The Friday Letter | December 2, 2016

The

Accounting Tips for the week: Use the Daily Reconciliation Form with the Deposit Reconciliation.

Natural Resources Outdoor Afro Thanksgiving Hike: Reedy Creek Nature Center partnered with Outdoor Afro to host a hike after Thanksgiving Day. Outdoor Afro has become the nation’s leading, cutting edge network that celebrates and inspires African American connections and leadership in nature. We help people take better care of themselves, our communities, and our planet!

Participants started arriving in numbers and by the time introductions were made and the group was ready for our walk in the woods we had over 35 people in the group. For most participants this was their first time visiting Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve. We all had a great time learning about the each other, the history of the nature preserve, and exercised a bit after the Thanksgiving feasts.

Reedy Creek is looking forward to working closer together with this and other non-profit organizations to diversify our audience and program offerings.

Natural Resources

Cooperative Extension And the Winner is‌ Catherine Daniels, 4-H Program Assistant with Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension, won the Early Career Award from the NC Association of Extension Program Assistants, Associates, and Technicians (NCAEPAAT), her professional association. This award recognizes a Program Assistant, Associate and/or Technician, with 5 years or less of experience in their program area who has had major accomplishments. As the recipient, Daniels received a plaque and a monetary award.

Daniels' accomplishments that were highlighted for the award included her leadership for the 4-H School Enrichment Embryology program. She began in 2013 with nine schools participating. In 2014, Daniels increased that number to fifteen participating schools and one Recreation Center. The 4-H Embryology/ Hatching curriculum has now increased from 3,841 participants in twenty-six schools in 2015 to over 5,000 participants within thirty-four schools in 2016.

Daniels was also recognized for her involvement in environmental education and nature based programming with 4-H youth in multiple venues, her role in 4H volunteer management, and e-outreach.

Daniels was also elected and installed as State Secretary for NCAEPAAT and will serve on the Board of Directors in 2016-17. In addition, she will serve as District Vice President this year.

Attached Photo Cutline (Left to right): Dr. Rosalind Dale, Interim Administrator, NC Cooperative Extension Program, NCA&TSU; Daniels; Dr. Rich Bonano, Director, NC Cooperative Extension Service, NCSU; and Charissa Puryear, President, NCAEPAAT.

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Intergenerational Thanksgiving Day Program Shamrock Senior Center & Pride and Joy Day Care (Marilyn Gibson Rainey; Owner/Retired Park & Recreation Employee), showed a lot of frenzy celebrating our Intergenerational Holiday Activity. The seniors helped the children put together colorful America Indian Headdresses. The project was to prepare for their Thanksgiving parade for the seniors. The children & seniors marched in a parade throughout the facility with musical instruments, singing, clapping, dancing, and displaying the created headdresses they made. The excitement & joy they put on all of the senior’s faces were amazing. The children presented the seniors with a picture they colored of a turkey with a magnet on the back to place on their refrigerator in remembrance of their appreciation. This Intergenerational program allows interactions with young children and allowing older adults to relate to another generation.

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 Friday Newsletter: Start Smart Golf Tom Sykes teed off on the first day of Start Smart Golf this week! Our young golfers began learning the basics on how to putt, drive and chip on the golf course. This six-week program will guide experienced golfers to the next level, while at the same time building a foundation for the beginners. This program will also include a trip to Revolution Sports Academy to experience the First Tee golfing experience! We’re excited to see the growth from these young golfers over the next few weeks!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: NBA 2k17 Tournament Tom Sykes brought in the best gamers around for its first ever NBA 2k17 Tournament! Our gamers tested their skills as they competed on the XBOX One for the right to call themselves a champion. The first, second and third place prizes included a pair of Stephen Curry basketball shoes, Under Armor basketball gear and a gift card. The tournament went down to the wire as the championship game was won in the final seconds. Congratulations to Nas Bosket, who will be sporting a pair of new basketball shoes this season! Quashawn Bessent Jr won second and John Michael Rogers took third in an intense atmosphere. We want to thank all participants who came out and we will see you for the next tournament.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Partners with CMS-Berewick Elementary Berewick Park and Recreation staff partnered with CMS staff to plant a tree in honor of School Superintendent Ann Clark. The Berewick Recreation staff partners with Berewick Elementary School with various activities. We are currently doing after school art and golf. And our most popular activity is youth basketball.

For more information on activities at the recreation center please contact staff at BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980-314-1102.

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center is on the GO AGAIN! Tyvola Senior’s traveled to Wytheville, Virginia to engage in a delicious holiday feast and attend the Wohlfart Haus Christmas show. The Christmas show was filled with Christmas songs, dazzling dance numbers, and beautiful costumes.

What better way to start off the holiday season then by seeing a theatrical show of the Christmas Carol?

For more information about programs at Tyvola Senior Center please contact us at 980.314.1320 or TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: First Annual 5 on 5 Tournament Naomi Drenan hosted its first annual 5 on 5 basketball tournament for ages 1016, intertwined with donors and sponsors in the community to provide a Thanksgiving meal to the community as well. The event saw plenty of basketball action, a live DJ, and information dished out to the community as we had representatives from DTLR, Venturing Program, and tons of people in the community help with the event. We even had a performance at half time by our centers Queen City Dance team. Roughly 200 people attended the event and walked away with a full belly and heart.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center: First Annual Thanksgiving Celebration Tyvola Senior Center hosted its first Annual Thanksgiving Celebration and it was a huge success with eighty-six in attendance! Those who attended received a delicious traditional meal, which included salad, turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, stuffing, green beans, rolls, and cranberry sauce catered by Skyland Family Restaurant. The surrounding aging community and businesses gathered together to sponsor this wonderful event. Sponsors included Brighton Gardens of Charlotte, Waltonwood Cotswold, Elmcroft of Little Avenue Senior Living, Levine Hearing, and Publix. Music was provided by The Griggs Bluegrass Gospel Band. This event got rave reviews and the participants are looking forward to having it again next year. Be sure to be on the lookout next year for Tyvola Senior Center’s Annual Thanksgiving Celebration come November 2017!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Methodist Home Recreation Center: Achieve 225 Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation through its partnership with CMS conducts the Achieve 225 program throughout the county. Achieve 225 is a program built to promote physical activity during recess. On Tuesday’s Recreation Specialist, Kevin George aka Mr. Fun Guy, teams up with the teachers and administrative staff at Elon Park Elementary motivating and encouraging their students to exercise and work together though games and activities like kickball, crazy cones, catch five, and many other alike. This program benefits all parities because the teachers and administrative staff love to come out and enjoy themselves during this unique recess experience with their students.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: Acknowledging Its Participants Elon Recreation Center acknowledged participants from its soccer program and other programs. Elon staff wanted to give many thanks for the youth who participated in youth athletics and other programs and are very thankful to have many families support and participate in these activities. They continued the remaining part of the evening with dancing, laughter and games. Each family felt honored and proud that their children were recognized for their accomplishments on and off the field and look forward to joining Elon Recreation Center in many more activities in the future.

For more information regarding youth athletics and programming contact Elon Recreation Center 980-314-1103 or e-mail ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Elon Recreation Center Shuts Down for a Makeover Elon Recreation Center is excited to receive a makeover! The facility will be shut down beginning November 21st–December 3rd. We look forward to opening the doors, for our visitors, to a mass improvement to the facility. During the closing we will be available via e-mail only.

If necessary, contact ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Happy Thanksgiving to The Elon Community and all other Park & Recreation Staff.

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Thanksgiving Crafts Shamrock Senior Center Multicultural group works on English as a Second Language (ESL) for their citizenship. They had the opportunity and challenge to weave mats and create colorful turkeys for the Thanksgiving holiday. In doing these projects, it reinforces their lessons on colors and counting. Their focus and decision-making on their creativity was outstanding. They had a positive influence on each other and all their project was different. The men weave better than the women because they weaved as a living and the women worked the field.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: Morning Game Time This week Naomi Drenan hosted its PE time for kids ages 4-13 in our gymnasium. We played a variety of games that included Mr. Fox, Flip-Flop, Flag Tag, and Kickball. Flip-Flop was the crowd favorite and the game is run by setting out 20 cones and having 2 teams‌ one team is trying to keep them turned up, the others knock them down! The fun part of the game comes from the timer that can go off at any time, making the kids fixing or breaking cones at a frantic pace.

Come play with us on Tuesdays from 1-2PM. 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: Thanksgiving Crafts During the Thanksgiving holiday our youth used their talents to make various crafts donated by Rec Assistant Gwen Banks. They crafted beaded bracelets, decorated pictures with stickers, and assembled 3D animal mosaics. During their time at the center, they had an opportunity to share the events from their family’s holiday celebration and delighted in telling everyone about their Thanksgiving foods. The kids are excited to see what other holiday crafts we have in store for them!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Gone Fishing Gone Fishing is one of Tom Sykes Recreation Center’s newest programs that is centered around getting more children interacted with the great outdoors. On Saturday November 12th, 2016, the van loaded up for our field trip to Bass Pro Shops in Concord Mills to embark on a very fun fishing adventure. We were met by two fishing guides that walked us down to the pond and showed each kid how to cast reels and bait hooks. Some of these kids had never been fishing before and to see them step out of their comfort zones to try something new was a testament towards them growing up and learning patience, developing listening skills and getting a complete understanding. After the fishing trip, our group was given a tour of the Bass Pro Shops store and the kids were allowed to feed the fish in the aquarium by throwing worms and fish food in. Overall, the day was a success in which kids caught some fish, each participant was given a goody bag and most of all had fun trying something new.

For more information about our programs and events contact TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980-314-1113.

Community & Recreation Centers Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center: Nicci Canada & Dapper Street productions, partnered with the ASC Culture Block to host The Color of Jazz music series, on the 3rd Thursday of each month from November thru February. Each jam session will include Jazz/Soul/R&B/ Latin and spoken word performances for some well-rounded entertainment, that's totally free! The first event kicked off with over 35 people in attendance who enjoyed renditions of music artist such as Frankie Beverly & Maze, Jill Scott, Mahalia Jackson and many others. The performances were well received and the audience applauded the performers song after song!

For more information on the performances, or for other programs at Bette Rae Thomas, contact us at 980-314-1111 or BetteRaeThomasRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center: On November 19th, Bette Rae Thomas held another MeckSeniors Card Tournament! Spades and Bid Whist players from all over the county came to participate. First place winners came from Bette Rae Thomas and the Tyvola Senior Center. The MeckSeniors Card Tournament is held every 6 months. The cost is $5.00 per person.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center: On Monday November 28th participants came out to an AB throbbing class, Core Blast! Core Blast is 45 minutes of ab strengthening exercises, with intervals of heart thumpin' cardio. Core Blast takes place every Monday from 6:30pm to 7:15pm. The Cost is $2.00. Come sculpt them abs, while enjoying music and a community support system.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Albemarle Road Recreation Center: Volleyball Goes Outdoors At our last volleyball clinic before Basketball season starts, the girls ventured out to the trails and fields to get a pre- workout run in before heading inside to the court. At 65 degrees it was perfect weather to get outside. The girls finished their day working on their speed and footwork as well as front row and back row attacks.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Hickory Grove Recreation Center: Chess 101 at “The Grove” Every Friday, we get a rush of kids who have taken a strong interest in learning the art of chess. Ms. Gray, a legend at this game offers one on one attention for kids who are willing to take their chess skills to the next level. This is a free program open to all ages from 3 to 18. Ms. Gray is a great instructor and is great with the kids. She is a strong believer in developing children’s skill sets such as mathematics. She seems to even engage the parents that stay and observe this program. The kids get real excited to come to such a great program offered here at Hickory Grove Recreation Center. Please come and check us out sometime!

You might learn something new! We are located at 6709 Pence Rd. Charlotte, NC or you can just give us a call at 980-314-1122 for other programs offered throughout the year. Hope we see you soon!

Community & Recreation Centers Sugaw Creek Recreation Center: 68th Annual NCAAHPERD-SM Conference Sugaw Creek Recreation Center and Idlewild Elementary School participants and staff made a presentation during the 68th Annual NCAAHPERD –SM Conference November 10th in Winston – Salem, North Carolina. The conference theme was “Find A Way”. The presentation topic was New Games at 2016 Rio Olympics. The presentation included recreational games, fitness demonstrations videos, testimonies, questions and answers.

The students enjoyed attending the conference’s vendor booths, meeting new people, traveling and learning about Winston –Salem’s attractions.

Community & Recreation Centers Mallard Creek Recreation Center: Fall is in the Air At Mallard Creek Recreation Center Fall is finally in the air. The trees are changing, we have fall crops growing and we have our senior citizens coming in to knock the chill off with our newly added senior line dancing class. Just drive by if you want to check out our beautiful trees, but remember the leaves won’t last long. Our garden is used in our programs and our seniors are getting ready to harvest the collards! If you are interested in line dancing, the class is every Thursday from 8:30-9:30 am and the cost is only $2.00.

For more information call 980.314-1121 or email Mallard CreekRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Youth Sports - Flag Football: The 2016 flag football season has officially come to an end! This season was action packed from start to finish and we would like to personally congratulate all participants. In our 10U contest the Albemarle Road Cardinals beat the Mallard Creek Seahawks in what was an extremely exciting game. Each participant was given a football courtesy of Mecklenburg County and our sponsor, ATT Fiber. We hope to see the same faces next year and bring on some new competition.

Thank you for such a great season!

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: The conclusion of Soccer season had everyone on their toes! We had a great 10U game between the Hickory Grove Sonics and PAL. The Sonics got the jump on Pal and it was over from there. Both teams as well as all other age groups had an exciting season, from learning the fundamentals to fine tuning their skills. To thank all participants on behalf of Mecklenburg county, all participants received a ball from our sponsors ATT Fiber. We can only hope next year turns out as great as this season and we would like to thank everyone involved.

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: Registration for the 2016/17 youth basketball season (ages 3 to 18) has now officially closed. The preseason for 10U and older begins on Saturday, December 3rd and the 6U and 8U regular season will begin on Saturday, December 10th. We hope to have a great season and are excited to see all participants come out for our 2017 basketball season!

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

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Softball The Men’s Division II, Co-Rec, and Wells Fargo Co-Rec Thursday night leagues finished their fall season games on Thursday, November 17th. Games were played at Berewick Park for Men’s Division II and Wells Fargo League, and Nevin Park for Co-Rec league on Thursday evenings starting at 7pm. There were a total of six teams in Division II, nine teams in Co-Rec division and six teams in the Wells Fargo league that competed for championship. Congratulations to “Wells Fargo” for winning the Thursday night Division II Championship, “Slappin Da Base” for winning the Thursday night Co-Rec Championship and “Blue Heat for winning the Co-Rec Wells Fargo 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 Women’s Basketball The Women’s winter League will be starting their winter season on Sunday December 4th. Games will be played at the Tom Sykes Recreation Center on Sunday afternoons starting at 2pm. There are a total of six 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.

Adult Men’s Basketball The Men’s B Winter League will kick off their season on Monday December 5th.

Games will be played at the Ivory Baker Recreation Center on Monday evenings starting at 7:15pm and at the Arbor Glen Recreation Center on Tuesday evenings starting at 7:15pm. There are a total of nine 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.

5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (980) 314-1000

Recreate All Year!

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

The Friday Letter Volume 6 • Issue 42• December 2, 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