Matthews Messenger | September 2019

SEPTEMBER — 2019

Volume 1 — Issue 2

WHAT’S going on in matthews

In this issue...

2 3 4 7

Town of Matthews hires two new directors

New mural in downtown Matthews Local artist Carol Hambridge created the artwork to celebrate the many things we all love about Matthews: the festivals, family-oriented, and the overall smalltown feel. It’s located next to Temple Mojo on Trade Street on the Matthews Ballroom and Events Building.

Love Matthews campaign encourages residents to love where they live Meet the Matthews PD Officer who went above the call of duty

MATTHEWSNC.GOV

@TOWNOFMATTHEWS

@MATTHEWSNC

TOWN OF MATTHEWS

The Town of Matthews officials visit the Sister City Sainte-Maxime @TOWNOFMATTHEWS

Matthews Messenger | September 2019

MANAGER’S MESSAGE I

t has been an eventful summer and past month for the Town of Matthews. We just wrapped up the annual Matthews Alive festival. We had terrific weather this year, and the Matthews Alive team did an outstanding job yet again. Year after year, Matthews Alive draws thousands of visitors to our town. Not only do we have fun enjoying live music, family activities, great food, and a lot more - the proceeds earned at Matthews Alive go back to local non-profit organizations. A wonderful tradition.

W

e’ve had a few changes here at Town Hall. The town recently hired two new directors who have an extensive background and experience to keep our town running smoothly. You can read more about them on page 2 (below).

I

joined Mayor Bailey and Commissioners Dement and Miller on a trip to Sainte Maxime, France - the Town of Matthews Sister City. We enjoyed a great visit and

learning more about the culture and traditions of our Sister City. You can read more about our visit on page 7.

W

e had a successful Love Matthews campaign with four weeks of special events and activities for everyone. Town staff organized events, such as Touch-A-Truck, for people of all ages to enjoy the whole month of August. You can learn more about the campaign on page 3.

I

f you enjoyed learning about all Matthews has to offer after our Love Matthews events, we hope you’ll stay involved in our community this fall and winter.

T

here’s a full calendar on page 8 of Matthews’ robust events and Board of Commissioners meetings so you can stay involved and engaged in all that Matthews has to offer. We hope you have a great month of September!

Hazen Blodgett HAZEN BLODGETT MATTHEWS TOWN MANAGER HBLODGETT@MATTHEWSNC.GOV

BECKY HAWKE ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER BHAWKE@MATTHEWSNC.GOV

Town hires new directors Congratulations and Welcome

2

Beth Blair

Jay Camp

Finance Director

Planning Director

Beth Blair was named the new Finance Director for the Town of Matthews in August. Beth has over 40 years of experience in finance and accounting.

Before coming to work for the Town of Matthews, Beth served as Chief Financial Officer for Charlotte Works.

Click here to learn more about Beth

Jay Camp was named the new Planning Director for the Town of Matthews in August. Jay has worked in the Planning Department since 2006 and has served as Interim Planning Director since December 2018.

Click here to learn more about Jay

Matthews Messenger | September 2019

LOV E M AT T H E W S R EC A P TOUCH-A-TRUCK EVENT

Love Matthews brought the community together through various activities, events, and even some fun giveaways!

Visit

www.lovematthews.com

for

more

information.

COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS

ROCK PAINTING PARTY

FUN SURPRISES AROUND TOWN

GIVEAWAYS AT FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY AND THE FARMERS MARKET

GIANT M ON THE TOWN HALL GREEN

OUR LOVE MATTHEWS SHIRTS WERE SO POPULAR! WE STILL HAVE SOME AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT TOWN HALL

MATTHEWS FAST FACTS Love Matthews Edition

4

12

200+

Week long community

Trucks and equipment

Rocks painted at the

The

pride initiative from the

for

Rock Painting Party in

giant

M

Squirrel Lake Park

Town

Hall

Town of Matthews

kids

during

to

explore

Touch-A-Truck

600LB weight

of on

the the

Green

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Matthews Messenger | September 2019

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: OFFICER MICHAEL BRUMLEY

O “

fficer Michael Brumley was recognized by a citizen while helping an older man on the side of the road on a hot summer day. The resident posted on Facebook: I noticed that a Matthews officer looked as though he was working to take off a flat tire and replace it with another for the citizen. I thought it was unusual to see an officer doing such work, especially as it was really hot. So I walked over to see what was going on. I got closer and realized the driver was not there, just the officer. I was surprised to learn that the older driver had began working to change the tire, but while trying he fell and hit is head hard on the curb...

[Officer Brumley] had called to have the man taken to the hospital. He then began working to help the man’s car problem. That is one good Cop.”

T

hank you to Officer Michael Brumley for your service and hardwork.

National Preparedness Month Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12, 2019!

Matthews Fire & EMS will host an Open House on Saturday, October 12. Stay tuned to www.matthewsnc.gov for more details.

Each September during National Preparedness Month, Matthews Fire & EMS and the Matthews Police Department focus efforts on educating citizens on how best to prepare for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses and our community.

One simple thing you can do to be prepared is to assemble an emergency kit.

Together with our state and local partners and FEMA, we want to share resources and tips on how best to prepare. Please visit www.ready.gov and www.readync.org for more information.

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Matthews Messenger | September 2019

THREE TOWN-LED TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS The Town of Matthews is continuing ongoing

presented to the Board in November 2019.

efforts to improve pedestrian safety, provide better walking and biking facilities, improve

• Lastly,

work

continues

on

a

design

parking, and create a cohesive, attractive

project to improve the streetscape and

downtown area. Here’s an update on

pedestrian amenities along Trade Street.

three Town-led transportation planning and

This will be considered in the spring of 2020.

design projects in Downtown Matthews.

These

projects

will

be

completed

in

• Modifications to the intersection of North

coordination and collaboration with staff,

Trade Street and Matthews Station Street.

consultants, stakeholders, and the community.

The Board reviewed a draft plan at the August 26 meeting and voted to move forward with continued design work.

Click here to view more information.

• The

Downtown

Mobility

and

Parking

Study began in March of this year with stakeholder meetings, an analysis of existing conditions, and extensive public input. The proposed plan will be

Frequently asked questions Wondering about a construction project in Matthews?

Here is where you can find information on recent developments and current construction projects around town.

Click here to check out the What’s New? section of our website.

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Matthews Messenger | September 2019

Speed Limit Changes Effective September 1

The Town Board of Commissioners recently voted to make several changes to speed limits around Matthews.

• On Sardis Road, the maximum speed will be 40 mph from NC-51 extending north to the Town limits.

• On East Charles Street, the speed limit will drop from 35 to 25 mph from Trade Street to Tank Town Road. This went into effect on September 1.

The new speed limit signs have been installed on East Charles Street. The NC Department of Transportation will soon be installing the others.

• On Sam Newell Road in front of Crestdale Middle School, the entire school zone limit will be shifted to 35 mph, and 25 mph during bell times.

• On Trade Street, the speed limit of 25 mph will be extended to Country Place Drive.

TOURISM GRANT APPLICATION

T O

he Town of Matthews offers

are invited to attend the Tourism

a grant program designed

Grant Information Session on

to provide financial

September 11, 2019 at 6:30 PM in

assistance to organizations

the Matthews Community Center.

that deliver events or programs

The deadline to apply is September

(projects) that promote visitation

30, 2019.

and tourism in Matthews. rganizations that would like more information about the grant program

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F

or eligibility and application information, please visit www.matthewsfun.com

Matthews Messenger | September 2019

TOWN OFFICIALS VISIT TO SISTER CITY SAINTE-MAXIME

M

atthews

Mayor

Paul

Bailey,

Commissioners Barbara Dement and

Jeff Miller, and Town Manager Hazen Blodgett

T

he group marked the 75th anniversary of the Allied landings in the area by paying tribute

to the fallen soldiers. The group also attended

recently traveled to the Town of Matthews’

a parade of restored wartime vehicles through

sister city Sainte-Maxime, France.

the streets of Sainte-Maxime. During World War II Sainte-Maxime was the site of Operation

“

We enjoyed a terrific visit to Sainte-Maxime

Dragoon when allied forces parachuted in to

and appreciated learning more about

fight German forces occupying the area.

their culture and traditions, as well as

honoring the 75th anniversary of D-Day,” said Mayor Paul Bailey. “It is important to continue the strong partnership between us.”

D

uring

their

visit,

Mayor

Bailey

E

ach town representative paid for their own travel and accommodation expenses.

and

Commissioners Dement and Miller joined

Sainte-Maxime Mayor Vincent Morisse and Nicole Guillemard, President of the SainteMaxime Sister City Program to sign a declaration reaffirming the sister city partnership. The original 2015 declaration was signed when Sainte-Maxime officials traveled to Matthews.

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Matthews Messenger | September 2019

September Events Calendar What’s Happening in Matthews this month!

Learn more at www.matthewsnc.gov/calendar

Matthews Alive from 1-10 PM Downtown Matthews

Matthews Alive from 9-5 PM Downtown Matthews

Car Seat Checking station at 8:00 AM Matthews Police Dept.

First thursday at 5 PM Downtown Matthews

Meet the mayor from 8-9 am Miki’s Restaurant

Auto & Motor show, 9-3 PM Town Green Park Food Truck Friday at 5:00 PM Stumptown Park

Board of Commissioners Meeting Town Hall

date night drop-off 5:00 PM Crews Rec. Center

Car Seat Checking station at 8:00 AM Matthews Police Dept.

Board of Commissioners Meeting Town Hall

Food Truck Friday ArtWalk & Music at 5:00 PM Fest from 10-6 PM Stumptown Park Town Green Park

Have any questions about the community? Contact us!

TOWN HALL

232 Matthews Station St. | Matthews, NC 28105 PHONE

(704) 847- 4411 E-MAIL

matthews@matthewsnc.gov WEB

www.matthewsnc.gov

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