Charlotte's Belmont Neighborhood to Receive Major Revitalization This Weekend

A team of Cricket Communications volunteers, as well as other
businesses and community organizations, will work with Rebuilding
Together on a major revitalization project in Charlotte Saturday, Nov.
6. Through this project, four local residents' homes in the Belmont
neighborhood will get a much-needed facelift including new windows,
bathroom repairs, brand new kitchen appliances, and numerous safety
upgrades.

WHEN: Saturday, November 6
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Volunteer renovation efforts
- 11 am to 2 pm - Block party for residents of the entire Belmont
Neighborhood, volunteers and local officials
- 12 noon - Remarks from sponsors and officials including City
Councilmember Patsy Kinsey

WHERE: St. Paul Baptist Church, 1401 Allen Street

WHY: For the second year in a row, Cricket is one of the top sponsors
of Rebuilding Together, a leading, national, non-profit organization
dedicated to bringing volunteers and communities together to
revitalize communities across the country. Cricket's main goal is to
rehabilitate and revitalize homes, schools or community centers for
residents living in the communities in which the company operates.

The City of Charlotte as well as Belmont residents and visitors as a
whole will benefit from improvements made to the neighborhood.
Renovations to the four homes will also demonstrate the help Charlotte
residents and families will be receiving through the new affiliate,
Rebuilding Together of the Carolinas, located in Charlotte. This
project marks the launch of the national charity's newest affiliate,
an organization which will serve the Charlotte community by engaging
volunteers and corporate sponsors to deliver critical home renovations
and services to local homeowners-in-need in an effort to stabilize and
preserve the neighborhoods of Charlotte. A true measure of
philanthropic efforts, a host of experts and community members are
involved in this kick off project, including Cricket, Lowe's and Wells
Fargo. Additional partners have offered their support in this
venture, including the Belmont Community Development Corporation and
St. Paul's Baptist Church.

Explore HIstory: Duke and Lee, Electrifying the Carolinas

A century ago, Charlotte emerged as a national leader in the new
technology of electricity. Hear stories about the colorful characters
who made Charlotte a national powerhouse in energy during this free
presentation at The Duke Mansion.
On Sunday, November 14, at 3:00 p.m. at The Duke Mansion, 400
Hermitage Road in Charlotte, members of the Lee family will share
never-heard-before tales about towering figures from Charlotte's past.
Bill Williamson will talk about his grandfather, pioneering engineer
William States Lee. W.S. Lee worked with James Buchanan Duke (in
photo), owner of The Duke Mansion and founder of Duke University.

States Lee will remember his father, Bill Lee, an iconic leader not
only of Duke Energy but of Charlotte. Lisa Lee Morgan, Bill Lee's
daughter, will talk about her involvement in green and renewable
energy -- key elements of the field today.

Energy is a core reason for Charlotte's economic development in the
20th century and an essential focus for future economic growth.
Discover more about Charlotte through this unique perspective.

The afternoon will be hosted by Levine Museum of the New South
historian Dr. Tom Hanchett. For more information, call 704/714-4400.
Part of the Explore History! Series co-sponsored by The Duke Mansion
and Levine Museum.

Drop-in Public Meeting to be held for City Boulevard Extension Project

The City of Charlotte Department of Transportation; City of Charlotte
Engineering & Property Management and URS Corporation will host a drop-
in public meeting to show area residents the design of the City
Boulevard Extension Project. Thursday, November 18, 5:30pm – 7:30pm ar
Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2020 West Sugar Creek Road.

The purpose of the meeting is to show area residents and property
owners the proposed design of the City Boulevard Extension Project.
Attendees are invited to come any time between 5:30 and 7:30 pm. Staff
will be available to meet with residents one on one to review the
design plans for City Boulevard. The design of extending City
Boulevard westward from the existing intersection of City Boulevard at
Neal Road to the proposed alignment of Mallard Creek Road near Rumple
Road will include a four-lane median divided roadway with planting
strips, sidewalks, street trees and bicycle lanes.

Therapeutic Rec Concludes Free Movie Series With 'Blindlight'

The Therapeutic Recreation Section will conclude its free "Movies with
a Message" series on Tuesday, Nov. 9 with a documentary film titled
"Blindsight." The film will be shown at Mahlon Adams Pavilion in
Freedom Park, 2435 Cumberland Avenue, at 6:30 p.m.

"Blindsight" highlights the gripping adventure of six Tibetan
teenagers on their journey to climb a mountain in the shadow of
Everest. A dangerous journey soon becomes a seemingly impossible
challenge made all the more remarkable by the fact that the teenagers
are blind. The film provides a glimpse into the lives of individuals
with unique abilities, allowing us to appreciate the differences and
similarities of all people, and to share in their challenges and
triumphs.

The Therapeutic Recreation Section provides services for individuals
with disabilities to help ensure inclusive opportunities in all
program services and accessibility at all Department parks,
facilities, special events and classes.

For more information on the Therapeutic Recreation Section, contact
Karla Gray atKarla.Gray@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov at 704-432-4322.

Local family wins Rack Room Shoes model search

Rack Room Shoes' "Holiday BOGO" event kicks off this month, with the
winning family being from Concord. The Vanderburgs were selected from
thousands of other entrants from across the country during the
retailers "Models Wanted" competition. Along with a professional photo
shoot and VIP treatment, the local family will be featured in Rack
Room Shoes" newspaper inserts, in-store signage, and on the company
website from November 16 through the end of the year.

Entering the contest was the kids' idea according to mom, Kelly, and
dad, Micah. Their two children were ecstatic when they found out they
were the chosen winners; their son Asher (9) commented, "We were so
excited when we heard we had won, but waiting for today to get here
was agony." Younger sister Ellis (6) also showed her enthusiasm,
taking her brother"s lead with smiles and giggles that lit up the
studio throughout the shoot.

Kelly and Micah were high school sweethearts who first met at church
and got engaged the night Kelly graduated. Anyone thinking they were
crazy to exchange vows at such a young age would be surprised to see
them going strong, 14 years later. Now an elementary art teacher,
librarian, and busy mom, Kelly admits she used to be shy and
introverted when she was Ellis"s age. Whether or not the modeling
classes her mother enrolled her in years ago helped to boost her
confidence in front of the camera, she moved with style and grace,
looking like a "teenage princess," according to Asher.

A fun and loving dad, Micah was immediately comfortable and creative
in front of the camera. He exhibited the same kind of enthusiasm for
showcasing shoes as he puts into his job in inside sales, his faith,
and everything else he goes after in life. The camera crew said he was
a modeling machine, but Micah responded that he would never do this
for himself. Feeling honored that his family was chosen, Micah said
the experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for his kids.

Little Ellis made a big appearance throughout the shoot, striking
creative poses like her dad and jumping up and down to make her
Sketchers Twinkle Toes boots light up. Big brother Asher had fun
shooting baskets and showing off his pool table skills. Although math
is his favorite subject in school, he said, "Trying on clothes and
shoes is definitely more fun than doing homework!"

Brother and sister and the best of friends, Asher and Ellis make their
parents proud and add to the undeniable star quality of the Vanderburg
family. Now through December, their images will adorn store walls
where customers can catch a glimpse of the extraordinary qualities of
each member of this family.

Rack Room Shoes features all of the latest styles and brands for the
entire family including Nike, Converse, Reebok, Skechers, New Balance,
Puma and more. Rack Room Shoes, based in Charlotte N.C., is a member
of the Deichmann Shoe Company headquartered in Europe, which is the
largest privately owned shoe retailer in the world. Rack Room Shoes
operates over 380 stores in 26 states, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic,
upper Midwest, Southeast and Southwestern states. Rack Room carries a
broad assortment of brand name and private label shoes for all
occasions. Visit the company"s website at www.rackroomshoes.com for
more information and current, special offers.

Power2 Charlotte Web Site Launches

The Power2 Charlotte campaign has launched an interactive website,
Power2Charlotte.com, showcasing the City of Charlotte's energy
efficiency and conservation block grant projects. The site also serves
as a community resource for other energy partners and future projects.

Power2 Charlotte.com is the centerpiece of the outreach and education
campaign for the City's 17 energy efficiency projects, funded by a
grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Kim McMillan, City of
Charlotte Director of Corporate Communications stated, "The web site
is designed to create a dynamic environment to distribute interactive
content, and provide a vehicle for dialog between the City, project
experts, interested citizens and the media. We are excited about the
ability of the site to engage the community to become energy efficient
and conserve resources."

Another key element of the campaign is a monthly eNewsletter providing
regular updates on the progress of projects throughout the community.
The website features an easy registration form for those interested in
learning more about what the City is doing and what they, as residents
and business owners can do to make a difference. The first 500
subscribers will receive a Power2 Charlotte.com bracelet, made from
recycled product. To sign up for the newsletter, visit www.power2charlotte.com
.

The City of Charlotte's "Power2" Campaign offers resources and
services to help Charlotte residents, business owners and local
government save energy, money, and the environment. The program
promotes and encourages increased conservation and the use of clean,
renewable energy. It also provides citizens with information to make
better decisions which will reduce the overall energy consumption in
our community.

Funded by a grant from the US Department of Energy, The Power2
Charlotte campaign is one of 17 City of Charlotte projects to receive
funding through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
Program, part of the American Resource and Recovery Act. To learn more
about Charlotte's energy strategy, visit the city's economic recovery
web site at www.charmeck.org.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas Kicks off Sixth Annual Puppies for Patients Program

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) today launched its
Sixth Annual Puppies for Patients Program that will run through
December 31, 2010.

Donors who give blood in the months of November and December will be
able to sign a tag that will then be attached to a stuffed puppy and
delivered to children in area hospitals this holiday season. One local
children's hospital alone requires nearly 300 red blood cells and more
than 200 platelets each month. CBCC is asking anyone in generally good
health, over the age of 16 and who weighs at least 120 pounds to
donate blood this holiday season and help save the lives of local
patients, many of them children.

"We have touched the lives of more than 6,000 children with stuffed
animal puppies over the past five years and are excited about
continuing this very special tradition," said Martin Grable, president
and CEO of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. "Not only is this
about our community coming together to save local lives, but being
able to bring smiles and comfort to children in our local hospitals
during the holidays."

For businesses, churches and organizations interested in hosting a
blood drive in November and December, there is still time to sign up
with CBCC. Call 704-972-4700 for more details on sponsoring a blood
drive or donating blood.

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 15
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. Our vision is to help build and strengthen the bonds of
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.usor
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.

Animal Care & Control weekend event - Howl-o-ween Social!

A Howl-o-ween Social will be held Saturday, October 30, at Canine
Café, 1447 South Tryon Street, from 1:00PM – 4:00PM.

· Zumba with your Dog
· Costume Contests
· Halloween Photos
· Doggie Treats

For more information contact:
Melissa Knicely
CMPD Animal Care & Control
mknicely@cmpd.org
704-336-3627

Check out the easy, new way find us on the web at animals.cmpd.org

Missing Person Advisory from CMPD

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Homicide Unit, Missing
Person Unit and the Eastway Division are conducting an investigation
into the disappearance of a 35 year old white male. The incident took
place at the 4400 block of Central Avenue in the Eastway Division. The
call for service came in at 10:50 a.m. on Friday, October 29, 2010.

The officers of the Eastway Division responded to a call for service
placed by the employees of the business. The caller advised the owner
came in at 6:00 a.m. and was last seen leaving the business a short
time later. The employee stated that the owner's keys, cell phone, and
vehicle were still on the premises. There is surveillance video
showing the business owner entering the business this morning.

The subject, Joseph Marett, Jr was last seen wearing a sweater vest
with a buttoned down shirt and tan khaki pants. Mr. Marett is
approximately 6 feet tall.
Anyone who sees or has information about Joseph Marett, Jr. is asked
to call 911. In addition, you may call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
Detective T. Burkard is the lead detective assigned to the case.

Dynamic Airways 'Cleared for Takeoff' Near Charlotte

Dynamic Aviation, a leading provider of innovative aviation solutions
to government and commercial organizations worldwide, announced today
its receipt of the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 121 certification
from the Federal Aviation Administration and the launch of its new
commercial airline business, Dynamic Airways. The new airline, which
will operate nonscheduled jet services for government and commerical
customers around the world, is based at Smith Reynolds Airport in
Winston-Salem, N.C.

"This is a tremendous milestone for Dynamic Aviation and we're excited
to have the opportunity to build Dynamic Airways into a successful
business to support the needs of both commercial and government
customers with jet charter services," said Michael Stoltzfus,
president and CEO of Dynamic Aviation. "We look forward to providing
customers with highly reliable flight schedules and outstanding
customer service in a manner that continues our company's long
tradition of service and excellence."

Dynamic Airways currently operates one MD-88 aircraft, with a second
slated for delivery in mid-December. The company currently employs a
team of 40 full-time and part-time personnel.

"As home to where our aviation industry first took flight, we are
proud to launch Dynamic Airways in North Carolina," said Guy Cannady,
Dynamic Aviation chief operating officer for Dynamic Airways. "This
new business will mean more jobs for the Piedmont Triad area and more
aviation industry opportunities for the state."

Dynamic Airways aircraft are available for charter worldwide. Company
executives are expecting the airline to serve the federal government
as well as a variety of groups in the private sector, such as the
tourism industry, collegiate athletic teams, private charter groups,
and any other industries and groups that have a need for reliable,
customized transportation.

To complete its FAR Part 121 certification, an effort that the company
began over a year ago, Dynamic Airways developed manuals, procedures
and training programs, and also worked closely with the FAA and its
regional and local affiliate organizations to demonstrate its ability
to operate aircraft safely and comply with all safety regulations and
standards.

Additionally, throughout the process, Dynamic Airways was subjected to
a rigorous financial and management fitness determination conducted by
the U.S. Department of Transportation, which found it to be "fit,
willing and able" to act in the public interest as an air carrier.

About Dynamic Aviation
Dynamic Aviation is the leading provider of jet charter services and
innovative special-mission aviation solutions designed to meet the
unique requirements of government and commercial organizations
worldwide. The company delivers customized aerial assets and services
to support a wide range of customers, including national defense,
military intelligence, federal agencies, state and local governments,
nonprofit research organizations, private companies, and private or
public individuals. Dynamic Aviation has the flexibility and resources
to deliver world-class aviation solutions that combine mission-
modified aircraft, experienced flight crews and comprehensive
maintenance services. The company operates a 40,000-square-foot heavy
maintenance and modification center, engine shop, and privately owned
airport at its headquarters in Bridgewater, Va. It also operates an
airline business that is headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C. Dynamic
Aviation employs approximately 550 aviation professionals, owns more
than 160 aircraft and operates from 20 locations in 10 countries
across four continents. For more information, please visit www.dynamicaviation.com
.