News Briefs - April 2009
An Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium will be held at the Charlotte Green and Clean Earth Day celebration on April 18. Attendees for this free event can discuss the biggest challenges and opportunities of our time and learn how to create a bold, new future.
Three areas for discussion include: the state of our industrial world and the thinking that got us where we are today, a new dream with new ideas about what really matters that leads to deep connections and surprising solutions, and how you can be part of what’s emerging.
The symposium will be held at CPCC Central Campus in Tate Hall on Saturday, April 18th from 12:00-3:00pm. Details: www.awakeningthedreamer.org, [email protected] or 704-517-7909.
Circle of Sisters Retreat Celebrating Women's Ways
Ready to be yourself and connect with other women in an authentic way? Circle of Sisters-Celebrating Women’s Ways, is a one-day retreat on April 25th to help women of all walks rediscover their true self worth.
“This will be a day set apart for exploration of your feminine self through relationship and ritual in a nurturing and supportive environment,” said Belinda Haverdill, a licensed professional counselor who is hosting the unique event. “As we weave the fabric of sisterhood you will become more self-empowered, your authenticity treasured.”
The retreat will take place from 10am-5pm in Wesley Chapel, just minutes from Charlotte. Cost is $75. To find out how to save $15 to $25 on this event, call (704) 540-2855 or email [email protected].
City of Charlotte Offers “Green Cards” Citizens pledge to help the environment
Hoping to increase awareness of the environment as a priority for the community, the city of Charlotte will insert 240,000 pledge cards into water-sewer bills in April. The Pledge to Improve Our Environment encourages residents to help the environment by taking certain actions in their daily lives.
Charlotte’s pledge ranges from activities at home such as replacing light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs, shortening shower times to reduce water consumption and carpooling. In addition, the pledge contains personal initiatives that residents can take in the workplace such as using coffee mugs instead of styrofoam cups and walking to off-site meetings that are within walking distance of the work place.
The pledge will also be available through the city’s new environmental web site. Residents can download the pledge, sign, date and have the pledge information in their home as a reminder of the commitment they’ve made. They can also sign up to receive a quarterly electronic environmental newsletter.
For more info visit www.charlottenc.gov and click on our environment.
1256761. 3492063 or 7817048, too funny Bark in the Park Dog Festival Who let the dogs out?
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation invites dogs and the people they own to join the fun again this year at Metrolina Expo from 10am-4pm on April 25th. Join the Pooch Parade and contests like Pet/Owner Look-a-Like, Best Costume, Best Bark, Largest Dog, Smallest Dog, and Best Trick. New competitions this year include Frisbee catching and freestyle movement contests. Registration for these events will be at the festival. Enjoy exhibits, dog products, adoptable dogs, prize drawings and more.
Metrolina Expo is located at 7100 Statesville Road. Admission and parking are both free. Info: www.parkandrec.com.
Signature Wellness Introduces the Power Plate Exercise System to Charlotte
Need to get your workout in, but can’t find the time? The Power Plate Whole Body Vibration System provides 10-12 minute workouts that can deliver the benefits of one hour of conventional training.
This fitness of the future technology uses whole-body vibration to contract muscles 30 to 50 times per second. While you stand on the moving plates in various positions, the continual vibration causes you to tense and relax your muscles to keep your balance. This method engages more muscle fibers and connective tissues and helps increase circulation and oxygenate blood flow, leading to a decrease in toxins in the body
“The Power Plate can improve body toning, accelerate fat loss, reduce cellulite, flatten abdominals, create muscle relaxation, and improve flexibility,” said exercise physiologist Ramsay Mead. It can greatly benefit those who are sedentary or suffering from low energy conditions such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and MS.”
To learn more visit www.signaturewellness.org or call Ramsay at 704-752-9346.
AIDS Walk Charlotte on May 2nd
AIDS WALK Charlotte is a two-mile walk through Historic Fourth Ward and is a visual representation of our community's commitment and compassion for those impacted by HIV and AIDS. Over 3,000 walkers and volunteers are expected to attend and will walk in memory of those who have finished their journey, walk as advocates for those infected and walk as a beacon of light for the future.
Money raised to meet this year's goal of $300,000 will be used to support RAIN (Regional AIDS Interfaith Network). RAIN engages the community to transform lives and promote respect and dignity for all people touched by the AIDS crisis through compassionate care, education and leadership development.
Details: www.aidswalkcharlotte.org.
Charlotte Clean and Green An Earth Day Celebration
The 2nd Annual Charlotte Clean and Green offers individuals, families and businesses the opportunity to learn how helping to save our natural resources can also save money, create economic opportunity and provide for healthier living.
The festival begins Friday, April 17th with a Green Advantage Workshop for residential contractors, subcontractors and trades people. The festival goes into full swing for the public on the Saturday from 10am-3pm with various presentations on green living, exhibits of green products and services and a farmers market offering fresh local and organic produce along with composting and gardening demonstrations.
Cooking demonstrations with samples from local chefs, numerous activities for kids and live entertainment round out the day. Committed to being a zero waste event, compostable-only plates, cups and cutlery will be used, carbon credits will be purchased to offset any electricity use and volunteers will help reuse, recycle or compost any waste.
This event will be held on the Central Campus of Central Piedmont Community College. More info: www.CharlotteCleanAndGreen.com.
drumSTRONG May 16 and 17 “In Rhythm” to fight Cancer
The Charlotte based non-profit organization DrumsForCures will hold the 3rd annual drumStrong, a participatory musical festival for all ages, promoting cooperative and collaborative relationships to beat cancer.
“Drumming non-stop for 27 hours, families, neighbors, cancer patients, and survivors gather together in rhythm for a common goal: to support survivorship, educate the community on cancer resources and raise funds for local and national cancer organizations in an effort to beat cancer,” says founder Scott Swimmer, whose son, Mason, was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer four years ago and is now cancer-free.
Held at Misty Meadows Farm in Waxhaw, drumSTRONG is a high-energy event that includes a community drum circle, vendors, exhibitors, support groups and kids’ activities, as well as a full stage with celebrity entertainment. Monies raised through drumSTRONG for cancer programs and services at Levine Children’s Hospital will be matched dollar for dollar. Festivities begin at noon on Saturday, May 16 and drumming will continue rain or shine through 5pm on Sunday. For more details visit www.drumstrong.org .
Stop Cliffside Rally on Earth Day An open call to conscience
The Stop Cliffside Coalition will hold a mass rally and nonviolent civil disobedience to shut down Duke Energy's Cliffside coal plant. The group is inviting individuals and organizations across the state and nation to attend the event on April 20th and to consider joining those planning nonviolent civil disobedience.
The world’s climate science community warns that coal burning must be phased out in order to stem an accelerating climate crisis. Environmentalists argue that the Cliffside construction is an unlawful activity because its permit does not comply with the federal Clean Air Act.
The coalition sates that, “We cannot be silent as Duke poisons our air, destroys the Appalachian mountains, and fans the flames of climate change for the sake of profit. We demand clean energy, climate justice and a livable planet.”
The rally will take place at Duke Energy’s headquarters in upntown Charlotte. To get involved visit www.StopCliffside.org.
2009 BIKE! Charlotte Festival Wheels of opportunity
BIKE! Charlotte is ten days of bicycle-related events and promotions created to inspire people to integrate biking into their life for better health, saving money, cleaner air, more energy, losing weight, independence and easier parking.
This year’s festivities will kick off on Friday, May 1st, with the Annual Mayor’s Ride/Bike to Breakfast in uptown Charlotte. On Saturday, the 36th Annual Dilworth Criterium Bicycle Race and Festival will take place with professional cyclists from all over the world racing the streets around Latta Park.
During the weekdays, many local bicycle shops will provide bicycle maintenance clinics and local cycling clubs will host supported family bicycle rides. Kids Bicycle Safety Rodeos will be held to teach children the rules of the road. The event will conclude with Cycle Charlotte, a bicycle festival in uptown Charlotte with three supported bike routes, live music and lots of fun. For more information visit www.bike-charlotte.org [email protected].
