Box Top logos and received a 10-cent donation per Top. The clip version is being phased out and replaced with a more straightforward method: the Box Top App. Download the app and designate the school to receive the funds. Then, when you buy items with the Box Top logo, scan the receipt using the app. Funds are transferred to your school. No clipping and collecting needed.

Morning Minute: Thursday, August 22, 2019

News About Town: Yesterday Commissioners John Urban and Chris Melton hosted a Facebook Live session. Turn your head to watch (you’ll see) and listen to what they have to say about current events and plans for Matthews. The event was close to 30 minutes and covers a variety of information, including new speed limits and how nonprofits that receive town funds must now provide accounting information to the town.

News Around Town: For those of you preparing your kids for back to school, it’s once again time to link your Harris Teeter (headquartered right here in Matthews) VIC card to an area school. Log in on the Harris Teeter website and add up to five schools to your account. Even if you’ve done this in the past, you have to designate a school annually. When you purchase store brands, a portion of the sale is donated to the school(s) of your choice. Since 1998, Harris Teeter’s Together in Education program has raised over $28.7 million.

All the Fun Things: Looking for something fun to do? Have you checked out our calendar lately? We have library programs and live music listed. Want us to add something to the calendar? Send it on over, and we’ll get it posted. Our calendar is one more example of how we practice collaboration. A collaborative community is a thriving community.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, August 21, 2019

News About Town: The Town of Matthews put a ring on it with Interim Planning Director Jay Camp. Hired in 2006, Jay has been filling the role of Planning Director since the retirement of Kathy Ingrish in 2018.He was recently promoted to permanently fill the role and stated, "I look forward to continuing our longstanding tradition of strong planning and will work to ensure that we maintain and strengthen our high quality of life with thoughtful, sustainable and innovative planning practices."

Photo by Beacon reader Elaine Cohoon Miller

News Around Town: The first Matthews-only candidate forum took place last night at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Two mayoral and ten town council candidates gathered to discuss Racial Division specific to Matthews. Approximately 80 people were in attendance and they heard responses to a broad range of questions from the moderator and audience relevant to racial disparities in our community. After a two-hour candid discussion moderated by WCCB anchor Tonya Rivens, the evening wrapped up around 9 pm.

One Good Thing: Promise Pajamas, a Charlotte-area nonprofit, is bringing their show on the road to Matthews—a fashion show, that is. Promise Pajamas aims to bring a sense of normalcy to underprivileged children who would otherwise be unable to afford a pair of pajamas. Join the organization Friday, September 6, at Matthews United Methodist Church for an evening of food, a silent auction, and a pajama fashion show. Tickets are $25.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, August 20, 2019

News About Town: Matthews Police, Kiwanis Club, Matthews HELP Center, and several area business sponsors got together Friday evening at the Matthews Sportsplex for the annual Matthews Gives Back to School event! The event included food and games, but the focal point was a school supply drive. By gathering donations from the community and sponsors, the group was able to fill 160 backpacks full of school supplies. Way to go Matthews neighbors, and thank you Matthews Police for taking the initiative to help those in need in our community.

News Around Town: There are few gravel roads left in Matthews, but for a little while yesterday, I-485 in Matthews was just that. Large rocks lay scattered across three lanes of traffic on the interstate between the John Street and Independence Boulevard exits, it was unclear how they ended up on the road. Matthews Public Works and NCDOT cleared the rocks and traffic resumed by 1:30 pm.

One Good Thing: Saturday, August 24, from 11 am-2 pm, Novant Health will celebrate their silver anniversary in Matthews. The all-ages 25th-anniversary celebration includes services such as skin cancer education, and the mobile mammography unit. Don’t worry. It’s not all medical fun. The event includes live music, refreshments, a NY style ice cart, and booths with community partners the Matthews Library and Matthews Rotary Club. Find the fun in the Novant Health Matthews Medical Center parking lot.

Morning Minute: Monday, August 19, 2019

News About Town: Touch-A-Truck was this past Saturday in Stumptown Park. Over 700 people attended the event for hands-on activities with trucks, cars, motorcycles, and Public Works’ machinery. Attendees also had the opportunity to chat with town staff, get a balloon animal (or sword, in some cases), and Kona Ice to cool down the masses on that very hot and sweaty day. Police K9 units wowed the crowd with tracking and sniffing abilities, and the Fire Department flexed their truck muscles with Ladder Truck 124 in full 101-foot extension.

News Around Town: Early Voting for the September 10th Special Election begins on Wednesday, August 21. Early Voting will only be available at Hal Marshall library on the first day, and will open at additional sites - including Matthews Library - the day after. Visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections site to view early voting hours and locations. Visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections site to check your registration and view your sample ballot. Reminder: if you're not registered to vote, you can still fill out registration paperwork and vote during early voting!

One Good Thing: Warm up your hugging arms for August 24. Mount Moriah is hosting their 4th Annual “Hug-A-Cop” Event from. As a former NC Highway Patrolman, Reverend Larry Whitley began this event as a way to connect law enforcement to the community. The event is a collaboration between Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Matthews Presbyterian, and Matthews UMC. Stop by Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church located at 381 Crestdale Road in Matthews from 4 til 8 pm and show your gratitude for Matthews police, first responders, and public safety employees.

Morning Minute: Friday, August 16, 2019

News About Town: #LoveMatthews is still in full swing, and this week the focus is on arts. If you haven’t participated, today’s your last chance to take part in the art tour around town. Here are the instructions according to the Town’s Facebook page:

1. Go to the Matthews Community Center (100 E. McDowell Street) to pick up an Art Walk Challenge Guide.

2. Begin your mission to find the 12 pieces of public art on the list.

3. Take a selfie with each work of art (all 12), post the photo to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using Complete the challenge, and you’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card to a Matthews business of your choice and four tickets to a performance by the Matthews Playhouse.

Please note, the Matthews Community Center is open today from 9:00 am – 8:00 pm. Even if you can’t participate in the giveaway, find time to tour the art.

News Around Town: With recent business openings, there are a few more retail options in Matthews. Lory’s Attic and Homebrew Equipment is now open, as is the ABC Store (9920 E Independence Blvd) near Bonefish Grill. Also, Ulta in Sycamore Commons should open today. Ulta’s grand opening celebration is August 24, starting at 11 am.

One Good Thing: Know somebody on the search for a job? There are a handful of employment opportunities with the Town of Matthews. From Crime Analyst to part-time Recreation Leader, the town has a variety of positions and pay grades open.

Morning Minute: Thursday, August 15, 2019



Image via Town of Matthews Facebook

News About Town: The Park and Rec department would like their rhombicosidodecahedron back, please. The multifaceted form was stolen from the greenway earlier this month. The town filed a police report. The sculpture, created by artist and mathematician Robert Sebrosky, features 20 regular triangle faces, 30 square faces, 12 regular pentagon faces, 60 vertices, and 120 edges. Please report any leads to the police department by calling 704-847-5555.

News Around Town: Across the US recently, several dogs have died after exposure to cyanobacterial algal bloom in lakes and ponds. Thankfully none of those deaths have been in Matthews. Take precautions when swimming, and allowing pets to swim, in ponds and lakes. The CDC has a few tips to follow:

• Don’t swim, water ski, or boat in areas where the water is discolored or where you see foam, scum, or mats of algae on the water’s surface.

• Do not allow children or pets to play in or drink scummy water.

• If you do swim in water that might contain harmful cyanobacteria, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible afterward.

The NC Department of Environmental Quality tracks locations which have tested positive for cyanobacterial algal blooms.

One Fun Thing: Sciences and cultural enthusiasts of all genres are invited to join the Arts and Science Council on August 28, from 6 to 7:30 pm at the Matthews Community Center (100 E. McDowell St.) to learn more about ASC’s grant opportunities. The workshop will cover Cultural Vision Grants, Regional Artist Project Grants, Culture Blocks, and Community Supported Art. It is geared toward creative individuals and nonprofit cultural organizations who want to learn more about the grant application process. RSVP to save your spot here.

 
In community--
The Beacon Crew

Morning Minute: Wednesday, August 14, 2019

News About Town: The Police Department has had an unusually busy couple days, starting at 2:39 am, August 13. Matthews Officers of the Patrol Division were called to a burglary and shooting at a home on Morningwood Drive. When they arrived, the victim explained that two men broke into her home, demanded money, and shot her in the leg before fleeing. Later that same morning, at 4:58 am, officers were called to InTown Suites on Independence. Two men who were staying at the hotel opened the room door when a woman knocked. When they opened the door, two other men came in and began to assault the residents. The assailants stole one of the resident’s cars, a 2004 BMW 330CI with the license plate HBK-4131.

News Around Town: Ready for your (future-) bus riding child to start school on the 26, but have questions about their transportation? Do you know bus driver hand signals, or what to do when you see concerning behavior? Join CMS on Facebook Live on August 15 from 3 pm ‘til 4. The CMS Transportation Department will be online to explain policies, district preparedness, and vital info for a safe school year on the big yellow bus.

One Fun Thing: Did you paint rocks at Squirrel Lake yesterday? Love to find painted rocks throughout Matthews? Join the Facebook Group Matthews Rocks and share your new hobby. Started in July 2017 by Matthews resident Lynn Lewis, the group is a place to show off your finds and share where you’ve hidden your own painted rocks. Rocks tagged with #MatthewsRocks have been spotted all across the US.