Unemployment has continued to fall steadily since June, as every one of the 16 counties in the Charlotte region experienced a drop in its unemployment rate from August to September. The Charlotte Regional Partnership’s October By the Numbers reports that as a region, the rate fell to 10.9 percent from 11.6 percent with initial unemployment claims across Charlotte USA decreasing a whopping 27 percent from September 2009. However, the labor force continued to shrink slightly, dipping .7 percent, which might indicate residents are still experiencing frustration with job searches, and no longer are categorized as actively looking for work. The

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What will County government look like in the year 2020? That’s what residents are being asked to give their thoughts on from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Vision 2020 Community Forum, which is being held at the Queens Sports Complex, 2229 Tyvola Road, Charlotte. Attendees will be guided by facilitators through a discussion that will include such questions as “How would you like your tax dollars spent?” and “What do you think are the top priorities and issues that need to be addressed for the future of our community?” Areas of discussion will include arts

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A team of Cricket Communications volunteers, as well as other businesses and community organizations, will work with Rebuilding Together on a major revitalization project in Charlotte Saturday, Nov. 6. Through this project, four local residents’ homes in the Belmont neighborhood will get a much-needed facelift including new windows, bathroom repairs, brand new kitchen appliances, and numerous safety upgrades. WHEN: Saturday, November 6 – 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Volunteer renovation efforts – 11 am to 2 pm – Block party for residents of the entire Belmont Neighborhood, volunteers and local officials – 12 noon – Remarks from sponsors and

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A century ago, Charlotte emerged as a national leader in the new technology of electricity. Hear stories about the colorful characters who made Charlotte a national powerhouse in energy during this free presentation at The Duke Mansion. On Sunday, November 14, at 3:00 p.m. at The Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Road in Charlotte, members of the Lee family will share never-heard-before tales about towering figures from Charlotte’s past. Bill Williamson will talk about his grandfather, pioneering engineer William States Lee. W.S. Lee worked with James Buchanan Duke (in photo), owner of The Duke Mansion and founder of Duke University. States

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The City of Charlotte Department of Transportation; City of Charlotte Engineering & Property Management and URS Corporation will host a drop-in public meeting to show area residents the design of the City Boulevard Extension Project. Thursday, November 18, 5:30pm – 7:30pm ar Ebenezer Baptist Church, 2020 West Sugar Creek Road. The purpose of the meeting is to show area residents and property owners the proposed design of the City Boulevard Extension Project. Attendees are invited to come any time between 5:30 and 7:30 pm. Staff will be available to meet with residents one on one to review the design plans

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The Therapeutic Recreation Section will conclude its free “Movies with a Message” series on Tuesday, Nov. 9 with a documentary film titled “Blindsight.” The film will be shown at Mahlon Adams Pavilion in Freedom Park, 2435 Cumberland Avenue, at 6:30 p.m. “Blindsight” highlights the gripping adventure of six Tibetan teenagers on their journey to climb a mountain in the shadow of Everest. A dangerous journey soon becomes a seemingly impossible challenge made all the more remarkable by the fact that the teenagers are blind. The film provides a glimpse into the lives of individuals with unique abilities, allowing us to

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Rack Room Shoes’ “Holiday BOGO” event kicks off this month, with the winning family being from Concord. The Vanderburgs were selected from thousands of other entrants from across the country during the retailers “Models Wanted” competition. Along with a professional photo shoot and VIP treatment, the local family will be featured in Rack Room Shoes” newspaper inserts, in-store signage, and on the company website from November 16 through the end of the year. Entering the contest was the kids’ idea according to mom, Kelly, and dad, Micah. Their two children were ecstatic when they found out they were the chosen

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The Power2 Charlotte campaign has launched an interactive website, Power2Charlotte.com, showcasing the City of Charlotte’s energy efficiency and conservation block grant projects. The site also serves as a community resource for other energy partners and future projects. Power2 Charlotte.com is the centerpiece of the outreach and education campaign for the City’s 17 energy efficiency projects, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Kim McMillan, City of Charlotte Director of Corporate Communications stated, “The web site is designed to create a dynamic environment to distribute interactive content, and provide a vehicle for dialog between the City, project experts,

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The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) today launched its Sixth Annual Puppies for Patients Program that will run through December 31, 2010. Donors who give blood in the months of November and December will be able to sign a tag that will then be attached to a stuffed puppy and delivered to children in area hospitals this holiday season. One local children’s hospital alone requires nearly 300 red blood cells and more than 200 platelets each month. CBCC is asking anyone in generally good health, over the age of 16 and who weighs at least 120 pounds to

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A Howl-o-ween Social will be held Saturday, October 30, at Canine Café, 1447 South Tryon Street, from 1:00PM – 4:00PM. · Zumba with your Dog · Costume Contests · Halloween Photos · Doggie Treats For more information contact: Melissa Knicely CMPD Animal Care & Control mk******@**pd.org 704-336-3627 Check out the easy, new way find us on the web at animals.cmpd.org

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