🌱 How will Matthews change under its newly promoted town manager?

Hello Matthews! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How will Matthews change under its newly promoted town manager?
• What changes could Matthews see under its newly sworn-in leaders?
• Why is a former Matthews commissioner jumping into this statehouse race?

Also on today's calendar: A Christmas Carol and 1 more event.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high of 47 and low of 32 degrees.
• Friday: Sunshine and a few clouds, temps: high: 53, low: 32.
• Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high of 57 and low of 41 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. James promoted to town manager (thecharlotteweekly.com) — Matthews has promoted assistant town manager Melia James to become the new town manager starting Jan. 1, 2026, putting a familiar leader in charge of day-to-day town operations. With nearly two decades of public-sector experience, including roles in Charlotte, she says she’s eager to advance Matthews’ strategic priorities and build on the town’s existing foundation.
   

2. Matthews Welcomes New Board of Commissioners and Mayor Pro Tem for 2025–2027 Term (hoodline.com) — Matthews has officially sworn in its new leadership team for the 2025–2027 term, including Mayor John Higdon and Mayor Pro Tem Susan Chambers, following a December 8 ceremony. The town is highlighting both the diverse Board of Commissioners and the residents whose votes shaped this direction, signaling the start of a new two-year chapter in local governance.
   

3. Why this NC teacher switched parties to run against party-switching Tricia Cotham (newsobserver.com) — A Charlotte-area teacher, Kelly VanHorn, has switched parties to run as a Republican against Rep. Tricia Cotham in the redrawn District 105, focusing heavily on public school funding and choice. The race also includes former Matthews Commissioner Ken McCool, who has filed as a Democrat, giving Matthews residents a familiar name in this closely watched contest.
   

4. Show Your Joy to the World - Advent Devotional (wmca.com) — This Christmas devotional from Proverbs 31 Ministries, based in Matthews, encourages readers to trade seasonal stress and envy for joy rooted in Christian salvation. Using Bible passages and practical reflection, it invites you to refocus your December mindset on gratitude, worship, and sharing joy with others rather than chasing perfect decorations, parties, or to-do lists.
   

📸 Around Matthews

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Matthews

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Friday December 12

• 2025 NAHSE NC Holiday Party
  Atrium Health Union West, 1000 Healing Wy, Matthews
  6:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday December 13

• A Christmas Carol
  Matthews Playhouse , 100 E McDowell St , Matthews
  1:00 pm

Sunday December 14

• Flip Fest 1
  Mac's Heroes & Villains Comics & Collectibles , 11500 E Independence Blvd E , Matthews
  3:00 pm
• A Christmas Carol
  Matthews Playhouse , 100 E McDowell St , Matthews
  5:30 pm

📣 Matthews Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 11

• Indian Trail Self Defense
  Indian Trail Town Hall , 315 Matthews Indian Trail Road , Indian Trail
  6:00 pm
• Monthly Resource Meeting
  Common Heart , 116 Business Park Dr , Indian Trail
  7:00 pm

Friday December 12

• Pickleball Open Play- Tennisbloc
  Carolina Courts , 240 Chestnut Parkway , Indian Trail
  9:30 am
• Tree Lighting
  Chestnut Square Park , 320 Chestnut Parkway , Indian Trail
  6:00 pm

Saturday December 13

• Neighborhood Pop-up Pantry
  Weddington Methodist Church - Monroe Campus , 520 Engleside St , Monroe
  10:00 am

Sunday December 14

• The Lotus DanceCo- 3/4 Tumble/Pre Ballet
  Indian Trail Town Hall , 315 Matthews Indian Trail Road , Indian Trail
  9:00 am

Monday December 15

• Mahjong (55+)
  Indian Trail Town Hall , 315 Matthews-Indian Trail Road , Indian Trail
  9:00 am
• Line Dancing with Debbie
  Indian Trail Town Hall , 315 Matthews Indian Trail Road , Indian Trail
  6:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Matthews PatchAM possible:

• CyberMax iPhone Repair Charlotte — (704) 644-5533
  $10 Off any Phone Screen Repair
• Bruce Concrete Coatings — (803) 554-7923
  Use Code Patch10 for 10% your Brand New Garage Flooring.

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Recommendations on iep schools for an amazing 11 year old with aspergers.
  Located near Potter and pleasent plains. Thank you (Nextdoor Wendover at Curry Place)
• McKays Clay is one stop on the Charlotte Potters Tour.
  I’ll have a list of other potters who are opening up their studio for their sale. Whether you are finishing or just starting your Christmas shopping… (Nextdoor Country Place)

• The Learning Experience posted a job opening for Toddler Teacher in Matthews. Apply here.
• Food Lion posted a job opening for PT Customer Service Leader in Matthews. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Matthews here.

Ok Matthews! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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