The Friday Letter | September 23, 2016

The

PEACE UNITY LOVE RESPECT.

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Invasive Species Spotlight Kudzu, probably the best know invasive plant in the South, (brought to the US for erosion control and livestock feed) lives in several Mecklenburg County parks and nature preserves. The best time to kill kudzu is during summer growing season while the plants are still flowering. Natural Resources staff has been busy killing several acres of kudzu this summer. Smaller infestations are controlled by digging up the root crowns where larger areas are better suited for herbicide sprays. It is a big job, but little by little, we are reducing kudzu in Mecklenburg County. It is encouraging to revisit areas that were formerly infested with kudzu and see native plants thriving there.

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Mushroom Training: Edible vs Non-edible Last week staff from Latta Plantation, Reedy Creek and McDowell Nature Centers met to learn about native mushrooms. Laura Domingo, an Environmental Educator, from Reedy Creek Nature Center led the class at McDowell. The staff that attended was super interested in learning the names, properties and characteristics of native mushrooms to better educate the public during programs.

Laura went into detail about the different shapes, colors and unique characteristics that certain mushrooms possess. After learning in the classroom, participants took to the woods to find and identify the native mushrooms. This part of the training was the most popular and helpful because it required staff to take a closer look at the mushrooms characteristics to better identify it using guidebooks. Trainings like this are very helpful for staff development as it brings staff together and allows them to share their knowledge and skills.

Community & Recreation Centers Albemarle Road Recreation Center: Volleyball Clinics September 17th marked the first of many volleyball clinics held at Albemarle Road Recreation Center. The clinic focused on speed and agility as well as defensive drills and conditioning. Run by our Rec. Specialists Donnie Shell & Shauna Powell, they led the girls in dynamic stretching, bleacher runs, hurdles, and ladders. After the first hour of speed and agility, the girls had “open gym” where they primarily used that time to focus more in depth on their passing and diving skills. We ended the day with snacks and a little song of “Happy Birthday” as it was one of the players twelfth birthday! Now that’s dedication!

For more information on any of our programs here at A.R.R.C please contact us via email at Albemarleroadrecreationcenter@mecklenburgcountync.gov or call us at 980-314-1101.

Community & Recreation Centers Hickory Grove Recreation Center: Achieve 225 at Hickory Grove The staff at Hickory Grove kicked off their first day implementing Achieve 225 to over 80 kids on September 16, 2016. This new initiative involves only 20 elementary schools within CMS and Hickory Grove Elementary was one of the few to be chosen! The Hickory Grove Facility Manager and its two Recreation Specialist had the opportunity to conduct well-structured games and activities during recess. Today’s fitness fun consisted of What Time Is It Mr. Fox? Red Light, Green Light and other game models from Dr. Kurt Hanson, aka Dr. Recess, Dr. Recess Assembly & playground Games program. The kids absolutely loved Partner Duck Duck Goose, Go For Gold and Hoop Ball. Most of the students were able to retain the instructions and didn’t want to stop playing these games by time recess was over. These simple but easy games help develop children social skills, thinking skills and motor skills while having lots of fun! This also provided an opportunity to build relationships with the teachers and teach them fun ways to keep their students active during recess time. We encourage you to keep up with our progress by going to the school’s website and paying close attention to the bulletin boards.

Community & Recreation Centers Ivory Baker Recreation Center: Lil Ray Basketball Thursday nights is Lil Ray night at Ivory/Baker Recreation Center. We have had three weeks of practice for the Lil Ray Basketball League. The Lil Ray basketball league offers a fun and instructional environment for young athletes ages 3 & 4.

We have a great group of 3 & 4-year-old athlete’s eager to play their first game.

Participants will learn basic basketball fundamentals, team building and socialization skills. We are really excited to be working with such an outstanding group of players and parents and we can’t wait for the season to begin!

Community & Recreation Centers Sugaw Creek Recreation Center: Senior Fun Fest Seniors from across the Carolinas united for Sugaw Creek’s Inaugural Senior Fest on September 10th. The Young at Heart of Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, Sugar Creek Dynamic Senior Saints and Sunset Blvd Church Seniors out of Columbia, South Carolina were the three groups in attendance. Participants were given an opportunity to experience a jewelry making workshop, a tennis clinic, and live jazz performance. The action pack day ended with Motown Karaoke and a few well known slide dances.

For more information on this senior programming at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center call us at 980-314-1124.

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: Community School of the Arts Elon Recreation Center has partnered up with the Community School of the Arts to offer lessons in a variety of areas. CSA is offering violin, piano, voice, and guitar just to name a few. Participants register through the CSA website at www.csarts.org or by calling 704-377-4187. These lessons are offered in the afternoons Monday through Friday and also on Saturdays.

For any information, contact CSA or Elon Recreation Center at 980-314-1103.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Friday Newsletter: Lil RAY Basketball It was time for a day of hoops as Saturday marked the first week of Lil RAY Basketball Games for Tom Sykes! The Tom Sykes T ’Wolves and Tom Sykes Celtics suited up to show their skills as they traveled to Arbor Glen Outreach Center.

Everything these young athletes learned in practice was put to use as they dribbled, passed and shot the ball all day. There were plenty of smiles from both parents and players on a very successful day! We look forward to the fun the next Weekend’s games will bring.

For more information about Tom Sykes Recreation Center Programs, contact 980-314-1113 or email TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: HUB Homeschool Group Naomi Drenan Recreation Center was happy to host the HUB Homeschool group again this week. The kids work on learning a classical style education with volunteer leaders for the program, and the kids are eligible to participate for just 5 dollars per week! Gabe Hackney has partnered with the program to become the PE teacher for 45 minutes per session and be the liaison for the group. This week, the class played versions of monkey in the middle, hot potato, shoe races, and tag. The kids all had a blast in the program this week and said that their favorite game was “steal the cookie,� which was a game that our staff learned from their training in the Achieve 225 program. Stay tuned for field trips and more activities!

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1100.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: Lil Ray Basketball Naomi Drenan Recreation Center LiL RAY Basketball teams played their first basketball game on Saturday, September 17. LiL RAY Basketball offers a safe, dynamic, and competitive environment for young athletes ages 3 & 4. The league helps to discover and to develop the skills and techniques necessary to succeed on both offense and defense. Participants will be learning the basic rules, skills and teamwork involved with basketball. Athletes are sure to gain an understanding of the sport and further develop their technique and motor skills.

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1100.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: Foam Toy Race Car Kids like toys, kids like cars. Participants loved designing and racing their own cars with the Foam Toy Race Car at Naomi Drenan Recreaction Center with Mentee Patrick Hovis on Wednesday, September 14. Participants let their creative imaginations run wild with a unique paint job of any color. The toy car is easy to assemble. Participants simply pinned the wheels on and watch their custom hot ride race across the table or floor.

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1100.

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Celebrating Grandparents Day The Senior’s at Methodist home celebrated Grandparents Day along with community daycares in our area, New Beginners and Perkins Daycare. The participants along with the children had a blast painting their hand prints and the younger ones dishing out great advice to the Seniors they were paired with.

The community is very important to our center and what a way to celebrate a very important day, “Grandparents Day,” in our lives.

For more information about upcoming senior programs, contact: Mirian Gonzalez at (704) 531-9101 or Mirian.Gonzalez@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS NC Recreation and Park Association’s Meritorious Service Award Congratulations to Aaron Cheeks, Recreation Coordinator/Supervisor in the Sports & Fitness section of the Park and Recreation Department, who received the Meritorious Service Award at the NC Recreation and Park Association’s Athletic Directors Workshop. The Meritorious Service Award is given to honor a Professional NCRPA member who has rendered services to the organization and the profession. This award is limited to those persons having served a minimum of ten years as a full time employee in the park and recreation field as an athletic programmer.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Youth Sports - Flag Football Week two of Flag football had some exciting action! There were some big plays from some little people! Spiral passes from QB’s, spin moves from running backs, and some precision flag pulling form defenses. All in all, a great day of football! You still have time to come out and watch these little athletes in action because regular season play continues every Saturday until the end of October.

For more information, email YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call Revolution Park Sports Academy at (980) 314-1116.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Youth Sports - Soccer Week two of soccer had some exciting action! There was great ball movement, passing and defense! Don’t turn your head or you might miss a goal! There is still have time to come out and watch these little Messi’s in action! Games are on Saturday’s at Harrisburg Park and Berewick Park. Regular season play continues until the end of October.

For more information, email YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call Revolution Park Sports Academy at (980) 314-1116.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Youth Sports – Basketball SAVE the DATE Registration for the 2016/17 youth basketball season (ages 3 to 18) begins October 1st! Registration runs through the 31st and practices begin in November with games starting in December. We also need coaches so dust off the old basketball sneaks and sanitize the old whistle- or we can give you a new oneand volunteer to coach at one of the Recreation Centers!

For more information, email YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call Revolution Park Sports Academy at (980) 314-1116.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Men’s Basketball The Men’s B summer league ended its regular season this past Tuesday, September 20th. Playoff games will start on September 22nd. Games are played at the Ivory Baker Recreation Center on Tuesday evenings starting at 7pm and at the Tuckaseegee Recreation Center on Thursday evenings starting at 7pm.

There are a total of five teams participating in the league this season.

For more information on adult leagues please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, email AdultSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call us at 980-343-1117.

Volunteer Services and Special Events First Ward Friday It’s getting close towards the end of the season and First Ward Fridays are unfortunately coming to an end. Last Friday was a hit with not only the band “Envision” but also with the games. We added some new games to the mix such as giant chess and ring toss. All twelve members of the band Envision did an amazing job. This band consists of four female singers, a bass player, guitar players, and drums. The band is known to play a mixture of genres such as Motown, Beach music, Pop, Funk, and Jazz. The band has accomplished many things such as performing for weddings to working with music artists such as Jordan Sparks. Our last First Ward has been cancelled this Friday 9/23/16. But if a future First Ward Friday is rescheduled for this year you will be the first to know!

5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (980) 314-1000

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 6 • Issue 36• September 23, 2016

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 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