The Friday letter | November 15, 2013

Volume 2 ISSUE

41

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF THE PARK AND RECREATION

November 15 2013

DEPARTMENT

FridayLetter THE

this issue In The News:

Park News P.1 Enterprise Services P.2

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation wins 2013 NACPRO Award

Community & Recreation Center Services P.4

Park and Recreation— Park News Mecklenburg County hosts the Aquatic Exercise Association Conference The Aquatic Exercise Association Conference was held Thursday, November 7 through Saturday, November 9th at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center. The conference focused on continuing education for Aquatic Fitness Professionals to learn in depth programming ideas to help increase their offerings for facility membership and clients. Ninety (90) participants spent 3 days in the classroom and the pool to advance The Recreation Employtheir water fitness education or receive their certification for the first time. ment Corp received a NACPRO (National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials) Award in Houston, Texas on Wednesday, October 9. The Award recognizes a NACPRO member agency that has provided a unique or exceptional program, activity, or event which provides an outstanding example that other agencies could adopt or emulate.

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The Charlotte Swimmasters hosted a 25 Meter Swim Meet on Saturday November 9th from 12 - 4pm and on Sunday, November 10 from 8am - 12pm. One hundred seven (107) master swimmers from around the region took part in this unique swim meet. A 200 Meter Freestyle Relay Fina World Record was set on Sunday morning. Four NC females set a new standard time of 1:48:08. Read the full article here.

Adult Athletics & Tournaments 49 Hole Showdown

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation wins 2013 NACPRO Award (Cont’d) The Recreation Employment Corp (REC) is a workbased learning program employing youth between the ages of 14-17 as Emp l o ye e / M en t e es at neighborhood recreation centers, nature centers and aquatic facilities.

Each employee is paired with a professional recreation staff member who is the Supervisor/Mentor that provides close supervision and guidance during the 40 week program.

Through this structured job experience and training opportunities, youth learn positive work skills and habits which serve them throughout life.

On November 9 and 10, UNCC hosted the National Collegiate Disc Golf Championship Select Qualifier at Hornet’s Nest and Nevin Parks. Several schools across the area participated including Clemson, Appalachian State, Georgia Tech, and more. A par 70 doubles round was played at Hornet’s Nest on Saturday and a 13 hole final took place at Nevin Park on Sunday. For more information on upcoming disc golf events contact Preston.Buckman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Charlotte Fall Futures Tennis Tournament Charlotte Tennis Association hosted the Fall Futures tournament at Jeff Adams Tennis Center and Park Road Park on November 1-3. 8 groups including 148 boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 16 competed throughout the weekend. Winners for the boys include Sam Dean for age 16, Justin Williams- 14, and David Li- 12, and Benjamin Moore for the age 10 category. Nyalah Shumate-Lawrence won for the girls’ age 16. Other female winners for the weekend include Emily Holderness- 14, Madison Graveline- 12, and Lucy Sasz- 10. For more details on the event, check out the following link: http:// tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=132863 .

Junior Classic Charlotte Tennis Association hosted their Junior Classic tournament this past weekend, November 9 and 10. Matches were played at Jeff Adams Tennis Center, Park Road Park, EE Waddell Academy, and South Mecklenburg High School. 308 players between the ages of 10 and 18 competed. Many of these athletes were from the area, but some traveled as far as Louisville, Kentucky to play. Christian Hess won the boys 18 group and Samantha Smith won for the girls. For more results check out the following link: http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?

T=132864 . For more information on upcoming tennis tournaments contact Preston.Buckman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

NCAA Cross Country Division II Regional Championship Queens University hosted the Cross Country Division II Regional Championship at McAlpine Creek Park Saturday, November 9. Wingate University took first place for the Girls 6K led by Brittany Tretbar with a time of 22:20.4. Flagler and Columbus State followed in second and third. In the Boy’s 10K, Mount Olive finished first with a team average time of 31:45.48. For their team, runner Dylan Lafond finished first with a 30:51.3 time.

In second and third were King and GRU Augusta. Qualifiers will compete at the NCAA Division II Championship in Spokane, Washington on Saturday, November 23. We wish all runners best of luck! For more details on the results of this past weekend, visit FlashResults at http://www.flashresults.com/2014_Meets/xc/d2se/ and For more information on upcoming running events contact Preston.Buckman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Adult Athletics & Tournaments Co-Rec BB Volleyball started the 3rd round of playoffs this week. The championship game will be held on Wednesday November 20 at Tom Sykes Recreation Center. There were a total of 6 teams that participated during the Fall season.

Co-Rec AA Volleyball started the 2nd round of playoffs this week. The championship game will be held on Tuesday December 3 at Bette Rae Recreation Center. There were a total of 6 teams that participated during the Fall season.

Women’s A Volleyball started the 2nd round of playoffs this week. The championship game will be held on Thursday December 5 at West Charlotte Recreation Center. There were a total of 6 teams that participated during the Fall season.

Men’s 30 and Over Basketball will start playoffs on Sunday November 17 at Bette Rae Recreation Center. There are a total of 9 teams participating during the Fall season.

On November 9th and 10th, there was a Youth Baseball Tournament at Hornet’s Nest Park and Nevin Community Park named East Coast Winter World Series. There were a total of76teams participating in the tournament all from North Carolina.

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities

Paralympic Boccia Coaching Certification: Jana McMullen completed the Level I Boccia Coach Certification offered thru BlazeSports and USA Boccia. Level I certification End of Season is for coaches that coach player(s) on the local or regional level in either recreational or Celebration at B erewi c k/W in get: competitive programs. Boccia is offered by Therapeutic Recreation’s Paralympic Sport Berewick/Winget Recreation Center enjoyed an evening of celebration as they recognized their 2013 soccer players. The coaches presented the 8 and under team with trophies and celebrated their achievements over the season.

For more information on youth sports and other activities at Berewick Recreation Center, call 704 432 4934.

Metrolina and is a game of strategy and accuracy for participants with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, MD, MS, ALS. Participants in the boccia program are excited about an upcoming regional competition in February. For more information on Paralympic sports contact Jana.McMullen@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-432-4330.

Paralympic Air Rifle: The Therapeutic Recreation Section’s Paralympic Sport Metrolina hosted the first Paralympic Air Rifle clinic on Friday, Noth vember 8 . The program is for disabled Veterans and injured service members with a physical disability.

Eight Veterans attended the event and each had oneon-one volunteer support. There will be another air rifle clinic on Friday, December 13th. For more information on this event, or Paralympic sports, contact Jana.McMullen@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities Naomi Drenan Recreation Center REC Graduates: On Monday, November 18th, Naomi Drenan Recreation Center will be graduating two Recreation Employment Corp (REC) Mentees from the program. Dylan Nantz and Johnathan Mitchell have done an outstanding job over the past year! Dylan has been an integral part of the team at Grayson SkatePark, assisting with competitions, skate camps, and making contributions to the overall program. Johnathan has developed his leadership and communication skills and has been a great asset in our everyday programs and special events.

Both of these young men are role models among their peers and have bright futures ahead of them! We would like to thank Dylan and Johnathan for all of their hard work this year and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors!

Naomi Drenan Recreation Center For more information about our programs, please contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-432-5231.

Naomi Drenan Recreation Center's "Salute to Veterans": On Monday, November 11th, Naomi Drenan Recreation Center gave thanks to all of our troops for their continuous hard work and dedication serving our country by making pictures and cards for them. Staff shared valuable information with youth on how important Veterans Day is to our country and why we should take the time to express how much we appreciate the real heroes, our troops. Naomi Drenan Recreation Center/Grayson SkatePark staff give thanks to our everyday fighters! For information on our programs and events, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.5231.

Young Champions of America Cheerleading at Berewick: Cheerleaders are gearing up for another exciting season!!

Registration has ended and now the real fun is about to begin! The cheerleaders are busy learning new positions, chants, jumps, and tricks with their new coach to pack into their cheers and routines for competitions.

Young Champions accepts children ages 4-18 on various teams and levels, so everyone can join in the fun! For more information regarding Cheerleading or other cultural arts programs, please contact BerewickRecreationCenter@Mecklenbur gCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.4934.

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities Flag Football Trophy Ceremony: Tom Sykes Recreation Center just completed its Flag Football season and concluded this fun season with a special trophy ceremony for the 34 participants. During our ceremony kids and coaches were recognized, received trophies, pictures and enjoyed various games & entertainment.

4H Safety Through Design: Free Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Screening Day: Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center partnered with the students from UNCCharlotte to be able to screen over 100 Senior citizens of the community.

Senior citizens were educated with the results and how to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Tom Sykes Recreation Center For more information about Tom Sykes youth sports, contact TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-432-4806.

H.O.M.E. Boys (Helping Our Males Excel): Arbor Glen has a new youth and teen male mentoring club called H.O.M.E. Boys that provides young males with positive role models that they can admire. The purpose of this club is to mentor young male participants about life skills and the importance of being physically fit.

Contact BetteRaeThomasRecreationCenter@Meckl enburgCountyNC.Gov or 704-432-4289 for future events.

Arbor Glen Recreation Center For more information, contact ArborGlenOutreachCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.1531.

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities 4H Safety Through Design: Eight students took part in the 4H Safety Through Design curriculum. This six week program goes over fabric resiliency, flame retardancy, car design, and paint. The picture below shows one group of students determining what materials had the most resiliency.

Ivory/Baker Recreation Center For more information on proI/BRC Outdoor Advengrams happening at Ivory/Baker turers Club Make call 704.432.4580 or email Cookie Name Tags: IvoryBakerRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov The Anita Stroud After School Program particiRecreation Employment Corp (REC) Mentee Training at Ivory/Baker: Twenty pated in their Outdoor Adventurers programs. Cara six teens participated in the REC Mentee training held at Ivory/Baker Recreation Center. and Jared, Recreation SpeThe teens learned about resume building, interview skills, and had a special presentation from UNC Charlotte volunteers. Special thanks to Vivian Dorsey and LeighAnn Loyd from cialists, had the 3rd-5th graders make Cedar Tree Human Resources for presenting! For more information on programs happening at Cookie Name Tags to Ivory/Baker call 704.432.4580 or email IvoryBakerRecreationCendecorate and wear. In all, ter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 18 children participated in this nature-based ongoing program. Some of the children were very enthusiastic in showing off their name tags.

For more information on programs happening at Ivory/Baker call 704.432.4580 or email IvoryBakerRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCounty NC.gov

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities A Special NC Dance Theatre REACH! Performance Comes to Ivory/Baker: On Monday, November Stay tuned for more exciting information about Fall opportunities to recreate in and enjoy Romare Bearden Park.

Volunteer Services also sends a special thanks to all of volunteers from this week and every week.

4th, professional dancers from the North Carolina Dance Theatre presented an interactive educational program for a group of 50 children and adults in a 60minute narrated performances featuring diverse excerpts from Dance Theatre’s contemporary and classic ballets called "The Cultural Layers of America." Afterwards, performers pose with the dance students from the NCDT REACH! program, which meets every Monday evening from 5pm-7pm at I/BRC.

Ivory/Baker Recreation Center

For more information on programs happening at Ivory/Baker call 704.432.4580 or email With youth sports alone, IvoryBakerRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov hundreds of new and returning volunteers are Revolution Park Sports Acadenrolling to coach teams emy of all ages. All of our volNFL Punt, Pass & Kick Competiunteers are greatly appretion: Congratulations to Derrick ciated for all of their supLayton from Fort Mill, South Caroport and willingness to lina for advancing to the Team help the community!

Championship Round of the 2013 NFL Punt, Pass and Kick Competition. Derrick was the winner in his age division from our Sectional Competition held in Mecklenburg County at Memorial Stadium back on November 27th. He will be competing against other winners from our Region (North and South Carolina) on December 1st at Bank of America Stadium during halftime of the Carolina Panthers game. We wish him the best of luck! For more information about youth sports email YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call (704) 432-4963.

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities Revolution Park Sports Academy Youth Basketball Leagues: Registration for the 2013-2014 Youth Basketball Season is rapidly approaching its deadline.

Most Recreation Centers are full or are well on their way to filling up. Registration is scheduled to run through Friday, November 15th but space is limited. For more information about youth sports email YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call (704) 432-4963.

Disc Golf Fall Season Countywide Tournament: The 2013 Disc Golf Fall Season Countywide Tournament will be held this Sunday, November 17th at Elon Park. 22 Disc Golfers ranging in age from 616 will compete for the championship in 5 separate age divisions. Tee times will begin at 1:00pm. For more information about youth sports email YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call (704) 432-4963.

Youth Soccer Countywide Tournament: The 2013 Youth Soccer Countywide Tournament was held this past Saturday at Harrisburg Road Park. 9 Teams competed in 2 age divisions for the title of 2013 Countywide Champion. Congratulations to the 7-8 year old Sugaw Creek Stars and the 9-10 year old Police Activities League (PAL) team for securing the championship in their age divisions. For more information about youth sports email YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call (704) 432-4963.

See Team Photos at Right Column

Youth Soccer Countywide Tournament Winners Sugaw Creek Stars Ages 7-8

Police Activities League (PAL) Ages 9-10

Park and Recreation News: 5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 336-8840

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Please submit all news for the Friday Letter to your Division Director for review and routing.

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The Friday Letter Volume 2 • Issue 41• November 15, 2013

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Senior Leadership Team Jim Garges, Director

Romare Bearden Park, Charlotte NC

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