Have you been to Community University? Community University (CU) is the City of Charlotte's neighborhood training program dedicated to providing high quality training to Charlotte residents to improve the strength and vitality of neighborhood organizations and the overall quality of community life. Courses are intended to engage, inform and equip participants with the training and assistance needed to help them improve and maintain their communities.

All workshops are free and open to Charlotte residents. Visit http://neighborhoods.charmeck.org and click on the CU icon where you can view the entire summer schedule, course descriptions and register. You can also register by e-mailing neighservs@ci.charlotte.nc.us or calling 704-336-2061. 

Wednesday, July 29 – Do-it Yourself: Home Repairs for Anyone
9:30 – 11 a.m.
Wilmore Community Center
501 West Boulevard

Monday, August 3 – Healthy Environment = Healthy Neighborhoods
6:30 – 8 p.m.
YWCA Central Carolinas
3420 Park Road

Customized training is also available:

If your neighborhood has a specific need, e-mail neighservs@ci.charlotte.nc.us to arrange for a customized training workshop. Please note that a minimum of 10 participants is needed for a customized training.

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 Neighborhood Matching Grants program awards funds up to $25,000 to eligible neighborhood organizations to help support projects that improve neighborhoods. Project categories are: neighborhood improvement; crime and public safety; organizational development; and educational, recreational and cultural initiatives.

The next Neighborhood Matching Grants program application deadline is Tuesday, September 15. Interested organizations must send a representative to one of the pre-application workshops listed below.

Thursday, July 30
6 – 8:30 p.m.
University Regional Library
301 East W.T. Harris Boulevard

Thursday, August 6
6 – 8:30 p.m.
Park Road YWCA
3420 Park Road
 
Saturday, August 8
9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Independence Library
6015 Conference Drive

Wednesday, August 12
6 – 8:30 p.m.
West Boulevard Library
2157 West Boulevard

For more information on the Neighborhood Matching Grants program, call 704-336-2061 or visit http://neighborhoods.charmeck.org.

Eligible organizations include neighborhood associations, business associations and neighborhood-based community development corporations that have been organized for at least six months and are in neighborhood statistical areas with median household income not exceeding $64,219.

The City of Charlotte has created an electronic newsletter, "Stimulating Times," dedicated to informing citizens about projects and programs that the City is seeking to be funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants. The newsletter will be published as needed, and editions will be posted at the City's Economic Recovery Information web site. In the first edition you will learn about:

• Specific Stimulus funding programs and grants the City has applied for
• How Charlotte residents are already benefiting from Stimulus funding
• Increasing the City's energy efficiency

You can find more information relating to Federal Stimulus Programs in which the City is participating on the City's Electronic Newsroom, http://newsroom.charmeck.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.

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