Be on the lookout for internet hoaxes. Several victims have recently reported receiving an e-mail threatening to kill the recipient if they do not pay thousands of dollars to the sender, who claims to be a hired assassin. The e-mail, which does not address the receiver by name, usually states that the sender has been following the person for at least a week and instructs the recipient not to contact the police.

This internet hoax was first reported in late 2006 and thought to have originated in Russia. There have been variations of this e-mail hoax, which can be reviewed at www.snopes.com or the FBI's fraud web site. Responding to the e-mail only verifies the recipient's e-mail address is valid.

If you have any questions about this hoax or any other suspected urban legend, please contact CMPD's Criminal Intelligence Unit at 704-336-2260.

Do you enjoy meeting new people and helping others? Charlotte Douglas International Airport's Volunteer Program offers citizens the opportunity to assist visitors during their time at the airport.

If you are interested in being a part of this exciting program call 704-359-1120 or e-mail volunteer@charlotteairport.com. You can also visit the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport Volunteer Program web site for more information.

If you like helping people solve problems and can effectively navigate multiple computer applications you should consider a position with the City of Charlotte. CharMeck 311 is expanding its 24/7 customer service center and looking for people familiar with the customer service environment to fill openings on all shifts.

The City is offering a competitive salary, paid training and comprehensive health benefits.  

Prospective customer service representatives must complete an online pre-screening form through the 311 website at 311.charmeck.org by Wednesday, March 12. Candidates selected for the employment process will begin four to eight weeks of training in April.

Thank you for helping band our trees this fall, an important first step in controlling the fall cankerworm population.

Even with Charlotte's best efforts, the fall cankerworm populations are still high enough to endanger our trees. With the support of City Council, the City recommends a second step to defend cankerworm infested areas – aerial spraying.

The substance used in the aerial spraying is a Bt, a naturally occurring substance used by organic farmers and gardeners for decades. This natural control has no adverse affects on humans, honey bees, pets, wildlife, fish or groundwater.

Bt will be sprayed in early spring (late March /early April). Exact dates will be determined by local weather conditions and the hatching of the cankerworms. The City will work with the local media to notify residents when the spraying will occur. To receive cankerworm updates, visit cankerworm.charmeck.org and sign up for the Notify Me service. Residents can also call 311 in late March for more specific spraying dates. 

Watch for more updates in future issues of CMail.

Searching for ways to strengthen your neighborhood? Register for Community University, a training program with classes and course topics designed to increase your knowledge and skills of neighborhood organizations. Residents are encouraged to enroll in classes scheduled for Winter/Spring 2008.

For more information, including class descriptions, locations and registration forms, call 704-336-2061 or visit the Neighborhood Development or Community University web sites.

Developing Leaders for Stronger Neighborhoods

It's not too late to join your neighbors from throughout the city for an enlightening and energizing day of community building at the 13th Annual Neighborhood Symposium:

Saturday, March 8th
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Charlotte Convention Center
501 S. Tryon Street

The event provides opportunities for residents and neighborhood leaders to learn about resources, share ideas and network. Visit http://neighborhoods.charmeck.org for workshop descriptions and online registration.

Tune in this week to learn how CMPD is helping young people turn away from gangs.