The Friday Letter | December 16, 2016

The

Accounting Tips for the week: The New Change Fund Sign Out and In Form is located on SharePoint in the Accounting Documents Folder

Natural Resources Native Area Restoration Most of the pasture and turf grass we see in this area is a variety of tall fescue which was introduced from Europe in the 1800s. While it is useful and pleasant to look at, fescue has relatively short roots for limited soil holding and also has very little value for wildlife.

Fescue is also a cool season grass which means it stays green longer into the winter. Warm season grasses go dormant in the fall and turn orange to brown.

Warm season native grasses were here before humans brought in other species.

Some of the native warm season grasses we see around here are Indian grass, plume grass, broomsedge, Eastern gama and little bluestem. River oats is an attractive species that prefers moist soils, and Virginia wild rye is a cool season native that also occurs here.

Currently in Mecklenburg County, there are several nature preserves that have fescue fields left over from agricultural practices before the County purchased the land. Natural Resources is currently converting some of these areas back into natural communities with native species. The conversion process involves applying herbicide to the non-native areas and continuing to remove invasive species as they occur. Native species will also be planted into the restoration areas. Native hardwood trees as well as native shortleaf pine will be planted in some areas while a mix of native wildflowers and grasses will be planted in others. Although the process is very exciting, it takes several years for the native plants to establish into the restoration areas. When the restoration areas are established they will provide food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife species.

Nature preserves where restoration is currently under way are Gar Creek NP, Clarks Creek NP, Sherman Branch NP and Winget NP.

Cooperative Extension 4-H Embryology Project Embryology is defined as the science dealing with the formation, growth, development, structure, and functional activities of embryos, i.e. the embryology of the chick. This fall, Mecklenburg County 4-H provided incubation materials for the annual Embryology Project using the 4-H Hatching Curriculum. Local farmer, Randy Klocke with Rooster Hill Farms provides the eggs for this amazing project.

Three local schools have participated in the fall round of hatching over 300 chicken eggs! We are now gearing up for registration for the spring hatching set to begin next February.

This particular 4-H school enrichment project remains the most popular offering and a favorite of many who work with youth. Evaluation over time has found invaluable benefits that are reaped when youth are exposed to life cycles in such a hands-on manner. Through this curriculum, the life skills attained and STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) skills that are utilized are both eye opening and life changing!

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Inventive Builders Inventive Builders is a fun class where the students get to use different building materials to create whatever their imagination allows them to. Children attend on three Wednesdays after school this month from 3pm-4:30pm.

For more information about our preschool programs, contact BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1102.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Bringing the Outdoors In Berewick Recreation Center has a new afterschool program, Bringing the Outdoors In, this month. The young ladies in the class are learning about different topics about nature, learned what to take on a simple hiking trip, making a craft from leaves and will about living landscapes and the power of grass. The participants attend three Tuesdays this month from 3pm-4:30pm.

For more information about our upcoming after school and out-of-school programs, contact BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1102.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Youth Basketball & Cheerleaders Basketball season is in full swing here at the Berewick Recreation Center. The 8 & Under and 10 & Under Youth Basketball teams play here every Saturday. One of the special features we have this year are the Berewick Cheerleaders. The group of 15 young ladies are continuously learning new cheers each week and already have a half-time show to entertain the audience watching the basketball game.

For more information about our youth sports coming up for the spring, contact BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1102.

Community & Recreation Centers Bette Rae Thomas & Tyvola Senior Centers Co-Host the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Tyvola Senior Center Staff partnered with Bette Rae Thomas Center Staff to host the evidence-based Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. Participants were able to self-analyze their behaviors and learn tools to help enhance their quality of life all while living with a chronic disease. Through this course, participants were committed to meeting their set goals through weekly action plans and supported each other through the process. Certificates were provided at the end of the program to acknowledge the diligence and hard-work the participants underwent to complete this 6-week course.

For more information about programs contact us at 980.3214.1111 (Bette Rae Thomas Center) and 980.314.1320 or TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov (Tyvola Senior Center).

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center: Thursday Crochet Club Gift Donation Spreading holiday cheer, Tyvola Senior Center’s Thursday Crochet Club passed out surprise gifts to seniors attending lunch in the Senior Citizen’s Nutrition Program. These group members have worked diligently to create beautiful handmade hats, scarves, blankets, and more to donate in order to put a smile on the faces of the people who attend the center. The extraordinary talents of the women in the Thursday Crochet Club at Tyvola Senior Center did not go to waste when joy was brought to the eyes and hearts of those who received these special gifts. The Thursday Crochet Club often crochets for a cause and can be found discussing their next project and where to donate their pieces.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Home Coming Holiday Celebration Shamrock Senior Center had a Home Coming Holiday Celebration with dinner and dancing. Everyone enjoyed our special guest “Santa Claus.” It was fun taking pictures with him. Our DJ kept the music spinning as our participant’s line danced the night away. Our Latin American Senior population also enjoyed a breakfast sponsored by Enlace. Enlace, a non-profit organizations serving the Latino community has partner with Shamrock Senior Center for the last three years.

At the Holiday breakfast, a guitarist serenaded the participants with old time Spanish music. A wonderful way to celebrate the end of 2016.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Methodist Home Recreation Center: Youth Basketball Methodist Home Recreation Center kicked off the regular season of the Youth Basketball League this past Saturday, hosting the 6 & Under Division. Each team played hard and had fun as their families cheered them on in the stands. They were all winners!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Methodist Home Recreation Center: Hornets Book Bus The Hornets Book Bus is a full-service literacy bus that encourages reading and learning programs, holding approximately 3,000 books. In partnership with Charlotte Choice Charter School, MHRC was ecstatic to host almost 200 elementary aged youth in this engaging, fun program. Arena Host Fly Ty and Hugo the Hornet amazed the kids and the teachers while a lucky group of 30 kids got to go on the bus and choose any book of their liking to keep. After the book bus left the students enjoyed their lunch and played on our beautiful playground. We look forward to the next opportunity to create programming opportunities and impact the community we serve.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: Teen Time Showdown Naomi Drenan Recreation Center is host to a large teenage population most afternoons through the week. One of our programs is called “teen time� where we spend time engaging the teens that come in by having different games, workouts, music and competitions with and amongst the teens playing basketball in our center. This week, we held a king of the court session, and a 2x2 tournament for those in attendance. The teens enjoyed the competition and got to get a good workout in at the same time. Despite playing against each other in the finals, the teams still posed together below.

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: Start Smart Golf/First Tee Tom Sykes took their young Start Smart Golfers on their very first trip to First Tee of Greater Charlotte at Revolution Sports Academy. The coaches taught our kids everything from proper hand grip to a proper swing. Not only did these young golfers learn the basics of golf, but First Tee also taught them the importance of things like good sportsmanship, good decision making, respect and responsiblilty. Each golfer learned something new and left excited for more!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Albemarle Road Recreation Center: Senior Christmas Party Last week our sensational seniors ended the week and celebrated with a holiday Christmas Party! Our guests enjoyed some delicious food, participated in a secret Santa, and topped off the day with some line dancing to music such as Cupid Shuffle, Shake Ya Tail Feather, the Wobble and the Electric Slide. Memories were once again made at Albemarle Road.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Hickory Grove Recreation Center: Mother’s Day Out On Wednesday December 7th, we had a new program for stay at home moms to enjoy some activities with their little ones by creating some fun crafts that both of them will cherish forever. They made colorful mittens, Christmas Trees, snowflakes and of course a snowman! The mother's enjoyed this program and are looking forward to attending again in the New Year! After some bonding time, the little ones got a chance to play around. While playing with some toys they made some new friends along the way. This was a great program that offers a lot! We'll keep you updated on some more Mother's Day Out fun in the upcoming New Year!

For more information about this program or any other programs, please visit Hickory Grove Recreation Center or give us a call at 980-314-1122.

Community & Recreation Centers Ivory Baker Recreation Center: Afterschool Every Wednesday afternoon, Ms. Shelby comes to Ivory/Baker to share knowledge of different nature and 4H topics with students in our Anita Stroud After School Program. This past week she introduced Hawthorne, the snake to the students. They learned several interesting facts about snakes, including snakes smell with their tongue! As Hawthorne was exhibited to each child, they were amused as she stuck her tongue out as she smelled her environment.

Gidget, the turtle came along as well. The after schoolers were allowed to pet his shell. Once Gidget was placed on the floor, he moved faster than what was expected for a turtle. Students laughed as Gidget explored the entire room while moving briskly on the floor.

For more information about our programs, events, or outreach opportunities, please contact 980-314-1112 or I voryBakerRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Sugaw Creek Recreation Center: SouthEast Regional Footlocker Race On Saturday, November 26th the Sugaw Creek Recreation Center Cross Country Team participated in the Southeast Regional Footlocker Race. The Footlocker Championships are part of a very large, wonderful and highly competitive event. Over 17 states participated in various races at McAlpine Park. Congratulations to our youth for a job well done throughout the cross country season. The end of the season banquet is set for Friday, December 2nd at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.

Community & Recreation Centers Mallard Creek Recreation Center: Senior Self Defense On Tuesday December 13, I Imagine Fitness & Wellness taught the Seniors Self Defense for Beginners. They listened intently and practiced many basic techniques to keep them safe during the busy Holiday season. They had a lot of fun learning an important lesson and left the center with a little more confidence.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Tuckaseegee Recreation Center Seniors: On December 3, 2016, Tuckaseegee Recreation Center hosted its 6th annual “Still Got Game” 3 on 3 Senior Basketball Tournament. There were a total of 8 teams from across North Carolina. The tournament was split into divisions, 50+ and 60+, four teams in each division. The champions for the 50+ division were named “Too Late”. Champions for the 60+ division were named “Double Nickels”.

For more information on this program and others contact Tuckaseegee Recreation Center at 980-314-1115 or TuckaseegeeRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Tuckaseegee Recreation Center Tots: This week Tuckaseegee Tot’s Craft Studio class used our creative minds to make Christmas tree ornaments out of play-doh and popsicle sticks. Tot Craft Studio Class focuses on letting tots express themselves through creative art activities.

Classes are held every Tuesday at 1pm for ages 1-5 years old.

For more information on this program and others contact Tuckaseegee Recreation Center at 980-314-1115 or TuckaseegeeRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Wallace Pruitt: Habari Gani, Kwanzaa is approaching!

On Thursday, December 8th, Wallace Pruitt hosted their first Kwanzaa informational session. Guests were greeted with authentic music and artifacts pertaining to the unique African American holiday. Participants learned the in-depth meanings behind the seven Swahili phrases/principles, the overlooked history that played a catalytic roll in this holiday’s creation, and more about the everchanging African American culture. Crafts were also facilitated to bring participants together to debrief while creating something memorable to take home.

Wallace Pruitt will be hosting the fifth day of Kwanzaa, “Nia”, on Friday, December 30th from 7pm to 9pm. It is a family friendly event, come join us!

For more information about our programs contact Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center at 980-314-1114 or email at WallacePruittRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (980) 314-1000

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 Richard . McNeill @MecklenburgCountyNC.gov for publication assistance.

The Friday Letter Volume 6 • Issue 44• December 16, 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