The Friday Letter | November 30, 2012

ISSUE

60 November 30 2012

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF THE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

THE

FridayLetter this issue

In The News:

Park News P.1 Enterprise Services P.2

Weekly Minute Recap:

Nature Preserves & Natural Resources P.4 Community & Recreation Center Services P.6

Last Weeks Story

Beginning with the Friday Letter Issue 59 , Park Opera‐ tions will weekly provide a “Park Ops Weekly Minute” information segment for Park and Recreation em‐ ployee and partners. .

Last week’s weekly minute highlights ball fields and major park event manage‐ ment and the training staff are receiving to maximize opportunities to provide excellent customer service and keep our facilities in prime condition You can watch a video of the training by clicking on the picture below:

Park News

Introducing the “Park Ops Weekly Minute”

Partnerships and grants are vital to the work that gets done in our parks and faculties.

This week’s weekly minute highlights the work being done at our very own Frazier Park and the collaborative funding and partnerships, along with the hard work of Park and Recreation staff.

Also learn of updates for the Matthews Regional Sportsplex and Romare Bearden Park. Use the link below to get the full minutes worth of updates.

Romare Bearden Park Rendering

Romare Bearden Park will be created on a 5.2‐acre parcel lo‐

cated in Third Ward between Church and Mint Streets and

Martin Luther King (MLK) Boulevard.

Click Here to

Park Operations Jeff Robinson, Division Director Greg Clemmer, Superintendent Chris Hunter, North Park Region Michael Campbell, Central Park Region Patricia Poteat, South Park Region

24th Charlotte Turkey Trot

The family tradition known as the Charlotte Turkey Trot took place Thanksgiving morning. Over 9,000 partici‐ pants competed in the 8K, 5K, 1‐Mile Fun Run or Tot Trot.

Participants enjoyed the per‐ fect weather running throughout the beautiful South Park Neighborhood, finishing in the Dick’s Sport‐ ing Goods Parking lot. The Charlotte Turkey Trot contin‐ ues to grow each year and had another record number of participants this year.

Races kicked off at 8:30 with the 1‐Mile Fun Run, followed by the 8K and 5K at 9:00 and 9:20 respectively. The Tot Trot, ages 2‐6, finished the day off with a record number off participants as well, over 450 kids participated in this portion of the event. Each participant of all of the races received a commemorative Turkey Trot Medal. Part of the proceeds from this great event will go to Partners for Parks and will help provide low cost and free tennis clin‐ ics at local parks and recrea‐ tion centers.

Congratulations to all the participants and for a full list of race results visit www.charlotteturkeytrot.co m.

Grady Cole/American Legion Memorial Stadium In the News This Week

On Friday, November 23rd, American Legion Memorial Stadium was the proud host of the NC4AA High School Foot‐ ball State semifinals in which the Butler Bull‐ dogs knocked off the Mallard Creek Mavericks 27‐0. It marked the first time in five years the Mavericks were shut out.

The stout Bulldogs de‐ fense held Mallard Creek to 125 yards total of‐ fense on the night.

Meanwhile, Butler’s of‐ fense had no problem moving the ball, amass‐ ing 489 yards against a defense that had shut out five teams and was allowing 6.4 points per game. Uriah LeMay led Butler’s offense with 189 total yards and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs will play for the State title against Fayetteville’s Jack Britt on Saturday, Dec. 1st in Chapel Hill.

Thanksgiving Week High School Football The Butler Bulldogs continued their march toward the state championship with a 25‐15 victory over East Forsyth at Memorial Stadium Friday night (11/16). Unlike the previous playoff games, Butler found itself in an early 6‐0 hole following a fumble recovery by the Eagles. But the Bulldogs used a turnover of their own to spark a first‐half rally that saw them score three touchdowns in a span of 19 plays, building a 19‐6 lead. The Eagles pulled to within 19‐15 after their opening drive of the second half, but Butler would score the final points on a Josh Glisson touchdown run to give the Bulldogs a 10‐point lead. Linebacker Sean Wiggins provided a goal line stand late in the fourth quarter to wrap up the victory. Butler will be back at Memorial Stadium on Friday (11/23) at 7:30 when they play host to Mallard Creek. The Bulldogs knocked off the Mavericks 27‐6 earlier this season.

Adult Athletics News—League Play Men’s Division I and II softball leagues finished their seasons on Tuesday November 27th at Ren‐ aissance Park. Brixx was crowned the champion of the Men’s D‐I and Bouna Vita was the Men’s D ‐II champion. Men’s 30+ basketball continues league play at the Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center on Sundays. Women’s Basketball League play will start on December 9th at the Tuckasee‐ gee Recreation Center. Women and Men’s B basketball league play starts December 3rd at the Grady Cole Center. Men’s 40+ basketball league play will begin in January 2013. Weekly volley‐ ball league games are currently being played at the Tom Sykes, Wallace Pruitt and Bette Rae Rec‐ reation Center.

Adult Leagues: How Do I Start One or Join One?

We’re glad you asked. For Citizens (or yourself) ‐ when asked, they can be referred to the Adult Athletics page on ParkandRec.com

In summary, however, Fall Men's 30 and over League will start October 7th, 2012.

Games will be played on Three hundred twelve (312) swimmers competed in the Fall Frenzy hosted by Wingate University Sundays at the Bette Rae on November 16 – 18. Prelims were held on Friday – Sunday from 8:30am – 1pm, with finals at Thomas Center. nightly from 4:30 – 8:30pm. Catawba College, College of Charleston, Garner‐Webb University,

Georgia Southern University, Lenoir Rhyne University, Mars Hill College, Pfeiffer University and The Winter Women's Queens University participated in the competition.

League will begin December

9th.

Charlotte Country Day hosted a swim meet on Saturday, November 17th between prelim and finals of the Fall Frenzy Swim Meet. Cannon School, Charlotte Country Day, Charlotte Latin School, and For the players who would Providence Day School had 104 total athletes to compete. just like to join an already

existing team fill out Free Agent form and email Aaron.Cheeks@Mecklenbur gCountyNC.gov

For those wishing to register a league, Aaron Cheeks is still the best contact and they may use the informa‐ tion above to obtain the documents and information packet needed to register.

They can also be downloaded a parkan‐ drec.com (adult athletics)

Scenes from events:

Aquatics Fall Frenzy

Aquatics Fall Frenzy Hosted by Wingate University

Cold Weather Running Tips

Falling temperatures and fewer daylight hours don't mean that your outdoor running routine has to go into hibernation for the win‐ ter. Running in cold weather can help shake those winter blues, boost your energy level, and guarantee that you'll be in better shape once bathing suit season rolls around.

Follow these safety tips for cold weather running:

 Dress in thin, wicking layers  Protect your hands and feet.  Pay attention to tem‐ perature and wind chill.  Avoid overdressing.  Don't forget to cover your head.  Watch for frostbite  Run into the wind.

About 40% of your body heat is lost through your head. Wearing a hat will help prevent heat loss, so your circulatory system will have more heat to distribute to the rest of the body.

About.com: Running & Jogging

Running, Cross-Country, Track & Field Scenes from events: Senior Games Archery Regional State Finals Team, Mecklenburg County

34th Annual Footlocker Cross Country Championships South Regional McAlpine Creek Park once again hosted the Footlocker Cross Country Championships on Satur‐ day, November 24. Over 2,600 runners from throughout the south competed throughout the day. Races began at 8:00am and ran until 1:15. A total of 13 races took place throughout the day. The main draw were the seeded girls and boys races. The top ten finishers in each race earn the right to travel to San Diego to compete against runners from the Northeast, Midwest, and West Regional meets in the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships National Finals, on Saturday, December 8 in San Diego California. Sean McGorty from Fairfax, Virginia set a Foot‐ locker South Regional record, running the 5K in 14:28, breaking the old record by 4 sec‐ onds. Sophie Chase of Burke, Virginia won the girls race and earned her third trip to San Diego to compete in the Nationals. For more information on the Footlocker Cross Country Championships visit www.footlockercc.com. This event concluded a very busy fall cross country season at McAl‐ pine Creek Park. The park hosted over 30 High School and College cross country meets from Au‐ gust 18 – November 24. McAlpine Creek Park continues to be the premier cross country facility in the southeast.

For more information on events contact Preston.Buckman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Mulch 101 “The Bad”

Horticulture 101: Mulch and Why It’s Used How and Why Mulch is Used Within Park and Recreation “The Good” There are many reasons why mulch is used within Park and Recreation and its sites. When used properly, mulch provides benefits such as it:

 CONSERVES MOISTURE SO PLANTS CAN THRIVE NOT JUST SURVIVE.  CONTROLS WEEDS.  MAKES IT ALL LOOK BETTER (improves the aesthetic appeal of natural areas)  LETS OUR PARK PATRONS KNOW WE CARE!

When Mulch is used or ap‐ plied improperly it can be an “ugly” thing.

 BARE AREAS WITH NO MULCH LOOKS BAD, EN‐ COURAGES WEEDS, AND CAN DRY PLANTS OUT.

 MULCH PILED ON STEMS CAN ROT PLANTS OR CAUSE SHALLOW ROOTING.

 YOUNG TREES WITH‐ OUT MULCH CAN GET DAMAGED BY WEED‐ EATERS.

 PARK SIGNS CAN ROT (TOO MUCH) OR GET RUINED (NO MULCH) BY WEEDEATERS.

“The Ugly”

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STEM OF TREE BURIED

BY MULCH. MULCH SHOULD NOT TOUCH THE BARK.

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Continued on page 7

Area High School Students & Horticulture Staff take on Invasives Like busy bees, these high school student volunteered to “rout out” invasive plants surrounding the Nature Museum. Led by the Park and Recreation Horticulture Team, the fifty or so students spent Saturday morning, November 17th, helping to control those nasty invasives that take can take over and destroy the native look of the woods. Thanks to each and every one.

Master Naturalist Program

Tiger Spiketail dragonfly

As the inaugural class of the Central Carolinas Master Naturalist Program prepares to complete their trainings and embark on their service requirements, one participant has already made a great discovery. Mary Davis expressed interest in a project to survey dragonflies within the county. She provided her photos of dragonflies taken from Clarks Creek Nature Preserve. In‐ cluded was a 2007 photo of a dragonfly identified as a Tiger Spiketail. This species has never be‐ fore been documented in the county and is on the state watch list for rare or declining spe‐ cies. This species of the NC Mountains and western to central piedmont is uncommon through‐ out its range. Found in small woodland creeks that are usually relatively clean and unpolluted, the Tiger Spiketail can indicate good water quality and can provide information on the health of the environment. The Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources has maintained an inventory of dragonflies and damselflies of the county for many years, and is extremely pleased to be able to add this new species to the list. We look forward to many more great discoveries as more and more county residents are transformed into Central Carolina Master Naturalists.

For more information on the program or Master Naturalist conservation efforts please contact the program coordinator, Staci Clark at staci.clark@mecklenburgcountync.gov.

Ray gets covered in recycled materials

McDowell Nature Preserve America Recycles Day

November 15 was America Recycles Day. In honor of this nationwide event, McDowell Nature Center hosted a Family Fun Day this past Sunday. Visitors created various recycled projects, in‐ cluding bottle cap jewelry, cereal box nature journals, plastic bottle flowers and clothespin mag‐ nets. The highlight of the day was a recycled mosaic mural of Park and Recreation’s mascot, Ray. Seasonal staff member Amber Plantz did an amazing job drawing Ray freehand! Kids and adults alike had fun decorating him with everything from packing peanuts and wrapping paper to cau‐ tion tape and egg cartons. McDowell Nature Center plans to host a similar event next year and reminds you to Recycle All Year.

Nature Preserves and Carolina Thread Trail Partner to Celebrate 100th Mile Mulch 101 On November 17, approximately 75 people joined in a celebration of the 100th mile and 5th An‐ “The Ugly” ‐ cont’d niversary of the Carolina Thread Trail. The event was held at the entrance to the newly opened West Branch Nature Preserve in Davidson, managed by Mecklenburg County Park and Recrea‐ tion’s Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources. Featured speakers included Davidson Mayor John Woods. A highlight of the day was the unveiling of a stone bench marker commemo‐ rating the achievement.

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A Well Mulched Tree Three (3) inches thick, OLD AND NEW TOTAL No “Volcano” look Mulch to be 3” away from stem of tree Raked Smooth

TOO LITTLE MULCH IS UNATTRACTIVE

Too much mulch can rot the bark or cause shal‐ low rooting which de‐ anchors the tree and can cause it to fall over in a huge storm.

Mecklenburg County REC Program

Excerpted from NACO

If Mecklenburg County, N.C. was looking for a standard bearer for its “Recreation Employment Corp” program, it need look no further than Kenyon Smutherman.

One of the program’s goals is to expose the youths to career options in the field of parks and recreation, and provide them “an opportu‐ nity to visualize the future.”

Kenyon, as a result of the program, is now visualizing the futures of others — as well as considering a differ‐ ent one for himself.

“Originally, I was thinking that I wanted to pursue a career in academia,” he said.

“But recently, I’ve been fo‐ cusing on more public ser‐ vice, possibly working with a nonprofit organization or working in the government sector — just trying to help make the next generation have a better future.”

He credits his experience with the REC program, in part, for his shift of focus.

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities REC Corp Graduates at Bette Rae Thomas On Thursday, November 14, the inaugural class of Recreation Employment Corp graduated 16 youth ages 14‐17. This program provided a valuable job training/mentoring opportunity for youth in our community. The youth spent up to 10 hours per week with their Supervisor/Mentor during this 40 week program. They learned to follow instructions and to give them as well as learning basic job skills such as appropriate dress for work, being on time, and customer service skills. Due to the tremendous success of this program, next year’s class will more than double.

Kenyon Smutherman, REC employee of the year, is pictured below with Jim Garges & Ali Gitt.

More information about REC program can be found at your local recreation center, aquatic facil‐ ity, or nature preserve.

Mecklenburg County REC Program Featured in National Association of Counties Publication (Volume 33, No. 20, October 22, 2012)

NACO recognizes Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation as one of the foremost Model Programs from the Nation’s Counties. NACO Model Pro‐ grams highlight award‐winning programs in its monthly publications.

Read the entire article here Read the entire article here

THERAPUTEIC RECREATION

Paralympic Sport Metrolina Starts Boccia . TR’s Paralympic Sport Club wrapped‐up a 4 week boccia program on Monday, November 26th.

Boccia is a Paralympic sport for athletes with a spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, or other physical impairment requiring a wheelchair. Similar to bocce, boccia is an indoor game of strategy where athletes compete individually, in pairs or teams, and try to get the game ball closest to the target (jack) ball. Athletes can throw, kick or use a ramp to propel the game ball. Athletes had fun meeting new people, learning strategies, playing the game, and are excited about a spring boccia program.

For additional information on Paralympic Sport Metrolina contact Jana.McMullen@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Meck Seniors Holiday Potluck Dinner

Over 150 seniors partici‐ pated in the Meck Seniors Holiday Potluck Dinner held at Mallard Creek Recreation Center. Seniors made crafts, danced, had lunch and a wonderful time socializing at this event. Staff members and senior clubs from across the county attended the program. The Senior Citizen Advisory Council was pre‐ sent to participate in the activities as well.

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities Senior Card Games Naomi Drenan Mustangs Mentoring Wednesday kicked off the mentoring program for the Mustangs Matter program at Naomi Drenan at Elon Recreation Center. Every Wednesday, our 16 and under basketball teams and other community teens undergo a mentoring program with Mentoring Matters. Through our partnership with CMS and other organizations around the Charlotte area, our teens receive one‐on‐one mentoring, teambuilding classes, conflict resolution sessions. These sessions, along with being a part of the Naomi Drenan Recreation Center basketball team encourages the teens to stay active, stay posi‐ tive, and how to be successful leaders.

Naomi Drenan Recreation Center

The active adults at Elon Recreation Center enjoy get‐ ting in groups and playing cards. Coffee is provided while the active adults enjoy challenging one another in various card games. The group meets each Wednes‐ day and Friday for cards. The Friday crew plays duplicate Bridge and anyone is welcome to join.

To learn more about active adults, contact ElonRecrea‐ tionCenter@MecklenburgC ountyNC.gov or call 704.540.2426.

For more information about our programs and events, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCen‐ ter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.5231.

Naomi Drenan’s Trip to Kaleidoscope on Ice On November 14th, a group of Grier Heights youth attended the “Kaleidoscope on Ice” event at the Bojangle’s Coliseum. The night was full of excitement as the kids watched figure skating which featured Olympic Figure Skaters and Nancy Kerrigan. They danced to music performed by live bands and had a surprise visit by Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas. We would like to thank “Trips for Kids” for donating the tickets to our group. It was a great opportunity for our youth to experience the sport of Ice Skating.

Did You Know ~ Afro Russe Dance

Skills & Drills at Naomi Drenan

Afro Russe Dance Class: This program is designed to inspire, build strong character, and give students an all around cultural and dance experience by fusing African, Ballet, and Contemporary Dance. This class is offered to students ages 8 and older and meets every Thursday. For more in‐ formation, contact Elsie Mufuka at 843.441.8803.

To prepare for the upcoming youth basketball season, Naomi Drenan Recreation Center has cre‐ ated a fundamental development day for all of our teams ages 4 to 16. Each Friday evening par‐ ents bring their stars for one hour to learn sportsmanship, character building, rules of the game and most importantly fun! They also interact closely with their coaches and staff for one‐on‐one

training. The hour consists of conditioning, layup/shooting/dribbling skills, and scrimmages be‐ tween teams. For more information about our programs and events, contact NaomiDrenanRecrea‐ tionCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.5231.

Afro Russe Dance Production "Invisible" at Albemarle Road

Albemarle Road Recreation Center is the home of the dance style, Afro Russe, which is a fusion of African, Ballet, and Con‐ temporary. Students go through a dance education and per‐ formance experience of this dance style. "Invisible" was their first production with MufukaWorks Dance Company, which showcased the struggles one goes through in feeling invisible in this world. The dance work was inspired by a quote: "Was it because the world was in such bad shape, the young must activate the ancient within themselves and the older must activate youth? On a spiritual level was there any difference?”

Alice Walker’s Afro Russe classes take place each Thursday, 6:16pm‐8:30pm, for ages 6 to adult.

For more information contact Tiffany.Peterson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.567.1941.

No dance experience needed!!

.

Albemarle Road Recreation Center

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities

Park and Recreation News: 5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 336-8840

Submissions for the Newsletter Please submit all news for the Friday Letter to your Division

Recreate All Year!

As the weather changes, look forward to new and exciting way to continue recreating during the fall and winter months. Subscribe to the Park and Recreation E‐Newsletter to stay up to date on activities that may be available to you.

www.parkandrec.com

Director for review and routing.

Park Partners may contact Kesha Meads at Kesha.Meads@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

for publication assistance.

The Friday Letter Issue 60 November 30, 2012

National Gold Medal on Display at Recreation Centers The 2012 Gold Medal Grand Award will be making its rounds to all of the Recreation Cen‐ ters “Stanley Cup” style. Presently it is on display at Mallard Creek Recreation Center. See it on display next at:

Central Region: Arbor Glen Recreation Center (November 26—December 7) South Region: Southview Recreation Center (December 10—Decembler 21)

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Senior Leadership Team

Jim Garges, Director Michael Kirschman, Deputy Director James Alsop, Enterprise Services Renea Barber, Human Resources Mario Chang, Budget Administration Lee Jones, Capital Planning Lola Massad, Community Services and Recreation Centers Jeff Robinson, Park Operations