CMS students and teachers highlighted in national news

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools staff and students will be featured on
NBC's 'Education Nation', an upcoming week-long look at education in
America.

Tryon Hills Pre-K Center was the setting for NBC's look into the
importance of early education. The crew spent two days observing two
Pre-K classes, then talked to students and teachers about the ways
having a Pre-K foundation can support a child's education.
This past week, an NBC crew got a first-hand look into the life of
Sterling fourth-grader Jevón Dixon. While at Sterling, NBC interviewed
some of the outstanding teachers who are making a difference in the
lives of CMS students. Sterling is a noted example of a successful
Turnaround School and recently hosted a round-table discussion on
education reform with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Jevón and the Sterling community will be featured Sunday, Sept. 26 on
the Today Show from 8-9 a.m., during NBC's Town Hall meeting on MSNBC
cable channel 50 at noon, and on NBC Nightly News at 6:30 p.m. Tryon
Hills' students and teachers make their debut later in the week. At
the time of this release, NBC was unable to confirm specific dates and
times.

"If I Had a Hammer" program kicked off at CPCC

Thanks to a $15,000 grant from Time Warner Cable, 450 middle school
students will participate in the "If I Had a Hammer" program at
Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). The program teaches at-risk
students the importance of math, teamwork and communication through
personal instruction and hands-on activities.

"Due to decreased funding this year, CPCC has had to cut back on the
number of programs it offers the public, including those programs we
offer in conjunction with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools that benefit
secondary school age children," explains Dr. Tony Zeiss, president of
CPCC. "However, because of Time Warner Cable's generosity, we're able
to bring back our 'If I Had A Hammer' program, a project that has
found success in years past teaching adolescents about the importance
of having superior math skills to succeed in certain professions."

Time Warner Cable Area Vice President Mike Smith echoed Dr. Zeiss'
sentiments, "We're pleased to help keep this program alive in
Charlotte. 'If I Had A Hammer' supports the mission of our 'Connect A
Million Minds' initiative by encouraging students to focus on science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM) related subjects and the
impact they will have on their future."

Approximately 30 Sedgefield students were on hand at the kickoff event
held at CPCC's Harper Campus Friday morning. Immediately following the
presentation, students began working as a team to build their "hammer
house."

"If I Had a Hammer" engages students in a way that no conventional
textbook approach can match. Under the supervision of a "Hammer Boss,"
a group of 11-14 year olds work together to construct an 8' x 11'
"hammer house," complete with windows, a door and a front porch. The
group activity integrates the application of general math and science
concepts with the fun of social interaction and team building.

During construction, the "Hammer Boss" takes several scheduled build
breaks to speak with students about a variety of topics, such as the
importance of mathematics; how to calculate area, perimeter and
volume; how to maintain a good work ethic and set career goals; and
how to build a good foundation in life and make smart decisions.

The build breaks reinforce the importance of education to personal
growth and the idea that success is available to any individual
willing to make an effort and commitment.

Since 1987, If I Had a Hammer has been devoted to developing programs
and products to serve children who are in the greatest need. The
program holds three basic beliefs regarding education: every child can

Mental Health Director Placed On Leave During Assessment

Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones announced today that he has
placed Area Mental Health (AMH) Director Grayce Crockett on temporary
paid leave effective immediately. AMH Deputy Director Carlos
Hernandez has been designated as Acting AMH Director during Ms.
Crockett's leave.

This action allows the Mecklenburg County Manager's Office to assess
all actions taken in connection with Mecklenburg Open Door, as the
County terminates its relationship with this organization. This
process also will include an assessment of management oversight in AMH
regarding its handling of this situation. While on temporary leave,
Ms. Crockett is expected to fully cooperate with this assessment,
including providing all information she has or knows regarding this
matter.

"In addition to my concerns about Area Mental Health's monitoring
oversight of the grant, I have additional concerns that we did not
have complete information needed to fully brief the Board," Jones said
Friday. "Therefore, we will dig as deep as we can into Mecklenburg
Open Door to determine all the facts and to ensure there is
appropriate accountability within Area Mental Health."

Key facts regarding the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) review of
the Shelter Care Plus Program that Mecklenburg Open Door administered
for the County are available at www.mecklenburgcountync.gov.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT URGES RESIDENTS TO GET A SEASONAL FLU SHOT

The Mecklenburg County Health Department is now taking appointments
for seasonal influenza vaccinations.

Health Department staff will administer the seasonal flu vaccine in
both immunization clinics at 249 Billingsley Road and 2845 Beatties
Ford Road. Appointments can be made by calling (704-336-6500). Cost of
the flu vaccine ranges from $30-$40, depending on the type of vaccine
chosen.

It's important to remember that seasonal flu happens every year,
starting in the fall and lasting through spring. This year, the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that anyone
over the age of 6 months get a flu shot.

"The flu vaccine is the single most important way residents can
protect themselves from influenza," said Dr. Wynn Mabry, Mecklenburg
County health director.

This year, the flu shot is a combined vaccine and incorporates the
H1N1 strain, as well as the seasonal flu vaccine. This means everyone
over 9 years old will need just 1 shot. Everyone under 9 years, who
did not get the flu vaccine last year, will need 2 shots.

Certain groups are at a higher risk of complications from seasonal
influenza. This includes residents 65 years and older, children less
than 5 years of age, pregnant women, and anyone with certain chronic
medical conditions.

Because flu viruses change each year, it is important to receive the
flu vaccine annually. It takes about two weeks following the
vaccination to develop protection against the flu so the sooner you
get it, the better.

The Health Department is only one of many options for getting a
seasonal flu shot. Many drug and grocery stores, private physician
offices, and minor emergency clinics are also offering the vaccine.

Prevention can help you and those around you stay healthy this flu
season. Go back to basics:
· Frequent hand washing
· Covering your cough with a tissue or your sleeve
· Staying home when you are sick

Residents can find much more information about the flu and protecting
one's family, along with a fee schedule for immunizations, on our
website at www.meckhealth.org. Just click on flu shots.

Tips For Mold Awareness Month - Avoid Risks

As documented cases of residential mold contamination and related
health problems continue to rise across the nation, the indoor air
quality industry is on a crusade to educate homeowners about the
serious consequences of mold in the home. (September 5 – October 5)
has been deemed Mold Awareness Month by the industry because mold
spores that commonly grow in summer humidity are often trapped as
people close up homes and foundation vents in the fall. Just a few of
these spores can make a family sick.

Consider This:

• There are an estimated 10,000 mold-related court cases nationwide
• There has been a 300 percent increase in litigation involving mold
contamination over the past five years.
• The average mold claim costs $35,000 and many exceed $100,000.
"We know to check the batteries in our smoke detectors, to change our
air filters, to clean out our gutters and rake our leaves, but no one
talks to homeowners about the dangers of household mold," says Jeff
Dudan, CEO and founder of AdvantaClean, a national mold remediation
company with a locally owned franchise serving the area. "We're on a
mission to teach homeowners how to limit mold growth and keep their
families healthy."

Fast Facts about Mold:

• According to the U.S. EPA, the air inside the average American home
can be more than 100 times more polluted than the air outside. New
homes usually have poorer air quality than older homes because they're
air tight, so spores can't escape, providing a perfect breeding ground.
• Common household molds cause asthma, sneezing, runny nose, red eyes
and skin rashes. Infants and the elderly are most the at risk,
because they often have weaker immune systems.
• Mold is prevalent in most homes and it's often difficult to
eradicate, but all mold requires moisture to grow, so reducing
moisture will reduce mold growth.
Where Mold Grows:

• Windowsills, closets, wall paper, flooring, in or around showers,
dishwashers, washing machines, and even in the soil of potted plants.
• Mold can be caused by slow dripping pipes, condensation, standing
water on or under carpets and floor boards, leaky dryer vents, broken
shingles and wet insulation.
Preventions and Control:

• When water leaks, ACT QUICKLY. If you dry wet materials 24 – 48
hours after a leak or spill, mold will not grow in most cases.
• Clean and repair roof gutters and leaky roofs regularly.
• Point sprinklers away from the home and siding.
• Make sure landscapes slope away from your home's foundation so
water doesn't collect.
• Keep relative indoor humidity low, if possible below 60 percent.
Humidity is measured most accurately with a moisture meter, a small
$10 - $50 instrument found at most hardware stores.
• Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers regularly.
• Run the bathroom fan or open the window when showering and up to 10
minutes afterward.
• Use exhaust fans or open widows whenever cooking, running the
dishwasher or even washing dishes.

FREE PHONE SERVICE FOR LOW INCOME NC RESIDENTS FEATURED AT PRAISE IN THE PARK IN CHARLOTTE

Representatives from Assurance Wireless will be on-hand at the Praise
in the Park event on September 25th from 12 noon until 6pm in
Charlotte, NC, to help low-income residents get free cell phone
service. Location:

YMCA
3801 Beatties Ford Rd
Charlotte, NC

There are approximately one million eligible lower-income households
throughout North Carolina.

Customers eligible for Assurance Wireless include those who
participate in Medicaid, Food Stamps/SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance
(TCA/TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Bureau of Indian
Affairs Programs (BIA), Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8),
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or National School
Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program. Customers may also qualify based
on low household income. Eligible residents can apply for Assurance
Wireless by calling toll-free 1-800-395-2171, or visiting www.assurancewireless.com
.

BI-LO Charities Goes Pink with Charlotte Shoppers to Support Susan G. Komen for the Cure

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and BI-LO Charities
is inviting the community to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure® by
purchasing a pink scan card at the checkout counter of any BI-LO
store. Available Wednesday, Sept. 15, through Tuesday, Oct. 19, the
cards provide a quick, easy way to donate to this worthy cause by
adding an extra dollar to your grocery bill, with all the proceeds
supporting breast cancer awareness and research initiatives.

This is the second year BI-LO has conducted the scan card program to
benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the 16th year we have
sponsored Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® events in our market
area. Previous efforts have generated more than $500,000 in vital
funds to help address a disease that afflicts more than a quarter of a
million women in the United States each year.

BI-LO will also be featuring products in its weekly ads from vendors
that support Susan G. Komen for the Cure so shoppers can extend their
support of breast cancer awareness and research while saving money on
groceries.

"Susan G. Komen for the Cure has made a major contribution to
awareness of and research for the cures to breast cancer," said BI-LO
Charities Executive Director Carol Browning. "BI-LO Charities has
been a strong supporter of Komen's efforts for many years, and we are
honored to offer this easy way for BI-LO customers to make a small
contribution, perhaps in memory of a loved one or in honor of a
survivor. Together we can make a big difference for the women and
families of those affected by this debilitating form of cancer."

For more information about BI-LO Charities and its support of
charities like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, visit www.bi-
locharities.org. To learn more about Susan G. Komen for the Cure and
its work to find the cures for breast cancer and support those
affected by the disease, visit www.komen.org.

About BI-LO Charities Inc.
Formed in 1998, BI-LO Charities Inc. manages BI-LO's extensive
charitable giving programs, including the annual BI-LO Charity Classic
golf tournament, which celebrated its 27thanniversary in June 2010.
Since its inception in 1984, the BI-LO Charity Classic has raised more
than $53 million to provide funding for non-profit organizations in
Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee that focus on
three key initiatives: children's issues, education and hunger
relief. Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207
supermarkets and employs approximately 15,100 people.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would
do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that
promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global
breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's
largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists
fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all
and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the
Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested more than $1.5 billion to
fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds
dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more
information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast
cancer, visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

First "Can You Dig It" Community Garden Tour Planned

The Mecklenburg County Health Department, the Mecklenburg County Fruit
& Vegetable Coalition and Slow Food Charlotte are the organizers of
Charlotte-Mecklenburg's First Community Garden Tour to be held on
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Tour, called
"Can You Dig It," will feature six of the more than 30 community
gardens that exist in Mecklenburg County. Organizers want to make
this tour an annual event.

According to Allison Mignery, Health Department dietitian and
chairwoman for the Mecklenburg County Fruit & Vegetable Coalition,
"Community gardens are as varied as the neighborhoods in which they
are located. They can be found at schools, parks, housing projects,
places of worship, vacant lots, private properties or anywhere there
is open land, water and lots of sunlight. Each is developed to meet
the needs of the people who come together to grow fruits, vegetables,
and other plants on common ground. The bottom line is community
gardens really bring communities together."

During the tour, there will be demonstrations on composting,
vermiculture, rainwater harvesting, seed saving and making tea from
dried herbs. The Community Garden Tour is a fundraising event for the
community gardens displayed during the tour. Those interested in
attending the Tour can purchase tickets online at www.canyoudigitcharlotte.org
or purchase tickets the day of the event. The tour will start at The
Males Place Garden at Fred Alexander Park, 1832 Griers Grove Road,
Charlotte. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for children, and include
lunch during the Tour. Ticket price also includes admission to a
Garden Gathering after the Tour at the final garden, Friendship Trays
Garden, where there will be food and live music.

Music Industry's Top Record Labels To Visit Charlotte to Hand Pick the Carolina's Best Acts

GOGETTAS Music Group (GMG) and Omar McCallop, founder and producer of
one of the largest and most recognized music award shows of the
Carolinas, the Carolina Music Awards, announced earlier this month a
joint collaboration to search the Carolinas to choose 50 acts to
represent contestants for, "NEXT" Carolinas Independent Artist
Showcase on Friday, October 15th, at Grand Central Music Hall—1000
Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC.

With Charlotte's quickly progressing growth on all fronts, "Queen
City" is also demanding the music industry spotlight this fall. Music
acts will take the stage before an elite panel of judges from the
music industry's top labels including the "Big 6", where one lucky
artist or band is given an opportunity to receive an artist
development and recording contract at the showcase final in April.
The showcase will be recorded live for a reality television pitch to
major networks, and will feature 10 acts each month representing R&B,
Neo Soul, Pop, Gospel, Rock, Country, and Alternative music genres to
be judged on their performances in categories including vocals, stage
presence, and personality.

Hosted by HBO's Bad Boys of Comedy Dave Martin, the showcase brings
major players in the music industry to the October showcase premier:
Michelle Bell, VP Sales and Marketing for Universal Music Group,
Gerald "G" Flowers, Senior A/R Director for MBK Entertainment, Rachel
Harelle, Representative for MBK Entertainment, Rondell "Mr. Beatz"
Cobbs, Staff Super Producer for Cash Money Records, Miykal Snoody,
Super Producer for Compound Entertainment, Troyton "T-Swagg" Rami, CEO/
Super Producer for Black Shadow Records, Henry "Hen-Roc" Polanco ,
National Director of Mix Show, Club Promotions for Bad Boy
Entertainment, and Omar McCallop, Carolina Music Awards and Georgia
Music Awards Founder. Bell shares her anticipation about her visit to
Charlotte, "I am very excited to see what talent is hidden in the
Carolinas." She continues, "Universal is always scouting for
exceptional talent across all genres for the next big star, so my eyes
will definitely be locked on that stage!" Omar McCallop explains, "We
are honored and humbled that GOGETTAS invited us to be a part of this
event.

MCCallop further explains, "They are bringing some of the most
powerful people in music to the Carolinas. It is an incredible
opportunity for the Carolinas and Carolina music!" "NEXT" Carolinas
October showcase also features a live guest performance by MBK
Entertainment's Jermaine Paul, former lead background singer for
Alicia Keys, soon to release his debut album with his hit single
"Airplane".

An official Music Industry Networking After Party will immediately
follow the October showcase. Guests include radio personalities, music
and entertainment writers, music producers, DJs, and celebrity guests.
The scheduled event is open to the public, but as space is limited,
RSVP is required at http://www.nextcarolinas.eventbrite.com. General
admission tickets (standing only) are $25.00, tables seating 4 guests
are $120.00, tables for 8 are $240.00, VIP booths for 6 are $180.
General admission tickets are limited to accommodate seated guests.
VIP access is limited and exclusive to special guests, media, and
music industry professionals. To request VIP access, email publicity@nocolacompany.com
.

The one-time $50.00 registration fee for all artists includes audition
and an opportunity to perform in one of five showcases, one event pass
to a showcase of choice, and promotional opportunities. For
registration and audition submissions visit: http://www.regonline.com/nextcarolinas
. Promotional code, CMA11 is required.
Vendors and Sponsors should email inquiries to its@nocolacompany.com.

'Jesus Words Now' Posting Daily on Blog and Twitter

"Jesus Words Now," an online social media service featuring daily postings of Jesus' words from the Bible, has been launched as a blog at www.JesusWordsNow.com and on Twitter @jesuswordsnow by a Charlotte-based group. Email subscriptions are also available via the website.

Jesus Words Now publishes a different passage each day, beginning with the book of Matthew and then adding other words of Jesus found in other gospels. In the future, insightful commentary about these scriptures may be added. The service is designed especially for people who frequently check Twitter messages, emails and online news sources throughout the day.

A new Facebook page is online at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jesus-Words-Now/117594928293602 .

Jesus Words Now uses scriptures from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, by permission.

Foundation Awards $10,000 to Charlotte area nonprofits

The Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association Housing Opportunity
Foundation announced the recipients of its annual Community Grants
Program and awarded four local nonprofit agencies a total of $10,000.
The foundation awarded grants to Changed Choices, Inc., Men's Shelter
of Charlotte, Residential and Support Services, Inc., and Samaritan
House.

The foundation, which serves as the charitable arm of the association,
is dedicated to making a difference in the community by creating
housing opportunities, promoting homeownership and positioning and
educating Realtors® as leaders.

The Community Grants Program seeks to support area organizations that
address unmet housing needs in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties.
Since 2009, the foundation has awarded $20,000 through the Realtor®-
directed and funded program. "Realtors® are acutely aware of the
tremendous financial responsibility these agencies shoulder to meet
the diverse critical needs in our community," said association/
Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. (CMLS) President Lyn Kessie.
"This program gives our members – who are on the front lines as
volunteers at many agencies across the region – a way to pool
resources and share in the foundation's vision of creating a better
quality of life for our community."

The following organizations submitted applications to a review panel
and were recommended by Realtors®. All were approved by the
foundation board of directors to receive community grants for the 2010
fiscal year:
• Changed Choices, Inc.: $2,500 to finance the living costs of five
formerly incarcerated female clients. Clients are supported for one
month as they work to attain employment and their first paychecks.
Recommended by Doris Horton, Realtor®.
• Men's Shelter of Charlotte: $2,500 to assist 10 of the community's
homeless citizens with rent and utility deposits to begin the process
of moving out of the shelter. Recommended by Julie Wall-Burris,
Realtor®.
• Residential and Support Services, Inc.: $2,500 to assist families
who need help with mortgages and are in danger of losing their homes
through the "First in Families" Project. All families with this
organization have the additional challenge of caring for a
developmentally disabled family member. Recommended by Donna
Anderson, Realtor®.
• Samaritan House: $2,500 to provide a home-like environment for
homeless men and women as they recuperate from a hospital or emergency
room stay. Funds will also support the referral of these individuals
to local social service agencies that assist in transitioning
individuals to stable housing.Recommended by David Deal, Realtor®.

For more information about the Housing Opportunity Foundation, the
association or CMLS, visit www.CarolinaHome.com.

Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk Raises Awareness of Suicide Prevention

The Mecklenburg County Area Mental Health Authority, MeckCares and
community partners are coming together to raise awareness about
suicide during the upcoming Out of the Darkness Walk, Saturday, Oct.
9, 2010. Mecklenburg County residents are encouraged to join thousands
of people nationwide to raise awareness about how individuals can help
save lives at the annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, every 15
minutes someone dies by suicide. It remains the 11th leading cause of
death in the United States and, locally, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Police Department estimates that suicide attempts and completions
increased by more than 55% from April 2008 to April 2009. Also, the
2009 Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Youth Risk Behavior Survey reports
that more than one in every eight high school students in our
community has attempted suicide.

Alice McGinley, event organizer and founder of HUGS (Healing and
Understanding Grief from Suicide-a support group for those touched by
suicide), lost her own teenage son to suicide. McGinley said recently,
"We want to honor the lives lost in our community and instill hope in
survivors. Ultimately, I hope the event will become a celebration of
life with a goal to educate the community about suicide and to raise
more than $30,000.00 to support research and training in this area, so
that more parents do not have to face what we did in losing Danny."
Event planning partners include HUGS, Mecklenburg County Area Mental
Health, and the Mental Health Association of the Central Carolinas.

The Out of the Darkness Community Walks are scenic walks with 220
communities participating this fall. Thousands of people throughout
the country will walk to raise awareness and funds for The American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention's vital research and education
programs to prevent suicide and save lives, increase national
awareness about depression and suicide, and assist survivors of
suicide loss. In addition, funds will be designated to help establish
a youth suicide prevention training program.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg 3K walk will be held at the Charlotte Police
and Fire Academy. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk begins
at 10 a.m. Participants are welcome to bring a photo of their lost
loved one for a special Memory Board. To donate and/or participate,
log ontowww.outofthedarkeness.org.

MeckLINK is Mecklenburg County's call center for referrals for mental
health, substance abuse and developmental disability services. If you
or someone you know needs help with mental health/emotional concerns,
or drug or alcohol abuse, please call MeckLINK: 704-336-6404 or visit
mecklink.charmeck.org

Chipotle Mexican Grill Opens New Location in Charlotte

Chipotle Mexican Grill will open its newest Charlotte restaurant
located at 7724 Pineville Matthews Rd., for the first time on
September 18. The new restaurant will be the area's fourth Chipotle
and is located near the intersection of Hwy 51 and Carmel Road.

Featured on Oprah and ABC News' Nightline, Chipotle's Food With
Integrity philosophy includes a commitment to serving higher quality
ingredients that are naturally, sustainably raised or locally
produced. As the nation's first restaurant company to commit to local
and organically grown produce (about 5 million pounds of locally grown
produce has already been served), the new Charlotte Chipotle will
serve jalapeno and green bell peppers from local producers Parker
Farms and Sorantino Produce, when seasonally available. In the U.S.
Chipotle sells more naturally raised meat than any other restaurant
and will purchase 70 million pounds of naturally raised meats this
year alone. And a full 45 percent of the black and pinto beans that
Chipotle uses are organically grown, a percentage that will increase
as Chipotle finds more farmers who grow high quality organic beans.

"We are changing the way the world thinks about and eats fast food,"
said Chipotle Founder, Chairman and co-CEO Steve Ells. "For too long,
great food has really only been available at the best restaurants and
high-end specialty food markets, but we think it's time to end the
notion that great food is only for elite customers. It's a new
perspective on eating in America."

Charlotte's new Chipotle holds true to Ells' food philosophy – simple
ingredients used in creative ways can elevate ordinary into
extraordinary. The restaurant will feature the company's signature
menu items which include burritos, tacos, bowls (a burrito without the
tortilla) and salads. Guests can choose from Chipotle's naturally
raised pork, chicken or beef, or the restaurant's vegetarian option,
which comes with Chipotle's famous black beans and homemade guacamole
made with ripe Haas avocados. Freshly steamed rice with a hint of
cilantro and fresh squeezed lime juice add even more flavor, but to
top it off, guests can further customize their meals by adding any of
the mild, medium or hot salsas, hormone-free sour cream and freshly
grated cheese, and crisp romaine lettuce chopped fresh daily.

Chipotle is the first restaurant to receive Platinum level LEED
certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for its location
inGurnee, Ill. As part of the company's green initiative, the new
Charlotte location features sustainable architecture such as recycled
drywall, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and energy
efficient appliances. Burritos, tacos and salads are also served using
bowls made from recycled newsprint and unbleached tray liners and
napkins, and cups are made from post consumer waste.

About Chipotle
Steve Ells, founder, chairman and co-CEO, started Chipotle with the
idea that food served fast did not have to be a typical fast food
experience. Today, Chipotle continues to offer a focused menu of
burritos, tacos, burrito bowls (a burrito without the tortilla) and
salads made from fresh, high-quality raw ingredients, prepared using
classic cooking methods and served in a distinctive atmosphere.
Through our vision of Food with Integrity, Chipotle is seeking better
food not only from using fresh ingredients, but ingredients that are
sustainably grown and naturally raised with respect for the animals,
the land, and the farmers who produce the food. It's an idea we call
Food with Integrity. Chipotle opened its first new restaurant in 1993
and currently operates more than 1,000 restaurants. For more
information, visit Chipotle.com.

HGTV Casting First-Time Charlotte Home Sellers For National Television Series

High Noon Entertainment is pleased to announce the casting call for
season three of the HGTV hit show, My First Sale. Producers are
casting first-time home sellers and their real estate agents in
Charlotte and the surrounding areas starting this month and continuing
through January 2011. The show documents the trials and tribulations,
stress and success of prepping for sale, pricing, negotiating, and
ultimately selling a home for the very first time.

Ideal candidates will be fun, high-energy people who are in the
beginning stages of selling their property. In addition, candidates
should be motivated, financially candid people who want to share their
experience and the purchase details with HGTV and their audience.
Singles, couples, and families are all invited and encouraged to apply.

Anyone interested should contact Casting Producer Samantha Hartman
either by phone, (303) 712-3137 or e-mail, shartman@highnoontv.com for
application instructions and more information about the show.

High Noon Entertainment is one of America's leading providers of story-
driven, unscripted/reality entertainment, scheduled to deliver more
than 500 hours of programming for networks including TLC, Animal
Planet, Food Network, HGTV, History Channel, Vh1, and DIY Network.

NEIGHBORHOOD ENERGY CHALLENGE KICKOFF CELEBRATION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

A Kickoff Celebration, honoring seven Charlotte neighborhoods that
have been selected to receive grant funding under the Neighborhood
Energy Challenge, a program encouraging neighbors to join forces to
develop innovative and practical strategies for improving their
neighborhoods' energy use.

WHEN: Thursday, September 16, 2010
7:30 am – 8:30 am

WHO: Representatives from The City of Charlotte,
Neighborhood & Business Services and representatives from each of the
seven winning neighborhoods:
· Avenue Condos (Uptown)
· Eco District (Belmont, Optimist Park, Villa Heights)
· Merry Oaks
· NoDa
· Plaza Midwood
· Spring Park
· Wilmore

WHERE: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center
600 East 4th Street, Room 267

WHY: The Kickoff Celebration will provide a platform to
unveil additional details about the approved scopes of work for each
neighborhood. City representatives will answer any questions
neighborhoods may have pertaining to funding and next steps.

Local Student is a Drumstick Hero

Seventeen-year-old Aubrey McGrath, from Charlotte, NC, was selected
from hundreds of children and youth across the nation nominated for
their good deeds in the Nestlé® Drumstick® Brand Heroes Contest.
Aubrey is one of 50 winners to be honored throughout the summer.

Aubrey will receive the ultimate summer celebration, complete with
enough Nestlé Drumstick sundae cones and a fun-filled party package to
host an unforgettable event for up to 50 family and friends.

"The caliber of the entries for this contest impressed the judges,"
said Jane Hsieh, Associate Brand Manager for the Nestlé Drumstick
brand. "We are delighted to recognize these special young people who
are truly making a difference in their communities."

Aubrey is being recognized for organizing the neighborhood Food Pantry
Co-Op in 2009 with his mother, Merrie. The Food Pantry Co-Op
encourages neighbors to purchase groceries for donation to a local
food pantry. Aubrey and his mom pick up the donations and deliver them
to a local food pantry. Thanks to Aubrey's efforts, over 50 families
are participating in the Food Pantry Co-Op.

Entries to the Drumstick Heroes contest were judged on the child's
individual accomplishments as well as the originality and creativity
used to achieve his/her goals. The Nestlé Drumstick brand team will
honor a total of 50 Drumstick Heroes through September 15, 2010.

Regional unemployment continues to fall in August

Although the government shed jobs, unemployment rates in most
Charlotte USA counties continued to decline in July, to 11.7 percent
overall from 11.91 percent. According to the Charlotte Regional
Partnership's August By the Numbers report, initial unemployment
claims also were down, 3 percent from June. However, the positive news
is tempered slightly by the likely possibility that discouraged
workers are giving up, as evidenced by a 1.4 percent smaller labor
force from July a year ago.

Business activity in the Carolinas continued to soften in August,
although the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index improved slightly in
August to 53.5 from July's 51.0. Despite the continued double-digit
unemployment rate, the regional economy is showing signs of
improvement as some companies have announced that they will be hiring,
particularly those in the financial services, medical device, food
processing and construction materials sectors.

The Charlotte Regional Partnership's By the Numbers, released monthly,
is the only report of its kind. Easy-to-read charts not only compare
employment numbers in the current and prior years for each of our 16
counties, the report breaks down employment changes by industry. It
compares the Charlotte region with the other six partnership areas in
North Carolina and other major Southeast regions. Charts show at a
glance year-to-year comparisons of the national unemployment rate,
consumer confidence and home sales indices. The report also summarizes
Charlotte USA locations, expansions, closings and layoffs for each
month fiscal year-to-date. And there are extras, such as taxable sales
within the region.

A nonprofit, public/private economic development organization, the
Charlotte Regional Partnership allocates and leverages regional
economic development resources to sustain and enhance the economic
growth, vitality and global competitiveness of the Charlotte region.
The 16-county region encompasses Alexander, Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba,
Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly and
Union counties in North Carolina and Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster
and York counties in South Carolina.
www.charlotteusa.com

Obama Administration Announces Regional Conference on Housing Finance Reform in Charlotte

The Obama Administration has announced it will host a Regional
Conference on Housing Finance Reform in Charlotte on Thursday, October
7. The Regional Conference will provide additional opportunities for
public engagement on the future of our nation's housing finance system
as the Administration continues its work developing a comprehensive
housing finance reform proposal for delivery to Congress by January
2011.

"We are looking to stakeholders in Charlotte and other communities to
bring the best ideas to the table as we consider proposals for
reforming the housing finance system," said U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) Assistant Secretary Raphael Bostic. "The
need for reform is clear and we want to continue engaging diverse
views as we chart a course to a more robust and stable housing market
that works for the American people."

"It is important that we continue to seek out new ideas and to debate
the key issues that will shape the future of our nation's housing
finance system," said Jeffrey A. Goldstein, Under Secretary of the
Treasury for Domestic Finance. "Continuing this dialogue in Charlotte
will help us ensure that the best ideas are on the table as we develop
proposals for reform."

The Administration will also host a Regional Conference in Cleveland
on Monday, September 27.

The Regional Conferences will bring together leading academic experts,
consumer and community organizations, industry groups, market
participants, and other stakeholders from across the country for an
open discussion about housing finance reform. Treasury and HUD senior
staff members will host the Regional Conferences and moderate
discussions on a broad range of topics relating to the future of
housing finance.

The Regional Conferences will build upon the Administration's ongoing
efforts to gather input on the future of housing finance reform from a
broad cross-section of stakeholders.

Last month, the Administration convened a Conference on the Future of
Housing Finance in Washington, DC. And then in April, Treasury and HUD
issued a set of questions for public comment on the future of the
housing finance system, which received more than 300 responses from a
broad cross-section of consumer groups, industry groups, market
participants, members of the public, think tanks, and other
stakeholders. These responses will help provide additional input and
perspective as the Obama Administration moves forward to develop its
comprehensive reform proposal. To view these responses to the
questions for public comment, please visit: here and here.)

Free Eye Care for Infants in Charlotte Area

To promote infant vision and eye health and to protect the children of
South Carolina, Governor Sanford and Greenville Mayor Knox White have
declared Monday, September 20 – Saturday, September 25 InfantSEE® Week.

During InfantSEE® Week, parents can bring their infant in for a no-
cost eye check-up at the InfantSEE® Mobile Clinic stationed in Indian
Land on Wednesday, September 22 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. These no-cost
eye and vision assessments are available for all infants aged six
months to a year, regardless of a parent's income.

Wednesday Sept 22, 2010
Wal-Mart
10048 Charlotte Hwy
Indian Land, SC 29707
(803) 802-6666
9 - 5 p.m.

Additionally, if a parent can't make it to the mobile clinic, more
than 65 South Carolina-based optometrists will be donating their time
during InfantSEE® Week to providing no-costcomprehensive eye and
vision assessments for infants in their doctor's office. Parents can
go to www.InfantSEE.org or call 1-877-252-2447 to find local
optometrists providing the no-cost eye check-ups in their area.

Crosland Announces Significant Redevelopment Plans for Quail Corners

Crosland LLC, one of the Southeast's leading diversified real estate
firms, proposes a $6 million redevelopment plan for Quail Corners, a
113,000-square-foot, neighborhood retail center in south Charlotte.
Upon finalizing zoning, architectural plans, market feasibility and
financing, construction should begin early 2011 and be complete in
late fall.

"For more than 27 years, Quail Corners has been a cornerstone of
shopping for many South Charlotte residents & businesses," said Peter
B. Pappas, president of Crosland's retail division. "With these
planned updates, we will enhance the shopping and dining experience
for loyal customers of Quail Corners."

Plans include realignment of the shopping center's main access to
improve circulation off of Park Road and within the shopping center
and removal of the existing berms to increase visibility. This also
includes refacing all of the storefront exteriors with a combination
of brick masonry and stucco, a new 7,200-square-foot shop building,
additional freestanding single tenant opportunities, and an open-air
plaza for outdoor dining and weekend entertainment.

"Crosland has a long standing history of successfully renovating its
shopping centers. We will work diligently to minimize impact to our
tenants and their customers as we work toward a new and improved Quail
Corners over the next year," said Pappas.
As plans continue to evolve, Crosland has held meetings with several
members of neighboring homeowners' associations to share the details
of the redevelopment. Crosland has filed a rezoning application to
proceed with the redevelopment and has received positive feedback from
recent informal meetings.

About Quail Corners
Quail Corners, anchored by a Harris Teeter and Rite Aid, is a 113,000-
square-foot unique neighborhood retail center providing shoppers with
a diverse mix of specialty shops, restaurants and retail businesses.
Located at the intersection of Park Road, Gleneagles Road and Sharon
Road West in South Charlotte, it is easily accessible to residents in
SouthPark, as well as neighborhoods bordered by Highway 51 and South
Boulevard.
About Crosland LLC

Founded in 1937, Crosland is one of the most prominent diversified
real estate companies in the Southeast and is recognized as a leading
community builder. Its expertise in retail, multifamily, office, land
development, and general contracting enables it to be an innovator in
multi- and mixed-use development.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Crosland has offices in Raleigh,
Orlando, Tampa and Nashville, and develops, builds and manages
properties in the Carolinas, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and
Virginia. The privately held company's asset portfolio and current
projects have a market value well in excess of $1 billion. For more
detail, visit crosland.com.

St. Jude and P&G invite Charlotte Target guest to help fight childhood cancer

Many of the public's favorite household brands have joined forces to
support the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®,
one of the world's premier pediatric cancer research centers. From
September 19 - 25, Target guests in Charlotte can help St. Jude in its
fight to find cures and save children with cancer and other
catastrophic diseases by purchasing participating Procter& Gamble
(P&G) brands including Tide®, Charmin®, Bounty® and Pampers® as well
as other manufacturers' brands at Target stores nationwide.

For every purchase of participating brands during the week-long
program, five percent of the purchase price will be donated to St.
Jude, with a total donation of up to $700,000.

"Through this unique program, P&G is providing shoppers with a great
way to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital," said Richard C.
Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude.
"Families today are making hard choices about how to spend their
dollars, but children battling cancer and other catastrophic diseases
still need help. Simply by purchasing some of their favorite products,
Target guests will be helping St. Jude continue to conduct the
groundbreaking research and provide the lifesaving care that helps
children in communities everywhere."

"P&G is extremely proud to partner with Target and St. Jude to help
make a meaningful difference in the lives of children with cancer and
other catastrophic disease," said Joanne Harris, P&G's Target Team
Leader. "Through our company's Live, Learn and Thrive™ cause, we aim
to reach more than 50 million children in need every year with
programs that help them get off to a healthy start, receive access to
education, and build skills for life."

P&G is one of nine participating vendors in the September program.
Target's September 19 weekly ad, available in Sunday newspapers and
online at Target.com/weeklyad, will include a complete list of
participating brands as well as special values on P&G brands
supporting St. Jude. In addition, participating brands will be
identified with in-store signage during the week of the program.

To find a Target store near you, visit:
http://sites.target.com/site/en/spot/page.jsp?title=store_locator_new

About Procter & Gamble
Four billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around
the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted,
quality, leadership brands, including Pampers®, Tide®, Ariel®,
Always®, Whisper®, Pantene®, Mach3®, Bounty®, Dawn®, Gain®, Pringles®,
Charmin®, Downy®, Lenor®, Iams®, Crest®, Oral-B®, Duracell®, Olay®,
Head & Shoulders®, Wella®, Gillette®, Braun® and Fusion®. The P&G
community includes approximately 127,000 employees working in about 80
countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest
news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

About St. Jude
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized
for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with
cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only
pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer
Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer
Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its
discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world.
St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families
never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever
denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is
financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. In 2010,
St. Jude was ranked the most trusted charity in the nation in a public
survey conducted by Harris Interactive, a highly respected
international polling and research firm. St. Jude was also named the
nation's top children's cancer hospital in the 2010-11 Best Children's
Hospitals rankings published by U.S. News & World Report. For more
information, go to www.stjude.org.

COUNTY COMPOSTING: STOP BAGGING MONEY AND PUTTING IT BY THE CURB

Mecklenburg County residents love their trees. In fact, Charlotte
calls itself the "City of Trees." But it's a passion we pay for every
autumn, spending weekends raking, blowing and bagging so can have the
perfectly coifed lawn. We pay again for bags, and haul the leaves to
the curb. And then we pay again - to purchase bags and truckloads
compost, mulch, topsoil and fertilizer to enrich our soil for
flowerbeds and lawns!

Did you know that there is an easier way to have a beautiful and
natural landscape, plus save money and a lot of time and energy?
Instead of bagging those leaves and stacking them by the curb for
collection, drop them into a compost bin. By the time spring rolls
around, that bin will be full of rich, black compost, ready to use in
your garden. Think about it: Compost currently retails for as much as
$5 or more per bag. What's it made of? Exactly the materials that's
you are raking and putting out by the curb!

Composting is easy to do. You can make an inexpensive bin on your own
with some simple wire fencing in corner of your back yard, or purchase
a commercial composting unit. After that, build your pile right and
let nature take its course.

Mecklenburg County can help you get started. Enroll now in a class
that will help you learn how to use those leaves and yard scraps to
save money, and give your yard a beautiful and environmentally
friendly makeover.

The Basic Home Composting Workshop is a two-hour, hands-on course that
will teach you about home composting and residential recycling, soil
preparation and management, toxicity reduction, grasscycling and
mulching. Beginners are encouraged (and welcomed). Class is outdoors,
so please dress appropriately and wear closed-toe shoes.

Registration fee of $10 includes instruction, booklet and a wire bin.
Classes begin Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. – noon and will be held at
several locations: Friendship Trays and Little Sugar Creek Community
Gardens, in Charlotte; and St. Albans Community Garden in Davidson, NC.

For more information and dates, click on the "Wipe Out Waste events"
tab at http://wipeoutwaste.com, or call 704.201.2201.

Board of Education expands discussion on school change

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education continued its discussion
about schools in CMS that need urgent attention during a work session
Sept. 9.

The three-hour session focused on an expanded list of schools. The
list presented at the Sept. 7 work session had 32 schools; the
expanded list had 37. Five elementary schools were added.

The Board session began with a presentation by Meaghan Loftus, a
compliance facilitator and special education teacher at Cochrane, and
Carol Rodd, now principal of the School of Business and Finance at
Garinger. The presentation summarized a study completed by Loftus
during a summer internship in the CMS planning department, which
looked at the effects of homelessness and frequent school moves on
academic achievement. The study found that the more students move, the
less likely they are to succeed in school. Homeless students have a
high level of mobility.

Several of the schools on the list have large homeless populations and
Board members discussed the challenges inherent in successfully
educating these students, as well as other challenges present at the
schools.

Poverty, homelessness and frequent school changes are present at many
schools on the list, and Board Chairman Eric C. Davis said that
educating poor and homeless students is the particular challenge
facing CMS.

"This is the crux of the issue we're dealing with," he said,
characterizing it as "a test of our will."

The Sept. 9 meeting continues a series of Board workshops and public
forums intended to engage the public in improving CMS and to help the
Board establish a framework for improvement. The public forums began
in June and continued during the summer. The Board adopted its guiding
principles in August and first applied them on Sept. 7, when the list
of schools needing changes was introduced.

Called The Case for Continuous Improvement: A Comprehensive Review of
CMS, the process used by the Board will help it refine policy in such
areas as transportation, student assignment, magnet lottery and other
district operations.
Staff will offer further recommendations to the Board Sept. 14. Public
comment on the recommendations will begin after Sept. 28.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author will present Davidson Lecture Sept. 23

Davidson College invites the public to "An Evening With Junot Díaz" on
Thursday, Sept. 23. Díaz, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the 2008
novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, will speak and read from
his narratives as the college's annual Reynolds Lecturer.

The presentation will begin in Duke Family Performance Hall at 7:30
p.m., and will be followed by a book signing. There is no charge to
attend, but tickets are required and available at www.davidson.edu/tickets
. For information, call 704-894-2135 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays.
Some material in the lecture may be objectionable to some audiences.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao won the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction
for its portrayal of contemporary Latin American immigrant society.
The New York Times review of the book called it "funny, street-smart
and keenly observed." The review continued, "It unfolds from a comic
portrait of a second-generation Dominican geek into a harrowing
meditation on public and private history and the burdens of familial
history."

The book explores the protagonist's family's history, including his
mother's life in Santo Domingo and her immigration to New York.
Through these accounts, Díaz chronicles the tyranny of Rafael Trujillo
over the Dominican Republic, which lasted until his assassination in
1961. The family's experiences show the nature of Trujillo's reign and
its lasting effect on Dominican society.

Junot Díaz, who was born in Santo Domingo, graduated from Rutgers
University and received his MFA in Creative Writing from Cornell
University. He is a regular contributor to The New Yorker, and has
also published in The Paris Review, and The Best American Short Stories.

In addition to the Pulitzer Prize, his work has garnered the Eugene
McDermott Award, the PEN/ Malamud Award, the Lila Wallace- Reader's
Digest Writers' Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a U.S.-Japan Creative
Artists Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, a
Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study Fellowship, and the Rome
Fellowship from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Another of his books, Drown, resulted in Newsweek naming Díaz as one
of its "New Faces of 1996." Additionally, he is currently on The New
Yorker's list of 20 top writers of the 21st century. Díaz lives in New
York City and Boston, and is a professor of creative writing at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Davidson is a highly selective independent liberal arts college for
1,800 students located 20 minutes north of Charlotte in Davidson, N.C.
Since its establishment in 1837 by Presbyterians, the college has
graduated 23 Rhodes Scholars and is consistently regarded as one of
the top liberal arts colleges in the country. Through The Davidson
Trust, the college became the first liberal arts institution in the
nation to replace loans with grants in all financial aid packages,
giving all students the opportunity to graduate debt-free. Davidson
competes in NCAA athletics at the Division I level, and a longstanding
Honor Code is central to student life at the college.

Charlotte Regional Realtors See Closings Decline

Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association reports on the residential
real estate market in this region based on Carolina Multiple Listing
Services, Inc. (CMLS) data.

The number of closings for August 2010 (1,704) decreased 23.3 percent
compared to closings in August 2009 when closings totaled 2,221.
Compared to July 2010, closings were down 13.4 percent. The average
sales price for August 2010 ($225,156) was up 7.6 percent over the
August 2009 average sales price ($209,245), and was up 3.6 percent
over July 2010 average sales price of $217,320. The average listing
price of homes sold in August 2010 ($254,239) was up 2.6 percent over
last month's average listing price of $247,660, and was up 8.4 percent
compared to the August 2009 average listing price of $234,504.

The residential pending contracts figure reported in August 2010
(1,743) was down 28.4 percent compared to August 2009 (2,434), and was
down 3.3 percent over last month (July 2010) when pending contracts
totaled 1,802.

New residential listings in July 2010 totaled 4,485. The average
number of days a property was on the market from the time it was
listed until it closed (list to close) was 151.4, which is about 8.5
days longer than last month. The average number of days a property
was on the market (days on market), excluding the days the property
was off the market or pending, was 117.7 days, or 12 days longer than
last month.

In July 2010, CMLS underwent a system conversion. CMLS staff has done
everything possible to ensure the accuracy of the August 2010
statistics; however, as with any new system, we may discover very
slight anomalies that will require adjustments and corrections over
time.

For more residential-housing market statistics, visit the
association's website at www.CarolinaHome.com and click on "Community
Data." For an interview with Association/CMLS President Lyn Kessie,
please contact Kim Walker.

The Charlotte Regional Realtor® Association is a trade association
that leads, educates and equips members to be productive. It provides
more than 7,400 Realtor® members with the resources and services
needed to conduct ethical, professional, successful and profitable
businesses. The association is dedicated to being the region's primary
resource for residential real estate information. The association
operates the Carolina Multiple Listing Services, Inc. (CMLS), which
has approximately 8,100 Subscribers and is the private cooperative
Realtors® use for access to tens of thousands of residential listings
in a 10-county service area, including the high-growth Charlotte area,
as well as listings outside this service area.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT CONTINUES SCHOOL IMMUNIZATIONS AT BIG SHOT SATURDAY EVENTS

School is back in session and the Mecklenburg County Health Department
and the Junior League of Charlotte are working together to make sure
children have their required immunizations for this academic year.

The State of North Carolina requires students to have up-to-date shot
records in order to be enrolled in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.
Rising kindergarteners and rising 6th graders are the main groups
targeted for these immunizations, but all children who need to get
their required immunizations are encouraged to attend. Parents need to
bring one form of identification and their child's up-to-date
immunizations records to ensure clinic nurses know exactly which
immunizations are needed. Children could be excluded from school if
they do not have the required immunizations by September 24, 2010.

There are three Health Department Big Shot Saturday opportunities over
the coming weeks. Hours for each clinic are 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

· Saturday, September 11, at the Mecklenburg County Health
Department, Southeast Campus, 249 Billingsley Road, Charlotte

· Saturday, September 18, at the Mecklenburg County Health
Department, Northwest Campus, 2845 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte

· Saturday, September 25, at Merry Oaks Elementary School,
3508 Draper Avenue, Charlotte

These Saturday clinics are scheduled so that parents won't have to
miss work, make an appointment or wait in a crowded waiting room. In
addition, required shots are free for school-aged children. Only the
first 100 students will be served at each clinic.

For more information about the services provided by the Mecklenburg
County Health Department or to see the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's childhood immunization schedule, please visit www.meckhealth.org
.

Sedgefield Barbecue Invites Public Sept. 11

Legendary hardwood smoked, hand-pulled pork is back by popular demand.
Sedgefield Swinecookers Union is ServSafe Certified.

Join us Saturday, Sept 11th 4-7 pm on the front lawn of St Paul United
Methodist Church, 2830 Dorchester Place in Sedgefield.
Whole, smoked, wrapped pork butt $25. Chopped BBQ $6 per pound or in
tray with slaw $4. Also, BBQ sandwiches $3.
Drinks & desserts also for sale. Dine Out with us or Take Out.
Beat the crowds and noise of uptown Blues, Brews & BBQ. Join your
neighbors for the real thing!

Wellness Week Coming to Charlotte; Dozens of Spas/Yoga Studios Offering ½ Price Deals

Spas, yoga studios, and Pilates centers throughout Charlotte will be
slashing prices for treatments and classes by half, or offering flat-
rate $50 deals as part of a nationwide Wellness Week from September
20-26.

During SpaFinder Deal Days, a Wellness Week, participants will have an
opportunity to book massages, facials, body wraps, and more exotic
treatments, as well as participate in yoga and Pilates classes for ½
price or just $50.

Hundreds of top getaway spas, day spas, and wellness studios
throughout the country will be taking part, including:

- Murad Inclusive Health Spa (El Segundo, CA)

- Sedona Fitness & Spa (West Grove, PA)

- Red Mountain Resort & Spa (Ivins, UT)

- Bar Method (multiple locations in NY/CA/WA/NJ)

- Pilates One (Miami, FL)

- The Spa at The Mirage (Las Vegas, NV)

- Bliss (multiple locations in TX/CA/NY/FL)

The full is participating locations and deals will be published on
August 25th at www.spafinder.com/dealdays. People are encouraged to
book early as many deals are expected to sell out quickly.

"Our goal is to inspire people to create their own week of wellness by
connecting them to a wide range of new treatments and activities at
fabulous prices," said Sallie Fraenkel, chief operating officer of
SpaFinder, Inc. "We hope the public will take advantage of this
opportunity to explore new practices to add to their daily wellness
routines."

Named the best website for spa travel by Forbes.com and USA Today,
SpaFinder is the world's leading spa and wellness resource.

Davidson College offers discounts for performing arts event season tickets

Season tickets are now available for the full season of premier
performing arts events at Davidson College. This year's Concert
Series, theatre productions, and C. Shaw and Nancy K. Smith Artist
Series will offer performances by outstanding national, international
and student performers at very affordable prices. Tickets for the full
schedule of performances of each series on Davidson's campus are less
expensive than single events in many big city theaters.

The Davidson College Concert Series will feature six outstanding North
Carolina musicians representing the diverse musical traditions that
surround Davidson. They include cellist Alan Black, trombonist Tom
Burge, the duo of harpsichordist Henry Lebedinsky and violinist
Michael Albert, fiddler Jon Singleton, The Rhodora Winds, and
clarinetist Allan Ware.

Season subscription packages for the entire Concert Series are $45, or
$35 for seniors. Individual performance tickets are $12 general
admission, $8 for seniors and $5 for youth 18 and under. For more
information on each performance, visit www3.davidson.edu/cms/x855.xml
or call 704-894-2135 from 10 to 4 weekdays.

The Theatre Department schedule of performances this year embraces the
college's globalization initiative for the year. Departments across
campus will come together to discuss the global cultural themes in
Velina Hasu Houston's play, Kokoro. Collaborations with the
departments of humanities, laboratory sciences, and social sciences
will inform the performances of Galileo and Pride and Prejudice.
Faculty from the departments of music and theatre are busy planning
the spring musical, Into the Woods. Complete information on the
schedule is available at www.davidson.edu/theatre.

The cost of a four-performance theatre season "Flex Pass" is just $37
general admission or $25 for seniors -- a 20 percent discount from
single performance tickets. Flex Passes for only the two mainstage
productions are $24 general admission and $18 for seniors. Flex Pass
holder have the freedom to choose a performance dates as the year
continues.

The C. Shaw and Nancy K Smith Artist Series brings entertainers the
whole family can enjoy to the Duke Family Performance Hall stage. The
lineup includes internationally prominent vocalists Rockapella, Canada-
based ScrapArtsMusic, the Peking Acrobats, "Celebrity Autobiography,"
Terrance Simien & The Zydeco Experience and a performance by the
Montana Repertory Theatre of Bus Stop. A full description of the
series is available at www3.davidson.edu/cms/x856.xml.

Artist Series season subscriptions are on sale until September 21, and
season ticket holders save 33 percent off the individual show ticket
price. Individual tickets for each performance are also on sale at $20
each. All seats are reserved. Tickets are available through the
Alvarez College Union ticket office, by phone 704-894-2135 option 2,
and online at www.davidson.edu/tickets.

Davidson is a highly selective independent liberal arts college for
1,800 students located 20 minutes north of Charlotte in Davidson, N.C.
Since its establishment in 1837 by Presbyterians, the college has
graduated 23 Rhodes Scholars and is consistently regarded as one of
the top liberal arts colleges in the country. Through The Davidson
Trust, the college became the first liberal arts institution in the
nation to replace loans with grants in all financial aid packages,
giving all students the opportunity to graduate debt-free. Davidson
competes in NCAA athletics at the Division I level, and a longstanding
Honor Code is central to student life at the college.

Redbox Thanks Charlotte Residents for Helping to Rent 1 Billion Movies

Redbox, the popular DVD rental provider, rented its one billionth
movie this weekend. To mark the occasion and thank movie lovers
nationwide,redbox launched the "Thanks a Billion" celebration,
rewarding everyone that rents in September with a free one-night
rental from redbox. From September 1 to September 30, 2010, renters
are invited to enter the DVD code from their redbox® rental at
redbox.com/thanks to receive a code for a free one-night DVD rental.
In addition, everyone that enters has a chance to win a choice between
a trip for two to the People's Choice Awards®and a Sony® Home
Entertainment Theatre System.

Charlotte, N.C. movie lovers have rented more than 10,659,919 DVD and
Blu-ray Discs® contributing to the milestone. Redbox now has 283
kiosks throughout Charlotte at the city's top retailers including:
Bloom Market, Circle K, Exxon Mobil, Food Lion, Food Lion-Bloom
Market, Harris Teeter, Ingles Market, Kangaroo, Kangaroo Express, K-
Mart, Lowes Food Store, Murphy Oil, Murphy Oil Express, Petro Express,
Public Library of Charlotte, Walgreens, Walmart and Wilco Hess. The
most popular movie ever rented in Charlotte was The Proposal.

Redbox now has 24,000 locations nationwide including select McDonald's
restaurants and leading grocery, drug and convenience stores. Each
fully automated redbox kiosk holds 630 discs representing 200 titles,
including standard definition DVDs and Blu-ray Discs at select
locations. Consumers simply use a touch screen to select their
favorite movies, swipe a valid credit or debit card and go. For added
convenience, customers can visitwww.redbox.com to select their movie
online or via the iPhone® app from redbox and pick it up immediately
at the redbox location of their choice. To find the nearest redbox
location, visit www.redbox.com or text "redbox" to 50101 from a mobile
phone.

Free Workshop: Learn How to Keep Your Memory Strong as You Age

Do you forget names, dates, and other important information? Do you
lose your train of thought more often than you'd like?

That happens to everyone as they get older. But those normal
developments can be a little scary when you have loved ones with
Alzheimer's disease. You may worry that your memory is slipping, or
wonder if you're seeing the signs of early Alzheimer's disease in
yourself or a family member.

Learn how to keep your memory strong as you age, and how you may be
able to slow the progression of dementia in a loved one, at a free
workshop from the Alzheimer's Association Western Carolina Chapter and
The Ivey, the adult day care center in the SouthPark area of Charlotte.

The two non-profits will host "Now What Was I Saying?" on Tuesday,
September 14. Choose from two times -- 2 to 4 pm, or 6 to 8 pm -- at
The Ivey, 6030 Park South Drive. The workshop is free but pre-
registration is requested. To pre-register, call The Alzheimer's
Association at 704/532-7390.

You'll learn how the brain and memory work, and you'll discover ways
to maintain a healthy brain as you age. This is a fun, interactive
workshop where you'll learn surprising information about yourself.

The presenter is Margaret Moody, program associate for the Alzheimer's
Association Western Carolina Chapter. Adult day care services are
available during the presentation for caregivers who need assistance
for their loved ones. This must be arranged in advance by calling The
Ivey at 704/909-2070.

"Now What Was I Saying?" is part of a free autumn series on
Alzheimer's at The Ivey, co-sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.
Future workshops in the series include "When the Diagnosis is
Alzheimer's" on Saturday, October 9, and "Alzheimer's and the
Holidays" on Tuesday, November 9.

Staffing and Placement Firm CEO Inc. Releases 5-Day Job Search Guide

CEO Inc. (www.ceohr.com), which specializes in direct hire placement,
temporary staffing and human capital services has released "A 5-Day
Guide to Starting Your Job Search," a booklet designed to give readers
a head start on their career search in the new and changing economy.

Job hunters are given checklists of tasks to accomplish and a method
of structuring out their day, as well as helpful hints on pitfalls to
avoid when applying for jobs. Other issues addressed include crafting
an effective résumé, creating a personal brand, and expanding one's
social network.

"It's always a thrill and a privilege to be able to share our team's
years of experience to help people find work," says CEO Inc. president
Deborah Millhouse. "We're hopeful that "A 5-Day Guide to Starting
Your Job Search" will provide a positive blueprint for success in the
new economic landscape."

About CEO Inc.
Founded in 1994, CEO Inc. specializes in "Recruiting the BEST for Your
Team!" through their full service offering including direct hire
placement, temporarystaffing, and human capital services. Honors for
CEO Inc. include the Charlotte Regional Ethics in Business Award from
the Charlotte Chapter of the Society of Financial Service
Professionals and being named as one of the Top 25 Charlotte Business
Journal Best Places to Work for two consecutive years. CEO Inc. was
also named to the North Carolina Business Leader list of Top 100 N.C.
Small Businesses. Additionally, CEO Inc. has been recognized as one
of the top 50 diversity-owned businesses, one of the top 50 women-
owned businesses and one of the top 100 small businesses in the state
of North Carolina by DiversityBusiness.com, the nations' leading
multicultural business-to-business online portal.

CEO Inc. is certified as a bona fide Women's Business Enterprise by
the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and as a
Women-Owned Business by the City of Charlotte Minority and Women
Business Development Office. For more information please visit www.ceohr.com
or call 704-372-4701.

CBCC and Carolinas Panthers to Kick Off Fall with "I Bleed Black and Blue" Blood Drive - Sept. 21

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) and the Carolina
Panthers are teaming up again for the Third Annual "I Bleed Black &
Blue for My Community" blood drive on Tuesday, Sept. 21. The day-long
blood drive will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the
Visitor's Locker Room at Bank of America Stadium located at 800 S.
Mint Street in Charlotte.

"We appreciate the tremendous support of the Carolina Panthers' and
Panthers' fans in helping save local lives," said Martin Grable,
president and CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. "We
urge donors to join us in the locker room at Bank of America Stadium.
By 'bleeding black and blue' for the community, each donor's blood
will be used to support up to three cancer, cardiovascular, transplant
and trauma patients in our area hospitals."

Donors at this drive will receive an "I Bleed Black & Blue for My
Community" T-shirt and some giveaways from the Panthers, be entered
into a raffle for Panthers autographed items, and can sign up for one
of two stadium tours at 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Tour space is
limited, so appointments must be made in advance by e-mailing jminigh@cbcc.us
. Lunch and dinner will be provided for donors who give during these
meal times. Sir Purr will also be making appearances during the event.

Walk-in donors are welcome, but making an appointment is recommended.
For more information or to make a donation appointment, go
towww.cbcc.us/donate and enter sponsor code "Panthers" or call Jenn
Minigh at 704-972-4731.
About Community Blood Center of the Carolinas
The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is an independent, locally-
managed, non-profit community blood center providing more than 90
percent of the blood supply to the 16 area hospitals that serve 11
North Carolina and three South Carolina counties. The Center's mission
is to be the steward of a community resource – life-saving blood. CBCC
is strictly a blood center, completely focused on gathering red blood
cells, platelets and plasma from volunteer donors to save local lives.
Every drop of blood collected stays here to help people in our
community.

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is a member of America's
Blood Centers, a group of 76 independent blood centers that supplies
50 percent of the country's blood. It subscribes to a community-based
banking philosophy. That means community donors know that the blood
they give stays in our community first – helping family members,
friends and neighbors. Excess supply is shared with other communities
when needed. For more information on blood drives near you, visit www.cbcc.us
or call 704-972-4700. You may also donate blood at CBCC, located at
4447 South Boulevard in Charlotte, 1212 Spruce Street in Belmont or at
600 Hospital Drive in Monroe.

Become a "fan" of the Community Blood center of the Carolinas on
Facebook or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CBCCarolinas.