The Friday Letter | November 18, 2016

The

Accounting Tips for the week: Have customers make checks payable to MCPRD

Natural Resources NCRPA Outdoor Adeventure On October 24th through the 26th Charlotte was host to the North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association. While many people from the county presented at the conference presented, the Outdoor Recreation Specialist from McDowell (Chad Moore and Taylor Switch) and Latta Plantation Nature Preserves (Kevin Pimentel and Max Duggins) took conference goers on an outdoor adventure.

The participants were picked up at the Convention Center at 7:30 in the morning and brought to Latta Plantation Nature Preserve and spent the next four hours learning how to ride Segway’s and Stand Up Paddleboards. This was a great opportunity for the county to showcase some of their outdoor recreation programs as well as help other park and recreation agencies learn about the possibilities of starting similar programs.

Natural Resources White-tailed Deer in Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves One of the duties of the Natural Resources section is to manage the deer herd in the Nature Preserves.

Since there are few natural predators here, the population would grow to unhealthy levels and damage the forest vegetation.

Since 1994, population control has been maintained through public hunts. This year the hunts began on Oct 31st and will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays through November 22nd.

McDowell Nature Preserve will be closed to the public on November 7th and 8th and on November 21st and 22nd. Latta Plantation, Cowan’s Ford, and Stephen’s Road Nature preserves will be closed to the public on November 14th and 15th.

The Department cooperates with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCRWC) to select hunters through a lottery system. Hunters must attend a mandatory safety meeting and follow a strict set of rules. When hunters harvest deer, they must check it in with Division staff who record weight, age, antler characteristics, and any abnormalities. This data is shared with NCWRC staff who keep track of statewide deer populations. Hunters are allowed to take deer for their own use, but some choose to donate their harvest to Charlotte Refugee Services.

Natural Resources Fairy Houses at McDowell Nature Preserve There was a bunch of rustling in the leaves this past Friday at McDowell Nature Preserve. Sixty-one people came out to build fairy houses on the Sierra Loop.

There were 26 fairy houses built while families enjoyed the weather and the great outdoors. The pictures above were two of our most colorful winners.

There were prizes awarded for the most creative fairy house, the most unique fairy house, and the best design. This fall fairy house building is great practice before the big festival at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. This festival will be on Saturday February 11th.

Natural Resources The Great Role that Fires Play As you have seen on the news and perhaps smelled in the air, the drought in North Carolina has contributed to the widespread wildfires throughout the mountains of NC and TN. While high intensity wildfires have many devastating impacts, fire has played a great role in NC for millions of years. Many of our plants and wildlife require low intensity periodic fires for survival, and most of our landscape has evolved with fire as an important component. The absence of fire means plant communities will suffer and wildlife habitat will degrade.

The Natural Resources Section uses prescribed fire as a tool to maintain these plants and animals in order to ensure their health and persistence. As an example, Natural Resources burned Shuffletown Nature Preserve in 2015 for the first time. This nature preserve is unique as it is very small (18 acres) and surrounded by houses, but is home to several species of federally endangered species that rely on fire. A recent trip to the preserve verified that the 2015 fire was effective and made a positive impact on the natural resources there. The fire thinned out some of the trees allowing more sunlight to reach the forest floor, thereby promoting the spread of endangered species into new areas of the preserve. In addition, the use of fire promotes biological diversity, fertilizes the forest, and provides new forage and habitat for wildlife. While Smokey Bear did an effective job educating the public on the dangers of intense wildfire, using fire responsibly in our nature preserves is the most important tool we have to protect our natural resources for generations to come.

Pictures: Endangered species spread into the woods after fire (plants in woods photo) Biological diversity increase after fire and new lush plants emerge (plants post burn photo)

Community & Recreation Centers Southview Recreation Center: "Lions, Tigers and Bears Oh My" On Monday, October 31st, Southview Recreation Center hosted it's annual Fall Festival. The event started with a costume introduction given the participants an opportunity to grace the catwalk in their favorite attire. They also got the chance to strike a pose with the paparazzi on the red carpet. Special guest "No Limit Larry" from WPEG Power 98 stopped in and suprized the kids with some treats!!!Next, they participated in a trunk or treat in the parking lot where they received an abundance of healthy snacks. For those who could still manage, they where challenged to survive the haunted house as well as introduced to a scavenger hunt where all the participants where competing against one another to find and figure out all the correct clues in order to get the "grand prize".

The few that remained where given the right to go home before it got dark.

For more information about this and other programs at the Southview Recreation, please contact the center at SouthviewRecreationcenter@Mecklenburgcountync.gov or you can call the staff at 980-314-1105.

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center Celebrates Oktoberfest!

Now that fall is in the air, participants dusted off their lederhosen and yodeled on over to the Tyvola Senior Center for a festive affair. A German meal of bratwurst and sauerkraut, potato salad, hot soft pretzels and a dessert buffet from Brookdale SouthPark was enjoyed by all. All shouted “Prost!� as they clinked glasses and enjoyed the Ginger Ale Biergarten. But the true highlight of the evening was listening to the Carolina Camaraden Band, a 12-piece Oom Pah band.

For more information about special events at the Tyvola Senior Center contact TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center Presents: Will Lee Tyvola Senior Center’s Senior Citizen’s Nutrition Program (SCNP) has a special saxophonist that comes and plays smooth Jazz music frequently, which touches the hearts of our participants. The oldies melodies become memories as the tunes are played throughout the building. To feel the love, see the fun, and hear the cheer as the participants dance within their hearts is a beautiful sight to see. Don’t miss another performance by Will Lee!

For more information about upcoming Tyvola Senior Center programs, contact: TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 980-314-1320.

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center: Poet Aesthetic Class Tyvola Senior Center shared an afternoon with the Vibrant Minds Art Club: Ministry Outreach of Memorial UMC as they helped our participants explore their creativity by writing haikus (simple poems about nature) and painting the scenes created with their words.

“Painting was the silent poetry and poetry was the painting that speaks.”  Plutarch

For more information on upcoming Tyvola Senior Center Programs, contact: TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 980.314.1320.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Preschool Halloween Party Berewick hosted a Mommy and Me Halloween party last week for about 40 kids and moms all dressed up in their Halloween costumes. The Flip Flop Moms group visits the RAY’s Playhouse at least twice a month to enjoy the amenities in the Playroom.

For more information about our upcoming preschool programs at Berewick, call staff at 980-314-1102 or BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Celebrating Halloween The Senior participants at Shamrock Senior Center are very excited in designing pumpkins for our Thankful Holiday Month. Their pumpkins are part of the decoration that will be centerpieces for the tables. They did an awesome job and had lots of fun creating them!

For more information about upcoming senior programs, please contact staff at the Shamrock Senior Center/Methodist Home at (704) 531-9101.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Afternoon Programs Tom Sykes Recreation Center teamed up with McDowell Nature Center to incorporate an educational experience and animal encounter opportunity for the Tom Sykes “Into the Wild� Afterschool program. Participants learned about the habitats of a variety of animals and got to meet CJ the Corn Snake and Rico Suave the Yellowbelly Slider Turtle!

For more information about Tom Sykes Recreation Center programs email TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov or call (980) 314-1113.

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: Partnering with T.G.I.A Presents the Fall Festival October Fest It was perfect weather for a Fall Festival (October Fest) at Elon Park Recreation Center this past Saturday October 29th. The gym was open, the air was crisp, and the community had plenty of activities to pick from. Participants had a great time with painting pumpkins donated by a local farmer, corn hole, face painting, balloon pop and games galore. All patrons were invited and welcomed to come and enjoy the activities and community engagement. Talented Girls In Action (T.G.I.A) and Elon Recreation will partner together for future fall festivals.

Thank you T.G.I.A and Elon staff for a fun filled Fall Day at Elon Park.

For more information regarding programs and activities at Elon Recreation Center please call 980-314-1103 or email ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: Achieve 225 Naomi Drenan Recreation Center’s Shamel Akins has been programming at Shamrock Gardens Elementary School every Tuesday from 10:45am - 2:00pm.

Youth from grades K-5 are exposed to varying games and activities that are age appropriate, focus on building the fundamentals of fitness and emphasize group play and fun. Games are interchangeable and can be modified to accommodate all ages and skill levels. This program is a collaboration with CMS and MCPRD as a part of the Achieve 225 grant.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: CMS Achieve 225 Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Centers have partnered up with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools to offer Achieve 225 during recess time. Recreation Specialists from each recreation center go once a week visiting school sites to help implement age appropriate games and activities for grades K-5. Cara Helfer has been programming at Steele Creek Elementary School every Wednesday from 10:30am-2:30pm. Each week she interacts with students by providing a variety of games for them to play.

For more information about our upcoming programs at Berewick, call staff at 980-314-1102 or BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Revolution Park Sports Academy: Let’s Box! Revolution Park Sports Academy staff, Al Simpson, presented Mayor Jennifer Roberts, with the MCPRD Team Award. The award was given during the 3rd annual Battle of the Finest: New York City Police, Sheriff vs Charlotte NC Police, Fire, Sheriff. The event was held on Friday, September 9, 2016, in honor and memory of the anniversary of 9/11! Both teams stepped into the ring with over 250 spectators, watching and cheering them on.

For information about our boxing programs, call 980 314-1116.

Community & Recreation Centers Revolution Park Sports Academy: Hole in One! The Starting New At Golf program, also known as S.N.A.G, is a beginner golf program that is underway at Revolution Park Sports Academy. This program emphasizes the basic fundamentals of golf. It also educates participants on various aspects of the game of golf such as decorum, etiquette, golf terminology, and much more! This youth program is held on Thursdays at 4:00pm!

For more information on this FREE program, contact Revolution Park Sports Academy at 980-314-1116, or email Brett.Krizanik@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov.

Community & Recreation Centers North Mecklenburg Senior Center: Upcycled Art: Halloween Edition Every month, our Seniors have the opportunity to participate in craft classes.

During Monday’s program, Upcycled Art: Halloween Edition, participants created a “Bottle of Boos”! They created a festive piece to add to their Halloween décor, by reusing wine bottles and decorating them with glass paint, stickers, and ribbon. While working on the project, they enjoyed listening to some classic Halloween songs like the “Monster Mash,” and “One Eyed, One Horned, Flying Purple Eater.” The final touch was adding a battery operated string of lights!

For more information call (980)314-1127, or email NorthMeckSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Albemarle Road Recreation: School Day Out: Fall Fest Day Camp!

Albemarle Road Recreation Center hosted their first School Day Out Fall Fest Camp this past Halloween! A full day of ghoulish games, freaky fun, creepy crafts, costume contests and a mystery movie all were a part of the Mondays activities! The children also enjoyed some cool prizes such as glow in the dark bracelets, tattoos, and animal bands!

For more information about our programs here at Albemarle Road contact us at 980-314-1101 or email us at Albemarleroadrecreationcenter@mecklenburgcountync.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Hickory Grove Recreation Center: HGRC 1st Annual Fall Festival 2016 On October 31st, Hickory Grove Staff put on its First Annual Fall Fest in the gymnasium from 5-7pm. The turnout was unbelievable! The entire staff has been working extremely hard to pull this event off and make it a huge success; which it was! With a carnival theme that included fun games and activities not only for the kids to enjoy but the adults got a kick out of it as well! And of course, DJ A.J . (Alvis) kept everyone busting their best moves from station to station.

For more fun and exciting events, please call 980-314-1122 or send us an email at Hickorygroverecreationcenter@mecklenburgcountync.gov. And you can always visit parkandrec.com to keep up with all the centers here in Charlotte!

Community & Recreation Centers Ivory/Baker Recreation Center: Out of School - Halloween Play Day Every time CMS is out of school Ivory/Baker provides out of school camp for the kids. On Halloween this year, the kids were out of school and enjoyed doing Halloween themed camp. The children came in their costumes and enjoyed decorating pumpkins, going to the park, and eating pizza.

For more information about the upcoming programs at Ivory/Baker, call staff at 980-314-1112 or IvoryBakerRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Sugaw Creek Recreation Center: Lil Ray Basketball The Sugaw Creek Recreation Center Cavaliers Lil Ray Basketball ended their season on Saturday, October 22nd. The participants enjoyed their banquet in which they received trophies, certificates, gift bags and tasty refreshments.

Community & Recreation Centers Mallard Creek Rec Center: It’s Halloween!

Mallard Creek had it all on Halloween. From the Halloween Tree to the Old Witch in the Gym, to the scary old witch at the front desk. The children collected treats all over the rec center. They even visited the seniors who shared some treats from their own party.

For more information: Call 980-314-1121 or e-mail mallardcreekrecreation@mecklenburgcountync.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center: So long, farewell!

Our Lil Ray Stingrays, had an awesome Basketball season! The toddlers had so much fun advancing their shooting and defensive skills. Teamwork was also introduced and stressed throughout the season. Congrats to all of our Stingrays on a successful season, and THANK YOU to our coaching staff and parents! Let’s Go Team!

For more information on programs at Bette Rae Thomas, call 980-314-1111, or email BetteRaeThomasRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center: Paint Party!

Every year, the Seniors look forward to painting and decorating pumpkins to display around the front desk, to make the atmosphere festive and welcoming to customers. This year the Seniors did a great job, creating fun pumpkins, on the patio, while enjoying the nice fall weather.

For more information on our Senior programs at Bette Rae Thomas, call 980-314-1111, or email BetteRaeThomasRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Storytime at Ray’s Splash Planet Ray’s Splash Planet recently hosted our monthly Swim and Storytime day for preschoolers. The tots engaged in a dual Play Dough and story time with a focus transportation for the holidays. Participants were able to make cookie cut outs of trucks, boats, and airplanes as the story teller read about how cars and boats operate. Immediately following, the toddlers and their parents got to enjoy swimming and splashing in the Splash Park for a few hours before lunch and a well-deserved nap time!

For more information on upcoming programs at Rays Splash Planet, email RaysSplashPlanet@mecklenburgcountync.gov or give us a call at (980) 314-4729.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Afterschool Golf This month’s afterschool program at Berewick is Golf. The participants are learning the basic skills of how to properly hold a golf club, swing and direct the ball to the target.

For more information about our upcoming afterschool and out of school programs at Berewick, call staff at 980-314-1102 or BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Pianist Plays for Seniors Shamrock Senior Center participants are enjoying the joy and energy of live Old Time music with Ethan Uslan. The Seniors thought his performances were filled with passion, humor, virtuosity, and a deep love for America's rich music. Each 1st Friday our Seniors will be experiencing the culture of arts in partnership with ASC and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.

Ethan Uslan is a ragtime/jazz pianist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is a 3 -time winner of the World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest (yes that really exists!) and has performed all over the USA, Europe and Cyberspace, where his jazzed-up FĂźr Elise has gone viral.

For more information about upcoming senior programs, please contact staff at the Shamrock Senior Center/Methodist Home at (704) 531-9101.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Lil RAY Basketball Banquet Tom Sykes just completed their first ever Lil RAY basketball season with a bang as we enjoyed our end of season banquet! Our young athletes ate, drank and had fun as they received their medals for the year. After a fun season, it was time to relax and relive the experiences that everyone shared. This six-week program, saw our young players develop their game with each week. Every dribble, shot and pass ensured that the players and their families created lasting memories.

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: Fall Festival Naomi Drenan Recreation Center held their annual Fall Festival on Friday, October 28th from 6PM-8PM. The entire community came out to participate in the event and was treated to a night of fun. All attendees received free food and drink, and then had tons of options to choose from in the gym and skate park.

Naomi Drenan staff hosted face painting, a magician, balloon popping and other carnival games while dancing to a live DJ! Additionally, Grayson Skate Park held a competition for all skill levels and had a great turn out too. Over 250 people attended the event and had a blast kicking off the fall time of year and holidays to come.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Methodist Home Recreation Center: Start Smart Basketball With Youth Basketball finally upon us, we jumped started the season with our Start Smart Basketball program for preschoolers ages 3-5 years. We’re excited to teach sportsmanship, teamwork, fitness & fundamentals every Monday for the duration of the 6-weeks with our super excited participants and their equally enthusiastic and involved parents!

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities, contact MethodistHomeRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 980-314-1123.

Community & Recreation Centers Boys and Girls Club Making A Difference: Monday through Friday from 3:30pm-5:30pm. The Boys and girls club at Southview Recreation Center are constantly shaping and molding the lives of nearly 50 youths ages 6-16 each and everyday. The mission of the program is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most , to reach their full potential as a productive, caring, responsible citizen. The energized staff along with park and rec staff provide a safe place for them to learn and grow and cultivate ongoing relationships w/caring adult professionals as well as provide life enhancing programs and character development. This is done daily by education and careers programs, health and life skills, arts sports fitness and recreation.

It's truly evident that Boys and Girls clubs are a viable asset to our partnership.

For more information about this or other programs at the Center. Please e-mail the center at SouthviewRecreationcenter@mecklenburgcountync.gov or you can call the staff at 980-314-1105.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Women’s Basketball The Summer women’s basketball league finished their summer season on Sunday October 30th. Games were played at Tom Sykes Recreation Center on Sunday afternoons starting at 2pm. There were a total of seven teams competing in the league this season for the championship. The “Queen City Swarm” came out on top as this season’s champions.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center Celebrates Oktoberfest!

Now that fall is in the air, participants dusted off their lederhosen and yodeled on over to the Tyvola Senior Center for a festive affair. A German meal of bratwurst and sauerkraut, potato salad and hot soft pretzels and a dessert buffet from Brookdale SouthPark was enjoyed by all. All shouted “Prost!� as they clinked glasses and enjoyed the Ginger Ale Biergarten. But the true highlight of the evening was the Carolina Camaraden Band, a 12-piece Oom Pah band.

For more information about special events at the Tyvola Senior Center contact TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: Youth Basketball is Underway It is that time of the year again! Youth basketball season is underway at Elon Recreation Center. Practices began this Monday as teams prepare to have an awesome season. The 10U basketball team held their first practice Tuesday, November 8, 2016. The youth are very excited about learning the craft and skill of basketball. They are truly looking forward to an amazing season with their friends, coaches, teammates, and most importantly FAMILY! For more information regarding programs and activities at Elon Recreation Center please call 980-314-1103 or email ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Veteran’s Day Celebration Shamrock Senior Center had a Veteran's Day Celebration to "Honor Our Veterans." The program began with a Veteran's Day prayer and the singing of the National Anthem. All participants received yellow ribbons to wear as a Veteran's Day poem, "The Noble and the Brave” was read to honor our hero's. Each veteran shared some meaningful words from their days of service. As we closed the program, we all sang "America the Beautiful.”

For more information about upcoming senior programs, please contact staff at the Shamrock Senior Center/Methodist Home at (704) 531-9101.

Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: Discovery Place Field Trip Naomi Drenan Recreation Center took kids on a field trip to Discovery Place Kids in uptown Charlotte Tuesday afternoon. 8 kids and 4 parents made the trip and had a blast while they were there. Participants had the opportunity to learn about different ecosystems in our world such as the rainforest and oceans.

Hands on activities with hairless rats, pythons and turtles were a crowd favorite, but everyone wanted a turn on the bed of nails. The trip was as adventurous as it was informative and we are excited to make another trip soon!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: Presented a Free Trial Tennis Lessons Elon Recreation Center partnered with Tennis Plus Fun this week for a trial run of free indoor tennis lessons for children. You wouldn’t believe the amazing turn out. Parents from the community brought their children to enjoy an evening filled with fun and unique learning techniques for the game of tennis. Coach Juliana provided a one-hour structured lesson and ensured that the children received a good workout all while having fun learning the fundamentals of tennis.

Elon Recreation Center is extremely excited about this partnership and we look forward to all the smiling faces as the children leave the building.

For more information about these type of activities or programs contact us at 980-314-1103 or email us at ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: Making Big Strides with Cross Country For Youth Program The Cross Country for Youth program hosted a phenomenal 3k run on November 12, 2016 at McAlpine Creek Greenway Park. Over 200 people attended to watch the elementary and middle school runners compete against one another for the City Championship. Cross Country for Youth is a great program that promotes nutrition, physical fitness, leadership development and sportsmanship.

The City Championship featured performances from West Charlotte High School’s band, along with tons of fun and healthy competition for the Cross Country runners, coaches, families and friends. The next big challenging competition will have teams from all over the world that will travel to Mecklenburg County to compete at the next Cross Country for Youth Race, which is sponsored by Foot Locker. This global event will be held at McAlpine Creek Greenway Park on November 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. Come on out and support Elon & Sugaw Creek Recreation Centers Cross Country runners.

For more information regarding programs at Elon Recreation Center contact us at 980-314-1103 or email us at ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Methodist Home Recreation Center: Juggling Club Methodist Home Recreation Center (MHRC) and Shamrock Garden Elementary (SGE) proud to give you its very own juggling stars. Our performing arts juggling group is a partnership between MHRC and SGE for 4th and 5th grade students on Mondays and Wednesdays of each week. We are excited to teach our youth a new skill that will help them in their everyday life such as eye and hand coordination, concentration, patience and timing. They’ve already learned that if you’re willing to try juggling then you’re already a juggling star.

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities, contact MethodistHomeRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1123.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Co-Rec Volleyball The Adult Co-Rec BB Volleyball league finished their regular season games for the fall season on Wednesday November 2nd. Playoff games will begin on Wednesday November 9th. Games will be played at Tom Sykes Recreation Center on Wednesday evenings starting at 6:30pm. There are a total of four teams competing in the league this season for the championship.

For more information on adult volleyball Please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, email AdultSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call us at 980-314-1356.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Youth Sports – Punk Pass and Kick: American Legion Memorial Stadium was hopping with over 50 young athletes from Asheville to High Point. They came to compete in the NFL/USA Football’s sectional Punt, Pass and Kick event held on Sunday, October 30th. Punt, Pass, and Kick is a national event where youths 6-15 have the opportunity to show their abilities in punting, passing, and kicking a ball for distance and accuracy.

All the participants had great performances and the top three were rewarded with medals. The first place winners scores will be compared amongst other sectionals within the Carolina Panthers territory and the top three youths in each age group will advance to the Team Championship held at Bank of America stadium later this month.

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 30 & over basketball league finished their regular season games for the summer season this past Sunday November 6th. The playoff games will start this coming Sunday November 13th. Games will be played at Bette Rae Thomas Recreation center starting at 1pm. There are a total of ten teams competing for the league championship.

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.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Softball The Men’s Division I Thursday night league finished their fall season games on Thursday November 3rd. Games were played at Friendship Sports Complex on Thursday evenings starting at 7:30pm There were a total of four teams that competed for the championship. Congratulations to “Tavern” for winning the fall league championship.

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.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Softball The Men’s Division II Tuesday night league finished their fall season games on Tuesday November 8th. Games were played at Berewick Park on Tuesday evenings starting at 7pm There were a total of ten teams that competed for the championship.

Congratulations to “Panther Paws” for winning the championship.

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.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Softball The Men’s Division I Thursday night league finished their fall season games on Thursday November 3rd. Games were played at Friendship Sports Complex on Thursday evenings starting at 7:30pm There were a total of four teams that competed for the championship. Congratulations to “Tavern” for winning the fall league championship.

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.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Softball Congratulations to "Ed's Tavern" on becoming the champions of our Men's Division II Monday night league consisting of six teams. This league completed their fall season on Monday, November 14th after playing at Berewick Park on Monday nights for the past ten weeks!

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!

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Softball The Men’s Division I Wednesday night league completed their fall season games on Wednesday November 16th. Congratulations to "American Homes" on becoming the champions of the six team league that played at Ballantyne Park on Wednesday nights. Also, we'd like to congratulate the "Brewers" on becoming the champions of the Men's Division II Wednesday night league that consisted of seven teams. This league also completed their season on Wednesday, November 16th after playing at Berewick Park on Wednesday nights for the past ten weeks!

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!

5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (980) 314-1000

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The Friday Letter Volume 6 • Issue 41• November 18, 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 Peter Cook, Park Operations Chris Matthews, Nature Preserves and Natural Resources