City of Charlotte offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2009.

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) bus routes and the LYNX Blue Line will operate its Sunday schedule on Monday, September 7. No express bus route service will operate that day.

For more information, please contact CATS Customer Service at 704-336-RIDE or visit www.ridetransit.org.

Solid Waste Services will operate on a normal schedule.

Since the early 1990s North Carolina has banned certain solid waste items from the landfill. Banned items include:

• Aluminum cans
• Antifreeze
• Appliances
• Lead-acid batteries
• Used motor oil
• Oyster shells
• Scrap tires
• Yard waste (leaves and grass clippings generated from home yard maintenance)

Beginning October 1, the following items will also be banned:

• Plastic bottles
• Motor oil filters
• Wooden pallets 

The statewide ban is designed to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to save landfill space and reduce litter.

Wondering how to dispose of the banned materials?

• Solid Waste Services currently accepts aluminum cans and plastics 1 & 2 (such as water and soda bottles, milk jugs and detergent bottles) in the CURB IT! Residential Recycling Program. 
• Yard waste is collected weekly at curbside on the same day that garbage is collected. 
• Scrap tires and appliances can be scheduled for a bulky item collection by calling 311 or 704.336.7600 or by logging on to http://curbit.charmeck.org.
• Used motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze and wooden pallets can be recycled at one of Mecklenburg County's full service recycling centers.

For more information, visit http://curbit.charmeck.org.

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is planning to extend light rail service from Uptown to I-485 at North Tryon Street. CATS invites you to attend one of the following public meetings. CATS staff will present an overview of the proposed project and recent changes. Project maps and plans will be on display.

Tuesday, September 29
6 – 8 p.m.
Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall
101 W Sugar Creek Road

Wednesday, September 30
6 – 8 p.m.
Oasis Shriner's Center
604 Doug Mayes Place 

This light rail project is an 11 mile extension of the LYNX Blue Line with 13 proposed stations, including seven park and ride lots. Construction is scheduled to start in 2012, with service beginning in 2016.

CATS will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons. Translating services will be available upon request. Anyone requiring special services should contact CATS Customer Service at 704-336-RIDE (7433) at least one week prior to the meeting so arrangements can be made.

For more information about the meetings or bus routes nearest the meeting locations, contact 704-336-RIDE (7433) or visit www.ridetransit.org.

Want to learn more about Charlotte's water? Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities is interested in showcasing its new Clean Water for a Healthy Community video at your neighborhood meeting. The eight-minute video provides a quick look at the importance of our local water resources, the value of water, and how Utilities cleans drinking water and wastewater. It's a great introduction for both new residents and life-long Charlotteans alike. Call 704-621-0854 to express your interest in scheduling Utilities for your fall neighborhood or community meeting.

You can also watch the Clean Water for a Healthy Community video on www.cmutilities.com.

Community University's (CU) fall and winter class schedule is now available. All workshops are free and open to Charlotte residents. To register, visit neighborhoods.charmeck.org and click on the CU icon, e-mail neighservs@ci.charlotte.nc.us or call 704-336-2061.

Each month there will be a specific theme with four workshops addressing that theme. Residents are encouraged to participate in all classes for the month, but may attend individual workshops if preferred.

September: Homeownership                                   
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Freedom Library
1230 Alleghany Street
 
Thursday, September 10 – Buying a Home, Buying into a Neighborhood
Discuss steps to becoming a homeowner and the importance of owners, renters, and landlords creating a strong neighborhood.
 
Wednesday, September 16 – ABCs of Foreclosure
Learn about foreclosure prevention tips, resources, and assistance programs, and how these tools can help to stabilize neighborhoods.
 
Tuesday, September 22 – "How To" Home Repair
Explore available home repair programs and learn about basic home repairs, such as winterizing windows and replacing locks and doors.
 
Wednesday, September 30 – Neighborhood Networking
Discuss and problem solve current neighborhood issues, especially those impacted by the current housing market.

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.

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!