Come out to the Third Annual Animal Kneads Day fundraiser at the Great Harvest Bread Company located in the Shops at Piper Glen on Sunday, August 23. Anyone, who donates $10 will take home a fresh loaf of bread! All proceeds will benefit the Animal Care & Control Spay & Neuter Fund. The fund, solely supported by private donations and grants, allows Animal Care & Control to offer free surgeries in Mecklenburg County.

Sunday, August 23
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Great Harvest Bread Company,
6420 Rea Road

For more information about the Spay/Neuter services offered through Animal Care & Control visit their web site.

The Mecklenburg-Union Planning Organization (MUMPO) will hold two open houses to review road project lists for the updated long-range transportation plan (LRTP). You are invited to attend to provide your input on the projects lists, as well as your priorities for the region's transportation future.

Monday, August 24
4 – 6 p.m.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, Room 266
600 E. Fourth Street 

Monday, August 31
4 – 7 p.m.
Indian Trail Town Hall Civic Building
100 Navajo Trail, Indian Trail

The LRTP outlines where and how roads, transit, bicycle and pedestrian facilities will be built up to the year 2035. The LRTP is a federally-mandated, long-term planning document detailing the transportation improvements and policies to be implemented in MUMPO's planning area.

Grease-related sanitary sewer overflows continue to plague our community. Residents pouring grease down drains contributed to 56 percent of the overflows in Mecklenburg County last year. You can help protect Charlotte's water right from your kitchen with these easy steps that safeguard your family and wallet from costly plumbing repairs.

• Never pour grease or oils down the drain. Instead, pour leftover cooking grease in a container with a lid.
• You can recycle the grease at one of Mecklenburg County's four full-service recycling centers. If that's not possible, absorb the grease with coffee grounds, kitty litter or paper towels. Tighten the lid, and throw it in the trash.
• Use paper towels to remove greasy residue from cookware and utensils before washing.

Contact Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities at 704-621-0854 or bplanet@ci.charlotte.nc.us to request a Grease Free educational program for your next neighborhood meeting.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) will host a community-wide open house to discuss plans for a proposed park and ride lot near Albemarle Road and Lawyers Road Extension. The Albemarle Road Park and Ride would replace the current City Sav-a-Lot #1 Park and Ride lot. The open house will serve as a forum to review site plans and address potential community concerns regarding CATS' land use of this area.

Tuesday, September 1
6 – 8 p.m.
Camden Park Commons Community Clubhouse
8301 Parkland Circle

For more information about the meeting, please call Jean Leier at 704-432-0496 or by e-mail jleier@ci.charlotte.nc.us or Chris Bauer at 704-432-3031 or by e-mail cbauer@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

A new smoking policy is now in effect at the Charlotte Transportation Center (CTC) located at 310 E. Trade Street. Customers using the CTC will now be allowed to only smoke in designated areas. All other areas of the CTC will be nonsmoking.

The smoking areas include the south side of the CTC facing Fourth Street, Trade Street near the bus shelter and along Brevard Street on the north side of the entrance doors. Look for the signs indicating you can smoke in these locations.

Transit Support Services Director John Trunk said litter from cigarette butts is an issue at bus bays and shelters. "By implementing assigned smoking areas we are improving the cleanliness of the CTC for our customers and employees," said Trunk.

CATS' Safety and Security staff will issue advisory warnings for the first 30 days to help customers adapt to this change. Smoking in non-designated areas could result in a $50 civil citation.

To learn more about CATS and its services, call 704-336-RIDE or visit the web site www.ridetransit.org.

Mark your calendar for the 3rd Annual Runway 5K Run/Walk, hosted by the Charlotte Douglas International Airport on Saturday, October 31 beginning at 8 a.m. The Runway 5K will take place at one of the nation's most unique locations and busiest airports. Last year's event drew close to 600 runners and walkers and raised more than $10,000 for LifeSpan's Community Activities Employment Transition Program (CAET). LifeSpan transforms the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities by providing education, employment and enrichment opportunities.

Pre-register now to receive a reduced rate. You can register online at www.charlotteairport.com.

If you know someone who would be interested in reading CMail, please forward it to them!