The Friday Letter | August 22, 2014

The

Party in the Park Wednesday Nights 5:30-9:00 pm

Music Box Lunch Series Tuesdays & Fridays 12:00-1:30 pm

Saturday, September 20 CajunFest Live music starts at 3:30

New Facility Maintenance Providers Effective September 1, 2014 Mecklenburg County will have new facility maintenance service providers. No adjustments will need to be made to the work order process.

Please continue to submit work orders through the Archibus System. New contact information for the service providers will be made available to you prior to September 1.

While the scope of services will remain the same, the County will now have three maintenance providers, rather than just one. The County’s building portfolio was divided into separate bid packages, and each new service provider will have a specific group of buildings: Courts, Government, Park & Recreation and Libraries.

Meridian Management Corporation will perform services for the Courts Package, ABM Government Services for the Government Package and Owens Realty Services for the Park & Recreation and Libraries Packages.

For more information contact Vic Reece, BSSA - Asset and Facility Management at 980314-2522.

Mecklenburg County News RSVP Now for Employee Fest 2014 Mark your calendar and make plans to join your County Manager, department directors, and your co-workers from across Mecklenburg County at Employee Fest 2014 on Thursday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Freedom Park.

Please click here to RSVP for the event to save your spot for great food and to help us plan how to meet your transportation needs. Also, please encourage your co-workers to RSVP and come out to Freedom Park during this event.

Similar to last year's employee celebration event, Employee Fest 2014 will be a celebration of your hard work this year and will include recognition of Customer Service Heroes of the Year, Team of the Year and Employee of the Year. You can submit your nominations for Team of the Year and Employee of the Year now.

Employee Fest 2014 also will feature diverse performances and interactive games throughout the day, and lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Carry-out lunches are not available.) Transportation will be provided from several County facilities.

Finally, make sure to check the Employee Fest 2014 site periodically for updates on the event gets closer.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, October 2!

Here’s what’s on the menu: Hand Pulled Pork Smoked Sliced Turkey Baked Beans Mac and Cheese Creamy Cole Slaw (vegetarian) Green Beans (vegetarian) Garden Salad (vegetarian and vegan) Original and Wheat Buns Chocolate Chip Cookies Brownies Sweet and Unsweetened Tea Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Carry-out lunches are not available.)

Please click here to RSVPand save your spot for great food at Employee Fest, Thursday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Freedom Park.

Make sure to check the Employee Fest 2014 site periodically for updates on the event as it gets closer.

Mecklenburg County News Important myTIME Reminder: One-Time Cash Out is Coming Soon!

As a reminder, the County will undergo a pay date change this September.

You will receive a paycheck on September 5 and then again on September 26.

You will not receive a paycheck on September 19.

Because we are extending the pay date one time in September and there will be three weeks before you receive your second September check, you will have the option of “cashing out” up to 40 hours of accrued benefit time.

You must have the time accumulated prior to August 20. The one-time cash out will occur between August 20 through August 29, 2014.

The extra money will be included in your September 5 paycheck. You can use any combination of vacation, sick or holiday hours. This would give you up to 40 hours of extra pay in 2014. This is not mandatory; you can also choose not to cash out any of your time.

To prepare for the benefit cash out and the new time clocks, the time sheets in myHR will no longer accept future time entry.

For details, please visit the myTIME page on MeckWeb.

Make Your Mark on the World: Community Ambassadors Needed for ICMA Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte need a few more outstanding civic ambassadors who want to help make a difference in our community.

Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte are hosting the ICMA 100th Annual Conference Sept. 13-17, 2014. Hosting this conference is a wonderful opportunity to show off our great community.

ICMA is the International City/County Management Association, an organization founded in 1914 to advance professional local government worldwide.

There are more than 250 volunteer opportunities during the four-day conference. From greeting our guests at the airport to checking tickets at the anniversary celebration, there is something for every schedule and interest.

If you would like to volunteer, please visit the 2014 ICMA National Conference SharePoint site. You will find volunteer job descriptions and a sign-up area. Some of the volunteer duties fall during regular work hours, so please check with your supervisor before signing up.

All volunteers will be provided with a special shirt and are invited to attend a thank you luncheon on Sept. 17 at Romare Bearden Park.

When you click on the ICMA SharePoint site, look in the upper left hand corner for “Volunteer Sign Up.” Then, click on “Description” of the assignment and “Edit Item” and enter your name, contact number, email address and shirt size. Finally, click “Save.”

We appreciate your assistance with making a great impression on close to 3,000 conference participants and visitors!

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Hummingbird Festival at Reedy Creek Nature Center Calling all bird lovers! Come celebrate the Ruby-throated Hummingbird - one of the fastest and prettiest birds - at Reedy Creek Nature Center's daylong event. All ages will enjoy crafts, nature walks, exhibits, and storytelling, as well as special bird banding demonstrations by ornithologist Susan Campbell.

The race is on for their great migration south for the winter so you don't want to miss this last chance glance at these amazing creatures. The event is free, however, donations are appreciated. Rain or shine. Call 704-432-6460 for more information. Bird Banding is ideal before 1 p.m.

Youth & Adult Sports Programming, Revolution & Grady Cole/Memorial Stadium Adult Volleyball Grass Volleyball is nearing the end of their summer season. Games are played at Nevins Park every Tuesday starting at 6:30 pm. They will begin their playoffs for the season on Tuesday September 9th. For more information on adult leagues please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, or call us at 704-336-7639.

Adult Kickball and Pickleball There are two tournaments coming up next month. A kickball tournament will be taking place on September 13th at Hornets Nest Park. Registration form are available online with a deadline of September 5th. The pickleball tournament will take place on September 20th. Registration forms are also available online. For more information on adult leagues please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, or call us at 704-336-7639

Youth & Adult Sports Programming, Revolution & Grady Cole/Memorial Stadium Adult Basketball Men’s A basketball league will be starting on Thursday August 28 th. Games will be played on Sunday and Thursday evenings at The Grady Cole Center. For more information on adult leagues please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, or call us at 704-336-7639.

Adult Softball Fall League for Men’s D and Co-Rec has started. Games will be played on Monday-Thursday starting at 7pm at Renaissance Park. The Thursday night Co-Rec games will be played at Nevins Park starting at 7pm. For more information on adult leagues please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, or call us at 704-336-7639.

Youth & Adult Sports Programming, Revolution & Grady Cole/Memorial Stadium Revolution Park Sports Academy, Summer Sports Camps Revolution Park Sports Academy Summer Sports Camps were a great success! There were over 300 hundred participants ranging in ages 8 to 12. The camp lasted 8 weeks, each week had its own theme based on traditional and non-traditional sports, such as boxing, golf, tennis and martial arts to name a few, taught by volunteer instructors and coaches. During each week of the camp, a new character trait was introduced such as self-discipline, respect, and honesty. Every Friday we attended a field trip that was related to the sports we participated in that week. The field trips included the rock climbing, adventure courses, swimming, an amusement park and many others. For more information on this program and others contact Revolution Park Sports Academy at 704-432-4963.

Community and Recreation Center Services Stars on Stage – Hickory Grove Recreation Center Hickory Grove Recreation Center celebrated its last week of camp with the theme “Stars on Stage.” The 36 kids, ages 6-11, became superSTARS for a week, sunglasses and all. Carolina Kids News visited showing youth how to become TV personalities. The week ended with a trip to Carowinds’ Boomerang Bay Water Park, pizza party, and freezes. For more information, contact Derichard.McCoy@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-432-4811.

Community and Recreation Center Services YWCA Partnership at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center The YWCA Camp held their end of summer celebration on Wednesday, August 13, at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center. Hugo from the Charlotte Hornets was in attendance promoting his new reading program “Reading Revolution.” The program is a part of the Charlotte Hornets “Foundation in Excellence in Education” initiative. The children took part in games and activities throughout the day and performed group dance routines to wrap up yet another successful summer. For more information, contact Sugaw Creek Recreation Center at 704-336-7655.

Community and Recreation Center Services Southview Recreation Center Summertime at “The View� was a fun and exciting time for the campers attending the West Blvd. Boys and Girls Club summer camp. The camp was invaded in a good way by the Southview staff that put together a few excellent and innovative programs to enhance the experience for the campers. Rec Specialist Abby Fowler, in her first summer at Southview, put together a vigorous and fun fitness regimen for the Teens in Commit 2 Be Fit. She also facilitated an intergenerational program with the seniors in the DSS Senior Nutrition program called Game-On. Rec Specialist Jonathan Nettles created two educational/mentoring programs, B.O.Y.S. (Brothers On Your Side) and Young Money a financial educational program. Also with the help from the R.E.C. employees the fitness programs Commit 2 Be Fit for youth and SV Combine were big hits. RA Mary Sampson's program Crafty Crafters for the youth was a huge success. For more information on programs please contact SouthviewRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov .

Community and Recreation Center Services Southview’s Summertime Seniors The seniors at Southview were timid at first when RS Abby brought out the painting supplies in the beginning of summer. However, now, Thursdays are anticipated by all who are excited to do a craft to take home. Many “Crafty Crafters” enjoyed a variety of crafts such as making coasters, calendars, and coloring Aztec drawings. All crafts were costefficient, able to repeat at home, and most importantly fun and engaging for everyone. Another successful program was Cyber Seniors”. RA Jasmine went over basic technology skills, even assisting seniors with setting up and checking email accounts. Southview is in the midst “re-vamping” our Walking Club incorporating it into an upcoming facility-wide Fitness Challenge! For more information on senior programs at Southview Recreation Center email Southviewrecreationcenter@mecklenburgcountync.gov.

Southview’s Game On! - Intergenerational Program at 'The View' Game on is an intergenerational program that brings participants of the Boys and Girls Club together with members of our Senior Nutrition Program. Each week alternated between teens and youth who came to play various games with our very competitive seniors. A crowd favorite has become Trivia Tuesdays, where teams combined of all ages put their heads together to answer rounds of questions for points. This Tuesday, August 19, marked the last session of Game On and was the championship round of trivia. FM Kiana's team took the championship by a landslide. This was a fun program for all participants as well as Abby and is sure to be a hit in future summers here at Southview.

Community and Recreation Center Services Albemarle Road Recreation Center The YWCA Youth Program participants truly had a blast this summer. Every day was filled with new adventures and excitement for reading and learning. The campers visited cool places like Latta Plantation’s Equestrian Center, Concord Mills Mall’s Sea Life Aquarium, and Kate’s Skating Rink, just to name a few. The summer camp ended in a big way at Sugaw Creek’s Recreation Center with big finale show with the other Youth Programs of the YWCA. It was a sight to see… so many happy little faces running, playing, and enjoying themselves throughout the day. The participants even got a surprise visit from Charlotte’s own HUGO the Hornet!!! Encouraging them to continue in our love for reading and learning!!! What great way to end an amazing SUMMER! For more information on the YWCA at Albemarle Road please contact Albemarle Road Recreation Center at 704-567-1941 or Monique Martin mmartin@ywcacentralcarolinas.org.

Berewick Recreation Center Berewick Summer camp ends with a fantastic fashion show put on by the campers. Campers modeled sportswear, athletic wear, business attire, and casual attire. Afterwards the participants got a chance to showcase their dance talents on the a runway that they had designed.

Several parents and friends were in attendance. Camp ran for 8 weeks with 48 children. For more information on fall programs please contact Berewick Recreation Center staff at 704-432-4934.

Community and Recreation Center Services NDRC 2014 X-Treme Teen Summer Camp Friday, August 15th was the finale to a great summer with our teens at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center. On the last day of camp, our teens wanted to award their parents with special presentations they prepared that showcased their experiences at camp. With laughs and tears, the teens produced dance routines, song compilations, poems, and videos to express how much fun they had this summer. We thank all of our returning campers and new campers for bringing their smiles and personalities to our program to make this a memorable summer. For information about this or other programs and events, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.5231.

Grayson SkatePark Back to School Skate Rally Saturday, August 16th Grayson SkatePark hosted its first Annual “Back to School Skate Rally� that featured various skateboarding competitions composed of jumps, flip tricks, and more!!! Participants donated school supplies and skated to a lot of fast music, having a fun day in the sun. Competitors ranged from beginners, intermediate, and advanced to give everyone the opportunity to show old tricks and new tricks to impress the crowd. We would like to thank all of our volunteers and participants for their time and support in making this an awesome event. For more information about this or other programs and events, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.5231.

Community and Recreation Center Services Naomi Drenan Recreation Center Back to School Bash On Saturday, August 16th Naomi Drenan Recreation Center hosted its 3rd Annual “Back to School Bash” for pre-k and youth ages 5 to 14. On this bright and sunny day, close to 315 people were in attendance to enjoy music, arts & crafts, and games. Participants received book bags with school supplies courtesy of Virtuous Women of Essence. All of our participants experienced spectacular activities such as; learning the basics to becoming a DJ, wall graffiti, sidewalk chalk art, and learning to breakdance. We would like to thank everyone that gave their time and resources to make this an amazing event for the community. For more information about our programs and events, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.5231.

Elon Recreation Center It was another successful summer here at Elon Recreation Center with our Shorty Sporty Summer Camp. Each week there were twelve new 3 – 5 year olds that learned a new sport each day, made sports crafts, experienced different fitness outlets (Yoga for Kids!), and had tons of fun! For more information about our Shorty Sporty camps, please contact us at 704-540-2426 or via email at ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community and Recreation Center Services Southview's Little Ray’s Flag Football Program!

The Southview Falcons season has wrapped up for 2014! Southview was the only team to put all 3 year olds on the field and they did great with the help of some excellent volunteer coaches. The kids were beyond excited to receive their trophies at the end of season award presentation and they are all ready for basketball coming up next . For more information on the Little Ray’s sports program series for 3&4 year olds at Southview contact SouthviewRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community and Recreation Center Services MeckTeensRec Camp at West Charlotte Recreation Center West Charlotte Recreation Center closed out the MeckTeensRec Summer Day Camp with a bang hosting the 1st annual “West” Hollywood Campers Choice Awards! Campers dressed to impress as they walked the red carpet, took pictures with their stars on the “Wall of Fame”, gave acceptance speeches, toasted to a successful upcoming school year, and socialized at the “West” Hollywood Day Party. Over the eight weeks, 160 teen participants ages 12-15 developed their core competencies of leadership, health & wellness, sports & adventure, technological & cultural diversity, and life skills.

Campers created digital music & TV shows, attended acting & art classes, played various sports, hosted a “healthy” social and went to the US National Whitewater Rafting Center along with various other activities and workshops. Many parents & teen campers expressed their heartfelt thanks for providing such a creative, adventurous, fun, and age appropriate camp. On behalf of West Charlotte Recreation Center Staff and campers we would like to extend our gratitude to all of the staff, guest speakers, field trip sites, and parents who made the MeckTeensRec Summer Day Camp incredibly epic and one of the best teen camps in Mecklenburg County. For more information, contact Tamika.Pollard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or Isaac.Moore@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov at 704-4326474.

Community and Recreation Center Services

'Get Going' this Fall Using Park and Rec’s New Online Portal Whether you are looking to sign up for a youth or adult athletic league, interested in learning about the great outdoors by participating in a nature education class, or planning to reserve a park picnic shelter or campsite, Park and Recreation makes it easy for you to see all of its activities and amenities just through the click of a button.

The department recently launched “eParks 2.0,” an online program registration and facility reservation portal through www.parkandrec.com. The site allows you to quickly browse through hundreds of offerings or search for a specific one based on set criteria such as the location or type of activity or the availability of a particular shelter or campsite. Once you have selected the desired activity or facility, you will then be asked to take a few minutes to create a free account or log in to an existing eParks account to complete the registration process.

To learn more about Park and Rec programs, events and facilities, visit www.parkandrec.com.

New Telephone numbers for Regional Offices and Administrative Office North Park Region – Hornet’s Nest Park 704.336.886 NorthParkRegion@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov Central Park Region – Freedom Park 704.432.4280 CentralParkRegion@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov South Park Region – Park Road Park 704.643.3405 SouthParkRegion@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov Administrative Office Building 980-314-1000 eparks@mecklenburgcountync.gov

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 33• August 22, 2014

The Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is considering regulations to make all County and municipal government grounds smoke-free and the County park system tobacco-free.

According to the proposed regulations, this means all County-, City- and Town operated buildings, vehicles and grounds would be smoke-free. This includes the city of Charlotte and six surrounding towns. The County park system (greenways, municipal golf courses (except The Tradition,) and facilities) would be free of all tobacco products, including all smoking products, as well as smokeless products (chew, dip, snuff) and electronic cigarettes.

A community forum to inform residents and gather feedback about the proposed regulations will be held Monday, August 11 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, Room 267, 600 East 4th Street, Charlotte. An informal drop-in will be held from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. prior to the forum.

Residents unable to attend the community forum can join the conversation online here via the County website.

The BOCC has set the official public hearing for the proposed regulations for the regular meeting Tuesday, Sept.

6, at 6 p.m.

More information on the proposed regulations is available here.

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 Chris Matthews, Nature Preserves and Natural Resources