The Friday Letter | June 5, 2015

The

National Running Day, held annually on the first Wednesday in June, is a day when runners everywhere declare their passion for running.

Since 2009, the country's foremost running organizations have worked together to celebrate our sport with thousands of participants on the first Wednesday of June. We encourage runners to join in by planning a run, spreading the running bug to a friend, signing up for a race, or setting a new goal.

Mecklenburg County News

Park and Recreation Commission Vacancies Effective June 9, the Park and Recreation Commission (PRC) will have 6 vacancies and we are looking for folk to apply that would be strong advocates for all things Park and Recreation! The Park and Recreation Commission is a BOCC appointed board and acts as an advisory council to the Park and Recreation Department. Duties include but are not limited to monthly PRC meetings, leadership on Park and Recreation Citizen Advisory Councils, attendance and participation in Park and Recreation events, ground breakings and grand openings. PRC members advise and advocate for the Department’s master plans, budget requests, park naming petitions, fees and charges and strategic planning and long range financing.

If you know of someone that would be a great fit for the PRC, please ask them to go to the link below and complete an application. Vacancies are in the following park regions:

At Large (2 vacancies) South Region 3 Central Region 2 Central Region 3 North Region 2 http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/CountyManagersOffice/BOCC/AdvisoryBoards/Pages/BoardApplication.aspx

Mecklenburg County News 6 Vacancies as of June 9, 2016 South 3 Central 2 Central 3 North 2 At Large (2)

Aquatics Every Child Can Swim: On June 2nd at Ray’s Splash Planet over 300 folks came to register their children for the department’s free swim lesson program, “Every Child Can Swim”. Last month marked it’s one year anniversary of implementation of this program and have completed over 8,000 free swim lessons to date. This past Tuesday 181 kids came to register and we found time slots and swim lesson dates for all the kids. Swimming is such an important lifesaving skill and lifelong sport! The Department is dedicated to saving lives and making children healthier!!

Nature Preserves & Natural Resources Congratulations to the Central Carolinas Master Naturalist Class of 2015 The Central Carolinas Master Naturalist Class of 2015 completed their 14 weeks of core training this past Tuesday. The core training provided an overview in the topics of botany, forestry, ornithology, and herpetology among others. Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation created this program in partnership with the Center for Sustainability at CPCC as a certificate program. The goal of the Master Naturalist Program is to create a core group of trained volunteers to assist the Park and Recreation Department in three areas: stewardship, citizen science, and environmental education. Members of this year’s group included Recreation Center Specialists: Cara Helfer, Donnie Shell, and Tahara Epps. This is in response to a greater effort to bring nature programing into the recreation centers in order to support one of the three pillars of the National Recreation and Park Association: conservation. If you would like to find out more please contact Master Naturalist Program Coordinator Staci Clark. Staci.clark@MecklenburgCountync.gov

Participants included from left to right: Back Row: Barb Knight, Mary Bures, Erin Oliverio, Donnie Shell, Joe Mclelland, Rich Lemieux, Eric Anderson, Program Coordinator Staci Clark, Julia Priester, Harry Dunn-Davenport, Julia Soto Front Row: Olivia Edwards, Mandy Smith, Catherine Goodnight, Tahara Epps, Cara Helfer, Charlotte Fletcher, Christiana Claudio, Dhijana Harmony, Janet Link

Nature Preserves & Natural Resources Ozone Garden Opening: On May 28th, McDowell Nature Center celebrated the official opening of its new ozone garden! The event was attended by local 3rd grade students and representatives from the many different organizations who helped create the garden.

Featuring speeches from Clean Air Carolina and Park & Recreation officials as well as a raffle and fun giveaways, a great time was had by all!

Ozone gardens are living indicators of the effects of ozone pollution: NC native plants such as cut-leaf coneflower and black-eyed peas exhibit signs of leaf injury when the plants are exposed to high levels of ozone pollution. Visiting students and nature center staff can measure the effects of air pollution by monitoring the plants in the garden.

Cooperative Extension FCS Supporter Spotlight: Mary Ann Kerr The goal of the Family & Consumer Sciences program is to improve the well-being of the family through programs that educate, influence public policy, and help families put research-based knowledge to work in their lives. Since reinstating the program in 2010, the Mecklenburg Family and Consumer Sciences program has worked diligently to positively impact the lives of local citizens.

But don’t just take our word for it, let’s hear from one of our supporters…Mary Ann Kerr!

Tell me how you first learned about the Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) program.

Many years ago I remember my own mother took multiple food preparation/cooking classes through the Extension program in Guilford County. Some of the recipes and the techniques were passed on to me for use in my own kitchen. When I retired from my nursing career in 2013, I checked the Mecklenburg County Extension website and saw the list of courses offered locally. At that point I was “hooked”. My children also have been active participants in 4-H Programs which are another significant contribution to our community by Extension.

What inspired you to become a supporter of the Mecklenburg Extention’s Family & Consumer Sciences programs?

I have always been a huge proponent of preparing meals from “scratch” and of using local foods, but I had never had the time or the knowledge to can and freeze larger quantities of food. I have also grown increasingly more concerned about the additives and modifications to our food sources and the negative implications these practices have on our health. The work of the Family and Consumer Sciences Program offers me ways to acquire knowledge and the tools to address some of these concerns.

In your opinion, what is the most important work that FCS does?

In my opinion, the most important work of FCS is to provide consumers research-based information and techniques that promote healthy families and lifestyles, all at a very minimal cost. The “hands-on” classes and the supplementary materials clearly provide a “step by step” approach that meets the needs of all consumers, from the beginner to the most advanced.

How has programming provided by FCS impacted you or your family’s life?

The impact of FCS on me and my family has been significant. In addition to now preparing jams and jellies, I have overcome my fear of the pressure canner. I recently have taken the juices and the herb class, and I am awaiting the summer harvest so I can re-stock the pantry with my own products. Each year I am able to share the salsas, jams and jellies as gifts for friends and relatives. Recently, I have begun to identify recipes from the National Center for Home Food Preservation that will capture the essence of my family’s heirloom recipes, while at the same time meeting contemporary standards for safety. They will become part of the family cookbook I’m writing for my children.

What would you say to someone who is considering attending an FCS program or getting involved in other ways, such as volunteering?

To anyone who may consider attending an FCS program or getting involved, I would just say that all my interactions with FCS have been hugely rewarding and just plain fun. Kristin Davis is extremely knowledgeable and professional in her demonstrations and her class delivery. Finally, I would say the Mecklenburg Extension Service, and specifically the Family and Consumer Sciences Program, is truly a hidden “gem” within our government system, and our community is ever more enriched by the services it brings.

Community & Recreation Centers Wilderness Bunch This past weekend, the Therapeutic Recreation Section took a group of 8 young adults tent camping at McDowell Nature Preserve. During the beautiful weekend, the group went hiking at King's Mountain State Park. They also enjoyed a living history farm, and had the opportunity to plant corn and feed chickens! They also experienced the amazing museum at King's Mountain National Military Park. On Sunday, the group went kayaking at Lake Wylie for a couple of hours. The group had a GREAT time, and for a lot of them it was their first time camping in a tent and kayaking! A big thank you to the folks at McDowell Nature Preserve for all of their help! For more information about these camping trips, contact Melissa Johnson at 980-314-1304.

Community & Recreation Centers Senior Shred Day Tyvola Senior Center hosted a shredding event to conclude May which is recognized as Older Americans Month. They helped over 75 seniors to properly dispose of sensitive documents thus protecting them from identity and financial thieves.

After Pro Shred handled each person’s shredding, individuals had an opportunity to meet and mingle with sponsors and various vendors. Many seniors expressed their sincere appreciation for the free service that we were able to provide as well as the additional resource information.

Community & Recreation Centers See Charlotte- Bette Rae Thomas Recreation: Bette Rae Thomas Recreation is taking trips to See Charlotte! A group of 8 Seniors boarded the van and headed out to the Carolinas Aviation Museum. The group had a great time walking through the museum looking at the war planes, replica Wright Flyer, and the Miracle on the Hudson exhibit. For more information about programs, contact; BetteRaeThomasRecreationCenter@Mecklenburg.CountyNC.gov or 704.432.3048.

Community & Recreation Centers T-Ball Comes To an End—Berewick Recreation Center The children were signing “ Take me out to the ball game” at Berewick Recreation Center. Berewick Recreation Center is wrapping up another successful season of offering baseball at their facility. Parents love the idea of offering various age groups from Start Smart ages 2-4 to coach pitch ages 7-8. This Saturday June 13 will be the last game for all age divisions. For volunteer opportunities and more information regarding baseball and other programs please contact Berewick Recreation Center staff at 704-432-4934.

Community & Recreation Centers Marion Diehl Recreation Center – Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Scores Recently, Sports Illustrated featured the NBA basketball star Stephon Curry. You ask, what does Stephon Curry have to do with Park & Recreation ? Stephon Curry can honestly admit he had his bright beginnings from Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation. The Sports Illustrated article features Facility Manager of Marion Diehl Recreation Center Malcolm Sanders. Malcolm was quoted in the article as remembering the basketball all-star as a child. Malcolm had the opportunity to coach Curry’s first team at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center in Charlotte. Park & Recreation should be very proud to have their name mentioned as a jump start from offering basketball to community children. Stephon Curry is one of our own, a product from participating in Park & Recreation athletic programs. For more information regarding this article please see Sports Illustrated playoff addition or contact Marion Diehl Recreation Center at MarionDiehlRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-432-0237.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center- Girl Scout Troop 2150 Partnership The Girl Scout Troop 2150 earned their Bronze Award by designing, building and installing official Little Free Libraries at Tom Sykes Recreation Center and Latta Park. A Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book or exchange to share. The project is to promote literacy and the love of reading as well as to build a sense of community. Both boxes are registered with their own unique charter numbers and are mapped worldwide. For more information about Girl Scouts Troop 2150 please contact Heather Ruckterstuhl at hrwolfe@bellsouth.net.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center- Indoor FUN Soccer Program GOAL! GOAL! GOAL! That’s the sound of the Indoor FUN Soccer season hosted at Tom Sykes Recreation Center. The program is designed to introduce kids to the basics of soccer while learning the importance and FUN of being part of a team. This energetic program is designed for ages 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8 year olds. Arbor Glen, Tuckaseegee, Ivory Baker and Hickory Grove were among the other centers in participation making it another successful FUN season. For more information about Indoor FUN Soccer contact TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov or 704-432-4803.

GC/MS Youth & Adult Athletics American Legion Memorial Stadium - Professional Lacrosse: Come hang out beneath the Friday Night Lights as the Ohio Machine come visit the Charlotte Hounds at 7:30PM. For ticket information, visit the Hounds official site at: www.charlottehounds.com/ For more information about past or upcoming events, email GradyCole-MemorialStadium@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

GC/MS Youth & Adult Athletics Adult Softball: The men’s D-I and Co-Rec leagues for the Thursday night games finished off their regular spring season last Thursday, May 28th. The leagues started their playoff seasons this Thursday June 4th. Games for the D-I league are played at Renaissance Park and the Co-Rec games are played at Nevin Park on Thursday evenings starting at 7pm. There was a total of 6 teams that participated in the D -I league and a total of 8 teams that participated in the co-rec league. For more information on adult leagues please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, or call us at 704-432-3095 or 704-336-7639.

GC/MS Youth & Adult Athletics Adult Women's Volleyball: The Women’s Volleyball league ended their regular season games for the spring this Thursday June 4th. The will be going into their playoff games for the season starting next Thursday, June 11th. Games are played at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center starting at 6:30pm. There was a total of 6 teams participating in the league this season. For more information on adult leagues, please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, or call us at 704-432-3095 or 704336-7639.

GC/MS Youth & Adult Athletics Adult Grass Volleyball League: The Adult Grass Volleyball league is playing at Nevins Park on Tuesday evenings starting at 6:30pm. Regular season will be ending soon and playoffs will start.

For more information on adult leagues please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, email us at www.AdultSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call us at 704-432-3095 or 704-336-7639.

Corey L. Sperling Education Bachelor’s in Marine Biology from Roger Williams University, 2004 Master’s of Education in Environmental Education from Florida Atlantic University, 2009 Lead Preschool Teacher and Administer Licensing from CPCC, currently enrolled County Work History Started with Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreations at Reedy Creek Nature Center in Jan 2012.

Title: Environmental Educator Sample of Major Projects Coordinator of the Annual Hummingbird Festival, started the one-day-a-week Nature Preschool (Lil’ Sprouts) Designed the county nature center’s curricula using the state standards and was the point person in the creation of the county’s “Field Trip Guide” for teachers Fun Facts I am an avid hiker and camper and always looking for a great place to explore. One of my main hobbies is primitive and survival skills. I am proficient in the bow drill and learning to master tool making (currently working on burning bowl from a log).

I have a passion of working with children and have been working/volunteering with children since I was 17.

I have summited the highest peak on the Appalachian Trail (Mt. Katahdin) and have sailed the open sea for 30 days, many of those days not seeing any land.

I have a love a children’s literature and seek out the next great book and I have a personal partnership with Dawn Publishing.

I love to garden and have a small farm growing in backyard: corn to peas to eggplant, you name it and I grow it.

5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 336-8840

Recreate All Year!

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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 Richard . McNeill @MecklenburgCountyNC.gov for publication assistance.

The Friday Letter Volume 3 • Issue 70 • June 5, 2015

CHARMECK ALERTS The CharMeck Alerts Notification System relays accurate and timely emergency notifications. You control how you’re contacted— whether it’s on your cell, work or home phone, via text, email or voice message. You can receive up-to-the-minute notifications about events and emergencies that may affect your home, workplace or other points of interest—anywhere in Mecklenburg County. Sign up here or call CharMeck 311. To receive CDOT-specific alerts, you must sign up for that item in the list.

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 Terri Stowers, Community and Recreation Center Services Jeff Robinson, Park Operations Chris Matthews, Nature Preserves and Natural Resources