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INSIDE ▼ Beats 'n Bites is back PAGE 2A Friday, March 28, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 12
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CATS CEO explains transit scenarios for Matthews By Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – Public input will help influence the direction that Mecklenburg County leaders take on transit options for Matthews, Pineville and the Ballantyne area of Charlotte, according to CATS CEO Brent Cagle.
Cagle explained during Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Dante Anderson’s March 20 town hall that the city has a solid transit system plan built through community engagement but it is not financially feasible. Mecklenburg County is pursuing a 1 cent sales tax to fund transportation needs but draft legislation filed in Raleigh calls for a 40% cap on that money being used for tran-
sit projects. With the Red Line commuter rail from Uptown Charlotte to the Lake Norman area being the top transit priority, transit corridors serving the Matthews, Pineville and Ballantyne areas will require tradeoffs. CATS has developed four scenarios that diverge when it comes to developing the Silver Line (originally pitched as light rail
to Matthews) and extending the Blue Line (to Pineville and then Ballantyne): • Scenario 1: This would allow the Silver Line to be built from the airport to Bojangles Coliseum. Sections west of the airport and east of the coliseum would become future extensions. This scenario would also Story continues, see TRANSIT page 3A
REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 24TH YEAR OF 24 HOURS OF BOOTY
24 Hours of Booty helps raise money to support local and national cancer navigation and survivorship programs and services.
Photos courtesy of 24 Foundation. See more photos on page 3A.
CHARLOTTE – Registration is open for the 24th year of 24 Hours of Booty, the signature non-competitive cycling and walking event hosted by 24 Foundation.
This year’s 24 Hours of Booty, presented by Levine Cancer Institute, will take place from 7 p.m. July 25 to 7 p.m. July 26 on the “Booty Loop” in Charlotte’s Myers Park neighborhood. “Whether you ride, walk, volunteer or sponsor, your participation helps change the course of cancer,” said Katherine Murphy, executive director of 24 Foundation. “We are
excited to bring our community together to ride, stride and celebrate hope, healing and connection for everyone affected by cancer.” All cycling and walking participants must register (individually or with a team) online at 24foundation.org. The following are the registration and fundraising requirements: • Adult riders/walkers (ages 18+): Pay a $75 registration fee and raise a minimum of $400. • Youth riders/walkers (ages 12-17): Pay a $75 registration fee and raise a minimum of $200. • Child riders (ages 8-11) and walkers (ages
4-11): Pay a $50 registration fee and raise a minimum of $50. • Virtual “UnLooped” registration is $45 for adults and $25 for children (11 and under); no fundraising minimum. Registered in-person participants receive the following: online fundraising tools, access to templates and fundraising ideas, fundraising level incentives, an event T-shirt, full bike and medical support, entertainment, as well as meals, snacks and drinks throughout the event. 24 Hours of Booty is not a race or an endurance event, allowing participants to set
Hospital, restaurant win patriotic business award MINT HILL – Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center and Chick-fil-A Mint Hill have been recognized for their commitment to the community and support of patriotic initiatives with the American Legion Patriotic Business Award.
The award celebrates businesses that demonstrate dedication to honoring veterans, supporting military families and engaging in patriotic activities. American Legion Post 555 of Mint Hill nominated the companies. The American Legion Department of North Carolina selected them as winners for the state of North Carolina. “This award is a reflection of the outstanding efforts of Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center and Chick-fil-A Mint Hill in fostering a sense of patriotism and gratitude within our community,” said Nate Huggins of American Legion Post 555. Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center not only provides top-tier healthcare services but also actively
their own mileage goals and take breaks as needed. Riders and walkers can get on and off the police-secured course as much as they would like throughout the 24 hours. Child riders (ages 8 to 11) are permitted on the course during the Survivor Lap (with a parent or guardian) and from noon to 7 p.m. on July 26. In the past 24 years, 24 Foundation event participants have raised more than $29 million to support local and national cancer navigation and survivorship programs and services. On the web: 24foundation.org.
Idlewild volunteer firefighters helped keep community safe By Rob Kinniburgh Contributor
Joy Greear
Denise Boston
engages in programs that honor and assist veterans. The hospital displays the United States flag, participates in community-wide patriotic events such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies, and sponsors various local initiatives that support service members and their families. Novant Health also contributes funding and resources to veteran-focused organizations, ensuring continued support for those who have served the country. Chick-fil-A Mint Hill has also been recognized for its support of local veterans and patriotic programs. The restaurant regularly provides meals for veterans, sponsors events
Hal Queen
that celebrate military personnel and fosters a workplace culture that values service and sacrifice. “Their continuous support of veterans, military families, and local service programs makes them truly deserving of this recognition,” said Peter McMurtrie of American Legion Post 555. Hospital President Joy Greear as well as Chick-fil-A Mint Hill owner-operator Hal Queen and marketing director Denise Boston will be recognized at upcoming ceremonies by the Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce, Town of Mint Hill and American Legion Department of North Carolina.
The Town of Matthews would like to publicly thank the Idlewild Volunteer Fire Department and its members for their unwavering dedication and commitment to serving our community over the past 50 years. The members of Idlewild have consistently provided outstanding service during emergencies of all sizes, making a significant and lasting impact on the lives of our residents. The nature of volunteer-provided service and the ever-increasing demands volunteers face have made providing necessary fire and EMS service in towns like Matthews more difficult. For the members, certification requirements, training and maintenance activities, increased call volume, and the stress of already busy lives leave less and less time to volunteer. Matthews is proud to welcome
many of Idlewild’s members to Matthews Fire & EMS, and to provide the opportunity for them to continue to serve the Matthews and Mint Hill community. As Idlewild transitions out of operations, we recognize the importance of its legacy and thank its members for their service. We are grateful for Idlewild's invaluable contributions and enduring impact. Meanwhile, the fire departments of Matthews and Mint Hill stand ready with new stations and additional staff, comprised of career, part-time and volunteers, to continue serving our community. We invite the community to join us for an open house on Saturday, April 26, from noon to 5 p.m., as we dedicate Matthews’ new Fire Station 3 at 3017 Matthews-Mint Hill Road. We look forward to seeing you there. Chief Rob Kinniburgh leads Matthews Fire & EMS.