Matthews Messenger February 2023

The first Matthews Comic Con was held

month at the Matthews Community

View more photos from the event here.

Pictured left: mural by artist John Hairston Jr.

MANAGER’S MESSAGE

2023 is off to a busy start here in Matthews and we have a lot to share with you this month.

In recognition of February as Black History Month, residents gathered to learn more about our local black history here in Matthews and explore the Crestdale Heritage Trail. Read more about this educational event on page 3.

Former Matthews Police Officer and the first officer of color in the department passed away last month at the age of 88. We honor the life of Mr. Willie Young on page 3.

Matthews native Greg Smith was named Veteran of the Year for his service to our country and dedication to the Town of Matthews. Read more about

this special honor on page 5. Congratulations Mr. Smith!

Congratulations are also in order for our finance department who was recently awarded the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting! We are extremely proud of this award. This is the 24th consecutive year that Matthews has received this distinction. Read more on page 4.

Check out the calendar on page 6 for Matthews events and Board of Commissioners meetings so you can stay involved and engaged in all that Matthews has to offer.

Applications are now being accepted for the Matthews Hometown Hero Banner Program.

Banners honoring military service members are displayed in downtown Matthews during Veterans Day and Memorial Day every year.

To qualify, honorees must be a former or current resident of the Town of Matthews, have an honorable discharge and must be serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces.

More information about the program is available here:

https://www.matthewsnc.gov/pview. aspx?id=20985&catid=566

Becky Hawke

Melia

MATTHEWS CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

In recognition of Black History month, the Town held an educational event for people to learn more about black history in Matthews, including Crestdale, one of the oldest African American communities in North Carolina.

Earlier this week, Barbara Taylor, formerly with the Matthews Heritage Museum, gave a presentation at the Matthews Library about Leon Berry, a local African American basketweaver. Following her presentation, Joe Brandenburg, a docent with the Matthews Heritage Museum, gave a talk on the history of the Crestdale community. He shared some photographs and discussed some of the families who were a part of the community.

After the talk, residents joined Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resource staff for a walk on the Matthews Heritage Trail recognizing both Black History Month and the Year of the Trail. Two thirds of those in the group had never been on the Heritage Trail prior to that event. Along with reading the informational signs along the trail, general history of Matthews and the Heritage Trail itself were discussed.

Information signage about Crestdale, formerly known as Tank Town, is displayed along the trail.

Remembering Willie Young

The first African American police officer for the Matthews Police Department

Willie Young passed away last month at the age of 88. Mr. Young joined the Matthews Police Department in the 1970s making him the first person of color in the history of the department. After leaving the department, Mr. Young along with his wife Sarah started a greenhouse and florist business.

Mr. Young was a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church. He was an activist for the concerns and issues affecting the Crestdale Community. Mr. Young had 18 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Mr. Young’s son, Calvin, followed in his father’s footsteps by also joining the Matthews Police Department. Officer Calvin Young retired in 2022 after 30 years of service.

Finance Department Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Congratulations to the Town of Matthews Finance Department! The department has been awarded the highest form of recognition in the area of government accounting and financial reporting for the 2021 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).

This is the 24th consecutive year that Matthews has received this distinction. Mayor John Higdon presented the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) to Finance Director Teresa Fulk at the January 23 Town Board meeting.

The award is given to local governments that go above and beyond to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that show a spirit of transparency and full disclosure.

Pictured from left to right: Finance Specialist Donna Pitts, Mayor Higdon, Finance Director Teresa Fulk, Senior Finance Specialist Michael Garrison, Assistant Town Manager Melia Gordon and Town Manager Becky Hawke.

Matthews native greg smith named veteran of the year

The Town of Matthews recognized Greg Smith as the 2022 Matthews Veteran of the Year during a recent Board of Commissioners meeting. Mayor John Higdon awarded Greg the Mayor’s Medal for his selfless dedication to the betterment of his community.

Members of the Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee and the Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235 attended the award presentation.

Greg, a former U.S. Coast Guard Veteran of 20 years, is a fifth generation Matthews resident. His military awards include: Commandant’s Commendation Ribbons (4 times), Chief Naval Operations Achievement Medal, Sea Service Ribbon and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

Upon leaving the Coast Guard, he returned to his home in Matthews. Greg has aided his community over the years by participating in many of the area’s volunteer organizations, including Room in the Inn, Matthews Help Center, Rainbow Express Ministries, Roof Above and others, helping residents in need. He is a founding member of the Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee. Currently he is the Athletic Director for Hooks-Orr Matthews American Legion Post 235 and serves as liaison between the Post and Butler High School. Additionally, he participates in the Legion’s community service events throughout the year. Greg has been a member of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association since 1995. He continues to serve as an usher at Matthews United Methodist Church. Greg’s selfless volunteer and military service reflect great credit upon himself and the Town of Matthews.