Hot Temperatures are Dangerous for Pets - Here are safety tips

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's Animal Care & Control
Division is reminding pet owners that it's once again the time of year
we hear fireworks, firecrackers, thunderstorms and experience hot
temperatures! Please be mindful how this affects your pets as the 4th
of July holiday approaches and summer thunderstorms and heat waves
roll through our region.

"July 5th is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters. Dogs are
found miles from their homes, confused, disoriented, and exhausted.
People call hoping to locate a missing dog that, terrified, crashed
through a window, jumped a high fence, or broke its leash or chain."
-The American Humane Association

Animal Care & Control advises that you secure your pet in an area of
your home where it feels safe and secure. This will help avoid
unnecessary stress on your pet or possible injury and accidental escape.

• If your pet is upset by a door slamming or other loud noises
consider consulting with your vet for a type of sedative.
• Some animals become destructive when frightened, so be sure that
you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be
harmful to your pet if chewed or consumed.

• Leave a radio or television on at normal volume to provide your pet
companionship.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification or microchipped so
they can be returned if they do get lost. Animals found running at-
large should be taken to the Animal Care & Control at 8315 Byrum Drive
in Charlotte, where they will have the best chance of being reunited
with their owners.

MICROCHIPS
Animal Care & Control recommends microchipping your pet. It's
permanent identification for your pet. All of our Animal Care &
Control Trucks are equipped with microchip scanners and every animal
that is picked up is immediately scanned for a microchip. If a chip
is located the animal can be returned home immediately, without having
to come to the shelter. Animal Care & Control also encourages
everyone who has a pet that's microchipped to register your pet in our
local database for FREE.
To register online go to http://charmeck.org/city/charlotte/CMPD/organization/Support/AnimalControl/Outreachprograms/Pages/Microchips.aspx

LOST PETS
Lastly, to look for a lost pet, first check the lost pets section on
our website http://animals.cmpd.org
We also suggest coming to the shelter to walk through our stray kennels.

Hot weather can be deadly for your pets. In daily activities or when
vacationing with Fido, remember to protect them from the summer heat!

EXERCISING PETS
• Walk or exercise your pets in the early morning or late evening.
• Monitor them frequently as you are walking and cut back the level
and length of time you are exercising them.
• Be mindful of the humidity as it also makes it harder for pets to
breath.
• Certain breeds are more susceptible to having breathing issues.
(Brachycephalic or dogs with short snouts)
• Pugs
• Boxers
• Bulldogs
• Boston Terriers
• Pekingese
• Shar pei
• Shih Tzu

• When walking dogs, do not let your dog stand on hot asphalt,
pavement or sand. Paw pads are sensitive and will burn easily.

VEHICLES AND PETS
• Never leave pet in vehicle, even if you are just running into the
store for a minute.
• Parking in the shade does not help.


PETS WHO LIVE OUTSIDE
· In extreme temperatures, bring pets inside.
· Provide plenty of fresh, cold water.
• Provide shade and shelter such as a dog house or dog igloo.
• Place a kid pool in a shaded area and fill with fresh water every
day. This will allow the dog to cool itself.

HEARTWORM & FLEA & TICK PREVENTATIVE
• It's Mosquito, Flea & Tick season. It's imperative that dogs are
on heartworm and flea/tick preventative.
• Heartworms are very prevalent in this region and are deadly if not
treated.
• A once a month heartworm pill will save your dog's life.

IF YOUR PET IS EXPOSED TO HIGH TEMPERATURES
• Be alert for signs of heat stress. Heavy panting, glazed eyes, a
rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red
or purple tongue.
• If your pet becomes overheated, you must lower her body temperature
immediately
• Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all
over the body to gradually lower temperature
• Apply ice packs or cool towels to your pet's head, neck and chest
• Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes
• Take your pet directly to a veterinarian!

Make it a safe and happy holiday and summer season for you and your
pets!

website http://animals.cmpd.org

Register Kids for Youth Soccer or Flag Football in July

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation invites parents with children
interested in playing soccer, ages 4-6, 7-8, 9-10 and 11-12; or flag
football, ages 4-6 and 7-8 to register for the upcoming fall coed
recreation season. Space is limited, so register early! Birth
certificate is required for proof of age determined as of August 1.

Registration fee is $65, which includes league play and uniform. The
deadline for individual players to register is Tuesday, July 31.
League play runs September to October with practices beginning in
August. Game sites for Flag Football will include E.B Moore Park,
Sugaw Creek Park and Elon Park while soccer game sites will be Elon
Park and Harrisburg Road Park.

Teams interested in registering must do so through Revolution Park
Sports Academy 704- 432-4963 by Saturday, July 21. Team registration
fee is $400. Groups that register as a Team must provide their own
uniforms and secure their own practice sites.

To register, go online to www.parkandrec.com , click on "EParks,"
"Program Registration," "find School Level," and finally, click on
"Athletics" to see league offerings. You may also call 311 or go to
your nearest recreation center and staff can assist you.

All Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation coaches are trained and
certified through the National Youth Sports Coaches Association and
undergo a background check by the department. If interested in being a
volunteer coach, please contact the recreation center closest to you
or Lori Saylor, volunteer coordinator, at 704.353-0504.

Among the benefits of participation in the department's youth leagues
are increased physical fitness, positive socialization, and learning
the basic fundamentals of the sport and sportsmanship in a safe and
fun environment. About 4,000 youth participate in Park and Recreation
organized youth athletic leagues annually.

This activity supports Mecklenburg County's strategic goal to improve/
expand parks, open spaces, greenways and recreational activities.

Cooling station opens as temperatures climb in Charlotte area

A cooling station will open now through Sunday to provide relief from
the extreme heat expected throughout the weekend in the Charlotte
area. Volunteers with the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army
will be on hand to provide water, light snacks (no meals) and a cool
place to stay.

The cooling station is located at the Homeless Resource Center in the
Hal Marshall Annex, 618 North College Street. Hours are noon through 8
p.m. Friday through Sunday. Hours on Monday are to be determined based
on developing weather conditions.

The Charlotte Fire Department and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency
Management urge everyone to stay alert by being aware of the current
weather conditions and warnings in effect; stay safe by exercising
extreme caution when grilling outdoors, utilizing tiki torches and
smoking outdoors; and stay alive by staying hydrated, limiting your
exposure outdoors, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of heat-
related medical emergencies.

Please look out for the well being of elderly neighbors, children and
pet by following the same applicable safety measures mentioned above.

The City of Charlotte provides services to more than 700,000 residents.
The City's focus areas are Housing and Neighborhood Development,
Community Safety, Transportation, Economic Development and the
Environment.
For the latest news about city government, visit the Citywide Newsroom
at newsroom.charlottenc.gov.
From our website, you can sign up to receive email updates on City
topics that interest you through the Notify Me service.

Showmars Gives $300,000 to Levine Children's Hospital

Showmars, the Charlotte-based Greek restaurant chain, is proud to
partner with Levine Children's Hospital through a $300,000 donation.

"For the past 30 years Showmars has experienced an astonishing amount
of support and we are extremely grateful to our friends, family and
community. To celebrate our 30th anniversary we want to continue to
give back to our community and we are honored to partner with the
Levine Children's Hospital," said the Showmars Team.

On Thursday, June 28, at 11 a.m. Showmars presented Levine Children's
Hospital with a check at the Partnership for Pediatric Hearts Press
Announcement.

Pictured in the attached image from right to left is Konstantine
Zitsos President and CEO of Showmars, Martha Whitecotton President of
Levine Children's Hospital, George 'Mr. C' Couchell Founder of
Showmars, and David Prosser and Dean Peroulas Partners with Showmars
Food Service.

Levine Children's Hospital is dedicated to caring for children from
birth through young adulthood. Levine's mission is to ensure excellent
children's healthcare by building partnerships between caregivers and
families. The Hospital leads the region in offering more than 40
specialized pediatric services including kidney, liver and heart
transplants; blood and marrow transplant, cardiac and cancer care;
neurosurgery; rehabilitation service; and the highest designated level
of neonatal intensive care. By investing in research and education,
Levine ensures its professionals and technology are at the leading
edge of medical advancements - all with the ultimate goal of being
able to better care for the children of the Carolinas.

Showmars serves fresh, made-to-order food fast in a casual, family-
friendly environment. With a diverse mix of Greek, Southern and
American flavors, Showmars caters to a wide customer base with
signature items such as gyros, Souvlaki, pita burgers, fresh salads
and its famous World's Best Fillet of Flounder. Founded in Charlotte
in 1982, Showmars has proudly served the southeast for 30 years. With
its reputation of offering a broad selection of quality food at a
great value, exceptional customer service and a comfortable
atmosphere, it's easy to see why everybody loves Showmars!

Showmars.com facebook.com/Showmars twitter.com/Showmars

County Announces Closings for 4th of July

Mecklenburg County Government offices and agencies will be closed
Wednesday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday.

This includes all units of the Department of Social Services, the Tax
Office, Elections Office, the Register of Deeds Office, and the Land
Use and Environmental Services Agency.

Mecklenburg County Substance Abuse Center (Detox) is open 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. The Department of Social Services Care Line
(704-336-CARE or 704-336-2773) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a
week to receive reports of suspected abuse or neglect of children, the
elderly or disabled adults.

The Health Department, Main Library and all library branches will be
closed on July 4.

Solid Waste's administrative offices and all facilities, except
Compost Central, will be closed. Compost Central will operate from 7
a.m. to 4 p.m.

Park and Recreation administrative offices and Recreation Centers will
be closed. Nature Centers will operate on a normal schedule. Ray's
Splash Planet will operate from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The Mecklenburg
County Aquatic Center will be open from 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Naomi Drenan
Rec Center Grayson Skatepark will operate 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

As a reminder, CharMeck 311 remains open and available to the public
on holidays and weekends.

Charlotte novelist to celebrate release of new thriller at Park Road Books July 11

Charlotte novelist Mark de Castrique will celebrate the release of his
new thriller, The 13th Target with a book signing at Park Road Books
in Charlotte (4139 Park Road, Phone: 704-525-9239) on Wednesday, July
7, 2012 beginning at 7:00 PM. The event is free and open to the public.

A tense, timely and provocative thriller set during an age of Wall
Street corruption, financial meltdowns, and the downgrading of the
U.S. credit rating, The 13th Target takes aim at the secretive Federal
Reserve. Long the target of conspiracy theorists, the Federal Reserve
controls the nation's money supply. But who controls the Federal
Reserve? And what if those in the shadowy corridors of power would
target anything - or anyone - who threatened their interests?

About The 13th Target: After his wife dies of cancer, Rusty Mullins
quits the Secret Service to repurpose his life. When he joins a
Washington, D.C. private protection company, Mullins is assigned to
guard Paul Luguire, a Federal Reserve executive and its chief liaison
with the U.S. Treasury. Mullins and Luguire form a strong
friendship. So when a police detective calls in the middle of the
night with word of Luguire's suicide, Mullins doesn't buy it. His
doubts are only reinforced by Amanda Church, a former Secret Service
colleague now in the Federal Reserve's cyber-security unit. Amanda
has uncovered a suspicious financial transaction initiated by Luguire
only days before his death.

Even stranger, Amanda finds that the transaction has been erased from
Federal Reserve records and the money was wired from an offshore
account in Rusty Mullins' name. Someone is setting Rusty up. And
when the president of the receiving bank is murdered, Mullins rockets
to the top of the suspect list. Dogged by a tenacious reporter
developing leads, Mullins follows a conspiratorial trail of killing
and kidnapping that leads from a shadowy mastermind to the possible
destruction of America's financial system. Twelve targets are known.
But the clock is ticking. . . and only Rusty Mullins holds the key to
what - or who - is the thirteenth target.

A pulse-racing political thriller that sizzles from first page to
last, The 13th Target will leave readers wondering where fact ends and
fiction begins.

A native of North Carolina, Mark de Castrique is an award-winning film
and video producer whose work has been broadcast on PBS, HBO, and
network-affiliate stations. He is the author of the Sam Blackman
mystery series, the Buryin' Barry series, and two mysteries for young
adults. His books have garnered starred reviews from Publishers
Weekly, Booklist, and Library Journal. The 13th Target is de
Castrique's first standalone thriller. He lives in Charlotte, North
Carolina. Visit Mark de Castrique online at: www.markdecastrique.com.

The 13th Target (Poisoned Pen Press, Hardcover, ISBN:
978-1-59058-615-0, $24.95, 306 pages/Trade Paper, ISBN:
978-1-59058-617-4, 306 pages, $14.95/Large Print Trade Paper, ISBN:
978-1-59058-616-7, $22.95, 430 pages) will be released on July 3,
2012. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Poisoned Pen Press (www.poisonedpenpress.com
) is one of the largest publishers of hardcover mysteries in the world.

Members of the news media wishing to request additional information
about author Mark de Castrique or an advance review copy of The 13th
Target are kindly asked to contact Maryglenn McCombs by phone – (615)
297-9875, or by email – maryglenn@maryglenn.com.

Community Blood Center of the Carolinas Needs Donors to Fill Supply

The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) has announced that
there is a shortage of blood in the community, especially the O blood
group (O positive and O negative types), and is urging O donors to
donate blood as soon as possible.

"While much of the country is facing a summer shortage, our local
community is also in short supply and we expect this to continue as we
approach the July Fourth holiday," said Martin Grable, president and
CEO of the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas. "Summer is a
particularly difficult time for all blood centers, supply drops and
demand often goes up. CBCC is the blood supplier to 21 of the
region's hospitals. These hospitals and patients rely on local donors
to meet the blood needs of our community. We need your help."

According to CBCC, treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease
continue as usual, while trauma often increases during the summer
months, pushing demand up. People are busy during the summer and
students – who account for about 20 percent of the blood supply – are
out of school resulting in a drop in supply drops.

Anyone 16 and older who weighs at least 120 pounds is encouraged to
donate at one of the five CBCC centers located in Charlotte, Concord,
Gastonia, Hickory and Monroe or at one of CBCC's many mobile blood
drives, which can be found at www.carolinadonor.org. For more
information or to make an appointment, call 704-972-4700.

The following are the CBCC Donor Center locations and hours:

Charlotte Center
4447 South Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28209
Sunday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday: 7:30am – 5:00pm
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10:00am – 8:00pm

Concord Center
363 Church Street North, Suite 170, Concord, NC 28025
Saturday*, Sunday*, Monday: 7:30am – 5:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Closed: Wednesday and Friday
* The Concord Center is open the second and fourth Saturday and the
first and fifth Sunday.

Gastonia Center
2524 East Franklin Blvd, Suite E, Gastonia, NC 28056
Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday: 7:30am – 5:00pm
Monday, Wednesday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Closed: Thursday and Friday

Hickory Center
2217 Highway 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602
Sunday: 7:30am – 5:00pm
Monday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Tuesday: Alternates between 7:30am – 5:00pm and 10:00am – 8:00pm
Closed: Wednesday-Saturday

Monroe Center
600 Hospital Drive, located in the Pavilion area, Monroe, NC 28112
Tuesday and Friday: 7:30am - 5:00pm
Closed: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday


About Community Blood Center of the Carolinas
The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) is a non-profit
community-based blood center and the primary blood supplier to 21
regional hospitals, serving 16 North Carolina and three South Carolina
counties. CBCC focuses exclusively on gathering red blood cells,
platelets and plasma from volunteer donors to save locallives – every
drop of blood collected remains here to help people in the Carolinas.
CBCC is a member of America's Blood Centers, North America's largest
network of community-based, independent blood centers providing more
than 50% of the nation's blood supply.

For more information on hosting a blood drive or donating blood in
your area, visit www.cbcc.us or call 704-972-4700.

Follow the Community Blood center of the Carolinas on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BloodCenter
and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CBCCarolinas.

Charlotte Council members Autry, Howard, Kinsey, Mayfield and Mitchell Release CIP Reduction Proposal

The Charlotte City Manager's recommended $926.4M CIP is supported by a
3.6 cent property tax increase. A new CIP proposal from several
Council members reduces the CIP to $797.4 million ($129.0M reduction)
and reduces the property tax rate increase to 3.16 cents. To achieve
the reduction, this proposal would defer consideration of a 2018 bond
cycle – and any associated funding components – to a future CIP
discussion. In other words, the CIP would cover three bond cycles
(2012, 2014, and 2016) instead of four (out to 2018). A summary of the
changes to achieve the reduction are outlined below:

• Reduced and deleted project funding o Idlewild Rd./Monroe Rd.
Intersection: ($4.0M) from 2018. Project deleted
o Sidewalk and Bikeway Improvements: ($2.0M) from 2018
o Sidewalks and Pedestrian Safety: ($15.0M) from 2018
o Traffic Control and Bridges: ($14.0M) from 2018
o Sweden Rd. Maintenance Yard Replacement: ($21.75M) [$18.75M from
2018; $3.0M from 2016]. Project deleted.
o Northeast Equipment Maintenance Facility ($8.25M) [$2.0M from 2014; $
$6.25M from 2016] Project deleted
o Comprehensive Neighborhood Improvement Program ($20.0M) from 2018
o Affordable Housing: ($15.0M) from 2018
o I-85 North Bridge #1 Project ($15.0M) [$3.0M from 2012; $12.0M from
2016]. Project deleted
o UNCC Informatics and Innovation Partnership ($10.0M) from 2012.
Project deleted
o Land Purchase for Future Fire Stations ($4.0M) from 2014. Project
deleted
• Shifted project funding from 2018 to 2016 o Northeast Corridor
Infrastructure (NECI): $26.25M from 2018 to 2016. Total NECI funding
unchanged

o Police Station: $9.0M for Independence Division Station in 2018
moved up to 2016 for a total of $29M in 2016 (Police station total
remains $56.5M for 6 stations)

• Shifted project funding from 2014 to 2016 o 26-Mile Cross Charlotte
Multi-Use Trail: $35.0M from 2014 to 2016. Total funding unchanged

'Alive After Five' Returns to EpiCentre in July, Other Events Set

Every month new and exciting events are happening at the EpiCentre
making it the ultimate destination in uptown. Live music, art and kid
friendly events are not in short supply this summer.

Every Thursday night during the month of July Alive After Five rocks
the Queen City from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. at the EpiCentre. Live music is
played in both The Plaza of the EpiCentre, as well as at the Pavilion.
Bands from across the country come to be a part of this Charlotte
tradition. As the city's largest weekly happy hour and free
entertainment celebration, Alive After Five provides a destination for
friends and co-workers to gather and unwind, while enjoying great live
music, tasty beverages, including a variety of local and specialty
wines, all in a fun, casual environment.

With its introduction last month, every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2
p.m. and Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Plaza Commons Artisan Showcase
is making itself at home at the EpiCentre. A select group of artisans
will be featuring and offering delicious foods, artisanal breads,
fresh snacks, flowers and so much more.

On the Fourth of July, there is no better place to be than the
EpiCentre. On Wednesday, July 4, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. the Family
Fourth Celebration kicks-off. There will be old-fashioned fun fourth
activities, watermelon seed spitting, hotdog eating contests, pie
eating contests and of course live music. Children's patriotic crafts
are also available.

On Friday, July 13, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. the 2nd Friday Art Walk
is taking place. Visit with local artists in a relaxed and laid back
setting with refreshments, live music and much more.

In honor of the Olympics, EpiCentre's Family Olympics will be held
Saturday, July 28, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Teams of parents and
their children compete for prizes in fun games of skill. Just like the
Olympic medals, prizes will be awarded to participating teams at the
end of the event.

EpiCentre is located at 210 E Trade Street in uptown Charlotte.

EpiCentre is the Southeast's hub for dining, entertainment,
recreation, nightlife and hospitality. Featuring an innovative design
and accommodating layout, EpiCentre is home to over three dozen unique
concepts encompassing over half a million square feet. The
restaurants, shops and nightspots at EpiCentre are perfectly situated
around an open air pavilion offering dramatic views of the Charlotte
skyline. Located at the intersection of Trade and College Streets,
EpiCentre is in the heart of vibrant uptown Charlotte, just blocks
away from prominent businesses and venues such as Bank of America
Corporate Center, Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte Convention Center
and the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Museum. Best of all, EpiCentre is
easily accessible from anywhere, including a convenient stop on the
LYNX Blue Line. EpiCentre is proudly managed by Jones Lang LaSalle.

Hot Dog Concept JJ's Red Hots Opening July 4 on East Blvd

JJ's Red Hots, an original restaurant concept, will bring premier
handcrafted, chargrilled hot dogs and sausages to 1514 East Blvd.
starting Wednesday, July 4.

Award-winning Nation Ford High School Drum Line will perform before
the 2 p.m. official ribbon cutting. A soloist willplay The National
Anthem to commemorate July 4, 2012 being the 200th anniversary of The
Star Spangled Banner. Lucky customers will be able to win free hot
dogs for a year throughout the day.

"JJ's is about classic American ideals like quality, value and hard
work," Co-founder and Concept Designer, Jonathan Luther said. "We are
especially thrilled to continue the rich history of this 75 year old
building by serving our guests the best hot dog thay have ever had in
their life."

The JJ's team has extensive restaurant industry background anchored by
father and son co-founders, Luther and Jon L. Luther. Strategic
advisor, Jon L. Luther has a rich background in the restaurant
industry. After joining Dunkin' Brands in 2003 as CEO he led the
transformation, revitalization and global expansion of Dunkin' Donuts
and Baskin Robbins.

JJ's features smokehouse hot dogs from Sahlen's Packing Company in
Buffalo, N.Y., which are chargrilled over an open flame. JJ's is also
proud to serve the highest quality ingredients including, Fontanini
Sausage, Martin's Famous Potato, Mt. Olive Pickles and Webers's Mustard.

The menu features eight signature dogs including, the "No. 1 Red Hot"
and dogs representing the best of the best from east to west. A
sampling includes: The Char Heel (N.C.) – (chili, slaw, diced onions,
deli mustard), Sonoran (Ariz.) – (Borracho Beans, fire-grilled salsa,
diced onions, jack cheese, cilantro) and Maui Gold (H.I.) – (Vidalia
onions, grilled pineapple salsa).

Other menu items include chicken and herb sausage, salmon sausage,
freshly tossed salads and soups. JJ's will offer a special kids menu
that features PuppyDawgs (chopped frankfurters battered and fried to
order), Roasted Chicken Drum Sticks and sides like chips, fruit salad
and apple slices.

JJ's will also serve hand-spun milkshakes, fresh made orangeade and
lemonade, wines by the glass and local craft beer.

Experience one of the largest rooftop decks and newly added take-out
window from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday and Saturday and 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sunday.

Formore information, visit Facebook.com/JJsRedHots.

About JJ's Red Hots
JJ's Red Hots is the premier purveyor of handcrafted chargrilled hot
dogs and sausages in Charlotte. Our rallying cry is simple: "Don't
'Dis the Dog!" JJ's features made from scratch sides and toppings.
JJ's is proud to serve quality American brands including: Weber's
Mustard, Sahlen's Hot Dogs, Mt. Olive Pickles and Martin's Famous
Potato Rolls. At JJ's, we believe that there is no greater joy than a
kickass hot dog. For more information, visit www.jjredhots.com.