The Friday Letter | March 14, 2014

THE

2014 Bark In The Park Top Dog Festival When: April 26, 2014 Where: Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Road Huntersville, NC View the 2014 Sponsorship guide here.

View the 2014 Vendor Application here.

View photos from the 2013 Bark in the Park festival here.

Click here to enter the Top Dog Photo Contest.

2014 Spring Get Going Guide now available Spring is only a week away and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation offers many great programs and events that will help you enjoy every minute of it.

The Spring Get Going Guide offers something for everyone and even includes information on the Bark in the Park Top Dog Festival and summer camp registration.

To view the guide, visit www.parkandrec.com.

City of Charlotte Information on Illegal Dumping The city drinking water supply was not affected by either incident at the two wastewater treatment plants. CharlotteMecklenburg Utility Department (CMUD) and other City & County officials continue to reiterate that drinking water is safe to drink, bathe and cook with.

Community Meetings Residents and business owners are invited to attend community meetings in which CMUD leadership will provide insight on the illegal dumping incidents and the direct impacts to the neighborhood creeks.

The meeting will also serve as an invitation for continued dialogue between the utility and the neighbors of those treatment plant facilities. Two meetings have been scheduled in each area.

Letters to approximately 2,500 residents and businesses were mailed on Tuesday, March 4, 2014.

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Prescribed Fires Its prescribed fire season in the nature preserves! Fire is a natural part of many ecosystems, including those found in Mecklenburg County. The disturbance created by periodic fire serves to rejuvenate habitat, removing accumulated fuels and creating room for new growth. These effects help maintain high levels of biodiversity and provide many benefits to native flora and fauna. Check out a video of a burn conducted by Natural Resources staff on March 10th at Latta Plantation at: http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/ParkandRec/StewardshipServices/ NaturalResources/Pages/RxFire.aspx

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources McDowell Nature Center: Odyssey Logistics Members of Odyssey Logistics came to the McDowell Nature Preserve on Saturday March 8,2014 to volunteer with staff member Chad Moore on improvements to the area surrounding the nature center. They helped by planting native plants around the parking lot and entrance of nature center. They also helped by finishing the newly installed water feature by adjusting the liner and bordering with rocks. McDowell Nature Center Staff would like to thank them for their hard work and enthusiasm.

Illegal Dumping cont....

Mallard Creek Area Monday March 10, 2014 University Hills Baptist Church 1500 Suther Road Charlotte, NC 28213 7:00 pm Tuesday March 18, 2014 Back Creek Presbyterian Church 1821 Back Creek Church Road Charlotte, NC 28213 7:00 pm

Sugar Creek Area Tuesday March 11, 2014 Grace United Methodist Church 737 East Woodlawn Road Charlotte, NC 28209 7:00 pm

Park and Rec greatly appreciates the support from our wonderful community. For more information on Mecklenburg County volunteer opportunities, click here.

Thursday March 20, 2014 Grace United Methodist Church 737 East Woodlawn Road Charlotte, NC 28209 7:00 pm

Park and Rec and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Team Up for Nature Education Series Park and Recreation and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library are partnering to present an outdoor survival and nature education series in March at the library’s South County Region branch, 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte.

The classes are for adults, ages 18 and older, and are FREE to attend.

The series will cover topics such as: camping, navigation, survival basics and woodland wildlife recognition.

Therapeutic Recreation Marion Diehl Recreation Center: Gifted Gardeners We are ready for Spring at the Marion Diehl Center! The “Gifted Gardeners” TR horticulture program participants have been working hard to spruce up the gardens and get plants ready for the big growing season. Lots of vegetable seeds have been started, and soon a brand-new “living wall” will take shape! The Gifted Gardeners also share plants with families, friends and community neighbors: there will be an open giveaway day on Tuesday, March 25! For more information about various classes for adults with disabilities, contact Karen Howard at 704-432-4325.

Athletics

Nature Education cont....

This past weekend the Mecklenburg County Sportplex hosted the 2014 Carolina Ruggerfest. They event hosted the ACRL 7’s Collegiate Championship as well as High School teams from all across the nation. High Schools were split up into three different divisions to ensure equal competition. The weather was perfect for a full weekend of rugby. Notre Dame College (NDC) dominated the ACRL’s 7’s event winning all 4 of their matches including the championship game against Virginia Tech. NDC scored 140 points and only allowed 38 points to capture the championship. To view results or information from the event please visit 2014 Carolina Ruggerfest.

For more information on the Mecklenburg County Sportplex and special events please contact Preston.Buckman@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Classes will begin at 6 p.m. on the following dates: March 5 Outdoor Survival & Nature Education (7 Priorities of Survival)

2014 Carolina Ruggerfest

U Got Game Tournament We hosted our annual “U Got Game Tournament” this past weekend, March 79. There were 17 teams registered with teams coming from as far away as Washington DC. The Carolina Elite were the winners.

March 12 Outdoor Survival & Nature Education (Nutrition and Field Cooking) March 19 Outdoor Survival & Nature Education (Thermoregulation) March 26 Outdoor Survival & Nature Education (Wilderness Medicine) For more information or to register, click here.

11th Annual Grand Slam Youth Baseball Tournament We hosted the 11th Annual Grand Slam youth baseball tournament this past weekend at Nevin Park. There were 58 teams participating in that tournament.

Bark in the Park Become a Vendor at the 2014 Bark in the Park Top Dog Festival Presented by Purina and Harris Teeter Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is now accepting vendor applications for the 2014 Bark in the Park Top Dog Festival presented by Purina® and Harris Teeter.

The festival is Saturday, April, 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC. The deadline to register is April 16.

Community & Recreation Center Services Berewick Recreation Center: Bricks4Kidz Afterschool Bricks for kids had their last class on Wednesday March 5th. These kids enjoyed building new motorized projects each week while they explored architecture, engineering, and technology concepts using LEGO bricks. This session focused on inventions and carnival rides, following step -by-step instructions to complete their model! Children also enjoyed free-play time to explore and create their own inventions and models. Classes are offered as a part of the afterschool program. For more information about afterschool and educational programs, please contact Kimberly Golden at BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.4934.

Vendor spots are 10’ x 10’ and cost:

Marion Diehl Recreation Center: Charlotte Woodcarvers Club $175 For-Profit organizations (Electricity included) $150 For-Profit organizations (No electricity) $75 Non-Profit organizations (Electricity included) $50 Non-Profit organizations (No electricity)

Marion Diehl Recreation Center hosted the 31st Annual "Showcase of Woodcarvings 2014" February 22nd & 23rd . Over 700 carvings were in competition and on display.

There were over 200 visitors, dozens were from out of state. Vendors, seminars, raffles and exhibits were all part of the day. This free admission and family friendly event is the largest woodcarving showcase in the Southeast. For more information please call 704-432-0237 or contact MarionDiehlRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov .

Community & Recreation Center Services

Bark in the Park cont.…

Albemarle Road Recreation Center: Mufuka Works Dance The Mufuka Works Dance Company family are winners. On March 8 th MufukaWorks Dance competed in the YMCA Simmons Dance Competition on the intermediate level, where they brought back several awards. There was a Platinum and 3 Gold Trophies; winning in all the categories!! The intermediate dancers also placed high. They began their training about a year and a half ago at Albemarle Road Recreation Center, where dance is used as a vehicle to tell human life stories. The stories told during the competition were Bitter Earth, Friends for a Season, Holiday, and Time. MufukaWorks Dance includes ballet, gumboot, and Afro Russ dance (consisting of ballet, contemporary, and African dance) classes are on Fridays and Saturdays for ages 8 to adult, all skill levels are welcome. For more information about this or other programs please call Albemarle Road Recreation Center at 704-5671941 or Elsie Mufuka 843-441-8803.

Mallard Creek Recreation Center: Preschool Open Gym On Monday March 10, participants in the Preschool Open Gym expended a great deal of energy having fun during play at the Mallard Creek Recreation Center. The children played basketball, rode tricycles, bounced balls and gained socialization. For more information, contact Shawn.McCants@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov or (704)548-8234.

Non-profit organizations must show proof that they are a 501(c) 3 registered organization. Educational and municipal organizations are also eligible for the nonprofit rate.

Vendor fee includes: one 10’x10’ space, an 8’ table and two chairs. Drop cords are not provided.

Vendors must register by completing the vendor application and mailing to: Mallard Creek Recreation Center Attn: Stephanie Frisbee 2530 Johnston-Oehler Road Charlotte, NC 28269 For more information, contact Stephanie Frisbee or Patricia Caldwell at 704-548-8234.

Live Healthy Step2It Challenge CHALLENGE DATE MARCH 10 - MAY 2, 2014 By bringing together teams of friends, families, businesses and communities alike, Live Healthy America helps members create a lifestyle of healthy habits, physical activity and improved nutrition and weight loss.

At Live Healthy America (LHA) we make program administration easy, from planning and promotion, to implementation and evaluation. The Live Healthy America staff will guide you through every step from internal communications, program setup, participant marketing and data analysis. In addition to our online tracking and resources, each program administrator receives a LHA Planning Guide which provides practical tools and ideas to make your wellness program a success.

Community & Recreation Center Services Sugaw Creek Recreation Center: Indoor Baseball Clinics With spring right around the corner, the Indoor Baseball Clinics at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center were popular. The instructional clinics were for youth ages 8-14. Participants learned fundamental and advanced skills in pitching, hitting, fielding, and base running. The camp ran every Friday evening and was a great warm up for the youth baseball and softball seasons. For more information, contact Brett.Krizanik@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov or Sugaw Creek Recreation Center at 704-336-7655.

Community & Recreation Center Services 2014 State Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament: The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department partnered with the Charlotte Boxing Academy for the 2014 State Golden Gloves this past weekend. The Golden Gloves is an advancing tournament with boxers aging from 17 to 40 years old. The competition was held March 7th- 8th at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center. Nine teams from across North Carolina participated in the event that also involved women bouts. Over 350 spectators attended the event nightly. Charlotte Boxing Academy was awarded 1st Place Team, which had 8 champions with 4 of them advancing to the Regionals. The team is gearing up and preparing for the Regionals, good luck and great job! For more information on this and other boxing programs call the Revolution Park Sports Academy at 704-432-4963.

Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Smart Start Basketball Tom Sykes Recreation Center just completed its 2nd Start Smart Basketball session. This program for 3-4 years olds taught children and their parents’ skills in dribbling, ball handling, passing, catching, and shooting. Over the past 4 months, staff has lead two classes and taught 20 preschoolers basic basketball skills! If you would like to register your child for other Start Smart programs at Tom Sykes Recreation Center, contact TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704.432.4803.

12 Years a Slave: Movie showing and facilitated dialogue The CharlotteMecklenburg Community Relations Committee (a division of the City Manager’s Office) will sponsor a special showing of the Academy Award winning movie 12 Years A Slave on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. at the. Historic Palmer Building, 2601 East Seventh Street.

After the movie, participants will engage in a facilitated dialogue focused on their reactions to the movie, the impact of slavery and racism on our present day community, and how we as a community might work together to ameliorate the current effects of past discrimination.

There will be limited seating and we request that you make your arrangements to attend as soon as possible. To reserve a seat, please contact Renee Thompson at 704-336-2424 or rthompson@charlottenc.gov.

Mecklenburg County DIRTways What are DIRTways?

DIRTways are unpaved, rugged temporary trails located on Mecklenburg County greenway property. Because it takes several years for a paved Greenway to be developed, DIRTways give citizens an opportunity to enjoy the undeveloped greenway property in the meantime.

What is the difference between a DIRTway and a Greenway?

The biggest difference is that DIRTways are unpaved. Users should expect a less manicured experience, such as mud puddles, tall grass, small creek jumping, etc.

What are the DIRTway rules?

DIRTway rules are the same as Greenway rules, although some activities that are allowed on Greenways may not be suitable on DIRTways due to the rough conditions (such as strollers and rollerblading).

Community & Recreation Center Services Bette Rae Recreation Center: Bid Whist Tournament Thirty two seniors spent the afternoon enjoying a friendly competition of Bid Whist and healthy appetizers at Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center.

Our first place winners were Yvonne Leake and Vera Williams, second place winners were Delano Rankin and Charlie Page. Seniors come in daily to the recreation center to play cards and socialize. For more information on other senior programs, please, contact us at 704-432-3048 or email at BetteRaeThomasRecreationCenter@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Ivory Baker Recreation Center: Little Tykes Painting St. Patrick's Day came a bit early at Ivory/Baker Recreation Center during the Little Tykes Painting class on Wednesday, March 12th. The five little painters used different sized shamrock templates and painted with cotton swabs and popsicle sticks. The children enjoyed adding glue and glitter to their paintings too, even though it got pretty messy. For more information about programs at Ivory/Baker Recreation Center call 704.432.4580 or email IvoryBakerRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Center Services MeckSeniors: North Carolina Dance Theater Cinderella Dress Rehearsal On Wednesday March 5, seniors enjoyed a dress rehearsal of NC Dance Theatre’s Cinderella- Dress Rehearsal. This is a great partnership and way to get your seniors involved in the community. The show gives seniors a sneak peek prior to opening day. For more information on Senior programming email MeckSeniors@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.336.8105.

MeckSeniors: Yadkin Valley Vineyard Tour Trip MeckSeniors enjoyed great weather and plenty of fellowship during a recent trip to the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina. The seniors learned about each vineyard and the Muscadine grape grown here in the Carolina's . Senior day trips are offered each month. For more information on Senior programming email MeckSeniors@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.336.8105.

DIRTways cont...

How can I access a DIRTway?

DIRTways do not have parking and will only be accessible on foot.

Check the individual map for each DIRTway to find access locations.

Where are DIRTways located?

Two DIRTways are currently under construction and are expected to open in Fall 2013: McDowell Creek (west of Torrence Creek Greenway) Walker Branch (south of Walker Branch Greenway) Now open!!

For more information on DIRTways contact Christa Rogers at 704-948-4504.

Top Amateur Boxers Compete in 2014 State Golden Gloves Tourney at Sugaw Creek Rec Center Top Amateur Boxers Compete in 2014 State Golden Gloves Tourney at Sugaw Creek Rec Center Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department hosts the 2014 North Carolina State Golden Gloves Tournament, Friday and Saturday March 7 and 8, 2014 at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 Sugar Creek Road.

Bouts begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

This tournament features the best amateur boxers from across North Carolina, ages 17-34, in 15-20 bouts each evening.

Matches will be held for novice and open categories each night in as many as 11 weight classes. The card also includes at least one women’s exhibition bout. .

Community & Recreation Center Services MeckSeniors: North Carolina Dance Theater Cinderella Dress Rehearsal On Wednesday March 5, seniors enjoyed a dress rehearsal of NC Dance Theatre’s Cinderella- Dress Rehearsal. This is a great partnership and way to get your seniors involved in the community. The show gives seniors a sneak peek prior to opening day. For more information on Senior programming email MeckSeniors@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.336.8105.

MeckSeniors: Yadkin Valley Vineyard Tour Trip MeckSeniors enjoyed great weather and plenty of fellowship during a recent trip to the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina. The seniors learned about each vineyard and the Muscadine grape grown here in the Carolina's . Senior day trips are offered each month. For more information on Senior programming email MeckSeniors@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.336.8105.

Aquatics Aquatic Center: Hornets’ Nest Swimming Championship The Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center hosted the Hornet’s Nest Swimming Championship on Saturday, March 8 from 12pm - 5pm. The Hornets' Nest Swim League is made up of 7 teams that include: Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, Marion Diehl Pool, Charlotte Christian, Fort Mill Dolphins, Fort Mill Sharks, Swimmac, and the YWCA. The Hornets' Nest Swim League is a non-competitive swim team that helps introduce children into swimming. Four hundred (431) swimmers participated in the event.

Amateur Boxing cont...

Admission is $10 for adults, ages 15 and up and $5 for youth, ages 514 and FREE for youth under 4. Tickets are sold at the door.

This event has sold out in recent years, so come early!

Winners in the Golden Gloves Open category (boxers with ten bouts or more) will advance to the Regional Golden Gloves Championships in Knoxville, Tenn. April 913, 2014.

Golden Gloves boxing is sanctioned by USA Boxing and North Carolina USA Boxing. For more information contact Park and Recreation Boxing Coach Al Simpson: 704 241-0314

Learning to Live with Coyotes The historic range of this species is generally west of the Mississippi River, where coyotes formerly survived in harsh deserts and prairies. The eastward range expansion of the adaptable coyote is due primarily to humaninduced factors. , The first coyote was documented in North Carolina in 1938, but it wasn’t until the 1980’s and 1990’s, that coyotes successfully established themselves in counties throughout the state.

Coyotes can become tolerant of people and some coyotes may exhibit little fear. Encounters with coyotes should be treated the same as with any wild animal – simply keep your distance and leave them alone. Under normal conditions, coyotes do not present a danger to people. Simply sighting a coyote is not a cause for alarm and there is no need to call police or other authorities.

YOUTH SOCCER REGISTRATION OPENS TODAY! Registration for the 2014 Powerade State Games Youth Soccer Tournament opens today! Will your team be the first to sign-up?

WHERE: Mazeppa Road Park (Richard Barry Park and other areas fields if needed) WHEN: June 21-22 DIVISIONS: Recreation - U6-U12, U14, U16, U19 Challenge - U10, U12, U14, U16, U19 ENTRY FEES: $275-355 **This is an unrestricted NCYSA sanctioned tournament, allowing both NCYSA and US Club teams to participate.

OPEN TO TEAMS FROM BOTH NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA! Visit our website for more information and to register your team!

ADULT SOCCER REGISTRATION UNDERWAY! WHERE: Barry Park (Huntersville, NC) WHEN: June 21-22 DIVISIONS: Men's Open, Women's Open, Men Over 30, Men Over 40, and Men Over 50 CLICK HERE TO SIGN YOUR TEAM UP TODAY!

Coyotes cont...

Coyote Safety Tips  

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER TRY-OUTS START SOON!

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Our annual High School Soccer Showcase has tryouts starting to pop up all across the state over the next couple months. This unique event allows players to tryout to represent their school and their region to play alongside and against some of the best players in the state at Queens University in June.

WHO: Boys and Girls (Class 2015 and 2016 ONLY) 

WHERE: Tryouts are held in 6 different boys regions and 4 different girls regions across the state. After all tryouts have been completed, each region will field a 20-player roster to compete in the showcase in June at Queens University. 

TRY-OUT FEE: $15 per player **For a regional map, list of try-out dates/locations and to sign up today, visit the High School Soccer webpage.

OPENING CEREMONIES AT THE SPEEDWAY! Mark you calendars! The 2014 Powerade State Games Opening Ceremonies will take place JUNE 20 at the CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY in Concord, NC!

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Never approach or touch a coyote.

Never feed coyotes or any wild animals directly or indirectly.

Never approach a coyote den.

Store trash in covered, heavy-duty animal-proof containers.

Add ammonia to trash if animals have been raiding trash bins.

Avoid open compost bins with food scraps.

Remove thick brush and weeds around homes that may harbor rodents.

Keep cats and dogs inside as much as possible. Keep all dogs on a leash when walking them outside. Do not walk small dogs at dusk or at night. An unattended small dog or cat can be an easy prey item for a coyote.

Be a threat: Chase away coyotes when you see them.

5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 336-8840

Recreate All Year!

Subscribe to the Park and Recreation E-Newsletter to learn of new and exciting way sto continue recreating during the spring and summer 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 Please submit all news for the Friday Letter to your Division Director for review and routing.

Park Partners may contact The Friday Letter Team at Kier. Harrison @MecklenburgCountyNC.gov for publication assistance.

The Friday Letter Volume 3 • Issue 10 • March 14, 2014

2014 Spring Class Schedule available In MyHR SPRING into action and sign-up for one of the Learning Center’s spring workshops! Additional sessions have been scheduled for some of the most popular classes, such as 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 5 Choices to Productivity, Leading at the Speed of Trust, and Career Secrets. Consider enrolling now in Crucial Confrontations, as this class will not be offered after December 2014.

The spring 2014 schedule also features a new half-day workshop for managers and supervisors titled “Manager Secrets: Feedback and Coaching.”

To enroll in training, login to MyHR and click on “Request Training Enrollment” on the home page.

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 and Recreation Center Services Jeff Robinson, Park Operations